SYNOPSIS

“It hurts to have someone in your heart and in your mind all the time, but you can never, ever, have them in your arms and in your life even how much hard you try.”

• Blaze Vitale

SYNOPSIS:

If there was one thing Blaze Vitale perfected over the long years of suffering and pain, that was pretending to be okay and making ‘i’m fine’, the most common lie in human history, believable.

He had to be fine. For his brother. He decided to be fine and made himself smile. It was hard but he wanted to do it right, with a smile.

Then she came along, the woman who had the same face as his beloved.

He was a mess and broken, and he thought she was his salvation, that she was the answer to his affliction… but he was wrong … because instead of fixing him, she broke him even more.

PROLOGUE

NOTE: You have to read Blake Vitale (THE BROKEN SOUL’S PLEA) story first, before reading Blaze’s. Thank you in advance 😘 Happy Reading ❤️

PROLOGUE

“FUCK!” galit na sambit ni Blaze nang makatanggap ng text galing kay Lucky. His wounded twin brother didn’t listen to him! Again! He went to see Lucky.

Of course!

Bakit ba hindi na siya nagulat sa nalaman? Sa ginawa nito? Kailan ba nakinig sa kanya si Blake? He had always used the eldest card on him. Blake was just so thickheaded!

He was annoying the hell out of him! That fucker!

When it came to Lucky, Blake could do anything and everything, even the stupidest thing.

For Lucky.

Always for Lucky. Blake just loved her too much that sometimes Blaze would question himself if he would feel the same love and devotion again. Parang kayang kalimutan lahat ng kakambal niya, kahit ang sarili nito, para kay Lucky.

And it sometimes scared Blaze, at the same time he understood Blake. He knew what it felt like to love someone so deeply… so deeply that he couldn’t even resurface to breathe… and to move on from loving that person.

Ang totoo, gusto niyang sumbatan si Blake na paano naman sila ng mommy nila? Hindi lang naman kay Blake may kasalanan si Lucky. May kasalan din ang babae sa kanya. Naapektuhan din siya sa ginawa nitong pang-iiwan sa kanilang ina sa mansiyon na ’yon.

But he had to reign himself and his anger… for Blake. Ayaw niyang ipakita rito na kumukulo siya sa galit at para ’yon lahat kay Lucky. Ngayon lang naging masaya si Blake at ayaw niyang sirain ’yon. Ayaw niyang bumalik na naman sa dati ang kakambal niya na parang wala nang halaga ang buhay nito.

If he had to pretend that what Lucky did was fine, he would. For Blakey.

“Bobby!” tawag niya sa pinakamalapit na attendant na nasa labas ng ER. “Give me a stretcher.”

Agad namang tumalima ang attendant at itinulak ang stretcher na kinuha nito palapit sa kanya. Pero nawala roon ang atensiyon niya nang may mahagip siya sa gilid ng mga mata.

Biglang tumibok nang mabilis ang puso ni Blaze na matagal nang hindi bumibilis ang tibok. Pakiramdam niya ay bumalik ang lahat ng memoryang pilit niyang ibinabaon. Memoryang babaliw na naman sa kanya. Memoryang dahilan para gustuhin na naman niyang tapusin ang buhay niya.

Parang ayaw niyang kumurap, ayaw niyang mawala sa paningin niya ang mukhang gabi-gabi niyang hinihiling na makita at makasama.

But he had to blink. He knew he was hallucinating. This was the second time he saw her today. And it was getting harder and harder each time. The pain was getting more severe every time he would see her. Even if she was just a hallucination.

Pinilit niya ang sarili na kumurap at agad na nawala ang pamilyar na mukhang nakita.

Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo, saka siya na ang nagtulak ng stretcher palabas ng ospital para doon hintayin ang kakambal niyang matigas ang ulo.

Nang dumating ang sinasakyang kotse nina Blake at Lucky, nakatuon lang ang atensiyon niya kay Blake. Hindi siya tumingin kay Lucky at hindi ito kinibo hanggang sa maipasok nila sa kuwarto ang kakambal. Hindi niya alam kung kaya niya itong kausapin pagkatapos ng lahat.

“Blaze…”

Bahagya siyang natigilan nang tawagin ni Lucky ang pangalan niya. Bakit ba napakalambing ng boses nito tulad ng sa Cassie niya? Hindi tuloy niya mapanghawakan ang galit niya rito.

“Blaze…” Lucky took a deep breath. “I’m sorry… alam kong galit ka sa ’kin. Alam kong kahit hindi mo sabihin sa ’kin, naghihintay ka sa paliwanag ko, kung bakit ko ginawa ang ginawa ko, pero ang totoo niyan, wala akong maibibigay sa ’yo. If I explain my side, then it will just be an excuse and there’s no excuse to what I did. Kasalanan ko talaga. Totoo ang nalaman mo, iniwan ko talaga ang mommy n’yo and my age is not an excuse to what I did. There is none. I escaped, promising your mother that I will go to the cops or to your house, but I didn’t. I was so scared that day. They just finished hurting me because I wouldn’t call him dad.”

Gusto niyang sumagot, gusto niyang singhalan si Lucky. Gusto niya itong sisihin pero hindi niya maibuka ang bibig. Part of him wanted to hear her out… to understand her because she was Lucky.

She was his baby girl. The little sister he never thought he would have and he would want.

“All I could think about was to escape and go back to my old life, where I have a loving Mommy La and Daddy Lo. So, I left the mansion without looking back. But the car I was in suffered an accident. The next thing I know, I was in the hospital and when I saw my grandparents, I forgot everything. I don’t know why. Hindi ko alam kung bakit nakalimutan ko ang pangako ko sa mommy mo. Siguro dahil nananalaytay sa ’kin ang dugo ng isang masamang tao kaya masama rin ako. Siguro ang nasa isip ko noon ay ang makaligtas ako kaya naging makasarili ako.

“And I have forgotten everything, and I am to blame. I was sixteen, no, nearly sixteen, I already have a mind and I’m old enough to be responsible. Kaya tama ka, kasalanan ko talaga kung bakit nangyari ang lahat ng ’to. Kasalanan ko kung bakit naghirap kayo. Kasalanan ko. And all I could say is I’m sorry. Hindi ako umaasa na mapapatawad mo ako, na babalik tayo sa dati. I’m just so sorry that I caused you so much pain and suffering.

“Alam kong gusto mong marinig mula sa ’kin na hindi ko sinasadyang gawin ’yon pero baliktarin man natin ang mundo, kasalanan ko sinadya ko man o hindi. That’s why I’m so sorry, please forgive me.”

Tinapos ni Blaze ang paggagamot sa sugat ng kakambal niya, saka pasimpleng bumuntong-hininga at tumayo.

Ang dami niyang gustong isumbat at isisi kay Lucky pero hindi niya magawa.

Her explanation… she wasn’t explaining to be understood, she wasn’t explaining so he wouldn’t be mad at her anymore. Basta sinabi lang nito kung ano ang nangyari, na inaako nito ang kasalanan, na handa itong pagbayaran ’yon. She wasn’t explaining her side to justify herself and her actions… she was explaining because she owed him… she owed them.

And that was all. Her explanation had no malice. Ano pa nga ba ang aasahan niya sa isang Lucky Hart? She would always be the kindest, nicest and sweetest girl he had ever met.

Well, except for his Cassie.

Remembering his Cassie and his hallucinations, his heart ached again. The pain was more palpable this time. Mula nang makita niya si Cassie kanina habang nagra-rounds siya, ’yong sakit na nararamdaman niya ay mas palala nang palala sa paglipas ng mga oras.

Tumayo si Blaze, saka naglakad patungo sa pinto. Akmang lalabas na siya nang mapansin ang paglungkot ng mukha ni Lucky. She was holding back her tears, he noticed.

So Lucky.

He sighed. “They say that brain sometimes suppressed traumatic experience that’s why people forget some of the most painful and horrifying memories,” sabi niya. “Bakit hindi ’yon ang rason na ibinigay mo sa ’kin?”

That was what he was expecting… her excuses.

“Then it will be an excuse,” sagot ni Lucky.

Lihim siyang napangiti. That’s my baby girl. “Hmm…”

Binuksan niya ang pinto at lumabas na ng kuwarto ni Blake, saka dumeretso sa cafeteria. Hindi lang siya kulang sa tulog, wala rin siyang tamang kain. He had been so stressed out because of his brother’s condition that he had barely eaten.

Kapag talaga ang kapatid niya ang pinag-uusapan, hindi siya mapalagay. He just wanted Blake safe and happy. After everything that he had done for him… after his sacrifices… he deserved it more than anyone. More than him.

Papasok siya sa cafeteria nang may mahagip na naman ang mga mata niya.

His eyes settled on her . The mirage of his beloved and he felt his heart twist in pain. Napahawak siya sa dibdib niya nang maramdamang parang dinudurog ang puso niya at parang may pumipilipit doon sa sobrang sakit.

Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo. This hallucination had to stop! He was exhausted!

Bumabalik lahat pati ang pinaghalong sakit at pagmamahal na pilit niyang ibinabaon at ayaw na niyang maramdaman. He buried it deeply, but one look at her hallucination and he was lost. Like before.

Wala sa sariling napasandal si Blaze sa pinakamalapit na pader nang mawala sa paningin niya ang pamilyar na mukha. Nasapo niya ang dibdib kung nasaan ang puso niyang napakalakas at bilis ng tibok.

Cassie… I love you so much, baby.

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga at ilang minutong pinakalma ang sarili bago niya nagawang umalis sa pagkakasandal sa pader at tuluyang pumasok sa cafeteria.

Para pa rin siyang wala sa sarili habang bumibili ng tubig at kape. Kahit nang naglalakad siya pabalik sa kuwarto ni Blake, para pa rin siyang nakalutang.

He wanted to see her again, even if it was just a hallucination, but he was exhausted.

I’m tired of missing her but I can’t stop. I’m losing my mind. I’m losing my sanity. He couldn’t keep doing this to himself. This would affect Blakey! Hindi puwedeng makita nitong nahihirapan siya dahil masaya na ito. He would not be the reason of Blake’s pain again.

No!

Humugot muna si Blaze ng malalim na hininga, saka ngumiti nang tipid bago pumasok sa kuwarto ni Blake. Iniabot niya ang isang bottled water kay Lucky na namamaga ang mga mata sa pag-iyak.

“Thank you,” mahinang sabi ni Lucky nang tanggapin nito ang bigay niya.

Walang imik na tumango lang siya, saka sumimsim ng kape at umupo sa sofa na naroon sa loob ng kuwarto.

He wanted to talk to Lucky… but he decided not to because— just because . Pero para nang sasabog ang isip at puso niya. Kailangan niya iyong mailabas kung hindi ay mababaliw siya sa kakaisip.

He was tired of arguing… he was also tired being angry and missing someone he couldn’t have ever again.

He was tired. So tired. He just wanted this all to end.

When will I be at peace?

Nang maramdaman niyang tumabi ng upo sa kanya si Lucky, pakiramdam niya kahit paano ay gumaan ang pakiramdam niya.

Lucky had always had that effect on him… maybe because she resembled Cassie in a way and only Cassie could calm him. Kahit gaano pa siya kagalit noon, kahit gaano pa siya kalungkot o kapagod, kapag nakikita o kasama niya si Cassie, gumagaan bigla ang pakiramdam niya.

“I’m sorry again…” mahina ang boses na sabi ni Lucky. “Alam kong hindi kapata-patawad ang ginawa ko—”

Walang imik niyang ihinilig ang ulo sa balikat ni Lucky, dahilan para mapatigil ito sa pagsasalita at matigilan.

“I’m tired, baby girl,” sabi niya sa pagod na pagod na boses. He couldn’t bottle this up. He would go insane. “Pagod na pagod na akong lumaban. Malapit na akong sumuko. Ano ba ang dapat kong gawin para magkaroon ako ng lakas para lumaban pa? Pakiramdam ko walang kuwenta ang buhay ko. After eleven years of missing Cassie, I’m exhausted. I just want this to end.”

Lucky faced him and looked at him softly. “Want a hug?”

Alam niyang off limits si Lucky pero kusa na lang na yumakap ang nga braso niya sa baywang nito. Isinubsob niya ang mukha sa likod nito at dere-deretsong nalaglag ang luha niya. Hindi niya iyon napigilan at hindi niya napaghandaan.

He just broke down. His tears just fell as he hugged Lucky. Maybe because he knew Lucky wouldn’t judge and Lucky would understand.

“I’m so tired,” pag-amin niya. “I’m so exhausted. Pilit kong itinatago at nilalabanan para sa kakambal ko pero hindi ko na kaya. I’m already near my breaking point, baby girl. I’m already close to losing my mind. Help me…”

Hindi na niya alam kung paano maging malakas para labanan ’yong halusinasyon niya. He couldn’t keep seeing Cassie like this. She was dead. He couldn’t do that to himself, to his family and to Blake. He couldn’t lose his sanity!

No!

“I’m exhausted…” he whispered. “I’m tired…”

Kumawala sa yakap niya si Lucky at sinapo ang mukha niya, saka pinatingin siya. “Hey… look at me, Blaze,” pakiusap nito. “Did something happen?”

Blaze looked at her hopelessly. “I’m going insane, Lucky. I missed Cassie so much but I never hallucinate.” Marahas siyang umiling. Never. I know she’s dead. It hurts but I already accepted it. But I saw Cassie earlier while I was doing my rounds. Pero nang kumurap ako, nawala agad siya. It was like she’s just a mirage… at nang makita ko siya, bumalik lahat.“ He was agitated the whole day! “Ang pagmamahal ko, ang pangungulila ko at ang pagluluksa ko.”

“And I’m going insane because I saw her again just now. I think I’m going insane, Lucky. I’m seeing her and I’m hallucinating. I can take depression and loneliness but this… this is new to me and it’s scaring the fuck out of me. I’m exhausted, baby girl. I can’t do this anymore. I’m tired. I can’t keep seeing her like this. This is driving me nuts. It’s exhausting the hell out of me.”

Puno ng pag-aalala ang mukha ni Lucky habang nakatingin sa kanya at hinahaplos ang pisngi niya. And he knew why she was looking at him like that. He knew that he looked like a freak!

“Saan mo siya nakita ngayon?” tanong nito.

“In the cafeteria but when I blinked, she was gone.” He snapped his finger. . “Just like that. Gone. It’s scaring me. I never hallucinate. Just now. Maybe this is stress, maybe because I haven’t slept for days that’s why, but it’s freaking me out.”

Hinawakan ni Lucky ang kamay niya at pinisil na para bang pinapakalma siya. “Magpahinga ka kaya muna. Matulog ka. You need sleep.”

Napatingin siya sa kakambal na nakahiga at wala pa ring malay. “But Blake needs me—”

“I’m here,” sabi ni Lucky. “Ako na muna ang magbabantay sa kanya.”

Nabaling ang tingin niya kay Lucky, saka lihim na napangiti at ginulo ang buhok nito. Lucky was just the same as Blake, she would also do anything for his twin.

He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for blaming you, baby girl.” Hinawi niya ang hibla ng buhok na tumabing sa mukha nito. “Ang totoo niyan, galit ako, pero nawala na ’yon kanina nang magpaliwanag ka. And thank you for not giving me excuses, just that you are sorry, and I appreciate that.”

Gumuhit ang munting ngiti sa mga labi ni Lucky. “You’re not mad anymore?”

Umiling siya, saka nginitian ito. “You’re family, baby girl. I forgive you.”

Lucky’s face lit up. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

Tumango si Blaze, saka mariing pinikit ang mga mata nang pumasok na naman sa isip niya si Cassie. “Yeah.” Pasimple niyang ipinilig ang ulo. “Well, tulog muna ako. Bantayan mo ang kakambal ko, ha? Ikaw muna ang bahala sa kanya. Huwag mo siyang iwan. Ikakabaliw ’yan ni Blake.”

Nag-iwas ito ng tingin. “I, ahm…”

Agad na kumunot ang noo niya sa ginawa ni Lucky. May binabalak itong hindi maganda, nararamdaman niya. “Lucky, you’re not planning on leaving my brother, are you?”

Hindi ito makatingin sa kanya. “I just need time for myself, Blaze…”

I knew it! “Don’t leave him,” agad niyang pigil sa balak nitong gawin. “If you love him, don’t leave him. Napatawad ka na niya bago ka pa humingi ng tawad kaya huwag mo siyang iwan.” Totoo naman ’yon.

“Pero hindi ko mapatawad ang sarili ko? I feel so lost.”

Napabuntong-hininga siya, saka pinakatitigan ang babae “Siguro naman puwede mong hanapin ang sarili mo na kasama ang kakambal ko. Hindi sa nangingialam ako pero ayokong iwan mo siya. Blake will not recover from that… from you. I know I’m asking a lot but please don’t leave him. He’ll be in pain again.”

“I don’t know what to do.” Lucky sounded hopeless, just like him earlier.

Tumingin siya uli sa kakambal. “Look at him, baby girl. Really look at him, then you decide what to do.”

Please don’t leave my brother, pipi niyang hiling.

“Kapag umalis ako… masasaktan ko talaga siya?” tanong ni Lucky na nakatingin kay Blake.

“Yes,” mabilis niyang sagot.

“Ayoko na siyang saktan.”

“Kung ganoon, huwag mo siyang iwan para hindi mo siya masaktan.”

Tahimik lang itong nakatitig sa kakambal niya.

Bumuntong-hininga si Blaze, saka tinapik ang balikat ni Lucky. “Doon lang ako sa opisina ni Axel.” He really needed to sleep so he would stop hallucinating. “Doon ako matutulog. Pag-isipan mo ang sinabi ko. Call me if you need anything.”

Nang tumango si Lucky, nginitian niya ito bago lumabas ng kuwarto ni Blake.

Dumeretso siya sa opisina ni Axel, halos hindi siya tumitingin sa paligid sa takot na baka makita na naman niya si Cassie. Hindi siya puwedeng mabaliw na naman nang ganito. Nalampasan na niya ang parte na ’yon ng buhay niya. Hindi puwede! He just needed sleep. Kapag nakatulog na siya, mawawala na ang mga halusinasyon niya. Mawawala na si Cassie.

As much as he wanted to see her so bad, he knew he couldn’t. He knew she was dead. He already accepted that.

“Axel?” tawag niya sa pangalan ng kaibigan nang makapasok sa opisina nito.

Kahit wala ito sa loob, pumasok pa rin siya, saka nahiga sa mahabang sofa. Nang pumikit ang mga mata niya, agad siyang nakatulog. Pero pakiramdam niya, hindi mahaba ang itinulog niya dahil nagising siya sa ingay ni Axel.

Nang tingnan niya ang relong pambisig, napamura siya nang mapansing oras na para sa gamot ni Blake. Bumangon siya at nilampasan lang si Axel na masama ang tingin sa kanya.

“Wow, natulog na nga nang wala man lang paalam, aalis nang wala man lang thank you?” Puno ng sarkasmo ang boses nito. “You’re welcome, you fucker!”

Ipinakita lang niya rito ang gitnang daliri, saka lumabas ng opisina nito. Dumeretso siya sa nurse station kung nasaan si Blake.

“How’s my twin?” He was combing his hair with his fingers as he asked the nurses on the nurse station in the surgery department. “How’s his medication?”

“Heto ho, Doc. Blaze.” Agad na iniabot sa kanya ni Nurse Tammy ang chart at gamot ni Blake na agad naman niyang tinanggap at binasa.

“Thanks, Tammy,” sabi niya.

Malapad na ngiti lang ang isinagot ng Tammy sa kanya bago bumalik sa ginagawa.

Napabuntong-hininga siya at hinilot ang sentido nang mabasa ang chart ng kakambal. Malalim ang sugat ni Blakey, hindi iyon basta-basta gagaling tulad ng mga sugat nito noon.

“Fuck…” mahina niyang bulong. “Fuck this…”

He was a doctor and he couldn’t even do anything for his brother other than to clean his wound and administer his medicines.

Sorry, Blakey. Wala akong silbi ngayon sa ’yo. Pangako, babawi ako.

Panay ang tagis ng mga bagang niya habang hawak ang gamot at naglalakad patungo sa kuwarto ni Blake.

Itinulak niya pabukas ang pinto ng kuwarto nito at pumasok. “Blakey, it’s time to take your medicine—” Napatigil siya sa pagsasalita at natulos sa kinatatayuan nang makita ang babaeng yakap si Lucky.

His body went cold. His heart was throbbing fast and loud. He was sweating and he could feel his hand trembling in so many emotions inside his chest.

He knew that back! He knew that hair! He knew that sexy curves! Kahit nakatalikod man ito o malayo, kilala niya ang babaeng nakayakap ngayon kay Lucky!

Was this another hallucination? She seemed so real… real enough to touch. He heard Blakey say something but he was deaf from everything. Buong atensiyon niya ay nakatuon sa babaeng nakatayo di-kalayuan sa kanya.

His eyes were trailing on every inch of her body. Memorizing and recognizing every inch and every curve.

Blaze’s lips were trembling… his eyes and lips parted in fear, in shock… in confusion.

She’s alive! My baby is alive!

He knew her! How could he forget?! She was his beloved!

“Cassie…”

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

HINAHAPLOS NI BLAZE ang nananakit na panga dahil sa upper cut na natanggap niya mula kay Happy—Happy Aravena Quinn—nang hindi niya napigilan ang sarili kanina na yakapin ito sa pag-aakalang si Cassie ang babae. He really thought his Cassie was back, but he was so wrong. Sapat na ang upper cut na ibinigay nito sa kanya para magising siya sa katotohanang hindi si Cassie ang babae.

Even though his heart was thumping like crazy, he had to accept the fact that she was not Cassie.

That, and Shun’s intel.

“Sigurado ka ba?” tanong niya sa kaibigan na nasa kabilang linya. “Hindi naman sa pinagdududahan kita, pero parang ganoon na nga.”

“Yes,” sabi ni Shun habang naririnig niya sa background ang pagtitipa nito sa keyboard ng laptop. “She hasn’t left Pennsylvania, well, it’s actually her first time here in the Philippines. She was in a coma for fifteen years—”

“Wait, what?!” Namilog ang mga mata niya. “W-what happened?” Umaasa na naman ang puso niyang mabilis ang tibok.

“She was sick,” sabi ni Shun. “Do you want me to send you the long paper trail as a proof that she was in coma? Her medical records and all that hospital stuff?”

“Send it to my email,” mabilis niyang sagot.

“Fine. And by the way, she has no boyfriend since birth, no lover, no fling or love interest. Naka-focus siya sa pagiging jewelry designer sa sarili niyang jewelry store. And I pulled her school records, and damn, this woman is smart.”

Oddly, he felt proud. “How smart?”

“She can speak four languages, excluding English.” Sumipol si Shun. “Spanish, French, Italian and Russian. But she doesn’t know our language.”

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga. “So, she’s not Cas—” Hindi niya maituloy-tuloy ang sasabihin. Tumikhim siya. “Can you dig deeper?”

“You sure?”

He tsked. Mangongotong na naman itong singkit na ’to . “How much?”

“It’ll cost you an arm and a leg.”

He tsked again. “How much does my arm and my leg cost to you, you fucker?”

“Two million for the arm and three mil for the leg,” sagot ni Shun na bakas ang ngisi sa boses.

Napatingala si Blaze sa madilim na kalangitan at bumuga ng marahas na hininga bago sumagot. “Alam mo ikaw, kung hindi ko lang alam na marami kang tinutulungan, iisipin kong balak mong lampasan ang kayamanan ni Montero at ni Velasquez.”

Tumawa si Shun. “May feeding program ako next week. Sumama ka, para naman makain mo ang share sa five million na ibabayad mo sa akin.”

“Gago.” Napailing siya. “Wala akong pera ngayon. I’m dead, remember?”

Shun tsked. “O, eh, bakit pa tayo nag-uusap wala ka naman palang pambayad? Good-bye—”

“Puwedeng utang?” nakangiwing tanong niya.

“Twenty percent per month?” mabilis na sabi ni Shun.

Napalatak siya. “Ang gulang mo talagang singkit ka. Ang laki niyan, ah!”

“Twenty percent per month or no deal—”

“Fine!” He snapped. “Basta maghanap ka lang ng impormasyon tungkol kay Happy Quinn. I don’t care if it’s about her weird name, just give me something new and useful.” He blew a loud breath. “Something that can make me sane again.”

Shun tsked. “What do you mean by something that can make you sane again? Matagal ka nang baliw. May pa-sane-sane ka pang nalalaman diyan—”

Inis na pinatayan niya ng tawag si Shun, saka ibinulsa ang cell phone. Mula sa pagkakaupo sa hood ng sasakyan, tinitigan niya si Lucky na kausap ang babaeng nagpakilalang kapatid nito.

Si Happy Aravena Quinn.

Nag-volunteer siyang ipagmaneho si Lucky para hindi mawala sa paningin niya si Happy. Ayaw niyang mawala ito sa paningin niya kahit pa nga nasasaktan na siya.

Now it made sense why Lucky resembled Cassie. Because if Happy was Cassie—Ipinilig niya ang ulo. She’s not Cassie.

Cassie is dead . His heart clenched in pain. She’s dead. She’s dead. She’s dead , paulit-ulit niya sa isip. She’s dead. She’s dead. She’s dead! Get that into that thick skull of yours, Blaze!

Cassie is dead!

Shun just confirmed it! Fuck that I-know-it-all friend of his. Bakit ba kailangan agad nitong malaman na hindi si Cassie si Happy? Siguro nagkamali lang ito? Siguro mali ang database nito?

Napailing uli si Blaze. He should stop this, hoping that this Happy was Cassie. He was just torturing himself… making himself hoped.

Happy was a different person. She was not his Cassie.

There were studies that said people had four to five look-alikes in this world. Siguro isa na roon sina Cassie at Happy? Siguro nga magkamukha lang ang mga ito. Siguro nga hindi talaga si Happy si Cassie.

Wala sa sariling nakapa niya ang dibdib kung nasaan ang puso niya. “Fuck…”

Kanina pa niya pilit na binabale-wala ang nararamdaman doon. Ang malakas na pagkabog niyon kasabay ng parang may pumipilipit sa sobrang sakit kapag pinagmamasdan niya si Happy.

This was torture. Seeing Cassie’s face. It was making his heart clenched in so much pain. Hoping and wanting someone he could never have!

“Fuck!” Blaze gripped his chest where his heart was located. He gripped his chest tighter.

He wanted to carve out his heart! To be numb! To be heartless!

He was exhausted. This was exhausting him. This had to stop! He had to stop.

Tumiim ang titig niya sa kapatid ni Lucky at hindi inalis ang tingin dito—hindi niya maalis ang tingin dito. Her back, her hair, her body… everything screamed Cassie.

Lalong tumiim ang titig niya kay Happy at tamang-tama namang lumingon ito sa gawi niya at nagtama ang mga mata nila.

Naririnig ng tainga niya ang malakas na tibok ng puso niya.

“Fuck…” mahina niyang sambit nang matagal itong nagbawi ng tingin. “Fuck… what is she doing to me?”

Napahilamos si Blaze sa sariling mukha, saka pilit na nag-iwas ng tingin pero pilit pa rin siyang dinadala ng paningin kay Happy. Natatagpuan na lang niya ang sarili na nakatitig nang matiim sa babae.

Earlier… she smells different. Good different.

Ang bango nito.

Blaze sighed. She doesn’t smell like my Cassie.

He blew out a loud breath before staring at Happy’s back again.

The pain… the longing… he couldn’t bury it in his heart! Fuck it!

Natigilan siya nang mapansing naglalakad na palabas ng café sina Lucky at Happy. Naging sunod-sunuran ang mga mata niya sa bawat galaw ni Happy. Hindi niya maialis ang tingin dito, lalo na nang tumigil ito sa harap niya at ngumiti.

And when she spoke to him with a smile on her lips, all he could do was nod silently like an imbecile.

What’s happening to me?!

He felt like something struck his heart.

Fuck this feeling! This is only for my Cassie! Nagtagis ang mga bagang niya. He had to stop this, damn it!

My fast-beating heart is only for Cassie! I only belong to Cassie!

HAPPY WAS LEANING on the hospital wall, just outside Lucky’s fiancé’s room while holding a book on how to speak Tagalog fluently. Madali siyang matuto kaya nasisiguro niyang kaya na niyang mag-Tagalog sa susunod na mga linggo.

Happy wanted to be with her sister, that was why she was here. But it looked like her sister wanted to spend her time with her fiancé who seemed like a good man. Nakausap niya ito kanina at nasisiguro niyang mabuting tao ang mapapangasawa ng nakababata niyang kapatid na ikinasiya niya.

She was happy for Lucky.

“Ano’ng ginagawa mo rito sa labas?”

Happy stilled when she heard that baritone voice. She never thought that a voice could be this deep and baritone. He sounded so sexy.

She looked up and when she saw Mr. Wounded Animal. Her cheeks reddened when she remembered what happened earlier… when she demonstrated to Lucky how to flirt.

Why does he had to be in front of me earlier? I didn’t mean to look at him .

It just happened.

“Ano’ng ginagawa mo rito sa labas—”

“I don’t understand you.” Ipinakita niya rito ang librong binabasa. “But I’m learning fast. For now, English please.”

Irritation flickered in his eyes and face as he looked at her intently. “Ang ganda mo.”

She blinked, her eyes widening a second later. “Wait, I know that!”

The corner of his lips tugged up. “Really? Alam mo ang ibig sabihin ng maganda ka?”

Happy hurriedly scanned her book, flipping the pages until she found the exact words.

Maganda ka means I’m beautiful.

She immediately closed the book and looked at Mr. Wounded Animal. “It’s not here,” she said, lying.

“Oh?” He had this amused emotion on his face. “That’s odd. Maganda ka is always in those kinds of books. It’s always an example.”

Umiling siya. “It’s not here. I’m sure.”

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi nito. “Why is that…” He tsked. “Too bad. Though if I don’t know better, I would say you’re lying.”

Yes, she was lying. “Maybe not all books have the same example? Different author and publisher, I guess?”

She knew that he knew that she was lying. Damn!

“Okay. If you say so. Ang ganda mo pero sinungaling ka,” he said again in Tagalog while looking intently and… pissed?

Her eyebrow furrowed while reading Mr. Wounded Animal’s face. “Are you mad? You look mad.” She stared at him for a couple of seconds. “Yes… you’re pissed.”

“Oo, gusto kasi kitang halikan sa hindi ko malamang kadahilanan. Hindi ka naman siya.”

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Happy. Gusto niyang maintindihan ang kaharap pero wala talaga siyang ideya kung ano ang sinasabi nito. Kaunti lang. Like halikan and gusto , she knew it meant kiss and like .

“Speak English please.”

His eyes held hers. “Were you flirting at me a while ago?” he asked straight to the point.

Yes. I’m pretty sure his name is Blaze and not “Wounded Animal.” Blazing, like the fire. Because he looked so hot.

Yes. He was very hot. Less the tattoos. He looks dirty actually. A hot and dirty doctor. Why did it sound so sexy? Oh, Jesus! Kailan pa siya nagkagusto sa lalaking may tattoo? She hated it. Dirty looking.

“Well?”

She blinked enumerable times before answering with the most nonchalant voice she could master. “No. Why would I flirt with you?”

“I don’t know… maybe because you were looking at me while having a sexy look?”

He looks really… annoyed.

“My sister just wanted to see a demonstration,” kalmado niyang paliwanag. “You’re not my type, sorry, but not really.”

Nagdilim ang mukha ng kausap. “A demonstration… hmm… I miss someone.” He leaned in a little to level their faces. “Want to see a demonstration on how much I miss this someone?”

“No—”

“Say yes so I can kiss you.”

Umawang ang mga labi ni Happy sa gulat. “W-what?”

“Say yes so I can kiss you,” he repeated.

“Why would I say yes?” nagtataka niyang tanong. “I don’t even know you.”

Bumaba ang tingin nito sa mga labi niya. “You have very kissable lips.”

“Thanks, but they’re not for you.”

Mr. Wounded Animal frowned after staring intently at her for a couple of seconds. The way he looked at her, it was the same as earlier, so intense and he looked as if he was going to eat her alive.

“Your cheeks are red.” Inilapat nito ang kamay sa noo niya na para bang pinapakiramdaman kung mainit siya. “Wala ka namang lagnat.” Then his hand moved down to her face, cupping her cheeks and making her heart throbbed. “Your face is hot though.” Then his hand caressed down to her neck making her breathe hitched and her lips parted. “Not hot here.” He looked deep into his eyes. “Your body temperature is not even. As a doctor, I’d say, have your body check. But I’m off duty so, I’d say… you’re blushing.”

Nagtagis ang mga bagang niya. She didn’t like being touch by this man and she didn’t like his conclusion at all!

“I’m not a doctor but I can put you in the hospital if you keep touching me.”

“I hate badass women,” he whispered to himself, annoyed, before sliding his hand inside the pocket of his doctor’s robe and walked away.

Napakurap si Happy at natigilan. What was with him and the demonstration so he could kiss her? Was he joking? Bluffing?

They just met for fucking out loud! Were all Filipino men like him? Straightforward and an a-hole? Hope not. Lucky’s fiancé looked like a decent man, unlike his twin who was brazen.

Happy looked down and scanned the book she was holding when she remembered something… to know the meaning of Blaze’s words earlier.

“And ganda mo pero sinungaling ka ,” sabi ni Blaze kanina at ang ibig sabihin niyon ay…

Umawang ang mga labi niya sa gulat at iritasyon nang malaman ang ibig sabihin ng salitang sinabi nito. “I’m beautiful but a liar?” Tumalim ang mga mata niya. “Oh, that’s it, Mr. Wounded Animal, you will have a piece of my mind if I see you again…” She stilled when she realized something. “Well, I was lying earlier, damn it.”

“Gusto kitang halikan sa hindi ko malamang kadahilanan , “ Blaze said this too earlier. Yes, she memorized it so she could check her book to know what it meant.

And it meant… I like to kiss you for no reason? She was not sure.

Awtomatikong napahawak si Happy sa bahagya niyang nakaawang na mga labi. Well, she did have kissable sexy lips. It was normal that Blaze liked it. He was a male and he looked like he was going to eat her. Alive.

Alive?

Her lips parted when some inappropriate thoughts entered her mind about being eaten alive. She did know a thing or two about being eaten alive. She had seen it in videos and read it in magazines.

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Happy at pilit na ibinalik ang atensiyon sa librong binabasa. Kailangan na niyang matutong mag-Tagalog. And for some reason, Blaze was part of the reason why she wanted to learn the language.

Good thing I’m a fast learner.

CECELIB | C.C.

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

WALANG IMIK na umupo si Blaze sa pahabang upuan ng simbahan at inilabas ang cellphone sa bulsa saka binuksan ang group chat nilang lahat na magkakaibigan, ang Jumbo Hotdog Club . Pero may group chat ding iba ang mga single nilang magkakaibigan. Hindi niya alam kung sinong nakaisip nang pangalan na ’yon pero nasisiguro niyang wala sa tamang pag-iisip kung sino man ’yon.

Who was it anyway? Was it me?

Nailing na natawa siya saka binasa niya ang huling usapan ng magkakaibigan.

Train Wolkzbin

: @Iuhence Yong babayaran mo saking fifty pesos, akala mo nakalimutan ko na? Magbayad ka nga! Hindi porke’t hinalikan ng anak ko ang anak mo ay hindi ka na magbabayad. Hindi pa tayo magbalae ginugulangan mo na ako.

Iuhence Vergara

: 🤣

Train Wolkzbin

: 😡🤬 ibabayad ko pa ’yon kay Volkzki!

Calyx Vargaz

: Ilang taon na ba yang utang mo ha, Iuhence? Magbayad ka na nga.

Lander Storm

: Nagsalita ang walang-hiya @Calyx bayaran mo ako sa kinain natin doon sa Resto ni Calderon. Gago ka! Tinae mo na’t lahat-lahat, hindi ka pa rin nagbabayad. Hindi ’yon libre oi!

Train Wolkzbin

: 2 Years na niyang utang ’yon @Calyx. Walang hiya… katulad mo 😡

Valerian Volkzki

: Manlilibre daw ’yong sintu-sinto.

’Yong kaninang mga ‘seen’ lang ay nagsilabasan.

Lash Colemen

: Saan?

Evren Yilmaz

: The who? @Valerian Maraming sintu-sinto sa kaibigan natin.

Valerian Volkzki

: huwag mo akong i-tag Evren, hindi tayo close.

Iuhence Vergara

: 🤪🤪🤪

Lysander Callahan

: Fuck! I miss being there! Kung nandiyan ako, ako ang manglilibre.

Andrius Salazar

: Hindi pala ikaw ang tinutukoy ni Valerian @Lysander? Lol. Sintu-sinto ka rin e.

Phoenix Martinez

: Bakit ba nag-iingay na naman ang group chat na ’to? Sinong manlilibre? Sinong naniningil?

Titus Morgan

: Mga hayop! Nagising ang anak ko sa ingay ng cellphone ko. Sino ba ang nagsabing bawal i-mute itong group chat na ’to, mga ’tangina kayo!

Blake Vitale

: I’m in the Hospital. Can’t come.

Kaagad na nagsalubong ang kilay ni Blaze sa nabasa.

Blaze Vitale

: @Blake what did I tell you about your phone? No phone while recovering!

Blake Vitale

: @Blaze make me 😛 i’m older than you.

Knight Velasquez

: @Valerian i’m hungry! Buy me some cake! Sino ba yang sintu-sinto na manglilibre?

Blaze Vitale

: @Blake I hate you 🤬 see this emoticon? I’m cursing you right now. Rest you motherfucker!

Blake Vitale

: 😛 make me.

Hinilot niya ang sentido. Kailangan talaga niyang bantayan ang kakambal. Sasakalin niya mamaya ang nagbigay dito sa cellphone nito.

Is it Lucky? Of course its Lucky. She’s a softy!

Wala sa sariling tumuon ang tingin niya sa rason kung bakit nasa simbahan siya. She’s busy sketching and talking to his mother.

Hindi niya alam kung napansin ni Happy ang titig niya pero napabaling ito sa kaniya at nagtama ang mga mata nila, pero kaagad din itong nagbawi. 

Ibinalik niya ang atensiyon sa cellphone niya.

Blaze Vitale

: @Valerian W&W?

Valerian Volkzki

: Don’t tag me Blaze. Hindi tayo close! @Knight ikaw ang manglilibre.

Mandurugas/Kutungero

: @Valerian close tayo diba?

Knight Velasquez

: Tag me too @Mandurugas/Kutungero!

Mandurugas/Kutungero

: You animals! Who change my nickname again?! You will pay!

Knight Velasquez

: @Shun me. Me. Me. I did.

Nag-angat ulit siya ng tingin mula sa cellphone saka tiningnan si Happy na dumadaan sa harapan niya habang abala sa pag-i-sketch sa sketch pad nito.

She’s really serious when she told Lucky she’ll help with the wedding preparation.

And he shouldn’t be here. Looking at her… staring, actually. Nakipagpalit pa siya ng duty para lang makasama ito. Maybe because her face gives him comfort? Kung si Lucky nga na medyo kamukha lang, napapagaan ang loob niya, si Happy pa kaya na kamukhang-kamukha?

Just seeing her…makes him feel… okay. Genuinely okay.

Kaagad siyang nagbaba ng tingin sa cellphone niya ng sinalubong nito ang titig niya.

Cali Sudalga

: What’s W&W @Blaze. You and your weird abbreviation.

Dark Montero

: I think that stands for Wuss and I don’t know the other W.

*Mandurugas/Kutungero change his nickname to Shun Kim *

Shun Kim

: I will make you pay @Knight!

Knight Velasquez

: Thanks for tagging me, Shun 😊 see? I know how to use emoticons now. I can’t believe they’re just below the number button and you can see those weird yellow faces.

Iuhence Vergara

: 😍😍😍😘😘😘❤️❤️

Train Wolkzbin

: Kanina ka pa @Iuhence. Huwag mong hintayin na puntahan kita riyan sa bahay mo at sakaling tangina ka! You motherfucker!

Napailing nalang siya sa gulo na naman nang group chat nila. At wala na naman sa sariling tinitigan niya si Happy na kausap ang ina niya.

At nahuli na naman siya nitong nakatingin, pero hindi siya nagbawi ng tingin. Nakipagtitigan siya rito, minimemorya ang maganda nitong mukha.

It was Happy who looked away.

Blaze sighed and looked at his phone again.

Valerian Volkzki

: Mga bobo! W&W stands for ’saan ba ’yang ‘tanginang libre na yan nang makapunta ako’!

Malakas na natawa si Blaze ng mabasa ang chat ni Volkzki. Gago talaga ang isang ’to kahit kailan.

Blaze Vitale

: You got it 👍🏻

Iuhence Vergara

: ❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘😘😍😍😍😍😘😘😘😘😘😍😍😍🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

Ymar Stroam

: What’s going on? 🤔

Train Wolkzbin

: Fuck you @Iuhence. That’s it! I’m going to your house! Now!

Iuhence Vergara

: Fuck! That was my Princess Kisses. She got my phone again.

Natawa siya.

Blaze Vitale

: Wala bang password ’yang cellphone mo?

Iuhence Vergara

: Bud, if you have a wife, putting a password on your phone is a death wish. Your wife will kill you.

Lath Coleman

: Yow!

Lash Coleman

: That’s why I don’t have a password.

Hunt Baltazar

: Wazzup?

Tyron Zapanta

: No password, no problem.

Andrius Salazar

: Agree with you @Tyron. Password is stranger to me, specially if you have a wife who knows how to use a gun!

Beckett Furrer

: Want a happy life? Forget password.

Pierce Muller

: The password on my phone has been long gone. Para walang gulo, tinanggal ko na. Ayokong nag-aaway kami ng asawa ko.

Blaze Vitale

: What happen to privacy?

Iuhence Vergara

: What privacy? When you have a wife, cellphone is not part of privacy. Trust me, it will be world war three if you contest that to my wife.

Shun Kim

: I have a password on my phone. Its necessary. Of course, my wife knows the password.

Knight Velasquez

: To my wife, password is a myth.

Valerian Volkzki

: I was planning to surprise my mooncake on our third wedding anniversary so I put a fucking password on my phone to keep my plan a secret. When morning came, my phone is on the fucking blender. And I ask why, she said, remember my rule? No password. And I was like ‘fuck! My wife is not kidding around’.

Naiiling na ini-off ni Blaze ang cellphone saka nag-angat ng tingin. Natigilan siya ng makita ang ina na nakapameywang sa harapan niya.

“Mom…”

Nakataas ang kilay nito. “Bakit ka ba nandito? Akala ko duty mo ngayon.”

“I’m, ah,” napatingin siya sa gawi ni Happy bago ibinalik ang tingin sa ina, “just helping out.”

Alam niyang hindi naniwala ang ina niya sa dahilan niya. “You’re making her uncomfortable. Akala mo hindi ko nakikita ang pagsulyap-sulyap mo sa kaniya?”

Blaze sighed. “I just wanna see her. She calms me.”

“Son,” His Mom looked at him with understanding and pity, “she’s not Cassie. Maawa ka naman sa tao. Kanina pa siya ilang na ilang ng dahil sayo.”

He sighed. “Mom, I know that she’s not Cassie. Hindi mo na kailangang isampal ’yon sakin.”

“Then why follow her around like a love sick puppy?”

He looked at Happy again. “I don’t know…”

“Blaze…” umupo sa tabi niya ang ina saka hinawakan ang kamay niya at pinisil, “I know this is a torture for you, to see that face, but don’t torture Happy too. She doesn’t know that she looks like your Cassie and she doesn’t need to know. It’ll burden her in some way. Don’t make her feel awkward around us. Kapatid siya ni Lucky, magiging kapamilya natin siya, please, Blaze?”

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa cellphone saka walang imik na tumayo at lumabas ng simbahan.

Nakakuyom ang kamay na tinawagan niya si Lucky. Gusto niya nang kausap. Pero hindi ito sumasagot. Kaya naman ang kakambal nalang niya ang tinawagan.

“Hey… what is it?” Kaagad na tanong ni Blake.

“What do I do?”

“What?” Halata ang pagtataka sa boses ni Blake. “Nasaan ka ba? Pumunta ka rito sa kuwarto ko, mag-usap tayo.”

Nagtagis ang bagang niya. “I’m hoping that Happy is my Cassie…even though in the back of my mind, I know she’s not…” bulong niya, “what do I do, Blake? I’m confused. I don’t know what to do.”

“Leave her alone.”

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga. “I can’t do that—”

“She’s not Cassie.” Ani Blake sa may pinalidad na boses. “So leave her alone. Don’t see her. Iwasan mo siya. I know you’re in hell right now, but don’t put Happy in hell too. Hindi ka niya kilala. Wala siyang alam tungkol sayo at tungkol kay Cassie. You’re a stranger to her so stop following her and live your life like before.”

“Easy for you to say.” Napatingala siya sa kalangitan habang nagtatagis ang bagang. “Tell me its gonna be okay… tell me i’m gonna be just fine, Blakey. Tell me…”

“You’re gonna be fine, Blaze.” Ani Blake. “I’m here if you need me.”

Hindi nagpaalam na pinatay niya ang tawag. Noon, kapag sinabi ni Blake na magiging maayos lang ang lahat, nakakampante na siya, bakit ngayon wala siyang maramdamang ganun? Bakit hindi siya makampante?

HAPPY WAS HUMMING to herself while walking towards Lucky’s fiancé room to see her sister. She ask Lucky to speak to her in Tagalog always, so she’ll learn, and earlier, Lucky told her in Tagalog ‘doon muna ako sa kuwarto ni Blake’. At dahil nakakaintindi na siya ng kaunting Tagalog ngayon, naintindihan niya si Lucky.

Well, sort of.

But her humming stops when she saw Blaze, the hot dirty Doctor, talking to a Nurse.

Happy sighed.

While she was with Lucky earlier, helping Lucky to fit her wedding gown, they talk about Blaze. She wanted Lucky to make Blaze go away because he’s making her uncomfortable but Lucky ask her— no, more like begged her— to be nice to Blaze because he is her family and a good friend.

That, and he’s brokenhearted according to Lucky.

And even though he makes her uncomfortable, she said yes to her sister’s request, well, because, it’s her sister’s first request and she doesn’t want to disappoint her little sister. She really wants to have a harmonious relationship with Lucky and to form a bond with her.

Because they’re sister. At maliban sa ama niya, ito nalang ang pamilya niya.

Be nice to Blaze. I can do that.

Inihanda niya ang ngiti sa mga labi bago lumapit kay Blaze at binati ito. “Hi.”

Blaze stilled, looked at her, then return his attention to the Nurse.

“—Just text me if the patient shows any response to our medication. Kailangan mo siyang bantayang mabuti. Call me if anything happens. I’m on duty until tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, Doc.”

Blaze nodded then he left without even glancing at her.

She pouted her lips. I was nice and that was rude!

Happy sighed. One more try, maybe ? For Lucky.

Happy took a deep breath before running after Blaze.

“Hey!” Tawag niya kay Blaze. “Hey, stop.”

Tumigil naman si Blaze at humarap sa kaniya habang nakapamulsa sa suot nitong Doctor’s robe.

“What?” Walang buhay nitong tanong.

Be nice, Happy. Be nice ! “Ahm…” she took a deep breath, “can you help me with the Reception tomorrow?”

“I’m busy—”

“Please?” Oh, Jesus, this is irritating ! But she has to be nice! For Lucky. “I need some help.”

His lips pressed together and she can’t help but to stare at those nice looking lips.

Is it even legal for a man to have such luscious lips?

“Stop staring at my lips.” Ani Blaze, “unless, you want a kiss?”

Happy blows a loud breath. Her niceness just ended. “What’s with you and kiss? The last time we spoke, its about a kiss too. What? Do you want to kiss me? Is that it?”

Bumaba ang tingin nito sa mga labi niya. “Noon, pero hindi na ngayon.”

That irritate her even more because she now understand his words! Well, a little . “Oh, so you change your mind?”

“I can’t?” Blaze asked.

“Of course, you can.” Nagtaas siya ng nuo. “Same as me. Earlier, I decided to be nice to you, but now, i’ve change my mind. Hindi ka nga…” what’s that tagalog word again? “Ahm, hindi ka, ahm, hindi ka, ahm, ano…basta! Hindi ka nice.”

Natigilan siya ng tumaas ang sulok ng labi nito. “Lose the accent.”

Tiningnan niya ito ng masama. “I’m still learning. I’ll get there.”

Blaze levelled their face, his face is just inches apart from her. “Its ‘hindi ka naman mabait’. Come on, say it.”

Nakataas nuo pa rin siya. “H-Hindi ka naman mabait.”

He smiled. “That’s it. Lose the accent.”

She pouted. “I said i’ll get there.”

Happy stilled when Blaze’s finger pressed against her pouted lips, “don’t pout. It makes me want to kiss you.”

She blinked. “What’s with you and kissing me?”

Blaze shrugged. “You remind me of her, that’s all.”

Her ? “Who?”

Nawala ang emosyon sa mukha ng binata. “Hindi mo kilala.”

Oh. Maybe the woman who broke his heart? “Is that why you were looking at me like a wounded animal and i’m the one who wounded you, fatally?”

“Something like that.”

Napatango-tango siya. “That’s why you’re not nice to me. Okay.” She nodded again. “I understand. But i’m not her, so please don’t look at me that way.”

“I know that.” He whispered.

“Then you won’t look at me like a wounded animal anymore?” She asked with a smile so her question would come out as nice and not brazen.

“I’ll try.”

Happy beamed at Blaze. “I’ll hold on to that.” Inilahad niya ang kamay. “Let’s have a deal.”

Kununotan ni Blaze ang nakalahad niyang kamay. “What deal?”

“For our Lucky and Blake, let’s be nice to each other. I’ll be nice to you and you’ll be nice to me.” She said, “but—”

“There’s a but?”

“Yes.” She smiled sweetly, “but, if you become rude to me and do something I don’t like, I will punch you, kick you and beat you up.” Her sweet smile widen. “Deal?”

Blaze stared at her sweet smile. “Your smile is creepy.”

Kaagad na binawasan ni Happy ang pagiging matamis ng ngiti niya. “How about this smile?”

Blaze stared at her before chuckling softly and deeply, “that’ll work.”

“Deal.”

Tinanggap niya ang pakikipagkamay niya. “Deal.”

“Great.” Inagawa niya ang kamay na hawak nito saka pinagsiklop ang sariling kamay sa likod niya. “So… in all of the profession in the world, why choose being a Doctor?”

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ni Blaze sa kaniya. “We’re close now?”

“It comes with niceness…” napangiwi siya, “I think?”

“Okay. I’ll bite.” Blaze let out another deep chuckle. “Well, I would be lying if I say I want to help people?” He chuckle again. “At first, the Human Anatomy intrigues me and I heard that Doctor’s has high salary. And then, the job just grew on me. In the long run, I realize that I like helping people… so, I became the youngest Surgeon in the country. Chicks digs that.”

She frowned at Blaze while walking side by side. “I don’t think you need a Surgeon title to get laid. I mean, you’re handsome. A little bit dirty because of the tattoos, but other than that, you’re okay.”

Blaze stared at her and laughed. “I’m okay? That’s it? I can get laid anytime because i’m okay looking?”

“Yeah.” Happy laugh a little. “You’re okay looking.”

Napailing si Blaze. “How ’bout you? Why Jewellery Designer? The salary is good too?” He joked. “The Business is booming? Maraming nagpapakasal na kailangan ng singsing?”

Happy shrugged. “It’s a girl thing.”

Blaze shrugged and brace himself. “That’s okay. Hit me.”

Natawa siya sa hitsura nitong parang hinihintay ang pinakamasamang rason niya. “I like designing sparkly things. That’s why.”

“So girly.” Blaze commented while chuckling softly.

Tiningnan niya ito ng masama. “Be nice to me, remember?”

Tumaas ang kamay nito na parang sumusuko. “Sorry, my bad. So… does designing jewellery makes you happy?”

Happy nodded. “Yes. I’m happy.”

“Of course you are.” Amusement in Blaze’s eyes. “You’re Happy.”

She glared at him. “Stop joking.”

Blaze laughed. “Can’t help it. I like joking around, it calms me.”

“Oh.” So he’s making himself happy so he won’t get sad? “Fine. Hit me with your best joke.”

“You won’t hold it against me if it’s a lame one?”

She shrugged. “I’ll just punch you.”

“Punch me? I can take that.” Blaze chuckled. “But i’m not just a joker, i’m also a Drama King and a big baby. So if we’re going to be nice to each other, bear with me. I’m a handful.”

Napangiwi siya. “And you said i’m girly.”

“Hey!” Tiningnan siya nito ng masama. “Being a softy is not a crime.”

“So you’re soft? Like gay soft?”

He stops walking and stared at her. “Gusto mo halikan kita para mapatunayan sayong hindi ako bakla?”

She immediately covered her lips. “No kissing. Be nice.”

Naglakad ito ulit. “I’m not gay, i’m just soft.”

“Not from where I stand.”

Natigilan ito sa paglalakad saka nilingon niya. “What do you mean?”

Iminuwestra niya ang kamay dito, “you’re you. I mean, you look like a dirty badass with your tattoos and all. You’re like in a gang or something.”

“A gang?” He smirked and he looks so sexy. “Well, I was a drug dealer.”

Natawa siya. “Really? How many did you sell?”

“Enough to go to hell.”

Happy chuckled. Okay, she admit. He’s a good joker. “And you’re a Doctor now after dealing drugs?” Pakikisakay niya sa biro nito.

Blaze shrugged. “Drug dealer slash Killer slash Doctor slash Torturer—”

She punched Blaze in the arm.

“Ouch— fuck!” He glared at her. “That was strong. What was that for?”

“I told you i’ll punch you if your joke is lame.”

“I’m not joking.” He whispered before shaking his head. “You’re really a strong puncher.”

“I know,” she smiled, “right?”

Napailing si Blaze saka bumuntong-hininga. “May gagawin ka mamaya?”

She frowned. “Am I doing what?”

He glanced at her. “May gagawin ka mamaya, meaning, are you busy later? Do you want to have dinner—”

“Oh, shit!” Nasapo niya ang bibig ng biglang maalala kung bakit siya nandito sa Hospital. “Oh, shit, oh, shit… I have to go see Lucky. The wedding cake. Hell!” Kaagad siyang tumakbo, “bye! See yah later! Dinner. Its a yes!” Tumatakbo palayo na sigaw niya kay Blaze.

Holy shit! The wedding cake! This is Blaze’s fault. He made me forget!

These days, jaded people are everywhere. 

Yong kailangan mong mag-ingat sa mga nakakausap mo kasi hindi mo alam kung totoo sila o hindi 

😔

 it saddened me sometimes. Yong tiwala ngayon, ang hirap na ibigay kasi most of the time, masasaktan ka lang kapag nagtiwala ka at nagmahal. that's why i wrote characters with positive outlook in life. Who trust easily. Because i want to relieve the old days where trust was easy to give and positivity is everywhere.

# CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

HAPPY POUTED as she waited outside the operating room. It was 7 PM and it was dinner time but unfortunately, Blaze was busy. Pero hindi naman siya makaalis kasi umoo siya rito. Hihintayin niya itong lumabas kasi sabi naman ng nurse na napagtanungan niya ay madali lang ang case na hawak ni Blaze. Hindi pa naman siya nagugutom. 

So, she waited. 

Happy blew a loud breath before looking at her watch. 

8 PM. 

Bumuga uli siya ng marahas na hininga bago nagdesisyong maghintay pa nang kaunti. Nang tumingin siya sa relo niya, 8:40 PM na. 

Yes, I have to be nice to Blaze but is waiting part of it? 
She pouted. 

Happy was dragged out from her reverie when she heard Blaze's voice. 

"Happy!"

Agad siyang tumingin sa pinanggalingan ng boses. Napatayo siya nang makita si Blaze na naglalakad palapit sa kanya, naka-scrub suit pa ito at surgical gloves. 

"Hey..." sabi niya nang makalapit ito sa kanya. 

"I'm sorry." He looked like he felt bad over something. "The dinner... alam kong ako ang nag-aya pero hindi ako puwede ngayon. I have another emergency surgery coming. This is gonna be a long night. I'm so sorry."

Napalabi siya. "You're not hungry?"

Napalingon ito sa pinto ng OR bago ibinalik ang tingin sa kanya. "Don't have time to be. Lumabas lang ako talaga para kausapin ka, ayokong paghintayin ka rito sa labas."

"It's okay," she said with a shrug and a small smile. "But you should eat. I'm not a doctor but fatigue and no food is bad for the health, Doc."

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi nito. "Yes, Ma'am. Maybe later, after work."

"And when is that?"

"Ahm..." Napangiwi ito. "Tomorrow? Breakfast, maybe?" 

Napailing siya sa sinabi nito. "I'm being nice to you so I'm telling you, you should eat. Even if it's late dinner, okay?"

Napatitig sa kanya si Blaze bago nakangiting tumango. "Yes, Ma'am."

"Okay." Ngumiti si Happy. "Go and be a badass surgeon." Then she joked. "Chicks digs that."

Mahinang natawa ang lalaki. "Then I shall go back to my table now. I'm really sorry," sabi nito habang umaatras. "Hope you'll still be nice to me tomorrow? I hope so. I like the nice Happy. Have a good night."

Ikinaway niya ang kamay kay Blaze para magpaalam. Bagsak ang mga balikat na naglakad siya paalis sa OR nang makapasok sa loob ang lalaki. 

Well, at least I won't have to play nice. 

Happy took a deep breath before walking towards the hospital's exit. 

Nang makasakay sa kotseng inupahan niya, agad niyang sinabi sa driver na ihatid siya sa hotel na tinutuluyan. 

Nang makarating sa hotel, agad siyang dumeretso sa inuupahang hotel room kung saan kasama niya ang kanyang ama. May dalawang kuwarto ang hotel room kaya ayos lang na doon muna ang kanyang ama.

"Hey, princess," bati sa kanya ng ama, saka hinalikan siya sa noo. "I thought you'll have dinner outside."

"Cancelled," she answered with a shrug. 

"How's the preparation for your sister's wedding?" 

Agad na nagliwanag ang mukha niya. "Tiring but exciting!"

Napatitig sa kanya ang ama, lalo na sa ngiti niya. "You really like Lucky."

"I do." Hindi mawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Happy. "I always wanted to have a sister and here she is. I want to be a good sister to her, Dad. I want her to feel that I love her. That we love her and that she's important to us. We owe it to her and she's a family and Lucky is just so adorable."

Her dad chuckled before nodding. "Indeed, Lucky is adorable. She is also nice and sweet."

Tumango siya bilang pagsang-ayon. "She is. By the way, have you eaten?"

"I was waiting for you actually. You know that I hate take out," sagot nito habang naglalakad patungo sa sofa na nagsisilbing sala ng hotel room. 

Happy rolled her eyes. "You hate take out but you don't know how to cook." She shook her head in disbelief as she walked towards the hotel's kitchenette. "This is why I can't leave the house and be independent. I'm worried about you, Dad."

Tumawa lang ang kanyang ama. "We have maids in the house, princess. And no, I told you, didn't I? You will not leave the house unless you have a man to introduce to me. You're not getting any younger! Look at your little sister, she's getting married. While you don't even have a boyfriend."

Happy grunted. "Sometimes I really hate you, Dad."

"I bought some groceries," sa halip ay sagot sa kanya ng ama. "Go check if you can cook something delicious out of it. I'm hungry." 

Napailing siya. "Fine. I'll cook." Sanay na siya sa ama kapag ganoong naglalambing ito dahil nagugutom. "Give me an hour."

Good thing the hotel room she rented had kitchenette. 

"Okay, princess. I'll just watch some TV. I think my fave show is on."

Nanatiling tahimik si Happy habang isa-isa niyang tinitingnan ang pinamili ng kanyang ama. Oddly, her father bought everything she needed to cook one dish. But she opted to prepare his favorite chicken sandwich. 

She sighed and started cooking the chicken breast while her mind wandered.

While staying here for a week now in the Philippines, she learned that sandwiches—like the one she was making—was considered a snack. They have a different kind of dinner dishes in this country and she wanted to try cooking the famous Filipino dish—adobong manok. 

"Dad!" malakas ang boses na tawag niya sa ama. "Dinner is ready!" 

Agad itong nagtungo sa hapagkainan. Napailing na lang siya habang naghahain. 

"Here you go." Inilapag niya ang chicken sandwich sa harap ng ama. "Eat well."

Instead of immediately digging in, her father looked up at her. "You?"

"Ahm..." She didn't feel like eating. Wala siyang gana. "I'm okay."

"You sure?"

"Yes," giit niya. "Eat up, Dad."

When her father dug in, she went to pack the two remaining chicken sandwich and put it in a paper bag.

Seconds later, Happy found herself biting her lower lip. 
Why am I even doing this? 

Bumuntong-hininga siya bago humarap sa ama. "I have to buy something. I'll be back in a jiffy." 

Her father nodded while busy munching the chicken sandwich. 

Agad na lumabas si Happy ng hotel room, saka bumaba sa lobby. At dahil wala na ang nerentahan niyang sasakyan at driver, pumara siya ng taxi. Thankfully, the cab driver was a good man. Agad siya nitong dinala sa pinakamalapit na bukas na grocery store. 

Happy immediately went in after paying the cab. Binili niya lahat ng kakailanganin niyang ingredients para sa adobong manok at adobong baboy—dalawa sa pinakapamosong Filipino dish.

Nang makabalik siya sa hotel, nanonood na ng TV ang ama niya. 

"Princess, can you massage my back?" tanong ng ama nang makapasok siya sa hotel room nila.  

"I'm kind of busy," sagot niya habang inihahanda na mga ingredients ng lulutuin.

Happy didn't speak, she focused all her attention on the dish she was trying to cook perfectly. She read articles and watched videos on how to cook the dish. 

Pagkatapos magluto, naglagay si Happy ng adobong manok at adobong baboy sa Tupperware at inilagay iyon sa paper bag kasama ng chicken sandwich. 

"Dad," sabi niya habang naglalakad patungo sa pinto at dala-dala ang paper bag. "Lucky called. She wants me in the hospital." 
I'm sorry for lying, Daddy. 

"Okay. Take care. Say hi to your sister for me."

Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. "Will do, Dad."

Happy hurriedly stepped outside the room and walked towards the elevator feeling bad for lying. 

Why am I lying anyway? Why can't I tell Dad that I'm going back to the hospital not for Lucky? 

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga. "Shit!" 

Nang makababa si Happy, pumara siya ng taxi at nagpahatid sa ospital. Nang makarating siya roon, lampas hatinggabi na. 

Bumuntong-hininga siya bago pumasok sa ospital. Agad niyang tinungo ang OR at sumilip sa loob. Nang makakita ng nurse, kinuha niya ang atensiyon nito at nagtanong. 

"Hi." She smiled sweetly at the nurse. "Is Doc Blaze still inside?"

Agad namang ngumiti pabalik ang nurse. "No, Ma'am. Kalalabas lang ho ni Doc, kani-kanina lang."

"Oh. Thank you." Umatras siya, saka naglakad paalis ng OR. 

Happy roamed around the hospital, asking the nurses if they saw Dr. Blaze Vitale. And thankfully after more than fifteen minutes of asking around, a nurse pointed her towards the cafeteria. 

Nang makarating siya sa cafeteria, walang tao sa labas at bilang lang ang nasa loob. Siguro dahil lagpas hatinggabi na. 

Agad siyang napangiti nang makita si Lucky na kasama si Blaze. Agad na kumaway sa kanya ang kapatid nang makita rin siya. 

"Ate!"

Nilapitan niya ang dalawa. "Hey..." 

Masaya ang ngiti ni Lucky para sa kanya. "Akala ko umuwi ka na."

Happy tried to reply in Tagalog. "Ahm... bumalik—me... I came balik dito."

Natatawang tumayo si Lucky habang dala ang bottled water, saka nagpaalam. "Sige, balik na ako kay Blakey-baby ko." Bumaling ito kay Blaze na tahimik lang na sumisimsim ng kape habang nakatitig sa kanya. "Alagaan mo ang ate ko." Nang tumango si Blaze, bumaling uli sa kanya si Lucky. "Ate, punta ka na lang sa kuwarto ni Blake kung gusto mo akong makausap."

Nang makaalis ang kapatid, siya ang pumalit sa kinauupuan ni Lucky na kaharap ni Blaze. Inilapag niya ang paper bag sa ibabaw ng mesang pumapagitna sa kanila ng lalaki. 

"Hey," sabi niya kay Blaze. 

He just stared at her while sipping his coffee. 

Happy took a deep breath before pushing the paper bag towards him. "Para... sa iyo."

He blinked at her, the emotion in his eyes slowly returned. "Mine?"

She nodded with a small smile. "I figured, you haven't kain yet? Alam kong you're busy? So I cooked something for... ahm, late dinner?" 

Titig na titig sa kanya si Blaze, kapagkuwan ay tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi. "Ang conyo mo."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "What's that?"

Nginitian siya nito. "It means, you made my night."

Nakakunot pa rin ang noo niya. "Sigurado ka? You look like you're nagbibiro."

Nauwi sa tawa ang ngiti nito. "Yeah, you really made my night. Salamat. Medyo nawala na ang pagod ko."

Ngumiti siya. "You're welcome."

Tumango-tango ito habang mahina pa ring tumatawa, kapagkuwan ay inilabas ang laman ng paper bag na dala niya. "What did you cook?"

Itinuro niya ang dalawang Tupperware. "I tried cooking adobong manok and adobong baboy. I don't know if it tastes good though." Pagkatapos ay itinuro niya ang dalawa pang natitirang plastic na lalagyan. "And that's chicken sandwich. Dad's dinner. May tira pa so I brought it sa iyo."

Mahinang natawa na naman si Blaze. 

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "Is there something funny?"

Agad itong umiling. "Nothing." Bumaba ang tingin nito sa niluto niya. "You really cooked these?" 

Happy nodded. "Yeah." Binuksan niya ang cover ng Tupperware. "I was worried that you might not eat so I cooked something for you."

"You're worried? About me?"

Nagtaas si Happy ng tingin kay Blaze at natigilan nang makitang titig na titig ito sa kanya. There was softness in his eyes. 

"What?" naguguluhan niyang tanong. 

Umiling ito. "Nothing."

Inilapit niya ang mga Tupperware dito. "Eat up."

Using the spoon from his coffee, he tasted her adobong manok. 

"Masarap ba?" tanong niya habang hinihintay ang komento nito. 

Nag-thumbs-up si Blaze habang ngumunguya. "It's good." Halata ang gulat sa mukha nito pagkatapos matikman ang luto niya. "So, you're like the opposite of Lucky, you can actually cook."

Happy shrugged. "I guess..."

Blaze looked proud... of her, maybe? "Thank God you can cook. Your sister Lucky cooked something and I rinsed my mouth after I tasted it," kuwento nito habang hindi maipinta ang mukha na para bang naalala pa nito ang lasa. 

She grimaced. "That bad?"

"Yes. Very bad." Blaze shivered in disgust. "It was... fuck!"

Natawa siya sa mukha nito. "You're right, you're a drama king."

"I can be more dramatic than this." He chuckled. "But we're still in getting-to-know-each-other stage. I don't want to chase you away."

She grimaced again. "You're that bad of a drama king?"

"Oh, baby, you have no idea."

Natigilan siya sa endearment na ginamit ni Blaze pero hinayaan niya iyon at hindi ginawang big deal. "Why didn't you become an artista then?"

"Too handsome."

Nalukot ang mukha niya. "You're so... ahm, what's the word? Hambog? Yes! You're so hambog."

Napalabi sa kanya si Blaze. "Ang sama mo, isusumbong kita kay Mommy. Don't you know that I got my looks from her? How dare you! Bawiin mo ang sinabi mo. I'm not hambog, I'm handsome!"

Natawa siya sa sinabi nito. "Yes. Indeed. You're a drama king."

Masama ang tingin sa kanya ni Blaze pero natatawa siya sa hitsura nito. 

"You know what, you're really funny." She laughed. "You're not just a handsome, hot and dirty doctor in my eyes anymore, you are now a funny, handsome, hot and dirty doctor."

Biglang ngumisi si Blaze. "I heard handsome. That's me, yes? I'm handsome."

Umiiling siya habang mahinang tumatawa pa rin. "No, you're dirty."

"Handsome, dirty and hot doctor?" He wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Tama ako."

Umiling siya. "Nope."

Sumuntok ito sa hangin. "Yes! That's me! But I'm not dirty."

Itinuro niya ang leeg nito. "Hindi 'yan dirty? Your tattoos?"

Napahawak ito sa sariling leeg. "This? Oh, it's art. Though there is one thing I like dirty."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "And that is?"

Tumiim ang titig nito sa kanya. "Sex."

Napatango-tango si Happy. "I look dirty when I'm cooking, so... yeah."

Pinakatitigan siya ni Blaze. "You didn't even blink when I said the word sex."

Nagkibit lang siya ng balikat. "I have no say in the matter. Dirty sex is your preference, so be dirty... I supposed?"

"And you?" Matiim pa rin ang titig nito sa kanya. "What's your preference in that matter?"

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "I'm inexperience so I don't have any idea."

"Let me give you two." Blaze rested his elbows on the edge of the table before leaning forward. "One, dirty sex and two, not so dirty sex."

Napakagat-labi siya. "Can we not talk about sex?" Napangiwi siya. "I'm a virgin, Blaze. I'm so shock right now. Can't you see it in my face?"

Ang matiim na titig sa kanya ni Blaze ay nauwi sa mahinang tawa. "Nagutom ako bigla," sabi nito na tumatawa pa rin. 

Napasunod na lang ang tingin ni Happy kay Blaze nang tumayo ito at bumili ng kanin, saka bumalik sa mesa nila. Pagkatapos ay magana itong kumain na ikinangiti niya. Mukhang nasarapan ito sa luto niya.

And for some reason, she felt relieved that he liked it. 

That made her frown. 
Why am I trying to please this man? This is not part of being nice. 

Blaze let out a loud breath after he finished eating. Talagang naubos nito ang adobong manok at adobong baboy na niluto niya, ni walang natira kahit isang piraso sa Tupperware. 

"God, I'm full." Bumaba ang tingin nito sa chicken sandwich na hindi pa nito nagagalaw. "That looks tasty. I love good food."

Kinuha niya ang dalawang sandwich at ibinigay rito ang isa. "Here. Tig-isa tayo."

He frowned. "Hindi para sa akin ang dalawang 'yan?" tanong nito na parang nagtatampo.

Umiling siya. "I haven't had dinner yet, so this is mine."

Agad na sumama ang tingin sa kanya ni Blaze. "Hindi ka pa kumakain, 'tapos pinakain mo ako? Happy, naman. Anong oras na ba?" Halata ang iritasyon sa mukha ng lalaki bago tumayo at bumili ng kape para sa kanya. "Here. Drink this." Itinuro nito sunod ang sandwich na hawak niya. "And eat that. Fuck. Or maybe we should dine in a restaurant or something? Wala naman na akong pasyente. We'll be quick so you can eat and—"

"I'm fine," putol niya sa pagsasalita nito, saka kumagat ng sandwich. "This will do."

"No. That's a sandwich. It's a snack."

"Not to me. It's my dinner."

Napatitig ito sa kanya. "Bakit ba kasi inuna mo pa akong pakainin? Akala ko kumain ka na kaya hindi na kita inaya." Iritado na naman ito. "Ikaw 'tong nagsabi sa akin na masama ang hindi kumakain, 'tapos ikaw pala itong hindi kumakain nang tama! Fuck it, Happy, it's already passed midnight!"

Natigilan at napakurap-kurap si Happy kay Blaze dahil sa galit na nakikita niya sa mga mata nito. "Are you... mad?"

"Hell, yes!" 

Napaigtad siya. "Sorry?"

Blaze blew a loud breath. "Fuck it. Eat." Itinulak nito ang chicken sandwich palapit sa kanya. "Pati 'to kainin mo. Magpakabusog ka. Akala mo nakakatuwang pinag-aalala mo ako? Eh, hindi ko nga alam kung bakit nag-aalala ako sa iyo! Hindi por que ipinagluto mo ako ay patatawarin kita agad. Hindi nakakatuwa na hindi ka kumain sa tamang oras. Dapat kumain ka. Alam kong hindi mo naiintindihan masyado ang Tagalog ko kaya malakas ang loob kong magsalita rito nang magsalita, pero ang gusto kong iparating talaga ay huwag mo akong pag-alalahanin. Alam kong hindi mo ako naiintindihan—"

"I do—"

"Kaya naman..." Natigilan ito at malalaki ang mga matang napatitig sa kanya. "What? Naiintindihan mo ako?"

Nangingiting tumango siya. "You're worried of me because I didn't eat at the right time. Tama ba ako?"

He tsked. "I told you to lose the accent."

Inirapan niya ito. "And I told you I'll get there."

"Yeah, yeah..." Itinuro nito ang pangalawang sandwich na hindi pa niya nagagalaw. "Eat up. Stop making me worry."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "Why are you worried?" Naguguluhan talaga siya. "Is it because I remind you of her, the woman who broke your heart? Maybe you're really worried of her and not me..."

Nakita niyang natigilan ito at napatitig sa kanya. 

"Are you..." Sinalubong niya ang tingin ng lalaki. "Really... worried of me? Or her because I remind you of her?"

Napakurap-kurap si Blaze, saka bigla na lang tumayo at iniwan siya sa cafeteria. 

Napatingin naman siya sa papalayo nitong likod. "I think I hit a nerve..." 

Napabuntong-hininga si Happy, saka ipinagpatuloy ang pagkain nang mag-isa. Nang matapos, lumabas siya ng cafeteria pero agad na natigilan nang makita si Blaze na nakasandal sa pader na malapit sa pasukan at nakatitig sa kanya. 

Balak niyang lampasan lang ang lalaki pero umalis ito sa pagkakasandal sa pader at hinarang siya. 

"What?" she asked. 

Tumiim ang titig nito sa kanya. "I wanna know something."

Happy yawned. "Make it fast. I'm sleepy."

"I wanna see if it feels the same."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "You're confusing me. Ano ba ang need mo?"

"I'm sorry in advance." 

She frowned at Blaze. "For what?"

"For this." Pagkasabi niyon ay bigla na lang siya nitong hinapit sa baywang palapit dito, sinapo ang leeg niya at inilapat ang mga labi sa mga labi niya. 

And that... was her first kiss.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

"YES, THE CHURCH is okay na. The reception is maganda na and lahat ay ready na. I already checked everything at kayo na lang ang kulang," nakangiting balita ni Happy na pilit nagsasalita ng Tagalog sa abot ng kanyang makakaya kay Lucky habang nasa loob sila ng hospital room ng fiancé nitong si Blake. 

"Thank you," nakangiting sabi ni Blake habang nakatingin sa kanya. "For helping my baby."

Her smile widened. "My pleasure."

Umalis si Lucky mula sa pagkakaupo sa tabi ni Blake at lumipat ng upo sa tabi niya sa mahabang sofa. Masuyo siya nitong niyakap at ihinilig ang ulo sa balikat niya. 

"Salamat, Ate."

Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi nang maramdamang nanubig ang mga mata niya sa simpleng katagang binitiwan ng kapatid. "It's my pleasure."

Puno ng pagmamahal na nginitian siya ni Lucky. "You're a godsend, Ate. Maraming salamat talaga."

Happy felt like something caress her heart. It was a simple thank you from Lucky but it meant so much to her. 

Niyakap niya rin ang kapatid, saka hinagod ang likod nito. "Nandito lang ako for you, Lucky."

Tumango si Lucky, saka kumawala sa yakap niya at nginitian siya. 

Doon bumukas ang pinto ng kuwarto ni Blake at pumasok ang kakambal nito. 

"Blakey, your medicine," sabi ni Blaze nang makapasok sa kuwarto. 

"Pasa ba 'yan?" tanong ni Blake nang makalapit ang kakambal. 

Agad na nag-iwas siya ng tingin sa tanong ni Blake. Alam na alam kasi niya kung saan nakuha ni Blaze ang pasa nito. She gave it to him last night.

Blaze sighed. "It's nothing—"

"Who punched you?" Blake asked, bewildered. "Answer me, Blaze."

Mula sa gilid ng mga mata, nakita niyang napatingin sa kanya si Blaze bago umiling. "Blakey, drop it."

"Make me." Blake tsked as he looked at Blaze's swollen jaw. "Sino ba ang may gawa niyan sa iyo?"

Blaze stayed silent as he administered Blake's medicine. 

Itinutok naman ni Lucky ang tingin sa panga ni Blaze. "That looks painful, Blaze."

Blaze glanced at her again before answering. "Not really."

Blake tsked again. "Walang nakakalampas sa iyo, 'tapos may pasa ka? It's either you're becoming a pussy, or you let that someone punch you."

Bumuntong-hininga si Blaze. "I'm fine."

Blake frowned. "Where's my drama king brother?"

Blaze showed his middle finger to Blake before leaving the room, while Blake looked at her questioningly. 

"What?" painosenteng tanong niya.

"Did you punch my brother?" balik-tanong ni Blake. 

"Blakey!" Tiningnan ito nang masama ni Lucky. "My sister is a nice woman."

Agad na lumambot ang mukha ni Blake nang bumaling kay Lucky, "I know, baby, but humor me, okay?" Kapagkuwan ay bumaling uli ito sa kanya at wala na ang lambot sa mukha. "Well, did you?"

Nakangiwing tumango siya. 

"Ate!" Hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Lucky. "Sabi mo magiging mabait ka kay Blaze? You promised me."

She gave Lucky an apologetic look. "I didn't mean it."

"Paanong hindi mo sinasadya?" Hindi pa rin maipinta ang mukha ni Lucky at parang bata na nakasimangot. 

Sa halip na sagutin ang kapatid, si Blake ang kinausap niya. "How did you know it was me?"

Blake shrugged. "He keeps on glancing at you." 

Napalabi si Lucky. "Ano ba'ng ginawa ni Blaze at sinuntok mo?"

Umayos siya ng upo. "He kissed me." Her cheeks warmed. "Without my permission."

"Oh."

"Oh."

Sabay na mahinang sabi nina Lucky at Blake. 

Happy awkwardly stood up then she quietly left Blake's room. Para siyang nakahinga nang maluwag nang makalabas. Pero agad ding nawala ang pagluwag ng pakiramdam niya nang makita si Blaze na nakasandal sa pader, sa harap ng pinto ng kuwarto. 

"Blaze..."

Umalis ito sa pagkakasandal sa pader, saka walang sabi-sabing hinawakan ang kamay niya at hinila siya palabas ng ospital. 

Happy was still confused as to what was happening when he forced her to ride in his car. At nakatingin lang siya sa lalaki habang naglalakad ito paikot sa unahan na kotse patungo sa driver's seat. 

At nang makasakay, hinubad nito ang doctor's robe na suot, saka itinapon iyon sa backseat. Pagkatapos ay basta na lang din hinubad ang T-shirt na suot. 

And Happy couldn't take her shameless eyes off of Blaze as his muscle flexed while he moved. And for the first time, his tattoos didn't look dirty at all. It looked blazing hot on his tan skin. It was mostly tribal tattoos and maybe some Celtic words.

Sunod-sunuran ang mga mata niya sa lalaki, lalo na sa abs nito, nang abutin nito ang damit na nasa backseat at nagbihis. 

Happy actually felt disappointed when Blaze put a shirt on, followed by a polo shirt. Pero wala itong ibinutones na butones ng polo, hinayaan lang nito iyong nakabukas at itinupi lang ang magkabilang manggas. 

And she was looking at him the whole time he was changing. So when he glanced at her, it was normal that he caught her staring. 

But what was not normal was when he winked at her and her heart palpitated. 

"Like what you see?" he asked, amused. 

Happy gulped first because she felt hot all of the sudden. "Yeah."

Natigilan ang lalaki sa pagbuhay ng makina ng sasakyan at gulat na napabaling sa kanya. "You do? I mean, I know I look good but for you to actually admit it—"

"Your body is maganda. Right muscles in right places. The tattoos look maganda rin and you're welcome." She smiled at him. "So why am I in your car?" 

Napatanga ito sa kanya. "Hindi ka man lang ba nailang sa ginawa kong paghuhubad sa harap mo?"

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Nailang?" Umiling siya. "No... I was enjoying the show. I have a gay friend way back in college and we used to go to this club where male strippers are everywhere. Like they're only wearing briefs or boxers. And paghuhubad sa harap ko? As I was saying, your body is maganda and wala akong pakialam—wait, dapat ba may pakialam ako?"

Lalo lang itong napatanga sa kanya. "You know what?" Binuhay nito ang makina ng sasakyan. "Nevermind, my ego is okay."

Kinunutan niya ng noo si Blaze. "Why do you look so disappointed?" tanong niya. 

"I wanna see you blush," sabi nito, saka bumuntong-hininga. "Like when you accidentally flirted with me."

"Oh." Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. "Well, that was embarrassing. Alam ko kung how to flirt but first time kong ginawa 'yon kaya na-embarrass ako."

Napatango-tango ito. "And seeing a naked man's body is not your first, so you're not embarrassed?"

She nodded. "Yes. It's not, so why would I be shy? It's not like I haven't seen one before."

Biglang napasipol ang lalaki. "So... Lucky is innocent while you are... not really?"

Tumango uli siya. "I did go to college."

"You said it as if it explains everything."

"It does," mabilis niyang sabi, saka nagpaliwanag. "Noong nasa college ako, I went to parties and such, and I saw people making out and having sex. And then my roommates like watching porn for educational purposes they say. And I watched with them because I don't want to be called a prude."

"At hindi mo ginawa ang mga 'yon?" pasulyap-sulyap na tanong sa kanya ni Blaze habang nagmamaneho. "Making out?"

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "Bakit sa tingin mo I punched you?"

Sa tanong niya, napahawak ito sa pangang sinuntok niya. "Dahil nagulat ka sa ginawa ko?"

Umingos siya. "Partly... but I punched you because that was my first kiss. And you stole it like it's nothing—Blaze! Shit!"

Biglang siyang napahiyaw at napamura nang tumigil ang kotse nito at sunod-sunod silang nakarinig ng busina sa likuran. 

"Blaze!" Sininghalan niya ang lalaki. "Are you trying to kill us?!"

Agad nitong minaniobra ang kotse para maitigil iyon sa gilid ng kalsada at humarap sa kanya. "That was your first kiss?" parang gulat na gulat nitong tanong.

Tumango siya. "Yeah."

"Oh, fuck." Napasabunot si Blaze sa sariling buhok. "And I didn't even kiss you right. I'm so sorry, Happy."

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig siya sa lalaki. "You're sorry because you didn't kiss me right? Eh, hindi ka nga nag-sorry that you kissed me."

Natigilan ito at napatitig sa kanya. "I'm not sorry that I kissed you." 

Sumama ang mukha niya. "You should be. Eh, you just kissed me lang naman kasi you want to know if the feeling is the same, tama? You want to check if yung feeling is the same when you kiss me and when you kissed her." Tumalim ang mga mata niya. "I told you, 'di ba? I'm not her. And I was actually insulted that you stole my first kiss because of someone else."

Napatitig sa kanya si Blaze at lumambot ang bukas ng mukha nito. "I'm sorry."

Tumingin siya sa labas ng bintana ng kotse. "I don't really care if hindi ka pa maka-move on sa kanya. It's your feelings and it's your emotions. But please lang, spare me. Huwag mo akong isali. I just want us to be friends and to be nice to each other, for our siblings, puwede ba 'yon?"

"I didn't mean to..." Blaze whispered. 

"Don't bullshit me," sabi niya sa kalmadong boses. "I know sinadya mo. Sabi mo nga 'di ba you want to know if if feels the same. That's why I'm irritated and I want you to know how irritated I am with you. Para alam mo 'yong feelings ko. I hate keeping secrets from anyone. You deserve to know that I'm annoyed at what you did, and I also deserve to be respected." 

Nagbaba lang ng tingin si Blaze at hindi nagsalita. 

Nakaramdam siya ng awa rito pero hindi niya binawi ang sinabi. He had to know what was on her mind, he had to know that it was okay to disrespect her like that.

After a long minute of silence, he looked at her. "I'm sorry I disrespected you. I won't do it again?"

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "Bakit with question mark?"

"Because I'm not sure?"

Bumuntong-hininga siya bago bumaling kay Blaze. "Ilang years na ba kayong hiwalay?"

"Eleven."

Umawang ang mga labi niya sa gulat. "And you still love her?"

Hindi sumagot si Blaze pero alam niyang oo ang sagot sa tanong niya. 

"Jesus Christ..." She couldn't believe a man could love someone that long, especially if that woman broke his heart. "You have to move on."

"I know," sabi nito sa mababang boses. "I'm trying really hard to... move on. But I can't stop... loving her."

Nakaramdam si Happy ng awa kay Blaze. Looking at his face now, he looked so lost. Hindi katulad ng mukha nitong nakasanayan niya na nakangiti, tumatawa o kaya naman nagbibiro. O kaya naman 'yong mukha nitong parang kasama sa isang gang na sobrang badass tingnan.

This was the reason why he joked around? To calm himself and make himself smile? 

Inalis niya ang seat belt na suot, saka humarap dito at masuyong sinapo ang mukha nito. "Look at me."

He did and his eyes... he was really lost.

Pinakatitigan niya ito sa mga mata habang masuyong sapo ang pisngi nito. "Ano'ng gusto mong gawin ko? If I remind you of her, then should I stay away from you? Ahm, gusto mo bang hindi ako nice sa iyo? Ahm... gusto mo hindi tayo magkita? If it helps you, I can do that. I mean, after Lucky's wedding, I'll go back to Pennsylvania and hindi mo na ako makikita. Can you endure, maybe two weeks or more, kasi alis din naman na ako? Kaya mo pa ba? Kasi parang you're having a hard time with me around. O kaya naman, tell me kung ano'ng ginagawa ko na naaalala mo siya para hindi ko na gawin hanggang sa makaalis ako?"

Umiling ito. "Don't go... don't leave me."

Bumuntong-hininga siya. "Alam kong hindi ako ang ayaw mong paalisin. I know, Blaze, but I told you, I deserve to be respected, so don't look at me like that." Parang siya ang nasasaktan para kay Blaze pero hindi naman puwedeng siya ang mag-adjust para dito. "I will punch you and kick you and beat you up if you say something that is meant for her and not for me. Understand?"

Napalitan ng mahinang tawa ang lungkot sa mukha nito. "Loud and clear, Ma'am. Sorry again."

Tinapik-tapik niya ang pisngi nito bago pinakawalan. "Now..." Isinuot niya uli ang seat belt. "Where are you taking me?"

"I owe you dinner," sabi nito, saka pinausad ang kotse. 

"It's just three PM, Blaze," she pointed out. 

"Then I owe you early dinner," sabi nito na nakangiti. "Ipinagluto mo ako kaninang madaling araw, 'di ba?"

Nginitian niya ito. "So ipagluluto mo rin ako as payment now?"

Biglang bumagal ang pagmamaneho nito at sumulyap sa kanya. "Y-you want me to cook for you?"

Mabilis siyang tumango. "Yes. Para bayad ka na sa pagluto ko ng food sa iyo last night."

Bahagyang umawang ang mga labi nito, kapagkuwan ay dahan-dahang tumango. "Oh. Sure... I can, ahm, cook something." Kinabig nito ang manibela pakanan, saka nag-U-turn. "Sa bahay tayo, okay lang ba?"

Tumango siya. "Sure."

Tumango rin si Blaze, saka panay ang hinga ng malalim habang nagmamaneho na para bang kinakabahan ito na ikinakunot ng noo niya. 

Nang makarating siya sa bahay nina Blaze, napahanga siya sa disenyo n'on. It was beautiful. A mixture of classic and modern architecture. 

"Your house was renovated?" tanong niya habang papasok sila sa kabahayan. 

Tumango si Blaze, saka tinapon ang susi ng kotse sa mesa na nasa gilid. "How did you know?"

"I noticed."

Napatango-tango ito, saka hinubad ang polo na suot. Itinapon lang din nito 'yon basta sa sofa pati ang T-shirt na hinubad din nito. 

And the hot and dirty doctor was now walking around shirtless. 

"Sit there." Itinuro nito ang sofa, saka binuksan ang TV. "Watch while I cook."

"I rather watch you cook—"

"No!" biglang pigil sa kanya ni Blaze na ikinabigla niya. "You stay here while I cook."

Napipilitang tumango siya. "Okay. If you say so."

Ngumiti ito, saka iniwan siya sa sala. Siya naman ay umupo na lang sa sofa at nanood ng TV. 

Maybe ten or fifteen minutes later, Happy was enjoying the show she was watching when she smelled something burning. 

Kunot-noong tumayo siya at sinundan ang amoy. She found herself inside the kitchen where smoke was everywhere! 

"Blaze!" Panay ang paypay niya sa usok gamit ang kamay habang lukot ang mukha. "Off that goddamn stove!" 

"H-how?" Para itong nagpa-panic na hindi mapakali at hindi alam ang gagawin. "Holy fuck! Fuck! Fuck! How do you turn off this thing, damn it!"

Blaze was lost all right. She had to do it herself! 

Kaya naman siya na ang nagpatay ng stove at binuksan lahat ng bintana para lumabas ang usok. 

And when the kitchen was finally cleared from smoke, she faced Blaze. "What happened?"

Napangiwi ito at napakamot sa batok. "I ahm, I have a confession to make..."

"What?" Namaywang siya. "You don't know how to cook?"

Napakamot uli ito sa sariling batok. "P-paano mo nalaman?"

"Oh, I don't know." Puno ng sarkasmo ang boses niya. "Maybe because you nearly burn down the whole kusina?"

Bumagsak ang mga balikat nito. "Gusto lang naman kitang ipagluto. Why is it so hard?"

Napailing siya. "Sana sinabi mo sa akin, so I could've cook instead of you."

Kinagat nito ang pang-ibabang labi. "I, ahm, I don't want to. Gusto talaga kitang ipagluto kahit wala naman talaga akong alam sa kusina. It was hopefully my way of saying I'm sorry for everything?" 

Happy sighed when her irritation melted. Itinuro niya ang stool na nasa tabi ng island counter. "Sit. I'll cook, you watch."

"Yes, Ma'am," mabilis nitong tugon. 

Kinuha niya ang pantali sa buhok na nasa bulsa ng pantalon na suot, saka itinali ang hanggang balikat niyang buhok. Isinuot niya ang itim na apron na nandoon, saka nag-umpisa siyang magluto. 

She fried a marinated chicken, grilled a bacon cut marinated pork, fried some pork chops and lastly, she made a cheesestick before melting some mozzarella cheese. 

Then she searched on the Internet on how to cook a rice perfectly. Sinunod niya ang instruction at hindi naman siya nabigo. 

At habang ihinahain niya sa island counter ang mga niluto, titig na titig sa kanya si Blaze. 

"What?" nakataas ang kilay niyang usisa sa lalaki. 

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi nito. "You look hot while cooking."

Happy looked into his eyes. There was no longing there. He wasn't looking at her like a wounded animal or like he missed her. 

He was looking at her... just looking at her. 

She smiled. "Thanks." Nilagyan niya ito ng pinggan, kutsara, saka tinidor. "Eat up." Ikinuha niya ito ng malamig na tubig. Nang makakita ng fresh juice sa ref, ay sinalinan din niya ito sa baso. "Here..." Nilagyan niya ito ng kanin sa plato at sinunod niyang inilagay ay ang mga niluto niya. 

And Blaze was looking at her the whole time she was fussing over him. 

"What?" tanong na naman niya. 

Umiling ito habang may ngiti sa mga labi. "Nothing. Hindi ko lang akalain na masyado kang maalaga."

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "My dad is a big baby. I'm used to it."

Agad na nalukot ang mukha ni Blaze. "I'm not a big baby—"

"Kasasabi mo lang kagabi that you're a big baby," she cut him off. "Own up and suck it up, bitch."

Napatanga ito sa kanya at nabitin ang pagsubo ng kanin. "Did you just call me bitch?"

Nangingiting kumuha si Happy ng plato para sa sarili, saka umupo sa stool na kaharap ni Blaze sa island counter. "You're eating the food I cooked, that makes you my bitch."

Agad nitong binitiwan ang kutsara, saka masama ang mukha na hindi ipinagpatuloy ang pagkain. "I will not eat. I'm not your or anyone's bitch. That was insulting, don't you know?"

Nangingiting tinusok niya ang grilled meat, saka inilubog iyon sa mozzarella cheese bago tumingin kay Blaze at sinubuan ito. "Come on. Open up. Masarap 'to." Mas tumamis pa ang ngiti niya. "You know na masarap akong magluto."

He looked at the food she was holding and then to her. He looked torn on what to do.

She smiled at Blaze. "Masarap 'yan."

Blaze blew a loud breath, like he was giving up, then he opened his mouth to accept the food she was holding. 

Happy was grinning from ear to ear while Blaze was chewing. 

"Masarap?" tanong niya. 

To answer her question, Blaze used his own fork to eat more grilled meat and chicken and pork chop with mozzarella cheese and rice. 

Mahina siyang tumawa sa hitsura nitong punong-puno ang bibig. "It's that good?"

Nginuya at nilunok nito ang kinakain bago nagsalita. "Masarap. Sobra."

She smiled sweetly. "And?" 

They both knew what she wanted to hear. 

Blaze's shoulders sagged. "And I'm your bitch," he grumbled before eating again. 

Natawa na lang siya habang kumakain na rin. She didn't know that hanging out with Blaze could be this fun and lighthearted. 

And because of her great cooking skills, she now had a bitch. 

Blaze Vitale, the hot and dirty doctor.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

"HINDI MO BA duty ngayon?" tanong ni Happy kay Blaze habang naghahanda sila para manood ng pelikula sa sala. Pagkatapos nilang kumain at magligpit ng pinagkainan, nag-aya si Blaze na manood ng pelikula. 

And he chose the horror film, 
The Nun
. 

"Nope."

"Hindi ka on call?" she asked again. "Is that the term? Is my term tama?"

"Yes, but only if there's an emergency," sabi ni Blaze, saka umayos ng upo.

Siya naman ay nakaupo sa mahabang sofa. Si Blaze ay nakaupo sa sahig at nakahilig ang likod sa paanan ng mahabang sofa na kinauupuan niya. Mga ilang pulgada ang layo ng paa niya sa katawan nito. 

Even his back looks manly
. Napangiti na lang si Happy sa naiisip. Of course, his back looked manly because he was a man. 

"Don't be scared, okay?" sabi sa kanya ni Blaze nang nag-uumpisa na ang pelikula. 

"Okay." Hindi naman siya matatakutin kaya hindi problema sa kanya ang mga horror films. "Don't be matatakutin too." 

Blaze puffed his chest. "I'm a brave man. I don't scare that easy." 

"You sure?"

"If I get scared easily, I won't be one hell of a surgeon." May pagmamalaki sa boses nito. 

Napangiti na lang si Happy at itinuon ang atensiyon sa pinapanood. At habang patagal nang patagal ang pinapanood, panay naman ng usod ni Blaze palapit nang palapit sa kanya. He was silent, focus and he was unmoving while watching. 

And when the credits rolled, her legs and Blaze's body were already pressed together. Blaze was still unmoving while staring blankly at the TV. And Happy couldn't help but to chuckle silently. Matapang daw at hindi takot. 

Let's see. 

"Blaze!" panggugulat niya, sabay tampal sa magkabila nitong balikat.

"Holy fuck!" biglang nitong sigaw na gulat na gulat talaga at may takot. Parang bata itong umupo sa tabi niya at isiniksik ang katawan sa kanya habang nakaupo. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Don't scare me like that! Fuck! What the fuck?!"

Hindi mapigilan ni Happy ang matawa nang makita ang hitsura ni Blaze na halatang takot na takot. "Did the nun scare you?" natatawang tanong niya sa lalaki. 

"No..." Sumiksik pa ito sa kanya. "You did."

Natawa siya. "Akala ko ba you're matapang and not matatakutin?" 

"I am brave!" he hissed at her before lying himself on the long sofa and resting his head on her lap. "But I'm agitated after watching that creepy movie. Calm me down, come on."

Umingos siya. "Why ko gagawin 'yon?" 

Blaze looked at her while slightly pouting her lips. "Because I'm your bitch?"

Natawa siya. "Akala ko ba it's insulting for you?"

Lalong humaba ang nguso ni Blaze. "Just calm me down, damn it. Why did we even watch that movie? Fuck! Hindi ka ba natakot?"

Umiling si Happy habang nakakrus pa rin ang mga braso sa harap ng dibdib. "Hindi."

"Bakit?"

"Kasi hindi ako madaling ma-scare," she explained and smiled. "And I'm not a big baby and a softy like you."

Ang sama ng tingin sa kanya ni Blaze. "Why are you holding being a baby and a softy against me?" 

"Because you are a big baby and a softy," natatawang sabi niya. "Kahit you're a badass in the operating room, you're still malambot at pa-baby."

Napaawang ang mga labi nito sa kanya, kapagkuwan ay tiningnan siya nang masama. "I hate you."

Ngumiti siya. "Okay." 

Biglang may kaluskos na tumunog.

"Holy fuck! What is that?!"

Natawa na naman siya sa reaksiyon ni Blaze. He was really scared. 

Pinaghiwalay niya ang brasong nakakrus sa harap ng dibdib niya, saka bumaba ang kamay sa buhok ni Blaze para haplusin 'yon. And she felt him stilled and saw him looked up at her. 

"Calm down, 
ma
 bitch," nakangiting sabi niya habang hinahaplos pa rin ang buhok nito gamit ang daliri niya. "Calm down..."

Titig na titig naman sa kanya si Blaze. And for some reason, she didn't feel awkward. Hindi siya naiilang sa titig nito. 

Maybe because he was just looking at 
her
. No longing emotion in his eyes or any emotion that wasn't for her. Kaya naman sinalubong niya ang titig nito at nginitian ito kapagkuwan. 

Si Blaze ang unang nag-iwas ng tingin. "I'm a badass and I can't believe I'm your bitch now." 

Natawa siya, saka bumaba ang kamay sa mukha nito at ang pisngi nito ang hinaplos. "That's what happens when you're so matakaw."

Humaba na naman ang nguso nito. "I just love food. What's wrong with that?"

"Food or pride?" she asked. 

Tiningnan siya nito nang masama. "It's like you're asking me if it's food or being your bitch!"

Malakas siyang natawa. "
Aww
, 
ma
 bitch is learning."

Hindi maipinta ang mukha na humalukipkip ito. 

Napailing si Happy. Yes. Blaze was really a big baby. Nang una niya itong nakita at nakilala, akala niya isa itong tigasing lalaki, 'yong para bang magaspang ang ugali. Dahil siguro sa pananalita nito noong una. And maybe because of his tattoos too. She felt like he could kill someone with his bare hands but now... she was having second thoughts. 

Blaze was a big baby and he liked making drama over small things. She knew that now. 

"Why are you staring at me?" Blaze asked her after a long minute. 

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "Wala lang. I was just thinking of something."

He wiggled his eyebrow at her. "Me?"

Tumango siya. "Yes. I'm thinking you, 
ma
 bitch."

Blaze glared at her. "Stop calling me your bitch." 

Tumawa siya. "Bakit? Hindi ba maganda to hear for you?"

Akala niya galit si Blaze kasi ang sama ng tingin nito sa kanya pero bigla na lang itong natawa. "You're so cute when you're trying to speak Tagalog but ends up speaking in English."

Siya naman ang sumama ang mukha. "I'm learning and I'm trying really hard!"

"Yeah, yeah." Bumangon na rin ito sa wakas at inabot ang T-shirt na nasa pang-isahang sofa. 

At hindi napigilan ni Happy ang sarili na magsalita. "Huwag ka munang mag-T-shirt."

Natigilan sa pagsusuot ng T-shirt si Blaze, saka nagtatanong ang mga matang tumingin sa kanya. "Say that again?"

"Don't put your shirt on." Bumaba ang tingin niya sa abs nito. "I'm still enjoying your body."

Blaze lips actually parted. He looked shock. "I am not a stripper, Happy!"

Pigil niya ang matawa. "I know that... but gusto ko ang body mo. Muscles in right places."

Blaze sighed and threw his shirt back to the sofa. He sat on the opposite edge of the sofa, facing her, then he looked at her in the eyes. "Feast on."

Natawa siya, saka napailing. "I'd been feasting on kanina pa."

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay nito. "Talaga?"

Tumango siya. "
Ma
 bitch, you have an overflowing self-confidence."

Blaze shrugged. "What can I say? I love myself."

Napatitig siya sa lalaki sa sinabi nito. "Do you? Talaga?"

Natigilan ito at unti-unting nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi habang nakatitig sa kanya. And seconds later, she saw that pain in his eyes again. 

Napabuntong-hininga si Happy dahil alam niyang siya ang may kagagawan n'on. Ipinaalala na naman niya rito na nasasaktan ito. 

And she felt bad. 

So Happy found herself moving closer to Blaze and kneeling on the sofa, in front of him, hoping to console him. She cupped his face softly. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "I didn't mean it that way... sorry ipinaalala ko. Hindi ko na... ahm, ano na 'yon, ahm, do it again?"

Blaze didn't reply, he was just looking—no staring—at her. 

And without words, he just moved to press his lips on hers. 

That was her second kiss... but this time, her knuckles didn't clench, and her fist didn't fly to punch Blaze. 

She remained rooted in place, she didn't move to push Blaze or pull away, she let him move his lips against hers, letting the tip of his tongue trail on her lips, pushing his tongue in. 

Happy literally had a goosebump when Blaze succeeded in penetrating her mouth with his tongue and teasing hers. Wala sa sariling bumuka ang bibig niya at hinayaang lumalim ang halik sa kanya ng lalaki. Ni hindi nga siya umangal nang sumapo ang isang kamay nito sa batok niya habang ang isa naman ay sa pisngi niya. 

She just closed her eyes, savour the kiss while her lips were moving against Blaze's. She welcomed his tongue, copied what he was doing to her lips and mouth. And the next thing she knew, she was kissing him back, biting his lips and battling with his tongue. 

Impit siyang napahiyaw nang ipalibot ni Blaze ang isang braso nito sa baywang niya at hinila siya paupo sa hita nito nang paharap habang nag-eespadahan pa rin ang mga dila nilang dalawa. She was straddling him now. She was shameless all right but she was enjoying herself. 

She was enjoying the kiss. She was enjoying their breath mixing with each other, but it had to end. She didn't want it to end but she had to because someone was in the door. 

Siya ang pumutol sa halik. Hinabol pa nga ni Blaze ang mga labi niya pero pinanlakihan niya ito ng mga mata. 

"Happy..." ungot nito. "Come back here."

Umalis siya sa pagkakaupo sa hita ni Blaze. Siya na ang kumuha sa T-shirt nito at itinapon 'yon dito. "Put it on," utos niya. 

Blaze immediately put the shirt on. And thankfully, they looked decent and not doing anything indecent when the person outside the house entered. 

"Midnight," kunot-noong sabi ni Blaze habang nakatingin sa bagong dating. "Need anything?"

Holy shit! What was he doing there?! Was he friends with Blaze?!

The man frowned at them. "Am I... interrupting something?"

Siya na ang sumagot. "No." She smiled. "Hi. I'm Happy and I'm..." Sinulyapan niya si Blaze. "Leaving."

Blaze frowned. "What? Don't—" 

Tumayo siya, saka kinuha ang susi ng kotse nito na nasa gilid ng mesa malapit sa pinto.

"Happy, what are you doing?"

Nakangiwing humarap siya kay Blaze. "Leaving? I'll borrow your car."

"What? No—I mean, do you even know the way?" He looked worried.

"No, but susubukan ko to manage," sabi niya, saka nagmamadaling lumabas ng bahay at sumakay sa kotse ni Blaze. 

Nagmamadaling pinaharurot niya ang sasakyan palabas ng gate at nang bahagya siyang makalayo sa bahay, doon lang bumagal ang pagpapatakbo niya na nauwi sa pagtigil sa gilid ng kalsada. 

At wala sa sariling napahawak siya sa mga labi. She could still feel his lips against hers... it was like he was still kissing her at that very moment!

Ako ba talaga ang nasa isip niya habang hinahalikan ako o 'yong ex niya? 

Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo. 
No overthinking! 
That was her rule to herself. 

I enjoyed the kiss and that's it. No overthinking, no assuming and lastly, no hoping. 

Tumango siya, saka ngumiti bago pinatakbo uli ang sasakyan. 

Happy was confident as she drove back to the hospital. But one hour later, her confidence faded as she slowed down the car she was driving. 

"Where the hell am I?" tanong niya sa sarili habang inililibot ang tingin. 

I'm pretty sure this is not the way back to the hospital. 

MALALAKI ANG HAKBANG ni Blaze habang papasok sa ospital. Hindi niya nakita ang kotse niya na nakaparada sa parking space na para sa kanya kaya naman tinungo niya ang kuwarto ni Blake. 

Hindi kumakatok na pumasok siya. 

"Where's Lucky?" tanong niya sa kakambal na siyang tanging tao lang sa loob ng kuwarto. "Is Happy here?"

Blake shrugged. "Happy? She called Lucky earlier. I didn't get the whole conversation but I think she's lost or something."

"Fuck!" 

"Yeah. Anyway, can you change my IV fluid? It's empty—"

Hindi niya pinatapos sa pagsasalita ang kambal, umalis siya at isinara ang pinto, saka nagmamadaling lumapit sa nurse station.

"Tammy," tawag niya sa nurse na unang nakita. "My brother needs something. Thanks. Bye!"

Nagmamadali siyang lumabas ng ospital habang tinatawagan si Lucky. And thankfully, Lucky answered. 

"Yes?" Kalmado ang boses nito. 

"Where's Happy?" He couldn't help but to worry. Hindi siya mapakali. "Nasundo mo na ba siya?"

"I'm on my way," sagot ni Lucky. "Sumakay lang ako ng taxi kasi hindi pa ako puwedeng magmaneho—"

"Ako na ang pupunta sa kanya," boluntaryo niya. "Nasaan siya?"

"Oh. Thanks!" Lucky chirped. "Sabi niya sa akin malapit siya sa isang embassy." Agad naman nitong sinabi kung anong embassy 'yon. "She stopped in front of a café nearby."

Napabuga si Blaze ng marahas na hininga. "Fuck." That was just thirty minutes away from their house. But it was on the other side. Definitely not the right way back to the hospital.  "Ako na ang susundo sa kanya, bumalik ka na lang dito at bantayan mo si Blakey," sabi niya. "Give me Happy's number so I can call her."

"Okay. Thanks, Blaze!"

Agad siyang pumara ng taxi at nagpahatid kung nasaan si Happy. And seconds later, he received a text from Lucky containing Happy's number. 

Agad niyang tinawagan ang numero ni Happy. 

"Hello, who's this—"

"It's me."

Ilang segundong natahimik ang nasa kabilang linya. "Blaze?"

"Yes." All of the sudden, he felt relieved when he heard her voice. "Stay where you are, okay? I'm coming to you. Wait for me."

"Salamat nang, ahm... big."

Kahit paano ay napangiti siya sa gitna ng pag-aalalang nararamdaman nang marinig ang pagta-Tagalog nito na may kasamang accent na nauwi naman sa English. 

Her Tagalog with accent was adorable. Every time he heard her speak with that accent, he couldn't help but to smile. A genuine smile. 

She's trying really hard to speak Tagalog. 

Napailing siya. "Stay where you are, okay?"

"Okay."

"Good. I'm on my way."

"Salamat again."

Napangiti uli siya. "Okay. I'll hang up now."

"Okay." 

He ended the call and looked outside the taxi. Malayo pa pala siya kay Happy. 

Damn! I shouldn't have cancelled that call. 

Hindi alam ni Blaze kung bakit hindi siya mapakali habang nasa biyahe. Alam niyang hindi niya dapat 'to nararamdaman. 

Happy's first kiss that he stole... their first kiss in the hospital, he didn't know what to feel about it. It didn't feel the same. No familiarity in her lips. Or maybe because it was a long time ago since he kissed Cassie? Hindi na niya maalala ang pakiramdam kasi masyado nang matagal 'yon. 

And the second kiss?
 tanong ng isip niya. 

Gumuhit ang pigil na ngiti sa mga labi niya. Well, that second kiss was good—no, not good—the word good was not enough to describe how it felt. 

Yes, he had kissed someone after Cassie. When he was playing the role of a bad guy. He made out with a lot of women to get the justice they wanted, to perfect his bad role, but nothing compared to kissing Happy. 

Maybe because she looked like his Cassie. 

Or not!
 sigaw ng isip niya. 

Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo, saka tumingin na naman sa labas ng bintana ng taxi. He was near. 

Panay ang sulyap niya sa relong pambisig habang mabagal ang galaw ng taxi na sinasakyan. 

"Boss," kuha niya sa atensiyon ng driver. "May ibang daan pa ba maliban dito na hindi traffic?"

Umiling ang driver. "Mayroon, Sir, pero mas ma-traffic doon."

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga at pabulong na nagmura. "Fuck."

Then his phone beeped. A text message from Happy. 

Are you malapit na?

Napailing na nagmamadaling kumuha siya ng pera sa pitaka na nasa bulsa, saka ibinayad iyon sa driver. "Keep the change, Bossing," sabi niya at tinapik ang balikat ng driver bago lumabas ng taxi at tumakbo patungo sa gilid ng kalsada. 

And because he was worried as fuck, he actually ran the distance towards Happy. 

It was a five-minute run and he was catching his breath when he arrived at his destination. 

Palinga-linga siya nang makarating, hinahanap si Happy. Nang makita ang kotse niyang nakaparada sa gilid, tumakbo siya para lapitan iyon pero walang tao sa loob. 

Blaze was about to call Happy when she called him first. 

"Blaze—"

"Where are you?" agad niyang tanong dito habang hinihingal pa rin. "I told you to stay, didn't I? Where the hell are you?! 'Di ba sabi ko pupuntahan kita? Bakit wala ka sa loob ng sasakyan—"

"Turn around."

Natigilan siya bago lumingon. His eyes were welcomed by a smiling Happy inside a café. Sumisimsim ito ng iced americano habang kumakaway sa kanya ang kamay nitong hindi hawak ang cell phone. 

"I'm a little bit far from you pero nakikita ko pa rin ang frown mo," sabi ni Happy sa kabilang linya. "Huwag kang mag-alala for me, alam ko how to beat up someone. I punched you, naalala mo?

Hindi napigilang tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi niya sa pagsasalita na naman ni Happy. "Punta ako riyan."

Pinatay niya ang tawag, saka nagmamadaling lumapit sa café at pumasok. Dumeretso siya sa kinauupuan ni Happy at umupo sa kaharap nitong upuan. 

Happy frowned. "You're sweating. Mainit ba sa taxi? Ang tagal mo kasi. Nakadalawang iced americano na ako."

Hindi siya makapaniwalang napatitig sa babae. Kung alam lang nitong tumakbo siya para lang makarating agad. 

Bumuntong-hininga na lang siya at bumaba ang tingin sa iniinom nito. "That doesn't look like an iced americano to me."

Itinulak nito palapit sa kanya ang iced americano. "Taste it. I ask them to put two scoops of fresh milk in it. It's masarap, right?"

Pilit niyang pinipigil ang mapangiti. "Lose the accent." 

Happy immediately pouted. "I told you, I'll get there."

"Yeah, yeah," he replied before standing up to order. 

"Libre me, please?"

Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi dahil sa cute nitong pagsasalita. "Ano'ng gusto mo?"

Umakto itong nag-iisip bago sumagot. "Cheese tart... Yes, I think they have cheese tart. Please buy me some."

Tumango si Blaze, saka pumunta sa counter para um-order. He ordered brewed coffee and two pieces of cheese tart. 

Nang bumalik siya sa mesa nila at inilapag niya ang platito na mayroong dalawang cheese tart, nalukot ang mukha ni Happy. 

"Two lang?" Tiningnan siya nito nang masama. "That's little!"

"Ilan ba ang gusto mo?"

Happy grinned at him. "Two boxes. Twelve na piraso ang inside niya. 'Yon ang like ko." 

'Tapos nag-abot ito sa kanya ng isanlibo. "Here. Pang-pay."

Irritation filled his face while looking at her money. "To a man, that's an insult."

Happy's smile remained. "To a woman, that's respect." 

Napatitig siya sa babae bago tinanggap ang pera nito. Minsan nakakalimutan niyang sa ibang bansa ito lumaki, iba ang mga paniniwala nito kaysa kay Cassie. 

Bumalik siya sa counter at bumili ng dalawang boxes ng cheese tart. Bumalik siya sa mesa nila ni Happy at umupo. Then he offered her his hand. "Put your hand on mine. Open your palm."

Agad naman iyong ginawa ni Happy. 

He put back her money on her open palm. 

"Blaze—"

"It's on me. Libre ko. Okay?"

Tumango ito, saka matamis na ngumiti. "Sige. Salamat nang big."

Hindi niya napigilan ang matawa. "Salamat nang marami 'yon."

Napalabi ang babae. "Salamat nang marami, Blazey."

Para siyang binuhusan ng semento nang manigas siya sa kinauupuan. Alam niyang nakita ni Happy ang reaksiyon niya dahil napangiwi ito. 

"Hindi na kita iko-call na Blazey. Sorry."

"No." He breathed out. "It's... ahm, it's okay..." 

Nakangiwi pa rin ito habang nagpapaliwanag. "It's just that the name Blaze doesn't suit you. You're a big baby and a softy. Blaze sounds gangsters-like while Blazey sounds like a big baby and a drama king. Like you."

His face broke into a small laugh when he heard her explanation. 

Cassie called him Blazey because it was Blaze plus baby—Blazey for short. But Happy called him Blazey because his name, Blaze, sounded like a gangster and she thought it didn't suit him.

He should be insulted but he was laughing instead. 

"You're laughing na," sabi ni Happy na nakatitig sa kanya. "You're not galit anymore? You look galit earlier."

Umiling siya habang tumatawa pa rin. "No, no, it's okay, you can call me whatever you want."

"Okay. Thanks." Kinain nito ang isang cheese tart, kasunod ang isa pa, saka ang isa pa. Hanggang sa maubos nito ang dalawa niyang binili at ang isa sa dalawang box. 

Napanganga siya sa babae. "Sino ngayon ang matakaw sa atin?"

"You because you're 
ma
 bitch." Sumimsim ito ng iced americano, pagkatapos ay nginitian siya bago nagpatuloy sa pagkain. 

Napailing na lang si Blaze at kinuha ang brewed coffee, saka bumalik uli sa mesa nila. 

They sipped their drinks in silent as Happy continued eating. Pasulyap-sulyap siya sa babae habang kumakain ito. Nginingitian siya nito sa tuwing nagtatama ang mga mata nila. 

And then Happy gave him three pieces of cheese tart.

"What's that?" tanong niya. "Bakit tatlo? Stands for I like you?" biro niya. 

Tumawa ito, saka nagpaliwanag. "It's thank you for coming."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "That should be four pieces because it's four words."

Agad nitong hinila palayo sa kanya ang box ng cheese tart na may tatlong piraso pang laman. "Don't be matakaw. Bad 'yon."

Hindi makapaniwalang tinitigan niya ang babae. "Ako pa talaga ang matakaw, ikaw itong ang dami nang nakain."

Inirapan siya nito. "I'm entitled because I got lost earlier and I was stressed!"

"Oo na, oo na." 

Inirapan na naman siya nito, kapagkuwan ay tumingin sa kanya na para bang may naalalang sabihin. "I have a joke by the way. Naisip ko siya earlier when I got lost."

He sipped his coffee. "Not interested."

"Blazey!" 

Blaze sighed. "Fine. I'll bite. What is it?"

"What did the traffic light say to the car?" tanong nito habang tumatawa na sa sariling joke. 

Kumunot ang ang noo niya. "Ahm...You're fast?"

Happy laughed. "No. The traffic lights say don't look, car, I'm about to change."

He looked flatly at her after her joke. "Thank you, next."

"Oh! I have one!" She looked so excited. "What do you call a sad cup of coffee?"

He sighed. "What?"

"Depresso!"

He sighed heavily. "Please tell me you have no joke anymore."

"I have!" Ang lapad ng ngiti ni Happy. "What did the plate say to another plate?"

He didn't even bother thinking. "What?"

"Lunch is on me," Happy answered before laughing at her own joke. 

Tinakpan niya ang tainga. "Have mercy on me! Stop it!"

"I have another one."

"No!"

"Do you think February can March?"

"I don't know," he uninterestedly answered. 

"But April May." She laughed. 

"Stop," he begged.

"I have another one again."

Blaze covered his ears with his hands as Happy told him jokes after jokes after jokes. Panay ang makaawa niyang tumigil na ito pero ayaw nitong makinig. 

Ang rason nito? 

"Ayaw." Umiling pa si Happy. "You're 
ma
 bitch so you listen to me."

Yep. Because he was her bitch. And he couldn't do anything but agree. Because he was here, listening to her lame jokes when he had better things to do in the hospital. He was here because he volunteered himself to come get her when he didn't really need to. 

And that... makes me her bitch.
 And he felt insulted. 
But I can't do anything about it. 

Great
! Blaze Vitale was a bitch. 
My friends and enemies will party together if they find out about this. 

Fuck!

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

MAAGANG PINUNTAHAN ni Happy si Lucky sa ospital. Susunduin niya ito dahil dadalhin niya sa Bachelor's Village para tingnan ang disenyong ginawa niya sa hall na siyang reception area sa kasal nito at ni Blake. 

But when she neared Blake's room, it was slightly open and she could hear lots of male voice inside. 

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Happy, saka maingat siyang sumilip sa loob para sana tingnan kung nasa loob ang kapatid. Pero puro mga guwapong kalalakihan ang nakita niya na nakapagpataas ng kilay niya. 

A room full of handsome men. Wow. 

But her eyes settled on Blaze. 

Nakatayo ito at nakakrus ang mga braso sa harap ng dibdib at walang emosyon ang mukha habang nakikipag-usap sa kalalakihan. At napakaseryoso ng boses nito, walang halong biro o ano pa man. 

He looked like a different person from where she was standing. Gone the softy and the baby Blaze. Ibang-iba ito sa kilala niyang Blaze na mahilig magbiro. 

"Have you heard the news?" tanong ng lalaking katabi nito. "The Vitale Shipping Line is facing some problems."

Blaze's face darkened. "I heard. Blake told me. Who's doing the laundering?"

"Under investigation."

Blaze's face darkened even more as his jaw tightened. "Kung sino man siya, magtago o tumakbo na siya dahil gigilitan ko siya."

The man beside Blaze wasn't fazed by Blaze's threat. He acted like it was normal for Blaze to say those words. 

"Sabihan kita agad para masolusyunan n'yo ang problema."

"Thanks, Sudalga," sabi ni Blaze habang madilim pa rin ang mukha at magkasalubong ang mga kilay. "Huwag kang tumawag ng pulis. I'll deal with them myself. After I'm done with that thief, they will wish that they didn't mess with our company. Messing with the Vitale twins is a death wish. Ipapakain ko sa kanya lahat ng pera na ninakaw niya hanggang sa malagutan siya ng hininga."

Namilog ang mga mata ni Happy at napaawang ang mga labi. It wasn't the Blaze she knew who was talking. It was a different Blaze. A scary one. 

Ayaw na niyang makarinig na ganoon magsalita si Blaze kaya tumikhim siya para kunin ang atensiyon ng mga nandoon sa loob. 

"Hi," magiliw niyang bati sa mga ito. "Is, ahm, is Lucky here?" tanong niya na hindi tumitingin kay Blaze. 

Si Blaze ang sumagot sa kanya. "May pinuntahan lang sila ni Mommy."

Kahit si Blaze ang sumagot, kay Blake nakatuon ang tingin niya. "Matatagalan ba?"

"Siguro." Si Blaze uli ang sumagot. 

But she asked Blake again. "Kailan pa sila umalis? Kanina pa ba?"

Bago pa may makasagot sa kanya, may ngumiti sa kanyang lalaki at nagtanong. 

"Happy Quinn, right?" sabi ng lalaki na may pagkasingkit. "Lucky's sister?" Inilahad nito ang kamay. "It's nice meeting you. I'm Shun Kim."

As a respect, she accepted Mr. Kim's hand. "I'm Happy Quinn. Nice to meet you too."

Pagkatapos n'on ay sunod-sunod nang nagpakilala sa kanya ang lahat ng kalalakihan na naroon na nalaman niyang bumibisita lang kay Blaze. Mabuti na lang at matalas ang memorya niya kaya naaalala niya ang pangalan ng bawat isa na nagpakilala sa kanya. 

And after the introduction, she found out that these handsome men were all Blake and Blaze's friends. 

"How did you know me?" tanong niya kay Mr. Kim. "I'm sorry but hindi kita kilala."

Napatingin muna si Mr. Kim sa gawi ni Blaze bago nakangiting sumagot. "Blake told us."

Napatango-tango niya. "Ah." Humakbang siya paatras. "It was nice meeting you all but I have to go and see my sister. Have a nice day, all of you."

Balak na niyang lumabas para makatakas sa mapanuring mga mata ng mga kaibigan ng kambal pero nagsalita si Blake. 

"Happy, my Lucky told me something."

Nagtatanong ang mga matang tumingin siya kay Blake. "Yes?"

Parang may sinusupil itong ngiti sa mga labi habang nakatingin sa kanya. "Sabi niya narinig ka raw niyang tinawag ang kakambal ko na '
ma
 bitch' nang makabalik daw kayo noong isang araw na nawala ka at sinundo ka ni Blaze? Sabi niya baka raw namali lang siya ng dinig. Can you clarify it for me?"

Lahat ng mga mata at atensiyon ay nakatingin sa kanya kaya naman hindi niya hinayaang kainin siya ng nerbiyos. However handsome these men are, they were still just a man and nothing more. 

"I think Lucky heard it wrong." She smiled calmly. "Calling someone a bitch is not nice. Especially '
ma
 bitch.' It would come out as an insult especially to a man like your brother." Bahagya siyang tumango. "Sige. I'll go look for Lucky na." Nginitian niya ang mga kaibigan nina Blaze at Blake bago lumabas ng kuwarto at bumuga ng marahas na hininga. 

That was freaking nerve wrecking! 

Narinig pala sila ni Lucky noong isang araw. Damn! Dapat siyang mag-ingat sa mga pinagsasasabi. Ayaw niyang mapahiya si Blaze nang dahil sa kanya. 

Ayos lang kung silang dalawa lang ang makakarinig pero kapag may nakarinig nang iba, hindi 'yon magandang tingnan sa imahe ni Blaze. 

Happy sighed before walking while trying to call Lucky. 

"Hello, little sis?" sabi niya nang sagutin ni Lucky ang tawag niya. 

"Ate!" Lucky chirped. 

Napangiti siya dahil masaya ang boses ng kapatid. "Nasaan ka? Kailangan mong i-check 'yong design for reception sa kasal n'yo. 'Di ba I told you about this kagabi?"

"Hala, sorry, Ate." Nai-imagine niyang mahaba ang nguso ngayon ng kapatid. "Si Mommy kasi nagpasama para sa fitting ng damit niya para sa kasal ko, saka dumating 'yong mga kaibigan ni Blakey-baby kaya sumama na ako."

Napatango-tango siya. "Okay lang, I understand. Nasaan ka now? Puntahan kita."

"I'm on my way back to the hospital, Ate," sabi ni Lucky. "Diyan mo na lang ako hintayin, puwede ba?"

"Sure," agad niyang payag. "Doon lang ako sa cafeteria. Call if nakarating ka na, okay?"

"Sige, Ate. Salamat."

Napangiti siya. "Sige. Love you."

"Love you too, Ate."

Mas lumapad ang ngiti niya. "Sige, bye. You take care."

"Yes po."

Pinatay ni Happy ang tawag, saka deretso siyang pumunta sa cafeteria para doon hintayin ang kapatid. Bumili lang siya ng kape kasi hindi pa siya nakakapag-agahan bago umupo sa bakanteng mesa. 

Happy was quietly sipping her coffee when her phone beeped. It was a text message from Blaze. 

From: Big baby

Where are you? Can we talk?

Bumuntong-hininga siya sa nabasa. "Ano'ng gusto niyang pag-usapan?"

She replied. 

To: Big baby

I'm in the cafeteria. May kailangan ka ba from me?

Nang mai-send niya ang reply, hinintay niyang mag-reply si Blaze pero walang dumating na text message galing dito. Sa halip ay si Blaze mismo ang dumating. 

He looked relax this time. The Blaze she came to know, not the scary Blaze from earlier. 

Nakasunod ang mga mata niya rito hanggang sa makaupo ito sa upuan na nasa harap niya. 

"You need something mula sa akin?" tanong niya agad kay Blaze nang makaupo ito. 

Sa halip na sagutin ay tinitigan siya nito. 

Happy frowned. "What is it?"

"You lied," sabi nito na nagsalita na rin sa wakas. "Lucky didn't hear you wrong."

"Oh. That?" Lalong kumunot ang noo niya. "That's what you want na pag-usapan?"

Blaze's face became serious. "Yes."

Happy sighed and looked at Blaze in the eyes. "Blaze, I have my reason why nagsinungaling ako. First, I don't want na ipahiya ka sa mga friends mo. 
Ma
 bitch is our inside joke, I supposed. It's my way of teasing you but hindi 'yon for public consumption even if kaibigan mo pa sila. Calling you 
ma
 bitch kapag dalawa lang tayo was fun, but to actually tell your friends about it? It's a big no for me. That's a disrespect to you and to your manliness and to your ego as a man and ayoko n'on. Ayokong maging laughingstock ka kasi I respect you."

Tapos na siyang magsalita pero nakatitig pa rin sa kanya si Blaze na para bang may sinabi siyang kahanga-hanga. 

Happy took a deep breath before speaking again. "That's why I lied. If, me, lying to your friends offended you in some ways, pasensiya na. Can you patawad—" 
What's that word again?
 "Ahm... 
patawan 
me—I mean, ako? Patawad ako?"

Nakatitig lang siya kay Blaze, hinihintay ang sagot nito, kaya naman nang tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi nito, alam niyang okay na ito. 

"Hindi ka na angry?" Pigil niya ang ngiti. 

Umiling ito. "Hindi naman ako galit, nagtatanong lang."

Napatango-tango siya. "Akala ko you're galit because you look different earlier."

"Explain different," sabi ni Blaze na titig na titig pa rin sa kanya. 

"You were scary earlier," sagot niya, saka napangiwi. "Kaya I didn't look at you earlier, your aura is iba. You're not the softy Blaze na nakilala ko."

He bit his lower lip. "Natakot ba kita?"

Tumango siya. "Kinda, but if it's your thing, then huwag mo akong isipin. It's okay. Do what makes you masaya. If being scary makes you komportable, then go. If being a softly makes you masaya, then go for it din." 

Kinunutan siya ng noo ni Blaze. "Why do you always understand? Even I don't understand myself."

"Because we have a deal to be mabait to each other and this is me being mabait?" sabi niya na patanong ang pagkakasabi. 

Blaze face darkened. "So, mabait ka lang sa akin dahil sa usapan natin, hindi dahil gusto mo talaga?"

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "Kaya nga ako nakipag-deal because I want to be mabait to you."

Blaze sighed loudly like he was giving up. "Okay. I'll accept that reasoning. By the way, want to have lunch with me?"

She smiled. "Sure. Gusto mo ipagluto kita?"

Blaze smiled. "It's hell, yeah."

Natawa na napailing si Happy. "Hindi ba duty ka?"

Sasagot sana si Blaze nang tumunog ang cell phone nito. 

"Hold that thought," sabi nito, saka sinagot ang tawag. "Hello? Yes." He frowned. "Appendectomy patients and one internal bleeding on the way? All mine? Is it an emergency? Where's Dr. Fabroa?" Paused. "Oh. Got it. Okay, I'm on my way." Pinatay nito ang tawag at nangungusap ang mga matang tumingin sa kanya. "It's an emergency, I'm so sorry."

She smiled. "It's okay. Go and be a badass surgeon because—"

"Chicks digs that," pagtatapos ni Blaze sa sasabihan sana niya na ikinatawa niya. 

"Precisely," sabi niya, natatawa pa rin. "Go. Lunch na lang tayo some other time."

Tumayo si Blaze. "I'll hold on to that," sabi nito habang umaatras, kapagkuwan ay lakad-takbo ang ginawa para makapunta agad sa OR. 

Siya naman ay naiwang nakangiti. Blaze was busy being a doctor. For him to actually gave her his time, she was already thankful.

No overthinking, no assuming and no hoping, 
paalala niya sa sarili nang may pumasok na namang hindi magandang tanong sa isip niya. 

It was Blaze's emotion, it was his own feelings. Labas na siya roon. Bahala ito sa nararamdaman nito. 

She would just go with the flow. Be nice to Blaze. That was the flow. She wouldn't overthink, assume or hope that there was something going on between them. 

That kiss they shared... it was just a kiss that she enjoyed, and she didn't mind kissing Blaze again. Period. 

Happy took a deep breath before sipping her coffee while she waited for her sister to arrive. 

HAPPY AND LUCKY took almost two hours to check and finalize everything from the designs and other stuff in the Bachelor's Village Hall that would serve as the reception area for Blake and Lucky's wedding. 

And while they were on their way back to the hospital, she and Lucky started talking. 

"Parang close na kayo ni Blaze, Ate," sabi ni Lucky na siyang nagbukas ng topic na 'yon. 

Ngumiti siya. "Yes. I think so. Be nice, remember?"

Nakangiting tumango si Lucky. "Thank you for being nice to him, but I'm worried."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Bakit?"

"Kasi kilala ko si Blaze." Huminga ito nang malalim. "Madali lang siyang magustuhan. Kaya nga naging friends agad kami kasi magaan siyang kasama. But Blaze is not always fun. He has a past that still consuming him and you being close to him, it worries me—"

"Because I remind him of her ex?"

Napatitig muna sa kanya si Lucky bago tumango. "Ayoko lang na masaktan ka kasi ate kita. You have been very good to me, Ate, and I want you to be happy."

Happy smiled at her sister softly. "Don't worry, I won't get hurt. I'm not umaasa naman. I mean, oo, likeable si Blaze at oo, like ko siya, pero I do know where I stand in his life. Don't overthink, don't assume and don't hope. That's my rule in life to avoid disappointment and unnecessary pain."

Napatitig sa kanya si Lucky. "But if you find Blaze likeable, then you're bound to get hurt."

"Why?"

"Because you might fall for him, Ate, and I'm afraid that Blaze might not reciprocate your feelings. But I'm not saying that Blaze is a bad man... he is a good man. It's just, there's something in his past that he can't still let go."

Tumango-tango siya, saka hinaplos ang buhok ng kapatid. "Don't worry about me. Malakas ako than I look."

"I know." Lucky smiled. "Dalawang beses mo na nang nasuntok si Blaze, eh."

Natawa siya. "Kaya don't worry about me, okay?" Nginitian niya ang kapatid. "I won't fall for Blaze if that's what's worrying you. I won't let myself. I just want to go with the flow for now. He's mabait to me and mabait ako to him. That's it."

Lucky nodded. "Okay. Ayoko lang na masaktan ka. I love Blaze like a brother, but you're my sister and I love you too, that's why I'm worrying. Ayokong magkasira kayong dalawa na magiging dahilan para iwasan niyo ang isa't isa kasi pamilya ko kayo at gusto kong buo tayo."

Niyakap niya ang kapatid at hinalikan ito sa noo. "I'll be fine, Lucky."

Lucky hugged her back. "I trust you, Ate."

Hinagod niya ang likod ni Lucky bago ito pinakawalan sa pagkakayakap. "By the way, iniimbitahan ka ni Daddy. Dinner daw tayo tonight? Is it okay sa iyo?"

Agad na tumango si Lucky habang excited na nakangiti. "Sure. Miss ko na si Dad."

"Sige, sasabihan ko si Daddy. I'll call you mamaya kung saan or you want na sunduin na lang kita?"

"Sunduin mo ako," naglalambing na sabi ni Lucky, saka yumakap sa baywang niya. "Please, Ate?"

"No need to say please." Hinalikan niya sa noo ang kapatid. "Sunduin kita."

"
Yey
!"

Natawa na lang siya sa kapatid at ginulo ang buhok nito. 

Hanggang sa makarating sila sa ospital, nakayakap si Lucky sa baywang niya. Kumawala lang ito nang kailangan na nitong bumaba ng sasakyan. 

Pinapasok muna niya ang kapatid sa loob ng hospital bago sinabihan ang driver na ihatid siya sa hotel kung saan siya namamalagi. 

Nang makarating sa hotel, agad niyang tinungo ang inookupang kuwarto, saka pumasok at pabagsak na nahiga sa kama. 

Plano niyang magluto ng tanghalian pero hindi niya nagawa dahil nakatulog siya. 

Nagising lang siya dahil sa ingay ng cell phone niya na nasa loob ng clutch bag. 

Inaantok at papikit-pikit pa na kinapa ni Happy ang kama para hanapin ang clutch bag. At nang mahawakan iyon ay kinuha niya ang cell phone sa loob at hindi tinitingnan ang called ID na sinagot ang tawag. 

"Hello?" inaantok ang boses na tanong niya. 

"Nagising ba kita?"

Biglang nagising ang diwa niya nang marinig ang boses ni Blaze sa kabilang linya. "You're not busy?"

"I just finished preparing for my next surgery, so I called you while waiting."

She yawned. "Why?"

Natahimik si Blaze ng ilang segundo. "I don't know. I just want to talk to you, I guess?"

Kinusot niya ang mga mata. "But you're tapos preparing na. 'Di ba maraming bacteria ang cell phone? Mako-contaminate ang patient mo dahil you called me."

Blaze chuckled. "Then I'll change to a new surgical gown, wash my hands again, change gloves and cap after this call."

Napangiti siya. "All that just to talk to me?"

"What can I say, you're worth the effort."

Happy chuckled before rolling her eyes. "Bye na. Patient first bago ako. Go. Be a badass surgeon."

Blaze chuckled. "Hindi pa wini-wheel in ang pasyente ko."

"But magpe-prepare ka pa again, right?"

"Yes."

"Then, bye," may pinalidad niyang sabi. "Finish all your surgeries before you call me again."

Blaze grunted. "Fine. Call you later."

Hindi niya mapigilan ang mapangiti. "Bye, Blazey."

"Bye, Happy."

Kahit nawala na ang lalaki sa kabilang linya, nakangiti pa rin siya. At nang mapatitig siya sa kisame ay mahina siyang natawa at napailing sa hindi mawala-walang ngiti sa mga labi niya. 

Kaya naman bumangon na lang siya, saka nananghalian nang mag-isa sa restaurant na nasa ibaba lang ng hotel. Wala kasi ang daddy niya dahil may inaasikaso itong negosyo o investment ba 'yon? Hindi siya sigurado. 

Pagkatapo mag-lunch, bumalik si Happy sa kuwarto niya, saka nahiga uli sa kama. Pinalipas niya ang oras sa pamamagitan ng pagba-browse sa mga social media na may account siya, sa pagbabasa ng mga natanggap niyang emails at pag-i-sketch sa mga order sa kanyang jewelry na nangako siyang gagawin pagkabalik na pagkabalik niya sa Pennsylvania. 

'Buti na lang at hindi nagmamadali ang mga um-order sa kanya ng mga alahas. Mas gusto ng mga ito na maghintay basta siya ang gagawa kaysa naman magmadali ang mga ito pero iba naman ang gagawa. 

Happy was busy that she didn't realize that it was already nightfall. She checked her phone for the time but her attention was stolen by Blaze's text. 

From: Big baby

Dinner? I'm free.

She replied. 

To: Big baby

Can't. I'm having hapunan with Dad and Lucky. Maybe sa ibang time na lang.

Hindi lumipas ang minuto, nag-reply agad si Blaze. 

From: Big baby

😔
 I'm hungry

Happy replied. 

Then eat.

From: Big Baby

Wala akong gana. Eat with me, please? 
🥺

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Happy. 

I can't pero dalhan kita ng pagkain. You like?

From: Big baby

Hell, yeah! Thanks, Hap.

Napangiti siya sa pangalan niyang pinaikli nito. 

Okay. I'll be there in thirty minutes.

From: Big baby

I'll be in the cafeteria.

Napailing si Happy, saka nag-ayos ng sarili. At dahil wala na siyang oras para magluto, bumili na lang siya ng pagkain sa restaurant na nasa ibaba ng hotel at 'yon ang dinala kay Blaze. 

And truth to Blaze's words, he was waiting for her in the cafeteria. 

"Hey," sabi niya nang makaupo sa harap ng upuan ni Blaze, saka inilapag ang paper bag na dala. "Here you go." Inilabas niya ang pagkaing laman niyon. "Eat up."

Blaze excitedly opened the Tupperwares and immediately dug in. 

Pero nakakaisang subo pa lang ito ay tumigil na at kunot-noong tumingin sa kanya. "Hindi mo 'to niluto."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Paano mo na-know?"

Blaze shrugged. "I just do." 

Napakagat-labi siya. "Sorry, wala na kasi akong time to cook—" Her phone rang. "Hello, Dad?" sagot niya sa tawag. 

"Princess, where are you and Lucky?" tanong sa kanya ng ama. "I'm already at the restaurant you told me."

"We're on our way. Love you, Dad." Hindi na niya hinintay ang sagot ng ama, pinatay niya ang tawag at mabilis na tumayo, saka nagpaalam kay Blaze. "I have to go. Bye, Blazey."

"Hap..." Pinigilan siya nito sa kamay. "Don't go."

Napangiwi siya. "I have to." Inagaw niya ang kamay na pinigilan nito. "Sorry, family calls."

"Happy—Hap! Come on, come back. Hap!"

She waved good-bye to Blaze before calling Lucky while leaving the cafeteria. 

Plano niyang ipagluto bukas si Blaze para makabawi rito. Hindi puwede ngayong gabi. 

Oras 'to para sa pamilya niya. This was their first meal together. With Lucky. As a complete family. And she wouldn't miss it for the world. 

HAPPY WAS TIRED after dinner with her dad and Lucky. May jazz band kasi 'yong restaurant na kinainan nila at nakakahiya ang daddy niya dahil inaya talaga siya nitong sumayaw pagkatapos ay si Lucky naman ang isinayaw nito. 

It was a father and a daughter dance and it was fun even though it was embarrassing at first. 

"Did you enjoy our dinner, princess?" tanong ng kanyang ama nang maihatid nila si Lucky sa ospital at nasa sasakyan sila patungo sa hotel na inookupa nila. 

Nakangiting tumango siya. "It was fun, Dad. The dinner was amazing." Humilig siya sa balikat nito. "I'm glad we found Lucky. I'm really glad, Dad. It feels like she completes us, our family. Lucky makes me want to be better. And in a short period of time that we spent together, I came to love her deeply."

Niyakap siya ng ama, saka hinalikan sa noo. "I'm glad too, princess. You have no idea how happy I am."

Naglalambing na yumakap siya rito. "Dad?"

"Yes, princess?"

"Thank you."

"For?" There was a frown in her father's voice. 

"For being a good dad," sabi niya na nakangiti. "I mean, you're not perfect and all but you always do your best and for me, you're the best dad in the whole world even though you're annoying sometimes."

Mahina itong natawa. "My pincess..." Ginulo nito ang buhok niya. "For you and for Lucky, I'll be the best dad that I can ever be."

Humigpit ang yakap niya sa ama at pinakawalan lang niya ito nang tumigil ang sasakyan sa harap ng hotel. 

Magkasunod silang lumabas ng sasakyan, saka sabay na pumasok sa hotel. Nang makarating sila sa inookupang kuwarto, nag-good night sa kanya ang daddy niya bago pumasok sa sarili nitong kuwarto. 

Pumasok na rin siya sa sarili niyang kuwarto, ini-lock 'yon tulad ng nakasanayan niya at isa-isang hinubad ang damit bago pumasok sa banyo para mag-half bath. 

Pagkatapos maglinis ng katawan, nagsuot siya ng pantulog, saka inilabas ang cell phone sa clutch bag at nahiga sa kama. 

Nawala ang antok na nararamdaman ni Happy nang makitang mahigit sampung beses siyang tinawagan ni Blaze. At dahil naka-silent ang cell phone niya, hindi niya napansin 'yon. 

"Jesus Christ..." mahina niyang sambit, saka tinawagan si Blaze. 

After one ring only, he picked up. 

"Hap."

"You okay?" agad niyang tanong. "May nangyari ba? Pasensiya na if I didn't answer your call. I was abala with Dad and Lucky and naka-silent ang cell phone ko."

"It's okay," sabi nito. "Can I see you?"

She was taken aback. "Why?"

"I don't know," sabi nito. "Gusto lang kitang makita. Coffee and cheese tart maybe?"

No overthinking, Happy. 

She took a deep breath, "Sige. Where mo gustong mag-meet?"

"Open the door," sabi nito. 

"Huh?" She was confused. 

"Open the door and let me in."

Napaawang ang mga labi niya ng ma-realize ang ibig nitong sabihin. Dali-dali siyang lumabas ng kuwarto at tinungo ang pinto, saka binuksan iyon. 

And there he was, Blake Vitale, holding two boxes of cheese tart and two iced americano while his other hand was holding the phone. 

"B-Blaze..." Gulat na gulat talaga siya. 

He smiled. "Can I come in?"

Tumango si Happy, saka pinapasok ang lalaki at iginiya patungo sa kitchenette ng hotel room. Inilapag nito ang dala sa dining table na pangdalawahang tao lang, saka doon sila naupo. 

"For you," sabi nito, sabay lapag ng iced americano sa harap niya. Binuksan nito ang box ng cheese tart, saka inilapit din iyon sa kanya. "And for you." 

Hindi niya napigilan ang mapangiti. "Ano naman ang naisip mo and you bought this and brought it sa akin?"

Blaze shrugged. "I want an alibi to see you?"

Mahina siyang natawa, saka napailing. "Seriously... bakit?"

"Because I want to have coffee with you?" Matiim ang titig nito sa kanya habang nagsasalita. 

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "It's nearly midnight."

Blaze shrugged. "I'm off duty."

Napailing siya. "Oo nga pala, ilang araw ka ring duty—"

"Isa't kalahating araw rin kitang hindi nakita dahil duty ako," sabi nito, saka sumimsim ng iced americano. "I wish I'm not busy so I could give my time to you."

"You're a surgeon," she pointed put. "Surgeons are always busy."

"I can make time."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Why would you do that?"

Blaze stared into her eyes. "You keep me sane... and you make me forget."

Is this because of his ex again? No overthinking! 

She sipped her iced americano before staring back at Blaze. "Ngayong you're here, with me, I'm pretty sure you're bored, what's you plan on doing to pass the time?"

Bumaba ang tingin ni Blaze sa mga labi niya. "Let's kiss to pass the time."

"Sure."

And Blaze was taken aback by her fast answer. "Are you sure it's okay?"

"I know what I want, Blazey." Inubos niya ang iced americano bago tumingin sa mga mata ni Blaze. "And I want to kiss you too. Plain and simple."

Tumayo si Blaze at lumapit sa kanya, saka pinalibot ang braso sa baywang niya at hinila siya patayo. 

At nang ilang hibla na lang ang pagitan ng mga labi nito, bumulong ito bago inilapat ang mga labi sa mga labi niya. 

"Let's kiss then."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

NAKAPIKIT SI HAPPY at nakayakap sa leeg ni Blaze habang iginigiya siya nito pahiga sa kama niya. Ang halikan nila ay palipat-lipat sa masuyo at magiging mapusok naman. Hanggang sa maihiga siya nito at makubabawan, hindi pa rin naghihiwalay ang mga labi nila. 

They just kissed each other, enjoying each other's lips and tongue while groaning and slightly moaning. 

And Happy was pleased and delighted when Blaze didn't touch her inappropriately. Hinalikan lang siya nito—isang uri ng halik na para bang ayaw na nitong maputol. 

Tuwing binibigyan niya ng distansiya ang mga labi nila para huminga, hinahabol nito iyon at sasakupin na naman ang mga labi niya ng halik na minsan ay mapusok at minsan naman ay masuyo. 

And Happy didn't stop responding. She continued kissing him back with the same need, heat and ferocity. 

Humigpit ang yakap niya sa leeg ni Blaze at napasabunot sa buhok nito nang kagat-kagatin nito ang labi niya at tinutudyo na naman ang dila niya. He would lick, suck and nip her tongue and lips and then he would return to kissing her. Parang walang kapaguran ang lalaki sa paghalik sa kanya na buong-puso naman niyang tinutugon. 

And since they started kissing from the kitchen to here, in her room, Blaze finally freed her lips while still on top of her.

And he just looked at her. Titig na titig ito sa kanya kaya nginitian niya ito. 

"What is it?" she asked in a whisper. 

Blaze kept on staring at her, it was like he was memorizing her appearance and his eyes trailing in every corner of her face. And in that moment, that same question entered her mind. That question that made her doubt Blaze's gestures. 

But she had a no-overthinking rule, so she quickly discarded it. 

"Blazey—"

He claimed her lips again and moved his lips against hers. His lips owning and teasing hers and his tongue joining to play. 

Inalis ni Blaze ang pagkakayakap ng braso niya sa leeg nito at pinagsalikop ang magkabilang kamay nila. Ipininid nito ang kamay niya sa ulunan niya habang papusok nang papusok ang halikan nila. 

And when Happy thought that her body would explode in so much heat inside, Blaze broke the kiss and drop three sweet kisses on her lips. 

"My hands, please," she whispered, her lips swollen from Blaze kisses. 

Blaze just smiled before brushing his lips on hers again. His kisses was sweet and endearing and it was making her smile. 

He stopped kissing her again. 

"Why are you smiling?" he asked, genuinely curious. 

She shrugged. "Nothing... it's just, you know, we're like teenager, just kissing." Slowly, she lost her smile while staring into Blaze's eyes and her face turned serious. "Because we both know we can't go too far."

Pinakawalan ni Blaze ang mga kamay niya, saka bumaba ang kamay nito sa pisngi niya at masuyo iyong hinaplos. "I like kissing you, Hap." He brushed his lips against hers before slowly pulling away. "And I would like for us to go too far, but I remember what you told me about respecting you. Hindi ko gagawin 'yon sa iyo hangga't hindi ikaw ang nasa isip ko."

She actually felt touched. "And kissing me?" 

Blaze face softened. "You make me forget... when I'm kissing you."

"Forget what?"

"The pain... the suffocating pain I'd been enduring for the last eleven years." Malungkot itong ngumiti. "Kapag kasama kita, nawawala siya pansamantala. Kaya gusto kitang palaging nakikita."

Happy couldn't help but to say, "Maybe because I remind you of her?"

Umiling ito, saka mapaklang tumawa nang mahina. "Yes, you remind me of her, but everyday that we're together and talking, I get to see how different you are from her. Very different. And I'm sorry if in my head I keep on comparing you to her. Every move you make, everything you say, I can't help it, Happy. I'm trying really hard not to slip and I know it's unfair for you—"

Happy moved to press her lips on Blaze to make him stop talking. 

"Happy..." 

She pulled away. "Shush... this thing—whatever this is—it's my first time feeling this way and I like it and I don't want to think of what will happen next because it'll just ruin the moment. Gusto ko lang mag-go with the flow. Ayokong mag-isip nang advance kasi I don't want to." Nginitian niya ang lalaki. "You've got issues, alam ko 'yon, but let's just enjoy this moment—whatever this is that na we have. I'm not saying this para we can have a label or something kasi honest to God, I'm not really expecting anything from you."

Titig na titig sa kanya si Blaze. "So this..." He motioned his finger to point at himself and at her, back and forth. "You like this?"

"Like is a strong word, siguro accepted ko lang. At least I know may issues ka. But like I said noong una, don't look at me like ako siya and don't say things na para sa kanya at hindi naman for me because that's the end of the line for me, Blazey. 'Yon ang hindi ko kayang i-tolerate kasi may dad raised me to love and respect myself." 

"But—"

"Blazey, I'm not a melodramatic type of person." She caressed his furrowed forehead and straightened it so he would stop frowning. "I'm simple na mag-isip. Hindi ako complicated na person. What you see is 'yon ang makukuha mo sa akin. Kapag I don't want to and I feel insulted, I'll leave and let you know. Sasabihin ko sa iyo directly. I don't believe in tago-taguan ng gusto? Tama ba ang term ko? 'Yong, ahm, like, hiding what I feel. I don't like that. It complicates lahat. Kasi kami ni Dad, we're like that. We're open sa isa't isa. If galit ako, I'll tell him. He raised me like that so kung ano man 'yang gumugulo sa isip mo huwag mong isipin 'yon kasi I will tell you right away if hindi ko like 'yon for me. You'll know."

Blaze was looking at her with stunned expression on his face. "Kakaiba ka talagang mag-isip."

She shrugged. "I like this, kissing you and being with you is masaya. I like to be masaya kasi other people find happiness mahirap to come by. At don't worry, hindi naman kita ibe-blame if masaktan ako kasi ginusto ko naman 'to."

"Then let's be happy," Blaze said with amusement in his eyes.

Natawa na rin siya pero sumeryoso agad. "Anyway, just to be clear with you and your issues, I don't have any thoughts on helping you move on, or something like that, kasi for me, moving on is a self-realization process. 'Yong memories n'yo at ang sarili mo ang kalaban mo sa moving on. At saka kasi kahit ano namang gawin ko, if ayaw mo talagang mag-move on, my effort will be wasted. Get me?" 

Blaze nodded before pressing his lips on hers and kissing her softly. And when he pulled away, he whispered, "Yes, I get you, Hap."

Happy nodded with a smile. "Good. Now kiss me and make it pleasurable."

Blaze smiled. "Yes, Ma'am," he said before leaning in and kissing her again. 

Just kissing, maybe a little bit of touching, nothing more indecent and inappropriate.

And Happy liked that... she liked that Blaze was not going too far. She preferred it that way too. Just kissing and a little touching. Nothing more and nothing less. 

UMAGANG-UMAGA, may ngiti na sa mga labi ni Happy nang mabasa ang text sa kanya ni Blaze. Hindi ito natulog sa kuwarto niya kagabi tulad ng pareho nilang gusto dahil nalaman niyang hindi naman pala ito off duty, on call pala ito. 

Blaze left after midnight because the hospital called, there was an emergency. And of course, when duty called, he had to go. It was Blaze's job to save lives.

From: Big Baby

Good morning, Hap. Gising ka na? Call me when you read this.

Umayos siya ng higa at tinawagan ito habang naghihikab. 

"Morning," she chirped when Blaze answered. 

"Hap." He sounded delighted to hear from her. "May gagawin ka ba ngayong araw?"

"Wala naman," sagot niya. "Bakit? Where ka?"

"Driving home," sabi nito. "Maliligo lang ako, 'tapos sunduin kita. Let's go somewhere fun."

That was actually a lovely idea but something came into her mind. "'Di ba nasa ospital ka the whole night?"

"Yes."

"Kung ganoon you haven't had a decent tulog yet."

"Ahm..." Natahimik ito na para bang nag-iisip. "Natulog naman ako sa opisina ni Axel kaninang madaling araw."

"Hindi ako naniniwala," sabi niya. "Ilang oras ang tulog mo?"

"Forty-minutes or so."

Napaawang ang mga labi niya. "Seriously?"

"Yeah. I was called again. Ang dami kasing pasyente, eh. But, Hap, I'm okay—"

"No," may diin niyang sabi. "You take a bath then tulog ka. You're already pagod, 'tapos walang tulog pa? No. Rest."

"But, Hap—"

"Seryoso ako," sabi niya sa may pinalidad na boses. "Pahinga ka. You need it. Kapag tapos ka nang mag-rest, then maybe we can go out and do something na masaya, okay?"

Blaze blew a loud breath after yawning. "Fine. Call you later?"

"Sige. Rest ka na."

"Yes, Ma'am." 

Mahina siyang natawa, saka pinatay ang tawag at bumangon na. Naligo siya at nagbihis bago lumabas ng kuwarto. Nakita niya ang amang sumisimsim ng kape habang nanonood ng TV. 

Agad niyang nilapitan ang daddy niya at hinalikan ito sa pisngi. "Morning, Dad. How was your sleep?"

"Worried," he grumbled while frowning deeply. 

Kinunutan niya ng noo ang ama. "Bakit?"

Her father sighed before facing her. "Princess, you know that I love to see you date, but do you really have to bring him to your room?"

Napalitan ng ngiti ang pagkakakunot ng noo niya. "We didn't do the nasty, Dad."

Her father sighed heavily. "I'm not worried about that matter, princess. Nasa tamang edad ka na para sa bagay na 'yon. What I want is for you not to get hurt. Just protect yourself, okay? Blaze is a good man and I like him for you but protection is a must."

Natawa siya dahil nakikita niya ang pagkailang sa mukha ng ama. "Yes, Dad. I'll keep that in mind."

"Good." Bumalik ito sa pagsimsim ng kape, saka itinuon ang tingin sa TV. 

Nangingiting napailing si Happy, saka tinungo ang kusina para magkape. Pagkatapos ay pumasok uli siya sa kuwarto niya habang dala-dala ang tasa na may lamang mainit na kape. 

Inilapag niya ang tasa sa bedside table nang tumunog ang cell phone niya. 

A text message.

From: Little Sis 

Ate, I'm still not allowed to drive 
😓
. Can you please accompany me tomorrow to check the food for my wedding? 

Agad niyang tinawagan si Lucky. 

"Hey, lil' sis," bati niya rito nang sagutin ang tawag niya. "Nabasa ko ang text mo. What time bukas?"

"Maybe after lunch?" Lucky replied. 

"Sure," agad niyang pagpayag. 

"Thanks!" Lucky chirped. "By the way, Ate, busy ka ba ngayon?"

"Bakit?" Sumimsim siya ng kape. "May kailangan ka from me?"

"Kasi sumama ako kay Blaze pauwi kanina kasi kumuha ako ng bagong damit ni Blakey-baby ko. Dapat si Mommy ang maghahatid sa akin pabalik sana sa ospital pero ihinatid ni Mommy si Bailey sa school. At katatawag lang niya sa akin kanina na baka late siyang makabalik kasi may parent's meeting daw." Bailey was Blake and Blaze's half brother. "Eh, nag-text na sa akin si Blake na gusto na niya akong bumalik kasi nababagot siya na walang kasama."

Napangiti siya sa huling sinabi ng kapatid. "And?"

"And I can't drive and taking the cab from the house is impossible because it's a little bit far away from the main road." Nai-imagine na niya ang paghaba ng nguso ni Lucky. "Nandito nga ang sasakyan ni Blaze pero hindi pa ako puwedeng mag-drive, walang go signal from Doctor Axel, 'tapos si Blaze naman tulog. Ayoko namang istorbuhin."

Parang alam na niya ang patutunguhan nang usapan nila. 

"Sige, ipapasundo kita riyan sa driver ko," sabi niya sa kapatid. "Ibinigay ko sa iyo ang phone number niya. Kayo na lang mag-usap tungkol address kung saan ka susunduin."

"
Yey
! Salamat, Ate."

Natatawang nagpaalam siya sa kapatid, saka isinend dito ang numero ng driver niya. Tinawagan din niya ang driver para sabihing sunduin si Lucky at ihatid sa ospital, pagkatapos ay tinapos niya ang pag-inom ng kape. 

At dahil wala naman siyang gagawin, lumabas siya para bumili ng mga ingredients para sa gusto niyang lutuin mamayang tanghalian. 

Pagkabalik niya galing crocery, agad siyang nagluto. Siyempre, may ginagaya siyang recipe at nanonood siya sa video kung paano ang tamang pagluluto niyon dahil bago sa kanya iyon. 

It was another Filipino dish. She even prepared rice to compliment the sinigang baboy. 

Thankfully, her dad enjoyed it. 

Habang kumakain ang ama, kinuha ni Happy ang cell phone sa bag para sana i-text si Blaze pero naunahan na siya nito. 

From: Big baby 

Gising na ako. Let's go out?

Napailing siya, saka ibinalik ang cell phone sa bag na hindi nagre-reply rito. Kumuha siya ng paper bag sa kuwarto niya at doon inilagay ang nilutong sinigang na baboy na nasa Tupperware. 

"Dad, I'm going now," paalam niya sa ama. 

"Take care, princess." Kumakain pa rin kasi ito. 

"Thanks, Dad."

Lumabas na siya ng kuwarto at bumaba, saka tinawagan ang driver niya na kababalik pa lang galing sa paghatid kay Lucky. 

Siya naman ang nagpahatid sa bahay ni Blaze. At nang makarating doon ay pinabalik niya ang driver sa hotel. Hindi kasi niya alam kung anong oras siya makakabalik at ayaw niya itong paghintayin. 

Naglakad siya palapit sa pinto at handa nang kumatok nang makitang bahagya iyong nakaawang. Naririnig niya ang malakas na tunog na nanggagaling sa sala. 

Maingat niyang itinulak pabukas ang pinto, saka pumasok at sumilip sa sala kung saan nanggagaling ang ingay. 

It was a movie. Blaze was watching a horror film again. And this time, he didn't look scared like when they watched 
The Nun 
together. He looked calm while watching. 

Oh, ma bitch. He was just pretending to be scared so he can be a big baby. 

At sa lakas ng tunog ng pinapanood nitong pelikula, napakaimposible na marinig siya nitong naglalakad palapit. 

Pero mali siya, dahil nang mag-umpisa siyang maglakad, agad na lumingon si Blaze at nagtama ang mga mata nila. She saw how his face lit up when he saw her. 

"Hap!" Agad nitong pinatay ang TV, saka tumayo at sinalubong siya ng yakap. "I was waiting for your reply. Akala ko hindi ka pupunta."

Ipinakita niya rito ang paper bag na dala. "Sinigang na baboy. And yes..." She smiled. "I cooked it."

"Hell, yeah!" masayang sigaw ni Blaze, saka kinuha ang paper bag sa kanya at nagmamadaling pumunta sa kusina. 

Sinundan naman niya ang lalaki at himilig siya sa hamba ng pinto ng kusina habang pinagmamasdan itong excited na naghahain sa mesa. 

"Come on, let's eat," aya nito sa kanya nang makaupo sa hapagkainan. 

Nilapitan naman niya ito at pinagsaluhan nila ang niluto niya. Natutuwa siya dahil maganang-magana si Blaze habang kumakain. 

"Sleep ka again pagkatapos nating mag-eat, ha?" sabi niya. 

Agad na hindi sumang-ayon si Blaze. "No. Lalabas tayo. We'll do something fun—"

"No. You're going to tulog—I mean, sleep. Matulog ka," sabi niya, saka ikinuha ito ng tubig at pinagsalin ng fresh juice sa isa pang baso. "Look..." Hinaplos niya ang ibaba ng mata nito dahil nakatayo siya malapit dito. "You have bags under your eyes. I don't like it."

Uminom muna ng juice si Blaze, saka nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya habang hawak ang kamay niya. Iginiya nito iyon pahaplos sa pisngi nito. "Stay?"

She frowned. "While you sleep?"

Tumango ito. "Please?"

Happy took a deep breath. "Puwede naman. 

Blaze smiled. "Thanks."

Tumango at hinaplos niya ang buhok ni Blaze bago bumalik sa kinauupuan at tinapos ang pagkain. Pagkatapos ay magkatulong nilang niligpit ang kinainan.

Kapagkuwan ay tumambay sila sa sala kung saan ipinagpatuloy nila ang pinapanood na pelikula ni Blaze kanina nang dumating siya. 

At nang may naalala, malakas niyang sinuntok ang tiyan ni Blaze at hindi siya nahirapang ulitin 'yon dahil magkatabi sila sa mahabang sofa. 

"Ouch!" Ang sama ng tingin sa kanya ni Blaze. "What was that for?"

"You're gago." Sinalubong niya ng masama ring tingin ang tingin nito. "You're not scared pala but nagpanggap ka that you are so you can be a big baby. That wasn't nice!"

Tumawa lang si Blaze, saka nahiga sa sofa at ginawang unan ang hita niya. "Make me sleep," ungot nito habang nakapikit ang mga mata. 

Happy pinched Blaze's nose.

"Ouch! Fuck!" Blaze opened his eyes and glared at her. "Ano na naman ang ginawa kong mali?"

"You lied about being matatakutin." Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay. 

"You already punched me for that!"

"So?" Namaywang siya. "Bakit you're raising your boses?"

Ang galit na mukha ni Blaze ay napalitan ng tawa. Sinapo nito ang mukha niya ang pinanggigilan 'yon. At nang hindi pa nakontento, bumangon ito para pugpugin ng halik ang buong mukha at mga labi niya. 

"Blaze! Stop it!" Mapupugto ang hininga niya dahil sa pagpugpog nito ng halik sa buong mukha niya at mga labi. "Blazey! Blazey! Stop!"

But Blaze wouldn't listen. "I'm sorry, baby, but you're just so adorable. This is your fault." Pilit pa rin nitong hinahalikan ang mukha niya kahit panay ang iwas niya at tulak dito palayo. "Kapag galit ako at nag-uusap tayo nang pagalit, huwag kang conyo. 'Yon tuloy, nagiging marupok ako."

"Blazey! Stop it!"

Panay na ang suntok niya kay Blaze sa braso at sa likod at nang ayaw talaga nitong lumayo sa kanya ay sinipa niya ito. 

When Blaze fell on the floor, she thought he'd be angry but he stood up and the continued assaulting her face and lips with his kisses. 

"Blazey! Stop it!" 

Dahil sa inis, malakas niyang sinuntok si Blaze. Umalis siya sa pagkakaupo sa sofa at ikinuyom ang kamay sa harap ng dibdib niya. 

Blaze chuckled at her on guard position. "You sure about that?"

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "Ayaw mong mag-stop so I will beat you up na lang para mag-stop ka na."

"Okay." Blaze taunted her by raising his fingers and motioning her to attack him. 

Naningkit ang mga mata ni Happy bago ito inatake ng sunod-sunod na sipa at suntok pero lahat iyon ay nasalag nito na ikinagulat niya. Kahit nang umikot siya at nagpakawala ng biglang sipa ay nasalag nito. 

She was wrong, Blaze was not naïve in combat.

When Blaze returned the punches, she realized that he was an expert in hand-to-hand combat. Masyadong mabilis ang kamao nito at halos hindi niya iyon makita. 

Panay ang atras niya habang sunod-sunod ang pag-atake ng kamao ni Blaze sa kanya, lahat iyon ay naiiwasan at nasasalag niya pero nararamdaman niyang parang hindi pa iyon ang buong lakas ni Blaze. 

And because she hated backing away, she used her feet to jump on the sofa to give her a boost before pushing herself up to give him a strong blow on his neck using her elbow. 

Pero madaling nakita ni Blaze ang atake niya at nasalag nito ang siko niya. Hinawakan siya nito sa magkabilang pupulsuhan at pinaikot siya paharap habang ang kamay nito ay nasa likuran niya at pinipigilan iyon na makawala at maatake ito. 

And because he was holding her hand behind her while he was in front of her, their bodies were touching and his face was so close to her. 

"Sorry, Hap," sabi ni Blaze, saka kinindatan siya, "I won't let you beat me up this time."

Bago pa siya makasagot, sinakop na ng mga labi nito ang mga labi niya at ipinasok ang dila sa loob ng bibig niya. 

Mahinang napadaing na lang si Happy sa ginawang paghalik sa kanya ni Blaze nang mapusok. At hindi ito tumigil sa paghalik sa kanya habang hindi nila habol ang sariling hininga. 

"I told you to sleep," she said while catching her own breath.

Blaze just smiled and kissed her again. This time, his hand let go of her wrist and he cupped her face softly while he kissed her senseless.

Pinakawalan lang nito ang mga labi niya ng ilang segundo, saka hinalikan na naman siya na para bang ayaw na naghihiwalay ang mga labi nilang dalawa. 

And because she liked kissing Blaze, she responded with the same need and heat. Yumakap na rin ang mga braso niya sa leeg nito at lumaban ng halikan. 

Lip to lip, tongue to tongue and mouth to mouth. They explored each other's mouth like there was a treasure hiding inside. 

Moans escaped their lips until they slowly pulled away from each other. At nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila, pinakatitigan siya nang matiim ni Blaze. 

"I don't want to sleep," he said. "I want to kiss you."

"You just did. Now sleep."

Umiling ito. "No. More kisses please?"

"Sleep."

Blaze didn't argue with her, but he moved to encircle his arms around her waist and pulled her closer into a tight but soft embrace making her heart beat fast. 

"Hap?"

Happy was still in dazed by his sweet and soft embrace. "H-hmm?"

"Thank you."

"For?"

"For being here."

Natigilan siya at kumawala sa yakap ni Blaze nang marinig ang sinabi nito. Pinakatitigan niya ang lalaki habang nagre-replay sa isip niya ang emosyon sa boses nito nang sabihin nito ang mga salitang iyon.  

And when her eyes held his, there was longing in them. That emotion, she knew it wasn't for her. 

Ikinuyom niya ang kamay at malakas itong sinuntok sa tiyan. 

Napaigik at napangiwi si Blaze sa ginawa niya. "Fuck!" He glared at her. "What was that for?"

"Those words, your feelings earlier weren't for me. At hindi ba sinabi ko na sa iyo na I will punch you if this happens?"

Natahimik si Blaze at nag-iwas ng tingin sa kanya. "Sorry."

Huminga siya nang malalim, saka tinawagan ang driver niya para magpasundo. 

"Don't go," pigil sa kanya ni Blaze. 

"I have to," sagot niya. "Hearing you say those words that weren't for me makes me uncomfortable around you. I'm sorry. Pahinga ka na lang."

"Hap—"

"I feel like you disrespected me, so I want to leave. But I'm not mad just to be clear. I understand," sabi niya na ipinapaintindi kay Blaze kung bakit siya aalis. "So, ahm, see 
yah
?"

Pagkasabi niyon ay dala ang cell phone at clutch bag na lumabas siya ng bahay ni Blaze at walang lingon-likod na naglakad palabas ng gate. 

Hindi na niya hinintay ang driver niya na makarating, tinawagan na lang niya ito sa salubungin niya sa daan. Hindi niya kasi kayang magtagal doon sa loob ng bahay at nakikita niya si Blaze. Naaalala niya ang sinabi nito at ang emosyon nito na hindi naman para sa kanya. 

She could still remember how he sounded earlier when he thanked her for being there. 

And the look in his eyes. 

She felt insulted and disrespected. She felt used for some reason. 
And it's all on me. And in our situation, there's no one to blame but me.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

"I'M SORRY TALAGA, Lucky, need kasi ako ni Dad ngayon," kagat-labing sabi ni Happy kay Lucky na kausap sa cell phone. "A bit of emergency lang. Next time na lang kita samahan, okay lang?"

"Okay lang ba si Dad?" may pag-aalalang tanong ni Lucky. "Do you need me there to take care of Daddy?"

"Dad is fine. Just a little flu," sabi niya. "Call you later for update, okay?"

"Sige."

"Bye, Lucky."

"Bye, Ate."

Pinatay ni Happy ang tawag at umikot patungo sa kusina pero natigilan nang makita ang ama na nasa likuran niya pala at mukhang narinig ang mga sinabi niya sa kapatid. 

"Dad..."

Pinakatitigan siya ng ama bago ito bumuntong-hininga. "That wasn't nice, lying to your sister like that."

Happy felt bad making excuses to Lucky after she informed her that Blaze would accompany them for the food tasting. That was why she came up with dad-has-a flu excuse. 

"Sorry, Dad," sabi niya sa mahinang boses. 

Lumapit ito sa kanya, saka hinaplos ang magulo niyang buhok dahil kababangon lang niya. Lumabas lang siya para kumuha ng tubig na maiinom nang tumawag si Lucky. "What happened? Do you want to tell me, princess?"

Umiling siya, saka nginitian ang ama. "I can handle it, Daddy. Magsasabi ako kapag hindi ako okay at hindi ko na kaya."

"Okay. I know you will, I trust you, princess." Her father smiled back. "By the way..." May iniabot ito sa kanyang sobre. "I got this from a friend last night while I was wasting my money in the casino. You were locked in your room when I came back that's why I didn't bother you."

Tinanggap niya ang sobre, saka binuksan iyon para tingnan ang laman. It was an invitation to a jewelry auction. 

Mabilis siyang nag-angat ng tingin sa ama. "Why do I get an invitation?"

Her father gave her a proud look. "Maybe because I'm looking at the most skilled jewelry maker in the United States?"

Inirapan niya ito. "Stop patronizing me, Dad. Bakit ba talaga ako invited?"

Her father sighed before telling her the truth. "I was playing poker, you know, sometimes talking while playing. And then one of the players said something about his wife being invited to a jewelry auction and he was boasting, like it's an important thing to be invited. So, I asked."

"And?" she urged him when he paused. 

"I stopped listening after the word jewelry. I know you would love to go there. So, I made a bet. If I lost, I would give him all the money I have that night, but if he lost, his wife's invitation is mine. And guess what?" Her father grinned proudly. "Your old man won!"

Napailing siya. "So, you're gambling again?"

Her father stilled then gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry?"

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "The next time you gamble, I swear, Daddy, I will kick you out of my hotel room and in our house."

"Princess! I have a game later!" Her dad exclaimed. 

"You're supposed to be sick, a flu, remember? Stay here. Gambling is never a good thing, Daddy. I'm not happy about it." Inirapan niya ito, saka pumasok siya uli sa kuwarto niya at ini-lock 'yon. 

Agad namang kumatok ang ama. 

"Princess, let's talk about this." Panay ang katok nito. "I'm playing poker tonight—"

"Then pack your bags before you leave to play and rent your own room!" sigaw niya, saka binuksan uli ang sobreng hawak at binasa ang imbitasyon. 

'Buti na lang at tumigil na sa kakakatok ang ama niya mayamaya. 

Itinuon na lang niya ang atensiyon sa imbitasyong hawak. Walang pangalan 'yon. 

It only had 
"You're invited to Contessa Vasquez' Jewelry Auction
" written on top of the scented paper and the address and time were written below it. 

Pupunta ba ako? 
tanong niya sa sarili. 

Huminga si Happy nang malalim. Maybe it would be a good idea to go to the party and enjoy the night. She'd been busy these past weeks because of her sister's wedding. Oras naman na para sarili niya ang asikasuhin at aliwin. 

And she wanted to see the jewelry that would be auctioned. She bet it was all going to be beautiful. Lahat naman ng alahas ay maganda sa paningin niya. 

Happy took a deep breath before rummaging her closet, looking for a dress to wear. Nang makapili siya ng isusuot, ang mga dala naman niyang sapatos ang inisa-isa niyang tingnan hanggang sa makita niya ang babagay sa damit na napili. 

At dahil mamaya pa naman ang auction, pabagsak siyang nahiga sa kama bago inabot ang cell phone na nasa bedside table at kanina pa nag-iingay. 

Nang tiningnan niya kung sino ang tumatawag, bumuntong-hininga siya nang malakas bago sinagot 'yon. 

He deserved to know why she didn't want to see him or talk to him. 

"Blaze—"

"Thank you for answering my call." He sounded relieved. 

"Sinagot ko lang ang call mo kasi gusto kong sabihin na huwag ka munang mag-call sa akin. Puwede ba?" 

Natahimik ang nasa kabilang linya kaya nagpatuloy siya sa pagsasalita. 

"I still don't want to see you or talk to you, Blaze, because of what happened. I still feel insulted and irritated up until this very moment. Hindi ko mabura kahit anong pilit ko. Sorry if parang maarte ako or nagde-demand ako ng respeto samantalang ginusto ko naman ang mga nangyari sa atin. Hindi lang ako kumportable na makipag-talk sa iyo like before. I hope you can respect that."

"Kaya ba hindi ka sumama sa amin ni Lucky ngayon?" tanong nito sa matamlay na boses na parang walang emosyon. "Umaasa ako na kasama ka kaya sumama ako."

"Yes, kasama ka kasi kaya hindi ako sumama. Alam mo naman 'yong reason ko, 'di ba? And just to be clear, I'm not doing and saying this, so you'll do something about it. Wala ka namang magagawa, eh." Happy answered honestly. "Sige, bye na."

Hindi niya hinintay ang sagot ni Blaze, pinatay niya ang tawag at napatitig siya sa kisame ng kuwarto. 

This is the right thing to do. I'm doing the right thing. For myself because I deserve to be respected. 

Too bad, she was enjoying Blaze's company. He was fun to be with. He had always made her smile and elated. His kisses made her feel so alive, and she didn't really mind if he had issues. But for him to say something to her—to feel something that was not really for her... it insulted her. 

She felt used. 

Huminga siya nang malalim at ipinikit ang mga mata, saka pinilit na makatulog. Hindi siya kasi nakatulog nang maayos kagabi dahil sa mga pumapasok sa isip niya na pilit niyang nilalabanan dahil ayaw niyang mag-isip ng negatibo. 

Ngayon na lang siya babawi ng tulog. 

INAYOS MUNA NI HAPPY ang ipina-salon niyang buhok bago lumabas ng sasakyan. Agad siyang napahanga sa disenyo ng mansiyon na nasa harap niya na nagpatigil sa paglalakad. 

Beautiful luxury houses fascinated her because of the designs. Just like Blaze's house. One look and she knew it was renovated because the mixture of two designs, the old Spaniard mansion design and the modern American mansion design, weren't well combined. It was like the modern design was put there to cover the old, but it failed. 

And this mansion in front of her, it was a mediterranean design mansion. So elegant and beautiful with red tiled roof—made of clay and brick, arches—like in Roman times and stucco walls. And the large, heavy wooden doors with ornate carvings caught her attention. 

And from where she stood, she could see an open space with a fountain in the center of the house and benches. 

The flooring outside was made of terracotta tiles, but some were made of granite and marble. There were limestones plastered all over the walls of the house, making the house illuminated at night when hit by a light. 

Just beautiful! 

Huminga si Happy nang malalim at nakataas ang noong naglakad palapit sa bantay na nasa gilid ng pasilyo papasok sa malaking solar ng mansiyon. Napapalibutan ng maraming security guard and buong bahay.

Ibinigay niya sa bantay na nasa entrance ang imbitasyon niya. 

"Enjoy the party, Ma'am," nakangiting wika ng lalaki na tumangap sa imbitasyon niya, saka iminuwestra ang papasok sa malaking solar na nagsilbing bulwagan kung saan gaganapin ang auction. 

Tipid siyang ngumiti, saka nakataas pa rin ang noong naglakad papasok. Marami nang tao, nagkakasiyahan lahat, nagkukumpulan at nag-uusap-usap, may mga ngiti sa mga labi habang nakaupo sa kanya-kanyang mesa na nakapalibot sa malapad na swimming pool at naghihintay na mag-umpisa ang auction. 

Tahimik siyang umupo sa bakanteng mesa habang hawak ang ibinigay sa kanyang numero ng isang staff nang makapasok siya. 

Pasimple niyang inilibot ang tingin. Wala siyang kilala ni isa. Siguro dahil hindi naman ito auction sa US kung saan halos lahat ng mahihilig sa alahas ay kilala niya at nakapagpagawa na sa kanya. 

While roaming her eyes, it stopped on the gemstone—a blue diamond in front—inside a glass box. She couldn't help admiring the beauty it beheld. It was like the stone was emitting a light from the inside and reflecting it outside stealing all her attention. 

"So beautiful..." she whispered. 

"I know, right?"

Bumaling si Happy sa nagsalita dahil parang pamilyar sa kanya ang boses. Agad na gumuhit ang ngiti sa mga labi niya nang makilala iyon.

"Ream!" Thank God! Someone she knew!

Agad siyang tumayo at yumakap kay Ream dahil masaya siyang makita ito uli. She knew Ream because they ran in the same circle and he used to order jewelry from her—rare ones and the ones that were so hard to make and very expensive. 

"It's been what?" Pinakawalan niya sa pagkakayakap si Ream at masaya itong nginitian. "One, two years since we last saw each other?"

Ream let out a short laugh. "Just one."

"Oh..." Her smile never left her face. "It's nice to see you again. How's the married life?" Alam niyang ikinasal na ito dahil siya ang gumawa ng singsing nito at ng fiancée nito. 

Mas lumapad ang ngiti ni Ream sa tanong niya. "Happy... contented... fulfilling... amazing... I can go on and on and on and you'll get bored."

Natawa siya. "I'm happy for you."

Ream chuckled, amusement in his eyes. "Yes, you are Happy."

Inirapan niya ito. "Still haven't changed, I see." Luminga-linga siya kapagkuwan. "Nasaan ang wife mo?"

Sa halip na sagutin siya, manghang napatitig ito sa kanya. "Whoa, you speak Tagalog now?"

She smiled. "Still learning. My sister lives here and I'm helping her with her wedding and all that. And I think it's a must to learn the language." 

Kumunot ang noo ni Ream sa ikinuwento niya. "I thought you're an only child."

"Half sister." Her smile widened when she remembered how adorable Lucky was. "Her name is Lucky Hart, but now, she's Lucky Quinn." 

Parang nagulat si Ream nang marinig ang pangalan na sinambit niya. "Lucky Hart?"

"Yes. Why? Do you know my sister?"

"I'm not sure. My friend's fiancée's name is Lucky Hart."

"Oh. Is your friend's name Blake Vitale?"

"Yes." 

"Then that's my sister," she said proudly. 

Ream chuckled. "Small world."

"Indeed," she agreed. 

"So... where's your wife?" tanong niya uli kapagkuwan. "I wanna meet her."

Ream sighed. "I'm alone tonight. Wife's pregnant and when she said no, it's a no. I'm still in my right mind not to argue."

Natawa siya. "
Takusa
 ka. Is my term correct?"

Si Ream naman ang natawa. "Well... maybe."

"Anong maybe?" natatawang tanong niya, saka napailing. "Very halata."

Tumawa lang si Ream pero natigil ang pagtawa nito nang may makakuha sa atensiyon nito na nasa likuran niya. Tinawag nito ang taong 'yon.  

"Vasquez, my man!"

"Oliveros," sabi ng lalaki na naglalakad palapit sa kanila. Nagkamay ang dalawa. "Enjoying the party?

Nagkibit-balikat si Ream at ipinakita ang hawak nitong baso na may lamang alak. "I'm enjoying."

The man named Vasquez frowned. "Really? It's boring as fuck. I shouldn't have come here."

Napailing si Ream sa sinabi ng lalaki, saka ipinakilala siya. "By the way, Reigo, this is Happy Quinn, a jewelry designer from Pennsylvania, and, Happy..." Iminuwestra na naman nito ang kamay sa lalaki. "This is Reigo Vasquez. A friend of mine and the only son of the owner of this huge fucking mansion."

"The host?" Agad niyang inilahad ang kamay. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Vasquez."

"I'm not the host but likewise," Mr. Vasquez replied then he gave her a small smile while shaking her hand. "Just Reigo, Mr. Vasquez is my father."

Napangiti siya. "But you are Mr. Vasquez too."

"Yeah, but I prefer Reigo."

"Okay."

"He's still single," sabad ni Ream, saka kinindatan siya. "Sige, maiwan ko na kayo. May kakausapin lang akong kliyente." Then he glanced at her. "Happy, enjoy the night."

Nakangiting tumango siya, saka nabaling uli ang atensiyon niya sa blue diamond na nasa loob ng glass box na nasa harap ng lahat. 

"It's really pretty," mahina niyang sambit. 

"I told my mom to sell it."

Nanlalaki ang mga matang napabaling siya kay Reigo. "What? You're kidding..."

"No." He looked serious all right. "Pero sabi niya, mas kaya niya akong ibenta kaysa sa bato na 'yan."

Hindi niya napigilan ang matawa sa sinabi nito. "That was harsh."

"It was." Reigo tsked before looking at her. "Want some drink?"

"I would like that. Thank you." 

Umalis si Reigo para kumuha ng wine para sa kanya at ibang inumin naman para dito. Parang brandy iyon.

"Salamat dito," sabi niya nang tanggapin ang ibinigay nitong wine glass sa kanya. 

Reigo looked at her questioningly. "You know how to speak Tagalog? I mean, I thought you're from Pennsylvania."

"I am. I'm still learning." Nahihiya siyang ngumiti dahil alam niyang hindi pa siya straight mag-Tagalog minsan. "Kaunti pa lang. Still not straight and still with accent."

Napatango-tango ito, saka inilibot ang tingin sa kabuuan ng solar. "This party is boring," sabi nito pagkatapos sumimsim ng alak. "I don't even know why I let my mother talk me into coming here."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Well, It's not that lively, but that..." Iminuwestra niya ang kamay sa jade. "It's beautiful. It's worth my time and effort to come here. And I'm sure the jewelry that will be auctioned are stunning too. I can't wait."

"There is one thing more beautiful than that," sabi ni Reigo at nakuha n'on ang interes niya.

Nakataas ang kilay na bumaling siya rito. "Talaga? What?"

"It's not what, it's where. And since you like stones, I'm pretty sure you'll like it. Come on." Hinawakan siya nito sa pupulsuhan at tinahak nila ang daan patungo sa fountain na nakita niya kanina na nasa gitna ng bahay. "There," sabi nito, saka itinuro ang hindi kalayuang fountain kung saan sila patungo. "That's more beautiful."

"Than the blue diamond?" Umiling agad siya. "I don't think so."

"You'll eat your words," sabi ni Reigo, saka iginiya siya palapit sa fountain. 

And just like what Reigo said, she did eat her words. It rendered her capability to move or speak actually.

The fountain... it was like a wishing fountain, but instead of coins, there were stones— gemstones—embedded and some were scattered on the floor! Not only on the floor, there were also stones ornamenting the whole fountain. And they were shining—no, more like illuminating—because of the lights on the water inside the fountain. 

Garnet, black opal, sapphire, red beryl, taaffeite—one of the rarest stones. Jade, rubies, benitoite that were considered as one of the most beautiful gems. She could even see few alexandrite gemstones, even diamonds! Every gemstone that she could think of were there—in the fountain. 

"Wow..." Hindi niya napigilan na ilubog ang kamay sa tubig ng fountain para hawakan at haplusin ang mga batong naroon. "These are beautiful! And they're all real!" She pulled her hands from the water before standing up and looking at Reigo in awe. "It's beautiful. Really stunning!"

Tipid na ngumiti lang si Reigo. Nang makita ang basa niyang kamay, may kinuha itong panyo sa bulsa nito, saka tinuyo ang kanyang kamay at braso. 

Happy smiled at Reigo. "Thank you."

"I feel like a gentleman today," he said like he was joking but he looked serious though. "Tomorrow, I'll be an asshole again."

His last sentence made her laugh. "You don't really mean it."

"I do. I decided to be an asshole tomorrow," sabi nito sa seryoso pa ring boses. 

Nangingiting napailing si Happy, saka bumalik uli ang tingin niya sa fountain. "I can't believe nasa labas lang siya ng house n'yo." Hindi niya maalis ang tingin sa mga batong nagkalat. "They're all genuine... even the diamonds. You're that rich?"

Natawa si Reigo sa huli niyang tanong. "My parents are. My mom likes shiny beautiful things and she found it on gemstones. Nangongolekta siya at iyang mga nasa fountain, 'yan 'yong mga hindi niya gusto o kaya pinagsawaan na niya."

Napatanga siya. "So itinapon niya lang 'yon sa fountain?"

Tumango si Reigo. "Kind of."

She was shocked. "Wow..."

"Yeah..." sabi ni Reigo, saka umupo sa naroong bench na malapit at hinayaan lang siyang pagmasdan at humanga sa fountain. 

Halos ilang minuto rin niyang tinitigan ang mga batong kumikinang dahil sa ilaw sa loob ng fountain bago nagawang alisin ang mga mata roon at naglakad palapit kay Reigo.

"Thank you for bringing me dito." Kahit paano ay naaliw siya ng mga magagandang batong nakita at nawala ang mga negatibo niyang iniisip na pilit niyang iwinawaksi.

Pinakatitigan siya ni Reigo bago nagsalita. "You look happy now."

Natigilan siya sa sinabi ng lalaki at napabaling siya rito. "Why? Hindi ba ako masaya earlier?"

Reigo shrugged. "Masaya pero may lungkot sa mga mata mo kanina kahit nakangiti ka nang ipakilala ka sa akin ni Oliveros." Sumandal ito sa likod ng bench at lumipat ang tingin sa fountain. "Actually, kilala kita. Nandoon ako sa kuwarto ni Blake nang pumasok ka at hinanap ang kapatid mo. Hindi mo lang ako nakita kasi tinamad akong magpakilala sa iyo."

Kaya pala mabait ang lalaki sa kanya. Napatango-tango siya. Kapagkuwan ay napangiti sa huling sinabi nito. "May tao palang nata-tire na magpakilala?"

"Yes. Me," sabi ni Reigo, saka tumingin sa kanya. "You and Blaze, huh?"

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Paano mo..." Umiling siya. "No, we're not together. If 'yon ang ibig mong sabihin."

"Hindi kayo?" May gulat sa boses ni Reigo. "That's not how I see it. I mean, I saw him look at you and I know that look. Marami akong kaibigan na ganoon tingnan sa asawa nila."

Blaze looked at me like that because I remind him of his ex. 

Umiling siya. "You're mistaken. Walang kami. We're just being nice sa isa't isa." Tumingin siya sa fountain para umiwas ng tingin dito pero bumalik pa rin ang tingin niya sa lalaking nakaupo dahil may gusto siyang itanong. "Kilala mo ba si Blaze? Like close kayo?"

"Not really," sagot nito at bahagyamg umiling. "Hindi kasi kami palaging nagkikita o nagkakausap. 'Pag may nangangailangan lang ng tulong sa isa sa mga kaibigan namin kami nagkikita-kita. We have the same circle of friends that's why. Mas malapit siya sa mga basagulero naming kaibigan. Sina Phoenix, Titus, Nate, Khairro, Andrius at sa iba pang masasakit ang ulo at mga baliw."

Bahagyang namilog ang mata ni Happy sa gulat sa narinig. "Basagulero pala si Blaze? Hindi halata."

"You have no idea." Natawa si Reigo na para bang may alam ito na hindi niya alam. "Wala ka talang kaidi-ideya kung sino siya? Kung sino ang kambal na 'yon?"

Naguguluhang umiling siya. "Sino ba sila?"

"Ask them," sabi ni Reigo. "It's their story, not for me to tell. Sorry, it's respect and all that shit."

Tumango siya. "I understand."

Tumayo si Reigo mula sa pagkakaupo, saka tumingin sa bulwagan. "Let's go back. Looks like the auction is starting."

Tumango si Happy at magkatabi silang naglakad ni Reigo pabalik sa pinagdadausan ng auction. Akala niya ihahatid lang siya nito sa mesa niya pero nagulat siya at natuwa na rin nang samahan siya nito. 

"Mind if I stay?" Reigo asked. 

Happy shook her head. "No, not at all."

Reigo smiled before glancing at Ream who also sat on their table.

"Do you mind sharing the table?" Ream asked her and Reigo. 

Sabay naman silang umiling ni Reigo at tumingin sa platform na nasa harap kung nasaan ang emcee na iniimporma ang lahat na mag-uumpisa na. 

And the auction started. 

Beautiful jewelry after jewelry. Necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and more. Lahat magaganda pero walang nakakuha sa atensiyon niya. Walang nakapagpataas ng kamay niya para bumili. 

"Your mother has beautiful collections," sabi niya kay Reigo. 

Reigo just hummed. Halatang hindi ito interesado sa nagaganap na auction. 

"Hey, you two," sabi ni Ream na kinuha ang atensiyon nila. "Let's take a picture."

Pumayag naman sila ni Reigo. Pero kinailangan ni Reigo na lumipat ng upuan, sa tabi niya, para pasok silang tatlo sa screen ng cell phone ni Ream. 

Happy smiled, Reigo did a little twitch of the lips and Ream was grinning.

"Thanks," pangiti-ngiting sabi ni Ream matapos silang mag-picture at may ginawa ito sa cell phone nito. "And sending."

Seconds later, Reigo took out his phone from his pocket and frowned at Ream. "Bakit mo isinend sa Jumbo Hotdog Club?"

Ngumiti lang nang makahulugan si Ream, saka ibinalik ang atensiyon sa auction. 

Ganoon din ang ginawa ni Happy. 

Ilang alahas pa ang ibinenta na hindi nakakuha sa atensiyon niya hanggang sa nakita niya ang sunod na ibebenta. 

It was not really a jewelry, but it caught her attention. 

"A key chain made of gold and is also a can opener. With small cut of diamond ornamenting the edges and even the key chain holder is made of gold, ladies and gentlemen, the bidding will start at two million!" sabi ng emcee. 

At natagpuan na lang ni Happy ang kamay na nakataas habang hawak ang numero niya. 

"Two million to the lady who's holding the number thirty!" sabi ng emcee. 

Agad na may nagtaas ng numero para labanan siya. Lalaki 'yon. "Two point five million!"

Itinaas niya uli ang kamay. "Three million."

"Three point five million!" sigaw ng lalaki sa na nasa kanang bahagi ng solar. 

She raised her number again. "Four million."

"Five million!" sigaw uli ng lalaki na nasa kanang bahagi ng solar. 

"Six million," laban niya. 

"Six point five million!"

Patuloy siyang lumaban. "Seven million!"

"Seven point five million!" Hindi rin papatalo ang kalaban niya. 

Tumayo si Happy at nakangiting nagsalita. "Ten million."

Lahat natahimik, walang nagsalita hanggang sa narinig niya ang boses ng emcee. 

"Ten million! Going once..." Everyone was silent. "Going twice!" Still quiet. "Sold to the beautiful lady who's holding the number thirty!" 

Lahat nagpalakpakan. Bumalik naman siya sa pagkakaupo at natigilan nang makitang hindi makapaniwalang nakatingin sa kanya sina Ream at Reigo. 

"Really? Ten million for a key chain and a can opener?" Reigo looked at her absurdly. "Hell..."

"Hindi ako magugulat kung lalaki ang bibili n'on, pero ikaw?" Parang hindi makapaniwala si Ream sa ginawa niya. "Ano'ng gagawin mo sa key chain na 'yon?"

Nginitian lang niya ang dalawa, saka ibinalik uli ang atensiyon sa auction hanggang sa matapos 'yon. Samantalang ang dalawa ay busy sa cell phone. Si Ream panay ang tawa habang si Reigo naman ay hindi maipinta ang mukha. 

She wanted to ask what was happening but it was none of her business, so she stayed silent. Until Reigo showed her something on his phone. 

It was a group chat and its name "Jumbo Hotdog Club
" 
made her frown.

Blaze Vitale: Touch Happy, @ReigoVasquez, and I'll kill you. You know me.

Blaze sounded possessive of her. It should have made her felt giddy with happiness, but for some reason, his possessiveness irritated her. 

Why? 

Nakatingin pa rin siya sa screen ni Reigo habang nagta-type ito ng reply kaya nabasa niya ang isinagot nito kay Blaze. 

Reigo Vasquez: @BlazeVitale, bago ka mang-angkin at handang pumatay, alam mo na ang dapat mong gawin. And I'll touch her if she lets me because she's not yours to begin with.

When Reigo hit 
send
, he glanced at her apologetically. "I hope you don't mind what I said. If it disrespects you in any way, tell me."

Umiling siya, saka tipid na ngumiti. "It's okay. Totoo naman ang sinabi mo. I'm not his."

"And that makes you sad," pansin ni Reigo. 

Sasagot sana siya nang makita niyang gumalaw ang group chat.  

Someone sent a picture of her and Reigo while talking closely. And it was none other than Ream Oliveros!

Bago pa niya matanong si Ream kung ano ang ginagawa nito, mabilis itong umalis at hindi na nagpakita sa kanila. 

Napailing na lang si Happy, saka tinakpan ng kamay niya ang screen ng cell phone ni Reigo nang mag-umpisa iyong gumalaw dahil sa mga chat na sunod-sunod na nagsidatingan. 

"It's private," sabi niya, saka nginitian ito. 

Reigo looked at her with admiration in his eyes. "You're different. Good different."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Bakit palagi n'yong sinasabi 'yan? I'm not different, trust me."

"You are." May pinalidad na sabi ng lalaki. "Maybe because you grew up in the States or maybe, that's who you really are. I like it."

"Thank you."

Reigo smiled at her. "You're welcome."

Humugot si Happy ng malalim na hininga. "May question pala ako. Noong isang araw pa siya nagko-cause ng chaos sa isip ko at ayoko ng chaos like this in my head right now because it's making me grumpy and a liar and I don't want that. It's nakakapagod. And I just want to hear ng ibang opinion, an unbiased opinion about this matter. Kapag kasi ang family ko ang ini-ask ko, kakampi sila sa akin. I hope it's okay kung mag-a-ask ako sa iyo?"

Reigo nodded. "Go on." 

Humugot uli siya ng malalim na hininga bago nagtanong. "Ahm... I have a woman friend who's with a man who reminds her of her ex-boyfriend... and, ahm, this man knows about this issue but chose not to make a big deal out of it—"

"Then that man is an idiot," sabi ni Reigo na hindi man lang pinatapos ang kuwento niya. 

Napaawang ang mga labi niya. "W-what?" 
I'm an idiot? 

"That man is an idiot," ulit nito saka nalukot ang mukha. "I mean, he should know that your friend, this woman, is just being with him because he remind her of her ex. That's downright insulting and it's called rebound. It's never a good thing."

Nagbaba siya ng tingin. "I know, right..."

"Yeah, and now you look sadder." Nasa boses ni Reigo na parang nagsisisi ito sa opinyong ibinigay. 

Pinilit niyang ngumiti, saka ibinalik uli ang tingin dito. "I'm okay. Thank you for answering my question."

Nailang siya nang pinakatitigan siya ni Reigo na parang binabasa ang emosyon sa mukha niya na hindi niya kayang itago. "This woman friend of yours... is this you?"

"No." Mabilis siyang umiling. 

Reigo frowned. "Then you're the man? I mean, you look sadder than earlier—Oh, fuck, it's you and Blaze. Tama ako, 'di ba? I mean, I heard that Blaze's ex-fiancée died eleven years ago and maybe you remind him of her?"

Umawang ang mga labi niya sa nalaman. "S-she's dead?" All along she thought the woman was alive! "H-how?"

Reigo shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not sure how she died. As I said, we're not really that close."

Happy was unmoving even after a long minute. She was shocked to the core. 

The woman was dead but Blaze still loved her? 
Jesus Christ! 
"Then I'm a replacement?" pabulong niyang tanong sa sarili pero narinig naman siya ni Reigo. 

"I don't know. Ask him."

Napatitig siya kay Reigo. "You're right. 'Yan ang pinakamadaling gawin actually. Tanungin siya."

It was Reigo's turn to be shocked. "Gagawin mo talaga ang suggestion ko? I was just kidding."

"Yes, I will," sabi niya na tumango pa. "Less overthinking and no complications. It's easier than assuming and thinking negatively."

The shock on Reigo's face was replaced by amazement. "You're really one hell of a woman."

That put a small smile on her lips. "Thank you." Tumingin siya sa orasang pambisig. "It's getting late. Uwi na ako. Thanks for everything, especially the talk. I appreciate it."

Tumango lang si Reigo, saka sinamahan siya munang bayaran ang key chain na binili. Bukas pa iyon ipapadala sa kanya dahil 'yon ang gusto niya. Para iwas kaba na rin at baka may hinding maganda mangyari sa daan. Pagkatapos ay sinamahan din siya ni Reigo palabas ng maluwang na solar ng mansiyon patungo sa kung saan nakaparada ang sasakyan niya at naghihintay ang driver niya. 

"Ingat," sabi ni Reigo. Kapagkuwan ay kumunot ang noo nito na parang may naisip. "Ihatid na lang kaya kita?" sabi nito. "Don't worry, wala akong gagawing masama sa iyo. I swear."

"Hindi ako worried," sabi niya, saka mahinang tumawa. "Sigurado akong I can beat you up if you do something funny, but my answer is no. Good man naman ang driver ko. And careful driver siya."

Tumango si Reigo at ito na ang nagbukas sa pinto ng backseat ng sasakyan para sa kanya. "Well, good night, Miss Quinn," sabi nito, saka tipid siyang nginitian. "I will not ask if you enjoy the party because it was boring as hell. Admiring stones and golds are not really my thing."

Happy let out a short laugh. "The jewelry are beautiful. Tell your mom I enjoyed the auction, and I will wait for my key chain to be delivered to me." Inisang hakbang niya ang pagitan nila ni Reigo, saka hinalikan ito sa pisngi. "Salamat for everything. Have a good night too."

Tumango si Reigo, saka inalalayan pa siyang makasakay sa sasakyan at maingat nitong isinara ang pinto niyon. 

Masaya siya habang paalis sa mansiyon ng mga Vasquez. Pero habang tumatagal ang biyahe nila pabalik sa hotel, pilit na pumapasok sa isip niya ang mga negatibong bagay na pilit niyang iwinawaksi. 

I'm a replacement. 

She kept on pushing the thought away because of her no overthinking rule, but it wouldn't go away. It kept on coming back... and it was haunting her mind. 

And she was scared... scared because it was not only her mind that was in chaos... her heart—it was in chaos too.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 9

Happy Birthday, EUWAMFE 'Febby' MILAY 

❤️

CHAPTER 9

AGAD NA KINUHA ni Blaze ang cell phone na nasa ibabaw ng center table nang tumunog 'yon. Umaasa siyang galing 'yon kay Happy, pero nang buksan niya ang cell phone, chat lang pala 'yon sa Jumbo Hotdog Club. Gusto niyang itapon ang cell phone dahil sa inis na nararamdaman pero natagpuan na lang niya ang sarili na binubuksan ang group chat nilang magkakaibigan kasi naka-tag siya sa isang mensahe roon. 

Ream Oliveros

: @BlazeVitale, I have another picture. Wanna see? 

Nagtatagis ang bagang niya habang nagta-type ng reply. 

Blaze Vitale

: @ReamOliveros 
🖕🏻
 fuck you! 

Ream Oliveros

: 🤣🤣🤣

Hindi na siya nag-reply dahil alam niyang ginagalit lang siya ni Oliveros pero dahil gago itong kaibigan, personal siyang pinadalhan ng mensahe. 

A picture of Happy and Vasquez in the parking lot, and Happy was kissing Vasquez on the cheek. 

Blaze felt his blood boil. He saw red. His hand trembled in anger before throwing his phone on the wall. 

"Fuck!" galit niyang sigaw. "Fuck!" 

"Blaze!" Ang mommy niya iyon na nakita pala ang ginawa niya. "What the hell?! Ano ba'ng nangyayari sa iyo?"

He was livid. He could feel his anger consuming him and when he was like this... he was dangerous. 

Sa halip na sumagot, umalis siya ng sala at tinungo ang likuran ng bahay nila. Isa-isa niyang hinubad ang damit, itinira lang ang boxer shorts, saka lumusong sa swimming pool. 

Blaze tried calming himself by swimming, from left to right, back and forth. Wala siyang pakialam kahit nakaramdam na siya ng pagod at pangangawit ng mga braso at hita. He kept on paddling his arms and kicking his feet until he could no longer move in exhaustion. 

Until he felt his body sinking. And he didn't move his body to resurface. Hinayaan niya lang na malunod siya at ipinikit lang niya ang mga mata. 

Blaze held his breath for a couple of minutes before he found himself floating on the pool... just floating, uncaring, unfeeling, unmoving and looking at the clear blue sky. 

He closed his eyes, begging his mind not to torture him anymore but his mind wouldn't listen. 

"Sinagot ko lang ang call mo kasi gusto kong sabihin na huwag ka munang mag-call sa akin? Puwede ba?"

Kumuyom ang kamay niya. 

"I still don't want to see you or talk to you, Blaze."

"Hindi lang ako kumportable na makipag-talk sa iyo like before."

Mas dumiin ang pagpikit niya sa mga mata. 

"Kasama ka kaya hindi ako sumama."

"I feel like you disrespected me, so I want to leave."

Inilubog uli ni Blaze ang katawan sa swimming pool hanggang sa hindi na siya makahing, saka lang siya umahon na naman at hinayaan ang sarili na lumutang lang. 

"I still don't want to see you or talk to you, Blaze."

"Hindi lang ako kumportable na makipag-talk sa iyo like before."

"Fuck..." mahina niyang bulong habang nakatitig sa kalangitan. "I wanna see her... Happy..."

Nagtatagis ang mga bagang na gumalaw siya at umahon sa swimming pool. Kinuha niya ang tuwalya na nakasampay sa recliner na nasa gilid lang ng pool at itinapi iyon sa baywang niya. 

Blaze didn't dry himself, so he was still dripping wet when he entered the house. His mom was waiting with her arms crossed over her chest. 

"Blaze, mag-usap tayo." 

Napatitig siya sa ina. Alam niya kung ano ang gusto nitong pag-usapan. "Wala ako sa mood, Mom."

"Blaze..." Lumapit ito sa kanya, saka masuyo siyang pinakatitigan. "Ako ang mommy mo at kahit maraming taon akong nawala, kilala ko ang mga anak ko... kilala kita... alam kong may problema ka. Please tell me something, I'm worried."

Blaze let his emotion out. Hinayaan niyang makita ng kanyang ina ang halo-halong emosyon na bumabaliw sa kanya. 

"Look at me, Mom, and tell that it's gonna be okay... Please tell me I'm gonna be just fine... tell me... tell me..." Napasabunot niya sa basang buhok habang nagtatagis ang mga bagang. "I'm trying really hard... I'm trying, Mom, I was okay—I felt okay... because of her... I was able to sleep and to smile and be genuinely hap—hap—fuck it! I can't even say that word because of her. And it's all my fault. I slipped, Mom. I disrespected her and she's mad at me. I know they're different, but it's still hard sometimes, but I'm trying really hard... I am... truly... I am... can't she see it? Why does she had to go around kissing someone and dating someone and just—fuck! I don't even know why I'm angry. I don't even know why I'm a mess because she won't talk to me. She's not my Cassie... she's not my love, she's just Cassie's look-alike. But seeing her happy with other man... I can't stand it... I was livid."

"Blaze..." Masuyong sinapo ng kanyang ina ang pisngi niya, saka pinakatitigan siya. "I'm glad that you finally accepted that Happy and Cassie are two different people, but don't be angry at Happy for being happy with other man or kissing and dating someone. It's her life and you can't stop her unless you two have a relationship."

He stilled. "Relationship..." he whispered. "No, we don't have that..."

"Then don't blame or be mad at her," sabi pa nito. "Wala siyang kasalanan sa iyo at karapatan niyang gawin kung ano'ng gusto niyang gawin. She grew up in the States, Blaze, she has different values than us, than you—than Cassie. Para sa kanya, baka isang simpleng halik lang 'yon at walang malalim na dahilan—"

"I was her first kiss, Mom." His jaw tightened in irritation. "That kiss... was not nothing." 

Nagtatagis ang mga bagang na umalis siya sa harap ng ina at nilampasan ito. Alam niyang hindi siya dapat magalit dito pero kumulo bigla ang dugo niya dahil sa sinabi nitong wala lang para kay Happy ang halik na 'yon. 

It was not nothing! 

Happy was just mad at him... that was why she was dating and kissing Vasquez. 

That's it... that's all! 

Tinungo niya ang kuwarto, saka nagbihis, pagkatapos ay binalikan niya ang cell phone sa sala na sira na. Ibinasura niya ang sirang cell phone, maliban sa sim card niya, saka lumabas ng bahay at sumakay sa kotse niya. 

Then he went to the nearest mall to buy a new phone. And on his way home, he stopped over Happy's hotel to see Happy... to talk to her. 

But he was surprise to see Vasquez outside the hotel— talking to Happy. 

And Happy... she was smiling. She seemed... happy. Even without him, she was happy. While without her, he couldn't focus and was a mess! 

Blaze gritted his teeth when he saw Happy held Vasquez' hand and pulled him inside the hotel while they happily conversed with each other.  

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa manibela sa nakita kasabay ng pagdidilim ng paningin niya. He was livid... and he didn't think twice. 

He drove his car fast and furious and slammed it against Vasquez' Cadillac. 

Paulit-ulit niyang binangga ang sasakyan ni Vasquez nang walang habas hanggang sa sirang-sira na 'yon pero hindi pa rin nabawasan ang galit na nararamdaman niya. 

So, he just drove away. Baka kapag nakita niya si Vasquez na lumabas ng hotel ni Happy, sagasaan niya ito hanggang sa malagutan ito ng hininga. 

Kilala niya ang sarili niya. Alam niyang sa emosyong nararamdaman niya sa sandaling 'yon, hindi siya mangingiming tapusin ang buhay nito. 

And he hated to kill a friend. 

"COME ON IN," magiliw na aya ni Happy kay Reigo papasok sa hotel room na inookupa. "Why ikaw ang nag-carry ng parcel? I thought your mother will send it sa akin gamit ang courier? I don't want to abala anyone."

Nilingon niya si Reigo nang hindi ito umimik at nakatitig isa kanya habang nakataas ang sulok ng mga labi. 

"What?" she asked, frowning. 

"May nakapag-sabi na ba sa iyo na ang conyo mong magsalita?" tanong nito na parang may pigil na ngiti sa mga labi. 

Natigilan siya sa tanong nito, saka napangiti nang maalala kung sino ang nagsabi niyon sa kanya. "Yes. Mayroon na. And I'm sorry if I'm conyo. I actually learned the meaning ng conyo kasi I asked Google. Nagli-learn pa kasi ako ng language n'yo and I'm still not deretsong magsalita sometimes. But malapit na ako." Napangiwi siya. "I think."

Nakangiting tumango lang si Reigo, saka inilapag ang dala nitong box sa center table ng sala.

"Thank you sa pagdala ng key chain ko," wika niya. 

Reigo nodded before glancing at the door and to her. "Sayang kasi kung mawawala. Ten million pa naman 'yan."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Salamat again."

Tumango si Reigo at hindi nagsalita pero hindi naman ito gumalaw para magpaalam o umalis. 

Hanggang sa lumabas ang daddy niya sa kuwarto nito at natigilan nang makita si Reigo. 

"May bisita pala tayo," sabi ng ama niya, saka naglakad palapit sa kanila ng lalaki.

Agad na inilahad ni Reigo ang kamay sa ama niya para magpakilala. "Sir, I'm Reigo Vasquez, friend of Happy."

Tinanggap naman ng ama niya ang pakikipagkamay ni Reigo. "Dominick Quinn, Happy's father." Tipid lang itong ngumiti, saka bumaling sa kanya, "I'll be in the restaurant downstairs. I want to taste their dessert. Call if you need anything. And no, princess, I didn't gamble last night. I was a good boy."

Happy chuckled before kissing her father on the cheek. "Thank you, Daddy." 

"Yeah, yeah," sabi ng ama niya, saka lumabas na ng kuwarto. 

Saka lang niya hinarap si Reigo. "Want to have tanghalian with me?" tanong niya. 

Reigo nodded with a small smile on his lips. "Sure. Downstairs?"

"Nope." Itinuro niya ang nagsisilbing kusina ng hotel room. "I cooked tinolang manok, one of sikat na Filipino dish. Dad said it's masarap." 

For the first time since they met, Reigo chuckled. "You're cute." 

"Thanks."

Mahinang tumatawa pa ring pinaunlakan ni Reigo ang imbitasyon niya ritong kumain. Nag-uusap sila ng kung ano-ano lang habang pinagsasaluhan nila ang tinolang manok. 

And to Happy's delight, Reigo was fun to talk to. 

"So alam mo how to cook?" tanong niya sa lalaki. 

Tumango ito. "I became independent at the age of seventeen since I studied on the States, so I have to learn to do everything myself."

"Me too." She chuckled. "Well I was in coma when I was seventeen, so I learn to do things on my own after I woke up and I was already nineteen at the time. Need kong mag-take ng series of test so I'll be able to attend college without going through elementary, middle school and high school. After kong magising from coma, Dad buried me with books and lots of books because I have so much to learn for my tests and I'm the only one who can help myself pass." 

Reigo was looking at her in shock. "You were in a coma?"

Tumango. "Since I was four. Fifteen years in coma."

"The hell..." Reigo blinked in shock. "How does it feel like? I mean, what happened?"

"I got really sick and fell into coma. It runs in the family. My great grandmother was so sick as well and fell into a coma for years. Sabi ng dad ko it was a miracle that I woke up, hindi siya nag-hope na magigising pa ako but ayaw niya akong i-let go. Sabi niya it was a torture seeing me na ganoon but he didn't let the doctors disconnect me from the life-support machine because he believes that only God can take lives and because of his faith, I'm alive." She sighed at the memory. "Nang magising ako, everything is new, everyone is a stranger. I have to learn how to walk after I woke up. I have to learn how to read and how to write and it was confusing and all. Pero I got through it because like my daddy always says, I'm brilliant." She grinned proudly. "I have a slight, just slight, photographic memory." She chuckled. "Kaya it was easy for me to learn because of that."

"I was right." Reigo smiled. "You're one hell of a woman."

That put a wide smile on her lips. "And again, thank you."

Natawa si Reigo, saka tinulungan siyang magligpit ng pinagkainan nila pagkatapos habang nag-uusap pa rin sila. 

"At nang malaman mong may kapatid ka pala rito, agad kang pumunta rito?"

Nakangiti siyang tumango. "Yes. I always wanted a sister. At heto na siya. I will never miss this chance to be with her and meet her and be a big sister to her."

Reigo's face softened at what she said. "You're a good person, Happy. I'm glad I met someone like you."

Happy just nodded her head and continued cleaning the dining table while Reigo was busy putting back the plates on the plate holder. 

Tahimik silang dalawa nang mag-ingay ang cell phone nito na agad naman nitong sinagot. 

It wasn't a call or a text—it was a video call. 

And Reigo's phone was so noisy. Ang daming boses ng lalaki na sabay-sabay na nagsasalita na wala nang maintindihan ang makakarinig niyon. 

Pero hindi pinatay ni Reigo ang video call kahit magulo ang mga kausap nito. Parang sanay na ito sa ingay na naririnig dahil parang hindi ito apeketado. 

At dahil sa ingay ng mga iyon, hindi niya maiwasang marinig ang usapan dahil hindi naman gumamit ng headset si Reigo. 

"Manlilibre nga si sinto-sinto!" 

"Bakit? Nakapagtataka!"

"Wala akong pakialam! Basta manlilibre siya, talo-talo na!"

"Saan ba? Kung barbecue 'yan at beer, ihahanda ko na ang helicopter ko. Pupunta kami ni T diyan."

"Hell, yeah! I miss the barbecue!"

"Sama ako!"

"Alis na ba tayo?"

"Fuck! I hate being away!"

"Fuck!"

"Fuck! 

"Holy fu—my Princess Kisses, go to Mommy. Daddy is talking to his friends... go, we'll play later."

"Gusto mong papuntahin ko riyan ang anak ko?"

"Fuck you, Wolkzbin!"

"Vasquez, magsalita ka naman riyan." Parang boses iyon ni Ream, hindi siya sigurado. 

Tipid namang sumagot si Reigo. "Hi. Tinatamad akong magsalita."

Napalatak ang mga kausap nito. 

"Palagi ka na lang ganyan. Kapag hindi ka MIA, SIA ka naman."

"Gago! Nagpapauso ka na naman nang abbreviation mo, Sanford. Manahimik ka nga! 

"Mauna kang tumahimik, Sudalga."

"I know what MIA means, but SIA, what is that?" tanong ni Reigo. 

"MIA is missing in action. SIA is silent in action."

"Shut up, Sanford! Fuck you ka."

"Manahimik kayo!"

Pero walang nanahimik, patuloy ang pag-iingay ng lahat. 

"Vasquez, nasaan ka ba?" Parang boses uli 'yon ni Ream. "May pagkain pa ba sa bahay n'yo? Masarap 'yong pagkain n'yo sa party. May natira pa ba? Pa-take out naman kami."

Napailing si Reigo. "Wala ako sa bahay nina Mommy. Hindi ko alam kung mayroon pa."

"Bakit nasaan ka ba?" 

"I, ahm, somewhere," sagot ni Reigo. 

"Pakita mo nga sa amin kung nasaan ka," may pagdududang sabi ng isa sa kausap nito. "Baka nasa ibang bansa ka na naman at tinakasan mo na naman kami at hindi ka naman a-attend sa meeting natin doon sa barbecue-han mamaya."

Reigo tsked before tapping something on his phone while walking towards the kitchen's window to show his friends that he was still in the country. 

"Back up! Back up!" biglang sigaw ng isa sa kausap nito. "Is that a woman I saw?!"

"It's a woman!"

"Fuck! A woman!"

Natigilan siya sa narinig at napatitig kay Reigo na humihingi ng pasensiya na tumingin sa kanya. 

"Sorry," he mouthed. 

"Fuck! Kinakausap mo ba 'yong 
lalabs
 mo, Reigo?"

"Fuck you, Oliveros," biglang sabi ni Reigo. 

"Wait... I know that woman. Is that Happy Quinn?"

"Yes, it is!"

"Yep. That's her!"

"What are you doing with her, Vasquez?"

Reigo sighed. "She cooked tinolang manok and I had lunch with her. That's all, lunatics—"

"Wait, where did Blaze go?"

Happy stilled when she heard that name. 
Blaze
. 

"Pinatay yata ang video call niya."

"Bakit naman—"

"Bye, lunatics," sabi ni Reigo. "Uuwi ako mamaya sa BV para sa barbecue." Pagkatapos ay tinapos nito ang pakikipag-video chat, saka humarap sa kanya. "I'm so sorry about that. Maiingay talaga ang mga kaibigan ko. Pasensiya na talaga."

"It's okay." She smiled. 

Ibinalik ni Reigo sa bulsa ang cell phone, saka nagpaalam na sa kanya. "I have to go, may appointment ako. Maraming salamat sa masarap na tanghalian."

"Welcome."

"Sa uulitin," sabi nito na nakangiti, saka may iniabot sa kanyang calling card. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."

Nakangiting tinanggap niya ang calling card nito. 

"May gagawin ka ba mamaya?" kapagkuwan ay tanong ni Reigo, "Dinner is on me. Later. Makabawi man lang ako sa masarap na tanghaliang niluto mo."

"Sige. Dinner. Salamat for praising my cooking."

Bigla na lang natawa nang mahina si Reigo, saka nagpaalam sa kanya uli bago naglakad palabas ng hotel room. 

Hindi nag-isang minuto mula nang makaalis si Reigo ay pumasok ang ama niya. 

She smiled. "How's the dessert—"

"Ano'ng nangyari kay Blaze?" biglang tanong nito na ikinagulat niya, lalo na ang emosyon sa mukha nito. Parang iritado. "Bakit iba na ang kasama mo ngayon?"

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Dad, Reigo is a friend."

"I know, he seems like a good kid. Mukha namang okay at mabait pero sa opinyon ko lang, princess, mas mabait at mas okay si Blaze para sa akin kaysa sa kanya. And Blaze seems like a good man too." His father started walking towards his room. "It's just my opinion, princess."

Napatingin na lang si Happy sa pinto ng kuwarto na isinara nito nang makapasok doon. 

Naiwan siyang nakatigagal sa sala, tinatanong ang sarili kung ano ang nakain ng daddy niya at namili ito bigla kahit hindi naman ito pinapapili. 

Happy was dragged out from her reverie when her phone rang. Pinulot niya ang cell phone na nasa center table, saka sinagot ang tawag ni Blaze. 

"Why did you ca—"

"We need to talk," sabi ni Blaze sa walang emosyong boses. "And I won't take no for an answer, Happy."

She took a deep breath. "Okay. Where mo like na mag-talk?"

"Remember when you got lost? The same café. Tonight. Hihintayin kita roon—"

"I can't," sabi niya. "I have a dinner appointment with Reigo tonight."

Natahimik si Blaze sa kabilang linya bago ito bumulong. Mahina 'yon pero sapat na para marinig niya. 

"Can't you choose me?" 

Happy pressed her lips together. "I already said yes to Reigo, Blaze."

"Bawiin mo."

"Ayoko," sabi niya sa may diing boses. "Nakaoo na ako kay Reigo. Nakakahiya naman sa kanya. At ako 'yong kind ng tao na doesn't like to back out on my word. Is it okay if bukas na lang tayo mag-talk?" 

Natahimik si Blaze ng ilang segundo bago nagsalita. "Is it true?"

She frowned. "What true?"

"That you cooked and you two dined together?"

"Yes. Why are you asking?"

"Kasi hindi ko matanggap na ginagawa mo sa kanya ang mga ginawa mo para sa akin. Hindi ko gusto na siya ang kasama mo at hindi ako. Nagagalit ako kasi masaya ka kahit wala ako, samantalang ako, nababaliw na sa kakaisip sa iyo." 

Happy's face saddened. "I'm sorry if I made you feel that way, Blaze. Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay? We'll figure something out about our situation and we'll do something about it. Pero tomorrow na please?"

Blaze was silent for a couple of seconds before he whispered. "Okay. Tomorrow. I'll see you."

"Sige." Malumanay ang boses niya habang kausap ang lalaki. "Bye, Blaze. See you tomorrow." Pagkasabi niyon ay pinatay niya ang tawag at napatitig sa kawalan. 

Tomorrow. 
I'll see Blaze tomorrow
. And she was hoping that tomorrow, after their talk, she could finally stop the chaos in her mind... and in her heart.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 10

DINNER WITH REIGO was fun. They talked about everything they could talk about. From college life to work and he even indulged her to talk about jewelry even when he didn't really understand her fascination on gemstones and golds. He tried understanding her words, but always failed.  

Hanggang sa matapos silang kumain at makalabas sila ng restaurant ay nag-uusap pa rin sila. 

"So you have lots of friends?" 

Tumango si Reigo. "Hindi naman kami lahat close. Lampas treinta yata kaming magkakaibigan."

"Wow..." That stunned her. That was a large group of friends. 

"Yes. Wow." Reigo chuckled. "But in that circle of friends, there are group of close friends. 'Yong parang, oo kaibigan mo silang lahat pero sila 'yong mas ka-close mo."

Umiling siya. "Hindi ko gets," pag-amin niya. "Wala akong large number of kaibigan."

"It's like this..." Reigo explained further. "There are thirty-five of us... I think. Lahat kami magkakaibigan, pero may sari-sarili kaming grupo ng kaibigan—still in our circle of friends— na mas close namin. Example, me, I'm close with Ream, Andrius, Thorn and more but I'm not really close with the Vitale Twins, the basaguleros I told you about and some even though we're friends."

That was confusing. "Paano kayo nag-stay friends if you're not that close?" tanong niya. 

"Respect," simpleng sagot ni Reigo.  

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay. "That's it?"

"Yes. We respect each other's individuality. At kung kaya naming sabayan, doon kami nagiging malapit. We have these three rules...  silent rules that we know by heart and that's what keeps our friendship intact and strong through the years."

She was amazed. "'Yong mga ikinuwento mo earlier to me, it's amazing and it actually makes me want to have kaibigan like yours."

Reigo chuckled while shaking his head. "Trust me, I have crazy friends. Raine, Tyron Zapanta's wife even call our friendship a gang—once you go in, you can't go out. While Faith, Yilmaz' wife called our friendship a fraternity or some sort. And Ruth, Beckett's wife call our friendship a Lunatic Club."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Even if it's a gang, a fraternity or a club... it's still friendship." 

Reigo nodded with a smile. "Respect, no killing, just beating and insulting and the last one is one for all and all for one—problema at laban ng isa, problema at laban naming lahat. That's our three silent rules. But the last one doesn't apply to everyone. May mga kaibigan kasi kaming matitigas ang ulo, ayaw humingi ng tulong at nirerespeto namin 'yon. Pero nakahanda kami, para kapag dumating na siya sa puntong hihingi na siya ng resbak, handa kaming ibigay 'yon sa kanya."

Kumunot ang noo niya sa isang sinabi nitong salita na hindi niya naintindihan. "What's 
resbak
?"

"Fight back, I think."

"Oh." Napatango-tango si Happy. "You know, you have so maraming slangs na words. 'Yong iba, I don't get it."

Natawa si Reigo. "Text or call me if you encounter a word you don't get." 

Happy beamed. "I'll keep that in mind."

Pinagbuksan siya ng pinto sasakyan ni Reigo, saka inalalayan siyang makasakay bago ito umikot patungong driver's seat at sumakay.

"I think mayaman ka rin like your parents," sabi niya habang isinusuot ang seat belt. "Your sasakyan is new. 'Di ba Cadillac ang gamit mo kaninang umaga when you came to my hotel to deliver my key chain?"

Bahagyang natigilan si Reigo bago binuhay ang makina ng sasakyan. "My car earlier was crashed."

She frowned. "Crashed? How?"

"Anger and jealousy," sabi ni Reigo habang minamaniobra ang kotse paalis sa parking lot. "That's what destroyed my car. Nag-taxi ako pauwi."

"Sana sinabi mo sa akin para naipahatid kita kanina," sabi niya na may pag-aalala. 

"
Nah
, that's okay." Reigo smiled at her. 

"Do you know kung sino ang may gawa?" tanong niya nang nasa daan na sila. 

Reigo nodded. "Don't worry about it. Sasakyan lang naman 'yon, 'buti nga hindi ako ang sinagasaan, eh."

"Reigo!"

Tumawa lang ang lalaki. "I'm serious, ayos lang. Sa ugali ng gumawa n'on sa sasakyan ko, pasalamat talaga ako na hindi ako sinagasaan. I didn't know that he would be that mad. Anyway, ihahatid na kita sa hotel, okay lang ba? Kailangan kong magpakita sa mga kaibigan ko bago nila ako hunting-in dahil palagi akong busy at MIA."

Agad siyang tumango. "Sure. Thank you."

Tahimik ang buong sasakyan ng ilang minuto bago iyon binasag ng pag-iingay ng cell phone ni Reigo. 

"Do you mind if I answer the call in a loudspeaker mode? Wala akong dalang earphones, eh," tanong sa kanya ni Reigo na agad naman niyang pinayagan. 

It was his car. Sino siya para humindi?

Tumingin lang si Happy sa labas ng bintana ng sasakyan habang naglalakbay ang isip niya sa mga araw na kasama niya si Blaze at masaya lang siya. 

Pero naputol 'yon nang marinig niya ang boses ni Ream na siyang tumawag pala kay Reigo. At dahil naka-loudspeaker, dinig niya ang usapan ng dalawa. 

"What is it?" Reigo asked. 

"Huwag kang pumunta rito sa BV," sabi ni Ream—kung tama ang pandinig niya sa pamilyar nitong boses.

"Why?" Reigo asked, frowning. 

"He's drunk, Vasquez," sabi pa rin ni Ream na parang may takot na bahid ang boses. "He slammed his car into mine this afternoon and destroyed it. He nearly ran me over if Sanford was't there to pull me away. He's a mess, Vasquez. Binibiro ko lang naman siya pero bigla na lang siyang nagwala. Alam kong nakakatakot si Blaze magalit pero hindi ganito. I'm not expecting this monstrous attitude of him—"

"Did you say Blaze?" hindi niya napigilan ang sumabad sa usapan. 

Natahimik ang nasa kabilang linya bago nagsalita. "Happy?"

"Yes, it's me Ream." She was worried. "Tell me about Blaze. What's happening?"

"It's nothing," sabi ni Ream, saka pinatay ang tawag. 

Nang mawala si Ream sa kabilang linya, tumingin siya kay Reigo. "Let's go to Blaze. Please?"

Tumango ang lalaki at agad na pinaharurot ang sasakyan. Halos lumipad na 'yon sa bilis ng takbo kaya hindi natagalan ang biyahe nila. Nakarating sila agad sa Bachelor's Village, pero hindi sila pumasok. 

Ipinarada ni Reigo ang sasakyan sa gilid ng kainan at barbecue-han na nasa harap ng BV. And she couldn't believe what she was seeing in front of them. 

It was Blaze and he was fighting—no, more like beating up his friends who were trying to restrain him but miserably failing. 

Blaze was fighting against four men, and she had met those men. 

Phoenix Martinez, Titus Morgan, Shun Kim and Khairro Sanford. They were all fighting against Blaze whose face was dark, with sharp eyes, deadly stance and a dangerous aura surrounding him.

"Jesus Christ..." nanginginig ang mga labing bulong niya habang pinagmamasdan ang apat na kalalakihan na inaatake si Blaze.

Pero si Blaze... madali lang na nasasalag at nalalabanan ang apat na parang wala lang ang mga ito. 

"Fuck," mahinang sambit ni Reigo bago ito nagmamadaling lumabas ng kotse. "Stay here!" bilin nito sa kanya. 

Nang makita ni Blaze si Reigo, bigla nitong inatake si Reigo pero napigilan ito ng isang lalaki—si Knight Velasquez, ang lalaking kumausap sa kanya at nagsabing may kapatid siya. Ihinarang nito ang katawan sa pagitan nina Blaze at Reigo. 

Knight Velasquez said something, darkening Blaze's face even more before he launched at Knight who expertly blocked Blaze's attacks and fought back 

It was now five versus one. 

Blaze! 

Namilog ang mga mata ni Happy nang hindi masalag ni Blaze ang suntok ni Knight Velasquez at tamama iyon sa tiyan nito pero hindi iyon naging dahilan para matumba si Blaze. 

Blaze's face became angrier and his aura deadlier. He was brutally throwing punches and kicking his friends like a mad man. He was attacking his friends like a savager, uncaring, like they were not friends at all. 

It was like Blaze was in a trance... a very deep and dangerous trance. 

Hindi niya pinakinggan ang bilin ni Reigo na huwag lumabas. Lumabas siya ng kotse at lumapit sa kaguluhan. 

"Blaze!" sigaw niya sa pangalan ng lalaki pero para itong binging nakikipaglaban. 

She was about go near when Reigo stopped her. "Happy, don't! He'll hurt you! He's not himself! He's drunk!"

Inalis niya ang kamay ni Reigo sa braso. "I'll be fine."

"We already called Blake," sabi ni Ream. "Let's just wait for him. Blaze will hurt you—"

"Emotionally, yes, but physically? I don't believe that," sabi niya, saka walang pag-aalinlangan na lumapit kay Blaze. 

Ang suntok nito na para kay Phoenix ay siya ang sumalag. Mabilis siyang tumingkayad at inilapat ang mga labi niya sa mga labi nito. 

It was a soft short kiss. Hoping that it would be enough to pull Blaze out from the trance. 

Nakahinga siya nang maluwag nang dahan-dahang bumaba ang nakakuyom na kamay ni Blaze. Napakurap-kurap ito nang binigyang distansiya niya ang mga mukha nila at nakita siya nito. 

"H-Happy..." he whispered.

She smiled. "Are you back?" 

He blinked before looking around him. "I, ahm, guess...

Sa sinabing 'yon ni Blaze, parang lahat ng naroon ay nakahinga nang maluwag, lalo na ang limang nakipaglaban kay Blaze kanina. 

"Fuck you, man," sabi ni Phoenix habang sapo ang tiyan. "Pumunta ako rito para sa barbecue, hindi para bugbugin mo."

"Fuck." Titus Morgan was clutching his dislocated elbow. "You really know where to hit hard, you animal—fuck! I hate doctors."

Si Khairro naman ay nahiga sa semento na may iniinda ring sakit, habang si Shun Kim ay tinutulungan ni Knight na ibalik ang na-dislocate nitong buto sa balikat.

"Good thing he didn't break your bones," sabi ni Knight kay Shun. "He just dislocated it." He grinned. "Even in a savage mode, Blaze still considers you—us— his friend—"

"Fuck you!" sabay-sabay na sigaw nina Phoenix, Titus, Khairro at Shun. 

But Blaze didn't seem to mind them, his eyes and attention were trained on her. 

"You're here..." sabi nito na parang hindi makapaniwala. "Akala ko busy ka." Umangat ang kamay nito, saka masuyong sinapo ang mukha niya na para bang pinatotohanan sa sarili na nasa harap nga siya nito. "You're really here... you're here..."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay nitong sapo ang pisngi niya, saka nginitian ito. "Let's get you home, Blaze. You're drunk. Dapat you're resting."

Para itong maamong tupa na tumango at nagpagiya sa kanya patungo sa nakaparada nitong sasakyan. 

Happy opened the passenger's door for Blaze and helped him get in, and when she closed the door, she faced Blaze's friends who were all looking at her. 

"You're gonna be okay with him?" tanong ni Knight sa kanya. "Baka maging savage na naman 'yan."

Tumango siya, saka ngumiti. "I doubt that. He's a big baby when he's with me."

Lahat ng naroon ay halatang hindi naniniwala sa sinabi niya pero hindi niya pinansin ang mga ito. 

"Pasensiya na sa pag-beat up ni Blaze sa inyo," sabi niya, saka tumingin kay Reigo. "See you around, Reigo," sabi niya bago umikot patungong driver's seat at sumakay roon. 

The car key was still on the ignition, making it easier for her to start the engine. 

Pero bago niya pinausad ang sasakyan, isinuot muna niya ang seat belt kay Blaze na hindi niya alam kung natutulog o nakapikit lang ang mga mata. 

But he's unmoving. 

Nonetheless, she didn't want to disturb him. Hinayaan niya itong magpahinga at tinawagan na lang ang kapatid. 

"Ate—"

"Blaze is with me," agad niyang sabi. "Pakisabi sa fiancé mo na he's okay na. I'm taking him home."

Lucky let out a relieved sigh. "Thank God! Baka mabinat si Blake kapag pumunta riyan. Wait... do you know the way home?"

"That's why I called." Napangiwi siya. "I need the complete address. I'll try to take him home using my phone's GPS."

"Ahm..." Lucky sounded reluctant. "Remember when you got lost? You also used GPS at the time, but you still got lost, Ate." 

Napakagat siya sa pang-ibabang labi. "I'll try harder this time."

"Sige." Pumayag din sa wakas ang kapatid. Ise-send ko sa iyo."

"Thanks, Lucky," sabi niya, saka pinatay ang tawag at hinintay na i-send ni Lucky ang hinihingi niya. 

And when Lucky did, Happy immediately used her map on the phone to navigate and find the right way. 

After a lot of mishap, a lot of wrong turns, she finally pulled over in front of Blaze's house. 

"Whew..." She breathed out. "Success." She felt happy even though she messed up a little. 

Lumabas siya ng sasakyan at nagmamadaling lumapit sa pinto ng bahay at kumatok. 

When Blaze's mother opened the door, Happy immediately smiled. 

"Good evening, Tita Beth." Nilingon niya ang sasakyan ni Blaze bago ibinalik ang tingin sa mommy nito. "It's Blaze. He's drunk."

Agad na bumukas ang pag-aalala sa mukha ng ginang. "Is he okay?"

Tumango siya. "Yes po. Small bruises but mabubuhay po siya."

Napalitan ng mahinang tawa ang pag-aalala sa mukha ni Tita Beth. "Halika, tulungan mo ako," sabi nito. 

Agad naman siyang sumunod kay Tita Beth pabalik ng sasakyan at nagtulong silang dalawa na ilabas si Blaze at alalayan ito papasok sa bahay. 

He really had too much to drink because he passed out! Nahirapan silang dalawa ni Tita Beth na buhatin si Blaze, tumulong pa nga sa kanila si Bailey. Ito ang nagbukas at nagsara ng pinto ng bahay at ito rin ang nagbukas ng pinto sa kuwarto ni Blaze. 

Nang maihiga nila si Blaze sa kama, pareho silang pawis na pawis at hinihingal ni Tita Beth. 

"D-dito ka lang." Habol pa rin nito ang hininga nang magsalita habang tinutuyo ang pawis sa noo. "Kukuha ako ng tubig at pamunas."

Tumango si Happy, saka agad namang hinubad ang suot na T-shirt ni Blaze. Ilang segundo rin niyang tinitigan ang katawan ng lalaki bago niya nagawang iiwas ang mga mata. Sunod naman niyang hinubad ay ang sapatos at medyas nitong suot. 

She was sweating as she rummaged his closet. Pinakialaman na niya ang mga damit ni Blaze. 

Kumuha siya ng muscle shirt at boxer shorts sa mga damit nito at nagmamadaling lumabas ng walk-in closet nang marinig na nakabalik na si Tita Beth. 

Naabutan niya itong pinupunasan ang katawan ni Blaze. At dahil may isa pang pamunas na nasa palangganitang may tubig, tinulungan niya ang ginang. 

Pinunasan niya ang pisngi ni Blaze, pababa sa leeg, patungong dibdib, 'tapos lumipat siya sa pagpunas sa braso nito, pababa sa pupulsuhan at kamay. Natigil lang siya sa ginagawa nang mapansing nakatitig sa kanya si Tita Beth. 

"Po?" tanong niya.

Umiling ito, saka masuyong napangiti. "Mukhang sanay na sanay ka sa ginagawa mo."

Happy smiled. "My dad... he's not really lasenggo but may times na lasenggo siya, that's why alam ko how to do this. Ako ang nagte-take care sa kanya all the time."

Napatango-tango ang ina ni Blaze. "So ayos lang kung iiwan na kita rito at ikaw na lang ang mag-asikaso kay Blaze? Nagluluto kasi ako ng hapunan."

"Sure po." She smiled to assure Tita Beth that she would take care of Blaze. "Ako na po ang magte-take care kay Blaze."

"Salamat, Happy," pasasalamat nito sa kanya sa masuyong boses. "Pasensiya ka na talaga at naabala ka ng anak ko. I know you're busy with your life that's why I'm thankful that you're here. Hindi mo naman kailangang gawin 'to pero inaalagaan mo pa rin siya."

Tipid siyang ngumiti. "Pakiramdam ko kasi I'll be very sad if may mangyaring bad sa kanya. I know that I'm not the one he needs, and it angers me sometimes. But looking at him now, I don't have the strength para iwan siya. Hanggang pag-iwas lang ang kaya ko, but leaving him, I don't know why the thought makes my heart tighten and ache." 

"Happy..." Inabot nito ang kamay niyang walang hawak na pamunas, saka pinisil 'yon. "My son... he's still trap in his past. Alam niyang magkaibang tao kayo ni Cassie at sinusubukan niyang makaahon pero nahihirapan siya."

"I know po." Nagbaba siya ng tingin. "My dad raised me to respect myself. I know what I want and I'm a strong and independent woman... kaya nga hindi ko alam why I can't leave him? Why can't I forget about him? Why is he stuck in my head? Why is my mind and my heart in chaos over him?"

"Happy..." Hinuli ng ginang ang mailap niyang mga mata. "If you don't have the strength to leave him, do you have the strength to stay with him?"

Napipilan siya sa tanong na iyon. Wala siyang maisagot.

Tita Beth spoke again. "Kasi kung hindi mo siya kayang iwan, kung hindi ka aalis, masasaktan ka at mahihirapan. At bilang isang babae, ayokong maranasan mo 'yon."

"I'll be fine po, Tita." Nginitian niya ang ginang. "I know myself, I know my worth as a woman. I know what I want in life. I don't want to be needed just because I remind him of her. I don't want a half-baked need or attention." Mahina siyang natawa at napailing. "It's not even half-baked because he only needs me because of her. Hindi ko kaya 'yon, Tita. Hindi ko kayang i-forget ang sarili ko at i-accept na hindi ako deserve na magustuhan as me."

Tumango ito, saka dumukwang para halikan siya sa noo. "Whatever you decide, I'll support you."

"Thank you po."

Tita Beth smiled at her again before pushing herself up and leaving the room. 

Nang siya na lang, ipinagpatuloy niya ang pagpupunas sa katawan ni Blaze. Pero napatigil nang matitigan ang tattoo nito sa dibdib, sa ibaba lang ng collarbone nito at parang ginawa iyong kuwintas. 

"If you want peace, prepare for war," basa niya sa tattoo nito, saka napangiti. "Make sense."

Her eyes wandered around Blaze's body. He really had lots of tattoos. Tribal and celtic combined and then there were words too inked on his skin. 

"Fear no evil," basa niya sa tattoo na nasa kanang braso nito. "Too wild to live, too rare to die," basa naman niya sa tattoo nitong nasa puson. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal." Nasa kaliwang braso nito iyon. 

Then her eyes settled on Blaze's left wrist. Tumaas ang kilay niya nang makitang may espasyo pa roon na walang tattoo. 

Napakagat-labi si Happy nang may maisip. 

Inabot niya ang ball pen na nasa bedside table ng kama, saka sinulatan niya ang walang tattoo na parte ng kaliwang pupulsuhan ni Blaze. Pagkatapos ay tinapos niya ang pagpupunas sa katawan ng lalaki at binihisan na ito. 

Nang hinubad niya ang pantalon nito, inayos muna ang kumot bago kinapa sa ilalim ng kumot ang waistband ng pantalon nito, saka hinubad iyon. 

And to her shock, he was commando! 

Agad niyang isinuot ang boxer nito, saka pinakatitigan ang lalaki. Kapagkuwan ay umupo siya sa gilid ng kama habang titig na titig sa guwapo nitong mukha. 

"I like you, Blaze," bulong niya sa mahimbing na natutulog na lalaki. "I like you a lot."

Blaze remained asleep. 

Happy smiled before leaning in to kiss him on the forehead. Pagkatapos ay pinulot niya ang palangganita at pamunas bago lumabas ng kuwarto at maingat na isinara ang pinto. 

Nang makababa siya, sinalubong siya ni Tita Beth. 

"Dito ka na kumain," sabi nito habang kinukuha ang dala niya. 

"Nag-eat na po ako, Tita Beth," nakangiting tugon niya, saka sinubukan kung papayagan siya ng ginang sa balak niyang gawin. "Ahm, like ko po sanang gawan ng chicken soup si Blaze for his hangover. Is it okay lang po ba?"

"Of course," agad na payag ni Tita Beth. "The kitchen is yours."

She beamed at her. "Thank you, Tita."

Magaan ang pakiramdam na tinungo niya ang kusina at ipinagluto si Blaze ng chicken soup na tulad ng niluluto niya para sa ama. Pagkatapos ay sumalo siya sa hapunan nina Tita Beth at Bailey dahil makulit ang ginang at hindi siya tinigilan. 

That was her second dinner tonight, and she was very full. 

"Me na po," sabi niya kay Tita Beth nang akmang ito ang magliligpit ng mga pinagkainan. 

"Salamat, Happy," sabi ng ginang, saka malambing na niyakap si Bailey at hinalikan sa pisngi. "Go... mag-half bath ka na." 

"Yes, Mommy." Then Bailey smiled at her. "Thank you po, Ate Happy."

Nakangiting tinanguan niya ito, saka nag-umpisa na siyang magligpit. 

"How did a rich girl like you knows how to cook and wash the dishes?" tanong ni Tita Beth habang pinupunasan nito ang hapagkainan. 

"I taught myself," sagot niya habang nag-uumpisa nang maghugas. "Gusto ko kasing maging hands-on kay Dad. He suffered a lot because of me, because na-coma ako. Gusto kong i-return 'yong ginawa niya for me... 'yong care at love... Like kong iparamdam 'yon kay Dad through my cooking and by taking care of him."

"Ang suwerte ng daddy mo."

Umiling siya. "Ako ang lucky dahil he's my dad. Because of him, because he didn't give up on me, I'm still alive."

They exchanged smiles before Happy continued washing the dishes. Si Tita Beth naman ay lumabas ng kusina dahil pupuntahan daw si Bailey. 

Nang matapos siyang maghugas, sa sala siya tumambay at nanood ng TV para magpalipas ng oras. Pero hindi niya namalayang nakatulog pala siya sa sofa. 

Nang magising siya, umaga na at wala na siya sa sofa. Nakahiga na siya sa kama ni Blaze at katabi ito. 

Her lips just parted while her mind asked how did she get her? Siguradong sa sofa siya nakatulog kagabi! 

Pero bago pa masagot ng isip niya ang mga sariling katanungan, gumalaw si Blaze sa tabi niya at kumubabaw ang kalahati ng katawan nito sa kanya dahilan para magkabuhol-buhol ang paghinga niya. 

And when Blaze buried his face on her neck, her heart pounded so loud, she wouldn't even be shocked if he could hear her heart beating. 

"Good morning, Happy," he grumbled then groaned... and he sounded so sexy as hell! 

"G-good morning." Napalunok siya. "Why am I in your bed?" 

Sa halip na sagutin siya, iba ang sinabi nito. "I'm sorry, Happy... please... don't be mad at me anymore. Please..."

Itinulak niya si Blaze paalis sa pagkakakubabaw sa kanya. Mabilis siyang bumangon at inayos ang nagusot na damit, saka itinali ang buhok. "Get up, freshen up, have a breakfast, then we'll talk, okay?" sabi niya. 

Blaze nodded. "Okay."

Tipid niya itong nginitian, saka naglakad palabas ng kuwarto nito. 

She looked calm and collected on the outside... but on the inside... there was an earthquake happening and she was shaking.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 11

"NASAAN SI HAPPY?" tanong ni Blaze sa kanyang ina na nagba-vacuum nang makababa siya sa sala mula sa kuwarto niya. 

Katatapos lang niyang maligo at magbihis. Nagmadali siya talaga para kay Happy. 

"Is she in the kitchen?" 

"She left," sagot ng kanyang ina. 

Pakiramdam ni Blaze ay namingi siya. He immediately felt agitated. "A-ano?" 
But she said we'll talk!

"She left," ulit nito, saka pinatay ang vacuum at humarap sa kanya. "Sabi niya sabihin ko raw sa iyo na magkita na lang kayo sa napag-usapan n'yong lugar kahapon. Baka raw kasi hinahanap na siya ng daddy niya."

That made him lose his agitation. "Oh. Okay. Thanks, Mom."

Tumango ito, saka itinuro ang kusina. "Mag-agahan ka na. Ininit ko na 'yong nilutong chicken soup ni Happy para sa 'yo kagabi."

Gumuhit ang ngiti sa mga labi niya. "Happy cooked for me?"

May panunudyo ang ngiting gumuhit sa mga labi ng ina. "Someone looks happy in the morning."

His smile turned into a grin. "Ipinagluto ako ni Happy, eh."

Napailing ang mommy niya. "Hindi lang 'yon ang ginawa niya para sa iyo, siya rin ang umasikaso sa iyo kagabi. Inuwi ka niya rito sa bahay, pinunasan ka niya at pinalitan ng damit." Masuyong napangiti ito. "Happy is a good woman, Blaze."

"I know."

"Then don't hurt her," sabi nito, saka ini-on uli ang vacuum at tinalikuran siya. 

Blaze let out a loud breath before jogging towards the kitchen. Agad niyang naamoy ang mabangong aroma ng niluto ni Happy para sa kanya. 

Magaan ang pakiramdam na naglagay siya ng chicken soup sa mangkok, saka sumimsim ng sabaw. 

Napapikit na lang siya nang lumukob sa bibig niya ang masarap na lasa ng luto ni Happy. He missed this. He missed her cooking, her company and... her. 

Umupo siya sa stool na nasa gilid ng island counter, saka akmang sisimsim uli ng soup sa mangkok nang may mapansin siya sa kaliwang pupulsuhan niya. 

There was a long smudge on his left wrist, the only place in his upper body that had no ink. But someone... wrote something in it and because he had taken a shower, the words were now blur. 

But he could still read the words—the sentence actually. 

Inilapag ni Blaze ang tasa sa island counter, saka kunot ang noong binasa ang nakasulat sa kaliwang pupulsuhan niya. 

"
Ma
 bitch, forget your past, be free and begin again." Napatitig siya sa mga salita pagkatapos niyang basahin 'yon. 

Ma bitch
... Isang tao lang ang tumatawag n'on sa kanya. Nasisiguro niyang si Happy ang nagsulat n'on sa pupulsuhan niya. 

Lumapat ang daliri niya sa isinulat ni Happy at hinaplos niya iyon. 

Happy
. 

"Forget my past, be free and begin again..." ulit niya, saka bumuntong-hininga. "How am I gonna do that when I don't even know where to start?"

Blaze let out a loud breath again before finishing his chicken soup. Nakailang beses pa siya ng refill sa mangkok bago binalikan ang cell phone sa kuwarto niya at umalis na ng bahay. 

Sunod-sunod ang duty niya sa ospital nitong mga huling araw kaya sunod-sunod din ang off niya. Pero mamayang gabi, balik duty na naman siya. 

Blaze sighed as he drove his car towards the café. Nang makarating siya roon, wala pa si Happy at halos wala pang tao sa loob. 

He ordered a brewed coffee and a bread while he waited for Happy. 

Ten minutes later, she arrived. Happy looked fresh, she smelled good and she looked radiant. Unlike him who looked like a shit. 

Agad siyang nginitian ni Happy nang makaupo ito sa mesa. "Hey..."

"Hey," tugon niya. 

Her eyes roamed around his face. "Okay ka na? No hangover?"

"My head is pounding a little."

She frowned. "You don't have gamot with you? For sakit ng ulo?"

Umiling si Blaze. 

Sumama ang tingin nito sa kanya. "Para kang hindi doctor. Dapat you're always handa in situation na ganito. Well, hindi ka naman talaga mukhang doctor. Look at your tattoos, mayroon ka pa sa face. That's weird. What is that in your face, tribal with a touch of calligraphy or something?"

"Or something," sagot niya. 

"Ano ba 'yan?" puno ng kuryosidad niyang tanong. "I can't make out something out of it." 

"It's nothing." Ayaw niyang dagdagan pa ang galit nito sa kanya. 

He knew that Happy was mad at him. Maayos lang talaga ang pakikitungo nito sa kanya ngayon dahil ganoon na talaga ang ugali nito. 

"Why are curious about my tattoos all of the sudden?" tanong niya para ibahin ang usapan. "You like my tattoos now? Not dirty looking anymore?"

"You're still dirty looking," sabi nito, saka sumandal sa kinauupuan. "One or two tats are okay, but that..." Itinuro siya nito. "That's dirty."

"It's art."

"It's dirty," giit nito, saka napakagat-labi habang nakatitig sa leeg niya. "Minsan... though most of the time, you're guwapo."

A smile made its way to his lips. "I'm guwapo?"

Happy nodded. "Yeah. Hindi mo alam na you're guwapo?"

"I know," sabi niya na nakangiti. "Pero mas gusto kong pakinggan na ikaw ang pumupuri sa akin kaysa ang sarili ko. I felt proud that I look good because I look good to you."

The smile Happy's face remained. "Do you also know that you're gago?"

That made him still and loose his smile. "What?"

"You're gago," ulit nito, saka tumayo para kunin ang in-order nito. At nang makabalik sa mesa nila, seryoso na ang mukha nito. "Why do you want to talk? May sasabihin ka ba sa akin?"

Napatitig siya kay Happy. Gone the smiling face. Hindi siya sanay na ganito ang babae. It was either she was smiling or irritated at him. Blaze didn't get scared easily but this serious Happy... this scared him. 

"Are you mad?" tanong niya kay Happy. 

"Do I look mad?" balik-tanong sa kanya ng babae. "I'm not galit, Blaze." She took a deep breath before speaking again. "So... what do you want to talk about?"

That was right. He was the one who wanted to talk, but at that very moment, he didn't know what to say. 

All he could say was, "I'm sorry. For everything. I'm sorry—"

"Stop saying you're sorry," pigil sa kanya ni Happy na ikinakunot ng noo niya. "I know. Ilang beses mo nang sinabi 'yon sa akin and I believe you naman. But that's not what I want to hear from you, Blaze."

"Then what do you wanna hear from me?"

Kinunutan siya nito ng noo. "'Di ba dapat you know kasi you're the one who wants to talk?" She blew a soft breath. "Gusto mong makipag-talk. I'm here now, so talk."

"My head is still a big pile of mess," he whispered. 

"That makes two of us," sabi ni Happy, saka bumaba ang tingin sa iced americano na in-order nito. "Hindi ko na alam what to think anymore, Blaze. I mean, I know you've got issues and I told myself that I won't make it a big deal but... it became a big deal to me." She sighed. "I have a no overthinking rule for myself, so I've got to ask you this."

"What?"

Nag-angat ito ng tingin sa kanya at tumitig sa mga mata niya. "Do you want me around because I'm me? Or because of her?" 

Happy's question made him still, and he couldn't answer her. 

"Do you need me as me? Or because of her?" Happy asked again. 

And he couldn't answer her! Again! Gusto niyang ibuka ang bibig pero natatakot siya sa mga salitang lalabas doon! 

"When you kissed me, ako ba ang nasa isip mo... o siya?"

His mind was screaming at him to speak but he couldn't even utter a single word. 

And when he didn't answer, a sad smile stretched on Happy's lips. "Why can't you answer me? Okay lang naman sa akin if you answered 'her.' Just tell me the truth, I mean, I deserve the truth. Hindi naman akong magiging angry sa iyo. Gusto ko lang 'yong truth from you so I would know what to do. Kasi naguguluhan ako. My mind is in chaos, Blaze. My mind is telling me to leave you alone, to let you be, to respect myself... but a part of me wants to stick around and be with you."

"Then stay."

Umiling ito. "Hindi ko hahayaan ang self ko na mag-stay, Blaze." Malungkot ang mga mata nito. "Hindi ko kaya na i-forget ang sarili ko for you. I was raised to love and respect myself. I know what I want. I know my worth. I deserve to be like as me." Dinuro pa nito ang sarili. "I don't deserve this... this whatever you have for me... I don't deserve it. I'm sorry but I can't accept that you see me as a replacement of her." Umiling ito habang nanunubig ang gilid ng mga mata. "I'm not a replacement, Blaze. I won't let you use me so you can relieve your memories with her. I'm me... can't you see that?"

"I do..." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Happy na nasa ibabaw ng mesa. "I see you."

A lone tear fell from her eyes. "Do you? Really? Because the last time I looked deep into your eyes, I'm not there and you can't see me."

"Happy—"

"I know that I will never know your pain. I know that I will never know how much you're hurting, but don't hurt me too, please? Don't put me in hell, Blaze, because that's where I'll be because I like you. I like you lot. And I'm scared because you don't like me as me. Kaya don't be angry if I leave or distance myself from you... masyado kong mahal ang sarili ko para magpagamit sa iyo."

Umiling siya. "Don't leave me. Please? Don't leave me, Happy. Don't.... please?"

"I'm not Cassie—"

"I know that, damn it!" His jaw tightened. "Pero nahihirapan pa ako. I'm trying to move on, Happy... I'm trying really hard. But it's not easy! It's not easy to forget her. I'm holding on to you. I believe I can move on with you by my side so please stay," he begged. 

"You'll put me through hell of self-doubt so you can move on, is that it?"

Mabilis siyang umiling. "No... that's not it. You got it wrong. Gusto lang kitang makasama, please?"

Matapang na sinalubong ni Happy ang titig niya. "You want me to stay? Sagutin mo ang question ko. Do you want me around as me or because of her?"

"I don't know," he answered honestly. "I don't know, Happy. I'm confused. I'm still sorting it out."

"Then sort it out without hurting someone... without hurting me and putting in so much self-doubt. Kung nirerespeto mo ako, hindi mo ako pahihirapan o sasaktan." Inagaw nito ang kamay nitong hawak niya, saka ibinaba iyon sa ilalim ng mesa. "I like you, Blaze. Gusto kita. Hindi ko idi-deny 'yon. That's why I let you kiss me because I like you. You makes me happy, makes me laugh and your company... being with you, it's amazing because you're you. And that's what I'm scared of, because I know we feel different. 

"I made you laugh, happy... and you seek my company not because I'm me, but because of her. And now you're confused! Hindi ako mag-a-adjust for you, Blaze. I wasn't born to adjust myself to please someone who can't appreciate my worth."

Natahimik si Blaze habang nagsi-sink in sa utak niya lahat ng sinabi ni Happy. 

And he looked down because he was ashamed... ashamed to look at the woman who made him realize a lot of things... who made him realize how asshole he was to ask her to stay because of someone else. 

Kahit naguguluhan pa siya, nasa isip pa rin niya si Cassie. Happy was right, she deserved more than what he could give. 

Because as long as Cassie was on his mind, there would be no Happy. 

And now, he was left with two choices. Move on and be with Happy or let himself be stuck in his past and continue loving Cassie. 

Natigilan sa pag-iisip si Blaze nang maramdaman niyang may yumakap sa kanya mula sa tagiliran at may lumapat na mga labi sa noo niya. 

It was Happy and she was hugging him softly. 

"I know you're nahihirapan. I can see it in your eyes, Blaze, kaya hindi ko na dadagdagan ang pain mo." Hinalikan nito ang ulo niya. "I'll be civil to you until I leave for Pennsylvania. I'll cook for you if you want me too and I'll accompany you if you want me by your side. But I'm not staying. And I will not expect something from you, the same goes with you. Don't expect something from me. Now that everything is clear to me, there will be no overthinking in my part." She cupped his face before leaning down to level their faces. "I like you, Blaze," sabi nito habang titig na titig sa kanya, saka masuyong ngumiti. "And I don't want to see you sad, just like now."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay nitong nakasapo sa mukha niya. "Ayoko ring makitang malungkot ka nang dahil sa akin."

Happy nodded earnestly. "Balak kitang iwasan actually after here, but I know it's impossible because our siblings are getting married. Our paths are bound to cross while I'm here so... let's compromise. For our good and peace of mind. No more talking about this, whatever this we have... no talking about her. Keep it to yourself. No jealousy either, no to destroying someone's car, no to running over someone and no to possessiveness."

"I can't do that."

"You need to do it," sabi nito, saka masuyong hinaplos ang pisngi niya habang titig na titig sa kanya. "I'm not yours and you're not mine. Period. Let's just go with the flow until I leave for Pennsylvania. It's easier and no drama. Don't you think so?"

His lips were just inched away from Happy's. "Can I still kiss you?"

"I'm not sure," she whispered. "Maybe. I like kissing you."

"So what? It's like we're friends with benefits?" 

Umiling si Happy. "I'm not going to have sex with you, Blazey. That's where your benefit ends."

"And you will leave after Lucky and Blake's wedding?"

Happy nodded. "That's the plan. I'm not staying."

Blaze sighed. "One and a half week and you're gone."

"Yes."

"What changed your mind?" He wanted to know. He was curious. "Bakit hindi mo ako iiwasan tulad ng nauna mong plano?"

"I like you." Happy smiled at her. "And I want to spend my remaining days here in the Philippines with a smile on my face. Baka rin ma-ruin ko ang mood ng kapatid ko if she found out that umiiwas ako sa iyo. Huwag natin silang i-burden sa issue natin. It's not right."

Tumango siya, saka hinawakan ito sa baywang at hinila paupo sa hita niya. And Happy wasn't shy even though people inside the café were looking at them. Maybe because her mind was liberated. This was normal for her. 

"Thank you," sabi niya. 

Tumaas ang kilay nito. "For?"

"For compromising with me," sagot niya. "Hindi ko rin kasi alam kung kaya kitang iwasan, lalo na't malapit ka lang."

Tumango-tango ito, saka bumaba ang tingin sa braso niyang sinulatan nito, kapagkuwan ay natawa.  "Did you like it?"

He nodded. "Except for the '
ma
 bitch' part."

Happy pouted. "Why? You're 
ma
 bitch for the next one week and a half so suck it up and own it."

"Nope."

Sumama ang tingin nito sa kanya, saka tumingin sa braso niya, sa leeg, sa dibdib at sa batok na parang may hinahanap. At nakita nito ang hinahanap sa likod ng tainga niya. 

"Here. Another part of your body that has no ink." Then she wrote something behind his ear using the tip of her finger. "
Ma
 bitch. There." She grinned. "It's just imaginary though but you are 
ma 
bitch."

Hindi na siya umangal at sinubuan ng cheese tart si Happy na kasama sa in-order nitong iced americano. Agad naman iyong tinanggap nito at umalis sa pagkakaupo sa hita niya, saka bumalik sa upuan nito. 

And just like before this mess started, they conversed while laughing and chuckling together. Like nothing happened. Like everything was okay. Like they were back to being nice to each other. 

Go with the flow. Can I do it without overthinking and doing something stupid? 

Blaze stared at Happy whose sipping her iced americano and happily eating her cheese tart. And when their eyes met, she winked at him making him chuckle. 

It it would mean being with Happy Quinn for the next one week and a half... 
then yes, I can do it.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTED 12

CHAPTER 12

HINDI MAIPINTA ang mukha ni Blaze nang makasalubong ito ni Happy papasok sa ospital. Madilim ang mukha ng lalaki at masama ang tingin sa kanya na ikinakunot nang noo niya. 

Ano na naman ang problema ng isang 'to? 
tanong ni Happy sa sarili. 

Ilang araw na nga silang hindi nagkita dahil pareho silang abala, 'tapos ganito pa siya salubungin. Duty kasi ito palagi at papalapit na rin ang kasal nina Lucky at Blake kaya naman sobrang busy niya. 

"Blazey—"

"Bakit si Reigo ang naghatid sa iyo?" Iritado ang boses nito. 

Happy sighed before tapping Blaze's cheek. "Remember our compromise? No jealousy?"

Hindi nawala ang sama ng tingin sa kanya ng lalaki. "Bakit kasi kayo magkasama?"

"We're friends," sabi niya, saka nilampasan ito. 

Agad naman siyang hinabol ng lalaki. "We're friends too!"

Happy looked at Blaze while walking. "Yes. We are. But you're different. Our friendship is different."

"Explain," Blaze demanded. 

Happy rolled her eyes. "Reigo and I don't kiss."

"Really?" Wala na ang inis sa boses nito. "So, ako lang talaga ang nakahalik sa iyo?"

She smiled at him. "Yes. Just you. Now go away, I know you're on duty so be a badass doctor because I'm busy."

"I miss you!" pahabol na sabi ni Blaze sa kanya habang naglalakad siya at tumigil naman ito. "I haven't seen you in four days!"

Nangingiting umikot si Happy paharap sa lalaki habang humahakbang paatras. Nag-flying kiss siya bago umikot ulit paharap at malalaki ang hakbang na tinungo ang kuwarto ni Blake. 

Kumatok muna siya bago binuksan ang pinto. 

Napangiti siya nang makitang maayos na ang lagay ni Blake. Naghilom na ang mga sugat nito at halatang nakaka-recover na. 

"Good afternoon!" nakangiting bati niya kina Blake at Lucky. 

"Ate!" Agad na sinalubong siya ni Lucky at niyakap. 

Nakangiting niyakap din niya ang kapatid at nang kumawala sila sa yakap ng isa't isa, inilabas niya ang phone na nasa clutch bag niya. Ipinakita niya ang naumpisahan na niyang disenyo sa reception area.

"Like mo ba?" tanong niya sa kapatid. "I can change it if you want another design—"

Napatigil siya sa pagsasalita nang pupugin ni Lucky ng halik ang pisngi niya, saka mahigpit siyang niyakap. 

"Thank you so so much, Ate! Sobrang thank you talaga." Ihinilig ni Lucky ang ulo sa balikat niya. "Kung wala ka, baka hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin naayos lahat dahil nagbabantay rin ako kay Blakey. Kaya maraming-maraming salamat talaga, Ate." 

Lucky's appreciation of her efforts made her smile. "You're welcome. By the way..." Tumingin siya kay Blake na nakamasid lang sa kanila ni Lucky. "Have you tried fitting your tuxedo? Does it fit? Is it okay?"

"Hindi pa," sagot ni Blake, saka bumangon ito at umupo sa gilid ng kama. "Kukunin daw ni Blaze mamaya pagkatapos ng shift niya para makita at maisukat ko." 

"That's good." Pagkatapos ay bumaling siya kay Lucky. "Lahat ng dresses ay okay na. Hindi talaga ako nag-leave doon sa boutique ni Mrs. Furrer yesterday nang hindi dala lahat mula sa flower girl to groomsmen." She grinned. "Yes. I pressured them. But I want everything to be done days before the wedding para ang problem na lang is the church design. The food is okay na rin, the cake is fabulous, and everything is going according to plan. So, no worries, okay?" Nginitian niya ang kapatid. "Ako ang bahala sa kasal mo."

Lucky kissed her on the cheek again. "Thank you so, so much." 

"No problem," tugon niya, saka nagpaalam na sa dalawa. "I have to go. I have to check the number of chairs and tables needed for the reception and of course, I have to send out the invitations! Goodness!"

Blake chuckled. "Dahan-dahan lang. Isang linggo pa naman."

"Or I could help?" suhestiyon ni Lucky. 

"You already did, little sis, by picking the colors and approving everything. But this na gagawin ko baka mapaano ka kasi it's heavy workload. Mapapagod ka. Ayokong i-risk ang heart mo. Rest here and I'll do everything as promised."

Lucky beamed at her. "Thank you again, Ate."

"Welcome, lil' sis," sabi niya, saka nagpaalam na sa dalawa dahil aasikasuhin pa niya ang ipinaulit na imbitasyon ng kapatid. Lucky already said yes to the design she sent her the other day. She had to make sure that it would be done in two days time.

Nang makalabas ng kuwarto ni Blake, natigilan si Happy nang makita si Blaze na nakasandal sa pader na kaharap ng pinto ng kuwarto. Nakapamulsa ito sa doctor's robe na suot, saka nakatitig sa kanya. 

"May need ka sa akin?" tanong niya sa lalaki. 

Umalis ito sa pagkakasandal sa pader, saka inilang hakbang ang distansiya nila. "Sabi mo hindi mo ako iiwasan."

She frowned. "Hindi nga."

"Kung ganoon, bakit apat na araw na kitang hindi nakikita?"

"I was busy," paliwanag niya, "I have so many ginagawa for Lucky and Blake's wedding. I don't want na patulungin si Lucky baka mabinat siya. She needs to be healthy in her own wedding. You can ask Tita Beth if you don't believe me—"

Happy's words stopped when Blaze wrapped his arms around her waist to hug her softly. 

"I miss you," Blaze whispered. 

And there goes her heart, beating so darn fast. "Me too."

"Really? Eh, hindi mo nga ako mabisi-bisita rito sa ospital." May pagtatampo sa boses nito. "'Yon ba ang na-miss?"

"We're both busy, Blazey," she answered.

"I don't believe you." Nagtatampo talaga ito. 

Happy rolled her eyes before pulling away from his embrace and looking at Blaze. "Na-miss nga kita. 'Di ba I answer your calls naman when you're calling? Nagre-reply ako sa text message mo if you're texting. See? Hindi kita iniiwasan."

Bitterness was written all over Blaze's face. "Liar. Oo, sinasagot mo nga ang tawag ko para sabihing busy ka, sinasagot mo ang text ko para rin sabihing busy ka. 'Yan ba ang hindi iniiwasan?"

"I was busy," giit niya. 

"So am I," sabi ni Blaze na nanlaki pa ang mga mata. "But I'm willing to make time for you."

"
Aww
, my big baby..." Inayos niya ang necktie nitong tabingi at hindi maayos ang pagkakabuhol, saka tumingin sa mga mata nito. "Dinner?" She smiled at him. "Hindi na ako busy mamayang gabi."

Blaze's bitter face actually lit up and his lips twitched. "You'll cook for me?"

Nakangiting tumango siya. "Oo. Ano'ng gusto ng 
ma
 bitch ko?"

Agad na sumama ang mukha ni Blaze. "Stop calling me that." 

She stuck out her tongue at him. "You're eating my food, that makes you 
ma 
bitch."

Blaze sighed. "Whatever. I'd like to taste your version of chicken curry or nilagang baboy."

Napangiti siya sa karupukan nito sa pagkain. "Then I'll cook that for 
ma
 bitch. Now... I have to go and deal with the wedding invitations, then I'll text you if I'm not busy anymore so you can come over to my hotel room."

"Okay." Blaze smiled. "My shift ends at three this afternoon. I'm all yours after that until tomorrow afternoon at three PM. But I'll just be on call so I'm still yours until the next day."

Lumapad ang ngiti niya. "I like the 'I'm yours part.'"

"Really?" Lumapit ang mukha nito sa mukha niya, saka humaplos ang mga labi sa mga labi niya. "I really miss you, Happy. Good thing I was on duty and I have lots of cases to keep me sane. But I still can't focus. I keep thinking of you and I can't stop myself."

Hinalikan niya ang lalaki sa pisngi, saka nginitian. "Mamaya na 'yan, kailangan ko nang umalis."

Parang napipilitan na binitawan ni Blaze ang baywang niya. "Fine. Ingat ka."

"You too," nakangiting sabi niya bago nagmamadaling umalis. 

Kailangan niyang tapusin agad itong pag-aasikaso ng imbitasyon. She couldn't wait to cook for Blaze again. She missed dining with him... and teasing him.

BLAZE'S SHIFT was supposed to end at three PM. But he just finished charting his last two cases and it was now five PM and he was beat. He pushed himself to move. Tinungo niya ang kuwarto ng kakambal at pumasok nang hindi kumakatok. 

Naabutan niyang nanonood ng TV si Blakey at wala si Lucky. Nang makapasok siya, binabaan nito ang volume ng TV, saka itinuon ang atensiyon sa kanya. 

"You look beat," pansin nito. 

Blaze sighed and dropped himself on the edge of Blake's bed. "I'll be fine. Anyway, bukas ko na lang kukunin ang tuxedo mo. Ang toxic ng last case ko, napagod ako."

"Then rest."

"Later," sabi niya, saka lumipat ng upo sa mahabang sofa. "Dito muna ako." Hindi pa kasi nagte-text si Happy. 

"Suit yourself," sabi ni Blake, saka bumalik sa panonood ng TV. 

Napatitig siya sa kakambal habang tinatanong ang sarili kung may alam ito tungkol sa nangyayari sa kanila ni Happy. 

Blaze took a deep breath. "Blakey, I'm a mess."

Tuluyan nang ini-off ni Blake ang TV, saka bumaling sa kanya. "I know."

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga. "Remember when I told you to not start something with Lucky if you're still stuck in your past because you'll hurt her?"

Blake nodded. "Yeah. Can't forget that one."

Mapait siyang ngumiti. "I'm eating my own words now, Blakey. I started something while I'm still stuck."

"Is it Happy?"

Tumango siya, saka tumingin sa kakambal. "Paano mo nagawa 'yon? Paano ka nakaahon sa nakaraan mo? Paano ka nakapag-move on?"

"I have my reason."

He frowned, eager to know. Maybe it could help him. "What?"

"Not what." Blakey smiled. "It's who."

He blinked. "Who?"

"Lucky," sagot nito at mas lumapad pa ang ngiti. "She's my reason. Well, lahat naman ng ginagawa ko, siya ang rason. But at that time, I was so scared to lose her, not because she makes me happy and she lights up my dark world, but because she's Lucky, my positive gummy bear and I can't see myself in the future without her by myside."

Nagbaba siya ng tingin. "I'm scared to lose Happy too."

"Are you?" 

Agad niyang ibinalik ang tingin kay Blaze. "Yes. Why do you sound doubtful?"

Blake shrugged. "I'm just wondering if you're scared to lose Happy because you love the idea of her making you happy and being there for you. I'm wondering if you just love the idea of Happy being around and knowing that she can do things, for you, to be happy and to stop being miserable."

Blake's words silenced him. 

"Blaze...." Blake looked deep into his eyes. "Ako naman ngayon ang magsasabi sa iyo. Let go of Cassie. Tama na. It's been eleven years."

"Where do I start?" he asked in a whisper. 

"There." Itinuro ni Blake ang ulo niya. "Condition your mind, accept what has to be accepted. It's not easy, I'm telling you. Sarili mo ang kalaban mo rito at ang alaala n'yong dalawa. Then work your way down." He pointed his heart. "Forgive what has to be forgiven. Necessarily, forgive yourself. That's the key, and everything will follow."

"'Yon ba ang ginawa mo?"

Blake nodded. "You can do it too. Mahihirapan ka nga lang, pero kung gusto mo talaga, kakayanin mo 'yon. Remember what you used to say to me way back then?"

Blaze frowned. "What?"

"Kapag gusto, gagawa ka ng paraan. Kapag ayaw, gagawa at gagawa ka ng dahilan."

He stilled. That hit hard. 

Mahina siyang natawa nang walang buhay. "I have just been slain by my twin."

Blake chuckled. "Kuya mo ako, remember? It's my job to slay you, you motherfucker." Then he tsked. "It's not gonna be easy for you but man up, okay? You have two balls, that must've meant something, right?"

Blaze grimaced. "Don't used the two balls card on me. I don't even know what that means."

"That means be a man, you idiot." Blake hissed at him. "Only men have balls so be a fucking man and make your balls proud."

His grimace turned into a fit of laughter. "Yeah. I have two balls."

Blake tsked. "Good talk?"

He nodded while chuckling. "Good talk." Then he pointed the bed. "I'm tired. Puwede bang tumabi ng higa sa iyo diyan?"

It was Blake's turn to grimace. "No way. That's so gay. Find your own bed." Pagkatapos ay itinuro nito ang dextrose na wala nang laman. "And replace it, will you? This time, huwag mo akong ipasa sa nurse. Sasaksakin kitang gago ka." Itinaas pa nito ang pupulsuhan para ipakita sa kanya ang IV nito. "And my wrist is swollen, do something about it."

Napailing na lang si Blaze, saka tumango at lumabas ng kuwarto ni Blakey kahit pagod na pagod siya. Dumeretso siya sa nurse station at kumuha ng mga kakailanganin para palitan ang IV ng kakambal, saka dextrose na rin. 

Nang makabalik siya sa kuwarto ni Blake, umupo siya sa gilid ng kama nito at pinalapit ito sa kanya. 

"Be careful, okay?" May takot sa boses ni Blake. 

Mahina siyang natawa. "You're still afraid of needles?"

Blake glared at him. "My heart is pounding, what do you think?!"

Blaze was laughing at his twin as he put on a glove to remove the cannula from Blake's wrist. "Give me your other arm," sabi niya sa kakambal. 

He obliged slowly. "Do I really need this? Kumakain naman na ako—"

"Shut up, Blakey. You need this."

Blake gulped when he ready the green cannula—the needle—that Blake disliked. Then he changed his glove—for safety purposes. 

"Fuck. That's a scary needle," bulong ni Blake. 

Natawa siya. "It's a normal needle, Blakey. Stay still," sabi niya habang sinusuri ang pupulsuhan nito para sa ugat na kailangan niya. 

Blake blew a loud breath. "Matagal pa ba?"

"Stay still," sabi niya. "I got it."

Blaze immediately put the tourniquet just further above Blake's wrist when he found an IV site then he disinfected it with cotton that had alcohol in it. 

"That needle is really too big!" Blake hissed again. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!" 

"No. I'm trying to insert a cannula to your fucking vein, you fucker," kalmado niyang sagot. 

Bumaba ang tingin ni Blakey sa tray na dala niya kung nasaan naroon lahat ang mga gamit na kinuha niya sa nurse station para sa cannula insertion. 

"What's that? That small one—yes, that." Inginuso nito ang mga labi sa ibang cannula na iba ang sukat ng karayom. 

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya at pinulot ang kulay-violet na cannula—ang may pinakamaliit na karayom. "Ito?"

"Yes! Use that," utos ni Blake sa kanya. 

Ibinalik niya sa tray ang violet na cannula. "No way. That's for babies. Damulag ka na. And it easily gets dislodge so no."

"Fuck." Blake blew a loud breath. "That one. 'Yong pangalawa sa pinakamaliit?"

Pinulot ni Blaze ang kulay-yellow na cannula. "This? This is for pediatric you fucker! Hindi ka toddler gago."

"Then use that blue one!" singhal sa kanya ng kakambal. "And don't give me that pediatric crap! Sasaksakin kita, Blaze. I'm not kidding around!"

Blaze tsked and changed the cannula—the blue one. "This needle is still for kids. Pero dahil naaawa ako sa iyong gago ka, sige na lang." 

Blake breathed out. "That'll do. Thanks."

Napailing siya na natatawa.

"Hurry up!" Blake hissed at him again. 

Instead of hurrying up, he deliberately took his time before inserting the needle on Blake's skin, to his vein. 

"Fuck!" Blake hissed again while his eyes are squeezed shut. "Fuck! Fuck!"

"Goodness, Blakey, that needle was for kids! It's not even for you but because I pity you, that's the one I chose!"

"Oh, fuck you!"

Blaze tsked. 

When the needle was already on Blake's veins, Blaze pulled the needle half way to check for blood back flow. Nang may makita siyang dugo, doon niya ipinasok ang buong cannula at nilagyan ng micropore tape para siguruhing hindi iyon matatanggal o magagalaw. Pagkatapos ay ikinonekta niya ang IV line sa cannula at inalis ang tourniquet. Then he opened the regulator to check if the fluid was flowing well. 

"Is it done?" Blake asked while his eyes were closed. 

Pigil niya ang sariling matawa. "Give me a minute."

Blaze looked at his wristwatch while he regulated its drop per minute. When it was all done, he put more micropore to secure the cannula. 

"Done," he announced. 

Blake finally opened his eyes and looked at his IV. "Fuck. I hate needles."

"I love them." Blaze grinned. "I can poke people with it—legally and they don't even get mad."

Blake glared at him. "I hate you."

"No, you don't." Tumayo siya, saka lumabas ng kuwarto ni Blake para itapon ang basura at ang gloves na ginamit, pagkatapos ay bumalik uli sa kuwarto. 

"Still breathing?" biro niyang tanong sa kakambal. 

Blake showed him his middle finger. "Fuck you."

"You're welcome," natatawang tugon niya, saka natigilan nang tumunog ang kanyang cell phone. 

It was either a text or a chat. Sa isiping baka si Happy na 'yon, agad niyang inilabas ang cell phone sa bulsa ng doctor's robe, saka tiningnan ang mensaheng natanggap. 

Nope. It was not from Happy. It was from the Jumbo Hotdog Club. Nag-iingay na naman ang group chat nila. 

I should off my data.

He was just gonna ignore it when someone tagged him. He sighed and opened the group chat. 

Phoenix Martinez

: Maniningil kami ni T, @Bigbaby, masakit pa ang katawan namin hanggang ngayon sa ginawa mo! 

Titus Morgan

: @Bigbaby, barbecue and beer will do.

Blaze blinked as he read Phoenix and Titus' chats again. 

Big baby? Is that me? 

His teeth gritted. 

Big baby

: Who the fuck changed my name?! 

Phoenix Martinez

: 
👉🏻
 @BlakeVitale he did. 
🤣

Big baby

: 
🖕🏻
 fuck you! 

Titus Morgan

: 
🤧
 I'm sick because of you, @Bigbaby, you broke my rib, you motherfucker! I will kill you if we see each other again. I was just holding back when we fought you animal! 

Phoenix Martinez

: @Titus, want some soup? I'm cooking. 

Titus Morgan

: Give me some 
🍜

Phoenix Martinez

: What's that emoticon? I don't have that emoticon! Why is that? 
🤬

Titus Morgan

: That's a noodle with soup emoticon... I think. May nagbebenta niyan sa Japanese resto na gusto ko. 'Yong kinainan natin last month noong nasa Manila tayo. My whole body is aching! 

Phoenix Martinez

: Rest then, bukas na natin pagbayarin si @Bigbaby.

Titus Morgan

: Is that your helicopter I'm hearing? 

Phoenix Martinez

: Yeah, I'm gonna buy you that noodle. @Bigbaby, you'll pay us with barbecue and beer. Tomorrow or else will go Jason Bourne on your ass! 

Napailing si Blaze, ini-off ang mobile data niya, saka masamang tiningnan ang kakambal.  "You change my name to big baby?" 

Blake stilled before whistling. "I don't know what you're talking about."

He tsked. "I should have used that green cannula."

He sighed again and was about to drop himself on the long sofa when his phone beeped.  A smile immediately appeared on his lips when he saw that it was from Happy. 

From: My Happiness 

Blazey, I'm in the hotel room na. I already started na mag-cook sa gusto mong kainin. Punta ka na lang dito kapag hindi ka na busy. 
😘

The emoticon on the last part made him grin.

He replied while still grinning.

To: My Happiness

See yah. 
😘😘😘

Ibinalik niya ang cell phone sa bulsa sa likod ng pantalon na suot, saka nagpaalam sa kakambal.  "I'm leaving."

"Use protection!" Blake shouted as Blaze stepped out from his twin's room. 

Napailing na lang siya, saka hinubad ang doctor's robe habang naglalakad palabas ng ospital. Then he took off his tie while walking towards the parking lot. 

Nang makasakay sa kotse niya, itinapon niya sa backseat ang doctor's robe at necktie, saka itinupi ang manggas ng polo hanggang sa siko. Inalis din niya ang pagkakabutones ng dalawang butones sa pinakataas ng kanyang polo. 

Then he drove off towards Happy's hotel. He couldn't wait to dine with Happy again. 

God, why did I miss her so much? 

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 13

AFTER DINING together, Happy and Blaze found themselves in Happy's room, on the bed, under the covers and lying side by side. Pinaunan siya ni Blaze sa braso nito habang nakayakap ito sa baywang niya at panay ang halik sa gilid ng noo niya. 

Happy yawned. "What is it?"

Blaze buried his face on her neck—it seemed like he liked doing that with her. "I miss you."

"Me too," she whispered back. 

Kumawala ang mahinang daing sa mga labi ni Happy nang unti-unti siyang kinubabawan ni Blaze at hinalikan ang pisngi niya. 

She closed her eyes to savour his kisses. She was enjoying it. 

And when his lips claimed hers, she just let him kiss her. She didn't move to kiss him back and that made Blaze stop. 

"Kiss me back," he demanded while brushing his lips against hers.

Instead of kissing him back, Happy yawned with her eyes closed. "I run so many errands today. I'm beat. Tinatamad akong i-kiss ka."

Blaze's body vibrated as he chuckled deeply. "I'm beat too but I still want to kiss you."

"We're different." Nanatiling nakapikit ang mga mata niya. "It's tiring pala na mag-asikaso ng wedding."

Naramdaman niyang hinalikan siya nito sa noo habang nakakubabaw pa rin sa kanya. "Then rest or take a break. Hayaan mo si Mommy ang umasikaso sa mga dapat mong gawin."

She pouted. "But I don't want that."

He kissed her pouted lips. "Then what do you want?"

She opened her eyes and looked at Blaze who was looking softly at her. "I want my sister happy, kaya I'm doing this. I want her to feel that she's importante sa akin—sa amin ni Daddy. Gusto kong i-prove kay Lucky na kahit hindi kami together habang lumalaki kami, ate pa rin niya ako and that she can count on me. Do you think sapat na ang ginagawa ko para ma-feel niyang love na love ko siya?"

He smiled softly at her. "Of course. Lucky is the kind of person who appreciates everything and everyone. Kahit nga ako, nakikita kong mahal mo siya, siya pa ba?"

That put a smile on my face. "I love having a sibling."

Blaze nodded. "Me too." Umalis ito sa pagkakakubabaw sa kanya at niyakap uli siya sa baywang habang nakaunan siya sa braso nito. "I guess I could say that I'm dependent to Blake. Siguro dahil sa mga pinagdaanan namin. We lost our mom eleven years ago. She was kidnapped and we thought she was dead until months ago."

That caught her attention and her sleepiness slowly disappeared. "What happened?" Siya naman ang kumubabaw sa lalaki at tinitigan ito. 

"We thought our mom was dead for eleven years." He smiled bitterly. "When we saw her again, she has a different face. Blake had a hard time accepting her and I can see that Mom is also having a hard time telling us the truth. Ayoko nang dagdagan 'yong bigat ng dinadala nila kaya naman kahit mahirap din para sa akin na tanggapin ang lahat, kahit parang sasabog na ang ulo ko sa kung ano'ng dapat na gawin, pinilit kong magpanggap na ayos lang ang lahat, na maaayos namin ang lahat. I begged Blakey and I begged Mom. I was so fucked up but I didn't let them see it. I didn't let them see how wreck I was because of Mom's sudden appearance. I don't want to burden them with my issues because I know they have so much on their plate too. 

"So, I acted like it was okay for me, that it doesn't matter what Mom did... I acted because I can see Blakey. I can see that he wants to be with Mom again but just didn't know what to do and where to start. Kahit ano pa'ng sabihin ng kakambal ko, kahit ano pa'ng galit ang ipakita niya kay Mommy, kilala ko siya, alam kong nahihirapan siya. Kaya kinalimutan ko ang sarili kong problema at nararamdaman para kay Mommy at pilit na pinagbati sila. Thankfully, Lucky helped. And seeing Blake smile to Mom again, seeing him happy like that, I know I did good. It was the right decision for me to discard my own feelings. For my twin."

Hinaplos niya ang kunot nitong noo. "You're a good brother, Blazey."

"Am I?" Blaze's voice is filled with self-doubt. "I blamed him for years. I blamed him for my mistakes. And when Blakey found out that I blamed him, he said he was sorry, and I felt like a prick. It was my fault, not his, it was me who didn't get up that morning to accompany Mom and Cassie that's why they got kidnapped. It was all on me. It was me. It was my fault that Mom got kidnapped and Cassie was raped and murdered. It's me... it's me... It's all my fault. I fucked up. I messed up and now I'm paying the price."

Happy's heart broke when she saw a tear fell from Blaze's eyes. Now she understood why he couldn't move on. Cassie didn't leave him, she died. Cassie didn't break his heart because she left, his heart broke because of Cassie's brutal death. And Blaze blamed himself for it. That was why he was having a hard time moving on. That was why he couldn't let go that easy. 

That was why he was having a hard time fixing himself.

Because the damage was severe. So severe that it broke him. 

He's not just broken hearted... this man, he's broken all over. His heart, his mind and his soul. It's all broken. 

"When I lost Mom and Cassie, I was a wreck, Happy." He chuckled bitterly. "I nearly went insane, no, not nearly—because I went insane. But Blake was there to pull me out. Before it all happened, I was the big baby of the family. Mom spoils me and Blake does too. They won't even let me drive a car because they're afraid I might get into an accident. When I'm hungry, they would cook for me. I let them treat me like a baby. I let Blake drive me to school and pick me up. And when I met Cassie, she treated me like a baby too. I was the softy and the baby, so when it happened, I lost it.

"It was just me and Blake when it all went down. At nangapa ako. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin. I don't want to burden Blake but I think that's what I did because he sacrificed everything for me. He dropped out to take care of the business, he took Mom's responsibility. In those eleven years, Blake wasn't just my brother, he was my mom and my dad at the same time. He fed me, clothed me, sent me to school—he was there for me. He taught me how to drive, he, ahm, cooked for me, he supported me while studying and taking the board exam. He supported me through and through, forgetting himself in the process. And how did I repay him? By blaming him.

"I keep asking myself why Blake would sacrifice everything for me—and I realize, it's because I was weak. So, I decided to be strong. I decided to be like Blakey. A strong, independent and responsible man. I pushed myself to my limit. I did everything to be as strong as Blakey. Through the years I did become strong, I was strong enough to put Blakey first than myself. I was strong enough to forget myself and my issues for Blakey. To set aside what I want and what I feel for Blakey. 

"I may not say it to Blake or to anyone, but I can risk my life and I can put my life on the line for him. Not because I owed him everything but because I love him and he's my brother, my companion, my pain absorber, my best friend and he's my family." 

Happy smiled. "I feel the same way to my sister. I'm not just doing this because I owe her, it's because I love her."

Blaze smiled back at her. "And I guess we're the same, wanting our siblings to feel that we're just here, that we support them and that we will do anything to prove to them that we love them without saying the word I love you."

Happy nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. "You're a very good man, Blazey. Very. And I'm very, very proud that I have met you."

Pinakatitigan siya ni Blaze. "We're kind of the same in some way. We're an action kind of person." Iniyakap nito ang mga braso sa baywang niya habang masuyong hinahaplos ang likod niya. "And I know that action without words is meaningless, but words without action is more useless and senseless."

Happy smiled proudly at Blaze. "That's 
ma
 bitch."

He chuckled. "This is the part where I'll say that I'm not your bitch, but hell, I don't really mind being your bitch. It's downright insulting but for some reason, when you say it, I feel like you're owning me and you're proud of me." He tsked. "It still feel like you're insulting me though, but just a little."

Happy laughed and kissed him on the lips, a kiss that he returned immediately. He gripped her waist, sucked and licked his tongue before rolling them over. 

He was on top of her now. Kissing and owning her lips, making her moan slightly and groan audibly. 

His lips left hers and it moved down to her chin, trailing on her jaw and finding its way to her ear. And when his tongue touched her earlobe, she gasped at the sensation that hit her belly. It made her body arch! 

"Blaze..."

His tongue continued playing with her earlobe trailing to the back of her ear and she couldn't stop herself from getting wet in between her thighs. 

Jesus Christ! He's still not kissing my neck yet! 

Napahawak siya sa braso ni Blaze nang tuluyan na ngang bumaba ang mga labi nito sa leeg niya. He was kissing her neck, trailing down his tongue on her collarbone and softly nipping her skin. 

"Blaze..." She couldn't stop herself from moaning his name until he returned to kissing her lips again. 

He was ravishing her lips. Kissing her hungrily and senseless. And she kissed him back with the same ferocity. With the same heat and intensity. 

The bed was huge, and they rolled each other over and over while their lips were locked and until her lips were swollen from Blaze's kisses. 

And when he finally had enough of her lips, he dropped three sweet endearing kisses on her lips before pulling away and staring at her. 

"Thank you," he whispered. 

"For?"

"For making me feel better," sabi nito, saka umalis sa pagkakakubabaw sa kanya at nahiga sa tabi niya. "Pagod na pagod ako kanina kasi ang dami kong case mula pa noong isang araw. Hindi ako umasa na makakahanap pa ako ng tao na kayang magtanggal ng pagod na nararamdaman ko. Because in my field of work, if you're tired and your body is aching, take a medicine. Pero ipinagluto mo lang ako at hinalikan, nawala na ang pagod ko. It's like you're my own personal brand of medicine. I like it. A lot."

Tumagilid siya ng higa, saka tinitigan ang lalaki. "I won't force you."

Kunot ang noong tumagilid din ng higa si Blaze, paharap sa kanya. "Force me what?"

"To move on." Hinaplos niya ang pisngi nito pababa sa mapupula nitong labi na katatapos lang niyang tikman at halikan. "Move on at your own pace, Blazey. Don't force yourself just because you're pressured. Move on because that's what you want, move on because that's what you deserve and move on because you're worth it." 

"I'm worth it..." he whispered. "And that's what I deserve..."

Happy nodded with a smile. "Yes. Always keep that in mind. When you finally realize your worth and what you deserve, maybe then, you'll be able to heal and love yourself." 

Tumango si Blaze, saka pinagsalikop nang mahigpit ang kamay nila. "Thank you."

"Again?" She chuckled. "For what this time?"

"For being you," sagot nito na titig na titig sa kanya. "For being Happy Quinn."

Her eyes watered. Hearing Blaze said that, it meant so much to her. "Thank you... for seeing me."

He kissed her forehead. "Magpahinga ka na, alam kong pagod ka." 

Tumango siya. "Okay. You too."

"I'll just take a bath," sabi nito na bumangon at umalis sa kama. "Pahinga ka na. As a doctor, I advice you to rest."

Natawa siya. "But you're off duty," sabi niya nang maalala ang una nilang beses na nagkausap nang matagal. 

He had a 
different
 diagnosis at that time because he was 
off duty
. 

"As an off-duty doctor, my advice is wait for me so I can cuddle with you until you fall asleep."

That made her laugh. "Okay, Doc. Hurry up, your master is waiting and that's me, because you're 
ma
 bitch."

Napabuga na lang ng marahas na hininga si Blaze, saka napapailing na pumasok sa banyo at hindi man lang isinara ang pinto. 

Tumihaya si Happy ng higa, saka napatitig sa kisame. Ilang minuto rin siyang ganoon nang bigla na lang na may sunod-sunod na nag-ingay sa cell phone ni Blaze. Hahayaan na lang niya sana 'yon nang sunod-sunod na naman na nag-ingay 'yon hanggang sa mairita siya sa tunog. 

"Blazey, your phone is annoying, it keeps beeping," sabi niya sa lukot na mukha. 

"Open it!" sigaw ni Blaze mula sa banyo na bukas ang pinto. "Baka may emergency sa ospital."

Sa sinabi nito, inabot niya ang cell phone nito na nasa bedside table, katabi ng cell phone niya. 

When she picked up Blaze's phone, the screen automatically lit up and it was asking for a face recognition. And when the face recognition didn't recognize her face, a number keyboard popped up.

Bumangon siya, saka naglakad palapit sa banyo pero hindi siya pumasok. Hanggang sa labas lang siya ng pinto. "It's asking for your password. I'll just put it back—"

"It's four-two-seven-seven-nine-seven."

She frowned. "What is that? Does it stand for something or just a random number?"

"A secret and don't ask what that is. Walang basagan ng trip," sabi ni Blaze. "Just open my phone."

Naiiling na itinype niya ang password sa cell phone ni Blaze at bumukas nga 'yon. 

And the notifications... it wasn't a text message, it was a chat notification. 

"Reply-an mo na lang kung sino man 'yan," sabi ni Blaze na naliligo pa rin. "Tell him or her that I'm taking a shower."

Sa sinabing 'yon ni Blaze, bumalik siya sa kama at padapang nahiga habang nagta-type ng mensahe para sa Jumbo Hotdog Club.

Whoever named this group chat was lame. Who would name their group chat a Jumbo Hotdog Club anyway? Only a lunatic would agree with that name. 

Happy didn't read the previous message—except the last two.

Phoenix Martinez

: @Bigbaby nasaan na ang barbecue at beer namin, Blaze? Naniningil na kami! 
👿
 pagkatapos mo kaming bugbugin, thank you lang? 

Khairro Sanford

: Hindi kami tumatanggap ng thank you, @Bigbaby Blaze!

Natawa siya sa nabasa, saka mabilis na nag-type. Hindi pa rin pala makalimutan ng mga kaibigan ni Blaze ang nangyari doon sa labas ng BV. 

Blaze is on the shower. He'll be out in a minute or so. – Happy Q.

And when she sent it, she smiled while remembering Blaze's name in the group chat. 

"Big baby..." That made her chuckle. "Seriously?" Tumuon uli ang tingin niya sa screen ng cell phone ni Blaze. 

'Yong group chat na mabilis ang pagtaas ng mga chat kanina at maingay ay bigla na lang natahimik pagkatapos niyang mag-reply. 

And the next thing she knew, the group chat disappeared. 

"What the hell?" gulat niyang tanong sa sarili. 

Tamang-tama naman na lumabas si Blaze sa banyo na tanging tuwalya lang ang nakatapi sa pang-ibaba nitong katawan. And she just stared at him... ogling his muscles at the right places and his abs... damn. 
This doctor is really dirty... and hot! 

"I'm not a stripper, Happy," sabi ni Blaze na nagpabalik sa katinuan niya. 

Napalabi siya. "Sorry."

Sumunod ang mga mata niya rito habang kumukuha ito ng damit sa backpack na dala kanina. 

And Blaze shamelessly took off the towel wrapped around his waist. 

In front of her! 

While his back was on her!

And she could see his... hot and sexy ass! 

And she didn't look away. She stayed rooted while staring at Blaze's sexy back. 

Damn this hot and dirty doctor! 

At nang humarap ito sa kanya, nakasuot na ng boxer shorts, saka walang pangingiming tumabi ng higa sa kanya sa kama. 

"Who was it?" Blaze asked. 

Happy needed to blink enumerable times to pull herself together! "Ahm..." Tumikhim siya bago sumagot. "It was from Jumbo Hotdog Club."

"What?" Blaze looked agitated all of the sudden. 

"Yeah." Tumango siya, saka iniabot dito ang cell phone. "I replied and I quote, 'Blaze is on the shower. He'll be out in a minute or so. Happy Q.'"

Blaze was still in shock and a little bit... nervous, maybe? "And? What did they say? Nabasa mo ba ang chat-chat doon?"

Umiling siya, saka napangiwi. "They kicked you out."

"Oh."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Someone looks relieved. They kicked you out though."

Blaze just pulled her closer to him and cuddled with her. "Hayaan mo sila," sabi nito. "I'm sure they'll add me back. I named that group chat after the last one was infiltrated by an amazon."

She frowned, confused. "Amazon?"

"My friends' wives."

Natawa siya. "So, you're hiding it from them?"

"It's a man's talk, you know. Kind of personal and crazy."

Happy just shrugged, because she couldn't relate, and snuggled close to Blaze as she closed her eyes for the night. 

And she had a good night sleep. So was Blaze who slept like a big baby who was beside her.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 14

HAPPY ASKED BLAZE to help with tables and chairs for the reception. Blaze asked his friends to carry the tables and chairs inside the hall. Siyempre, may suhol. The famous barbecue and beer just outside Bachelor's Village. 

As always.

Ang paborito nilang tambayang magkakaibigan simula nang magbukas iyon ilang taon na ang nakakaraan. 

At ang mga walanghiya, kahit ang mga hindi tumulong nagsidatingan. 

"Mga metal talaga ang mukha n'yo," sabi niya kina Titus, Phoenix, Hunt, Sanford at Salazar pagkatapos ubusin ang beer na hawak. "Tumulong ba kayo?"

Phoenix glared at him before pointing his swollen neck. "How about this, you motherfucker?! Nahirapan akong lumunok dahil bakit naman kasi sa dinami-dami nang puwede mong suntukin na parte ng katawan ko sa leeg ko pa?!"

Lihim siyang napangiwi. "Because the neck is one of the weak spots of human body?"

Phoenix showed him his middle finger. "Don't give that human anatomy crap. You attack me because you're an asshole and a jealous animal. Period."

Titus tapped his chest. "And my rib is broken because of you."

He frowned at Morgan. "Then why are you walking, moron?"

"Maybe because it's free barbecue and beer and you didn't invite us, you animal!" Titus snapped before slowly sitting on the vacant chair. "Fuck, that hurts."

Phoenix tsked before getting two beers on the fridge and handing one to Titus. "Man, don't go Drunken Master on us again. Sa susunod na magselos ka, wala nang hand-to-hand combat. Babarilin kita agad." Kapagkuwan ay tumingin ito sa tindera na nasa counter. "Palista na lang, Eva."

Nag-thumbs-up lang si Eva, ang anak ng may-ari ng tindahan, saka bumalik agad ang atensiyon sa cell phone nito. 

"Eva, dalampung piraso pang barbecue," sabi ni Sanford na umiinom na ng beer. "Palista."

Agad na nalukot ang mukha ni Eva at umalis ito sa counter, saka may inilapag na notebook at ball pen sa mesa nila. 

"Heto," sabi ni Eva na lukot ang mukha. "Kayo ang maglista sa lahat ng kinuha n'yo. Lahat ha?" May babala sa boses nito. "Hindi na kayo makakakabili ng barbecue namin dito kapag may kinain kayong hindi n'yo nilista riyan. Gets?"

Lahat sila ay nag-thumbs-up kay Eva na bumalik naman agad sa likod ng counter. 

Beckett tsked. "I think I heard Eva whisper 'mga baliw.'"

"Sino kaya 'yon?" Cali asked in an innocent voice. "Baka 'yong kapitbahay nila."

Lahat sila napatango bilang pagsang-ayon. 

"Eva," tawag ni Ymar sa cashier ng tindahan. "Paano mo malalaman kung kumpleto ang inilista namin dito?"

Eva pointed the barbecue stool with a sarcastic face. "Limang daang piraso ang nandiyan at walang tao rito. Wala naman talang pumapasok ritong ibang costumer kapag nandito kayo kasi ang iingay n'yo!" Pagkatapos, itinuro nito ang ref. "May lamang limampung beer doon." Namaywang ito. "Alam ko ang bilang ng paninda namin, mga gago. Ang yayaman n'yo, 'tapos nandito kayo."

Nagtawanan lang sila sa sinabi ng babae.

"Dapat ipa-aircon n'yo na itong karinderiya n'yo, Eva," sabad ni Calyx. "Malaki ang kinikita n'yo sa amin."

Eva looked at Calyx's flatly. "Anong malaki? Sa utang mo pa lang, lugi na kami."

Calyx looked shock. "May utang ako?"

Wolkzbin tsked. "Huwag kang gumaya kay Vergara, Vargaz. Susunod ka na sa yapak niya sa pagiging makapal ang mukha."

"Hey!" agad na depensa ni Iuhence. "Kung makasabi ka namang makapal ang mukha ko, eh, fifty pesos lang naman 'yon!"

"O, kung fifty pesos lang naman pala..." Pinandilatan ng mga mata ni Train si Iuhence. "Magbayad ka na!"

Agad na naging maamong tupa ang mukha ni Iuhence. "Wala akong pera, eh." Kapagkuwan ay bumaling ito kay Tyron na tumutulong sa pagluluto ng barbecue kasi naubos na nila ang lahat ng luto na. "Ty, pahiram nga muna ako ng fifty pesos para makatulog na nang mahimbing itong si Wolkzbin."

Tyron just showed his finger at Iuhence. "You still owe me one hundred pesos, bonehead."

Lander tsked. "Magpinsan yata 'tong sina Vergara at Vargaz, parehong metal ang mukha."

"Hey!" sabay na sigaw nina Calyx at Iuhence habang masama ang tingin kay Lander. 

Then Calyx looked at Eva. "Kailan pa ako nagkautang dito?"

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Eva, saka lumapit uli sa kanila habang may dala-dalang malapad na notebook. Binuklat nito iyon sa harap nila at may itinuro. "Heto, o," baling nito kay Calyx. "Sampung lollipop at maraming pang iba, si Seth ang kumuha, care of na lang daw sa iyo. Limampung balot ng Wiggles, inutang ni Connor sa pangalan mo. Limang balot ng biscuit at candy, inutang ni Corey, isa sa triplets mo. 'Tapos si Caelan, ito ang mga inutang niya. Sinabi nilang lahat ang daddy daw nila ang magbabayad. Hindi lang 'yon, ito pa, mga soft drinks."

Napangiwi si Calyx. "Nangutang ang mga anak ko rito?"

"Oo nga. Sinasamahan lang sila ni Manong Danny na guard n'yo riyan."

Napatanga si Calyx. "I'm shook."

Iuhence tsked. "Mana sa tatay ang mga anak mo, Calyx."

Tumuon kay Iuhence ang masamang tingin ni Eva. "'Yong kambal mong anak, sila lang naman ang umubos sa Yakult namin dito at sabi nila ang daddy na lang nila ang magbabayad."

Napatanga si Iuhence sa narinig. "What?!"

Eva looked at Train. "Pati rin ang anak mo. Heto ang utang."

From Lander to Tyron to Ymar and so on. Lahat ng may anak sa kanilang magkakaibigan, may utang sa tindahan. 

"Bakit hindi mo kami siningil?" 'Yon ang mahiwagang tanong ng lahat kay Eva. 

Umirap lang si Eva. "Nahihiya si Nanay, eh. Pero hindi ako, ang yayaman n'yo, 'tapos ang kukuripot. Kumain na nga lang kayo riyan."

Inis na bumalik si Eva sa counter habang ang mga kaibigan naman niyang may mga utang dahil sa mga anak ng mga ito ay nagsilabasan ng pera para magbayad. 

And after they paid their debts, one by one, they all left, saying how they would scold their kids for doing what they did. 

Blaze clasped his hand. "Thank God. Kaunti lang ang babayaran ko."

Sa sinabi niya, kumuha ng tigdadalawampung barbecue sina Phoenix, Titus, Khairro at Shun Kim. 

Ang mga nabugbog niya nang magwala siya. 

Tumingin siya kay Volkzki. "'Buti hindi nangutang ang anak mo."

Volkzki just shrugged. 

While Knight glared at Valerian. "Malamang hindi mangungutang si RV, 'yong panganay ko ang sinusulsulan na mangutang."

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi ni Valerian. "Bayad 'yon sa lahat ng nagastos ko sa iyong tang-ina ka."

Knight tsked at Valerian. "Dapat ngayon pa lang sanayin ko na ang mga anak ko na hindi maging marupok sa mga anak mo." 

Valerian just grunted and drunk his beer. 

Napailing na lang si Blaze, saka napasandal ang likod sa kinauupuan. 

"
Wazzup
 with you?" Velasquez asked.

Blaze closed his eyes. "I'm cool."

"You look like a mess," pansin ni Knight sa kanya. "Kahit anong tago mo, nakikita ko."

He opened his eyes and looked at Knight. "Yeah? Tell me what you see."

"You're a mess," panimula nito habang titig na titig sa kanya. "You're conflicted. And you look desperate."

That made him still but he didn't show any emotion on his face. He wouldn't give the Count that satisfaction. 

"It's about Happy Quinn, right?" Phoenix asked while eating barbecue. "She's a spitting image of your dead fiancée." 

Blaze nodded. "Yeah. She is."

"How are you coping up?" Titus asked. "Moving on is one thing but being with a woman with the same face as your dead fiancée, that's freaky, man. It'll be hard."

Tumango lang siya. 

"Does Happy know that she looks like your dead fiancée?" Volkzki asked. 

Umiling siya. "I want to tell her but I can't... I'm afraid of what she might feel or do... I don't know. All she knows is that she somehow reminds me of Cassie. That's it."

Sumabad si Shun sa usapan. "Tell her. Keeping a secret is never a good thing."

"Yeah," sabay-sabay na sabi ng mga nandoon na halos lahat ay may asawa na, maliban sa kanila ni Terron. 

"Trust us, bud," sabi ni Cali na tinapik pa ang balikat niya. "Secret like that, it will always haunt you. Wherever you are and whatever you do. Come clean with her. Tell her everything. And when she stays after knowing the truth, keep her."

Mapakla siyang tumawa. "That's the thing, she will leave after Blake and Lucky's wedding. She'll go back to Pennsylvania."

Volkzki frowned. "And you will let her? Man, I went to the fucking country I hated the most for my wife because I love her. So, if you love her, either stop her or fucking go after her."

"I don't know what I feel," he confessed honestly. "Sometimes, I see her as Happy, and sometimes I see her as Cassie. I'm confused. I'm trying hard because I know that it's unfair for Happy. I know in my mind that Cassie is dead but, there's still apart of me who's hoping that maybe Happy is Cassie."

"Man." Shun looked at him. "Happy is not Cassie. I rechecked everything about her. Ten times. For you. Just to make sure and she's really Happy Quinn."

Morgan tsked. "You're fucked up, bud. Your situation is very hard. I can't imagine what you're going through right now."

Phoenix opened another bottle of beer then he handed it to him. "We plan to beat you up tonight. But since you're a mess, we'll do it next week."

Natawa siya, saka idinipa ang mga braso. "That's okay. Beat me up now. I won't fight."

"Because you wanna feel pain," sabad ni Knight na kanina pa tahimik at ikinatingin ng lahat dito. "You wanna feel pain because you think you deserve it for hurting Happy Quinn. But know this, Blaze, the pain that you're gonna put her through if you can't move on from Cassie and you won't let go of Happy... no kind of beating will amount to the pain Happy Quinn will feel because of you. So, think and decide. Either you keep loving Cassie and let go of Happy or hold Happy's hand tightly and let go of Cassie."

Blaze looked down. "I can't let go of Cassie... I don't want to forget her."

"Moving on is not about forgetting the woman you love, it's accepting that she's dead and never coming back. That's what my therapist told me years ago," sabi ni Andrius, saka mahina itong natawa. "I'd been there you know and I feel you, bud, I do. I know it will be very hard for you to move on, fuck, it will be hell for you. But if you don't want to let go of Happy Quinn's hand, learn to let go of Cassie's memory. It's gonna be hell but endure it."

Pierce tapped his shoulder. "Hanggang payo lang kami sa iyo, bud. Nasa iyo pa rin ang desisyon kung pakikinggan mo ang payo namin. You want to move on? Give yourself a reason to move on. But if you can't do that, let go of Happy Quinn. That'll be the best decision you could do for her. Don't be selfish. I'd been there, I'd been selfish and it's not fair. So think... and whatever you decide, we're just here, ready to get drunk with a motherfucker like you."

Blaze chuckled. "Nakapag-asawa lang kayo, naging sentimental na kayong mga gago kayo."

Nagtawanan ang lahat, saka sumabad si Sanford habang titig na titig sa kanya. 

"I want to know something, bud," sabi nito na seryoso ang mukha. "And tell the truth?"

He frowned. "What?"

Khairro took a deep breath like what he was about to say was very hard. "Are you really... Happy Quinn's big baby?"

He showed Khairro his middle finger. "Fuck you."

Nagtawanan ang lahat ng kaibigan niya sa isinagot niya. 

"'Yan ang sabi ni Happy, eh," natatawang sabi ni Sanford. "She said and I quote, 'he's a big baby when he's with me' and we're like... fuck. So, Vitale twins are not really badasses but softasses." 

Blaze looked at Khairro with cold emotion on his face and emotionless eyes. "Do you want to die? I can arrange that."

Sanford shivered after looking away from him. "Damn... even when he's a big baby, he's scary."

Everyone laughed. 

"Blaze, I have something to show you," tawag sa kanya ni Shun Kim, saka may inilapag na laptop sa harap niya sa ibabaw ng mesa. "The good thing about Romero's Hospital Main Branch is their high-definition CCTVs and of course, the very clear mini-microphone together with the CCTV I installed for security purposes. And this microphone can clearly pick up voices within five-mile radius. And I just have to isolate the voice in a certain area and then boom, we have this."

Blaze stared at Shun's laptop screen. It was a video. And when Shun played it, Blaze felt his whole body went cold and he paled. 

It was him and Happy, in the hospital entrance. 

"Cook for me?"
 The Blaze on the video asked. 

Inirapan siya ni Happy. 
"You want me to cook for you but don't want to be
 ma 
bitch? No way! I'm not cooking for you anymore—"

"Fine."
 Blaze sighed. 
"I'm your
 ma 
bitch just cook for me."

Happy grinned. 
"Okay, it's official, you're
 ma 
bitch."

The video ended and all eyes were on him. 

"What?" he asked in irritated voice. 

"
Ma
 bitch?" sabay-sabay na sabi ng mga kaibigan niya.

"At hindi ka pa sigurado sa nararamdaman mo para sa kanya?!" Cali tsked. "You just let her label you as her slave. What more do you want?"

Valerian nodded. "I'm pretty sure 
ma
 bitch means you're my bitch and that makes you my slave. So, when I call, you come and do my bidding."

All his friends grunted in unison. 

And he was clenching his fist. Damn Shun and his high-tech CCTV. 

"Cat got your tongue, big baby?" nang-aasar na tanong ni Sanford sa kanya. 

"Say something, 
ma
 bitch," Shun added while laughing his ass off. 

Blaze gritted his teeth. "I'm not drunk, but I'm pretty sure I can be a savage animal again like the last time, but this time, I won't hold back. I will break every bone in your body and dance on your entrails, motherfuckers."

Lahat natahimik at nagkanya-kanya ng kain ng barbecue at inom ng beer. 

Then Sanford's phone rang, breaking the silence. 

"What is it? Why are you calling me, you fucker? I'm fucking off duty!" Sanford hissed at the other line. "What do you want—" He stilled and his face immediately went from irritated to serious in a snap second. "A shooting? Where? Two blocks from my station?" He hissed a curse. "Any GSW other than the vic?" He cursed again. "Did you get the name of the vic?" Seconds later, he was looking at him. "The vic's name is Happy Quinn."

Mabilis siyang napatayo sa kinauupuan habang nilulukob ng takot at pag-aalala. "What do you mean?"

"Happy Quinn was shot," sabi ni Sanford na parang hindi ito makapaniwala. "And she's on the way to the hospital."

He was rooted in place, fear consuming him. But his friend pulled him out. 

"Come on!" Tinapik ni Knight ang balikat niya. "We'll drive you to the hospital. 
The Fast and Furious
 style." 

Blaze moved his feet while he was still in dazed and worried over Happy. 

Who would shoot Happy? Fuck!

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 15

BUMAKAS ANG GULAT sa mukha ni Happy nang makitang humahangos na pumasok si Blaze sa ER kasama ang mga kaibigan nito. At nang makita siya nito, puno ng pag-aalala ang mukha nitong tumakbo palapit sa kanya.

"Happy! What happened?" tanong ni Blaze habang sinusuri ang katawan niya. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Are you hurting somewhere? Where's the wound? Please tell me you're fine—

"I'm fine," sabi niya para kumalma na si Blaze. "Daplis lang."

Blaze stilled and blew a loud breath before looking at her. "Okay ka lang ba talaga? Ano ba'ng nangyari? Saan ka tinamaan?" He looked stricken. 

"Nag-grocery ako, 'tapos when I got out from the grocery, bigla na lang may tumamang bullet sa sasakyan ko and the next thing I knew..." Bahagya niyang itinaas ang laylayan ng suot na blouse para ipakita rito ang tagiliran niya. "May dumaplis sa side ko."

Humaplos ang daliri ni Blaze sa gilid ng gauze na nakatakip sa sugat niya. "Are you really feeling okay?"

She nodded and smiled. "I'm fine. Daplis lang naman. Sa skin lang."

Blaze let out a relieve breath before looking at Khairro Sanford who was typing something on his phone. "Mahahanap mo ba ang may gawa nito?" tanong niya. "O kailangang ako ang gumalaw?"

Khairro looked up from his cell phone to Blaze. "The investigation is still on going but it was a sniper gun."

"So, it's long range," sabad ni Pierce Muller. "What's the tallest building in that area?"

"Let me," sabi ni Shun Kim, saka umupo sa bakanteng higaan na malapit sa kanya. Binuksan nito ang laptop na dala at mabilis na tumipa ang mga daliri sa keyboard. "It's Pearl Casino and a condominium. Which one?" Tumingin ito sa kanya. "Napansin mo ba kung saan galing ang bala?"

Napakurap-kurap si Happy, saka napatingin sa mga kaibigan ni Blaze. "It's okay. The police is handling the case. They're already on it. Saka ayoko kayong ipahamak because you're all civilians—"

Khairro raised his hand. "I'm the captain of that precinct. Those are my men who brought you here."

Happy lips parted. 
Really? 

Shun raised his hand while his eyes are glued on the screen. "Retired FBI here."

It was Pierce Muller who spoke next. "Professional sniper."

"Ex-Navy Seal," sabi ni Phoenix Martinez. 

"I was in a mafia," sabi ni Titus na ikinataas ng kilay niya. "Retired."

"Civilian," sabi nina Beckett Furrer at Cali Sudalga.

"Spaniard Count," sabi ni Knight Velasquez na hindi na niya ikinagulat. Alam niyang isa itong conde dahil ito ang kumausap sa kanya tungkol kay Lucky at nagpakilala kung sino talaga ito noon. 

Ang mga mata niya ay tumuon kay Valerian Volkzki. 

Parang sumusukong itinaas nito ang kamay sa ere. "I'm just a pilot, Miss."

"Blaze, see her wound," utos ng Conde kay Blaze. "And do your thing."

Agad namang sinuri ni Blaze ang sugat niya pagkatapos nitong bahagyang inalis ang gauze na nakatakip doon. 

Then he looked up at her and asked. "Which direction are you facing when you get shot?"

Happy frowned and shook her head. "I'm not sure. I can't tell."

Blaze glanced at Shun Kim. "Saan nakaharap ang exit door ng grocery?"

Shun Kim started typing again and then. "East."

Sinuri uli ni Blaze ang sugat niya bago ibinalik ang gauze sa pagkakatakip n'on. "Based on Happy's bullet wound, if she's facing east, the trajectory of the bullet using a thirty-two-point compass rose is EbN. That's my rough calculation. Give or take."

Gulat na napatitig siya sa lalaki. "And you get all that from my small wound? How?"

Blaze winked at her. "Because I'm a badass doctor."

"Shun," sabi ni ng Conde. "Can you pinpoint a location?"

Shun nodded while his eyes were still glued on his laptop's monitor. "If it's thirty-two-point compass rose east by north, there's only three tall building near the area. Perfect range. A tech company, a condominium building and a five-star hotel." 

Sa narinig na sinabi ni Shun, kumunot ang noo niya. "If it's a perfect range, why did that sniper miss?"

"The weather messed with him," sagot ni Pierce. "To do a perfect shot, the wind speed should be in your favor and a lot more. It's not just pulling the trigger. It's either that or he's not a professional."

"Oh." Was all she could say. 

And then someone called the Count's phone. Parang tiningnan muna nito kung sino ang tumatawag at mabilis nitong sinagot 'yon. The Count immediately looked serious and... agitated? 

"
Si'känd Arch

ō

n
..." sabi ng Conde sa kausap sa kabilang linya. "Yes. Don't worry. Yes. That person is safe." He glanced at her. "Yes, I understand, 
si'känd Arch

ō

n
." Then he ended the call and spoke to her. "You should go home and rest, Miss Quinn. You look pale."

Tumango siya, saka bumaling kay Blaze na tinititigan pa rin ang sugat niya. "I'm okay," pagkausap niya rito. "Sabi ng doktor kanina, puwede na akong umuwi. There is no complication or something like that."

Blaze sighed. "I'll drive you to your hotel."

Happy smiled and nodded. "I would like that, thank you."

Bumaling si Blaze sa Conde at akmang magsasalita nang maunahan ito.

"I'll deal with it. Get her home," sabi ng Conde. "Shun will settle the bill."

"Thanks," sabi ni Blaze, saka inalalayan siya patayo. "Feeling better?"

Tumango siya. "I'm fine. I can take the pain. Hindi naman masyadong nakaka-hurt."

Nagpaalam sila sa mga kaibigan ni Blaze at inalalayan siya ng lalaki habang naglalakad. 

"Blaze, ayos lang ako," giit niya rito. 

"I don't care... I'm worried."

Happy sighed. "But I'm really okay. Stop worrying."

Hindi umimik si Blaze pero nagdilim ang mukha nito habang inaalalayan siyang maglakad palabas ng ospital at patungo sa parking lot. 

And while Blaze was driving, his jaw kept tightening and his fist was clenching. 

He was that worried of her? 

"Who would do this to you?" Sa wakas ay nagsalita na rin ang lalaki. "I can't think of anyone who would want to hurt you. You're a good person!"

Isinandal ni Happy ang katawan sa likod ng upuan, saka nagkibit-balikat. "Maybe napagkamalan lang ako? You know, mistaken identity. It happens sometimes. Maybe it was a mistake."

Blaze cussed. "Nabaril ka at 'yan lang ang rasong maisip mo? You got shot, Happy! Shot!"

"What do you want na sabihin ko?!" she snapped back at Blaze before sighing. "I never hurt anyone. I don't have a kalaban. Wala silang makukuha kung ihu-hurt nila ako. I'm just a jewelry designer and my dad is just a businessman. Our life has been uneventful since I can remember and this is the first time that it happened. So yes, that's the only reason that I can think of because I'm not a bad person, so is my father. Wala akong atraso to anyone."

Blaze blew a loud breath. "Then why were you shot?"

"I don't know." She was beginning to get irritated at Blaze's question because she didn't really know. "I don't know, Blazey..." Pinagsalikop niya ang nanlalamig na mga kamay. "All I know is that I'm scared, really scared of what will happen to my dad if something bad happens to me again. I don't want to put him through hell again. He'll be in pain. And then Lucky, she'll be devastated."

"So am I," sabi ni Blaze na ikinabaling niya rito. 

"Blazey..."

"If something bad happens to you..." He blew a loud breath. "I don't know what I'll do and what will happen to me. I'm not gonna lose you again."

Blaze's last word made her still. 
Again? 

He was thinking of Cassie—he was referring to her as Cassie and she didn't think Blaze notice that. 

And here I thought he sees me as me because that's what he told me. 

Happy just took a deep breath to calm herself. She didn't comment on what Blaze's said. She and Blaze compromised. 
No jealousy. 

Tumingin siya sa labas ng bintana ng sasakyan. 
Easy to say, so hard to do. 

Nang makarating sila sa inookupa niyang hotel, hinatid siya ni Blaze hanggang sa labas ng kuwartong inuupahan. 

"May kasama ka ba sa loob?" tanong nito. 

She nodded. "My dad is inside."

"Stay inside your room," bilin nito. "Don't go out unless it's an emergency. Kami na ni Mommy ang bahala sa iba pang gagawin para sa kasal nina Blakey at Lucky. Dito ka lang. May duty ako ngayon pero bukas wala kaya pupuntahan kita rito para samahan ka."

Tahimik lang siyang tumango.

Blaze frowned at her. "Are you okay? You look bothered."

She forced a smile. "I'm okay. Medyo tired lang."

"Then go in and rest," sabi nito. 

Tumango siya, saka binuksan ang pinto ng kuwarto gamit ang card key. 

"Take care," pahabol na sabi ni Blaze bago niya maisara ang pinto. 

She was exhausted, she was scared and a little bit in pain. Wala siyang oras para mag-isip ng kung ano-ano. What she needed to do was rest so she would recover soon. Sa makalawa na ang kasal ng kapatid niya. She wouldn't ruin it by not being there for her sister. 

Daplis lang naman 'to. I'll be okay—

"Are you okay?"

Nabitin ang paa niyang hahakbang sana papasok sa kuwarto niyang kabubukas lang nang marinig ang pamilyar na boses ng isang lalaki. 

She looked at her bed and there he was... sitting pretty and leaning on the bed's headboard. 

"What are you doing here?" Happy asked while she walked towards her closet. "I thought you were in Cuba doing whatever you were doing that you won't tell me."

Midnight chuckled nonchalantly. "I messed up."

Napatigil siya sa paghahanap ng pantulog na damit, saka ibinigay ang buong atensiyon sa lalaki. "What happened?"

"The usual." He stared at the ceiling.

Naglakad siya palapit sa kama, saka umupo sa gilid niyon at pinakatitigan ang lalaki. "What happened?" ulit niyang tanong. 

Midnight remained silent. 
Secretive and mysterious as ever. 

She'd known him for nearly a decade now, but she still didn't know what he really did for a living. 

Well, she knew that he was a martial art instructor— her martial art instructor— but that was it. She knew nothing of him, but they still ended up being friends. Maybe because he was there for her, like her dad, when she was having a hard time coping after she woke up from her coma. 

Midnight was there, assisting her and being good to her, like a brother. 

"I saw your brother today," sabi niya nang nanatili itong tahimik. 

That got Midnight's attention. "Where?"

Bahagya niyang itinaas ang laylayan ng damit, saka ipinakita ang sugat niya. "I was shot today and the Count was with Blaze when he came for me in the hospital."

Biglang bumalikwas si Midnight, saka sinuri ang sugat niya, tinanggal pa nito ang gauze. And he looked relieved when he saw that her wound was not deep. "Fuck." He looked at her worriedly. "Are you okay? How's the wound?"

Ibinaba niya ang laylayan ng damit, saka bumuntong-hininga. "I'm fine."

"Who did this?" nakatiim ang mga bagang na tanong ni Midnight. 

"I don't know." She sighed. "The police is still investigating. How about you? How did you mess up?"

Sa tanong niya bumalik ito sa pagkakasandal sa headboard. "I made new friends," pagkuwento nito. "I mean, they're my friends before but we became closer these past few months." A smile stretched his lips. "And I did something for them, messing up my life in the process."

"Was it worth it?" she asked. 

Midnight nodded. "Yes. They're good people. Well..." His eyes glared at her. "Until I saw you with one of them doing God knows what."

Her eyes widened. "Are you referring to Blaze Vitale?" she asked in shock. 

"Yes." Madilim ang mukha nito. 

"Oh." 
That's why he was in Blaze's house. 

"And you acted like you don't know me." Midnight tsked. "You even introduced yourself to me. I'm your brother from a different parent, Happ, and I'm hurt." He tsked again. "Pretending that you don't know me... shocking me in the process... irritating the hell out of me."

Hindi siya makatingin sa lalaki. "Sorry... what I did was an impulse and I know it was bad. But I texted you, remember?"

"Yeah." Midnight looked at her boredly. "To pick you up because you're lost."

"And you didn't come," nakasimangot niyang sabi.

"Oh, maybe because I saw Blaze running like hero in a movie and I saw you two being annoyingly sweet. It's gross. And I know you'll be safe with him. And you look happy, so I let you be."

"Oh." Was all she said. 

Midnight looked at her suspiciously. "What were you two doing that time? Mabilis kang tumakbo kaya hindi kita napagalitan."

She bit her lower lip. "Running from you."

"Because? Ano ba ang ginagawa n'yo kasi?" Masama na talaga ang mukha nito habang nakatingin sa kanya. "And don't lie to me, Happ. You know I don't like being lied to."

Napangiwi siya habang nagsasabi ng totoo. "Kissing."

A string of curses escaped Midnight's mouth. "Remember what I told you about men? They will take advantage of you!" He hissed at her, clearly not happy. "How many times did I tell you to take care around men? Blaze Vitale is not an exemption to that! Hell, he's the worst!"

Napasimangot siya. "He's not the worst! He's a good man!" balik niyang singhal dito. "And stop this. Mas malala ka pa kay Daddy when it comes to my dating life."

"Malamang, masyadong malambot ang daddy mo pagdating sa iyo." Humalukipkip ito. "And I'm your brother—not by blood—but I'm your brother and it's my job to protect you from alligators!"

"Alligators?" she asked, confused. 

"Men," sabi nito, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "Just make sure that Blaze wouldn't hurt you because I'll hurt him too."

"I thought he is your friend," she pointed out. 

"He is, but you're my sister that I never wanted to have but here you are, so I have to suck it up." 

Siya naman ang tumingin nang masama at matalim kay Midnight. "You're not my sibling."

"Says the woman who calls me 
hermano
."

Umirap siya. "That only happen once! And you forced me to say it!"

"Whatever. I'm still your brother from a different parent."

Inirapan niya ito. "Then act like a brother."

"I am." Midnight puffed a breath. "I'm in a beast mode right now. That motherfucker! How dare him date you!"

"We're not dating," sabi niya, saka mabilis na nag-iwas ng tingin. 

That made Midnight still. "Then why the fuck are you two kissing?"

"We're friends," lihim na nakangiwi niyang sabi.

"Friends?" Midnight looked at her flatly. "What do you take me for? An idiot?!"

Napaigtad si Happy sa lakas ng boses ng lalaki. Midnight was always like this, but since she had always wanted to have siblings, she tolerated him. 

"I like him," mahina niyang pag-amin. "A lot."

Midnight finally sighed in surrender. "Fine. Just make sure he won't hurt you, or else I'll be very, very mad at you for being a fool."

Hindi na siya nakasagot dahil may kumatok sa kuwarto niya at bumukas 'yon. Sumilip sa loob ang ulo ng daddy niya. 

"Ah, I thought so," sabi nito habang nakatingin sa kanila at napatango-tango. "Sabi ko na, nandito si Midnight. You do realize you two are shouting at each other again?"

Napalabi siya. 

"Sorry," sabi ni Midnight. "I was just scolding her for kissing a man."

Nag-thumbs-up ang daddy niya. "Thank you, Midnight. Please don't stop scolding her in my expense. I always wanted to scold her but you know her... she always bully me."

Happy glared at her father. "That's because you were gambling again."

Agad na tumalilis ng alis ang daddy niya. 

Napabuntong-hininga siya, saka ibinalik ang tingin kay Midnight. "Nagsabi na ako ng truth sa iyo, ikaw naman. Tell me the truth. What happened? And don't tell me your okay. I know you you're not okay."

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Midnight. "My brother..."

Agad na sumama ang mukha niya. "Ano na naman ang ginawa niya sa iyo?"

Midnight looked down. "He won't take me back. I begged, Happ."

Agad niyang hinawakan ang kamay ng lalaki at pinisil 'yon. "Then go back to Spain or to Cuba or Colorado. Hindi ko alam what's happening with you and your brother but this has to stop, Midnight. Whenever you mention him to me, you're always sad and a mess."

Umiling si Midnight. "I can't go back."

"Why not?"

"My father took my passport. I have no money, no connection. Nothing."

"I'll help," agad niyang sabi. "Magkano ang kailangan mo? Tell me who I need to pay to get you out of here."

Napatitig sa kanya si Midnight, saka tipid itong ngumiti bago umiling. "You don't know my father. Kapag tinulungan mo ako, mapapahamak ka, kayo ng daddy mo. It's okay. Thank you for the offer though. It means a lot to me that you'll go to that extent to help me."

She smiled back at Midnight. "I'm just here, okay? If you need anything, anything at all, call me or come to me. I'll help you in any way I can."

Midnight nodded. "Thanks."

Napatitig siya sa lalaki, kapagkuwan ay masuyo niya itong niyakap. "I'm just here, 
hermano
. I'm here, okay?" sabi niya. "Don't you ever forget that. If you need anything, I'm willing to help."

Midnight nodded while hugging her back. "Happ, If the time comes that I'll stop visiting you, don't come looking for me, okay?" Kumawala ito sa yakap niya, saka masuyong sinapo ang mukha niya. "Don't look for me."

Umiling siya. "No—"

"Happ, listen to me." Seryosong-seryoso ang boses nito habang nakikiusap. "Huwag mo akong hanapin, huwag na huwag mong gagawin 'yon."

"But—"

"Please?" he begged. "My father is coming for me. Whatever will happen to me in the next few days, turn a blind a eye. If I go missing, don't look for me. Promise me."

Tiningnan niya nang masama si Midnight. "You're always like this. Mysterious and secretive. Can't you trust me? Akala ko ba ako ang sister mo kahit ayaw mo sa akin?"

Midnight chuckled before messing her hair. "You and your father is the closest thing I have for a family. I won't let anything bad happen to you and your dad. So, promise me, don't look for me."

"No!" galit niyang sabi habang nanunubig ang mga mata. "If you went missing, I will look for you. I will do it even if it cost my life."

Umiling si Midnight. "Happ, there are some things that is not worth dying for."

Happy glared at him. "You're not a thing! You're my family! You're my brother! You are worth dying for!"

Midnight smiled at her and kissed her on the forehead. "Always the hardheaded. I like that about you." Pinakatitigan siya nito. "But not this time. listen to me. Don't look for me. You might not like what you will find."

"Ano ba kasi ang gagawin sa iyo ng daddy mo?" may takot sa boses na tanong niya. "Para makapaghanda ako ng plano, para alam ko ang gagawin ko, namin ni Dad. We can take you in. We can fly you to Pennsylvania."

Ngumiti lang si Midnight. May kinuha itong flash drive sa bulsa at iniabot iyon sa kanya. "Here. Itago mo 'to. And if I went missing, open that."

"I'll just open it now," she impatiently said. 

Midnight chuckled. "Sorry, little sis, even if you open that now, you won't see even a single file."

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "Then when will I see it?"

"Three months from now."

That made her heart sink. "Why are you doing this to me?"

"Someday, you'll understand," sabi ni Midnight, saka inayos ang buhok niyang ginulo nito. "After you opened the flash drive and saw the files, I hope it change your mind. Don't look for me. I beg you, Happ. Don't put your life on the line because of me, okay?"

Titig na titig siya sa flash drive na hawak. "Will you be okay? Kahit mawala ka?" Siguro magtatago ito sa ama kaya ayaw nitong hanapin niya ito. "Will you be fine? Really fine?"

Midnight smiled and nodded. "I'll be in a far away place and I'll be fine there. Ako pa ba?"

Ngumiti na rin siya. "Call me, okay? Even just once a year, maybe? Siguro naman kaya mo 'yong gawin kung saan ka man pupunta?"

Natigilan siya nang masuyo siyang yakapin ni Midnight at hinalikan sa gilid ng noo. "Be happy, Happ. I'm serious. Don't be like me, okay? Don't let anyone dictate you what to do. Don't let anyone hurt you and put you in misery. If someone makes your heart ache, let go immediately because you don't deserve that pain. My little sister don't deserve that pain. As you always tells me, you deserve more, because you're worth it. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."

Happy nodded while silently crying. Midnight was saying his good-bye. She could feel it. That one call per year she asked wouldn't happen. 

"Take care, always, Kuya," naiiyak niyang sabi. 

"You too, lil' sis, you too." He hugged her tighter one last time before pulling away and smiling at her. "Sa labas lang ako, kakausapin ko ang daddy mo. Anyway, you want something?"

She nodded and forced a smile. "Cheese tart, iced americano and Hawaiian pizza."

Midnight grinned. "Duly noted. Be back later."

Nang makalabas si Midnight sa kuwarto niya, maingat siyang humiga sa kama, saka sapo ang sugat na napatitig sa kisame. 

Why am I having a bad day? 

She got shot, Blaze was still seeing Cassie in her and Midnight... even when he was sometimes annoying, he was saying good-bye for some vague reason. 

Happy closed her eyes. 
Please, please, be a good day tomorrow.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 16

TAHIMIK SI HAPPY habang nag-aagahan sila ng kanyang ama. She had a good time with Midnight last night when he returned with cheese tart, iced americano and pizza. 

Naglaro din sila ng card games kasama ang daddy niya at siyempre, nanalo ang daddy niya. He was a gambler after all.

At nang magising siya ngayong araw, wala na si Midnight. 

She was worried of him. Sa mga sinabi nito kagabi. Something was about to happen to him. May kinalaman ba roon ang kapatid nito? 

Midnight was always sad and a mess when he talked about his brother. The man who introduced himself to her months ago, telling her about her sister and Lucky's heart condition. 

Hindi pa niya ito nakikita, pero kilala na niya ang Conde. Palagi itong naikukuwento sa kanya ni Midnight. He told her he resembled his brother. But when she met the Count for the first time, months ago, that was an understatement. They didn't resemble! They looked alike! 

The only different about them were their eyes. Different shades. But if Midnight would use contacts with the same shade as his brother, he could pass as the Count and that was freaky! 

Maiintindihan pa pa niya siguro kung magkambal ang dalawa, pero magkapatid? She and Lucky had a resemblance but anyone could still distinguish who was who. But Midnight and Knight, they were the exact replica of each other... and they were just brothers.

And that count... something was weird about him yesterday. When he was talking to the phone and glanced at her. He looked suspicious, she just couldn't point out what.

Was that a coincidence? 

Nag-angat si Happy ng tingin sa ama na sumisimsim ng kape at nagbabasa ng news sa cell phone nito. "Dad?"

"Yes, princess?" Nakatutok pa rin ang mga mata nito sa cell phone. 

"Do you think Midnight will be fine?" she asked. 

Inilapag nito ang cell phone na hawak, saka bumaling sa kanya. "Why do you ask?"

She frowned. "Because he said some things to me last night and it's like he was saying good-bye."

Her father looked baffled now. "What? Wala naman siyang sinabi sa akin kagabi. Ano ba'ng sabi niya?"

Her face saddened. "He just made me promise not to look for him if he won't come visit me again. I think it's his father again."

His father's face became somber. "He's a good kid. Midnight. He was just looking for a genuine care and love because he hadn't experienced it."

"But he has a brother..." she pointed out. "He has family to make him feel... that."

Her father shrugged. "Princess..." He looked at her in the eyes. "Family—it's complicated. It's not always love and care. For others, like Midnight, family is a curse. In my existence, I've encountered a lot of families who would kill their family members—even brothers—for a land, a title, money, power and the list goes on. But I've also encountered good-hearted people who welcome someone to their home like a family."

Her eyes watered, remembering Midnight. "Like Midnight, he's like a brother to me, Dad. He had been there since I woke up from coma, and he wouldn't even let me tell people about it. That he was there for me. He made me promise."

"He just doesn't like the spotlight, I guess," sabi ng kanyang ama.

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga. "Kaya kapag nagkukuwento ako about what happened to me sa ibang tao, hindi ko mabanggit-banggit ang pangalan niya kasi nangako ako sa kanya. It's always, Dad was there for me. Dad was like this and Dad was that, but we both know—no, I know that it's not just you, Dad... it's Midnight too. And he's my family."

"I know, princess." Her dad took a deep breath. "People doesn't have to be blood related to be a family because for some, family doesn't really start in blood. It's the care and love you have for that person. Like you, you love Midnight like a brother, so that makes him your family."

A tear fall from her eyes. "I'm worried of him. I mean kahit hindi ko siya makausap for months before, like these past few months, I know na makikita ko pa siya. I know that he's out there and I'm not worried. But now hearing him say those things to me... he was saying good-bye, Daddy. He was saying good-bye..."

"Princess, he's gonna be fine." Her dad smiled at her reassuringly. "Makikita mo, tatawag 'yan sa iyo at kukulitin ka at magsisigawan na naman kayo."

Tumango siya at tinuyo niya ang luha sa pisngi. Pilit na pinakalma niya ang sarili at iniba ang pinag-uusapan nila ng ama para mabaling sa iba ang isip niya. 

"By the way, you know a lot of language. Right, Dad?"

Her dad nodded before grinning. "That's right, princess, because your daddy is a genius."

Happy rolled her eyes. "Binubuhat mo na naman ang own chair mo."

Tiningnan siya nang masama ng ama. "How dare you say that to me? I'm your father—"

"And you're gambling again." She glared back at him. "And I'm not happy about it."

Agad itong sumuko na parang maamong tupa. "I was just trying my luck."

Happy tsked. "You promised me you won't gamble again. You promised!"

Napangiwi ang ama niya, saka mabilis nitong iniba ang usapan nila. "Why did you ask about my language proficiency, princess?"

"I was just curious." Isinaulo talaga niya ang lengguwahe na sinabi ng Conde kagabi. Maybe because he looked suspicious last night. "Do you know the meaning of the word 
archon
? What kind of language is it? What is that?"

Her father frowned. "Well, as far as I know, if we're talking about the same word here, 
arch

ō

n
 or 
arkhon
 is an ancient Greek word for commanders, like a chief or a captain. It's like a title way back for some aristocrat who's richer than the king. If you're an 
arch

ō

n
 that means you control a city or a club, or a country. In short, you ruled over the people. The 
arch

ō

n
 controls the military, the law and more."

"And the word 
si-kand
?" Pati kung paano iyon sinabi ng conde ay ginaya niya. 

Lalong lumalim ang pagkakakunot ng noo ng ama. "Since we're talking about Greek language, in Greek, there is a word like that. It's 
si'känd
—meaning, second."

"So..." Happy trailed as she pieced the words together. "
Si'känd arkhon
 means second chief? Second ruler? Second captain?"

Her father nodded. "Yeah... pretty much." He smiled. "It was said that there are nine 
arkhontes
 in ancient Greek." 

"Wow..." She looked at him in amazement. "How did you know all that?"

"Because I'm a genius." Kinindatan siya nito bago bumalik sa pagsimsim ng kape. 

Happy took a deep breath. 

So last night, The Count was talking to a second ruler. But what did it mean? It didn't make any sense to her! Maybe it had something to do with Midnight and his father. 

Did Blaze know what the Count was talking about? He was friends with him after all. 

Sa isiping 'yon, mabilis niyang tinapos ang agahan at pumasok sa kuwarto para maligo at magbihis. She wore a simple dress and carried her clutch bag. 

"Dad, I'm leaving!" sigaw niya habang naglalakad patungo sa pinto. "Pupunta ako sa ospital."

"Take care, princess," sagot naman ng ama niya. 

Happy hurriedly left her room, went to the elevator and when she arrived at the ground floor, she immediately went outside the building. Wala siyang driver at sasakyan ngayon dahil pinag-off niya ito pagkatapos ng nangyaring pagbaril sa kanya kahapon. 

Pumara siya ng taxi at sumakay, saka nagpahatid sa ospital. 

While she in the taxi, Reigo called. 

"Hello?" sagot niya sa tawag ng lalaki. 

"It's finish," pagbabalita nito sa kanya. 

His news made her smile. "Really? Oh, God, I'm excited to see it!"

Reigo chuckled. "I don't appreciate these things but it looks good."

That made her grin. "You're making me more excited."

Reigo chuckled again. "Yeah, yeah. Gusto mong ihatid ko riyan sa inyo? You sounded like you can't wait any longer."

"I'm on my way to the hospital," sabi niya, saka binigay ang buong pangalan ng ospital kung saan nagtatrabaho si Blaze. "Puwede bang i-give mo sa akin there?"

"Sure. I'll call you when I get there."

"Thanks, Reigo."

"Anytime, Happy."

Nagpaalam siya at pinatay na ang tawag. 

Finally, it was finished! She couldn't wait to see it and to touch it. 

Kahit paano ay sumaya siya sa ibinalita ni Reigo sa kanya, medyo nabawasan ang lungkot sa dibdib niya. 

Tumingin siya sa labas ng sasakyan sa buong biyahe nila. Maraming minuto pa ang lumipas bago nakarating ang taxi sa destinasyon. 

Pagkatapos niyang bayaran ang driver ay nagmamadali siyang bumaba at pumasok sa ospital. 

Habang naglalakad patungo sa kuwarto ni Blake, tinatawagan niya si Blaze pero hindi ito sumasagot. 

Maybe busy. 

Ibinalik niya ang cell phone sa clutch bag na dala, saka malalaki ang hakbang na tinungo ang kuwarto ni Blake.

When she arrived, she was ready to knock when she saw the slightly parted open door. At nakikita niyang naghahanda na si Blake para sa paglabas nito ngayong umaga. Lucky told her about Blake being discharged over the phone last night. 

And looked like no one told her sister about her getting shot, which was a good thing. She didn't want Lucky to be worried. 

She was about to barge in when she heard a voice—a conversation—inside the room. It was Blake and Blaze... talking. 

About her. 

It made her stop and eavesdropped. 

"I heard..." It was Blake. "And you know what Morgan told me?"

"What?" It was Blaze. 

"That you haven't told Happy yet... about Cassie."

"Blakey, drop it." Blaze sounded annoyed. 

"I won't." May pinalidad na sabi ni Blake. "She deserves to know, Blaze! You can't keep that from her! Lucky wants to tell Happy but because she respects you and it's your story to tell, she didn't. Sabi niya sasabihin mo naman daw 'yon kay Happy kasi hindi mo sasaktan nang ganoon ang kapatid niya."

"Blakey, please stop—"

"What's wrong with you?" Blake hissed at Blaze. "Gaano ba kahirap sabihin kay Happy ang totoo tungkol kay Cassie? You always say that it's unfair to Happy but you're actually not doing anything to make it fair for her."

"I said enough!" biglang sigaw ni Blaze sa galit na boses na ikinaigtad niya. "She got shot last night! And maybe it has something to do with me! Who knows?! I'm not just causing her emotional pain now, but also physically! Ayoko nang dagdagan pa ang iniisip niya. Ano ba'ng gusto mong sabihin ko, ha?"

"Ang totoo," sabi ni Blake. 

"Blakey..." Blaze sounded so hopeless. "Alam kong magkaiba sila ni Cassie at hindi ko pa rin magawang bitawan si Cassie pero hindi ko rin kayang bitawan si Happy. She's like the only light present to my darkness. She's the one keeping me sane. Kaya ayoko siyang bitawan, natatakot ako, natatakot akong baka mabaliw ako. Happy made me feel and experience what happiness feels like after so many years... I'm afraid to lose that happiness, Blakey. I don't want to be lonely anymore, can't you understand that?"

"Dahil takot kang maging malungkot uli, kaya sasaktan mo siya?" tanong ni Blake sa mahinang boses na para bang hindi ito makapaniwala. "Blaze, maawa ka naman sa kanya. Happy, she's an amazing woman, a good daughter and the most loving sister I know. If you hurt her like this, you will put that good woman in hell of self-doubt and pain because of your selfishness."

"I don't want to be miserable anymore." Blaze said like he was choking. "I just want to be happy. Why can't I be happy? Why?"

Blake replied. "Blaze, don't drag her to hell just because you're there."

Blaze was silent. 

Blake spoke again. "You said you're trying to move on, that's why you want her because she can help you. Well, what you're doing now, you're not letting her pull you up from misery, you are dragging her down to hell... with you. And that's not moving on, Blaze. You're just using her, period."

Pagkalipas ng ilang segundo, nagsalita si Blaze. "Kapag sinabi ko sa kanya ang totoo, na kamukhang-kamukha siya ni Cassie, na hindi lang basta may naaalala ako sa kanya tungkol kay Cassie, masasaktan siya, Blakey. Masasaktan siya kapag nalaman niyang hindi ko lang basta naaalala sa kanya si Cassie, na ang totoo ay magkamukhang-magkamukha naman talaga sila."

Unti-unting nasapo ni Happy ang nakaawang bibig sa narinig. At ang mga luha ay hindi niya napigilang sunod-sunod na nalaglag sa mga mata niya. Parang may sumasakal sa puso niya, parang may pumipiga niyon. 

All along, she thought that she just reminded him of Cassie, but no, she looked like Cassie. They look-alike. That was why Blaze was looking at her longingly—always. Because she was the spitting image of his Cassie. 

And he's just using me to be happy. 
It was more painful that being Cassie's look-alike. 

"Blaze, you're my twin and goddamn it, I will die for you and I will support you through and through, with my life. But this, I can't support you with this. You're hurting someone and that someone is Lucky's sister."

"I know."

"Do you?" Iritado na ang boses ni Blake. "If you do, tell her the truth. So what if she gets hurt, at least it's the truth and she deserves to know the truth instead of hearing your lies to make her feel better!"

Mabilis na pinunasan ni Happy ang pisngi niyang basa ng luha at tinuyo ang gilid ng mga mata. Mariin siyang pumikit, ilang beses na huminga nang malalim para pakalmahin ang sarili. 

She let the pain in her heart make her feel numb. She welcomed the numbness. This was her doing... this was the consequences of her compromise with Blaze. 

Ginusto ko 'to kaya wala akong karapatang masaktan o magalit.

Itinulak niya ang pinto at pumasok. Blake was on the bed, getting ready and Blaze was on the sofa, his head hanging low. 

"Hi."

Sabay na tumingin sa kanya ang kambal. 

"Happy," sabay na sambit ng mga ito sa pangalan niya. 

"What are you doing here?" agad na tanong sa kanya ni Blaze na nag-aalala. "I told you to stay in your hotel."

"I called you," simple niyang sagot. 

Agad na inilabas ni Blaze ang cell phone sa bulsa ng doctor's robe na suot, kapagkuwan ay mahinang napamura. "Sorry. Naka-silent pala ang phone ko. Hindi ko nasagot ang tawag mo."

Tumango siya, saka nagtanong. "Can we talk? Privately?"

Agad namang tumango si Blaze, saka tumayo at iginiya siya patungo sa elevator. Tahimik lang si Happy hanggang sa makarating sila sa rooftop. 

He faced her. "Your eyes," sabi nito, saka hinaplos ang gilid ng mga mata niya. "Have you been crying?"

Tumango siya. 

Blaze looked worried. "Is it the wound?"

Umiling siya. 

"What is it then?"

Tumingin siya sa mga mata nito. "You." Huminga siya nang malalim. "I heard you and Blake talking earlier. About me... about Cassie."

Fear was written in Blaze's face. "Let me explain—"

"Don't," sabi niya, saka ngumiti. "I heard enough and if you explain. You would just say you're sorry and maybe this time, I'm not gonna believe that you're sorry anymore."

"Happy..."

Kumuyom ang kamay niya. "Learning that I look like your Cassie... it's not really painful... I mean, yes, you keep it a secret from me and I understand that. Last night, you even referred to me as Cassie when you told me that you don't want to lose me again. And it was fine. I can deal with it. But... using me? That's what broke my heart, Blaze."

Umiling si Blaze. "I'm not using you..."

"Really?" Bakit hindi na siya naniniwala? "Look at me then. Look at me and see me as me and tell me that you're not just using me to be happy."

Hindi makatingin sa kanya si Blaze. 

Naguunahang nalaglag ang mga luha niya sa pisngi. "You lied to me, Blaze. You even thanked me for being me, but you were lying. You fooled me. You made me smile with your lies. I know it's my fault because I like you a lot but me, liking you, doesn't give you the right to used me and take advantage of me. I trusted you, Blaze, I did. But now, I don't know. You don't look like a good man to me anymore."

Umatras siya pero pinigilan siya ni Blaze. 

"Don't touch me," sabi niya sa mahinang boses, saka inagaw ang kamay niyang hawak nito. 

"Happy..." His begging eyes were looking at her. "Don't be mad at me."

Umiling siya habang umiiyak pa rin. "I'm not mad, just disappointed with myself. Because it's my fault, not yours. I was the one who made the deal with you to be nice to each other, I let you kiss me, I asked that we compromised instead of leaving you which was the best decision I could have ever done for myself. I let you in in my life, that wasn't you fault, that was mine. And this... this is all on me."

Umiling si Blaze. "No... it was all on me. I'm sorry, Happy. I'm sorry. Be disappointed in me... just me... not to yourself... just me..."

Gamit ang mga daliri, tinuyo niya ang mga luha sa pisngi. "Kung sana itinulak na lang kita palayo, hindi ko sana mararanasan ang sakit na 'to, kaya kasalanan ko talaga 'to. Don't worry, I won't blame you. It's okay. But please don't say you're sorry, because even if you say it a thousand times, I won't believe it anymore."

Blaze was rooted in place, unmoving as she stepped back towards the elevator. 

And when the elevator opened, she looked back at Blaze. "Blaze?"

Mabilis itong tumingin sa kanya. "Yes?"

"My apologies. I take it back." She gave him a small smile. "I was wrong. You're not 
ma
 bitch."

Happy stepped in the elevator and when it closed, she held her tears. This was not the right time and the right place to let go of the emotion she was holding it inside. 

Habang naglalakad palabas ng ospital, nanginginig ang mga labi niya dahil sa pinipigilan niyang luha. Nananakit ang ilong at lalamunan niya pero pinigilan niya iyon. 

And when Happy stepped out from the hospital, she saw Reigo walking in. 

"Happy, here's the—"

Kinuha niya ang hawak nito, saka nanginginig ang mga labi at boses na nagsalita. "T-thank you, Reigo."

"Happy—"

Nilampasan niya ito, saka mabilis na pumara ng taxi at nagpahatid sa hotel na inookupa. 

Happy was holding her emotion until she entered her hotel room and saw her dad watching TV. 

"Dad..."

Agad namang lumingon ang ama sa kanya nang nakangiti pero agad ding nawala ang ngiting 'yon nang makita ang emosyon sa mukha niya. 

Agad itong tumayo at naglakad palapit sa kanya. "Princess... what happened?"

The tears she was holding fell, her emotions are now plastered on her face, and she was sobbing gently that turned out into a hysteric sob. "Daddy..." She sobbed. "I'm not feeling okay..."

Agad siyang niyakap ng ama at doon siya umiyak nang umiyak habang yakap nito. Inilabas niya lahat ng luha dahil sa sama ng loob na nararamdaman niya.

And her dad stayed with her and he just hugged her. Not saying a word. Just letting her cry.  As she let it all go, her mind kept on blaming her. 

For being a disappointment.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 17

HAPPY COULDN'T STOP smiling as she watched Blake and Lucky said their vows to each other. Every word that came out from Blake's mouth, she felt it. The love he had for her sister... Lucky was in good hands. And she wished her sister's good health so she could be together with Blake for a long time. 

They both deserved to be together and happy. 

And when the ceremony ended, she immediately went to her sister and now brother-in-law, Blake. Hindi niya pinansin ang lalaking nasa tabi ni Blake na madilim ang mukha habang hawak ang bulaklak ni Lucky na ibinigay rito ni Blake. 

"Congratulations!" Masayang-masaya siya para sa dalawa. "Alagaan mo ang kapatid ko, ha?" bilin niya kay Blake. 

Nakangiting sumaludo sa kanya si Blake. "Yes, Ma'am. Alagaan mo rin ang kakambal ko, ha?"

Hindi niya ipinakita ang tunay na nararamdaman. Ayaw niyang sirain ang araw ng dalawa, kaya naman nagtaray na lang siya. "Wala namang kaala-alaga sa kakambal mo, saka doktor naman siya. Alagaan niya ang sarili niya." 

Tumawa si Blake, saka bahagyang napailing. "Mabuti naman at marunong ka nang mag-Tagalog."

Her smile widened. "I'd been studying so hard to learn your language. I like it here."

Naputol ang usapan nila ng bagong kasal nang lumapit sa kanila si Blaze at bigla na lang ibinigay sa kanya ang bulaklak ni Lucky. 

"Here," sabi ni Blaze sa kanya. 

His gesture made her frown. "What's that for?"

Blaze looked into her eyes. "Marry me."

Hindi alam ni Happy kung bakit nagpanting ang mga tainga niya sa narinig. Siguro dahil pakiramdam niya ay parang binale-wala lang nito ang sakit na naramdaman niya kahapon. 

Iritadong ibinalik niya rito ang bulaklak. "Marry yourself."

Pagkasabi n'on ay tinalikuran niya si Blaze at naglakad palayo dahil ayaw niyang makaharap ito. Pero sinundan pa rin siya nito hanggang sa labas ng simbahan. 

"Happy, come on, marry me. Happy... Happy!" 

Tumigil siya sa paglalakad, saka humarap dito nang kalmado. "May kailangan ka ba sa akin?"

Blaze looked at her, his hand still holding the bouquet. "Marry me?"

Hindi siya makapaniwalang napatitig sa lalaki. "Naririnig mo ba ang self mo? Blaze, why the hell are you asking to marry me? You don't even like me as me."

"I want you to stay," he said. "Please?"

That made her frown and confused. "For what? So you can use me to make you feel better?"

Blaze looked lost as he looked at her. "Can we talk? I'll explain. Please?"

Wala sa sariling napatitig siya sa tattoo nito sa mukha at pakiramdam niya, lalong nanikip ang dibdib niya. Lucky told her everything this morning, while she was helping her ready for the wedding. 

Lucky told her about Blaze's tattoo on his face. 

Happy took a deep breath and sighed. Maybe it would be better if they would talk about what was on their mind after what happened yesterday. 

To clarify and end things. 

"Sige, pero later na puwede?" pakiusap niya. "Unahin muna natin sina Lucky at Blake. This is their special day."

Blaze nodded but he didn't move to leave. Kaya naman siya na lang ang umalis at nilampasan ito, saka bahagyang natigilan nang makita ang ama niyang naglalakad pasalubong sa kanya. Madilim ang mukha nito. 

"I'll kill him!" her dad hissed angrily. 

"Daddy..." Agad niya itong pinigilan sa kamay. "Don't."

Her father let out a loud breath before facing her. "Sinaktan ka niya. Ang prinsesa ko na pinakaiingatan ko. He has no right to made you cry, princess."

"Dad—"

"Seeing you cry like that yesterday, I know you're heartbroken and it breaks my heart too, princess." Kumuyom ang kamay ng ama niya na hindi niya hawak. "Ingat na ingat ako sa iyo, 'tapos paiiyakin ka lang niya?"

Masuyo siyang ngumiti, saka niyakap ito sa baywang. "Daddy, remember what I told you last night?"

"What?" he asked grumpily. 

"That it wasn't Blaze's fault?"

Her dad face darkened even more. "Not his fault, my ass! It's his fault!"

"Dad..." Pinakawalan niya ito sa pagkakayakap, saka masuyong sinapo ang mukha at pinakatitigan. "It was my fault. Ako ang nagpapasok sa kanya in my life. I know he has issues, so it was my fault," may diin niyang sabi para mas ipaintindi 'yon dito. "At kasalanan ko kasi hindi ko siya maintindihan... kung bakit he did what he did."

Lalong sumama ang mukha ng ama. "So ikaw pa pala ang mag-a-adjust para sa kanya? Is that it?" Tumalim ang mga mata nito. "Remember what I told you, Happy? You are not born to adjust for anyone."

She stilled. Ginamit na ng daddy niya ang pangalan niya, hindi na "princess." Galit talaga ito kay Blaze... at ngayon sa kanya. 

"Stop defending him, Happy. I don't care about him," sabi ng ama niya na nagtatagis ang mga bagang. "You are my daughter, Happy, and my loyalty goes to you, so don't ask me not to be angry. As your father, I have the right to be because you are my princess." Then he turned around. "Doon lang ako kay Lucky."

Bumagsak ang mga balikat ni Happy habang nakatingin sa papalayong likod ng ama. 

She had always been open to her father about her life. What happened to her and Blaze was not an exemption. She told her dad. Everything. They were that close. 

And now she was regretting that she did. 

Happy took a deep breath before walking back to the altar. Nag-uumpisa na ang picture taking at kailangang kasama siya. 

Her smile never disappeared from her face even when she felt the opposite. Hindi niya ipinakita sa kapatid niya na may iniinda siyang sakit. She would not ruin Lucky's special day. 

Her happy face remained as they went to the reception area. She felt proud that Lucky and Blake's visitors seemed to like her design. They kept complementing it, making her feel elated. 

And when the celebration began, it was amazing. Lalo sa first dance ng bagong mag-asawa. Hindi niya mapigilan ang matawa sa pinaggagagawa ng mga kaibigan ni Blake. 

Then Happy found herself dancing with Blaze because she was the maid of honor and he was the bestman and it was the tradition. 

She couldn't argue with the tradition.

Pero pagkatapos ng isang tugtog, kumawala siya sa mga braso ni Blaze na nakapalibot sa kanya, saka tahimik siyang naglakad palabas ng hall. 

When the fresh air hit her face, she smiled and continued walking towards the bermuda grass, just meters away from the hall. She sat on one of the benches there. 

This village is peaceful. 

Happy was admiring the children on the playground just meters away from her when someone sat beside her. 

By the smell, she knew it was Blaze. 

Tuwid siyang umupo, saka bumaling sa lalaki. "Is it okay if we talk here and now? Baka maging busy tayo later."

Blaze nodded but he remained silent. 

Happy sighed softly. "Is there anything you want to tell me?" tanong niya para lang magsalita na ang lalaki. 

Blaze nodded before leaning on the back of the bench and looking up at the blue sky. "Are you mad at me, Happy?"

Umiling siya. "No."

"Disappointed maybe?"

"At you?" she asked and shook her head. "No. To myself? Yes."

"Why not at me?" 

She took a deep breath. "I don't know, Blaze. 'Yon ang napi-feel ko ngayon, eh. I told you before that I will not expect anything from you, but unconsciously, I did." Mahina siyang natawa. "Kaya disappointed ako sa self ko kasi ako 'yong nag-expect. Kaya kasalanan ko."

"I'm sorry, for making you cry," he whispered. 

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin. "I'm sorry to say this, Blaze, but I don't believe in your sorry anymore. It's like I lost the ability to believe in you. I'm sorry."

Hinuli nito ang mga mata niya, nagmamakaawa ang tingin. "Can't you believe in me again?"

"I can't say." She smiled apologetically at Blaze. "I actually don't know how will I talk to you right now without feeling my heart aching. I cried so much yesterday. I soaked my dad's shirt." She laughed a little remembering the scene. "It's funny though. Wala namang tayo pero brokenhearted ako."

"Happy..."

"The truth is, I'm trying my best to understand your situation since last night," pag-amin niya habang titig na titig sa lalaki. "I was thinking that maybe I was hard on you. That I was maybe unfair to you. But then I asked myself, why would I understand the man who didn't even try harder to understand me?" 

"I do... I understand you."

Mapait siyang ngumiti. "Do you really? Then let me ask you, Blaze, in those times that we've been together, is there a time when you didn't use me to relieve the happiness you felt when you were still with Cassie?"

Blaze became silent. And that meant she hit a spot. 

Happy sighed. "I guess there isn't." 

"Iiwan mo ba ako?" tanong nito kapagkuwan. "Can't you stay?"

She felt her heart tighten in pain. "Last night, I was in a war with myself. Part of me wants to stay and understand you, while the other part wants to leave and let you be. But if I stay and try my hardest to understand you, I will lose myself, Blaze. I might end up playing the role of Cassie in your life and it's so unfair because I'm not her. I'm me and you can't see that. It's like you can only see Cassie and I will not lose myself for someone who can't appreciate me."

Seconds and minutes passed, Blaze didn't speak. 

"Ikaw ang gustong makipag-talk, 'tapos ayaw mong mag-talk. Why is that?"

Blaze still didn't speak until a couple of minutes passed. 

"I love Cassie," sabi nito, saka tumingin sa kanya. "In my mind, I only belong to her, and I'm having a really hard time moving on."

"And that's okay." She smiled. "Spend your time loving her if that makes you happy. Just don't use anyone while you're at it."

"I will lose you," Blaze whispered. "I can't let go of Cassie and I don't want to let you go."

"You can't have both, Blaze." She took a sharp deep breath. "It's okay. Love Cassie as much as you can. Hold on to her memories tightly as you can. But don't ask me to stay and understand you because it's like you're asking me to kill Happy and live as Cassie." A lone tear fell from her eyes. "I will not stay for someone who can't see me as me. I'm sorry but I take a lot of pride of being me."

Umiling si Blaze. "Happy... please don't leave me... don't take my happiness away."

Hindi siya makapaniwalang napailing. "Asking me to not take your happiness away... it's like asking me to let you continue using me to be happy. You don't really want me, you just want the feeling that I can make you feel. And you're being selfish, Blaze. Please don't use me. Hindi ako bagay na puwedeng gamitin para maging masaya ka. I will not sacrifice myself for your happiness. I don't deserve to be used, Blaze, and I don't deserve to be a replacement. So, let's end this. Whatever this is that we have. Let's end it here and now."

Blaze looked down and she saw a tear fell from his eyes. 

"Don't cry," sabi niya, saka tinuyo ang mga luha nito. "Hindi nakasalalay sa akin ang happiness mo... it's here." Bumaba ang kamay niya sa dibdib nito kung nasaan ang puso nito. "You can be happy without using me. You can be happy on your own."

Blaze looked at her. "How?"

"Deal with your past," sagot niya. "Because that past you have, it's dealing with your happiness right now and it will take everything away from you, until there's nothing left but a shell of a broken man. But you need to want to deal with your past, Blaze, it has to be your choice... because happiness... it's a choice. Your choice."

Natahimik si Blaze. Kapagkuwan ay inabot ang kamay niya, saka pinagsalikop ang kamay nilang dalawa at tumitig sa mga mata niya. "Alam kong hindi ka na naniniwala sa akin, pero sorry. Sorry talaga sa nagawa ko sa iyo. Sa mga ipinaramdam ko sa iyo. I'm really sorry, Happy. I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you. Hindi man ngayon pero tandaan mo, babawi ako... babawi ako sa iyo, Happy."

Tumango siya, saka napatitig sa pisngi nitong may tattoo. Alam na niya kung ano ang tattoo na 'yon. It was an intricate tribal design, and it formed into a word—a name. Cassie. 

He really loves Cassie so much. 

"Be happy, Blaze," sabi niya. "Choose to be happy. For yourself. Because you deserve it and you're worth it."

Blaze nodded. "I will."

"That's good." Tinapik niya ang balikat nito, saka inagaw ang kamay na hawak nito. "Let's go back inside. Baka hinahanap na tayo."

Tahimik na tumango si Blaze at magkatabi silang naglakad pabalik sa reception. 

Hindi niya alam kung makakatulong kay Blaze ang mga sinabi niya, pero isa lang ang sigurado siya, kailangan niyang burahin kung ano man ang nararamdaman niya para sa lalaki. Para sa susunod nilang pagkikita, hindi na siya aasa ... at masasaktan uli. 

HAPPY WAS TIRED after the reception but instead of resting, she was packing her clothes and putting it on her luggage bag. Her dad wanted them to leave right away. He even handled everything just so they could leave tonight.

Isa-isa niyang itinupi nang maayos ang mga damit bago ipasok sa maleta niya. At nang matapos siya, ang mga gamit naman niya sa banyo ang ipinasok niya sa bag. 

Nang maisara ang maleta, hinila niya iyon palabas ng kuwarto. Pero napatigil siya sa may pinto at nilingon ang kama kung saan mayroon siyang masayang memorya kasama si Blaze. 

And remembering Blaze... self-doubt entered her mind. If he was really kissing her because of her or because of Cassie. 

Ipinilig niya ang ulo, saka huminga nang malalim bago tuluyang lumabas ng kuwarto niya. 

Nasa sala na ang daddy niya at handa na ang mga gamit nito. 

"Nagpaalam na ako kanina kay Lucky pagkatapos mong magpaalam," sabi ng ama niya. "Sabi ni Blake bibisita naman daw sila palagi."

Walang imik siyang tumango, saka itinabi ang maleta sa maleta ng ama. 

"You're sad," pansin ng ama niya. 

Tumango siya. "I am."

"Is this because of Blaze?"

Tumango uli siya. 

Agad na nagdilim ang mukha nito. "You can't stay. I won't let you. You're very worth it to be a replacement."

"I know, Dad." She smiled at her father before hugging him around his waist. "Thank you."

"For?"

"For raising me to be a strong woman who loves herself too much and who knows her worth and what she deserves and wants."

Natawa ang ama niya, saka hinalikan siya sa noo. "I'm proud of you, princess. Don't ever change, okay? I know you're hurting and I can never know your pain. But I do know this, months or years from now, you'll find a man who will see you as you and will treat you with respect that you deserve. He will see your worth. And when you finally meet this man, bring him more and marry him... because that is the man that you deserve."

Naluluhang tumango si Happy, saka humigpit ang yakap sa daddy niya habang tahimik siyang umiiyak. 

Her father rubbed her back. "That's okay. Daddy understands. Just let it out, princess. You can cry a river, your old man won't mind."

Lalo siyang naiyak. And her soft sobs turned into frantic sobs and then she was crying loudly. 

"My princess..." her father whispered while consoling her. "Of all the men out there, why did you choose a broken man to like?"

She didn't answer, she just cried and cried until there were no tears left to cry. 

"He'll be very sorry that he lost you," her dad whispered, making her fell better. "So stop crying and pull yourself together. Remember what an incredible woman you are. Always."

Her tears just kept on falling and her dad just stayed there. Consoling her. And when she finally pulled herself together, her dad smiled proudly at her. 

"That's my princess," sabi nito. "Chin up and keep your heart strong. You'll need it."

Tumango siya habang tinutuyo ang basa niyang pisngi.

Ngumiti sa kanya ang ama, saka inilahad nito ang kamay. "Ready to go home, princess?"

Sa galip na tanggapin iyon, inangkla niya ang braso sa braso ng ama, saka nginitian ito. "Let's go home, Daddy."

Tumango ito at sabay silang lumabas ng kuwarto.

Nang makababa sila sa lobby, nag-check out siya habang ibinababa ng bellboy ang maleta nila ng kanyang ama. Pagkatapos ay inangkla uli niya ang braso sa braso ng ama, saka sabay silang naglakad palabas ng hotel, deretso sa sasakyang naghihintay sa kanila. 

Their driver drove them to the airport. And before they stepped out, her father handed the driver a bulky white envelope.

"Sir?"

"Kunin mo na," sabi ng daddy niya. 

Nag-aalangang tinanggap iyon ng driver at sinilip ang laman. Ang namimilog nitong mga mata ay tumuon sa kanyang ama. "P-pero binayaran na ho ako ng agency ko, Sir."

Nagkibit-balikat ang ama niya. "Take it. Napanalunan ko 'yan sa casino. Magagalit ang anak ko kapag inuwi ko 'yan."

"Salamat, Sir!" galak na galak na sabi ng driver. 

"Welcome," sabi ng ama niya, saka tinapik ang balikat ng driver bago lumabas ng sasakyan. 

Siya naman ay may iniabot na box sa driver. "Naaalala n'yo ho ba 'yong address ng mansiyon ng mga Vitale?" 

Tumango ang driver. "Yes, Ma'am."

"Pa-deliver naman ho ako nito kay Blaze Vitale," nakangiting sabi niya. 

"Sige ho, Ma'am."

"Salamat po sa lahat." Inilabas niya sa clutch bag ang cheque na inihanda, saka ibinigay iyon sa driver. "Heto ho. Thank you sa pagiging careful and honest na driver."

"Salamat din ho, Ma'am. Para sa pamilya."

Nakangiting tumango siya. "Para sa pamilya."

Lumabas siya ng sasakyan at nagpasalamat uli sa driver na inilabas ang mga maleta nila. 

And when they entered the airport, they were greeted by the airport staff who immediately helped them with their luggages.

Happy eyed her father suspiciously. "Dad, what did you do?"

"Connections, princess." He grinned at her. "Connections."

Napailing na lang siya at sumunod na lang sa ama. They went to the security and baggage checking before they went to their plane. 

And it was not commercial. It was their private jet. 

"Dad?" 

"I want my princess to be comfortable." Kinindatan siya nito. "Come on. King is waiting for us."

King was his father's butler or some sort of a secretary. He was actually an all around guy. He knew a lot of things, including piloting a jet or anything that would fly. He was just a bit older than her but he was a very handsome man.

"King is here?" she asked. 

"Yes."

"Since when?"

"Since two hours ago."

Inalalayan siya ng ama pasakay sa pribado nilang eroplano. Agad siyang ngumiti nang makita si King na nakatayo malapit sa pinto. 

"Young Miss, it's nice to see you again," bati nito sa kanya na hindi man lang tinugon ang ngiti niya. "Welcome aboard."

Napailing siya. "I miss you too, King," may bahagyang sarkasmo na sabi niya. "You don't have to be so cold all the time. And stop calling me young miss. It's Happy."

Hindi nagbago ang emosyon sa mukha ni King. "Duly noted, Young Miss." Kapagkuwan ay tumuon ang buong atensiyon nito sa ama niya. "Sir, welcome aboard."

"Thanks, King." Tinapik ng ama niya ang balikat ng lalaki. Let's have a smooth flight, shall we?"

Tumango si King, saka pumasok na sa cockpit pagkatapos siguruhin na maayos ang pagkakasara ng pinto. 

Siya naman ay nag-seat belt at tumingin sa labas ng eroplano habang gumagalaw iyon.

At habang papataas na ang eroplanong sinasakyan, ipinikit niya ang mga mata at pumasok sa isip niya ang guwapong mukha ni Blaze. 

Blaze... I hope you'll choose happiness. You deserve it.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 18

PAGOD NA UMUWI si Blaze galing ng ospital. Katatapos lang ng sunod-sunod niyang duty, maraming kaso siyang hinawakan at wala siyang maayos na tulog. He focused all his attention on his cases, spent most of his time in the operating room and stayed in the hospital for days without sleeping soundly. But it wasn't still enough. 

Still not enough to fill the hole in his chest. It was like something in his chest was ripped away when she left him. 

The pain was like losing Cassie all over again... but this one, this one was more severe. Because he knew that she was out there and he couldn't go see her because if he would do, he would just hurt her and make her cry again. 

He felt empty... but suffocated. 

Blake and Lucky had been gone for a week now for their honeymoon... so was Midnight who hadn't shown himself to him for a week now too. He had no one to talk to that he was comfortable with. He didn't want to talk to his mother because... just because... 
I'm exhausted. 

"Oh, my God..." gulat na sambit ng mommy niya nang makita siyang naglalakad papasok sa bahay. "Blaze, 'buti naman alam mo pang may bahay kang uuwian." Pinaghalong galit at pag-aalala ang emosyon sa mukha nito. "What have you been doing?" usisa nito. "Isang linggo kang hindi umuwi!"

"I was working," sabi niya habang tinatamad na umaakyat ng hagdan. "Hospital."

"I know, but my question is what have you been doing, Blaze?" Bumuga ito ng marahas na hininga. "Palagi akong pumupunta sa ospital para sa iyo, pero palagi kang busy. Now looking at you, did you even have a good night sleep?"

Blaze stopped ascending in the stairs and looked at his mother. "Busy ako sa mga pasyente ko, Mom. Kinausap ko ang head ng ospital na ayokong mag-off at pinayagan ako kasi toxic sa dami ng pasyente. Sixteen hours duty and eight hours on call. Everyday. Kaya hindi na ako umuwi."

Napaawang ang mga labi ng kanyang ina. "Wala kang pahinga sa nakalipas na isang linggo?!"

"I'm fine, Mom." He took a deep breath. "Tulog na muna ako."

Akmang hahakbang siya paakyat nang magtanong uli ang kanyang ina.

"You're being like this because of her, aren't you?"

Blaze stilled. "Not now, Mom."

"Are you hurting?"

Kumuyom ang kamay niya. "Yes."

"You do know that it's your fault," sabi nito.

He nodded. "I know."

"Feel that pain then. That's the consequences of what you did to Happy." Pagkasabi niyon ay umalis na ito ng sala. 

Siya naman ay walang buhay na natawa, saka nagpatuloy sa pag-akyat sa hagdanan. Nang makapasok siya sa kuwarto niya, hinubad niya lahat ng pang-itaas, saka pabagsak na umupo sa gilid ng kama. 

Unconsciously, his hand reached out to pull the bedside table's drawer and picked up the only item inside. 

A green box. Delivered by a driver—from Happy. 

Blaze caressed the top of the box before slowly opening it. Then the tip of his finger brushed against the gold key chain slash can opener that was inside the box. He picked it up and turned the key chain around to see the words engraved on it. 

Ma bitch.

Kumuyom ang kamay niya habang hawak ang key chain at nagtagis ang mga bagang. 

Happy took it back. He was not her 
ma
 bitch anymore. And this key chain, it just reminded him of what he lost because of his stupidity. 

Inilagay siya sa harapang bulsa ng pantalon ang keyc hain at inilabas mula sa bulsa sa likod ng pantalon ang sulat na kasamang dumating ng key chain.

Hindi na niya mabilang kung ilang beses na niyang binasa ang sulat ni Happy para sa kanya sa loob ng isang linggo. Whenever he would get the chance, he would unfold it and read it. Again and again and he never got tried. And even though he had read Happy's letter maybe a hundred times already, he still felt like his chest was being ripped apart and he couldn't breathe every time he finished reading it. 

But he didn't care about the pain it made him feel. He would read her letter again and again because through this, he could feel Happy's presence even when she was not with him. 

Blaze, 

I actually didn't plan to write you a letter. I was planning to just give you the key chain, personally, but I don't think I can do it. I bought this thinking of you, and the engraving, you can ask Reigo to erase it because we both know that I was mistaken. I'm sorry about it. 

Before I write this letter, I cried a river today, partly because of what you did, but mostly because of the realization I had... how disappointed I am with myself. I'm a proud independent and simple-minded woman as you know. I say what's on my mind, I'm vocal with my feelings and I love and respect myself. But... you manage the break that... little by little. I didn't even realize it at first, that's why I have to leave because if I stayed longer with you, I'm gonna lose myself and I will not lose me, Blaze. Because being me is what makes me who I am. 

I now have self-doubt, my confidence is hanging low and I'm losing it, my brave heart is now aching and my beliefs, they're breaking. 

I want to think that what I'm going through right now, what you have put me through is worth it. That it made you happy somehow, that it made you feel alive again and that it made you want to be happy on your own... please, let me be right, because you deserve all the happiness that your heart can hold. 

What you have with Cassie and your love for her was beautiful, but by holding on to her memories like what you're doing now, not letting go of her—you're turning her beautiful memories into a nightmare—a nightmare that you're living everyday of your life.

You said you don't want to be lonely, you said you don't want to be miserable... then don't just say it and don't use other people to escape it— do something about it that doesn't involve hurting someone! You don't want to be lonely... then choose happiness. You don't want to be miserable? Then be happy. It's always your choice. You're lonely and miserable because that's what you chose. You chose that for yourself. You caged yourself. You trapped yourself in the past and only you can free yourself. Not Blake, not other person and definitely not me.  

In the situation you're in right now, no one can help you but yourself. 

Choose happiness before your past takes everything away from you. Choose happiness before loneliness and misery swallows you whole. Choose happiness for yourself. Choose happiness because that's what you deserve and because you are worth it. 

I know that what I've said in this letter might not get in into that thick skull of yours but I don't care... at least I tried. And you should too. Try choosing happiness and try moving on. Start with a small step, tiptoe if you must, then step again, little by little until your steps turns into a full run. Just start with a small step... who knows, it could be the biggest step of your life. 

I think I said enough already. It's time to bid farewell. 

Blaze, thank you. Yes, you have hurt me, but I can't deny that you also made me happy. I really like you a lot and I don't think I'll ever like a man again like how much I like you. You are a good friend to me, you made me experience the meaning of my name. And as I write this, I'm hoping that when we see each other again, I'll be able to look into eyes and proudly say, 'I've moved on.' 

Take care, Blaze, you may not be 
ma
 bitch anymore, but for me, you will always be a big baby, my big baby. 

I will miss you, Blaze. I will miss cooking for you. But I have to move on from you. Well, life after all is about moving forward. We may not be with each other, but let's move forward together. Because that's what we deserve.

Bye. 

Happy

Agad niyang inilayo ang papel na hawak nang mapatakan iyon ng luha niya. Agad niyang itinupi 'yon at ibinalik sa kahon, saka isinara ang drawer. 

Blaze's eyesight blurred as tears of pain and regret filled his eyes. Tinakpan niya ang mga mata ng sariling mga kamay at pilit na pinapakalma ang sarili. 

'Yon ang napasukan ng mommy niya. 

"I brought you hot chocolate," narinig niyang sabi ng ina, kapagkuwan ay inilapag nito ang baso sa bedside table. "Okay ka lang ba, 'nak?"

Ibinaba niya ang mga kamay na nakasapo sa mukha, saka tiningala ang ina habang umiiling. "I'm not."

His mother sighed before moving to envelop him into a soft embrace. 

"I fucked up, Mom... I messed up so much," sabi niya na nanginginig ang boses. "I was so afraid to forget Cassie that I lost the woman who made me so happy. I was so focus on her being Cassie that I didn't see her as her. I used her, Mom, I hurt her so much. And now, I can't take it all back. Ngayon, wala na siya. Hindi ko na makikita ang ngiti niya. Hindi ko na maririnig ang mga payo niya. Hindi ko na makikita kung paano niya pahalagahan at respetuhin ang sarili niya. Hindi ko na matitikman ang luto niya. Hindi ko na mararamdaman ang paglalambing niya. At higit sa lahat, kahit nakakainsulto, gusto kong marinig uli na tawagin niya akong 
ma
 bitch. Gusto ko uling marinig 'yon... gusto ko uling marinig 'yon, 'Ma. Gustong- gusto ko!"

His mother kept on caressing the back of his head down to his nape, consoling him. "Blaze, anak, minsan, kahit gusto natin, hindi natin puwedeng gawin. Umalis si Happy para makalayo sa iyo dahil nasaktan mo siya. Let her have her peace. Let her have her space. Magkikita pa naman kayo sa tamang oras at panahon. Pero habang wala pa siya, gamitin mo ang oras mo para ayusin ang sarili mo. Buuin mo uli ang nasirang ikaw, Blaze. Para kapag nagkita kayo, kapag sinabi mo ang nararamdaman mo para sa kanya, totoo na 'yon at galing sa puso mo. Wala nang pagdududa at katanungan. Made your peace with Cassie's memory. More importantly, made peace with yourself."

Yumakap ang mga braso niya sa baywang ng ina. "Thank you, 'Ma, for listening to me."

His mom tapped his back. "That's what mother's do, Blazey. Listen to their son and guide them to the right path."

Tumayo siya, saka mas humigpit pa ang yakap dito, at hinalikan ito sa noo. Mayamaya ay kumawala siya sa yakap nila at pinakatitigan ito. 

"How are you and Dad?" he asked jokingly. 

He met his father on Blakey's wedding and he was shocked to the core when he found out who he was. At sa halip na magalit sa ama nila, hinayaan na niya ang galit niya. Gusto lang niya na maging buo silang pamilya. 

Nalukot ang mukha ng kanyang ina. "He wanted to marry me. Tumatanda na raw kasi kami at mas mabuting magkasama kami para maalagaan ang isa't isa." Napailing ito. "Good thing you met him now. He was a strict man before."

"Alam ko." Naikuwento na sa kanila nina Shun at Terron kung gaano kaistrikto ang ama ni Themarie na ngayon ay ama rin pala nila ni Blake. 

"Mom! Mom?"

Nagkatinginan sila ng ina nang makarinig ang boses mula sa labas. Kapagkuwan ay magkasunod silang lumabas ng kuwarto at bumaba sa sala. 

Gumuhit ang malapad na ngiti sa mga labi niya nang makita ang kakambal kasama si Lucky. 

"Blakey!" Patakbo siyang lumapit sa kakambal, saka niyakap ito nang mahigpit at tinapik ang likod nito at balikat. "Thank God you're back! Miss ko na ang luto mo," sabi niya, saka nakangiting bumaling kay Lucky. "Baby girl! How are you?"

Agad na nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Blake at tumalim ang tingin sa kanya. "Saan mo gustong masaksak?"

Ang ngiti niya ay nauwi sa ngiwi. "Sabi ko nga, hindi ko na-miss si Lucky."

"Good," sabi ni Blake na kumalma na. 

Si Lucky naman ay tumawa lang at ito na ang yumakap sa kanya. "Na-miss din kita, Blaze. Na-miss ko ang ingay mo."

Sinapo niya ang dibdib na parang nasasaktan. "Your honesty is really brutal, baby girl."

Lucky just shrugged and looked at their mom. "Mommy!" She was grinning from ear to ear. "May pasalubong ako sa iyo!"

Agad na napangiti ang kanyang ina. "'Buti may oras ka pa para bumili ng pasalubong sa akin at pinayagan ka niyang asawa mong lumabas ng kuwarto n'yo."

"Oo naman." Pilyang ngumiti si Lucky. "Kung hindi wala siyang delicious moments."

Malakas na natawa ang mommy nila at napapailing na tumingin kay Blake. "Isang linggo pa lang kayong mag-asawa, 
takusa
 ka na."

Ngumiti lang si Blake.

"Nasaan po si Bailey?" tanong ni Lucky. "May pasalubong din ako sa kanya."

"Nasa school pa," sagot ng mommy nila. 

Nalukot ang mukha niya. "Teka nga muna. Bakit nararamdaman ko parang hindi ako kasama sa binilhan mo ng regalo?"

Napalabi si Lucky. "Oops, hindi kita naalala, eh."

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "Anong hindi naaalala?!" singhal niya rito, saka itinuro ang mukha ng kakambal. "Magkamukha kami, baby girl, dapat naalala mo ako."

Nginisihan lang siya ni Lucky, saka nagpatulong sa mommy nila na dalhin ang bag nito dahil nandoon daw ang mga pasalubong nito. 

Hindi pala 
mga
, dalawa lang. Hindi siya naalala, eh! 

Tinapik ni Blake ang balikat niya. Naglakad ito patungo sa kusina na agad niyang sinundan. 

"Any news on Midnight?" tanong ni Blake. 

Umiling siya. "Nothing. I tried calling Knight but he's not answering."

"Then let's visit him tomorrow."

"Ngayon na."

Nagbukas ng dalawang beer si Blake at iniabot sa kanya ang isa, saka iminuwetra nito ang hawak na beer sa mukha niya. "Sleep, you look like a zombie."

Blaze drank his beer before signing. "That's because I haven't had a good-night sleep."

Umupo si Blake sa hapagkainan. "Why? Wala ka bang off?"

Naglakad siya palapit sa mesa pero hindi siya umupo. "I asked the hospital management to not give me an off for a week. And since it's Wolkzbin's wife, she said yes, only if I'm focused, and I'd been focused on my cases. No problems."

"You miss me that much?" nakangisi at nanunudyong tanong sa kanya ng kakambal. 

"Fuck you," sagot niya. 

Blake chuckled before his face turned serious while looking at him. "How are you and Happy?"

"She left me."

"Then go after her," utos sa kanya ng kakambal. 

Umiling siya. "I'm still a mess, Blakey. Hindi ako magpapakita sa kanya na magulo pa rin ang isip ko at ganito ako. Baka masaktan ko na naman siya. I have to pull myself together first, fix myself up and then maybe... maybe."

Blakey tsked. "How are you gonna fix yourself, Blaze?"

He smiled when he remembered what Happy said to him when they talked outside the reception area. "Choose happiness."

"And you can do it right this time?"

Tumango siya. "I'll do it right this time."

Itinaas ni Blake ang hawak na bote ng beer. "Cheers to that."

Blaze clinked his bottle of beer against Blake's. "To me. Hoping that I'll do it right this time."

"You will," sabi ng kakambal. "May tiwala ako sa iyo."

Tumango siya, saka uminom ng beer mula sa bote. 

"Hey, boys," sabi ng kanilang ama na kakapasok lang sa kusina. "Oh, Blake, you and Lucky are back? That early?"

"She missed her grandparents and Mom," sagot ni Blake, saka kumuha ng beer sa ref at ibinigay sa ama nila.

Luminga-linga naman ang ama nila. "Where's your can opener?"

"It's there." Itinuro ni Blake ang lababo. 

"Ako na," sabi niya, saka inilapag ang beer na hawak sa mesa at nilapitan ang ama. Kinuha niya ang beer na hawak nito, saka inilabas ang key chain slash can opener na bigay ni Happy na nasa bulsa. Ginamit niya iyon para buksan ang beer.

"Whoa, whoa!" Blake stopped him from opening the bottle to look at his can opener. "Saan mo 'to binili?"

"Happy gave it to me," sabi niya. 

Agad namang sinuri ng ama niya ang key chain slash can opener. "It's gold with real diamond in it. Your woman is rich and has a rare taste."

His face went somber. "She's not my woman."

"Then why gave you an expensive gift?" His dad asked. "That key chain slash can opener costs five to eight million. Give or take. It's the diamonds that's making it expensive."

Napanganga si Blaze sa nalamang presyo ng hawak niyang keyc hain na can opener din. "Five to eight million? For this?!"

"Yes," sabi ng ama niya, saka kinuha sa kanya ang can opener at binuksan nito ang sariling beer. "I'm a royalty but we don't have a gold with diamonds can opener. Key chain, we do, but can opener?"

Nakatanga pa rin siya sa key chain na bigay ni Happy. 

Five to eight million? Fuck! At ginamit lang niyang pambukas ng beer. 

Agad niyang inagaw sa ama ang key chain at ibinalik iyon sa bulsa. "I shouldn't use this. Maki-kidnap ako nang wala sa oras. Wala pa naman akong pera."

Itinuro ng ama niya ang sarili nito. "Who do you think I am?"

Napailing lang silang magkambal. 

Nagsalita naman si Blake habang palipat-lipat ang tingin sa kanila. "I talked to Themarie earlier, she's inviting us to dinner."

"Of course," sagot ng ama nila habang umiinom ng beer. 

"Sure," sabi niya. "Bukas pa naman ang duty ko." Pagkatapos ay inubos niya ang beer, saka nagpaalam sa dalawa. "I have to go," sabi niya nang may pumasok sa isip niya. "May pupuntahan lang ako."

"Where?" agad na tanong ni Blake. "Kababalik ko lang. Remember your promise? You'll help me count the money pinned on my tuxedo while dancing with Lucky on my wedding?"

"Later," sabi niya habang naglalakad palabas ng kusina. "This is important."

"How important?" pahabol na tanong ni Blake. 

Blaze smiled. "It's about how to live my life, Blakey, and I'll do it right this time," sabi niya at nagmamadaling umalis. 

It was not gonna be easy to do it right this time... but as what Happy said on her letter, 
start with a small step.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 19

"HOW DID YOUR SESSION GO?" tanong ni Blake kay Blaze nang makapasok siya sa kusina. "You're looking good, man," natatawang sabi nito habang naghahain ng agahan sa hapagkainan. Kapagkuwan ay malakas ang boses na tinawag si Lucky. "Baby, come here, your breakfast is ready!"

Napangiti na lang si Blaze sa kakambal. Noon, siya ang sinisigawan nito dahil handa na ang agahan niya, ngayon ang asawa na nito. 

At masaya siya para sa dalawa. 

Blakey deserved to be happy. With Lucky. 

"O, ano'ng tinatayo-tayo mo riyan?" kunot-noong tanong sa kanya ni Blake. "Kumain ka na. Pinagluto kita ng agahan mo."

A wide grin appeared on his lips. "Hell, yeah!" 

Blake tsked before getting a cup from the kitchen's cupboard, filled it with coffee before putting it in front of him. "Kain ka na."

Tamang-tama naman na pumasok si Lucky sa hapagkainan na may ngiti sa mga labi. 

Napangiti na rin si Blaze. Lucky really radiated positivity. 

"Good morning, Blakey-baby," masayang bati nito kay Blake, sabay halik sa mga labi ng asawa, saka nakangiting bumaling sa kanya. "Good morning, Blaze!"

He sipped his coffee. "Morning, baby girl."

Tiningnan siya agad nang masama ni Blake na ikinailing lang niya. His brother was really a possessive fella. 

Nang umupo si Lucky sa hapagkainan, pumasok naman ang mommy nila at si Bailey. Sabay-sabay na silang nag-agahan kasama si Blake na napilitan lang dahil mas gusto nitong magkape lang. But their mom wouldn't take no for an answer. 

"Perfect ako sa periodical test namin," may pagmamalaking sabi ni Bailey habang nagkukuwento sa kanila tungkol sa mga achievements nito sa eskuwelahang pinapasukan. "Halos lahat perfect ko, maliban sa Science. I missed five points."

"What happened?" Blake asked while spreading butter on Bailey's pancake. 

"May nakalimutan akong body parts." Humaba ang nguso ni Bailey. 

Itinuro naman agad siya ni Lucky. "Magaling si Kuya Blaze mo riyan."

Sumegunda naman ang kanilang ina. "Siyempre, doktor yata ang kuya mo."

Agad na napalitan ng ngiti ang paghaba ng nguso ni Bailey. "I know po. Sinasabi ko palagi sa mga classmates ko na may big brothers akong kambal. Ang isa, magaling na doktor, 'tapos ang isa naman po, tambay lang."

Lahat sila malakas na natawa maliban kay Blake na isa-isang tiningnan sila nang masama. 

"O, ano'ng nakakatawa?" iritadong tanong nito. "I have you know, I run a big company behind the curtain."

Tumigil na sila sa pagtawa pero si Lucky ay tumatawa pa rin. "Sorry, Blakey-baby, nakakatawa lang ang tambay. Kasi 'yan din ang tingin ko sa 'yo noon. Tambay."

Blake just sighed in surrender. "Hindi ko na kayo ipagluluto ng agahan."

Agad na humaba ang nguso ni Lucky at nagmamakaawang tumingin kay Blake. "Blakey-baby! Take it back!"

Blakey sighed again. "Oo na, kumain ka na. Iinom ka pa ng gamot."

Agad namang tumalima si Lucky na ikinailing niya. Samantalang ang mommy nila ay pinatapos na sa pag-aagahan si Bailey para maihatid na ito sa paaralan. 

At nang silang tatlo na lang ang natira sa kusina, umalis si Blake. At nang bumalik ay may dala itong maliit na kahon, saka inilapag iyon sa mesa. 

"Blaze, wash the dishes," utos nito sa kanya.

Bumuntong-hininga siya, saka iniligpit ang pinagkainan at inilipat iyon sa lababo para hugasan.

Habang naghuhugas siya, pinapainom naman ni Blake si Lucky ng gamot nito. Personal talagang ibinibigay ni Blake kay Lucky ang tamang gamot na dapat nitong inumin. Agad din nitong pinagpahinga si Lucky pagkatapos.

"Pero kagigising ko lang," reklamo ni Lucky. 

Blake kissed her on the lips before pleading. "Please, for me? Pinagod kita ng isang linggo, naalala mo?"

Lucky blushed. "Okay."

Hanggang sa makatayo si Lucky at naglalakad na palabas ng kuwarto, nakatitig pa rin siya rito. 

"Hey! That's my wife!" Blake hissed at him. 

Blaze blinked before glancing at his twin. "Sorry, she just reminds me of someone."

Alam niyang agad na nakuha ni Blake ang ibig niyang sabihin. "Cassie?"

Umiling siya, saka tipid na ngumiti. "Happy."

Blake looked stunned. "That's new."

Mahinang natawa si Blaze. "What?"

Blake shrugged. "Nothing. Nagbago lang ang sagot mo."

Blaze frowned. "Sagot sa?"

"Wala," sabi ni Blake, saka itinuro ang kahon na dinala nito sa kusina. "Nandiyan lahat ng nakaipit sa tuxedo ko. Help me count?"

"Malalaki ba ang halagang nakasulat sa cheque?" tanong niya habang tinutuyo ang basang kamay dahil katatapos lang niyang manghugas. 

"I don't know," sabi ni Blake. "I didn't check."

"Wala bang butas ang mga cheque? Tatangapin ba 'yan sa bangko?"

"It's Pierce's bank. Siya ang paasikasuhin ko rito," sabi ni Blake na isa-isang nilalabas ang cheque, tissue at mga ice water bag na may lamang... 
barya? 

What the fuck?!

Pinulot niya ang isang cheque at binasa ang halagang nakasulat. "From Khairro Sanford. Fifty pesos." Nalukot ang mukha niya. "What the fuck?!"

Sa halip na magulat, tumawa lang si Blake. "Ba't nagulat ka pa? Ini-expect ko na 'yan. One hundred pesos ang pinakamalaking halagang nakasulat sa mga cheque na 'yan."

Sa sinabi ni Blake, mabilis niyang tiningnan isa-isa lahat ng cheque. 

At tama ang sinabi ng kakambal niya. Kung hindi fifty, twenty pesos ang nakasulat sa cheque. Isa lang ang nagbigay ng one hundred pesos, si Pierce lang. Mayroon pa ngang ten pesos. Si Iuhence.

"Nakakahiya naman sa kanila," puno ng sarkasmo niyang sabi. 

Tumawa lang si Blake, saka ibinigay sa kanya ang isang balot ng ice water bag. It had ten pesos inside. Tigpipiso ang laman na bumuo sa sampung piso. 

And it had a name. Calyx Vargaz. At may rason pa talagang nakasulat sa ice water bag gamit ang itim na marker. 

Marami akong anak
. 'Yan ang rason ng isang Calyx Vargaz. 

"Seriously?" Hindi makapaniwalang tumingin si Blaze sa kakambal. "Isinabit nila sa iyo 'to? Hindi ko nakita."

Tumango si Blake at itinuro ang nagkalat na tissue sa mesa. "And these fuckers too."

Napailing na lang siya, saka isa-isang binilang ang pera. "Hindi kasama ang kay Daddy, Dark, Volkzki, Titus at Phoenix. Hindi man lang umabot sa five thousand ang perang nakaipit sa tuxedo mo. Kawawa ka naman."

"Sinabi mo pa."

"Kay Lucky, magkano?"

"Dollars, bud." Blake tsked, annoyed. "Dollars."

Mahina siyang natawa. "That's what you get for having lunatic friends."

Blake sighed. "Oh, well... hindi na ako nagulat."

"But Morgan gave you a gift certificate and Phoenix offered to secure the mansion."

"Yeah."

"And Volkzki gave you a hundred thousand," sabi niya. 

Blake chuckled. "That's shocking."

"Montero is more shocking," sabi niya habang hawak ang cheque na galing kay Dark Montero. "He gave you one million."

"Well, that fucker is rich."

Natawa lang si Blaze, saka umupo sa hapagkainan. Lumukob ang katahimikan sa buong kusina hanggang sa basagin 'yon ni Blake. 

"How are you feeling?"

Napatitig siya sa kakambal, saka natawa. "Don't go Dr. Phil on me, Blakey."

Natawa na rin ito. "I'm just asking."

Blaze shrugged. "Okay, I guess."

"Don't lie to me."

Blaze stilled then sighed slowly. "I'm not fine. Why you ask?"

"Just wondering." Umupo na rin ito sa hapagkainan habang ibinabalik ang mga cheque sa loob ng maliit na karton. 

"Does Lucky know?" Siya naman ang nagtanong ngayon. "You know, about what I did to her sister?"

Blake nodded. "We talked last night."

"And?" He felt agitated. He didn't want Lucky to dislike him. "Matatakot na ba ako?" Ginawa niyang pabiro ang pagtatanong. 

"
Nah
..." Sumandal si Blake sa upuan. "Sinabi lang niya na alam daw niya ang nangyari sa inyo ni Happy."

"And she's not mad at me?"

Umiling si Blake. "She's not. She said it's your issue with her sister. Hindi naman daw niya kontrolado ang nararamdaman n'yong dalawa at alam daw niyang nahihirapan ka talaga. Hindi naman daw kasi biro ang nangyari sa iyo."

He frowned. "Hindi niya ipinagtanggol ang kapatid niya? I thought she'll be mad at me."

Blake shook his head again. "Well, Lucky said that what her sister did is what is right for her and what you did is what you think you're right for yourself."

"I hurt Happy."

"And you're hurting too," sabad ni Lucky na kakapasok lang sa kusina. Tumayo ito sa likod ng upuan ni Blake at ipinatong ang mga braso magkabilang balikat ng kakambal niya. "I mean, you're both hurting, different level of pain though, depends on other people's perspective. Though I read somewhere that it doesn't mean that because you're hurting more, the other person's pain is not relevant or worthy."

Now he was confused. "So, someone, either me or Happy, is hurting less?"

"No! That's not it! You're not listening to me. Magkakaiba naman kasi kayo ng sakit na nararamdaman at naiintindihan ko 'yon. We all have different pain tolerance. Hindi ko puwedeng sabihin na hindi mahalaga ang sakit na nararamdaman ng isa kasi sa kanya 'yon, eh. Sabi pa nga ng nabasa ko, you will never know someone's pain unless you're living it. Get me now?"

"So, you're siding me?" hindi niya makapaniwalang tanong.

Umiling si Lucky. "Sorry, I'm not choosing side." Then she smiled. "Maybe I just understand each other's point of view, individuality and respect it?"

"That's my baby," Blake said proudly.

Blaze frowned. "I hurt your sister," ulit niya baka hindi lang nito narinig. 

"I know." Hindi nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ni Lucky. "But you're hurting too. I mean, look at you. You look like hell."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Well, I do look like hell. Pero hindi ka talaga galit sa akin kahit pinaiyak ko ang kapatid mo?"

Agad na umiling si Lucky. "I understand where my sister is coming from. Pinalaki siya ni Dad na ganoon. She knows her worth, and she knows what she wants and that makes her an amazing woman. And I understand you too. You're in pain and that's not easy to let go. At hindi ako mamimili sa inyong dalawa. I trust you two. You'll figure it out."

Napatango-tango si Blaze. "I thought you'll be mad at me."

Kinunutan siya ng noo ni Lucky. "Bakit naman?" Umupo ito sa mga hita ng kakambal niya habang nakatingin pa rin sa kanya. 

"Because I used your sister to feel happy," paliwanag niya.

"And?"

"And that should make you angry."

Napasimangot si Lucky. "But I don't wanna be angry!" Inis itong tumingin sa kanya. "And I understand each side, remember? Importante kayong dalawa sa akin. Ayokong nagagalit kasi hindi 'yon maganda. Ayoko n'on. And my sister told me that it wasn't your fault. It wasn't anyone's fault."

Blake nodded, saka hinalikan sa balikat si Lucky. "Pinagalitan lang naman niya ako kagabi kasi namili raw ako ng papanigan. Dapat daw neutral lang kami kasi pareho naman daw kayong malaki na at pareho naming kapatid. So... yeah, I'm not choosing side this time. Sort it out yourselves. You can do it."

Blaze chuckled before nodding. "Thanks... I guess."

Lucky smiled at him. "Don't worry, my sister likes you a lot. I don't think she'll forget you that soon." She shrugged while still smiling. "But it's not love—I mean, she never said she loves you, just like... so, if I were you, I won't hold on to that."

Blaze looked at Lucky flatly. "Geez! Thanks for motivating me."

Tumawa lang si Lucky, saka bumaling kay Blake. "Sasamahan mo ba ako sa school? Puwede na akong magtrabaho uli, eh. Gusto ko uling magturo, miss ko na ang mga bata."

Blake glanced at him before looking back at Lucky. "May pupuntahan kami ni Blaze, eh. Pero ganito na lang, ihahatid kita, 'tapos ipapasundo na lang kita kay Mommy. Okay lang ba? May hahanapin kasi kaming kaibigan."

"Sige," mabilis na pagpayag ni Lucky, saka umalis sa pagkakaupo sa hita ni Blake. "Magbibihis lang ako," sabi nito, saka tumakbo palabas ng kusina. 

"Don't run, baby! Be careful!" pahabol na sigaw ni Blake, saka napailing at tumingin sa kanya. "Hindi ka na mukhang zombie. Nakatulog ka na ba nang maayos?"

"Kinda."

"Kinda means a little," sabi ni Blake, saka napailing. "You're sleeping tonight. Hindi ka duty, 'di ba?"

"I'll be fine—"

"Babantayan kita hanggang sa makatulog ka."

Nanunudyo ang ngiting gumuhit sa mga labi niya. "
Aww
, what a sweet boyfriend."

Tiningnan siya nang masama ni Blake. "Maraming kutsilyo rito, baka masaksak kita."

Tumawa lang siya nang mahina, saka napailing. "I'll be fine, Blakey. I'm doing it right and that includes sleeping, so yeah, I'm good."

"You sure?" pangungulit ni Blake. "Wala ka nang itinatagong lihim sa akin?" He narrowed his eyes on him. "Don't bottled up those feelings, Blaze. That's not good for you."

"Yeah, yeah," natatawang tumayo siya, saka naglakad palabas ng kusina. "Maliligo at magbibihis lang ako."

Malalaki ang hakbang niya patungong hagdanan at umakyat patungo sa kuwarto niya. Nang makapasok siya sa sariling kuwarto, agad na tumuon ang tingin niya sa sulat ni Happy na nasa ibabaw ng bedside table katabi ang napakamahal na key chain slash bottle opener kung saan niya inilipat ang susi ng bahay, susi ng locker niya sa ospital at susi ng sasakyan niya. 

I have to be very careful with that key chain. So expensive. 

Bumuntong-hininga siya at binasa uli muna niya ang sulat ni Happy bago pumasok sa banyo at naligo. 

PAGKATAPOS NILANG ihatid ni Blake si Lucky sa pinagtatrabahuhan nitong paaralan noon, tinawagan ni Blaze ang mommy nila at nakisuyong sunduin si Lucky. Siya ang tumawag kasi si Blake ang nagmamaneho ng sasakyan. He was riding shotgun. 

Nang makapasok sila sa BV, dumeretso sila agad sa bahay ng Conde at ang asawa nito ang nagbukas ng pinto para sa kanila. 

"We're looking for the Count," sabi ni Blake. 

Tipid na ngumiti ang asawa ni Knight. "Is it important? He's not in a good shape right now."

"Yes. It's important," sabi niya. 

Huminga nang malalim ang asawa ni Knight, saka pinapasok sila. "He's in NK's playroom. You know the way."

Sabay silang tumango ni Blake, saka tinungo ang playroom ni NK. Kumatok muna sila sa pinto bago binuksan iyon at pumasok. 

Knight was there... in the middle of the room, with scattered bottle of empty beers around him. He had bags under his eyes, his clothing and hair was disheveled, and he looked like a mess.

And he was holding his wallet and staring at the small picture inside. 

"Velasquez," sabi ni Blake habang nakatayo sila malapit sa pinto. "Can we talk to you?"

Knight didn't move. Nanatili lang itong nakaupo habang hinahaplos ang larawan na nasa wallet nito. 

"Velasquez—"

"I have a very simple job for myself... take care of my brother," halos pabulong na sabi ni Knight. "While Midnight, he has a hard job, given by our father. He has to be me in public so if the enemy strikes and take a shot, he'll die and not me. I have to be safe, my father says. Ang dami niyang hindi puwedeng gawin nang dahil sa akin. Ang dami niyang naranasang hindi maganda nang dahil sa akin. But he never give up. Never. Maybe because I was always there for him. Kahit gaano pa 'yon kahirap, nasa tabi niya ako palagi. But not this time. I let go of him thinking that he'll be able to fly on his own." Inilapag nito ang wallet sa sahig, saka mapait na napangiti. "We can't even take a picture together... It's forbidden... but this one, we finally did it. It was his twentieth birthday, and we broke one of Dad's rules. And then we print it and put it in our wallets. It was a simple thing, but he was so happy."

"Where's Midnight?" Si Blake ang nagtanong sa mahinahong boses. "Can we see him?"

Knight finally looked up at them. "He's gone."

Parehong kumunot ang noo nila ng kakambal. 

"What do you mean he's gone?" nag-aalalang tanong niya. 

A lone tear escape Knight's eyes. "He's gone and I failed him."

"No..." Blake whispered. "You must be kidding—"

"Do I look like I'm kidding?!" Knight shouted in anger at them. "My brother is gone! Midnight is gone! Do you think I'm kidding?!"

Bago pa sila makapasagot, pumasok ang asawa ni Knight, saka nilapitan ito at niyakap. 

"I'm here, baby... I'm here..." Hinalikan nito sa noo si Knight. "I'm just here." Then she looked at them. "I'm sorry but I have to ask you to leave. Please?"

Tumango sila ni Blake, saka lumabas ng kuwarto at ng bahay. Pareho silang tahimik hanggang sa makasakay sila sa sasakyan. 

"Midnight is gone," bulong ni Blake, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "This is all my fault. I made him do what he did."

"Blakey..."

"The five hundred lashes... baka hindi niya kinaya."

"If he's dead, then where's the body and the grave?" tanong niya. 

Mabilis na inilabas ni Blake ang cell phone at may tinawagan. "Racini, where's Midnight's body?" Nagtagis ang mga bagang ng kakambal habang nakikinig sa sagot ni Racini. "Thanks."

"Alam ba niya kung nasaan?"

Tahimik na tumango si Blake, saka mabilis nitong pinaharurot ang kotse paalis ng BV. 

"Where are we going?" tanong niya. 

"Somewhere," sabi ni Blake. Hindi na ito nagsalita at mas binilisan pa ang pagpapatakbo ng sasakyan. 

Nang ipinasok ni Blake ang kotse sa isang sira at malapad na gate, nakita niya ang sirang mansiyon sa loob. 

"Whose mansion is that?" he asked. 

"I don't know," sabi ni Blake, saka lumabas ng sasakyan. 

Siya naman ay sumunod sa kakambal niya patungo sa likod ng malaki at sirang mansiyon hanggang sa tumigil si Blake sa bahagyang nakaumbok na lupa. 

May krus doon na gawa sa kahoy pero walang pangalan. 

Hindi siya nakapaniwalang napatitig sa krus na gawas sa kahoy. "Is that... Midnight?"

Blake nodded while clenching his fist and jaw tightening. 

"They didn't even put his name on it," pabulong niyang sabi habang hinahaplos ang krus. "Who would do this to him?"

"A monster." Nanginginig ang kamay ni Blake sa galit. "Only a monster can do this."

Umuklo siya, saka inilapat ang kamay sa nakaumbok ba lupa. "What happened to you, bud?"

"Why didn't he ask for our help?" Bakas ang galit sa boses ni Blake. "We could have do something for him? Naitago sana natin siya. Naipadala sa ibang bansa. Bakit hindi siya humingi ng tulong?"

Blaze sighed. "Maybe... he doesn't want us to be involved."

"We're already involved!" Blake hissed. "Fuck it, Midnight, we're your friends! I'm your friend! You could have asked for help!"

Blaze took a deep breath. "We still have his phone."

A lone tear rolled down from Blakey's eyes. "We kept your phone, you dumbass!"

Napatitig siya uli sa krus na walang pangalan. "This is just too cruel. How could they do this to him?"

"I wanna kill someone for this!" Blake was livid. 

"You'll endanger yourself," sabi niya na pinapakalma ang kakambal. "May Lucky ka na ngayon. She needs you, remember? Hindi ka puwedeng gumawa ng ikakapahamak mo. May asawa ka na na madadamay sa kung ano man ang gagawin mo."

Natahimik si Blake pero patalim nang patalim ang mga mata nito. 

Siya naman ay tumayo, tinapik ang balikat ng kakambal, saka bumalik sa sasakyan nila. Binuksan niya ang maliit ng compartment ng sasakyan, saka kinuha roon ang itim ng marker bago bumalik sa likod ng mansiyon. 

Blake was still staring at the grave in front of him when he came back. 

Nilapitan niya ang krus, saka sinulatan iyon gamit ang marker. 

Here lies our friend, Midnight, who will never be forgotten. 'Till we see each other again, buddy, someday... somewhere.

Pagkatapos niyang isulat 'yon, nilingon niya si Blake. "Can we move him?"

"I'll ask." 

He frowned. "Who?"

"The Organization's bosses. Sabi ni Racini, wala raw silang magagawa na mga boss para kay Midnight pero subukan pa rin natin." Nagtatagis pa rin ang mga bagang ni Blake. 

Bumakas ang galit sa mukha niya. "Bakit wala silang magagawa?! They are the Organization's bosses!"

Blake sighed. "Knight's father is the fourth Arkhon." 

Arkhon or Arkhones
 were the head of the heads. They were higher that the bosses because everything came from them. Connections, money, power and more. They were the direct descendant of the original Nine Arkhons who started the Organization way way back in the dark ages, continued in the early Middle Ages until the present. 

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga. "That's what makes Knight's father scary. Hindi na aktibo ang ibang Arkhon, tama? Ang alam ko lang ang tanging aktibo ay ang mula sa ama ni Knight pababa sa pansiyam. The first three Arkhontes, the person who can change the fourth Arkhon's decision, they're inactive and doesn't want anything to do with the Organization. And their identities are kept secret."

Blake nodded. "Not even the bosses know."

Blaze felt hopeless. "But we will not give up, right?"

"We'll do everything we can for Midnight," sabi ni Blaze sa boses na alam nitong puno ng pangako at hindi nito bibiguin si Midnight. "We will give him peace, Blaze, we will. Even if it's the last thing we do. We'll figure something out."

Tumango siya, saka tinapik-tapik ang puntod ng kaibigan. "We'll give you the peace you deserve, bud. Sa pagkakataong ito, kami naman ang bahala sa iyo."

They stayed there for more than an hour before forcing themselves to go leave. Nang makauwi sila, nasa bahay na si Lucky. 

Pero sa halip na pumasok sa kabahayan, lumipat siya sa driver's seat at nagmaneho patungo sa sementeryo.

He had to see Cassie.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 20

"HOW MANY times in the past few months since Happy left have you visited Cassie?" tanong ni Blake kay Blaze nang makapasok siya sa sala. Kagagaling lang niya sa sementeryo. Doon siya dumeretso pagkatapos ng duty niya ngayong umaga. He was on the night shift. 

Blaze threw his doctor's robe on the couch. "Maraming beses."

"Bakit ba pabalik-balik ka sa puntod ni Cassie?" puno ng kuryosidad na tanong ng kakambal sa kanya. 

"I like talking to her," sagot niya. 

"Why? Because she doesn't talk back?" Blake joked. 

Blaze just sighed and continued walking towards the kitchen. Kumuha siya ng beer sa ref, saka binuksan iyon at akmang iinom nang marinig ang boses ng kakambal sa loob ng kusina. 

"I'm curious..." sabi ni Blake. "Ano ba'ng sinasabi mo kay Cassie na hindi mo kayang sabihin sa akin?"

Bumuntong-hininga, siya saka humarap sa kakambal. "Everything."

"I'm hurt and insulted by your answer."

Blaze blew a loud breath before explaining himself. "Sabi ni Happy ako lang ang makakapagpalaya sa sarili ko na ikinulong ko sa nakaraan, kaya 'yon ang ginagawa ko. Walang makakatulong sa akin kundi ang sarili ko. And when I chose happiness, I promised myself I'm not gonna use someone anymore to make me feel okay. And seriously, I'm fine."

"Are you really?" Tumiim ang titig sa kanya si Blake. "Look at me and tell me you're fine."

Blaze looked at Blake, deep into his eyes before saying, "I'm fine, Blakey."

Ilang segundo pa siyang tinitigan ng kakambal bago ito nagbawi ng tingin. "I can't see lies in your eyes. Good."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "And you can see lies in my eyes before?" nagtataka niyang tanong. 

"Blaze..." Lumapit sa kanya ang kakambal at tinapik ang balikat niya. "Kakambal mo ako, kilala kita. I would know and I would feel it. Kahit nga utot mo, kilala ko." 

Natatawang uminom siya ng beer, saka tinitigan si Blake. "Eh, Ikaw? Kilala rin kita. Something is bothering you. Noong isang linggo pa. Akala mo hindi ko napansin?"

Blake sighed before getting a beer for himself. "It's Lucky." Uminom ito ng beer, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "I'm worried. Ayaw niyang uminom ng gamot niya. Nag-away kami kanina."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Bakit naman hindi siya iinom ng gamot niya? It's for her own good. Ano ba'ng nangyari?"

Blake let out a loud breath before staring up at the ceiling. "Lucky... she's pregnant."

That put a smile on his face. "Hell, yeah!" Sumuntok pa siya sa hangin. "That's a good news! We should tell Mom—" Natigilan siya sa pagsasaya nang makita ang mukha ni Blake na parang pinagsakluban ng langit at lupa. "You're not happy."

Umiling ang kakambal. "Paano ako sasaya kung isinasakripisyo ng asawa ko ang sarili niya? Ngayon pa lang ayaw na niyang uminom ng gamot baka raw mapaano ang bata. Hindi ako makakapayag na mawala siya sa akin, Blaze."

"Oh." Hindi agad pumasok sa isip niya ang sitwasyon ni Lucky. "Big deal nga 'tong pagbubuntis ni Lucky. Why don't you talk to her? Talk her out of it?"

Blake looked at him helplessly. "She told me that if I said something about hurting the baby, she'll hurt me."

"Mom's instinct." 

"Yeah. And I'm afraid. Kaya kong harapin kahit isandaang bala pa 'yan, kahit ilang beses pa akong mabaril, kaya ko, pero ito ngayon? Hindi ko kaya. Matapang ako pero natatakot ako sa puwedeng mangyari. Paano kung may mangyaring masama kay Lucky habang nagbubuntis siya? Paano ako? I should have been more careful! This is my fault!"

"Talk to Lucky. I'm sure you two can figure something out."

"You think?" Blake asked, hopeful.

He smiled at his twin. "Hindi ka naman basta iiwan ni Lucky. I'm sure she has a plan. Kausapin mo lang. Nasaan ba siya?"

"At school... working."

Napailing siya. "That's not helping. Kung seryoso siya sa pagbubuntis niya, hindi puwedeng pagsabayin niya ang pagtuturo at pagbubuntis, lalo na't ayaw na niyang uminom ng gamot. It's a big risk, Blakey. She needs to rest. Her body will need it."

Napasabunot sa sariling buhok si Blake na parang hindi na nito alam ang gagawin. "I don't wanna lose her, Blaze."

"And she doesn't want to lose your baby," sabi niya. "Talk to her. Figure something out. Magaling ka naman diyan."

Blakey hopelessly nodded before stepping out from the kitchen with his head hanging low. 

Napatitig siya sa papalayong likod ng kakambal. Blake had all the reason to be worried. Lucky's heart was just months old and she would stop her medication? That was suicide! 

Pero hindi rin niya nakikita si Lucky na uunahin ang sarili kaysa sa batang nasa sinapupunan nito. He could see Lucky keeping the baby safe for delivery. And who knew what the consequences of Lucky's pregnancy would be. 

Napailing si Blaze, saka nagbukas pa ng dalawang beer at dinala iyon sa kuwarto niya. Inilapag niya ang beer sa bedside table, saka inilabas mula sa drawer ang sulat ni Happy para sa kanya. 

Maingat niya iyong binuklat at binasa uli. 

It had been his routine to read Happy's letter everyday and every time he came home from work. To keep himself motivated and to do it right, and he was succeeding. And his trips to see Cassie was a big help as well. Talking to Cassie, telling her what and how he felt and how he was dealing with it... how he was coping and moving forward. And how he missed Happy so much.

It was enlightening, even if Cassie didn't talk back. 

It gives him a new perspective in life... It showed him a new way to live.

Itinupi niya ang sulat ni Happy, saka ibinalik iyon sa drawer. Pagkatapos ay hinubad niya ang lahat ng damit habang umiinom siya ng beer. Pagkatapos maligo at magbihis, lumabas siya ng bahay at binuhay ang makina ng sasakyan. 

"Where are you going?" tanong ni Blake nang maabutan siyang papaalis. 

"To my session. You?"

Itinuro nito ang nakaparadang kotse. "I'm going to fetch Lucky. Pinayagan daw siya ng head niyang hindi muna pumasok para makapagpa-check up."

"Her heart?"

Blake nodded. "And her pregnancy."

Napatango-tango siya. "You gonna be okay? Gusto mo samahan ko kayo?"

"
Nah
, we'll be fine." Blake gave him a tight smile. "Uuwi ka ba agad?"

"Mamayang gabi pa siguro."

Blake frowned at him. "Why? I'm cooking for lunch."

"After my session this morning, I have an appointment in InkArt."

"New tats?"

Blaze nodded with a small smile. "New tats."

"Sige, ingat sila sa iyo," pabirong sabi ng kakambal bago ito sumakay sa sariling kotse. 

Siya naman ay pinaharurot ang sasakyan patungo sa palagi niyang pinupuntahan kada ikatlong linggo. 

It would his last session today. 
Thankfully
. 

HAPPY WAS ALONE in her private work room, just finished using the laser to cut the diamond she was working on in the past three days. She had to cut five pieces of diamonds to combine it into one to make a star shape. And because it was urgent, she used the computer software to analyze the cut and precision to shape the diamond into a perfect circle so she could polish it into the shape and design she wanted. 

A billionaire ordered it to be shaped like a star. 
And star it is. 

Happy took a deep breath before she started working again. 

Akmang uumpisahan na niya ang pagdidisenyo nang bigla na lang pumasok sa isip niya ang guwapong mukha ng isang lalaki na ilang buwan na niyang hindi nakikita. 

She actually stilled and stopped what she was doing as her mind reminisced her memories with him. The good and the bad. Their kisses and their embraces. 

Kumusta na kaya siya? 

Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata at marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo. Si Midnight naman ang sunod na pumasok sa isip niya. 

Is he in a good place? 
She hadn't seen him for months now. 

Happy blew a loud breath and forced herself to not think of anyone that could make her lose her focus like what she had been doing these past few months. 

Dahil masyadong focus at abala sa ginagawang engagement ring, hindi niya namalayan na gabi na pala. Nang tumingin siya sa orasan, malapit nang mag alas-nuwebe. 

"Shit." Mabilis niyang iniwan ang ginagawa, saka pinulot ang cell phone na nasa mesa na medyo malayo sa kanya.

It was on silent because she didn't want anyone disturbing her while she worked. 

Two missed calls from her dad. And one text. 

From: Dad 

Dinner is ready, princess. Be home before nine. 

"Oh, shit..." mahina niyang sambit, saka nagmamadaling lumabas sa pribado niyang work room. Siniguro niyang naka-lock iyon at ini-on niya ang security alarm system. Tinungo niya ang opisina niya para kunin ang bag niya. Sa likuran siya ng gusali lumabas tulad ng nakasanayan dahil doon nakaparada ang kotse niya. 

Akmang pipindutin ni Happy ang buton sa susi ng kotse para buksan ang pinto ng kotse nang bigla na lang may tumutok ng kung ano mang bagay sa likuran niya habang may nakatayo ring lalaki roon. 

It was either a knife or a gun. 

Natulos siya sa kinatatayuan at bumilis ang tibok ng puso niya. 

"Scream and I'll kill you," sabi ng magaspang na boses ng lalaki. "The boss wants you alive, be thankful. So don't make a move that'll make me kill you here and now. I wouldn't mind ending your life."

Agad na pinagana ni Happy ang isip niya. Her car was not bulletproof, and the man grabbed her keys away from her! She couldn't escape using her car. What she could do was to weaken her assailant and make a run for it. 

A hell of run. 

Happy took a deep breath before turning around in a blink of an eye, catching the man off guard. She didn't hesitate. When it came to men, Midnight taught her one thing, they had one sure weakness. 

Malakas niyang tinuhod ang pagkalalaki ng lalaki, saka deretsong hinubad ang heels niya at tumakbo nang mabilis. 

"Shit! Shit!" Hindi niya mapigilang magmura nang habulin siya ng bala habang tumatakbo siya palabas ng iskinita. 

Malakas na napahiyaw si Happy nang tinamaan siya ng bala sa gilid ng hita pero hindi niya hinayaan ang sarili na matumba. 

She pushed herself to run as fast as she could until she was out of the alley, bullets still running after her. 

Nagmamadaling kinuha niya ang cell phone sa bag. Pabagal na nang pabagal ang pagtakbo niya, nag-uumpisa na siyang umika at hinahabol pa rin siya ng lalaki. 

Wala itong pakialam kung may mga taong nadadamay sa pamamaril nito, basta panay ang paulan nito sa kanya ng bala hanggang sa tamaan naman siya sa balikat.

"Shit!" she hissed. She pushed herself harder. 

Habang tumatakbo, tinawagan niya ang ama at hinihingal na kinausap ito nang sagutin nito ang tawag. 

"Princess, why are you still working—"

"Daddy! 911!" sigaw niya sa ama na nasa kabilang linya at ibinigay kung nasaang street siya. "911!"

Pagkatapos ay pinatay niya ang tawag dahil nag-uumpisa nang magdilim ang paningin niya. Itinuon niya ang buong lakas at atensiyon sa pagtakbo dahil papalapit na nang palalapit ang lalaki sa kanya. 

Happy was getting ready to turn right when she heard a screeching sound of car tires and a car stopped meters away from her.

The backseat opened and the passenger seat window rolled down. 

King was inside. 

"Young Miss! Get in! Faster!"

But it was too late. 

Naabutan na siya ng lalaking humahabol sa kanya. Hinawakan siya nito sa buhok para hilahin pabalik. 

"Young Miss!" puno ng pag-aalala na sigaw ni King sa kanya at nakita niya itong naglabas ng baril. 

Pilit na nagpumiglas si Happy sa pagkakahawak sa kanya ng lalaki sa buhok. Nagtagis ang mga bagang na inikot niya ang katawan paharap sa lalaki at malakas itong sinuntok sa dibdib. Nang bahagyang mapaatras ang lalaki, iniigkas niya ang isa pang kamao at tumama iyon sa panga nito. Nagpakawala pa siya ng dalawang suntok na tumama sa magkabilang gilid ng kili-kili nito dahilan para mabitawan nito ang buhok niya. At saka lang niya ito tinuhod nang malakas uli. 

Habang namimilipit sa sakit ang lalaki, tumakbo siya patungo sa minamenehong kotse ni King. 

When she heard a gunshot, she fearlessly dived towards the open backseat door of the car as she heard another couple of shots being fired.  

And then they were off.

"Young Miss, were you shot?" Puno ng pag-aalala ang boses ni King. 

Mahina siyang napadaing habang iginagalaw ang katawang nakadapa sa backseat nang patihaya bago sumagot. "Legs... and shoulder."

"Just hang in there, Young Miss. We're near." 

Happy just grunted as she tried not to move because it caused her too much pain. Ipinikit niya ang mga mata habang dumadaing. 

"Don't sleep," sabi ni King na nagpamulat sa mga mata niya uli. "Keep your eyes open, Young Miss!"

Happy groaned. "S-stop shou—ting, King... I'm fine."

"Yes, Young Miss."

But her eyes started dropping again. 

"Wanna hear a joke, Young Miss?" tanong ni King. "It'll make you laugh, I swear."

Her eyes cracked open a little as her forehead furrowed. "W-what?" She liked a good joke to pass the time. 

"What did Batman say to Robin before they got into the car?" King asked. 

She slowly breathed out while her consciousness was slowly fading. 

"Batman said, Robin, get in the car," King joked. 

But Happy was already lost in oblivion. She just regained consciousness again when King was carrying her. 

Not towards the hospital, but towards their mansion.

"H-hospital..." she whispered. 

"You'll be safer here, Young Miss," sabi ni King na parang tumatakbo papasok. 

Happy's eyes closed, and she was drowning in oblivion again. And in her state, her mind called one name before she got succumbed into the darkness. 

Blaze
. 

WHEN HAPPY regained her consciousness, she was in her bed, her wrist was connected to an IV fluid and her legs and shoulder were both aching but the pain was bearable. 

She pushed herself to get up and leave the bed. Dala-dala niya ang IV pole habang dahan-dahan at paika-ika siyang naglalakad palabas ng kuwarto. 

Pagkabukas niya ng pinto, nakasalubong niya ang isa nilang kasambahay.

"Young Miss." Nanlaki ang mga mata nito. 

"Dad... where's Daddy?"

"Young Miss." Pilit siya nitong inaalalayan. "Please go back inside your room. Your wound, it will bleed. I will call Master Dominick."

"T-thanks," nakangiwing sabi niya, saka naglakad uli pabalik sa kuwarto niya. Ginawa niyang alalay sa bigat niya ang IV pole na hila-hila. 

Nang makaupo sa gilid ng kama, tamang-tama naman na humahangos na pumasok ang ama niya sa kuwarto at nakasunod dito si King. 

"Princess!" Agad siyang nilapitan ng ama at maingat na niyakap. "You made worried! Are you feeling okay?"

Sinubukan niyang ngumiti para sa ama. "I'm feeling fine, Daddy. I can take the pain."

"Of course, because you're in pain reliever," sabi ng ama niya, saka hinaplos ang pisngi niya. "Your wound..." Tiningnan nito ang mga sugat niya, saka napabuntong-hininga. "It wasn't deep but still, you need to rest, princess."

"I will... later." Umayos siya ng upo. 

"What happened out there, princess?" tanong ng ama. 

Huminga muna si Happy nang malalim bago nagkuwento. "I was going to my car when this man came behind me and his gun was on my back. I, ahm, made a run for it after I kicked him in the jewel, but he immediately catches up and he keeps on shooting me."

"Did you know why that man did that?" her father asked. 

Umiling siya, kapagkuwan ay natigilan nang may naalala. "He said, ahm, his boss wants me alive or something like that. He wants to kidnap me, I think. Kidnap for ransom, maybe?"

Tumango ang ama niya, saka nilingon si King. "Go get the chief of police. We will find the boss of that bastard."

Tumango si King, saka nagmamadaling lumabas ng kuwarto. 

"Don't worry, princess." Inalalayan siya ng kanyang ama pahiga, saka kinumutan. "I will not rest until whoever did this you is apprehended. You can count on your old man, you know that, right?"

Tumango siya, saka tipid na ngumiti. "Thank you, Daddy, for keeping me safe."

Bumakas ang lungkot sa mukha ng ama niya. "But I failed this time, princess..." sabi nito habang hinahaplos ang pisngi niya. "You got shot. I'm the worst dad."

Mahina siyang natawa sa pagdadrama nito. "Dad, when it comes to keeping me safe and unharmed, you're good at it. But I have to agree with your last statement that you're the worst because King told me two days ago that you were gambling again."

Her father stilled. "That is... not entirely true."

She looked at him. "Do you want me to get angry at you, Dad?"

Napangiwi ito. "Ahm... I won?"

Happy sighed. "Dad, stop gambling."

Her father sighed. "Fine. I love you, princess." Hinalikan siya nito sa noo. "You rest, okay? I'll make sure you'll be safe the next time you step out in this house."

Tinitigan niya ito, saka napailing at napabuntong-hininga, "Dad, I know that glint in your eyes."

"Princess—"

"You are not going to get me a bodyguard." Nalukot ang mukha niya. "Midnight didn't train me for nothing. I can protect myself—"

"Like what happened tonight?" Sumeryoso ang mukha ng ama niya. "This bodyguard that I'm going to get you, he's not gonna be an annoying bodyguard like the last one when you were in college. You won't even know he's there and he will take the bullet for you."

Kumunot ang noo niya sa huli nitong sinabi. "Take the bullet? Who would do that? Even if you pay him thousands of dollars, no bodyguard is on his right mind to take the bullet for me. It's like asking someone to die for me."

Her father smiled triumphantly. "I already have someone in mind."

"Who?"

"Secret," her father said in a singsong voice. "Anyway, you rest. I'll take care of everything. Ang daddy mo na ang bahala sa lahat."

Hearing her father spoke in Tagalog, it made her smile. "I miss that language."

Mahinang tumawa ang ama niya. "Hindi ka ba tina-Tagalog ni Lucky kapag tumatawag ka?"

"Iba naman si Lucky kasi sa phone 'yon." 

"Still..." Kapagkuwan ay bumakas ang lungkot sa mukha nito nang parang may naalala. "By the way, I forgot to tell you because I was busy. Blake called me last week. Buntis daw si Lucky at ayaw nang uminom ng gamot."

"She told me too." Bumuntong-hininga siya. "What are we going to do, Dad? I'm worried."

"I'm already contacting everyone who excels in the medical field. Hindi natin pababayaan ang kapatid mo. She will deliver the baby safely without sacrificing herself. Hindi ako makakapayag. Nakakasama pa nga lang natin siya. I will do everything I can, princess, don't worry."

"Thanks, Daddy. I miss Lucky," sabi niya, saka napasimangot. "I miss Philippines."

Nanunudyo ang tingin sa kanya ng ama. "Pilipinas ba talaga ang na-miss mo o 'yong lalaking nakatira sa Pilipinas na ang pangalan ay Blaze Vitale?"

Mahinang natawa si Happy. "Akala ko ba you're angry at him?"

Nagkibit-balikat lang ito, saka bumuntong-hininga. "Still no news of Midnight by the way."

That saddened her. "Can't we look for him?"

"Do you want me to?"

Napatitig siya sa laptop niya sa study table kung saan naka-insert sa USB port ang flash drive ni Midnight at hanggang sa mga sandaling 'yon ay wala pa ring laman. "I'm still waiting for something. Maybe next week, I'll get my answers." 

Tumango ang ama niya. "Just tell me, okay?"

Tumango siya. "Thanks, Daddy."

Hinalikan siya sa noo ng ama, saka nagpaalam na. Pero bago ito makalabas ng kuwarto ay humarap uli sa kanya. 

"Princess, how about getting a matching tattoo for my birthday?"

Napangiwi siya sa tanong nito. "Dad... no."

"Come on." Her father was acting like a kid again. "'Yon na lang ang regalo mo sa akin."

"No."

"Please? For me? You love me, right? Just one tattoo, for me? It'll make me very happy to have a matching tattoo with you. As father and daughter. I really want one when I saw this guy on TV. It's so beautiful and they're really close and we are close. Please, princess?"

Napabuga na lang ng marahas na hininga si Happy. "Fine, but just a small one. When?"

"This week. Hopefully."

Happy sighed again. "Okay."

Her dad grinned at her. "Thanks, princess," sabi nito bago lumabas ng kuwarto niya at isinara ang pinto. 

Nang siya na lang mag-isa, napatitig siya sa kisame. 

A tattoo, huh
? Her father was getting crazier and weirder every day. But if it would make him happy, she would sacrifice a small part of her skin for him. 

But a tattoo, really? It reminded her of someone. 

Blaze Vitale.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 21

DAHIL ILANG araw ring nanatili si Happy sa bahay nila habang nagpapagaling at hindi nakapasok sa jewelry store, kinailangan niyang doblehin ang bilis ng pagtatrabaho niya sa star-shaped na engagement ring na ipinagawa sa kanya nang makabalik siya. 

Kailangan niyang matapos iyon bago matapos ang linggong ito dahil 'yon ang napag-usapan nila ng kliyente niya. 

Nangako siya sa ama na uuwi siya nang maaga pero heto at alas-nuwebe na ng gabi ay nasa shop pa rin siya at nagtatrabaho. 

But it was okay to be late, right? Her bodyguard was coming tonight and he would wait outside, at the back of the building. That was what her dad said. Whoever this bodyguard was, she was sure he could protect her. 
Hopefully
. If not, she would protect herself. Hindi niya sasayangin ang mga itinuro sa kanya ni Midnight. 

She had to finish this order. She didn't like disappointing her customers. And this was her last one job before she would stop working for the meantime. 

She had to stay in a safe place, wherever that was. 'Yon ang gusto ng ama niya kaya susundin niya. Para din naman 'yon sa kaligtasan niya hanggang sa mahuli ng mga pulis kung sino man ang boss na 'yon na tinutukoy ng lalaking muntik na siyang kidnapin. 

Happy took a deep breath before she started polishing the fourth stone. Habang nagtatrabaho, patingin-tingin siya sa orasang nasa dingding. At nang makitang alas-onse na, mabilis niyang inayos ang mga gamit, ini-lock ang pribadong work room, saka ini-activate ang security system alarm. 

As usual, she exited on the back of the building because that was where she parked her new car and the store was already close at front. 

Kinakabahan siyang lumabas ng gusali habang mabilis na naglalakad patungo sa kotse niya. 

No bodyguard. Shit! 

Bago pa siya makarating, may lalaking lumabas mula sa pagtatago sa dilim at itinutok ang baril na hawak sa kanya. 

"Throw your car keys," sabi ng lalaki, saka may ihinagis na posas sa kanya. "And cuff yourself."

Sa halip na makinig, humigpit ang hawak niya sa susi ng kotse. Her dad bought her a bulletproof car and she was driving it now. She had to take the risk. Once she was inside the car, no bullet could penetrate it. 

"I said now!" sigaw ng lalaki sa kanya. "Step away from your car!"

Happy wasn't planning to do what the man wanted, she was planning to fight. In her head, she was already formulating a plan...  until the body of the man who was holding a gun at her was dropped on the floor. 

There was no gunshot. 

A suppressor! 

Nagmamadali niyang binuksan ang pinto ng kotse at sumakay, pero nabitin ang pagbuhay niya sa makina nang makita ang bulto ng lalaki na naglalakad palapit habang may hawak na baril na may nakakabit na silencer. 

Sa takot na baka siya ang isunod, mabilis niyang binuhay ang makina ng kotse pero ang plano niyang pagpapaharurot paalis at sagasaan ang lalaki ay nag-iba nang mailawan niya ang mukha ng lalaking may hawak na baril. 

Mabilis siyang lumabas ng sasakyan at hindi makapaniwalang napatitig sa lalaki. 

"Blake?" She frowned. "W-what are you doing here? Kasama mo ba si Lucky? Is she okay?"

Sa halip na sagutin, naglakad ito palapit sa kanya, saka hinawakan siya sa pupulsuhan.  Hinila siya paikot sa kotse niya at pinasakay sa passenger seat. 

Happy was riding shotgun on her new car and Blake was driving. 

"Where's Lucky?" she asked. 

"Home," sagot ni Blake. 

Agad namang kumunot ang noo ni Happy nang marinig ang boses ni Blake.

Blake's voice... it was different. It sounded like Blaze. 

Panay ang sulyap niya sa nagmamaneho habang nasa daan sila. It was impossible that this man was Blaze because he had no tattoo on his face. 

His face was clean. No ink. Just like Blake. 

"How did you I'm here?" she asked. 

"I have my ways."

"Why did you kill that man?"

"He was gonna kill you," Blake answered. 

"You just killed a man, Blake, and you okay, calm even," obserba niya. 

"It's one of my skills."

Skill?
 Napakunot ang noo ni Happy. "Blake, what are you really doing here?" tanong uli niya. "Is Lucky okay? How's the pregnancy going?"

"She's fine," sagot ni Blake, saka mas binilisan pa ang pagmamaneho hanggang sa namalayan na lang niya na papasok na sila sa gate ng mansiyon nila. 

Naunang lumabas ng kotse si Blake at pinagbuksan siya ng pinto. Nang makalabas siya, nagulat siya sa sunod nitong ginawa. 

Pinagsalikop nito ang kamay nilang dalawa. 

Napamulagat siya. "Blake! What the hell are you doing?!"

Mas humigpit pa lalo ang pagkakahawak sa kanya ni Blake hanggang sa makapasok sila sa bahay nila.

Ang isa sa katulong nila ang nagbukas ng pinto.

"Good evening, Young Miss," bati sa kanya ni Nora. 

Tipid siyang ngumiti. "Good evening too, Nora. Have you seen Dad?"

"The Master is in his study with Mr. Zabat."

Mr. Zabat was King. His full name was King Zabat. 

"Where's your room?" sabad ni Blake na ikinagulat ni Nora. 

Happy smiled at Nora and explained. "He's, ahm, he's a friend."

Tumango lang si Nora bago isinara ang pinto ng bahay at ini-lock. Siya naman ay tinungo ang kuwarto niya habang hawak pa rin si Blake ang kamay niya at ayaw nitong bitawan kahit anong pagpupumiglas niya. 

And when they entered her room, the moment Blake locked the door, she immediately punched Blake. But he was fast enough to catch her fist and pinned her on the wall. 

"Blake—"

Her eyes widened when Blake silenced her with a kiss on the lips. 

"Stop it!" she hissed at Blake as she moved her elbow to hit his face but he was still fast to stop her. "I said stop it, Blake—"

He kissed her again, this time, torridly. 

Nagtagis ang mga bagang ni Happy dahil sa galit. How dare Blake do this to her and her sister?! 

He will pay! 

Happy pulled away from the kiss and then slammed her forehead against Blake's. 

"Fuck!" Blake hissed as he staggered back, letting her go. 

"You deserve it, you shithead! How could you do this to my sister?!" she hissed angrily as she kept throwing blow after of blow of punches and kicks until Blake fell on to her bed. 

He was not fighting, only dodging and blocking. 

"I will kill you—"

"Wait! Fuck it!" sigaw ni Blake na nakapagpatigil sa pag-atake niya. Hawak nito ang noo habang nakangiwi. "Fuck... I think you broke my skull."

Happy stilled again. His voice... he really sounded like Blaze. But he couldn't be Blaze! His face was clean. No ink. No tribal tattoo. No Cassie. Only Blake had a clean face like this! 

"Fuck." Blake hissed as he caressed his aching forehead and then murmured. "Why did I fall for a badass woman, anyway?"

Napatitig siya kay Blake nang matiim.  

Blaze would never, ever take the tattoo off on his face! Never! He loved Cassie so much. 

But she wanted to make sure before she punch Blake for kissing her again and cheating on Lucky.

Hinila niya si Blake paupo sa kama. Pilit niyang hinubad ang leather jacket nitong suot at ang itim na T-shirt na nasa ilalim niyon ang isinunod niya. 

"W-what the hell are you doing—be careful! Ouch! My ears!" Blake cussed again. "If you want me naked in your bed, just tell me. I'll gladly get nude for you."

"Shut up," sabi niya habang hinuhubad ang T-shirt nito. 

And there it was. He was half-naked in front of him. 

And as she studied his tattoos, her lips started parting. In shock and in confusion. 

She had seen Blaze naked for a couple of times already... his tattoos were engraved in her mind because it looked hot but dirty at the same time. 

And these tattoos... these were Blaze's. 

Happy's confused eyes moved up to his face. No tattoo. It was ink-free. 

Ilang beses siyang napakurap-kurap bago nagawang makapagsalita. 

"B-Blaze?"

A smile appeared on his lips as he stared back at her. "Hey, baby."

Nabitawan niya ang itim na T-shirt nito, saka hindi makapaniwalang napatitig sa lalaki. "W-what are... w-what..." Tumuon ang mga mata niya sa pisngi nito. "W-what—w-where's your tattoo? W-what happened?" She was shocked and stammering like an idiot. 

"There's this thing called laser tattoo removal," nakangiting sabi ni Blaze. "I had my face tattoo removed. Four sessions to completely erase it."

Happy couldn't still believe what she was hearing and seeing. "W-why?"

Blaze shrugged. "I guess I've moved on."

Happiness filled her heart making her eyes glistened in tears. "I'm so happy for you, Blaze." She cupped her face and caressed his forehead softly and carefully. "Jesus Christ, I'm so sorry for punching your and your head... Oh, God, I'm so sorry."

"Yeah... I'm cool. I'm fine."

Hinaplos niya ang pisngi nito kung saan naroon ang tattoo nito noon pero ngayon ay wala na. "I'm sorry I left." She gave him an apologetic smile. 

"Why are you saying sorry for that?" Blaze frowned. "You left because I was using you to feel okay."

Tumango siya. "But I regret leaving you." Malungkot siyang ngumiti. "When I started missing you, I realized that maybe I should have stayed and let you use me. I don't have the courage to stay by your side because I was so scared and focused on losing myself for someone who doesn't even like me as me. I'm sorry, I'm really sorry for not being brave enough to stay with you."

Pinakatitigan siya ni Blaze, saka ito bahagyang umiling. "There are some people who is worth being brave for and that wasn't me. I don't deserve it. At that time, I was still consumed by Cassie's memories that I didn't see you. If you have stayed, I don't know if I'll be able to move forward and appreciate you and your presence."

Happy bit her lower lip. "I'm sorry because I didn't adjust myself for you."

Blaze frowned. "Why will you adjust for someone who won't adjust for you? I certainly did not adjust for you at the time. I mean, wala akong ginawa para sa iyo. 'Yon ang totoo."

"Still, I'm sorry." She blew a loud breath. "My dad raised me that way. I was in coma for fifteen years and before I woke up, Dad told me that people asked him if I'm worth all the money and all the effort he was giving me for so many years. People asked him if I'm worth his time. He said he never answered them but he told me that I'm worth all that. He carved in my mind that I'm worth it, as a person, that I'm worth all the efforts and I should never think less of myself. 

"He always lifts me up. I haven't experienced being drag down because my dad won't let it happen and I adapt that attitude and beliefs from him. I lived in a place for nearly a decade where they appreciate who I am, who wants me to be just me. So, when I met you and you couldn't appreciate me, it was new to me and I got scared and run away like a coward because at that time, I thought that was the best for me."

"And now? You think it was a wrong decision?"

She shrugged. "Maybe. I still can't forget you, I still haven't moved on... and I keep thinking of what if I stayed? What if I let you use me? So many what ifs but no answers."

Hinawakan ni Blaze ang kamay niya, saka hinalikan ang likod niyon bago tumitig sa kanya. "Let's say you stayed even knowing that I can't appreciate you, people will call you a crazy woman who likes me too much because you're staying." Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi nito. "Would you like to be called that?"

Happy shrugged and smiled. "There are people in this world who is worth being crazy for."

"And I'm worth being crazy for?"

"In my state of mind now, after missing your for nearly three months, I would say yes."

Blaze smiled at her, the kind of smile that reached his eyes. "Nililigawan mo ba ako, Happy? Masyado mong pinapatibok nang mabilis ang puso ko."

Mahina siyang natawa, saka pabirong inirapan ito. "You're crazy."

Blaze chuckled. "Magsabi ka lang, sasagutin naman kita agad." 

Happy jokingly glared at Blaze before her eyes caught something. The blank space on his wrist, it was not blank anymore. It had inked with words. 

Happy's big baby
.

Happy blinked enumerable times. "Is that... me?"

"Bakit? May kilala ka pa bang babae na may weird na pangalan na katulad ng sa iyo?"

Umiling siya.

"Then it's for you..." Blaze chuckled. "I actually don't know why I was saving that blank space on my wrist. Maybe because I felt like there's nothing really important to put there."

"And Happy's big baby is important?" natatawa niyang tanong. "That tattoo is for softie. Your friends will laugh at you."

Blaze shrugged. "I don't care. They can laugh at me all they want as long as you're happy and you're not leaving me again."

Hinaplos niya ang tattoo nito sa pupulsuhan. "It didn't smudge..." she whispered. 

"That's a real tats, baby. It will not smudge." Blaze stared at her intently. "Did you really miss me?"

Kusang tumango ang ulo niya. "I do."

"Me too," sabi ni Blaze habang unti-unting yumayakap ang mga braso sa baywang niya. "It has been hell without you, Happy. I missed you so much. I didn't know how I manage to survive that long without seeing you."

Happy's eyes watered as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Seeing Blaze removed his tattoo on his face... that was a big thing that she couldn't take lightly. 

He was really serious when he said he had moved on. 

"I'm really happy for you," sabi niya habang kagat-kagat ang pang-ibabang labi. "Very happy."

Happy stilled when Blaze kissed her belly and her stomach then he held her hand and pulled her down to the bed.

Napahiyaw siya sa gulat na agad na naputol dahil sa mga labi ni Blaze na sumakop sa mga labi niya at umangkin. 

And when he rolled them over on her bed and he positioned himself on top of her, he was already kissing her senseless. 

Happy could feel how much he missed her by his hungry kisses, owning her lips and trailing down her neck... down to the valley of her breast. 

And she couldn't stop him... no, she didn't want to stop him. 

She missed him too. And there was no denying that. 

Kaya naman nagpaubaya lang si Happy nang hubarin ni Blaze ang pang-itaas niyang damit. At nang sinunod nitong inalis ang bra niya, napadaing pa siya at nakagat ang pang-ibabang labi. 

Blaze... he was not holding back like before. Masyadong mapusok ang mga halik nito at ang mga kamay ay humahaplos sa katawan niya. At ngayon nga ay nasa dibdib na niya at minamasahe iyon habang nasa loob ng mainit nitong bibig ang naninigas niyang nipple. 

"Blaze..." mahina niyang daing nang paikutin nito ang dila sa nipple niya bago iyon sinisipsip dahilan para umarko ang katawan niya. 

Happy's toes were curling, and her body even arched more when Blaze slipped his hand inside her pants, slipping inside her underwear and cupping her mound. 

"Oh!" Napahiyaw siya sa sarap ng daliri ni Blaze sa pagkababae niya na nag-uumpisa nang mabasa. "Uhm! Oh—Ah!"

Happy didn't know she could scream in so much pleasure until Blaze slid one finger inside her and then two fingers.

"Oh! Shit—uhm..."

Napahawak siya sa magkabilang balikat ni Blaze habang naglalabas-masok ang daliri nito sa loob niya. Hinalikan siya nito sa mga labi, pababa sa leeg niya, sa gilid ng tainga niya at pababa naman sa dibdib. 

Happy was groaning and moaning that kept turning into small screams every time Blaze would fully filled her with his fingers. 

She could feel like something was about to burst inside her... she was about to explode when someone knocked on the door. 

Pareho silang natigilan ni Blaze at agad nitong tinakpan ng kumot ang hubad niyang pang-itaas at inalis ang daliri sa pagkababae niya.  

Tumikhim siya. "W-who is it?" 

"It's your dad," sabi ng boses sa labas ng pinto ng kuwarto na nagpaawang sa mga labi niya. 

"Oh, Jesus Christ... oh, God..." 

Akmang babangon si Happy para pulutin ang nahubad na damit nang magsalita uli ang ama niya. 

"Don't bother opening the door, princess. Just come to my study. And bring Blaze with you. Yes, I know he's there. Make it fast, princess, we don't have much time."

Napakagat-labi siya. "Y-yes, Daddy."

Nang marinig ang papalayong yabag ng ama, pabagsak siyang nahiga sa kama. "Jesus Christ... I think my dad heard me moan."

Blaze chuckled before kissing her shoulder. "Yeah. I think he did."

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "It's your fault!"

Tumawa lang ang loko, saka umalis ng kama. "Come on, baby, get up and let's talk to your father."

Napasimangot siya. "I feel so bitin."

Pinangigilan ni Blaze ang pisngi niya habang mahinang tumawa. "Na miss ko ang ka-conyo-han mo."

Inirapan niya ito, saka sapo ang dibdib na bumangon at umalis ng kama. 

"Nakita ko na 'yan, huwag mo nang takpan," sabi nito. 

"Shut up."

"Natikman ko na nga, eh."

Happy glared at Blaze. "One word about my breast and I swear, you will never see me naked again," pagbabanta niya. 

"Madali akong kausap," sabi ni Blaze na agad tumahimik pero pangiti-ngiti pa rin na may kasamang mahinang pagsipol. 

Napailing si Happy, saka pumasok ng banyo para linisin ang sarili, lalo na ang pagkababae niya na basang-basa. After she cleaned herself up, she entered her closet that was connected to her bathroom and changed. 

When she stepped out from her closet, Blaze was already fully clothed as well. Minus the leather jacket. 

"Let's go," sabi niya, saka nauna nang lumabas ng kuwarto at tinahak ang daan patungo sa study ng ama. Nasa likuran niya si Blaze na paminsan-minsan ay tinatampal ang pang-upo niya na para bang nanggigigil.

"Blaze!" Humarap siya rito at pinanlakihan ito ng mga mata. "I swear, I will punch you—"

He kissed her, shutting her up. And when he pulled away, he smiled at her. "I miss you, Happy."

And her heart just melted. 
Yes, I'm a softy. 

Humaba ang nguso na tumalikod siya dahil sa karupokan niya pagdating kay Blaze, saka pumasok sa dati nang nakabukas na pinto ng study ng ama. 

Her father was sitting on the swivel chair behind his mahogany table and King was standing behind his father's swivel chair like a good butler. 

"Hi, Dad," namumula ang pisngi na bati niya. 

"Hi, Sir," sabi ni naman ni Blaze nang makapasok sa loob ng study. 

"Hello, you two," sabi ng ama niya, saka tumingin kay Blaze. "I hope you had a good flight?" 

Tumango si Blaze. "Yes, Sir."

Kumunot ang noo niya sa tanong ng kanyang ama kay Blaze. "May need ba akong ma-know?"

Tumingin sa kanya ang kanyang ama. "I called Blaze here."

"Why?" she asked, frowning even more. 

"To be your bodyguard."

Namilog ang mga mata niya. "My what?"

"Bodyguard," ulit ng ama niya, saka ngumiti. "And he said yes."

"Dad, Blaze is a doctor," sabi niya na nagtataka sa desisyon nito. "Yes, he has skills in combat but..." Hindi niya tinapos ang sasabihin at bumaling siya kay Blaze. "Bakit ka nag-yes kay Dad?"

"Because I can protect you and you have to trust me on that," sagot ni Blaze. 

Ibinalik niya ang tingin sa ama. "Why did you ask Blaze? He'll be risking his life."

"He's good, princess," sabi nito. "He can protect you. Trust your old man, okay? I will not let anything bad happens to you. When I say Blaze will protect you, he will and he can. Trust me and trust him. That's all you need to do."

She worriedly looked at Blaze. "You'll be risking your life. You could get killed because of me."

"Better me than you, baby,' was all Blaze said. 

Happy blew a loud breath before looking at her father again. "So... Blaze will be staying here with us?"

Umiling ang ama niya, saka may inilabas na papeles sa folder na nasa harap nito. Inilapag nito iyon sa mesa at itinulak palapit sa kanila. "Sign this, princess."

Kunot-noong binasa ni Happy ang nakasulat sa papel na pinapapirmahan ng ama at unti-unting umawang ang mga labi niya at malalaki ang mga matang tumingin dito. "W-what is that?"

"It's a marriage contract, princess. 
Duh
," sagot ng ama niya na puno ng sarkasmo ang boses. 

"I know that! But why is my name on it and..." Sinulyapan niya ang katabi. "Blaze's."

"Because I need you to be married to Blaze Vitale, so you can leave the country without alerting this so called 'boss,'" her father actually quoted in the air. "Who is trying to kidnap and kill you."

She frowned. "Is that boss really powerful?"

"Let's assume that he is," sabi ni King. "First rule in combat and war, never underestimate your enemy."

"I get that, King, but why do I have to marry Blaze? So, my surname will be change to Vitale? So, this so called boss won't be alerted?" Hindi niya makuha ang logic ng ama. "I can use a fake passport for that—"

"I will not let you leave with a fake passport!" His father snapped at her. He rarely got angry like this and this was one of those times. "Paano kung mahuli ka?! Ano'ng mangyayari sa iyo?! If I have a way to make your passport a legal one without using Quinn as a surname, then that's the choice I'll pick! If you leave Pennsylvania as Happy Vitale, this boss will not be alerted—maybe— and you will have a peaceful life in the Philippines."

"How about you?" may pag-aalalang tanong niya sa ama. 

"I'll deal with this boss." Her father's face darkened. "I'll make sure to make him regret messing with the Quinn's. After it's done, I'll call you."

Napailing-iling siya, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "We're arguing about this but it's not just our decision, Dad." Sinulyapan niya si Blaze na tahimik lang na nakikinig sa kanila. "May madadamay tayo sa plan mo. It's not fair for Blaze."

Tumingin ang ama niya kay Blaze. "Young man, this is how I want to protect my daughter. Kung hindi mo gusto ang plano ko, magsabi ka sa akin ngayon pa lang para makahanap ako ng ibang ipapalit sa iyo at ipapakasal sa anak ko."

Without a word, Blaze picked up the sign pen on the table and he signed on the marriage contract, just above his name. 

Agad namang malapad na ngumiti ang kanyang ama. "Great! Your turn, princess."

Happy sighed. "Is this really the only way? Can't we think of anything else that will not cost Blaze's his life and freedom?"

Mabilis na umiling ang kanyang ama. "Nope. It's the only way." 

"You can always get a divorce." King added. "If you don't want to be married to him anymore, file a divorce. Easy, Young Miss."

Huminga siya nang malalim, saka pinulot ang ginamit na sign pen ni Blaze. Iyon din ang ginamit niya para pumirma sa marriage certificate. 

Her father was grinning from ear to ear after she finished signing it. "You're in good hands, princess," sabi nito saka tumayo at inilagay sa attache case ang marriage contract na pinirmahan. "Come on, King, let's pay a higher up a visit to file this paper. I can't wait for tomorrow. I want it tonight."

"Yes, Master."

"But there's no office," sabad niya. 

"Connections, princess." Kinindatan siya ng ama. "Connections."

Her father carried the attache case with a happy smile on his face and before he left his study, he glanced at her and Blaze. "Have a fun night you two. Remember, you're now a married couple." Kinindatan pa sila nito. 

Nagkatinginan sila ni Blaze, saka parehong tahimik na lumabas sa study at parehong walang imik na naglakad pabalik sa kuwarto niya.

When they both entered her room, for some reason, maybe because of nervousness she was feeling, she started babbling randomly. 

"I have a tattoo now. Dad wants to have matching tattoos with me but when we're already on the tattoo shop, he chickened out and I couldn't stop the tattoo artist because she was already half done and the other one was already done by the other artist—"

"Happy—"

"The first and second tats, it was Dad's requested design. It's on my nape and the second one, Dad said it's an ancient language that'll protect me somehow... I guess. That's when he chickened out. And the last one is a small blazing fire—"

"Happy—"

"And it's for you. I get that tattoo because of you. You remind of fire because you're a hot and dirty doctor and—"

"Baby!"

Happy stilled and looked at Blaze. "W-what?"

"You're blabbing."

Napangiwi siya. "I guess, I was." Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi bago tumingin sa mga mata ni Blaze. "I'm sorry about what my father did. He trapped you into saying yes."

"It was my choice."

"He didn't give you a choice," sabi niya. 

Umiling ito. "He did and it was a good choice."

Natigilan siya nang maramdamang bumilis ang tibok ng puso niya sa sinabi ni Blaze. 

"W-what now?" she asked, uncertain. Because truthfully, she didn't know what to do next. "What do we do next? Do we talk about Dad's plan? About how we're gonna make this shotgun marriage work? How are we gonna—" Napatigil siya sa pagsasalita nang makita ang ginagawa ni Blaze sa harap niya. 

He was stripping off his upper garments while staring intently at her. She gulped as her eyes shamelessly roamed around his inked chest down to his abdomen, and the V-line... Jesus Christ! His body became more fit than the last time she saw him!

Has he been working out?

"I know what to do next," sabi ni Blaze na nagpagising sa diwa niyang kung saan-saan tumutuon. 

"What?" Her voice was almost a whisper. 

Inilang hakbang nito ang pagitan nila, saka masuyong inangkin ang mga labi niya bago bumulong. "Let's have a honeymoon, Happy."

And Happy's lips just parted, in shock maybe, but she didn't stop Blaze from undressing her... and himself. 

From her chiffon blouse down to the last piece of clothing in her body... her underwear. 

And when every clothing she has was undressed, Blaze started kissing her. 

From her lips, down to her neck and shoulder, moving down to her breast until he moved further down... to her mound in between her thighs. 

And she was wet.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 22

UNTI-UNTING nagmulat ng mga mata si Happy at napatitig sa kisame. Kumunot ang noo niya habang pinapakiramdaman ang kapaligiran at sarili. She was in her room and an IV fluid was still connected to her wrist. She was not naked and there was no Blaze in her room. 

Lalong lumalim ang gatla sa noo niya. 
What happened? 

"Princess? Are you awake? Are you okay? How are you feeling?" It was her dad and he had tears in his eyes. "Oh, my God, princess..." Hinawakan ng ama niya ang kamay niya, saka humagulhol. "My princess... Thank God... thank you... thank you so much."

Umangat ang kamay niya para haplusin ang basang pisngi ng ama at namamalat ang boses na nagsalita. "W-what happened?"

Humigpit ang hawak ng ama sa kamay niya. "Don't you remember what happened?"

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "The bodyguard you told me... it was Blaze, and his face was clean. And you forced me to marry Blaze and we came back to my room, and we kissed and..." She tried to remember harder but nothing. "T-that's all."

Her father face darkened. "Why would I force you to marry a man who have hurt you?"

Umiling siya. "I, ahm, I don't know? For my safety?"

"I can keep you safe, princess. I don't need anyone's help."

"Then where is Blaze?" hanap niya sa lalaki.

Bumuntong-hininga ang ama niya. "In the Philippines, I guess? There was no Blaze, princess. Hindi nangyari ang ikinuwento mo sa akin."

Now she was confused. "What are you talking about?"

"You fell into coma. For a week now."

Her lips parted in shock. "W-what?"

"Yes. And I guess Blaze was in your... dream?"

Hindi niya alam kung bakit nag-uunahan ang luha na kumawala sa mga mata niya. "So my mind just made it all up?" Mapakla siyang natawa. "That's why I was so happy and I accepted him so fast because it wasn't real? Am I going crazy, Daddy?"

Agad na umiling ang ama niya. "No, of course not, princess. Naaalala mo ba noong kagigising mo pa lang din sa coma, you told me about your dreams, that we're together and playing and just being happy together."

Her eyes watered. "Because I was sad in reality before my coma," she whispered. "Because you left me when I was a kid and you didn't play with me because you were busy mourning Mom."

Yes, she remembered that. And a doctor told her that it was her mind showing her what she wanted to see... what she yearned the most.

But it was just a dream. Just like marrying and being with Blaze. 

A dream. 

A tear fell from his father's eyes. "And I'm sorry about that, princess. Bumabawi naman ako. I'm being a good dad."

Tumango siya. "I know, Dad."

Hinalikan nito ang likod ng kamay niya. "You seem okay now? I was so worried."

Pinag-aralan niya ang mukha ng ama. "You haven't slept."

Tumawa lang ito. "My princess is in coma again. I am not leaving you. Never. Never again, princess. Never. I will not fail you again. You can always count on Daddy, okay?"

Happy slowly nodded. "What happened to me, Daddy? What was my last real memory?"

"You got shot," sabi nito. "King got to you on time and we patch you up, then I asked you to have a matching tattoos with me."

"Y-yeah... I remember that..." Now she was seeing a moving picture in her mind. "And a tattoo artist came to the house and inked my skin."

"Yes." Her father smiled. "You were very brave, princess, while Daddy chickened out."

She remembered that too. "And?"

"And you got shot again."

Sa sinabi ng ama, sunod-sunod na may pumasok na memorya sa isip niya. 

Pinasok ang bahay nila. It was an inside job. One of their maids opened their house to those bad men. Dapat ang ama niya ang mababaril habang nasa sala sila. Pinapagalitan niya ito dahil hindi naman ito nagpa-tattoo pero humarang siya. 

And King was busy fighting other men to see what was happening. 

Happy couldn't believe what she was seeing in her mind. What was replaying in her mind over and over again? 

"And after that, I went into coma?" tanong niya. 

Tumango ang ama niya na namumula ang mga mata sa pinaghalo sigurong pagod, puyat at pag-iyak. "Yes. For a week now. The doctor said that you lost too much blood that's why, but the bullet didn't hit any important parts of your body. I'm sorry, princess. Ako dapat ang magpoprotekta sa iyo, hindi ikaw. Why did you do that? Why did you take the bullet for me?"

She smiled. "Because I love my dad."

Her father's eyes watered. "Stop fooling your old man, I know you just want me to owe you so I'll stop gambling," biro nito. 

Mahina siyang natawa. "That too."

Napailing ang ama niya, saka tinitigan siya. "Your dream... is that what you want, princess? I can make it happen, but I don't have to like it."

Umiling siya. "That Happy in my dream wasn't me. That Happy doesn't just like Blaze, she loves him. And yes, I missed Blaze but I don't think welcoming him to my life again will be that easy."

Napatango-tango ang ama niya at hinalikan siya, saka nagpaalam na. "I'll call the doctors, tell them you're awake."

Tumango siya at napatitig sa kisame. 

Hindi niya napigilan ang pagdaloy ng napanaginipan niya sa isip niya. Hindi pa rin niya maintindihan kung bakit 'yon ang laman ng isip niya habang wala siyang malay. 

Maybe because that was what she wanted subconsciously? Was that it? She even wanted to had sex with him. 

Am I really that desperate to be with him? 

Napatingin siya uli sa pinto ng magsipasukan ang mga doktor doon at sinuri siya. 

Tahimik lang siya at sumasagot kung may kailangan at tanong sa kanya. Nang matapos siyang suriin, sa labas ng kuwarto niya kinausap ng mga doktor ang ama niya at tanging si King ang naiwan sa loob. 

Umupo ito sa gilid ng kama niya, saka nginitian siya. "Young Miss, how are you feeling? You made me worried."

"My body is aching," sabi niya na nakangiwi.

Mahinang natawa si King. "That's normal, you got shot. I'm thankful that you're still alive. Master Dominick, he was in so much pain while watching you unconscious."

Agad siyang naawa sa ama niya. "It must have been hard for him... seeing me like that again."

"It was," sabi ni King, saka hinawakan ang kamay niya. "Get well soon, Young Miss. And please tell Master Dominick to sleep, he needs it."

Tumango siya. "Thank you, King. I'm sure you have taken care of my father as hard and as much as you could."

Tumango si King bago nagpaalam na aalis na. Tamang-tama naman na pumasok ang ama niya. 

"Anong say ng doctors?" tanong niya. 

Ngumiti ito, saka umupo sa gilid ng kama bago sumagot. "They said you're fine but... no hazardous activities. It can do something to your body."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "My body? Ano naman ang mangyayari? I have a healthy body before this happened, Dad."

"Of course." Ngumiti ang ama niya, saka nag-iwas ng tingin. "Your body will be just fine."

"I'll be fine, Daddy. Now sleep."

"Princess—"

"Please? Okay na ako. King can take care of me," pamimilit niya. 

"He better be," sabi ng ama niya na parang may pagbabanta. "He's your new bodyguard and he better takes care of you or I'll kill him."

Napakurap-kurap siya. "My bodyguard?"

In her dream it was Blaze. 

"Yes. He's my most trusted person and I'm sure he can protect you with his life." Hinalikan siya ng ama sa noo. "Rest, princess. I'll rest too."

Tumango siya, saka pinagmasdan ang ama niyang naglalakad palabas ng kuwarto. At pagkalipas ng ilang ninuto, pumasok uli si King at naupo sa gilid ng kama. 

Nakipagkuwentuhan ito sa kanya sa mga simpleng bagay dahil bawal pa raw siyang bumalik sa pagtulog. Hanggang sa bumigat ang talukap ng mga mata niya at nakatulog na siya. 

WHEN HAPPY woke up again, she was feeling better. King and her dad were there to support her. And as days passed, King became her butler. Hindi na ang ama niya ang pinagsisilbihan nito, parang siya na. 

King's attention changed. He still did what her father would say but he would always put her first. 

Just like now, her father asked King to make him coffee and she asked King to make her pancake. 

Guess what he did first? 
My pancake. 

Mahina siyang natawa nang makitang sumimangot ang ama niya, kapagkuwan ay napangiti rin nang tumingin sa kanya. 

"Feeling okay, princess?"

Tumango siya. "It's been a week since I woke up. I can walk now."

"Thank God for that."

Ngumiti siya, saka agad na kinain ang pancake na katatapos pa lang lutuin ni King para sa kanya. 

"Why are you being like this, King, huh?" Nagtatampo ang boses ng ama niya. "How could you do this to me? I am your master."

"Not anymore," sabi ni King habang gumagawa ng kape. "I worked for the Young Miss now."

"I'm mad at you," pagdadrama ng ama niya. 

Sa halip na pansinin ito ni King, may ibinulong sa kanya ang lalaki. "Your father was in the casino last night."

Agad na sumama ang tingin niya sa ama. "Dad! Gambling again?!"

Agad na tumalilis ng alis ang ama niya nang maibigay rito ni King ang kape. 

Napailing siya. "My father is like a big baby."

Natigilan siya bigla sa sinabi. Big baby. She knew someone who was also a big baby. 

Blaze. 

And in her dream... his tattoo. It was gone. 

Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo. 
It wasn't real. It was just a dream.
 

Huminga si Happy nang malalim, saka inubos ang pancake bago nagpaalam kay King na babalik na sa kuwarto niya. 

And King being King, he followed her up to the bottom of the staircase and he carried her to the top of the stairs. 

Napangiti na lang siya, saka naglakad papasok sa kuwarto niya at ini-lock 'yon. 

Her father, King and the doctors had been in and out of her room while she was recovering, she didn't have the time to check Midnight's flash drive. 

It had been more than three months now. 

Maingat siyang umupo sa study table, saka binuksan ang laptop. Dahil naka-insert pa naman sa USB port ang flash drive, agad niyang binuksan iyon. Napakurap-kurap siya, saka kumunot ang noo nang makitang wala pa ring laman 'yon. 

"But it's been three months since last week..." she whispered in shock. 

Was Midnight lying? No! Midnight wouldn't lie to her like this! 

Did someone delete the file? 'Yon lang ang maisip niyang dahilan. Pero sino? Kapag nasa kuwarto niya ang mga doktor, kasama palagi ang dad niya o si King. Maliban sa dalawang lalaki sa bahay na 'yon, wala nang nakakapasok sa kuwarto niya. 

"No..." Napailing siya. "Bakit naman buburahin ni Dad o ni King ang laman ng flash drive ni Midnight?" Malakas siyang bumuga ng marahas na hininga. 

What happened here?

Tumayo siya, saka maingat na naglakad palabas ng kuwarto, hinahanap ang ama niya na natagpuan niya sa sala kausap si King. 

"Dad," kuha niya sa atensiyon ng ama. 

"Princess..." Agad itong ngumiti sa kanya. "What is it?"

"The flash drive that was inserted in my laptop before I went into coma," sabi niya. "Pinakialaman mo ba?"

Kumunot ang noo ng ama niya. "No. I didn't." Tumingin ito kay King. "You? Did you use her laptop?"

Agad na umiling si King. "Why would I do that? I have my own laptop."

Ibinalik ng ama niya ang tingin sa kanya, saka nagkibit-balikat. "We didn't. Why? Is something missing?"

Umiling siya. "Nothing... ahm... maybe Midnight was just kidding around."

"Oh. Okay. Rest now, princess," sabi ng ama niya. "You need it."

Tumango si Happy, saka bumalik sa kuwarto niya at iniwan ang dalawa sa sala. Nang makapasok sa kuwarto, nilapitan niya ang cell phone na nasa bedside table at nagtaka nang may natanggap siyang voice recording file galing sa isang hindi kilala numero. 

Agad niyang pinakinggan 'yon at nasapo niya ang bibig nang mapagsino ang may-ari ng boses na 'yon
. 

"Hey, Happy. So ahm, I only have a minute. This is an automated voice recording made to be sent to you if a situation like this happens. If you're hearing this, then that means either you deleted the file in my flash drive or someone did. If you didn't...." Midnight paused. "Then someone doesn't want you to see it. And I'm so sorry. I should have told you about this sooner, but my orders... they were clear. They will kill me if I ever say anything to you. But don't worry, I have a back-up plan if you are not the one who deleted the file. I left my phone on the Vitale's mansion, the file that was deleted was there. I hope you're in a better place, Happ. I love you, lil' sis. Always will."

The voice recording ended, and she was confused. 

Midnight and his orders. At ano ba ang laman ng flash drive nito na may taong ayaw iyong makita niya? 

Midnight wasn't kidding around. He did have a file in that flash drive and someone deleted it. 

Was it an inside job too? 

And now she had to get Midnight's phone. 

I have to go back to the Philippines. 

Mabilis siyang lumabas ng kuwarto at binalikan ang ama sa sala kung saan nakikipag-argumento into kay King kung anong masarap na pagkain para sa pananghalian nila. 

Napailing na lang siya. Her father was such a baby sometimes. 

"Dad, I want to go back to the Philippines. Now," agad niyang sabi, walang paligoy-ligoy. 

Napatigil ito sa pakikipag-argumento kay King at gulat at kunot ang noo na tumingin sa kanya. "Why so sudden?"

"I wanna see Lucky. I wanna make sure she's okay." That was partly her reason. She really wanted to see Lucky. "Please, Daddy? My little sister needs me now."

"But you're still healing." Umiling ang ama niya. "No. Give it one more week of rest and I'll let you go. But not in your state right now. I can't risk you falling into coma again. Please, princess? Can't you go back to the Philippines next week? And bring King with you. Don't argue. He is your bodyguard and someone is still trying to kidnap you so... you need King."

Agad siyang tumango at pumayag sa gusto ng ama. 

"Good. Now, what do you want for lunch?" 

Happy smiled. "Steak."

Her dad smiled and looked at King. "Well, you heard the lady. Steak it is."

King sighed heavily. "Then I shall tell the chef," sabi nito bago naglakad patungo sa kusina. 

Siya naman ay akmang babalik na sa kuwarto niya nang tumayo ang ama niya at niyakap siya nang masuyo. Hinalikan siya nito sa noo, saka hinagod ang likod niya. 

"I don't like you going back to the Philippines, princess."

Happy pulled away from her father's embrace before looking at him. "Daddy, I'll be fine. Saka kasama ko naman si King."

"I'm still worried."

"I know, but I'll be fine, okay? I want to see Lucky and check if she's really okay." 
And of course, Midnight's phone.
 "Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself."

"Fine..." Her dad sighed. "But remember, wherever you go, always remember that Daddy loves you more than anything." Sinapo nito ang pisngi niya, saka nginitian siya. "I will and can do everything for you because you're worth it. For me, you are priceless, irreplaceable, so don't endanger yourself while you're away from me, okay? I don't know what I'll do if I lost you so be careful.

"And you, going back to the Philippines means you'll see Blaze again. As much as I want you to be happy, I also doesn't want you to get hurt because of him again. And as I always say to you, do not adjust to people who will not adjust for you. Don't let anyone use you in any way. You have your own mind for a reason, okay? Keep that in mind and you'll be fine when you see Blaze again. He hurt you, princess, so please, listen to Daddy, don't be with him. I'm still mad at him for making you cry like that. My anger might be shallow to you, but I am a parent, princess, your Dad, and I hate seeing you hurt. So, promise me, don't let him hurt you again."

Ngumiti siya, saka tumango. "I promise. Hindi naman ako babalik for him. I have my other reason."

"And your dream?" biglang paalala sa kanya ng ama niya. "I asked someone, a doctor, and she said that your dream was what you subconsciously want."

Happy took a deep breath and smiled. "Yes, Daddy, I still like Blaze. Hindi ko siya nakalimutan, but I know what I want, Dad. I know what I deserve and if Blaze can't give me that then I will not be with him. That's a promise."

"And if he can give you what you deserve?"

She smiled. "I don't know... maybe it'll be the first promise that I made to you that I will break. Pero I'll tell you if that happens. Hindi ako magki-keep ng secret sa iyo."

"This man, Blaze..." His father tsked. "He will woo you. Be strong, okay? Don't be a softie. Huwag basta-basta magpapadala sa matatamis na salita. Lalaki ako kaya alam ko 'yan at makinig ka sa akin."

Tumango siya. "Thank you, Daddy."

Her dad kissed her forehead again. "You're always welcome, my princess."

Nginitian niya ang ama at niyakap. Masaya siya at ito ang naging daddy niya. Mapagmahal at maalalahanin. 

Her dad might not be perfect but he had his great moments. And one of them was raising her to be an independent and strong woman. 

KAUUWI LANG ni Blaze nang mabungaran niya si Lucky sa sala habang hawak ang cell phone nito. May masaya itong ngiti sa mga labi habang kumakanta pa nang mahina. 

Blaze chuckled. "Someone looks happy in the morning."

Lucky grinned at him. "And you look like hell."

He shrugged. "I just finished a sixteen-hour duty. Excuse me if I look like hell."

Lucky tsked. "Sarcasm... sarcasm..."

Napailing siya. "Bakit mukhang ang saya mo? Bati na kayo ng kakambal ko? Okay na siya sa pagbubuntis mo?"

"Of course. Blakey-baby understands."

"Okay." He yawned. "I'm going to sleep."

Nasa hagdanan na siya nang magsalita uli si Lucky. 

"Ate called me."

Napatigil si Blaze sa paghakbang at mabilis na humarap kay Lucky. "What did she say?"

Lucky was grinning from ear to ear. "She said she's coming back."

His eyes widened. "Here?"

Tumango si Lucky. "Yes. She'll be here next week. She's worried of my pregnancy just like Blakey."

Blaze didn't know what to say. He would see Happy again. 

After three months.

My Happiness. 

"But she's not back for you." Of course, Lucky was not Lucky if she was not savagely honest. "She even told me that Dad made her promise not to be with you and she promised."

His heart actually sunk. "I get it."

Tumango si Lucky. "Blaze?"

"Yes?"

"Huwag mong landiin ang ate ko kung hindi ka pa tuluyang nakaka-move on, okay?" pakiusap nito. "Naiintindihan kita pero ayokong masaktan na naman siya. Kung nandiyan pa si Cassie sa puso mo, hayaan mo na lang ang kapatid ko. Isang linggo lang naman siya rito. Kaysa naman magkasakitan na naman kayo uli."

Blaze nodded earnestly nodded. "Duly noted."

Lucky smiled at him. "Salamat." 

Nang makaalis si Lucky sa harap niya, tuluyan na siyang umakyat sa ikalawang palapag at tinungo ang kuwarto niya. 

Hindi mawala sa isip niya ang pakiusap sa kanya ni Lucky. 

Hinubad niya ang pang-itaas na damit, saka itinapon iyon sa ibabaw ng kama bago humarap sa salamin niya sa banyo. 

Blaze stared at his face in the mirror. 

His ink-free face. 

Well... I've moved on.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 23

AGAD NA MALAPAD NA ngumiti si Happy nang makita ang kapatid na hinihintay siya sa arrival area ng airport. Agad niyang tinakbo ang pagitan nilang dalawa at sinugod ito ng yakap. 

"Lucky!"

Lucky immediately hugged her back with a bright smile on her face. "Ate! Na-miss kita."

"Me too." Kumawala siya sa yakap ng kapatid at sa asawa naman nito niya ibinaling ang atensiyon. "Blake... how are you?" tanong niya, sabay yakap din dito. 

Blake hugged her back. But when she was trying to pull away, he was still hugging her like he didn't want to let go. 

Kailangan pa niyang baklasin ang mga braso nito sa baywang niya, saka nagtatanong ang mga matang tiningnan ito. "What do you think you're doing?" pabulong na nagtatakang tanong niya kay Blake na titig na titig pa rin sa kanya. 

"I, ahm, just missed you," Blake said. 

Happy stilled. It felt like a déjà vu. She knew that voice. That was Blaze's voice. The Blake in front of her has Blaze's voice! 

She could still remember her dream! 

Pinakatitigan niya ang Blake na nasa harap niya. His face was clear. Ink-free. No tattoo. No Cassie in his face. 

Pero kagagawan lang ng isip niya ang panaginip niyang iyon. This couldn't be true. Blaze would never erase the tattoo on his face. He loved Cassie so much. 

"Happy." 

Agad siyang napalingon sa pinanggalingan ng boses. Si King. Nagulat siya dahil iyon ang unang beses na tinawag siya nito sa pangalan niya at hindi "Young Miss."

"King..."

Naglakad palapit sa kanya si King habang hila-hila ang bagahe niya. 

"Who is he?" puno na kuryosidad na tanong ni Lucky sa kanya habang nakangiti kay King. 

Agad namang inilahad ni King ang kamay kay Lucky at nagpakilala. "King Zabat, owner of KZ System, Happy's boyfriend."

Tumaas ang kilay ni Happy, hindi dahil nagpakilala si King na boyfriend niya—it was one of her father's crazy ideas again—kundi dahil sa KZ System. 

Happy knew that company. KZ System was under KZ Empire. And if King was the owner, why the hell would a multitycoon like him doing in their house as her father's butler and now her bodyguard? He had been with them for years and she just knew this now? 

This is absurd. 

"Lucky Vitale," pagpapakilala naman ng kapatid niya. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Zabat." May nanunudyo itong ngiti na sumulyap sa kanya. "My sister's boyfriend. Nice."

"The pleasure is mine," suwabeng sabi ni King, saka kay Blake naman nito inilahad ang kamay. 

But Blake was just staring at her, not even giving King a glance. 

What's wrong with him
? Kanina pa ito titig na titig sa kanya na hindi na lang niya pinapansin. 

Nang hindi tinanggap ni Blake ang pakikipagkamay ni King, agad na ibinaba ni King ang kamay, saka inakbayan siya. 

"Play nice," sabi ni Lucky kay Blake habang masamang nakatingin dito. 

"I don't want to," sagot ni Blake. "I'm pissed."

Lucky pouted. "Remember what I asked you? And remember why I let you tag along? Huwag mong landiin?"

"Wala naman akong ginagawa, ah," sabi ni Blake habang matiim pa rin ang titig sa kanya. 

"Wala pa." Napabuntong-hininga si Lucky, saka ipinagkrus ang mga braso sa dibdib. 

"Happy and I..." sabi ni ni King na kumuha sa atensiyon uli ni Lucky. "Will be staying in Racini's Hotel—"

"No need," pigil ni Lucky kay King, saka tumingin sa kanya. "Mom offered to let you stay in the house. We still have some bedrooms left."

Sinulyapan niya si King bago nakangiting sumagot sa kapatid. "I'm with someone. We don't want to impose on you." 

"Mom and I insist," giit ni Lucky. "Please, Ate, for me? Isang linggo lang naman at gusto kong sulitin ang mga araw na kasama ka."

Sinulyapan niya uli si King. "Well?"

King shrugged. "I don't mind."

Happy looked at Lucky who was giving her this puppy eyes. She sighed. She was weak when it came to her sister. "Fine. We'll stay in Tita Beth's house."

"Yey!" Lucky beamed at her. "I can't wait! Come on. Let's go home and get you two rested."

Nangingiting napailing siya at sinundan si Lucky na naunang naglakad patungo sa sasakyan nila. Habang si King naman ay nasa likuran ni Lucky at siya ay nasa likuran ni King katabi si Blake. 

Napapabaling siya kay Blake tuwing sumasagi ang daliri nito sa daliri niya habang naglalakad sila dahil sa kakaibang pakiramdam na hatid niyon sa kanya. At nang makarating sila sa sasakyan, bago sumakay si Blake sa driver's seat ng kotse, inilipat nito ang tainga sa kanya, saka bumulong. 

"I miss you," he said. 

Natigilan siya. Ang boses na 'yon. It was Blaze's!

Was it possible that he had his tattoo removed? Like in her dream? 

Napatitig siya sa likod ni Blake na naglalakad paikot patungo sa driver's seat. 

When the car started moving, she and Lucky started talking. Samantalang tahimik lang ang dalawang lalaki sa loob ng sasakyan. At sa pagkukuwentuhan nila ni Lucky, hindi nila namalayan na nakarating na pala sila sa mansiyon ng mga Vitale. 

Tahimik silang lumabas ng sasakyan ni King, ganoon din si Lucky at... Blake? She was not sure anymore. Maybe it was Blaze. 

But he had no tattoo on his face. She could be very wrong. Between Blake and Blaze, Blake was the one with clean face. Hindi naman niya itong puwedeng hubaran tulad ng sa panaginip niya. 

Why was he wearing a sweatshirt anyway?
 

"Blakey!" biglang sigaw ni Lucky, saka tinakbo ang kamukha ni Blake na kalalabas lang ng pinto ng mansiyon. "I miss you, Blakey-baby."

Bahagyang napaawang ang mga labi niya. So, she was right! It was Blaze!

She looked at Blaze who was looking at her and wouldn't take his eyes off of her. Her eyes roamed around Blaze's face. No tattoo. Ink-free face. 

Lucky was hugging her husband, so this was really Blaze. 

He really had no ink on his face! Tulad ng sa panaginip niya! 

Ramdam ni Happy ang mabilis na magtibok ng puso niya habang naglalakad sila papasok sa bahay. Hindi siya makapaniwalang ipinatanggal nga ni Blaze ang tattoo nito sa mukha. 

Does that mean anything? To him? What does it mean?

Napabuntong-hininga siya. Dahil alam naman niya ang pasikot-sikot sa mansiyon, dumeretso muna siya sa kusina nang makaramdam ng uhaw.

But before she could get herself a glass of water, someone grabbed her arm, pinned her on the nearest wall and crashed his lips on hers. 

And she just stood there with wide eyes, watching Blaze close his eyes as he kissed her. 

Siya ang pumutol sa halik nito nang hindi tumutugon kahit iyon pa ang isinisigaw ng katawan niya. Bahagya niya itong itinulak sa dibdib palayo. 

"Don't kiss me again," sabi niya sa mahinahong na boses. She might get swayed. "Please."

Blaze stared at her. "Why not? I missed you." 

She just smiled and instead of getting a glass of drink, she returned to the living room without quenching her thirst.

Naabutan niyang nag-uusap sina Tita Beth, Blake, Lucky at King. 

"Can stay here as long as you want," sabi ni Tita Beth na may mas magiliw na ngiti nang tumingin kay King. "Inihanda ko na ang kuwarto n'yo ni Happy. Puwede mo nang dalhin ang mga gamit n'yo roon..." Biglang natigilan si Tita Beth, saka natawa. "Silly me. You don't understand Tagalog. Let me translate it to English."

"No need," nakangiting sabad niya, saka masuyong niyakap si Tita Beth. "Thank you so much, Tita. I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome, Happy. Come on, samahan ko na kayo sa kuwarto n'yo para makapagpahinga ako," aya nito sa kanila ni King. "Jet lag can be a pain in the ass sometimes."

Nagpaalam siya kay Lucky bago sumunod kay Tita Beth. Agad na umalalay sa kanya si King nang makitang tumigil siya sa pag-akyat nang nasa kalagitnaan na sila ng hagdanan.

"Are you okay?" King whispered. 

Pasimple siyang umiling. "I'm a little exhausted. Maybe it's the jet lag."

Sa sinabi niya, walang sabi-sabing pinangko siya ni King. Sumunod ito kay Tita Beth hanggang sa kuwarto nila, saka maingat siyang ihiniga sa kama at kinumutan.

"Rest," pabulong nitong sabi bago lumabas uli ng kuwarto at kinuha ang bagahe nilang dalawa. 

"Sige, maiwan ko na kayong dalawa," sabi ni Tita Beth. "Pahinga kayo."

Tumango siya, saka umayos ng higa habang si King ay inilalabas ang mga damit nila sa maleta at inilalagay sa closet. 

"I already unpacked your luggage except for your undergarments," King said while looking uncomfortable. "I don't think you'll appreciate it."

Nakangingiting tumango siya. "Thank you, King."

King nodded. "I'll take the couch."

"You sure?" she asked. "I don't mind," sabi niya. "I know you're tired as well and the bed is huge, so, yeah..."

Ilang segundo muna siyang tinitigan ni King na para bang tinitingnan kung seryoso siya sa sinabi niya, at nang makitang seryoso siya, lumapit ito sa kama at nahiga sa pinakagilid. 

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "You're acting weird, King."

"Am I?"

"Yes." Tumagilid siya ng higa paharap dito. "Can I ask you a question?"

"You already did."

Napangiti siya sa sarkasmo ng boses nito pero nagtanong pa rin siya. "Are you the owner of KZ Empire?"

Walang pag-aalinlangang sumagot ito. "My family is."

She frowned. "Then why are you my father's butler?"

"It's my job," simpleng sagot nito. 

"You're rich," she pointed out. "How is being my father's butler a job for a billionaire?"

"It's a family thing," sagot ni King, saka ipinikit ang mga mata. 

"Meaning?"

"My family has work for yours since the Dark Ages," sabi ni King. "It was my job to assist your father, now you, in any way I can. It's a duty that I have to honor for my ancestors."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "But you're rich," she pointed out again. Ilang multitycoon ba ang papayag na maging butler? Wala. 

"Yes, I am rich." King opened his eyes and glanced at her. "But I have my family's tradition and my beliefs that I value. And serving your family has always been a great honor. I just wish we could find your 
hippeis
 soon."

"And now I'm lost," sabi niya na napapailing. "What are you talking about? What is 
hippeis
?"

"I wish I could tell you more," sabi ni King, saka pumikit uli ang mga mata nito. "But I'm forbidden to do so. In the right time, Young Miss, you'll know. And I hope you make a right decision. But whatever you decide, I will be with you 'till the end as your loyal servant."

"You're creeping me out, King." Nagsisitayuan na ang mga balahibo niya. 

King talked like she was some kind of a higher up—if her understanding was correct. And her family was some kind of a big deal in ancient time... 
and until now? 

Well, her father came from an aristocrat family. Maybe it had something to do with that?

Still absurd.

Magtatanong pa sana siya kay King nang marinig niya ang mahina nitong paghilik. 

Mahina siyang natawa, saka inayos ang kumot sa katawan at ipinikit na rin ang mga mata para makapagpahinga. 

MAGMAMADALING ARAW na nang magising si Happy. Tulog pa rin si King at parang hindi ito gumalaw sa kinahihigaan. Maingat siyang bumangon para hindi ito magising at umalis ng kama, saka lumabas ng kuwarto. 

Bumaba siya at tinungo ang kusina para kumuha ng tubig dahil nauuhaw siya nang makita niya ang isa sa kambal na mag-isang umiinom ng beer habang nakaupo sa stool at nakatukod ang siko sa island counter. 

Malayo ang tingin nito at panay ang buntong-hininga habang umiinom. Parang problemadong-problemado ang hitsura.

At dahil pareho nang walang tattoo sa mukha sina Blake at Blaze na siyang palantandaan niya noon, ang tattoo nito sa braso pababa sa kamay ang pinagbasehan niya kung sino ang nasa harap niya. 

And it seemed the man she had her eyes on was Blaze Vitale. 

Huminga siya nang malalim bago tuluyang pumasok sa kusina at kumuha ng isang basong tubig. Ramdam niya ang tingin sa kanya ni Blaze pero ipinagsawalang-bahala niya 'yon. 

And when she was about to leave the kitchen, Blaze spoke. 

"I'm moved on," sabi nito na parang binabalitaan siya. "And it seems to me that you have too."

Happy sighed before turning back to face him. "You need to sleep. You don't look so good."

Pinaikot nito ang bote ng beer gamit ang sariling kamay. "Did you miss me?"

"Yes. I did."

Happy wanted to lie but she hated lying. It complicated everything. Just like lying about her relationship with King! If it wasn't her father's request, she wouldn't had not lied about it. 

"Is King good to you?" tanong uli sa kanya ni Blaze. 

She nodded. "He is."

He looked at her, his eyes looked so sad. "Do you know how much it hurts to have someone in your heart and in your mind all the time but you can never, ever have them in your arms and in your life even how much hard you try?"

"Cassie," she whispered. 

Blaze nodded. "Before I met you, thinking of Cassie always brings me pain. Because she died in a very violent death, together with our unborn child."

Her lips parted in shock. "She was pregnant?"

Blaze nodded before smiling sadly. "At kahit ano'ng gawin ko, hindi ko na siya maibabalik pa. Hindi ko na siya mahahawakan at hindi ko na siya makikita. And then I met you. Her look-alike. Imagine the pain I was in, the hope and the what ifs. But you made me realize how different you two are and you motivated me to move on and let go of my past. After so many sessions with my therapist, I finally did. I was thinking of you the whole three months. In my mind, I keep imagining how it's gonna be if we see each again now that I've moved on. But this... seeing you with other man... I didn't imagine this. Well, I should have. I mean, you only like me, right? You don't love me. There's a difference."

Hindi makasagot si Happy. Sa unang pagkakataon, hindi niya alam ang sasabihin kay Blaze. 

"When you left me, I felt that again. But more severe this time. The pain to have you in my heart and in my mind all the time but I can never have you in my arms because I have hurt you. I used you. I don't deserve you because I was so blinded by my past to see you as you. I was afraid to see you being mad at me or disappointed at me because that would be my new nightmare. That would be my new hell."

"Blaze..."

Blaze smiled... a forced smile. "When you left, it feels like, there's a hole in my chest that was ripped off. And when I started moving on and letting go of my past, I realized why there's a hole in my chest. It was because you took my heart with you when you left."

Happy lips parted and her eyes widened. "You... w-what are you saying?"

Blaze shrugged. "I'm saying that I'm in love with you, Happy Quinn." Titig na titig ito sa mga mata niya. "And I'm so stupid to let you go, I would know because I live with my stupid mistake every day for three moths now. And I'm so jealous of King, I wanna kill him actually but then, it'll hurt you and I don't want to hurt you again. Never again, Happy. Pinaiyak na kita noon, hindi ko na uulitin 'yon ngayon. Gusto kong maging masaya ka. Ayos lang na ngumiti ka kahit hindi para sa akin o kahit hindi ako ang dahilan, basta masaya ka. Ayos lang."

Natulos sa kinatatayuan si Happy habang naglalakad palapit sa kanya si Blaze. Tumigil ito sa harap niya. 

Umangat ang kamay nito para masuyong haplusin ang pisngi niya. "Be happy, okay? Don't mind me. Don't give me any of your attention. Baka iba ang isipin ko at agawin kita sa boyfriend mo. Don't even look at me like you care, okay? Marupok ako pagdating sa iyo. Aagawin talaga kita kaya huwag mo akong subukan. Pinipigilan ko lang ang sarili ko kasi nirerespeto kita at kung ano'ng mayroon kayong dalawa ni King. Pero kapag tumingin ka sa akin tulad ng pagtingin mo sa akin noon na parang isa ako sa mga importanteng tao sa buhay mo, aangkinin kita at hinding-hindi na kita ibabalik sa kanya."

Blaze stared at her for more than a couple of seconds before he leaned in, kissed her forehead softly and then he left, leaving her in the kitchen. Alone and confused. 

Blaze loves me. What will I do?

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 24

HINDI NA TUMULOY si Blaze sa kusina nang makita sina Happy at King. Ipinagluluto ni King si Happy ng pancake at nakikita niyang masaya si Happy habang nakikipag-usap sa lalaki tungkol sa mga ginawa na nitong alahas na masasabi raw nitong weird. Parang may kung anong sumasakal sa puso niya kasi alam niyang hindi niya magagawa iyon kay Happy. Ang ipagluto ito. 

They'd been in the same house for three days now and the pain was just getting severe and severe each day. And his anger, he was becoming livid everyday. 

Napailing siya, saka natigilan sa paglalakad palabas ng bahay nang makita ang kanyang ina na nakatingin sa kanya. 

Nilapitan siya nito. "Are you okay?"

Tumango siya. 

His mom sighed. "Ideya mo 'to, Blaze, na dito patirahin si Happy habang nandito siya. At pumayag ako kasi gusto ko rin naman siyang makasama. Nahiya naman akong paalisin sila dahil lang may kasama siya."

Blaze shrugged. "It's okay, Mom. I just didn't think that she'll forget me that fast. I mean, sinabi na sa akin ni Lucky pero mapilit pa rin ako."

"Blaze..." Hinaplos nito ang pisngi niya. "If you're hurting, maybe it's best if you're not here. That, or we'll ask them to leave. It would be rude, but... Happy will understand." She sighed while shaking her head. 

"Mom, I'm fine." Pinilit niyang ngumiti. "Let them stay."

"The most common lie word in human history. I'm fine." 

Ngumiti lang si Blaze at nagkibit-balikat, saka malalaki ang hakbang na lumabas ng bahay. Gustong-gusto niyang magtrabaho para mawala sa isip niya ang nakikita sa araw-araw sa bahay nila pero off niya ngayon. Kaya naman nagmaneho na lang siya patungong BV pagkatapos tawagan sina Titus, Phoenix, Khairro, Andrius at Nate. 

Nang makarating siya sa BV Hall, si Andrius pa lang ang nandoon. 

"Hey," sabi niya. 

"You look like shit," sagot nito. 

Umupo siya sa isang bakanteng plastic na upuan, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. 

"You don't look so good," sabi ni Khairro na kadarating lang. "Need anything, bud?"

"Please tell me this is important," sabi ni Phoenix na naglalakad papasok. "I'm in the middle of inventing something."

"I was playing with my kid," sabi ni Titus. "This better be good."

"I was making a cake when these two picked me up with a helicopter," wika naman ni Nate, saka napailing. "This better be important, Vitale. What is it?"

"I wanna kill someone," sabi niya. 

Napatitig sa kanya ang mga kaibigan. 

"Who?" agad na tanong ni Martinez.

"And?" Titus urged him to say more.

"But I can't." Blaze blew a loud breath. "He is Happy's boyfriend and she would be very sad if something bad happens to him."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Phoenix. "Your Happy has a boyfriend? And it's not you?"

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin. "She's not... mine anymore."

"Okay..." Andrius breathed out. "And this man is unharmed by you, right? Kasi naaalala ko pa ang ginawa mo sa sasakyan ni Reigo."

"At kay Oliveros," dagdag ni Khairro. 

"Yes, and you go Drunken Master on us," Phoenix added. 

"How come that you are calm?" tanong ni Titus. "We all know here that you're dangerous when you are jealous and that's what you are feeling right now. Seeing your woman with other man... man, that's torture."

Kumuyom ang kamay niya at nagtagis ang mga bagang. "I called you here because I'm gonna ask you to help me blow off some steam."

"Where's Blake?" tanong ni Sanford. 

"Busy with his wife," sagot niya. 

"Okay," sabi ni Nate na madaling kausap. Hinubad nito ang T-shirt na suot. "'Yon lang naman pala. Come on. We'll try not to beat you up so much."

Khairro tsked. "Gagawin mo kaming pain absorber. And this is one is literal." Napailing ito, saka hinubad ang uniform na suot at iniwan lang ang sleeveless shit sa ilalim niyon. "Why am I even friends with you? FYI, I'm on duty."

"Fuck you," sabi ni Phoenix na hinuhubad ang leather jacket. 

"Fuck this." Ganoon din si Titus na hinubad ang coat na suot. 

"Let's get this over with," sabi ni Andrius na inalis din ang uniform na suot. "May trabaho pa ako."

"Thanks," sabi niya. Tumayo siya mula sa kinauupuan at hinubad ang hindi nakabutones niyang polo, saka iniwan ang itim na sleeveless shirt. "Come on, don't hold back. I won't."

"Don't worry, bud." Nginisihan siya ni Titus. "We won't."

"Payback is a bitch," nakangiting sabi ni Sanford at ito ang unang sumugod sa kanya. 

Mabilis niyang nasalag ang bawat suntok nito at sipa habang gumagalaw ang mga paa niya para pasukin ang depensa nito. Pero umatake na rin si Nate at mabilis ang bawat galaw nito. Nate hit his face first. 

Blaze blocked Nate and Khairro's attacks and threw blow after blow of punches and kicks. 

Then Andrius entered the fight, together with Titus and Phoenix.  

One versus five. 

Malakas niyang sinipa sa tiyan si Khairro at sinalag ang suntok ni Phoenix mula sa kanan. Gamit ang isa pang kamay, sinalag niya ang kamao ni Nate at hinila ito, saka sinipa sa dibdib. Binitiwan niya si Nate at lumipad ang paa niya sa braso ni Andrius pero nasalag nito iyon. 

Andrius punched his knee, but he was quick to jump, used his other leg to unbalance Andrius and they both fell into the floor. 

Blaze tsked before he kicked up from lying on the floor and to standing up on his feet in a second. 

He remembered when King wrapped his arm around Happy's shoulder. It angered him even more than he was at that moment. 

Maalas na tumama ang talampakan ng sapatos niya sa dibdib ni Nate ng ilang beses bago siya umikot at inatake si Phoenix. Nate staggered back, he faced Titus and released blow by blow of strong punches until Phoenix caught him from behind, stopping him. Blaze angrily slammed the back of his head on Phoenix's face to get away. Pagkatapos ay hinawakan niya si Phoenix sa braso at pinilipit 'yon, saka malakas na sinuntok.

"Fuck!" Phoenix hissed. "I thought we're just playing, you motherfucker!"

He remembered King cooking for Happy while he couldn't do it.

Blaze faced Titus again and continued attacking him. Blow after blow. He didn't hold back. 

King carrying Happy to their room and Happy smiling. 

His anger rose. 

Humarang sina Andrius at Sanford pero mas mabilis siya sa dalawa. Madali niyang nasalag ang bawat atake ng mga ito. Sinuntok niya sina Andrius at Sanford sa parte ng tiyan na alam niyang matutumba ang dalawa sa sakit. 

He was a doctor... he knew where to hit people fatally. 

Nang bumagsak sina Andrius at Khairro, tumuon ang tingin niya kina Titus, Phoenix at Nate na nakapalibot sa kanya. 

Nakangiwing panay ang tapik ni Nate sa dibdib nitong ilang beses niyang sinipa. "Now I know why the Vitale twins are scary."

Phoenix grimaced. "I think he broke my arm."

"He is angry," sabi ni Titus. "That's why he needs to blow off some steam to not kill Happy's boyfriend. That's why he called us. He's bottling this up. Let's not disappoint him, shall we?"

Sabay na tumango sina Phoenix at Nate at sabay-sabay na umatake sa kanya ang tatlo. 

Titus, Phoenix and Nate didn't hold back. So did he. He fought like a madman— no, he fought like a jealous man. 

"I'M TELLING YOU, HAPPY, he is mad." Pilit siyang pinapapaniwala ni King na galit si Blaze habang nasa kuwarto sila at nag-iisip siya kung paano kakausapin si Blake tungkol sa cell phone ni Midnight. "The other day, I was walking to the kitchen and he bumped my shoulder."

"An accident," sabi niya. 

Hinubad ni King ang T-shirt na suot para ipakita sa kanya ang magkabilang balikat nito. "This doesn't look like an accident to me."

Napatitig si Happy sa namamaga nitong mga balikat. "Jesus Christ..."

King nodded. "He is not beating me up but I'm starting to think that he's beating me in his own little way. He had always bumped into my shoulder and it's stronger each time for three days now. He is mad. At me. For being your boyfriend." He tsked. "When your father asked me to do this crazy idea of him, I thought it was okay. But now? I don't think so anymore. I'm being beat up subtly, Young Miss."

Happy sighed. "I'll go get a first-aid kit."

Lumabas siya ng kuwarto nila para maghanap sa ibaba ng first-aid kit pero napatigil ang pagbaba niya sa hagdan nang makitang naglalakad papasok sa bahay si Blaze. 

May sugat ito sa mga labi, may pasa sa mukha, namamaga ang kamay at dumudugo ang sugat nito sa kilay. 

"Jesus Christ..." Nagmamadali siyang bumaba sa hagdanan at sinalubong ang lalaki. "What happened to you? Are you okay?"

Akmang sasapuin niya ang mukha nito para suriin iyon pero tinabig nito ang kamay niya at nilampasan siya. "Don't look at me like you care, remember?"

"But I do care," sabi niya, saka hinabol ito at humarang sa harap nito. "First-aid kit, mayroon ka ba?"

"In my room."

Maingat niyang hinawakan ang kamay ni Blaze, saka hinila ito patungo sa 'taas, patungo sa kuwarto nito. 

"It's in my closet."

Tumango si Happy at pinaupo niya sa gilid ng kama si Blaze bago tinungo ang closet. Nang mahanap niya ang first-aid kit, bumalik siya kay Blaze at inumpisahan niyang linisin ang sugat nito. 

Blaze flinched when she was cleaning the cut in his lips. "What happened sa iyo? Who did this sa iyo?"

"I was just blowing off some steam," sabi nito na hindi tumitingin sa kanya. 

"Why are you blowing some steam?" tanong niya. "Are you mad?"

"Frustrated." 

"Because of King? Sinabi niya sa akin 'yong bumping of his shoulder? Did you, ahm... sadya it?"

Sa halip na sagutin siya, mahina itong natawa. "Na-miss ko ang ka-conyo-han mo."

Maingat niyang pinahiran ng ointment ang mga pasa ni Blaze. "Answer my question, Blaze, please?" malumanay na pakiusap niya. 

"Yes. Sinadya ko. Sorry about that." But he didn't sound sorry at all. 

Tinapos niya ang paggagamot sa pasa at sugat nito sa mukha. At ang kamay naman nito ang pinagtuunan niya ng pansin. 

Sa pagkakataong 'yon, umupo siya sa gilid ng tama, paharap sa lalaki. Maingat niyang hinawakan ang kamay nito at tiningnan 'yon. "You're the doctor," sabi niya, saka nag-angat ng tingin dito. "Diagnose yourself."

Blaze chuckled. "It's just swollen. Too much punching. It'll be fine but I can't operate with my hands like this. I'll be risking my patients lives so I'll be taking an off for a week until it's fully healed."

Happy sighed. "I'll get a cold compress—"

"I'm okay. I told you, don't give me any of your attention. Madamot ako, Happy, kapag ibinigay mo sa akin 'yan, hindi ko hahayaang ibigay mo rin 'yon sa iba. Go back to your boyfriend and leave me alone."

"Can't I stay as a friend?"

"Ayokong maging kaibigan ka. Iba ang gusto ko mula sa iyo. I want you to be my girlfriend, Happy. That's what I want from you."

Hinawakan niya uli ang kamay nito, saka dinala iyon sa mga labi niya. Hinalikan niya ang likod niyon bago tumingin sa mga mata ni Blaze. "Don't be mad and hear me out," pakiusap niya. 

Blaze nodded. "Okay."

Happy smiled. "I've been thinking for the past few days since you confessed... I've been clearing my mind and asking myself what to do." 

"And?" Blaze asked. 

"As much as possible, ayoko ng paligoy-ligoy because it's confusing and it complicates things. Like now, I'm naguguluhan so let's settle this... you love me and I still like you. A lot. But to be your girlfriend, to be in a relationship with you, I don't know if I can do that. I still have what ifs in my mind, Blaze. So many what ifs and it's scaring me. If, and if, we commit, we have to be truly and fully committed to each other, not a half-baked commitment, Blaze, because we both deserve more than that. 

"As I've learned from what I've been through with you, we have to be sure of our feelings so when we commit to each other, we can give our all. Kailangan nating i-make sure na we have the strength na ipaglaban ang isa't isa to anyone at sa kahit ano para hindi tayo magkasakitan. Naiintindihan mo ba ako?"

It took a couple of seconds for Blaze to slowly nodded. 

"I care for you, Blaze," sabi niya sa lalaki. "Ayokong magkasakitan na naman tayo dahil minadali natin o hindi tayo sigurado sa nararamdaman natin tulad noong una. What we both deserve is a wholeheartedly commitment. At hindi ko alam kung kaya natin 'yong ibigay sa isa't isa ngayon. Hindi na tayo mga bata na basta-basta na lang papasok sa relasyon."

Blaze was just staring at her as she talked, like he was absorbing her words and understanding them. "And King?"

"King is ahm..." She really hated lying. 
Oh, well...
 "He's not my boyfriend. He's my bodyguard."

Namilog ang mga mata ni Blaze kasabay ng pagbakas ng iritasyon sa mukha nito. "What?!"

"It was Dad's idea... to pretend." Napangiwi siya. "Sorry for lying."

Unti-unting nawala ang iritasyon sa mukha ng lalaki, saka pinakatitigan siya. "Why are you telling me now that everything was just a pretense? I mean, selos na selos ako sa kanya. Don't you think I deserve being in pain for making you cry?"

Kumunot ang noo niya, saka umiling. "No one deserves to be in pain, Blaze. No one. You made a mistake, and I did too. Wala namang perfect na tao but we try to improve as hard as we could. At marami ka nang pinagdaanan na painful, I don't want to add another pain. At saka, I hate lying. It complicates everything. I'll just focus myself to you so I can decide if I can risk my heart for you and be in a relationship with you."

Napatango-tango si Blaze. "It's like courtship."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "A what?"

"Parang nililigawan kita at hindi ka makapagdesisyon kung nakapasa ba ako sa panlasa mo."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "But it's not courtship, we're just two adults talking about how we feel and how we will deal with it like an adult. And also talking about the respect, commitment and affection that we deserve, unlike before which was the reason why I left and is now the reason why I'm scared to commit to you."

Blaze faced softened. "You're really into this deserve and worth it stuff. I like it."

Tumango siya, saka ngumiti. "I believe that everyone is worth it, and they deserve to be loved fully and wholly and that they should never settle for less. That's just my opinion though. Some would say that nagmamaganda lang ako or nagmamalaki or maarte, but I don't care. I know what I deserve and I know my worth as a person. You should too. It's either they take it or ... they leave it, but I will never say sorry for being who I am."

Natigilan si Happy at nahigit ang hininga nang bigla na lang inilapat ni Blaze ang mga labi sa labi niya at inangkin 'yon ng masuyong halik. 

At nang pakawalan ang mga labi niya, napangiwi ito. "Sorry... can't help it. You sounded and looked like a badass when you're talking about self-worth. Alam mo talaga ang halaga mo. I like that about you. Sana kapag nagkaanak tayo, kaugali mo."

Napakurap-kurap siya kasabay ng pag-awang ng mga labi. "A-anak?"

"Yeah. Anak." Kinindatan siya nito, saka sumeryoso. "About what you said, about commitment, about each other, may tanong ako. How will you know if I'm worth risking your heart for if you won't commit to me? Paano mo nasisiguro na hindi natin kayang pumasok sa commitment ngayon kung hindi natin susubukan? Paano natin malalaman kung para ka sa akin at para ako sa iyo kung hindi natin susubukan? Alam kong hindi na tayo mga bata para magpadalos-dalos pero ayokong mag-aksaya ng oras. Life is short, Happy, trust me, I learn that the very hard way, so let's live it. Together. Be my girlfriend... please?"

Napatitig siya sa nakalahad na kamay ni Blaze, saka nag-angat ng tingin sa mga mata nito. "What if we fail... like the last time? Paano kung magkasakitan na naman tayo?"

"Happy, I am not going to make the same mistake twice. And we will never know that we can do it, that we can be happy together unless we try. I know that I'm not worth risking your heart for after what I've done to you, but you are. I'll risk my everything for you... to be with you. And I promise, I'll do everything I can, so that someday you'll tell me that I'm worth risking for too."

Happy stayed silent. Her heart was pounding so fast for Blaze. 

"Subukan natin uli, Happy," pakiusap ni Blaze. "You said that happiness is a choice. Let me ask you now, do you feel happy without me?"

Umiling siya. "I was sad for the last three months... until I saw you again."

"Then I'm your happiness. So choose me."

Choose happiness
. That was what she had always said to Blaze before. Ngayon siya naman ang kailangang mamili. 

Umangat ang kamay niya, saka dahan-dahan niyang tinanggap ang kamay ni Blaze na nakalahad sa kanya. "I'm scared of what will happen, I have so many what ifs, so please, I beg you, don't make me regret this, Blaze. Because if I feel what I felt before, when you can't still see me, as me, and can't appreciate my worth, I will break this off and I will leave. Again. And this time, I'm not coming back."

Agad na tumango si Blaze. "I'll do it right this time."

She smiled. "No. 
We
 will do it right this time. We're in a relationship now and this is new to me but I think this is how it works. It's not just 'I' anymore, it's 'we.'"

Blaze leaned in to kiss her forehead. "I love you."

"I like you too."

Blaze chuckled. "Looks like I have to work harder for that I like you to be I love you."

Mahina siyang natawa, saka napailing. Pero nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi niya nang maalala ang usapan nila ng daddy niya. 

"Oh, Jesus. Daddy will be very mad at me."

Blaze frowned. "Why?"

"Ayaw niyang magkaroon ako ng relationship with you."

Napangiwi si Blaze. "He hates me that much?"

Tumango siya. "Yes."

"Wow... well, we'll face him together."

That put back the smile on her face. "Thank you."

Blaze smiled back. "By the way, dito ka na sa kuwarto ko matutulog mula ngayon. Hindi mo naman pala boyfriend ang gagong haring 'yon."

"But—"

"Don't worry." Kinindatan siya nito. "Hindi naman kita lalandiin. I'll be a very good boy."

"Hindi mo talaga ako lalandiin? Totoo? Kaya mo?" hindi naniniwalang tanong niya. 

Tumawa si Blaze at tumayo, saka pumasok ng banyo. "Hindi kita lalandiin, aakitin lang. Magkaiba 'yon."

Napailing si Happy, saka nagmamadaling lumabas ng kuwarto ni Blaze. May naalala siya habang dala ang first-aid kit para kay King. Siguradong kanina pa ito naghihintay sa kanya. 

"What took you so long?" tanong ni King. 

"May lumandi sa akin." 

King frowned. "What?"

Umiling siya habang nangingiti. "Nothing."

Hindi pa siya natatapos sa paglalagay ng ointment sa balikat ni King nang pumasok si Blaze sa kuwarto nila nang hindi man lang kumakatok. 

And Blaze just stormed to her closet, opened her trolly and then he put all her clothes inside, including her undies, before zipping it and carrying it outside. Silently. 

"What did he just do?" nagtatakang tanong ni King sa kanya. 

"I told him you're not really my boyfriend."

Parang nakahinga nang maluwag si King. "Thank you, Young Miss. Thank you for telling him the truth before he kills my shoulders."

Napangiti siya. "Blaze is a good man, King. But he is a beast when angry."

"Then go. Go to his room before he comes back here and beats the shit out of me. Not in a subtly way this time."

Tinapos niya ang paglalagay ng ointment sa balikat nito. "I'll talk to Dad first."

"What will you tell Master?"

"That I'm giving myself a chance to be with Blaze."

"And you think he'll like it?"

Umiling siya. "But at least he knows. I don't want to keep this from him."

Tumango si King. Siya naman ay inabot ang cell phone na nasa bedside table at tinawagan ang ama. 

Five rings until the call ended, her father didn't answer. 

She frowned. Was her father busy? It was unlike him to not pick up her call.

Sinubukan uli niyang tawagan ang ama. 

One, two, there, until twenty calls—he never picked up. Mula nang magising siya sa coma, kahit kailan hindi nito inihiwalay ang cell phone para daw kapag tumawag siya, masasagot agad nito at matutulungan siya kung nangangailangan siya ng tulong. 

She called her dad again. No answer. 

"Something's wrong..." she whispered as worry consumed her. "Daddy..."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 25

KUMAKAIN SILA ng agahan kasama ang buong pamilya nang ianunsiyo ni Blaze ang nagpakasunduan nilang pasukin kahapon. To be committed to each other... to be in a relationship. 

Boyfriend and girlfriend. 

"That was fast," gulat pero nakangiting sabi ni Tita Beth. "Not that I'm complaining. I'm happy for you two. Pero kailangan kong itanong 'to, sigurado na ba kayong dalawa sa pinasok n'yo? Being in a relationship is not a joke. It has responsibilities."

"Life is short, Mom," sagot ni Blaze na nilalagyan siya ng kanin sa pinggan. "And I want to spend it with Happy by my side. Saka hindi namin malalaman kung para ba kami sa isa't isa kung magpapaligoy-ligoy kaming dalawa. I don't want what ifs anymore. We're not getting any younger."

Happy nodded. "He made me realize that actually." Huminga siya nang malalim. "I always think that life is dapat like this and dapat like that... Pinalaki akong kontrolado ko lahat ang nangyayari sa paligid ko... but now, I'm in a new environment. My dad always say that I wasn't born to adjust to anyone... but..." Sinulyapan niya si Blaze. "Sometimes I think that maybe, there are someone who is worth adjusting for."

Blaze smiled proudly. "And that's me, baby. Don't worry, I'll adjust for you too. Give and take, remember?"

Nakangiting tumango siya. Kapagkuwan ay nabaling ang atensiyon kay Blake nang magsalita ito. 

"Life in indeed short and it's scary. Hindi mo alam kung ano'ng mangyayari, hindi mo alam kung hanggang kailan mo na lang makakasama ang taong mahal mo. Kaya kapag may pagkakataon, huwag sayangin. Mahalaga ang bawat segundo."

Humilig si Lucky sa balikat ni Blake bago ito hinalikan sa pisngi. "Life is short, of all people who is in this table now, I would know." Pinagsalikop nito ang kamay at ni Blake. "I only have few years to live, and now, that changed because I'm pregnant. We don't know what will happen, but we will fight and never give up on each other." Tumingin ito sa kanya. "I'm happy for you, Ate. And yes, there are some people who is worth adjusting for, who is worth risking for."

Happy smiled. "Yeah..."

"Kaya nga wala nang paligoy-ligoy pa," sabi ni Blaze na pinagsalin siya ng tubig sa baso. "We can do this, baby. You and me."

"At si King?" tanong ni Tita Beth. "Hindi mo talaga boyfriend?"

Nag-angat naman ng tingin si King. "Was I called?"

Agad na nalukot ang mukha ni Blaze. "Palayasin na natin 'yan dito."

"He's my bodyguard, so no." Kapagkuwan ay nakangiti siyang sumagot sa tanong ni Tita Beth. "It was all a pretense. My father's plan. Mad kasi siya kay Blaze."

"I can protect you better." Nagtagis ang mga bagang ni Blaze. "Ang sarap niyang sakalin kapag naaalala ko na ilang gabi kayong magkatabing matulog."

Hindi niya pinansin si Blaze, na kay Tita Beth ang atensiyon niya. 

"At sa kuwarto ka ni Blaze natulog kagabi?" tanong uli ni Tita Beth. 

Tumango siya. "Opo. Hindi naman siya gumawa ng... ahm... what's the Tagalog of inappropriate? Ahm... malaswa?"

Muntik nang mabilaukan si Blaze kaya naman mabilis niyang inabot dito ang baso niya na may lamang tubig. 

Samantalang natawa naman ang may mga edad nang kasama niyang nag-aagahan maliban kay Bailey na kumakain at kay King na clueless din sa lengguwaheng gamit nila. 

"Mukha kasing pang-porn 'yang mukha mo, Blaze, kaya malaswa ang tingin sa iyo," sabi ni Blake na panay ang tawa. 

Tinampal naman ni Lucky ang balikat ni Blake. "Blakey-baby... magkamukha kayo, 'di ba?"

Blake stilled. "Oo nga pala." Napailing ito. "I'm shutting up now."

Napailing si Lucky, saka bumalik sa pagkain at ganoon din siya. Hanggang sa magtanong uli si Tita Beth, para na iyon kay Blaze sa pagkakataong 'yon. 

"Natulog kayo sa isang kuwarto," sabi ni Tita Beth, "Blaze, anak, may balak ka bang pakasalan si Happy sa ginawa mo?"

"Yes, Mom," mabilis at walang pag-aalinlangan na sagot ni Blaze. 

Nabitin ang pagsubo niya ng kanin sa narinig na sinabi ni Blaze. Mabilis siyang bumaling dito na nagtatanong ang mga mata pero kinindatan lang siya ng loko. 

"I-who-who you na ba kita?" tanong ni Blake kay Blaze. "Long overdue na 'yan." 

Tumawa lang si Blaze at nilagyan na naman siya ng ulam sa pinggan dahil paubos na 'yon. 

Lihim siyang napangiti. 

Blaze had been attentive since last night. Iba ang atensiyon na ibinibigay nito sa kanya. Was this because of boyfriend-girlfriend thing? She had no idea. 

"Bailey," tawag ni Blake sa bunso nitong kapatid.  "Nabago mo na ba ang isip ng mga kaklase mo?"

Nag-thumbs-up naman si Bailey. "Opo, sabi ko businessman ka—"

"Good—"

"Behind the curtain," pagtatapos ni Bailey na ikinatawa nina Blaze, Lucky at Tita Beth. 

Blake sighed. "Change topic."

Napangiti si Happy at nagpatuloy sa pag-aagahan. It was a pleasant breakfast with the family. She liked it. 

Pagkatapos ng agahan, inaya niya si Blaze sa kuwarto para kausapin ito. 

"What is it?" agad na tanong ni Blaze nang makapasok sila sa kuwarto nito. Niyakap siya nito sa baywang mula sa likuran at hinalik-halikan ang leeg niya. 

"Hmm... why do you smell so good? You haven't even taken a bath yet."

Mahina siyang natawa, saka umikot paharap sa lalaki at iniyakap ang mga braso sa leeg nito. "I have something to tell you. Dapat noong dumating ako but Blake is busy and we're not in good terms so, ahm, ngayon ko lang masasabi sa iyo. Part of the reason why I'm here."

"You look serious," obserba ni Blaze, saka kumunot ang noo. "What is it? Tell me."

"Midnight's cell phone," sabi niya. "I know he left it here."

Ang pagkakakunot ng noo ni Blaze ay napalitan ng kaguluhan at pagtataka. "How did you know what?"

"Midnight told me."

Blaze looked confused. "Explain."

Humugot si Happy ng malalim na hininga at inalis ang pagkakayakap ng mga braso sa leeg nito bago nagpaliwanag. "Midnight is a family friend. Nakilala ko siya after I woke up from my coma and tinulungan niya akong mag-cope. He also taught me martial arts. He's like a brother to me."

Nakatanga lang sa kanya si Blaze na parang hindi makapaniwala kaya nagpatuloy siya sa pagpapaliwanag. 

"Remember the night with I got shot?"

Blaze nodded, still looked shocked. 

"After mo akong ihatid sa hotel room ko, Midnight visited me. He was saying good-bye to me for some vague reason. He made me promise not to look for him if he went missing." Her eyes watered remembering Midnight again. "I told him about you, about our complicated relationship at the time and he was pissed. Well, for him I'm his sister and he has always been protective of me... and then he gave me a flash drive. Sabi niya after three months, may papasok na file sa flash drive na 'yon na kailangan kong malaman."

"It's been three months..." Blaze whispered while looking at her with calculated look on his face. 

Tumango siya. "Before I came here, I was shot and our house was invaded."

Worry streaked Blaze's face. "You were shot?" Agad itong lumapit sa kanya at sinuri ang katawan niya. "Where? Are you okay? No complications?"

Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. "I fell into coma again. For a week."

She could see how Blaze's lips trembled as worry filled his face. "Why? Was there a damage in your body? A complication? Something that made you unconscious for a weak?"

"I lost too much blood."

Naguguluhan napatitig sa kanya ang kasintahan. "How much blood?" Umiling ito. "No, tell me what happened after you got shot and where you got shot."

"Pauwi na ako that time when that happened. May gustong kumidnap sa akin at dalhin sa boss niya. Binaril ako here nang tumakbo ako para makatakas." Itinuro niya ang braso na hindi masyadong makikita ang bakas ng pagkakabaril.  "I went into a laser therapy for wound healing."

Hinaplos ni Blaze ang parte ng braso na itinuro niya habang nagtatagis ang mga bagang nito. "Whoever that boss if they come at you again, I will end them."

Tumango si Happy, saka itinuro ang parte ng hita niya na nabaril din. "And here. But I was okay. Nagamot ako agad. Then our house was invaded, a day after that, I was shot here." Itinuro niya ang tagiliran.

"Was it deep?"

Umiling siya. "Hindi ko tiningnan."

"Hindi ka nagtanong sa doktor mo?"

Umiling uli si Happy. "Dad took care of it."

Blaze took a deep breath. "And after that, you went into coma?"

Tumango siya. "A week and then two weeks recovery. Why?" tanong niya nang makita ang kaguluhan sa mukha ni Blaze. 

Napakurap-kurap ito. "I'm just calculating how much blood you can lose by being shot on the side. If the blood you lose is enough for you to fell into coma but, I ahm, I can't see it. Naagapan ba agad ang sugat mo?"

Tumango siya. "That's what King said. Kaya nga nakaligtas ako."

Blaze blew a loud breath. "Kung naagapan agad ang sugat mo, imposibleng marami ang dugo na nawala sa iyo. Coma is a serious thing, baby. It has causes and there's always a reason behind, a complication and a problem. Kung naagapan naman pala ang sugat mo, hindi ka dapat na-coma. One to two days tops of unconscious state but one week of coma? That's serious."

Unti-unting nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "What are you saying? That Dad lied to me about my condition?"

"I don't know." Masuyo nitong sinapo ang mukha niya, pinakatitigan siya, saka nginitian. "Good thing you have a doctor for a boyfriend." Kapagkuwan ay sumeryoso ang mukha nito. "With your permission, let's do a whole-body scan in the hospital where I'm working."

Tumango si Happy bilang pagsang-ayon. "Sige. I'd like that," sabi niya, saka malungkot na ngumiti. "If you find something wrong in my body, then that means Dad lied to me."

"Maybe he just wants to protect you," sabi ni Blaze. 

"Maybe... but it's my body. I hope Dad is not lying."

Masuyo siyang niyakap ni Blaze, saka hinalikan sa noo. "Sana nga. Gusto ko rin kasing isipin na na-coma ka kasi maraming dugo ang nawala sa iyo, hindi dahil may mas malala ka pang sakit. We just became girlfriend and boyfriend yesterday. I can't lose you." Humigpit ang yakap nito sa kanya. "Now I know what Blake felt when Lucky was in the hospital. Fuck. I'm scared."

Kumawala siya sa yakap nito at hinaplos ang pisngi nito. "Don't be, okay? Malay mo, wala naman akong sakit at tama si Daddy."

Blaze nodded. "Yes. Baka tama ang daddy mo."

Happy gave Blaze a pointed look. "But you're still worried."

"I'm a doctor, baby, I need laboratories and test results to be sure and not be worried."

Napatango-tango siya. "Okay. And we'll do the whole-body scan... but let's go back to Midnight. The reason why I'm here, remember?" 

"Yes. Midnight." He breathed in. "You went into coma and then, what's next?"

Naglakad siya palapit sa kama sa umupo sa gilid niyon. "I opened the flash drive after I went into coma, but it was empty."

Blaze frowned in confusion. "Midnight pranked you?"

Umiling siya. "I received an automated call from Midnight. It was a voice recording and, he said that someone deleted the file. But he has backup in his phone. That's why I'm here because someone doesn't want me to see what's on the file. At may kinalaman 'yon sa akin, Blaze. Midnight said that his orders are clear, it's to not tell me anything." Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga. "Naguguluhan ako kung ano ba talaga ang nangyayari. Dalawang tao lang ang nakakapasok sa kuwarto ko. Si King at si Daddy. Sabi nila they have nothing to do with it, but now... I'm starting to doubt that." Pinagsalikop niya ang mga kamay, saka tumingin kay Blaze na nakatingin din sa kanya. "What's happening? I feel like I'm in a middle of a tug of war. The other side is trying to tell me something while the other side is keeping me from knowing that something."

Lumapit sa kanya si Blaze, saka umupo sa tabi niya at pinagsalikop ang kamay nilang dalawa. "We'll figure it out, okay? And for Midnight's phone, Blake has it. Mamaya pagbalik nila ni Lucky galing sa checkup, hihingin ko."

Nginitian niya si Blaze. "Salamat."

He kissed her shoulder while staring at her. "I'll keep you safe while we figure everything out. Don't worry, okay?"

Tumango siya, saka umayos ng pagkakaupo para nakaharap siya kay Blaze. Ilang segundo silang tahimik habang tinititigan niya ang lalaki bago siya nagsalita.

"When I was in a coma, I dreamt of you."

Blaze moved to face her. "Really?"

Tumango siya. "In my dream, you went to Pennsylvania and became my bodyguard. I thought you were Blake because your face was ink-free and when you kissed me, I punched you."

Natatawang naiiling si Blaze. "Even in dreams, you are savage."

Natawa na rin siya. "Akala ko kasi you were Blake."

"And then?"

"And then..." Bumaba ang tingin niya pupulsuhan nitong blangko pa rin at walang tattoo, saka hinaplos iyon. "May tattoo na rito."

"What does it say or what does my tattoo looks like?"

Umiling siya. "Hindi ko sasabihin sa iyo. My mind just made it all up so what I saw and heard in that dream. Subconsciously, 'yon ang gusto ko and I'm embarrassed to tell you the rest of my dream."

"Okay..." Blaze trailed. "But if you're not embarrassed anymore, tell me, okay?"

Happy nodded with a smile. "I will."

"Good. Anyway, speaking of tattoo, I got a new one," kuwento nito para bang excited itong makita niya iyon. 

"Really? Where?"

Sa halip na sagutin, ipinakita na lang nito sa kanya. 

Tumagilid si Blaze habang nakaupo pa rin sa harap niya at ipinakita sa kanya ang likod ng tainga nito. 

And there it was... making her eyes watered. 

"I was just kidding when I said that." 

Blaze shrugged and faced her again. "When you left, I missed you so much and I keep thinking about you and what you told me when we were in the rooftop... that I'm not your 
ma 
bitch
 
anymore. And for some reason, I couldn't accept that. Yes, it's downright insulting, but fuck it, I miss you calling me that. So... pumunta ako sa InkArt at ipina-tattoo ko siya. Because I don't care what you say, you can't take it back, Happy. I am your 
ma 
bitch. Period."

Lumuhod siya sa kama, saka dumukwang palapit kay Blaze at hinalikan ito na agad nitong tinugon. Nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila, nginitian niya ito. 

"I got a tattoo too," balita niya rito. 

Blaze looked shock alright. "What?"

"It's Dad. He wants to have matching tattoos but he chickened out. Too late nang mag-back out kasi patapos na ako."

"Where? Let me see."

Habang nakaluhod pa rin, umikot si Happy patalikod, saka hinawi ang buhok sa batok niya para makita nito ang tattoo niya na doon ipinalagay ng ama niya. 

Naramdaman niya ang daliri ni Blaze na humaplos sa batok niya, kung nasaan ang tattoo niya. 

"This looks familiar," sabi nito. 

"Talaga?"

"Yes. Nakita ko na 'to dati," wika nito. "Hindi ko lang maalala kung saan."

Haharap na sana siya kay Blaze nang maramdaman niyang hinalikan nito ang batok niya at pinaglandas ang dila pababa sa balikat niya. 

Napapikit si Happy at bahagyang lumalim ang paghinga niya. 'Buti na lang tumigil si Blaze sa paghalik sa kanya kaya bumalik sa normal ang paghinga niya nang humarap siya uli rito. 

Tumikhim siya. "And... ahm... may isa pa akong tattoo," sabi niya, saka binura ang foundation na ginamit niya sa pupulsuhan para itago ang tattoo, at ipinakita 'yon kay Blaze. "Si Dad din ang pumili."

Hinaplos ni Blaze ang tattoo niya. "What language is this?"

"Ancient Greek." Iyon ang sabi ng ama niya. "Sabi ni Dad it's kind of a protection or some sort. I don't know, my dad is getting weirder and weirder."

"Bakit mo itinatago?" tanong sa kanya ni Blaze. 

"Hindi lang ako used to na may tattoo ako. Pinagbigyan ko lang si Dad kasi birthday gift daw niya." 

Tumango-tango si Blaze, saka dumukwang para halikan siya sa mga labi. When he pulled away, they stared into each other eyes.

Umangat ang kamay niya para haplusin ang pisngi nitong wala nang tattoo. "Hindi ka ba nag-regret na ipinatanggal mo?"

Umiling si Blaze, saka hinawakan ang kamay niyang humahaplos sa pisngi nito. "Cassie, she has a special place in my life because of what we shared together. But unlike before, my world doesn't revolve around her anymore. She doesn't own my mind and my heart like before. It changed. My life is now revolving around you and my heart and my mind is filled with you. After my session with my therapist, I've learned to let go and fully moved on. And when I decided to remove my tattoo, there was no regret, only freedom... from my past and from the pain."

Ngumiti si Happy. Nakatitig lang sila sa isa't isa habang hawak ni Blaze ang kamay niya at nilalaro nito ang mga daliri niya. 

Siya ang bumasag sa katahimikang 'yon dahil naalala niya ang tanong niya mula pa kagabi nang matulog silang magkatabi ni Blaze. 

"May tanong ako." 

"Ano 'yon?" tanong ni Blaze habang inaalis ang ilang hibla ng buhok niya na tumatabing sa noo at kilay niya. 

"Why didn't you have sex with me last night?" deretsahan niyang tanong dahil kanina pa 'yon gumugulo sa isip niya. "I mean where I grew up, in the US, sex is very common with couples. It's a part of the relationship. Iba ba rito sa inyo? We have different cultures kasi kaya I'm asking." 

Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago nagsalita si Blaze na parang nagulat sa tanong niya. "Do you want to make love with me?"

She bit her lower lip. "I want to experience that with you."

"Are you sure?"

Tumango siya. "But I have no experience, so, ahm, teach me? I don't know what to do."

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi ni Blaze. "Fortunately, I'm a good teacher."

Mahina siyang natawa, saka napailing. "Tonight? So I can prepare like shave and do something to smell good and all that stuff."

Blaze let out a soft laugh before lying on the bed and making her thighs his pillow. "You'll be great." 

Sinuklay niya ang buhok ng lalaki gamit ang dulo ng daliri niya. "But I don't know a thing about it—Oh! Maybe I should read someone articles on how to do it. And my gay friend told me about men liking, ahm, oral sex? Do you like it too? Is it part of what I have to do?"

Blaze closed his eyes while there was a small smile on his lips. "You don't have to do anything, baby. Just lay on the bed and let me do the rest and rock your world."

Napangiti siya. "Okay. But I still want to do it." Inabot niya ang cell phone na nasa ibabaw ng bedside table, saka naghanap ng article tungkol sa oral sex. "Oh... found one. Is this correct?" Ipinakita niya kay Blaze ang article na nahanap.

Blaze grimaced. "This is so weird but... yeah, it is."

"Okay." Binasa niya ang article hanggang sa dulo bago siya nagtanong. "It says here that I should lick your balls. Would you like that?"

Mariing ipinikit ni Blaze ang mga mata. "Yes." 

Napakunot ang noo ni Happy habang nakatitig sa lalaki at nakitang parang namumula ang pisngi nito. And when she caressed his face, it felt warm. "Blaze?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you blushing?"

Marahas na umiling ang kasintahan. "Nope. I'm a grown man. I don't blush!"

She caressed his cheek again to check. "Your face is red and your cheeks are warm... I'd say you're blushing, but why are you blushin—" She stilled when she realized why. "Good God, did I make you blush?"

Biglang bumangon si Blaze at nagmamadaling umalis ng kama. "This is your fault. How could you talk about my balls so nonchalantly?!"

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya habang nakatingin sa lalaki na namumula pa rin ang mukha. "I was just asking if you would like me to lick your balls—"

Hindi na niya natapos ang sasabihin dahil nagmamadaling lumabas si Blaze ng kuwarto na ikinatawa niya nang mahina. 

"Hmm... who would have thought that the hot and dirty doctor, Blaze Vitale, is a prude?" natatawang tanong niya sa sarili, saka napailing at nahiga sa kama. 

Habang nakatitig sa kisame, bumalik sa isip ni Happy ang ilang beses na pagtawag niya sa ama. Hindi talaga nito sinasagot ang tawag niya. 

Why is that?

Bumangon siya, saka lumabas ng kuwarto at tinungo ang kuwarto ni King para kausapin ito tungkol sa ama niya at kung ano ang mabuting gawin. 

Hindi na siya kumatok dahil bahagya namang nakaawang ang pinto ng kuwarto. Akmang papasok siya nang marinig niyang may kausap ito sa cell phone. 

"Yes, Master Dominick," sabi ni King. "Don't worry. I will do my job properly. Whatever decision she makes, I will be by her side." 

Dad? King is talking to Dad? 

Bakit hindi sinasagot ng kanyang ama ang tawag niya? Ano ba'ng nangyayari? 

Humakbang siya paatras, saka nagmamadaling bumalik sa kuwarto niya para tawagan ang ama pero tulad ng mga naunang pagkakataon, hindi nito sinagot ang tawag. 

Happy's lips thinned. Her father was not busy, he just didn't want to answer her call.

Something is definitely going on.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 26

NASA LOOB sina Blake, Blaze at Happy ng study room ng mansiyon ng mga Vitale. Magkakaharap silang nakaupo sa sofa habang nasa ibabaw ng center table ang cell phone ni Midnight. 

Ilang segundong tinitigan lang ni Happy ang cell phone bago niya nagawang kunin iyon at haplusin. Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi nang maaalala na naman ang pamamaalam sa kanya ni Midnight. 

Happy looked at Blake. "Do you know where he is? Please tell me he's in a better place."

Umiling si Blake, malungkot ang bukas ng mukha nito. "He'll be there. We're working something out."

"Where is he?" tanong uli niya kay Blake. "Alam mo ba kung where he is? I'm worried of him."

Nagbaba ng tingin si Blake bago umiling. "Kapag naayos na namin ang lahat, sasabihin ko kung nasaan siya. I hope you understand me."

"But is he okay?" pangungulit niya. "Please tell me he's fine. Kahit hindi mo sabihin if where he is. Just tell me that he's fine."

Blake looked away before nodding. "He'll be fine."

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa cell phone ni Midnight. "Sabi ni Midnight his orders were clear, to not tell me anything... Wherever he is right now, sa tingin n'yo, it has something to do with that file?"

Umiling si Blake, saka malungkot na ngumiti. "He did something for us and it messed his life up. It was my fault that this happened to him."

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa cell phone, saka malungkot na ngumiti nang maalala ang usapan nila ni Midnight. "Sinabi nga niya sa akin that he did something for a friend that messes up his life. And when I asked him if it was worth it, he said yes." A lone tear fell from her eyes. "He's a good-hearted man. He treats me like a sister and he's an amazing brother and a friend."

Nakangiting tumango si Blake. "He is a good man. Kung hindi niya ginawa ang ginawa niya, hindi ko alam kung nasaan kami—ako ngayon. He's our friend."

Happy smiled. "Midnight loves having a friend who knows him as him. He treasures them because he only has few." Napabaling siya kay Blaze nang tuyuin nito ang luha sa pisngi niya. 

"Don't cry," sabi ni Blaze. "Hindi magugustuhan ni Midnight na ganyan ka. I'm sure he would want you to be strong."

She nodded and pressed the cell phone's power button. When the logo appeared, they waited for a couple of seconds for the whole screen to show. 

And there it was. 

Happy breathed out and tapped the screen, then frowned. "It's face recognition locked." Nilingon niya si Blaze na katabi niya. "Alam mo ba ang password?"

Umiling si Blaze. "Hindi ba niya sinabi sa iyo?"

Nakakunot na umiling siya, saka ibinalik ang buong tingin at atensiyon sa screen ng cell phone. And to her surprise, it was unlocked. 

"Oh." Napaawang ang bibig niya. "Bumukas."

"He added your face to his phone lock?" tanong ni Blaze na parang hindi nito nagustuhan 'yon. "How close are you, really?" 

Nilingon niya ang kasintahan. "Are you jealous?"

"Hell, yeah!"

Happy frowned. "Why?"

"Because you two are close."

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "Of course, he's like my brother," sabi niya, saka ibinalik ang tingin sa cell phone. 

Happy started going through Midnight's file, from photos—which he had few, only ten photos actually—to documents that couldn't be opened and labeled as confidential, and only one video. 

Happy played the video. 

It didn't open. It was asking for a six-digit password. 

"Seriously?" She blew a loud breath. "I don't know the password." Tumingin siya kay Blaze. 

"Don't look at me," sabi ni Blaze, saka bumuntong-hininga. "We have no idea."

"Maybe this is the file that he sent to me because it's encrypted. This must be really important," panghuhula niya. "Ano'ng gagawin ko? I have to see this file so I will know what's going on."

"Shun Kim," mabilis na sabi ni Blaze. 

Mabilis si Blake. "No."

Sabay na napatingin sila ni Blaze kay Blake.

"Wait—why?" nagtatakang tanong ni Blaze sa kakambal. "Shun can crack that code in no time."

Umiling si Blake habang walang emosyon ang mukha. "No. Not Shun. Let's find another one. Kaibigan siya ni Knight. Who knows what he'll do and where his loyalty lies. Baka burahin pa niya 'yan sa utos ni Knight. You know Velasquez, he doesn't joke around when it comes to his job. And that file is encrypted because Midnight doesn't want anyone messing with it, especially his brother. That must be a high-level security file or video that contains lots of secrets."

Hearing Blake said that, Happy's mind was starting to piece something together. "Are they part of an illegal organization or something like that?" 

Walang sumagot sa kambal. 

"Hula ko lang," sabi niya, saka mabilis na nagpaliwanag. "Kasi Midnight talks about someone ordering him to do something. That means he has a boss. 'Tapos ayaw niyang ipahanap ko siya kapag nawala siya kasi it will endanger me and Dad. And then his brother came to see me to tell me na may sister ako. Paano niya nalaman 'yon? And he happens to know that my sister needs a heart. So much of a coincidence. And then may ginawa si Midnight na nagulo ang buhay niya, 'tapos nawala siya. And then the file in the flash drive has been deleted. And now, you don't trust this Shun guy because he is friends with Midnight's brother and he might delete the file too? In my point of view, it only means one thing, illegal organization or something close."

Tapos na siyang magsalita pero walang umimik. Lahat tahimik. 

Tiningnan niyang mabuti si Blake, pagkatapos ay bumaling siya kay Blaze. Walang emosyon ang mukha ng dalawa. 

Then a realization came to her. "You know Midnight and his brother and this Shun guy, and it's like you know a thing or two of what they're doing. Does that mean... are you... part of this organization? Or I'm wrong and just over thinking?" 

"Ye—"

"Blaze!" Blake hissed at Blaze. "Don't you dare! You don't have a go signal."

"I'm not gonna lie to Happy, Blake," Blaze hissed back. "I'm serious about this relationship—"

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Blaze na ikinatigil nito sa pagsasalita. "It's okay. Don't tell me." Pinisil niya ang kamay ng lalaki. "Kung it will put you in danger, huwag mong sabihin sa akin." Sapat na ang pag-aalala sa mukha ni Blake para pigilan niya si Blaze. "I don't mind if it'll keep you safe." 

"But I don't want to keep secrets from you," bulong ni Blaze. "Baka bigla ka na lang umalis kasi naglilihim ako."

"It's okay. I understand." She leaned in to softly kiss him on the lips. "I'm not going anywhere without you."

Blaze nodded. "Good."

Tumango siya, saka humugot ng malalim na hininga at tumingin kay Blaze. "May kilala ka bang iba na makakatulong sa atin maliban kay Shun?"

"There is someone," sabi ni Blake, saka madaling inilabas ang cell phone sa bulsa. "Siya ang unang contact ni Luther bago pa natin nakilala si Shun."

"Si Track ba ang tinutukoy mo?" tanong ni Blaze. 

Blake nodded. "Yes. Him. Luther gave me his new number."

"Why? We have Shun."

"Luther said that if it's about Midnight or you know, those big manipulative bastards, Shun is compromised. He is friends with Knight after all."

Blaze blew a loud breath. "And you think Track will help? He's also friends with our friends."

"Yes. But I'll pick him over Shun," sabi ni Blake. 

"But we stopped communicating with him after he went into the slammer. I don't think he'll be glad to help us with this."

Tumaas ang kilay niya, saka napabaling kay Blaze. "Slammer? That's a gangster slang for jail as I've seen on TV."

Blaze smirked at her. "Baby, I was in a gang once. And I was a badass."

"Bago ka naging doctor?"

"Yes. While I'm still studying to become a doctor."

Napatango-tango si Happy. "Kaya pala magaling ka sa hand-to-hand combat. And I actually want to see this badass side of you."

"If you stick around and marry me, you'll see it."

Mahina siyang natawa, saka napailing at napabaling kay Blake na may kausap sa cell phone. 

"X said you owe him and I can collect with a favor. Yes. Dadalhin namin diyan. Thank you." Pinatay ni Blake ang tawag, saka pinulot nito ang cell phone ni Midnight at ibinulsa 'yon. "Come on, Blaze, let's bring this to Track."

Agad siyang tumayo. "Sama ako."

"No," pigil sa kanya ni Blaze. "Kung kasama ka, sasama si King. Hindi niya puwedeng malaman 'to. 'Di ba isa siya sa mga pinaghihinalaan mo na bumura ng file sa flash drive?"

Tumango siya at agad niyang naintindihan ang ibig nitong sabihin. "Sige. Ingat kayo. Balik ka agad." 

Blaze smiled and pressed his lips on hers, slighting bitting her lips and pulling it, licking and nipping it softly before whispering. "Why don't you start getting ready for tonight? Nightfall is coming."

Nakangiting inilapit niya ang mga labi sa mga labi ng kasintahan at siya na ang humalik dito. "I will. Just mag-ingat kayo."

Blaze kissed her on the forehead one last time before leaving after Blake. 

Siya naman ay lumabas ng study at nakitang nagpapaalam si Blake kay Lucky. 

Nang makaalis ang dalawa, nilapitan niya ang kapatid at niyakap mula sa tagiliran, saka hinalikan ito sa gilid ng noo. "They'll be fine," sabi niya dahil may nakikita siyang pag-aalala sa mukha nito. 

Lucky nodded and leaned on her shoulder. "I feel tired."

Agad niyang inalalayan paupo sa sofa si Lucky para makapagpahinga ito. Maybe this had something to do with her not taking her meds. "May gusto ka bang kainin? Ipagluluto kita. Pero 'yong pasok lang sa diet plan mo, ha?"

Mukhang pagod si Lucky pero napangiti pa rin. "Just water, Ate."

"Sige." Hinalikan niya ito sa noo, saka nagmamadaling tinungo ang kusina. 

Nang pabalik na siya, nakasalubong niya si King na parang malalim ang iniisip. 

"King..." Hinawakan niya ito sa braso para kunin ang atensiyon at tiningnan sa mga mata. "Stop reporting to Dad."

King stilled before looking at her innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about, Young Miss."

Tumiim ang mga bagang niya. "What you see and what you hear in this house stays in this house," she said in a commanding voice. "You said you work for me now and not for Dad, then prove it. I'm serious, King, stop reporting to Dad. I know that something is wrong and If I find out that you're a part of it and that you'd been fooling me and messing with me, I will show no mercy." 

Instead of saying something against what she said, King smiled proudly at her. "You are indeed a Quinn. You made your ancestors proud." 

Hindi siya nagpadala sa sinabi nito. "Stop reporting to Dad."

"I will." 

"Promise me."

"He only wants what's best for you, Young Miss," sabi ni King. 

"I know. That's my dad. He's overprotective of me and I never doubt how much he loves me. But he is keeping something from me."

"And I'm sure, you, Young Miss, can figure it out," nakangiting sabi ni King bago umakyat sa hagdan. 

Siya naman ay binalikan ang kapatid sa sala at inalalayan. Binantayan niya ito hanggang sa makabalik sina Blake at Blaze na may dalawang magandang balita. 

NAKAKATITIG SA KAWALAN si Happy habang nasa bathtub na nababalot ng bula ang ibabaw, dahilan para hindi makita ang kahubdan niya sa loob ng tubig. Ang daming laman ng isip niya sa mga sandaling 'yon. Mga katanungan na hindi niya alam kung saan uumpisahang hanapin ang sagot. 

Bumalik lang sa kasalukuyan ang isip niya nang mapansin niyang may umupo sa gilid ng bathtub. 

"Blaze..."

"Ang lalim ng iniisip mo," sabi nito. "Hindi mo ako napansing pumasok."

"Sorry." Tipid siyang ngumiti rito. "Ang dami ko lang tini-think. I have so many unanswered questions."

"And we will get an answer to all of that. Sabi ni Track tatawag agad siya. But knowing Track, it will only take two days tops before he calls with good news." Inalis nito ang bula sa pisngi niya. "I'm here, with you ... I'll help you with all of this." 

Tinitigan niya nang matiim si Blaze. "Am I being a burdensome?" 

He was stunned at her question. "What? No."

Pinaglaruan niya ang bula sa ibabaw ng bathtub. "Isang araw pa lang since we become boyfriend and girlfriend. 'Di ba dapat fun lang muna? I mean, I read somewhere that fun palagi ang umpisa ng relationship, like dates and all that sweet stuff. Pero sa atin, problema ko ang inuuna natin."

Mahinang natawa si Blaze. "Let's have a date tomorrow. Off ko pa rin naman."

Napatingin siya uli sa lalaki. "Hindi ba masisira ang day natin because of my problems?"

Umiling si Blaze. "I'm good at distracting people."

Happy chuckled. "That's true... You just have to show me your upper body and I'll be distracted."

"See?" Blaze grinned at her. "I have mad skills." 

Her chuckles turned into a small laugh. "Yes, you have mad skills and I'm proud."

"You're proud that I have mad skills?"

Natawa na naman si Happy. "No, I'm proud that I'm dating a doctor, even when he is a little bit dirty. Well, I myself is rough around the edges... so, I guess we belong."

Blaze nodded while a smile was playing on his lips. "I like that we belong."

Happy chuckled while starting to wash her hair so she could finish bathing. "Can you hand me that shampoo?" 

Agad namang iniabot ni Blaze ang shampoo na itinuro niya. Pero sa halip na ibigay sa kanya ay ito na ang naglagay ng shampoo sa buhok niya. 

"Let me," he said. 

Blaze was massaging her scalp as he spread the shampoo on her hair and she couldn't help but to groan on how much good it felt, especially when his hand started massaging her nape softly and the back of her ear. 

"Oh, that feels good," she whispered. 

Tumikhim si Blaze. "Stop moaning, baby, I'm having a hard on already."

Natatawang nilingon niya ang kasintahan. "It feels good, but go, I'll do the rinsing myself. Bibilisan ko para matapos na ako."

"Okay." Inalis nito ang kaunting bula na nasa mga labi niya at hinalikan siya roon bago ito naghugas ng kamay at lumabas. 

Napangiti siya habang pinagmamasdan ang kasintahan. 

Simple gestures yet it made her heartbeat fast. She was having a good feeling about this relationship they have. Maybe it would work this time. 

Lihim siyang napangiti. 

Nang makalabas si Blaze ng banyo, agad niyang binilisan ang pagligo. 

Happy scrubbed every part of her body using a body scrub and after that, she used her favorite body wash and rinsed herself. She made sure that she smelled so good enough to eat. 

She did know a thing or two about sex. Nakapanood na siya ng video noong nasa college pa siya at maraming beses 'yon dahil sa mga ka-roommate niya. Binibiro lang niya si Blaze kaninang umaga na wala siyang alam kasi gusto niyang makita ang reaksiyon nito. And it was epic... she made Blaze Vitale blush. 

Happy was chuckling to herself as she wrapped the towel around her naked body. And as she faced the mirror on the bathroom, she was battling with herself if she would change or not. 

This was her first intimate night with Blaze, it should be perfect—or close to perfect. 

And she had decided. 

Hindi niya isinuot ang pantulog na dinala niya sa banyo para doon sana magbihis. Ang tanging isinuot lang niya ay ang panty na dala habang nakapalibot pa rin ang tuwalya sa katawan niya. 

Happy blow dried her hair, enough to look wet but not dripping wet, then she stepped out from the bathroom while biting her lips, thinking of what would happen next. 

Blaze was seated on the edge of the bed, massaging his own neck and shoulder when their eyes met. 

She smiled at him. "Hey... I'm ready—"

Hindi na niya natapos ang sasabihin dahil mabilis na nakalapit sa kanya si Blaze at agad nang inangkin ang mga labi niya nang walang sabi-sabi. Mapusok 'yon at nanghihingi ng katugon. 

Happy groaned when Blaze pinned her on the wall, started licking her lips and sucking her tongue while his hands freed her body from the towel. 

Pinakawalan muna nito ang mga labi niya para tingnan ang kabuuan ng katawan niya na tanging underwear na lang ang suot. 

She bit her lower lip while watching Blaze looked at her body with admiration and lust in his eyes. 

And in a blink of an eye, he was back to kissing her again while roughly pinning her on the wall. His hands touching and feeling her breasts, palming it and softly pinching her nipples until his hands made it way to her ass. 

And because she was wearing a black T-back panties, Blaze's hands had full access to her ass. 

Happy sucked a sharp breath when Blaze squeezed her ass as his lips travelled to her earlobe down to her neck and back to her ear again before whispering.

"The things I'll do to you..."

Nagsitaasan ang mga balahibo niya dahil sa sinabi nito at sa uri ng pagkakasabi nito niyon. 

His deep seductive voice... it was like he was promising to eat her alive, promising to give her a night full of pleasure. A night she would never forget. Her first night being intimate with him. 

And she was looking forward to it. Because this time, it was real ... and not a dream.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 27

WARNING: MATURE CONTENT

CHAPTER 27

NAPAHAWAK SI HAPPY sa balikat ni Blaze nang bumaba ang mga labi nito sa dibdib niya. Ipinasok nito sa mainit nitong bibig ang perlas na nasa tuktok ng kanyang dibdib at pinaikot doon ang dila habang ang kamay ay bumaba sa hita niya at humahaplos sa pagkababae niya. 

Palipat-lipat si Blaze sa paglalaro sa dibdib niya habang panay ang sipsip nito nipple niya. Dinidilaan nito paikot niyon na nagpapasinghap sa kanya nang malakas. 

"Ah!" 

Then Blaze's lips returned to kissing her collarbone, licking her skin along with it, to her neck, up to her ear and licking the earlobe. 

Napaawang ang mga labi ni Happy at mariing naipikit ang mga mata nang hawiin ng daliri nito ang gilid ng panty niya at ipinasok ang daliri doon, saka sinalat ang pagkababae niya. 

"Oh!" 

Napaigtad siya pero humabol ang daliri ni Blaze, umiikot iyon sa hiyas niya na basa na habang ang mga labi nito ay nahuli na naman ang mga labi niya at mapusok na inangkin 'yon. 

Napasabunot sa sariling buhok si Happy nang gumapang na naman ang halik ni Blaze patungo sa gilid ng leeg niya, sa balikat niya, lumalandas ang dila nito pabalik-balik hanggang sa umabot iyon sa batok niya. 

Nang maging limitado ang galaw nito dahil nakaharap siya. Pinaikot siya nito patalikod, paharap sa pader at hinalikan ang batok niya. Napadaing na lang siya, lalo na't ang dalawang daliri nito ay umiikot-ikot sa hiyas niya. 

"Oh! Blaze..." Lumapat ang magkabilang kamay ni Happy sa pader na nasa harap niya at napadaing na naman nang maramdamang bumaba ang mga labi at dila ni Blaze. "Oh—uhm..."

He was just kissing and licking her skin for God's sake! Why did it feel so freaking good! 

Nag-uumpisa nang lumalim ang paghinga niya nang bumaba ang mga labi nito, naglalandas iyon mula sa batok niya pababa sa spinal cord niya. Hanggang sa nasa waist band na ng T-back na suot niya ang dila at mga labi nito. 

Napakuyom ang kamay niya at napaliyad ang katawan nang maglandas and dila nito sa pang-upo niya. Parang nanggigigil na kinagat ang pisngi ng puwit niya. 

"Uhm!" Pinaghalong sarap ang kirot ang naramdaman niya pero lalo siyang nabasa dahil naglalabas-masok na sa loob ng pagkababae niya ang dalawang daliri ni Blaze. "Oh! Oh! Uhm... Blaze—Oh! God..."

After nipping and biting her butt cheeks, his lips started trailing up again, following her spinal cord, making her body arch and she was groaning a little. 

His fingers were still inside her wetness. Pumping in and out, robbing her breath away. 

"Oh! Blaze... oh! Oh! Uhm!"

Napadaing uli si Happy nang ang isang kamay ni Blaze ay sumapo sa dibdib niya habang ang isa ay abala sa paglalabas-masok sa lagusan niya. 

"Shit... oh! Oh!" Hindi niya mapigilan ang mapaungol nang maramdaman ang hinlalaking daliri nito at ikinikiskis sa clitoris niya. "Fuck!"

She didn't curse but she couldn't help it. Her mind had already left her body. All she wanted was pleasure. 

"Oh. Fuck! Yes! Faster, Blaze... fuck—shit!"

Blaze was finger fucking her while his other hand was palming her breast and pinching her nipples. 

Napahilig siya sa dibdib ng lalaki at napasabunot sa buhok nito habang hinahalikan nito ang leeg niya at pinaglalandas ang dila na para bang sabik na sabik sa putaheng nakahain dito. 

Happy kept on sucking sharp breath when Blaze started pumping up his speed in moving his fingers in and out of her wetness. 

"Oh... Blaze... oh... oh...."

He bit her earlobe and whispered while kissing the back of her ear. "That's it, baby, moan my name. I like it."

"Blaze..." mahina niyang daing na nauwi sa mahinang pagsigaw nang maramdamang parang may sasabog sa kaibuturan niya. 

The pressure and pleasure building up in her belly, it was making her crazy with so much lust and need. And Blaze was making it worse by romancing her body, and making his fingers pumped faster inside her. 

"Oh! Blaze! Ahh... uhmm... oh!" 

Nahihibang na siya, ibinaling niya ang ulo para magtagpo ang mga labi nila ng kasintahan kahit pa nga nakatalikod siya rito. 

Happy was lost. All she could feel was the pleasure in her belly. She wanted more. She needed more. 

"Faster... oh, shit! Oh!"

So near! So fucking near! 

Mapusok silang naghahalikan ni Blaze nang maramdaman niya ang tuluyang pagsabog ng orgasmo niya sa kaibuturan at hindi niya mapigilang kagatin ang mga labi nito. 

Happy tasted blood because of biting Blaze's lips but instead of stoping, Blaze became more aggressive. Hinawakan siya nito sa baywang, iginiya palapit sa kama at basta na lang na itinulak pahiga roon. 

Her back slammed on the soft mattress and as she looked at Blaze, he was licking off her cum on his hand while staring back at her. 

Napalunok siya nang makita kung paano siya nito titigan. He looked like an animal ready to pounce at his prey and she... she was a willing prey. 

Napahawak siya sa bedsheet nang isa-isang hinubad ni Blaze ang damit nito. Mula sa sleeveless shirt na suot, pantalon at ang boxer shorts. 

And after he got naked, he knelt on the edge of the bed and leaned in to kiss her wetness from her soak undies. 

Then slowly, he pulled her undies off of her and his mouth pressed against her wetness. With no clothing barrier this time. 

Happy sucked a breath when his lips touched her femininity. 

Feels so good! 

The sensation, it was different from when he was finger fucking her. His lips on her wetness felt more intense... and she was right. Because when Blaze kissed her womanhood again, he had his tongue out and licked her clit.

"Oh!" Literal na napasigaw siya sa sarap na naramdaman at umaangat ang pang-upo niya.

But it didn't end by just one lick. It was followed by another lick and another lick and then another sending her to frenzy. 

"Oh! Yes! Lick me... uhm! Uhm! Oh!" She was loud while moaning that turned into screams of pleasure. 

Hanggang sa napasabunot na siya sa sariling buhok habang sinasamba ni Blaze ang pagkababae niya. 

He was not just licking her anymore, he was eating and she liked it. So much. 

God! This was better than when he was finger fucking her. Now she understood why those women in porn videos she watched with her roommates screamed when they were being licked and eaten.

Because it felt so damn good! A whole new level of pleasure was being introduced to her. 

"Oh..." Mahaba siyang napaungol nang sipsipin ni Blaze ang hiyas niya. "Uhm! Oh! Oh! Blaze... more... lick me more... oh, lick me. Eat me."

Happy was shamelessly asking Blaze to eat her and he didn't disappoint. His tongue movement became faster and his fingers were moving in and out of her mound again. 

And she found herself screaming in ecstasy. 

This was what real pleasure felt like. Heaven. 

"Oh!" Halos hindi na maglapat ang mga labi niya dahil palaki nang palaki ang pagkakaawang niyon habang kinakain ni Blaze ang pagkababae niya. "Oh... ah... uhm... shit—oh!"

Wala sa sariling napasabunot siya sa buhok ni Blaze at walang inhibisyon na lalong ipinagdudulan ang bibig nito sa pagkababae niya. 

"Oh! Oh! Blaze!"

He sucked her clit.

She moaned. 

He sucked her clit again while playing with her entrance. 

She moaned louder. 

He sucked her clit while burying his finger deep inside her. 

She screamed. 

"Ohhh!" 

It was a long lustful scream while her body convulsed as another orgasm ripped through her.  

"Blaze!" Naisigaw niya ang pangalan ng kasintahan habang umaarko ang katawan niya dahil sa pangalawang orgasmong sumabog sa kaibuturan niya. 

But it wasn't enough for Blaze, it was not enough for her either. 

"Oh..." Blaze was still eating her even when she was already trashing the bed because of the pleasure that was blowing her mind. "Oh!"

But her legs remained parted, opened for Blaze and he didn't waste the opportunity to pleasure her even more. 

He licked and lapped and sucked and damn, he was so good at eating her and making her scream... even begging for more. 

Never in her life did she beg... just tonight, with Blaze. 

"Please... please..." She didn't even know what she was begging more. 

More orgasm? More pleasure? More ecstasy? 

And she wasn't disappointed because Blaze delivered. 

He ate her until she was screaming in another orgasm again, her legs shaking at sensation. 

"Blaze..."

Nakagat ni Happy ang pang-ibabang labi nang mag-umpisang maglandas ang mga labi ni Blaze pataas sa puson niya habang may lumalabas pa ring mahihina at maiikling ungol sa mga labi niya. 

Nakikiliti siya at nasasarapan sa ginawa nito. 

His kisses trailed up, to her stomach, ribcage, breasts and her neck. Nipping and licking her skin while settling himself on top of her. And when he was already comfortable being on top of her, he pulled away from kissing her neck and pressed his lips on hers. 

Happy could taste on her tongue the aftertaste of her wetness on Blaze's mouth but she didn't pull away. 

Tinugon niya ang halik nito habang yumayakap ang mga braso sa leeg nito at lalong lumalalim ang halikan nila. They were sucking each other tongue, licking each other's lips and touching each others body. 

Naging malikot na rin ang kamay niya. Parang may sariling isip iyon na hinahaplos sa hubad na katawan ng kasintahan mula dibdib pababa sa baywang nito at lalo pa iyong bumaba hanggang sa mahawakan niya ang pagkalalaki nito. 

Blaze hissed and his kisses became more aggressive while she wrapped her hand on his length and started moving. Up and down. Slowly. 

And he kept sucking her tongue and biting her lips, then buried his face on her neck the same time he buried his length inside her.

And Happy bit on Blaze's shoulder as pain filled her womanhood, making her toes curled.  

"Oh..." Her moan was a mixture of pain and pleasure... but more on pleasure. 

He was big... and long. And it was painful... but it became bearable after a couple of seconds for being still. 

Especially when she heard Blaze whisper over her ear. 

"I love you, Happy Quinn." 

Yumakap siya sa leeg ng kasintahan at iniyakap ang mga hita sa baywang nito kasabay ng paggalaw nito sa loob ng pagkababae niya. 

Dahil basang-basa siya, lumilikha ng ingay ang bawat pag-iisa ng katawan nila kasabay niyon ay ang ungol nilang dalawa ni Blaze. 

"Fuck! Uhm..." Blaze groaned he kissed her neck while pumping in and out of her. "Uhm... Happy... fuck..."

Pabilis nang pabilis ang pag-angkin sa kanya ni Blaze na walang inhibisyong niyang tinutugon at sinasalubong ang bawat ulos nito sa kaibuturan niya. 

"Oh..." she moaned. 

"Happy..." Blaze groaned her name while biting her lower lip and kissing her senseless. 

Humigpit pa lalo ang yakap niya kay Blaze habang pabilis nang pabilis ang bawat ulos nito. 

"Oh! Oh! Oh!" Another orgasm was building up inside her again. "Oh, faster, Blaze... uhm! Faster! Oh! Shit! Oh!"

And Blaze didn't disappoint. His thrusts became faster and he would always bury deep inside her making her gasped in pleasure. Making her nails dug on his back. 

"Happy..."

"Blaze..."

Nagtagpo na naman ang mga labi nila habang inaangkin pa rin ang isa't isa at parehong nahihibang sa sensasyong nalalasap nilang dalawa. 

"Oh—fuck! Happy..." He buried his face on her neck again.

"Uhm! Blaze..." Her nails scratched his back while her body was arching and was accepting hi every thrust.  "Oh! Blaze! Blaze, oh! Blaze!" 

Her moans was now turning into small screams... her orgasm had already built up inside her while Blaze's every thrust became more rough, fast, hard and intense. 

Umuuga ang buo niyang katawan pati na rin ang kama na kinahihigaan habang walang patid siyang inaangkin ng kasintahan na mabilis at mapusok. 

"Oh..." malakas niyang daing at mahigpit siyang napayakap kay Blaze na malakas pa ring binabayo ang pagkababae niya. "Oh... I'm coming... again—oh! Faster, Blaze—uhm!"

So near. So near! 

Lalo pang humigpit ang yakap niya sa lalaki hanggang sa maramdaman niya ang ikatlong orgasmo niya simula nang mag-umpisa sila. 

As blinding pleasure consumed her, she bit his neck and sucked his skin but it didn't stop him from thrusting in and out of her. 

His movement became more rougher and faster and harder until he was groaning and moaning his name again and again.

"Happy... I love you, Happy. Oh! Fuck!"

And then she felt it. Blaze buried himself deep, so deep inside her. And when she felt his warm semen filling her, she unconsciously kissed his neck again, bit it and left a mark. Like the last one. 

But she was in too much pleasure to care. 

Punong-puno ang pagkababae niya ng katas ni Blaze na ang iba ay umagos na palabas. Marami itong inilabas kaya punong-puno siya. 

When Blaze's weight fell into her, he kissed her lips before rolling them over. 

She was on top now while he was resting and catching his breath.

Moments later, she felt Blaze's arm wrap around her waist while making a circular motion on her butt check. 

They were both silent and lost on their own thoughts. No one broke the silence until she felt Blaze's length slowly hardened. Her womanhood was after all pressed against his sex. 

And as it hardened even more, she could feel it rubbing and poking her entrance making her bit her lips because it tickled. 

A good tickle. 

And she was shameless because she started moving her hips, rubbing her wetness on his sex making them both groan. 

Nang hindi pa siya nasiyahan, itinulak niya ang sarili paupo sa ibabaw ni Blaze at iginiya niya ang kahabaan nito sa loob niya.

As it slowly entered her, her mouth was wide open because off too much sensation. 

"Oh! That feels good."

Nang tumingin siya kay Blaze, nakapikit ito at nakaawang din ang mga labi, bakas ang pagnanasa sa mukha. 

They both clearly wanted it again, so she didn't waste another second. 

Happy started grinding her hips, moving up and down, clenching her muscles inside and moving faster. 

"Oh!" Sagad na sagad ang malaki nitong kahabaan sa loob niya kasi nakaupo siya. "So good... oh... I want this..."

Blaze moved his hips to bury himself even more making her hissed in pleasure. 

"Oh! Oh!" 

Happy started moaning again. Nakasabunot siya sa sariling buhok habang gumigiling at nagtataas-baba ang katawan. 

Her breasts were moving up and down while she moved. And when Blaze's hands cupped her breast, her body arched and her movement became even more intense. 

Mas binilisan pa niya lalo, lalo na nang maramdamang malapit na siya. Para siyang nahihibang na iginagalaw ang balakang at nagtataas-baba ang katawan. Napahawak pa siya sa mga kamay ni Blaze na minamasahe ang dibdib niya at lalo pang umarko ang katawan niya. 

And there it was.. another orgasm hit her. 

But even when it was too much to move, she forced herself to move for Blaze. Mas binilisan pa niya hanggang sa pinuno na naman nito ng katas ang pagkababae niya. 

"Oh..." Bumagsak ang katawan niya sa katawan ng kasintahan habang habol ang sariling hininga. "That was good."

"Hmm-mm," Blaze agreed. 

Ayaw pa niyang gumalaw dahil pagod siya pero nanlalagkit ang katawan niya, lalo na ang nasa gitnang bahagi ng mga hita niya. 

Happy groaned as she pushed herself up. "I'm just gonna clean up."

Hindi na niya hinintay ang sagot ni Blaze. Umalis siya sa kama at pumasok sa banyo. Inilalim niya ang katawan sa maligamgam na shower. 

Nakapikit siya at hinahayaan lang na ang tubig na mabasa siya nang may humalik sa batok niya. Napangiti na lang siya at humarap, saka sinakop ang mga labi ng kasintahan.

And the next thing she knew, she was pinned on the bathroom glass wall, her legs around Blaze's waist as he fucked her hard and rough. 

Her back was slamming against the bathroom glass wall but she was in too much pleasure to care. 

Nagsalubong ang mga labi nila at mapusok na naghalikan. Naglaban ang mga dila nila habang mabilis na umuulos sa loob niya si Blaze. 

And she came. Again. 

"Ah!" sigaw ni Happy habang binabalot siya ng sarap ng orgasmo niya. "Oh! Blaze!" Her back was slammed on the glass wall again as he thrust harder and harder until he came. 

She was tired, she wanted to rest after cleaning on the shower but Blaze, he was insatiable. 

After showering together, cleaning themselves, he carried her to the wide bathtub, made her kneel on the tub's floor while gripping the edge for balance while he took her from behind.

"Oh! Uhm!" All she could do was moan as she gripped the edge tighter, so her knees wouldn't slip. "Oh! Shit! Oh!"

She didn't know that being fucked from behind felt this good. Sagad na sagad ang mahaba at mataba nitong pagkalalaki sa loob niya at ang daliri nito ay inaabot ang hiyas ng pagkababae niya na lalong nagpapabaliw sa kanya. 

She could even feel Blaze's lips kissing her back and neck and leaving marks. 

"Oh!

"Happy..." Blaze groaned as he fucked her harder and rougher. 

"Shit! Oh! Oh! Uhm—Blaze... oh..."

Nahihibang na naman siya, nawawala na naman sa tamang huwisyo ang isip niya. May sarili na namang isip ang katawan niya na gumagalaw pasunod sa galaw ng kasintahan. 

"Uhm! Oh!" Lalo siyang nangunyapit sa gilid ng bathtub nang mas bumilis ang pag-angkin sa kanya ni Blaze. At sinabayan nito ang sumabog sa kaibuturan niya ng pagpuno na naman ng katas nito sa pagkababae niya. 

She was catching her breath when Blaze hugged her from behind and whispered while kissing her nape. 

"I love you, Happy."

Napapikit siya at napasandal sa dibdib nito. "So tired..."

Binuhat siya ni Blaze at maingat na pinaupo sa gilid ng bathtub, saka nilinis nito iyon bago punuin ng tubig. And then he carried her back to the tub and they both rested their bodies on the warm water. 

Si Blaze ang nakasandal sa bathtub habang siya ay nakasandal sa dibdib nito. Hinahaplos, saka minamasahe na naman nito ang dibdib niya na ikinangiti na lang niya. 

Blaze was insatiable. 

Kaya hindi na siya nagulat nang umahon sila sa bathtub at nakalabas ng banyo, ang pagtuyo nito sa basa niyang katawan ay nauwi sa mapusok na halikan. 

And Happy just found herself being pleasure by Blaze again. 

Inangkin siya nito nang paulit-ulit. 

Sa sofa, sa study table, sa swivel chair na nandoon, sa carpeted floor at halos sa bawat sulok ng kuwarto nito ay may marka na nilang dalawa. Ilang beses siya nitong inangkin sa kama at sa banyo uli dahil naglinis siya ng katawan. 

And Happy was tired after getting fucked dog style on the bed. 

Thankfully, Blaze finally cuddled her and whispered, "I love you" and "good night" at her. 

Happy cracked open her eyes to see the time on the bedside table watch. 

4:30 AM. 

Mahina siyang natawa, saka umikot paharap kay Blaze at yumakap sa baywang nito. Mas isiniksik pa siya ang katawan sa katawan nito bago ipinikit ang mga mata at naghikab uli. 

Dahil siguro sa pagod na naramdaman, agad siyang nakatulog nang mahimbing. 

Happy came awake few hours later. 

Nang bumukas ang mga mata niya, wala na si Blaze sa tabi niya, mukhang nauna na itong magising. Agad na tumingin siya sa orasan na nasa bedside table. 

1:35 PM. 

Napamulagat siya at agad na bumangon pero nauwi lang sa pagngiwi iyon. 

Her body. It was aching. 

Nasobrahan yata sila kagabi ni Blaze, inabot sila ng madaling araw, eh. While thinking about what happened last night with her and Blaze, she remembered, for some reason, she didn't bleed at first sex. But it was painful. 

Hmm... maybe I have a stretchy hymen like my roommate in college who also didn't bleed. 

She did train martial arts with Midnight after all. 

Ininat niya ang katawan bago pilit na bumangon at natigilan nang mapansing parang may kulang sa kanya. 

Natigilan siya nang mapansin kung ano 'yon. 

Napahawak siya sa pupulsuhan niya. 

No bracelet. That was her dad's gift to her. 

Agad niyang hinahanap iyon sa bed cover at sa bedsheet baka sumiksik lang. 

"Is my baby looking for something?" Boses iyon ni Blaze. Hindi niya napansing pumasok pala ito ng kuwarto. 

She was still naked and didn't bother covering herself. Blaze already feasted on her body last night, what was the use of hiding it when it was just them on the room.

Humarap siya sa kasintahan at nagulat nang makitang may dala itong tray na puno ng pagkain. She was stunned. "You cooked for me?"

"Ahm..." Ngiwi itong ngumiti. Nno. Mom did. I have no future in the kitchen, remember?"

Napailing siya. "What is it?" 

Inilapag nito sa paanan ng kama ang tray para makita niya ang laman. Lutong-bahay ang lahat ng ulam. Adobong baboy at tinolang manok. Kanin. Tubig. At may kasamang iced americano at cheese tart.

Natawa siya sa nakita. "Someone wants my energy back."

Blaze chuckled. "I'm guilty of draining you, baby. I'm so sorry."

"No, you're not," sabi niya na hindi naniniwala rito. 

"You're right. I'm not. If I get the chance, I'll do it again." Inilipat nito ang center table ng sofa, saka bumalik sa kanya. "So... what are you looking for? Me?"

Happy looked for it again. "My bracelet."

Agad siya nitong tinulungang maghanap. At mahina siyang natawa nang mahanap iyon ni Blaze sa carpet na malapit sa sofa. 

Hmm... Blaze did own her on the sofa and on the floor. 

Umupo ito sa gilid ng kama paharap sa kanya. "Come here."

Kahit hubad pa rin, walang inhibisyon na gumalaw si Happy at paharap na umupo sa mga hita ni Blaze. "Put it on me." 

Agad namang isinuot sa kanya ni Blaze ang bracelet, saka hinalikan siya sa mga labi. "Thank you."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "For?"

"For last night."

"Why are you thanking me, I enjoyed it too."

Blaze smiled. "I know."

Happy rolled her eyes then she frowned at his neck. "Are those kiss marks?"

"Yes. Yours. And this." He showed her his bitten shoulder. 

Napakagat-labi siya. "Sorry."

"
Nah
, it's okay. I like it. Now, eat." Pinangko siya nito patungo sa sofa, saka kumuha ng T-shirt nito at isinuot iyon sa kanya. "Come on. It's already two PM."

Agad namang kumain si Happy dahil nakaramdam na siya ng gutom. Nasa kalagitnaan siya ng pagkagat ng cheese tart nang may kumatok at pumasok sa kuwarto. 

It was Blake. 

But when when he saw her only wearing Blaze's shirt, he quietly left immediately.

Nalukot ang mukha ni Blaze, saka hinalikan siya sa noo. "Eat up. Puntahan ko lang si Blake. Mukhang may kailangan sa akin."

Tumango siya at mag-isang inubos ang cheese tart habang pangiti-ngiti. 

She was happy. Really happy. She could feel happiness radiating her body. So this was what it felt like to be intimate with someone you liked. 

Natigilan siya sa sayang nararamdaman at napatanong sa sarili habang sumisimsim ng iced americano. 

Do I just like him... or is it more than that already?

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 28

NAGPAPASALAMAT SI HAPPY na hindi na siya panay ngiwi tuwing gumagalaw siya. Kahit nakahiga siya kahapon ay sumasakit ang pagkababae niya tuwing sinusubukan niyang igalaw ang mga hita. And she even had a fever yesterday! At ang rason lang naman ay dahil sa nangyari sa kanila ni Blaze. 

She had small lacerations on her vagina walls, as her doctor, Dra. Czarina Stroam pointed out when she visited her, as per Blaze's request. 

Why did Blaze had to be insatiable? And why did she let him? Now, she was in pain because of having sex! Who would have thought that sex could give her a fever?

Tiningnan niya nang masama si Blaze na nakasandal sa hamba ng pinto ng kuwarto nito. 

"What are you looking at?" tanong niya. "You look guilty."

"Because I am. I'm sorry?" Then he showed her a box of cheese tart. 

Napasimangot siya. "It's cheese tarts. Bina-blackmail mo ako."

"Again, I'm really sorry," sabi nito, saka naglakad palapit sa kanya at umupo sa gilid ng kama. "I should have known that this will happen because it was your first time, and I wasn't gentle and we did it a lot of times. I'm really guilty, baby. Hindi ko na uulitin."

Dahan-dahan siyang bumangon at agad siyang inalalayan paupo ni Blaze. "It's okay. Ginusto ko naman. Pero hindi mo na talaga uulitin? That's nice—"

"Only one sex a day," Blaze cut her off. "Okay na sa akin 'yon."

Natawa si Happy habang nakahilig sa headboard ng kama. "Big help naman 'yong gamot na inireseta sa akin ni Dra. Stroam. Hindi na masyadong painful ang katawan ko like yesterday and medyo kaya nang gumalaw ng mga hita ko na hindi ako nahu-hurt. But shit, every time I pee, I wanna kill you!"

Blaze looked really guilty. "I love you. I love you. I love you."

Inungusan niya ito. "That will not work on me."

"I know. But I'm still gonna say it. I love you." Blaze intertwined their hands together. "How are you feeling today?"

"Still sore," sagot niya. "A little." Then she opened her mouth. "Cheese tart please?"

Agad naman siyang sinubuan ni Blaze. Nang matapos niyang nguyain 'yon at lunukin ay nagtanong siya. "Ano pala ang sinabi mo kina Tita Beth and Lucky?"

"You have a flu." Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi nito. "Hindi naman nila alam na may pumunta ritong doktor. Nasa labas sila lahat maliban kay King, pero hindi naman 'yon lumalabas sa kuwarto niya."

"That would be embarrassing if malaman nila."

Tumawa lang ang loko, saka nahiga sa gilid ng kama, sa tabi niya, at yumakap sa baywang niya. 

"Happy?"

"Hmm?"

Tiningala siya ni Blaze dahil ang ulo nito ay ka-level lang ng baywang niya. "I love you."

He kissed his forehead. "I'm getting there."

Blaze just smiled and didn't demand anything from her. Humigpit lang ang hawak nito sa kamay niya at hinalikan ang likod niyon. 

"Hindi na natuloy ang date natin," may paghihimutok na sabi ni Blaze. "Duty ko na sa makalawa. Mawawalan na naman ako ng oras sa iyo. I hate it."

"Okay naman na siguro ako tomorrow. I can walk na," sabi niya na umaasa. "Just no sex... please?"

"Of course. I'll give you one week to recover and then we'll make love again. Gently this time and not so many rounds."

Napailing siya. "One week? So kind of you, my big baby," puno ng sarkasmo niyang sabi. 

Blaze chuckled. "I know, right? Kind is my middle name."

She shook her head and using her free hand, she started combing his hair. "How's Midnight cell phone by the way?" It had been two days now. 

"Still on process. It's not just one encryption, baby, it has six." Blaze tsked. "Track is down to the last three. He's having a hard time cracking it but he'll get there."

Napatango-tango siya. "That's a good news."

"It is." He opened her eyes and looked up at her again. "Wanna hear another good news?"

"What?"

"I already made an appointment and it's all set. You'll have your whole-body scan next week."

That made her smile. "Sana wala akong sakit."

"Sana..." Blaze just couldn't help it, he kissed her thighs and belly before looking at her. "I'm sorry again. And I love you."

Hinalikan lang niya ito sa noo bilang sagot. Napangiti siya nang yakapin siya nito. 

"Baby?"

"Hmm?" she replied. 

"Mag-iisang linggo ka na rito, aalis ka ba? Hindi ba one week lang ang plano mong manatili rito?"

Umiling si Happy. "No. There's so much going on here that I need to know."

"So, if there's nothing going on here, you'll leave?"

She moved her body to lay on the bed and made Blaze's arm her pillow. "Do you want me to leave?"

"Hell, no," agad nitong sabi. 

"Then I'm not leaving," sabi niya, saka isiniksik ang katawan sa katawan ni Blaze. "I actually like it here. My sister is here... you're here. I miss Dad though... but, ahm... leaving feels like it's not an option anymore." 

"Then don't leave." Niyakap siya nang mahigpit ni Blaze. "Don't leave me. I know I'm asking a lot but I'll make it up to you."

Happy cupped his face and looked into his eyes. "Blazey, in our relationship right now, I'm not going anywhere without you. I mean, 'di ba nag-talk na tayo about this? Give and take? Susubukan natin, 'di ba? And this is it. Paano natin malalaman if we're meant to be kung aalis ako, 'di ba? You made it pretty clear to me that life is short not to risk it, remember?"

Blaze smiled. "I love you. That's all I can say."

Ngumiti siya, saka niyakap nangg mahigpit ang kasintahan. "I'm staying. For you."

"That's the closest thing to I love you too from you," wika ni Blaze, saka humigpit pa ang yakap sa kanya. 

At sa paglipas ng mga minuto, namalayan niyang nakatulog na pala ito. 

Hinayaan niyang matulog nang mahimbing ang kasintahan. Dahil sa lagnat niya, hindi maayos ang tulog nito dahil inaalagaan siya. 

At dahil hindi naman siya inaantok, inabot niya ang cheese tart, saka inumpisahang kainin 'yon. Hanggang sa naisipan niyang subukan kung kaya na niyang maglakad nang hindi sumasakit ang pagkababae niya. 

Maingat siyang bumangon at iniapak ang paa sa carpeted floor, saka dahan-dahang tumayo. 

Napakagat-labi si Happy nang maramdaman na naroon pa rin ang kirot pero kaya na niya ang sakit. Sinubukan niya ang humakbang at medyo napangiwi siya.

Yes. There was definitely pain. But it was bearable now. Sa ngayon, magpapahinga na muna siya para agad siyang maka-recover at para matuloy na ang date nila ni Blaze bukas. 

Umupo siya sa gilid ng kama at nilingon si Blaze. Masuyo siyang napangiti habang nakatingin sa lalaki. He had been patient with her. Not demanding I love you too from her. And he really took good care of her yesterday. 

Napatigil si Happy sa pagtitig sa maamong mukha ni Blaze habang mahimbing na natutulog nang makitang umiilaw ang screen ng cell phone niya na nasa bedside table. Naka-silent 'yon kaya walang ingay. 

Tumayo siya at tiniis ang kirot para kunin ang cell phone, saka tingnan kung bakit 'yon umiilaw. 

It was an unregistered number. 

Sinagot pa rin niya iyon kahit hindi kilala ang tumatawag. 

"Hello? Who is this?" Bahagya siyang lumayo sa kama baka magising si Blaze sa boses niya. 

"H-Happy? I-is that you?"

Napakunot ang noo niya sa parang nanginginig na boses ng babae sa kabilang linya. "Who's this?"

"I-It's me, baby. Don't you remember my voice?"

Lalong lumalim ang pagkakakunot ng noo niya. "I'm sorry but I don't know you. Could you please tell me who you are to jog my memory?"

Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago ito sumagot. "My name is Helena. Can we meet in a restaurant or café? I'm here in the Philippines. I just wanna see you and talk to you, Happy. Please?" 

Umupo siya sa pang-isahang sofa. "I'm sorry but I don't know you."

"I know, but I know your father." May panginginig pa rin sa boses ng nasa kabilang linya na para bang nagpipigil itong huwag umiyak. "We'll meet in the open. With many people. You can even bring someone with you. Please... I just wanna see you."

The woman was really begging and for some reason, she wanted to agree to meet her. 

But what if something bad happened? What if this woman wanted to hurt her? Ilang beses na siyang nabaril para malamang huwag magpadalos-dalos, lalo na sa mga taong hindi niya kilala. 

"Please, Happy? I beg you. Please?" The woman was sobbing now. "If you can, I want to meet you now. I'm running out of time, baby. I'm running out of time."

Sa halip na sumagot, pinatay niya ang tawag at napatitig sa screen ng cell phone. And then she received a message from the same number containing an address and time. 

First was Midnight's disappearance, that deleted file on Midnight's flash drive, the encrypted files on his phone, Blake and Blaze being part of something together with Midnight. Her dad keeping someone from her and now this. 

What was going on? This woman seemed to know her and her dad. She even called her "baby." 

She was confused while thinking deeply. Hinahalungkat niya ang isip niya kung ano ba ang nangyayari pero wala talaga siyang nakuhang sagot.  

Kaya naman tinawagan niya ang ama. When he didn't answer, she texted him. 

Do you know a woman named Helena? She wants to meet me. She said she knows you.

Ilang minuto ang hinintay niya pero walang sagot mula sa ama. 

Kumuyom ang kamay ni Happy Alam niyang mahal siya ng daddy niya pero bakit parang pakiramdam niya inabandona siya nito? Dahil ba sanay siyang nasa tabi niya ito palagi?

She was dragged out from her reverie when she heard a loud groan coming from the bed. 

Agad siyang napalingon sa kasintahan at nakita itong pabaling-baling habang pinagpapawisan. Kunot ang noo at nakakuyom ang kamay. 

Nightmare! 

Kahit masakit ang pagkababae niya, tinakbo niya ang distansiya mula sa sofa patungong kama para gisingin si Blaze. 

"Blaze! Blazey!" sigaw niya habang niyuyugyog ang balikat nito. "Blazey!"

After calling his name five times more he finally opened his eyes that was filled with fear. And when he saw her, he immediately hugged her so tight. 

"Don't leave me. Please don't," he whispered while catching his own breath. 

Hinagod niya ang likod ng lalaki. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Pinakawalan siya ni Blaze sa mahigpit na yakap, saka may pag-aalala at may takot na hinilamos ang mga palad sa mukha bago tumingin sa kanya. "I had a bad dream. Nalaman mo raw ang nakaraan ko at iniwan mo ako. You left me," he whispered. "Fuck!"

Umangat ang kamay niya para masuyong haplusin ang pisngi ng kasintahan. "Blaze, look at me."

He did. 

"It's just a dream," pagpapakalma niya rito. "I'm here. I'm not leaving you."

"Keeping my past from you is giving me nightmares. Kahit malaman mo ang nakaraan ko, hindi ka aalis?" may pagdududa nitong tanong. "You already left me once."

"Blazey, When I agree to commit, I also agreed to stay with you. To make this work. Pero if you don't want na sabihin sa akin ang nightmare mo, that's okay. Everyone is entitled to keep things to themselves. I understand and respect that. Pero kung like mo ng kausap, I'm just here."

Blaze's face fell. "Matatanggap mo pa rin kaya ako? Will you not look at me differently?"

She was confused but she didn't want to force Blaze to tell her his nightmares. "Blazey, you don't have to tell me."

He looked down. "But I hate keeping secrets from you, I'm serious about this relationship, Happy. I'm serious about you... but this one... I'm afraid to come clean to you. You'll leave. I'm sure of it."

"Try me," sabi niya sa malambing na boses. "But only if you want to."

Blaze looked at her in the eyes for a long minute before he spoke. "I've killed someone before."

Happy took a deep breath. What Blaze said didn't come as a shock because he was a doctor and sometimes patients died. "Who?"

"I forced myself to forget their names."

"Your patients?"

Blaze stilled before shaking his head. "Not patients, Happy. But bad people."

Her eyes widened as realization sunk in. "What are you telling me, Blaze?"

"I'm a doctor who save lives but the truth is, I end lives too. And I'm afraid to tell you that part of my past. Baka matakot ka sa akin at iwan mo ako. I'm not a good man, Happy, though I tried to be. And now, with you, I'm trying even harder to be one. My life was fucked up. When I lost Mom and Cassie, I wanted revenge and justice because the law couldn't give it to me. And that's what we did. Me and Blake. We let the organization use us to kill for them and be their spies. In return, they will help us get the justice we wanted. 

"Remember when I told you that I was a drug dealer too, a killer, a pimp and more? It's all true, Happy. But I don't kill for fun. I kill for a reason and I know my reason doesn't justify what I've done but that's all I got. My reason and what I believe in. For Mom and Cassie's justice. I know I shouldn't have put justice in my hand but losing someone you love brutally." Napailing ito. "I just can't let them get away with it. I just can't. I have to make them pay."

"How many have you killed?" she asked.

"Hindi ko na mabilang sa dami," bulong ni Blaze at nagbaba ng tingin na parang kinakahiya nito ang ginawa. "They say that in each kill, you'll feel less conscience... it's true. Every life I took, it shredded away a small part of my soul and my humanity until it slowly broke me, together with losing Cassie, it really broke me apart. I joke around with people because that's my escape. Yes, I was not okay but I decided to be fine even when I'm not. For my brother, I promise to myself that I'll do it right, with a smile. But it's a fake smile.

"And then..." He looked at her and smile softly. "You came along, you made me happy again and I got addicted and lost at the same time. And I made some mistakes with you, I know. But you saved me from breaking down, Happy. You pulled me from my breaking point... And my exhaustion, it fades away when you're with me. You give me a reason to live longer and be happy."

This man... he was really on his breaking point when she met her. That was why he wanted her to stay before and now he was afraid that she might leave again.

Blaze smiled softly at her. "When I get to know Happy Quinn, you became the answer and a cure to my pain. It's like you give me my life back and it may not be right but my world revolves around you now and I can't stop for being crazy over you. And I don't know if I can take another pain again. I was only able to free myself from pain and anguish because of you... because you are the answer and the cure to this broken man's affliction." 

Titig na titig si Happy Kay Blaze habang nagsasalita ito. Nakikita niya ang pag-aalala sa mga mata nito. Pag-aalala na baka umalis siya at iwan ito sa mga pinagtapat nito sa kanya. 

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga, saka pinagsalikop ang kamay nilang dalawa. Pinisil niya ang kamay nito. "Blazey, I won't judge what you did in the past. You have your reasons and it may not justify what you did but... for some reason, I don't really care. I don't even know why I don't care." Napapailing na natawa siya nang mahina. "Dapat nga tumakbo na ako ngayon palayo sa iyo sa mga nalaman ko pero... hindi ko magawa. Gusto kong mag-stay sa tabi mo kasi para sa akin, I know that you're a good man, Blazey. An amazing brother to Blake and Bailey, you are very good to Lucky and a good son to Tita Beth. My mind is still trying to wrap around the fact that you have killed before... but I'm not gonna leave you for that reason. Susubukan natin, 'di ba? And this is it. This is our relationship. Not perfect like both of us but we'll work it out."

Tumango si Blaze, saka niyakap siya nang mahigpit habang nakasubsob ang mukha nito sa leeg niya. "Thank you... thank you, Happy. For not leaving me."

Hinaplos niya ang buhok ng kasintahan nang maramdamang nabasa ang leeg niya. 

He's crying. 

"Sshh... kasasabi ko pa lang na I won't leave you bakit ka umiiyak?"

"Tears of relief, I guess." Blaze chuckled; his face was still buried on the hallow of her neck. "I feel like I can breathe now because you didn't judge me."

"Who am I to judge?" She kissed his shoulder while still caressing his back. "Only God gets to do that. And God forgives too, so, ahm, maybe we should go to church sometimes, let's both ask for forgiveness. We all made mistakes after all. And then mag-pray tayo na sana makaya natin itong commitment na pinasok natin." 

Blaze pulled away while nodding. "Yes. Let's do that."

She smiled and dried his damp cheeks. "Stop being a big baby..." Napatigil siya sa pagsasalita, saka napailing. "No, you're not a big baby. I mean, knowing your past, I'm having a hard time na paniwalaan na big baby ka."

Blaze smiled before leaning in and kissing her lips, the tip of her nose, her cheeks and her jaw. "I'm still your big baby, Happy. And I'm only like this to my family so... when you see me with my friends and I'm all badass looking, don't worry about it. I'll be a big baby when I'm with you." Then he pouted at her. "Kiss me back?"

Mahina siyang natawa. "Yep. You're a big baby."

"I'm your big baby."

Happy rolled her eyes and was about to kiss Blaze when her phone's screen lit up. 

It was the same unknown number. 

"Hindi mo ba sasagutin?" tanong ni Blaze na nalukot ang mukha dahil nabitin ang halikan nilang dalawa. 

"Nakausap ko na siya kanina noong tulog ka. Her name is Helena and she wants to meet with me. Sabi niya know niya ang daddy ko."

"And?"

Umiling si Happy. "I don't know. Baka mapahamak ako if we meet. I mean, I don't want to get shot at again."

"Gusto mo, samahan kita?"

"Okay lang sa iyo na makipag-meet ako kahit hindi ko kilala?"

Blaze nodded. "You look bothered and I can see it, you wanna meet her too. Don't worry, I can protect both of us."

Happy took a deep breath. "Like niya now na."

"Kaya mo na bang maglakad?"

"A little."

"Sige." Umalis sa kama si Blaze at tinungo ang closet nito. "What do you want to wear? Ako na ang kukuha."

"A simple dress will do," sagot niya. 

Ilang minuto rin si Blaze sa closet at nang lumabas, nakapagbihis na ito ng itim na T-shirt at naka-rugged jeans. Lumapit ito sa kanya at napangiti siya nang ito ang naghubad sa damit niya at binihisan siya. 

"
Aww
... my boyfriend is so sweet."

Kinindatan lang siya nito, saka isinuot ang flat shoes sa paa niya. Pagkatapos ay pinangko siya nito paupo sa harap ng vanity mirror para mag-ayos. 

"You're already pretty to me but I know you wouldn't like to go out looking pale." He kissed his cheeks. "Do your girl thing."

Natatawang nag-ayos si Happy. Hinayaan niyang nakalugay ang buhok niya, kaunting lagay ng pressed powder sa mukha at tamang blush on, saka naglagay siya ng lipstick. 

"Is that kiss proof?" Blaze asked while tying his shoelace. "I heard from the nurses in the hospital that there is something like that. Gusto kong walang pumipigil sa akin kapag gusto kitang halikan. So that better be kiss proof, baby."

Mahina siyang natawa. 

Tumayo mula sa pagkakaupo sa sofa si Blaze, saka tumingin sa kanya. "Alis na tayo?"

Tumango si Happy, saka tumayo habang hawak ang clutch bag. Maglalakad sana siya pero pinangko siya ni Blaze palabas ng kuwato. 

"Save your energy later outside," sabi nito. 

She smiled. "Thank you." 

Ngumiti lang si Blaze habang maingat na naglalakad patungo sa garahe. Maingat siya nitong isinakay sa sasakyan nito, saka umikot patungo sa driver's seat. 

Ibinigay niya ang address ng restaurant kay Blaze bago sila umalis kaya nagtaka siya nang tumigil ang kotse nito sa Café Lila. Ang café kung saan siya nito binibilhan palagi ng cheese tart. 

"Bakit dito?" tanong niya kay Blaze habang inaalis ang seat belt. 

"Text or call her," utos nito sa kanya. "Sabihin mong makikipagkita ka lang sa café na napili mo. It's safer this way."

Agad niyang nakuha ang ibig sabihin ni Blaze. It was a bit safer because they were here first. 

Nagpadala siya ng mensahe kay Helena bago sila pumasok sa café at nag-order. 

They waited for an hour before a woman walked into the café and went to her and Blaze's table. 

Pinakatitigan niya ang babae. She looked familiar... she even felt familiar. 

"Are you Helena?"

Tumango ang babae.

"Have a seat," sabi ni Blaze na pinaghugot ng upuan ang ginang. 

"Why do you want to see me?" agad niyang tanong nang makaupo ito. 

Her teary eyes looked at her. "I was hoping that you'll remember me once you see me. I know it's been a long time and you were so little back then."

Happy frowned. "You look familiar but I can't tell who you are."

A tear fell from her eyes. "Don't you really remember me, Happy? Not even my name? We used to play together, remember?"

Umiling siya. "I don't. I'm sorry."

Helena smiled while tears are streaming down her face. "Happy, it's Mommy... I'm your mom."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 29

KANINA PA SILA nakauwi ni Blaze pero wala pa rin si Happy sa sarili habang malalim na nag-iisip. Malalim na ang gabi at tulog na si Blaze, pero siya hindi makatulog. Paulit-ulit na nagtatanong ang isip niya kung paanong nabuhay ang kanyang ina. Mula nang magising siya sa coma, hindi nila napag-usapan ng ama ang kanyang ina. 

Her father only told her that her mom passed away and that he had no picture because he had burned them all. And she didn't ask questions because for some reason, she was not interested to know. 

Odd as it was, she really didn't ask about her mother at all. 

And now... her mother was here. And she was not buying it. Hangga't hindi kino-confirm ng ama niya na nanay niya si Helena, hindi siya maniniwala. It had been nearly a decade since she woke up from coma. Why just now? Kung kailan magulo ang sitwasyon, saka ito magpapakita? 

Inabot niya ang cell phone na nasa bedside table at tinawagan ang ama pero tulad noong mga naunang pagkakataon, hindi nito sinagot ang tawag niya. 

Napasabunot siya sa sariling buhok, saka maingat na lumabas ng kuwarto para hindi magising si Blaze at tinungo ang kuwarto ni King. 

Kumatok siya sa pinto at agad naman iyong bumukas. 

"Young Miss." Parang nagulat si King na nakita siya sa labas ng pinto nito. 

"Can we talk?" she asked. 

"Of course." 

Lumabas si King sa kuwarto at natagpuan nila ang sarili sa kusina, nakaupo sa hapagkainan. 

"Something bothering you, Young Miss?" tanong agad ni King. 

Tumango siya. "I met a woman today, King, and she told me that she's my mother. She felt familiar but I don't know what to believe anymore. I'm not buying It. She won't even explain to me how she is alive. She just keeps on saying that she's running out of time. I feel like my whole life is mess. Slowly, I'm realizing things and it's confusing. I know that Daddy loves me but... where is he when I need him?"

"Master Dominick only wants what's best for you and no worries, I stopped reporting to him when you asked me to," sabi ni King na nakatingin sa kanya. "Master Dominick, he, ahm, he wouldn't have done this if he has a choice. He always tells me that he doesn't want your life to be like his. That you deserve better. But there are times that you don't get to choose what life you want to live because there are instances that life will choose for you and you have to live with it."

"Life is a choice you make," she said. 

King nodded. "Yes, it is. But I believe in both. Life is a choice but sometimes life chooses for us. It depends on the situation and someone's perspective. And since we're all different, we all have different understanding in things. That's just my opinion, Young Miss. And I will not impose my opinion on you. All I want to say is Master Dominick did everything to keep you away from harm. But life has a very twisted sense of humor." 

Huminga si Happy nang malalim. "Why is Dad keeping secrets from me, King? I know you know."

"He's just trying to protect you."

"From what exactly?"

"From bad people who will shred you to pieces if they get the chance." King smiled at her. "You should sleep, Young Miss. You just had a fever yesterday."

Tumango lang si Happy at hinayaan si King na makaalis ng hapagkainan. Nang mag-isa na lang siya, sa dami ng gumugulo sa isip niya, para mawala iyon ay nagluto siya kahit disoras na ng gabi at kahit medyo masakit pa rin ang pagkababae niya. 

And when she finished cooking and turned around, she jumped a little when she saw Blaze leaning on the kitchen's frame, his hands on the pocket of his sweatpants, he had no shirt, while looking at her. 

"Blazey..." 

"My baby can't sleep?" Blaze asked. 

Tumango siya. "Sorry, there's just so much going on in my head right now. Can't sleep. Pagkatapos ng nalaman ko I called Dad but no answer. It's like he abandoned me or something. Pero siguro may reason si Daddy kung bakit wala siya. I know that he loves me but I don't even know why I'm feeling like this."

"It's okay." Umalis ito sa pagkakahilig sa hamba ng pinto, saka naglakad palapit sa kanya at yumakap sa baywang niya. "Pero sana ginising mo ako para nasamahan kita."

Umiling siya. "You need sleep. Binantayan mo ako kagabi because I had a fever so ngayon dapat you're resting."

"I'm fine, baby." He kissed her lips and slowly pulled away. "But you, you need to rest. Hindi ka pa masyadong magaling." 

Nilingon niya ang niluto. "Sayang ang niluto ko."

"Kakainin ko para hindi masayang, 'tapos matutulog na tayo," sabi nito at bumitaw sa pagkakayakap sa kanya. Kumuha ito ng pinggan, naglagay ng kanin at ulam na niluto niya, saka umupo sa harap ng mesa. 

Siya naman ay ikinuha ng maiinom na tubig si Blaze sa ref, saka sinalinan ito sa baso. 

"Masarap ba?" tanong niya. 

"Kasinsarap mo," sagot ng loko, sabay kindat sa kanya.

Napailing si Happy, saka umupo sa tabi ng kasintahan. Tahimik lang siya habang kumakain ito. 

Pagkatapos kumain ni Blaze, iniligpit nito ang pinagkainan at humarap sa kanya. 

"Let's go sleep?"

Tumango siya. "Sige."

He sighed as he looked at her. "Mukha pa ring ang bigat ng dinadala mo," obserba nito. 

Nagkibit-balikat lang siya. "Marami lang akong iniisip."

Blaze tsked before walking to the fridge. Nang isara nito pinto ng ref, may hawak na itong solo pack na pistachio and cashew ice cream. 

"Will this make you feel better?" tanong ni Blaze sa kanya habang ipinapakita ang ice cream na hawak. 

Napangiti siya. "Ice cream, really? I'm not brokenhearted, Blazey."

"I know but you look bothered, and I hope this ice cream can sweeten and lift your spirit up." He smiled at her. "I don't like seeing you like this. I want my happy baby back. I miss your smile and laughter. Please?"

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga, saka nilapitan si Blaze at kinuha rito ang ice cream na hawak. "Grab some spoon."

"Yes!" Nasisiyahang napasuntok pa ito sa hangin bago kumuha ng dalawang kutsara at sabay silang bumalik sa kuwarto nito. 

Pero sa halip na kainin lang 'yon, binuksan nila ang TV at nanood ng comedy film habang nakaupo sa carpet, sa may paanan ng kama. 

Sabay silang tumatawa ni Blaze sa mga nakakatawang scene ng pelikula at kumakain ng ice cream hanggang sa ihilig niya ang ulo sa balikat ng kasintahan. 

"Sleepy?" Blaze asked in a whisper.

She yawned. "Thank you for making me feel better."

He kissed her forehead. "Anything for my baby."

She smiled and closed her eyes while still leaning on Blaze's shoulder until she fell asleep. 

MAINGAT NA PINANGKO ni Blaze ang kasintahan at dahan-dahan itong ihiniga sa kama, saka agad na kinumutan. Hinalikan niya muna ito sa noo bago iniligpit ang kalat nila at bumalik sa tabi nito. 

At sa pagkakataong 'yon, siya naman ang hindi nakatulog kaya tumagilid siya ng higa at pinakatitigan si Happy. Mahimbing itong natutulog at mahinang humihilik na ikinangiti niya. 

He never thought that he would feel this kind of happiness again. And that he would be afraid to lose someone again besides his family. 

Happy was his salvation and he loved her even more for that. For being a light to his darkness. 

Naputol ang pagtitig niya kay Happy nang tumunog ang cell phone niya na nasa gilid ng kama sa tabi ng unan niya. Mabilis niya iyong sinagot baka magising si Happy. At nang tingnan niya kung sino ang tumatawag, natigilan siya nang makitang hindi iyon naka-save sa contacts niya. 

Inilapit niya ang cell phone sa tainga. "Who's this?"

"Blaze Vitale?"

He frowned. "Who's this?"

"It's me. Dominick Quinn."

Napabangon siya bigla sa pangalang ibinigay ng nasa kabilang linya. "Say that again?"

"Dominick Quinn." 

Umalis siya sa kama at pumasok sa banyo, saka isinara ang pinto. "Sir, Happy has been calling you—"

"I know."

Nahilot niya ang sentido. "Then why call me and not your daughter? I didn't mean to disrespect you, Sir, but Happy, she thinks that you abandoned her."

"I know. Pero abala ako sa paghahanap ng magagaling na doktor para kay Lucky. At nandiyan ka naman, kaya mo na 'yan."

Nagulat siya sa sinabi ng nasa kabilang linya. "What?"

"You're a Vitale. Kaya mong alagaan ang anak ko."

"What does that suppose to mean?" he asked, confused. 

"What I mean is, protect my daughter at all costs, Blaze Vitale. I know your relationship with her." Dominick Quinn said in a very threatening voice. "And I also know who you are and I know who your father is. Even just a small scratch on my daughter, I will destroy your family. Royalty or not, you won't stand a chance."

Nagtagis ang mga bagang niya. "I don't do well on threats, Sir."

"I don't care. Keep my daughter safe, that's your job."

Napailing si Blaze. "I thought that's King Zabat's job. Isn't that the reason why he's with Happy?"

"King Zabat is a butler... an adviser. He can fight but not as good as you. Keep my daughter safe. I don't care how you do it, just keep her safe for the next four weeks and after that, she will be the one keeping you safe."

Malakas siyang napabuntong-hininga. "Happy misses you, Sir."

"I miss her too so keep my daughter safe. I want to see her again after all this."

Tumiim ang mga bagang niya. "I will keep her safe, Sir, not because you asked me to but because I love her and I can't lose her. "

"
Zíto
." 

Blaze stilled when he heard that very familiar language that meant "long live" in English. It had been a long time since he heard that. And the last man whom he heard it from was a member of the Organization!  

Fuck! 

Wala na sa kabilang linya ang ama ni Happy pero nasa loob pa rin siya ng banyo. Naguguluhan na rin siya sa mga nangyayari, lalo na sa misteryong bumabalot kay Happy, pero lalo siyang naguluhan ngayon. 

When Dominick Quinn said "you're a Vitale" it was like he was commanding him to do something without question and hesitation because he was a Vitale. 

Like being a Vitale was an obligation and that his surname answered to Dominick Quinn. 

Mabilis niyang tinawagan ang ama na tanging tao na alam niya na masasagot ang katanungan sa isip niya. 

"Dad."

"Blaze." His father's voice was sleepy. "What it is, son?"

"Do you remember Dominick Quinn? Lucky's father? He called me and I wanna ask something—" 

"He called you?" Parang biglang nawala ang antok sa boses nito. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing—"

"Don't lie to me, Blaze!" matigas ang boses na sabi ng ama niya, wala na ang magiliw na amang nakilala niya nitong mga nakaraan na buwan. "Dominick Quinn is not the kind of person who would say nothing when he calls. It's always important. So, what did he say?"

"Tell me first why he sounds entitled to give me orders," matigas din ang boses niyang tugon. "Just because I have your surname."

"Because he is."

Umaawang ang mga labi ni Blaze sa gulat sa narinig. "What do you mean? You're a royalty, Dad. That means I am too. Not that I'm boasting but Dominick Quinn is a businessman. Yes, he came from a long line of aristocrat family but you are a duke, Dad. He doesn't have the right to order a royalty."

"Dominick Quinn is more superior that I am, son," sabi ng ama niya, saka bumuntong-hininga at bumalik na sa kalmado ang boses. "Don't worry about it. I'll call him to check what he wants."

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay. "You have Dominick Quinn's number? Did you two became close on Blake and Lucky's wedding or something?"

"Dominick Quinn is an old friend of mine. I already knew him before the wedding. We just pretended that we didn't know each other."

"You pretended?" He was shocked. 

"His idea," sabi ng ama niya. 

Napailing siya. "I'm dating his daughter, Dad," imporma niya sa ama. 

"Happy Aravena Quinn?"

"Yes."

His father let out a shaky nervous laugh. "You know how to pick a woman, son. Does Dominick Quinn know?"

"Yes."

"And he hasn't killed you yet?"

"He hates me."

"Oh. That's normal. I hate Shun Kim too, until he married your sister."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Yes. Shun told us how strict you were."

"Still am but I'm trying to tune it down with you and Blake. You're already old enough for me to be strict. And you don't have vaginas so we're all good."

Napailing siya. "Bye, Dad. Take care."

"Bye, son."

Nang mawala ang ama sa kabilang linya, lumabas siya ng banyo at napatitig kay Happy na mahimbing pa ring natutulog. 

Happy Aravena Quinn

Nasisiguro niyang may koneksiyon ang ama niya at ang ama ni Happy. They were not just old friends like his father said. Narinig niya ang kakaibang kaba sa boses ng ama nang sabihin niyang tumawag sa kanya si Dominick Quinn. 

It was like he feared what Dominick Quinn was capable of. 

Or he was just imagining things. 

Bumalik si Blaze sa kama at maingat na tumabi ng higa kay Happy. Pumailalim siya sa kumot at yumakap sa baywang ng kasintahan.

He couldn't help but to bury his face on Happy's neck because she smelled good. A mixture of a body wash and her natural scent as a woman. 

He liked smelling her... but he'd rather taste her. 

Pero hindi pa puwede. Happy had to recover first. 

Bahagyang nagising si Happy sa ginawa niya dahil gumalaw ito at itinulak siya patihaya dahil nakatagilid siya. Basta na lang itong pumatong sa ibabaw niya, habang ang ulo ay nasa dibdib niya. Narinig niya ang mahina nitong paghilik. 

Blaze couldn't breathe properly! He was having a hard on! 
For fuck's sake! And she was sleeping like a baby!

Maingat siyang nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga bago iniyakap ang mga mga braso sa baywang ng kasintahan.

At kahit hirap na hirap siya dahil tigas na tigas na ang pagkalalaki niya, pinilit niya ang makatulog. 

An hour later, he was still awake. 

But another hour later, he was falling asleep. 

Thank God! 

AGAD NA ININAT ni Happy ang mga braso nang magising at papikit-pikit na bumangon. Kinusot niya ang mga mata, saka tuluyang iminulat iyon na nauwi sa pamimilog nang makita kung ano ang ginagawa ni Blaze. 

He was hanging upside down in the bathroom's door frame and he was bending his body up and down like he was exercising, with his eyes closed.

Nakaawang ang mga labi na napakurap-kurap siya sa ginagawa ng kasintahan. 

Blaze made it look like it was easy hanging upside down while bending your body up and down. 

So 
this is why he is fit, with muscles in the right places.
 

Napangiti si Happy, saka umalis ng kama at dahan-dahang nilapitan si Blaze. Umuklo siya para hulihin ang pagbaba ng ulo nito at mabilis niya itong hinalikan sa mga labi. 

Agad na bumukas ang nakapikit na mga mata ni Blaze at ngumiti. "Good morning, baby."

"Good morning," sagot niya, saka bumalik sa pagkakahiga sa kama. 

While Blaze finished his exercise and used a towel to dry his sweat. "How are you feeling today?"

Natawa siya sa tanong nito. "You're say it like pasyente mo ako at binibisita mo ako kuwarto para alamin if I'm okay or not."

"Let me rephrase that." Namaywang si Blaze, nakahubad baro ito at naka-sweatpants lang. "Is baby feeling better today?"

And that made her smile. "Yes, Doc. Your baby is feeling better. Why?"

Blaze grinned. "Let's have a date."

It made her grin as well. "Where are we going on our date? Have a place in mind?"

Natigilan si Blaze na parang nag-iisip, kapagkuwan ay bumagsak ang mga balikat nito at napailing. "I... ahm... movie?"

"We can do that here," sabi niya. 

"Dine together."

"I can just cook for you. You like it more."

"True." Blaze sighed. "Let's go to amusement park?"

Umiling siya, saka napangiwi. "I had enough visit to amusement park. My dad used to bring me there when I woke up from coma because he said I missed a lot of things as a kid. So no, not going there again."

Blaze frowned as he was thinking deeper. "Park? Picnic?"

Umiling siya. 

"Beach maybe, with a resort?"

She liked that idea but she shook her head. "Blaze, my vagina is still in a little pain and if pumunta tayo sa beach na may resort, I am sure you will have me in bed in more ways than one because it's just us there. So, no."

Blaze tsked. "So judgemental..." 

Nagtatanong ang mga matang tumingin siya rito. "So hindi mo ako aangkinin doon? Tell me na mali ang sinabi ko."

Natigilan si Blaze, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "Fine. It will happen. But... I can't think of anything to do."

Happy grinned. "Let's go shopping."

Blaze grimaced. "I hate shopping."

Itinuro niya ang closet. "Kaunti lang ang clothes na dinala ko. I need more if I'm going to stay here. And some of my personal stuff is nauubos na rin so... let's go shopping?"

Blaze face fell. "That's not a date, baby. That's a torture for me."

Happy gave him a cheeky smile. "Give and take, remember?"

Hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Blaze. "So, this is me giving." He sighed heavily. "When are we going to switch places? 'Yon ako naman ang tatanggap?"

Pilya niya itong nginitian. "Kapag okay na ako, two days in the resort. I'm all yours."

"Hell, yeah!" Sumuntok pa si Blaze sa hangin. "You are so generous, baby. I like this give and take."

Malakas siyang natawa. "You're such a horny man, Doc."

"Only to you." Iniluhod nito ang isang binti sa kama para ilapit ang mukha sa mukha niya. Hinalikan siya nito nang masuyo sa mga labi na agad naman niyang tinugon. 

Nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila, umalis ito sa pagkakaluhod sa kama at naglakad papasok ng banyo. 

"Ako muna ang maliligo," sabi ni Blaze bago niya narinig ang lagaslas ng tubig. 

Habang naliligo si Blaze, naghanap naman ng susuotin si Happy. She picked a simple apricot colored loose dress with slits on the side, just above her knees and her red shoes. 

Nang matapos si Blaze, agad siyang pumasok sa banyo para maligo at doon na rin nagbihis. And when Blaze saw her, he smiled. 

"Someone looks colorful today."

Ngumiti lang siya, saka sinuklay ang buhok na katatapos lang niyang i-blowdry. Isinuot ang pulang sapatos pero hindi niya itinali ang sintas. Umupo siya sa harap ng vanity mirror na binili pa talaga ni Blaze para sa kanya at naglagay ng kaunting kolorete sa mukha. She put on a little foundation, pressed powder, and blush on. Then she worked with her eyebrows. 

"Stretch your legs to the side," sabi ni Blaze sa kanya. 

"Bakit?" Abala pa rin siya sa pagkikilay. 

"Gawin mo na lang."

Hindi niya alam kung ano ang gagawin nito pero sinunod na lang niya.

Agad siyang natigilan nang maramdaman ang ginagawa ni Blaze. He was tying her shoelace for her. 

Happy smiled at Blaze's thoughtfulness. 

After she was done with her eyebrows, Blaze was done tying both her shoelaces. 

"That better be kiss proof," sabi ni Blaze habang naglalagay siya ng lipstick. 

Tumawa lang siya nang mahina, saka tinapos ang ginagawa at tumayo para humarap kay Blaze. "How do I look?"

"Pretty. As always."

Natawa siya, saka nilapitan ang kasintahan at hinalikan ito sa mga labi. At nang pinakawalan niya ang mga labi nito, agad siyang ngumiti nang makitang walang lumipat na lipstick niya sa mga labi nito. 

"Looks like it's kiss proof."

Blaze chuckled before holding her hands as they walked towards the room's door. Nang makalabas sila at nakababa ng hagdan, sumalubong sa kanila si Tita Beth. 

"Breakfast?" 

"We're going on a date," nakangiting sabi ni Blaze. "Sa labas na lang kami mag-aagahan, Mom. Thank you."

Tumingin naman siya kay King na natigilan nang makita siya. 

"Young Miss."

"I'm going on a date. No need for bodyguard."

King nodded. "Of course, Young Miss."

Pagkatapos nilang magpaalam sa lahat, lumabas sila ng bahay. Iginiya siya ni Blaze pasakay sa kotse nito bago ito sumakay sa driver's seat. 

They had breakfast first and stayed at the restaurant for two hours, just talking and laughing at each other's stories before they went to the mall. 

"So... nabili mo 'yong gold key chain na may diamonds sa isang auction?" tanong ni Blaze, nakayakap ang isang braso nito sa likod ng baywang niya habang naglalakad sila sa loob ng mall. 

"Yes. Auction ng mommy ni Reigo."

Agad na sumama ang mukha ni Blaze. "Don't mention his name."

"He's a good friend, Blaze."

"Don't care."

Napailing na lang siya. 

"Magkano ang bili mo?" tanong ni Blaze kapagkuwan. "I used it to open a bottle once and Dad saw it and he told me it costs five to eight mil."

"It's ten million actually."

"For a key chain slash bottle opener? The fuck?!"

Napatingin ang mga taong nakakasalubong nila kay Blaze sa lakas ng boses nito. 

"That was worth ten million?" Hindi pa rin ito makapaniwala, saka humarang sa harap niya para tumigil siya sa paglakad. "What? Are you proposing to me or something?"

Happy smiled. "No, it's a gift. And proposing, well, I'll leave that to you." 

Blaze sighed before returning to her side while murmuring to himself. 

"I have to buy a more expensive engagement ring than that key chain slash bottle opener. Fuck. I have to work my ass harder."

Napangiti si Happy bago hinila si Blaze papasok sa isang store na kilala ang brand name sa buong mundo. 

Blaze was patient with her while shopping. He stayed by her side, suggested colors that would look better on her. And as she tried clothes after clothes, Blaze was there to comment if it was a thumbs-up or not. 

Happy appreciated that Blaze openly told her that he hated shopping but here he was, never leaving her side and never looking grumpy even how much clothes she tried on. 

And after shopping for clothes and shoes, Happy stilled when she saw a famous cosmetic store. 

"Oh..." Bumaling siya kay Blaze. "Can I?"

Kinuha nito ang paper bag na dala niya bago sumagot. "Go on. Buy your stuff."

Happy clapped in glee before running towards the store. 

After picking out a moisturizer for her hand, she went into the lipsticks to see if she would like one. That was when she saw Blaze entered the store and a woman immediately neared him while smiling prettily. 

Nakaramdam siya ng selos nang ngumiti rin si Blaze at nakipag-usap sa babae. 

Naningkit ang mga mata niya at nagseselos na talaga siya hanggang sa nakita niyang itinuro siya ni Blaze at naglakad palapit sa kanya. 

"This is my girlfriend," sabi ni Blaze na nakangiti pa rin. "Thank you for offering to help me shop but I'm sure my baby can manage."

Tipid na ngumiti ang babae at tumango, hindi na tulad kanina na hanggang sa tainga ang ngiti. 

Siya naman ngayon ang nakangiti. Ngiting tagumpay. 

Tumaas ang kilay niya nang makaalis ang babae. "She was flirting with you."

"Alam ko, kaya nga itinuro kita."

Napangiti uli siya, saka ibinalik ang atensiyon sa mga lipstick. 

"I think this color will suite you better," sabi ni Blaze, sabay abot sa kanya ng napili nitong kulay. 

"Agree," sabi niya, saka sa mga lotion naman lumapit. 

Every time she would smell the tester, Blaze would lean in too, from behind her and smell it. 

"I don't like that," sabi nito. 

Napailing siya, saka ibang tester naman ang inamoy nila. 

"Too strong," komento ni Blaze. 

They smelled another one. 

"Still strong," sabi ni Blaze. 

Then they smelled the last one. 

"Perfect," sabi ni Blaze, saka hinalikan siya sa leeg. 

Natawa siya, saka inikot pa ang cosmetic store kasama si Blaze bago binayaran ang mga pinamili. 

And the best thing about shopping with Blaze, he never once offered to pay. Alam niyang may pera ito. He was a royalty after all. She met his father on Lucky's wedding. Siguro dahil alam nitong ayaw niyang may nagbabayad ng iba para sa mga gamit at kinakain niya. 

But she did let him pay their breakfast. 

Ipinalibot niya ang mga braso sa braso ni Blaze. "Saan mo gustong mag-lunch? Treat ko. Kanina pa kita pinagbubuhat ng mga pinamili ko. Ayaw mo namang ibigay sa akin."

"Magaan lang naman," sabi nito. 

"Saan mo gustong kumain?"

"Kahit saan basta treat mo," biro nito. 

Happy chuckled. "Okay lang talaga sa iyo na treat ko?"

"Oo naman. Hindi pa ako sumasahod, saka hindi ko pa nasasangla 'yong gold with diamond key chain slash bottle opener na regalo mo. Wala pa akong pera."

Her chuckle turned into laughter. Blaze was such a drama king. Alam naman niya kung bakit ito pumayag, nagdrama pa ito. 

"But dinner is on me, okay?" sabi nito nang hindi makatiis. "And snacks also."

She smiled. "Okay. Deal."

"That's my baby. Now, treat me in a very expensive restaurant. Dapat mahal kasi mahal mo ako."

"Sino'ng nagsabi na mahal kita?"

Kinindatan siya nito. "Ako."

Natawa na lang si Happy, saka naghanap sa Google ng pinakamahal na restaurant na nasa loob ng mall at nang mahanap iyon, hinila niya si Blaze patungo roon. 

They had a very enjoyable lunch. Her treat. Masaya silang nag-usap ng kung ano-ano. Mula sa personal nilang buhay hanggang sa pamilya nila. Mga karanasan nila sa buhay at mga pagkakamali rin nila. At habang nag-uusap sila ni Blaze, lalo niyang nakikilala ang lalaki. 

It was like talking about their past and experiences and just life in general made them grew closer than ever before. 

Yes, making love to Blaze was very intimate but this, talking to Blaze and being bare and letting a person in fully in her life... this was more intimate. 

She liked it. 

After lunch, it was like they were in a food trip because after going back to the car to deposit her shopping bags on the back compartment, Blaze pulled her to a café. 

Coffee and talking. Just the two of them. And it felt great. 

Halos inabot sila ng gabi sa coffee shop na 'yon at hindi man lang nila namalayan ang paglipas ng oras. Siguro dahil masaya silang nag-uusap at wala silang pakialam sa palagid. 

Time flew past when you were having fun. 

At hindi na natuloy ang dinner nila kasi pareho na silang busog ni Blaze. Nakailang iced americano ba naman siya at ilang slice ng cake. Ganoon din si Blaze na nakailang kape at tinapay habang nag-uusap sila. 

Nang makauwi sila, inaya silang maghapunan pero sabay silang umiling ni Blaze. Sabay nilang tinungo ang kuwarto.

Pabagsak na nahiga sa kama si Happy. "Hindi ko alam kung bakit napagod ako, wala naman tayong ginawa masyado," sabi niya, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "Siguro dahil medyo masakit pa rin ang pagkababae ko."

Ipinatong ni Blaze ang mga shopping bags niya sa sofa, saka tinungo ang kama hindi para mahiga kundi para hubarin ang sapatos niya. 

"Thanks, baby," sabi niya, saka naghikab. 

"Hindi ka ba magpapalit ng damit?" tanong sa kanya ni Blaze. 

"Mamaya... tinatamad pa ako."

Napailing si Blaze, saka kumuha ng damit sa closet. Pumasok ito sa banyo at naligo. Nang lumabas, naka-sweatpants na at nakahubad baro. 

Then he picked up the clothes he dropped on the bed earlier—her sleeping clothes—and changed her. 

"Ayokong mag-half bath. Tinatamad akong mag-move ng body."

"Then stay on the bed. Mabango ka pa naman."

Natawa siya. "Thanks, Blazey."

"Yeah, yeah."

Habang nakahiga, pinagmamasdan niya si Blaze na isa-isang inilabas ang mga pinamili niya sa mga shopping bags at inilipat iyon lahat sa closet. Ang cosmetics naman na pinamili niya ay inilagay nito sa ibabaw ng vanity mirror, pagkatapos ay itinabi ang mga shopping bags bago nahiga sa tabi niya. 

"Ang sipag ng boyfriend ko, ah," sabi niya, saka iniyakap sa baywang ni Blaze ang braso niya, saka patagilid na humarap dito. "Thank you."

"I may not be good at cooking and other stuff but I'm pretty good at cleaning. 'Yon lang ang kaya kong gawin, magligpit ng mga kalat at gamit."

Napangiti siya nang masuyo. "Ang suwerte ko naman."

"Not really. I'm keeping something from you." Hinalikan siya nito sa noo. "Nag-iisip ako kanina pa kung sasabihin ko o hindi. At napagdesisyunan kong sabihin sa iyo."

Isiniksik niya ang katawan sa katawan ng lalaki. "Ano ba 'yon?" 

"Your dad called me."

She froze. "What?"

"Last night."

Bahagya niyang binigyan ng distansiya ang katawan nila ni Blaze para tingnan ito. "What did he say?"

"He asked me to protect you—no, more like threatened me to protect you."

Napaawang ang mga labi niya. "Daddy..."

"I told him you missed him and he said he missed you too and that he will see you again after all this—whatever that is he was talking about. Though he said he was busy looking for best doctors for Lucky."

Happy took a deep breath. "May sinabi pa ba siyang iba?"

Umiling ito. "Your dad and mine know each other before Blake and Lucky's wedding and I don't think they're just old friends." He sighed. "Kung ano man 'tong misteryong bumabalot sa iyo o sa pamilya mo, mukhang may koneksiyon doon ang dad ko. I need to know what it is. It's confusing me."

"That makes two of us."

Sabay silang bumuntong-hininga ni Blaze. Isinubsob nito ang mukha sa leeg niya. 

Hinagod niya ang buhok at likod ng kasintahan. Ilang minuto ring ganoon ang posisyon nila hanggang sa may tumawag dito at sinagot nito ang tawag. 

"Track, what is it?" Paused. "What?!"

Napabangon siya sa biglang pagalit na sigaw ni Blaze. 

"Wala akong pakialam kung paano mo gagawin basta hanapin mo," sabi ni Blaze, saka pinatay ang tawag. 

"What did he say?" tanong niya. 

Nilingon siya ni Blaze. "Pinasok daw ang bahay ni Track at binaril siya, saka kinuha ang cell phone ni Midnight at laptop niya."

Happy's body went cold. 

"Don't worry. Track is already tracking it. Nilagyan niya ng tracker ang laptop niya at ang cell phone mismo kaya tina-track na niya ngayon."

Pabagsak siyang nahiga sa kama, saka naguguluhang napatitig sa kisame. 

Someone really doesn't want me to see that file!

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 30

BINAGALAN NI BLAZE ang pagmamaneho ng sasakyan at ipinarada sa gilid ng kalsada, sa likuran ng nakaparadang sasakyan ni Track at agad na lumabas. 

"What this?" tanong niya kay Track na nakaupo sa hood ng sasakyan nito at naninigarilyo. "Don't you have a phone, Track?"

Instead of answering him, Track pulled out a circle mechanical device from his back pocket. It had a color blue blinking on the center. He handed it to him. 

Naguguluhang tinanggap niya iyon at nagtataka pa rin nang kunin uli iyon ni Track sa kanya. 

"It's Yrozz," sabi ni Track. "It's just us, Blaze, and you're not bugged so we're good."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "Who would bug me?"

"Oh, I don't know," may sarkasmong sabi ni Yrozz. "Maybe that fucking organization? Baka nakakalimutan mo, sila ang nagpakulong sa akin. Gumamit lang sila ng ibang tao pero sila pa rin ang nasa likod. Just because I didn't accept their offer to work for them."

That was true. The Organization took down dangerous criminals who walked the earth but the heads were also jackasses and dicks. 

"Kumusta ang cell phone ni Midnight? Nahanap mo na ba?" tanong niya. 

Ipinakita ni Yrozz sa kanya ang mapa sa cell phone nito. "It should be two red dots but the cell phone has been destroyed. Only my laptop remains."

"Fuck!" Napahilamos siya, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "That cell phone is very important!"

"My kopya ako ng file sa laptop ko," sabi ni Yrozz. "And it's still breathing so we better go and get it. Where's Blake?"

"Busy with his pregnant wife," sagot niya. "Hindi maayos ang lagay ni Lucky."

"I heard," sabi ni Yrozz, saka binuksan na ang pinto ng sasakyan. "Come on, we'll use my car."

Napalingon siya sa sasakyan niya bago ibinalik ang atensiyon kay Yrozz na nagtatanong ang tingin sa kanya.

"What are you waiting for? A red carpet and an invitation?" Yrozz asked sarcastically.

Blaze sighed. "May kasama ako."

Yrozz stilled, his face darkening. "And you didn't tell me sooner? Give me one reason would I continue helping you."

"Because it's very important to my girlfriend." He motioned his hand at Happy who was seating shotgun on his car. "Marami kaming katanungan na tanging ang file na 'yon lang ang makakasagot."

Napatingin sila pareho ni Yrozz sa kotse niya nang bumukas ang pinto ng passenger seat at lumabas doon si Happy, saka naglakad palapit sa kanya. 

"Happy Aravena Quinn," pagpapakilala ni Happy, sabay lahad ng kamay nito. 

Yrozz was hesitant before accepting Happy's hand. "Yrozz or Track. You pick."

Naghiwalay na ang kamay ng dalawa na nagustuhan niya. Ayaw niyang may humahawak na iba sa girlfriend niya. 

"Don't worry." Happy smiled at Yrozz. "I'm not bugged."

Pareho silang natigilan ni Yrozz pero si Yrozz ang puno ng pagdududang nagtanong. 

"What did you say?" 

Nakangiti pa rin si Happy na sumagot. "Midnight taught me how to read lips' movement."

Napatanga siya sa kasintahan. "Seriously, baby, how badass are you?"

Happy just winked at him before facing Yrozz seriously. "That file... it's very important to me. I think it contains sensitive and confidential information. Sa tingin ko, it's part of the reason why nawawala si Midnight."

"Midnight..." Yrozz whispered. "Knight's look-alike."

Tumango silang dalawa ni Happy. 

"Kaya naman pala doon tumigil ang tracker ko." Napailing si Yrozz, saka tumingin sa kanya. "Alam mo ba kung nasaang lugar ngayon ang laptop ko?"

"Saan?"

"Bachelor's Village." Yrozz tsked. "I assume it'll be on Knight Velasquez' house."

Umiling si Blaze. "No, not Knight. Probably Shun Kim, my brother-in-law."

"What now?"

"It's a long story." 

Napailing si Yrozz, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "We better get my laptop before that kotongero destroyed everything in there. Fuck this. It has been years since I stop being Track. I'm getting rusty."

"I believe you can do it," sabi ni Happy kay Yrozz. "Ikaw lang inaasahan namin na makaka-crack ng code at hindi ipagsasabi sa iba ang laman. Please help us?"

Yrozz nodded. "I'll see what I can do." Tinapik nito ang balikat niya. "See you in BV, bud. It's Shun Kim, better prepare for war."

Tumango si Blaze, saka pinagsalikop ang kamay nila ni Happy at iginiya ito pabalik sa kotse niya. Nang makasakay sila, habang nagmamaneho, ikinuwento niya kay Happy ang isa pa niyang lihim na hindi niya puwedeng sabihin pero wala na siyang pakialam. 

This mess... this confusion. This had something to do with the Organization. Happy had to know who they were dealing with and what the Organization was capable of doing. 

"So, there's really an organization." Happy breathed out. "I was right. And Midnight was a member?"

"Former head of North America," sagot niya habang nagmamaneho. "Naalis siya sa posisyon niya dahil sinabi niya sa amin ni Blake na buhay pa ang mommy namin at kung sino ito dahil nagbago ang mukha ni Mommy. He was lashed two hundred fifty times for telling us a very confidential information that destroyed a long-term undercover."

Bumuntong-hininga si Happy. "And Midnight's brother?"

"Also, a head."

"And this Shun Kim?"

"A loyal friend to Knight Velasquez." Then he continued explaining. "There are seven heads all over the world. And above them are another set of bosses, the real head of the Organization. They decide what to do, who to punish, who to free and the whole Organization is on their palms. This is a very big organization that has lots of connections all over the world. They're scary because each of these bosses, so called, Arkhon, are royalties and members of aristocrat families. The Organization funds came from them, and they are the direct descendant of the Organization founders that started in the Dark Ages. Midnight and Knight's father, he's the fourth Arkhon. He's powerful when it comes to decision making because as of now, he is the highest ranking Arkhon who's active. The first to third Arkhontes are inactive and doesn't want anything to do with the Organósi." 

Hindi umimik si Happy. Alam niyang iniintindi nito ang ikinukuwento niya kaya nagpatuloy siya sa pagpapaliwanag. 

"Kaya siguro sinabi sa iyo ni Midnight na huwag siyang hanapin kapag nawala siya kasi nakakatakot talaga ang ama niya." He sighed. "Even the Great Count Knight Velasquez doesn't have the guts to go against the fourth Arkhon, his father."

"This Arkhontes..." Sa wakas ay nagsalita na rin si Happy. "Ilan sila?"

"Nine."

"And Midnight's father are the fourth? And as of now, the head of the remaining active Arkhontes?"

He nodded. Happy is getting it. "Yes." 

"So how does it work? With the Arkhontes?" Puno ng kuryusidad ang boses ni Happy na bumaling sa kanya. "Yong panlima pababa, wala ba silang say sa decision making? Wala bang puwedeng mag-go against sa daddy nina Midnight o lumaban sa decision niya?"

Umiling siya. "Wala. There are ranking amongst them. Knight's father is the fourth Arkhon, and the first, second and third are inactive. Walang makakapagbago o makakatalo sa desisyon niya maliban sa tatlong 'yon na walang nakakaalam kung sino at nasaan sila."

"So it's like a status," bulong ni Happy. "Like how the duke is more higher in rank than the count or the earl."

"Sort of."

Happy breathed out again. "This is really a big organization... that was why they were able to delete the file on Midnight's flash drive while it was in my possession. These people are powerful. And it feels like we are at war with them because of this file that they don't want me to see. Pero 'yong file na 'yon, it has something to do sa akin. Ibig bang sabihin n'on, I am somehow connected to this Organization?"

"'Yan din ang iniisip ko," pag-amin niya. "Whatever is in that file, we have to see it."

Tumango si Happy, kapagkuwan ay napailing. "Blazey, I don't think the second Arkhon is inactive though."

Nagtatakang napasulyap siya sa kasintahan. "What do you mean?"

Happy let out a loud breath. "Noong nabaril ako at pumunta ka sa hospital together with the Count, I heard him talking to someone over the phone. And he called this person on the other line 'Second Arkhon.' Para siyang kinabahan bago sagutin ang call. Now I know why the Count looked anxious. He was talking to the second inactive Arkhon."

"Fuck..." 
That was unexpected.
 "Akala ko talaga wala na silang pakialam sa Organisasyon. 'Yon kasi ang nalaman namin ni Blake noong nagtatago kami sa Italy mula sa mga naiwan naming kalaban dito sa Pilipinas. Sabi ng Conde, siya na raw ang bahala pero hindi pa rin ako kampante kahit nangako na siya kay Blake, sa kasal nila ni Lucky. Knight has the book from Lucky who contains a lot of names and locations about this triad. Why my Mom went undercover and forced herself to be with the man who violated her. And Midnight killed that man without the Organization's go signal that was why he was punished."

"Oh, Midnight..." Kumuyom ang kamay ni Happy. "I hope he's doing fine."

Natahimik si Blaze. Hindi niya kayang sabihin kay Happy ang sinapit ni Midnight hangga't hindi nila naililipat ni Blake sa magandang lugar ang katawan ni Midnight. 

He didn't want Happy to see Midnight in that place, disrespected and unnamed! 

"Nandito na tayo," anunsiyo niya nang makarating sila sa labas ng BV. 

Nang makapasok si Yrozz, sumunod din siya. Nasa likuran lang siya ng sasakyan ni Yrozz. Hanggang sa tumigil iyon sa harap ng bahay ng brother-in-law niya. 

Humugot si Blaze ng malalim na hininga. "Baby..." kuha niya sa atensiyon ni Happy na agad namang bumaling sa kanya. "Shun Kim is my brother-in-law. Kapatid ko sa ama ang asawa niya. I wish you could've met them in a better circumstance but... this is it. I'm sorry. Hindi man lang kita naipakilala nang maayos sa isa ko pang kapatid."

Nginitian siya ni Happy at pakiramdam niya ay gumaan ang dibdib niya. "Naiintindihan ko naman. It's okay. I'll be nice."

"Thank you." He leaned in and kissed her on the lips.

Agad na tumugon si Happy at sinapo ang mukha niya bago may diin siyang hinalikan at binigyang distansiya ang mga labi nilang dalawa. "Thank you."

He frowned. "For what?"

"For everything," she whispered and kissed him again before stepping out from the car. 

Agad naman siyang lumabas ng sasakyan at pinagsalikop ang kamay nila ni Happy habang naglalakad patungo kay Yrozz na siyang nagdo-doorbell sa bahay nina Shun at Themarie. 

Themarie opened the door for them.

"Yrozz. Kuya." Agad itong ngumiti nang makita siya at niyakap siya bago hinalikan sa pisngi. "Napadalaw kayo."

Ngumiti siya, saka sinulyapan muna si Happy bago ito ipinakilala. "This is Happy Quinn, my girlfriend."

"Hi," magiliw na bati ni Happy kay Themarie. 

"Hello." Nakipagbeso si Themarie kay Happy. "Nice to finally meet you. Bukambibig ka lang naman nitong kuya ko nang mag-dinner kami."

Happy's smile became more radiant. "Really?"

Themarie whispered at Happy's ear. "I think he's in love with you."

Happy let out a small and cute laugh. "That's what he said to me."

"
Aww
..." Themarie was grinning from ear to ear. "Come on, pasok kayo."

Magkahawak-kamay pa rin silang pumasok ni Happy sa loob ng bahay. Nakita nilang nasa sala si Shun at abala sa harap ng dalawang magkatabing laptop. 

Tumikhim si Yrozz at walang emosyong nagsalita. "I believe that's my laptop, Shun Kim."

Kalmadong nag-angat ng tingin si Shun kay Yrozz at sa kanilang dalawa ni Happy bago ibinalik ang atensiyon kay Yrozz. "Yes. It's yours. Paano mo nalamang nasa akin?"

"I'm not named Track for nothing," sabi ni Yrozz, saka ito na ang kumuha sa laptop na nasa ibabaw ng center table. Sinuri nito iyon. 

Blaze saw how Yrozz eyes sharpen. His face darkened as he closed his laptop and looked at Shun. 

"You deleted all my files?"

"Yes. Including the ten backdoors you have that is connected to other hard drives. You can't salvage anything from that laptop. I'm sorry, bud. I'm just helping a friend."

"And I'm not a friend?" Yrozz asked while his jaw tightening. "You disrespected me when you opened my laptop without my consent. And here I thought that respect is one of the rules of our friendship. I guess I was wrong. Ikaw rin ba ang pumasok sa condo ko at bumaril sa akin?"

"Shun..." It was Themarie. "What is Yrozz talking about? Anong pamamaril? Tama ba itong naririnig ko? You did something without telling me?"

"Them—"

"You lied to me?" Hindi makapaniwalang napailing si Themarie. "Kagabi ba 'to? Nang umalis ka? You told me you're going to Valerian's home to play chess and drink some beer. Please tell me you didn't lie to me."

Shun looked down, was silent for a moment before looking up at Yrozz. "Hindi ako ang bumaril sa iyo"

"But you know who because you were outside the building. Waiting for my laptop and Midnight's phone." Napailing si Yrozz. "Kim, you're not the only one who knows how to hack a fucking CCTV."

Hindi nakaimik si Shun. 

And then he heard Happy speak. 

"Midnight, the owner of that phone is the man who treated me like a sister and is probably missing partly because of that file." Kumawala ang kamay nito sa pagkakahawak sa kamay niya. "And you deleted it like it's nothing? Like what he had been through to get that file was nothing?"

"I'm sorry," Shun said but Blaze could see it, he didn't mean it. He wasn't sorry. 

"Are you really?" Happy asked. "Because you don't look like you're sorry." Gumagalaw ang panga nito at sobrang talim ang galit na mga mata. "Midnight risk his life for it... and you just deleted it. How could you?"

Hindi niya inaasahan ang naging sunod na kilos ni Happy. She attacked Shun in rage. 

She was angry. He could see it in her eyes. She wanted blood.

"Happy!" Baka mapuruhan ito ni Shun nang hindi sinasadya. "You might get hurt!"

Akmang pipigilan niya si Happy pero hinarang siya ni Yrozz. 

"Look at her," sabi ni Yrozz. "She fights like a pro."

Natigilan siya at napatitig kay Happy na madaling nasasalag ang bawat pinapakawalang suntok ni Shun. Madali nitong nakikita ang bawat butas sa mga atake ni Shun kaya nagagawa nitong atakihin si Shun nang malapitan kahit magaling pa ang lalaki sa hand-to-hand combat. 

Happy was not just attacking recklessly, she was fighting smartly. She was using her brain to defend herself and fight back. 

Blaze couldn't contain the proud smile on his face. "That's my baby."

Happy attacked and blocked and when she saw an opening, a weak spot on Shun's defense, she jumped, twirled mid-air and attacked Shun with a powerful kick. 

Nang matumba si Shun at paupong bumagsak sa sofa, parang natauhan si Happy sa ginawa nito at napaatras. 

"I'm sorry." A tear fell down on her left cheek. "I'm sorry... you just made me so angry."

Agad niyang nilapitan si Happy at masuyo itong niyakap. "Sshh... calm down, baby. Calm down."

"That file, Midnight's phone, that's the only thing I have from the man who treated me with respect and love. And you destroyed it like it's nothing... It was very important to Midnight. Nawawala ngayon ang Kuya Midnight ko at sigurado akong may kinalaman 'yon sa file na nasa cell phone niya. Or better yet, baka may clue doon sa cell phone niya kung nasaan siya... 'tapos... 'tapos sinira mo lang at binura. I'm sorry... I'm just so angry..."

"Hands up!" sigaw ng pamilyar na boses ni Knight mula sa pinto ng bahay. 

Lahat sila ay napalingon dito. Agad niyang ihinarang ang katawan sa harap ni Happy kung saan nakatutok ang baril ni Knight. 

"Huwag kang humarang, Blaze," sabi ni ni Knight na nagtatagis ang bagang. "This woman will pay for disrespecting my friend in his own house."

"Knight—" 

Napatigil siya sa pagsasalita nang umalis si Happy sa likuran niya at ang katawan na nito ang nakaharang sa harap niya. 

Mas humigpit ang hawak ni Knight sa baril nito at akmang kakalabitin ang gatilyo. Handa na siyang iharang uli ang katawan para maprotektahan si Happy pero natigilan silang lahat nang magsalita si Themarie. 

"Stop it, Count Knight."

Knight glanced at Themarie. "She disrespected your home—"

"My husband lied to me because of you, because of this favor that you asked him to do," nagtatagis ang mga bagang na sabi ni Themarie. "You shot a friend, Yrozz, to get what you want. And I'm not shocked at all. I know how ruthless you are, Knight, but I know you're smart too. Look at Happy's wrist before you pull that trigger. Read that tattoo and be enlightened."

Knight took a step forward to Happy while eyeing Happy's tattoo on her wrist. And his face was filled with disbelief and confusion as he looked at her. "You... where did you get that tattoo?"

"My dad," Happy whispered. "Why?"

"Do you know what that means?"

"Dad said it's some kind of a protection."

Ibinaba ni Knight ang baril, saka tumingin kay Themarie. "I'm sorry I made Shun lie to you. It was my fault." Then he looked at Happy. "I know you're mad but it was my orders that made Shun do what he did. He deleted the file and destroyed the phone because I ordered him. Be mad at me." Pagkasabi n'on ay malalaki ang hakbang na lumabas si Knight ng bahay. 

Confused, Happy faced Themarie and showed her the tattoo on her wrist. "Can you read it? Do you know what it says?"

Tumango si Themarie bago lumapit kay Happy, saka hinaplos ang tattoo sa pupulsuhan ng kasintahan niya. "It's an old Greek language with a small shield insignia for protection after the words, only known to few individuals."

"What does it say?" Happy asked, impatient. 

"It says... no harm shall befall to the Arkhon's daughter."

Lips parted open, Happy turned to face him. Disbelief and confusion was written all over her face. "My dad... my daddy... h-he's an Arkhon?"

Blaze lips parted open in shock as well. 

Dominick Quinn... Happy's dad is an Arkhon. 

He whispered, still in shock. "Fuck."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 31

NARAMDAMAN NI HAPPY ang paghalik ni Blaze sa balikat niya, nakaupo ang kasintahan sa tabi niya kaya nang bumaling siya rito ay nagtama ang mga mata nila. 

Halata ang pag-aalala sa mukha ni Blaze. 

Akmang sasabihin sana niya rito na ayos lang siya nang tumunog ang cell phone niya. Nang tingnan niya kung sino ang tumatawag, agad niya iyong pinatay. 

Helena had been calling her but she was not answering. Nag-iisip pa siya kung paniniwalaan niya ito o hindi. Hindi siya puwedeng magpadalos-dalos dahil baka buhay niya ang maging kapalit. 

"Is my baby okay?" malambing ang boses na tanong sa kanya ni Blaze. 

Bumaling siya rito at nginitian. "I will be. I'm still trying to process everything but I'll get there."

Blaze kissed her shoulder again. "If you need anything, someone to talk to, your handsome, hot and dirty doctor boyfriend is just here for you."

Nasa gitna silang ng napakaseryosong sitwasyon pero nagawa pa rin siyang patawanin ni Blaze. 

"Thank you. I need that laugh," sabi niya na mahina pa ring tumatawa. 

Niyakap siya ni Blaze mula sa tagiliran at pinagsalikop nito ang kamay nilang dalawa. Nasa ganoong posisyon sila nang bumalik si Themarie sa sala. 

Pumunta sa ikalawang palapag kanina si Themarie kasama ang asawa nitong si Shun. Siguro para mag-usap dahil sa mga nangyari. 

"I'm sorry," hingi niya ng tawad kay Themarie nang makaupo ito pang-isahang sofa na nasa harap nila ni Blaze. "Nagalit lang ako nang sobra. Pasensiya na at ginawa ko 'yon sa asawa mo."

Themarie sighed. "What my husband did, lying to me... he had it coming." Napailing ito. "I already told him not to get involved with the Count's business, he told me he wouldn't. He lied to me. For friendship. Naiintindihan ko naman ang pagkakaibigan nila, pero disappointed lang siguro ako. Sana sinabi niya sa akin at ipinaliwanag niya nang maayos bago niya ginawa. I'm his wife after all."

"Ayaw ka lang siguro niyang idamay," sabi ni Blaze. 

"Asawa niya ako, Kuya," sabi ni Themarie. "Kahit ano ang gawin niya, damay ako. Ngayon tuloy napapaisip ako kung may mga pagkakataon bang nagsinungaling siya sa akin na pupunta sa bahay ng mga kaibigan niya at hindi naman pala."

"Talk to him," sabi ni Blaze. 

Ihinilamos ni Themarie ang mga palad nito sa sariling mukha, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "Nag-usap na kami pero galit pa rin ako. Anyway..." Tumingin ito sa kanya. "How are you feeling? You must be confused right now."

Tumango si Happy. "Medyo. Pero nasabi naman na sa akin ni Blaze ang tungkol sa organisasyong kinabibilangan ng daddy ko kaya medyo hindi na masyadong magulo."

Nag-aalalang tumingin si Themarie kay Blaze. "Sinabi mo sa kanya 'yon nang walang pahintulot ng Organisasyon?"

Blaze nodded. "But she's an Arkhon's daughter now so—"

"It doesn't matter, Kuya." May pangamba sa boses ni Themarie. "Even if Happy is a daughter of an Arkhon, she's still not part of the Organization. No one is allowed to tell her anything except her father." Napailing si Themarie. "Oh, God, you'll be in trouble for what you did, Kuya."

"I don't regret it," sabi ni Blaze na humigpit ang hawak sa kamay niya. "Happy needs to know who we are dealing with."

Themarie let out a loud breath. "In expense for your life?"

"She needs to know," matigas ang boses na sabi ni Blaze, saka bumuntong-hininga. "How did you know about Happy's tattoo?"

Hindi sumagot si Themarie at umiling. "Kuya, please, ayokong maparusahan. You know what the Organization is capable of. Even Knight can't do anything about his father's decisions."

Blaze blew a loud breath. "I know."

Themarie looked at her. "Ask your father. Siya lang ang makakasagot sa lahat ng katanungan mo. At pasensiya ka na, hindi ko puwedeng sabihin sa iyo ang alam ko. You may be an Arkhon's daughter but you're still not part of the Organization until your father perform a rite of passage for you. Until then, I can't tell you what I know."

Nagbaba ng tingin si Happy. Hindi niya puwedeng pilitin si Themarie na magsabi sa kanya. Ayaw niyang maparusahan ito. 

And she had Blaze to worry about because he told her about the Organization without the Organization's consent. 

Nag-angat siya ng tingin kay Themarie, saka masuyo itong nginitian. "It's okay. Thank you for everything. Please tell your husband I'm sorry."

Tumango si Themarie. 

Siya naman ay hinila patayo si Blaze. 

"Baby—"

"Let's go," sabi niya. 

"But, baby—"

"Huwag tayong mandamay ng ibang tao, lalo na't we know that they will get hurt on the process," sabi niya kay Blaze na napipilitang tumango at nagpaalam na siya kay Themarie. "Salamat uli at pasensiya na sa nagawa ko sa asawa mo." 

"Alis na kami," paalam ni Blaze kay Themarie. 

"Ingat kayo," sabi ni Themarie. 

Tumango si Blaze, saka sabay silang lumabas ng bahay kung saan naghihintay sa kanila si Yrozz. 

"Have you checked your laptop?" tanong ni Blaze kay Yrozz nang makalapit sila rito. "Wala ka na ba talagang magagawa para ma-retrieve ang files na binura ni Shun?"

Yrozz sighed. "Shun is one of the best, Blaze. My laptop is clean... spotless clean."

Blaze sighed heavily. "I'm sorry about your laptop, man, and for you being shot. Kung hindi namin hiningi ang tulong mo, hindi sana mangyayari sa iyo 'to."

"
Nah
." Yrozz shook his head. "It's okay. I did say yes, and you didn't force me to do it." 

"And Shun?" 

Yrozz shrugged. "The things we'll do for our friends, Blaze. Normal na sa ating magkakaibigan 'to at heto, buo pa rin naman tayong lahat. I'm disappointed but it'll pass. Maybe after this mess, I'll ask Shun to drink beer and eat barbecue with me."

Blaze chuckled. "And Knight?"

"Ano pa'ng aasahan mo sa sinto-sinto na 'yon?" Yrozz tsked. "I don't want to judge him. Yet. Maybe he has his reasons. I'll wait for it. We both know how scary his father is. At may pamilya na siya. I will give him the benefit of the doubt." Then Yrozz looked at her. "You look sad, Miss Quinn."

Tipid siyang ngumiti. "Masama lang ang loob ko. Midnight's phone... hindi lang 'yon importante sa akin because of the file but because pag-aari 'yon mismo ni Midnight. Ng kuya ko. 'Tapos ngayon wala na. 'Yon na lang sana ang mayroon ako na galing sa kanya."

Yrozz gave her an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry I lost it."

"It's okay." Tinuyo niya ang mga luha na hindi niya namalayang nalaglag sa pisngi niya. "Hindi mo naman ginusto 'yon. Nabaril ka pa nga, eh."

Tumango si Yrozz, saka tinapik ang balikat ni Blaze. "Mauna na ako sa inyo. Aayusin ko pa ang mga gamit ko. After what happened, I'm fucking moving."

Blaze chuckled. "Thanks for everything, man."

Blaze and Yrozz did a handshake and a man hug before Yrozz got inside his car. 

Nang makaalis si Yrozz, iginiya siya ni Blaze patungo sa sasakyan nila at pinagbuksan siya ng pinto. 

Walang imik na sumakay si Happy sa kotse at hanggang sa makasakay si Blaze sa driver's seat. Hindi pa rin siya umimik hanggang basagin niya ang katahimikan nang nasa daan na sila. 

"I'll ask Dad—no, I'll beg him to protect you," sabi niya na nakakuyom ang kamay. "Maybe he can make the punishment to go away. Pinoprotektahan mo naman ako, dapat protektahan ka rin niya. Give and take."

"Baby..." He breathed out. "I'll be fine."

"If magkatotoo ang sinabi ni Themarie, you will not be fine, Blaze. And I won't let you get hurt because of me. Kaya mo lang naman sinabi sa akin ang tungkol sa Organisasyon ay dahil nag-aalala ka sa akin. It's unfair for you to be in the middle of this mess!"

"Baby, I promise myself I'll protect you," sabi ni Blaze sa may diing boses. "And this is me doing that and loving you at the same time."

Napailing siya. "I started all this. Because of that file, someone got shot and now you're in danger of being punished. I swear to God, kapag hindi ka tinulungan ni Daddy, magagalit na talaga ako sa kanya. I'd been patient with him and trying to understand him, but if may mangyaring hindi maganda sa iyo, he will have a piece of my mind!" 

"Happy..."

Panay ang tagis ng mga bagang niya. 

Blaze sighed. "Maybe it's gonna be different. I'm not a member 
per se
. I'm a freelancer who knows a lot about them. I'm not covered by their laws—"

"And you think hahayaan ka nilang i-violate ang rules nila, lalo na't freelancer ka lang at hindi miyembro? I don't think so, Blaze. I'm sure they also have rules for freelancers like you."

"I didn't read them." Blaze tsked like he didn't give a shit. "Blake did."

"That's why Blake was warning you." Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga. "I have to talk to Dad to keep you from being punished. If he's really an Arkhon, maybe he can do something about it."

Hindi sumagot si Blaze at huminga lang ito nang malalim. At hindi rin siya umimik. Nabalot ng katahimikan ang buong sasakyan habang nasa biyahe sila pabalik sa mansiyon. 

At nang tumigil ang kotse ni Blaze sa harap ng bahay ng mga ito, walang imik pa rin siyang lumabas at pumasok sa kabahayan habang malalim na nag-iisip sa kung ano ang magandang gawin.

She was angry, frustrated and worried. 

She went straight to Blaze's room and Blaze followed immediately.  

"Baby, I know you're not okay," sabi nito nang makapasok sa kuwarto nila. "Talk to me."

Hinubad niya ang sandals na suot, saka humarap sa kasintahan. "Masama ang loob ko. I feel so frustrated, Blaze. I feel so angry at myself. I failed Midnight... I failed the man who loved me like a sister. I'm worried about you and I'm mad at that organization!"

Hindi namalayan ni Happy na namamalisbis na pala ang luha niya habang nagsasalita siya. 

Blaze sighed, took off his shoes and did a fighting stance. "Come on... I'll help you blow off some steam."

Gulat na napatitig siya sa kasintahan. "Really? A hand-to-hand combat?"

Blaze smiled. "I know my baby. My kisses and embrace can't help you calm down this time. So, come on. Let it all out." 

Happy didn't need to be told twice. She felt so angry and she needed this. 

Tinakbo niya ang pagitan nila ni Blaze at malakas itong sinipa at sinuntok. Bawat atake niya ay nasasalag nito kaya umikot siya at malakas na pinatama rito ang binti niya ng ilang beses. Then she released a blow after blow of strong punches until her fist made contact to Blaze's chest. 

Blaze moved his hand to shove her fist away from his chest and he started attacking her. He was not holding back, his punches were strong, but she was fast to dodge and block his attacks. 

Seryoso ang laban nila ni Blaze. Walang gustong magpatalo. Palakasan ng suntok at sipa, patalinuhan sa bawat atake at walang pagdadalawang-isip sa bawat paggalaw. 

"Fuck!" Blaze hissed when she hit his chest and knees.  

Lihim siyang napangiti at mabilis na umatake uli na madali nitong nasalag. Nahawakan nito ang kamay niya para pigilan siya pero mabilis siyang nakawala at sinipa ito sa binti at tiyan. 

And they were both in a fighting stance again, while facing each other. 

This time, Blaze attacked her first. 

Fist versus fist. One wrong move and one of them would get hit. 

And it was her. 

But Blaze didn't hit her, he gripped her arm, his back on her, he bent over, squatted and he lifted her...  pulling her arms upward and flipped her body high in the air over his shoulder. 

A loud 
umph
 escaped her lips when her back hit the soft mattress of the bed. 

She was catching her own breath; she was sweaty, and her hands felt sore for attacking and blocking Blaze but she still managed to laugh a little. 

Napatitig si Happy kay Blaze nang kubabawan siya nito at pinakatitigan. "I can't believe you flipped me over your shoulder," sabi niya na mahinang natatawa.

"You're smiling..." he observed. "Is my baby feeling better now?"

Happy nodded. "Yes. Thank you for helping me blow off some steam."

Blaze shrugged. "You're my baby, of course I will," he said before pressing his lips on hers. 

They were both sweaty, but they didn't care as they groped each other's body while their kisses became hungry and needy. 

Maybe because they just finished fighting, the adrenaline was still pumping their blood and fuelling their desire for each other. 

Halos magkagatan na sila ng mga labi ni Blaze habang naghahalikan at nagsisipsipan ng dila. Namalayan na lang ni Happy na hubad na sila pareho nang hinahalikan na ng kasintahan ang katawan niya. 

Napaliyad na lang siya, lalo na nang maramdamang hinahaplos ng mga daliri nito ang pagkababae niya dahilan para madaing siya at mabasa. 

Pabaling-baling si Happy habang kinakain ni Blaze ang pagkababae niya. 

"Oh! Shit! Oh! Blaze!" 

Nahihibang na naman siya na lalo lang nadagdagan nang dahan-dahang ipinasok nito ang kahabaan sa loob niya. 

"Ohhh!" Mahaba at malakas siyang napaungol nang masagad ng kahabaan ni Blaze ang pagkababae niya. She could still feel pain but damn, it felt so good. 

And when he started moving in and out, she started moaning. She was moving her lips to accept his every thrust inside her. 

"Oh! Oh!" ungol niya. 

"Fuck!" Blaze hissed as he moved faster inside her. "Fuck! Baby—fuck!"

Nakaluhod ito sa gitna ng mga hita niyang nakabuka, habang ang mga binti niya ay nakapalibot sa baywang nito. Hawak nito ang magkabilang puwitan niya habang naglalabas-masok ang pagkalalaki sa pagkababae niya. 

"Fuck! Fuck!" Blaze moaned. 

"Oh! Blaze! Oh!"

Umuuga ang kama kasabay ng pag-uga ng katawan niya. Mahigpit na napahawak siya sa bedsheet nang maramdamang lalabasan na siya. 

"Happy..."

"Blaze!" she screamed Blaze's name as she reached her orgasm and her body arched. 

At segundo lang ang lumipas bago sumunod si Blaze sa kanya. Nilabasan ito ng marami at pinuno ang loob niya. 

Napadaing na lang si Happy at napaawang ang mga labi nang bumagsak ang katawan ni Blaze sa kanya at ibinaon nito ang mukha sa leeg niya. 

"Happy?"

"Hmm?" She was still catching her breath. 

"I love you."

She smiled, she could feel her heart being filled with happiness and contentment. She knew why she felt like this. Alam niyang kung bakit ganito ang puso niya. 

This... whatever this was that she felt with Blaze, this was not just "like" anymore. 

She knew... she knew this was more. 

"Blaze?"

He slowly pulled away from her mound. "Yes, baby?"

"I lov—" 

Napatigil si Happy sa pagsasalita nang biglang mabilis na kumilos si Blaze at hinila ang kumot, saka ibinalot nito iyon sa hubad nilang katawan. 

And then she realized why Blaze did that. 

He heard the footsteps before she did. And now those footsteps stopped in front of their room and the door opened. 

Then Blake entered. 

"Don't you know how to knock?" pagalit na tanong ni Blaze kay Blake na natulos sa kinatatayuan nang makita ang posisyon nilang dalawa. 

"Don't you two know how to lock the door?!" Blake retaliated before stepping out of the room as fast as he could. At mula sa labas ng pinto nagsalita ito. "Nasa sala si Yrozz. Bumaba kayong dalawa. Hurry up, will you?"

Nagkatinginan sila ni Blaze, saka sabay na napangiti at umalis ng kama. 

Sabay silang naligo sa usapang hindi na uli siya aangkinin ni Blaze dahil nasisiguro niyang sasakit na naman ang pagkababae niya at baka lagnatin na naman siya. 

"One sex a day, remember?" paalala niya sa kasintahan. 

Blaze groaned. "Fine."

Masama ang mukha ni Blaze habang naliligo sila dahil hanggang hawak lang ito. Natatawa siya sa hitsura nito na halatang nagtitimpi. 

And while drying her hair with a blow dryer, Blaze slapped her butt cheek.

"Blaze!"

Hinalikan lang siya nito sa mga labi, saka inagaw ang blow dryer sa kanya at ito na ang tumuyo sa buhok niya. "Bilisan natin." 

While Blaze was drying her hair, she was putting on sweatpants and a hanging blouse. 

"Okay na ba ang buhok mo? Magbibihis na ako," sabi ni Blaze. 

"Yes. Go," sabi niya. 

Nang matapos magdamit si Blaze, tapos na rin siyang mag-ayos. Simpleng lagay ng powder, blush on and lip tint lang ang ginawa niya dahil nasa bahay lang naman siya. 

Pagkatapos ay sabay silang bumaba ni Blaze sa sala kung saan naghihintay sa kanila si Yrozz. 

"Ayaw niyang sabihin sa akin ang pakay niya hangga't wala kayong dalawa," sabi ni Blake na napailing pa.

Blaze asked Yrozz. "What is it?"

Itinuro ni Yrozz ang dalawang backpack na nasa sahig. "I told you I'm moving, right?"

"Yes," sabi ni Blaze, sabay tango. 

Yrozz grinned. "Well, I'm moving here, in your house. Do you have a spare room for me?"

Napatanga silang tatlo kay Yrozz. That was unexpected. 

"May I ask why?" Blake asked, still with a stunned expression on his face. "I mean, are you like the song, young, dumb and broke?"

Hindi pinansin ni Yrozz ang huling sinabi ni Blake at nagpaliwanag lang. "My house and condo had been compromised and this is the only place I can think of where it's safe for me to work."

"Work what?" Blaze asked. 

Naglabas ito ng laptop mula sa bag. "I just bought this baby," imporma nito sa kanila, saka may inilabas ding flash drive mula sa bag at ini-insert iyon sa USB port ng laptop. Iniharap nito sa kanila ang screen. "This work, a-holes."

Lahat sila napatitig sa screen at sabay-sabay na napaawang ang mga labi nila. 

"The file on Midnight's phone!" Happy exclaimed as a wide grin formed on her face. "Jesus Christ..."

"Fuck!" Blaze hissed. "Where did you get that?"

"Teka..." naguguluhang sabi ni Blake. "Akala ko ba kinuha nila lahat ng hard drive at flash drive mo sa bahay at binura nila lahat ng kopya niyan?"

Yrozz smirked. "I'm rusty but I'm not a fucking idiot. I do know how to copy a file and send it to someone for safe keeping. But I'm back to zero with these files. And because I copied it, another five encryptions are added to the original six encryption. So, I now have to crack eleven encryptions to open the files. And I have to start cracking the code again from step one. This will take a while... maybe weeks but not a month."

Nagtatalon sa tuwa si Happy at sinugod niya ng mahigpit na yakap si Yrozz. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so so much! This means so much to me! Thank you!"

In the middle of her glee and happiness, someone cleared their throat. 

Then Blaze spoke. "Jealous boyfriend here."

Natigilan siya at dahan-dahang pinakawalan sa pagkakayakap si Yrozz. "Sorry," nakangiwing hingi niya ng tawad kay Blaze. "I'm just so masaya."

Blaze nodded but he still looked jealous. "Yrozz, if you want to continue working safely in this house, I suggest you don't touch my girl."

"She hugged me," Yrozz defended himself immediately. "I was caught off guard."

"Next time, know how to move away or there will be hell to pay," sabi ni Blaze, saka tumingin sa kanya nang masama. 

Agad niya itong nilapitan at pinupog ng halik sa mga labi. "Huwag ka nang magalit. Gusto mo sayawan kita later?" she whispered over his lips. "I'm a good dancer, Blazey."

Blaze gulped and took a deep breath. "Why am I so soft to you?"

"Kasi marupok ka." Boses iyon ni Lucky na naglalakad palapit sa kanila. 

Nakangiting nilapitan niya ang kapatid at inalalayan ito paupo sa sofa. 

"Kung may kopya ka naman pala," sabi ni Blake na kay Yrozz pa rin nakatingin. "Bakit pumunta ka pa sa BV?"

"All pretense," sagot ni Yrozz. "Kailangang makita nila na wala na talaga akong kopya. Dahil kung hindi ko hahabulin ang laptop ko at susubukang i-recover ang files, matutunugan nilang may itinatago pa akong kopya ng files at hindi nila ako titigilan. Hindi lang sila ang marunong manloko ng tao."

Napatango-tango si Blake. "Sige, dito mo trabahuhin 'yan. What do you need to work with that?"

Yrozz clasped his hand. "I need lots of beers and barbecue."

"On the fridge," sabay na sabi nina Blake at Blaze. 

"Halika, samahan kita," sabi ni Tita Beth na nakikinig pala sa kanila. "'Yong barbecue mo, gagawan kita."

Agad namang tumayo si Yrozz at sinamahan ni Tita Beth sa kusina. 

Masayang silang nagkatinginan ni Blaze pero agad iyong napalitan ng pag-aalala nang makitang sapo ni Lucky ang dibdib. 

"B-Blakey..." bulong ni Lucky na parang nahihirapang huminga. 

"Lucky!" Puno ng takot ang boses ni Blake. 

"I'll ready the car!" mabilis na sabi ni Blaze at tumakbo palabas. 

Maingat namang pinangko ni Blake si Lucky at mabilis siyang sumunod sa mga ito. Binuksan niya ang pinto ng backseat ng sasakyan para tuluyang makasakay sina Blake at Lucky, saka isinara iyon. Mabilis siyang sumakay sa passenger seat. 

"Step on it!" kinakabahan niyang sabi kay Blaze na agad namang pinaharurot ang sasakyan patungo sa ospital. 

Habang nasa biyahe, panay ang dasal ni Happy. Panay ang pagmamakaawa niya na sana maging maayos lang ang lagay ng kapatid niya. 

Please, please, God... please... huwag mong pabayaan ang little sister ko. Please... I'm begging you. 

And in the middle of her fear and worry, the phone on her sweatpants pocket rang. Nang makita niya kung sino ang tumatawag, nagmamadaling sinagot niya 'yon. 

"Da—"

"Is Lucky okay?" agad na tanong ng ama niya sa kinakabahang boses. "Is Lucky okay? Answer me, princess! Is your sister okay?!"

Happy took a deep breath, showing weakness in Lucky's state right now was not an option. "Lucky needs you, Daddy. I need you—we need you. Please, come see us."

"Hang in there, princess..." sabi ng daddy niya. "Daddy is coming. Tell Lucky that Daddy Is coming, okay?"

The call ended abruptly but Happy felt relieved. 

Sinilip niya sa backseat ang kapatid, inabot ang kamay nito at hinawakan iyon, saka pinisil. "Hang in there, lil' sis. Daddy is coming. Hindi ka niya pababayaan."

Nang umayos siya ng upo, si Blaze naman ang umabot sa kamay niya at pinisil 'yon. 

"It's gonna be okay," sabi nito. 

Tumango siya. "It will be... it has to be. Hindi ko hahayaang may mangyaring masama sa kapatid ko. No... over my dead body."

Pinisil uli ni Blaze ang kamay niya bago binitawan iyon at mas binilisan pa ang pagmamaneho ng sasakyan. 

Nilingon uli ni Happy ang kapatid. 

Lucky... hang in there. Daddy and I won't let anything bad happen to you. I love you, lil' sis. I love you.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 32

"YOUNG MISS!" Boses Iyon ni King na agad na nagpalingon kay Happy. Bumili siya ng kape sa cafeteria at naglalakad na pabalik sa inookupang pribadong kuwarto ni Lucky sa ospital. 

"King..."

Hinihingal ito nang makalapit sa kanya at agad na nagpaliwanag, "I'm sorry, Young Miss. I know I told you that I wouldn't report to your father anymore but I told Master Dominick about your sister—"

"Thank you." 

Napatanga sa kanya si King nang magpasalamat siya. "I reported to your father, Young Miss, in case you didn't hear me the first time."

"I did." She smiled. "And thank you for telling my dad. He called me, he said he'll be here soon."

King looked relieved. "I hope this doesn't make you feel jealous over your sister."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Why would I be?"

"He called because of Lucky, not because of you, Young Miss."

That pinched her heart. "A little bit jealous yes, but it's different. Lucky, my little sister, needs him more than I do, King. This is a life and death situation, while mine was just, you know, clarification and confusion. It's two different things. And I'd been with Dad for a long time now and Lucky, they just met. Lucky deserves more time with him than I do."

King smiled. "Thank you for understanding the Master."

Happy shrugged. "The things I'll do for my family, King."

Kinuha ni King mula sa pagkakahawak niya ang dalawang kape na dala. "This is my job, assisting you, don't take it away from me please."

Mahina siyang natawa, saka nauna nang naglakad pabalik sa kuwarto ni Lucky habang nasa likuran lang niya si King. 

Nang makapasok si Happy sa kuwarto, agad niyang naramdaman ang bigat ng saloobin ng mga nasa loob niyon. 

Blake was sitting on the stool beside Lucky's bed and holding Lucky's hand. While Blaze and Axel was conversing about Lucky's condition and how they ccould help her feel better. 

And King... he went to Blake's side and put the coffee on the table near Blake's. "It may not seem like it but Lady Lucky, she will be fine. And if you need anything, I'll assist you in any way I can."

"Thanks, King," Blake whispered. 

Napangiti siya na nauwi sa mahinang tawa nang ang isang kape na hawak ni King ay ibinigay nito kay Blaze na nalukot ang mukha. 

"You need it," sabi ni King, saka kinuha ang kamay ni Blaze at pilit nitong pinahawakan sa lalaki ang styrocup na may lamang kape bago bumalik sa harap niya. "If you need anything, Young Miss, I'll be outside."

"King, I'll be fine—"

"No, you're not." He smiled at her. "It's my job, as your butler, to assist you in any way that I can and this is me doing that job."

Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga. "You being my butler is because my dad is an Arkhon, right? I mean you're rich and you're just my butler. It explains everything."

"I am glad that you now know what your father is but..." King winked. "Get your facts straight, Young Miss. You have a long way to go."

Nang makalabas si King, lumapit naman sa kanya si Blaze. 

"What's with your bodyguard—no, I'm your bodyguard. Let me rephrase it what's with that weirdo giving me coffee?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Happy. "I don't know. Ako ang bumili ng coffee pero hindi ko sinabi sa kanya to give it to you and Blake. It's actually for Blake and me." She sighed. "Anyway, how's my sister doing?"

"Her new heart is starting to weaken." 

Happy felt her heart sink. "And?"

"And the doctors will do everything they can for Lucky. Don't worry, hindi ko pababayaan ang kapatid mo."

Tumango siya, saka tumingin kay Lucky na wala pa ring malay. "She has to be okay. Nakakasama ko pa lang siya, Blaze. I don't want to lose her."

Masuyong niyakap ni Blaze ang katawan niya, saka hinalikan siya sa noo. "Baby, it's okay to cry, don't bottle it all up."

Umiling siya. "I have to be strong, Blaze. Saka na ako iiyak kapag hindi ko na talaga kaya. My sister needs me to be strong, for the both of us. Kaya ko 'to."

Tumango-tango si Blaze, saka pinakawalan siya sa pagkakayakap. "Why don't you sit on the sofa? I'll buy you coffee." Ngumiti ito. "Naubos ko na ang kape mo."

Nakangiting tumango si Happy, saka umupo sa sofa habang titig na titig pa rin sa kapatid. Nang makabalik si Blaze sa tabi niya mayamaya, kumunot ang noo niya nang makitang wala itong dalang kape. 

"Where's my coffee?"

Sa halip na sagutin ang tanong niya, paharap itong umupo sa tabi niya sa mahabang sofa, saka nagtatakang tumingin sa kanya. "Is King okay?"

Happy's eyebrow furrowed. "Bakit?"

"He seems a little... off."

"What do you mean?"

Blaze really looked bothered. "I... ahm, I went outside to but you a coffee and he was there. Tinanong niya ako kung may kailangan daw ba ako at sabi ko, bibili ako ng kape mo. And then he said, 'No, I'll buy that coffee for you.' I asked him why, and he said it's his job to assist me in anyway he can."

Lumalim ang pagkakakunot ng noo niya sa huling sinabi ni Blaze. "'Yon din ang sabi niya sa akin at kay Blake kanina. That it's his job to assist me."

Confusion filled Blaze's face. "Ano ba'ng nangyayari kay King? I like the King who doesn't give a shit about me, not this weird butler wannabe."

"Siguro worried lang siya for my sister. He did call Dad about Lucky's condition," kuwento niya. 

"Kaya ba tinawagan ka ng daddy mo dahil nalaman pala niya kay King?" 

Tumango siya. "Yes."

Naputol ang pag-uusap nila ni Blaze nang pumasok si King sa kuwarto at ibigay sa kanya ang kape, saka nagpaalam din agad.

"If you need anything, I'll be just outside."

"Wait!" pigil ni Blaze kay King at tumayo.  

Agad namang humarap si King kay Blaze at bahagyang yumukod. "Yes, Your Highness?"

Blaze mouth literally hung open. "Why the fuck are you calling me that?"

King immediately explained. "You are the son of Duke Von Per Vitale. It is necessary that I address you as such."

Blaze closed his parted in shock mouth. "Okay. This has to stop. I want the King back who doesn't give a shit. Come on, bring him back, you nut job."

Umiling si King. "I am sorry, Your Highness, I will do anything you ask, but I can't activate that."

Blaze grimaced and glared at King. "What are you? A robot?"

"No. I am one thousand percent human, Your Highness." May sarkasmo sa boses ni King na ikinatawa ni Happy nang mahina. 

Lalong nairita naman si Blaze. "Ginagago mo ba ako, King?"

"No, Your Highness."

Pareho silang natigilan ni Blaze nang sagutin ni King ang Tagalog na tanong ni Blaze. 

"The fuck..." Blaze cussed again in shock. 

"I understand your language but I cannot speak it," agad na paliwanag ni King. "And as for my activation, what I mean is, I, or rather, my family, answers to two masters." He glanced at her. "Master Dominick..." Then he returned his attention to Blaze. "And Master Von Per, your father, who just called me this morning to assist you."

Happy thought that Blaze was shook at the information because he dropped himself on the sofa, while looking confused.

"I think I just had a heart attack," bulong ni Blaze, saka masamang tumingin kay King. "Explain further before I go Jason Bourne on your ass, you weirdo!"

King took a deep breath. "My family's task, now my task, is to assist the Quinn and Vitale family. My father assisted Master Dominick and Master Von Per, and now, as my father's first born, I will also assist Master Dominick and Master Von Per's first borns and that would be you and Young Miss." Nginitian siya nito bago nginitian si Blaze. "And you, Prince Blake."

Hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Blaze. "Lose the smile, King. It's creepy."

Agad namang nawala ang ngiti ni King. 

"So..." Happy looked at Blaze. "Our fathers are really connected like you said."

King interjected. "Connected in more ways than you can imagine."

"Let me guess..." Parang nanghahamon na tumingin si Blaze kay King. "Our family has been connected since the Dark Ages."

King smiled. "Yes. Since the Dark Ages, Your Highness."

"King," tawag ni Blake kay King na nagpatigil sa usapan nilang tatlo.

"Yes, Your Highness?" King said. 

"Umuwi ka muna sa bahay at pakisabi kay Mommy na maglagay ng damit ni Lucky sa bag na nasa kuwarto at dalhin mo rito. Pakibilisan."

"Yes, Your Highness," agad na sagot ni King, saka nagpaalam sa kanilang dalawa ni Blaze bago lumabas. 

While she and Blaze looked at Blake shockingly. 

"What?" Blake asked like he was innocent. "I was listening to your conversation. Sinusubukan ko lang kung totoo ang mga pinagsasasabi niya."

"And looks like he's telling the truth after all," Blaze said then tsked. "This is fucked up and I'm confused."

"Don't be," sabi ni Blake. "Kapag hinayaan mo ang sarili mong maguluhan, wala kang sagot na makukuha. Focus, Blaze, and use your brain. Hindi ka naman siguro bobo, doktor ka nga, eh."

"Is that the best advice you can give me?" Blaze's words were filled with sarcasm. 

"Yes, and a reminder that you have two balls. One is the brain, and one is the brawn. Use it wisely." 

Blaze tsked. "He always know what to say."

Napangiti si Happy, saka pabulong na nagsalita. "Is that why you idolize him?"

Blaze chuckled. "Sort of." Humilig ito sa balikat niya at naglalambing na yumakap sa kanya. "How's my baby? Feeling okay?"

Tumango siya at bumaling dito na sinalubong ang mga labi niya ng masuyong halik na agad niyang tinugon. 

She and Blaze was softly kissing each other, licking each other's lips and softly biting while sucking each other's tongue. 

And when they both pulled away, Blaze whispered. 

"I love you, Happy Quinn." Titig na titig ito sa kanya. 

Happy smiled. "I love you too, Blaze Vitale." 

She was expecting another kiss from Blaze and strings of I love you, but he stood up and then he left.

Natitigilan at nagtatakang napatitig siya sa nilabasang pinto ni Blaze. "What happened to him?" tanong niya sa sarili. 

"Happy?"

Napabaling siya kay Blake na tinawag ang pangalan niya. "Yes?"

"My brother..." Blake looked into her eyes. "Please take good care of him. Alam kong trabaho ko 'yon pero hindi ko na siya naaalagaan sa dami ng inaalala ko ngayon."

Nginitian niya ang brother-in-law niya. "Leave Blaze to me. I'll take good care of him. While you, take a good care of my sister."

Blake nodded with a small smile. "I will."

And the subject of her and Blake's conversation entered the room again, walking straight to her, his eyes never leaving hers and then he cupped her face and claimed her mouth. 

Nagulat si Happy sa ginawa ni Blaze pero agad ding nakabawi at tinugon ang halik nito. 

When Blaze pulled away, he smiled at her. "Say it again."

She frowned. "What?"

"That you love me too." 

"Oh." She smiled. "I love you too, Blazey. Okay na?"

Malapad ang ngiting tumango si Blaze, saka niyakap siya. "Fuck. My heart is racing."

"Kaya ka ba lumabas?" natatawang tanong niya. 

"Yeah..." pag-amin ni Blaze. "I need to calm myself and of course, hide while I blush like a girl."

Natawa siya, saka tinugon ang yakap ni Blaze at hinalikan ito sa leeg. Naghiwalay lang sila nang marinig nila ang boses ni Lucky. 

Mabilis siyang lumapit kay Lucky na ngayon ay gising na at nakangiti kay Blake. 

"Are you okay, baby?" tanong ni Blake kay Lucky. 

Lucky nodded. "Yes. I am."

"You're lying to me—"

"I'm being positive," Lucky corrected Blake. 

Maingat na niyakap ni Blake si Lucky. At nang magtama ang tingin nila ni Lucky, nginitian niya ang kapatid. 

"Hang in there, okay?" sabi niya. "Dad is coming. Hindi ka niya pababayaan."

Nanghihinang tumango si Lucky, saka kumawala sa yakap ni Blake. "How's our baby? Okay lang ba siya?"

"The baby is weak." Si Blaze ang sumagot. "But we'll figure out something to make you and the baby strong. Paano? Hindi pa namin alam pero gagawin namin ang lahat."

"We will be okay," pabulong na sabi ni Lucky. "I'll fight, remember?"

Blake shook his head. "Why are you doing this to me, baby? I told you before, it's okay. Kahit wala tayong maging anak, ayos lang sa akin."

"Not to me," Lucky whispered, "I don't know how much years I will have with you. Maybe five, maybe less or more but what I'm sure, I'll be gone before you. Sigurado akong mauuna ako sa iyo at gusto kong may maiwan akong alaala. You said that you will still live after I'm gone, but I know, you will be messed up. And this, our baby, when I'm gone, you will have another reason to live and not be a mess again. Our baby will give you a new purpose and a reason to be alive and be a good man."

A tear fell on Blake's eyes. "I love you... so much. I love you."

"I know." Lucky smiled. "And I love you too, Blakey-baby. And I will fight this. Kaya ko 'to... kaya natin 'to."

Blake nodded and kissed her sister. 

While she held Blaze's hand and pulled him out of the room to give the couple some privacy. 

Happy felt like there was something heavy on her chest, looking at her sister like that... but she felt a little better when Blaze hugged her from behind and kissed her shoulder and neck. 

"Nandito lang ako," bulong ni Blaze sa kanya. 

Umikot siya paharap at yumakap sa leeg nito. "My sister is gonna be just fine, right?"

Blaze didn't answer. 

"Blaze, please... tell me she's gonna be fine," she begged. 

Binigyang distansiya ni Blaze ang katawan nila, saka sinapo ang mukha niya at pinakatitigan siya. "I'm a doctor, baby, and I can't say it unless I can confirm it in the test results and—"

"I'm asking you as my boyfriend, not as a doctor." 

Blaze took a deep breath. "Baby, your boyfriend is a doctor. I can't just tell you that Lucky will be okay because we both know she's not okay and what she need is a miracle. Ayokong magsinungaling sa iyo. Ayokong paasahin ka. Gusto kong sa akin mo mismo malaman ang totoo. I will not make you feel better with lies, baby."

Huminga si Happy nang malalim para hindi malaglag ang luha sa mga mata niya. "A miracle..." Mahina siyang natawa. "I'd been praying for one since Lucky told me she's pregnant."

"And I think God just answered you," sabi ni Blaze habang nakatingin sa likuran niya. 

Sinundan niya ang tingin nito at 'yong lakas at ang pag-asang naramdaman niya nang makita ang daddy niya ay nag-umapaw.

And then her attention moved to the three women and three men behind her dad and all of them were wearing a doctor's robe. 

"Daddy!" Sinalubong niya ang ama.

"Princess." Niyakap siya nito at hinalikan sa noo. "Come on."

Hinila siya papasok ng ama sa kuwarto ni Lucky at agad nitong kinumusta ang kapatid niya. Habang si Blaze naman ay tumabi sa kanya ng tayo at pinagsalikop ang kamay nilang dalawa. 

"Hindi ka natatakot kay Daddy?" nangingiting tanong niya sa lalaki. "He hates you."

"I'm serious about you, baby. And If being with you means facing your father's wrath, then so be it."

"Always the sweetest," sabi niya, saka hinalikan ito sa pisngi. 

Blaze just winked at her. 

"I have six doctors here for transport," sabi ng ama niya na kausap si Lucky. "And fourteen more in Pennsylvania, waiting. All of them are brilliant and they will take good care of you."

"T-twenty doctors?" Hindi makapaniwala si Lucky. "So many."

"Of course." Her dad smiled. "I will add more to assist and make you feel better."

"Axel... Dr. Axel..." sabi ni Lucky. "I want him as my doctor."

"Consider it done, my baby. Daddy will take care of everything." Then he faced Blake. "Ayaw kitang pangunahan pero para ito sa ikabubuti ng anak ko na asawa mo. We have to transfer her to Pennsylvania and you will accompany her."

"Kahit saan pa 'yan..." Hinaplos ni Blake ang pisngi ni Lucky. "Basta gagaling ang asawa ko, sasama ako."

"Good." Her dad faced the six doctors. "Do your thing. If something bad happens to my daughter, I will put you all in a casket..." Then he smiled. "But I'm sure you can take good care of her because you're all brilliant."

As the doctors worked with Dr. Axel to make Lucky feel better, her father went to her and stopped in front of her. 

"Princess..."

Ngumiti siya. "Hey, Daddy."

Masuyong nitong sinapo ang mukha niya. "Do you hate your old man?"

Umiling siya. "I'm just confused."

"I know... I know..." Hinalikan siya nito sa noo, saka pinakatitigan. "I'm sorry about not answering your calls."

"It's okay. I know you're busy."

"I'm not busy, really." Her father gave her an apologetic smile. "Hindi kita kinakausap kasi alam ko na ang itatanong mo at hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasagutin 'yon."

"But Themarie said you're the only one who can tell me everything," sabi niya na nakikiusap ang mga matang nakatingin sa ama. "Naguguluhan na ako, Dad. My life is simple before this, and now, I don't know anymore."

"Your life was never simple," sabi nito, saka hinalikan uli siya sa noo. "I want it to be simple. I want it to be uneventful, so you can live your life happily. But soon I realized, our family, the Quinns, will never live a peaceful life. Tanggap ko na 'yon, lalo na nang mabaril ka. Our past will always catch up to us and it's catching up to you now."

"Daddy—"

"But you will not let them hurt you, okay, princess—"

"Daddy." Hinawakan niya ang kamay nitong nakasapo sa pisngi niya. "You need to help, Blaze. He's in trouble. Baka malaman ng Organisasyon na nagsabi siya sa akin tungkol sa kanila kahit hindi ako miyembro. You're an Arkhon, you can make the punishment go away—"

"I can't." 

Happy froze. "No. You're lying..."

Umiling ang ama niya. "I already renounced my position so many years ago, princess. I'm not an Arkhon anymore. I don't have the power to do what you want me to do."

"No." Marahas siyang umiling. "You're lying to me."

"I'm sorry, princess." Pinisil nito ang kamay niya. "Yes, I can still use my position to get information and connections and make the lower level of the Organization do my bidding but, that's it. I cannot change the decision of the fourth Arkhon and I cannot bend the rules for Blaze. I don't have that kind of power anymore."

"No... no, what if they found out about what Blaze did? Ano'ng gagawin namin? Ano'ng gagawin ko? This is a huge organization, Dad. I will not let them hurt the man I love."

Her father looked at Blaze. "What were you thinking telling all that to my daughter, anyway?"

"Don't use that reverse mojo psychology on my son, Dominick. I will kick your ass." It was Blaze's father. 

The duke! 

"Von Per." Nakangiting bumaling ang ama niya sa ama ni Blaze. "Been a long time, you motherfucker."

"It's been a long time and you're still a dick," iritadong sabi ni Tito Von. 

"Yes. I still have a dick, Von."

Tito Von tsked. "When you called my son, you didn't directly say it but I know you want to put fear on him so he would tell your daughter what she's up against. You're old but still wicked."

"How dare you called me old?" Her father glared at Tito Von. "Between us two, you're the one who have white hairs."

"That's because you dye your hair!"

"It's a natural hair, you jackass!"

"You're the jackass!" singhal ni Tito Von sa ama niya. "When you called Blaze, I feared that you're in trouble, so I track you down and this is how you say thank you?"

"
Aww
..." Her father was sarcastic. "So sweet of you."

"I should just let you die," sabi ni Tito Von. 

"As if you'll let that happen."

"Dick!"

Her dad retaliated. "Ass!"

The two were bickering like an old couple. Samantalang ni hindi nga nag-usap ang dalawa sa kasal nina Lucky at Blake. 

"Dad!" she hissed at her father. 

"Dad!" Blaze at his father.

Natigilan naman ang dalawa at napatingin sa kanila. 

"What?" sabay na tanong ng mga ito sa kanila ni Blaze. 

"Ano'ng gagawin namin if the Organization finds out that sinabi sa akin ni Blaze ang lahat ng alam niya?" tanong niya sa ama. 

"Happy..." Ang ama 'yon ni Blaze. "Your dad can no longer bend the rules. He already renounced his position so many years ago. He can't go back and go against the fourth Arkhon. He's not that powerful anymore. The families behind your father before will no longer do his bidding since he already left the Organization."

"What families?" Blaze asked. 

Her dad answered. "Every Arkhon has families behind him to support him do his responsibilities and that is to save as many lives as he can. At dahil umalis na ako, hindi ko na sila hawak. Yes, I can talk to them but to force them to do what I want now? No... It takes an Arkhon to make them move again and I'm not that anymore." 

"And I can't do anything because the Arkhon I'm serving..." Tito Von glared at her father. "Renounced his position without even consulting his hippeis." 

Her father sighed. "Peace, that was the only goal of the Organization. Before, it was already within our reach... but now..." 

Tito Von tsked. "Now it's more chaotic. Since the first three Arkhon's left, the fourth Arkhon has been the ruler of the Organization. Maybe it's time to dethrone that son of a bitch."

Happy's shoulders slumped. "This is getting more confusing and confusing. The Organization just keeps getting bigger and bigger." 

"Princess... you have no idea."

Tumingin siya sa ama. "You're not giving me answers, you're giving me more to think about. Simple lang ang gusto ko, paraan para hindi maparusahan si Blaze."

"Be me," sabi ng daddy niya. "Be who I was."

Happy stilled. "What do you mean, Dad?"

"What he meant is..." Blaze's dad looked at her in the eyes. "Be an Arkhon. That's the only way to save my son if things go south."

"Be...  an...  A-Arkhon?" she whispered, stunned even at the absurd idea. 

Her dad smiled. "Second Arkhon to be exact, princess."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 33

HAPPY LEANED in on the rooftop railing of the hospital as she looked at the view in front of her. Katabi niya ang ama na inaya siyang mag-usap nang pribado at doon niya ito dinala sa rooftop. 

Her dad had been explaining everything about being an Arkhon and she was just listening. Until the moment that silence fell on them. 

"Dad?"

"Yes, princess?"

"If you're that powerful before, bakit hindi mo nalaman na sa iyo naman talaga si Lucky?" Iyon talaga ang isa sa mga gusto niyang itanong sa ama niya mula pa nang malaman niyang Arkhon ito. "Bakit hinayaan mo siyang masaktan nang ganoon while you treated me like a princess and it makes me feel guilty because I had a good life."

"Princess, may I remind you that you were in coma for fifteen years and that is not a good life to have."

Umiling siya. "Still... nang magising ako, inalagaan at minahal mo ako nang sobra-sobra. Pero si Lucky... bakit mo siya pinabayaan? Talaga bang wala kang alam? Please don't lie to me."

Her father sighed. "Ayokong gumawa ng dahilan sa kagaguhang ginawa ko noon. Pero noong mga panahong 'yon, ang pag-iwan ko sa mommy ni Lucky, 'yon ang pinakamabuting gawin. She was violated because my enemy—the Organization's enemy—The Triad, knows that they can hurt me through her. And I nearly went insane after what happened to Lucky's Mom, princess. I and Von Per killed every member of the Triad here in the Philippines and left Lucky's Mom, hoping to keep her away from harm caused by my enemies. 

"Dinala ko ang giyera na 'yon sa US kung saan naroon ang headquarters ng Triad. I fought them, the nine Arkhontes—the whole Organization—fought them. We all lost someone... someone we love and we care about but no one is giving up. But when you were fifteen, still in coma, the Triad learned about my daughter. You. Natakot ako sa kaya nilang gawin sa iyo. I did everything I can to keep you safe. After that, I left the Organization and I hid you with the help of the Zabat Family... hoping that one day, we can live a normal life and I did. We did for nearly a decade. Until you got shot. That's when I realized that the Triad is back here in the Philippines again."

"And Lucky? Did you know about her being yours?"

Umiling ang ama niya. "Nang ipanganak si Lucky, nagpadala ako ng doktor na miyembro ng Organisasyon para alamin kung anak ko ba si Lucky o hindi. And the result came back negative, princess."

Napaawang ang mga labi niya. "That's not possible."

"It is... if someone tampered the result." Napailing ang ama niya. "Whoever tampered the result wants me focus on the war with the Triad at that time. Kaya nang sabihin sa akin ng Conde ang tungkol kay Lucky, nagalit ako kasi akin pala siya. May gumago lang sa akin. And I'd been asking around who could possibly do that to me, and they lead me to the fourth Arkhon."

"Midnight's father."

Tumango ang ama niya. 

Happy took a deep breath, "Midnight is part of the Organization. Alam mo ba?"

"Yes."

"Alam ba niya na isa kang Arkhon?"

Her father nodded. "I told him I was and that I already renounced my position before I asked him to train you. Midnight's a good kid. Tinulungan pa rin niya akong turuan ka ng lahat ng alam niya kahit wala na ako sa Organisasyon. Nirerespeto pa rin niya ako kahit umalis na ako."

"And the file on Midnight's flash drive? Binura mo ba?"

Tumango ang ama niya. "I did, princess."

"Why would you do that?"

"Kasi ayokong makita mo ang laman n'on," sabi ng ama niya. "Kamumuhian mo ako at hindi mo na ako gugustuhing maging ama."

"Dad, you know I love you—"

"I know... but what I did... what's in that file... it will destroy every love and respect that you have for me. I don't want you to see it. I don't want you to ever see that file. Never. Ever." 

"Kaya binura mo..." Mapaklang natawa siya at napailing. "Midnight is missing because of that file—"

"No. Midnight is missing for a whole different reason." Nagtagis ang mga bagang ng ama. "And if you want to see him again, be strong and don't let anyone push you. Always remember, you are the second Arkhon, well... you will be. You are worth the position. You deserve it because you are a Quinn, a descendant from a brave aristocrat who fought for peace."

Kahit parang napakabigat ng responsabilidad na 'yon, tumango si Happy. Para sa mga mahal niya sa buhay. At sa mga sinabi ng ama niya, napadesisyunan niyang hindi sabihin rito na may natitira pa silang kopya ng file ni Midnight. 

She had to know what was in that file.

Huminga siya nang malalim, saka nagtatanong ang mga matang tumingin sa ama. "Kaya ko kaya, Daddy? Hindi ako kasintapang mo."

"Hindi mo ako kasintapang kasi mas matapang ka pa sa akin." Hinawakan nito ang magkabilang braso niya, saka tinitigan siya sa mga mata. "You can do this. Tinalikuran ko ang buhay na 'to sa pag-aakalang matatakasan ko ang nakaraan ko at mabibigyan kita ng maayos na buhay, pero nabaril ka ng ilang beses at nagbalik na naman ang gustong manakit sa pamilya natin. They're everywhere now, princess. And one of their biggest headquarters is here in the Philippines. Kailangan mong lumaban para sa sarili mo at para sa mga mahal mo sa buhay."

Tumango siya. "Yes, Daddy."

"This Triad, they're big and scary and they will do everything to hurt you. But you won't let them. My princess is smart, you can fight them. Continue what our ancestors started. For peace and for your loved ones. And whatever happens, remember one simple rule that I learned from my experience."

"And that is?"

"Never leave your loved ones behind just because you're afraid they'll get hurt. Keep that in mind and you'll be great." 

Happy took a very deep breath. "I can do this," she whispered, "I can do this..."

"Yes, you can." Hinalikan siya sa noo ng ama. "You will be amazing. King will assist you in any way. You can count on him. He will lay his life for you. So does Blaze. His father was my hippeis, my protector... and now, Blaze is your hippeis too. He will protect you, not because it's his job but because he loves you and even though I still hate him a little, I'm relieved that he loves you."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Blaze is a good man, Dad."

"I know." 

"Ah, Dad..." May pag-aalinlangan sa boses niya. "We, ahm, we talk about, you know, taking your position in the Organization, but how am I going to be an Arkhon?" tanong niya dahil wala siyang kaidi-ideya at wala rin itong sinabi sa kanya. "Themarie said about the rite of passage?"

"Oo. Tumatagal 'yon ng apat na linggo."

"So... how are you gonna perform a rite of passage for me?" she asked. "What do I do?" 

"Nothing."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "What do you mean nothing?"

Her dad looked away like he was ashamed. "I already did a rite of passage for you."

Napatanga siya sa ama. "Without my consent?"

Nakangiwing ibinalik nito ang tingin sa kanya. "Matching tattoos, remember?"

Umawang ang mga labi ni Happy. "So, you tricked me?!"

"Yes. I was afraid that you would say no to being an Arkhon and I was desperate." He gave her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, princess. I just want you safe in any way I can. That tattoo..." Itinuro nito ang tattoo niya sa pupulsuhan. "Is to keep you safe from the Organization for four weeks in case an accident happened, like the one in Shun and Themarie's house. And the tattoo on your nape, that's the Arkhon's insignia... it will take its effect—the power, authority, connection, responsibility and a lot more—after four weeks since it was inked on your skin."

Wala sa sariling napahawak siya sa batok niya. "This was inked more than three weeks ago! When I was still in Pennsylvania!"

"Three weeks and two days," sabi ng ama niya na nakangiwi dahil masama ang tingin niya rito. "And you have five more days to wait before you become a member of the Organization and the second Arkhon."

"And then I can protect Blaze and look for Midnight."

Her father grinned. "Yes, princess. You made me so proud. I'm teary-eyed."

Napailing siya dahil nagdadrama na naman ito. "Matagal ka nang proud sa akin, mula nang magawa ko ang una kong jewelry design at may bumili n'on."

Her father chuckled. "Ah, I can still remember how proud I was."

Nakangiting tumango siya, saka natigilan nang may maalala. "Daddy, what about Helena? Is she really my mom?"

Pinisil nito ang ilong niya. "You'll be an Arkhon soon, figure it out yourself so you'll know what to do. And when you figured it out, I hope you do the right thing."

That meant Helena could be her mother... or not. She would know soon. 

"Always take care, princess."

"I will," sabi niya na tumango pa. "Siya nga pala, I remember something. Kapag naging Arkhon na ako at nalaman ko that you're gambling again, ipapakulong kita."

Nalukot ang mukha ng ama. "Using the Arkhon's power to bully your father is not making me proud, princess."

"Try me." Nanghahamon ang boses niya. 

Her father glared at her. "Kailangan ko bang ipaaalala sa iyo na ako ang ama mo?"

"Kailangan ko rin bang ipaalala sa iyo na I don't like gambling?"

Natahimik ito, saka nginisihan siya. "Catch me if you can, princess."

Napailing na lang siya. Her father was so childish sometimes. "Dad?"

"Yes, princess?"

"I know you'll be busy taking care of Lucky with Blake, but please if I call... please answer me."

Lumambot ang mukha ng ama. "Sasagutin ko."

"Good. Because I hate missing you so much. And I hate it when I can't speak with you. Have you forgotten that you're not just my daddy but also my best friend when Midnight is not around?" 

"I know... I know..." Masuyo siya nitong niyakap at hinalikan sa noo. "I won't do it again. Hindi ko lang naman sinagot ang tawag mo kasi alam kong marami kang tanong at hindi ko alam kung paano sasagutin, kung paano ko sasabihin na niloko kita para maging Arkhon ka. I wanted to wait for four weeks before talking to you but after what happened to Lucky, I have to face you sooner than planned."

"Just don't go MIA on me again," pakiusap niya. 

"Hindi na." 

"Thank you."

"Hey, dick, done talking?" Si Tito Von 'yon at kasama si Blaze na kalalabas lang ng elevator at naglalakad palapit sa kanila. 

Masama agad ang tingin ng ama niya kay Tito Von. "How dare you call me dick! I am superior than you!"

"You're not an Arkhon anymore!" Tito Von retaliated. 

"Say that again I will throw you off this building."

"As if you can." Tito Von tsked. "I'd been protecting your ass for a long time now, jackass. I know everything about you."

"Stop talking to me, old man."

"How dare you called me old man, you dyed your hair that's why you look younger!" Tito Von hissed. 

"I'm handsomer than you are!" her father argued. 

"I'm handsomest!" Tito Von replied. 

Nagkatinginan sila ni Blaze nang makalapit ito sa kanya at pareho silang natawa habang pinakikinggan ang mga ama nilang nagsasagutan na parang matandang mag-asawa. 

"Do you two know that you bicker like an old couple?" Blaze said. 

"Yes. That's true," sang-ayon niya. 

Tiningnan sila nang masama ng mga ama nila at balik na naman sa sagutan ang dalawa. 

Napailing si Blaze, saka yumakap sa baywang niya. "Are you feeling better now that you have talked to your father?"

Tumango siya. "Things are a bit clearer now." 

"And?"

Happy pulled away from his embrace to look into his eyes. "And I learned something."

"What?"

"You're my hippeis."

"Sounds like a sickness."

Natawa siya. "Silly. It's means you're my protector. Kaya pala gusto ni Dad na protektahan mo ako."

"I know. Dad told me. And by the way, King is our butler. A real deal butler."

"Yeah, Dad told me too."

"And the Triad?"

"Dad told me about them. Sila ang mortal na kalaban ng Organisasyon."

Tumango si Blaze. "What are we going to do about them?"

Her lips thinned. "We take them down."

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi ni Blaze. "My badass girlfriend. Baby... I love you even more."

Napangiti siya nang halikan nito ang mga labi niya na agad niyang tinugon. 

Yumakap siya sa leeg ng kasintahan nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila. Nagkatitigan sila at napangiti sa isa't isa. Akmang magtatagpo na naman ang mga labi nila nang marinig nila ang tunog ng papalapit na helicopter. 

Naghiwalay ang katawan nila ni Blaze. Tumuon ang tingin niya sa helicopter na maghahatid kina Lucky, Blake at sa daddy niya sa airport. 

Seconds later after the helicopter landed, the elevator opened and Lucky was wheeled out, Blake by her side. 

Agad niyang nilapitan ang kapatid at niyakap. "Be brave!" sigaw niya para marinig siya nito dahil malakas ang tunog ng helicopter. "Dad will be with you! Call me if you need anything!" Tumango si Lucky at may diin niya itong hinalikan sa noo. "I love you, little sis!"

May namumuong luha sa gilid ng mga mata ni Lucky nang tumango ito. Then she mouthed, "I love you too, Ate."

Sumunod ang mga mata niya sa kapatid na isinakay na sa helicopter. "Ingatan mo ang sister ko!" pasigaw niyang pakiusap kay Blake. 

"Of course!" Blake replied. 

Then Blake faced Blaze. They did a handshake and a man hug. 

"Ingat ka!" sigaw ni Blaze sa kakambal. 

"Everything is gonna be fine!" sabi ni Blake, saka ginulo ang buhok ni Blaze. "Ingat ka! Dapat pagbalik ko buhay ka pa."

Sumaludo si Blaze kay Blake at ganoon din ang ginawa ni Blake para kay Blaze bago ito sumakay sa helicopter. 

"Princess..." Lumapit sa kanya ang daddy niya at hinalikan siya sa noo. "Take care and remember I love you so much! I love you so much!"

"I love you too, Daddy!" tugon niya. 

"Please take care of my son and my daughter-in-law," pakiusap ni Tita Beth sa ama niya. 

Si Tito Von ang sumagot. "I'm going with them!" Then he went to Tita Beth to steal a kiss earning a sharp glare from her. "Take care, Beth! 
Ti amo
!"

Umingos lang si Tita Beth. 

Malakas na tumawa ang ama niya at inasar pa si Tito Von. "You still have no luck with the ladies!"

"And you're still a dick!" Tito Von snapped at her father making her chuckle. 

Sumakay na ang dalawa sa helicopter kasama ang anim na doktor. Nakasunod lang ang mga mata nila roon habang umaangat iyon sa ere hanggang sa mawala iyon sa paningin nila. 

Si Tita Beth ang unang umalis ng rooftop kasi pupuntahan pa raw nito si Bailey sa paaralan. At nang babalik na sila ni Blaze pagkatapos nilang magpahangin ng ilang minuto, bumukas ang elevator. 

Sakay doon si King at ang Conde na parang wala sa sarili. He looked like a mess, and he looked like he haven't cleaned himself for days. 

Agad na tumalim ang mga mata niya. "Ano'ng kailangan mo?"

Knight looked at her for a second before looking at Blaze who was also on guard. "Blaze."

"What?" Blaze hissed. 

"I just received an order to capture and punish you for violating the first rule of the Organization," sabi ni Knight.

"H-how did they know?" she asked, shocked. 

"Blaze's car is bugged," sagot ni Knight. "But I'm not here to capture you." He looked at Blaze. "I'm just here to warn you. Ultors will be coming to get you if I don't capture you now. You have one week to hide. Max." 

Blaze frowned. "Why would I trust you? And why won't you capture me? I thought orders are orders?"

"Yes," Knight whispered. "But I can't take this anymore. Hurting my friends... it's taking a toll on me. I already lost my brother. I am not losing another one."

Mapaklang natawa si Blaze. "So, what... we're back to being friends now? Back to being brother in arms? That's it? After the shit that you'd been doing, I'm just supposed to forgive you and move on?!"

Knight sighed. "I don't care if you hate me, Blaze. Just get out of the country and hide." Itinuro siya nito. "Her father is an Arkhon, ask for help. I don't care what you do just don't let the ultors catch you. Because if they do, you'll be out of my reach."

Blaze looked so confused. "Why are you doing this, huh, Knight? Another trick?"

"Blaze..." Knight sounded so tired. "Just go. Please... go. Hide. Marami pa akong gagawin. I don't have to make you feel better. That's your girlfriend's job." He entered the elevator and left. 

Naiwan silang tatlo nina Blaze at King. 

"Something is definitely off with him," sabi ni Blaze na ang tinutukoy ay si Knight. 

"Yes. There is a reason, Your Highness," sagot ni King. "His friends, Valerian Volkzki and Shun Kim had been held captive by the Organization."

"What the fuck?!" Blaze cussed again. "Why the fuck would the Organization do that?!"

"So, the Count will carry on the fourth Arkhon's order that the Count declined to do."

"And that is?" Happy asked. 

King looked at Blaze. "To capture and punish you, Your Highness. Or more like, kill you with lashes."

Blaze's lips parted. "But he just left."

"Yes, he did." King smiled. "Looks like he is your friend after all." 

Bumaling sa kanya si Blaze. "We have to go see Themarie." 

Mabilis siyang tumango at sumakay silang tatlo sa elevator. Lakad-takbo ang ginawa nila hanggang sa makalabas sila ng ospital. 

Naabutan pa nga nila sa Knight na papasakay sa kotse nito. 

"Hey, jackass!" sigaw ni Blaze kay Knight na agad namang lumingon. 

He really looked so tired. "What?" he asked. 

"Why?" Blaze asked. "It's Valerian and Shun. I wouldn't be shocked if you sell me out to get them back." 

Knight sighed. "Contrary to everyone's belief, Vitale, I just don't have two friends, I have more than thirty of them." Sumakay ito sa kotse at pinaharurot 'yon. 

Si Happy naman ay hinila si Blaze pasakay sa kotse nito. Iniabot niya ang susi kay King na siyang nakaupo sa driver's seat. 

Agad na humarurot ang kotse na sinasakyan nila patungo sa BV.

Natigilan siya nang yumakap sa baywang niya si Blaze at dahan-dahang isinisubsob ang mukha sa leeg niya. 

"I'm worried of Themarie," bulong nito. 

Hinaplos niya ang buhok ni Blaze at akmang yayakapin pabalik para pakalmahin ito at sabihing magiging maayos lang si Themarie dahil malakas at matapang itong babae, nang bigla na lang tumigil ang kotse na muntikan na nilang ikasubsob na nasa backseat. 

"King, what happened?" 

"Three cars just blocked our way," sagot ni King. 

"Why?" she asked. "Is there an accident?"

King and Blaze looked at the front of the car and whispered in unison. 

"Ultors."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 34

MALAKAS ANG KABOG ng puso ni Happy habang hinihintay ang sunod na hakbang ng mga ultors na nakaharang sa daraanan nila. She was ransacking her mind what to do, to plan their escape, but nothing. She couldn't think of anything! 

If she used her tattoo on her wrist, they would still take Blaze. 
And I still don't have the power to stop them! 

"King, glove compartment," utos ni Blaze kay King. 

Si King naman ay pasimpleng gumalaw ang kamay para buksan ang compartment at kinuha ang baril sa loob. 

"I can distract them with this," sabi ni King. "While you two escape—"

"You're not doing that. You'll die, trust me," sabi ni Blaze na nagtatagis ang mga bagang. "Ako ang kailangan nila. What you're going to do is keep Happy safe for the next five days."

Nanlalaki ang mga matang napabaling siya sa kasintahan. "Blaze!"

"Baby..." He looked at her. "This is the only way out."

"No—"

"Please? You need to be safe," pakiusap sa kanya ni Blaze. "After five days, when you're already an Arkhon, come save me."

Umiling siya. "They'll hurt you."

"I know but I can endure." He cupped her face and kissed her lips. "I will force myself to not die in five days. Hihintayin kita."

Hindi pa siya nakakasagot ay binuksan na ni Blaze ang pinto. At nang makalabas ay nakataas ang dalawa nitong kamay para ipakitang wala itong dalang baril pero bigla na lang umulan ng bala. 

"Why are the firing?!" pasigaw niyang tanong kay King. 

"Someone is attacking them!" balik-sigaw ni King sa kanya. 

Ang takot na naramdaman ni Happy nang marinig ang mga putok ng baril ay nawala nang makitang nakatayo pa si Blaze at ang ibang ang ultors ang nakahandusay sa semento. 

"Blazey!" mabilis niyang inagaw ang baril na hawak ni King at inihagis iyon palabas sa nakabukas na pinto ng kotse. "Catch!"

Blaze caught the gun, gripped it then he started firing at the ultors. 

And from the background, in the middle of the chaos, Happy could hear a voice shouting at Blaze to leave.

"Go! Damn it, Blaze! Go! Hide! Go!" 

The voice was screaming at Blaze but Blaze wouldn't listen until he used all the bullets in his gun. 

"Fuck!" malakas na mura ni Blaze nang wala nang bala na lumabas sa baril nito. 

King moved the car to be convenient for Blaze to get in. "Your Highness! Get in!" 

Mabilis namang sumakay sa kotse si Blaze at agad namang pinaharurot ni King ang sasakyan palayo sa lugar na 'yon na umuulan pa rin ng bala. 

Nilingon niya ang pinanggalingan bago humarap sa lalaki. "Who was that? Who saved us?"

Blaze blew a loud breath. "Knight."

Napaawang ang mga labi niya. "The Count?"

Blaze nodded before tapping King's shoulder. "Vitale's safe house. Dad told me about it. I don't know where though. You know the way?"

King nodded. "Of course, Your Highness. All the Vitale's safe houses are engraved in my brain in case this happens." 

"Good." Sumandal si Blaze sa likod ng backseat at napangiwi. "Fuck."

Happy was going to ask why he was flinching when she saw blood soaking Blaze's gray shirt. She quickly put a pressure on his gunshot wound. 

"Baby—"

"You're bleeding. Shut up." She hissed at Blaze before pulling his shirt up and checking his wound. "Oh, shit..."

She put her hands back on his wound to put just enough pressure to stop the bleeding when the car stopped. 

Bago pa siya makapagtanong, nagsalita na si King. 

"Change cars," sabi nito. "They might be tracking this one."

Mabilis siyang lumabas ng kotse, kasabay ni King. Sabay nilang inalalayan si Blaze na makalabas din para lumipat sa isang nakaparadang kulay-itim na sedan. 

After they deposited Blaze on the backseat, beside her, King quickly drove while she, again, put a pressure on Blaze's wound. 

"Kaninong car 'to?" tanong ni Happy kay King. 

"I bought it," sabi ni King na mas binilisan pa ang pagpapatakbo. "I have twenty cars, parked and scattered all over the city in case of emergency and this is an emergency, Young Miss."

Ibinalik niya ang atensiyon kay Blaze na nakapikit at mahina ang paghinga. She was panicking and so scared but she didn't let it show. She held it in. Kapag nakita siya ni Blaze na natatakot, mag-aalala ito at dadagdagan pa niya ang alalahanin nito. 

"I love you," she whispered that and kissed his shoulder. "I love you, okay? Hang in there, baby. Hang in there."

Blaze groaned, his eyes cracking open a little. "I-is my b-baby okay?" he whispered in a weak voice. 

Tumango siya, saka ipinakita ritong maayos lang siya. "I am. Your baby is okay. While you... hang in there, okay?"

Blaze weakly nodded. "B-baby?"

"Blaze, stop talking," pakiusap niya. 

"I love you," Blaze whispered. "I hope that I've said it a lot of times for you to believe me that I really do love you."

"I believe you. I believe you." She kissed his shoulder while still putting pressure on his wound. 

Blaze grunted then he gripped her bloody hands on her wound. "Fuck..."

"I'm here... I'm here..." sabi niya. 

Humigpit ang hawak nito sa kamay niya. "A little more pressure, baby."

Sinunod niya ang sinabi ni Blaze at hinalik-halikan niya ito sa balikat. "Hang on, okay? Hang on."

He nodded before leaning his head on the back of the seat, eyes slightly open. "B-baby?"

Her heart was beating so fast in fear. "Yes?"

"I know that—I... ahm, I should buy you a very expensive ring before I ask this but ... I want to ask you now—"

"Blaze, shut up, please. Save your strength," pakiusap niya. 

"Baby... w-will you marry me?"

Mabilis siyang tumango. "Yes. Now shut up."

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi ni Blaze. "I-I'm so lame... proposing while bleeding out with no ring... I'm sorry, baby, you don't deserve this kind of proposal."

Marahas siyang umiling. "No... it was the sweetest. Now, shut up."

"I love you, Happy Quinn."

"I know and I love you too. Now, shut up."

"Don't you ever leave me—"

Malakas na sinuntok ni Happy si Blaze dahilan para mawalan ito ng malay. "Sorry, baby." 
She kissed his cheek. "I did tell you to shut up to conserve your strength."

While King chuckled. "That's a great way to make him shut up."

Happy let out a shaky laugh and focused all her attention on Blaze until the car stopped in the middle of nowhere. 

"Where are we?" puno ng pagtataka niyang tanong. 

"In the safe house," sagot ni King. 

"King, we're in the middle of nowhere."

Sa halip na sumagot si King, inilapat nito ang dulo ng hintuturo sa signet ring na suot. At napaawang ang mga labi ni Happy nang makitang unti-unting nagkaroon ng butas ang lupa na nasa unahan nila at bumukas iyon na para bang pinto pababa. 

"Holy... shit," she said in shock. 

Nakaawang pa rin ang mga labi niya habang minamaniobra ni King papasok ang kotse sa ilalim ng lupa. At nang tumigil ang sasakyan ay sumara ang pinto sa likuran nila na gawa sa metal. 

"We're literally six feet under the ground," mahina niyang bulong. 

Mahinang tumawa lang si King at pinatay ang makina ng sasakyan. 

As if on cue, the whole surroundings lit up. Concrete steels and brick walls surrounded them. A long bulb in front and back, filling the place with enough lights. 

"King, no offense meant but this place is filthy." 

"Young Miss..." Nilingon siya ni King at nginitian. "This is just the garage." Lumabas ito ng sasakyan bago pa siya makapagtanong at may binuksang pinto bago bumalik sa kotse para tulungan siyang buhatin si Blaze papasok. 

Pagkapasok nila sa pinto, sumalubong sa kanila ang palikong hagdanan pababa. 

Maingat ang bawat hakbang nila ni King hanggang sa tuluyan na silang makababa at maihiga si Blaze sa mesa na gawa sa stainless steel katabi ng mga gamit pang-ospital. 

And Happy just watched King as he worked with Blaze's gunshot wound together with a first-aid kit. Hindi raw kasi malinis ang mga gamit pang-ospital na naroon. 

"You have medical background?" tanong niya kay King. 

Umiling ito. "Saw this on TV."

She let out a shaky laugh. "Magiging okay lang ba siya?"

"Of course," sabi ni King habang abala pa rin sa paggagamot sa sugat ni Blaze. 

Siya naman ay inilibot ang tingin sa kabuuan ng lugar. 

Steels and bricks surrounded them. A set of sofas, a bathroom, a kitchenette, a double bed, a refrigerator and a vault. Oddly, the place was clean. 

"Paanong nagkaroon ng ilaw rito?" nagtatakang tanong niya. "At water?"

"Solar. The power was activated when I opened the door," sagot ni King. "And we have our own water supply system."

"Wow..." She was still amazed. "And we even have air conditioning. And we can breathe properly too." A smile stretched her lips. "This place is amazing."

"I'm glad you like it, Young Miss." King seemed pleased. "That's not all. We have strong signal here too and our calls are untraceable." 

"What's in there?" tanong niya habang nakaturo ang daliri sa vault. 

"Money," sagot ni King. "My dad checks on every safe house the Vitale has, once every three years, to see if it's still safe and running perfectly or when he has to stack new money on the vault. He say that even when Master Dominick renounced his position, a new second Arkhon will come and will use the safe house again." Nakangiting nilingon siya nito. "And here we are."

Napatango-tango siya. "I can't thank your father enough."

"You don't have to thank him," sabi ni King. "You just have to be an Arkhon that the families who will support you will be proud of."

That was a heavy burden and a lot of responsibilities, but she nodded earnestly. "I'll try my best, King."

King smiled at her and finished mending Blaze's wound. "I'm done." Humarap ito sa kanya. "You should rest, Young Miss. I will go and buy ourselves something to eat—"

"No. I'll do it." 

"Young Miss—"

"They won't hurt me and I won't let them see me." Ipinakita niya kay King ang tattoo sa pupulsuhan. "Let's use this to our advantage. You stay here, take care of Blaze and I'll do what I have to do outside. Walang mapapahamak o masasaktan uli. Not on my watch, King."

King nodded with a proud smile on his lips as he handed her his signet ring. "Here's the key, Young Miss. Take care."

Tinungo niya ang closet na naroon at tiningnan kung may magagamit siya. 

Mabilis niyang kinuha ang bull cap na nakita at isinuot iyon habang nakalugay ang buhok niya. Kumuha siya ng pera sa vault bago malalaki ang hakbang na tinungo ang garahe sa 'taas at ginaya ang ginawa kanina ni King sa singsing nito. 

Napangiti siya nang bumukas ang pinto na gawa sa metal pababa na nagsisilbi ring daanan ng sasakyan pataas at palabas ng basement na 'yon. 

Agad siyang nagmaneho patungo sa pinakamalapit na grocery story na nakita niya kanina habang papunta sila rito. 

With her head held low, she bought all the things she thought they would need for the next few days and payed cash. And then she went to the nearest store to buy some clothes to wear. 

Nang makabalik sa sasakyan, natigilan siya nang pumasok na naman sa isip niya ang gusto niyang gawin kanina pa. 

Go see Themarie and Tita Beth. To check on them, but she knew better. There could be a trap. O naka masundan siya pabalik. But maybe she should try and see them? She was worried. 

Happy sighed and was about to put the key on the car ignition switch when she heard a phone ringing from the glove compartment. 

Binuksan niya ang glove compartment at tama nga ang narinig niya at hindi imahinasyon lang. 

May cell phone na tumutunog sa loob. Tiningnan niya kung sino ang tumatawag. 

Count Calling... 

The Count? Knight Velasquez?

"Who's this?" tanong niya nang sagutin ang tawag bilang paniniguro kung ito ba ang conde. 

"The Count." Knight Velasquez's voice filled her ear.

"This is Happy," pagpapakilala niya. 

"Where's your butler?" tanong ni Knight. 

"Taking care of Blaze."

"And you are?"

"Buying some things we need—wait, how did you get this number?" nagtatakang tanong niya. 

"Your butler slipped it on my pocket while we're on the rooftop. Anyway, why are you out in the open? Kapag may nangyaring masama sa iyo, kapag nakita ka ng mga ipinadalang ultors —"

"Hindi nila ako sasaktan," sabi niya. "Remember my tattoo?"

"Oh... smart move. Anyway, tumawag ako para sabihing huwag n'yo nang alalahanin ang pamilya ni Blaze at ni Shun. Ako na ang bahala sa kanila."

"And I should trust you, why?"

"Because I just opened fire at my father's ultors and killed them all."

Natahimik siya ng ilang segundo. "I'll keep Blaze safe."

"Good. Nakausap mo na ba ang ama mo? He's an Arkhon, right? He can help us. I'm sure he's one of the three inactive Arkhontes. Hindi lang ako sigurado kung pang-ilan siya."

Happy sighed. "My dad already renounced his position years ago."

"That means... your dad is the second Arkhon... he was the only one who renounced, the other two left after him." Knight chuckled. "I knew it. When I got a sudden call from him when you got shot, I knew he's connected to you somehow. And I got so nervous because he was a legend. I haven't seen his face but I'm awed at his accomplishments and the things he did. Your father is amazing, Miss Quinn. If only I have known that when I stood in front of him in your house in Pennsylvania."

Napangiti si Happy. She could hear admiration on Knight's voice. His father was an amazing man... he still was. 

"Yes. He is my dad, but he can't help because he renounced his position. Wala nang balikan kapag ganoon."

"Fuck." Knight cussed again. "That was my last card."

Happy took a deep breath. "No... I'm your last card, Count Knight. And I happen to be an ace." 

Knight chuckled. "You got me at ace. Let's talk, Second Arkhon."

BLAZE'S EYES cracked open as a grunt escaped his lips. Sinubukan niyang bumangon sa pagkakahiga pero napadaing siya nang sumigid ang kirot sa tagiliran niya. 

"What the—" He stilled when he remembered what happened. He got shot. "H-Happy..."

Inilibot niya ang tingin sa kabuuan ng kinaroroonan nila. Pero sa halip na makita si Happy, si King ang nakita niya. 

"Where's Happy?" he grunted as he pushed himself to sit on the bed. 

"Outside," sagot ni King habang may inaayos sa ilalim ng lababo. "Buying our food."

"What?!" Worry filled him and pushed himself to leave the bed. "No... no... let's go... let's go after her."

King stood up, faced him and sighed heavily. "Your Highness, Young Miss is not a damsel in distress who needs saving all the time. She was trained by Midnight Velasquez whose battle prowess are exceptional and one of the best. If you really wanna help her, lay on the bed and rest—"

"Are you telling me what to do, King?" he asked while giving King a flat stare. 

King immediately forced a smile. "Of course not, Your Highness. I'm just merely suggesting."

Napatango-tango siya. "Good. What are you doing?"

"Fixing the stove." 

"Where are we?"

"In the Vitale's safe house—basement—in the middle of nowhere," sagot nito. 

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay, saka hinilot ang sentido. "King, may sugat ako pero kaya kitang bugbugin kaya sagutin mo ako nang maayos."

King smiled at him again. "I am telling you the truth, Your Highness."

"Where are we exactly—"

"In the middle of nowhere, Your Highness—"

"Stop calling me that!" It was getting into his nerves. 

Nanatili ang ngiti sa mga labi ni King. "I thought you like being address as such. As I recall, from my conversation with Master Von Per, you like to be called Prince Blaze."

Blaze jaw tightened as he stood up. "I could just kill you right now. No one will know... no one will know..."

"Are you sure you should be standing, Your Highness?" Kumunot ang noo ni King, "I think you should rest."

"I'm fine. Hindi naman masakit masyado. I can endure the pain."

Tumango-tango si King, saka umupo sa pang-apatang mesa na nasa gilid at may inilapag na card deck sa ibabaw ng mesa. "Do you play cards, Your Highness?"

"Fuck you," sagot niya bago naglakad palapit sa mesa na kinauupuan nito at umupo sa kaharap nitong upuan. "I'm good at cards."

"Good. Let's play."

Blaze didn't know if King asked to play cards to pass the time or take his mind off from the pain, but it worked. 

King tsked. "Even in your state right now, you still manage to beat me three times."

"Because I'm fucking awesome," pagmamalaki niya. 

King smiled and started distributing cards at each other when they both heard a metal door opening and a car's engine. 

"Oh, fuck!" King cussed as he quickly gathered the scattered cards on the table. "Oh, fuck! Young Miss hates gambling in any form! Oh, fuck! We're so dead!"

They could now hear footsteps on the stairs. 

"You want a happy girlfriend?" King asked him. 

Mabilis syang tumango. 

"Help me dispose this shit!"

Kahit masakit ang tagiliran, tumulong siya sa pamumulot ng cards na nagkalat sa mesa. Mabilis nila iyong itinapon sa basurahan at sabay silang humarap kay Happy na natigilan at napakunot ang noo anng makita ang hitsura nilang dalawa ni King. 

"What are you two doing?" may pagtataka at kuryosidad na tanong ni Happy sa kanilang dalawa ni King. "You two okay?"

Nagkatinginan muna sila ni King bago sabay na sumagot. 

"Nothing," he answered. 

"We're cleaning," sabi ni King. 

Nagkatinginan sila uli nang magkaiba ang sagot nila. 

"We're cleaning," ulit niyang sagot. 

"We're doing nothing," sabi ni King. 

Tiningnan niya nang masama ang katabi. "Shut up."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Napailing lang sa kanila si Happy at inilapag ang mga dalang plastic sa ibabaw ng mesa. Nilapitan siya nito, saka sinuri ang sugat niya na may takip na gauze. Then she looked up at him with a soft smile on her lips. "How's my baby feeling?"

That put a smile on Blaze's lips before he grimaced and pretended that his wound hurt like hell. "It's very painful, baby. I need some hugs and kisses."

King coughed. "Lying." He coughed again. "He's a liar."

He glared at King. "You wanna die?"

King cleared his throat and smiled at Happy. "He's in a severe pain, Young Miss. He needs you more than anything in this world."

He forced a smile for King. "Thanks, jackass."

King murmured. "Dick."

"What did you say?" nanghahamon na tanong niya kay King. 

Happy shook her head and tsked. "Stop arguing with King. Come on..." Iginiya niya ito patungo sa kama at maingat na tinulungang makahiga. "There... rest. Dapat nagpahinga ka na lang at hindi na tumayo."

"Nakapagpahinga naman ako," sabi niya nang makahiga sa kama. "I just woke up. Thanks to this very comfortable bed."

Kumunot ang noo ni Happy at tumingin sa steel table na naroon. "When I left you were there..."

Kununot din ang noo niya. "Then why did I wake up here?" Tumuon ang mga mata niya sa tanging salarin na naisip niya. "King, please tell me you didn't carry me."

King smiled at him. "Then I won't tell you that I carried you bridal style, Your Highness."

"Fuck you!" sigaw niya ng King na tumango at ngumiti lang. He tsked. "God! He's so annoying."

Happy chuckled. "Well, that annoying man save our asses today."

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga at tinitigan ang kasintahan. "Happy?"

She stared back at him. "Hmm?"

"Will you marry me?" lakas-loob niyang tanong uli. 

Baka kasi nagdedeliryo lang siya noong narinig niya itong umoo.

Happy chuckled. "Proposing to me twice in a day... kikiligin na ba ako?"

Mahina siyang natawa pero ninenerbiyos naman. "I just wanna hear you say yes and don't punch me this time."

Happy smiled at him. "Yes, Blaze, and I'm sorry about punching you. Ngayon, ikaw naman ang sumagot, how are you feeling?"

"It hurts. So much." He pouted his lips. "I need a kiss to make me feel better."

King coughed loudly as he said, "liar."

Hindi niya pinansin ang asungot, sinapo niya ang batok ng kasintahan nang bumaba ang mga labi nito para angkinin ang mga labi niya. He cupped Happy's nape while their tongue battled in sync and groans of pleasure escaped their lips. 

When Happy pulled away, she asked. "May kailangan ka pa?"

Tumango siya. "A hug."

King coughed again while saying, "liar."

Happy embraced him carefully. When King looked at them, he stuck out his tongue at him. He knew it was childish but King was so annoying. 

"Okay na?" tanong sa kanya ni Happy habang hinahalik-halikan ang baba niya habang yakap pa rin siya. 

"Kiss me?" ungot niya uli. 

Natatawang napailing si Happy, saka hinalikan siya sa mga labi bago pinaglandas ang mga labi sa leeg niya na umani ng mahinang ungol mula sa kanya. 

Happy chuckled before dropping three kisses on his lips. "Even wounded, you're still horny."

"Yes." Hinabol niya ang mga labi nito para halikan pero nakalayo na ito. "Come back here... Kiss me again, baby. Please? Kiss me again? I love you."

Happy smiled at him. "I love you too but I'm not kissing you again." Tinapik nito ang pisngi niya. "Pahinga ka para makabawi ka agad ng lakas. I need you at full strength in five days, Blazey."

"I know," sabi niya. 

Happy said she wouldn't kiss him again, but she did and whispered "I love you" over his lips. 

"Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Blaze asked. 

Tumawa lang si Happy, saka iniwan siya sa kama at lumapit kay King. 

And Blaze just watched Happy and King work. Itinatabi ni King ang mga pinamili ni Happy at nagluluto naman si Happy para sa kanila. 

"King, don't touch my fiancée!" sigaw niya nang makitang nahawakan nito ang kamay ni Happy nang may iabot dito si Happy na basura. 

"Yes, Your Highness," puno ng sarkasmo na sagot ni King, saka tinulungan si Happy na magluto. 

Nang nakapaghain na ang dalawa, inalalayan siya ni Happy patayo at paupo sa hapagkainan. Si King naman ay inihanda ang pinggan niya, nilagyan ng kanin at ulam at ipinagsalin pa siya ng tubig sa baso. 

"King, I'm not an invalid."

"But you are," nakangising sagot ni King at agad na lumayo sa kanya takot na baka patayin niya. 

Blaze tsked. "One of these days, King, I will bury you alive and—"

Happy kissed him, silencing him. "Blazey, stop talking and start eating."

Blaze silently nodded and started eating together with Happy and King. After the meal, he took a deep breath and spoke. 

"Okay. Let's have a meeting. What do we know so far?"

Happy answered. "Tita Beth and Bailey are safe. Yrozz is still in the mansion and Themarie and her kids are also safe. Oh! And another set of ultors were sent to catch you."

"How did you know that?" kunot-noo niyang tanong. 

"Knight called his phone." Itinuro nito si King. "Sabi niya you slipped the number on his pocket."

Tumango si King. "I did when he said that he's not gonna catch and punish My Highness."

Nasapo niya ang noo bago tiningnan ito nang masama. "King, stop calling me that and cut the word 'my' before the highness. I am not yours! I am Happy's!"

"Oh, yes, because you are Young Miss' 
ma 
bitch."

His took a deep breath. "King?"

King smiled at him. "Yes, Your Highness?"

Itinaas niya ang tinidor at humigpit ang hawak niya roon. "Do you want me to fork your neck? Because I can do it."

Pasimpleng napahawak si King sa leeg nito, saka parang humihingi ng tulong na tumingin kay Happy. "Young Miss, he's bullying me."

Pinaglipat-lipat ni Happy ang tingin sa kanya at kay King bago napapailing na tumayo. "Kids."

Sumunod ang mga mata nila ni King kay Happy na kumuha ng damit sa isa sa mga shopping bag nitong dala kanina nang dumating at pumasok sa banyo. 

Then King looked at him. "I think we angered her."

He glared at him. "You think?!"

"Yeah. That's what I think."

Blaze tsked. "Next time, just let me bully you. You're my butler after all." Tumayo siya, saka paika-ikang lumapit sa lababo para maglinis ng kamay at braso at naghilamos pagkatapos. 

Akmang maghahanap siya ng pantuyo sa basang mukha nang dumaan sa harap niya si King at binigyan siya ng tuwalya na naka-seal pa. 

Damn. This safe house was really complete with things they needed. 

Pagkatapos tuyuin ang mukha, braso at kamay, isinabit ni Blaze ang tuwalya sa upuan sa hapagkainan, saka bumalik sa pagkakahiga sa kama para magpahinga. 

He needed his full strength if he wanted to protect his baby. 

Maingat siyang huminga nang malalim at napatingin kay King na naghuhugas ng pinagkainan nila. Tumaas ang kilay niya. 

A rich guy... no, not just rich but the owner of a business empire was washing the dishes and he happened to be his butler. 

The world is so fucked up. 

Ipinikit ni Blaze ang mga mata habang pinakikinggan ang paligid. 

Tapos nang maghugas si King at nahiga ito sa sofa, ilang metro ang layo sa kama, samantalang bumukas na ang pinto ng banyo at naglalakad na patungong kama si Happy pagkatapos nitong patayin ang ilaw. 

Blaze inwardly groaned when Happy laid beside him and he smelled her natural scent. 

Goodness God... have mercy on me.

Kinumutan siya nito bago kinumutan ang sarili at maingat na yumakap sa kanya. "Let's rest," bulong nito. 

Blaze just groaned and started counting sheep in his head but it was not working. Nothing was working. 

So, he did what he wanted. 

Iginiya niya patalikod sa kanya si Happy at niyakap ito mula sa likuran, saka sinapo ang dibdib nito. 

"Blaze!" pabulong na sigaw sa kanya ni Happy. "Stop it! Nandiyan lang si King sa sofa."

"He'll never know. He's meters away from us," bulong niya sa tainga nito habang hinahalikan 'yon. "Just don't moan."

Hindi na niya hinayaan pang makahindi ang kasintahan. Ipinasok niya ang kamay sa sweatpants nitong suot at sinapo ang pagkababae nito. 

Happy actually gasped as he slid one of his finger inside her while the others were playing with her clit. 

"Blaze..." pabulong nitong ungol habang gumagalaw na ang balakang para salubungin ang galaw niya. "Blaze... Oh..."

He slid another finger inside her while kissing the back of her ear, her neck, shoulder and nape. Pinaglalandas niya ang dulo ng dila sa balat nito na alam niyang gustong-gusto nito. 

Gumagalaw ang balakang ni Happy na tumihaya ito ng higa habang nakabuka ang mga hita. Nagtagpo ang mga labi nila at mapusok silang naghalikan. 

At sa madilim na safe house na 'yon, pinaligaya niya ang kasintahan hanggang sa labasan ito at inangkin niya ito nang patalikod habang nakahiga sila nang patagilid. 

There were no loud moans to prove the enjoyable pleasure but he knew that he and Happy enjoyed it. 

Especially when they came... together.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 35

NAPALINGON SI BLAZE sa hagdanan nang marinig ang mga yabag na nanggagaling doon habang nililinis niya ang baril at nilalagyan ng bala ang magazine. Si King ang bumababa. Bumuntong-hininga siya at tumuon ang tingin sa kama kung saan mahimbing nang natutulog si Happy. 

Natulog ito agad dahil siguro napagod sa sparring nila kaninang hapon. Oo, magaling itong makipaglaban pero kailangan pa nitong mas maging magaling. Hindi biro ang mga makakalaban nito. At tutulungan niya itong mas mahasa pa lalo ang galing sa pakikipaglaban. 

He was not just her fiancé, he was also her protector and it was part of his job to hone her skills in combat and trust her not to get hurt. 

Ibinalik ni Blaze ang atensiyon sa baril na hawak at ipinagpatuloy ang paglilinis niyon. Thankfully, this place was not just safe house, it also had guns and bullets stacked on a secret door behind the vault. 

He discovered it yesterday when he and Happy was counting the money inside the vault. 

"Bakit lumabas ka na naman ng disoras ng gabi?" tanong ni Blaze kay King na kabababa lang ng hagdan. "Don't you know that smoking is bad for your health? Trust me, I'm a doctor."

King chuckled before dropping himself on the sofa opposite to him. "Yes. I do know that but secondhand smoke is also dangerous they say. I can't let my masters die now, can I?"

Blaze tsked and put the bullets on the magazine before holding the gun tight and pointing it at King who just looked at him. "I have a question."

He shrugged. "You don't need my permission to ask, I am your butler."

Ibinaba niya ang baril na hawak, saka inilapag iyon sa center table. "Why?"

King frowned. "Why what?"

"Why become a butler to me and Happy?" 'Yon talaga ang tanong niya na wala siyang maisagot. "I mean, you are King Zabat, heir to a business empire and it's just unheard of. I mean, I know a butler who's also rich but he has a reason. His master saved him that's why he's loyal. While you... I can't figure you out and it makes me uneasy around you."

King nodded like he understood where his question was coming from. "When I was a teen, I saw Dad running errands for Master Von Per and Master Dominick. He always said that it's important, that's its for the best interest of all. Dad is always busy doing their bidding, he barely has time left for me and my mom, and I promise myself that I would never be like him. That I would never do anyone's bidding. Never."

Tumaas ang mga kilay niya habang nakatingin dito. "What happened then? You're doing my bidding now."

"Well, shit happened." King chuckled nonchalantly. "I got into some some bad stuff with bad people. Drugs, gambling, drinking, stealing, etc... I have so many priors."

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig siya rito. "You were a juvenile?"

"You could say that." King chuckled. "The police calls my record a resumé... a perfect resumé to prison. The police said that a time will come that my dad can no longer protect me. And I told him that that would be my wish too."

"I assume you didn't get your wish," sabi niya. 

King smiled and shook his head. "Every time I got into trouble, Dad always pulls me away. I'm always arrested but I was never convicted."

"You're lucky."

King let out a small laugh. "Yeah. And then few years later, I was twenty-three when someone decided to take me away from home."

Napatigil si Blaze sa paglilinis ng isa pang baril na hawak at napatingin dito. "Na-kidnap ka?"

Tumango si King. "Me and Mom. And I couldn't even shout for help or fight them to save Mom because I was so fucking high. In my head, I thought they'll ask money and we'll be back home in a jiffy, but they didn't ask for money, they asked for Dad's life and a lot of information to spare me and Mom."

His lips parted. "Let me guess, it has something to do with the Org?"

King nodded. "Dad didn't break though and I saw those monsters ripped my mom's dress in front of me and Dad and they were laughing like it's nothing. Like my mom is not screaming for help and not begging for mercy." Gumalaw ang panga nito. "I already lost my hope, I already accepted that we're all gonna die there and it's my fault, but out of nowhere, men came and rescued us. They were badasses." He smiled, then it turned into a chuckle. Admiration was clear on his face as he talked about the men who saved his family. "They fight so skillfully and they kill those men who tried to violate my mother like nobody's business. The other man, even took a bullet for me and defended me with his life

"I wanted to see their faces, to thank them—to thank him, not just for saving me but for saving my mom, but they're wearing face masks so, yeah... no luck there. But I remember what that man said to me before he left... he said, 'don't you know that doing drugs is bad for your health? Trust me. I'm a doctor.'"

Blaze chuckled when he remembered saying the same thing to everyone he knew who was doing drugs back at the time. "Well, whoever that man was, he's a genius."

King laughed. "Yeah. I guess. After that, I keep asking around if someone had seen these men who saved my family and a week later, Dad called me to his office and told me to stop asking around. I asked why and he said because he knew those men. I got so excited. I asked Dad who they are. But Dad replied, 'you're not worthy to be in the same room with them.' That was harsh but... it was a wake-up call for me. 

"I mean, that man took a bullet for me, he was limping when he left because he saved me, a jackass who had done nothing in his life but messed up and fucked up. I didn't deserve to be saved but that man, he thought I was worth saving. I owe that man my life, he gave me a second chance, a chance to redeem myself. And I did. I pulled myself together, I stopped drinking and doing drugs and I enrolled myself into self-defense class and I spent half of my week in the shooting range, learning how to shoot."

"Geez, King, you idolize that man too much." Blaze tsked. "Baka iniligtas ka lang niya kasi inutusan siya? Baka miyembro ng Organisasyon 'yon kasi kilala pala ng daddy mo."

"There's that but I didn't see it like that." King looked so earnest. "In my own perspective, that man saved me and someday, I will thank him, face to face, him, with no mask on, and me, proud of what I have become."

Blaze chucked. "Nahanap mo ba ang nagligtas sa iyo? Napasalamatan mo na? I assumed that your dad finally sees you as worthy. I mean, you're doing his job now."

Umayos ng upo si King, saka bumuga ng malakas na hininga. "Two years after I cleaned myself up, Dad told me to pack some clothes. He said that we will go visit an extended family. Dad brought me to a club where drugs, liquor and women are everywhere. I thought he was testing me if I have changed but he pointed a man and told me, 'he was the one who took the bullet for you, son,' and I laughed because apparently, the man I put in a pedestal is a drug dealer, a pimp, a killer and just bad, very bad man."

Blaze grimaced. "Man... that was fucked up. Who is that guy? Maybe he was hired to save you... money and all that, you know. Apparently, the world revolves around money these days."

"I thought about that." King sighed. "But however bad he is, he still saved my life. Nothing can change that. Even if it's for the money, I still owed him my life. So, I faced Dad and told him, 'I don't care who and what he is, I'm thanking him because he saved my life.' Dad actually smiled... it's the first time he looked at me proudly and he said that I'm ready."

Blaze frowned. "Meaning?"

"Meaning that I'm old enough to see the truth behind every masks. Yes, that man was a bad man from the outside but he did save me and others too," sabi ni King. "Dad taught me everything he knows after that, explained to me why he does things, why he is a butler to Master Dominick and Von Per. How important he is to both families. Why is it necessary for me to take his place... to be like him, a loyal servant, to continue the family's legacy. I am a Zabat, it's in my blood to assist the Quinn and the Vitale for the greater good... Our ancestors, they are best of friends, our grandfathers are inseparable, our fathers, they are brother in arms, us? I don't know yet. Maybe time will tell if we become friends too. Who knows?"

Napatango-tango si Blaze. "So... did you get to say thank you to that man who saved you?"

Umiling si King. "I feel like it wasn't the right time. He was in the middle of something back then, but I promised myself that I will someday."

Napatango-tango uli siya. "Good thing you pulled yourself together." He assembled the gun. "Wala sana akong susuyuin ngayon na ikuha ako ng beer sa ref kasi tinatamad ako."

Napailing si King, saka ikinuha nga siya ng beer sa ref. Bukas na iyon nang ibigay nito sa kanya. 

"Hindi ako magpapasalamat kasi marami pa akong iuutos sa iyo sa mga susunod na araw, buwan at taon."

King just grunted as he sat back on the sofa. 

Inubos ni Blaze ang beer at tinapos ang paglilinis sa dalawang baril bago tumayo habang dala-dala ang mga iyon. He tapped King's shoulder using the gun he was holding. "Good night, Butler. Sleep tight."

Nilampasan pa niya ito. At malapit na siya sa kama nang magsalita si King uli. 

"Thank you." 

Kunot-noong nilingon niya ito. "For letting you become my butler? You're very much welcome, King. It's an honor, I am Prince Blaze after all," nagbibiro niyang pagmamalaki. 

Tumayo si King mula sa pagkakaupo sa sofa, saka humarap sa kanya. "Thank you, Blaze Vitale."

Blaze waved his hand dismissively to King as he laid beside Happy who immediately wrapped her arm around his waist. 

"Off the lights, King," sabi niya. 

King did what he asked before saying, "Good night, Your Highness."

Napailing na lang siya, saka yumakap din sa kasintahan at ipinikit na ang mga mata. 

Tomorrow... was there fourth day here. He hoped that nothing would happen until their fifth day... but life has a twisted sense of humour. 

But a man could hope. 

HAPPY AND BLAZE were in the middle of sparring when King spoke while waving his phone at them. 

"The Count is outside," imporma nito sa kanila. 

Napatigil sila ni Blaze sa pag-atake sa isa't isa at sabay na napatingin kay King. 

"Paano niya nalaman na nandito tayo?" tanong ni Blaze. 

"He's the Count," sabi ni King na para bang sapat na 'yon na kasagutan. "And he is the boss of Asia so... he has contacts I guess."

Nilingon siya ni Blaze. "Papapasukin ba natin?"

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Bakit you're asking me?"

Blaze shrugged. "You the, ahm, our boss?"

Natawa si Happy at nilapitan ang kasintahan, saka hinalikan ito sa mga labi, "Blazey, I'm not your boss. I'm your girlfriend—"

"Fiancée," Blaze corrected her. 

Nakangiting napailing siya. "I'm your fiancée and it doesn't mean that I'm an Arkhon, all the decision will come from me. The Count is your friend, whatever you decide, I'll support you."

Blaze took a deep breath before facing King. "Let him in."

Tumango si King, saka umakyat sa hagdanan pabalik sa garahe para papasukin si Knight. 

Samantalang niyakap naman siya ni Blaze sa baywang, saka hinalikan sa noo. "Have I told you how amazing you are?"

Natawa si Happy. "Pinapakilig mo ba ako, Your Highness?"

Blaze groaned at what she called him. "Not you too!" reklamo nito na lukot ang mukha. "Noong una masarap pakinggan ang Prince Blaze, pagkatapos na-realize ko na parang ang sagwa palang pakinggan."

Malakas na siyang natawa. "You're such a drama king."

Blaze shrugged before pressing his lips on hers. Akmang tutugunin niya ang halik nito nang makarinig sila ng tikhim. 

Naghiwalay ang mga labi nila ni Blaze at bumaling sila sa pinanggalingan ng tikhim. 

It was King with Knight. 

"Hey," sabi ni Knight. He still looked like a mess. 

Blaze grimaced at him. "Have you showered?"

Umiling si Knight. "I'd been busy."

"Kaya pala ang baho mo." Itinuro ni Blaze ang banyo. "Take a bath. There's an unopened shaving kit there. Fucking clean your self, man."

Knight just grunted before walking towards the bathroom. 

Si Blaze naman ay kumuha ng bagong damit sa closet, saka iniabot iyon kay Knight na nasa banyo. 

"He looks like a mess," komento ni King. 

Tumango si Blaze. "May nangyari sa kanya. Sigurado ako roon. Hindi ganyan ang Knight na nakilala ko na walang buhay. I mean, he is wicked and manipulative but he's a lunatic. At hindi ako naniniwalang nagpapanggap lang siyang sinto-sinto, I know he's crazy and it's the other way around. Nagpapanggap lang siyang matino."

Nagkibit-balikat lang si King, saka kinuha nito ang first-aid kit. "Your Highness," tawag nito kay Blaze. "It's time to clean your wound."

"Ayokong ikaw ang maglinis ng sugat ko." Naglalambing ang mukha na bumaling sa kanya si Blaze. "Ikaw ang gusto ko."

She smiled. "Okay."

Binuksan ni King ang first-aid kit at hinayaang siya ang maglinis ng sugat ni Blaze. Panay ang ngiwi ng kasintahan at paminsan-minsan ay napapamura. Nang takpan niya ang sugat ng gauze at inililigpit niya ang first-aid kit, bumulong si Blaze kay King. 

"Ang bigat ng kamay niya. Ikaw na ang maglinis sa susunod."

Lihim na natawa si Happy at ibinalik ang first-aid kit sa kinalalagyan. Kumuha siya ng bagong T-shirt para kay Blaze at siya na ang naghubad sa suot nitong pang-itaas. Ginamit niya ang hinubad nitong T-shirt para tuyuin ang pawis nito.

"Come on," sabi niya, saka isinuot kay Blaze ang T-shirt. Naglalambing na namang yumakap ito sa kanya. "What is it?" tanong niya. 

"Sinabi ko na ba sa iyo ngayong araw na mahal kita?"

Happy let out a small laugh. "Yeah. This morning. When I woke up."

Tumango-tango si Blaze, saka ngumiti. "I'll say it again then. I love you."

Nangingiting napailing siya. "You're such a big baby."

"Hmm-mm..." he hummed and he puckered his lips at her. "Kiss me."

Umiling si Happy. "Tinatamad ako."

Lalong humaba ang nguso ni Blaze. "Baby... kiss me."

"You're gross." Si Knight 'yon na kalalabas lang ng banyo. 

Agad siyang napatingin sa Conde. He looked fresh with clean face and clean clothes. 

Blaze grunted. "Judgemental," sabi nito. "Para namang hindi ka rin nagpapa-baby sa asawa mo."

Natigilan si Knight, saka mahinang natawa. "Yeah... I like it when my wife is babying me. Fuck, I miss her."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Blaze. "Nasaan siya?"

"Safe with the kids," sabi ni Knight, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "Together with Val and Shun's family."

"Where?" Blaze asked. 

"Italy," sagot ni Knight. "Duke Von Per visited me and gave me two choices." Namulsa ito. "Be an animal who's on a leash or be a man who puts a leash on the animal. I pick the latter." 

"Good." Blaze handed him a gun. "Welcome back, bud." 

Knight's jaw tightened as he nodded. "I'd been in a leash for far too long because of my family, but not anymore. He took my brother from me, and now he took my friends, and he will take my family away, it's time to show him how much of an animal I can be."

Looking at Knight, Happy had a goosebump. The look in his eyes... it was not livid... it was more than that. 

It was pure hatred. 

"Nasa safety na ba ang family mo?" tanong niya kay Knight. "Nasa Italy na ba sila?"

Tumango ito. "Yes. The Duke accompanied them to Italy and he's now on his way to Pennsylvania."

"I don't take you as a man who trust so easily," King commented. "There must be something in there."

Knight nodded. "Niccolo Raccini promised to keep my family safe, Shun's and Val's family too. And if there is one thing I know about Racini, his house is a fortress. And I have no choice. I reached my limit. This has to end."

Blaze took a deep breath. "Kailan pa umalis ang pamilya mo, ni Shun at ang pamilya ni Volkzki?"

"The same day Blake and Lucky left," sagot ni Knight. "A day after Val and Shun was taken hostage. And by the way, your mom and Bailey, they're on their way to Pennsylvania as we speak. I told your mom what happened and she told me to tell you to be safe. Always."

"Thank God." Parang nakahinga nang maluwag si Blaze sa nalaman. "'Buti naman nakaalis sila. Akala ko talaga dito mo lang sila itinago. Pero sinong magpoprotekta sa kanila roon? Blake is busy with Lucky. While Dad and Happy's dads are—"

"Are legends." Knight smiled. "Your fathers are legends. Together they took down more then twenty Triad's headquarters. Trust me, they can hold their own."

"So why are you here?" King asked as he moved to sit on the sofa. "I'm guessing you're not here to just fill us up on what's happening out there."

Knight blew a loud breath. "My dad sent me a message. I will surrender myself and he will let Val and Shun go."

"And?" Blaze urged the Count to say more when he paused. 

"I know my father. That's not gonna happen." Humilig si Knight sa mesa na gawa sa asero. "Sina Val at Shun ang pinakamalakas niyang baraha laban sa akin. Hindi niya basta-basta pakakawalan ang dalawang 'yon hangga't hindi ko ginagawa ang gusto niya."

"Ang parusahan ako," sabi ni Blaze. "Why don't you just do it? Maybe we can save them if we play your father's game."

Sinulyapan siya ni Knight at ibinalik ang tingin kay Blaze. "Do you want me to die? Because I'm pretty sure your girlfriend can arrange that when she becomes the second Arkhon."

Matamis siyang ngumiti. "Yes. That would be my first order if you harm my baby." 

Blaze whispered over her hair. "Stop it. You're making my heart raced and my cheeks blushed."

Mahina siyang natawa, saka ibinalik ang atensiyon kay Knight. "Ano'ng plan mo ngayon? Wait for me to finish the rite of passage? Tomorrow is my last day. And when the clock strikes midnight, I'll be the second Arkhon and I can help you."

"That would be great but my father gave me an ultimatum." Knight looked nervous now. "Twenty lashes if I don't surrender myself until tomorrow midnight."

Napabuga siya ng marahas na hininga at hinilot ang sentido. "I'm still useless at that time."

Knight frustratedly combed his hair. "Kakayanin 'yon ni Shun. Pero si Val? It could kill him. Hindi siya katulad natin. I don't want to lose my best friend." He looked at Blaze, her and King with pleading eyes. "Help me, please. I'm desperate."

Ipinagkrus ni Blaze ang mga braso sa harap ng dibdib nito. "What's the plan?"

"Broke them out," sagot ni Knight. 

"That's it?" gulat na tanong ni Blaze. "Wala nang karugtong ang plano mo?"

Nakangiwing ngumiti si Knight. "Guns blazin'?"

"I don't like that plan," sabad ni King. 

"It's better than don't die," sabi ni Blaze, saka napailing. "Fine. I'm in. You, King?"

King stood up. "I'm your butler, you decide for me—"

"You decide for yourself. It's your life," sabi ni Blaze, saka uli tumingin kay King. "Are you in?"

King smiled. "Count me in."

Happy knew how overprotective Blaze was when it came to her that was why it came as a shock to her when he asked her. 

"Are you in, baby?"

Gulat siyang napatitig kay Blaze. "Hahayaan mo talaga ako?"

Bumaba ang tingin nito sa tattoo niya. "They won't hurt you and this is gonna be your world and your mess after tomorrow. So, yeah, better get used to it. Mas gugulo pa 'to kapag kinalaban na natin ang Triad, kaya dapat masanay ka na. Nasa likod mo lang ako. Poprotektahan kita." 

Mas lumakas lalo ang loob niya dahil sa tiwala sa kanya ni Blaze. "Thank you for not treating me like a damsel in distress."

Blaze looked at her with intensive conviction. "I won't cuddle you when it comes to the Organization. We have a bed for that... At hindi ako komportableng iwan ka rito nang mag-isa. Mami-miss kita agad."

Mahinang natawa si Happy bago bumaling kay Knight. "I'm in."

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi ni Knight. "Let's call the gang?"

Blaze chuckled. "Hell, yeah."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 36

NANG IPARADA NI KING ang sasakyan sa labas ng mansiyon ng mga Vitale, napakurap-kurap si Happy nang makita ang mga sasakyang nagkalat sa paligid. At lahat ng mga sasakyan na naroon ay may sinasabi, lahat ay nasisiguro niyang mamahalin. 

Blaze and Knight's friends,
 she guessed. 

Yesterday, Blaze and Knight called their friends who could help them and today was the day that they would break out Valerian and Shun. Kinailangan pa kasi nilang hintayin ang iba dahil nasa ibang bansa ang mga ito, lalo na ang ibang tutulong sa parte ni Knight. 

They have to work together if they wanted this to be successful. Hindi biro ang kalaban nila. 

Natigilan si Happy pero hindi na nagulat nang pagsalikupin ni Blaze ang kamay nilang dalawa. It was one of his gestures that she liked. Pakiramdam kasi niya, ipinagmamalaki siya nito sa lahat ng nakakakita sa kanila. 

Not only that, Blaze was also very showy. He didn't care about public display of affection. He would touch her, kiss her and hug her when he wanted to. At natuto na siyang hindi magulat at hayaan na lang ito kasi alam niyang naglalambing at nagpapalambing lang ito sa kanya. 

And she liked babying Blaze. 
Who didn't love a badass who want to be babied by his girlfriend? 

"Baby?"

Tumingin siya kay Blaze. "Hmm?"

"I love you."

Napatitig siya sa kasintahan. He really liked saying I love you to her. Walang araw yata na hindi ito nag-I love you sa kanya. 

And she liked that about him. 

She smiled at Blaze. "I love you too."

Hinalikan siya sa noo ni Blaze bago magkahawak-kamay silang pumasok sa mansiyon. Nasa unahan nila si Knight at nasa likuran nila si King. 

Nang makapasok sila, agad na tumuon ang mga mata niya sa kalalakihan na nasa sala. 

She knew these men. 

The Basagulero Gang. As Reigo called them. 

"Where's the war?" tanong agad ni Phoenix Martinez nang makita sila. "We came here as fast as we could."

"This better be entertaining," sabi ni naman ni Titus. "We were in Sicily, on vacation with Nix's family when you called."

"This is a bad idea," sabad naman ni Nate Moretti na napapailing pa. "I have so many cakes to make today. And I have a wedding cake for tomorrow. Fuck. This better be good."

"Since when did going to war is a good idea?" tanong ni Khairro Sanford, saka tumingin kay Knight. "She's safe, by the way."

Knight nodded. "Thanks."

"I'm just here to supply you with guns," sabi ni Andrius Salazar. "Apparently, that's what I'm good at these past few months. No to war na ako."

"That's good enough," sabi ni Blaze. 

"If you need a sniper, I'm just here," wika ni Pierce Muller na nagbabasa ng magazine. 

"So, what's the plan?" Titus asked. "Don't die?"

"Nadagdagan na," sabi ni Blaze na ngayon ay yakap siya mula sa likuran. "Break Valerian and Shun out, don't die and guns blazin.'" 

"That's not a good plan," sabad ni Khairro. "But it'll do."

"Kailan ba tayo nagkaroon ng maayos na plano sa mga ganitong pagkakataon?" napapantastikuhang tanong ni Titus na napapailing pa. "We should buy a book on how to make a plan when going to war for dummy." 

"You guys really don't like planning, huh?" sabad ni King na nakikinig lang kanina. 

"Because it's a waste of time, bud," wika ni Pierce. "Kahit pa anong plano namin, hindi naman nasusunod kaya huwag na lang magplano."

Everyone nodded. 

"Hey, lunatics." Boses iyon ni Yrozz mula sa itaas ng hagdanan at mabilis itong bumaba. 

Sinalubong ito ni Knight at inilahad ang kamay rito. "I won't do it again." 

Yrozz chuckled and accepted Knight's hand. "That sounds like an I'm sorry to me. Apology accepted, moron."

Both men laughed and did a man hug, tapping each other's shoulders. 

"Yrozz..." It was Khairro. "We're going to war and we don't have a plan. Hindi naman tayo mga baliw, 'di ba?"

"No worries." Inilapag ni Yrozz ang laptop na dala at projector sa ibabaw ng center table at naupo ito sa sahig. "If we get out of this one alive, I am reserving a room for us in the mental hospital because apparently this friendship makes us all not right in the head."

They all laughed. 

"So..." Yrozz took a deep breath. "I went inside the Organization's system to pull the blueprint of the HQ below Racini's Hotel, and this is it." Inayos nito ang projector na nakaharap sa pader. 

Yrozz was about to continue explaining when they heard cars pulling over outside the house. 

Agad na inilabas ni Blaze ang baril na nakatago sa likod nito at itinutok iyon sa pinto ng mansiyon na bumukas. 

The men who entered immediately drew their guns and pointed it at Blaze. 

It was so fast, but Happy saw it. Midnight trained her to see fast movements. 

And then Titus pulled something from his duffel bag. "I suggest you drop your guns, a-holes." Itinutok nito ang grenade launcher na hawak sa tatlong bagong dating. "Or I'll blow you up. It's been a long time since I used this bad boy. I missed it."

Before someone pulled the trigger, a man stepped inside the house.

"Luther!" Blaze looked happy to see the man. "'Buti nakarating ka."

The man named Luther shrugged. "You invited me, unlike your brother who didn't invite me to his fucking wedding!" 

Natawa si Blaze. "Still haven't moved on from that?"

"Yes," Luther grunted, irritated. "I'm still insulted." Sumaludo ito kina Titus at Phoenix. "Hey, a-holes." Then he glanced at the three men who came before him. "New faces... definitely not lunatics."

Pumagitna si Knight sa bagong dating at sa mga kaibigan nito. "They're with me. They're here to help."

"Oh." Ibinaba agad ni Titus ang grenade launcher at nagpakilala na parang wala lang nangyari. "Titus Morgan, nice to fucking meet you."

And the introduction started between Knight and Blaze's friends and Knight's three friends. 

Then four set of eyes settled on her. 

"Your woman?" the man named Luther asked Blaze. 

Hinalikan siya sa gilid ng noo ni Blaze bago sumagot. "Yes. She's my baby and she's here to help."

Luther grinned. "Finally! I'm happy for you, man!" 

Lumapit sa kanya si Luther, saka akmang hahawakan siya sa kamay nang magsalita si Blaze. 

"I hate it when men touched her," sabi nito. "It makes me so fucking jealous and it makes me wanna kill that man."

Natigilan si Luther sa paghawak sana sa kamay niya, saka ngumiti. "We're really friends. I feel you, man. Don't worry. I'm not touching your woman. Masyadong mahigpit ang hawak mo sa baril mo, baka mabaril mo na lang ako bigla."

Blaze just smiled. 

"A woman in our midst?" Damon Cox, the head of South America, said like he disagreed of her being there. 

Kumawala siya sa yakap ni Blaze at walang sabi-sabing inatake ang lalaki. 

Punches after punches, she used her arms and elbows, delivering fast and furious blow after blow of attacks while her feet didn't falter to move forward. And when she saw an opening on his defense, she jumped, turned around mid air and her leg flew and made contact with Daemon Cox's face—making his lips bled.

Napaawang ang mga labi ni Daemon habang sinasalat ang pumutok nitong labi at napatingin sa kanya. 

Happy smiled and asked. "Did I pass?"

To answer her, Draco Russ, head of Australia attacked her but she was quick to block, faked a turn, squatted and kicked his knees. When he wobbled at the strength of her triple kick, she did a handstand, quickly wrapping her legs tightly around his neck and she used all her strength to flip him in the air.

Pareho silang bumagsak sa sahig sa ginawa niya. 

But she landed on her knees—in perfect balance—while Draco Russ landed on his back, grunting a little. 

"Fuck." Draco hissed. "I underestimated her." 

Happy flipped her hair before standing up and facing Chaos Aronov. "You wanna go next?"

Chaos smiled and subtly shook his head. "I like my ego intact, Miss Quinn." 

A sweet smile appeared on her lips. "Great. Then we're all good that I'm here? Walang reklamo?"

Lahat positibo ang naging sagot, kasama na ang dalawang nakalaban niya para patunayan ang sarili niya. 

Samantalang sumipol naman si Luther. "You know how to pick a woman, Blaze."

Blaze just smiled proudly at his friends. 

"Damn..." Draco cussed. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"

"I had a good teacher."

Daemon tsked as he tried to touch his own busted lips. "I know that move. Midnight trained you?"

Ngumiti lang siya, saka bumalik sa tabi ni Blaze at kinindatan ito. 

He pressed his lips against hers and whispered over her lips. "You're a badass."

She kissed Blaze's back before turning her back on him and wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. 

"Okay." Yrozz clasped his hand. "Now that we settled that, I need your attention on the projector, motherfuckers."

Lahat sila ibinigay ang atensiyon kay Yrozz. 

"First problem is here." Itinuro nito ang sa labas ng Racini's Hotel. "Hindi n'yo mapapansin 'to pero may mga guwardiya sa labas na nagmamasid lang."

"That's right." Sumabad si Knight. "There are ten men outside. They all look like normal civilians but they aren't. Hindi naman ganito kahigpit ang seguridad ng HQ pero dahil nandito ang ama ko, doble ang security nila ngayon."

Pierce raised his hand. "I'll take care of them."

"I'll help with the clean up outside," sabad ni Khairro. 

Happy interjected. "Can we not use real bullets? Those men, they're just following orders from your father." Sinulyapan niya si Knight bago nagpatuloy sa pagsasalita. "Huwag natin silang idamay. They're still part of the Organization. Naiipit lang din sila." 

Sumang-ayon sa kanya si Daemon. "She's right. Let's not make it bloody. Let's not kill our own."

Sumabad si Phoenix. "I have a tranquilliser bullet in my house. Pierce can use it."

"How many?" Pierce asked. 

"Ten," sagot ni Phoenix. 

"No room for error, bud," sabi ni Khairro na tinapik ang balikat ni Pierce. "Hindi naman sa pini-pressure kita pero parang ganoon na nga."

Mahina silang nagtawanan. 

"And the second problem is here." Itinuro ni Yrozz ang papasok sa hotel. "Another twenty men inside before anyone can reach the elevator."

Titus smirked. "I take care of the ten. I'm good at suffocating people without killing them."

"And I'll take care of the rest," Phoenix added. "I'm good at making my enemies unconscious."

"Good. Problem three," sabi ni Yrozz, saka itinuro ang elevator. "May dalawang elevator assistant sa loob pero miyembro sila ng Org. They're the elevator guards. Someone needs to replace them and guard the elevator for us so while we're down there, no one can come down."

"I'll do it," sabi ni Nate. 

"Great." Yrozz moved her laser pointer pen below the elevator. "And then there's the double door security."

"And?" Daemon asked when Yrozz stops talking. "What's the plan there?"

"The plan stops there," nakangiting sabi ni Yrozz at ini-off ang projector. "The security system will not let you in, bumukas man 'yon, hindi n'yo mararating ang gusto n'yong puntahan dahil kontrolado ng ama ni Knight ang lahat ng pinto. And I'm pretty sure your codes will not work because—well, you're going against the Organization is the obvious reason and I don't think Knight's father is dumb not to notice that."

Luther glanced at Knight. "You have a plan?"

"Break our friends out and don't die." Si Blaze ang sumagot. 

"Great." Draco let out a loud breath. "Good plan," puno ng sarkasmo nitong sabi. 

"At least there's the don't die part," sabad ni Chaos. 

"And then guns blazin,'" dagdag ni Khairro. 

"Hell, yeah," Luther whispered. 

Everyone sighed. 

"Worst plan," sabi ni Chaos. 

"Ever," dagdag nina Draco at Daemon. 

"Guys," kuha ni Phoenix sa atensiyon nila. "You do realize that we're going to go against a very old and powerful Organization. This is not just some bad men and syndicates and powerful families. This is a huge underground law organization—a vigilantes—who has their own laws and punishments. Even if we manage to get Shun and Valerian out of that building, there will be repercussions from Knight's father. Are we all ready for that?"

Titus sighed. "Nix is right. It'll be hell after this. Your father..." Tumingin ito kay Knight. "He will not let this slide. He will make us pay. That's for sure. Especially you, the bosses. It'll be hell."

Luther nodded. "And telling the others about the Organization..." He glanced at Knight and Blaze. "You will be punished. This is hell... on earth. For all of us after this shit."

Knight glanced at her before answering his friends with a smile. "Thankfully, we have a plan for that one."

"So, what's the plan?" Chaos asked. "Besides from break them out and don't die?"

Tumingin sa kanya si Knight. "Trust her."

Lahat napatingin sa kanya. 

"What do you mean by trust her?" Daemon asked. 

"She's the plan," Knight said with so much trust on his voice. "Whatever she says, do it."

"And why would we do that?" Draco asked, looking at her skeptically. "We're not just risking our lives here, also our positions and our families. We're here because a fellow boss asked for help and the fourth Arkhon is making some shady decisions. And we need more than the word trust her to trust her, Count Velasquez."

"Then trust me," sabi ni Knight. "Kaya 'di ba nandito ka, kasi may tiwala ka sa akin at pareho tayo ng ipinaglalaban?"

Draco sighed. "Fine. This better work."

Namaywang si Knight. "It will. Now... Andrius..." Bumaling ito kay Salazar na nakikinig at tahimik lang. "The guns? Do you think your mom has special bullets like Phoenix?"

"I'll ask. How many do you need?" Andrius asked. 

Chaos answered. "How many can you provide?"

Andrius let out a soft breath. "How many do you need and I'll provide it. I mean, my mom would. She owns the guns."

"What kind of mother do you have?" Daemon asked. 

"The badass kind," sagot ni Andrius. 

"Andrius here is Ivy Gonzaga's husband," imporma ni Knight sa tatlong kaharap. 

"Oh." Daemon looked surprised. "Gonzaga Family... the family of badasses."

Andrius smiled proudly. "That's my wife. Badass."

Luther interjected. "As many guns as you can provide would be nice. And lots of suppressors too."

"Noted." Inilabas ni Andrius ang cell phone, saka may tinawagan. "Mom... yes, I need it now. Wait... do you have a tranquilliser bullet? Yes. Yes, the kind of bullet that doesn't kill—Oh! Okay. That's nice. Thanks." He ended the call and faced all of them. "Three sacks of guns and one sack of special bullets. Would that be enough?"

Draco grinned. "Tell your mother she's an angel."

"Angel from hell, you mean?" Andrius tsked. 

Lahat sila ay nagtawanan hanggang sa magsalita si Knight. 

"Yrozz, hindi ka ba sasama sa amin?"

Umiling si Yrozz habang abala ito sa harap ng laptop. "Dito lang ako. I'll be monitoring you guys and deleting every footage they have on you so they can't use it against you in the near future... like what they did to me. And, guys?"

Lahat sila ay tumingin kay Yrozz. 

Yrozz smirked. "Give them hell."

They all nodded in unison and silence fell on them until King broke it. 

"Who wants some beer? It's cold."

Nagkanya-kanya ng "I want one" ang naroon habang iginiya naman siya ni Blaze paalis ng sala, patungo sa ikalawang palapag, sa kuwarto nito. 

Nang makapasok sila sa kuwarto, magtatanong sana siya kung ano ang ginagawa nila roon samantalang dapat nasa ibaba sila at nakikipag-usap sa mga karagdagang plano nang bigla na lang nitong siniil ng halik ang mga labi niya at isinandal siya sa nakasarang pinto. 

Blaze kisses... his kisses were only like this when he wanted to make love and be intimate with her. 

"I'm worried of you," bulong ni Blaze sa mga labi niya habang inaangkin 'yon at sinisipsip. "Calm me down please, baby?"

Sa sinabing 'yon ng lalaki, siya na ang naghubad sa pang-itaas nito at tinugon nang mapusok ang halik nito. Pareho silang sapo ang leeg ng isa't isa habang parang mga uhaw na naghahalikan. Hanggang sa itulak niya ito paupo sa mahabang sofa. 

"Okay..." Hinubad ni Happy lahat ng saplot sa katawan bago paharap na umupo at pinaglandas ang mga labi sa leeg ni Blaze, pataas, patungo sa mga labi nito at bumulong, "let your baby calm you down."

Binuksan niya ang butones ng pangalon nito at ibinaba ang zipper, saka inilabas ang kahabaan nito. She didn't hesitate, she slid his length inside her, making both of them groaned. 

Her body arched in sheer pleasure. 

And then she rode him... and rocked his world. 

AT EXACTLY 10:30 PM, Happy, Blaze, Knight, Luther, Draco, Daemon and Chaos were already in the air, inside Phoenix's soundproof helicopter. King stayed on the mansion to protect Yrozz if the Organization tracked and found him while hacking their system. 

As Happy looked around the helicopter, she smiled inwardly. She was the only flower among the thorns. Never in her life did she even dream of this. To use what she learned from Midnight this way. 

She thought it was all about self-defense, but now she understood why Midnight trained her strictly. 

Knight spoke to Yrozz via a micro-earphone. They all have one so they could communicate easily. Puwede nilang i-on o i-off ang microphone n'on sa loob pero maririnig pa rin nila ang nasa kabilang linya kasi microphone lang naman nila ang nakasara. 

"Is Muller in position?" tanong ni Knight. 

"Yes," sagot ni Yrozz. 

"Fuck!" Khairro hissed on the other line. "Don't just start shooting, Pierce! Wait for me to be behind them so I can catch them before they fall!"

"Two," Pierce counted. 

"Fuck!" Khairro cussed. 

"Three." 

"Fuck!"

Hindi alam ni Happy kung matatawa siya o mapapailing habang pinapakinggan si Pierce na nagbibilang habang si Khairro naman ay panay ang mura at reklamo na ang bilis daw gumalaw ni Pierce. 

Pierce just answered. "The wind is in my favor."

"Did you miss?" tanong ni Luther kay Pierce nang lumipas ang isang minuto na hindi na ito nagbilang.

"Ten," sabi ni Pierce kapagkuwan. "FYFI, I don't miss."

"Gotcha!" Khairro hissed. "Done cleaning up. Your turn, motherfuckers."

"Hell, yeah," sabay na sabi nina Titus at Phoenix sa kabilang linya. 

Then they heard loud grunts and hissed from the other line. 

Nakikipaglaban na sina Titus at Phoenix. 

"I'm walking in." Si Nate 'yon. "On the way to the elevator—fuck! They're on me! Repeat, they're on me!"

Nawala ito sa kabilang linya. 

Knight tsked. "Pierce, is the rooftop clean?"

"No. Seven men," sagot ni Pierce. 

"Great!" Chaos smiled. "One for each."

Lumapag ang helicopter na sinasakyan nila at nang makalabas silang lahat, may nakatutok nang baril sa kanila. 

Daemon's eyes sharpened as he smirked. "Sorry, I don't like it when someone is holding a gun at me." Then he attacked. 

All of them followed. 

As what Chaos said, one for each. 

Madaling napatumba ni Happy ang kalaban at nang lumingon siya kay Blaze, wala nang malay ang kalaban nito. 

When she neared him, he automatically intertwined their hands as they walked towards the elevator. 

"Come on, Nate..." Draco whispered as he pressed the button for the elevator to go up. "You better be inside, you motherfucker."

Nang tumigil at bumukas ang elevator sa harap niya, lahat nakahinga nang maluwag nang makita si Nate. 

"You all look happy." Puno ng sarkasmo na sabi ni Nate. 

"We can take the guards down but the elevator needs a guard so no one can enter uninvited," sabi ni Daemon. "And that's you."

"Yeah, yeah," sabi ni Nate na parang walang pakialam habang nagte-text. 

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo?" Blaze asked Nate. 

"Replying to my client because her cake is still not ready and her wedding is tomorrow."

"Speaking of cake... I want one," sabad ni Knight. "I haven't had a cake since my wife left. Fuck! I miss cake and sex at the same time."

"Me too," sabad ni Chaos, "I'd been so busy with work that I haven't had sex for a while."

"I wanna get laid after this," sabi ni Daemon. 

"Two women fucking me would be nice," Draco said in a tired voice. 

"I can't relate," nakangising sabi ni Luther. "I just had fill before I leave."

"Fuck you," sabi nina Draco, Daemon, Chaos at Knight kay Luther. 

Blaze whispered over her ear with his deep baritone sexy voice. "Can I have you later? In the bathtub?" He licked her earlobe. "I want you again."

Mahina siyang natawa at napailing. Nasa gitna sila ng labanan pero iyon ang usapan ng mga kasama niya. 

And finally, they arrived. 

Tiningnan ni Happy ang relong pambisig. 

11:05 PM. 

Nang bumukas ang elevator, may mga nag-aabang na sa kanila sa labas. Sampung kalalakihan. 

Binitiwan ni Blaze ang kamay niya, saka bumulong, "Show them how to be a badass, baby."

Happy nodded and she attacked first, the rest followed. Loud grunts filled the room and one by one their enemies dropped to the floor. Nang mapatumba ang mga kalaban, lumapit si Daemon sa malapad na screen at may pinindot doon. 

"
Searching for?"
 sabi ng boses na nanggagaling sa monitor.

"Valerian Volkzki and Shun Kim," wika Knight. 

"
Please enter your passcode
," sabi ng boses. 

Chaos entered his password. 

"
My apologies, your password is not on the system
," sabi ng boses, saka nagtanong uli. "
Searching for
?"

"Searching for myself," Daemon said in sarcasm as he put a small magnetic device on on the side of the monitor—given by Yrozz before they left—so he could hack into the security system of this underground building. "I'm lost. Too much handsomeness. Can you find me?"

Moments later, Yrozz spoke. "I'm in, motherfuckers. Let's roll."

Hindi alam ni Happy kung paano 'yon nagawa ni Yrozz pero malapad siyang napangiti nang bumukas ang pinto. 

Pagkatapos bumukas ng unang pinto, bumukas pa ang isa pang pinto na gawa rin sa metal bago sila tuluyang nakapasok sa loob. 

"I'm sure they're keeping Valerian and Shun in the dungeon," wika ni Knight, "Yrozz, open all the doors."

"Yes, Your Highness," natatawang sabi ni Yrozz mula sa kabilang linya bago sunod-sunod nilang narinig ang pagbukas ng mga pinto na nakakonekta sa kung saan-saan.

At dahil sa pagbukas ng mga pinto, madali silang nahanap ng ibang miyembo ng Organisasyon na ngayon ay tumatakbo na palapit sa kanila habang may mga hawak na baril.

Blaze wrapped his arm around her waist before turning her and claiming her mouth in a hard then soft lingering kiss. Then he whispered, "Be, careful, okay? Don't make me worry too much."

Tumango si Happy, saka mahigpit itong niyakap bago tumakbo pasalubong sa mga kalaban at agad na dinisarmahan ang mga nakakasagupa. 

Happy's movements were quick and precise. Every move was calculated and well-planned. Sunod-sunod na putok ng baril ang humabol sa kanya. Wala siyang oras para ipakita ang tattoo niya, lalo na sa mga kaganapan. 

She knelt as she slid on the floor while pulling the gun from her thigh holsters, then she turned around on her knees before shooting her shooters. 

Three bodies dropped. But they were not dead, just unconscious. 

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa baril at kinalabit ang gatilyo hanggang sa maubusan 'yon ng bala. 

"Shit," mahina niyang sambit bago kinuha ang bagong magazine sa thigh holster niya at pinalitan ang magazine ng baril.

Happy could see Draco and Luther fighting side by side. Knight and Blaze were fighting off a head of hand-to-hand combat fighters and Daemon and Chaos were shooting, just like her. 

Pero marami pa rin ang kalaban nila. Mas parami iyon nang parami at lahat magagaling makipaglaban. 

"Go! Get Valerian and Shun! I'll make a way!" Blaze hissed. "Take Happy!"

"Let me help you with that," sabad ni Luther.

"I'll help," sabi ni Daemon na nagpapalit ng magazine ng baril at bumalik na naman sa pakikipagbarilan. 

"Be careful!" Blaze shouted at her. "Go! Go! We'll make a way! Valerian and Shun are running out of time! Go!"

Together, Blaze, Luther and Daemon, side by side, they fought skillfully and made a way for them towards the elevator. 

Tumakbo si Happy patungo sa elevator habang pinipigilan nina Blaze, Luther at Daemon ang mga kalaban na maabutan sila. 

When the elevator door closed, it was just her, Knight, Draco and Chaos. They were all catching their own breath. 

"They'll be okay." Siya ang kinakausap ni Knight na para bang pinapagaan ang loob niya. "Blaze will be okay, Miss Quinn."

She smiled at the Count. "I'm not worried. I know my man is a badass."

Knight nodded and they all moved their bodies in a fighting stance when the elevator stopped. 

The last floor. 

The dungeon. 

Bumukas ang elevator pero walang bantay sa labas. Siguro dahil nasa itaas lahat. 

Tiningnan niya ang relong pambisig. 

11:40 PM. Malapit na.

The repugnant smell filled her nose as they walked inside the dungeon. Mabilis niyang tinakpan ang ilong habang malalaki ang hakbang na pumasok sa loob. 

"Val? Shun?" tawag ni Knight sa mga kaibigan nito. "Val! Shun!"

"Valerian! Shun!" Pati si Chaos ay tumutulong na rin sa pagtawag sa pangalan ng mga kaibigan ni Knight. 

Siya naman ay inisa-isa ang mga kulungan mula sa unahan patungo sa pinakadulo hanggang sa may mahagip ang mga mata niya. 

The familiar face of an unconscious man. Paano niya makakalimutan kung inatake niya ito sa sarili nitong pamamahay? 

"Knight! In here! Shun is here!" sigaw niya. 

Mabilis namang lumapit sa kanya si Knight at malakas na napamura nang makitang passcode protected ang selda.

"Yrozz," kausap ni Knight kay Yrozz na nasa kabilang linya. "Yrozz! Are you there?!"

"Fuck!" Yrozz hissed from the other line. "Someone's in the house. Fuck! King is fighting them—fuck! What is it? What do you need?!"

"Cell 0010. Open the lock," utos ni Knight. 

Yrozz was silent for a couple of seconds before he spoke. "I can't."

Natigilan silang apat. 

"What do you mean you can't?!" singhal ni Knight. 

"I lost my control," sabi ni Yrozz. "Fuck! They're controlling their own system again. Fuck! They are purging me!"

"Fuck!" Nasuntok ni Knight ang pinto ng selda. 

"Let me," Chaos said, then he pressed some number combination. 

The door opened. 

Pareho silang napatanga ni Knight kay Chaos. 

"I was an ultor," paliwanag nito. "It's part of my job. And they haven't changed the passcode combination."

"Thanks," sabi ni Knight, saka pumasok sa loob ng selda para tingnan ang lagay ni Shun. "He's unconscious." Ilang beses nitong niyugyog si Shun bago ito nagising. "Shun! Shun, wake up!"

"K-Knight... I-is that you, bud?" Nanghihina ang boses ni Shun. The cell was dark so he couldn't see. 

"It's me, bud. It's me," sabi ni Knight, saka tinulungang makabangon sa pagkakahiga sa sahig si Shun. "I'm here. I'm getting you out of here. I got you!"

Shun coughed. "I-it's okay...Val... si Valerian..."

Knight tensed up. "Where's Val, Shun? Nasaang selda siya?"

Napahawak si Shun sa rehas ng selda para balansehin ang katawan, saka huminga ng ilang beses bago sumagot. Hinang-hinang ito. "T-they took him to the hall."

"Punishment..." Chaos and Knight whispered in dread. 

"Fourth floor," Draco said.

"Blaze? Luther? Daemon? Can you hear me?" tawag ni Happy sa mga nasa kabilang linya habang naglalakad siya pabalik sa elevator. "Meet us in the hall. Please... answer me, Blazey... Blazey!"

Kinakabahan siya habang hinihintay na marinig ang boses ni Blaze sa kabilang linya. 

And then he spoke. "Hey, baby. Your fiancé is still alive—fuck, that hurts—don't worry."

Malapad siyang napangiti. "Good. Meet us in the hall. Fourth floor. I love you!"

"Love you too, baby," sagot ni Blaze bago ito nawala sa kabilang linya. 

Habang inaalalayan nina Knight at Draco si Shun patungo sa elevator, si Chaos naman ay may inilabas na cell phone sa bulsa nito at ibinigay iyon kay Shun nang makasakay silang lahat sa elevator. 

"What's that?" Shun asked in a weak voice. 

"A cell phone, I guess?" Chaos answered. 

Shun glared at him. "I just got beaten up, so you better answer me without sarcasm."

"Yrozz gave it to me," paliwanag ni Chaos. "He said it's for emergency and you'll know what to do." Then he handed Shun a micro-earphone. "Here."

Inilagay ni Shun sa tainga ang earphone. "Hey, Track," sabi nito. 

"It's good to hear your voice again," sabi ni Yrozz sa kabilang linya. "You got the phone?"

"Yes." 

"Good. I lost my control on their system but I left a small backdoor for you. Hack your way out, Shun Kim. I know you can."

Shun chuckled. "You bastard. Thanks for the phone."

"Yeah. You're gonna pay for that. That's expensive." 

Tumawa lang si Shun, saka nag-umpisa nang gumalaw ang mga daliri nito habang hawak ang cell phone. 

His fingers were so fast and when he looked up at them, he had news. 

"Valerian." Ipinakita nito ang screen ng cell phone na hawak kung saan naroon si Valerian at nakaluhod sa gitna ng malaking hall. "Nag-umpisa na sila."

Knight paled. "No... no..."

Then the elevator opened. 

So many enemies outside. Waiting for them. And it was just five of them. But she could see fear in their enemies' eyes. Especially when they looked at the bosses beside her. 

These men... they feared Knight, Chaos and Draco. 

"Go," sabi ni Draco habang hinuhubad nito ang suot na T-shirt. "I'll take care of them." Pagkatapos ay nilingon siya. "I know you're a badass but your boyfriend will be very devastated if something bad happens to you so go with Knight. He can protect you." 

"I'm staying too," sabi ni Chaos. "We'll make a way for all of you."

Huminga nang malalim si Happy at inihanda ang sarili. 

This mess. This Chaos. Blaze was right. This would be her life after tonight. 

I have to get used to this! 

"Let's go," sabi niya kina Knight at Shun nang mag-umpisa nang gumawa ng daan sina Chaos at Draco para sa kanila. 

Happy, Knight and Shun ran as Chaos and Draco made way for them to reach the hall. 

And when they did... her eyes widened. 

"Jesus Christ!" 

Two men from each side stood while a man was kneeling in the center, being lashed, and his back was bleeding profusely. 

"Valerian!" sigaw ni Knight, saka tumakbo patungo sa lalaking nakaluhod na lalatiguhin uli. "
Nooo
!"

Dahil humarang si Knight, ang hagupit ng latigo ay tumama sa likod nito. Dalawang latigo ang tumatama sa likod nito dahil dalawang tao ang nagpaparusa kay Valerian nang sabay. At hindi man lang tumigil ang mga ito kahit si Knight na ang tinatamaan. 

This violence... this was the first time she had seen this. It rendered her capability to move. She was shocked at the brutality in front of her. 

"Stop this!" Knight begged at the man who was just standing there, meters away, watching. 

The fourth Arkhon. 

"Stop this! Please!" Knight begged while being lashed because he was covering Valerian. "Please! Stop! Stop! Please! Stop hurting the people I love! Stop! Please! I beg you! Stop already!"

But his father was cold as he shouted at Knight. "I taught you to never beg for anything. So don't beg! You are not born to beg or to spare a life! Do. Not. Beg! You are a Velasquez! You should be put in a pedestal! I'm doing this for you! Fifty more lashes for disobeying me!" 

Happy lips parted open, stunned and afraid. 

Then out of nowhere, Blaze came and tried to get Knight and Valerian away from the lashes together with Shun. 

But the lashes also got Blaze before he could attack the punisher.

"No... no..." she whispered in anger and fear when she saw the lashes beating Blaze's back while he was trying to stand up and fight. "Blaze..."

Kahit ilang beses itong tinamaan ng latigo, nakatayo pa rin si Blaze at ngayon ay nakikipag-agawan na ng latigo sa tagaparusa. 

And then she saw the other punisher lashed Blaze from behind. 

"
Nooooo
!" she screamed and attacked the man who was hurting her fiancé in blind anger. 

Hindi niya ito napatumba kahit ilang sipa at suntok ang pinatama niya pero sapat na iyon para makatayo si Knight at ito ang umatake sa lalaki na ilang beses nitong inihampas ang ulo sa sahig. 

Nang makita ang nabitawang latigo ng lalaking pinatumba ni Knight, mabilis niya iyong pinulot at iwinasiwas sa ere, sa uluhan niya, bago iyon ipinatama sa lalaking kalaban ni Blaze. 

One lashes. Two lashes. And the last lashes hit the floor loudly. 

"
Stoooooooop
!" she screamed and lashed the floor near the fourth Arkhon's feet. "I said 
stooop
!"

She was so angry and so scared. Her hands were shaking. All she wanted at that moment was to stop the fight and stop hurting each other. 

"We're on the same side!" she shouted in so much frustration. "Why are we hurting our own?!"

"Who do you think you are, woman?!" Knight's father, the fourth Arkhon, shouted at her. "Who do you think you are to come here and say that to me?! The head!"

Happy moved her hand holding the lashes to move and slammer its tips in front of the fourth Arkhon's feet. "I said, stop." Kalmado na ang boses niya. 

Sa gilid ng mga mata ay nakita niyang natigilan ang lahat na naroon. Pati ang mga kalaban nila ay napatigil dahil sa ginawa niya. 

Si Blaze, ang kalaban nito ay tumigil na rin, pati si Shun, si Knight, si Valerian, sina Draco, Luther, Daemon at Chaos. Lahat ng mga ito ay nakatingin sa ama ni Knight at sa kanya. Nagtatanong ang mga mata kung sino ba siya na malakas ang loob na kalabanin ang ikaapat na Arkhon. 

"Answer me! Who do you think you are?!" Palakas nang palakas ang boses ng ikaapat na Arkhon na nanlilisik ang mga mata na nakatingin sa kanya. 

Bahagya siyang tumagilid at gamit ang kamay na may hawak pang latigo, hinawi niya ang buhok na tumatabing sa batok niya para ipakita sa lahat ng naroon, lalo na sa ama ni Knight kung sino ba talaga siya. 

"This... this is my insignia," sabi niya sa kalmadong boses. "And I..." her sharp eyes glared at the fourth Arkhon. "I am the second Arkhon."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 37

"I-IMPOSIBLE..." 'Yon ang lumabas sa bibig ng pang-apat na Arkhon matapos magpakilala ni Happy. Hindi makapaniwala ang titig nito sa kanya habang umiiling pa. "No... Dominick would never let his beloved daughter enter this life... impossible..." 

Napuno ng bulungan ang buong bulwagan pagkatapos ng pagpapakilala ni Happy. Nakita niya ang gulat sa mukha nina Chaos, Draco at Daemon. Ang paghanga at pagmamalaki sa mga mata ni Blaze at ang kaguluhan sa mukha ng lahat na naroon.

Matalim ang mga matang humarap siya sa ikaapat na Arkhon habang pahigpit nang pahigpit ang hawak sa latigo na nasa kamay niya. "Is my insignia not enough? Do you want to challenge my authority? Or do you want me to introduce myself again?"

Panay ang pagtatagis ng mga bagang ng kaharap. "No... you are a woman... weak. You can never run the Organization into its peak! It's my son's job! It should be my son who's on top and he will lead this Organization into success!"

Happy slowly took a deep breath, calming herself. "I, Happiness Aravena Quinn, daughter of Dominick Quinn, descendant from an aristocrat, is the second Arkhon of this Organization and by authority, I'm higher than you, so stop talking and start packing. You may be the fourth Arkhon but your decisions are not welcome anymore." 

Akmang magsasalita pa sana ang ama ni Knight nang gumalaw ang kamay niya para ihampas ang dulo ng latigo sa harap ng paanan nito. "It was against the Organization's law... to hold someone captive just because you want to control your son. It's a crime and you will pay for it."

Malakas na tumawa ang pang-apat na Arkhon. "And you actually think you can punish me? You." Tumawa ito nang nakakainsulto. "You're just a girl, inexperienced in this field. You think you can run the Organization? Think again! You are nothing but a worthless brat!" 

Happy lips thinned. "You committed a crime against the Organization," Sinulyapan niya si Valerian na inaalalayan nina Knight at Shun na makatayo. "You hurt an innocent for your gain." Nagtagis ang mga bagang niya. "You exploited other people's weaknesses so they would do your bidding. I won't let you hurt a single soul no more. I will make an example of you, to remind everyone the reason what this Organization is standing for."

"And what is that?" the fourth Arkhon spatted. 

"To bring peace," sagot niya sa kalmadong boses. "Maybe you have forgotten that. But these people..." Iminuwestra niya ang malayang kamay sa mga miyembro ng Organisasyon na kanina lang ay naglalaban-laban. "These people are here to help bring peace, for the best interest of all, to help save innocent lives. Don't take it away from them. Don't take away the reason why they're here."

Ngumisi ang pang-apat ng Arkhon. "You are a weakling. If you want peace, prepare for war."

She nodded. "I am prepared to go to war, but not against my own people." 

Humakbang ang pang-apat na Arkhon palapit sa kanya pero ihinampas niya ang latigo sa harapan ng paa nito dahilan para mapatigil ito sa paghakbang at pinanlisikan siya ng mga mata. 

"I will talk to the other Arkhons concerning your crimes, because I want to show fairness that you don't actually deserve. For now, you will rot in the dungeon." Nilingon niya sina Chaos at Draco. "Seize him. Pick the dirties cell."

Walang pag-aalinlangan na tumango ang dalawa at hinawakan ang magkabilang braso ng Arkhon. 

"Let go of me! You're beneath me!" sigaw ng pang-apat na Arkhon. "I said let go of me! Knight, help me here! Knight!"

Hindi niya pinansin ang pagwawala ng ikaapat na Arkhon, humarap siya kay Knight na walang pakialam sa ama nito at kay Shun na ngayon ay katulong na si Blaze na gumagamot kay Valerian. 

Blaze was trying to stop the bleeding.

"Go," sabi niya sa tatlo na tumutulong kay Valerian. "Save him."

"There's an infirmary on the second floor," imporma ni Knight. 

Tumango sina Shun at Blaze at akmang aalis na ang mga ito nang marinig niya ang boses ni King mula sa direksiyon ng elevator. 

"Y-Your Highness." 

Mabilis silang tumingin sa gawi ng elevator at nanlamig ang buo niyang katawan nang makita si King na nakatayo roon. Sa likuran nito ay may lalaking nakatutok ang hawak na baril sa likod ng ulo ni King. 

"No one makes a wrong move," sabi ng lalaki na nasa likuran ni King. "I only want my master." Sinulyapan nito ang ikaapat na Arkhon na ngayon ay nakangisi na. "My master in exchange for this man's life."

"Orlando..." sambit ni Knight habang nakatingin sa lalaking may hawak ng baril sa ulo ni King. "He's my father's hippeis." 

"I want my master! Now!" Ipinagduduldulan ni Orlando ang dulo ng baril sa likod ng ulo ni King na kalmado lang na nakatayo. "Or I will blow his head off... in front of you."

Nagtatagis ang mga bagang na nilingon niya ang ikaapat na Arkhon na hawak pa rin nina Chaos at Drako. Kung kanina ay nagwawala ito, ngayon ay nakangisi na na parang nanalo na. 

This bastard did win. Tonight. His hippeis had her butler at gun point and she would not do anything that could harm King. This old man knew that. 

"Your move, second Arkhon?" Nang-iinsulto ang uri ng boses na gamit nito. "It came as a surprise to me that your father performed a rite of passage for you, but sorry to burst your inexperienced bubble, but I always have a back-up plan. And as far as I can remember, The Quinn, Vitale and Zabat's are always loyal to each other. Let's see if your generation is as loyal as the previous ones." 

Happy took a slow deep breath before she spoke calmly. "Let the fourth Arkhon go."

Without any questions or hesitation, Chaos and Draco let go of Knight's father.

So, this is what it's like to be a boss in this Organization
. Lahat ay sinusunod ang utos niya nang walang tanong at pag-aalinlangan. 

Pinagmasdan niya ang ikaapat na Arkhon na inaayos ang nagusot nitong suot na Amerikana, saka ngumisi sa kanya. "Commendable move." 

Happy smiled back, still calm even when her inside was boiling with fury. "Thank you. Don't worry, we'll see each other again, and when that time comes, be ready. Because this whip I'm holding, I'll make sure to give you hell with this..." Her smile sweetened. "Okay?"

Nanlisik ang mga mata ng ikaapat na Arkhon. "You think I will let you get away with this?!"

Umiling siya. "No, of course not. Hindi ka naman siguro tumanda para lang maging bobo. I know you have a plan, and I do too. And I promise you, the next time we met, I will show you no fairness and there will be no mercy."

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi nito habang naglalakad palapit sa hippeis nito. "You're just a girl second Arkhon, and I can see it in your face, you cannot kill."

"Yes. I can't, but I know a lot of men who can," nakangiti pa ring sabi niya. 

The fourth Arkhon tsked before entering the elevator. Itinulak naman ng hippeis nito si King at mabilis na sumakay sa elevator.

King looked at her and then at Blaze with shame in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I didn't mean to get kidnapped. It's me or your friend, Yrozz, I picked myself since he's more important to you." 

Umiling si Blaze, saka akmang magsasalita nang bigla na lang manlaki ang mga mata nito. Ganoon din ang naging reaksiyon niya nang makitang kinalabit ng hippeis ng ikaapat na Arkhon ang gatilyo ng baril nitong nakatutok kay King bago sumara ang elevator!

Everyone froze but not Blaze. He ran towards King to push him away from the bullet. 

"Blazey!" puno ng takot niyang sigaw nang makitang ito ang tatamaan ng bala. 

King fell to the ground, while Blaze was standing on King's feet while clutching his bleeding side. 

Blaze grimaced as he wobbled on his feet. "Fuck..." He looked at King. "How many times do I have to take a bullet for you, you jackass?" He grimaced again. "Fuck—this hurt."

Mabilis na binitiwan ni Happy ang latigong hawak, saka nilapitan si Blaze. Siya na ang sumapo sa tama nito para diinan 'yon. 

Blaze coughed. "W-why do I always g-get shot?"

Dinaluhan siya ni King. Inalalayan nito si Blaze para hindi matumba sa pagkakatayo. Hanggang sa lumapit sa kanila ang isang lalaking kalalabas lang sa elevator na katabi ng elevator na ginamit ng ama ni Knight para makatakas. 

"Make way!" sabi ng lalaki na mga kasing-edad lang yata ni Blaze. "I'm a doctor." Saka nilingon nito ang nakasunod na lalaki. "Rex, we have another patient! Move fast!"

"Yes, Your Highness!" sabi ng lalaking nagngangalang Rex. Tinulungan nito sina Knight at Shun kay Valerian. 

Bago siya sumunod sa infirmary, humarap siya kina Chaos at Draco. "Don't let the fourth Arkhon get away. Track him down. Call Yrozz, he can help."

Tumango ang dalawa at agad na umalis. 

Si Daemon naman ang hinarap niya. "Can you take over, explain to them what happened?" She was referring to other members of the Organization. "And clean up this mess?"

Daemon nodded. "Yes, Boss." 

Tipid niya itong nginitian. "Thank you, Daemon. And it's Miss Quinn, not Boss. Don't make me feel uncomfortable."

Daemon nodded with a small smile. "Yes, Miss Quinn."

Tumango si Happy at saka lang siya sumunod sa infirmary na nasa second floor. 

Nang makarating doon, agad na tumuon ang tingin niya kay Blaze na inaasikaso na ng nagpakilalang doktor habang ang kasama nito ay inaasikaso naman si Valerian. 

Happy felt so drain at that very moment as she slowly sat on the waiting area in the infirmary. 

She couldn't help but to blame herself as she sat there, alone and thinking. May mali sa naging desisyon niya, sigurado siya. Bakit hindi niya nakita na babarilin ng hippeis ng ikaapat na Arkhon si King? Bakit hindi niya naisip 'yon?! Bakit ang tanga-tanga niya?! Bakit ang lambot niya?! Bakit pinakawalan pa niya ang ikaapat na Arkhon?! Bakit hindi niya nagawang ihampas ang latigo na 'yon sa matandang 'yon?! 

Nanginginig ang nakakuyom niyang kamay habang tumatakbo ang mga 'yon sa isip niya... habang sinisisi niya ang sarili. 

Natigilan lang siya nang umupo sa tabi niya si Knight.

"Don't beat yourself up," sabi nito. 

"I'm not—"

"If there's one thing I'm good at, that's reading emotion on people's faces," sabi ni Knight, saka tumingin sa kanya. "Bago ka pa lang, tama si Dad doon. Wala ka pang masyadong kaalaman sa mundong 'to, wala kang gaanong karanasan kung gaano kagulo ang mundong pinasok mo. Pero nandito kami, ako, si Blaze, si King, aalalayan ka namin."

Happy looked down. "What if your father was right? That I'm just a girl who knows nothing about this world? Paano kung sa halip na maka-help ako, mapahamak ko pa kayo? Tulad ngayon?"

Knight tapped her knee. "Learn from your mistakes, Miss Quinn. Hindi madaling magdesisyon, lalo na't may ibang buhay na nakasalalay sa bawat desisyon na gagawin mo. Being an Arkhon is not just being a boss and a title, it's a responsibility and a duty that even the strongest men had failed to carry out. As for me, I don't care if you're a woman, having a heart and showing fairness is the reason why I choose you as my Arkhon. This organization needs someone like you who has guts to do what's right and was able to see what's wrong... That's the start."

Tipid niyang nginitian si Knight. "Thanks... for trying to make me feel better."

Sadness fell on his face. "Midnight would have done the same thing for his little sister if he's here."

Nanubig ang mga mata niya nang banggitin ni Knight si Midnight. "I miss him."

Knight's head hung low. "Me too."

"I hope he's in a better place."

"He will be," sabi ni Knight. 

"I will find him," pangako niya. 

Sa sinabi niya, napatitig sa kanya si Knight. "What do you mean you'll find him? You didn't know?"

She blinked. "Know what?"

Knight blinked at her before shaking his head. "Nothing..." Tinapik-tapik nito ang tuhod niya. "Stop blaming yourself for what happened tonight, I'd been there. It's not a good place to linger around. Accept your mistake, move on and learn from it."

Tumango siya. "Salamat uli."

Knight gave her a small smile before returning to Valerian and Shun's side. 

Huminga nang malalim si Happy, saka napabaling kay King na siyang pumalit sa iniwang upuan ni Knight. 

"King, hindi mo ginusto ang nangyari," sabi niya sa lalaki nang makita ang hitsura nito. 

King whispered while staring at the floor. "He's hurt because of me. I promise myself that I will never fail you or His Highness... but I did. I'm not good enough. My father never endangered Master Dominick and Master Von Per... but I endangered you two."

Inabot niya ang kamay ni King, saka pinisil 'yon at humilig siya sa balikat nito. "You're more than good enough, King. Trust your Young Miss. And Blaze... I guess it's in his blood to protect both of us. Narinig mo naman 'di ba ang sinabi ng ama ni Knight? Our families are loyal to each other. Let's not prove him wrong. We stick together and let's do our job better."

King glanced at her. "How do you stay calm in all of this?"

"I'm not calm," pag-amin niya habang nakakuyom ang nanginginig niyang kamay. "I'm scared and worried and I'm very, very afraid of what's going to happen next. Pero ayokong makita 'yon ng iba. I'm the second Arkhon, King. I need to be brave and not show weakness. Maraming buhay ang nakasalalay sa akin ngayon. This heavy burden on my shoulder, I have to lift it with my head held high because I'm a Quinn and this is what Quinn does... until the first Arkhon returns."

"You can do it, Young Miss," pagpapalakas ni King sa loob niya. "I'm just here and I won't fail you again."

Pinisil uli niya ang kamay ni King. Pero bigla siyang tumayo nang makitang naglalakad palapit sa gawi niya ang nagpakilalang doktor at gumamot kay Blaze. 

"Hi," sabi niya nang tumigil ang lalaki sa harap niya. "Is... is my fiancé all right?"

Bumaba ang tingin ng lalaki sa kamay niya. "I don't see any ring."

Happy smiled. "He's working on it."

Tumango ang kaharap, saka inilahad ang kamay sa kanya. "Emperor Khalid, fifth Arkhon. No, it's not a title. It's an actual name given by my parents who are on their right minds when they named me... I think..." 

Nakangiting tinanggap niya ang pakikipagkamay nito. "Happy Aravena Quinn, second Arkhon. Nice to meet you and thank you for saving my fiancé."

Tumango ito. "You're welcome. He'll be okay, don't worry. By the way, thanks for dethroning that son of a bitch. I tried going against him when he started making shady decisions, but he threatened my family. I have to back down since his authority surpasses mine. Apparently, it's the rules."

Happy didn't know what to say so she just smiled. 

Emperor smiled. "I'll leave you alone now. I can feel when I'm not wanted—"

"No... I'm sorry... it's just... there's a lot in my mind right now. Maybe we should talk some other time?" she offered. "Together with the seven bosses and the other remaining Arkhontes, maybe? We have to talk on what to do before this Organization falls apart after what happened. Let's fix it before it turns into a big pile of mess. Please, I need a fellow Arkhon's help. I can't do this alone."

Emperor nodded. "Send an invitation. I'll be waiting... actually, all of the remaining Arkhons are waiting after Knight informed us about your rite of passage."

"Thank you," sabi niya, saka tipid na ngumiti. "My butler will send the invitation."

Emperor nodded before handling her a blank glass card. "A month from now, an Arkhontes gathering will be held in Athens. You have to be there because the fourth Arkhon might show himself— if he still not caught because he is the one who wanted this gathering. Written there is the exact address," sabi nito na itinuro ang blangkong glass card, wala iyong sulat o kahit ano pa man na ikinakunot ng noo niya. "Bring your hippeis, butler and personal ultor for protection."

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay sa huli nitong sinabi. "But I don't have a personal ultor."

"He will introduce himself to you, just wait." 

Napatango-tango siya, saka itinaas ang glass card na bigay nito. "Thank you for this and for telling me about the gathering."

"No problem," sabi nito, saka namaywang at tinawag ang kasama. "Rex, come on, let's go. I'm a busy man."

Agad namang tumalima si Rex na hindi niya alam kung hippeis nito o butler. 

"Thank you for coming, cous," sabi ni Knight kay Emperor. "I owe you."

Emperor dismissively waved his hand at Knight before leaving the infirmary. Siya naman ay lumapit sa kinahihigaan ni Blaze at hinaplos ang pisngi nito, saka hinalikan sa noo bago inayos ang kumot sa katawan nito. 

"I love you," bulong niya, saka pinisil ang kamay ni Blaze bago lumipat sa kinaroroonan ni Valerian Volkzki. "Is he okay?" tanong niya kay Knight. 

Bago pa makasagot si Knight, sunod-sunod na nagmura si Valerian na ikinatawa nina Shun at Knight. 

"Yes. He is," nakangiting sabi ni Knight. 

Shun faced her. "You were so cool earlier. You saved our asses back there."

She smiled. "Thanks."

"And very pretty too," dagdag ni Knight na nakangiti. 

Mahina siyang natawa na agad na naputol nang marinig ang boses ni Blaze. 

"F-fuck off! S-she's mine!"

Napailing si Happy, saka bumalik sa kasintahan at agad itong hinalikan sa mga labi nang makalapit siya. "I love you. I love you. I love you," sabi niya habang pinupupog ito ng halik sa buong mukha. "I love you."

Blaze automatically smiled before leaning in to claim her lips but end up grimacing because of his wound. "Fuck! This is all your fault, King..." Tiningnan nito nang masama si King na tahimik na nakatayo sa gilid ng kama pero agad na lumambot ang ekspresyon ng mukha nito nang makita ang hitsura ni King. "I mean, not really," bawi nito. 

Napangiti siya. King looked like a lost boy and it got to Blaze. 
Well, Blazey is a softy.
 

"I'm sorry, Your Highness." King sounded so ashamed and so guilty. "I'm not gonna fail you again."

Blaze tsked. "Na-kidnap ka na noong una, dapat alam mo nang pagkatapos mong ma-kidnap at pinakawalan ka na, magtago ka agad kasi walang kidnapper na mabait." Blaze tsked again. "Bakit kasi hindi ka nag-aral na umiwas sa bala tulad ng sinabi ng lalaking nagligtas sa iyo noon nang ma-kidnap ka?"

Nakita ni Happy na natigilan si King at hindi makapaniwalang napatitig kay Blaze. "H-how did you know that he told me that when he saved me?"

"You told me," mabilis na sagot ni Blaze. 

Umiling si King. "No... I didn't."

Blaze froze. "Oh."

King looked at Blaze in disbelief. "You knew that it was me and yet you pretended that you didn't?"

Blaze sighed. "What I did was no big deal. And yes, I remember. You have one of those annoying faces."

King let out a shaky laugh. "Fuck. I thought you don't remember me."

"
Nah
... I remember you," sabi ni Blaze, saka ipinikit nito ang mga mata habang bahagyang ngumingiwi. "But don't bring it up again please. I'm shy."

Happy chuckled and shook her head. 

While King smiled and nodded his head at Blaze.  "Thank you—"

"Oh, fuck, don't say it," putol ni Blaze sa pagpapasalamat ni King. "You want to thank me, leave me and my baby alone. Go. Go. Give is some fucking privacy."

Agad namang tumalima si King.

Napailing uli si Happy, saka umupo sa gilid ng kama. "He idolized you, you know." Alam niya ang kuwentong 'yon ni King pero hindi niya akalain na si Blaze pala 'yon. "Don't be too hard on him."

Blaze looked away. "I told you, I'm shy."

Natawa siya. "You're such a gago."

Blaze chuckled before he raised his voice to speak to Valerian and his friends. "Volkzki? You okay? I can hear you cursing. I assume you're okay now?"

"Fuck you!" sagot ni Valerian. "Fuck you all! Fuck! It hurts! Para akong binugbog ng isandaang katao! Mga gago kayo! 'Tang-ina! Animals!"

Knight chuckled. "Yep. He's still alive. Isusumbong kita kay Grace, nagmumura ka na naman."

"Oh, fuck you!" Valerian hissed at Knight. "After I'm all healed up, I'm going to kill you! This is all your fault!"

"I know, best friend. I know," sabi ni Knight sa mababang boses. 

Valerian tsked at lumambot ang boses. "I have a cake in the house. I bought it for you from Nate before I got kidnapped. It's his new rainbow cake."

Knight immediately smiled, making Happy smiled too. It was like Valerian and Knight had a love and hate relationship. 
Men.
 

Ibinalik niya ang atensiyon kay Blaze. "How are you feeling?"

Blaze shrugged. "Still breathing."

Napailing siya. "Pinag-alala mo ako."

"I know." Blaze smiled softly at her. "I'm sorry. Promise, next time, I'll try not to get shot again." 

Mahina siyang natawa habang masuyong hinahaplos ang pisngi nito. "I failed tonight. Hindi ko naipakulong ang ama ni Knight tulad ng plano. I'm sorry I failed you, Blazey."

Umiling ito, saka pinagsalikop ang kamay nila. "You were amazing tonight. When you showed them your insignia while gripping that whip was so cool... and you look so sexy and pretty and hot and I felt so proud because you're mine."

A smile appeared on her lips. "I'm pretty sure you got horny again?"

Walang pag-aalinlangang tumango si Blaze. "Yes. Very horny. Like fucking horny."

Malakas siyang natawa, saka hinaplos ang gilid ng labi nito. "Kapag all healed up ka na, date tayo? Gusto mo? Treat ko."

Humaba ang nguso ni Blaze. "Ayoko. May sahod na ako n'on kaya treat ko."

Happy chuckled. "Okay." Kapagkuwan ay ipinakita niya ang mga daliri dito. "'Yong doktor na gumamot sa iyo, siya ang panlimang Arkhon at hindi siya naniwala na fiancé kita kasi wala akong singsing. Kailan mo ako bibilhan?"

Umawang ang mga labi ni Blaze at parang nag-iisip ito habang nakatitig sa kanya. "Next year? Nakapag-ipon na ako no'n. Kailangang lampasan ko ang ten million mong key chain slash bottle opener. Hindi ako makakapayag na hindi ko 'yon malampasan."

Napailing siya. "So ano'ng sasabihin ko sa mga ayaw maniwala na may fiancé na ako? I have no ring kasi, eh. Gusto mo bawiin ko 'yong pag-yes ko, 'tapos balik tayo sa boyfriend and girlfriend? You just pressured me into saying yes after all—"

"Baby!" Blaze hissed at her. "I have a no return, no exchange, no surrender policy."

Natawa si Happy. "Ano ka, tindahan?"

"Oo. Tindahan ako na bukas lang para sa iyo."

Natawa uli siya. "That was lame."

Blaze grimaced. "Yes. I noticed."

Happy laughed again. "Thank you, for making me laugh. I need that. I feel better now."

Blaze shrugged boastfully. "What can I say, I'm your man."

Happy nodded while smiling from ear to ear. "Yes. You're my man."

Blaze smiled. "Good. Anyway, about that ring... I have something in mind. Give me a week?"

Umakto siyang napipilitang tumango. "Okay. One week. Kapag wala pang ring, balik tayo sa boyfriend and girlfriend."

Nalukot agad ang mukha ni Blaze. "As If I will let that happen. You're so mean."

Tinawanan lang niya si Blaze, kapagkuwan ay napabaling sa pinto ng infirmary nang may pumasok doong lalaki na naka-rugged jeans at itim na T-shirt. 

And everyone inside the infirmary was taken aback when they saw the man's face covered in a black leather mask. Only the eyes and mouth were shown. And small holes for his nose so he could breathe. 

But the most defining feature the man had that caught Happy's attention was his eyes. 

It was mismatched. 

Amber on the left and green on the right. 

The two rarest eye colors in the world. 
Wow. 

At natitigan iyon nang mabuti ni Happy nang tumigil sa harap niya ang lalaki at humarap sa kanya. 

"I'm called Kane," pagpapakilala nito sa walang emosyong boses pero nababanaag niya sa boses nito na hindi nalalayo ang edad kay King. "I'm your personal ultor and from now on, wherever you go, I'll go, whatever you say, I'll do it."

Biglang tumikhim si Blaze. "I'm the hippeis, that's my job."

Kane looked at Blaze. "I'm also your personal ultor, wherever you go, I'll go, whatever you say, I'll do it."

Si King naman ang tumikhim. "That's my job."

Kane faced King. "I'm also your personal ultor. Wherever you go, I'll go, whatever you say, I'll do it."

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ni King. "Go and get me a soda?" Nasa boses nito na parang sinusubukan lang kung susunod ang lalaki. 

Kane actually nodded. "Give me five minutes," he said then he left. 

Nagkatinginan silang tatlo. 

"Wow..." Blaze sighed then spoke in sarcasm. "Another crazy member had been added to the group."

King smiled smugly. "And he's beneath me. Huh, take that!"

Napailing siya, saka bumaling kay Blaze. "Nakita mo ba ang eyes niya? They're so beautiful."

"At hindi maganda 'yong sa akin?" Agad na tanong nito sa nagtatampong boses at nag-beautiful eyes pa ang baliw. "Still not pretty?"

"Nope." She smiled. "But I love you anyway."

"Good." Blaze puckered his lips. "Kiss me? I miss your kisses, baby. Masakit din ang sugat ko. Your kisses can make me feel better... please..." 

Bago pa siya mapilit ni Blaze na halikan ito, nakabalik na si Kane sa infirmary. May dala itong duffel bag na may lamang maraming klase ng soda. 

After showing all the sodas to King, Kane looked at King. "You didn't tell me which one you prefer so I bought them all."

Lihim siyang napatango bilang pagsang-ayon sa sinabi ni Blaze kanina. 

Indeed... another crazy one is added to the group. 

She just hoped that this one was not a kid like Blaze and King. 

She doubted it though... but a girl could hope.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 38

"THANKS, KNIGHT," sabi ni Happy kay Knight bago lumabas ng kotse nito. Ang lalaki ang naghatid sa kanya sa bahay ng mga Vitale mula sa HQ. Katatapos lang ng meeting na ipinatawag niya kasama ang ibang mga Arkhontes at mga pinuno na nangangasiwa sa kaayusan ng bawat kontinente.

Si Knight ang sumundo at naghatid sa kanya dahil nagpapagaling pa si Blaze at binabantayan ito ni King. At si Kane naman ay hindi niya pinasama dahil pinabantayan niya rito sina Blaze, King at Yrozz. At ang lahat naman ng tumulong sa kanila na mga kaibigan nina Blaze at Knight ay nagsiuwian na pagkatapos nilang makapagpasalamat. 

Luther didn't stick around though. Sinabihan lang sila ni Blaze na tumawag kung may kailangan. At nagbilin talaga itong tumawag kung ikakasal na raw sila ni Blaze dahil hindi pa rin nito matanggap na hindi ito naka-attend sa kasal ni Blake. 

Ilang araw na mula nang makatakas ang ikaapat na Arkhon pero aletro pa rin sila. She had to be vigilant from now on. The fourth Arkhon could hurt them anytime. 

Hinilot niya ang sentido habang naglalakad papasok sa bahay. Nakakapagod at nakakaubos ng lakas ang napag-usapan sa meeting kanina. 

It was her first meeting and it drained her. 

The Triads were getting stronger here in the Philippines and all over Asia. Malaking labanan ang mangyayari, lalo na't hawak ni Knight ang listahan ng pangalan ng mga miyembro ng Triad na galing pala kay Lucky na nakuha nito sa bahay ng inakala nitong ama nito. 

Knight and Chaos had explained a lot because of the growing population of the Triad here in Asia. While Niccolo Racini and Monti Parisi explained that they were already cleaning up the Triad's headquarters in Europe. While Wrath, Draco and Daemon were working together to assess the Triad situation in the US and other continents. 

Happy took a very deep breath to let calm herself down. Ayaw niyang makita siya ng mga kasama niya sa bahay na problemado. It wouldn't help anyone and Blaze would worry. Nagpapagaling pa naman ito. 

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok niya sa bahay, agad niyang narinig na nagbabangayan sina King at Blaze kung anong channel na magandang panoorin.

She sighed. 
The kids are at it again. 

Naglakad siyang patungo sa sala at napailing nang makitang nag-aagawan na sina King at Blaze ng remote. 

Happy tsked. "Kids." Lumapit siya at kinuha ang remote na pinag-aagawan ng mga ito, saka ini-off niya ang TV para matahimik na ang dalawa. 

Blaze instantly smiled when he saw her. "My baby... how's the meeting?"

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "No sex for you because you didn't rest like I told you to do."

Blaze's eyes widened. "Baby! Not fair!"

Hindi niya pinansin si Blaze at bumaling siya kay King. "And you, no smoking. I'll kill you."

Agad na tumango si King at pasimpleng bumulong kay Blaze. "Just nod your head, Your Highness. There's no point going against, Young Miss. You're at fault."

Blaze glared at King. "Anong kasalanan ko?! Kasalanan mo! Sinabi nang 
Tom and Jerry
 ang panoorin natin, pero mas gusto mo si 
Oggy and the Cockroaches
! Are you even right in the head? Nothing compares to 
Tom and Jerry
! Nothing!" He was so angry at King but when he looked at her, there was a soft smile on Blaze's lips. "I love you, baby. Hindi ka na galit?"

"Galit pa rin." Inilapag niya ang handbag na dala sa center table. "Nasaan si Yrozz?"

"Busy with his laptop," sagot ni King, "Young Miss, every Arkhon needs a tracker, maybe Master Yrozz would be interested in the position."

"Maybe," sabi niya. 

"I'll talk to him," sabi ni ni Blaze, umalis sa pagkakaupo sa sofa at naglalambing na yumakap sa baywang niya, saka hinalik-halikan siya sa leeg. "Ang bago naman ng baby ko."

Happy glared at him. "Pawis 'yan."

Ngumiti lang si Blaze saka patuloy pa rin ang paghalik sa leeg niya, patungo sa batok niya. 

"Blaze! Naiinis ako!" may diin niyang sabi. 

He sighed before resting his chin on her shoulder. "Sorry, baby. Hindi na ako makikipag-agawan ng remote uli."

Hinarap niya ito, saka inis na tiningnan. "Dapat resting ka ngayon, hindi na nakikipag-agawan ng remote. Hindi ba I told you na kailangang gumaling ka agad? With the fourth Arkhon out there, we have to be vigilant. Ayokong masaktan ka na naman sa susunod na nakaharap natin siya. Kaya nga hindi kita pinasama sa meeting kahit gustong-gusto kong nandoon ka kasi napapakalma mo ako para makapagpahinga ka, 'tapos hindi ka naman pala nagpapahinga!" Then she glared at King. "At ikaw naman, nakipag-agawan ka pa talaga. Para kayong mga bata!"

Natahimik ang dalawa na pinagalitan niya. At ang bumasag ng katahimikang 'yon ay si Kane na kabababa lang ng hagdan galing sa ikalawang palapag. Iniharap nito sa kanila ang magazine na hawak at tumingin kay Blaze. 

"I think this is the woman," sabi nito. 

Napanganga si Happy habang nakatingin sa hawak na magazine ni Kane. It was a magazine of naked woman with big breasts. 

"Kane, bastos 'yang hawak mo," nagtatagis ang mga bagang niyang sabi. "Don't piss me off."

Kane immediately dropped the magazine. "Sorry, my lady."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Happy at bumaling kay Blaze para sabihan sanang magpahinga na ito nang makita niya ang hitsura nito. 

He looked pale while glancing at the magazine on the floor. 

Happy lips thinned as she looked at Kane again. "Kane?"

"Yes, my lady?" 

"Kanino 'yang magazine na 'yan?"

Agad na itinuro ni Kane si Blaze. "I told him to rest kasi 'yon ang sabi mo sa akin bago ka umalis. But he got up and I couldn't stop him because he gave me a magazine and he gave me a new order. Find the girl who has the biggest breasts in that magazine. And I did." Tumingin ito kay Blaze. "Did I pick the right woman, Your Highness?"

Blaze gulped before facing her. "Baby, let me explain that."

Kalmado siyang nakapamaywang na humarap sa kasintahan. "Sure, baby. Explain to me in details why you have a porn magazine."

Blaze gulped again. "I, ahm, I'll start w-with I'm a man and, ahm..." He was getting paler and paler every passing second. "B-before you c-came into my life... ahm, b-before I fell so much in love w-with you... t-there's you know—I'm a man. And i-it's part of me... and I'm a man... yes, I'm a man."

Tumango-tango siya. "Hmm... do you still look at it?" Pinulot niya ang magazine na nasa sahig, saka tumabi kay Blaze habang binubuklat ang bawat pahina. "Wow... what a big breast. Wow... so sexy. Wow, big breasts again. Nice. Beautiful." 

Blaze's head was hanging low. 

Happy sighed before smiling at King. "King?"

Tuwid itong tumayo agad. "Yes, Young Miss?" 

"Ready the guestroom beside yours," utos niya. 

King stilled before glancing at Blaze and then back at her. "Y-you will move to the guestroom?"

"King!" Blaze hissed at King. 

"Sorry, Your Highness." Then King smiled at her. "I'm sure the guestroom will not suit your liking, Young Miss."

"That's okay." Happy smiled sweetly. "Hindi naman ako ang matutulog doon. He is," sabi niya, sabay turo kay Blaze. 

Blaze's eyes bulged. "Baby!" 

"What?" Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay. "Don't worry." Pilit niyang pinahawakan dito ang magazine. "You can have this in your new room. Look at those woman as you jack off."

Blaze eyes looked at her with begging eyes. "But, baby—"

"Okay lang ba sa iyo na may pag-aari din akong magazine na ganyan pero mga hubad na lalaki naman ang laman?" tanong niya sa malumanay na boses. 

Blaze's face darkened. "Hell, no!" he hissed. 

Happy tapped his cheeks. "Precisely my point, Blazey. I'm possessive too. And Happy..." Itinuro niya ang sarili, saka pekeng ngumiti nang malapad. "Is not happy." Pinulot niya ang handbag sa center table, saka naglakad patungo sa hagdanan. 

Naririnig niyang pinapagalitan ni Blaze si Kane. 

"Why didn't you hide this, you motherfucker?!"

Kane answered in a low emotionless voice. "Wala ka namang sinabing itago ko. Ang sabi mo lang na hanapin ko ang may pinakamalaking boobs."

"You are so dead, Your Highness," sabi ni King. 

"You think?!" Blaze snapped. 

And Kane asked again. "By the way, may nakita akong gel diyan na pampalaki raw, is that real?"

"Why?" King asked. "Are you lacking?"

"No," sagot ni Kane sa walang emosyon nitong boses. "The opposite actually. May pampaliit ba?"

"The fuck?!" It was King. 

"Are you... right in the head?" Blaze asked in shock. "Women likes men with a big friend and good stamina."

Tumaas ang kilay ni Happy. She couldn't agree more. Si Blaze ang unang lalaki na nakatalik niya at masasabi niyang walang pagkakataon na nabitin siya o nakulangan sa performance nito. And that was because he was big and long and just insatiable. 

"I wouldn't know what women likes, Your Highness," sabi ni Kane. 

Napatigil talaga sa pag-akyat si Happy sa hagdanan at nilingon ang tatlo. Nakatanga sina Blaze at King kay Kane. Si Kane naman dahil may maskara pa rin sa mukha nito ay hindi niya makita ang emosyon. 

"Wait..." It was King who looked bothered. "Are you, ahm, are you telling us that you haven't had sex? Recently? Or all your life?"

"All my life," sagot ni Kane na walang pag-aalinlangan. "I was busy."

"So... you're a virgin?" Blaze asked. 

Kane nodded. "Yes."

"Have you ever been kissed?" King asked Kane, still in shock.

Umiling si Kane. "Why are you looking at me like that? Is sex and kiss really necessary in life?"

"Hell, yeah!" sabay na sagot nina King at Blaze. 

Napailing si Happy, saka nagpatuloy sa pag-akyat. Napapatanong tuloy siya kung may lalaki pa ba ngayon na kasing-edad ni Kane na wala pang first kiss o kaya first sex.

Her team was really full of weirdos. King was weird, Blaze was weirder and Kane was the weirdest. 

Pumasok siya sa kuwarto ni Blaze at ini-lock ang pinto bago hinubad lahat ng saplot at nagbabad sa bathtub. 

A soft music was playing on her phone while she bathed, and she didn't realize that she fell asleep. 

Maybe because she was mentally tired. 

Nagising lang siya nang maramdaman niyang may pumangko sa kanya mula sa bathtub at maingat siyang ihiniga sa kung saan. Alam niyang si Blaze 'yon dahil naamoy niya ang pabango nito. 

Nagpanggap siyang natutulog pa rin dahil gusto niyang malaman kung ano ang sunod nitong gagawin. 

Tinuyo nito ng tuwalya ang basa niyang katawan at maingat na naman siyang pinangko, saka inilipat ng higa sa malabot na kama. Maingat siya nitong pinatagilid ng higa, saka kinumutan ang hubad niyang katawan hanggang sa leeg. 

And Happy inwardly smiled when she heard and felt a blow drier on her hair. 

Tinuyo ni Blaze ang buhok niya, pagkatapos ay maingat siyang hinalikan sa gilid ng noo at masuyong yinakap. 

"I love you, Happiness Aravena Quinn," bulong nito. "Pasensiya na dahil nagalit ka kanina. I know you're stressed out and tired because of the Organization,' tapos dinagdagan ko pa. Sorry, I'll make it up to you. I promise." He kissed her temple again. "I love you. I love you."

Nakailang sabi pa ito ng I love you bago niya narinig na umalis ito ng kuwarto. 

Happy opened her eyes while a smile played on her lips. Napailing siya, saka bumangon para magbihis, pagkatapos ay bumalik din sa pagkakahiga. 

Nang hindi na siya nakatulog uli pagkalipas ng isang oras, bumangon siya at lumabas ng kuwarto. Hinanap niya ang tatlo sa pamamagitan ng tainga niya. Kung saan ang maingay, siguradong nandoon ang tatlong 'yon. 

And she was right... she followed the noise and found the three kids on the kitchen. 

Nag-iihaw ng karne sina King at Blaze habang si Kane naman ay nakahiga sa island counter habang kumakain ng mansanas. 

Tahimik siyang humilig sa hamba ng pinto habang pinagmamasdan ang tatlo. 

"Holy fuck!" sigaw ni Blaze nang biglang tumaas ang apoy ng grill stove dahil sa pagpahid ni King ng mantika sa mga karne. "Fuck! Fuck! Kane, the fire extinguisher! Holy fuck! Blake will kill me if we burn this house! Holy fuck!"

Mabilis namang sumunod si Kane at kinuha ang fire extinguisher. Akmang bubuksan na nito iyon ng pandilatan ito ng mga mata ni King. 

"Don't you dare or I'll kill you!"

Kane looked at Blaze questioningly. 

"It's not burning anymore," sabi ni Blaze na kalmado na ang boses. "Put it back."

"Okay." Madaling kausap si Kane na ibinalik ang fire extinguisher sa pinagkunan. 

Nang makita siya nito, sinenyasan niya itong huwag maingay. Tumango naman ito at nahiga uli, sa mesa na sa pagkakataong iyon. 

"Kane!" King hissed at Kane. "Get off the fucking table!"

"King!" tawag ni Blaze kay King. "Help! 911! 911! Umuusok nang marami! King! Help! Fuck! The meat is burning! Happy will not eat this—holy fuck!"

Napailing siya nang makitang hindi na alam ni King ang gagawin kung tutulungan nito si Blaze o pagagalitan si Kane. 

Itinali niya ang buhok, saka lumapit kay Blaze. "Move. Ako na ang gagawa."

Agad namang sumunod si Blaze. Si King naman ay pinaalis si Kane sa pagkakahiga sa mesa. 

Mayamaya, si Blaze ay may iniabot sa kanyang platito na may luto nang karne. 

"I, ahm... I grilled this," sabi nito na parang nahihiya. "It's a little black but... you know... effort?"

Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay. "O, 'tapos?"

He gave her a puppy eyes as he hold the small plate. "I'm sorry and I love you."

Nanatiling nakataas ang kilay niya. "And you think madadala mo ako riyan sa pa-cute mo?"

Napakamot sa batok si Blaze. "Ahm... may engagement ring na ako para sa iyo. Bati na tayo?"

Happy immediately offered her hand. "Put it on."

Napangiwi si Blaze. "Mamaya pa, kunin natin nang magkasama."

Happy sighed before eating a piece of meat from the plate Blaze was holding at her "Pasalamat ka love kita."

Agad na lumapad ang ngiti ni Blaze. "At mahal din kita nang sobra kaya patas lang tayo."

"Yeah, yeah. Pero sa guestroom ka pa rin matutulog," sabi niya, saka napatingin kay King na pinaapalis naman ngayon si Kane sa pagkakahiga sa pahabang lababo na gawa sa marmol. 

"Kane! If you're sleepy, go to your room!" Parang isang ama si King na pinapagalitan ang anak nito. "Kane, move!"

Bumangon naman si Kane at lumipat sa island counter para mahiga na pinaalis na naman si King. 

Napailing siya. "Kane, doon ka na sa kuwarto mo," malumanay ang boses na sabi niya. 

He looked at her with his emotionless mismatched eyes. "It's too big and the bed is too soft. Hindi ako makatulog."

"Bakit hindi ka nagsabi?" tanong niya. "You'd been in that room for three days now. Gusto mo bang palitan ang kama mo?"

Umiling si Kane. "Hindi lang ako sanay," sabi nito, saka nagbaba ng tingin. "I'm used to sleeping on the floor."

King asked Kane. "Where have you been before you introduced yourself to us?"

"War against the Triad," sagot ni Kane. 

"Family?" Blaze asked. 

Umiling ito. "I have none."

"Where do you live?" King asked again. 

"I don't have a house... or a home."

Kane spoke with no emotion on his voice but Happy felt it... the emptiness and longing in his words. 

Kaya wala siyang pakialam kung magalit o magselos si Blaze, nilapitan niya si Kane at masuyo itong niyakap. 

Naramdaman niya ang paninigas ng katawan nito at parang hindi alam ang gagawin. At nang pakawalan niya sa pagkakayakap, nginitian niya ito. 

"Well... since you're our ultor now, you'll be with us from now on... and we're family here, okay? And this house... this is our home."

Kane nodded. "Okay," sabi nito, saka umalis sa harap niya at naglakad palabas ng kusina. "I'll try to sleep in my room."

Napabuntong-hininga siya, saka tumingin kay King. "Make sure that he's okay. Something is off with him."

Tumango si King at sinundan si Kane. Siya naman ay tinapos ang pag-iihaw at sabay silang kumain ni Blaze. 

While eating together, she and Blaze spoke about going out after here. And then their conversation jumped to what transpired on the meeting and how the Organization was trying to get on its feet to fight a war against the Triad. 

Pagkatapos nilang kumain, habang nagliligpit si Blaze sa kinainan nila, naglalagay naman siya ng pagkain sa tray. Dinala niya iyon sa kuwarto ni Kane kung saan naroon si King na nakahiga sa sofa habang sa sahig naman nakahiga si Kane. 

"W-what is that?" Kane asked as he got up from the floor. 

"Food." Nginitian niya ito. "Kain na muna kayo ni King. Lalabas kami ni Blaze, ikaw na muna ang bahala rito sa bahay."

Tahimik na tumango si Kane at nang papaalis na siya ay nagsalita ito. 

"Thank you, my lady."

Nilingon niya ito. "For?"

"For the food," sabi nito habang titig na titig sa tray na may pagkain na nasa ibabaw ng kama. "No one has ever brought me food before."

Tipid niya itong nginitian, saka tumingin siya kay King na nagse-cell phone. "Take care of Kane."

"Yes, Young Miss."

Nang makalabas sa kuwarto ni Kane, dumeretso siya sa kuwarto ni Blaze para magbihis at mag-ayos. Nang makababa siya, naghihintay na sa kanya si Blaze. 

Inagaw niya ang hawak nitong susi. "I'm driving. You're still healing."

Ngumiti lang si Blaze, saka yumakap mula sa likuran niya habang naglalakad sila. 

Napailing na lang si Happy dahil nahihirapan sila parehong maglakad. 

"Blaze, let go." Siniko niya ito. 

Blaze kissed her neck. "I'm riding shotgun and my girl is driving. Why do you look so badass in my head?"

Napailing na lang siya, saka sumakay sa kotse at binuhay ang makina. Nang makasakay at makapag-seat belt si Blaze, agad niyang pinaharurot ang sasakyan. 

"Okay, Blazey, where are we going? Navigate me," sabi niya. 

And that was what Blaze did for the next two hours, telling her where to turn and where to go until they stopped in front of a parlor. 

InkArt. A tattoo parlor. 

Kunot-noong bumaling siya kay Blaze. "Dito na ba?"

Kinindatan siya nito, saka lumabas ng sasakyan. Agad naman siyang sumunod sa kasintahan. Pinagsalikop nito ang kamay nila habang iginigiya siya papasok sa InkArt. 

"Boss!" bati kay Blaze ng lalaking sumalubong sa kanila. "Kumusta?"

Nagkamay muna ang dalawa bago sumagot si Blaze. 

"Ayos lang, Jorge. Handa na ba?"

"Yes, boss," nakangiting sagot ng lalaki. 

Naging sunod-sunuran lang si Happy hanggang sa magkatabi silang makaupo ni Blaze. 

She looked at Blaze, bewildered. "Are you getting a tattoo?"

May papel itong kinuha sa bulsa, saka ipinakita sa kanya ang disenyo na naroon. "No. We are getting a tattoo."

Napakurap-kurap si Happy habang pinagmamasdan ang disenyo na ipinakita nito sa kanya. Then she glanced at Blaze. "At ngayon mo lang sinabi sa akin dahil?"

Napangiwi ito. "Baka umayaw ka."

Napatitig siya uli sa disenyo na nasa papel. "It's gonna be permanent, Blaze." 

"Yeah. I know," sabi ni Blaze, saka masuyo siyang hinalikan sa pisngi. "I asked you to marry me, didn't I? That's permanent too. Ikaw ang inaalala ko, baka ayaw mo."

Happy took a deep breath. "I like it."

Blaze smiled and captured her lips with a lingering kiss. "I love you."

She smiled. "I love you too."

"Handa na, boss?" tanong ng magta-tattoo sa kanila. 

Tumango si Blaze at nauna ito sa kanya. Ni hindi man lang ito napaigtad ng kahit kaunti nang lumapat ang karayom sa balat nito. He looked calm and was even watching as the artist inked him. Siguro dahil sanay na ito. 

And when it was already her turn, she took a couple of deep breaths before she nodded at the tattoo artist, signalling him to start. 

Mahigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ng kasintahan hanggang sa matapos 'yon. Minsan ay pumipikit siya kaya tumitingin sa kanya si Blaze at agad siyang hinahalikan sa mga labi. 

Overall, it was a nice experience. Much better than the last one. Noong pina-tattoo-an siya ng ama niya, tawa pa ito nang tawa kasi umiiyak siya, lalo 'yong insignia niya sa batok. 

Kagat-kagat ni Happy ang labi habang nagbabayad si Blaze at nagpasalamat na rin. 

Nang makalabas sila ng tattoo parlor ay papagabi na. 

Akmang sasakay na siya ng kotse nang paikutin siya ni Blaze na nasa likuran niya paharap dito at pinasandal sa nakasarang pinto ng sasakyan. 

"What?" she asked in a soft voice as she looked at his eyes. 

Blaze pressed his lips on her forehead. "Thank you."

"For?"

"For doing this with me." Blaze raised his hand to show her his ring finger where her name was tattooed in a cursive style like a ring on the front of his ring finger, while an infinity symbol was tattooed on the back of his finger connecting the H and Y together. 

"Oh." She smiled. "It's pretty." Ipinakita niya rin ang daliri kung saan naroon ang kaparehong disenyo ng tattoo nito. But the name tattooed on her ring finger was Blaze—B and E were also connected by an infinity symbol around the back of her finger. "I like it. Simple. Pretty."

Blaze kissed her ring finger. "Do you know why I pick the ring finger?"

"Because you wanna marry me?" nakangiting hula niya. 

Blaze smiled. "Yes. And the good thing about ring tattoos is that you can't take it off and throw it away. You're mine, Happy Quinn, as I am yours."

Inilapit ni Happy ang mga labi sa mga labi ni Blaze at masuyo itong hinalikan. Wala siyang pakialam kung nasa gilid sila ng kalsada. Gusto niyang maramdaman nito na masaya siya at mahal niya ito sa pamamagitan ng halik. 

Nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila, masuyo siya nitong niyakap. 

"Baby?"

"Hmm?" she hummed. 

"Let's have a date tomorrow and then let's have a lot of sex after." 

Mahina siyang natawa. "Nakakalimutan mo na ba sa guestroom ka matutulog?"

"Baby, naman..."

Natatawang tinalikuran ni Happy ang kasintahan at akmang sasakay ng kotse nang makita ang dalawang motorsiklo na papadaan sa harap nila at may mga baril na nakatutok sa kanila. 

Pero bago pa makalabit ng mga ito ang gatilyo ng mga baril na hawak, isa-isa nang gumiwang ang motor na sinasakyan ng mga ito hanggang sa natumba na iyon nang tuluyan. 

Ang apat na lalaki na sakay ng dalawang motor ay nakahandusay na ngayon sa semento, wala nang buhay. 

Mabilis na pinasakay siya ni Blaze sa passenger seat habang ito ang mabilis na nagmaneho palayo sa lugar na 'yon. 

"What was that?" kinakabahan niyang tanong. "'Yong mga lalaking 'yon, balak tayong barilin. I saw them point their gun at us!"

"A sniper took them out," wika ni Blaze. 

Umawang ang mga labi niya. "Who?"

As if on cue, someone called Blaze's phone that on the dashboard. Sinagot niya iyon at ini-loud speaker. 

"Your Highness." Boses iyon ni Kane na walang emosyon. "Are you two okay?"

Nagkatinginan sila ni Blaze. 

"Yes," sagot ni Happy. "Why are you asking?"

"Step on the gas, Your Highness," sabi ni Kane sa kalmado pa ring boses. "You have a tail. I'll take care of it."

Mabilis na sumilip si Happy sa likuran ng kotse at nakita niyang isa-isang natutumba ang mga lalaki sa motorsiklo na sumusunod sa kanila. 

"Is that you?" tanong niya kay Kane. "The sniper! Is that you?"

Kane calmly breathed out. "Yes. It's dangerous out there with the Triad gunning for you. I'm sorry I disobeyed your order to watch the house."

Napangiti siya. "It's okay, Kane, it's okay. Thank you. Thank you so much."

"Your Highness, turn left." Boses na iyon ni King. "You have another tail. It's three cars and they're all fast."

Magkasama ang dalawa! 

"Fuck!" Mas binilisan pa ni Blaze ang pagmamaneho. 

"Turn left again, Your Highness," sabi ni King. "Traffic up ahead, so turn right before your reach the main road."

Sinunod ni Blaze ang sinabi ni King at ito ang naging navigator nila hanggang sa makarating sila sa daan patungo sa Racini's Hotel. 

Puno ng pagtataka si Happy nang makitang hindi na sumunod sa kanila ang kalaban. 

"What the..."

"This is the Org's territory," sabi ni Blaze. "They wouldn't dare or they'll die."

Bumuga si Happy ng marahas na hininga nang iparada ni Blaze ang sasakyan sa harap ng hotel. Mabilis silang pumasok sa loob. 

"Nasaan kayo?" tanong niya kay King na nasa kabilang linya pa rin. 

"On your left, Young Miss," sabi nito. 

Pinatay niya ang tawag at hinawakan ang kamay ni Blaze, saka hinila itong patungo sa kaliwang bahagi ng hotel kung nasaan ang restaurant. 

And there he was. King Zabat. Eating a dessert with Yrozz who was front of his laptop. 

Napapantastikuhang napatitig si Blaze kay King na pinaghugot sila ng upuan nang makalapit sila. 

"Seriously? You were eating dessert while navigating us out of a life and death situation?"

King nodded with a smile. "Their salted caramel chocolate tart is to die for, Your Highness."

"Paano kung nagkamali ka?" inis na tanong ni Blaze nang makaupo sila sa pabilog na mesa. "Eh, di namatay kami?"

Itinuro nito si Yrozz. "He was navigating, I just did the talking because I have a very deep, calm and sexy voice, Master Yrozz said."

"I did not," Yrozz immediately denied it. 

"Okay. Just deep and sexy voice then."

"Nope." Umiling pa si Yrozz. 

King sighed heavily. "Fine. Just deep and calm voice."

Yrozz clucked his tongue while pointing his finger at King like a gun. "You got it, bud."

King sighed again. "Meanie." 

Blaze blew a loud breath. "Shut up, King. Order us something to eat. Hurry."

Sinabi niya kay King kung ano ang gustong kainin bago hinanap si Kane. "Where's Kane?" 

As if on cue, Kane sat on the chair next to her. "I'm here, my lady." Kapagkuwan ay tumango ito kay Blaze. "Your Highness. Are you okay?"

Blaze nodded. "Thanks to you. Those were perfects shots even at that distance. Three thousand yard is a beast."

Tumango lang si Kane at hindi na ito nagsalita.

Masaya si Happy na mayroon siyang maasahan na kaibigan sa paligid niya kaya naman nang dumating ang pina-order niyang cheese tart kay King, ibinigay niya iyon kay Kane. 

"Thank you. For saving us," sabi niya. "And for thinking of mine and Blaze's safety. I owe you so I will let you eat my favorite dessert."

Kane looked at her. His mismatched eyes had one emotion she could name. 

Gratitude. 

"Thank you," he whispered before eating the cheese tart. 

Then she faced Yrozz and King. "Thank you so much for saving our asses back there."

Yrozz closed his laptop before smiling. "That's what teammates do. I mean, King told me about the open position, and I said yes. We're sort of a team now, right? I mean, I every Arkhon needs a tracker... I could be that. If... you know, you want me in your team." 

Itinaas ni Blaze ang baso na may lamang tubig. "To #SecondArkhonTeam. Let's cheers to that." 

Lahat sila ay nakangiting itinaas ang baso na tubig ang laman, saka sabay-sabay na uminom. 

And as Happy looked at every member of her team; Blaze, her protector, King, her Butler, Kane, her punisher and Yrozz, her tracker... she felt confident... their presence made her strong. 

These men might act like kids sometimes... but they were reliable... and they would never let her down. And she would do everything in her power to not let them down either. Because these men deserved more... they deserved an Arkhon that they could be very proud of. 

Happy smiled at her teammates. It might not seem like it now, but for her, this team... they were going to be a very big part of her family. 

Maybe not by blood... but by loyalty, trust, care and heart.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 39

AFRAID THAT someone might invade their home, Yrozz put a lot of CCTVs around the Vitale's mansion, even outside the gate to monitor the surroundings with the help of Phoenix Martinez who secured the house with locks and guns. Kahit paano, medyo nakahinga na nang maluwag si Happy na walang basta-basta makakapasok sa bahay. 

"Why are we watching 
Tom and Jerry
 again?" napapantastikuhan niyang tanong sa apat na kalalakihang kasama niya sa sala nang hapong 'yon. 

Blaze was busy watching, King was busy sulking like a cow because it was 
not Oggy and the cockroaches
, Yrozz was busy cracking the code on Midnight's file and Kane—whose full name was Kane Spiros according to Yrozz— was watching with his emotionless eyes again. 

Si King ang sumagot sa tanong niya at pasimpleng itinuro si Blaze na nakatutok ang mga mata sa TV. "Because he is pissed." 

"And he's gripping the remote very tightly," Kane added coldly.  

Yrozz nodded. "Hindi namin maaagaw ang remote nang hindi kami magbubuwis ng buhay."

Tumango si King. "Last night, he even got drunk while telling us how bad you are to him."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Paano ako naging bad?" 

"Kasi ayaw mong matulog na katabi siya," sagot ni Yrozz. "Parang bata na nagtatampo na ewan. Sarap iuntog ng ulo sa pader." Nilingon nito si Kane. "Iuntog mo nga ang ulo niyang your highness mo. Nagdadrama, eh. Baka maglasing na naman 'yan, mamaya idamay na naman tayo sa kadramahan niya sa buhay. Hindi ako nakatulog agad kagabi at busy ako. Mga istorbo."

Kane's lips thinned. "Dapat daw damay tayo kasi teammates tayo."

King nodded. "We are Team Inseparable."

Yrozz chuckled. "Oo nga pala. Palagi tayong magkakasama. Hindi kaya magkapalit na tayo ng mga mukha nito?"

Natawa si Happy. "I actually like it na sa isang bahay lang tayo nakatira at palagi tayong magkakasama. Nakikilala natin ang isa't isa at I like having you all around. It makes me feel safe."

Ngumiti si King at pasimpleng itinuro si Blaze na wala pa ring imik. "Anyway, what are we going to do about the big baby?"

Tiningnan niya ang kasintahan na nakaupo sa pang-isahang sofa, malayo sa kanya. 

It was a first. Sitting far away from her.  Maybe because she didn't want to give in into his antics. Blaze wanted to make love and she didn't want to. Hindi niya alam pero wala talaga siya sa mood para pagbigyan si Blaze. 

And not to mention she didn't let him sleep on their room. Sa guestroom ito natutulog mula pa noong isang araw kaya iritado ito. 

Happy dismissively flipped her hand on the air. "Hayaan n'yo siyang magdrama." Pinagsalikop niya ang kamay. "Anyway, who wants some pizza? Nagki-crave ako. Please buy me some?" 

Agad na tumayo si King. "Leave it to me, Young Miss."

"And iced americano, please?" pahabol niyang sabi.  

Tumango naman si King at lumabas ng bahay para bumili ng makakain nila. 

Ilang episode din ng 
Tom and Jerry
 ang pinanood nila bago nakabalik si King na may dalang limang iba't ibang flavor ng pizza at dalawang iced americano para sa kanya. 

"Your Highness," kuha ni King sa atensiyon ni Blaze na wala pa ring imik. "Let's eat."

Wala man lang reaksiyon si Blaze. 

"Bud, come on. Let's eat," aya ni Yrozz habang kumukuha ito ng isang slice ng pizza. 

Si Kane naman ay tiningnan lang ang pizza. Nakikita niya sa magkaibang kulay nitong mga mata na gusto nitong kumain pero nagdadalawang-isip na kumuha. Kaya naman siya na lang ang kumuha at iniabot dito ang pizza. 

Napapansin niya iyon kay Kane na hindi ito basta-basta kumukuha ng pagkain. 

"Here. Eat," sabi niya. 

Kane looked at her with gratitude in his mismatched eyes. "Thank you, my lady. I always wanted to eat pizza."

Nginitian niya ito, saka ibinigay rito ang isang buong pizza. "Sa iyo na 'to, gusto mo ba?"

Tinanggap naman agad iyon ni Kane, saka itinago sa likod nito. At nang aabutin iyon ni King, mabilis na hinugot ni Kane ang kutsilyo na nakatago sa gilid ng sapatos nito at umikot iyon sa mga palad nito bago inilapit sa leeg ni King. 

"Don't touch my pizza." Matalim ang boses ni Kane, "Lady Happy gave it to me. It's mine."

Napapantastikuhang napatitig si King kay Kane. "Can't we share?"

"No," matigas na sabi ni Kane. "It's mine. Lady Happy gave it to me." 

Kane sounded so possessive. Pakiramdam tuloy niya parang iyon ang unang beses na may nagbigay rito ng pizza. 

King sighed and pushed the knife away from his neck. "Yes. It's yours. I'm not gonna take it away from you."

Doon lang bumaba ang kamay ni Kane na may hawak na kutsilyo, saka kumalma at bahagyang yumukod ang ulo kay King. "My apologies, it's just that it's my pizza. Lady Happy gave it to me."

Nawi-weird-uhang tumango si King, saka kay Yrozz na lang naki-share ng pizza. Habang si Kane naman kinain nang magana ang bigay niyang pizza. 

And as they ate, Blaze still had no reaction, but she could see him glancing at the boxes of pizza from time to time. Kaya naman naawa siya at lumapit na rito. 

"Blaze?" malambing niyang kuha sa atensiyon ng kasintahan. "Come on, let's eat some pizza."

Blaze remained unmoving. 

"Blazey?"

No comment from Blaze. 

Happy took a deep breath before smiling at Blaze. "My Blazey-baby... kakain na siya ng pizza... kakain na siya."

Nothing. 

She pouted. That was when Yrozz spoke. 

"Nagpapalambing lang 'yan."

Napangiti siya dahil alam niyang tama si Yrozz. Kaya naman umupo siya patagilid sa hita ni Blaze at hinaplos ang buhok nito. Nakatutok pa rin ang mga mata nito sa TV. 

"Baby, look at me please?" paglalambing niya. "
Aww
...my baby. Huwag ka nang magtampo." Iniumang niya sa bibig nito ang pizza, saka iced americano. "This is for my baby... Kakain na siya, 'uy, kakain na siya."

Blaze's face remained stoic. 

"Baby, naman... please?" naglalambing na pakiusap niya habang hinahalik-halikan ito sa buong pisngi. 

Nothing. Blaze was still looking stoic. 

She sighed as her forehead furrowed irritatedly. "Kakain ka o hindi?"

Walang sagot. 

Her lips thinned. "Kakain ka o magbi-break tayo?"

Mabilis na kumagat si Blaze sa pizza na hawak niya, saka sumimsim ng iced americano.

"'Yon naman pala, fast ka naman palang kausap." Hinalikan niya ito sa gilid ng mga labi. "I love you, Blazey-baby."

Slowly, his stoic face started melting into an irritated expression. "This is unfair!" reklamo nito. "How can you do this to me? Ginagawa mo akong marupok! Fuck! I don't like this!"

Tumaas ang kilay ni Happy. "Maging marupok o breakup?"

Blaze stilled before smiling at her. "On second thought, I don't mind if I'm a softy when I comes to you. I'm your big baby after all."

Bumaba ang kilay niya, saka nginitian ito. "'Yon naman pala. Here, my big baby." Sinubuan niya uli ito. "Eat some pizza."

Agad namang kumagat uli si Blaze sa pizza na hawak niya, saka niyakap siya sa baywang. 

While Yrozz kept on coughing while saying, "
pabebe
," together with King who was also coughing while saying, "
Young Miss' Bitch."

Hindi pinansin ni Blaze ang dalawa at siniil ng halik ang mga labi niya na tinugon naman niya. 

Napuno ng kantiyawan ang buong sala na sinagot lang ni Blaze ng pagpapakita ng gitnang daliri nito habang inaangkin ang mga labi niya. 

Natawa na lang si Happy nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila. Nakipaglaban pa ng sipaan si Blaze kina Yrozz at King habang tahimik namang kumakain ng pizza si Kane. 

At nang makita niya si Kane na interesadong nakatingin sa isang iced americano na hindi pa nagagalaw na nasa center table, kinuha niya iyon, saka iniabot dito. 

"You want?"

Kane looked at her. "C-can I have it?" May pag-aalinlangan sa boses nito. 

Mas inilapit pa niya ang iced americano rito. "Here. Sa iyo na. Mayroon naman na ako."

Agad naman iyong tinanggap ni Kane, saka ininom agad. 

Napangiti siya kay Kane. He looked like a kid who just had a taste of pizza and iced americano. He seemed to like it too. 

At dahil nagsisipaan pa rin sina Blaze, Yrozz at King na parang mga bata, tumayo siya at umalis ng sala para tawagan ang ama dahil bigla niya itong naalala at na-miss.

Mula sa sala, pumunta siya ng kusina dahil tahimik doon.  

"Daddy," nakangiti niyang sabi nang sagutin nito ang tawag niya. "Good evening."

"It's morning here, princess."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Oo nga pala. How's Lucky? Is she okay?"

"She's fine, princess," sabi ng ama niya. "How about you? I heard you dethroned that son of a bitch. Von Per was very happy at the news."

Happy chuckled but her laughter slowly died down. "Pero nakatakas siya, Dad. And I'm scared. Siguradong gaganti 'yon sa ginawa ko sa kanya."

"Then think, princess," sabi nito. "You can catch him. You're the second Arkhon now and I'm very proud of you. The news of you taking in charge spread like wildfire, especially your speech about not going to war against our own people and of course, about peace and fairness. The ten families supporting the second Arkhon wanted me to extend how proud they are of you. Kung may kailangan ka raw, magsabi ka lang."

Huminga siya nang malalim. "Daddy... I'm scared."

"It's okay to be scared, princess. That's normal. But don't let it get to you. Don't let your fear control you, you control your fear. Kaya mo 'to. Anak kita kaya alam ko 'yon. At tungkol naman sa ikaapat na Arkhon, alalahanin mo kung sino ka. You are the second Archon, you are higher than him. Don't adjust who you are for him. Everyone will listen to you. Use your power and connection to get him. Trust me, he'll be shaking when you're done with him." 

Tumango siya na parang nasa harap niya ang ama. "Thank you, Daddy. May naisip akong plano sa sinabi mo. I love you."

"I love you too, princess. Always take care, okay? And don't forget who you are, princess, and work it."

Napangiti siya. "Yes, Daddy."

Nang mawala ang ama sa kabilang linya, humugot si Happy ng malalim na hininga, saka ilang segundong nakatitig sa kawalan habang iniisip kung tama ba ang planong naglalaro sa isip niya... kung gagana ba 'yon at positibo ang kalalabasan. 

Remember who I am and work it. 

That was it. She was the second Arkhon. Hindi puwedeng palagi siyang nasa safe sone. She had to take risk, like how she risked her heart to be with Blaze. Kailangan niyang tapangan pa at isantabi ang takot at kaba niya.  

I'm the second Arkhon.

Puwede niyang utusan kahit sino para mahanap ang matandang 'yon. 

Kumuyom ang kamay niya. 
That's it!
 

Malalaki ang hakbang na bumalik siya sa sala. 

"Yrozz!" kuha niya sa atensiyon ng tracker niya. "Coordinate with Shun Kim, Knight's tracker. We're going to find that old man before he finds us."

"The fourth Arkhon?" tanong ni Blaze na tumigil na rin sa pakikipagsipaan kina Yrozz at King.  

Tumango siya habang nakangiti. "Yes." Then she faced King. "Do you know how to work a camera?"

"Of course," sagot ni King. 

"Great. Let's do it." Umupo siya sa pang-isahang sofa at tumingin kay King. "Okay, video me and silence please."

Tumahimik naman ang lahat. Wala na ang mga isip-bata niyang kasama. Their faces were now back into don't-mess-with-me face and we're-back-to-business face. 

"What's your plan?" tanong ni Blaze sa kanya. 

She smiled. "Utilize my power and connections."

Umalis si King para kumuha ng camera at nang makabalik, agad nitong itinutok iyon sa kanya na nakaupo sa pang-isahang sofa at nakataas ang noo. 

"Okay, Young Miss," sabi ni King, saka nag-umpisa nang magbilang. "One... two... three... go."

"Hi." Tipid na ngumiti si Happy sa camera habang kalmado ang mukha kahit parang magigiba ang dibdib niya sa kaba. "Some of you knows me already, some of you has no idea who I am or where I came from, so hear my introduction before you make your judgement." She took a deep breath. "I am Happiness Aravena Quinn, daughter of Dominick Quinn, descended from a long line of aristocrat since the Dark Ages. And I am..." Ipinakita niya ang insignia niya sa batok bago ibinalik uli sa camera ang tingin. "Your second Arkhon.

"You're seeing this video now because I need something from you, your help to find the fourth Arkhon. Yes, you heard me right. He violated one of the sacred rules of the Organization and that is to never hurt an innocent, because the reason why we are fighting evil and war and sacrificing our lives was for them... is for the innocent people to be safe and protected from harm and evil. 

"We are standing, sustaining the Organization to be strong and proud so we can bring peace and save lives. Let's not forget the reason of our existence... the reason why you are part of the Organósi, and that is to bring peace and save as many people as we can and make a difference. Yes, we can never rid the evil from this world, but we can cut their horns and make sure that they won't grow again because that... is our job.

"And if we share the same belief, if you still believe on what the Organósi is fighting for since the Dark Ages, don't hesitate to take a step and make a stand for what you believe in. Don't be afraid to come forward and tell me where the fourth Arkhon is. I want peace in the Organization, so a fair warning to all, from me, if anyone dares to help the fourth Arkhon in any way and hid him from me, there will be repercussion. Do not test me. I'm maybe inexperienced and wants peace for all, but I assure you..." Her eyes sharpened at the camera. "If you block my way, I will show you no mercy." 

Seconds had passed, the camera was already off, but the four set of eyes were still looking at her with awe.

Happy blinked and looked around. "What?" nagtataka niyang tanong. 

Blaze closed his parted lips, but his eyes, they were full of admiration as he looked at her. "Do you know how badass you are while talking?"

Kunot ang noong umiling niya. "No. I was nervous and scared."

"It didn't show, Lady Happy," sabi ni Kane. 

"Yeah," Yrozz agreed while nodding his head. "Para kang mabait na nagpapaalala sa unahan ng video, pero halimaw namang nanakot sa hulihan."

"A combination of niceness and fierceness." King smiled proudly at her. "I'm proud of you, Young Miss."

Blaze was smiling proudly at her too. At nang parang hindi na nakapagpigil, tumayo ito mula sa kinauupuan at inilang hakbang ang pagitan nila, saka siniil ng mapusok ng halik ang mga labi niya bago humahangang bumulong.  

"It's like you're a badass... with a heart." He bit her lower lip. "Fuck, I wanna make love to you in more ways than one."

Mahina siyang natawa, saka napailing. "No sex, remember? I'm still pissed."

Blaze sighed heavily. "A man can hope, baby. And I'm a man... your man."

Napailing siya, saka bumaling kay Yrozz. "Can you upload the video and broadcast it to every Organósi headquarter all over the world?"

Yrozz grinned smugly. "I can do better than that." Mabilis na tumipa ang mga daliri nito sa keyboard ng laptop at ngumiti sa kanya. "Sent to all members of the Organization. All over the world, Boss."

And truth to Yrozz words, Blaze received the video. So did Kane and King and her. On their cell phones. 

At pagkalipas ng ilang minuto ay sunod-sunod na nakatanggap siya ng mensahe mula sa pitong boss na suportado siyang maaayos ang Organisasyon nila.

Knight V

.: It will not draw out my father because he has loyal families on his back but it will limit his movements, but it may anger him so get ready. Good move. 

Draco R

.: That was hot. 

Daemon C

.: You're really pretty when you're being a badass. 

Chaos A

.: For peace. Let's make a difference. I like it. 

Wrath F

.: Continue to bring peace and preach it. I will support you all the way.

Monti P

.: My contacts are already moving. I'll inform you if I have information. 

Niccolo R

.: Salute, Lady Happy. That was good. You got me at cut their horns and make a difference. 

The she received a text from her father. 

Daddy

: I watch your video from Blake's phone. I'm so proud of you, Princess. 
😢
 Daddy is crying loudly. 

Natawa siya, saka binasa ang sunod na mensaheng natanggap. 

Emperor K

.: Are you certain that you already have a fiancé? I'm willing to be yours anytime.

Natatawang nag-angat siya ng tingin at natigilan nang makitang masama ang tingin sa kanya ni Blaze. 

"Ano?" nagtataka niyang tanong.

"I read hot and pretty on the text messages. And someone is asking if you have a fiancé. Mag-reply ka sa kanya ng litarato ng daliri mo na may pangalan ko." Blaze's face was so dark and his jaw kept on tightening. "Who said that?" Bumaling ito kay Kane. "Ready your sniper, Kane, you will kill someone for me tonight!"

Kane nodded immediately. "Yes, Your Highness."

Happy sighed before smiling sweetly at Blaze. "Remember the porn magazine?"

Blaze stilled. "N-no..."

"Oh?" Her lips formed into an "o." "Pero naaalala ko pa kaya don't try me, okay? I'm still pissed."

Blaze looked at Kane again. "I've changed my mind, Kane. You're not killing anyone."

Kane immediately sat down. "Okay, Your Highness."

"Thanks, Blazey." Tinapik niya ang pisngi nito, saka lumapit kay Yrozz at tumayo sa likuran nito para tingnan ang monitor ng laptop. "What's that?" tanong niya nang makita ang isang box na mabilis ang paggalaw ng parang mga chat pataas. 

"I made a wall to all members of the Organization. Anyone can post," sagot ni Yrozz habang mabilis ang daliri nitong tumitipa sa keyboard. "Now that I'm your tracker, I don't need to hack the system anymore for information. I can actually make a board where they can all post the information that you're asking. And there's only one thing I can say, Boss, the Organósi's system is a badass. They have two satellites, and I can use them! Fuck! I actually have a passcode to use the satellites and not hack them!" 

Napangiti siya. Parang bata si Yrozz na nabigyan ng magarang laruan. 

Tiningnan niya ang relong pambisig. It was still early. "Kumusta? Ano'ng sinasabi nila?"

"There are sightings," sagot ni Yrozz. "Mostly in Europe. Looks like the fourth Arkhon had been busy."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "Connect the places that he had been seen and find out what he was doing."

Tumango si Yrozz. "On it."

Siya naman ay napabaling ang tingin kay Kane na kinuha ang atensiyon niya. "Yes?"

"Can we talk?" tanong nito. "May ipapakita lang sana ako sa iyo."

Tumango siya. Tumango rin si Kane, saka naglakad at pinasunod siya. 

Sumunod naman siya rito. Dinala siya ni Kane sa malawak na garahe. Wala iyong laman na sasakyan kasi sa labas nakaparada. 

"What is it, Kane?" Happy asked. 

May inilabas si Kane na pahaba at manipis na maleta mula sa likod ng maraming toolbox at iniabot nito iyon sa kanya. 

"Open it, Lady Happy."

Binuksan naman niya iyon at bahagyang napaawang ang mga labi niya nang makitang dalawang espada ang laman niyon na may itim na hawakan na binalot naman ng pulang tela. 

"Take it," udyok sa kanya ni Kane. 

Kinuha naman niya ang dalawang espada sa lalagyan at binalanse iyon sa kamay niya at pinakiramdaman. Magaan iyon at komportableng hawakan. 

"Do you like it, Lady Happy?" Kane asked. 

Tumango siya. "Yes. It feels comfortable."

Tumango si Kane at mula sa kung saan, may inilabas din itong dalawang espada na nakatago sa loob ng garahe. 

"I heard from Master King that you know how to wield a sword?" sabi nito Kane habang pinagmamasdan siya gamit ang mga matang parang mga mata ng agila. "Can we spar? I'm good at swords. I can teach you to harness your skills in sword fighting. Kailangan mo 'to para mas maging magaling ka sa pakikipaglaban at mas maging mabilis ang kamay mo. You are the second Arkhon after all. All the member of the Organization will look up to you. Weakness and excuses are out of the option. You have to be strong. And that video, that's a declaration of war against the fourth Arkhon. You need to be ready."

Happy nodded in agreement. "You're right. Sige." She took a deep breath. "Harness my skills."

Kane nodded before attacking first. 

Agad na napuno ng malakas na tunog ng metal na nag-iiskrima ang buong garahe. Mabilis ang bawat galaw ng espada ni Kane na paminsan-minsan ay hindi niya nasasalag, pero hindi naman iyon tumatama sa balat niya dahil kontrolado nito ang lakas niyon. 

Halos hindi niya makita ang paggalaw ng hawak nitong espada hanggang sa tumigil iyon at sa leeg na niya nakatutok ang dulo. 

"You're slow," sabi ni Kane. "You have to see the movement of my sword."

"It's too fast," reklamo niya. 

"See its movement."

"I'm trying."

"Try harder, Lady Happy." With that, he attacked again. 

Kane was so fast. All she could do was block. And when he spun, his sword handle actually rolled around his wrist before he gripped it again and held it against her neck. 

"Too slow," komento uli nito. "Again."

Tumango si Happy, saka humigpit ang hawak sa espada. Sa pagkakataong 'yon, siya ang unang umatake. 

Pinaghalo niya ang kaunti niyang kaalaman sa espada at close range combat pero hindi pa rin niya nagawang mailapit ang espada sa leeg ni Kane. 

His move was swift and the next thing she knew, she felt the tip of his sword on her neck. Habol niya ang hininga habang pinagpapawisan. 

"Again," sabi ni Kane. 

Tumango siya at inatake ito nang paulit-ulit hanggang sa mapansin niyang nasa gilid ng garahe sina King at Blaze, nanonood sa laban nila ni Kane.

And because she lost her focus, she lost again. 

"Again," ulit na sabi ni Kane sa kanya. 

Kahit sumasakit na ang kamay at mga braso, nagpatuloy si Happy sa pag-atake kay Kane. Tama ito. Kailangan niyang matutong lumaban para mas maging magaling pa siya at hindi maging lampa. 

Sinubukan niyang gayahin ang paulit-ulit na ginagamit sa kanyang technique ni Kane. Umikot siya habang mabilis at malakas na nagbabanggan ang espada nila. Mabilis niyang pinaikot ang hawakan ng espada sa pupulsuhan niya para mabago niya ang pagkakahawak sa espada at bumaliktad ang pagkakatutok niyon. Sa halip na sa unahan, sa likuran na nakatutok ang espada habang nakatalikod pa rin siya kay Kane. 

And it actually stopped Kane's movement. For just a couple of seconds though. Madali siya nitong natalo uli. 

Happy glanced at Kane over her shoulder. "How am I doing?"

A small smile played on Kane's lips. "Again."

Tumango siya, saka nagpatuloy ang labanan nila ni Kane gamit ang espada hanggang sa humahangos na pumasok si Yrozz sa garahe, dala ang laptop nito. 

"Guys!" Yrozz exclaimed. "Orlando, the fourth Arkhon's hippeis posted on the wall."

Tumigil siya sa pakikipaglaban kay Kane at hinihingal na nagtanong. "Ano'ng sabi niya?"

"It's address to you," sabi ni Yrozz na may pag-aalala sa boses. "Renounce your position or there will be war and you will crumble. Starting with the death of your family members."

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa espada kasabay ng pagtalim ng mga mata niya. 

"What are we going to do?" Yrozz asked her. 

"We fight," sagot niya, saka humarap kay Kane. "Again." Then she attacked. 

As Yrozz read to them the threats posted on the wall by Orlando and the other loyalists of the fourth Arkhon, she continued sparring with Kane, while Blaze and King started to spar also. Hand-to-hand combat. 

Walang may pakialam sa kanila kung lumalim na ang gabi, patuloy ang pagsasanay nilang apat para sa labanang magaganap sa hinaharap. 

If the fourth Arkhon would not stop this nonsense power takeover, she would also not stop fighting his domination. 

She was the second Arkhon and she would prove to everyone that she was not someone to mess with. 

She would not be bullied and pushed around! 

Hinihingal at pinagpapawisan na tumigil sa pag-atake si Happy kay Kane habang mahigpit ang hawak niya sa espada. 

"You're my punisher, right?" she asked Kane. 

He nodded. "Yes."

"Then punish someone for me," sabi niya. 

"Who?"

"Orlando, the fourth Arkhon's hippeis," sabi niya. "Don't kill him but make him bleed and invalid. We will send a very clear warning to that old man. No one threatens my family and gets away with it. He wants war? I'll give it to him!"

Kane nodded before immediately exiting the garage to carry out her order. 

Then she faced King who stopped sparring against Blaze and was now looking at her. 

"Yes, Young Miss?" 

"Contact the ten families who supports the second Arkhon and told them to prepare for war against the remaining loyalists of the fourth Arkhon. Tell them I want a meeting the day after tomorrow and if they have soldiers, tell them to send them to keep my family safe and away from any harm. And contact the head of the ultors in Europe to seize every member of the fourth Arkhon's loyalist, but do not harm them unless it's life and death. Also contact Racini and Parisi, tell them to use all their resources to find that old man." Nagtagis ang mga bagang niya. "I want peace and fairness... but they threatened me and my family and my kindness can only stretched too far."

King nodded and went to carry out her order as well. 

Tumingin siya kay Yrozz. "Send a message to the South American Boss, Daemon Cox. Tell him to make sure that my family is safe."

"Pennsylvania is in North America," sabi ni Yrozz na nakakunot ang noo. 

"Wala pang pumapalit sa posisyon ni Midnight at walang papalit sa kanya." As long as she was the boss, no one would replace Midnight on his position. "Si Daemon muna ang namamahala pansamantala."

Tumango si Yrozz habang mabilis na tumitipa sa keyboard ng laptop nito. 

"Tell Daemon to guard the mansion and the hospital where my sister is. Tell him to make sure the safety of everyone while being vigilant against the Triad," utos niya bago huminga nang malalim. "And ask Knight to send you the list of names on the Traid's book, we will start the clean up this week."

Yrozz nodded before he left the garage to do what she told him. 

Lumapit naman kanya si Blaze, saka masuyo siyang niyakap kahit pareho silang pawisan. Wala itong sinabi basta niyakap lang siya. 

And when they both pulled away from their embrace, they looked into each other's eyes. 

"Looks we're going to war soon. Be careful, okay?" sabi sa kanya ni Blaze, saka masuyong hinaplos ang pisngi niya. "Don't make your fiancé worry too much."

Tumango siya. "You too. They might put a hit on you, but I won't let them hurt you. I'll protect you I promise. Give and take, remember?"

Blaze smiled. "They can try to hurt me, baby, they can try. But I'm a badass, remember? Hindi ako basta-basta mamamatay."

Mahina siyang natawa pero may kabang kalakip 'yon. "Yes, you're a badass." 

Blaze chuckled before cupping her cheeks. "Dahil sa mga mangyayari sa susunod na linggo, bilisan na natin, baby."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Bilisan ang?"

"Magpakasal na tayo."

Napatanga siya kay Blaze. "Are you... serious?"

Walang pag-aalinlangan na tumango ito. "Let's get married."

"Why?"

"Because life is short... and it just got shorter with the war brewing. Gusto ko kung mamamatay man ako, gusto kong mamatay na asawa mo."

"Blaze!" Pinanlakihan niya ito ng mga mata. "Don't say that!"

He just chuckled as he looked at her wide eyes with fear and worry. "Let's face it, baby. This war will have casualties and I'll be damned to let it be you. Hindi ko sinasabing mawawala ako, pero kung sakali mang mangyari 'yon, gusto kong mamatay na asawa mo."

"Blaze—"

"Please?" he begged. "Please, baby? If you think that I'm worth risking for now, then be my wife... be Mrs. Happy Vitale."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Happy bago tumango at pumayag. "Fine, let's do it. But don't you dare die, okay? Magagalit ako sa iyo." 

Life was indeed short. Lalo na sa buhay na mayroon sila. 

"Good!" Ang lapad ng ngiti ni Blaze bago pinagsalikop ang kamay nilang dalawa. "Come on. Let's do it now."

Namilog ang mga mata niya. "Now na?!"

"Yes." Blaze was grinning from ear to ear. "I know a judge." 

"But it's already midnight—"

"I don't care."

Nagpaubaya na lang si Happy nang igiya siya ni Blaze patungo sa kotse nito para magpakasal ng disoras na ng gabi. 

Looked like before the dawn would break tomorrow... she was not Happy Quinn anymore... she would be Mrs. Vitale. 

Happy smiled. 
It does have a nice ring to it. 

Mrs. Happy Quinn-Vitale.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 40

Hello To Kharen Joy Tandoy. 

CHAPTER 40

IT WAS ONE of those weirdest weddings but Happy couldn't help smiling. Her and Blaze's parents were both present, Luther was also there, so were Lucky and Blaze. Hindi nga lang personal, kundi sa video call lang. 

Yrozz set it all up so their family could witness their union without travelling for so many hours. At ayaw ni Blaze na ipagpaliban ang kasal nila kahit ilang araw lang. 

So they settled with video call. Together with some of Blaze's friends. Knight who came with Valerian and Shun. Nate came but only to deliver the cake. May emergency daw kasi ito. At sina Titus naman at Phoenix, nasa malayong lugar dahil nagbabakasyon na naman kasama ang pamilya ng mga ito. At hindi nakarating si Khairro dahil duty daw ito at napapagalitan na dahil palagi raw nawawala. 

"Kane," sabi ni Knight nang makita si Kane na nakatayo sa tabi ni Yrozz. "It's been a long time. How have you been?"

Kane nodded. "I'd been well, Your Highness..."

Knight sighed before looking at Kane questioningly. "Bakit nandito ka pa, Kane?"

Kane looked down. "It's my job, Your Highness." 

Napailing si Knight, saka humarap kay Blaze. "Vitale, you do realize that it's way pass midnight already?" sabi nito na napapailing pa. "Kailangan na ba talaga n'yong magpakasal ngayon?" 

Agad na tumango si Blaze. "I can't wait."

Shun tsked. "Welcome to the club, bud." 

"Yeah. Welcome to the understanding fuckable club," sabi ni Valerian na mukhang maayos na ang lagay ng likod. 

Akmang magsasalita uli si Knight nang may makakuha sa atensiyon nito. Ang laptop ni Shun kung saan nakakonekta ang tawag nila sa ama niya. 

Knight's lips actually parted like he was mesmerized at what he was seeing. 

Her father. 

"Knight, you're getting fucking creepy," sabi ni Valerian na napailing pa. "It's like you're seeing a high almighty."

Itinuro nito ang ama niya. "It's the former second Arkhon... wow... fuck... fuck..."

Natawa siya. Seeing Knight's face... he really adored her father. 

"Sir..." Bahagya itong yumukod sa harap ng laptop, sa harap ng ama niya. "It's nice to see you again. Wow... it's such a pleasure to meet the legendary Arkhon."

Nangingiti ang ama niya. While Tito Von had a deadpan expression on his face as he looked at his father. 

"Thank you, Knight," sabi ng ama niya na may sinusupil na ngiti. 

"You're a legend," sabi ni Knight nang buong paghanga. "Your accomplishments... it's amazing..."

Tito Von snorted. "Have you forgotten that I was there with you? Saving your jackass ass?" 

Her father tsked. "You're such an attention whore, Von Per."

"Says the guy who's blushing."

Her father glared at Tito Von. "Because I'm a legend. Gago!"

Napailing na lang si Happy at napabaling kay Blaze na kinakausap ng judge. At laking gulat niya nang hanapan ng judge si Blaze ng mga requirements para sa civil wedding nila at may naipakita ito agad. 

Napatanga siya kay Blaze. "Seriously?"

Blaze shrugged. "I'm a boy scout, baby. Noong pa lang pumayag kang maging girlfriend ko, inasikaso ko na 'to."

Nakatanga pa rin siya rito "Wow... masyado kang in love sa akin, Blazey-baby."

Blaze chuckled. "Yeah. That's true."

"Fuck! This is weird!" reklamo ni Luther habang inaayos ang tie ng tuxedo na suot habang karga naman ng asawa nitong si Amethyst ang anak na si Logan. "I'm actually dressing up to attend a wedding via video call. This is fucked up, Blaze! Fucked up!"

"At least, inimbitahan ka," sabi ni Blake. 

Agad na tumalim ang mukha ni Luther. "Kung nasa harap lang kita ngayong 'tang-ina ka, ginilitan na kita."

"Please don't hurt my Blakey-baby," sabad ni Lucky sa mahinang boses na parang pagod. Medyo halata na ang tiyan nito. 

"I'm happy for you two," nakangiting sabi ni Tita Beth sa kanila habang katabi nitong nakaupo si Bailey na kumakaway sa camera. 

"I am honored to be invited," sabi ng ama ni King na pilit na namamagitan sa ama niya at kay Tito Von.  

"I'm letting you marry my daughter, you dumbass, because she loves you!" pagdadrama ng ama niya na may paduro-duro pa sa camera. "But your first born will not use your surname. It's gonna be a Quinn to continue the family's legacy. If you're okay with that, then say I do. If it's not okay with you, I will assassinate you!"

Tito Von tsked. "Stop threatening my son, you dick. I'll assassinate you too if you even dare." Then he looked at the camera and he talked to Blaze. "It's the law, son. If the Arkhon is a woman and had a child, the child will take on the surname of the mother, but only the first born. The rest will all be Vitale."

"Okay lang ba sa iyo?" may pag-aalalang tanong niya kay Blaze. 

He nodded without hesitation. "The child is still mine, baby. My surname or yours, I'm still the baby's daddy. No one can change that."

That made her smile. "So, you really wanna marry me?" 

Blaze grinned. "Badly." 

Napailing si Happy. "Palagi kang ganito, pini-pressure mo ako. When you proposed, nasa car tayo at you got shot. 'Tapos noong nagpa-engagement ring tattoo tayo, nanggulat ka rin. And now this. You're always catching me off guard."

Blaze's grin widened. "Kasi hindi ka nakakapag-isip nang mabuti kapag ginugulat kita. That's the key. At oo, sinasamantala ko na mahal mo ako." Pagkatapos bumaling ito sa judge na kanina pa nakatayo at handang umpisahan ang kasal nila. "Mag-umpisa na tayo, judge. Baka magbago pa ang isip nitong mapapangasawa ko. Pikot 'to."

Malakas siyang natawa, saka napailing. "You're such a gago."

Tumawa lang si Blaze at pareho silang natahimik na dalawa at pangiti-ngiti lang habang nag-uumpisa na ang seremonya ng kasal. 

Yrozz, King and Kane were present, together with Knight, Valerian and Shun. 'Buti napigilan pa niya si Kane na papaalis na para gawin ang inutos niya. Gusto niyang kompleto silang pamilya sa kasal nila ni Blaze. At kasama si Yrozz, King at Kane sa pamilya niya. 

"I do," sagot ni Blaze na pumukaw sa pag-iisip niya. 

Kapagkuwan ay siya naman ang sunod na tinanong ng judge at "I do" din ang sagot niya. Walang pag-aalinlangan, walang pagdadalawang-isip. 

"Ang singsing?" sabi ng judge. 

Sabay silang bumaling ni Blaze kay Kane na siyang may hawak sa singsing nila dahil si King ang may hawak sa camera na nakatutok sa kanila.  

Tahimik namang ibinigay sa kanila ni Kane ang singsing. "Thank you for letting me be a part of the ceremony."

Masuyo niyang nginitian si Kane. "We're family, remember?"

She could see Kane smiling softly. He was still wearing his leather mask but his mouth down to his chin had no cover so she could see clearly when he was being happy. 

Isinuot ni Blaze ang singsing sa kanya. "I actually wanted to make a vow like Blake's. I want to make you cry in happiness because you deserve it, but this is an impromptu wedding and there's only one thing in my mind right. And that is I vow to never let you go. Magiging magulo at mahirap ang buhay natin dahil sa posisyon mo, pero handa akong harapin 'yon at hindi kita bibitawan kahit gaano pa kahirap."

Nanubig ang mga mata niya. "I'll hold on that." Isinuot niya ang singsing sa daliri nito kung saan naka-tattoo ang pangalan niya. It was like they have two rings on their ring fingers. 

The first ring, the tattoo ring, was branded to their very soul and the wedding ring was for their hearts to beat as one. 

"I vow to love you," sabi niya na nakangiti kay Blaze. "That's it. I got nothing. All I know now is you're worth risking for and there's no regret." 

Malapad na ngumiti si Blaze at hinalikan siya bago pa magsabi ang judge na puwede na siya nitong halikan. 

Natawa na lang ang judge at hinayaan sila, saka pinapirma sila sa marriage certificate, pagkatapos ay sunod na pumirma ang witness nila. 

Sina King, Kane, Yrozz and Knight. 

"So... does this make you four our ninongs?" Happy asked, uncertain. 

Blaze chuckled. "Ang mga ninong daw ang magpapakain sa mga tao sa BV. Mga hayok ang mga tao roon, parang hindi mayayaman."

Nagtawanan sila at humarap siya sa camera na hawak pa rin ni King. 

"I love you, Daddy. Love you, little sis. Love you all."

Umaakto na naman ang daddy niya na umiiyak. "My babies! They're both married to the same family!" Tiningnan nito nang masama si Tito Von. "You planned this didn't you?! My daughters! My babies!"

Tumawa lang si Tito Von, saka kinausap sila. "Marriage is not a joke you two. Always hold tight. Never let go of each other."

Her dad nodded in agreement. "Because if you let go of my daughter, Blaze Vitale, I don't care if I owe your father my life, I will kill you."

Niyakap siya ni Blaze, saka hinalikan sa gilid ng noo. "Your father is really scary."

"Yes, I am!" sigaw ng ama niya at magsasalita pa sana nang takpan ni Tito Von ang bibig nito. 

"Klaus..." tawag ni Tito Von sa ama ni King. "Help me with this jackass and tranquillise him. He's so noisy!"

Tumawa naman ang ama ni King, saka bahagyang yumukod sa camera. "Congratulations, Mr. And Mrs. Vitale. May you have a prosperous life. And, King?"

"Yes, Dad?" agad na tugon ni King. 

"Take good care of them. And remember what I told you before you went there."

King nodded. "They're my family."

"Good." Uncle Klaus smiled. "Congratulations again."

Nagpaalam na si Uncle Klaus at tinulungan si Tito Von na hilahin paalis ang ama niya na ikinatawa niya. 

Looked like her father teammates before were also weird. Hindi lang naman pala siya ang may mga abnormal na kasama. Pero parang ang abnormal yata ang daddy niya at hindi ang mga kasama nito. 

"Nadagdagan na naman ang anak kong babae," wika ni Tita Beth. "Congratulations you two. Masaya ako para sa inyo."

"Love you, Ate Happy," sabi ni Bailey. 

"Love you too, baby. Love you, Tita Beth."

"It's mommy now," pagtatama sa kanya ni Tita Beth.

Napangiti siya. "Mommy... I like it. Thank you and ba-bye po."

Nakangiting kumaway ang dalawa bago nagpaalam. 

"Congratulations!" sigaw naman ni Luther na ikinatawa ng asawa nito. "Blaze, you owe me a reception, man."

Amethyst chuckled. "Pagpasensiyahan mo na, Blaze. Pinapakain ko naman 'yan dito pero hayok pa rin."

"Take it back, baby," Luther demanded from Amethyst. 

Amethyst answered Luther with a glare and Luther immediately smiled and became a softy. 

Nang makapagpaalam ang dalawa, sina Blake at Lucky naman ang nakausap nila. 

"Finally," sabi ni Blake. "You used your balls."

Natawa si Blaze. "Kumusta ka na riyan?"

"Ayos lang. kayo? Ikaw? Kumakain ka ba nang tama?" May pag-aalala sa boses ni Blake. 

Blaze smiled. "Baka nakakalimutan mong may dalawa akong cook, 'yong utusan ko at ang aking..." Inakbayan siya nito. "Mahal na asawa. Mas masarap pa siyang magluto sa iyo."

Kumunot ang noo ni Blake. "Who you? Sino ka na nga? Oh, my God, why do we look-alike?"

Mahinang natawa si Lucky. "I remember Blaze saying that to you, Blakey-baby."

Blaze tsked before ending the call. 

Sunod na nagpaalam sa kanila sina Knight, Valerian at Shun. Hindi na nagtagal ang mga ito. Magmamadaling araw na raw kasi at baka hinahanap na ng kanya-kanyang asawa. Bukas na lang daw babawi dahil magpapakain si Blaze sa BV. Pero bago umalis ang mga ito, kinausap muna ni Knight si Blaze. 

Nang makaalis ang tatlo, nagulat si Happy nang halikan siya ni Blaze at bumulong ito sa tainga niya. 

"Honeymoon?"

She chuckled. "Hmm... sa tingin mo makakalusot ka ngayon dahil asawa mo na ako? Nope. Guestroom ka pa rin."

"Baby!"

Tumawa siya, saka sinalubong si Kane na sinamahan ang judge na makalabas ng bahay. Sa bahay kasi ginanap ang kasal, sinundo lang nila ni Blaze ang judge sa bahay nito. 

"I'm leaving now to hunt down Orlando, Lady Happy," paalam sa kanya ni Kane. 

Tumango siya, saka niyakap ito at tinapik ang balikat. "Mag-ingat ka. Tawagan mo ako kapag nagawa mo na."

Tumango si Kane at yumukod ito kay Blaze. "I'll leave now." 

Lumapit si Blaze kay Kane at tinapik ang balikat nito. "Ingat ka. Bumalik ka agad."

Tipid na ngumiti si Kane bago malalaki ang hakbang na lumabas ng bahay nila. 

"Bakit ganoon?" Mahaba ang nguso na humarap siya kay Blaze. "Na-miss ko agad siya?"

"Palagi mo kasing bini-baby," sabi ni Blaze na napapailing. 

"Selos ka?" nangingiting tanong nito. 

Blaze chuckled. "Oddly, I'm actually not. He is twenty-eight years old but he is naïve in a lot of things. Alam mo bang hindi pa siya nalalasing sa tanang buhay niya? That guy needs a lesson on how to be confident with me and King. He is a grown man who knows nothing but fight and kill."

Napatango-tango siya. "That's true."

Napailing si Blaze, saka humarap sa kanya. "Knight told me something about Kane. Matagal na pala silang magkakilala. He told me that Kane is one of the dangerous ultors ever, and that he's unstable and he could snap anytime."

Kumunot ang noo ni Happy. "Ano'ng sabi mo sa kanya? You know Kane is not like that. Please tell me you defended him."

"I know." Blaze sighed. "I did. I told him Kane is just you know, kid at heart."

"And? What did Knight say?"

"Knight said that Kane is connected to the fourth Arkhon."

Happy froze and her heart pounded. "W-what?"

Blaze nodded. "He was the fourth Arkhon's soldier before his name was chosen by the system to be your ultor. Knight is worried that Kane might betray us."

Happy felt her heart sink but she took a deep breath and smile. "He's Kane, you know him, and he's my ultor. He will not betray us, Blaze. He will not do that to us. He's a good guy."

Blaze sighed. "I sure hope so, baby, because it will be very hard for me to kill a member of my family."

Her face saddened. "He's a good guy. Kane is like a kid in a lot of things. Maybe nagkakamali lang si Knight. Ipa-recheck mo kay Yrozz to get the facts straight. Kane will never betray us."

Tumango si Blaze, saka pinagsalikop ang kamay nilang dalawa. "Cheer up. I didn't mean to sadden you."

"Young Miss, Your Highness, the food is ready," kuha ni King sa atensiyon nila. 

Pumunta naman agad sila ni Blaze sa kusina at handa na nga ang pagkain na puro fastfood lahat. 

Kinunan iyon ng picture ni Happy, saka isinend kay Kane. 

To: Kane

Kung hindi ka pa nakakalayo, bumalik ka. Let's it first. We got your favorite pizza. 

Kane just "seen" the picture and her message and didn't reply. 

To: Kane 

Come back safely, okay? 

Hindi uli ito nag-reply at 
seen
 lang. 

To Kane

Have a safe trip. 

The usual. 
Seen
 lang at hindi nag-reply. 

Paulit-ulit na nagri-replay sa isip ni Happy ang sinabi ni Blaze sa kanya tungkol sa sinabi raw ni Knight dito. Na sundalo ng ikaapat na Arkhon si Kane noon. Na baka traydurin sila nito. 

Marahas niyang ipinilig ang ulo, saka nagpadala uli ng mensage kay Kane. 

To Kane 

We're family, okay? You're family. Don't forget that. Have a safe trip and come back unscathed. Don't make me worry. I'll buy you three boxes of pizza and lots of iced americano kapag bumalik ka na, okay?

Kane just "seen" her message and didn't reply. 

She blew a loud breath and stilled when Blaze kissed her temple before he whispered. 

"Let's enjoy this night, baby," sabi nito. "He's family and he'll be back."

Tumango siya, saka ngumiti at kumuha ng isang slice ng pizza. "To us. Team Inseparable."

Dalawa ang pizza na hawak ni King, tig-isa sa bawat kamay at nakaangat iyon sa ere. "To us. The other one is for Kane."

Natawa siya pero lahat ay natigilan nang tumunog ang laptop ni Yrozz na para bang nagbibigay iyon ng babala. 

"That's odd..." sabi ni Yrozz habang kaharap ang laptop nito at nakakunot ang noo. "The system that Phoenix installed for security purposes is picking up something."

"What?" Blaze asked while sipping fresh mango juice. 

"Imposibleng magkamali ang system ni Phoenix." Yrozz looked at them with fear and worry in his eyes. "It's picking up explosive and it has just been activated. We have fifteen seconds."

"Fuck! Go!" sigaw ni Blaze at mahigpit siyang hinawakan sa kamay at hinila patakbo, palabas ng kusina gamit ang pinto sa likuran. Deretso silang tumalon sa swimming pool kasama sina Yrozz at King. 

Kahit sa loob ng swimming pool, naramdaman ni Happy ang pagyanig ng lupa dahil sa malakas na pagsabog. 

From the bottom of the pool, she could see the house burning! 

Hawak pa rin ni Blaze ang kamay niya nang makaahon sila. Pinangko siya nito habang mabilis na umaahon sa swimming pool. 

"Come on! Hurry, Yrozz! Hurry up, King!" sigaw ni Blaze habang buhat siya paahon ng swimming pool. "Come on!"

Nang umapak ang mga paa niya sa semento, nakaahon na si Yrozz habang yakap nito ang basang laptop. 

"King! Come on!" sigaw ni Blaze. "We have to go! Come on!"

But no King. 

Nagkatinginan silang tatlo at sabay-sabay na bumalik ang tingin sa swimming pool. 

And there he was. Floating on the pool with his own blood surrounding him. 

"King!" sigaw ni Yrozz. 

"Fuck! King!" May pag-aalala sa boses ni Blaze. 

And when King didn't move, when his body remained unmoving, Happy felt her world fell and crashed as Yrozz and Blaze went back to the pool to get him. 

"No..." Her body was shaking in anger to whoever did this and fear of losing someone she already considered a family. "King!"

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 41

HINDI MAPAKALI SI HAPPY habang palakad-lakad siya sa waiting area sa harap ng operating room. Panay ang tingin niya sa pinto ng OR habang panay ang hinga nang malalim. Naiiyak na siya sa takot at kabang nararamdaman dahil sa kalagayan ng isa sa pamilya niya. 

Puno siya ng pag-aalala sa kalagayan ni King na ngayon ay nasa loob ng OR at inooperahan ni Blaze. 

A long sharp glass from the house window pierced through King's shoulder, near his heart. Dahil sa pagsabog kaya tinamaan niyon si King. 

And Blaze didn't let anyone touch King when they reached the hospital. He promised her he would never give up on saving King and she knew that Blaze really wouldn't give up. She could see determination and desperation in his eyes. 

King is gonna be okay. 

Happy kept on taking deep breaths to calm herself. They were all worried of King. Yrozz was trying to figure out who blew the house, Blaze was saving King as of that very moment and she had to pull herself together and do her job. 

Mabilis niyang sinagot ang tawag nang tumunog ang cell phone na hawak. Nanlalamig at nanginginig ang kamay niya. "Knight, nagawa mo na ba ang utos ko?"

"Yes," sagot ni Knight. "Napapalibutan na ng mga miyembro ng Organisasyon ang buong ospital. May nakabantay rin sa loob at nakahanda na ang ICU na gagamitin ni Mr. Zabat pagkatapos ng operasyon. Snipers were also deployed to check the parameters around the hospital and I already coordinated with Khairro Sanford and Andrius Salazar to make sure that everyone in the hospital will be check and cleared for everyone's protection."

"Thank you, Knight," sabi niya, saka maingat na humugot ng malalim na hininga. 

"No worries," sagot ni Knight. "By the way, have you read the list of names I sent you an hour ago?"

"Yes. I have." Her lips thinned when she remembered seeing that name on the list. "I know that we plan the clean up in the middle of this week but let's start it now. Pull some people from Australia and Europe to help with the clean up. Let's start the names from the very beginning on the Asia's list."

Agad na sumagot si Knight. "The first name is from Singapore, the second is from Macau, third is from Indonesia, fourth name is from Hong Kong, fifth name is from Philippines and so on in so many countries in Asia. At lahat sila pinuno ng bawat headquarters ng Triad. This is going to be bloody, Lady Happy. Can you handle it?" 

Tumango siya. "I don't care, let it be bloody. We will make a statement. Do what you have to do. Make sure to erase their existence and report back to me. Kailangan nating ipakita sa kanila na hindi tayo basta-basta matatakot nang dahil lang sa pagpapasabog nila sa bahay namin."

Natahimik si Knight ng ilang segundo bago nagsalita. "It could be an inside job. Kane was my father's soldier."

"No," she immediately defended Kane. "Hindi 'yan magagawa sa amin ni Kane. I believe in him. I'm sure he's worried of King now. I already informed him of what happened. He's just busy."

Knight took a deep breath. "If you say so. But if it's him, be ready to take him out." Bumuga ito ng marahas na hininga. "Kilala ko si Kane, isa siya sa mga kinatatakutang tauhan ng ama ko. At the age fourteen, he was already a deadly fighter and a killer. He was the one who trained Midnight and trust me, you will not see him coming if he was ordered to kill you. Kane is a monster."

Hindi siya sumagot, hindi siya naniniwalang kaya silang saktan nang ganoon ng Kane na nakasama nila. Kaya naman pinatay na lang niya ang tawag at tumingin uli sa pinto ng OR. 

King was inside because someone blew up the house... and it was not Kane. It could be the Triad. Kane would never put King in the hospital. King had been with Kane since day three because Kane couldn't sleep. King had always helped Kane understand things and they had bonded. It might not seem like it but King treated Kane like a little brother. Kane was like a little brother to everyone. Especially to her. 

She wouldn't give Kane the benefit of the doubt because there was nothing to doubt. Kane was a good man and he was on their side. 

They were family. Kane knew that. And family didn't hurt one another. 

Humugot uli ng malalim na hininga si Happy habang pabalik-balik na naglalakad sa harap ng pinto ng OR at napatigil lang sa ginagawa nang tumunog uli ang cell phone niya. 

It was her father. 

Mabilis niyang sinagot ang tawag. "Daddy."

"How are you, princess?" agad na tanong ng ama niya, may pag-aalala sa boses nito. "We heard what happened from your tracker."

"I'm okay," agad niyang sabi para hindi na mag-alala ito. "Nakalabas kami bago pa sumabog. Sorry, Daddy, hindi ko agad nasabi sa iyo. We have to rush King to the hospital and I was busy ordering my men to secure the parameter and I was so worried I can't think right—"

"It's okay, princess. You're in loudspeaker now. How's King?" Ang ama niya pa rin 'yon. "Klaus is here."

"How's my son, Young Miss?" Uncle Klaus asked in a calm tone but she could sense worry in his tone. 

"He's in the operating room. A window glass pierced his shoulder near his heart." Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga. "Blaze is operating him as we speak. He promise to take good care of King."

"My son will keep his promise, Klaus," puno ng kumpiyansa na sabi ni Tito Von. "He's a good doctor."

"Mr. Zabat, whoever did this to King, I'll make them pay," pangako ni Happy.

"I know you will, Young Miss," sabi ng ama ni King. "Thank you for taking good care of my son."

"He's family. But I failed him." Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi bago nagsalita uli. "Please tell Tita Beth that I'm sorry about the house."

"Don't worry about it." Boses iyon ni Tita Beth sa kabilang linya. "Bahay lang 'yon. Ang importante ay ligtas kayo." 

"Salamat, Tita," sabi niya, saka ang ama naman ang kinausap. "Dad, ipinasa sa akin ni Knight lahat ng pangalang nakalista sa Triad's book na galing kay Lucky at nabasa ko lahat ng pangalan. Helena was on the list, Dad. Tama ba ang iniisip ko?"

Ilang segundong natahimik ang ama bago sumagot. "Yes, princess."

Nagtagis ang mga bagang niya. "And she's really my mom?"

"Yes."

Natahimik siya. 

"I'm really sorry, princess." Puno ng pagsisisi ang boses ng ama niya. "Ayoko lang na isipin mo na inabandona ka ng sarili mong ina at iba ang pinili niya kaysa sa pamilya natin."

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa cell phone. "Did she betray you?"

"Princess..." Her father sighed. "Please don't ask me that."

Her lips tightened. "Hindi mo na 'yon kailangang sagutin. She betrayed you. She betrayed our family.

"Princess—"

"She choose the Triad over you... over us."

Her father let out a loud breath. "Yes, princess. I begged her not to but I guess we're not enough for her to stay."

Happy could feel her heart tightening in pain. "Then she didn't just betray you, she betrayed us... me."

"Princess... "

"Kaya lang siguro siya lumapit sa akin because she knew you perform a rite of passage for me," madilim ang mukhang sabi niya. "Siguro she wants to fool me into believing that she's a good person."

"That's what I told your father." Boses iyon ni Tito Von. "Be vigilant, Happy. I'm sorry to say this but your mother is a bitch."

Gumalaw ang panga niya. "Hindi niya gugustuhing galitin ako, Tito Von. Hindi niya magagamit sa akin ang parent card because as far as I know, I only have one parent and that's you, Daddy. She wasn't there when I was in coma and when I woke up. It's just my daddy. I will not endanger my family. Not again. Pagkatapos ng nangyari kay King, natuto na ako. Wala nang makakapanakit uli sa pamilya ko. Papatayin ko silang lahat. No threats, no misplaced kindness and I'll make sure that if the war is gonna be bloody, it will be theirs and not ours."

"Have I told you how proud I am of you, princess?" biglang sabi ng ama niya sa kanya pagkatapos niyang magsalita. 

Napangiti si Happy. "Yes, Daddy. A couple of times already."

Mahina itong natawa, kapagkuwan ay sumeryoso ang boses. "Anyway, princess, whatever you decide about your mother, I'll support you. I'd been dying to stab her in the heart anyway."

"And then behead her afterwards," dagdag ni Tito Von. "For betraying my idiot friend here."

"I'm not an idiot!" her father hissed. 

"Why are you reacting? You're not even my friend," sabi ni Tito Von sa sarkastikong boses. 

"Jackass," sabi ng ama niya. 

"Dick," sagot ni Tito Von. 

"Then we will dance on her entrails," biglang dagdag ng ama ni King. "That bitch won't see it coming. Payback is indeed a bitch."

Napailing siya sa pinagsasasabi ng tatlo. "Does Blake know about what happened? And Lucky?"

"Alam na ni Blake pero hindi namin sinabi kay Lucky," sagot ng ama niya. "Her heart is weak, princess. Tiyak na mag-aalala 'yon kapag nalaman ang nangyari sa iyo. She has to focus on getting better. Though Blake was worried of Blaze. Kumalma lang nang sabihin namin ngayon lang na hindi naman napaano ang kakambal niya."

Napatango siya na para bang nasa harap niya ang mga kausap. "Mas mabuti nga sigurong huwag n'yo na munang ipaalam kay Lucky. I'm sure she'll be worried." Bumuntong-hininga siya. "By the way, is Tita Beth still there?"

"I'm still here, Happy," sabi ni Tita Beth.

Huminga siya nang malalim bago sinabi ang pakay niya rito. "Tita Beth, hindi ba naging espiya ka ng organisasyon sa isa sa boss ng Triad dito sa Pilipinas?"

"Oo," mabilis na sagot ni Tita Beth. 

"Is it okay if I ask you some questions about the names on the book that Lucky had given to Knight Velasquez? Baka mga kilala mo sila at may ideya ka."

"I thought you'll never ask." May saya sa boses ni Tita Beth.

"Ayoko lang po na baka isipin n'yo na I'm using you."

"Silly," natatawang sabi ni Tita Beth. "This war, we're all in this together. Your fight is mine as well. I had a firsthand experience on what the Triad is capable of and I don't want anyone to suffer the same fate I did."

"Beth is right," sang-ayon ni Tito Von. "Yes, we are retired but we can still help. Your old man is not a legend for nothing."

Kahit paano ay nagawa niyang mapangiti. "Idol nga po ni Knight si Dad. I'm so proud of you, Daddy."

"Don't make your daddy cry now, Princess."

Napailing siya, saka nagpaalam na sa mga kausap. "I'll call you back later. Kapag may update sa lagay ni King, tatawag ako agad."

"Sige, princess," sabi ng ama niya, saka nagpaalam na rin. "Ingat ka riyan. If they try to hurt you again, give them hell and don't hold back, okay, princess?"

Happy nodded. "Yes, Daddy."

Nang mawala ang ama sa kabilang linya, halos isang oras pa siyang nagpalakad-lakad nang pabalik-balik sa harap ng OR bago iyon bumukas at lumabas doon si Blaze na nakasuot pa ng mask at surgical cap. 

Happy could only see Blaze's eyes but it was enough to see that he was worried and tired. Ilang oras din itong nasa loob ng OR. 

"Blazey..." Sinalubong niya ito. 

Inalis nito ang mask na suot bago siya kinausap. "I lost him a couple of times but he's now stable."

"But?" tanong niya nang makitang nag-aalala pa rin ito. Hindi siya makahinga nang maluwag. "You still look worried, Blazey."

He sighed heavily. "I've stabilized him but... he's still in a critical condition. I tried... I did everything I can, baby... I did everything I can... fuck... I did everything I can..."

Inisang hakbang niya ang pagitan nilang dalawa, saka masuyong niyakap ang asawa. "I know... I know you did everything you can. At magiging okay lang si King. He'll recover. He will. He has to recover. Hindi niya tayo iiwan," pampalakas niya sa loob nito habang hinahagod ang likod nito. "King will be fine, you'll see. Bukas na bukas, gigising din 'yon agad at magbabangayan na naman kayo na parang mga bata."

Yumakap sa kanya si Blaze at dahan-dahang isinubsob ang mukha sa leeg niya na parang pagod na pagod at takot ito. "I did everything I can..." he whispered, "but I'm still worried as fuck, baby. The glass was so near his heart. Fuck!" 

Happy kept on caressing her husband's back. "King will be fine. You'll see. He'll get through this."

Alam niyang doktor ang asawa at alam nito ang tunay na lagay ni King pero 'yon lang ang kaya niyang sabihin sa mga sandaling 'yon. Kahit walang kasiguruhan 'yon, wala siyang pakialam. 'Yon ang paniniwalaan niya kasi naniniwala siyang hindi sila basta-basta iiwan ni King. 

Hindi ito mawawala sa kanila. 

"Whoever did this to King..." Matalim ang galit na boses ni Blaze. "I will kill him." 

Pinagsalikop ni Happy ang kamay nila nang ilang beses itong huminga nang malalim na parang pinapakalma ang sarili. 

Nanatiling nakayakap sa kanya si Blaze habang magkahawak ang kamay nila hanggang sa ilabas ng OR si King at dineretso ito sa ICU. 

"Is he going to be okay?" Yrozz asked Blaze as they stood outside the ICU—outside the glass wall—while looking at King. Unconscious. 

Hindi sumagot si Blaze kaya siya na lang ang sumagot kay Yrozz. 

"He's gonna be fine." She forced a smile. "He's in a critical condition but he will be just fine. He'll survive this."

Nang bumaling siya kay Blaze, panay ang tagis ng mga bagang nito at mahigpit na nakakuyom ang kamay. 

At napansin 'yon ni Yrozz. 

"He's not fine, is he?" he asked again. 

Umiling si Blaze. "He's dying," he whispered while gritting his teeth. "My butler is dying and you better find out who fucking did this so I can put a bullet in his head."

Yrozz sighed. "I already found who did it."

Sabay silang humarap ni Blaze kay Yrozz sa sinabi nito.

"Sino?" tanong ni Blaze. 

"Who?" tanong din niya. 

Yrozz sighed before cradling his laptop on his arm—the monitor facing them—and turning it on. "I put my laptop in a bulletproof and waterproof case in case of an emergency. Watch the footage."

Kumunot ang noo ni Blaze. "'Di ba nakakonekta ang CCTV ng mansiyon sa monitors na nasa kuwarto mo? Na-retrieve mo?"

Yrozz nodded. "I synced everything to the Org's system. But this footage came from the secondary CCTV," sabi nito, saka mabilis na nagpaliwanag. "Those are hidden cameras installed by Phoenix for emergency purposes as well and the footage goes directly to the Org's server and to my laptop."

"And?" Happy was impatient. "Who was it?"

"Magaling siyang umiwas. Hindi siya nakunan ng footage sa secondary CCTV dahil alam niya kung saan nakalagay ang mga 'yon pero hindi siya nakatakas sa primacy CCTV." Yrozz sighed before opening a folder on his laptop, showing them a video. 

It was Kane... and he was burying something on the flowerpot before moving them inside the house. 

Bumagsak ang mga braso niyang nakayakap sa mga braso ng asawa bago inutusan si Yrozz. "Zoom in on what he's holding, please," sabi niya na nanlalamig ang kamay sa pinapanood. "The thing he was burying on the pot, what is that?"

Yrozz automatically zoomed in the footage and they saw Kane holding a small rectangular black box. 

"What is that?" she asked, frowning. 

Blaze answered. "Explosives."

Umawang ang mga labi niya habang umiiling. "No... Kane will never do that to us... N-no..." Umiling pa siya. "T-that's not true. M-maybe it's an edited tape. Maybe someone set him up. Maybe someone made him do it? Maybe... maybe... maybe..." Humarap siya kay Blaze. "He's a good guy, Blazey. Hindi niya kayang gawin 'to."

Yrozz closed the laptop before looking at her and Blaze. "Boss, I don't want it to be Kane either, but the video... I rechecked twenty times if it was tampered. Inisip ko na baka nagkakamali lang ako o may nag-set up sa kanya pero wala akong mahanap na ganoon. I'm trying to see a fault in the video, but all I can see is Kane planting a bomb to kill us."

Umiling siya. "Kane... I trust him."

"He was family," Blaze whispered, livid. "We treat him like a family and he put King in the hospital." Masuyo siya nitong niyakap para aluin dahil nanunubig na ang mga mata niya. Mahigpit lang na nakakuyom ang kamay nito at panay ang tagis ng mga bagang. "Maybe he's not that good as we want him to be."

Nalaglag ang luha sa mga mata niya habang parang pinipilipit ang puso niya. "But I trusted him... he's like a kid."

Hinagod ni Blaze ang likod niya. "We all did. Now King is paying for that trust."

Marahas siyang umiling. "This is my fault. Ang dali kong magtiwala. And now King is paying for my mistake."

"Sshh..." Inaalo pa rin siya ng asawa. "This is a lesson, not just to you but to all of us. And we will learn from it, okay? Pull yourself together and don't let our enemies see you like this. Alam kong mahirap sa sitwasyon natin ngayon pero kailangan mong maging malakas at kailangan nilang makitang matatag ka at hindi basta-basta makakayang patumbahin. Kaya mo bang gawin 'yon, baby?" 

Kumawala siya sa yakap ng asawa habang tumatango at tinutuyo ang luha sa pisngi. "I can do that." Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga, saka kinuha ang cell phone sa bulsa at tinawagan ang pinuno ng mga ultor. "Nysza, I have an order for you."

"At your service, Lady Happy," agad na sabi ni Nysza sa kabilang linya. 

"Kane Spiros—my ultor—seize him. I have a question for him," utos niya. "And Orlando, the fourth Arkhon's Ultor... kill that son of a bitch and make sure he suffers before death."

"I'll arrange it immediately," sabi ni Nysza. 

"Good. But I have another order and I'm giving it to you. You will take care of this personally."

"What is it, my lady?" 

"Kill the fourth Arkhon," walang emosyon ang boses na utos niya. "And don't tell a soul about it. If you do, I'll kill you too."

"Consider it done, my lady."

"Thank you," sabi niya sa mababang boses at pinatay ang tawag. 

"Ako na lang sana ang inutusan mo," wika ni Blaze. "Kaya ko namang gawin 'yon."

"I know." Humarap siya sa asawa. "Pero mas kailangan ka ni King dito. At inumpisahan na namin ang paglilinis sa mga pangalan na nasa Traid's book. I will need you here with me, Blazey, to protect me—King and Yrozz—because the Triad will retaliate, and it will be bloody. And I don't want it to be our blood."

Blaze took a deep breath before sighing. "So much for the honeymoon."

Natawa na napailing si Yrozz. "That was the worst wedding I'd been invited too."

Natawa na rin siya kahit wala namang nakakatawa sa sitwasyon nila. "That makes two of us."

Napailing si Blaze, saka nilapitan siya at hinalikan sa noo bago hinawakan ang kamay niya kung nasaan ang wedding ring niya. Dinala nito iyon sa mga labi at hinalikan habang matiim ang titig sa kanya. "I promise na sa susunod na ikasal tayo, wala nang ganitong gulo."

Nginitian niya ang asawa, saka masuyo itong hinalikan sa mga labi. "Sana..."

"I'll make it happen," Blaze promised. 

Akmang hahalikan niya uli si Blaze dahil kahit paano ay gumagaan ang pakiramdam niya nang may nurse na tumawag sa atensiyon nito. 

"Doc. Vitale, the patient is going into cardiac arrest!"

Mabilis pa sa kisapmatang nawala si Blaze sa harap niya at mabilis itong tumakbo papasok sa ICU. 

Pareho tumutok ang mga mata nila ni Yrozz kay King na sini-CPR. 

Happy kept glancing at Blaze from King and King to Blaze. 

Blaze was frantic and worried as he shouted to the nurses as he gave his orders. 

Seconds later, Blaze used a defibrillator on King, shocking King's heart for a couple of times. Blaze didn't give up on King. He kept on going, trying his hardest to save King until her own heart sunk when she saw the heart rate monitor. 

King's heart... 
flatlined.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 42

HAPPY WAS THE KIND of person who wanted to fight for peace without going to war and bloodshed if she could avoid it... but looking at King now, it was a lesson learned. To have peace, she had to go to war. To keep her family safe, she had to fight and kill her enemies so they wouldn't come back to haunt them. 

She had to forget the meaning of mercy and kindness. 

Hindi na uli masasaktan ang kahit isa sa pamilya niya. Hindi na. 

Masuyo niyang hinawakan ang kamay ni King habang wala pa rin itong malay na nakaratay sa ICU. 

When King flatlined, Blaze didn't stop performing a CPR while administering a medicine until King came back. 

Blaze was sweaty and frantic, but he didn't let go of King even when King's heart stopped beating a couple of minutes. He didn't give up on King. Like he promised. 

And when King's heartbeat came back, Blaze's hands were shaking from exhaustion. 

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ni King. "Masuwerte tayo kasi mayroon tayong Blaze to take care of us," sabi niya. "He's amazing. Dapat alagaan din natin siya."

No response from King. 

Bumuntong-hininga si Happy habang hawak pa rin ang kamay ni King. "Gumising ka na, King. We need you. Blaze is worried of you. Palagi kang inaaway n'on pero ang totoo importante ka sa kanya."

No response. 

"Baby..." Boses iyon ni Blaze mula sa likuran niya. 

Agad niya itong nilingon at nginitian nang makitang naka-doctor's robe ito. "Hey... hmm, my husband is the hot and dirty doctor."

Nakangiting lumapit ito sa kanya, saka umuklo para halikan siya sa noo. "How's my baby?"

She tried to act like she was okay. "I'm fine."

Blaze's lips thinned. "Don't lie to me, baby."

Happy lost her smile. "I'm worried of King."

Namulsa si Blaze sa suot nitong robe, saka tinitigan si King. "Gusto kong sabihin sa sarili ko na magiging okay lang siya pero hindi ko magawang lokohin ang sarili ko."

Tumayo siya mula sa pagkakaupo, saka masuyong pinaharap sa kanya ang asawa habang pinagsasalikop ang kamay nilang dalawa. "Magiging okay lang si King." 

Blaze nodded before hugging her softly. "I'm exhausted, baby. I have so many patients since I came back. Wala na akong oras para sa asawa ko. Sorry, baby."

Happy could feel his heavy heart and she wanted to lighten up his mood. "Do you want a kiss from your baby?"

"Hindi pa ako nagtu-toothbrush," sabi nito habang pahigpit nang pahigpit ang yakap sa kanya. 

"Do you want to make love with me?" she asked while encircling her arms around his neck.

He buried his face on her neck. "Hindi pa ako naliligo. Mabaho pa ako." 

Mahina siyang natawa. "Mabango ka naman, ah."

"Nagpabango lang ako."

Happy chuckled. "Ano ba'ng gusto mong gawin para kahit paano ay gumaan naman ang pakiramdam mo? Do you want to go to the chapel and pray?"

Dahan-dahang pinakawalan siya sa pagkakayakap ni Blaze para titigan ang mukha niya. "Nakita kitang pumasok sa chapel kahapon, pagkatapos kaninang madaling araw, halos araw-araw... Are you okay? I don't think this is just about King. It's more than that." 

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga bago nagbaba ng tingin at sumagot. "I went there to pray for King and to ask for forgiveness."

"Why?" She could sense a frown on Blaze's voice. 

Tumingin siya rito. "I just ordered someone to kill for me," sabi niya sa mahinang boses. "Alam kong it's for justice... and I know that it's the right thing to do to keep my family safe but... taking lives, it's still a sin, Blaze. And the end doesn't justify the means so I asked God to forgive what I had done, and for what I did and for what I will do in the future."

Blaze nodded earnestly. "Killing someone... it takes away a piece of your soul, trust me, I know." He looked at her in the eyes. "It's not easy, especially in your position right now."

Huminga siya nang malalim. "What do I do, Blazey? I can't stop... not now."

He kissed her temple softly. "We cannot say that what we do is right but this is what we believe in, baby. We believe that if we take down an individual, the world will be a better place to live in, for people who can't fight for themselves. And to do that, we need to sacrifice a piece of our soul. I know that this isn't what you signed up for when you wanted to become an Arkhon, but it's part of the job and nobody said that it's gonna be an easy job. It's a burden on your shoulder. The weight might be too much for you but that's why I'm here, to help you carry the burden. Baby, I'm not just your hippeis anymore, I'm also your husband. Talk to me. I might be able to help."

Tumango si Happy, saka mahigpit na niyakap ang asawa. "Mahal kita, Blaze. Love na love kita."

"Mahal din kita," bulong nito sa kanya at niyapos ang katawan niya. "Mahal na mahal."

Ilang segundo pa silang nagyakapan bago naghiwalay ang katawan nila dahil tumunog ang cell phone niya. 

"I have to take this," sabi niya kay Blaze at sinagot ang tawag at lumabas ng ICU. "Nysza, you have good news for me?"

"The fourth Arkhon's hippeis had been disposed," wika ni Nysza sa kalmadong boses. "Sir Chaos made sure that Orlando experienced excruciating pain before death took him." 

Happy felt bad but she needed to do this for the safety of her loved ones. "Thank you, Nysza. May balita ka ba sa akin tungkol sa ikaapat na Arkhon?"

"He hasn't been seen yet," sabi ni Nysza. "But if he make even just a little mistake, even just a shadow of himself, I'll be there to end his existence." 

Lihim na napabuntong-hininga si Happy. "Okay... thank you. What about Kane?"

"My men just caught him," sagot nito. "He's on his way to the Philippines' HQ. We took necessary precautions in dealing with him. He is after all a monster. We cannot let our guards down."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Paano n'yo siya nahuli?"

"I think he let us catch him," sagot ni Nysza. "He's planning something, Lady Happy. And I'll bet my life that it's not good."

Hinilot ni Happy ang sentido. "Thank you for the warning, Nysza." 

"You're welcome, my lady," sagot ni Nysza, "It's nice to finally have a woman as an Arkhon. I'll support you all the way. I will have your back, that I promise."

"Thank you, Nysza." 'Yon lang ang sinabi ni Happy bago nagpaalam at pinatay ang tawag. 

After what Kane did to them—to her, she already lost the capability to give her trust so easily. She had to be vigilant. This life was not for softhearted. 

"You look stressed." Boses iyon ni Blaze mula sa likuran niya. 

Humarap siya sa asawa. "A little."

Her husband smiled. "What can I do to make you feel better?"

Ngumiti siya nang may pilyang ideya na pumasok sa isip niya. "Be my Channing Tatum in 
Magic Mike
?"

Blaze chuckled. "Sorry, baby, I'm not good in dancing."

Happy pouted. "Maybe I shouldn't have said yes. Dapat pinasayaw muna pala kita as a requirement. Nami-miss ko nang humiyaw dahil sa lalaking sumasayaw at naghuhubad."

Pinaningkitan siya ng mga mata ni Blaze. "Ang sama mo, mas gusto mo ang stripper kaysa sa akin. Hindi ako magaling gumiling o sumayaw na magpapatili sa iyo pero nasisiguro kong kaya kitang pasigawin sa ibang paraan at hindi lang 'yon ang kaya kong gawin." He took a threatening step towards her. "I can make you scream, moan and beg."

Happy smiled before she tiptoed and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Kaya asawa kita, eh. You're very skilled and talented. No wonder pinakasalan kita."

Ang seryosong mukha ni Blaze ay bigla na lang tumawa. "You're very naughty."

"You taught me well."

Blaze laughed a little. "That's my wife."

Natawa na rin siya pero agad ding nawala 'yon nang makita si Yrozz na tumatakbo palapit sa kanila. 

"What is it?" agad niyang tanong ng makalapit ito sa kanya. "Something happened?"

Agad nitong ihinarap sa kanya ang screen ng laptop. "We lost twenty men in Singapore and ten in Thailand. The Triad got them and beheaded them in front of the camera and they sent it to the Org."

Yrozz played the video and the monstrosity made her question humanity. May mga tao talagang kayang gawin 'yon sa kapwa nila. Para sa ano? Para sa anong ipinaglalaban? 

Napapikit si Happy nang makitang pinugutan ng ulo ang miyembro ng organisasyon na nakaluhod at nakatingin sa camera. Katatapos lang makiusap ng mga ito na alagaan niya ang iiwan nitong pamilya. 

"Declaration of war," Blaze whispered. 

Nagsitaasan ang mga balahibo niya kasabay ng pagtatagis ng mga bagang. 

"Hindi ito bago," sabi ni Yrozz. "Gawain na talaga 'to ng Triad sa mga nahuhuli ng mga itong kasapi ng Organisasyon." 

Nanlalamig ang kamay na isinara niya ang laptop ni Yrozz at tinawagan si Knight. "Those men in the video, make sure that their family are safe and well taken care of. Those countries are under your command, Knight, if this happens again, I will hold you responsible." 

"I understand," sagot ni Knight na nasa kabilang linya. "It was my fault, Lady Happy—"

"Walang may gustong mangyari 'yon. Ang mahalaga sa akin ay hindi na 'yon maulit pa at wala nang pamilyang mawalan ng minamahal nila. I'll give you one week to fix this. And what I mean by fix it is blow their headquarters until there's nothing left. If it's still not done in a week, you will not like what I will do."

"I'm taking care of the heads first—"

"Leave those monsters to me," sabi niya sa kalmadong boses pero kumukulo naman siya sa galit. "I don't care how many they are, Knight. You will kill every member of the Triad that you can find here in Asia together with Chaos. We will leave no survivor. We will not give them a chance to retaliate, you understand me?"

Natahimik si Knight ng ilang segundo. "Okay ka lang ba? You don't sound good."

"Nothing." Her lips thinned. "May mga tao talaga na kailangang patayin para matahimik tayong lahat."

What she said silenced Knight. 

Pinatay niya ang tawag pagkatapos magpaalam sa kausap, saka tinawagan si Nysza. "I will send you twenty names," sabi niya. "Kill them all before the next week ends."

"Yes, my lady."

"Thank you." Pinatay niya ang tawag, saka humarap kay Yrozz. "Magpadala ka ng dalawampung pangalan kay Nysza na nakalista sa Asya. And monitor her and Knight's movements. I want to know what they do under my order."

Blaze frowned at her. "You wanna spy on your own people?" 

Happy frowned back. "Bakit? Hindi ba puwede? Kung wala naman silang itinatago hindi problema 'yon."

Tinitigan siya ni Blaze na para bang nag-aalala ito sa kanya. "Baby, something is not right with you. May kailangan ba akong malaman? Sa inaakto mo kasi ngayon parang wala kang tiwala sa sarili mong tauhan—"

"The last time I trusted someone so easily, he burned me." Her teeth gritted. 

"Baby, not everyone is like Kane—"

"You don't know that." Her anger was building again. "Tinrato natin siyang pamilya, minahal na parang nakababatang kapatid, pinakisamahan nang maayos, pero nagawa niya pa rin tayong traydurin. Ano pa kaya ang mga taong hindi ko gaaanong kakilala? They could betray me—us—anytime they please. So why would I trust them?" 

Lumambot ang mukha ni Blaze. "Baby, not everyone in the Organization is like Kane."

"That's not how I see it now," mahina ang boses niyang bulong. "After what happened, I learned one thing from it, be careful who you trust," sabi niya, saka pumasok uli sa ICU. 

I will not make the same mistake by trusting someone so easily again. 
Hindi niya hahayaang magbayad ang pamilya niya sa kahinaan niya. 

PINAKATITIGAN NI BLAZE ang asawa na nasa loob ng ICU na titig na titig kay King. That look in her eyes earlier—he knew that look. Doubt to everything that was being offered to her. He'd been there and it wasn't a good place to be. 

"She's not all right," sabi ni Yrozz na nakatingin din kay Happy mula sa labas ng glass wall ng ICU. "Something is definitely wrong with her. Since when she started doubting people around her?"

Blaze sighed. "What Kane did... it messed her up and she lost her trust."

Yrozz sighed too. "Napansin ko nga. She hasn't been right since that day. Nag-aalala ako sa kanya. And King being in a coma is making it worse."

Blaze nodded in agreement. "Napansin ko rin. Hinahayaan ko lang siya pero mukhang kailangan ko na siyang kausapin."

"Maybe talking to her is a good idea. By the way..." Yrozz cut him off. "Malapit ko nang matapos 'yong encryption ng file ni Midnight. Just two codes left."

Tumango siya. "Thank you."

Tumango si Yrozz at nagpaalam na aalis na para gawin ang inutos ni Happy. Siya naman ay bumalik sa loob ng ICU at nilapitan ang asawa, saka hinawakan ang kamay nito. 

"Baby, can we talk?" malambing niyang sabi. 

Agad namang tumango si Happy pero parang wala ito sa sarili. It was like she was there, but not really there. 

She's really messed up
. 

Iniyakap niya sa likod ng baywang nito ang braso niya, saka iginiya ito palabas ng ICU, patungong rooftop. 

And as they leaned in against the rooftop's railing, she glanced at him. 

"What is it?" Happy asked. 

Tumingin siya sa mga mata nito. "Are you okay? Something bothering you?" 

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay nito. "What do you mean? I'm fine."

Umiling siya. "You're not. I can tell. It's been a week since King's operation and I understand that you're having a hard time but... something is different with you, baby. It's like you're changing."

Happy looked down to the street. "Change is the only constant thing in this world... and death."

"Baby—"

"I have to change, Blaze." Determination glistened on her eyes. "Because if I don't, the people I love and treasure will be hurt because of my stupidity, my recklessness and just for being me. Just like what happened to King. Hindi 'yon puwedeng mangyari sa iyo o kay Yrozz o sa kahit sino sa pamilya ko. And if changing can keep you all safe, I'm willing to do it."

Napatitig si Blaze sa kalangitan. "Change is okay, baby, but don't force it to you, let it work through you."

"I have to force myself to change, Blaze." Happy looked down. "Because if I don't, I will get you killed and everyone I love."

Blaze looked at Happy. Hinawi niya ang ilang hibla ng buhok na tumatabing sa mukha nito dahil nililipad iyon ng hangin. "I know that change is the only constant thing in this world but you don't force change. You let it soak you and let it work through you... not force it to you because you'll end up adjusting and it'll be hard for you."

Happy bit her lower lip as she nodded. "I'm not used to adjusting because I was raised not to adjust to anyone... but, this is different, Blazey. This is not just about me anymore. This is bigger than me. I have to adjust because the situation will not adjust for me. It's not easy, but I have to. I now have a responsibility to other people, I now have people depending on me. And because of me, because of this war, there are women who doesn't have a husband anymore. Mother who lost their sons. Kids who lost their dads. People who lost their friends. It's all on me."

"It's not your fault—"

"But it is..." Happy whispered. "They are my responsibility and I failed them, like how I failed King. Ayokong dumating ang panahon na pati ikaw mabigo ko. I'm not gonna fail you, Blaze. I'm not..."

Blaze sighed. "This is happening because of what Kane did... That motherfucker messed you up."

Umiling si Happy. "He opened my eyes, Blazey. He opened my eyes to the real world."

"Baby..."

"I'm fine. I will be fine." She smiled. "I have to."

Bago pa siya makasagot kay Happy, tumunog ang cell phone niya. Kinuha niya iyon sa bulsa ng doctor's robe at sinagot nang makitang ang ICU ang tumatawag sa kanya. 

"Dr. Vitale speaking. What is it?" he asked. 

"Mr. Zabat is awake, Doc," sabi ng nurse na nasa kabilang linya. 

"I'm coming." Pinatay niya ang tawag, saka pinagsalikop ang kamay nila ng asawa. "Come on. King is awake."

Agad na nagliwanag ang buong mukha ni Happy sinabi niya. It was like a piece of her soul came back to her eyes as it glistened in happiness. 

Yep. Even if she changed, she would always be the Happy he met and fell in love with.

Nang makasakay sila sa elevator, agad niyang niyakap ang asawa nang mahigpit.

"Blaze—"

"I'm sorry," sabi niya, saka isinubsob ang mukha sa leeg ng asawa. "I'm sorry because I doubted the changes I saw in you. I was afraid that it'll change who you are and I was being selfish for thinking that way."

She hugged him back, then caressed his back lovingly. "Changes are scary, but I want to change for the better. Ako pa rin naman 'to, may pagbabago lang ng kaunti, and hopefully, para 'yon sa ikabubuti ko at nating lahat. I will not fail you, Blaze. I will not fail the people who trusts me because I know what it's like to feel betrayed by the person you trusted."

Blaze kissed her wife's neck. "I love you."

"I love you too," she replied. 

A smile stretched his lips as his heart had beat faster than normal. 

"Malapit na tayo sa floor natin," wika ni Happy na itinutulak siya para pakawalan ito sa pagkakayakap. "Mas sasakay yata."

"Hayaan mo sila," sabi niya habang yakap pa rin ang asawa. "Asawa naman kita."

"Kahit na—"

"Let them be."

Hindi niya binitawan si Happy kahit pa may sumakay na mga bantay ng pasyente at mga nurse. 

"Pasensiya na," hingi ng tawad ni Happy sa mga kasama nila sa elevator. "Stress lang ang asawa ko."

Kinagat-kagat niya ang balat sa leeg nito at pinaglandas ang dulo ng dila pababa roon.

"Bakit ang bango mo?" pabulong niyang tanong. 

Kinurot siya ng asawa bilang sagot. 

He licked her neck again and whispered, "Bakit ang sarap mo?"

Kinurot ni Happy ang tagiliran niya. "Tumahimik ka."

He chuckled. "Bakit ang ganda mo?"

"Nasa lahi namin," sagot ni Happy. 

"Bakit ang guwapo ko?" tanong niya. 

"Kasi asawa kita," sagot ni Happy, saka kinurot uli siya bago nauna nang lumabas nang bumukas ang elevator sa floor nila. 

Natatawa na lang siyang sumunod dito. Kapagkuwan ay bumilis ang hakbang niya patungong ICU. 

Nanatili lang sa labas si Happy habang siya ay dumeretso sa loob ng ICU para tingnan ang lagay ni King. He was still weak, but the motherfucker was awake. 

"Good to have you back, jackass," sabi niya bago sinuri ang lagay ni King. 

Blaze performed a series of test to make sure that King was physically and mentally okay by testing some part of his body and testing his memories of what happened and his brain capacity.

So far, so good. Thank God! 

"W-what h-happened?" Namamalat ang lalamunan ni King at halos wala iyong tunog. 

"I had the worst wedding reception ever," sagot niya.  

King frowned. "Y-you didn't r-realize that s-sooner?"

Blaze tsked. "Dapat talaga hinayaan na lang kitang mamatay," sabi niya na napailing pa. "Your heart stopped beating and I did a CPR on you for five fucking minutes, you motherfucker, and this is how you repay me?" 

King grimaced. "P-please t-tell me that you d-didn't give me a m-mouth to mouth r-resuscitation."

"Fuck you," sabi niya. 

King grunted. "P-please g-give me a p-peace of m-m-mind."

Blaze chuckled. "I won't tell you then."

"Y-Your H-highness!" 

"You'd been out for a week by the way," imporma niya kay King. "Akala ko nga hindi ka na magigising na 'tang-ina ka. Ipapalibing na sana kita, eh."

"D-dick," King groaned. 

Natawa siya, saka sinenyasan si Happy na pumasok. 

Halos tumakbo ito papasok at sinugod ng maingat na yakap si King. 

"Thank God you're okay!"

Blaze held Happy's shoulder to pry her away from King. "Jealous husband here."

Agad namang pinakawalan ni Happy sa pagkakakayap si King at nginitian ito. "Pinag-alala mo ako," sabi nito. "Don't do that to me again. Akala ko mawawala ka na. I keep on begging to God to save you."

King gave Happy a weak smile. "I'm okay n-now I g-guess but did you find out w-who bombed the house?"

Tumingin sa kanya si Happy bago sumagot. "I will fill you in once you get better." Nginitian nito si King. "Get well soon, okay?"

Tumango si King. "Thanks for taking care of me." Then he looked at him. "I will assume that you're my doctor, so thanks, Your Highness."

Blaze nodded. "Ako pa? Magaling ako, ano."

King actually snorted before someone caught his attention from outside the ICU's glass wall. 

King smiled. "Even when I'm in the ICU, that fucker still has emotionless eyes." 

Sabay silang napatingin ni Happy sa tinitingnan ni King. 

Blaze saw red when he saw who it was. His teeth gritted, he was livid and his blood boiling as he spoke his name in so much disdain. 

"Kane."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 43

Hello Mae Anne Tisbe and Lani Alonzo 

❤️

 Happy Reading. 

CHAPTER 43

"HOW ARE you feeling?" Napakakalmado ng boses ni Kane nang pumasok sa loob ng ICU at nakalapit kay King. Parang wala itong kasalanang ginawa sa kanilang lahat, parang hindi sila nito tinraydor. "How's your wound?" 

"Still breathing," nakangiting sagot ni King. "I hope you didn't come back in my expense. How's did your mission go by the way? Is Orlando limping already?"

Kane's mismatched eyes looked at her. "He's dead."

Happy's lips thinned. Her jaw kept on tightening, and she couldn't speak in so much pent-up rage inside her for Kane. Gusto niyang magwala, gusto niyang pagsusuntukin ang kaharap pero nanatili siyang walang imik habang matalim na nakatitig kay Kane. 

Kailangan niyang kontrolin ang sarili. Kapag nalaman ni King ang totoong nangyari, na kaharap nito ang taong may kagagawa kung bakit ito nasa ICU ngayon, baka mas lumala ang lagay nito. 

King just woke up! 

"You okay, Young Miss?" obserba ni King sa kanya. "You look angry."

Tumango siya at pilit na ngumiti. "Medyo masama lang ang pakiramdam ko." Tinapik niya ang balikat ni King. "Sa labas lang ako." Pagkatapos ay yumakap siya sa asawa, saka pasimpleng bumulong sa tainga nito. "Don't kill him... yet. May rason kung bakit nandito siya. Siguradong hindi 'yon maganda. Baka may mga taong mapahamak kapag nagpadalos-dalos tayo."

Blaze hugged her back then he whispered, "I can control myself, baby. But if he tries to hurt you, I don't care where we are. I'll kill him where he stands."

Hinalikan niya sa mga labi ang asawa bago nagmamadaling lumabas at tinawagan si Knight. 

"Knight, Kane is in the hospital—"

"I know. I'm coming over," Knight spoke frantically. "Fuck! Madali niyang napatumba lahat ng nagbabantay sa kanya. When the plane landed, all of Nysza's men are all down."

"Paano siya nakapasok dito sa ospital?" nagtatagis ang bagang niyang tanong. "I thought the whole building is well-guarded?!" she hissed. 

"Kane is not called monster by everyone who knew him for nothing." Knight tsked. "Where's Blaze?"

"Trying not to kill Kane." Kumuyom ang kamay niya. "But he's pissed."

"Of course, he is," sabi ni Knight na parang tumatakbo dahil habol nito ang hininga. "Calm him down. We both know what Blaze can do. Pareho silang halimaw ni Kane. Maraming madadamay kapag naglaban ang dalawang 'yon."

Magsasalita pa sana siya nang may umagaw sa cell phone niya. Nang lingunin niya kung sino 'yon, natigilan siya nang makita si Kane. 

Nagtagis ang mga bagang niya. "What do you want?"

"Can we talk?"

Lumampas ang tingin niya rito patungo kay Blaze na malapit lang sa likuran ni Kane at alam niyang narinig nito ang tanong ni Kane. 

Hinintay niyang pumayag si Blaze na makipag-usap bago siya sumagot kay Kane. When Blaze nodded before walking to her side, she nodded as well. 

"Ano'ng gusto mong pag-usapan?" tanong niya. Malakas ang loob niya dahil nasa tabi niya ang asawa. 

Tiningnan muna ni Kane si Blaze bago ibinalik ang tingin sa kanya. "I'm here to kidnap you. My master's order."

The fourth Arkhon?
 "At sa tingin mo sasama ako?" pagalit niyang sabi para hindi nito mahulaan ang tumatakbo sa isip niya sa mga sandaling 'yon. 

Blaze took a threatening step towards Kane. "Try and I will kill you—"

"You won't," Kane cut Blaze's off. "I put explosives around the hospital. Those men guarding the whole building, the patients and the doctors inside this building will die together with you, your wife and King."

"You'll die too," sabi niya. 

"I don't mind." Inilabas nito ang cell phone sa bulsa, saka may tinawagan. "Blow up the rooftop." 

Mahigpit na napahawak si Happy sa braso ng asawa nang makarinig sila ng malakas na pagsabog at ang bahagyang pagyanig ng buong gusali. 

"Do you want me to continue?" Kane asked. 

Malakas na tumama ang kamay ni Blaze sa tiyan ni Kane ng ilang beses kasabay ng pagtuhod nito sa tagiliran ni Kane at ang pagtama ng siko sa leeg nito. Madaling nasalag ni Kane ang ibang atake ni Blaze at madali rin nitong naibabalik kay Blaze ang mga atake ng huli. 

Walang nakakalamang, walang nagpapatalo. Parehong mabilis ang kamay ng dalawa, malakas ang bawat suntok at sipang pinapakawalan nang may sumabog na naman. 

Blaze threw Kane on the floor and was about to beat him up more when Kane spoke. 

"Do you want to hear another explosion?"

Blaze froze, his teeth gritting in anger. "I will kill you!"

"Feel free," sabi ni Kane na bumangon mula sa pagkakasadlak sa semento. "The whole building will blow up and you can't stop it even if you try harder." Then he looked at her. "But you can stop this. Come with me."

"Paano ako makasisiguro na hindi n'yo pasasabugin ang buong gusali pagkalabas na pagkalabas natin?" tanong niya. 

"Happy!" Blaze hissed at her. "You're not actually considering his offer!"

"I am," Happy said firmly. "It's either me, or the innocent people in this hospital. And I choose myself. You stay here and take care of King—"

"Baby!" Marahas na umiling si Blaze. "No!" Then his sharp eyes glared at Kane. "I will kill you!"

But before Blaze could took another step closer to Kane, they heard another explosion and screams of innocents. 

"Stop this," malumanay niyang pakiusap kay Kane. "Please? Sasama ako sa iyo. Just please... stop hurting these people. Wala silang kinalaman sa gulo na 'to. Stop... I beg you..." pakiusap niya. 

Kane's looked at her with his mix matched emotionless eyes. "You're still too nice."

"Ayoko lang na may mawala o mapahamak nang dahil sa akin. Just let me say good-bye to my husband," sabi niya, saka lumapit kay Blaze at mahigpit na niyakap ito. Mahina siyang bumulong sa tainga nito na silang dalawa lang ang makakarinig. "There's a tracker on my bracelet. I think dadalhin niya ako kay fourth Arkhon. Bring a battalion and come and get me, okay?"

Blaze cupped her face before kissing her fully on the mouth. "Okay," he whispered, "I'll be there before you miss me."

Tumango siya, saka mapusok na hinalikan uli ang asawa bago humarap kay Kane. "I'm ready."

Tumango si Kane at iminuwestra ang kamay patungo sa exit ng ospital. 

Tahimik siyang naglakad palabas ng ospital habang nasa likuran niya si Kane. Nang nasa parking lot sila, napatigil siya sa paglalakad nang makasalubong nila si Knight. 

Knight was instantly on guard and was about to attack Kane when she shook her head to stop him. 

"Don't," pigil niya. "There are bombs all over the place. A lot of people will get hurt."

Knight's jaw tightened. "Lady Happy—"

"Secure the building and make sure that everyone is safe," pakiusap niya kay Knight. "Please do it for the innocent people inside. I'm not your responsibility, they are." 

Knight's nodded while sending a death glare at Kane. 

"That car, Lady Happy," sabi ni Kane na iminuwestra ang kamay sa itim na kotse. 

Naglakad siya palapit sa kotse at agad siyang sumakay nang buksan ni Kane ang pinto. At nang makasakay ito at makaupo sa driver's seat, nagsalita siya. 

"Get rid of the explosives now," sabi niya sa malumanay na boses. "Please? Hindi ako tatakas sa iyo. I want the people in that building safe and unharmed. Ako lang naman ang kailangan mo."

Tumango si Kane at may tinawagan habang minamaniobra ang kotse palayo ng ospital. 

"Get rid of the bombs," utos ni Kane sa nasa kabilang linya, saka pinatay nito ang tawag. 

Napuno ng katahimikan ang buong sasakyan ng ilang minuto bago niya binasag 'yon. 

"Utos ba ito ng ikaapat na Arkhon sa iyo?" tanong niya kay Kane. 

She was fishing information to find out if what she was thinking earlier was right. 

"Yes."

"You're very loyal to him," komento niya. 

"He's my master since I was a child."

Kumuyom ang kamay niya. "So pakitang tao lang ang lahat ng ipinakita mo sa amin?"

"Yes." 

Masama ang loob niya sa mga sagot ni Kane. "We trusted you," pabulong niyang sabi. 

"Your fault, not mine."

Mapait siyang napangiti. "Do you really mean to kill us that night?"

"Yes."

Tumingin si Happy sa labas ng bintana ng sasakyan habang himihinga nang malalim. "Well, I hope what happened to King made you happy. And I hope that your master will treat you as family. You need it."

Hindi umimik si Kane at patuloy lang na nagmaneho habang nakatitig siya sa bracelet na suot. 

Blaze could track her with this. Pinalagyan niya iyon ng tracker kay Yrozz pagkatapos niyang malaman na si Kane ang may kagagawa ng pagpapasabog sa bahay nila, ipinasadya niya iyon para sa mga pagkakataong ganito. Kung may kumuha man sa kanya ay hindi mababaliw si Blaze sa kakahanap sa kanya. 

"Saan mo ako dadalhin?" tanong niya kay Kane kapagkuwan. 

"To the fourth Arkhon."

Tama ako!
 Nandito ang matandang 'yon kaya hindi niya mahanap-hanap. He was just under her nose. 

Umakto siyang parang nagulat. "What?!" Pinalaki niya ang mga mata at pinaawang ang mga labi na halatang gulat na gulat. "Ang matandang 'yon... Ano ba'ng kailangan niya sa akin?"

"To renounce your position."

Happy scoffed. "Ganoon ba talaga niya kagusto ang maging pinuno ng Organósi?"

"You are not equipped," sagot ni Kane. "Hindi nararapat sa iyo ang posisyon na 'yon. Masyado kang malambot."

Tumahimik siya. Walang punto na patunayan dito ang sarili niya dahil hindi naman nito maiintindihan 'yon kasi nakasara ang isip nito. 

If Kane was openminded and was open to understand and appreciate people, he wouldn't have betrayed them in the first place. 

Isinandal ni Happy ang likod sa likuran ng passenger seat, saka ipinikit ang mga mata. Maraming minuto ang ibiniyahe nila hanggang sa tumigil sa isang pier at pinalabas siya ng sasakyan. 

Iginiya siya ni Kane pasakay sa speedboat at pinaandar nito iyon. 

Happy remained silent and calm. Alam niyang mahahanap at masusundan siya ni Blaze. Sana nga lang hindi pa huli ang lahat at mahuli nila ang pang-apat na Arkhon sa pagkakataong ito. 

Bumagal ang takbo ng speedboat nang makalapit sila sa nakatigil na yate sa gitna ng karagatan. 

Lumipat sila ni Kane sa yate at hinawakan siya nito sa braso habang hinihila patungo sa top deck, patungo sa ama ni Knight na ngumisi nang makita siyang naglalakad palapit. 

Nakaupo ang ikaapat na Arkhon sa recliner. Ang ama ni Knight. Si Don Kelleon Velasquez. 

"Welcome." Idinipa pa ng matanda ang mga braso nito. "How are you? Pleasant to see you here."

Bahagya siyang tumango bago sumagot. "Good afternoon. I'm doing well."

"Are you?" Natawa ito. "You're in front of me now, that means you lose."

Happy smiled calmly. "It's nice to see you again. Remember what I told before? If we ever see each other again?"

Tumawa ang ikaapat na Arkhon. "You have no whips, woman. And you're in my yacht, that means you are under me." Tiningnan siya nito nang matalim bago inutusan si Kane. "Tie her up!" 

Agad namang sumunod si Kane. Pinaupo siya sa stool na gawa sa kahoy, saka tinali ang kamay niya sa likuran, pagkatapos ay ang mga paa naman niya ang isinunod nito. 

And Happy could feel it. Hindi hinihigpitan ni Kane ang pagkakatali sa kanya na lihim niyang ikinakunot ng noo. 

"Connect that heavy ball of metal on her ankle ties," utos ng ama ni Knight kay Kane na sinunod naman agad nito. 

Napatingin siya sa camera na inihahanda ng isa sa mga tauhan ng ikaapat na Arkhon. 

Parang alam na niya ang balak ng matandang 'to.

"I'm awed by you actually. You're calm even in situation like this," sabi ni Don Kelleon habang palakad-lakad sa harap niya. "You are indeed Dominick Quinn's daughter. Fierce and loyal. Just like his father. But just like your dad, you also have the same weakness. Family and friends. I was happy when the system chose Kane here to be your ultor. Normally, I would have said no to letting one of my best killer works for someone else but I need an inside man, so I let him. He was with Orlando at the time, so he was quick to come to you after the incident."

So that was why Kane was fast to come to her. He was already there. 

"Look, you're young and you just got married and I don't wanna kill you," sabi ni Don Kelleon. "I just want you to renounce your position because it should be my son on top. My son is more than capable of everything while you are inexperienced. My son may not see it now, but he will thank me in the future."

Hindi siya umimik at nanatiling nakamasid lang kay Kane na itinatali pa rin siya. 

"Don't you feel guilt for playing us for a fool who treated you like family?" kapagkuwan ay tanong niya kay Kane nang hindi na niya napigilan ang sarili. 

Tumawa ang ikaapat na Arkhon. "Don't bother. He has no feelings. He is a killing machine. Nothing you say will get to him. He is program to kill and follow my orders since he was a child."

Hindi alam ni Happy kung bakit may awa siyang naramdaman para kay Kane kahit walang awa nitong pinasabog ang bahay ng asawa niya. 

"Because if you are capable, you would have see Kane coming to deliver you to me, but you weren't prepared at all because you are busy taking care of your butler who's in the hospital."

Happy took a deep breath before looking at Don Kelleon, his speech was starting to irritate her. "How's Orlando? Did you grieve for him?"

Biglang nagtagis ang mga bagang nito at nanlisik ang mga mata. "You will pay for his death. I will take your hippeis life as well. An eye for an eye." 

"Try... and you'll die." Her lips thinned. "If you touch even just a strand of my husband's hair, I will make you suffer and I'm not kidding."

Tumaas ang sulok ng mga labi ng ikaapat na Arkhon. "May I remind you that you're tied up? I can easily order my men to kill your husband—"

Napatigil ito sa pagsasalita nang bigla niyang malakas na inihampas ang noo sa noo ni Kane dahilan para matumba ito sa sahig. At ginamit niya ang natutunan kay Midnight kung paano makawala sa pagkakatali dahil hindi naman 'yon mahigpit. 

Aatakehin na niya ang Arkhon nang bigla itong naglabas ng baril at itinutok sa kanya. 

"Move or I'll shoot you."

Tumalim ang mga mata niya. "You have no balls."

Umangat ang kamay ng ama ni Knight para sampalin siya gamit ang hawakan ng baril pero madali niyang nasalag iyon nang hindi gumagalaw dahil sa mabigat na pabilog na metal na nakakabit sa bukong-bukong niya. 

All she could do was disarmed the fourth Arkhon and smashed the gun handle on his skull until he bled.

"You bitch! Kill her!" sigaw ng ikaapat na Arkhon dahil para agad namang tumutok sa kanya ang baril ng mga tauhan nito. 

Pero bago pa siya mabaril ay may humampas sa kanya sa likuran dahilan para mawalan siya ng malay. 

NANG MAGISING SI HAPPY, nahihilo siya pero mabilis na nagpumiglas nang makitang nakatali ang buong katawan niya sa isang upuan. Mahigpit na 'yon. Hindi tulad kanina. 

"Untie me!" sigaw niya sa ikaapat na Arkhon na sumisimsim ng wine. 

"It's on. We are live." Itinuro nito ang camera na nasa harap niya. "Do what you came here to do. Renounce your position or else I will kill your hippeis in more ways than one. Do it now."

Napatitig siya sa camera. 

"Renounce your position now!" sigaw sa kanya ng Arkhon. "Or I will kill everyone that you care about!"

Matiim siyang tumitig sa camera bago nagsalita. "I, Happiness Aravena Queen, will not renounce her position—"

Bigla nitong kinuha ang latigo na katabi ng bote ng alak na iniinom at ihinampas iyon sa kanya. 

Napaigik siya sa sakit pero nanatili siya matapang. "I will not renounce my position!"

Another whip hit her side. 

"Never!" she shouted at the camera. "I believe that I can do things better that Kelleon Velasquez. I will never, ever, renounce my position! Never!" 

Binitiwan ng ikaapat na Arkhon ang latigong hawak at sinipa nito ang camera dahilan para bumagsak iyon sa sahig at galit na nilapitan siya. Malakas siya nitong sinakal hanggang na hindi na niya kayang huminga pa. 

"I'd been nice to you because you're young, but my patience can one be stretched too much." Nanlilisik ang mga mata nito. "You don't want to renounce?! Then die!"

Pinakawalan siya nito sa pagkakasakal sa leeg, saka mahigpit na hinawakan siya sa braso at hinila patungo sa gilid ng yate. 

"Let go of me! Let go!" panay ang sigaw niya at pagpupumiglas. "Let go! Let go you bastard!" 

Natigilan siya sa pagpupumiglas at lumuwag din ang hawak ng ikaapat na Arkhon sa braso niya nang makarinig sila pareho ng tunog ng helicopter. 

They both looked at the sky and saw five helicopters circling around the yacht. 

And she could see her husband rappelling down from the helicopter. 

Happy smirked at the fourth Arkhon who stared at her with disbelief. "Gotcha." She wiggled her wrist where her bracelet was. "There's a tracker inside, moron!"

Nanlisik ang mga mata nito. "How dare you tricked me!"

"You tricked me first," sagot niya. "An eye of an eye, remember?"

"Die!" galit na sigaw ni Don Kelleon bago siya tinulak pababa sa malalim na karagatan. 

At dahil may mabigat na metal na nakatali sa bukong-bukong niya at nakatali pa siya sa upuan, hindi siya nakalangoy paahon nang nilamon ng malalim na dagat ang katawan niya. 

No! Blaze!
 sigaw ng isip ni Happy habang pilit na nagpupumiglas at pilit na kumakawala sa mahigpit na pagkakatali sa kamay niya. 

She was struggling to get free as her body fell more deeper unto the ocean's bed when she saw a figure swimming towards her. 

She couldn't see who it was. 

Maybe Blaze. 

The figure went to her back to untie him and get rid of the metal on her ankle. 

And she was free!

Mabilis siyang lumangoy para makaahon at makahinga dahil malapit nang sumabog ang baga niya. 

She was losing oxygen. 

Ilang beses siyang humugot ng hininga nang makaahon at agad na inilibot ang tingin sa paligid.

Helicopters were encircling the yacht. She could hear gunshots and grunts of pain. People falling off the yacht, lifeless.

"Blaze!" sigaw niya habang hinahanap ng mga mata ang nagligtas sa kanya. "Blazey!"

Happy was starting to panic because her husband didn't resurface when she saw him on the top deck fighting the fourth Arkhon and two of his men. 

Her lips parted. 

Who saved me? 

Nahigit niya ang hininga nang may tumakip ng bibig niya mula sa likuran.

"Silence," sabi ng boses mula sa likuran niya, ang may-ari ng kamay na nakatakip sa bibig niya. 

Her eyes widened. It sounded like Kane!

"Move to the yacht," utos nito. 

Agad siyang lumangoy patungo sa likod ng yacht kung saan naroon ang swimming platform, kung saan puwede siyang makaakyat sa yate. 

Nang makasampa siya sa yate, nilingon niya si Kane na nasa dagat pa rin. 

"You saved me..." she whispered while catching his own breath. "W-why?"

A sad smile stretched on Kane's lips. "We're family." 

Her eyes watered as she offered her hand at Kane. "Come on."

"Mauna ka na," sabi nito, saka tumingin sa speedboat na papalapit sa yate. "Sige na."

Tumango siya. "Ingat ka," bilin niya kay Kane bago patakbong tinungo ang top deck kung saan naglalaban ang asawa niya at ang Arkhon. 

And what she saw on the deck made the hair on her skin rose. 

Blaze was fighting the Arkhon who was holding a gun and a man who had a sharp sword. Blaze's movements were fast. He could even evade the bullet from the fourth Arkhon's gun. 

Nang mapatumba ni Blaze ang panghuling tauhan ng Arkhon, mabilis na kinalabit ng Arkhon ang gatilyo ng baril nito ng ilang beses pero mabilis na nakaiwas si Blaze. Pinatamaan nito nang malakas na suntok at sipa ang katawan ng Arkhon at bumagsak ang matanda sa sahig ng yate. 

And from nowhere, a man with a gun entered the scene and she heard the fourth Arkhon's shout. 

"Kill him!" 

Mabilis pa sa kisapmata na pinulot niya ang latigo ng ikaapat na Arkhon na nakakakalat, iyon ang ginamit nito sa kanya kanina. Mabilis niya iyong ihinampas sa lalaking may hawak na baril. 

At mula sa kung saan, may espadang bumaon sa likod ng lalaki na tumagos sa puso nito. Nakita niya si Kane na tumatakbo palapit sa lalaking gumigiwang na dahil sa espada nakatarak dito. 

Kane pulled the sword out of the man's body before encircling the swords handle around his wrist as his feet turned and the hilt of his word embedded on Don Kelleon's hand and floor. 

Napasigaw si Don Kelleon sa ginawa ni Kane at nanlilisik ang mga matang tumingin sa lalaki. "How dare you!"

"That's for whipping my lady," kalmado ang boses na sabi ni Kane, saka pinaikot ang espada nitong nakabaon sa kamay ng ikaapat ng Arkhon. "And for pushing her to the water."

"You will all pay for this!" sigaw ni Don Kelleon. 

Humigpit ang hawak ni Happy habang nakatingin sa matanda. "Naaalala mo pa ba 'yong sinabi ko sa iyo kapag nagkita tayo uli? I will show you no mercy."

Pagkasabi niyon ay itinaas niya ang kamay na hawak sa latigo at malakas na ihinampas iyon sa katawan ng ikaapat na Arkhon. 

Hindi niya alintana ang pagsigaw nito. Basta panay lang ang latigo niya rito. 

Lashes after lashes, until the fourth Arkhon was bleeding on the yacht's floor, grunting and unmoving. 

But that wasn't enough for her. She was still livid. 

Ilang beses pa niyang hinampas nang malakas ng latigo ang ikaapat na Arkhon bago niya binitawan ang latigo. Napatingin siya kay Knight na nanonood lang habang nakatitig sa ama nito. 

Blaze picked up the gun on the floor, checked the magazine before he pointed it at the fourth Arkhon. 

"Even in hell, I don't wanna see you again, you motherfucker," sabi ni Blaze bago inilagay ang daliri sa gatilyo. 

"Blaze... don't," pigil niya sa asawa. 

Kahit gaano pa kasama ang ama ni Knight, hindi pa rin niya kayang ipapatay ang ama nito sa harap ni Knight mismo. The man, however evil he was, he was sill Knight's father. 

Happy looked at Knight. "If he pulled another stunt again, I would let Blaze kill him for sure." 

Knight looked at her with gratitude. "Thank you for showing mercy that he doesn't deserve."

"I'm not doing it for him," sabi niya. "I'm doing it for you. He's still your father."

Tinanguan siya ni Knight at ito mismo ang naglagay ng posas sa pupulsuhan ng ama. At kasama sina Chaos at Yrozz, binuhat ng mga ito si Don Kelleon at ibinaba sa speedboat. 

At nang humarap siya kay Blaze, agad siya nitong sinugod ng mahigpit ng yakap. 

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Hindi kita agad nailigtas. There was something in this yacht that made the signal weak and a little bit untraceable—"

She kissed her husband's lips. "It's okay. You came, that's more than enough."

Blaze kissed her back. "I love you, baby. I love you."

Mapusok silang naghalikang dalawa hanggang sa mahigpit silang nagyakapan. 

And then she whispered, "Kane saved me."

"I know," Blaze whispered back. "I saw him jump to the water to save you. Oddly, I trusted him to save you. Maybe because I heard the worry and fear in his voice when he shouted, 'Lady Happy' as you fall to the water."

Kumawala siya sa yakap ng asawa. "I have to talk to him."

Happy was about to search the whole yacht because she didn't see Kane from where he was standing earlier when she saw a speedboat speeding away. And she saw Kane on it. 

Happy stilled as she looked at Kane speeding away. 

"I'm confused," pag-amin niya sa asawa habang pinagmamasdan pa rin ang speedboat na kinalululanan ni Kane na malayo na. "Why did he do what he did? I thought he's loyal to the fourth Arkhon?"

Blaze hugged her from behind. "Looks like he considers us family after all."

Tumango siya at kumunot ang noo nang makita ang isang helicopter na gumalaw para sundan ang speedboat ni Kane habang bumababa ang machine gun sa unahan nito. 

The target was Kane!

Umikot siya paharap kay Blaze. "Stop that helicopter!" sabi niya, sabay turo sa helicopter na sumusunod kay Kane. "It's going to kill Kane!"

Blaze immediately neared his watch over his mouth, then he spoke. "Echo, this is the second Arkhon's hippeis. Don't open fire on that speedboat! Second Arkhon's order. Over! Can you hear me?! Over!"

Ilang segundong kabado si Happy dahil walang sagot mula sa helicopter hanggang sa umikot ang helicopter at hinayaan nitong makalayo si Kane. 

Nakahinga nang maluwag si Happy at napasandal siya sa dibdib ng asawa. At doon lang niya naramdaman ang sakit ng buong katawan niya dahil sa ilang beses na paghampas sa kanya ng ikaapat na Arkhon ng latigo. 

"Baby... your back is bleeding..." May takot at pangamba sa boses ni Blaze na ngayon lang din napansin dahil kagagaling lang niya sa dagat at nalinis doon ang dugo sa katawan at damit niya. 

Happy closed her eyes as she leaned on her husband. "I'm tired."

Agad siya nitong maingat na binuhat at malalaki ang hakbang na umalis ng yate. 

Hindi na namalayan ni Happy ang mga sunod na pangyayari dahil nawalan na siya ng malay. 

Nang magising siya, nasa loob na siya ng puting kuwarto at nanunuot sa ilong niya ang amoy ng gamot. 

Hospital. 

Happy looked at her side and saw Blaze holding her hand while he was asleep. 

Bahagyang gumalaw ang kamay niyang hawak ng asawa pero nagising agad ito at sunod-sunod ang naging tanong. 

"Are you okay? How are you feeling? Is your body okay? Does it hurt? How's the wound?"

Happy smiled. "I'm fine."

Pinakatitigan siya nito bago hinalikan ang likod ng kamay niya. "Talaga? Okay ka lang?"

Tumango siya. "I am."

Para itong nakahinga nang maluwag, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "Baby, I'll be a doctor now, okay?" sabi nito, saka binitiwan ang kamay niya at sinuri ang buong katawan niya, kasama ang sugat niya. 

Gone the sweet Blaze. It was replaced by a very hot and strict looking doctor. 

"You're so handsome," puri niya sa asawa niya na seryoso ang mukha. "Uy, ngingiti na ang asawa ko."

Blaze's face remained serious. "Stop it."

Happy continued praising Blaze. "You're very hot."

"Stop it," saway nito sa kanya. 

Napangiti siya. "My baby, you're so handsome and gorgeous and hot and amazing and so, so good in bed. I love you so much."

Finally, a smile broke his serious face. "Masaya ka nang mapangiti mo ako?"

Tumango si Happy, saka napangiwi nang bahagyang masagi ang sugat niya sa tagiliran. "How's the fourth Arkhon?"

"Rotting on the dirtiest cell."

She frowned. "What if may magtakas sa kanya na isa sa mga loyalist niya?" 

"That's why Yrozz made sure that the lock on his cell can't be open without your fingerprint and mine." 

That made her feel at ease. "That's good. One less problem, a lot more to go." Bumuntong-hininga siya at maglalambing sana sa asawa nang may kumatok at pumasok sa kuwarto na kinaroroonan. 

Helena. 

"Happy, baby," sabi nito, saka lumapit sa kanya ng may pag-aalala. "How are you? Are you okay? I heard about what happened."

Blaze automatically pulled his gun from behind him and he pointed it at Helena. "Don't come near my wife or I'll shoot."

Napatigil sa paglapit si Helena at nagmamakaawa ang mga matang tumingin sa kanya. "Baby, what's the meaning of this?"

"You heard my husband," sabi niya. "Don't come near me."

"Baby—"

"You're part of the Triad," sabi niya, saka walang emosyong tumingin sa mga mata nito. "You betrayed, Dad. You choose the Triad over Dad and me. So don't act like you care—"

"I do care!" Helena hissed at her. "The Triad just forced me to do things, to leave you! I have to leave to keep you safe!" Nanunubig ang mga mata nito. "I love you, baby, and I love your dad. So much. I just want to be with you—"

Helena's speech stopped when a sharp edge of the sword—from behind her—held by Kane touched her neck. 

Parehong silang napatitig ni Blaze kay Kane. 

Slowly, Kane moved from Helena's behind to her side while his sword was still touching Helena's neck. "Pick it up," sabi nito kay Helena na ikinakunot ng noo niya at ikinatingin niya sa sahig. 

There it was. A circle device on the floor. 

"Pick it up," ulit na sabi ni Kane. 

Mabilis na umiling si Helena. "That's not mine."

"I saw you dropped it," sabi ni Kane sa walang emosyong boses. "Pick it up before I pick it up myself and force you to swallow it. We both know what's that thing can do. I specialized in bombs."

Namutla si Helena. "It wasn't mine. The Triad made me do this!" Desperado itong tumingin sa kanya. "Baby, you have to believe me!"

Kane's sword was just touching Helena's neck but now it pierced her skin.

Kane looks livid. 

"Do not call my lady like that," sabi nito sa matalim na boses. "Only His Highness is allowed to call my lady baby."

The seriousness on Blaze's face broke at what Kane said. He actually smiled. 

"If you won't pick it up..." Kane destroyed the device with the sharp tip of his sword before bolding it against Helena's neck again. "Leave before I behead you."

Helena desperately looked at her. "Happy, I love you and you're my life—"

"Why?" she asked, stopping Helena's words. "Why now? Why not before? When I'm still clueless to all of this. You only called after Dad perform the rite of passage for me. Why? What do you want from me?"

"I love you, Happy—"

"Answer me if you want me to believe you," wika niya. 

Bumukas ang bibig ni Helena pero sumara din 'yon bago tumalikod at umalis ng kuwarto niya. 

Napabuntong-hininga siya, saka napatingin kay Kane na bigla na lang lumuhod sa sahig habang nakatungo ang ulo. 

"I'm so sorry, I betrayed you," wika nito habang nakaluhod pa rin. "I will accept any punishment. I'm sorry."

"Bakit ka umalis sa yacht?" tanong nito. 

"Huhulihin nila ako kasama ang ikaapat na Arkhon," sagot ni Kane. "And I will not have the chance to explain myself."

"Why?" Si Blaze ang nagtanong. "Why did you do it?"

Sumagot si Kane habang nakayuko pa rin. "The fourth Arkhon knows where to hide and you can't find him that easily. It's the other way around. He will find you and it'll be too late for all of you to fight him. He will kill all of you. I have to draw him out."

"That was your plan and you didn't tell us about it?" Blaze said in a sarcastic tone. "Nice plan, you dimwit!"

"If I told you about it, it would not work. You have to be genuinely mad at me, especially Lady Happy." 

Napabuntong-hininga si Happy. "Tumayo ka na riyan, Kane."

"But it's my fault that King is in the hospital," sabi nito sa mababang boses. "Akala ko makakalabas kayo agad ng bahay. I know that Phoenix Martinez's alarm system will go off the moment I activated the bombs."

"You kidnapped my wife—"

"I know Lady Happy has a tracking device on her bracelet and I know His Highness will not let any harm befall to Lady Happy."

Blaze tsked. "I should kill you for blowing up our house, you lunatic!"

"I'm sorry," Kane whispered. "I'll pay for it."

Blaze tsked again. "At saan naman galing ang pera mo?"

"My salary, from the fourth Arkhon, since I was a kid." May kinuha si Kane mula sa bulsa nito. "Here. Hindi naman ako kumuha riyan at wala akong pinagkakagastusan kaya nakaipon ako."

Tinanggap ni Blaze ang passbook ni Kane at napamura ang asawa niya, saka hindi makapaniwalang tumingin sa kanya. "Bigla akong nanliit. Barya niya lang ang ipon ko." 

Kane looked up at Blaze. "Would that be enough for the house?"

Ibinalik ni Blaze kay Kane ang passbook nito. "Don't worry about the house. My twin will take care of it. Pagkatapos niya akong bungangaan, aayusin niya 'yon."

Inilahad niya ang kamay kay Kane. "Come on, get up. You saved me."

Umiling ito. "I put you in that position. It was my fault. So, I will accept any punishment. Even death, I'll accept it. Nakapagpaliwanag na ako kaya okay na ako."

"Your punishment?" She looked into his eyes. "Go and tell King what you did and then helped him get better. I need my whole team intact and stronger. We'll be facing the Triad soon. It's gonna be bloody."

Tumango si Kane at tumayo na rin sa wakas, saka parang nag-aalangang nagtanong sa kanya. "Am I... still part of, ahm, Team Happiness?"

"Team Happiness?" sabay nilang gagad ni Blaze rito. 

"Yeah... because you all made me happy."

Napangiti siya. "Go to King. Take care of him." 

Tumango si Kane at lumabas na ng kuwarto niya. 

"You trust him again?" Blaze asked. 

She shrugged. "He saved my life when he doesn't have to. Kung gusto talaga niya akong patayin, dapat pinabayaan niya akong malunod. O kaya naman sana nilabanan ka niya para iligtas si Don Kelleon."

Napatango-tango si Blaze, saka bumuntong-hininga. "With Kane, it's like we're raising a kid. And now your mom, fuck. What are we going to do about her? May kakaiba talaga sa mommy mo."

Tumango siya. "We'll figure it out."

Blaze kissed her temple. "We will."

Akmang maglalapat sana ang mga labi nila ni Blaze nang may tumikhim mula sa pinto ng kuwarto. 

Blaze grunted in annoyance. "Can't we kiss without being interrupted?" 

Mahina siyang natawa, saka bumaling sa pinto. 

It was a woman. Very pretty and regal looking. 

Blaze frowned at the woman. "I think you're in a wrong room, Ma'am—"

"No, I'm not," sabi ng ginang, saka matamis na ngumiti sa kanya habang naglalakad palapit. "Hi..." Inilahad nito ang kamay. "I am Henreitta Lazzaria. Head of Lazzaria family who supports the second Arkhon." 

"Oh." Agad niyang tinanggap ang pakikipagkamay nito. "It's nice to meet you."

"You too." She was grinning from ear to ear. "I saw your video and I was amazed. I was in Europe and I just have to come here and see you to show my support. You are indeed Dom's daughter."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "You called my dad by his, ahm, nickname?" 

"Yes. We go long way back." Henreitta chuckled. "I was your dad's best friend." 

Napakurap-kurap siya sa babae. "You look young to be my dad's best friend."

Henrietta's smile was sweet. "I'm already in my late forties, Miss Quinn—"

"Mrs. Vitale," pagtatama ni Blaze kay Henrietta.

"Oh! I'm sorry, and congratulations."

"Thank you," sabi niya, saka nagtanong uli. "My dad didn't mention you to me."

Nauwi sa ngiwi ang ngiti nito. "Your mom was a very jealous woman, so I distanced myself for everybody's peace of mind. Dom didn't like it but I have to leave Pennsylvania and go to Europe. But now I'm here and I will help you. Whatever you need, tell me. I'll provide it."

"How about some high-tech stuff?" she asked when she remembered Yrozz. 

Henreitta smiled. "Well, I happened to own a tech company. Whatever you need, just call." Binigyan siya nito ng calling card. 

Tinanggap niya ang calling card at nabaling ang atensiyon niya nang may pumasok na lalaki sa loob ng kuwarto. 

"Mom, come on, our plane is waiting." He had a British accent. 

Nagtatanong ang mga mata niyang tumingin kay Henrietta. "What the... h-he l-looks like—"

"Looks like the face says it all." Henreitta chuckled. "We have to go. I'm sorry. See you soon and we'll talk. Take care. If you need anything... call."

Nakatigagal lang si Happy hanggang sa makalabas si Henreitta kasama ang anak nito. 

The whole room was silent until Blaze spoke. 

"Henreitta's son... he's like a younger version of your dad."

She was still in shock as she whispered, "I know... shit."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 44

Hello to Nyca Laine Tamayo and to Rica Mae Cariño of PHR Manila. 

❤️

CHAPTER 44

HINDI TINANTANAN NI HAPPY ang panggigisa sa ama habang nagpi-FaceTime silang dalawa. Hanggang sa naisip din nito kung kailan daw nito 
ginawa
 ang anak nito at ni Henreitta. It was after her mother, Helena, left. 

And she was two years old that time. 

That meant she was still the eldest. Pero pareho ang edad ng anak ni Henreitta at ni Lucky. 

"What the hell, Daddy?!" Happy couldn't contain her shock as she thought of the timeline. "Pinagsabay mo si Henreitta at ang mommy ni Lucky?! How dare you! Talagang ipapahuli na kita! You are a womanizer!"

Napangiwi ang ama niya. "No, hindi ako nagsasabay ng babae, princess. Nagsunod lang sila."

Pinandilatan niya ito ng mga mata. "Nagsunod, 'tapos pareho mong nabuntis?!"

Her dad shrugged. "I'm a sharpshooter?"

"Barilin kaya kita? I'm a sharpshooter too!"

Her father was still grimacing. "Princess, hindi ko naman alam na nagkaanak ako kay Reitta."

Happy tsked. "Alam mo 'yong feeling na gustong-gusto ko ng kapatid, 'tapos malalaman kong may dalawa pala akong kapatid na puro panganay sa iba't ibang babae?! Daddy, please tell me na wala ka nang ibang anak."

Nag-iwas ng tingin ang ama niya. "I don't know. I was a sharpshooter."

"Don't you use condom?!"

"Princess!" He glared at her. "Change topic! This is uncomfortable—"

"Oh? Uncomfortable? 'Buti nga sa iyo! And no, we're not changing the topic here."

Her father sighed. "Bakit binu-bully mo na naman ako, ha, princess? Hindi ka na naaawa sa akin. Sinisigawan mo na lang ako palagi." Nagdadrama na naman ang ama niya. "Hindi mo na ako mahal. Palagi kang nakasinghal sa akin. I'm so sad, princess."

Hindi niya pinansin ang pagdadrama nito. "Nagkita na ba kayo ni Henreitta? It's been a week since she visited me in the hospital."

Tumango ito. "Nakabalik na siya. Hindi pa nga lang kami nagkikita. I was busy with your sister."

"Good." Tumango-tango rin siya. "Talk to her and to my brother. Or else I will really put you in jail. Next to the fourth Arkhon."

Napangiwi ang ama niya. "Princess, naman." Nangungusap ang mga mata nito. "Ayokong makita si Reita. Princess, marupok ang daddy mo. Baka ano ang magawa ko sa kanya."

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "Dad, ang sabi ko kausapin mo hindi ko sinabing landiin mo."

Her dad sighed. "Princess, hindi mo pa rin ba nahahalata hanggang ngayon? Tatlo ang anak ko, lahat panganay sa iba't ibang babae. Isa lang ang ibig sahihin n'on, malandi talaga ang daddy mo."

"Finally! He admits it," sabad ni Daddy Von na nakikita niyang nakahiga sa sofa na nasa likuran ng ama niya. "Klaus! Dominick finally admits that he is horny as fuck!" 

"That's good news, Master!" Boses iyon ng ama ni King.

Napailing siya. "Talk to my brother, Daddy. You owe him an explanation." She tsked again. "And as for Henreitta, kausapin mo lang huwag mong landiin. She's too pretty for you. Baka ano na namang gawin mo sa kanya."

Her dad gaped at her. "Princess, your daddy is very handsome—"

Pinatayan niya ito ng tawag, saka napailing at napabuntong-hininga. Si Blaze naman ay tatawa-tawa lang habang nakahiga sa sofa at nakaunan sa mga hita niya. 

"Your dad is indeed a legend."

Happy flicked his ear. "Siguruhin mo lang na hindi ka gagaya. May lahi rin kayo, baka akala mo. Naka-two rin si Daddy Von."

Ngumiti lang si Blaze, saka hinawakan ang kamay at at dinala iyon sa bibig nito para halikan. "I love you."

Napailing si Happy, saka napabuntong-hininga na naman habang inililibot ang tingin sa kinaroronan nila. 

They were in Racini's Hotel. Penthouse. Doon muna sila hangga't hindi pa naayos ang bahay nila Blaze. 

Yes. It was a huge penthouse but for Team Happiness? It's still small. 

The penthouse only had two rooms. Ang isa, sa kanila ni Blaze. 'Yong pangalawa, si Yrozz ang umokupa dahil doon din nito inilagay ang mga gamit nito. 

So, Kane was sleeping in the living room together with King who was slowly recovering. Ayaw nitong manatili sa ospital baka raw matunugan ng kalaban at atakehin sila roon kaya naman inuwi nila ito sa penthouse. 

At ayaw rin ni King na maraming tauhan ng Organósi ang nakapalibot sa ospital para lang daw dito. Mas marami pa raw ibang bagay na mas importanteng gawin kaysa ang bantayan ito. 

And speaking of King, Blaze let him watch 
Oggy and the Cockroaches
 together with Kane who kept asking why Oggy or the cockroaches didn't die. 

"Because they're awesome," sagot naman ni King sa tanong kay Kane. 

Tumango-tango si Kane habang nagbabalat ng Kisses na chocolate at inilalagay iyon sa nakabukang palad ni King. Minsan naman ay kinakain ni Kane ang binalatan nito na umaani ng reklamo kay King. 

Napailing siya. 

The weirdos were back. Except Yrozz who was busy cracking Midnight's file code. 

Isa na lang daw, mabubuksan na nito iyon. 

Speaking of Midnight, she looked down at her husband. "Kumusta na pala ang paghahanap kay Midnight? Sabi mo ikaw ang gagawa." 

"Mahahanap natin siya," sabi ni Blaze, saka nginitian siya. "Lambingin mo ang asawa mo, dali. Lambingin mo ako." 

Napapailing na niyakap ni Happy si Blaze, saka hinalik-halikan niya ang mga labi nito at sa baba, sa leeg, sa dibdib hanggang sa hulihin nito ang mga labi niya at mapusok na hinalikan. 

King cleared his throat. "Horny people in the sofa, there's a kid here," sabi nito, sabay turo kay Kane na seryosong nanonood. 

Nagpalit na ng channel ang mga ito. They were now watching 
Powerpuff Girls
. 

Blaze tsked before getting up and dragging her with him to their room. 

"Blaze! Ano ba?!"

Hindi nakinig sa kanya ang asawa. Basta hinila lang siya nito sa kuwarto nila. At nang maisara ang pinto ay agad siya nitong isinandal doon at siniil ng mapusok na halik na agad naman niyang tinugon. 

Nagpaubaya si Happy nang isa-isang hinubad ni Blaze ang damit niya habang hinuhubad din niya ang damit nito. 

They were touching and groping each other until they both fell on the bed. 

And Blaze started romancing her naked body. 

Panay lang ang daing at ungol ni Happy habang hinahalikan ng asawa niya ang katawan niya. At nang bumaba ang mga labi nito sa pagkababae niya, doon siya napaliyad at mas malakas na napaungol. 

She really liked it when Blaze was eating her. It felt so good, she always wanted more. 

Napasabunot siya sa buhok ng asawa habang kinakain nito ang pagkababae niya habang umuungol siya. 

"Blaze... Blaze..."

Blaze didn't stop eating her until she was moaning loudly as she came. 

At nang kubabawan siya nito para angkinin, pumulupot na lang ang mga hita niya sa baywang nito. Yumakap siya sa leeg nito habang sinasabayan itong gumalaw para sabay nilang maabot ang sukdukan ng pag-iisa ng katawan nila. 

Sabay silang napapadaing nang mahina ni Blaze. Bumabaon ang kuko niya sa likod nito sa bawat pagsagad ng kahabaan nito sa loob niya. Hindi niya napigilang kagatin ang balikat ng asawa nang maramdamang malapit na siyang sumabog. 

She was gripping Blaze's butt cheek, her nails dug on his skin as he filled her faster and harder until she came, and he filled her with his hot semen. 

Napakabat-labi na lang si Happy pagkatapos siyang ihatid sa langit ni Blaze. 

"That was good..." she breathed out. 

"Yeah..." Blaze buried his face on her neck. "I love you, Happy."

She smiled. "I love you too, Blazey."

Umalis ito sa pagkakakubabaw sa kanya at iginiya ang ulo niya para umunan sa braso nito. "Baby?"

"Hmm?" she hummed. 

"Wala pa bang laman 'to?" tanong ni Blaze, sabay haplos sa tiyan niya. 

Happy chuckled. "Gusto mo magpa-check ako?"

"Hmm... kahit hindi na. Sigurado akong mayroon 'yan pagkatapos ngayon."

Natawa siya pero agad ding nabahala. "Kung may laman na ang tiyan ko kawawa naman siya. I'd been lashed and stressed these past few weeks. Baka maapektuhan siya kung nasa loob ko na siya. Oh, God... bakit hindi ako nag-iisip?"

Blaze chuckled as he kissed her cheek. "Bakit? Gusto mo na bang magkaanak tayo?"

"Oo na parang hindi," sagot niya. "Magulo pa kasi." 

Kinubabawan siya uli ng asawa at hinalikan ang hubad niyang katawan. 

"Gawa tayo ng baby," aya ni Blaze sa kanya at inangkin na naman siya. 

And Happy just let her husband owned her in more ways than one. Pinagsaluhan nila ang init ng katawan at paulit-ulit na nagtalik. Siniguro nilang pareho nilang naabot ang rurok ng kaligayahan nang sabay silang labasan ng ilang beses. 

Makatapos nilang magtalik ng ilang beses, iniwan niya sa kama ang asawa at pumasok sa banyo para maglinis ng katawan. Nang makalabas siya ng banyo, napailing na lang siya nang makitang mahimbing nang natutulog si Blaze. 

Walang ingay siyang nagbihis, pagkatapos ay lumabas ng kuwarto nila. Nasa kuwarto pa rin nito si Yrozz at tulog na si King. Nakapatay na ang TV at wala si Kane. Kaya naman hinanap niya ito at natagpuan naman niya ito agad sa kusina. 

Kane was looking around the kitchen like he was looking for something. Napahawak ito sa tiyan, saka binuksan ang ref, kapagkuwan ay isinara iyon at napahawak uli sa tiyan. 

Mahina siyang natawa. "Hungry?"

Mabilis na lumingon sa kanya si Kane, saka tumango. "Yes." He looked at ther ref again. "Si King ang cook pero nagpapagaling pa siya. I don't think Yrozz knows how to cook so is His Highness. And you're busy... and..." Itinuro nito ang sarili. "I don't know how to cook. I have no idea how's it's done."

Napailing siya. "Ako na. Upo ka na lang."

Tahimik namang sumunod sa kanya si Kane at umupo sa upuan sa hapagkainan habang naghahanda siya ng ingredients para sa lulutuin. 

Nasa kalagitnaan siya ng pagluluto nang basagin ni Kane ang katahimikan. "Lady Happy?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm really sorry," sabi nito na ikinalingon niya.

"For?"

"For betraying you."

She frowned. "But you didn't."

"Yes, but when you thought I did, Yrozz told me you changed." He looked into her eyes. "I'm sorry. I don't want you to change. I like how very trusting you are and how you show kindness and mercy. That's why got me because people I know are not like you. You trusted me and your kind to me. I don't want you to lose that. Leave the doubt and the mistrust to us. We'll deal with them. I'll kill them for you... Just please don't change. Please?"

Ilang segundo niyang tinitigan ang nangungusap na mga mata ni Kane bago siya sumagot. "Kane, what you did, it opened my eyes. Na-realize ko na dapat hindi ako ganoon. So, I forced myself to change but... here I am, trusting you again. I keep telling myself na dapat ganito ako, na dapat ganoon, na dapat hindi ako ganito pero I still end up being that me... the weak me. I told myself that I will never show the fourth Arkhon mercy but one look at Knight, naging malambot na naman ako." 

"It's because that's you," Kane said softly. "That's who you are and that's what makes Lady Happiness Aravena Quinn unique and beautiful."

Napangiti siya. "And you said you're innocent. 
Aww
, my baby is growing up. You know how praise a woman now."

Kane's eyes literally widened. "Don't call me baby. If His Highness heard it, he would kill me."

Malakas siyang natawa. "Kane, there are three meanings of baby. One, baby as in romantically like an endearment. Two, baby as in a parent calling her or his child a baby. It's an endearment as well. Parang naglalambing, ganoon. And lastly, the baby. Like literally a baby. An infant."

Kane frowned. "And which one am I?"

Happy grinned. "The infant."

Kane nodded earnestly. "Pero malaki na ako." 

"Nope, you're a baby in my eyes."

Tumango uli si Kane at hindi na umimik. Siya naman ay tinapos ang pagluluto. Pagkatapos ay nilagyan ng kanin at ulam sa pinggan si Kane, saka inilapag iyon sa mesa, sa harap nito. 

"Here. Eat up," sabi niya. 

Ikinuha niya ito ng kutsara at tinidor, saka pinagsalin ng tubig sa baso. 

"Ano'ng gusto mo? Fresh mango or pineapple juice?" tanong niya kay Kane habang sinisilip ang laman ng ref. 

"Chocolate milk."

Natawa si Happy, saka kinuha ang ipinatagong Chuckie sa kanya ni King. Isinalin niya ang laman niyon sa baso at iyon ang ibinigay niya kay Kane. 

"Here you go," nakangiting sabi niya. "May gusto ka pa?"

Umiling si Kane at walang imik itong kumain hanggang sa mag-angat ng tingin sa kanya. 

"May naisip ako," sabi nito na kumunot ang noo. "Baby pa rin kaya ang tawag mo sa akin kapag nakita mo ang mukha ko?"

Kumunot ang noo ni Happy. "What do you mean?"

"I'm not called monsters just because of my skills alone," pabulong na sabi ni Kane, saka itinuro nito ang maskara. "I used this so people would not look at me differently."

Happy's face softened. "Okay lang ba sa iyo na makita ko ang mukha mo? Kung hindi, ayos lang din."

"You might not like what you'll see," sabi ni Kane. 

Happy smiled. "Try me."

Humugot ng malalim na hininga si Kane na parang kinakabahan sa gagawin bago nito inalis ang pagkakatali ng maskara sa likod at dahan-dahang inalis iyon. 

Hindi kumurap si Happy habang unti-unting lumalayo ang maskara sa mukha ni Kane. 

Seconds later, his face was on full show. 

His deep mismatched eyes. His pointed nose. His stubborn jaw line. His flat eyebrows and his handsome face. 

"I'm sorry if I'm an eyesore," sabi nito nang tuluyang maibaba ang maskara na hawak. 

Lumapit siya sa lalaki at lumapat ang dulo ng daliri niya sa pahaba nitong pilat mula sa noo, pahilis sa gitna ng mga mata nito, pababa sa ilong at sa pisngi. Dalawang pilat iyon na parang hugis "X" sa mukha nito. 

Pilat na parang gawa ng kutsilyo na pilit na inukit sa mukha nito. 

Her heart tightened at the thought of Kane enduring the pain it caused. 

"W-who did this to you?" nanginginig ang boses na tanong niya. 

"I was five," sagot nito. "It's a birthday gift, from my mother."

Her lips parted open as tears swell from her eyes. "W-why would she do this to you? Why?" Masuyong hinahaplos na niya ngayon ang pilat sa mukha nito. 

"She... she was violated by one of the Triad's bosses," kuwento ni Kane sa walang emosyong boses. "Nakuha ko ang mga mata ng lalaking gumahasa sa kanya. Hindi na niya nakayang tumingin sa akin araw-araw kaya naglalasing siya. And on my fifth birthday, she was so drunk and wanted to gouge out my eyes because they were evil, my eyes reminds her of what happened to her. But because she was drunk, the knife she was holding took a different path."

"N-nasaan na siya ngayon?"

"Asylum." 

Umawang ang mga labi niya. "D-do you visit her?"

Umiling ito. "I did. Once. And she nearly killed herself. Kaya minabuti ko nang hindi na siya bisitahin. She's better off without me."

Her tears fell on her cheeks. "Well, we are not better off without you. You're part of our family now. Team Happiness, remember? Your face without your mask doesn't bother me. I'm sure it won't bother the rest as well."

The look in Kane's eyes, the gratitude and the happiness in their depths, it moved her. 

"Thank you. It means a lot to me." The sincerity in his voice made her heart reach out to him. "In the past years, I learned that people laugh or make fun over other people's misery. It's like people's pain and embarrassment are other people's joke and happiness. That's why I hid behind the mask, so no one will laugh at how I look and no one will look at me like I'm a joke."

Hindi napigilan ni Happy na yakapin si Kane at hagurin ang likod ng ulo nito. "Someday, Kane, not just me or our family, I know, someone will accept you for who you are. With that scar on your face and your innocence. And that person will be the luckiest in the world for being with you."

He smiled. "Thank you, Lady Happy."

Hinalikan niya sa noo si Kane at hinagod ang likod nito. "Kung kaya mo na, don't use your mask around us. Kung kaya mo lang naman na at kung 'yon ang gusto mo."

Kane looked up at her. "Is it part of being in a family as well? Accepting one's bad appearance? I mean, you're all good looking... and I'm not." 

Pinakatitigan niya ang lalaki, saka nginitian. "You're handsome."

"You're lying."

"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder," sabi niyang nakangiti. "For me, you are handsome. Don't listen to other people. They don't know a shit about you. All they do is judge and make more judgement without knowing the real you. Huwag mo silang hayaang maapektuhan ka. Learn to love yourself, genuinely care for yourself, and then self-respect will follow, and then you will be able to know your worth as a person and as a man."

Kane nodded. "You're a good woman, Lady Happy. His Highness is very lucky to have you."

"As I am lucky to have him," she replied with a smile. "Eat up, alam kong kanina ka pa nagugutom. If you want more chocolate..." Itinuro niya ang ref. "King's Chuckie is in there. Ubusin mo. Kapag nagalit siya, akong bahala. Wala naman siyang magagawa kasi may sugat pa siya."

Mahinang tumawa si Kane, saka kumain uli. 

Ginulo niya ang buhok nito bago lumabas ng kusina. 

Natigilan si Happy sa paghakbang nang makitang nasa gilid ng pinto papasok sa kusina si Blaze at nakasandal. 

Agad niyang nilapitan ang asawa. "Kanina ka pa ba riyan?" 

Tumango si Blaze. "I heard everything. Oddly, I'm not even jealous." He tsked. "Maybe because he looked at you like you're his mom." He chuckled while looking at her. "That kid see you as a mother."

Nagkibit-balikat lang siya, saka lumapit dito. "I don't mind. Baby ko na siya. I mean, panganay natin siya."

Blaze laughed. "Ang tanda na ng panganay natin."

Happy shrugged again. "Physically yes, but mentally, he's still a kid. Except when he's in a battle mode."

Tumango si Blaze bilang pagsang-ayon, saka yinakap siya. "Well, he's a kid in my eyes anyway. Who doesn't know sex in that age? He's so innocent!"

Pinangigigilan niya ang butt cheeks nito. "Kaya be a good influence. If he sees me as his mom, then he sees you as his father. So be a good boy, okay? No horny stuff when Kane is around."

Blaze tsked. "I will be a good influence to Kane and because I'm a good influence, I'll bring him to a strip club and maybe pay some women to dance and take his innocence away—"

"Look at me and tell me if I'm happy."

Agad na ngumiti ang asawa. "On second thought, watching 
Tom and Jerry
 is better than strippers. I mean, who wouldn't choose 
Tom and Jerry
 over naked women?"

Happy glared at Blaze. "Gusto mong ipaalalala ko uli sa iyo 'yong porn magazines mo?"

Mabilis na umiling si Blaze. "No. It has been bombed and burned. Huwag na nating balikan pa."

Happy smiled sweetly. "Good. Now go and talk to Kane. Be a good influence."

Tumango si Blaze at papasok na sana sa kusina nang bigla nilang narinig ang sigaw ni Yrozz. 

"Eureka! Eureka!" 

Mabilis nilang pinuntahan si Yrozz, ganoon din si Kane na dala-dala pa ang plato at si King naman ay nakangiwing naglalakad habang hawak ang remote control ng TV. 

"What is it?" nakangiwing tanong ni King, kapagkuwan ay tiningnan nito nang masama si Kane nang makita ang laman ng basong hawak nito. "That's my chocolate milk!" 

Agad siyang itinuro ni Kane. "Lady Happy told me she got my back if you get angry."

King tsked before asking Yrozz again who was grinning from ear to ear. "What is it?"

"I got it!" Yrozz exclaimed before facing her and Blaze. "I got it! I cracked the file open! I got it!"

Masayang nagkatinginan sila ni Blaze. Pumalakpak pa siya sa saya. "Well, what are you waiting for? Let's see it."

"Okay!" Yrozz clasped his hands. "Wait for me in the living room." 

Lalat sila ay tumango at tinungo ang sala. Si Kane naman ay inalalayan si King habang umiinom ito ng chocolate milk. 

Nang makaupo sila sa mahabang sofa, pinagsalikop ni Blaze ang kamay nila. 

"This is it." He smiled. "Finally. Midnight's file."

Tumango siya, saka nginitian ang asawa. "Whatever is inside, I hope it's all worth it."

Blaze kissed her temple. "Whatever is inside, I'm just here. May it be positive or negative, nandito lang ako. Ang asawa mo na mahal na mahal ka."

Matamis siyang napangiti, saka hinalikan ito sa mga labi. "I love you."

Blaze smiled back softly at her. "Mas mahal ka nitong asawa mo."

Tumatalon-talon ang puso ni Happy sa kilig. "Alam ko." 

Blaze kissed her lips again and only pulled away when they heard Yrozz's voice. 

"Okay... let's do it," sabi ni Yrozz na ikinonekta ang laptop sa flat screen. 

Humigpit ang pagkakahawak nina Blaze at Happy sa kamay ng isa't isa habang nag-uumpisa ang video. 

Seconds passed, Midnight came into view on the monitor. No contact lens. Just pure Midnight. 

Her brother. 

"This is for my little sister Happiness," sabi ni Midnight, saka ngumiti sa camera. "Hey, 'lil sis... miss me?"

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 45

TITIG NA TITIG ni Happy kay Midnight nang ngumiti ito sa camera at tinanong kung na-miss ba niya ito. Her heart and mind automatically answered yes. She missed him. She wanted to see him. She wanted to hug him again. To tease him and to shout at him like she was angry but she was actually not. 

Happy missed those times when she and Midnight argued a lot but ended up laughing and teasing each other. 

"Kuya..." Happy whispered as tears glistened on her eyes. "I miss you."

"'Lil sis, you know that I love you, right? I was there when you woke up from coma, I saw how happy your father was and how scared he was." 
Ang ngiti nito ay unti-unting nawawala.
 "I know you're the kind of person who doesn't ask a lot of questions. Lalo na kapag ang daddy mo ang nagsabi sa iyo, naniniwala ka agad. I know you view your dad as a perfect father who loves you to the moon and back and back again. But he made mistakes... but those mistakes were made because he loves you. And I'm doing this, telling you his secrets to you... because I love you and I think you deserve to know the truth. And this is my only chance to redeem myself to you for lying to you constantly. They said that there are secrets better left unknown but I don't believe that. Me of all people knew what it feels like to be kept a secret or to keep secrets from me. And I don't want that for you. But please, keep in mind that your dad just want to keep you safe and that it wasn't your fault."

Bumuntong-hininga si Midnight, malungkot na ang bukas ng mukha nito.
 "What I will show you, I found these on the deleted archives buried deeply in the Organization system. You know how I like digging things up and hacking the unhackable. That's where I stumbled on this. I'd been thinking about these for months now, and I decided to show it to you. Don't blame yourself, okay? I wouldn't like that. Keep in mind that I love you, okay, lil sis?"

All of the sudden, the monitor went black. 

Seconds later, a video played. 

It was a girl... in her teens. Mahaba ang buhok nito at kayumanggi ang balat. And she was talking to her dad. 

"So nasabihan ka na kung ano'ng kailangan ko sa iyo at kung ano'ng ibibigay kong kapalit?" 
tanong ng ama niya sa babae
. "We're on camera, by the way. For assurance purposes in case you sue us after this."

Tumango ang dalagita.
 "Hindi naman ako ganoon. Saka eighteen na ako. Puwede na akong magdesisyon para sa sarili ko. Alam ko naman ang pinasok ko. Mas madali 'yon kaysa sa buhay ko ngayon. Saka ang ganda ho ng anak n'yo."

Tumango ang ama niya.
 "Kahit anong kailangan mo, magsabi ka lang. Gagawin ko pagkatapos nito."

Masuyong ngumiti ang dalagita.
 "Ang suwerte ho ng anak n'yo, Sir, gagawin n'yo ang lahat para sa kanya. Nakakatuwa na mayroong magulang na katulad mo. 'Yong sa akin kasi iniwan lang ako sa bahay-ampunan. Nakakainggit siya."

Lumungkot ang mukha ng kanyang ama
. "Hindi siya masuwerte sa akin. Kasalanan ko kung bakit nasa ganoon siyang kalagayan ngayon at hindi ko hahayaang may mangyaring masama sa prinsesa ko. I have to keep her safe. I know I'm asking a lot that's why thank you for saying yes."

"Babayaran n'yo naman ako ng malaking halaga," 
sabi ng dalagita na nakangiti.
 "At bibigyan ng bagong pamilya. 'Yon lang ang gusto ko."

"I'm really sorry," 
sabi ng ama niya na halatang nahihirapan sa kung ano man ang ipapagawa nito sa dalagita.
 "I'm so sorry for offering this to you. I'm desperate." 

Then Uncle Klaus, King's father came into view holding out a paper to the girl. 

"This is a waiver," 
sabi ni Uncle Klaus.
 

"Diyan ka pipirma na ayos lang sa iyo ang lahat," 
sabi ng ama niya.
 "Basahin mong mabuti, intindihin mo bago ka magdesisyon uli—"

Bago pa matapos ang sasabihin ng ama niya, pumirma na ang dalagita. 

"Here it it," wika ni Yrozz na may inilapag na papel sa Ibabaw ng center table. "Ito ang papel na pinirmahan niya. Kasama ito sa mga files ni Midnight."

"Ayos lang sa akin ang lahat," 
sabi ng dalagita sa video.
 "Gusto ko ng bagong buhay, buhay na hindi mahirap, na hindi ganito na papalit-palit ako ng bahay-ampunan. Kung kaya n'yo iyong ibigay sa akin, papayag ako kahit na ano pang kapalit. Ayoko lang na maghirap. Nakakapagod na."

Her father nodded.
 "Si Klaus, kaibigan ko siya. Sumama ka sa kanya para maumpisahan na."

Tumango ang dalagita at sumama naman agad sa ama ni King. Kapagkuwan ay may pumalit sa kinauupuan ng dalagita. 

Daddy Von. Blaze's Dad. 

"Are you sure about this?" 
tanong ni Daddy Von sa nag-aalalang boses
. "That kid, she will die. By doing this, you're putting someone in danger."

"I have to keep my daughter safe, Von."

"In expense for someone's life?"

"She said yes—"

"She doesn't know better!" 
Daddy Von hissed, clearly angry
. "You're taking advantage of that girl! She will be harmed because of you. If she die, that's on you! What do you think Happy would feel if someone die because of her?!"

A tear fell from her father's eyes
. "As heartless as this may sound, I don't care if I put someone in danger over my daughter. My princess is the only thing I have, Von. I can't lose her too because of this war. I can't lose my daughter because I'm fighting for what I believe in. I'm the reason why she's in coma, it's my responsibility to keep her unharmed."

Napailing si Daddy Von.
 "You're sentencing someone to die for your daughter."

"I'll go to hell then, but at least my princess is unharmed."

"Dominick!"

"Von..." 
Her father was begging.
 "Please? My princess... I'm not giving up on her. Never! She will wake up someday... please... do this one for me. Please?"

Daddy Von sighed.
 "Okay... but I don't have to like it. It's still not a good idea and it will backfire on all us someday."

"It won't." 
Umiling ang ama niya.
 "No one will know. No one." 

Daddy Von sighed.
 "We are protecting the innocent, Dominick... this is not right."

"For my daughter... I'll make it right."

Napailing si Daddy Von
. "This will never be right. Never!"

Daddy Von left and it was just her dad who looked lost and desperate. 

Then he looked at the camera... and he spoke. 

"Princess, I know you will never know this. I won't let you know this. But if you did, and for some reason you find this recording, I hope I'm already dead. What Daddy's about to do is very bad but I'm doing all this for you. To keep you safe and to give you a good life. I promise, princess, that after this, we will live a long peaceful life and when you wake up. Daddy will be there for you. I will not leave you anymore. Daddy will never let go of you. Never. I promise, princess. I promise."

The TV screen went black again before another video played. The date on the bottom was different. 

The first video was dated November 2005 and this second video was dated July 2006. Nearly a year had passed. 

Kung ganoon nangyari ang lahat ng ito noong malapit na siyang magising. 

She was born on 1990. She was now 28. In 2005, she was fifteen, and she woke up when she was 19 years old. That was late 2009. Nearly Christmas. 

His father was in a room while a woman laid on a bed—a hospital bed. May nakapalibot na tela sa mukha ng babaeng nakahiga sa kama pero gising na ito. 

Her dad looked at the camera.
 "Is the camera really necessary, Klaus?"

"Sorry, Master, this is just a precaution in case she sue us. This video is to show that she did it in her own volition and we didn't force her—"

"We just took advantage of her," 
sabad ni Daddy Von na pumasok na rin sa kuwarto. 

"What happened to the doctor who perform the procedure?" 
tanong ng ama niya sa ama ni King. 

"Paid with lots of money for his silence. I told him that if he ever speak of what happened, I'll kill him together with his family if he will ever have one in the future
," sagot ng ama ni King. 

"Thank you, Klaus," 
sabi ng ama niya.
 

"You're welcome, Master Dominick." 

Lumapit ang ama niya sa babaeng nakahiga sa kama.
 "Kumusta? Ano'ng nararamdaman mo?"

Sumagot ang babae
. "Medyo kinakabahan ho."

Ngumiti ang ama niya.
 "Magaling na doktor ang gumawa nito. Tiyak na maayos lang ang lahat."

Tumango ang babae at hinayaan ang ama ni King na tanggalin ang nakapalibot na tela sa mukha nito
. 

Unti-unting nakikita nila ang mukha ng babae. Mula sa noo, mga mata, ilong, labi, hanggang sa buong mukha na nito ang natitigan nilang lahat. 

And Happy's lips parted open in shock. Her body went cold and she felt the very core of her existence shook. 

The girl... she looked exactly like her! From the face to the hair color, even the eye color! Gone the girl who was talking to her father on the first video. Even her skin color had changed! This girl was her! Her exact replica! 

Happy's hands were trembling but it trembled more when Blaze whispered a name. 

"Cassie..." 

Happy felt her heart sunk into the bottom of her whole being. 

This woman. That girl on the first video. It was Cassie! And her dad changed Cassie's face to look like her! 

To keep me safe!

Nag-uunahang nalaglag ang mga luha niya, lalo na nang pumasok sa isip niya ang ikinuwento sa kanya ni Blaze na nangyari kay Cassie.

"Oh, God..." umiiyak niyang bulong. "No... Daddy... what have you done?"

The video continued playing. 

"Anong pakiramdam mo
?" tanong ng ama niya habang inaabot ang salamin sa kamukha niya. 

Malapad na ngumiti ang dalagita nang makita ang mukha sa salamin
. "Ang ganda ko ho."

Tipid na ngumiti ang ama niya
. "Mula ngayon, ikaw na si Happiness Aravena Quinn—"

"Dominick, don't," 
pigil ni Daddy Von.
 "Give her her own identity. Don't take that away from her."

Her father sighed. "
Okay, then." 
Inilahad ng ama niya ang kamay nito sa dalagita.
 "It was nice doing business with you, Cassie."

Tinanggap naman ni Cassie—na ngayon ay kamukha na niya—ang kamay ng ama.
 "Salamat sa pagbigay sa akin ng panibagong buhay."

Lumungkot ang bukas ng mukha ng ama niya.
 "Ikakapahamak mo 'to."

"Alam ko pero ayos lang. Ang mahalaga, bagong buhay ang papasukin ko." 

Napailing si Daddy Von. 
"This is not right."

"Iiwan ka namin dito sa Pilipinas, kasama ang pamilya na mag-aalaga sa iyo. Bibigyan kita ng maraming pera, kapalit n'on ay ang pag-aalaga mo sa mukha ng anak ko. I'm sorry for asking you to do this."

Umiling si Cassie.
 "Alam ko ang pinasok ko. Hindi naman ako bobo." 

Uncle Klaus spoke.
 "Here. Your new identity." 
May ibinigay ito kay Cassie. 

May inilapag uli si Yrozz na papel sa ibabaw ng mesa. "This is the paper. Lahat ng papel na 'to," wika nito na inilapag lahat ng hawak na papel. "Lahat may kinalaman 'to sa nangyari. Even Cassie's medical records are here. Everything is signed by Cassie and she was eighteen so she was already at a legal age to decide. Everything is in order. I can't believe Midnight dug this up."

"You are Cassie De Guzman, but in your new birth certificate, you are Cassie Aravena De Guzman. Sixteen years old—"

"Pero eighteen na ako," 
sabad ni Cassie.
 

"Sixteen pa lang ang anak ko," 
sabi ng ama niya.
 

"Ah." 
Ngumiti si Cassie
. "Sige. Sixteen or seventeen pa lang din ako, hindi naman mahirap sa akin ang magsinungaling sa edad. Pero bakit may Aravena?"

"Isa 'yon sa pangalan ng anak ko," 
paliwanag ng ama niya
. "It's to confuse my enemies while I'm hiding my daughter. Sana hindi ka mapahamak—"

"Bullshit," 
sabi ni Daddy Von
. "You will get caught. And they will make you suffer because our enemy would think that you are Dominick's daughter. And when that time comes, you will regret everything... you will regret saying yes to this psychopath!" 

Umalis si Daddy Von sa kuwarto na 'yon at naiwan na lang ang ama niya at si Uncle Klaus. 

"I hope you live a long life," 
sabi ng ama niya
. "Para humaba rin ang buhay ng anak ko na walang nanggugulo sa kanya."

Cassie smiled.
 "Susubukan kong hindi gumawa ng gulo."

"Even at the age of four, my daughter was sweet and caring. And she's very nice to everybody. Even when she doesn't know them. I hope you can act like that too. I know my Happy will be like that when she wakes up." 
Hinawakan ng ama niya ang kamay ni Cassie.
 "Maraming salamat talaga. My daughter will be safe because of you. I wish you happiness with your new face and your new life."

Nakangiting tumango si Cassie.
 "Sino ho pala ang pamilyang makakasama ko?"

"Inaayos na namin 'yon sa ngayon. My friend, Von, may kinausap na siyang titingin-tingin sa iyo pansamantala habang inaayos namin ang lahat ng dapat ayusin. Hindi niya alam ang tungkol sa anak ko at ang tungkol sa iyo. Wala siyang alam. Beth ang pangalan niya at may anak siyang kambal na lalaki."

Nakangiti pa ring tumango si Cassie.
 "Excited na ako sa bago kong buhay."

Tumango ang ama niya, saka bumaling ito sa ama ni King.
 "Leave a paper trail, but don't make it obvious. Make sure that they will assume that my daughter is alive and well. And prepare some papers to move my daughter to Berkshire, England. No one should know that I'm moving my daughter to another facility. And book me multiple flights round trip from Pennsylvania to Philippines."

Natigilan si Uncle Klaus.
 "For what reason, Master?" 

Tumitig ang ama niya kay Cassie na nakikinig lang.
 "To lead them here, so my daughter will be unharmed."

Uncle Klaus stilled
. "Maybe Master Von is right. This is a bad Idea. You will get this girl killed—"

"Do it," 
utos ng ama niya.
 

Nag-aalangan man, tumango si Uncle Klaus
. "Yes, Master."

And her father continued talking to Cassie like he was not sentencing her to die. And Cassie looked so excited making her tears fall harder. 

At lalong napahagulhol si Happy nang maramdamam niyang unti-unting binitawan ni Blaze ang kamay niya. 

Then Midnight came into view again. 

"I attached all the papers I have gathered about the procedure," 
sabi ni Midnight.
 "It's in the file. They deleted it and buried the remnants but I'm awesome and I have a lot of time to dig it all up. Lil sis, I know what you're feeling right now. This is not your fault. Cassie's death is not your fault. It wasn't your fault when the Organization's enemy got her because she looked exactly like you. It wasn't your fault that your dad made sure to stay in the Philippines a week per year to lead the enemies here. It wasn't you fault, okay? It wasn't. I let you see this so you can thank Cassie for saving you. So, you can honor her for being a brave woman. She deserves to be known by you. She deserves the respect and I know you can give it to her."

Umiling si Happy habang lumuluha. "I'm not worth all this," bulong niya. "I'm not."

Kagat ang labing tumingin siya sa asawa niya. Panay ang tagis ng mga bagang nito habang nanunubig ng luha ang mga mata. 

He tried holding his hand but he avoided it. 

Her heart clenched. "Blazey..."

"Don't call me that," sabi nito, saka matalim ang matang tumingin sa kanya. "It's you... I lost Cassie because of you. I lost my child with Cassie because of you. She was raped and murdered because of you. Every pain she felt before she died was because of you. For what? So, you will be unharmed? To keep you safe? What makes your life more important than hers?! What makes you worth it than hers?!"

"Blazey—"

"Don't call me that!" Blaze hissed at her in so much anger. "You took Cassie away from me! You killed her and our child!"

Humahagulhol na lumuhod siya sa harap ni Blaze habang humihingi ng tawad. "My daddy is wrong," sabi niyang humihikbi. "I'm not worth It... I'm not... I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry Cassie... I'm so sorry, Blaze... I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry... sorry... sorry... I'm sorry. Sorry. Please forgive me... Blaze.... I'm so sorry... I'm sorry... I love you, please I'm sorry... please... I'm sorry... don't leave me, please, I'm sorry..."

Happy was about to beg more. So Blaze wouldn't leave but he stormed off and left the penthouse. 

She could feel her heart being wrenched away from her ribcage. 

Napasandal siya sa likod ng paanan ng sofa habang tahimik na umiiyak. Walang lumabas na tunog sa mga bibig niya pero sunod-sunod ang luha niya. 

Tama si Blaze. Kasalanan niya lahat 'to. Her daddy just wanted her to be safe. This all happened because of her. 

"My lady..." sabi ni Kane bago siya niyakap mula sa tagiliran. "We're here... we're here... His Highness will come back, we're family. 'Di ba hindi dapat tumatalikod sa pamilya? Kung mahal ka niya, babalik siya. He will understand that it wasn't your fault."

Umiling siya habang umiiyak. "S-someone died because of me, Kane. Blaze's beloved died because of me... Oh, God... I have no right to ask him to move on from Cassie because it was my fault. It was my fault! Oh, God... oh, God... I'm so sorry... oh, God..."

Humigpit ang yakap sa kanya ni Kane habang inaalo siya. "Stop crying... we're Team Happiness, remember?"

Lalo lang siyang humagulhol habang paulit-ulit na nagre-replay sa isip niya ang mga sinabi ni Blaze sa kanya bago ito umalis. 

The pain in his eyes. It was back. The suffering in their depths, it was there again. 

"I broke him again... I broke him again... I'm so sorry... I love you so much... I'm so sorry. Please forgive me... please forgive me... If only I could trade places with Cassie, I will. Please forgive me... Please..."

Mas humigpit pa ang yakap sa kanya ni Kane habang inaalo siya. 

Napakapit siya sa braso nito habang umiiyak na nauwi sa mahigpit niyang pagkayakap dito.

"His Highness will come back, you'll see," pag-aalo sa kanya ni Kane. "Nagpapalamig lang siya. Babalik din siya agad. He loves you, remember? And when you love someone, you don't leave them. So, stay with them through thick and thin. And His Highness will do that. He will come back for you because he loves you."

Panay lang ang iyak at hagulhol niya habang pinakikinggan si Kane. 

Panay ang dasal niya na sana nga, sana nga bumalik si Blaze. Sana nga makita niya ito uli na nakatingin sa kanya na puno ng pagmamahal ang mga mata. 

But minutes, hours and days passed. 

No Blaze. Not even his shadow. 

And Happy just kept on crying and blaming herself as the days passed without Blaze by her side. She barely moved, she barely ate and she forgot all about the Organization. She turned her back on her responsibility... until King decided to bring her to Pennsylvania to talk to her dad for her peace of mind. 

She was reluctant to leave, she wanted to wait for Blaze. But he didn't come back. 

No messages, no calls... nothing. While she sent him countless of messages, asking for forgiveness. She even tried calling but he would always reject her call. 

He left her for good. 

And the worst part was, she knew she deserved it. This was what she deserved. Her life was not worth more than someone else's. This pain, this longing, this was what she deserved for Cassie's death. For even asking Blaze to move on from Cassie! 

She was shameless to even consider herself worthy to be with Blaze and to replace Cassie in his heart. 

She didn't deserve Blaze. Or even his love. 

She was not worth of his love even though her heart was screaming how much she loved Blaze. What he said to her kept on replaying in her mind and it made her question herself as well. 

"What makes your life more important than hers? What makes you worth it than hers?"

Even in her dreams. It plagued her sleep. 

And as the day passed with no Blaze, Happy knew, she was losing her husband. 

Gusto niyang ipaglaban ang asawa niya, gusto niya itong hanapin, sundan at kausapin, pero tuwing naaalala niya ang nangyari kay Cassie, sa pinakamamahal nitong babae nang dahil sa kanya, hindi niya magawang gumalaw. 

Nahihiya siya dahil sa mga lumipas na araw, lalo niyang nararamdaman na hindi siya nararapat kay Blaze. 

At habang papaalis ang eroplanong sinasakyan niya patungong Pennsylvania para kausapin nang personal ang ama niya, nagpadala siya ng huling mensahe para sa asawa niya. 

I'm leaving for Pennsylvania today. I'm really sorry, Blaze. I hope you can forgive me someday. I may not be your beloved but you're mine. As days passed, I realized that I'm not worthy of you and I'm ashamed for even thinking that I can replace Cassie in your heart and in your life. I can never replace her, I know that now. I'm sorry for tarnishing her endearment for you. I would never call you that anymore—it's not like you will see me again after what happened. Alam kong ayaw mo akong makita, ayos lang 'yon basta mag-ingat ka. Kung saan ka masaya, susuportahan kita. Mahal na mahal kita, Blaze. Mahal na mahal.

When Happy hit 
send
, a tear fell from her eyes. 

One week without Blaze was torture. What more if she spent a whole month without him? It would be hellish. 

A hell on earth for me.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 46

HAPPY WAS BUSY in front of her laptop, conversing with Yrozz who was in the other side of the world with Kane, fighting the Triad. It had been two weeks since she arrived in Pennsylvania and she gave all her time on taking down Triad's HQs. From Asia to North and South America. 

She never stopped working. She focussed all her time on her goal, to defeat the Triad and make a difference. That, and to keep herself sane. 

"The Triad's HQ in Taiwan had been destroyed, members had been disposed of and some were on jail. We already have the control in Knight's domain while in Chaos' domain, we're having a hard time controlling the other countries. But we'll get there, Boss."

Tumango siya. "Good. As much as possible, dispose every high ranking official in the Triad. Don't leave any survivor, only the lower ranks. We're also making progress here in North America. In the South, it's a bloody battle."

"We can do it," sabi ni Yrozz, saka ngumiti. "How are you, by the way? You okay, Boss?"

Tipid siyang ngumiti. "Yes. I'm okay."

Yrozz's face softened. "You're not a good liar."

"That's because I hate lying." Mahina siyang natawa, saka napailing. "But I'm okay. How's Kane?"

"Sleeping," sagot ni Yrozz. "Mamaya namin papasukin ang HQ ng Triad dito sa 'Pinas. Kailangan niya ng pahinga."

She nodded. "That's good. Keep Kane safe, okay? Ingat ka rin."

Tumango si Yrozz, saka pinakatitigan siya nito sa camera. "We talk everyday for two weeks, but you haven't asked me about him."

Happy took a deep breath. "Would it change a thing?"

"Do you wanna know what he's been up to lately?"

Hindi na hinintay ni Yrozz ang sagot niya. Nagsalita na ito at nagkuwento. 

"Sa barn siya ni Lysander natutulog. At wala siyang ginawa kundi ang uminom. Oddly, he only visited Cassie once. Hindi na siya bumalik. Then he went back to the penthouse to take some stuff. Hindi ko alam kung ano'ng kinuha niya sa kuwarto n'yo. Basta umalis na lang siya at umiinom lang siya nang umiinom hanggang sa malasing siya. Knight and Shun visited him and tried to take away his wedding ring for prank purposes. Guess what happened to Knight and Shun? He broke Knight's arm and sent Shun to the hospital. And Blaze barely eats or sleeps. He's always drinking and it's not right anymore."

Nanatili siyang tahimik. 

"Boss—"

"It's his life," sabi niya sa walang emosyong boses. "If he wants to spend it that way, I have no control over it. He knows where I am, Yrozz. Hindi ako nagtatago sa kanya. Kung gusto niya, puwede niya akong puntahan pero siguro sinisisi pa rin niya ako sa mga nangyari. Maybe it was my fault but I'm done wallowing with my guilt, Yrozz. Wala na akong magagawa kahit magsisi pa ako sa mga nangyari. It's already done. Cassie is already dead because of me. All I can do is make my life worth it of Cassie's death. Hindi ko sasayangin ang buhay ko. Cassie died because of me and I wanna say thank you by spending my life in important matters like defeating the Triad who violated and killed her." Her lips thinned. "Next time, don't tell me anything about him. If I wanna know, I'll ask."

"Yes, Boss."

Pinatay niya ang video call, saka napabaling sa pinto ng kuwarto nang may tumikhim doon. 

"Hey, princess—"

"I told you to leave me alone," agad niyang sabi. 

"Princess—"

"Please... I need space."

Umiling ang ama niya. "I've given you two weeks of space. Hinayaan kitang hindi ako pansinin. But not anymore. I know my fault, princess. I know what I did was wrong but I only did it because I love you."

"The end doesn't justify the means," sagot niya. "You taught me that."

Lumapit sa kanya ang ama, saka lumuhod ito sa harap niya habang nakaupo siya sa gilid ng kama. "I'm sorry," sabi nito habang mahigpit na hawak ang kamay niya. "I was desperate to save you. To keep you safe. It was just a precaution in case something went wrong. I know it was bad. I know my fault, princess. But I would never let anything bad happen to you."

"Please don't kneel." Her eyes watered. "Someone died because of me... nothing can change that."

"I know I can't change that. But If I have to do it again for you or for Lucky, for my daughters, I will, in a heartbeat. I will not hesitate."

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya. "Dad!"

"I'm serious, Happy. That's how much I love and treasure you and Lucky." Hinalikan ng ama niya ang likod ng kanyang kamay. "Your mom left when you were two years old but she came back when you were four. Busy ako sa Organisasyon no'n. Iniwan lang kita sa bahay with your nanny. I was busy protecting the innocent that I forget to protect my little princess at home. Your mom bombed our house while you're inside. Everyone died, except you but you were severely injured. You were dying when I saw you. My princess is dying. I called all the good doctors in the world to save you. More than fifteen surgeries later, they did. The fixed you up but you were in coma. 

"I was in hell. Ang dami kong pinrotektahang tao pero ang sarili kong anak hindi ko naprotektahan. I was angry, as years passed, I got angrier. I started to stop believing on what I believe in, what I'm fighting for. Because every time I look at you, I can see my failure. I failed my princess. My own flesh and blood. My family. So, when your mother strikes again, in the hospital you were in, and she nearly killed you, that's when I came up with the plan to trick the Triad. I trusted your mother with everything that's why my safe houses aren't secured. Nothing is secured. Everything has been compromised. I know my plan to use another girl to trick the Triad was bad, but I was only thinking of you. Ikaw lang ang nasa isip ko. It's selfish, I know, but I will do anything for my daughters. I will kill and die to protect you."

"Daddy..." Namamalisbis na ang luha sa mga mata niya.

"So, I went on with my plan, however bad it was. I continued it. I used another girl to fool the Triad. A mistaken identity while I keep you safe in Berkshire. I didn't see you for years since you were transferred to Berkshire, afraid that the Triad can tail me. They have eyes everywhere. I didn't see you for more than three years. And when the Triad was closing in on Cassie, I told her to pack up because I'm taking her somewhere safe. She already agreed to leave with me but she didn't arrive in our meeting place. Akala ko ayaw niyang iwan si Blaze. And then I found out what happened to her, I went to every HQ the Triad has in the Philippines, I was trying to save her but I was already too late. She was already dead. An innocent girl died because of me. Natakot ako na sapitin mo ang sinapit niya, so I renounce my position without telling anyone and hid myself with you. So, I can immediately rescue you if something went bad.

"And when you woke up, when you looked at me and saw me as a perfect loving dad, I was so afraid to tell you the truth. Kasi alam kong mangyayari 'to. I don't want to lose that look in your eyes when you look at me. Love. The look in your eyes when you arrived here two weeks ago, the hatred in your eyes, it was killing me, princess. Every time you look at me with hatred, it's like I'm being murdered again and again and again.

"Bilang ama, bilang magulang, walang mas sasakit pa na makita ang pinakamamahal niyang anak na galit sa kanya dahil sa kasalanan niya. Please, princess, I'm begging you... please, patawarin mo na si Daddy. Nagmamakaawa ako, prinsesa ako. Ngitian mo na si Daddy. Miss na miss na kita. Miss na miss ko na ang prinsesa ko."

Namamalisbis ang luha na niyakap ni Happy ang ama, saka isinubsob ang mukha niya sa balikat nito. Hindi siya nagsalita, basta umiyak lang siya nang umiyak hanggang sa humapdi ang mga mata niya. 

She let all the pain go through her tears and painful sobs while hugging her father who just hugged her without saying a word. 

Hinahagod lang nito ang likod niya habang umiiyak siya nang walang patid. 

Hindi alam ni Happy kung ilang minuto o ilang oras siyang umiyak nang umiyak habang yakap ang ama. Nang kumawala siya sa yakap nito, mahapding-mahapdi ang mga mata niya. At agad na tinuyo nito ang luha niya bago umupo sa tabi niya, sa gilid ng kama. 

"Your sobs... I can feel your pain. I'm so sorry, princess."

She sobbed again. "Bakit hindi mo sa akin sinabi ang tungkol kay Cassie? If I have known what happened to her, I wouldn't have entangled myself with Blaze."

Tipid na ngumiti ang ama niya. "You liked him the moment you saw him. Nakita ko 'yon sa mga mata mo. Kahit sabihin mo sa akin noon na gusto mo lang siya, I know, deep down, you already love him. Hindi mo lang alam kasi unang beses mo 'yong naramdaman." 

"But Cassie... she died because of me."

"At kasalanan ko 'yon, hindi sa iyo kaya huwag mong akuin. The burden and the guilt should only be carried by me. Mine alone. Hindi mo alam ang ginawa ko. Wala kang kasalanan. Desisyon ko 'yon."

"That's not how Blaze sees it," she whispered. 

"He's just mad, princess," her father said whole caressing her damp cheek. "Imagine him knowing the reason of the death of the woman and his unborn child whom he loved for eleven years. It's not easy to accept. And I know it's not easy for you too, hearing him blamed you. King told me. I'd put you two in a very painful experience but this, take this as a test on your relationship. This is a test if he really loves you as you or if he's still carrying a torch for Cassie."

Happy's heart ached. "It's the latter, Daddy. Wala nga siya, 'di ba?"

"Princess..." Hinaplos nito ang buhok niya. "Distance makes the heart grow fonder."

"Is that even true?"

Her dad smiled. "Princess, 'yong distansiya raw, nakakabaliw, lalo na kapag mahal mo ang isang tao. Siguradong nababaliw na si Blaze ngayon."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Bakit parang sure na sure ka?"

"I have my ways." He grinned. "I know what he'd been doing for the past weeks. He visited Cassie once to give her a cyclamen. That flower means good-bye. And then the stuff he took from your room are his clothes and yours." He sighed. "Look, princess, kasal kayo. Kung ayaw na niya talaga sa iyo, madali lang namang itapon ang wedding ring n'yo. 'Yon ang ginawa ko sa wedding ring namin ni Helena. But Blaze still wore it and even tried to murder his friends who tried to take it away from him. That's not the act of man who hates his wife."

"Does he love me?"

Pinakatitigan siya ng ama. "That's for you to find out. But give him time. If he loves you, he'll come here and beg you to take him back. What happened to him, what I did, is not something that someone will take lightly, princess. Alam kong oniisip mo na baka ginawa ka niyang rebound, but trust me, I'm a man. I can tell. It's not a rebound. I'd been there and what he feels for you is not like that. He just feel betrayed by the situation, he just didn't lose Cassie, also his unborn child, that he lashed out on you. But it'll pass and when it does, that's when regret comes in. And trust me, regret can kill a man, especially if that regret involves hurting his beloved." 

"But I'm not his beloved."

"Hmm... are you sure?"

"Daddy—"

"As far as I can remember, he cleaned his face for you. Malaking parte ang tattoo na 'yon sa mukha ni Blaze sa pagmamahal niya kay Cassie. At nang ipinabura niya 'yon, ibig sabihin handa na siyang ibigay sa iyo lahat-lahat. Masakit lang talaga ang nangyari para sa kanya. At ikaw ang pinagbuntunan niya, 'yon ang hindi tama sa ginawa niya. Ang isisi sa iyo ang lahat kasi ako naman talaga ang may kasalanan, hindi ikaw. Though sometimes we become irrational when angry. We lashed out and say what's on our mind without thinking. Hindi nakakapag-isip nang tama ang taong galit."

Happy breathed out. "Bakit mo sinasabi sa akin 'to? Are you siding him?"

Umiling ang ama niya. "No, I'm not. I'm actually mad at him for blaming you, but I don't have the right to be. May kasalanan ako sa kanya, siya ang dapat magalit sa akin. Saka opinyon ko lang naman 'yon, princess. You can take it as a reference, to help you understand the situation better. Pero ikaw pa rin ang masusunod sa gusto mong gawin. Susuportahan kita, kahit ano pa 'yon."

Nagbaba siya ng tingin. "If he needs time, I'll give it to him. But if he takes too much time, I will not wait for him. If he wanted to honor Cassie's memories by not being with me, then I won't stop him. Kapag hindi niya ako pinuntahan dito sa loob ng isang buwan, then it's the end. Because it's like déjà vu again, him, choosing over me or Cassie. But this time, I will not tell him or force him to move on. If he loves Cassie more than me, then all I can do is accept it and be mature enough to move forward with my life without him in it."

A tear fell from her eyes. "Masakit nga lang kasi binuo ko na sa isip ko ang magiging kinabukasan namin. Naiisip ko na kung paano kami magsasamang dalawa hanggang sa pagtanda namin. I have plans, but now it's all gone like a snap of a finger. Expectations really leads to disappointment and heartaches. It's a lesson learned. A very painful lesson that I have to endure for the rest of my life."

Masuyo siyang niyakap ng ama niya, saka hinalikan sa noo. "Just always remember, princess, Daddy is here for you. Always will and always have been. You can always count on Daddy. I may not be perfect but I'll make sure to save my princess' day. Anytime... anywhere."

Napangiti si Happy sa tinuran ng ama. "This is why I can stay mad at you for a long time. You always know what to say and what to do to soften me."

Mahinang tumawa ito. "Anong hindi matagal? Two weeks mo akong hindi kinikibo. And of course, I know. Anak kita. Ikaw ang prinsesa ko. Kilalang-kilala kita."

Napasimangot siya. "Kilalang-kilala ko rin ang pagkatao mo, Daddy. Alam kong nagsusugal ka na naman."

"I was stressed," pagdadahilan ng ama niya. 

Inirapan niya ito. "Ewan ko sa iyo... But anyway, thank you, Daddy, for doing everything you can to save me and keep me safe. I didn't like the way you saved me but I'm still indebted because you didn't give up on me."

Her father smiled. "I'm still awesome?"

She nodded.

"And you still love me?"

She nodded again. 

"And you will not bully me again?"

Umiling siya. 

Her father's shoulders fell. "Princess!"

Tumawa siya, saka niyakap ang ama. Kahit paano ay gumaan ang pakiramdam niya. Dahil siguro nagpaliwanag ito kung bakit nito nagawa ang mga nagawa. 

His father's explanation didn't change the fact that someone died because of her but he was her father, and she couldn't stay mad at him for being desperate to save his daughter. 

It was very wrong, Happy would admit it, but her dad was her dad. And she loved him. No matter what he did, he was her father. 

"Young Miss?"

Kumawala siya sa yakap ng ama, saka tumingin sa pinto kung nasaan si King. "Yes?"

"It's time to take down the Triad's HQ in Cuba." 

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ng ama niya. "Cuba?"

She nodded. "We're sweeping off the Triad's HQ here in North America so we can focus our attention on the South next month."

Napatango-tango ang ama niya. "Don't you need hippeis for that sort of thing?"

Natigilan siya. "Dad, as you know, he's busy blaming and being angry at me."

"Well, ahm..." Her dad shrugged. "I'm sure we can provide you with a replacement."

Her eyes widened. "Who?"

"The sons of my personal ultor before. They're settling in Russia now though, but they can help and they can be trusted."

She frowned. "Names?"

"Deth and Lyf Romanov. They're brothers. One year apart from each other."

Her frown deepened. "There names are really death and life?"

"No. It's D-E-T-H and L-Y-F but yes, it's pronounced as Death and Life," sagot ng ama niya. 

"Oh." Napatango-tango siya. "Well, I can't wait for them. Maybe some other time—"

"Actually, I already called Deth. They're coming over," nakangiting sabi ng ama niya na para bang napaka-big deal ng ginawa nito. "And they just landed in Philadelphia International Airport an hour ago."

Natigilan siya. "Oh. Okay."

Her father nodded with a smile. "Yes. They're good fighters."

"Of course, they are," sabad ni King. "They are generals in ultor battalions in battlefield."

Tahimik siyang tumayo at kahit namamaga ang mga mata at mahapdi, ipinagsawalang-bahala niya 'yon.

Kinuha ni Happy ang dalawang thigh holster sa closet niya na may nakalagay na Beretta 92 na baril, saka agad iyong inilagay sa mga hita niya. Pagkatapos ay sunod niyang isinuot ang waistband dual two-gun OWB holster para sa dalawang Glock 17 niyang baril. Ang huli niyang isinuot ay ang shoulder gun holster niya kung saan naroon ang dalawang 9MM na baril sa magkabilang gilid. 

Then she took a black leather coat from her closet to cover of her guns and simple top with leather shorts. Then she wore the lightest boots in her shoe closet. 

"Come on, let's go," sabi niya pagkalabas ng walk-in closet.

Napasipol si King. "Nice."

Pabiro niya itong kinindatan, saka malalaki ang hakbang na lumabas. 

"I'm proud of you, princess!" pahabol na sigaw ng ama niya. 

Napailing si Happy. Nang makababa sa sala, may dalawang matikas na lalaking naroon at tumango kay King nang makita ito. 

"Young Miss..." King introduced the man with a brown-blonde hair—Mixed—with his baby blue eyes, pointed nose, tan complexion and his slightly cleft chin. "This is Deth Romanov. The eldest."

Yumukod si Deth sa kanya na para bang isa siyang nakakataas na tao sa sinaunang panahon. "It was nice meeting you, Lady Happy."

"And this is his brother, Lyf Romanov. A year younger than Deth."

Lyf was different from Deth. His hair was a combination of black and blonde. And his eyes were much darker shade of blue than Deth.

Lyf also bowed down at her. "It's nice meeting you, second Arkhon."

"Likewise," sagot niya. "Ready to go to war?"

Lyf smiled showing his set of dimples. "I love killing bad guys. It makes me feel like I'm a good guy sometimes."

Deth snorted. "Says the guy who fucked five women last night."

Lyf grimaced. "It was for fun. Try it, you might like it."

Deth serious face never faltered. "Not interested."

"That's because you're virgin."

Deth checked the magazine on his pistol before answering. "At least I'm not a manwhore like you."

Lihim siyang napailing sa dalawa, saka malalaki ang hakbang na lumabas ng bahay. Kasama sina King, Deth at Lyf na nasa likuran niya. 

Nang makasakay sila sa kotse niya, si King ang nagmaneho patungo sa HQ ng Organòsi kung saan naroon ang helicopter na sundo nila at maghahatid sa kanila sa Cuba. 

This war was bloody, she already got used to it for the past two weeks that she'd been hands on in taking down the Triad's headquarters here in North America. She was always with the crew in every attack and raid, to show them that she was not afraid to stand and fight for what she believed in. 

Hindi lumapag ang helicopter na sinasakyan nila, nag-rappel lang sila pababa at nang umapak ang mga paa nila sa lupa, agad na nabalot ng putukan ang loob ng compound na 'yon kasama na ang putok na nanggagaling sa baril niya. 

Happy ran as she pointed her guns at their enemies. 

"Young Miss! Take cover!" sigaw ni King sa kanya. 

Happy didn't listen. Patuloy siyang nakipagbarilan hanggang sa maubusan ng bala ang baril na hawak. 

"Shit!" She put her guns back on her holster before pulling her two guns from her shoulder gun holster. 

Hinawakan siya ni Deth sa balikat, saka hinila paikot, para hindi siya tamaan ng bala. Binaril nito ang lalaki sa likuran niya. 

Nang pakawalan nito ang braso siya, umikot naman siya habang nakadipa ang kamay niyang may hawak ng baril at kinakalabit ang gatilyo n'on. 

Back-to-back. She and Deth fought. Shielding and taking care of each other's back until she used all her bullets.

But no worries, Lyf, from the helicopter hovering the warehouse was doing his job splendidly. Taking down men who were gunning for them with his riffle and he didn't miss! 

One bullet per enemy! In the head! How is that even possible?

"Shit!" she hissed as she put back her 9MM on her shoulder holster, then grabbed the gun on Deth's side before blowing the enemies' head off. 

Oddly, she didn't feel a thing. She was used to it. Sumuka siya noong una siyang makapatay gamit ang baril, pero dahil wala nang Blaze na magliligtas sa kanya at busy si Kane sa ibang panig ng mundo, kailangan niyang matutong ipagtanggol ang sarili. 

Happy fired the gun at closed range to someone's head. Blood scattered everywhere but she just wiped it off using Deth's shirt. 

Deth looked at her flatly. "Seriously?"

"What?" She chuckled. "I'll buy you a new one."

"It's my favorite shirt."

"I'll still buy you a new one." Happy returned the gun on Deth's holster and she picked up the bad boy rifle on the ground by diving towards it because of the bullets aimed her way. 

Napadapa siya sa lupa pero mabilis niyang pinulot ang baril, saka iginulong ang katawan patihaya at binaril ang lahat ng nakikita niyang kalaban. 

She did a front back flip to get up and landed perfectly on her feet. 

Nang tumingin siya sa paligid, kontrolado na ng Organòsi ang paligid ng warehouse. Nakikipaglaban pa rin si Deth kasama sina King at Lyf na nasa helicopter pa rin kaya naman mabilis siyang pumasok sa loob.

Only to see a bomb ticking. 

Five seconds before it detonates! 

Happy quickly turned around to run. But before she could fully leave the warehouse, the bombed exploded. Sending her body flying unto the air and dropping heavily on the the large piles of tobacco. 

And before she lost her consciousness at the impact, she heard another explosion and saw a large fire spreading towards her, ready to engulf her body in flame.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 47

CHAPTER 47

HINALIKAN NI HAPPY ang noo ni Lucky nang bisitahin niya ito sa ospital. Katatapos lang niyang magpatingin dahil ngayon ang una niyang follow-up check up mula nang makalabas siya ng ospital dahil sa pagsabog at sa first degree burn na natamo niya sa kanyang kanang paa. 

Good thing King was there to pull her out before that fire engulfed her body. 

She stayed nearly a weak in the hospital before the doctor discharged her. At habang hinihintay ang resulta ng checkup niya, pinuntahan at binisita niya ang kapatid. 

"A-Ate..." bulong ni Lucky habang may ngiti sa mga labi. 

Even in her state, Lucky still managed to smile as brightly as she could. 

"How are you feeling?" tanong niya habang hinahaplos ang pisngi nito. 

"O-okay lang," sabi nitong nakangiti. "I'm strong. I can do this."

Tumango siya. "I know. Kaya mo 'to. Ikaw pa ba?"

"Where's Blaze?" tanong ni Lucky. "H-how's the married life?"

Natigilan si Happy sa tanong ng kapatid pero hindi siya nagpahalatang may pinagdadaanan sila ni Blaze. Her sister didn't need to know. In her state right now, she had to focus on getting better not on her problems.

"Married life is... happy." She smiled. "You know..."

"I-inaalagaan ka ba ni Blaze?"

Tumango siya habang pinipigil na umiyak. "Oo naman. You know how he is. He's a baby but he takes care of me."

Lucky smiled brightly. "T-that's good. I'm happy for you."

Hinalikan niya sa pisngi ang kapatid. "Ikaw... kumusta kayo ni Blake?"

"He's sad," sagot ni Lucky na unti-unting nawawala ang ngiti sa mga labi. "I'm putting him through hell, Ate. G-g-gusto ko lang naman siyang mabigyan ng anak, pero hindi ko naisip na mahihirapan siya nang ganito. Every time I look at him, I'm questioning myself if my decision was right."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay nito. "I know you only wants what's best for your husband, Lucky. Panghawakan mo na lang 'yon and everything will be fine. Blake loves you kaya he's hurt to see you like this. But when the baby comes out, you'll be one big happy family."

Lucky's eyes watered. "D-do you think I'll live?"

"Of course," mabilis niyang sabi. "Magkakasama pa tayo nang matagal. Excited na akong makita ang pamangkin ko."

Lucky smiled. "Me too."

Happy smiled back before roaming her eyes around. "Nasaan pala ang asawa mo? Hindi ko siya nakita sa labas. This is the first time that he left you alone."

Mahinang tumawa si Lucky. "May importante lang siyang ginagawa. Saka alam niya na bibisita ka kasi nag-text ka raw sa kanya."

"Ah." Napatango-tango siya. "Kaya pala. How's Dad with you, by the way?"

Lucky smiled. "Daddy is spoiling me. So much. Hindi na siya pinapalapit ng doktor sa akin kasi ibinibigay niya lahat ng pagkain na gusto ko na bawal sa akin."

Happy chuckled. "Well, that's Dad. He will always do what he can for us."

"I know. But now he's trying to reign himself," kuwento ni Lucky habang nakangiti pa rin. "Sabi kasi ng doktor ko hindi raw sila papayag na ilibing sila ni Daddy kung si Daddy naman daw ang ikakapahamak ko."

Mahinang natawa si Happy. "Sungitan mo sana si Daddy. Hindi talaga 'yan nakikinig hangga't hindi tinataasan ng boses."

Lucky chuckled weakly. "Nagkuwento siya sa akin na binu-bully mo raw siya palagi. Nagpapaawa sa akin si Daddy kaya sabi ko hindi ko siya bu-bully-hin. And then Dad said that I got my niceness from him."

Happy snorted. "At naniwala ka sa kanya?"

Lucky shrugged weakly. "I don't know..."

Natawa siya, saka akmang pabubulaanan ang sinabi ng ama kay Lucky na dito nito nakuha ang kabaitan nang tumunog ang cell phone niya. 

Nang makitang si Kane 'yon, agad siyang nagpaalam kay Lucky. 

"I just have to take this," sabi niya nang makatayo. "Babalik ako agad."

"Sige, Ate."

Lumabas siya ng kuwarto ni Lucky bago sinagot ang tawag. "What is it? Are you okay? Are you hurt? Are you—"

"I'm fine, Lady Happy."

Happy let out a sigh of relief. "Akala ko napaano ka na. Ngayon ka lang kasi tumawag sa akin. It's always Yrozz who's calling me."

"I just have a bad news. That's all."

Worry instantly consumed him. "What is it?"

"His Highness is missing for a week now."

Blaze? He was missing?
 "What? Hindi ba siya mahanap ni Yrozz?"

"He's hacking everything now. Hindi namin napansin agad kasi masyado kaming na-busy sa Triad. I'll update you later."

"Thank you, Kane." But before Happy could worry about Blaze being missing, she saw a twin turning to the left hall, towards her direction. 

The other twin started running towards her when he saw her. 

"A-are you okay?" Worry was in his eyes and guilt and fear and a lot more in their depths. 

Bago pa siya makasagot, nilampasan sila ni Blake at pumasok sa kuwarto ni Lucky. Habang siya naman ay nakatulos lang at nakatitig kay Blaze. 

"Okay ka lang ba?" He looked and sounded worried. "I heard what happened. Knight told me."

"As you can see, I'm still alive and breathing," sabi niya sa malamig na boses. "But aren't you a week late to worry?"

But Blaze was still worried. "I'm your hippeis, I should have been there with you—"

"It's okay. I know you're going through a lot lately. But don't worry about being my hippeis, you already have a replacement."

Shock and pain filled his eyes. "R-replacement?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I need people in my team, Blaze. I can't wait for you, lalo na't alam kong galit ka sa akin. We've been taking down Triad's HQs here in the North. I need men to fight and to watch my back and to protect me if worst comes to worst."

"B-but that's my job."

"Where were you then?" Happy couldn't reign the bitterness on her voice. 

"Baby—"

Umiling siya. "Please don't call me that," she begged then smiled. "I'm sorry pala for asking where you were. It came out wrong. But I'm thankful that you're here. That's good because you can help with the clean up. I need more men if you're in. We lost some on our last raid. Shit that bomb which nearly got me."

"But I'm not here for that, I'm here for you—"

"My lady..." It was Deth while waving the paper he was holding at her. "The results are here."

Ito ang kasama niya dahil nagka-second degree burn si King nang iligtas siya nito at hanggang ngayon ay nagpapagaling pa rin.  

"Don't we need a doctor to read that?" tanong niya kay Deth nang makalapit ito sa kanya. 

"Don't need one. I'm right here," sabi nito sa nagmamalaking boses. "Your new hippeis has a medical background. So, no worries."

Tumaas ang kilay niya, kapagkuwan ay napangiti nang makita ang suot nito sa ilalim ng leather jacket kanina. "Oh, and here I thought the shirt I bought you was ugly looking."

"I can't believe you bought me a Micky Mouse shirt." Deth tsked.

Happy laughed. "Well, it was a couple shirt."

Deth grimaced. "Please tell me you are not giving the other one to my brother."

Nakangisi siyang umiling. "I'm giving it to Kane. Team Virgins. 
Yey
!"

Bigla na lang namula ang pisngi ni Deth na ikinatawa niya. 

"Stop it."

Happy laughed again. "Oh, you're so cute. Kane is innocent but he doesn't blush."

"Stop teasing me." Deth grimaced. "I can only endure too much. And I'm only enduring this shirt because King said you will be insulted if I don't wear this. That, or I'll walk around shirtless, he said."

"Well, you have muscles in the right places," sabi niya, saka tinusok-tusok ang braso nito at dibdib. "Women wouldn't mind."

Napatango-tango lang si Deth, saka binasa nito sa harap niya ang test results niya. 

"Well... ahm, I give up." Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Deth habang sinusubukang basahin ang resulta. "My medical background is not that great after all. I take it back."

Natatawang inagaw ni Happy ang papel na hawak ni Deth, saka pabirong inirapan ito at wala sa sariling napaharap kay Blaze na titig na titig sa kanila ni Deth. 

"Hmm?" she hummed at him. 

Inilahad nito ang kamay. "I'm a doctor. I can read that."

Happy smiled. "I already have a physician, though thanks for offering," sabi niya, saka naglakad para lampasan ito. 

Agad namang sumunod sa kanya si Deth. 

"Who's that guy?" agad na tanong ni Deth. "He looks like in pain when you didn't let him read your test result."

Itinaas niya ang kamay para makita ang wedding ring niya. "My husband."

"Oh. Are you two getting divorce or something?" Deth asked curiously. "I mean, you look okay, smiling even... but he looks like he's in pain."

"I don't know. Maybe," sagot niya, saka pumasok sa opisina ng doktor niya. 

Nakaupo si Happy habang nakatayo naman si Deth sa likuran niya habang binabasa sa kanya ng doktor ang resulta ng tests niya. 

Everything was fine. Everything was normal. Except for her hCG level. It was higher. 

HAPPY CAME BACK to Lucky's hospital room after the reading of her test result while Deth went home first because Lyf called. Wala roon si Blaze sa kuwarto ni Lucky na ipinagpasalamat niya. 

Nagpaalam lang siya sa kapatid na uuwi muna sa bahay at bibisitahin na lang ito uli. 

Pero nang makalabas ng ospital, agad niyang nakita si Blaze na nakapamulsa sa parking lot, sa tabi ng kotse niya. Para itong wala sa sarili habang nakatayo at nakatingin sa kawalan.

"Can I help you?" tanong niya kay Blaze nang makalapit dito. 

Napakurap-kurap ito nang tumingin sa kanya. "Baby..."

"Don't call me that please," pakiusap niya sa malumanay na boses, saka ngumiti. "What is it, by the way? May kailangan ka ba?"

"Can we talk?"

"What for?"

"About what I said. That day."

"Oh." Napatango-tango siya, saka nakangiting inilahad ang kamay sa sasakyan. "Hop in. Let's talk inside."

Sa halip na sumakay sa driver's seat, sa backseat sila sumakay ni Blaze para magkausap. 

He was here to talk then she would listen. Gusto niyang ibigay rito ang hindi nito ibinigay sa kanya, ang ipaliwanag ang sarili niya at ang parte niya. 

"Well?" basag niya sa katahimikan sa loob ng sasakyan. "Let's talk."

Blaze looked at her. "You're cold."

Sumilip siya sa labas, saka nagbiro. "It's winter."

"No. Not that." Blaze was serious.

Happy took a very deep breath. "Okay, joke's over. Let's talk about Midnight's file. Are you okay? How are you feeling?"

"I'm a jerk for leaving you like that."

She nodded. "At least I don't have to tell you that. Ahm... still angry?"

"At you?" Umiling ito. "I'm a sick bastard for even thinking that it was your fault. I can't face you because of what I said and did. Hiyang-hiya ako sa iyo, sa mga kasama natin."

"Still blaming me?"

Umiling uli ang asawa. "I'm an idiot." The he looked at her. "Please tell me I can still fix us... please..."

"Gusto mo ng totoong sagot mula sa akin?"

Blaze nodded.

"Okay." She took a deep breath. "What you said to me. I keep asking myself that. What makes my life more important than hers? My answer is nothing. Wala namang buhay na mas importante pa sa buhay ng iba. A life is a life. That's it. What makes me worth it than hers? Also, nothing. Lahat naman ng tao, may halaga. Everyone is worth it, Blaze. Everyone. It just happen that my dad was selfish and he made a big mistake. Para sa akin. But it was his decision to make, not mine. 

"And you know what I realized when I got bombed and nearly got killed? It wasn't my fault, Blaze. Yes, I'm thankful to Cassie and I will be forever indebted to her but it wasn't my fault. It was Dad's fault. Sa kanya ka magalit. Feel free. Sabi naman ni Dad tatanggapin niya lahat ng galit mo. But don't blame it on me. Kasi kung gising ako nang mga panahong 'yon at alam ko ang ginagawa ng daddy ko, ako ang unang pipigil sa kanya. Kasi alam ko na hindi mas mahalaga ang buhay ko sa kay Cassie. A life is a life."

"I know... I know and I'm sorry..." His eyes were begging. "I'm sorry." Hinawakan nito ang kamay niya." Alam kong gago ako sa mga sinabi at ginawa ko. There was no excuse to what I did. I'm sorry. I was just so mad at Midnight's file and in our situation. The pain, it came crashing back again and I lashed out on you. And I'm so sorry for being a jerk, for saying those things to you. I'm sorry, please forgive me. I was just so angry. Kaya nahiya akong humarap sa iyo pagkatapos ng mga sinabi ko. I'm sorry, baby. I'm so sorry."

Malungkot siyang ngumiti. "You know what's crazy? Hindi naman ako galit sa iyo. Disappointed? Maybe... I don't know. Pero hindi ako nagalit sa mga sinabi mo. Nasaktan, oo. Nasaktan talaga ako. But you know what's more painful than your words? You, walking out on me. You, never coming back to the penthouse to see me while I wait like an idiot while blaming myself for a sin that I didn't commit. I waited, Blaze, after you walked out on me... on us. 

"Sabi mo may it be negative or positive, you will be there for me." Napailing siya. "You lied. And your words hurt me but there's nothing more painful than you walking out on me. Kasi parang mas pinili mo si Cassie kaysa sa akin. Sana, Blaze, sana hindi mo na lang ako pinakasalan kung mas mahal mo naman pala ang alaala niya kaysa sa akin. We could have saved ourselves from this heartache. Gaga rin naman kasi ako, mahal kita kaya umoo ako. Hayun tuloy, nagkasakitan na naman tayo."

Blaze's eyes watered. "Please don't leave me."

"Give me a reason why I shouldn't."

"I love you."

Umiling si Happy. "I'm sorry, but that's not enough anymore."

"Baby—"

"You always tell me that life is short, that I should take a risk, and I did, Blaze. I risked my heart and my life for you. I married you because I thought you are worth risking my all for. But now I'm regretting it. Now I'm thinking that maybe... maybe you're not worth risking for after all."

Blaze's tear fell from his eyes as he looked at her. "Hindi mo na ako mahal?"

Mahina siyang natawa habang naluluha. "Gago ka ba? Para namang basta-basta lang mawawala 'yon. Siyempre, mahal pa rin kita. Sobra pa rin. Pero ayoko ng ganito, Blaze. Asawa na kita, hindi boyfriend o fiancé. Hindi ako dapat nakikipagkumpetensiya sa ex mo. At dahil may utang-na-loob ako sa kanya, sige, ipapaubaya na kita sa kanya. Hindi ko ipipilit ang sarili ko sa iyo. Ayoko ng ganoon. My life may not be worth it than hers but I know my self-worth and I know that I don't deserve this."

Humigpit ang hawak ni Blaze sa kamay niya habang unti-unting lumuluhod sa sahig ng kotse. "Please... wala ba akong puwedeng gawin para makabawi ako sa iyo? Gagawin ko kahit ano. Gagawin ko. Please... huwag mo akong iwan... please... alam ko ang pakiramdam na wala ka, at hindi ko kakayanin 'yon. Please, baby, don't let go of me. Please... please... don't let me go. Please..."

Pilit niyang pinapabalik sa pagkakaupo si Blaze pero ayaw nitong sumunod.

He was hugging her waist tightly like he didn't want her to go. "Please don't let me go. Please don't let me go. Please! I need you. I need you, baby! I need you! Please! Please! Don't let me go!"

Her simple cry turned into a sob. "Bakit mo ba sa akin ginagawa 'to? Ikaw ang umalis, hindi ako. Ikaw ang hindi nagpakita sa akin ng ilang linggo, 'tapos magmamakaawa ka na tanggapin ko uli? Bakit parang lumalabas na ako 'yong walang puso sa ating dalawa? Na ako 'yong kulang ang pagmamahal sa iyo? Ikaw ang unang nang-iwan sa akin. Hindi ako. Naghintay ako, Blaze. Naghintay ako. 'Tapos ngayon na tanggap ko nang mas mahal mo si Cassie, heto ka na naman?" 

Marahas na umiling si Blaze. "I don't love her anymore, I'm sure of that. I'm very sure. I was just so mad at the reason why I lost them. I was mad at the situation. But when I told you I love you, I mean every word of it. I mean it every time I say it to you, like how I mean it now. I love you, please don't let me go."

Nasapo na lang ni Happy ang mukha habang umiiyak. Hindi na niya alam ang gagawin. Hindi na niya alam. Before Blaze showed up, she had already decided to let him go but now she was conflicted. 

Bakit ba napakahirap makita ang taong mahal mo na umiiyak at nasasaktan? Pero ayaw rin naman niyang mahirapan at umiyak ang sarili niya. 

But this was not just about her anymore. There was an innocent life inside her now. She had to consider two lives now. Hers and the baby. Hindi niya ipagkakait sa anak niya ang magkaroon ng ama at ganoon din naman kay Blaze. 

But what happened to them. Nahihirapan siyang tanggapin ang lahat. Nasasaktan pa rin siya. May nararamdaman pa rin siyang pagdududa. 

Hindi sila magiging maayos na dalawa hanggang may ganito pa siyang nararamdaman. It would just ruin both of them. 

Bumaba ang kamay niya at hinaplos ang buhok ng asawa. "Please don't kneel and beg. I'm no saint, Blaze."

"Please take me back," Blaze begged again. 

Umiling siya, "It's not that easy, Blaze. It's not."

He looked up at her. "I can wait. I will wait. Please don't let go of me. Please?"

Wala sa sariling napatitig si Happy sa folder na iniabot sa kanya ni King kanina. Nasa passenger seat iyon at doon din natuon ang mga mata ni Blaze. 

"What's that?" Blaze asked. 

"Our annulment papers."

Mabilis na inabot iyon ni Blaze at inilabas, saka binasa ang laman ng folder. Hindi ito makapaniwalang napatitig sa kanya. "You're annulling our marriage?"

Tumango siya. "I figured that you love Cassie more. Sino nga ba naman ako para mapalitan siya sa puso mo—"

"You're Happy. You're my wife. And you own my heart!"

"I used to believe that." She smiled sadly. "But not anymore. When you left me, I felt how much you love Cassie and if she's still alive, I know, you'll choose her over me."

"That's not true! When I told you I love you, I choose you!"

"That's not how I see it. Oo nga't wala na siya pero nakikipagkumpetensiya pa rin ako sa alaala niya. I can never replace her in your heart, Blaze. You could never love me like how you love Cassie—"

"That's not true!" he hissed at her. "Puso ko 'to, kaya alam ko! I know what I feel, Happy. I know!"

Pinakatitigan niya ang asawa. "Bakit ganoon, iba ang sinasabi mo sa ginagawa mo?"

Blaze looked stunned. 

"If you love me like you said, then okay, I respect that. Pero sana respetuhin mo rin ang nasa isip ko at 'yon ay ang hindi ako naniniwala sa pagmamahal na sinasabi mo. Yes, Blaze, I'm doubting your love. I'm sorry. Please leave my car."

"Happy—"

"Please?"

Blaze stared at her. "Makikipaghiwalay ka sa akin... I can feel it, Happy. You're letting me go." Humigpit ang hawak nito sa folder. "This?" Nalukot 'yon sa sobrang higpit nang hawak nito roon. "No... I won't let you annul our marriage. Hindi ako makakapayag."

"I have connections now. I can make make it happen even if you don't want too."

Fear filled his eyes. "Please don't. Please... huwag kang makipaghiwalay sa akin. Mahal na mahal kita. Please... huwag mo akong hiwalayan."

Hindi siya umimik at tumingin lang sa labas ng bintana. 

Doon niya nakita ang babaeng kamukhang-kamukha niya na titig na titig sa kotse niya—sa backseat ng kotse niya! 

Malalaki ang mga mata na mabilis siyang lumabas ng sasakyan para matingnan nang mabuti ang babae na ngayon ay naglalakad na palapit sa kanya. 

And as the woman stopped in front of her, Blaze stepped out of the car and was about to say something when he saw the woman too. 

"Blazey..." sabi ng babaeng kamukhang-kamukha niya, saka nang-aakit na ngumiti sa asawa niya. "It's nice to see you again."

Blaze lips thinned, like he wasn't shocked as she was while seeing the woman. "What are you doing here, Cassie?"

Napatitig siya kay Blaze na walang pagtataka, kaguluhan o gulat sa mukha. 

Her heart sunk even more. 

He knew. He knew! 

Is that why he didn't come home to her for nearly a month?! 

Ngumiti si Cassie nang makita ang emosyon sa mukha niya. "Selos ka, ano?" Mahina itong tumawa. "That's right. He was with me in those three weeks. We enjoyed each other's company."

Napatitig siya uli kay Blaze na ngayon ay nakatingin na sa kanya at umiiling. 

"Baby... baby, that's not true. Please. I know you don't believe me anymore but that's not true. I will never do that to you."

Bumaling siya sa babaeng kamukha niya. "Akala ko patay ka na."

The woman looked at her and shrugged. "Fake news. It's nice to finally meet you, Happiness Aravena Quinn." She smiled. "Nandito pala ako para kunin ang sa akin na inagaw mo."

Then seconds later, Helena came into view.

"Happy, my baby," sabi nito sa kanya na nakangiti. "I see you two are having marital troubles?"

Before she could answer, Blaze intertwined their hands. "No. We're not." 

Helena tsked. "Cassie, I told you, didn't I? Blaze is already married to my daughter. But of course, first love never dies, baby. Blaze will always love Cassie."

Hindi siya makapaniwalang napatitig sa ina. "What do you want from me?"

"Nothing," sabi ni Helena, saka hinawakan nito sa balikat si Cassie. "But she wants Blaze. The man you stole from her. Goodness! After she saved your life, you have the guts to steal her man. What a horrible way to say thank you."

Lumapit ang babaeng kamukha niya kay Blaze, saka umangat ang kamay nito para haplusin ang mukha ng asawa niya. "Blazey, I miss you so much—"

Mabilis na tinabig ni Blaze ang kamay ng babae. "Don't call me that."

Akmang hahawakan uli ni Cassie ang pisngi ng asawa niya nang awtomatikong gumalaw ang paa niya para sipain ito sa dibdib. At nang umapak ang paa niyang isinipa rito, umikot siya para ang isa naman niyang paa ang isipa na tumama sa mukha nito. 

Nagtatagis ang mga bagang na tumalim ang tingin niya sa babaeng kamukha niya na ngayon ay matalim na ang mga mata. "Don't touch my husband," she possessively said. "Only I get to do that. I don't care who you are, but my husband is mine. Wait for the annulment, you bitch."

Before Helena and Cassie could retaliate, helicopters roared from above. 

Happy smirked. "Meet the Organòsi. I already learned my lesson. I always come prepared, bitches."

Nagmamadaling umalis ang dalawa pagkatapos siyang tingnan nang matalim at pangakuan na hindi 'yon ang huli nilang pagkikita. 

As the helicopter chased Helena and her look-alike, Happy faced Blaze with an angry expression on her face.

"Explain," matalim ang mga matang sabi niya habang nagtatagis ang mga bagang. "Before I kill you."

One wrong word or move, she would really not hesitate to end her relationship with Blaze. 

She could still tolerate doubt, shame and fear, but cheating? Never!

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 48

HAPPY WAS SHOCKED at what Blaze told her. Cassie was alive and she showed herself to him after he walked out on her. Sa sementeryo ito nagpakita kay Blaze. But he promised her he didn't do anything with Cassie.

Pumasok sila sa ospital at sa loob ng caféteria nag-usap. May pagdududang tumingin siya kay Blaze. 

"You didn't hug her? Kiss her? Make love with her? Hindi mo ba siya na-miss?"

Blaze looked at her like she said something wrong. "Why would I do that to her? She's not my wife. I only get to do that with my wife. Yes, I was an asshole because I left and I was so angry but I'm not a cheater, Happy."

Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. "W-wala talagang nangyaring ganoon?" 
But he loved her.
 "It's okay. Just tell me the truth. Hindi ako magagalit." 

Blaze looked so frustrated as he stared at her. "Happy, I didn't entertain her. I didn't, I swear." His voice was begging. "Oo galit ako pero hindi ko 'yon magagawa sa iyo. I would never cheat on you. Never. Please believe me. Ikinulong ko ang sarili ko sa barn ni Lysander. Hindi ako lumabas. Nandoon ako. The barn has CCTVs, ask Yrozz to hack it. Knight and Shun were there as well. Please believe me."

Napatitig siya sa asawa. "Bakit wala kang ginawa? Mahal mo siya, 'di ba? Mas mahal mo siya kaysa sa akin."

Marahas itong umiling. "No, no, no... that's not true. Kung mas mahal ko siya, eh, di dapat wala ako ngayon dito, nagmamakaawa sa iyo. Dapat kasama ko siya. Pero nandito ako, Happy. I told you, every time I say I love you to you, I mean it. And when I married you, my heart was already yours. Sa iyong-sa iyo na ako. I was just so mad at the reason why I lost Cassie and my unborn child. I was so mad. And I know I was wrong to lash out on you and I also know that I can never take it back. I can only regret and beg you to take me back."

Napailing siya. "But it's Cassie... your beloved."

Blaze let out a frustrated sighed. "I was kidnapped. Knight told me about what happened to you. I was so worried I drove as fast as I could to the airport. That was more than a week ago. Pero bago ako makarating sa airport, may sumagasa sa sasakyan ako. I was unconscious. When I woke up, I was in a house. With Cassie."

Her heart kept on tightening every time Blaze's mentioned her name. 

"And that house, it has CCTVs... I think." Ibinigay nito ang address ng bahay. "It was just me and Cassie there. She tried to kiss me, she even stripped in front of me... but I didn't... I would never. Because every time I look at her, I don't see her anymore. I see you. I can see my wife who's hurting because her husband is an asshole for leaving and saying those words to her. I can see my wife whom I love and cherish, and I can see my wife leaving me if I do something stupid. And I don't want you to leave me, baby... I don't want you to let go of me."

Titig na titig siya kay Blaze habang nagkukuwento ito. He seemed to be telling the truth. 

Nagbaba si Happy ng tingin. "I still can't believe that you didn't do anything with her. I mean, I know how much she means to you."

"Hindi ba sapat ang rasong mas mahal kita kaya hindi ko ginawa 'yon? Kasi natatakot akong mawala ka sa akin?"

Napatitig uli siya sa asawa. "So noong nag-walk out ka at nakita mo si Cassie, hindi na kayo nagkita uli maliban noong napunta ka sa bahay na 'yon?"

Tumango si Blaze. "I was busy regretting what I did to you. I was ashamed," he admitted. "I was so ashamed to face you after what I said and did."

Napailing-iling siya, saka napasabunot sa sariling buhok. "Bakit ba nangyayari sa atin 'to? Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko, Blaze. Hindi ko alam kung paniniwalaan ba kita o hindi. O kung tatanggapin kita o hindi. Naguguluhan ako." 

Dahan-dahang inabot ni Blaze ang kamay niya, saka bahagyang iniusad ang wedding ring niya para makita nang buo ang tattoo ring nila. "When I was kidnapped, Cassie took off my wedding ring while I was unconscious. Para daw ma-realize ko na hindi ka para sa akin. But this..." Itinabi nito ang daliring may tattoo ng pangalan niya sa daliri niya. "She can't take this off. And I'm glad that she couldn't. Because this is a brand for me, that I am yours and no one else. I know, you don't believe that I love you and I understand it. I get it. I was a jerk to you, your own husband. But know this, I'm yours, Happiness Aravena Quinn-Vitale. 

"And that annulment you wanted, I will never sign it. If I have to fight you in court, I will. Because I am yours as you are mine. I made a mistake, I'm not perfect, I'm just a man, Happy, I am reckless, I am selfish, I am a jerk, an asshole, name it, that's me. But if there is a mistake that I will never do to you, it's to cheat on you or think of someone while I'm with you. I told you before, I will not make love to you unless I'm thinking of you. Nang pakasalan ko si Happiness Aravena Quinn, ginawa ko 'yon kasi mahal ko siya at ayokong mawala siya sa akin."

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa tattoo ring niya kung saan naroon ang pangalan ni Blaze. For her, it was not just a simple tattoo. It was like a brand to her soul that she was Blaze's. 

Umangat ang mga daliri niya, saka humaplos 'yon sa pangalan niya na naka-tattoo rin sa daliri ng asawa. "When you told me you have moved on? Totoo 'yon, 'di ba?" she asked. 

He nodded. "Aside from the tattoo on my face, there were tattoos on my body that were also dedicated for Cassie and I cleaned them all. Not because I already moved on but because I don't want you to ever doubt my intentions. I can never say that I'm all yours if there were still tattoos on my body for Cassie. And I put what makes me remember you."

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

Blaze tsked. "Ilang beses na akong naghubad sa harap mo hindi mo man lang napansin?"

"Well, I was busy making love to you in those times that's why."

Blaze chuckled again before explaining. "Ipinabura ko lahat ng tattoo ko na may kinalaman kay Cassie pagkatapos ay inilagay ko ang mga salita na nagpapaalala sa akin ng tungkol sa iyo. A word 'tart' from cheese tart and 'iced' from iced americano on my back. Because you love them. There's also three small words below my nape. Hindi mo makikita 'yon hangga't hindi nakatutok ang mata mo. It's self-respect, self-love and self-worth. You believe in those things and I wanna believe in them too. And below those was the word 'Happiness.' You."

Napalabi si Happy. "Palagi akong nasa ilalim mo kapag nakahubad ka kaya hindi ko 'yon nakikita. O kaya naman nasa ibabaw mo ako. And I'm doing naughty things to you to care about your tattoos."

Blaze laughed a little. "Yeah..."

Napatitig siya sa asawa. Pinagsalikop na nito ang kamay nilang dalawa habang nag-uusap sila. "Why are we a mess?" she asked. 

"Because we're not perfect. I'm not perfect and there will always be a mess. That's marriage, I guess." He sighed. "Ang kasalanan ko lang, hindi naging maganda ang pagdala ko sa gulo natin. Pinagsalitaan kita ng masakit at umalis ako. Minsan, hinihiling ko na sana si Blake ako. Matapang sa lahat ng bagay. Alam niya palagi ang gagawin niya. I envy him. Gusto kong idahilan na ini-spoil niya ako kaya ganito ako pero sa tingin ko ugali ko na 'to. Ugaling hindi maganda dahil nasaktan na naman kita. 

"Makasarili ako, hindi nag-iisip kapag galit, gago ako at higit sa lahat duwag. Kaya kong humarap sa maraming kalaban, kaya kong makipagpatayan, pero nang umalis ako at naalala ko ang sakit na bumalatay sa mukha mo nang dahil sa mga sinabi ko, nawala 'yong tapang ko at naduwag akong harapin ka uli. I know how much you respect yourself. I was afraid—still am—to hear from you that I don't deserve you. That I'm not worth risking for. And you said it. And maybe you're right, but I'll work hard... harder to earn your trust again. Give me another chance?" 

Bumuga si Happy ng marahas na hininga. She was about to answer him when she heard her dad's voice. 

"Princess! Princess! I heard about Helena being here. What did she do to you?"

Pero ang paglapit sa kanya ng ama niya ay natigil nang makita nito si Blaze. Her father was rooted in place before he slowly went to Blaze's side and he knelt. 

Her father knelt! 

"I have no excuse. I did it for my daughter. And I'm very sorry about what happened. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Blaze. I'm sorry."

Blaze just stared at her father for a long time before looking away and staying silent. 

Tinapik naman ng ama niya ang balikat ni Blaze, saka bumaling ito sa kanya. "Can we talk?"

Blaze's jaw tightened. "If it's about Helena or Cassie, talk here."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ng ama niya. "What about Cassie?"

"She's alive," sagot niya. 

Lalong lumalim ang gatla sa noo ng ama. "How? She's dead."

"I just saw her," sabi niya. 

"Yeah. She kidnapped me too and she wanted to have sex with me," Blaze said flatly. "She want 'us' back."

Worry filled her father's eyes as he looked at her then Blaze. "Please tell me you didn't... please..."

Umiling si Blaze habang mahigpit na hawak ang kamay niya. "May asawa ako para do'n. And last time I check, my wife's name is Happy not Cassie."

Her father's tensed shoulders relaxed. "Thank you... for not doing that to my daughter. Sa akin ka lang magalit. Tatanggapin ko lahat. If you wanna kill me, go ahead. Feel free."

Blaze looked at her father. "You wanna make it up to me?"

"Of course!" Her dad exclaimed. 

"Stop your daughter from annulling our marriage." 

Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Happy. "Blaze!"

Tumingin ito sa kanya. "You said you have connections. Okay. But I'm pretty sure your father has more connection than yours."

Her lips parted. "Sa lahat ng puwede mong hinging kapalit sa kasalanan ni Dad, 'yon lang?"

"Anong lang? Walang 'lang' sa gusto ko. Ayokong mawala ka. Ayokong iwan mo ako. Ayoko. Hindi ako makakapayag. And if I have to make a deal with the devil." He glanced at her father sharply. "I will. To keep you."

Happy grimaced. "Mababaw pa rin 'yon. You could have asked Dad for anything... he even offered his life."

Namilog ang mga mata ng ama niya. "Princess!"

"What?" tanong niya sa nanghahamon na boses. "You harmed his beloved, didn't you?"

"He didn't," sabi ni Blaze na titig na titig sa kanya. "He kept my beloved safe from any harm so when I find her, I can love her for the rest of my life."

Me. 

"That was smooth as fuck," komento ng ama niya. 

"Dad..." Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "You killed his beloved and his unborn child, remember?"

Agad na natahimik ang ama niya, kapagkuwan ay humugot ito ng upuan, saka nakisalo ng mesa sa kanila. "Though about your unborn child, are you sure that she was pregnant?"

Blaze frowned at her father. "What are you trying to say?"

"Well, ahm, we always perform a checkup on Cassie every month... you know, to check if everything is okay with her body," sabi ng ama niya. "Hindi ko naman siya pinabayaan habang kamukha niya ang anak ko. I didn't see my daughter in those three years because I don't want to endanger Happy, and I was keeping tabs on Cassie. And that week, the week she got kidnapped, she just finished her checkup on the Organósi's infirmary. Doon ko siya kinausap tungkol sa pag-alis namin dahil malapit na ang Triad sa kanya. And because of this mess, dahil nangyari sa inyo 'to ng anak ko nang dahil sa akin, ipinahalungkat ko kay Klaus ang resulta ng test ni Cassie ng linggong 'yon. Like I said, we always check her for safety purposes too. Dahil kapag nabuntis siya—lalo na dahil may boyfriend siya—hindi ko itutuloy kung ano man ang nangyayari dahil may batang involved. So, as I was saying, she was not pregnant at that time. Unless there was an error."

Bumakas ang kaguluhan sa mukha ni Blaze. "What do you mean she's not pregnant? She told me. She was."

"I know. Von Per told me too." Her father frowned at Blaze. "She became your fiancée a year before her death, right?"

"Yes."

"Isang taon na pero hindi mo naisip na pakasalan siya?" tanong ng ama niya. "While you married my daughter in what? Weeks after you propose?"

"I was studying," sabi ni Blaze na nakakunot ang noo. "Magpapakasal kami after I graduated from medical school."

"Oh. And that would be years."

"Yes. What are you implying?" iritadong tanong ni Blaze sa ama niya. 

"What I'm saying is that in my knowledge, she was not pregnant. Ayaw ka lang niya sigurong pakawalan kasi mahal na mahal ka niya. We can always exhume the body to check or read the autopsy report. But that's just me," sabi nito na itinaas ang dalawang kamay. "I could be wrong or our test was an error. Who knows? Pero isa lang ang sigurado ako, patay na siya."

"I just kicked her face that looks like mine, Dad," sabi niya sa matigas na boses. 

"Well... I saw her dead body. So no, that's not Cassie."

Nagkatinginan sila ni Blaze. 

"But..." Confusion was on Blaze's face. "She sounded like Cassie. She even told me that we have a son."

Napatigagal siya sa asawa niya. "Then why are you here?"

"Because I love you."

"You have a son, Blaze. If totoo mang si Cassie 'yon, ibig sabihin malaki na ngayon ang anak mo—"

"Hey! Hey!" saway sa kanya ng ama niya. "Huwag magpadalos-dalos. Remember, she is on the Triad's side." He looked at her. "Think. Don't say things because you love him and you want him to be happy." Itinuro nito si Blaze. "In a situation like this, when it comes to the Triad, say things using a rational thinking. You can do it. Come on, princess. I trained you be a rational thinker. Do it. Now. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgement and decisions. Come on."

Happy took a deep breath before speaking again. "We should check. Use our connections to make sure that 
Cassie
is really alive. And if she is, then we will figure our if there was a child. And if there is, then..." She looked at Blaze. "You decide what to do. Desisyon mo na 'yon."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Blaze, saka masamang tumingin sa ama niya. "You're saying earlier that Cassie was lying about the baby, and now you'll use your connections to prove if there is a child. Ano ba talaga?!"

Her father smiled. "It's a strategy called open for all possibilities and being ready for the outcome with a plan if consequences arise." Mabilis nitong inilabas ang cell phone, saka may tinawagan. "Ruthgar, my genius friend. Yes, yes, more genius than Von Per." Then her dad covered the mouthpiece of his phone before whispering to them. "Don't tell Von Per." Then he went back to speaking to Ruthgar. "Yes, I need your help. My house. Of course. Leave the brandy to me. I'll make sure to kill you with it. LOL. Hashtag party. Bye."

Napatanga siya sa ama. "I can't believe I heard you say the word LOL and hashtag in one sentence."

"Princess, the oldies are evolving too." 

Happy tsked when her father's phone on the table beeped and she saw Henreitta's name. 

Her lips thinned, "Dad, nilandi mo ba si Henreitta?"

Napangiwi ang ama niya. "Princess, we're both consenting adults when we did the nasty, when I was so stress because you were mad at me—"

"Daddy!"

"Bye, princess!" Agad na umalis ang ama niya at tumakbo habang pahabol na nagsasalita." Be at our house in one hour!"

Napailing si Happy, saka napatingin uli sa asawa na titig na titig sa kanya. "Ano?"

"Give me a change again?"

She took a deep breath. "Let's fix this mess first and then we will talk, okay? Tapusin na muna natin 'to para wala nang gulo. Siguro makakatulong din to sa atin para makapag-isip nang maayos sa mga bagay-bagay na dapat nating gawin. Kasi baliktarin man natin ang mundo, mag-asawa pa rin tayo. At kasal tayo. Sinasabi ng puso ko na huwag kitang bitawan kasi mahal kita at asawa kita, pero iba naman ang sinasabi ng isip ko. Kailangang malinawan tayo sa lahat-lahat, Blaze, para maayos natin ang relasyon natin nang wala nang pabalik-balik na multo sa nakaraan natin."

Blaze looked deep into her eyes. "We'll fix this mess and we'll fix us next?"

Happy took a deep breath before nodding. "We'll talk. After this."

"You'll see if I'm still worth risking your all for?" Blaze asked. 

She sighed. "I'm sorry about that... about you not worth risking for. That was below the belt. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said it. That was not a good thing to say to you. Hindi ko na sasabihin 'yon uli. Pasensiya na kung nasaktan kita dahil do'n. I'm really sorry, Blaze."

Blaze was just staring at her. "Why are you saying sorry to me? What I said to you in the penthouse was much more painful than that." Napailing ito. "God, I was such an idiot."

She sighed again. "I'm sorry. Again. For every painful word I've said. Pareho lang tayong nagkakasakitan. Let's just settle this mess first, okay? Then we will talk again."

Tumango ito. "Okay."

Happy smiled. "By the way..."

"What?"

"I'm pregnant."

Blaze automatically grinned before standing up, scooping her up and hugging her tightly. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Fuck, yeah!" Kapagkuwan ay parang natauhan ito at pinakawalan siya sa pagkakayakap. "Sorry. This mess first before us. Sorry." Then he grinned again. "But you're really pregnant? How many weeks? What did the doctor say? Fuck! How's the ultrasound?"

Umiling siya. "Wala pang ganoon. Nalaman ko lang kanina dahil mataas ang hCG level ko. Bukas babalik ako para do'n." 

Blaze nodded and he couldn't keep grinning and caressing her belly. "Our baby is in there."

"Yeah... and the parents are still a mess."

He looked at her. "We'll fix It. I'll fix it. I'll work harder to fix us."

Hindi siya umimik. Nabaling ang atensiyon niya nang tumunog ang cell phone niya. 

It was an email. 

She immediately opened it thinking that maybe it was something important. Pero bumulaga sa kanya ang isang larawan.

It was Cassie and Blaze, lips pressed against each other. They were on a bed. Blaze's eyes were closed.

Oddly, hindi siya nagselos sa nakita. Siguro dahil nasa tabi niya si Blaze kahit nakita na nito si Cassie. It made a big impact on her. Him being with her after seeing Cassie. 

Happy looked at Blaze as she slowly showed the picture to him. "Tell me... are you sleeping in that picture?"

Itinutok naman ni Blaze ang mga mata sa larawang ipinakita niya. "Yeah. Look, my bruises are still fresh. Kagagaling ko lang sa aksidente no'n. Ibig sabihin ito 'yong panahon na wala akong malay. Because I'm very sure that I never let my lips touch any part of her body when I'm awake."

"Why?"

He looked at her. "Because it's yours."

"Oh."

Blaze went back to examining the photo. "Yes. That's definitely me but I didn't kiss her. That, I'm sure."

Happy sighed. "Ano ba ang gusto niya mula sa akin?"

"Ang iwan ako."

Napatitig siya sa asawa, saka napabuntong-hininga. "Maybe this woman is not Cassie. Maybe she's a fake look-alike. I could picture the real Cassie as a nice woman."

"Well, she was nice to me in that house. She was very Cassie-like." 

"Then why didn't you fall for her?" she asked. "I didn't mean to frustrate you. I'm just curious."

He shrugged. "Nahulog na ako sa 'yo." Mahina itong natawa, saka napailing. "Seeing Cassie again, it made me realize a lot of things. Isa na ro'n ang hindi kita kayang ipagpalit sa kanya. The house that we're in, it was bolted from the outside. I can't get out even if I want to. She tried everything, Happy, she even stripped naked in front of me. But nothing. Hinahanap ko ang Happy ko... ang asawa ko. 'Yong asawa kong nagugulat na lang bigla sa panlalandi ko sa kanya. 'Yong asawa kong simpleng ngiti lang masaya na ako. 'Yong asawa kong mahal ko. 

"Kaya maling-mali ka sa sinabi mo sa akin kanina. Alam kong buhay si Cassie, pero hindi ko naman siya pinili. I didn't let that house imprison me with Cassie. Laman ng isip ko ang sinabi ni Knight na nasabugan ka. So, I did everything to ransack that fucking house so I could see you. And I'm here now. Nahuli nga lang, pero nandito ako at wala akong ginawa na kasama si Cassie na makakapaggalit sa iyo."

"Yes, I was wrong..." She looked at Blaze. "You did choose me."

"That's what I keep telling you."

"Hindi ko kasi alam na buhay siya at nagkita na kayo. Sorry... I doubted you."

"That's a given. I was a jerk to you."

Mahinang natawa si Happy. "We've been a jerk to each other. Kaya nagkakasakitan tayo, eh. May kasalanan ka, may kasalanan din ako kasi nawala 'yong tiwala ko sa iyo dahil sa mga binitiwan mong salita na nasaktan talaga ako nang sobra. Maybe we should try to understand each other more? On my side. Iba ako mag-isip. 'Yong isip ko, iba ang takbo sa ibang tao. While on your side, you have a very aggressive behavior. God... that was a bad combination."

"We'll make it work. Right? We'll fix this. I'll fix this."

Happy nodded before she received a text from her father. 

House. Now. 

Ibinulsa niya ang cell phone. "Come on, let's fix this mess so we can fix ours." 

Tumango si Blaze, saka sabay silang umalis ng caféteria. Siya ang nagmaneho sa kotse niya patungo sa mansiyon nila. Nang makarating doon, nasa labas pa lang silang, naririnig na nila ang ingay sa loob ng sala. 

Nang makapasok sila, they saw them. 

Her dad arguing with Daddy Von Per about what happened to Cassie. Uncle Klaus trying break the two apart. A man in front of the computer who was called "Ruthgar" by her father and a man twirling a knife around his finger who was called "Vent" by Uncle Klaus. 

Five men. Arguing and sharing opinion all at the same time. 

And Happy realized, this was her dad's team. Way back when he was still the second Arkhon. 

After all these years, they were still together and supporting one another. 

Wow. Just wow.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 49

CHAPTER 49

PINAKATITIGAN NI BLAZE ang asawa habang abala ito sa harap ng laptop at cell phone. Pinagpapalit-palit ni Happy ang dalawa habang nakikipag-usap sa iba't ibang miyembro ng organisasyon tungkol sa pagpapabagsak ng Triad. 

Looking at his wife... it calmed him. 

When he was away from her, it was hellish. Dumagdag pa ang sitwasyon niya kay Cassie. 

When he saw her in the cemetery, imagine his shock. It was like the very core of his foundation was shook. But what kept him at bay was Happy. His mind was filled with thoughts about Happy that a thought of being with Cassie didn't even come to his mind. 

His first word to her was their "child." If their child was okay. 

Cassie—the fake Cassie—was nice to him. Just like the Cassie he knew. The way she smiled, the way she talked. It was Cassie-like. He never even doubted that it was a fake. 

But when she reached her hand to touch and caress his face at the cemetery, he took a step back. Not because he was mad at her for only showing up after eleven years, but because he was married. Because of Happy, he took a step back. 

Si Happy ang nasa isip niya habang kaharap si Cassie. Kung ano ang mararamdaman nito na pagkatapos niya itong pagsalitaan ng masama at bigyan ng pagdududa na baka si Cassie pa rin ang mahal niya ay magpapahawak siya sa babaeng alam niyang pinagseselosan nito. 

Hindi man sabihin sa kanya ng asawa niya, alam niyang nagseselos ito kay Cassie. At kapag hinayaan niyang magpahawak kay Cassie, para na rin niyang pinatunayan kay Happy ang hinala nito at pagdududa. 

His mind was screaming, 
"She won't take me back if I do something more stupid than saying those hurtful words."

Though he spoke to Cassie... asking about their baby. Kasi kung buhay ito, ibig sabihin ay buhay rin ang anak nila. 

Cassie convinced him that their child was okay and that he was unharmed. And of course as a father, he wanted to see his son. Pero ipapakita lang daw nito ang anak niya kapag sumama siya rito. 

And he was conflicted. 

Binigyan siya ng dalawang linggo ni Cassie na mag-decide.

Kung sasama siya kay Cassie para sa anak nila, tuluyan nang mawawala sa kanya ang asawa niya. Sigurado siya roon. Walang sapat na paliwanag na makakapagpabago sa isip ni Happy, lalo na't si Cassie ang sinamahan niya. Kilala niya ang asawa niya, oo malambot ito pagdating sa kanya pero may mga bagay na masyadong matigas ang paninindigan nito. 

Pero kapag si Happy naman ang pipiliin niya, baka mawala nang tuluyan ang anak niya sa kanya. Hindi rin sila nagkasama ng maraming taon! Gusto niyang makabawi. 

Pero tumawag lang si Knight para sabihing napahamak si Happy habang wala siya sa tabi nito, nakalimutan niya lahat. 

But Blaze was already too late. To be kidnapped like that, that was embarrassing. And to be with Cassie again in a house. Just two of them. 

He was so afraid. Hindi takot kay Cassie—takot siyang makagawa ng kasalanan kay Happy. Kasalanang alam niyang wala nang balikan. 

That was what kept him away from Cassie in that house. Every time Cassie would try to do something, to seduce him, he would think of his wife. 

Oo, marupok siya pagdating sa bagay na 'yon. Sex was good. But that would mean cheating on his wife. At naniniwala siyang choice ang magloko. At ayaw niyang magloko sa asawa niya. 

That would definitely end their marriage. 

And now, Blaze thought that he made the right choice. It was a fake Cassie. There was no child. Pero hindi niya talaga inakala 'yon. She was very Cassie-like. Pati ang mga gusto nito, si Cassie talaga. 

How the Triad pull this off, he didn't know anymore. The Triad really wanted to throw the second Arkhon off for them to do this. 

Blaze came out from his reverie when the door to Happy's room opened, then Deth entered. Jealousy instantly filled him when he saw his wife smiled at the man. 

That smile is mine! 

"My lady, they just arrived in the airport. We're now going there to pick them up."

Nakangiting tumango si Happy, saka bumaba ang tingin sa T-shirt na suot ni Deth. "
Aww
... you're making me happy, D. You're wearing the shirt I bought and customized for you." 

Deth grunted. "King said you're pregnant and you shouldn't feel bad at all." He sighed again. "But fuck, my lady, why do you have to print #TeamVirgins in front of the shirt with my name on the back?"

Happy grinned. "No worries, I made the same shirt for Kane."

Napailing si Deth, saka napabaling sa kanya na mukhang naramdaman ang talim ng mga mata niyang nakatingin dito. He sighed before saying good-bye to Happy and leaving the room. 

Tatawa-tawa si Happy nlalong kinainis niya. He was very careful not to cheat on her and she was talking to that man like he was not here?! 

"Baby?" tawag niya sa asawa. 

But Happy didn't look at his direction. 

Umalis si Blaze sa pagkakaupo sa mahabang sofa, saka nilapitan ang asawa at umupo sa tabi nito. 

She immediately glanced at him. "May kailangan ka?"

Napatitig siya rito. "Hindi ba puwedeng gusto lang kitang makatabi?" 

"Sorry..." Napailing ito. "Hormones. I didn't mean to sound irritated."

Ipinakita niya rito ang binabasa niya sa cell phone kanina pa. 

Mahinang natawa si Happy. "Mood swings during pregnancy," basa nito sa title ng article na binabasa siya, saka napailing. "Is it really obvious?" 

Tumango siya. "Nang umalis tayo ng ospital noong isang araw, kahit paano okay na tayo. Hindi masyadong bati, pero nandoon na. Pero kinagabihan, galit ka uli. Kahapon, hindi mo ako pinapansin. You spend your time talking to Kane on the phone and to your new hippeis." The last part came out so bitter. "'Tapos kaninang umaga ipinagtimpla mo ako ng kape, an hour after that, you're not looking at me again. I'm a doctor so I know. Though this article was a big help for me to understand more." 

Happy sighed. "Sorry."

"It's okay. Nasa first and third trimestral talaga ang mood swings."

"I'm tired," pabulong nitong sabi. 

"Then rest. Please..."

Umiling si Happy, saka nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya. "Pero ang dami ko pang babasahin. I have to read the reports sent to me by the bosses and some generals in ultor's battalion. And I have to speak to Nysza about the war in South America. Daemon was asking some backups. Lahat 'yon dumadaan sa akin."

"Rest," he said. 

"But—"

"Mahiga ka lang diyan, babasahin ko ang report sa iyo. Just listen."

Tumango naman agad si Happy, saka nahiga sa kama nang patagilid. "Okay. I'm all ears."

Binasa ni Blaze ang pangatlong file na nasa loob ng 
Reports
 folder dahil nabasa na raw nito ang una at pangalawa. 

He was in the middle of reading the fourth report when he heard his wife snore. Itinigil niya ang pagbabasa, saka napatitig sa asawa, pagkatapos ay bumaba ang tingin niya sa tiyan nito. 

Hinaplos niya 'yon. "Don't worry, baby. Daddy will not make the same mistake again. Your mom and I will fix this so when you come out, you'll have a happy family, okay, buddy?" 

"Technically, a fetus can't answer you, Your Highness." 

Natawa siyang napabaling sa pinto. "Jackass."

"Dick," King replied while shaking his head and walking towards her. "Your Highness."

Blaze stood up and shook King's hand before tapping each other's shoulders. "Nasaan ka kahapon? Hindi kita nakita."

"I was busy doing some errands with the Team Second Arkhon Old Version. Goodness, those oldies drink liquor like there is no tomorrow," sabi nito, saka sinilip ang asawa niyang natutulog. "You two okay now?"

Blaze sighed. "I don't know... we're getting there." 

Tumango-tango si King. "That's good. She made herself busy while you were sulking and regretting. I'm sure you were regretting those words."

He nodded. "Were you mad that I said those things to her? I mean, which side are you on that time?"

King immediately took a step back. "Your Highness..." Itinaas nito ang kamay, "I'm not in the position to judge."

"Then I'm giving you the right to judge," sabi niya. 

King blew a loud breath. "I'm not siding anyone. You both have a reason. That's it. I mean, I'm not in your shoes or Lady Happy's. I will never know what you're feeling so no, I am not judging anyone." 

Napailing siya, saka naupo sa pang-isahang sofa. 

"You're not okay," obserba ni King sa kanya. 

Mahina siyang natawa. "I have a very long way to go, King. Hindi lumilingon si Happy kapag tinatawag ko siyang baby. She won't call me Blazey. Oo nga nag-uusap kami at magkasama pero parang may malaking pader pa ring nakaharang sa gitna namin."

Umupo si King sa mahabang sofa at nakinig lang sa kanya. 

"I know I hurt her a lot. I know I was stupid. I know how idiot I was... alam kong mahihirapan akong ibalik 'yong dating kami pero hindi ko naisip na ganito pala kahirap 'yon. Seeing her and being with her but not really. Parang nandiyan siya, nakakausap ko siya nang matino, na hindi galit, na walang sumbatan pero may mali pa rin."

King sighed. "Maybe you both need time?"

"Time to heal or time to forget me entirely?" he asked in a low voice. 

King sighed again. "Your Highness, I know this for a fact. Young Miss, she loves you. Maybe that's why she got hurt. Sometimes, even how much we say sorry, we cannot fix the damage that has been done. I'd been there. Different situation. When my mom got kidnapped with me, I keep saying sorry to mom and dad for everything that I did up to that point. They said it's okay but there's a wall between us. Know what I did?"

"What?"

"I stopped saying sorry and started proving them that I've changed and that I will not do it again."

"That's what I'm doing."

"I know... but, Your Highness, it takes time. It took me months for my father to see that I've changed. And years to see me and believe that I will not do it again. I'm sorry to say this but there are things and situations in life... and also some mistakes that sorry cannot fix." 

Blaze's shoulders fell. "My love isn't enough either."

"My dad once told me that love isn't enough in marriage." King looked at him. "He said that it should be accompanied by trust, respect, loyalty, fidelity, presence and dedication. He always tells me that marriage is not something that someone should take lightly. You and Young Miss, you're just starting to build a family and this... this is a test to your marriage. If you two are strong enough to not let go of each other."

"Bakit ang dami mong alam sa ganito?" May pagdududa siyang tumingin dito. "Wala ka pa namang asawa."

King chuckled. "Well, Dad sort of cheated on Mom before."

"Oh." Magkakaibigan nga ang ama nila. "What happened?"

"Dad regretted it. I mean, it was not really a full-on cheating. They're just starting to see each other. Dad and his high school ex-girlfriend. But it's still cheating. When Mom found out, they were never the same. For months. Yes, they're talking casually, they slept in the same bed, but something is different. But slowly, Mom started smiling at Dad again until they were back to the way they were. Thankfully, my dad never cheated again. And when I asked Mom why she still returned to Dad after what happened, she would just smile and say, 'Because I held tighter.' Get me now?"

Blaze nodded. "Your parents didn't let go of each other. So, if my Happy let go of me, this is over?"

"Give her a reason to hold on tighter, I guess?" King shrugged. "Talk to my dad. He knows a lot more than me. He experienced it. And if it's about fake Cassie, talk to Master Dominick, he has experiences about fake ones. And if you want to talk more deeply, talk to Master Von Per, he gives good advice."

Tumango si Blaze habang nakatingin sa asawa niya. 

I will give you a reason to hold on tighter. Hindi ko hahayaang bitawan mo ako. 

HAPPY WOKE UP GROGGY. Pero umalis pa rin siya ng kama dahil nasusuka siya. Muntikan na siyang mabuwal sa pagkakatayo. 'Buti na lang ay nandoon agad si Blaze nakaalalay sa kanya. 

Inalalayan siya nito patungong banyo at itinali ang buhok niya gamit ang kamay habang sumusuka siya sa lababo. Panay ang hagod nito sa likod niya at halik sa gilid ng noo niya habang nagduduwal siya. 

Pagkatapos ay inalalayan siya nito pabalik sa kama at pinahiga. He left the room and came back with a warm water for her. 

"Here. Drink."

Uminom naman siya, saka nahiga uli. 

"Feeling better?"

Tumango siya. "Yeah. Thank you."

"Baby?" 

Happy closed her eyes to rest again. 

"Happy?" 

Ibinukas niya uli ang mga mata, saka tumingin sa asawa. "Hmm?"

Blaze looked sad. "Ayaw mo na ba talagang tawagin kitang baby?"

Tipid siyang ngumiti. "Pasensiya na, ewan ko ba kung bakit hindi ko gustong naririnig 'yon mula sa iyo. Sorry. Maybe it's hormones again."

Tumango ito, saka umupo sa gilid ng kama. "Happy... are we okay?"

Napatitig siya kay Blaze. "What do you mean?"

"You're cold to me."

Humaplos ang palad niya sa tiyan. "I'm sorry." 

Blaze took a deep breath before forcing a smile. "May gusto ka bang kainin?"

"Wala ka namang alam sa pagluluto."

"I can try?"

"Huwag na, Blaze. I don't feel like eating anyway. Masasayang lang ang effort mo."

"But, baby—I mean, Happy, I'm sure you want something."

Umiling siya, saka ipinikit ang mga mata. "Gusto ko lang matulog."

Before Happy fell back to sleep again, she felt her husband left the bed and the room. And when she woke up, there saw a cheese tart and iced americano on the bedside table with a note. 

I love you.

Pinakatitigan niya ang tatlong salitang 'yon, saka hinaplos ang tiyan at tinitigan ang cheese tart. "Baby... your dad is trying," bulong niya. 

Kumuha siya ng isa at sumimsim ng kaunting iced americano. Alam niyang hindi maganda ang kape sa buntis pero binili pa rin ni Blaze kahit alam din naman nito 'yon. 

Nang maubos niya ang cheese tart, lumabas siya nang naka-pajama pa at itinali lang ang magulong buhok. 

"Nasaan si Blaze?" malumanay ang boses na tanong niya kay King nang makita ito sa sala. 

Itinuro nito ang pinto. "He went out hours ago with Kane, Deth, Lyf, Master Vent, Master Dominick and Master Von Per to take down some Triad's HQs."

Napatango-tango si Happy, saka tahimik na naupo sa pang-isahang sofa. Nakatitig lang siya sa kawalan hanggang sa marinig niya ang boses ni Ruthgar. 

"Second Arkhon?"

Napakurap-kurap siya bago tumingin dito. "Yes, Sir Ruthgar?" 

Inilapag nito ang laptop na hawak sa ibabaw ng center table, sa harap niya. "A gift. Your father made me do this actually so it's his gift."

Tumingin siya sa monitor ng laptop. Two .mp4 files. Videos.

"What are these?" she asked. 

"CCTV footages." 

She frowned. "Where?"

"Lysander's barn and that house Von's son was talking about."

Natigilan si Happy at napatitig sa .mp4 files na nasa harap niya. 

"Love is blind they say, but for me, for what I do, seeing is believing. And I think you need to see it to believe it." 

Si Sir Ruthgar na ang nag-play ng CCTV footages para sa kanya dahil hindi siya gumalaw. At hinayaan siya nitong tahimik na manood. 

It was Blaze. And he was drinking. Alone. 

This must be Lysander's barn. 

The video was just Blaze drinking. Then the video moved so fast, same footage, Blaze drinking. And then it went back to normal when Blaze stood up. 

Nakita niyang tumayo sa pagkakaupo si Blaze at may kinuha sa isang bag. 

Her dress. 

And then he went back to the sofa while hugging her dress and putting it over his nose like he was smelling it and then he would hug it again while drinking. Even in his sleep, he was hugging her dress. 

And when a friend of his came to the barn and tried to pry way her dress from his hold, he woke up and he went nuts. 

Nagwala ito at nagsisisigaw. 
"No! She's my wife! She's my wife! Let go of her! She's my wife!" 

Happy's heart ached seeing Blaze like that. Until the video moved fast again and stopped when Knight and Shun entered the barn. 

Blaze was sleeping again. While hugging her dress. 

Knight and Shun tried to take his wedding ring but then Blaze woke up and he attacked the two. 

He kept on saying, 
"My wife will take me back. My wife will take me back. Don't take my ring away. Don't take my wife away."

Happy felt like something rip her heart when she saw Blaze crying while holding his wedding ring close to his heart. 

"
I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean to say those things. I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I love you so much. I'm sorry."

Isinara niya ang laptop nang manubig ang mga mata niya. Hindi niya tinapos na panoorin. Blaze did tell her that he was a mess in Lysander's barn but she didn't realize that he was this messed up. 

Sir Ruthgar played the second video without asking if she wanted to see it. 

It was in a different house this time. Blaze and Cassie were in it. 

It was in the living room while Blaze and Cassie were talking. Blaze was calm. He looked calm until Cassie started undressing in front of him. Mabilis na tumayo si Blaze at pumasok sa isang kuwarto, saka ini-lock 'yon. Hinawakan nito ang daliri kung saan naka-tattoo ang pangalan niya. 

His lips was moving but she couldn't hear what he was saying because it didn't have an audio like the last video.

Moments later, fake Cassie entered the room and Blaze locked himself on the bathroom. And when fake Cassie opened the bathroom, he actually seized the fake Cassie's hand to get away from her. 

The video moved fast again and stopped when Blaze was trying to ransack the house. He kept on kicking the doors and windows but miserably failing. 

And then the fake Cassie hugged Blaze from behind. 

Hindi pa tapos ang video pero isinara na ni Happy ang laptop. 

"You have to see the whole video, it's just starting. It's more than five hours—"

"I don't need to. I know he didn't," sabi niya, saka hinaplos ang tiyan. "I already have a reason to fix our marriage. I was just gathering all my strength and bravery before I start fixing it because there's no turning back If I did."

Uncle Klaus neared her with a glass of water. He handed it to her. 

Nang tanggapin niya iyon, nagsalita ito. 

"Young Miss," sabi ni Uncle Klaus, "I hope you are feeling well?"

Tumango siya, saka ngumiti. "Better than earlier."

"That's good to hear."

Tumango si Happy, saka umalis ng sala at wala sa sariling naglakad. Hanggang nakita niya sina Mommy Beth at Henreitta na nag-uusap sa hardin. Hindi niya alam kung bakit nang magtama ang mga mata nila ni Mommy Beth, basta na lang niya itong sinugod ng mahigpit na yakap habang nanunubig ang mga mata.

Henreitta hugged her too while caressing her back and consoling her. 

"I want to fix it but I don't know where to start, Mommy Beth... Please help me."

"Of course, I'm here for you," masuyong sabi sa kanya ni Mommy Beth.

Hinawakan naman ni Henreitta ang kamay niya at pinisil 'yon. "We're here and we will help you get through this."

"Thank you," naiiyak niyang sabi habang hawak ang kamay ng dalawang babaeng marami nang pinagdaanan sa buhay na nakaya ng mga itong labanan at lampasan. 

She needed their wisdom. And she was lucky that Mommy Beth and Henreitta were more than willing to give her the wisdom she needed. 

Their advice and support meant so much to her because she learned a lot from the two. She spent her whole day with Mommy Beth and Henreitta, just talking and sharing and just being there to support her. 

"Thank you," sabi niya sa dalawang malalakas na babae na nakilala niya. "You two are amazing." 

Hinalikan siya sa pisngi ni Mommy Beth. "If you need anything, I'm just here. I'm willing to listen and give you some advice."

"Me too," sabi ni Henreitta, saka hinalikan siya sa noo. "Your brother wants to talk to you by the way. But he went back to England to finish something. When he get back, I hope you two can talk?"

Tumango siya, saka ngumiti. "Should I start calling you 'Mom' now? I mean, Dad is always with you and you practically live with us now."

Henreitta blushed. "If that's what you prefer, it would be my pleasure."

Happy smiled. "Okay, Mommy Henreitta, thank you. Both of you. Thank you for enlightening me. I need it."

"Anytime," sabay na sabi ng dalawa niyang ina. 

Sadly, they have to part ways. Magluluto si Mommy Beth, si Mommy Henreitta naman ay kukuha ng damit sa bahay nito para dalhin sa bahay nila dahil gusto ng ama niya na doon na ito tumira. 

While Happy walked towards the staircase to the second floor. 

Akmang paakyat na siya para bumalik sa kuwarto at maglinis ng katawan nang pumasok si Blaze ng bahay kasama ang mga kasamahan nitong umalis. 

He had cuts and bruises and his shoulder was bleeding but when he saw her, his face brightened as he smiled. 

"We took down three HQs," masayang balita nito habang naglalakad palapit sa kanya. "How's my baby feeling?" 

Sa halip na sumagot, hinawakan niya ang kamay ng asawa, saka masuyo itong hinila patungo sa kuwarto niya. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up. You're a mess." Then she looked at Kane. "You clean up as well."

Kane smiled. "Yes, Lady Happy."

Iginiya niya ang asawa patungo sa kuwarto, saka binitawan ang kamay nito para kumuha ng damit sa closet at iniabot 'yon dito. 

"Take a bath."

Ilang segundong nakatitig lang sa kanya si Blaze bago ito ngumiti. "Thanks. Though we still have some HQ to raid tonight. Sasama ako uli. Para kahit man lang sa ganitong paraan, mapagaan ko ang loob mo. I know you don't want me here as much as I want to be here so I will just try my best to be useful to you."

Happy went to his front and placed a soft kiss on his check. "Thank you for trying." 

Blaze kissed her forehead before kissing her temple. Then he whispered, "I know you don't believe me... but I do love you, Happiness Aravena Quinn."

Tumango siya, saka ngumiti. "I know."

Blaze smiled back before walking towards the bathroom. While she stood there, looking at her husband's back. 

Kapagkuwan ay kinuha niya sa drawer ang annulment papers na ipinahanda niya. Ilang segundong tinitigan 'yon bago ibinasura. 

I can't just give up and put myself first. I'm pregnant now. I have to try and fix it too. 

She didn't want a broken family for her baby. She would give her child a complete and happy family. 

That's Mommy's promise, my baby.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 50

CHAPTER 50

IT WAS TEAM HAPPINESS versus Team Oldies that day. Nasa pahaba silang hapagkainan na labindalawalang tao ang puwedeng umupo. Nakaupo sa kabilang dulo ang ama niya, habang siya naman ay nakaupo sa kabilang dulo rin. At sa magkabilang gilid ng kanilang kinauupuan ay nandoon ang hippeis, butler, personal ultor at tracker nila pareho ng kanyang ama.  

Team Happiness were:

Happy Quinn-Vitale, the second Arkhon. 

Blaze Vitale, Happy's hippeis. He was back in the team. 

King Zabat, Happy and Blaze's butler. 

Yrozz, Happy's tracker. 

Kane Spiros, Deth and Lyf Romanov, Happy's personal ultors. 

While on her father team, the Team Oldies as King called them were:

Dominick Quinn, the former second Arkhon. 

Duke Von Per Vitale, her father's hippeis. 

Klaus Zabat, her father and Daddy Von Per's butler. 

Viscount Ruthgar Wright, her father's tracker. 

Vent Romanov, her father's personal ultor. 

Two of her father's team members were royalties. Duke Von and Viscount Ruthgar. While Vent Romanov was a well-known businessman in Russia. And of course, Klaus Zabat, the owner of Zabat Empire. 

"Who will preside?" tanong ng ama ni King nang makaupo silang lahat. 

Lyf spoke. "Out of respect, the oldies should."

The five members of Team Oldies looked at them flatly. 

"Lyf, son." It was Uncle Vent, Lyf's father. "Do you want to be the perfect example of the song 'Young, Dumb and Broke'? Especially the broke part? I can make that happen."

"Dad!" Agad na umangal si Lyf, saka bumulong. "I was telling the truth. You're all oldies."

"Shut up, Lyf." It was Uncle Vent again. "If you don't want your own father to go 007 in you're ass."

"Daniel Craig style," dagdag ng ama niya na nakangiti. "I'm more handsome than him though."

Agad na sumabad si Daddy Von. "Please, Dominick, stop lifting that chair of yours. We all know that you're ugly looking."

Her father glared at him. "At least I don't look like a jackass."

"Yes. Because you look like a dick," Daddy Von retaliated.

"Enough." Namagitan na ang ama ni King. "Enough. We're here to talk." Then he glared at Sir Ruthgar who was drinking a rum. "Stop drinking or I will shove that rum into your ass!"

Nabitin sa pag-inom si Sir Ruthgar. "You're still no fun, Klaus."

"Says the guy who drank fifteen bottles of rum yesterday," sabad ni Uncle Vent.

Sumabad si Deth sa usapan. "Dad, it was out of respect that you preside. You're all in your fifties and—"

Tiningnan ng lima nang masama si Deth na agad na tumahimik. 

Happy sighed and slapped the table to get everyone's attention. "We're here to have a meeting. For once, be serious. I'm not kidding!"

Her dad immediately whispered to his teammates. "My princess is pregnant. That's hormones talking plus she's really a bully so she's more than scary now—"

"Silence please." Hinilot niya ang sentido. "Huwag n'yong painitin ang ulo ko!" Bumaling siya sa tracker niya. "Yrozz, the Triad system, how far can you go to infiltrate them?"

"Depends on their security system." Itinuro nito ang laptop na nakuha ng mga ito sa isa sa mga raid. "This baby can help with the hacking."

"I can crack it in three minutes," nagmamalaking sabi ni Sir Ruthgar.

Yrozz smirked. "Give me two?"

"How about you help each other and make it one minute?" suhestiyon niya dahilan para mapatitig sa kanya ang dalawa. "I'm serious. Do it."

Agad namang nagtabi ng upo sina Sir Ruthgar at Yrozz habang parehong nakaharap sa laptop na nakakonekta sa laptop na nakuha ng mga ito sa isa sa mga Triad's HQ. 

"Look at my princess, Von Per," bulong na naman ng ama niya na mangiyak-ngiyak pa pero naririnig naman niya. "I'm so proud. She's shouting at us angrily. I raised her very well."

Uncle Vent handed a napkin to her father. "Don't cry, asshole, you're such a baby."

Napailing naman si Daddy Von at hindi makapaniwalang nagtanong, "Your daughter is shouting at us and you're happy?"

"Of course!" her father exclaimed. "We're listening to her command and that only means one thing, her presence and personality is authoritative. Look at Ruthgar, he's listening to my daughter when he doesn't even listen to me without a bribe—"

"Dominick told me that I'm more genius than you," sumbong Sir Ruthgar kay Daddy Von. 

Agad namang inagaw ni Daddy Von ang kutsilyong nilalaro ni Uncle Vent, saka inilapit iyon sa leeg ng ama niya. "Where do you want get stab?"

"Ahm..." Nag-isip talaga ang ama niya bago sumagot. "Definitely not in the face because it's one of my assets. I'll die if it's the heart, I will be severely injured if it's the stomach and if it's my groin, Reitta will not be very happy. Hmmm... maybe legs?"

Umangat ang kamay ni Daddy Von para saksakin sa paa ang ama niya pero agad na takot na tumayo ang daddy niya at nagsumbong kay Uncle Klaus.

"Klaus! Look!" Itinuro pa talaga ng ama niya si Daddy Von na masama ang tingin. "He's going to stab me because he's so bitter."

"And why the fuck would I be bitter?!" Daddy Von hissed. 

Her father smiled teasingly. "Because Beth doesn't like you."

"Dominick!" sigaw ni Daddy Von at hinabol ang ama niyang kumaripas naman ng takbo. 

Napailing na lang si Happy. Her father was such a child!

She tsked. "May pa-meeting-meeting pang nalalaman. Hindi naman seseryosohin. Babarilin na talaga kita, Daddy!"

"I'm sorry, princess!" sigaw ng ama niya na hinahabol pa rin ni Daddy Von. "But I will not die in the hand of a jackass who can't make a woman say yes. I mean, come on, Von Per! I have slain you!"

Happy grunted. Actually, paikot-ikot lang ang dalawa sa mesa. Naghahabulan na parang mga bata. 

Blaze sighed while looking at their fathers. "Sino'ng mag-aakala na 'yong mga halimaw sa giyera na nakasama ko kahapon ay ganito na ngayon. Mas masahol pa sa mga baliw." 

Happy sighed too. "They're stressing me out."

Pinagsalikop ni Blaze ang kamay nilang dalawa. "Is my baby okay?"

Itinuro niya ang ama nilang dalawa. "They're stressing me out."

Uncle Vent stared uncaringly at the air before singing heavily. "Don't be stress, Young Miss. Your father is a lunatic. But... there is one thing to stop them." Tumingin ito sa ama ni King." Klaus, can you play my favorite song in your phone?"

"Of course," sabi ni Uncle Klaus na agad na inilabas ang cell phone at nagpatugtog. 

Truth to Uncle Vent's words, her father and Daddy Von stopped the cat and mouse game. 

But... they started dancing and they were even singing along!

"
Young dumb, young, young dumb and brooooke..."

Of course, her father edited the lyrics while pointing his finger at Daddy Von. "Your old... your dumb... and brokenhearted..."

"Dominick!" Daddy Von hissed. 

And they were at it again. The cat and mouse chase. Her father was the annoying mouse. 

"Why is my father like that?" problemado niyang tanong kay Blaze. 

"I'm asking the same thing about my dad," her husband replied before sighing heavily with her. "Mas masahol pa sila sa mga baliw kong kaibigan."

"I can't believe Master Dominick, the monsters in hand-to-hand combat and guns is like this," sabi ni Lyf na napapailing pa. "When I was watching him fight yesterday, he was amazing as fuck. He became my idol in an instant... but this... this just ruined it."

Tumango si Deth. "He fought ten men at the same time like it's nothing but he's now being chased by Master Von with only one knife. I don't know what to say."

"Maybe they're just getting old," sabad ni King. 

"They're already old." Happy tsked. 

"Change music!" biglang hiyaw ni Uncle Vent at nagpalit naman agad ng kanta si Uncle Klaus.

And every member of Team Oldies went into a rocker mode with matching head banging and playing an imaginary guitar as the instrument played on the song "Back in Black" by AC/DC. A very classic rock. Her dad liked listening to that and now, he was singing it.  

Back in black, I hit the sack,

I've been too long, I'm glad to be back.

Then Daddy Von continued singing like they were in a freaking band. 

Yes, I'm let loose from the noose

That's keep me hangin' about

Sir Ruthgar followed busy in the keyboard but still singing like a rockstar. 

I'm just lookin' at the sky cause it's getting me high

Then Uncle Vent sang. 

Forget the hearse 'cause I'll never die.

"Klaus! Take over!" sabi ng ama niya na naka-imaginary guitar pa rin. 

I got nine lives, cat's eyes

Usin' everyone of them and runnin' wild!

Then the five of them sang the chorus together. 

'
Cause I'm back

Yes, I'm back

Well, I'm back

Yes, I'm back

Well, I'm ba-a-a-a-ck

Well, I'm back in black

Yes, I'm back in black! Oooh!

Tahimik lang silang mga anak na pinapanood ang mga ama nilang may sari-sariling concert. 

Looked like it was their jam because every member of Team Oldies were singing, and they were seemed to be having fun while playing a imaginary guitar and drums. Her father was even holding an imaginary microphone. 

Lyf sighed. "This meeting sucked." 

They all nodded in unison except for Yrozz who was busy and frowning. 

King tsked before pulling his phone out from his pocket. "You know what... they're not the only one who can have fun." He played a song on his phone, rivalling the sound of music from the Team Oldies. 

And their music was old as well. 

It was "Mambo No. 5"

"Really?" natatawa niyang tanong kay King na gumagalaw na ang baywang sa saliw ng musika. 

Mapapasayaw ka naman talaga sa "Mambo No. 5" at sinabayan pa ng mga kasama niya ang kanta na parang enjoy na enjoy. 

King sang first. 

One, two, three, four, five 

Everybody in the car so come on let's ride...

Then Deth sang the second verse. 

Beer buzz like I had last week

I must stay deep cause talk is cheap...

Then everyone looked at Kane and Kane looked back at them with no clue on what to do or say. The third verse passed without anyone singing along. 

And when it hit the chorus, Lyf and King sang together. 

A little bit of Monica in my life

A little bit of Erica by my side 

A little bit of Rita's all I need

A little bit of Tina's what I see

Then Lyf and Kane pointed at Blaze to continue singing along and Blaze did, though he edited the lyrics while looking at her. 

A little bit of Happy in the sun

A little bit of Happy all night long

A little bit of my baby here I am

A little bit of you makes me your man

And Blaze ended it by winking at her making her chuckled and shook her head.

"This is not a meeting," sabi niya. "This is craziness and childishness altogether."

Tumawa ang lahat pero si Kane, tahimik lang habang hinahaplos ang mga letrang nakasulat sa T-shirt nitong ipinagawa niya para dito. 

"Nagustuhan mo ba?" tanong niya kay Kane. 

Kane nodded. "Yeah. It's pink though..." Tumingin ito sa kanya. "Do you like pink, Lady Happy?"

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "One of my favorite colors."

"Then it's okay. I like it since you like the color."

Napangiti si Happy. "Ayos lang sa iyo ang nakasulat diyan?"

Kane nodded. "Yes. It is true. I am a virgin. I just don't see the important of sex, even though King said it's very important and life changing. I rather take down Triad's HQs, so you won't have problems anymore."

Yes, Deth and Kane were virgins, but Kane was innocent while Deth was not really. 

Pinanggigilan ni Happy ang pisngi ni Kane na nakatingin lang sa kanya. "You're such a cutie! Na-miss kita noong nasa 'Pinas ka."

"I missed you too, Lady Happy," sagot ni Kane sa napakaseryosong boses. 

Natawa siya, saka napatingin sa Team Oldies na tumigil na ring mag-concert at mga seryoso na dahil kay Sir Ruthgar. 

"We're in," sabi ni Yrozz. "We only have a minute though before their security system can tag us. Hurry up. What am I looking for?"

"Pulled up Cassie's file," utos ng ama niya na ngayon ay seryoso na. Wala nang bakas ng kabaliwan nito kanina. 

Sir Ruthgar spoke. "Okay. Here it is. Yep. She's fake. Confirmed."

"Who ordered to change the face?" ranong ni Daddy Von. 

Sir Ruthgar sighed before looking at her father. "Your bitch ex-wife."

Hinilot ng daddy niya ang sariling sentido. "When was it ordered?"

"Weeks before Happy set foot in the Philippines."

Happy frowned. "For what reason? Blaze and I still don't know each other by then. What is that? Advance siyang mag-isip?"

"I think I know," sabad ni Daddy Von na napailing pa. "That was the time when my sons knew the existence of their mother. And because Beth was alive, the Triad or Helena thought that they can use it to their advantage by making a fake Cassie—making it look like she's alive as well—to confuse my son Blaze and of course, get him to their side because he loves Cassie before. What Helena didn't see coming was Happy and Blaze falling in love. Fuck. This is a personal war and vendetta, Dominick. Your bitch ex-wife is attacking us personally." 

"And my child with Cassie?" Blaze asked. 

"Give me five seconds..." sabi ni Sir Ruthgar. "One, two, three, four—nope, the autopsy is not in the system. Looks like it was done manually, computers are rare things ten years ago. But according to our test on her before she got kidnapped, she's not pregnant. It was a blood test and it was negative."

Umiling si Blaze na parang hindi naniniwala. "T-that's not... no... s-she would never lie to me about that."

Sir Ruthgar looked at him, "I'm sorry but I'm just basing my answers on the test results I'm reading." 

"Let's exhume the body then," Uncle Vent suggested. "To get answers."

"Please don't," pigil siya sa mga ito dahilan para mapatitig sa kanya ang Team Oldies at si Blaze. "Don't exhume Cassie's body just to check if she's telling the truth or not. I feel like we're embarrassing her or something. I don't know... maybe it's just me. But can't we just let her be... let her be at peace? She deserve to be respected, her body deserve to be respected. She had been through enough to be exhumed again and be tested just so we can prove if she's lying or not?" She looked at Blaze. "I owe her my life, Blaze, at parang hindi maganda na hukayin siya para lang mapatunayan natin kung nagsinungaling ba siya o hindi. I know you want closure about the baby but... I feel like we'll be disrespecting her if we exhumed her just to prove something."

Sumang-ayon si Daddy Von. "Happy is right. Let Cassie be. That girl had been through too much already. Let's stop poking around at what she did in the past and let's focus on the present. The Triad is using Cassie, no... they are tarnishing Cassie. Why don't we give Cassie the respect she deserve by killing that fake bitch? And then let's end there. Let her be at peace."

Everyone nodded in agreement, so did Blaze. 

"Okay lang ba sa iyo?" tanong niya sa asawa, saka pinisil ang kamay nitong nakahawak sa kamay niya. "Pasensiya na kung sa tingin mo pinakikialaman kita at pinangungunahan sa gusto mo. It's just my opinion. Ikaw pa rin ang masusunod."

Umiling si Blaze. "Tama ka naman. I'll be disrespecting her memory and her body just to prove something. It doesn't feel right."

May gusto pa siyang sabihin pero narinig nila ang sunod-sunod na pagmumura ni Yrozz habang mabilis na tumitipa ang kamay nito sa keyboard ng laptop. 

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" Yrozz hissed as his face darkened. "Fuck!" Mabilis na pinindot nito ang 
enter
 bago napasabunot sa sariling buhok habang umaasang nakatitig sa screen ng laptop. Then he smiled. "Fuck yeah!"

"What happened?" Lyf asked. 

"The Triad..." sabi ni Yrozz, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "I caught them snooping around my laptop. Looks like they used our connection to their system to hack us as well."

Sir Ruthgar sighed. "Check again if they manage to get and copy some of your important files. Fuck it."

"Yes." Kapagkuwan ay nagsalita si Yrozz. "No... no files. I caught them just in time and kick them out of my baby."

"Good. Make your security strong so they can't hack back," sabi ni Sir Ruthgar.

"Yes. I will."

Her father let out a loud breath. "What are we going to do now? Anyone has a plan?"

"Look for Helena and the fake Cassie," sagot niya. "The plan? Kill them before they harm any of us."

Sir Ruthgar nodded. "I'll track them down."

"I'll help," sabad ni Yrozz. 

"So... no one to kill as of the moment?" Uncle Vent asked. 

Ruthgar answered by giving an address. "Another Triad HQ in Canada. They need cleaning."

Uncle Vent smiled. "I love cleaning." Tumayo ito. "Come on, boys," aya nito kina Deth at Lyf. "Let's clean up some garbages."

Agad namang sumunod ang dalawa at akmang susunod din si Kane nang pigilan niya ito. 

"Kane, may sugat ka pa sa likod," pigil niya rito. "King told me."

Kane looked at her. "Am I not allowed to go?"

"No. You rest. Ayokong may mangyaring masama sa iyo."

Kane nodded. "Yes, Lady Happy. I'll rest now." 

"Thank you." She looked at her father. "May pag-uusapan pa ba tayo?"

Umiling ang ama niya. "Wala na. 'Yon lang naman."

Tumango siya, saka hinawakan ang kamay nina Blaze at Kane. Naging sunod-sunuran naman sa kanya ang dalawa hanggang sa sala. 

Then she faced Blaze. "Please check his wound. I'm worried."

Tumango si Blaze at pinaupo sa mahabang sofa si Kane habang nakaupo naman si Blaze sa likuran ni Kane at sinusuri ang sugat nito. 

Blaze tsked. "Bakit hindi mo sa akin sinabing nasugatan ka?" tanong nito. 

"I don't want to burden you," sagot ni Kane sa mahinang boses. "And Lady Happy."

Happy sighed before sitting on the single sofa, in front of Kane. "Kane, you can never burden us. I told you. You're like a baby to me, my baby, and I always take care of my baby."

Kane stilled and looked back at Blaze over his shoulder with fear in his eyes as he explained. "L-Lady Happy means infant." 

Blaze chuckled. "I know, Kane. I know."

Kane stilled again. "H-hindi ka galit, Your Highness?"

"Nope." Kumuha ng first-aid kit si Blaze at nang bumalik ay agad na nilinis ang sugat ni Kane.

"Bakit hindi ka galit?" Kane asked in curiosity. 

"Because..." Blaze put a gauze over Kane's wound. "You look at her like a mother and she treats you like an infant. Get me now?"

Napatango-tango si Kane. "That is true. Lady Happy cares for me like a mom would. I mean, she worries of me like a mom should. But I'm not so sure though because I don't have a mom growing up."

Nalulungkot na hinaplos ni Happy ang kunot na noo ni Kane. "Then I'll be your mom and I will take care of you as a mom should, so you'll know what it feels like. Since you're also my baby, that's easy." She smiled. "At sa tingin ko pinaglilihian kita. Parang gusto kong marinig na tawagin mo akong 'Mommy.' You're just too cute and innocent."

Kane frowned. "Pero malaki na ako. You're just a bit older than me."

"So?"

"That would be awkward." Kane sighed. "King said I can't make you feel bad because you're pregnant. Sasama ba ang loob mo kapag hindi ko ginawa ang gusto mo?"

Agad siyang tumango. 

"Okay..." Kane took a deep breath before saying. "Mommy."

Happy laughed and pinched his cheeks before looking at Blaze. "May panganay na tayo."

"Please don't call me daddy," pakiusap ni Blaze kay Kane. "I beg you. Don't."

"Don't worry," sabi ni Kane na umiling pa. "You're not pregnant, so no I won't call you that."

Blaze sighed in relief. "Thank God males don't get pregnant."

Natawa siya, saka pinanggigilan na naman ang pisngi ni Kane. "You're so cute."

"Pinaglilihian ka niya," bulong ni Blaze kay Kane. "Be cute, okay? Kailangan maging cute ang anak namin."

Kane nodded earnestly. "Yes, Your Highness."

Natawa si Happy, saka inayos ang buhok ni Kane. "Gusto mo bang pagawan kita uli ng shirt?"

"I would love that."

"Even if it has #TeamVirgin in it?"

Tumango si Kane. "Kahit ano'ng gusto mo, Lady Ha—I mean, Mommy."

Pinanggigilan na naman niya ang pisngi ni Kane hanggang sa mabilis siyang napatayo nang makarinig ng malakas na pagsabog mula sa labas ng bahay nila. 

"What was that?!" sigaw ng ama niya na tumakbo palabas ng bahay. 

Agad naman silang sumunod palabas. 

And there it was... a car... Henreitta's car! Wrecked and burned. And someone was inside!

"No..." The fear in his father's voice.... it seeped through her. "Reitta!"

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 51

CHAPTER 51

MOMMY HENREITTA was safe and unharmed. Wala ito sa loob ng sasakyan nang sumabog 'yon. Nauna palang umuwi ang driver nito dahil dumaan pa si Mommy Henreitta sa ospital kasama sina Tita Beth at Bailey para dalawin si Lucky. 

But still, Happy felt bad. May nasaktan pa rin. Ang driver ni Mommy Henreitta na ngayon ay nasa ospital na at ipinapagamot ng ama niya. 

It had been days since it happened, and the driver was still not out of the intensive care unit. 

They really have to stop the Triad. Fast. 

And Helena, her mother. Was she doing all this? For what reason? Hindi ba dapat nasa panig niya ito kasi anak siya nito? Helena's actions confused her. Wala naman sigurong ganoong ina na gagawin ang mga 'yon sa anak niya? Pero ginagawa iyon ni Helena sa kanya. 

What kind of mother is she? 

Happy sighed heavily. 

"You okay?" It was Blaze. 

Mula sa pagkakaupo sa uluhan ng kama at nakasandal ang likod niya sa headboard, tumingin siya rito. "Just thinking..."

Sumampa sa kama si Blaze, saka umupo sa harap niya. "Thinking of?"

"Helena, my mom," sagot niya. "Anyway... kadarating mo lang mula sa raid, magpahinga ka na kaya?"

Pinakatitigan siya nito. "Kanina pa ako dumating, nakaligo na rin ako, ngayon mo lang napansin?"

Happy sighed. "Sorry... ang dami ko lang iniisip. Anyway, kumain ka na ba?"

"Wala akong gana."

She frowned. "Bakit? Okay ka lang ba? May sugat ka ba? Ayos lang ba ang pakiramdam mo?"

Umiling si Blaze, saka tumitig nang matiim sa kanya. "Can we talk about us? Alam kong sinabi mo na saka tayo mag-uusap kapag maayos na ang gulo pero hindi ako makapaghintay."

Umayos siya ng upo. "What do you want to talk about?"

"Are we okay?" he asked in a hopeful voice. "I saw the annulment papers on the trash bin."

"Itinapon ko 'yon." Wala sa sariling napahawak siya sa tiyan, saka hinaplos 'yon. "I want to fix this... for our baby."

Blaze nodded but there was pain in his eyes. "What about me? I mean, don't you want to fix this for us? You and me?"

Kinuha niya ang kamay nito, saka hinawakan 'yon. "Blaze, yes, I wanna fix it for our baby but I also wanna fix it for us. Unfair naman 'yon sa iyo kung makikipag-ayos ako para lang sa kapakanan ni baby. Siyempre, nasa isip din kita. I threw our annulment papers because I want to give you the chance you're asking. Sige... ayusin natin 'to."

Pinagsalikop ni Blaze ang kamay nilang dalawa. "You're still in pain. Nakikita ko sa mga mata mo tuwing titingin ka sa akin."

Tumango siya. "Still am..." Malungkot siyang ngumiti. "But in time, it'll fade away, I guess."

Tumango si Blaze at may inilabas na flash drive sa bulsa nito. "Sir Ruthgar gave it to me. It's the video in that house." Iniabot nito iyon sa kanya. "Can you please watch it? Maybe it'll help."

Umiling siya. "Sabi mo hindi mo ginawa at dahil gusto kong magtiwala sa iyo uli, hindi ko panonoorin 'yan. If I want to trust you again, I have to start somewhere." 

Blaze fisted his knuckled around the flash drive. "Just for clarification, maybe?"

Happy shook her head. "When you said you didn't... I believe you."

Pinakatitigan siya ng asawa niya. "I really didn't."

Kinagat ni Happy ang pang-ibabang labi nang may pumasok sa isip niya. "Just one question though. It's bothering me. Sorry if I have to ask this, I just want to let this out of my chest."

"What is it?"

"Were you aroused? When you were with the fake Cassie?" she asked. "I mean, she did try everything to seduce you, right?"

Blaze looked at her in the eyes. "Takot ang naramdaman ko actually, hindi 'yon. Kung naramdaman ko 'yon sa kanya, hindi kita pupuntahan at magmamakaawa sa iyo. I would have stayed with her." Napailing ito. "Baka wala na akong mukhang maiharap sa iyo kapag ganoon. Sa iyo lang naman ako malibog nang ganito. My lust is concentrated to one person only. My wife. That's you."

Hindi alam ni Happy bakit siya natawa. "You should get checked."

Blaze frowned. "Why?"

"It's just... you know, not even a little? I mean, don't get me wrong," mabilis niyang bawi. "Masaya ako na wala kang naramdamang ganoon pero 'di ba may porn magazine ka nga?"

"Baby, the last time I read a porn magazine was before I met you." He sighed. "Lalo naman noong naging tayo na. Nasa kuwarto ko lang talaga siya kasi nakalimutan kong ibasura. And why would I need a porn magazine when I just have to look at you and I'm all hard and ready. And... I spoke to Blake about it actually. I was curious as well why I didn't feel you know... that thing. He knows about behavior and stuff."

Natawa uli siya. "Your twin was your therapist?"

"Yes. He always knew what to say."

"What did he say then?" She was actually curious.

"Blake said it depends on a man. He said lust is not automatic for some men... but not all."

"And you're part of this 'some men'?" Happy actually quoted in the air. 

"I guess. Blake said I didn't feel that way because I was so focus on you and thinking of you and remaining loyal to you that I didn't feel that. Sabi niya ganoon din daw siya kay Lucky. He was focus on his wife. I was so focus on my wife that I didn't, we didn't have the time to entertain that thought."

Happy chuckled. Hindi niya alam kung bakit natatawa talaga siya. "I'm still skeptical but... I'm thankful that you didn't cheat on me... that your mind and body was really mine alone. Thank you for respecting me, Blaze. It means a lot."

Blaze smiled before lying on the bed, making her thighs his pillow. Kapag ganito ang asawa niya. Alam na niya 'yon agad. Nagpapalambing ito sa kanya. 

"Ayaw mo ba talagang panoorin 'yong CCTV footage?" tanong ni Blaze sa kanya kapagkuwan. 

Sinuklay niya ang buhok nito. "Bakit ba gusto mong panoorin ko 'yon?"

"Because I'm desperately hoping that if you watch the video, magiging okay na okay na tayo uli." His face fell. "Palagi kong iniisip kung paano ako makakabawi sa iyo. Kung ano ba ang puwede ko pang gawin maibalik lang 'yong dating tayo. Pero wala akong maisip kundi ang tulungan ka sa Triad. I know you want to take them down and I wanna be useful to you, even in that way."

"Blaze, give it time. Magiging okay rin tayo at babalik sa dati," sabi niya habang sinusuklay ang buhok nito. "Huwag nating madaliin para kapag okay na tayo, okay na talaga. Wala nang multo na babalik-balik pa."

"Slowly but surely..." Blaze whispered. 

Happy nodded. "Yes. Though my hiling ako."

He looked up at her. "Anything."

"Next time na may gulo tayo o may mga pangyayari na hindi natin inaasahan at apektado tayong dalawa, don't walk out. I promise to not leave either. Let's stay with each other and talk about it. Para maiwasan natin 'to na nagkakasakitan tayo."

Blaze guided her hand towards his lips before kissing her palm and the back of her hand. "Hindi na ako uli magwo-walk out o magsasalita kapag galit ako. Nagka-phobia na ako, baby. Nakakatakot."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "May ginawa ba ako para magka-phobia ka?"

"The annulment paper," sagot nito, saka tumingin sa kanya. "Every time I see you reading or signing a paper before I saw it on the trash bin, I got really nervous. Baka 'yong annulment na natin 'yon."

Napatingin siya sa trash bin nang banggitin nito ang annulment papers nila pero nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya nang makitang wala na roon iyon. Nasisiguro niyang walang pumapasok sa kuwarto niya para pakialaman ang basura niya. 

At mukhang napansin ni Blaze na nakatingin siya roon dahil nagsalita ito. 

"I burned the papers," pag-amin nito. "Walang natira." Tumagilid ito ng higa, saka yumakap sa baywang niya habang nakaunan pa rin sa hita niya. "I miss this... I miss you."

Huminga si Happy nang malalim, saka ipinalibot niya ang mga braso payakap sa leeg ng asawa at inilapat ang mga labi sa noo nito. She pressed her lips harder on his forehead before hugging her husband tighter. Wala siyang sinabi, basta niyakap lang niya ito nang mahigpit. 

Natigilan siya nang kumawala si Blaze sa yakap niya at bumangon. Pero agad din naman siya nitong niyakap nang makaupo paharap sa kanya at isinubsob ang mukha sa leeg niya. 

"Baka maipit si baby..." bulong nito. "Ako na lang ang yayakap sa iyo."

Napangiti siya at hinayaang yakapin siya ng asawa. 

She couldn't deny... she missed this. She missed her husband. 

"Blaze?"

"Yes, baby?"

"I miss you."

Humigpit ang yakap nito sa kanya. "Miss na miss na rin kita. Sobra. Sobrang miss na miss kita. 'Yong ang hirap kahit magkatabi tayong matulog kasi hindi kita mayakap nang ganito. I'm sorry... I'm really sorry... I'm sorry for hurting you, baby. I'm sorry."

Happy took a deep breath. "Stop saying sorry. We're already fixing it, slowly but surely. Kaya natin 'to." 

Blaze nodded still burying his face on her neck. 

They stayed like that for a while. Si Blaze nakayakap sa kanya habang siya ay paminsan-minsang hinahaplos ang likod ng asawa na ayaw siyang pakawalan sa pagkakayakap. 

Hanggang sa nakaramdam siya ng antok.  

Pinakawalan din siya nito at pinahiga sa kama pero pinaunan naman siya sa braso at niyakap na naman. 

And she slept in Blaze's arms like a baby. 

Nang magising siya ilang oras ang lumipas, wala na sa tabi niya ang asawa. Bumangon siya at itinali ang buhok, saka lumabas ng kuwarto. Hinanap niya si Blaze.

Natagpuan naman niya ang asawa sa kusina, nakaupo sa hapagkainan kasama si Kane. Kumakain ang dalawa ng ice cream. 

Hindi tumuloy si Happy sa pagpasok. Humilig siya sa hamba ng pinto, tiningnan ang dalawa at nakinig sa usapan ng mga ito. 

"It's good, yeah?" nakangiting sabi ni Blaze kay Kane. "I told you, hindi lang chocolate ang masarap. May mga ibang flavors pa na masarap maliban do'n."

Kane nodded earnestly while eating a cookies and cream ice cream.

"So... " Itinuro ni Blaze ang cell phone na ihinarap nito kay Kane. "Kapag nasugatan ka, alam kong kaya mo 'yong sakit, pero kailangan mong linisin 'yon. Just like this in the picture. To disinfect it because, buddy, infection can kill you. And my wife will be devastated. So, take care of yourself, '
kay
?"

"Okay."

"At magpasalamat ka kasi ikaw lang ang lalaking hinayaan kong makalapit sa asawa ko na hindi ko pinagseselosan at hindi ko gustong gilitan ng leeg."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Tinapik ni Blaze ang balikat ni Kane. "And if you already decided that you don't want to be a virgin anymore, come to me. I will ask King to bring you a stripper club. Of course, I can't go with you because my wife will kill me but I know you can do it even without me with you."

Inubos muna ni Kane ang ice cream sa lalagyang hawak nito bago sumagot. "I'm not interested, Your Highness."

Blaze frowned. "Why? I mean... you have to know about sex, man. It's important." May diin pa sa boses ng asawa niya na ikinailing niya. 

Umiling si Kane. "If I'm not a virgin anymore, I don't think Lady Happy will like me anymore."

Happy stilled, the same as Blaze. 

"Natatakot ka na baka hindi ka na baby-hin ng asawa ko kapag may karanasan ka na?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Blaze. 

Tumango si Kane. "I'll choose Lady Happy over sex. Because of Lady Happy, I now know how it feels like to have a caring mother. She's really nice, Your Highness. It was uncomfortable to call her 'Mom' but she's pregnant so I'll endure. King, Deth and Lyf keep teasing me about it but I like it. That simple thing from me makes her happy. Before, I thought that moms are all the same, you know... the one that hurt me. But when I met Lady Happy, she gave me a new perspective in life and she treated me like family. Your children will be very lucky to have her as their mother."

Blaze smiled while nodding. "True... I'm very lucky too. We're both lucky."

Kane smiled. "Lady Happy is just months older than me but I enjoyed being babied by her, Your Highness. That, I admit. I like the attention she's giving me, the care she has for me. And I treasure her. I don't want to lose the only woman who made me feel the love of a caring mother."

Blaze nodded like he understood Kane. "Okay. No stripper for you, buddy, and don't let King or Lyf talk you into going to a club. They will taint you, trust me."

Kane nodded earnestly. "I won't."

Blaze shook his head. "You know what, Kane, it's really awkward to hear you call my wife, 'Mom,' but don't let her hear you call her Lady Happy. She will be very sad. Pinaglilihian ka pa naman n'on."

Mabilis na tumango si Kane. "Kumusta na pala kayo ni Lady—I mean, ni Mom? Okay na ba kayo?"

Ngumiti si Blaze. "We're getting there. Slowly, but surely."

"Mabuti naman," sabi ni Kane. "I want my family intact and not broken. I'd been there before, no family, and I don't want that anymore. It's very lonely."

Blaze tapped Kane's shoulder as he stood up. "We will not be broken, Kane. Team Happiness till the end. And since I'm the closest thing you have to a father, trust me, okay? I won't let that happen. Just please, don't call me dad because I will really murder you."

"Of course, Your Highness," sabi ni Kane. 

"Sweet, right, Young Miss?" tanong ni King na nasa likuran niya. "His Highness is a dick sometimes but he really has a soft spot for Kane."

Nanunudyong nilingon niya ang butler niya. "Jealous?"

King just chuckled. "I would be if Kane started calling His Highness 'dick.' Only I get to call him that."

Happy laughed, getting Blaze and Kane's attention. 

"Baby..." Blaze smiled at her. "Ice cream?"

Tumango si Happy habang naglalakad palapit sa hapagkainan. 

"I want more," pahabol na sabi ni Kane kay Blaze na naglalakad patungo sa ref. 

King tsked. "Kane, dapat hindi ganoon. Hindi mo inuutusan ang ama mo. You're the baby, go and get it yourself."

"Oh. Sorry." Tumayo naman agad si Kane, kapagkuwan ay napatigil sa pag-alis at bumaling sa kanya. "Do you want some ice cream, Mom?"

Ice cream. She remembered Midnight. She promised herself, after this mess with the Triad, she would focus her attention looking for Midnight. 

Nginitian niya si Kane. "Ikinuha na ako ni Blaze. Kumuha ka na lang ng sa iyo."

Kane nodded but didn't move. "May cookies and cream do'n, 'tapos may chocolate, 'tapos vanilla. Hindi pa ako nakakatikim ng vanilla. I was always in war with the Triad. I don't have time to eat ice cream. Puwede ba akong kumuha ng lahat ng flavor?"

"Of course." Si King ang sumagot. "You can even mix the three flavors, no one will judge."

"Okay." Kane looked at King. "You want some?"

"Just chocolate," sagot ni King. 

"Vanilla for me, Kane," sabad ni Yrozz na naglalakad papasok sa kusina habang dala ang laptop nito. 

Napasimangot siya. "Huwag n'yo ngang utusan ang panganay ko!"

"Boss, he's the kid in this family," sabi ni Yrozz, saka tinapik ang balikat ni Kane nang madaanan nito. "You can do it, buddy. I will teach you how to hack later."

"If you say so." Napakadaling kausap ni Kane. Tinahak nito ang daang tinahak din kanina ng asawa niya para kumuha ng ice cream. 

Unang nakabalik si Blaze na may dalang chocolate ice cream para sa kanya. Tumabi ito ng upo sa kanya. Pagbalik naman ni Kane, tatlo ang dala nitong lalagyan. 

The mixture of vanilla, chocolate and cookies and cream for Kane, chocolate for King and vanilla for Yrozz. 

Masunurin talaga si Kane. Siguro dahil sanay itong sumusunod sa utos palagi mula nang bata pa ito at wala pa talagang muwang sa ibang bagay. 

Pero isa naman itong halimaw sa labanan. 

It was like... he was raised to be a warrior... not to be a normal human being. 

And that was what got her. Alam niya iyong pakiramdam na walang alam sa paligid. Ganoon siya noong una siyang nagising mula sa coma. 'Buti na lang naroon ang daddy niya at si Midnight na nagturo ng lahat ng bagay sa kanya.

Kaya 'yon din ang gagawin niya para kay Kane. He needed someone who would take care of him.

Tahimik na kumain si Happy ng ice cream habang nakikinig lang sa usapan ng mga kasama niya. Kapagkuwan ay kinuha ni Blaze ang atensiyon niya.

"What?" The ice cream was still melting inside her mouth. 

May ipinakita itong larawan sa cell phone niya. It was from an email. 

It was Blaze and fake Cassie. She was hugging Blaze from behind. The picture was cropped, she couldn tell.

"Baby... I didn't do it." He looked agitated. "Please believe me. Yes, she hugged me like this in the house only when I'm off guard. Pero itinutulak ko agad siya palayo. I swear."

Hindi siya umimik at tinitigan lang ang larawan. Mula sa gilid ng mga mata, nakikita niya ang pagtatagis ng mga bagang ni Blaze. 

"This is the reason why I want you to watch the footage," sabi ni Blaze na madilim ang mukha. "They will ruin us, Happy. They will send pictures like this until you can no longer trust me anymore and then you'll leave me and—"

"Blaze... stop overthinking," saway niya sa asawa, saka kinuha ang cell phone nito at iniabot iyon kay Yrozz. "Can you track down this email address? The sender is really pissing me off."

Tinanggap naman agad ni Yrozz ang cell phone habang kumakain ito ng ice cream. "Sure. On it." 

"Kapag nalaman ni Yrozz kung nasaan ang sender..." Tumingin siya kay Kane. "Pakibisita. Isama mo sina Lyf at Deth at magsama ka ng dalawampung tao sa Organósi. Ayokong mapahamak ka kaya mag-ingat ka ro'n, okay?"

Kane nodded while eating ice cream.

"I'll go," boluntaryo ni King. 

"No. Stay here," pigil niya. "Nagpapagaling ka pa. Baka mapaano ka pa ro'n. Saka ka na sumama kapag magaling ka na talaga. Don't make me worry."

"Then I'll go with Kane," boluntaryo ni Blaze. 

"No. Don't." Inubos niya ang ice cream sa maliit na bown bago humarap sa asawa. "Ikaw o ako ang pakay nila kaya ginagawa nila 'to. Hindi sa wala akong tiwala sa kakayahan mo pero kailangan nating mag-ingat. Kapag may ginawa sila na maging dahilan para mahuli ka, they will use you against me. They will blackmail me using you. At dahil mahal kita, siguradong hindi ako makakahindi kung ang kapalit n'on ay ang kaligtasan mo."

Napakaseryoso niya habang nagsasalita pero si Blaze naman ay may sinusupil na ngiti sa mga labi.

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "What?"

Blaze was full on smiling now. "Wala. Hindi ako puwedeng ngumiti?"

Napailing si Happy. "Ayoko lang na may makuha sila sa isa sa atin—o sa ating lahat. And I'm pregnant now kaya dapat sobrang pag-iingat na ang gawin ko. Hindi na ako puwedeng makipaglaban baka mapaano si baby. Kawawa naman siya. I have to take care of him. And you have to be by my side in case something happens."

Tumaas ang dalawang kilay ni Blaze habang nakangiti pa rin. "Him?"

Tumango siya. "Naniniwala akong malakas ang lahi n'yo kaya lalaki 'to."

Blaze laughed. "Ano'ng ipapangalan natin sa kanya?"

"Hindi ko alam." Kumain uli siya ng ice cream. "Pero sana hindi siya magmana kay Daddy na maraming panganay."

Blaze sighed. "Kay Dad din, dalawang panganay." 

Nangalumbaba siya, saka tumingin kay Kane na kumakain pa rin ng ice cream. "Sana maging katulad siya ni Kane. Hindi naman inosente sa lahat ng bagay pero sana naman hindi fuckboy ang anak natin. Dahil kapag talagang nakita ko siyang papalit-palit ng babae, ibabalik ko siya sa sinapupunan ko."

Blaze chuckled before holding her belly and caressing it. "Ngayon ang checkup mo sa ospital, 'di ba?"

Tumango siya. "Mamaya."

"Sama ako."

"Oo naman."

Blaze smiled. "Thank you... for not keeping this from me even in our situation now."

Happy shrugged. "I hate lying. Saka kahit ano'ng mangyari, anak mo pa rin naman 'to. At isa siya sa mga dahilan kung bakit gusto kong maayos natin ang gusot natin. I want to give him a good family. Hindi man perpekto, pero buo at hindi magulo."

Blaze continued caressing her belly. "Hindi ba kasama rin naman ako sa rason kung bakit aayusin natin 'to? Kasi mahal mo pa rin ako?" He rested his chin on her shoulder while looking at her. "Kasi ayaw mo ring mawala ako tulad ng ayokong mawala ka sa akin?"

Happy nodded. "Yes." She glanced at him. "Masaya ka na?"

He nodded while grinning. "I love you, Happiness Aravena Quinn-Vitale." 

"I know," was her reply before glancing at Kane who was now getting ready to go. He was cleaning his gun and sharpening his knives. 

Looking at Kane at that moment, her baby Kane was gone. This was the Kane that was called monster by many. 

"Don't worry, Mom," sabi ni Kane pagkatapos ipasok ang magazine sa baril at tumingin sa kanya. "I will kill anyone who blocks you and Your Highness' way."

Yrozz smiled. "Coming from the guy who took down the Triad's HQ in Taiwan—alone. Your enemies are shaking, Boss." 

Kane was really good at fighting. 

"Dapat lang na manginig sila," sabi niya na nakangiti. "I just don't have Kane, I have all of you." She glanced at Blaze. "And I also have my husband who's also an animal."

Slowly, the smile on Blaze's face fell. "Walang karugtong? Not animal in the battlefield or something like that? Because I feel like you're cursing me, baby."

She smiled at Blaze. "Just animal."

"Yep." Blaze said popping the "p." "Minumura mo ako."

"I would never..." sabi niya sa inoseteng boses, saka tinapik-tapik ang tiyan. "Look, baby, pinagdududahan ni Daddy ang sinabi ko. We didn't mean it like that, right?"

Blaze tsked. "You're bullying me."

"I would never!" she exclaimed innocently before smiling at Kane. "Baby Kaney, ingat ka, okay? If mas marami sila kaysa sa inyo, bumalik ka. Be careful out there. Don't make me worry."

"Yes, Mom," Kane replied like a soldier to his commanding officer but with soft tone. "Where am I going?" tanong nito kay Yrozz. 

"Just an hour away from here," sagot ni Yrozz, saka ibinigay nito ang address kay Kane. "Ingat ka." Binigyan nito ng micro-earphone si Kane. "Talk to me. I'll save your ass if worst comes to worst."

Kane put the micro-earphone on his ear. "It won't."

Nagpaalam na sa kanila si Kane. Tinawagan naman ni Yrozz sina Lyf at Deth na magkita na lang sa address na ibinigay nito sa dalawa. 

Sila naman ni Blaze ay nagpunta ng ospital para sa checkup niya. 

"Is this really necessary?" tanong ni Blaze nang makasakay sila sa helicopter na maghahatid sa kanila sa ospital. 

Tumango si Happy. "Maraming puwedeng mangyari kung magkokotse tayo." 

Umayos ng upo si Blaze. "Or they can shoot us with a grenade launcher here."

Ngumiti siya. "Don't worry, hubby, your wife comes prepared."

Napatanga na lang si Blaze nang tumaas ang sinasakyan nilang helicopter at nakita nito ang apat pang helicopter na nakapalibot sa kanila. 

"What the fuck..." Gulat na bumaling ito sa kanya. "What—who are they?"

"Bantay natin in case may mangyaring hindi maganda. And so the enemies won't know which helicopter we're in."

"Wow..." Blaze looked at her in amazement. "Ginagamit mo na talaga ngayon ang posisyon mo. I'm so proud of you, baby. Keep it up."

Ngumiti si Happy, saka tumango at humilig sa balikat ng asawa hanggang sa makarating sila sa rooftop ng ospital. 

"How's Kane?" tanong niya kay Yrozz sa phone nang makasakay sila sa elevator. 

"He's okay. No worries, Boss. I'll update you."

"Thank you, Yrozz. How's Lyf and Deth?"

"Okay as well."

"Thank you. Sabihin mo kay King na magpahinga siya. Huwag matigas ang ulo."

"Yes, Boss."

Nagpaalam na siya, saka pinatay ang tawag at natigilan nang makitang titig na titig sa kanya ang asawa niya. 

"Ano?" tanong niya. 

"You're like a mother to them."

"Well..." She shrugged. "My team members are children in an adult body. Even my husband is a big baby."

Dahil pareho silang nakahilig ni Blaze sa magkabilang panig ng elevator, nag-flying kiss ito sa kanya at kinindatan siya. 

"This big baby loves you so much." 

Natawa siya sa ka-corny-han ng asawa niya. "Ewan ko sa iyo."

'Buti na lang nakarating na sila sa floor na pakay nila kaya hindi na nakapagpa-sweet si Blaze. Kilala niya ang asawa niya, magpi-PDA na naman 'to. 'Buti nga nirerendahan pa nito ang sarili, eh. 

"Here," sabi niya, sabay turo sa opisinang pakay. 

Bago pa siya makapasok, pinagsalikop ni Blaze ang kamay nilang dalawa. 

"Don't leave me behind," pakiusap nito. "I'm your husband." 

Happy took a step back to level with Blaze. "There. Sabay na tayo?"

Blaze smiled before nodding. "Okay."

Sabay silang pumasok sa opisina ng ob-gyn na pinili niya. Parang nakahinga nang maluwag si Blaze nang makitang babae 'yon. 

"Takot ka, 'no?" tanong niya sa asawa.

Blaze let out a sigh of relief. "You wouldn't want to see the animal side of me, baby."

Napailing siya, saka nginitian ang doktor para mag-umpisa na ang checkup. 

Nalaman nilang magpo-four weeks na ang tiyan niya. Baka nabuo nila 'yon ni Blaze noong nasa penthouse sila at inaya siya nitong gumawa ng baby. 

Napangiti si Happy. Kung nang araw na nga 'yon sila nakabuo, hindi na iyon ang pinakamasakit na araw sa kanya kundi isa sa mga araw na pinakamasaya. 

A blessing was given to her and Blaze. God really worked in mysterious ways. 

Nang makalabas sila sa opisina ng ob-gyn, pinagsalikop uli ni Blaze ang kamay nila. Nasasanay na uli siya sa ginagawa nito kaya naman hinayaan niya lang ang asawa hanggang sa makapasok sila sa kuwarto ni Lucky. 

"Ate..." Agad na nginitian siya ng kapatid. 

Happy immediately went to her sister's side while Blaze went to Blake's. Nag-uusap ang dalawa habang nag-uusap din silang magkapatid. And when their parents entered the room, Happy felt elated. Looking at her father and Mommy Henreitta together, and Daddy Von and Mommy Beth together with Bailey, it made her heart swell in happiness. 

"Since nandito kayong lahat, I have an announcement to make," sabi niya habang nakangiting nakatayo. 

Lahat nakatingin sa kanya. 

"Ahm..." she smiled. "Dad already knew this and maybe some of you had heard it so I will confirm it all to you. I am four weeks pregnant."

Her dad clapped his hand and Mommy Henreitta congratulated her and Blaze. Daddy Von congratulated them as well while Mommy Beth hugged her and said thank you for giving her another grandchild. And Bailey was happy to be an uncle. 

While Blake proudly tapped Blaze's shoulder with some advice. "Be a good dad and an amazing husband."

Blaze nodded. "Thanks, Blakey."

Lumapit naman sa kanya si Blake, saka mabilis siyang niyakap at tinapik-tapik ang likod niya. "Thank you, Happy," he spoke earnestly. "I know it's not easy dealing with that big baby, that's why I'm thankful that you're still together. Sapakin mo paminsan-minsan, wala kang maririnig sa aking angal kahit bugbugin mo pa siya basta huwag mo lang iwan. Mababaliw 'yan. Trust me, ilang araw na niya akong ginugulo kong ano raw ang dapat niyang gawin para magkaayos na kayo."

Napabaling siya kay Blaze na nakangiwing nakangiti habang napapakamot sa batok. 

Ibinalik niya ang tingin kay Blake. "Ano'ng pinayo mo?"

"Well, he made his bed, he'll lay on it," sabi ni Blake. "Though he told me that the bed was not crumpled, that he didn't do anything stupid other than the words he lashed out on you. Then I told him that only time can tell if the bed is really good and if it's comfortable to stay on and sleep in."

Blake's words made her smile. "That was actually nice. I like it."

"Hey!" Blaze's face was dark. "That's my wife."

Blake looked at Blaze flatly motioning his hand on Lucky who was smiling from ear to ear. "And that's my wife, you asshole."

Napailing si Happy at hinayaan ang asawa na yakapin siya mula sa likuran. She was happy, the heavy feeling on her chest was slowly fading away while she conversed with her family. 

Her dad and Daddy Von were arguing again. As usual. Kaya naman iniwan nina Mommy Henreitta at Mommy Beth ang dalawa, saka sa kanila ni Lucky nakipag-usap. Habang sina Blake at Blaze naman ay nag-uusap din hindi kalayuan. Habang si Bailey ay abala sa paglalaro sa tablet na dala nito. 

But from time to time, Blaze would look at her mouthing "I love you" to her. He did that again and again every time their eyes met. 

Napapailing at napapangiti na lang siya. 

"Mukhang maayos na kayo," sabi ni Mommy Beth. "Nakatulong ba ang mga payo namin?"

Nakangiting tumango siya. "Slowly..."

"That's good." Hinaplos ni Mommy Henreitta ang buhok niya. "Congratulations. Again."

Nanunudyo siyang tumingin kay Mommy Henreitta. "Please don't shock me with the same news."

Mommy Henreitta chuckled. "Silly."

Nagtawanan sila at nakisabay na rin sa usapan nila si Lucky na mahina lang ang boses. She kept on teasing her two mommies about her two daddies as well and Lucky would just chuckle and laugh a little. 

That was how they spent their afternoon until she received a text from Yrozz. A text message that made her and Blaze borrow her father's car and drive madly towards the mansion. 

From: Yrozz

House. Now. It's Kane. 911

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 52

KANE WAS WOUNDED. He took a bullet for Lyf. Ayaw ni Kane na magpadala sa ospital kaya naman nagpadala sa kanya si Yrozz ng mensahe kasi sa kanya nga lang daw ito makikinig. But when Blaze saw Kane's state, he immediately get to work since they have medical equipment in the house. 

Kane was losing blood but Blaze was there and he was quick. 

As Happy looked at his husband worked with Kane's wound, she couldn't help admiring him. It was like no one or nothing could break his concentration. So, this was what he looked like in the operating room—maybe more badass looking than he was now. 

Blaze was so focussed, emotionless and his hands moved with precision and grace. 

My husband. The hot and dirty doctor. 

Happy felt proud that Blaze was hers. 

Huminga siya nang malalim, saka bumaling ang tingin kay Kane na walang malay dahil sa dugong nawala rito. He was so stubborn not to go to the hospital. Siguro dahil hindi naman ito sanay.

Looking at Kane's bare upper body, he was full of cuts and so many scars. 

My baby Kane. 

Just like Blaze's. Natatago nga lang ang mga pilat ni Blaze sa katawan gamit ang tattoo nito dahil umaayon ang disenyo ng tattoo sa mga sugat nito kaya hindi halatang naroon. 

"I'm sorry," sabi ni Lyf sa kanya. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

Tipid niya itong nginitian. "It's okay. He'll be okay. My husband is an amazing doctor. He can save Kane."

Tumango si Lyf, saka umupo sa tabi ni Deth na panay tagis ng mga bagang habang nag-aalalang nakatingin kay Kane. King was pacing back and forth while Yrozz—for the first time—was not in front of his laptop. He was just starting at Kane. Emotionless. 

It was not just her who cared for Kane. All of them did. Siya nga lang ang nagpapakita n'on kay King pero itong mga isip-batang kasamahan niya, hindi ipinapahalata pero napamahal na rin sa mga ito si Kane. 

Umalis siya sa kinauupuan at kinuha ang panyo sa clutch bag niya, saka lumapit sa asawa at pinunasan ang pawis nito. 

She felt proud when Blaze's concentration didn't break. He continued working with Kane's wound while she dried his sweat from time to time. 

At nang matapos ito kay Kane, awtomatikong pumalibot ang mga braso nito sa kanya at isinubsob ang mukha sa leeg niya. 

"I did everything I can, baby," he whispered. 

Hinagod niya ang likod ng asawa. "I know. He'll be okay. Magaling ang doktor niya, eh."

Ilang segundo pa siyang niyakap ni Blaze bago ito humugot ng malalim na hininga at pinakawalan siya para tingnan si Kane. 

"Thank God your house has medical equipment," sabi ni Blaze. 

Tumango siya. "Dad always wants to be ready. Hindi ko 'yon maintindihan noon pero ngayon, gets ko na."

Blaze softly tapped Kane's shoulder. "Fight, buddy, okay? Magiging kuya ka pa ng anak namin ng Mommy Happy mo."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Blaze, saka masuyong pinisil 'yon para maramdaman nitong nasa tabi lang siya nito. 

He was like this as well when King was in the hospital. He was reserved but emotional. Kahit anong tago nito niyon, nakikita niya. 

"He'll be okay," she said, trying to make everyone feel better. 

Si Lyf ay humigpit ang hawak sa baril na dala. "I will kill them all. How dare they hurt our 
bratishka
." 

Bratishka
 was Russian for "little brother."

"Boss..." Yrozz stood up, his jaw tightening. "Let's continue the clean up. We'll show them." 

Tumango siya. "Take Lyf and Deth with you. Utilize our men in NA Headquarters. As much as possible, I don't want casualties on our side so please be careful."

"I'll go with them," sabi ni Blaze na nagpatigil sa kanya. "I can't stay here and do nothing, baby. Not after what happened to Kane. I have to make them pay."

Happy was scared and worried but she managed to nod. "Mag-ingat ka. Please... please... be very careful. I don't wanna lose you. I don't want to lose my husband."

Blaze kissed her forehead. "You won't lose me. I promise."

Tumango siya, saka hinayaan ang asawa na sumama kina Lyf at Deth. Blaze was not the kind of man who liked idling on the side. He had to be in the action. 

Happy closed her eyes. 
God... please keep my husband safe... keep everyone safe.

When she looked at King, he was angry. "King—"

"I'm useless!" Nagtatagis ang mga bagang nito. "I'm fucking useless."

Umiling siya. "No... you're not useless. Go and coordinate with other headquarters and help Yrozz. Hindi ka makakatulong sa labas pero makakatulong ka rito sa loob. Get in touch with Shun Kim and other trackers of the bosses so we can utilize our two satellites to help the team. The Triad also has smart people working for them. We have to even it up to win."

Mabilis na tumango at umalis si King ng kuwarto at naiwan naman siya kay Kane. 

Dahil hindi mapakali, nakipag-conference call siya sa natitira pang aktibong Arkhontes ng Organósi at sa anim na pinuno ng bawat kontinente. Hiningi niya ang tulong ng mga ito.

They formulated a plan. 

The fifth Arkhon would focus his attention on Triad's warehouses where they stocked their guns and all that shit. Daemon offered help. 

The sixth Arkhon volunteered to take down the Triad's communication line and with the help of the seventh Arkhon who would focus their attention on the Triad's technological support. Draco offered his assistance that was gladly accepted. 

While the eight and ninth Arkhon worked together to seize the Triad's transaction on the lower level with the help of Wrath and Chaos. 

While she, the second Arkhon, had to focus on targeting and taking down the higher ups of the Triad. She had the list of the names that needed to be taken down. With the help of Count Knight, Racini and Parisi, they would take down the heads down to the mid level to stop the Triad from growing. 

The Organòsi were scattered all over the world, only a phone to connect them but it was already enough for them to work together for the greater good. 

They might not see each other but they all knew that they could count from one another. 

"
Zíto
." 
Long live
, sabi niya bago tapusin ang conference call. 

A knock from the door pulled her from her reverie. 

"Come in," sagot niya. 

Pumasok doon ang isa sa mga matagal na nilang kasambahay. 

"Young Miss, Mr. Lazzaria is in the living room," imporma nito sa kanya. "He wants to talk to you."

My brother?
 "Can you please inform him to come up here? I'm sorry, I can't leave Kane unattended."

"Yes, Young miss."

She smiled. "Thank you."

Tumango ang kasambahay nila, saka lumabas. Inayos naman niya ang kumot ni Kane at umupo ng sofa habang hinihintay ang kapatid. 

Minutes later, her brother stepped in. 

"Lady Happy," bati nito sa kanya. 

Agad siyang umiling. "Just Happy."

"That's ahm, sorry, that's how everyone calls you at the ten families meeting last night." Tipid itong ngumiti. "By the way, I am Clev Lazzaria, the new head of Lazzaria family. I'm here to talk to you about what can our family do to assist you—"

Pinutol niya ang iba pa nitong sasabihin sa pamamagitan ng pagyakap dito. "It's nice meeting you, little brother."

Clev's tensed shoulder relaxed as he hugged her back. "It's nice meeting you too, Happy."

Nang pakawalan niya sa pagkakayakap ang kapatid, pinakatitigan niya ito. "Have you talked to Dad?" 

Clev nodded. "Yeah."

"And?"

"And I told him that I will not accept his surname, not because I don't want to but because I have to continue my family's legacy."

Napatango-tango siya. "Are you and Dad okay?"

Clev stilled before answering. "We'll get there."

That made her smile. "Thank you. Dad is far from perfect but he is a good father. I can assure you that."

"That's what Mom told me."

Iminuwestra niya ang kamay sa sofa para umupo silang dalawa. "Do you know that they're together again?"

Clev puffed a breath. "Yeah. I was against it actually, but Mom is still in love with Dominick Quinn. She didn't marry because of him. That's how much she loves our father. That's why I'm skeptical because our father is clearly a ladies' man." 

Tumango si Happy bilang pagsang-ayon. "Yes. Dad is. But I think they're old enough to settle this time."

"I hope so," sabi ni Clev. "Because if our father hurt my mom, he will not like me very much."

"I'm sure Dad won't." She smiled. "And I will be on your side."

"Hopefully..."

Happy took a deep breath. "So, Clev, are you staying here for good?" 

Instead of answering her, he asked. "So, your name is really Happy Aravena Quinn-Vitale?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"And our younger sister is Lucky Quinn-Vitale."

She nodded again. "That's right."

Clev actually chuckled like he was relieved. "Bloody hell, thank goodness. I thought I was the only one who has a weird name."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Clev is a cool name."

Clev chuckled while shaking his head. "Clev is just a nickname."

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "Oh?"

"Yeah... Clev short for Clever."

"Oh..." That stunned her. "Shit."

"Yeah..." Napailing ito. "I keep asking Mom why she named me that."

"What did Mommy Henreitta say?"

"That my dad likes adjective."

Hindi napigilan ni Happy ang matawa. "True... Happy, lucky and clever are all adjectives."

"And all weird names."

Happy chuckled. "I like to believe that we have unique names, not weird."

Napailing si Clev. "Maybe but I hate looking at every people who says the word 'clever.'"

"Imagine my name. When someone says, 'oh, so happy,' my head would automatically look at that person, thinking he or she was calling or referring to me."

Natawa na rin si Clev. "So, we are the adjectives?"

Happy smiled. "Adjectives."

Pareho silang natawa ni Clev, saka nagpatuloy ang usapan habang paminsan-minsan ay tinitingnan niya ang lagay ni Kane. 

Clev bid good-bye after the sun had set. And as the hours passed by, she waited for Blaze and the others to come home. 

But it was already 11 PM and no Blaze. 

And when she asked Yrozz if the whole team was okay, his answer made her heart sunk and fear filled her. 

I lost contact with them. 

"HOW MANY?" Lyf asked Blaze who had his eyes closed to concentrate on their enemies' footsteps. "We're out of bullets, fuck!"

Blaze opened his eyes. "I can only count the moving targets. Three on the south, three on the north, two on the east and two on the west."

Deth cussed. "Fuck. We're out of bullets."

Lyf hissed. "We should contact the other on the lower floor of this fucking building to give us some bullets—"

"Too risky for them," sabi ni Blaze. "And we can't contact Yrozz because this floor is bolted with something else that cut communication. We're on our own." He pulled his hidden knives from his boots and gripped it tightly. "Let's improvise."

"Knife versus guns?" Lyf asked flatly. 

Blaze smiled. "I prefer knife than guns. It's stealthy."

"But slower than bullets."

Mabilis na gumalaw ang kamay niya para ibato ang kutsilyong hawak sa paparating na kalaban, saka tumingin sa magkapatid. "Depends on the user. I'll take the south and west."

"North," sabi ni Lyf. 

"East," pili ni Deth. 

Blaze gripped his knife tighter as he moved fast. He pulled out his knife from the man he just took out before moving to south. 

His knife twirled around his fingers before he threw it at the man who turned to his direction. And before his companion could pull the trigger, he was already throwing his other knife to bury it on his enemy's heart. 

Hinugot niya ang dalawa niyang kutsilyo sa mga katawan ng pinatumba niya nang makalapit dito. Nababalot 'yon ng dugo na tumutulo pa sa sahig habang naglalakad siya pero wala siyang pakialam. 

Napatigil lang paglalakad si Blaze nang maramdamang parang may tao sa paligid na nagtatago lang. 

Mas tinalasan niya ang pakiramdam at pandinig. Walang maririnig na ingay sa bawat hakbang na ginagawa niya. 

Then from his south, he heard a small step. 

Gotcha! 

He ran, dropped to his knees before pushing her knees to slide on the cold tiles towards his south. Nang madaanan niya ang lalaking nagtatago sa malaking haligi ng gusali, pinatama niya ang dalawang kutsilyo sa magkabilang kamay nito dahilan para mabitawan ang baril na hawak. 

Nagmamadaling itinulak niya ang sarili para makatayo at tinakbo niya ang pagitan nila ng lalaki. 

His boots instantly made contact with the man's head and legs. And as he grappled his enemy's neck to break it, another one came in. 

Mabilis na ihinarang niya ang katawan ng lalaking sinasakal mula sa likuran para ito ang mabaril. Mabilis na hinugot niya ang kutsilyo na nakabaon pa sa kamay ng lalaking wala nang buhay dahil ginagawa niya itong panangga, saka mabilis iyong ibinato sa kalaban. 

Blaze tsked when the shooter fell on the floor. 

"Fuck, I hate guns," bulong niya, saka hinugot ang isang kutsilyo na nakabaon sa kamay ng isang kalaban at ang isang kutsilyo naman niya ay hinugot niya mula sa leeg ng bumaril sa kanya. 

Pagkatapos ay inalis niya ang dugo sa pamamagitan ng pagpahid n'on sa damit ng lalaking tinamaan niya sa leeg. 

"Sorry, man," sabi niya, "I didn't mean to disrespect."

Napatiim ang mga bagang niya nang maalala ang lagay ni Kane. These men, they hurt that kid. Sinadya man 'yon o ginagawa lang nito ang mga trabaho nito, wala siyang pakialam. 

They hurt a member of his family and they would pay! 

Blaze gripped his knife in a backward position while walking silently. He quickly threw his knife at his right when he heard a footstep. When he heard a loud thud, he faced the direction of the sound and sigh. 

He really hated killing. But it was necessary, or he would lose all the people that were important to him. 

He pulled the knife out of the man's chest and continued walking on the hallway. He was about to turn left when he saw three men guarding the elevator on the end of the hall.

Mahilis siyang umatras at nagtago. He frowned. 
A higher up just used the elevator? Bakit iyon pinoprotektahan ng mga ito? 

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa dalawang kutsilyong hawak. He would be dead before he could take down the two. And they were too far away from him to combat with just his knives. 

I promise my wife I'll live. 

Bumuntong-hininga siya, saka itinago ang dalawang kutsilyo sa likuran ng belt niya. Dahan-dahan siyang naglakad paliko sa kaliwang pasilyo habang nakataas ang dalawang kamay na parang sumusuko. 

Agad na tumutok sa kanya ang baril ng tatlo. 

"I'm here for Cassie," sabi niya na umaasang tama ang pinagsasasabi niya. "I'm Blaze Vitale. I'm sure she's looking for me."

I hope she's looking for me or I will really die. 

Nagkatinginan ang tatlo bago sabay-sabay na lumapit habang nakatutok pa rin sa kanya ang baril.

At may kinausap ang isa sa radyo, ipinapaalam ang presensiya niya at sinabi ang pangalan niya. 

Then the man with the radio shoved him. "Move!" Itinulak siya nito gamit ang dulo ng baril patungo sa elevator. "Move!"

So, the fake Cassie is still here
. Just like what Yrozz said. 

Sumunod naman siya agad nang walang imik. Nasa likuran niya ang tatlo at nakatutok pa rin ang baril sa kanya.

They went inside the elevator to go to the rooftop. 

Uh-oh! Not good!

And Blaze was right, it was not good, especially when he heard the roaring sound of the helicopter when he stepped out the elevator. 

And there she was... the fake Cassie. Stepping outside the helicopter. Mukhang tatakas ito pero dahil nagpakita siya kaya hindi ito tumuloy agad.

The Triad really wanted to throw off Happy. Didn't they know that his wife was a strong and independent woman? 

Agad na ngumiti sa kanya ang babae nang magtama ang mga mata nila. "Blazey..." sabi nito sa malambing na boses. "I know you'll miss me. I know you still love me. Your wife is just a passing fancy."

He just looked at the fake Cassie as she walked towards him. Nang tumigil ito sa harap niya at akmang hahaplusin ang mukha niya ay agad siyang humakbang palayo rito. 

Nanubig ang mga mata ni Cassie. "Why are you being like this, Blazey? To put me in pain again? Pagkatapos mo akong ipagpalit sa babaeng 'yon, gagawin mo sa akin 'to ngayon? Sasaktan nang paulit-ulit? I love you... don't you love me anymore? Don't you miss me?"

His lips thinned as he looked at fake Cassie's bodyguard outside the helicopter. 

Four men and Cassie. 

I can take them. For my baby
. 

"Sasaktan mo na naman ba ako?" Nagpapaawa ang boses ni Cassie. 

Umiling siya. "Hindi."

Agad itong ngumiti. "You're here because you love me and you can't forget about me—"

"No. I'm here to kill you."

Agad na napaatras si Cassie. "But you said you won't hurt me."

"Kaya nga... hindi kita sasaktan, papatayin lang kita. Magkaiba 'yon."

Umiling ito, saka lumapit na naman sa kanya. "Hindi mo ako kayang saktan. You love me. I'm your beloved."

Bilang sagot sa sinabi nito, mabilis niyang inatake ang tatlong lalaki na nasa likuran niya at pinatumba ang mga 'yon, saka mabilis na ibinato ang isa sa dalawang kutsilyo niya sa bodyguard ni Cassie na nagulat sa ginawa niya. 

Nang napatumba na niya lahat, humarap siya kay Cassie na may takot sa mga mata, lalo na nang biglang umangat ang helicopter at iniwan ito. 

"No..." Umaatras ito sa kanya. "I'm your beloved."

"No. My wife is." Humigpit ang hawak niya sa isa pa niyang kutsilyo. "And her name is Happiness Aravena Quinn-Vitale."

"No... you can't kill me." Umatras na naman ito.

He took a step. "Why not?"

"I'm Cassie... you love me."

Blaze didn't know if it was fake tears or tears of fear. "Yes. But that was before. Now sorry to burst your bubble, but my beloved is my wife."

Umatras na naman ang babae. "That's right... you can't kill me. Paano mo maaatim na patayin ang babaeng kamukha ng asawa mo? It's like killing your wife... so cold and heartless of you."

Blaze smiled. "I'm pretty sure my wife will be ecstatic once she learns of your death."

Nagtagis ang mga bagang ng babae, wala na ang paawa nitong mukha. Bigla siya nitong inatake ng malalakas na suntok at sipa pero mabilis niyang nasalag iyon at naibabalik dito. Wala siyang pakialam kung babae ito. Ibinalik niya ng mas malakas pa ang bawat atake nito. 

Kapagkuwan ay may kinuha itong baril sa bag, itinutok sa kanya at kinalabit. 

Mahilis siyang umiwas at malakas na sinipa ang kamay nito. Pagkatapos ay hinawakan niya sa kamay ang babae, hinila palapit sa kanya at pinaikot patalikod para hindi makita ang mukha nito, sabay saksak sa dibdib nito deretso sa puso. 

"That's for trying to ruin me and my wife." Mas lalo pa niyang ibinaon ang kutsilyo sa dibdib nito. "And this is for tarnishing Cassie's reputation. She may had lied to me but she's not a bitch."

Nang mawalan ng buhay ang babae sa braso niya, hinayaan niya itong matumba nang padapa sa semento. 

Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata at inisip ang mukha ng asawa niyang nakangiti sa kanya. 

There... my baby... 

Blaze took a deep breath before leaving the rooftop.

When the elevator opened on the next floor, natigilan siya nang makitang nakahandang umatake ang magkapatid na Romanov. 

"Really?" he asked flatly.

"Fuck," Deth hissed. "We thought something happened to you. We've been looking for you." 

Blaze pointed his finger up. "I just clean up a mess up there. Anyway, are we back with Yrozz?"

Umiling si Lyf. "There's something in this building that cut off our communication."

"Then let's get our of here," sabi niya nang agad namang sumakay ang dalawa sa elevator. "This is out fourth building today and I'm drained."

Sumang-ayon agad si Lyf. "Yup. What I need right now is hot and wild sex."

Natahimik siya. He could relate but that was not gonna happen anytime soon with his wife. She was still in pain and he had to endure. 

But fuck, he missed making love to his wife!

Blaze was pulled out from his reverie when the elevator opened. Napakurap-kurap siya nang makitang puno na ng mga tauhan ng Organòsi ang buong gusali. 

May nag-aalis ng mga bangkay at inilalagay sa body bag, mayroon namang may hawak-hawak na bomb detector at iniikot ng mga ito ang buong floor, at mayroong naglilinis ng mga dugong nagkalat. 

Nasisiguro ni Blaze na kapag tapos na ang ginagawa ng mga ito ay parang wala lang nangyari sa gusali. Katulad ng tatlong gusaling natapos nila. 

"Well," sabi ng lalaki na naglalakad palapit sa kanila. "The motherfuckers are here," sabi ni Claud na siyang pinuno ng cleaning crew ng North America. "Are you planning to drain me? This is what, the fourth building we have to clean up today?"

Blaze answered. "We did the killing. We're drained as well."

"Yes, but I'm doing the cleaning and the disposing." Claud tsked. "I have so many bodies to burn because of you!"

"Complain that to the second Arkhon, my wife." Tinapik niya ang balikat nito. "Good luck," sabi niya, saka nilampasan ito at sabay sila nina Lyf at Deth na lumabas ng gusali. 

The moment they stepped out of the building, Yrozz was back. Pero inalis niya ang micro-earphone sa tainga, saka isinandal ang katawan sa likod ng backseat ng sasakyan na minamaneho ni Lyf. 

He was drained. 

They raided four building with hundreds or so men, killing Triad's bosses and of course looking for that fake woman. Oo nga't may mga kasama sila pero nakakapagod pa rin dahil sa kanila nanggagaling ang mga desisyon. 

Tumigil ang hiniram na sasakyan ni Lyf sa HQ ng Organòsi sa Mexico kung saan naroon ang helicopter na sasakyan nila pabalik ng Pennsylvania. 

Nang makasakay sila sa helicopter, agad na pumikit ang mga mata ni Blaze pero gising ang diwa niya. Pero kahit ganoon, hindi niya namalayang nakabalik na sila sa mansiyon ng mga Quinn. Namalayan lang niya nang lumapag ang helicopter sa helipad na katabi lang ng mansiyon. 

Blaze had to drag himself out of the helicopter because of exhaustion. 

Nang makapasok sila sa mansiyon, 'yong pagod na nararamdaman niya ay parang biglang naglaho nang makitang pabalik-balik na naglalakad ang asawa niya sa sala at bakas sa mukha ang pag-aalala. 

"Baby..." kuha niya sa atensiyon nito. 

Happy instantly stilled and when she faced him, her face lit up and a relieved sigh escaped her lips. "Thank God!" she exclaimed before running to him to embrace him tightly. 

In that very moment, Blaze felt good. Not exhausted even. Hindi niya alam kung ano ang mayroon sa asawa niya na napapawi nito ang pagod niya. Lalo na nang yakapin siya nito nang mahigpit.

"I was so worried," Happy whispered. "God, I was so worried. When Yrozz told me that he lost his communication with you, I was so scared."

"Sshh..." Hinagod niya ang likod nito. "I'm here, baby, I'm here. I promise that you won't lose me, remember?" 

Tumango ito, saka pinakawalan siya sa pagkakayakap. 

He was expecting Happy to took a step back because that was how she was these past few days, not really giving him her all, that was why he was shocked when Happy cupped his face and pressed her lips on his. 

It was soft, full of care and sweet kiss... until he bit her lower lip and returned the kiss. Needy and hungrily. 

Again, Blaze was expecting his wife to pull away after what he did but Happy encircled her arms around his neck and returned the kiss as well with the same fervour. 

He smiled while his lips are moulded against hers. He was happy and contented. Then his lips started moving to her face down to her neck and then he whispered on his wife's ear. 

"I miss this... I miss you."

Bumaba ang mga braso ni Happy na nakayakap sa leeg niya. Yumakap ito sa baywang niya at ginawaran siya ng matunog na halik sa mga labi nang binigyang distansiya ang mga mukha nila.  "Maligo ka. Ang baho mo," sabi nito. 

Natawa siya. "Mabaho dahil buntis ka o mabaho dahil mabaho talaga ako?"

"Both."

Blaze laughed before owning his wife's lips again and when she kissed him back, he knew they were going to be okay. It was just a matter of time. 

Pero naputol ang halikan nila ng asawa nang tumunog ang cell phone niya. He had to force himself to pull away from their kiss to answer the call. 

"Hello?" sabi niya sa nasa kabilang linya habang hinahalikan na naman ang asawa. 

Happy kissed him back again, making him feel elated. 

"Blaze." It was his father in an agitated voice making him stilled and stopped kissing his wife. 

"What is it?" he asked with a frown.

"Is Happy there with you?"

Napatingin siya sa asawa niyang nagtatanong ang mga matang nakatingin sa kanya. "Yes. Why?"

"It's her father. Dominick is in the OR."

"What the fuck?!" Tumaas ang boses niya sa gulat. "Why?"

"He was shot." Her father's voice was trembling. "By a sniper. In the chest. His heart... Blaze, his heart... tell me he's gonna be okay."

His hand that was holding the phone fell to his side. 

Holy fuck!

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 53

CHAPTER 53

BLAZE JUST WATCHED his wife as she ordered everyone what to do while they were outside the operating room. Track this, kill everyone and leave no survivor. 'Yon lang ang naririnig niya mula kay Happy sa bawat miyembro ng Organòsi na kinakausap nito. 

Yrozz and Sir Ruthgar were now tracking the sniper and they were closing in. Lyf, Deth and Uncle Vent were on standby, waiting for the sniper's location. 

King was busy accepting calls from Knight, Racini and Parisi who were on their way to help and from other Arkhontes and handing it to Happy. 

It was a full-on war ordered by the second Arkhon. Kung noon ang gusto lang ng asawa niya ay pasukin at patayin ang lumalaban, saka ikulong lang ang sumusuko, ngayon nagbago na. 

"Blow up every building of the Triad and leave no survivors."
 It was heartless, yes, but the Triad would do it to them in a heartbeat if they didn't do it first.

Blaze softly kissed Happy's temple. "What can I do for you, baby? You want me to go out there and join the war? I'll do it."

Umiling ito, saka hinalikan ang gilid ng mga labi niya. "Stay here with me, please? Okay lang ba?"

He nodded. "Of course." Niyakap niya ito nang mahigpit. "Nandito lang ako."

Yumakap sa kanya ang asawa at bumulong, "Natatakot ako, Blaze. Natatakot ako. But I have to act bravely and think rationally because that's what Dad would want me to do in a situation like this."

"I know, I'm sure your dad is very proud of you." Alam niyang hindi lang nito ipinapakitang natatakot ito dahil maraming umaasa rito. If she showed any fear, the Triad would use it against her. "I'm here. I'll be your fear absorber."

Tumango si Happy, saka nanatiling nakayakap sa kanya. Panay naman ang hagod niya sa likod nito para kahit paaano ay makatulong 'yon para kumalma ito.  

Happy was not the only one scared.

He could see his father and Uncle Klaus looking scared and worried every passing hour. Henreitta and her mother were with Lucky. They were helping Blake calming Lucky down because it happened in front of baby girl. But he knew they were worried as well. 

"He took the shot for Blake," bulong ng ama niya habang panay ang kuyom ng kamay. "He took the shot for my son."

Tinapik naman ni Uncle Klaus ang balikat ng ama niya. "You know how he is. Always trying to be a hero."

Mapaklang tumawa ang ama niya. "But he is a hero, Klaus. I'm his hippeis but he saved my ass a lot of times before. He always took a bullet for all of us. That's why when he renounced without telling anyone, it broke apart the Arkhontes and the Organòsi lost the first and third Arkhon together with him."

Uncle Klaus nodded. "Master Dominick always has a way with people to like him. He was also the pillar of strength in the organization. Even the first Arkhon turns to him for advice and making decisions." 

Hearing the two talked, now Blaze understood why the Count idolized the former second Arkhon. Yes, Dominick Quinn made mistakes—who didn't—but he was a great leader with long-list of achievements.

Blaze took a deep breath and stared at the OR's door. 

That old man. 

The bullet was for Blake. Ito kasi ang nakaupo malapit sa nag-iisang bintana ng ospital. It was a thousand-yard shot. A professional sniper. Pero nang makita ng ama ni Happy ang pulang tuldok sa ulo ni Blake ay itinulak nito ang kakambal niya dahilan para ito ang tamaan sa dibdib. 

The gratitude he had for the old man at that very moment was overflowing. 

He didn't just save Blake, he saved his whole family. His dad and mom who would go crazy over Blake's death. Lucky would lose it and him... he didn't know what he would do without his brother. 

Hindi niya alam kung paano siya mag-uumpisang magpasalamat dito kapag naging maayos na ang lagay nito. 

"Young Miss, they have the sniper's location," imporma ni King kay Happy na agad na kumawala sa yakap niya. 

"Tell Lyf and Deth to—"

"Let us take care of that scum who did this," putol ng ama niya sa sasabihin sana ni Happy. "Quick death is out of the question."

Happy nodded. "The sniper is all yours."

Agad na may tinawagan ang ama niya. "Vent, let's torture that motherfucker. No one pulls the trigger at Dominick and gets away with it."

Sabay na umalis ang ama niya at si Uncle Klaus. Habang si King naman ay abala sa pagtanggap ng mga tawag. 

Siya naman ay masuyong sinapo ang mukha ni Happy, saka pinakatitigan ito. "How's my baby holding up?"

Happy tried to smile for him. "I have to keep it all together, Blaze. I believe you... my dad is gonna be okay."

"Of course." Hinalikan niya ito sa noo, saka iginiya paupo sa kanya. "Rest a little. Don't stress yourself too much. Kawawa si baby."

Tumango si Happy at sumunod sa kanya na ipinagpasalamat niya. Pero panay ang hinga nito nang malalim na parang pinapakalma ang sarili. 

He just held his wife's hand while waiting for Happy's father to come out from the OR. And when he finally did, the old man was sent straight to the ICU.

Agad silang sumunod ni Happy at kinausap ang doktor ng ama nito. 

"How's my dad?" Iyon agad ang tanong ni Happy. 

The doctor didn't smile. Not even a force one. That meant Happy's father was not out of the danger yet. 

"We still have to monitor him. I can't tell you more, Miss Quinn—"

"Mrs. Vitale," Happy corrected the doctor making him smiled inwardly. 

"Mrs. Vitale... your father's wound is very critical. Yes, it misses his heart but it was hit by a bullet fragment. The bullet also destroyed major blood vessels and he keeps on going into shock. All I can say for now is that we will monitor him and do everything we can to save him. I promise you that."

Tumango si Happy. "Thank you. Please do everything you can. Please..." 

"We will."

Pumasok uli ang doktor sa ICU para tingnan uli ang lagay ng ama ni Happy. 

Para namang hinang-hina na yumakap si Happy sa baywang niya. "Magiging okay lang si Daddy, 'di ba?" tanong nito sa kanya. 

A bullet fragment on the heart. That was critical. "Yes. He will be." He was not a doctor now, he was a husband. Her husband. It was his job to make her wife feel better. "Give it days and he will be okay."

Tumango ito habang nakayakap pa rin sa kanya. Niyapos din niya ang asawa, saka hinalikan sa noo. 

And as the war continued outside, the Triad versus the Organòsi, there was also a war inside the hospital. The war to keep Dominick Quinn and Lucky Quinn-Vitale alive. 

For days, they stayed outside the ICU. Looking after Happy's father. Thankfully, Lucky was feeling better now after staying two days in the ICU as well. Kahit paano ay kumalma na ang kakambal niyang hindi mapakali sa kalagayan ng asawa nito. 

Ang mommy naman niya ay palaging kasama ang ama niya at si Bailey. His father was a mess too. Everyone was worried while the war with the Triad continued outside. 

In the fourth day, finally, after going into cardiac for three times, Happy's father woke up. Parang naibalik uli ang buhay ng bawat miyembro ng Team Oldies. His father even smiled. 

After a couple of hours since Dominick Quinn woke up, they could finally talk to him. 

"You motherfucker, you made us worried," sabi ng ama niya sa ama ni Happy. "I thought you're not gonna make it."

"Welcome back, Master Dominick," sabi ni Uncle Klaus na nakangiti. 

"You scared us," sabi ni Uncle Vent. 

"We tortured and killed him. The one who did this to you," sabi ni Sir Ruthgar. "We made him pay. No one mess up with our boss and gets away with it."

Happy's father smiled teasingly. Even in his state, he still managed to joke. "
Aww
... I know you're all in love with me."

Nagkanya-kanyang mura ang apat sa ama ni Happy na ikinatawa lang ng huli. 

"Thank you... for being a hero again," sabi ng ama niya. 

"Hero is my middle name," sagot ng ama ni Happy, saka ngumiti. "How's your son? Is he okay? How's Lucky?"

"They're both fine," sagot ni Uncle Klaus. 

"My son wants to make you a statue for saving him," sabi ng ama niya. "He's very thankful."

Napangiwi ang ama ni Happy nang subukan nitong gumalaw bago sumagot. "Tell your son to wait for me to get better. May picture ako ro'n sa bahay na puwedeng gawing statue."

"That was a joke," his father replied flatly. 

"Oh." Happy's father sighed. "So much for hoping that I'll get a heroic statue this time around."

Napailing ang Team Oldies. 

"So... who pulled the trigger?" Happy's father asked. 

"A professional killer sent by your ex-wife. It was supposed to be my son, a payment for Blaze because he killed the fake Cassie," sagot ni Uncle Vent na nagtagis ang mga bagang. "That bitch is really trying to get into my bad side. She wouldn't like the animal me."

"A professional, huh..." Dominick tsked. "Please tell me that you're more professional than the killer." 

"Yes. I tortured him," sabi ng ama niya na madilim ang mukha. "No one shoots my best friend and gets away with it."

Malapad na ngumiti ang ama ni Happy. "
Aww
... I feel so loved. Insert emoji with heart eyes."

His father sighed in frustration. "Please, Dominick, for once, stop being a kid and grow up!" he hissed. 

"What?" Dominick pouted. "I just got shot! I'm entitled to be a kid! And what's wrong if I know some emoticons? FYFI, I spent my free time chatting with the ladies before Henreitta. But I'm a good boy now so don't tell Henreitta about it."

Napailing si Sir Ruthgar. "This is the reason why I don't listen to you. You're such a kid!"

Tumawa ang ama ni Happy. "Are you still holding a grudge against me because of what happened to your first love? Come on, Ruthgar, can't you take a joke? And that was what? So many years ago."

"A joke?!" Pinandilatan ito ni Sir Ruthgar. "You told me she was a Triad's member, so I broke it off!"

Uncle Klaus interjected. "It was not Master Dominick's fault. You have your computer and spies at the time, you can always check."

Sir Ruthgar grunted. "Stop siding that son of a bitch, Klaus."

"He took a bullet for you back in Sri Lanka," Uncle Klaus said that silenced Sir Ruthgar. 

Uncle Vent tsked. "Stop reminding us, Klaus. We all know this idiot here took a bullet for all of us."

Everyone nodded.

Happy's father sighed. "Come on, don't be no fun and give me some rum."

Agad na sumama ang mukha ng ama niya. "You're not allowed to drink, you moron! You're on medication!"

"Geez! I feel so sad," pagdadrama ng ama ni Happy.

Napailing na nagkanya-kanya ng alis ang grupo ng ama niya. 

"Hey! Come on! Don't leave me!" sabi ng ama ni Happy na parang bata na mahaba ang nguso. 

"Fuck you," sabi ng mga kaibigan nito bago umalis ng ICU na nakapagpailing sa kanya. 

When the oldies stepped out of the ICU, he and Happy stayed. 

Agad na lumapit si Happy sa ama. "Daddy..." Hinawakan nito ang kamay ng ama. "How are you feeling?"

Her father managed a smile. "I feel alive, princess. Don't worry about your old man... I'll live."

Happy nodded with tears in her eyes. "You scared me."

"I know and I'm sorry." 

Hinalikan ni Happy ang pisngi ng ama, saka maingat itong niyakap. 

"Thank you..." sabi ni Blaze sa seryosong boses. "For saving my twin. I owe you."

"No, you don't..." sagot ng ama ni Happy. "After what I've done to Cassie, it's the least I could do. I can't let you lose a loved one again if I can do something about it. And my daughter, Lucky, she will not recover if she lost Blake. And Happy will be devastated if she sees you devastated so it's better me than him."

Hearing his reason, he couldn't help but respect the old man. Dominick Quinn knew his mistake and he wanted to make up for it. Even of it would cost him his life. 

"Thank you... Dad," he said earnestly.

Ngumiti ang ama ni Happy. "Ang tagal ko ring hinintay na tawagin mo akong ganoon." Napailing ito. "You take care of my daughter, okay?"

"Dad, I'm right here," natatawang sabi ni Happy. "At inaalagaan naman ako ni Blaze. Hindi mo na kailangang sabihin 'yon sa kanya. He had been a good husband to me. Don't worry." 

Tumingin sa kanya ang ama ni Happy. "You know why I'm not mad at you when you walked out on my daughter?"

"Dahil may kasalanan ka sa akin?" sagot niya nang deretso. 

Natatawang umiling ang ama ni Happy. "No. Because I know you love her. That's why. You were just in pain, that's all. But I know your love for my daughter is still intact. But please, don't do it again. I'll kill you the next time you made her cry. And I'm not kidding."

"Yes, Dad." Blaze looked at Happy and smiled. "I love your daughter... so much."

Happy looked at him and smiled. "I love you too, Blazey."

Blaze didn't know why his eyes watered hearing his wife said those words to him. 

"Fuck..."  Pasimple siyang tumalikod para itago ang panunubig ng mga mata niya. Tumingin siya sa kisame at mabilis na ikinurap-kurap ang mga mata para hindi malaglag ang mga luha ro'n bago humarap uli sa mag-ama. "So, ahm... feeling better, Dad?"

Tumawa lang ang ama ni Happy, saka tinapik ang balikat ng asawa niya. "Go... be with your big baby. I'm okay. Gusto kong makausap si Henreitta." Tumingin ito sa labas ng ICU at ngumiti sa ginang na naroon. "I miss her."

Hinalikan ito ni Happy sa noo, saka nagpaalam. At sa pagkakataong 'yon, hindi siya ang umabot sa kamay ng asawa para pagsalikupin ang kamay nila. Ang asawa niya mismo ang gumawa niyon na ikinasaya niya. 

Nang makalabas sila ng ICU, tinungo nila ang rooftop kung nasaan ang helicopter na sasakyan nila pauwi sa mansiyon ng mga Quinn. 

The inside of the helicopter was soundproof so they could talk and hear freely. 

"Baby?"

"Hmm?"

"I love you."

Happy faced him. "I love you too."

Hinaplos niya ang pisngi nito. "Okay na tayo? You won't distance yourself from me anymore?"

Umiling ito, saka ginawaran siya ng halik sa mga labi. "You were amazing these past few days. Thank you... for everything. Salamat kasi hindi ka nagalit sa akin o nainis o nagsawa tuwing sinasabihan mo ako ng I love you at hindi kita sinasagot. I'm sorry sa lahat ng sakit na naidulot ko sa iyo."

Umiling si Blaze. "No... don't say sorry for that. I deserved it. Though I have one request?"

"What?"

"Call me Blazey again? I missed it."

Happy smiled. "How about 
ma 
bitch, don't you miss it?"

Blaze chuckled. "Not really. I like Blazey more."

Natawa ang asawa niya, saka hinalikan na naman siya sa mga labi. At nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila, pinakatitigan siya nito bago malambing na nagsalita. 

"Blazey?"

His heart was beating faster than normal. "Y-yes?"

"I love you," she said softly, with so much sincerity and love. "And I know you miss me because I do too. So how about we spend our day with each other? Just the two of us?"

Malapad siyang napangiti. "I like that. So much!"

Blaze claimed his wife's lips and she automatically kissed him back. Yumakap si Happy sa leeg niya at lumaban ng mapusok na halikan. Hindi niya mapigilang haplusin ang katawan ng asawa habang nag-eespadahan ang dila nilang dalawa. At nang sipsipin niya ang labi nito, bahagya itong napaungol. 

Blaze didn't care if they were on the helicopter. The helicopter was designed differently from the usual helicopters. There was a wall in between the pilot and the passenger, and the only thing connected the two was the intercom. 

Maririnig nila ang piloto pero sila na nasa passenger side, hindi sila maririnig hangga't hindi nila pinipindot ang microphone para kausapin ang piloto sa kabilang panig. 

"Uhm..." malakas na ungol ni Happy nang bumaba ang kamay niya sa hita nito. Sinalat niya ang pagkababae nito at ipinasok ang daliri sa loob. "Blazey—oh... oh..."

Napahawak ang asawa niya sa kamay niyang nasa loob ng pagkababae nito habang nakaarko ang katawan at gumagalaw ang balakang para salubungin ang galaw ng daliri niya. 

Seeing his wife with lustful face as she looked into his eyes, it was making him hard and erect. It was making his body burn. 

Mas binilisan pa niya lalo ang paglalabas-masok sa daliri sa loob nito. At kahit panay ang daing ni Happy, hindi nito inalis ang tingin sa kanya. 

Her face full of lust, her eyes that were full of desire and her parted lips that felt like she wanted more. He knew she wanted more ... he could see all that and he couldn't take it anymore!

Siguro dahil sabik na sabik siya sa asawa niya, iginiya niya ito paharap, paupo sa mga hita niya at itinaas ang laylayan ng suot nitong pencil cut dress. Pinunit niya ang panty nito, binuksan ang butones ng kanyang pantalon at inilabas ang nag-uumigting na pagkalalaki, saka walang sabi-sabing ipinasok niya sa loob nito ang kahaban niya. 

"Uhm!" Happy moaned.

She was already wet for him. He could feel her wetness coating his length, making him harder than he already was. 

"Oh!" Nakaawang ang mga labi na napapikit si Blaze nang maramdaman ang init ng kaibuturan ng asawa. "Fuck..." he hissed at the sensation and pleasure that engulfed him. "Fuck... I miss you so much, baby—oh, fuck! You feel so good..."

Dumiin ang kamay ni Happy sa bubong ng helicopter habang umiindayog sa ibabaw niya. "Oh... oh! Oh! Uhm!"

Hinawakan niya ang balakang nito at iginiya sa bilis na gusto niya na agad naman nitong ginawa habang hinahalikan niya ito sa leeg patungong tainga kung saan dinilan niya iyon at kinagat-kagat. 

At nang manggigil, yumakap siya sa katawan ng asawa habang gumigiling ang balakang nito sa ibabaw niya. Kinagat niya ang dibdib nito mula sa labas ng damit at minasahe 'yon.

"That... baby... fuck me!" he groaned in pleasure. 

"Oh! Oh!" ungol ni Happy habang lumalabas st pumapasok ang pagkalalaki niya sa pagkababae nito. 

In and out. Up and down.

Umuungol sila nang sabay hanggang sa magtagpo na naman ang mga labi nilang dalawa at mapusok na naghalikan. 

Naririnig ni Blaze ang pilotong nagsasalita kung maayos lang ba sila sa loob o kung gumagalaw ba sila dahil bahagyang umuuga ang sinasakyan pero pareho silang walang pakialam ni Happy na mainit na nagtatalik at nagkakagatan ng mga labi at nagsisipsipan ng dila. 

"Oh! Baby! Fuck!" Hindi mapigilan ni Blaze ang magmura nang mas binilisan pa ni Happy ang paggalaw sa ibabaw niya. "Fuck—oh! Do that! Fuck!"

His wife was clenching her vagina walls making him hiss in pleasure at every in and out of his length inside her "Fuck!"

Happy was clenching her walls as she rode him up and down. And Blaze was also thrusting his hips, mimicking the rhythmic movement of Happy's hips. 

"Oh... uhm! Blaze—oh!" Lalong bumilis ang galaw nito at bumabaon nang sagad ang kahabaan niya sa loob nito. "Oh... Baby..."

"Oh, baby! Uhm! Fuck me... Come on, fuck me! Harder, baby... fuck!"

Nakadiin pa rin ang mga palad ni Happy sa bubong ng helicopter habang nagtataas-baba ang katawan sa ibabaw niya, pinagpapawisan at hinihingal katulad niya. 

Blaze claimed his wife's lips again as she rode him hard and fast. Bumaba ang mga labi niya sa baba nito, pababa sa leeg at kinagat-kagat ang balat nito ro'n. 

"Blaze...I'm coming..." Wala na ang mga kamay nito sa bubong, nasa buhok na niya ang kamay at nakasabunot do'n habang nasa leeg nito ang mga labi niya. "Oh... Blazey—Oh! Uhm! Ah!"

Their body rocked back and forth as they made love to reach the climax, shaking the helicopter a little. Malakas na umuungol si Happy habang nakayakap ito nang mahigpit sa kanya na parang gigil na gigil at umaarko ang katawan. 

Naramdaman niyang nilabasan na ang asawa dahil lalong nabasa ang loob ng pagkababae nito. Malakas itong napaungol at napaliyad pero hindi tumigil hangga't hindi napupuno ng katas niya ang loob nito. 

"Oh... fuck!" he hissed and sucked and bit Happy's neck when he exploded inside her. 

"Oh...." mahina namang daing nito nang labasan siya, pagkatapos ay isinubsob ang mukha sa balikat niya. "Oh... that was good. I miss that."

"Hmm-mm..." he hummed and kissed her neck. "I think we caused a helicopter turbulence." 

Natatawang inabot ng kamay ni Happy ang microphone ng intercom, saka nagsalita. "Sorry... we were just busy."

"Are you okay, Mr. And Mrs. Vitale? The helicopter was shaking a little. I apologize for not being a good pilot."

Blaze grinned naughtily at his wife. "It's okay. We're more than okay. Are we home yet?"

"Close, Sir," sagot ng piloto. 

"Thanks."

Ini-off ni Happy ang microphone ng intercom, saka bumalik ng pagkakaupo sa mga hita niya. Ito na ang nagpasok ng pagkalalaki niya sa loob ng pantalon niya at nag-zipper, saka nag-butones niyon. 

"Hmm..." He kissed his wife's lips. "Hmm... uhm..."

Naghalikan na naman sila nang mapusok hanggang sa sapuin niya ang dibdib nito at pinisil 'yon. 

"Uhm..." daing ni Happy habang sinisipsip ang labi niya. 

Pregnant hormones. He didn't like it when Happy was angry at him. But now, he was starting to like those hormones. 

Blaze groaned in disappointment when they needed to stop kissing each other because they have finally landed. 

Ibinulsa niya ang pinunit niyang underwear ng asawa, saka pinangko ito nang makababa sila ng helicopter hanggang sa bahay. 

Nang makapasok sila, nasa sala si Kane at nanonood ng 
Tom and Jerry
. He was not allowed go out and fight. He was still recovering and Happy wouldn't let him. 

"Hey, Mom..." sabi ni Kane kay Happy nang makita sila nitong pumasok. "How's Master Dominick?" 

He knew that Happy felt uncomfortable for having no underwear in front of other people. Kaya naman bumulong siya sa tainga nito. 

"Go and change," sabi niya sa asawa. "Ako na ang kakausap sa kanya."

Kinurot siya nito sa tagiliran. "Bakit mo naman kasi pinunit? And shit, nanlalagkit ang ano ko."

"Sinabik mo ako, eh." He kissed Happy's lips. "I love you." He kissed her again. "I love you so much, my baby. I love you... so, so much!" 

Natawang napailing na lang si Happy, saka nagpaalam kay Kane na magbibihis lang. Siya naman ay lumapit at namulsa, saka lumapit kay Kane. 

"Dad is awake. Ikaw?" tanong niya, saka umupo sa pang-isahang sofa. "How are you feeling since I cleaned your wound this morning?"

"I'm feeling better than yesterday," Kane said. "Though I want to be out there... fighting." He looked at him pleadingly. "Please talk to Mom. I can't stay here knowing that someone wants to hurt her. Please? Talk to her."

Napatitig si Blaze kay Kane. He was like a kid asking his father—him—to talk to his mother to make him do what he wanted. And for some reason, it didn't feel awkward. 

Kane was a kid in his eyes. And now, seeing his full face without a mask since he came here in Pennsylvania, he had a strong urge to protect this kid. Because that scar in his face, it angered him that someone did it to Kane and he would never let anyone do that to him again. Alam niyang kaya nitong protektahan ang sarili pero gusto pa rin niya itong protektahan.

"Kailangan mong magpahinga," sabi niya. "Siguro kapag naghilom na talaga ang sugat mo. And you know your mom, she's hardheaded. Tatamaan tayong dalawa sa kanya kapag nagpumilit tayo. Do you want me to sleep outside the room?"

Agad namang umiling si Kane. "No. Of course not. It'll be uncomfortable for you."

"Precisely." Tumango siya. "Your mom will kick our asses if we try to force her to let you get out of here and fight. Hangga't hindi ka tuluyang gumagaling, wala tayong magagawa."

"But you're her husband," may diing sabi ni Kane na para bang may kapangyarihan 'yon sa asawa niya. "Can't you change her mind?"

Blaze sighed heavily. "Kane, you might not understand me now but trust me when I say this... if ever I talk to Happy and it's gonna be an argument and if... just if...if I win the argument, I will be sleeping outside the room."

"Can't you sleep outside the room for me, Your Highness? The sofa here in the living room is very comfortable."

Napangiwi siya sa tanong ni Kane. "Buddy, nagkakabati pa lang kami ng mommy mo. I want to be with her tonight and then tomorrow."

"Then talk to her tomorrow," sabi ni Kane na ipinipilit talaga. "Mahal ka naman ni Mom. Sabi ni Lyf kapag mahal daw hindi basta-basta nagagalit."

Blaze took a deep breath. Hindi niya alam kung paano siya magpapaliwanag. "How about this... I will try but I'm not promising."

Kane nodded. "That's good enough." Then he pointed the TV. "I like 
Mr. Bean
 and 
Tom and Jerry 
now. I don't like 
Oggy and the Cockroaches
."

"Good." He tsked. "Those cockroaches are mean son of bitches."

Kane nodded in agreement. "Yeah. At least Jerry only gets mad when provoked."

"Yeah," he agreed then asked. "Kumain ka na?"

Umiling si Kane. "I was waiting for Mom. And their chef is off kaya walang pagkain."

"Oh." Napahawak siya sa tiyan. "Gutom na rin ako."

Kane looked at him. "But you don't know how to cook." 

"I'll try?"

Kane smiled. "Okay."

Sabay silang pumunta ni Kane sa kusina. Naghugas muna siya ng kamay bago sinubukang magluto. 

Fifteen minutes later, their stomach were still growling in hunger. Pareho silang naupo sa magkatabing stool ng island counter at nangalumbaba. 

"Sorry, buddy," sabi niya kay Kane. "I can't really cook."

Kane sighed. "Magpaluto kaya tayo kay Mom? Pero ikaw ang magsabi sa kanya kasi ikaw naman ang asawa niya."

"She's tired," agad niyang sabi. "I don't want to push it. And she's pregnant so her mood swings are scary. Ikaw ang magsabi, mommy mo, 'di ba?"

"Magsabi ng?" tanong ni Happy na kapapasok lang ng kusina. "Ano 'yon?"

Kane looked at Happy with sad eyes. "His Highness and I... we're hungry." 

"Ganoon ba?" Tumungo sa likuran niya ang asawa, saka ginulo ang buhok ni Kane at hinalikan naman siya sa leeg. "Ano'ng gusto n'yong kainin? Where are the maids?"

"You sent them home remember?" patanong na sabi ni Kane. "Ayaw mong madamay sila sa gulo kaya pinaalis mo pagkatapos ng nangyari kay Master Dominick at pinaprotektahan mo sila."

"Oo nga pala." Niyakap siya ni Happy mula sa likuran at naamoy niya ang mabango nitong halimuyak at mabangong hininga. "Ano'ng gusto n'yong kainin?"

Blaze couldn't stop himself, he turned around on his seat to kiss his baby.

Happy automatically kissed him back but quickly pulled away. "Magluluto na ako. Baka matagalan nga lang. Doon muna kayo sa sala."

Sabay silang umiling ni Kane at sumagot ng, "We'll wait."

"Okay." Happy smiled before preparing all the ingredients. 

Pinapanood lang nila ito habang nagluluto at paminsan-minsan ay kumakanta nang mahina. Tatlong putahe ang niluluto nito nang sabay-sabay at nakamasid lang sila ni Kane. 

An hour later, they were already salivating at the smell surrounding the whole kitchen. Napapalunok na lang sila ni Kane habang naaamoy ang niluluto ni Happy. 

Finally! After nearly two hours, the food was served. 

"Pork tenderloin with cran-apple sauerkraut." Inilapag nito iyon na may kasamang beer. "Mas masarap 'to kapag may kasamang beer. And..." Kinuha nito ang isa pang putahe na niluto nito at inilapag sa harap nila ni Kane na takam na takam nang ubusin 'yon lahat. "Cinnamon apple pork chops," sabi nito, saka may inilapag na bowl of soup—tig-isa sila ni Kane. "And amish chicken cork soup." She grinned. "Enjoy."

"Whoa..." Kane gulped. "Mukhang masarap."

"It is. Now, dig in." 

Hindi na nila kailang pang sabihan uli. Mabilis silang kumain ni Kane dahil gutom na gutom na sila. Samantalang si Happy ay soup lang ang kinakain.

"Ayaw mo?" turo niya sa mga niluto nito. 

Umiling ito. "The soup will do."

Blaze nodded and continued eating with a cold beer and it was heaven. Napakasuwerte talaga niya at magaling magluto ang asawa niya. Pinagpala siya sa lahat dahil napakasarap nitong magluto. 

It took Happy nearly two hours to cook but less than thirty minutes to be eaten. And of course, they cleaned the dishes. 

Kane cleaned the plates and utensils while he cleaned the pans and the casserole pots that were used. Pero kahit ginawa nila iyon, busog na busog pa rin sila na nakuha pa nilang dumighay uli. 

"It's late," sabi ni Happy nang matapos silang maglinis. "Matulog ka na, Kane. Para gumaling ka na agad. Hindi kita pipigilang lumabas. Ang importante lang sa akin ay maayos na ang lagay mo bago ka makipaglaban uli."

Kane nodded. "Good night." 

"Good night." Niyakap ito ni Happy. "Nakakatulog ka naman ba nang maayos sa kuwarto mo?"

Tumango si Kane. "Yes. I'm getting used to the soft mattress now and the very comfortable cover."

"That's good." Tinapik ni Happy ang balikat ni Kane. "Sige na, matulog ka na."

Tumango si Kane at nag-good night sa kanya bago umalis ng kusina. 

Then Happy faced him. "And you... you need to rest. Alam kong wala kang maayos na tulog sa kakabantay kay Daddy dahil hindi ako puwedeng magpuyat."

"I'm fine—"

Pinaningkitan siya nito ng mga mata. 

Blaze smiled. "Okay. Love you." 

"Sige na, mauna ka na sa kuwarto," sabi nito. "I have to call someone before going to bed."

"Okay." He kissed her lips. "Hihintayin kita."

Iniwan na ni Blaze sa kusina si Happy. Alam niyang makikipag-usap uli ito sa ibang Arkhon para sa nagaganap na giyera laban sa Triad. 

Blaze went to their room and took a long cold shower. Thank God winter was finally over. He hated cold. 

Nang makalabas siya ng banyo at nakapagbihis ng sweatpants at puting T-shirt, saka lang pumasok sa kuwarto si Happy na mukhang problemado.  

"Hey..." Sinalubong niya ito. "You look stressed."

"We have thirty casualties." She sighed heavily. "I feel so bad."

"It's part of war." 

"I know... but... I still feel so bad for their families and friends."

His baby was really soft hearted in situations like these. 

Hinalikan niya ito sa noo. "Gusto mo bang alisin ko ang stress mo?"

Nilampasan siya ito at pabagsak na naupo sa gilid ng kama. "How? I feel so so bad."

Tumikhim siya, saka tumayo sa harap nito, "I hope this will make you feel better."

Nagtatanong na tumingin sa kanya si Happy. 

Blaze just smiled as he started stripping of his shirt while slowly waving his body. His eyes held hers as he started slowly grinding his waist while stripteasing his wife who was now smiling at what he was doing. 

He didn't dance, but he moved his body seductively as he stripped and erotically danced for his wife... 
Magic Mike 
style.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 54

CHAPTER 54

HAPPY PURRED like a cat as she stretched her arms and body. Kagiging lang niya pero agad na hinanap ng isip niya ang asawa. She opened her eyes and saw her husband sleeping peacefully beside her, his arm draped over her waist and his other arm was her pillow. 

Gumuhit ang mga ngiti sa labi ni Happy nang maalala ang ginawa ng asawa niya kagabi. 

He was sexy all right. Naniwala pa naman siyang hindi ito marunong sumayaw dahil 'yon ang sabi nito pero malambot ang katawan nito at napakasensuwal nitong gumalaw. 

He was good at teasing and stripping and just downright hot and gorgeous last night. He was more than a Magic Mike; he was burning hot and wild. Pagkatapos siya nitong sayawan ay paulit-ulit siya nitong inangkin nang walang kapaguran at nagpaubaya naman siya. 

It had been too long since she was intimate with her husband. Gusto niya ang mga yapos at halik nito sa katawan niya, gusto niya ang pagpapaligaya nito sa kanya at ang walang kapaguran nitong pagsamba sa pagkababae niya. 

She was begging him to stop last night—stop from eating him, but no, he was sucking and licking her wetness and core for an hour, rendering her capability to even move a muscle on her legs. 

She was drained. 

Blaze took her from behind a couple of times and she rode him afterwards and spooning and standing and a lot more positions that she couldn't count. 

It was like they were making love for the first time—but gone the pain. Only pleasure. It just felt like the first time because Blaze was insatiable. Maybe because he missed her. At pareho silang sabik sa isa't isa kaya noong nakatulog sila ay magmamadaling araw na. 

There was a slight pain on her vagina, it felt sore, but she still enjoyed it. 

Umangat ang kamay ni Happy, saka hinaplos ang pisngi ng asawa, pababa sa mga labi nito, patungong leeg at dibdib. 

Sa mga dulo ng daliri niya, nararamdaman niya ang mga pilat nito na natatakpan lang ng tattoo. Hinaplos niya iyon. Lahat ng nadadaanang tattoo ng daliri niya ay pinakakatitigan niya at binabasa ang mga salitang 'yon. 

Until her fingertips reached his abdomen. There were words there, small, could only be seen up close and focused. 

It was her name—Happy Aravena Quinn.

Her heart swell in happiness as she frowned. "Ilang tattoo ba mayroon sa katawan mo na para sa akin?" 

"Look closely." 

Hindi na siya nagulat nang marinig ang boses ng asawa niya. Alam niyang madali lang itong magising. 

She looked up at him. "May I?"

Blaze nodded. "My body is yours, baby. Go on."

Happy smiled as her hands traveled down and because he was naked, her hands were free to wander. 

Inalis niya ang kumot na nakatakip sa katawan habang sinusuri ang bawat parte ng katawan nito. 

Just above her name was the words "owned by" and then her name. 

It made her smile and looked at Blaze's face. "You love too much." She could feel it. "Am I right?"

Blaze nodded. "This is how I love, baby, I give my all."

Her face softened. She knew. "Thank you."

He smiled. "I don't want a thank you, I want an I love you too."

Mahina siyang natawa. "I love you, Blazey."

His smile widened as she returned to what she was doing. Caressing his skin and admiring his tattoo.

Tumigil sa pagbaba ang kamay niya nang nasa pagkalalaki na nito 'yon. Nararamdaman na ng daliri niya ang hindi kahabaan nitong buhok sa itaas ng pagkalalaki nito. Napalunok siya babang tinititigan ang buhay na buhay nitong kahabaan. 

Happy bit her lower lip that wanted to touch her husband's erect length. Parang gusto niyang halikan iyon. It was always Blaze who was pleasuring her and eating her. Wala pa siyang ginagawa para ito naman ang paligayahin niya sa ganoong bagay. 

She was always on the accepting end. 

"Baby... don't torture me, please." Blaze groaned. 

"Sorry." Maingat siyang bumangon, saka ang likod naman nito ang tiningnan niya. 

Lots of tattoos as well. At ang mga sinabi nitong tattoo na para sa kanya ay naroon nga. Napangiti na lang siya nang ilang beses na mabasa ang pangalan niya sa likod nito. It was either Happy Quinn or Happiness Vitale. 

Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi para pigilan ang kilig na nararamdaman. 

Hindi niya napigilang halikan ang mga tattoo nito na para sa kanya na mahinang nagpapadaing sa asawa niya. He even had the infinity design tattoo on the back of his shoulder but instead of lines connecting it, it was their names. Blaze and Happy connected through an infinity design. 

Mahigpit niyang niyakap ang asawa mula sa likuran, saka hinalik-halikan ito sa leeg. Bumulong siya, "I love you, Blazey. I love you so much."

Tumagilid si Blaze, paharap sa kanya, saka niyakap siya nang mahigpit. Isinubsob nito ang mukha sa leeg niya at kinagat-kagat ang balat niya ro'n na ikinatawa niya dahil nakikiliti siya. 

"Stop biting me," natatawa niyang sabi. "I have so many kiss marks on my neck because of you."

Tumawa lang ang asawa niya at hindi nakinig sa kanya. 

Mukhang turtleneck na naman mamaya ang isusuot niya. 
But the winter is nearly over! 

"Maligo ka na," sabi niya. "Go. Ang baho mo."

Agad namang tumigil si Blaze sa ginagawa sa kanya, saka inamoy ang sarili. "Hindi naman, ah."

"Basta maligo ka na."

Blaze sighed. "Oo na. Pasalamat ka buntis ka, kung hindi mamaya na ako maliligo."

Natawa si Happy, saka sumunod ang tingin niya rito habang umaalis ito ng kama at hubo't hubad na naglakad patungo sa banyo. 

Muscles in right places. 
I'm so lucky to have a yummy husband! 

Napailing na lang si Happy sa naiisip. 
I'm blaming it on the hormones. 

Mabilis niyang inabot ang cell phone na nasa bedside table, saka nag-search at nagbasa ng article para sa plano niyang gawin sa asawa. 

Nakaanim din siyang article bago lumabas si Blaze ng banyo na tanging tuwalyang nakatapi lang sa baywang ang tumatakip sa kahubdan. There were even droplets of water falling from his hair down to his shoulder and he looked sexy as hell! 

Agad siyang umupo sa gilid ng kama, wala rin siyang saplot ni isa. "Blazey, come here."

Napatigil sa pagpasok sa walk-in closet ang asawa niya nang marinig siya nito. And he looked clueless as he walked towards her. 

Tumigil ito sa harap niya. "You need anything—"

"Lapit ka pa," ungot niya. 

Blaze stepped closer. 

"Closer."

Humakbang uli si Blaze, sobrang lapit na nito sa kanya. 

"You need anything, baby?" he asked. 

She looked up at him, "I need you to stay put and don't move, okay?"

Blaze frowned. "Why?"

She smiled. "I'm gonna eat you."

"Oh." A naughty smile stretched on Blaze's lips. "Go on... I'm yours."

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa dibdib nito, pababa sa puson kung saan natatakpan iyon ng tuwalya. Dahan-dahan niyang inalis ang pagkakaipit ng tuwalya at agad iyong bumagsak sa sahig. 

Happy gulped when she saw his length. Hard and erect. Napalunok siya uli nang hawakan iyon ni Blaze at parang iniumang sa bibig niya. 

"Go on... have a taste." His voice was low and sexy. 

Oh, shit!
 She felt so hot. 

Sinaulo niya lahat ng nabasa niya sa article bago inilapit ang bibig sa dulo ng kahabaan ng asawa. Inilabas ang dila niya nang kaunti at dinilaan ang munting hiwa ro'n. 

He tasted like soap and skin. 

Blaze hissed. "Fuck..."

Dinilaan lang muna niya ang dulo bago pinagalaw ang dila paikot sa ulo ng pagkalalaki nito. 

"Fuck!" Blaze hissed again.

And her tongue slowly encircled around his length, his erection was also slowly filling her mouth. His sex was stretching her mouth because he was big and long but her tongue continued to swirl around his erection making him moan loudly.

"Baby—oh, God..."

Happy was slowly moving her mouth while moving her tongue on a circular motion. Blaze was moaning and the next thing he knew, his hand was on her head and guiding her mouth how fast and deep he wanted it. 

Hinayaan lang niya ito na igiya ang ulo niya. She focused on licking and sucking and licking again. 

"Ah.... Fuck! Baby... fuck..."

Iniluwa ni Happy ang kahabaan ng asawa, saka naglandas ang mga labi niya patungo sa ibaba ng pagkalalaki nito. She immediately started licking his balls, nipped its skin and played it inside her mouth.

"Fuck!"

Nang magsawa sa ginagawa, bumalik siya sa kahabaan ni Blaze at iyon naman at sinipsip at dinilaan niya. At nang tiningala niya ito habang nasa loob ng bibig niya ang kahabaan nito, nakapikit ang mga mata nito, kagat ang pang-ibabang labi at bakas ang pagnanasa at sarap sa mukha. 

That was her expression when he was eating her. 

Mas binilisan pa niya lalo ang paggalaw ng bibig habang umiikot na parang sawa ang dila. Habang ang kamay niya ay nilalaro ang dalawa nitong bilog na lalong ikinabaliw ng asawa niya.

Blaze was now moving his hips to fuck her mouth. He was groaning and moaning and calling her name. 

"Fuck! Fuck... pull away, baby! Pull away—Oh! I'm coming!"

Happy didn't listen. She continued sucking him.

Parang wala na sa sarili si Blaze habang ito na ang naglalabas-masok ng kahabaan nito sa loob ng bibig niya, sagad na sagad 'yon. Hanggang sa sumabog ang katas nito sa loob niya. 

"Oh! Fuck!" Blaze hissed as he continued moving inside her mouth as he kept on spurting inside her. 

So many. Her mouth was full.

Hinihingal na bumaba ang tingin sa kanya ni Blaze at nanlaki ang mga mata nang ma-realize na sa loob ito ng bibig niya nilabasan. Mabilis nitong pinulot ang tuwalya na nasa sahig, saka inilapit iyon sa bibig niya. 

"I'm so sorry, baby," sabi nito sa nagsisising boses. "Spit it out."

Agad naman siyang sumunod, saka tumayo. "Maglilinis lang ako."

Pumasok si Happy sa banyo at agad na nagmumog, saka nag-toothbrush bago naligo. Nakaroba siya nang lumabas ng banyo at pumasok ng closet. At dahil may salamin sa walk-in closet niya, nakita niya ang maraming kiss mark sa leeg niya. 

"Jesus Christ..." mahina niyang sambit, saka pinili ang turtleneck na blouse at simpleng denim jeans. Doon na siya nagbihis sa loob bago lumabas. 

Nang makalabas, naabutan niyang nakahiga si Blaze sa kama at tinititigan ang walang tattoo na pupulsuhan nito. At nang makita siya, agad itong nagtanong. 

"Naaalala mo pa ba 'yong panaginip mo na ayaw mong sabihin sa akin nang buo?" Ipinakita nito sa kanya ang blangkong pupulsuhan. "Sabi mo may nakasulat na dito sa panaginip mo. What was it?"

Her cheeks burned. "It's assuming and embarrassing."

"That's okay." Bumangon ito, saka yumakap sa baywang niya. "Come on, baby, tell me. Asawa mo na ako."

"Fine." Happy took a deep breath. "It's Happy's big baby."

"Oh. He smiled. "Maybe I should tattoo it—"

"No," pigil niya sa asawa. "Don't. I-tattoo mo riyan kung ano'ng gusto mo, hindi dahil sinabi ko o nasa panaginip ko."

"Okay," nakangiting sabi ni Blaze. 

Tumayo ito at akmang hahalikan siya nang may kumatok sa pinto ng kuwarto nila. 

"Your Highness? Mom?" 

It was Kane. 

Bumitaw sa kanya si Blaze para pagbuksan si Kane. "Buddy... need anything?"

"Can I come in?" tanong ni Kane. 

Blaze nodded and let Kane stepped inside the room. 

Kane's eyes instantly roamed around the room. "Mom, lunch is ready."

"You cooked?" hindi niya makapaniwalang tanong. 

Kane shook his head. "King did. Umuwi siya kaninang madaling araw."

"Oh. Okay. Thanks."

Nang lumabas si Kane, lumabas na rin sila ni Blaze na agad na pumulupot ang mga braso sa baywang niya habang naglalakad sila. 

Natawa na lang siya habang panay ang halik sa leeg nito. 

"Good afternoon, Your Highnesses!" bati sa kanila ni King na naghahain sa mesa katulong sina Yrozz, Lyf at Deth. "Let's eat."

Magkatabi silang naupo sa hapagkainan ni Blaze, habang katabi niya si Kane na katabi naman si King. Sa kabilang panig naman ay pinapagitnaan ng magkapatid si Yrozz. 

"Let's pray?" Lyf asked. 

Napangiti siya kay Lyf at nakita nito 'yon.

"What?" Lyf asked while smiling back. "Dad taught us to kill but Mom taught us to pray."

Happy nodded. "I'm glad. Dad taught me both."

Lyf looked at Kane. "You pray, 
bratishka
."

Kane stilled before shaking his head. "I, ahm..." Sumulyap ito sa kanya. "I d-don't know how."

Lyf gestured Kane to follow him. "I'll teach you."

Deth clasped his hands. "Do this and be sincere. That's the main key."

Sumunod naman si Kane at ganoon din sila. 

Lyf led the prayer while Kane followed. 

"Bless us, oh, Lord," sabi ni Lyf.

"Bless us, oh, Lord," Kane mimicked. 

"And these, thy gifts." Si Lyf. "Which we are about to receive from thy bounty." 

"And these, thy gifts." Kane spoke after Lyf. "Which we are about to receive from thy bounty." 

"Through Christ, our lord, Amen," Lyf ended. 

"Through Christ, our lord, Amen," Kane ended it as well then, he looked at all of them. "Can we eat now?"

Natawang tumango si Deth. "Dig in, 
bratishka
."

"Always say the prayer before every meal," bilin ni Lyf kay Kane. "So that our food will fuel our bodies to be energized so that we'll be able to do our job properly and safely."

Hearing Lyf say those words, it softened her heart. "Thank you for that."

Lyf nodded and started eating. Siya naman ay nilagyan ng pagkain ang asawa, kapagkuwan ay si Kane naman. 

"Thanks," sabay sabi ng dalawa sa kanya. 

Ngumiti lang siya, saka kumain. 

Nang makita na lahat ay maganang kumakain, tumayo si Happy para ikuha ng beer ang mga ito. They have a stack of beers on the fridge because of her dad who liked beer and rum—mixed. 

At dahil mga lalaki ang kasama niya, nilagyan niya ng tigdadalawa ang bawat isa. 

"Thanks, Boss," sabi nina Yrozz at Lyf.

"Thanks, my lady," sabi ni Deth.

"Thank you, Young Miss," sabi ni King. 

"Thank you, Mom." Kane smiled. 

"Thank you, baby," sabi ni Blaze na may kasamang kindat at flying kiss.

Napailing na lang siya at bumalik sa pagkain niya. 

Nang matapos silang kumain, tulong-tulong ang mga itong naghugas kasi pinauwi niya ang kasambahay nila. Nag-usap-usap sila kapagkuwan.

"Okay..." Si Yrozz ang nagbukas ng usapin. "Let's talk about the Triad—"

"Can we not talk about them?" Puno ng frustration ang boses ni King. "I'm so tired of hearing their name. Can we spend this day without talking about war? We're all here for a reason—and that's to freaking rest."

Tumango siya bilang pagsang-ayon. "We rest for today. Tomorrow, we go to war again."

"Thank you, Young Miss." Then King added. "By the way, Master Dominick told me to not let you visit him today. Lady Henreitta will take care of him and he said that he's in good hands." 

Ang daddy talaga niya. "Hindi na niya ako mapipigilang bisitahin siya bukas." Kapagkuwan ay tumayo siya at humarap sa lahat.  "So... what do you all want to do today?"

Nagtaas ng kamay si Lyf. "I'd say hire a stripper but you'll gut me open, so cards?"

"I like cards," segunda ni Deth.

"Me too," sabad ni Yrozz. 

Nakangiwing ngumiti si King habang pasimpleng itinuturo siya. "Young Miss hates gambling."

"Oh," sabay-sabay na sabi ng tatlo. 

Tumaas ang kilay niya. "You wants to play cards? Get out of here."

Walang umimik sa lima. 

She smiled. "Thank you. Next idea please."

"Charades?" Kane suggested. "I saw it on TV. It looks fun and the host said it's a family game." 

"We're seven," sabi ni Lyf. "So, the host is King?"

"Fuck you," King grunted.

"I'll do it," boluntaryo niya. "So... how are we gonna do it? Pictures or gestures—"

"Gestures," sabi ni Kane na naman. "One of the team members will move his body to explain and his teammates will guess the answer."

"General or we have a theme?" Blaze asked. 

"Movies," Yrozz suggested. "It's gonna be fun."

"Okay." She smiled and clasped her hand in excitement. "Let's move to the living room to blow off some steam."

Nang makarating sila sa sala, tamang-tama na may kumatok sa pinto ng bahay. 

Everyone immediately pulled their guns out and pointed it at the door. 

"I'll check," Yrozz said who went to open the door. 

Napalitan ang kaba nila nang ngumiti si Yrozz nang mapagbuksan nito kung sino man 'yon. 

"It's the motherfuckers," sabi ni Yrozz, saka pinapasok ang Conde, sina Niccolo Racini at Monti Parisi sa loob. 

And the introduction begun between the three bosses and her teammates. 

"What's with the gathering?" Parisi asked.

"We're playing charades to blow off some steam," sagot niyang nakangiti. 

"Nice. I'm good at it. Count me in," sabi ni Parisi. 

"Me too," sabay na sabi ni Racini at ng Conde. 

"Okay." Si King ang namagitan at naging pansamantalang tagapagpaliwanag. Gumawa pa talaga ito ng mga papel na ido-drawlots kung sino ang nasa Team Happy at Team Sad. 

Napailing na lang siya. "Who names a team happy and sad?"

"King," sagot ng lahat na naroon.

"Whatever," sabi ni King. "Lets just have a drawlots."

Lahat sila ay kumuha ng nakatuping papel mula sa bull cap kung saan inilagay ni Kane ang mga nakatuping papel

Team Happy were Blaze, Parisi, Lyf, Deth and Yrozz.

While Team Sad were Happy, Racini, the Count, King and Kane. 

Sinugod siya ng yakap ni Blaze. "Baby! Don't leave me in Team Happy! Sa team n'yo ako! Take me! Ayoko sa team namin."

"Traitor!" Yrozz hissed at Blaze. "There's a traitor in our midst!"

Itinulak niya ang asawa pabalik sa Team Happy na nasa kabilang panig. "No. You stay there. We can beat you all."

"You're all going down," sabi ni Knight na nakangisi. 

Racini smirked. "Let's start, motherfuckers."

Masama ang tingin ni Blaze kay King. "Ginagago mo kami, King. Bakit lahat ng nasa team n'yo matatalino?"

Lahat ng Team Happy ay masama ang tingin kay Blaze.

"So what are you saying, that we're dumb?" Yrozz asked flatly. 

Itinuro naman agad ni Blaze si Racini at ang Conde. "Those two are monster manipulators!"

"We don't care," sabad ni Lyf. "We can take them."

Then Kane interjected. "Who's our host?"

Tamang-tama naman pumasok sa loob ng bahay ang ama nina Lyf at Deth. 

Ngumiti siya. "Si Uncle Vent na lang."

Uncle Vent stilled and looked at them frowning. "What? Did I miss something?"

"Dad, we're playing a game, charades," paliwanag ni Deth sa ama. "We're blowing off steam. Can you be our host?"

"Host?" Uncle Vent shrugged. "Sure. I was planning to blow off some steam anyway. Move like an idiot while you do the game to make me laugh, okay?"

"Great." King smiled and he explained the game to their host. "So, ahm, Uncle Vent, you will think of a movie and you will whisper it to one of the members of Team Sad or Team Happy. Then the said member will make gestures to help his or her comembers guess what movie it is."

Uncle Vent nodded his head. "So, it's like charades in idiot style?"

Nagtawanan sila.

"Okay." Uncle Vent sighed and looked at all of them. "Whose team will go first?"

"Team Sad. Ours," sagot ni Kane, saka tumayo. "I volunteer."

"Oh, fuck..." mahinang daing ni King. "We're doomed. The innocent is playing." 

Kane smiled as he neared Uncle Vent. "Master Vent," sabi nito, saka bahagya pang tumango. 

Tumango lang si Uncle Vent, saka mahinang ibinulong ang pelikula kay Kane, sabay takip sa bibig nito para hindi mabasa ng mga marurunong magbasa ng mga labi ang sinabi nito. 

Kane frowned before looking at them. "Sorry... I don't know that movie."

King face palmed.

Happy smiled at Kane. "Just try. Move it like you how you understand it."

Kane showed them two fingers.

"Two words," sabi ni Racini. 

Kane nodded before holding an imaginary thing in his hand while crashing it together with his emotionless face. And then his movement mimicked a kid who was playing a toy.

"Do another movement," sabi ni Knight na nakangiti na parang alam nito ang sagot. "Come on. I have an idea."

"Oh, hell..." Yrozz grumbled. "He's not a manipulator for nothing!"

Ngayon naman ay umaaktong nagbabasa na si King habang bored na bored pa rin ang mukha nito, pagkatapos ay bumalik na naman sa paglalaro. 

Knight grinned. "I know that movie. That's 
Toy Story
."

Team Happy looked at Knight, baffled. 

"How the fuck did you know that by his idiotic movements?" Parisi asked Knight in shock. 

Knight shrugged boastfully. "That's called talent, bonehead."

Umiling na lang si Parisi. Ito ang tumayo sa grupo nito at itinuro ang mga kagrupo. "Guess well, motherfuckers."

"Nice job," sabi niya kay Kane, saka ginulo ang buhok nito. 

Kane just smiled back. 

"Dad..." It was Deth. "How did you even know about that movie? That's for kids."

Uncle Vent shook his head and whispered, "So judgemental. Who doesn't like Buzz and Woody?" He tsked and whispered the movie on Parisi's ear. 

Hindi naman makapaniwalang napatitig si Parisi kay Uncle Vent. "How the fuck am I gonna do that?"

Ngumisi si Uncle Vent. "Good luck."

Apat na daliri ang ipinakita ni Parisi sa mga kagrupo nito. 

"Four words," sabi ni Yrozz na ikinangiti ni Parisi. 

Then Parisi started thrusting his hips back and forth into the air making them all laughed. 

"You're having sex?" Lyf asked. 

Tumango si Parisi, saka kumembot-kembot at bumalik na naman sa pag-ulos ng balakang nito na parang nakikipagtalik nga. 

He groaned in annoyance. "Fuck it! It's like this!" He thrust his groin back and forth roughly. "Like that. Come on! Don't you know this?!"

"Sex," sagot ng asawa niya. 

Agad na nag-thumbs-up si Parisi kay Blaze. "And this one," sabi nito. He acted like a girl again. May paupo-upo pa itong nalalaman na ikinatatawa nila. Namumungay pa ang mga nito at parang may kausap, saka bumalik na naman sa pag-ulos ng balakang sa hangin. 

"You're disgusting!" sigaw ni Yrozz. 

Mabilis na pinulot ni Parisi ang throw pillow at malakas na ibinato kay Yrozz. 

"You're a girl!" hula naman ni Lyf. 

Monti showed him middle finger. "Fuck you!"

"Fuck!" Biglang sumigaw si Blaze. "I know that one! I know that one!"

"Blazey, baby?"

Bumaling ang asawa sa kanya. "Hmm?"

"Do you want to sleep outside our room?"

Mabilis itong umiling. "No."

"Do you still know the answer?" nakangiti niyang sagot sa asawa. 

Mabilis na umiling si Blaze, saka tumingin kay Parisi. "I don't know the answer."

"Don't be a pussy!" Parisi hissed at Blaze. 

Blaze glared at him. "You are more than a pussy to your wife as well!"

Natigilan si Parisi saka nagkibit-balikat. "True. Okay." He looked at Yrozz. "Anything in that brain of yours?"

"Ahm... Sex and the..." Yrozz frowned then grimaced. "Tantalizing eyes?" 

Parisi glared at him. "That's five words!"

"Oh." Yrozz repeated his answer again. "Sex and the eyes? Sex and the woman—"

"Oh, fuck!" Lyf hissed. "It's 
Sex and the Cit
—"

"Times up!" sigaw ni Uncle Vent na nagpatigil sa pagsasalita ni Lyf. "It's done."

"Fuck!" Lyf hissed. 

Malakas na huminga nang malalim si Parisi. "I looked like I'm sexing the air for nothing!" sigaw nito sa teammates. 

"I was closed!" balik sigaw ni Lyf. 

"I don't care!"

"Children," saway ni Uncle Vent. "It's 
Sex and the City
."

"See! I was right!" Lyf snapped. 

"Too late!" Inis na bumalik sa pagkakaupo si Parisi. 

Napailing si Happy, saka siya ang tumayo para sa Team Sad. 

Uncle Vent whispered the movie on her ear. Agad siyang humarap sa teammates niya na ipinakita ang dalawang daliri. 

"Two words," sabi ni Knight. 

"Yes," sabi niya, saka malapad na ngumiti habang sapo ang mukha.

"You're happy," hula ni Racini.

"Of course, she's happy," sabi ni Blaze. "She is Happy."

Hindi ito pinansin ng kagrupo niya. 

"You're happy," ulit ni King. 

She nodded while showing them her feet while trying to tap dance.

"
Happy Feet
!" King answered. 

Napatalon siya. "
Yey
!" She grinned while shaking her booty happily. "Two points! Take that, Team Happy!"

Iminuwestra ni Parisi ang kamay sa Team Sad. "See that? That's coordination!"

Deth sighed before getting up for Team Happy. Nang maibulong dito ng ama ang pelikula, agad itong umakto nang wala man lang pasabi kung ilang salita ang huhulaan ng mga ito. 

"Idiot!" Lyf hissed at his brother. "How many words?"

Deth sighed before showing his two fingers.

"Okay, two words, people," sabi ni Parisi na parang excited. "Now act like an Oscars awardee!"

Ipinakita uli ni Deth ang dalawang daliri, saka pinagdikit nito ang dalawang hintuturo. 

"What is that?" Blaze asked. 

Deth frustratedly sighed before showing all his ten fingers plus another one finger. 

"Eleven?" Parisi guessed.

Mabilis na tumango si Deth.

Parisi grinned. "Keep moving."

Deth stretched both his hand on the side and waved it. 

Team Happy looked at Deth flatly. 

"What is that waving thing?" Yrozz asked. 

"Are you referring to worms?" Paris asked. 

"Many worms?" Lyf looked at his teammates. "Is there a movie that has something to do with eleven worms?"

Deth faced palmed. "I hate this game. This is not stress-free!"

"Eleven lines?" Parisi guessed. 

"Eleven wavy lines?" Yrozz guessed again. 

"Eleven super wavy lines?" sabi ni Blaze. 

Deth sighed heavily. "I'm done. Let's just concede!" 

"No. Move again!" pamimilit ni Parisi. "Again."

Bumuntong-hininga si Deth, saka umakto itong naliligo at lumalangoy. 

"Swimming worms?" Yrozz guessed.

"I give up," sabi ni Deth, saka bumalik sa kinauupuan nito. 

Uncle Vent shook his head. "Team Sad, two points and Team Happy, zero points." He tsked. "Why is Team Happy doesn't look happy?"

"What is that movie?" Blaze asked Uncle Vent. 

"It's 
Ocean Eleven
."

Tiningnan nang masama ni Lyf si Deth. "Your gestures are like worms! Not ocean!"

"You're just blind," Deth retaliated. 

King stood up for Team Sad. "Our turn."

"Let's all accept defeat," sabi ni Blaze. 

"Nope," sabi ni Yrozz. 

"Wow." Blaze looked at Yrozz flatly. "Ang lakas ng loob natin, ah. Nakasagot ka na?"

"Sino ba'ng takot sa asawa?" balik na sabi ni Yrozz kay Blaze. 

"Ipapasumpa kita kay Volkzki," sagot naman ng asawa niya. 

"Silence," sabi ng host nila, saka ibinulong kay King ang pelikula. 

King faced them showing one finger.

"One word," sabi ni Kane na titig na titig kay King. 

Tumango si King, saka dumipa habang nakatiyad ang mga paa. Parang feel na feel nito na parang may tuma-tamang hangin sa mukha nito at may pawaga-wagayway pa sa imaginary nitong buhok. 

King didn't change his gesture until she remembered the same iconic pose from a movie she had watch before. 

"I'm flying," she whispered before answering with a wide grin. "It's 
Titanic
."

"Hell, yeah!" sigaw ni King na malapad din ang ngiti.

Team Sad clapped their hands for her.

"Team Sad, three points and Team Happy, no happy points," sabi ni Uncle Vent.

Masama ang tingin sa kanya ng Team Happy samantalang ang asawa niya ay bumulong ng, "I'm so proud of you baby" at lumapit pa sa kanya para halikan siya. 

Yrozz had to drag Blaze back to their side, making her laughed. 

"Team Happy." Uncle Vent looked at his left where Team Happy were seated. "You may accept defeat."

"No way." Yrizz stood up. "We're getting that one point!

Uncle Vent shrugged and whispered on Yrozz' ear. 

Yrozz grinned afterwards. "Geez! That's easy!" And he showed one finger to his teammates. 

"One word," sabi ni Blaze. 

Yrozz nodded before biting the air and showing his teeth. 

Team Happy all frowned at Yrozz. 

"Zombie?" hula ni Blaze. 

Yrozz tsked before biting the air again while he kept on swallowing. 

"Dehydrated?" Blaze answered again. 

"Fuck you!" sigaw ni Yrozz habang patuloy pa rin ang pagkagat nito sa hangin na ngayon ay parang nakahawak na sa nasa harap nito. 

A vampire
? Happy thought. 

"You're eating a steak?" Parisi asked. 

"Wait... you're bitting a burger?" Lyf guess. 

"Eating a footlong?" Deth guessed as well. 

Napasabunot sa buhok si Yrozz, saka sumigaw. "Fuck you all. It's easy!" He then started showing his teeth and biting the air again. 

"Oh! I know!" Tumayo pa talaga si Parisi habang nakangiti. "You're a bear!"

"Fuck you!" Yrozz answered. 

"Werewolf?" Lyf asked. 

"Fuck you two," sabi ni Yrozz. 

"
Ratatouille
?" hula ni Blaze. 

"Fuck you three!"

"Vampire?" Deth guessed.

Nagpakawala ng malakas na buntong-hininga si Yrozz. "Thank God! Yes! It's a vampire!" sigaw nito sa mga ka-teammates. "How could you possibly think that I'm eating a burger and a footlong?! And really, Parisi, eating a steak?! Is that how you eat a steak, like an animal?!"

Yrozz is in a beast mode making Team Sad chuckled. 

"Clock is ticking, boys," paalala ni Uncle Vent.

Yrozz went back to acting. He was now smooching the air, moving his lips like he was kissing someone making them all laughed. 

Tiningnan nito nang masama ang ka-teammates. "Stop laughing and start guessing!"

"Okay. Do another one," sabi ni Blaze. 

Biglang tumakbo si Yrozz, tumigil at parang may pinigilan ang kamay nito sa tabi nito, saka matalim ang mga matang tumitig sa unahan at suminghot-singhot bago naglakad na naman nang mabilis na mabilis. 

"Okay... you look like a drug addict." 

Nagtagis ang mga bagang ni Yrozz kay Parisi. 

"Bud... ipapa-check up ka na ba namin?" tanong ni Knight. 

"Ayoko na!" Sumuko rin si Yrozz sa wakas. "Mga gago! It's 
Twilight
!"

"No. It's just afternoon," pagtatama ni Kane. 

Yrozz sighed hopelessly. "You know what, I give up. This game sucks!"

Blaze looked at Uncle Vent. "You watched that movie?"

"My wife dragged me to the cinema," sagot ni Uncle Vent na halatang hindi nito gusto ang pinanood. 

They all laughed.

"Still... Team Happy... zero!" Uncle Vent sighed heavily like he was problematic at the result of the game. "Team Sad? Who will act like an idiot in the front?"

Racini stood up. "My turn."

"Okay. Come here," nangingiting sabi ni Uncle Vent at ibinulong sa tainga ni Racini ang pelikula nang makalapit ito. 

"Thanks," sabi ni Niccolo at humarap sa kanila, sabay pakita ng dalawang daliri. 

"Two words," sabi ni Knight. 

Niccolo nodded and started smashing the center table. 

"Man!" Knight hissed at Niccolo. "What the fuck are you doing?"

"Acting," sabi ni Niccolo na ngayon ay sumisigaw na habang pinagbabayo ang lahat ng nasa harap nito. 

He even started punching the Team Happy. 

"
The Punch
?" King answered. 

Bigla na lang ibinalibag ni Niccolo ang center table nila. 

"
The Destroyer
?"

Niccolo stilled and screamed at Knight angrily. 

"Oh." Realization dawn on Knight's face. "
The Hulk
?" 

Niccolo smiled. "Yes." The he looked at her. "I'm sorry for the broken center table. I'll pay for it."

Natatawang tumango si Happy. "That was one hell of an acting."

Niccolo shrugged proudly. "I'm good at it."

"Next? Team Happy?" tanong ni Uncle Vent. 

Tumayo si Blaze, saka ngumiti sa kanya. "Wish me luck, baby."

"Ayoko," sabi niya. 

Agad na sumama ang mukha ni Blaze habang papalapit ito kay Uncle Vent. And when Uncle Vent whispered the movie in his ear, he faced his teammates. 

"It's easy. We're going to get that one point," Blaze said, then he made a circle with both his hand then he showed seven fingers. 

Parisi laughed. "
007. James Bond
."

Ngumisi si Blaze, saka nag-flying kiss sa kanya. "Love you, baby."

Napailing siya. "Love you too."

Napailing si Uncle Vent. "Next?"

Knight stood up. "Me."

Uncle Vent whispered the movie on Knight ear. 

"Oh." Knight smiled. "Easy, that's easy." 

Ipinakita nito ang dalawang daliri. 

"Two words?" sabi ni King. 

Tumango si Knight at namaywang habang nagmamalaki ang dibdib. "Come on," sabi nito. 

"Ahm... puffed chest?" Racini answered. 

Knight groaned before dropping his body on the floor like he was crawling.

"Crawling person?" Kane answered. 

Knight sighed before glaring at Kane with his wide eyes. 

"What? You are crawling," agad na sabi ni Kane. 

Knight sighed before crawling on the floor again, only his hands and feet were touching the tiles. Then he started climbing the baluster of the staircase. 

"Come on!" sigaw sa kanila ni Knight, "I'm being an idiot here!"

"Matagal ka nang sinto-sinto," sabad ni Yrozz. 

Knight tsked and started climbing the divider with figurines this time. 

"Knight! Don't!" pigil niya kay Knight pero huli na ang lahat. 

Gumiwang na ang divider at natumba, saka nadaganan si Knight. 

Lahat sila napaigtad at napangiwi sa nangyari. 

"Jesus Christ..." sambit niya. 

Mabilis namang dinaluhan nina Blaze at Yrozz si Knight, saka binuhat nang mga ito ang divider na dumagan dito. Hinila ni Niccolo si Knight paalis sa ilalim niyon. 

"Fuck," Knight groaned. 

"What were you thinking climbing that like an idiot?" Niccolo hissed at Knight. 

Knight groaned again. "I was being Spider-man."

"Oh." Lahat 'yon ang sinabi.

Na-gets na rin nila kung bakit ganoon ang akto ni Knight. 

"Patingin," sabi ni Blaze na inaabot ang braso ni Knight na siyang napuruhan. "Let me see!" inis na sabi ng asawa nang itago iyon ni Knight dito. 

"I'm fine. What I need is a cake."

"In the fridge," agad niyang sagot. 

"Great." Nakangiwing tumayo si Knight at tinungo ang kusina. 

"This is not a fun game!" iritadong sabi ni Lyf na nakapamaywang pa. "I can't believe we only scored one point!"

Tumango si Yrozz. "Mas na stress ako lalo. This is embarrassing! Me! The Great Yrozz!"

Lahat napatigil sa ginagawa at pagsasalita nang makarinig sila ng kanta na "Young, Dumb and Broke" mula sa pinto ng kusina. At nang bumaling sila roon, nakita nilang sumasayaw si Knight habang nasa kamay ang isang buong pabilog na cake at kumakain ito.

And because she had team members acted like a kid, they all danced with Knight to "blow off some steam" they said. 

Uncle Vent even grinned and said, "#Party."

Napailing na lang si Happy habang pinagmamasdan ang mga baliw na sumasayaw. Iba na ang kanta ng mga ito ngayon. 

It was "Pom Poms" by Jonas Brothers. 

Lyf was dancing like a stripper, Deth was just rocking back and forth, Kane was just standing there and the rest were like wild animals. Even Uncle Vent. 

"Kane, dance like me!" sigaw ni Lyf kay Kane habang gumigiling-giling ito. "Come on, 
bratishka
! Dance like this."

And because Kane was clueless, he mimicked Lyf. Swaying his body and grinding his hips erotically.

Tinakpan niya ang mga mata. "No... not my baby..."

Natatawang lumapit sa kanya si Blaze at hinawakan ang mga kamay niya, saka iniyakap iyon sa leeg nito at hinawakan siya sa baywang. 

Then Blaze started dancing seductively as well.

"That's for our bedroom only!" Pinandilatan niya ang asawa. 

Tumawa lang si Blaze at patuloy na sinayawan siya nang nang-aakit. 

Thank God someone pressed the doorbell... making everyone stopped their craziness and looked vigilantly at the door. 

Everyone pulled their gun and pointed it at the door as it was being opened from the visitor outside. 

And when the person stepped in and saw the guns, he slowly raised his hand to surrender while looking calm and collected.

He was a very handsome man even at his age. Well-muscled with whiskers on his chin. Parang mas bata-bata lang ito nang kaunti sa ama niya pero makisig pa ring tingnan sa suot nitong simpleng puting T-shirt at rugged jeans.

"Who are you?" tanong niya sa magalang na boses. "Please introduce yourself, Sir."

The man looked at Uncle Vent. "Vent, could you kindly introduce me to Dominick's daughter?"

"Of course." Uncle Vent faced her with a smile. "Lady Happy, meet the first Arkhon."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 55

TEAM OLDIES and the first Arkhon himself were so careful not to reveal the first Arkhon's identity. Napapansin 'yon ni Happy habang nasa labas sila ng pribadong kuwarto ng ama. Hindi pa sila makapasok dahil nasa loob pa ang doktor at sinusuri ang lagay ng daddy niya. 

"They're very secretive," bulong sa kanya ni Blaze. 

Pasimple siyang tumango. "Napapansin ko nga."

"Why do you think?" Blaze asked. 

She faced her husband as she hugged him around the waist. "I don't know, Blazey. Siguro dahil ayaw niya talagang malaman ng iba kung sino siya kahit pa sa atin? O dahil nandito lang siya para sa daddy ko. That this is a risk for him. Maybe just like Dad, he has a good life with family to protect?"

Blazey sighed. "Akala ko pa naman nandito siya para tumulong. That way you can rest."

Tumango si Happy. "'Yon din ang inisip ko nang ipakilala siya sa akin ni Uncle Vent." Bumuntong-hininga siya. "For once I want the responsibility off my shoulder. It's very heavy."

"I know, baby." Blaze kissed her forehead. "I'm here. I'll help."

"I know," she whispered. 

"Doc, how is he?" Boses iyon ni Daddy Von na ikinabaling nila ni Blaze rito. 

The doctor smiled. "He's responding to the medication very well. If it continues, he'll be out here in two weeks."

"Thank you, Doc," sabi ni Uncle Klaus. 

Everyone was relieved, including her. 

"Come on," aya ni Daddy Von. "Let's go in."

Nang hindi sila pumasok ni Blaze, nilingon sila ng unang Arkhon. 

"Come on," sabi nito. 

Ngumiti siya, saka umiling. "We don't want to intrude."

"No." Umiling ito. "Come on in. You should be present, and I want to talk to you later. Please?"

Tumango si Happy at magkahawak ang kamay nila ng asawa na pumasok sa kuwarto ng kanyang ama. 

"Daddy..." Pansamantala siyang bumitaw sa kamay ni Blaze para lapitan ang ama at halikan ito sa noo. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel alive, princess," sabi ng ama niya na nakangiti. 

Tumayo si Mommy Henreitta at hinalikan sa pisngi ang kanyang ama, saka pinisil ang kamay niya. "I'll go look for Beth." 

Happy smiled. She knew Mommy Henreitta was just going out to give them some privacy. 

Pinisil niya rin ang kamay ng ama bago bumalik sa tabi ng asawa niya at tahimik na pinagmasdan lang ang Team Oldies at ang unang Arkhon. 

"Zachariah," sabi ng ama niyang nakangiti habang nakatingin sa unang Arkhon. "It's been a long time."

Zachariah went to his father side and they did a forearm handshake. The kind of handshake used by Team Oldies all the time and some of Blaze's friends. 

"I heard what happened," sabi ni Zachariah. 

Mahinang tumawa ang ama niya. "And here I thought you went off grid. You and Kennedy." 

"We are." Umupo ang unang Arkhon sa gilid ng kama. "But that doesn't mean that my connections are gone. It's still there. The ten families are still supporting me, hoping that my first born will someday take my position."

"Why didn't you stay off grid?" tanong ng ama niya. "This is risky for you, Zachariah."

"You're like a big brother to me, Dominick, I couldn't stay away after what I heard." Zachariah shook his head. "I've heard that your daughter had taken over but I didn't actually believe it." Sinulyapan siya nito. "I know how much you treasure her." 

Her father sighed. "I do. I wanna keep my daughter out of this as much as possible but..." Sinulyapan siya ng ama. "Our enemies are closing in. It's better that she's prepared than clueless. I don't want my princess to have the life we had but someone has to continue our legacy, Zachariah. Someone has to keep fighting for the peace even if it's a losing battle."

Umiling si Zachariah. "We have lost so many lives already, Dominick."

"I know. I lost my dad to this, remember?"

Zachariah nodded. "And we will lose more. Families and friends. For what? Battling a war, we cannot win?"

"At least we're fighting," sabi ng ama niya. "That's called hope." 

Bumuntong-hininga si Zachariah. "This is the reason why I and Kennedy left the Organòsi when you renounced. Our leader was gone. Even I doubt my own decisions."

Umiling ang ama niya. "You are the first Arkhon, Zachariah. Because you and Kennedy left, the Organòsi was left in the hands of the fourth Arkhon and you know Kelleon, he's a motherfucker."

Zachariah chuckled. "This is the reason why Kelleon hates you. You always cursed him, and you don't believe in his leadership."

"Well... he had been a leader for many years and he just proved me right." Her father tsked. "That asshole. Trying to kill my daughter to be on top. He should be thankful that I'm still busy or else he will be groaning in so much pain after I'm done with him."

Natawa si Zachariah. "Well, I heard your daughter lashed him with his own whip and imprisoned him."

Her father looked at her. "I'm so proud of you, princess."

Nginitian lang niya ang ama. 

Pinakatitigan siya ni Zachariah bago ibinalik ang tingin sa ama niya. "Looks like she took after you, Dominick. She radiates authority and leadership."

"Because I raised her that way," sabi ng ama niya. "Yes, I don't want a chaotic life for her but she has to be ready and equipped if worst comes to worst. Sometimes, I feel guilty because I raised her differently that causes her to think differently as well. But seeing my princess now, I don't regret it. I'm proud of her."

Happy's eyes watered hearing her father said those words. He was a chill and relax dad. Always joking but always trying his best to be better. And for him to teach her how to be who she was now, she was very thankful to have such an amazing father who taught her well.

"Though I regret one thing, telling her that gambling is bad and people go broke or sometimes kill for it." Her father sighed heavily. "I got screwed over, Zachariah! My own daughter wants to put me in a cell next to the fourth Arkhon for playing poker!"

"Well..." Zachariah shrugged. "It is bad."

Tinignan ito ng ama niya. "Oh, shush! I taught you how to play poker!"

"I don't play anymore," natatawang sabi ni Zachariah. "My first born hates any form of gambling as well. And my wife... she will gut me. You know how she is."

"Yes. Your wife hates me for teaching you how to play poker. Said I was a bad influence."

"Yes." Natatawang tumango si Zachariah, saka may kinuha itong cell phone sa bulsa. "By the way, Kennedy wants to talk to you. He can't be here because his first born is in the hospital."

"Why?" her father asked, frowning and worried. 

"The Triad put a hit on his firstborn." 

Her dad shook his head. "They're closing in on us, Zachariah. How's his first born doing?"

"Fine. Kennedy has been vigilant. So am I."

"That's good." Her father smiled and tapped Zachariah's forearm. "Call that motherfucker so he can have a peace of my mind. It's been so long without us communicating."

Tinawagan naman agad ng unang Arkhon ang pangatlong Arkhon, saka ibinigay iyon sa ama niya nang sumagot ang nasa kabilang linya. Pagkatapos ay lumapit sa kanya ang unang Arkhon. 

"Can I talk to you?" he asked. 

Tumango siya. "My husband is staying with me as we talk. I hope that's okay."

"Of course." The first Arkhon smiled at Blaze. "Von Per's son... the hippeis... a great combination... though your first born will be a Quinn."

"Still mine," Blaze said proudly.

Mahinang tumawa ang unang Arkhon, kapagkuwan ay naging seryoso ang mukha nang bumaling sa kanya. "Mrs. Quinn-Vitale, I know how heavy it was to carry that big responsibility on your shoulders right now but I can see that you have your father's will and bravery to take it on. Our family has always been allies. I just wished that my first born can take its heavy burden."

"I'm sure your first born can," sabi niya. 

Zachariah smiled softly. "My first born... is very softhearted and very kind. And it scares me."

"May I say something?" Blaze interjected politely.

Zachariah nodded at him. "Of course. Feel free."

"Kindness... it's not something to be scared of." Blaze took a deep breath. "In the world we live in, where war and evil is everywhere, we need kindness because that's what people lack these days. Kindness... it changes the dark people it touches. I know someone who made the right choices because of simple kindness shown to him."

Kane. 

"Thank you, Blaze Vitale," sabi ng unang Arkhon. "I'll keep that in mind."

Nginitian ni Happy ang unang Arkhon. "I know that you're not coming back to the Organòsi, I know that you're here for my father only, but we really need all the help we can get. I know I'm asking a lot but, I'm desperate for the help. We need to win this war. For everyone who sacrificed their lives and for the people who needs saving." 

Zachariah's face softened as she spoke. "You're like the girl version of Dominick."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"It is. Your father is a good man, but also a kid. We can't have a serious meeting before when he's around and he's always around."

Mahinang natawa si Happy. "He's still crazy and a child wannabe."

"I can tell."

Pareho silang natawa ng unang Arkhon na naputol nang magsalita ang ama niya. 

"Hey! You two! Don't gang up on me!" Masama ang tingin sa kanila ng ama niya. "I know. I can feel it when someone is talking bad about me."

Napailing na lang ang unang Arkhon. "He got worse over the years."

She nodded. "Yeah. Even Daddy Von Per is giving up on him."

"Hey!" reklamo na naman ng ama niya.

Hindi nila ito pinansin.

"Did you come here alone?" she asked the first Arkhon. "You have no company?"

"My hippeis," sabi nito. "As if he would let me come here alone. He will gut me open."

"I don't see him."

"Oh, he likes being far away from me with a sniper ready."

"Von Per!" Parang bata ang kanyang ama na nagsusumbong. "Look! They're talking bad about me!"

Daddy Von glanced at then. "Please continue talking bad about him."

"Von Per! How dare you!"

Napailing ang unang Arkhon. "Dominick is still the same."

"
Nah
. I think he got worst," sabi niya. "He now knows emoticons and using it while speaking."

"Oh...." Then the first Arkhon suddenly laughed before facing her father. "Was that you who texted me with lots of crying emoji and the 'I miss you' beside the crying and the blowing of the nose emoji?"

Agad na tumango ang ama niya at masamang tumingin kay Zachariah. "And you didn't reply. Such an asshole. Though I was only drunk texting you so... it was good that you didn't reply."

Napailing si Zachariah. "My wife nearly killed me. She thought I was cheating on her."

"He's like that," sabad ni Sir Ruthgar. "Relationship destroyer."

Zachariah laughed. "You still haven't moved on from that joke he pulled?"

"That joke was not funny!" Sir Ruthgar hissed at her father. 

Happy tugged her husband's hand. "Come on. Let's leave them to have their own personal conversation." 

Pero bago pa sila makaalis, hinarang sila ng unang Arkhon. 

"Do you need anything... for the war? I'm still the first Arkhon. I can help in other ways."

"I need soldiers," maikli niyang sagot. 

Tumango ang kaharap. "I can provide that. How many do you need?"

"As much as you can provide."

"I can provide a thousand or so."

Her lips parted. "For real?"

"Yes."

"Oh, don't be impressed, princess," her father said in a sarcastic tone. "You can also provide that number of soldiers." 

Nilingon niya ang ama. "No, I couldn't—"

"Have you talked to the ten families?" tanong nito. "Masyado kang na-busy kaya hindi mo naisip na pulungin ang sampung pamilya na sumusuporta sa atin. Naghihintay lang sila, princess."

"Why didn't you tell me?!" Tumaas ang boses niya, kapagkuwan ay agad na bumaba 'yon. "Sorry, Daddy. My bad. It wasn't right to raise my voice like that."

Her father smiled. "Forgiven, princess."

Happy took a deep breath. "So, the families can provide me with soldiers?"

"Yes. Pulungin mo sila, 'yon ang hindi mo pa ginagawa mula nang maging pangalawang Arkhon ka," sabi ng ama niya. "They're waiting for your order, princess."

Tumango siya. "Thanks, Daddy."

"I'm proud of you, princess."

Nginitian lang niya ang ama, saka hinila palabas si Blaze ng kuwarto. 

Agad na yumakap sa baywang niya ang asawa. "Bakit ang daming istorbo? 'Kainis! Dapat nasa bahay tayo ngayon, magkasama at nagba-bonding."

Natawa siya na napailing. "Daan muna tayo kay Lucky?"

"They're in a secret room," sabi ni Blaze. "Pinalipat daw sila ni Dad. Hindi natin puwedeng bisitahin si baby girl sa ngayon. Give it days."

"Miss ko na si Lucky." Napasimangot siya. "Pero sige, sa ibang araw na lang," sabi niya, saka hinarap ang asawa. "So... ano'ng gusto mong gawin ngayong araw?"

Magsasalita sana si Blaze nang may tumawag sa pangalan niya. 

"Happy."

Agad siyang lumingon. It was Mommy Beth and Mommy Henreitta. 

"Mommies!" Kumawala siya sa yakap ng asawa, saka sinugod ng yakap ang dalawa. "How are you two?"

"Okay naman," sagot ni Mommy Beth. "We're going to the cafeteria, sama ka. It has been a long time since we three had a talk. It was fun."

She grinned. "Of course, Mommy."

"How about me?" May pagtatampo sa boses ni Blaze. 

"Uwi ka na lang mag-isa, Blazey," sabi niya, saka nag-flying kiss dito. "Bye. See you later. Love you."

Ipinalibot niya ang magkabilang braso sa mga braso nina Mommy Beth at Mommy Henreitta dahil napapagitnaan siya ng dalawa habang naglalakad sila. 

Hindi pa sila nakakarating sa cafeteria, nag-uusap-usap na sila. Lalo na si Mommy Beth na ang daming gustong i-share sa kanila at gustong hingin ang opinyon nila. 

Isa na ro'n ang kagustuhan ni Daddy Von na pakasalan ito at legal na ampunin si Bailey para pare-pareho na raw ang apelyidong dala ng mga ito. 

And her respect for Daddy Von doubled. The team oldies were not perfect, they have made mistakes, but they were good men who strived to be a better person everyday. 

GABI NA NANG MAKAUWI si Happy kasama si Mommy Beth na agad na dumeretso sa kuwarto nito dahil inaantok na si Bailey. Samantalang naiwan naman si Mommy Henreitta sa ospital para bantayan ang daddy niya. At bago siya umalis, pumasok si Clev sa kuwarto ng ama niya. 

Somehow, slowly, their family was getting together. Magulo man 'yon at hindi buo, naniniwala siyang mabubuo rin sila. 

At nakahanda na si Happy kung may magpapakilala mang anak pa ng ama niya. Sa dami nilang panganay, hindi na siya magtataka. Tatanggapin na lang niya. 

"Bakit ngayon ka lang?" nakapamaywang na tanong sa kanya ni Blaze nang makapasok siya sa bahay. 

Tinaasan niya ito ng kilay. "At bakit?"

"Wala naman." Agad itong ngumiti, saka lumapit sa kanya at niyakap siya. "Na-miss ko lang ang asawa ko, hindi ba puwede?"

"Ikaw yata ang buntis, eh," natatawang sabi niya. "Nasaan si Kane?"

Agad na humaba ang nguso ni Blaze. "Nagseselos na ako, puro ka Kane. Paano naman si Blaze, huh? Si Blaze ang asawa mo—"

"Si Kane ang panganay ko," she argued before leaving from Blaze's embrace to look for Kane. "Kaney? Baby? Nasaan ka?" malakas ang boses niyang tawag kay Kane. "Kaney! Kaney-baby!"

"In here." Boses iyon ni Kane na nanggagaling sa kusina. 

"Baby!" tawag sa kanya ni Blaze na masama ang tingin. "Paano ako?"

"Mamaya ka na," sagot niya, saka pinuntahan si Kane. 

Nakita niya itong tinuturuan ni King na magluto. Simpleng pagpiprito lang at ang husgado nito ay sina Deth, Lyf at Yrozz. 

"Baby—"

"Be like Kane," sabi niya sa asawa niya na ikinatigil nito sa pagsasalita. "Tingnan mo ang panganay natin, nag-aaral na magluto, eh, ikaw?"

Blaze tsked before walking towards King who was teaching Kane. 

"Turuan mo rin ako," pamimilit nito kay King. 

"I don't want to," agad na sabi ni King na umiling pa. "Remember the last time we tried? We nearly burned the kitchen!"

"Eh, sino ba kasi 'tong gago na nagtuturo kay Kane ngayon ng pagluluto at ipinakita pa sa asawa ko? Oh, wait, that's you..." Blaze pointed his finger at King. "The gago."

Natatawang napailing na lang si Happy. "Have pity on him, King. Para naman hindi siya magutom kapag mag-isa lang siya."

Namimilog ang mga matang tumingin sa kanya si Blaze na may pagmamakaawa. "Hahayaan mo akong magutom? Baby?"

"Don't be a big baby," sabi niya, saka umupo sa isa sa stool na nasa gilid ng island counter, katabi ng mga hurado. "Come on, Blazey." Matamis niyang nginitian ang asawa. "Kaya mo 'yan. Ikaw pa. You can even save lives, 'yan pa ba hindi kayang gawin ng asawa ko?" 

Agad namang ngumiti si Blaze at nagpumilit na nagpaturo kay King. 

Umiling si Yrozz. "Blaze, may nakapagsabi na ba sa iyong marupok kang 'tang-ina ka?"

Natawa lang siya nang ipakita ni Blaze ang gitnang daliri kay Yrozz bilang sagot. 

"What's marupok?" Deth asked. "I can understand your language but not that one."

"Marupok means softy," sagot niya. "Example is you're mad at someone and then that someone smiled at you and you're like, oh, I'm not mad anymore."

Lyf shrugged. "Well, he is a big baby. That's a given already."

Bumaling si Deth kay Lyf. "So, you're a marupok because you're softy to a lot of women."

Lyf grinned. "I'm proud."

Napailing si Happy, kapagkuwan ay napabaling sa pinto ng kusina ang atensiyon niya nang may pumasok doon. 

It was the Team Oldies—except her father—with the first Arkhon. 

"Lady Happy," sabi ni Uncle Klaus. "Is it okay if we sleep here tonight?"

Agad siyang tumango. "Sure. I don't mind. We have lots of room for all of you."

"Told you we can sleep here," sabi ni Daddy Von sa lalaking katabi nito na napansin pa lang niya. 

Parang kasing-edad lang ito ng unang Arkhon pero matikas pa rin. At nang mapansin nitong nakatingin siya, agad itong nagpakilala. 

"My lady, my name is Denver. The first Arkhon's hippeis." Bahagya pa itong yumukod. "It's nice to finally meet you. I have heard of your bravery. Such an amazing woman." 

"Thank you." She nodded her head at Denver. "It's nice to meet you as well. Welcome to our home." 

"What are they doing?" tanong ni Uncle Vent habang nakaturo ang kamay kina King, Blaze at Kane. 

"Trying not to burn the house, Dad," sagot ni Deth. 

"Oh..." Uncle Vent smiled. "Good luck. A piece of advice, if you don't know how to cook, don't bother learning because you might end up buying a new house."

"But I want to learn," sabi ni Kane. "So, I don't have to bother someone to cook for me."

"
Aww
..." Uncle Vent smiled at Kane, then glared at Lyf and Deth. "Why don't you be like Kane here? Striving to learn."

"Dad, you just said that we shouldn't bother learning," sabi ni Lyf, saka napahawak ito sa tiyan. "I'm hungry."

The first Arkhon smiled. "May I?" Iminuwestra nito ang kamay sa stove. "It's free boarding and I should repay."

Tumingin siya sa Team Oldies. "They're not paying but they'd been here for weeks now." 

Zachariah looked at Team Oldies. "Shame on you." 

"They have always been shameless," dagdag ni Denver. 

Napailing si Sir Ruthgar, saka nagsalita na parang kinakausap ang sarili. "Remember, self, she's pregnant. You can't get be mad at her. It's hormones."

Natawa si Happy. "I didn't mean it that way. It was a harmless statement."

Hinawakan ni Sir Ruthgar ang dibdib nito, saka tumingin sa kanya na parang naiiyak. "I was harmed, Lady Happy."

"I'm sorry."

Daddy Von tsked. "Don't make my daughter-in-law feel bad, Ruthgar. I'll kick your ass."

Nag-thumbs-up si Blaze sa ama nito. "Thanks, Daddy."

"Anytime, son."

Napailing na lang siya, saka bumaling ang atensiyon sa unang Arkhon na nakikipag-agawan ng lutuan kay King. Sumuko na lang si King. 

Si Kane naman ay mahaba ang ngusong lumapit sa kanya at nagsumbong. "Mom, gusto kong matuto. Bakit ba nangingialam siya?" Ang unang Arkhon ang tinutukoy nito. 

Inakbayan naman ni Blaze si Kane at ginulo ang buhok nito. "Hayaan mo na. Bukas, guguluhin natin si King at tayo ang magluluto ng agahan. I'm pretty sure we can fry some eggs, yeah?"

That put a smile on Kane's lips. "Of course. Tomorrow then."

Napangiti siya sa asawa niyang tatay na tatay ang dating kay Kane. Blaze together with Kane were such a cutie. 

"Okay, let's get cooking," The first Arkhon announced while his hippeis helped him cut meats and other vegetables. 

While the other oldies were preparing the table, making them—the young ones—smiled and chuckled. 

"Klaus, the utensils!" sigaw ni Sir Ruthgar. "Let's be ashamed because we're not paying for the boarding." Puno ng sarkasmo ang boses nito habang pasulyap-sulyap sa kanya. 

Napakagat-labi si Happy para pigilan ang tawa. "I'm sorry, Sir Ruthgar."

"And I'm hurt! Really, hurt! You call everyone uncle but me!" He was angry. 

Napangiwi siya. "I thought you don't like it—"

"I'm hurt! I'm so hurt—" 

"I'm sorry, Uncle Ruthgar," sabi niya sa malambing na boses. 

Natigilan naman si Uncle Ruthgar sa sinabi niya, saka may sinusupil na ngiti. "I'm not soft. I'm angry."

Inis na binato ng kutsilyo ni Daddy Von si Uncle Ruthgar pero mabilis nito iyong nasalo. 

"You're annoying," sabi ni Daddy Von. 

"I'm Ruthgar," pabirong pagtatama ni Uncle Ruthgar kay Daddy Von na ikinaani nito ng matalim na titig. 

Akmang babatuhin na naman sana ng kutsilyo ni Daddy Von si Uncle Ruthgar nang makarinig sila ng malakas na pagsabog na bahagyang yumanig sa buong mansiyon. 

Pagkatapos ay isa pang pagsabog na nasundan ng isa pa at isa pa bago pa sila makaalis ng kusina. 

And the next thing they knew, the whole house was falling to pieces and was engulfed in a blazing fire.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 56

Happy Birthday Jots Siaotong and Rose Villavicencio. 

❤️

And happy birthday to Min Yoongi from Mrs. Min Frances Kyrene

 

❣️

CHAPTER 56

THE WALLS were burning, it was like the fire had a mind of its own as it grew and crawled over everything it touched. At habang naglalagablab ang bahay nila ay naaamoy niya ang amoy ng gasolina. 

Someone lit up their house! Not just bombed it! 

Blaze immediately took off his shirt, fold it thickly before he covered her nose with it. "Don't breathe!" pasigaw nitong sabi. "The baby! Hold your breath!"

Mabilis na tumango si Happy pero nagsalita muna bago sundin ito. 

"Si Mommy Beth!" sigaw niya nang makitang kumakalat na ang apoy. "Si Bailey! Go, get them! I'll be okay!"

Blaze was about to run towards the fire to get Mommy Beth and Bailey when Daddy Von shouted to stop Blaze. 

"Take care of your wife! I'll take care of Beth and Bailey!"

Bago pa may makapagsalita, sinuong na nito ang apoy na tumutupok sa labas ng kusina.

Oh, God! Oh, God! 

"Let's go!" Uncle Klaus shouted. "Follow me!" 

"Si Dad! Si Mommy! Si Bailey!" sigaw ni Blaze na ayaw umalis. "What about them?!"

"Von knew another way!" sigaw ni Uncle Klaus. "Take cover! Take care of everyone!"

Nagulat na lang si Happy nang may pumalibot na mga basang damit sa uluhan niya, pababa sa batok, sa likod niya at sa magkabilang balikat. 

Hindi niya alam kung naiiyak siya sa usok o naiiyak siya dahil hinubad talaga nina Kane, Lyf, Deth, King at Yrozz ang mga damit, saka binasa para ipalibot sa kanya, para hindi siya madaling kapitan at mainitan ng apoy. 

"Come on!" sigaw ni Uncle Klaus. "This way!"

The sprinkle system couldn't take down the fire. And the Team Oldies each had fire extinguishers that they kept on firing to clear the way. 

"Head down, baby! Down! The smoke is harmful to you and the baby!" sigaw ni Blaze sa kanya habang hinahawakan nito ang ulo niya para magbaba ng tingin. "Trust me! I'll guide you!"

Sinunod naman niya ang asawa at nagbaba siya ng tingin habang hinahayaan na igiya siya. 

Happy could hear debris falling around them, she could hear hisses of pain around her but her head remained down. She wouldn't risk her baby's health! Smoke was bad for a pregnant woman! 

"Fuck!" she heard Blaze hiss before covering her head with his body. "Fuck!"

"Mom!" Si Kane naman ngayon ang nasa harap niya at ginawang pananggalang ang katawan sa kung ano mang tatama sa kanya. 

"Is everyone okay?!" It was Knight. 

"The Triad is out there!" It was Parisi. "They're all waiting for you outside!"

"We killed some of them but they're too many and ready!" It was Niccolo. "We have to look for another way out!"

"We have another way!" sagot naman ni Uncle Klaus.

Then someone encircled their arms around her waist to guide her body. Nararamdaman niya ang init ng paligid dahil natuyo na ang mga basang damit na nakapalibot sa katawan niya. Mahigpit ang hawak ni Blaze si kamay niya hanggang sa maramdaman niyang nag-iba na ang pakiramdam ng hangin. 

She looked up and saw the stock room. 

"Why are we in the stock room?" nag-aalala niyang sagot. 

The fire could reach them there. 

But before Happy could voice out her worry, Uncle Klaus and King opened a secret door then they ushered them in. 

Nang makapasok silang lahat doon, bago pa maisara nina Uncle Klaus at King ang pinto sa likuran nila, may nagpasabog niyon sa labas dahilan para masira ang pinto at pumasok ang apoy. 

"Why the fuck is this house so easy to destroy?!" iritadong reklamo ni Niccolo.

"The security system has not been updated and this house is a bit old. I told Master Dominick to renovate with high powered walls, but we've been out and about, and he doesn't want to stand out so he bought an old mansion instead," sagot ni Uncle Klaus. 

"Come on!" sigaw ni King na pinapauna sila papasok sa mahabang pasilyo.

"Hurry! The fire will catch up on us! We don't have much time," sigaw ni Uncle Ruthgar. "I already calculated the probability of this basement hallway burning in less than five minutes and we have zero percent of survival if we don't get out of here!"

Malalaki ang hakbang niya habang hawak ni Blaze ang kamay niya at ayaw bitawan. Gusto niyang tumakbo pero inaalala niya ang bata sa sinapupunan niya kung pipilitin niya ang sariling tumakbo nang mabilis. 

But she didn't want to hold back anyone who was waiting for her to pass them. 

Sorry, baby. We have to be safe! 

She ran. 

Pero nang makita ni Blaze na hawak niya ang tiyan habang tumatakbo, bigla siya nitong binuhat. 

"Blaze—"

"The baby," sabi nito habang malalaki ang hakbang. "It might harm the baby."

Happy just let her husband carry her for the baby's sake. Hanggang sa dumating sila sa dulo ng hallway kung saang mayroong dalawa pang pinto, karga-karga pa rin siya nito. 

Finally, Blaze put her down. 

Nilingon niya ang pinanggalingan. Nararamdaman na niya ang init ng apoy na humahabol sa kanila na tiyak na nakapasok na sa pasilyo na tinahak nila. 

"Hurry!"

Binuksan ni Uncle Klaus ang pinto na nasa gilid. Bumulaga sa kanila ang iba't ibang uri ng baril, mga bala at mga pampasabog. 

"
Sweee
t!" Lyf exclaimed before hurriedly picking a gun and putting bullets on its magazine. 

Ganoon ang ginawa ng lahat, kasama na siya. Ilang magazine ang nilagyan niya ng bala at gumamit siya ng thigh holster para doon ilagay ang magazine at ang dalawang baril na napili niya. 

Maliliksi ang bawat galaw nila. 

Nang bumaling siya kay Blaze ay napatanga siya nang makita ang likod nito. Worry consumed her as her hand reach to his burned back.

"First degree burn," sagot ni Blaze habang nilalagyan ng bala ang magazine ng rifle. "Don't worry, baby. I'm fine."

"This is because of me..." she whispered as she remembered how Blaze covered her head while manoeuvering out of the fire. 

Blaze faced her. "Baby, I'm fine. Don't worry about me." Sinapo nito ang mukha niya. "Huwag mo akong isipin. Isipin mo ang anak natin. He's counting on me and you to survive this, okay? And we will not fail him."

Tumango siya. "Okay."

"Good." Blaze kissed her senseless before going back to the guns and bullets. 

Happy could see everyone getting ready with serious faces, sharp eyes and fast movements. Agad ang mga itong natapos sa paghahanda, saka lang binuksan ni Uncle Klaus ang isa pang pinto. 

Painit na nang painit ang pasilyo. 

The fire was getting closer!

The door led to a room that had stairs made of steel that connected the floor and the ceiling. And above them was a metal door that had a word "exit" written on it. 

Isinara ni Uncle Klaus ang pinto sa likuran nila. "That could hold the fire a little longer," sabi nito. 

Agad na umakyat si Blaze, saka dahan-dahang itinulak pabukas ang pinto na nasa kisame para sumilip sa labas. 

"Fuck!" Mabilis nitong isinara ang pinto at hinarap sila. "They have the whole area surrounded."

The first Arkhon took a step forward. "We have no choice. Anyone has a plan?"

Knight answered. "Guns blazin.'"

Then Blaze added. "And don't die."

"Not a nice plan," sabay-sabay na sabi ng Team Oldies. 

"You have better ideas?" Knight asked the Team Oldies. "We're open for suggestion. If you have any that'll make sense in our situation."

"We fight... or we burn," she said the choices out loud.

"Guns blazin' it is," sabi ng unang Arkhon na ikinasa ang baril na hawak. "For Dominick's house."

"For my babies," sabi ni Blaze na titig na titig sa kanya. 

"For our family," sabi ni Kane. 

"For our family," ulit ng lahat bago naglabasan sa metal na pinto na nasa kisame. 

Gunfires filled her ears. 

Nilingon ni Happy ang pinto na alam niyang mainit na. Nararamdaman na niya ang apoy sa labas.

"Blazey..." sambit niya sa pangalan ng asawa.

Blaze held her hand. "I'll keep you safe. Cover your ears and only use your gun if necessary. Loud gunshots like this can affect the baby."

Tumango siya. 

"Stay behind me."

She nodded again. "I'll take care of our baby."

Tumango si Blaze, saka hinalikan siya sa noo bago ito ang unang lumabas. Pagkatapos ay sumunod siya na pasilip-silip muna bago tuluyang lumabas ng basement na 'yon. 

Agad siyang nagtago sa likod ni Blaze habang nakatakip ang mga tainga. 

Nakikita niyang nag-aapoy din ang labanan sa gitna nila at ng Triad. Hindi pahuhuli sina Knight, Racini at Parisi na tigdalawang rifle ang hawak habang nakikipag-ulanan ng bala sa kalaban. 

Then her attention got caught by someone hiding in the bushes, gun pointed at Blaze. 

Mabilis niyang kinuha ang baril na nasa thigh holster, saka binaril ang kalaban na nagtatago sa malaki at malagong halamanan. 

"Mom!"

And then someone grabbed her arm to pull her away from a bullet travelling towards her direction 

It was Kane. 

Now, she had Blaze protecting her front and Kane protecting her back while she took care of the middle. 

Nakadipa ang mga braso niya habang may hawak na baril ang magkabilang kamay niya. Mahigpit ang hawak niya sa baril dahil sa panggigigil at galit. Walang bala na lumabas sa baril niya na walang tinamaan. 

King and Uncle Klaus was fighting back-to-back. 

Uncle Vent, Lyf and Deth were forming a circle as they fired their rifles at the enemies. 

Uncle Ruthgar paired with Yrozz, taking down enemies. Back-to-back, they fought together and protected each other's back. 

While the first Arkhon and his hippeis, Denver, fought side by side. 

And the three bosses, Knight, Racini and Parisi were on the front line, guns blazin' with smug smirk on their faces. 

A grenade was thrown at Yrozz and Ruthgar but before it reached them, someone threw a knife at the bomb— Blaze—making it explode midway. 

"Motherfucker!" Lyf hissed before throwing his own grenades at the enemy line. 

As the grenade exploded, disorienting the enemies, they used it to change magazines before attacking again. 

It took them minutes to took down every Triad member in the vicinity. Pero kahit ganoon, pinatalas pa rin nila ang pakiramdam. 

"Head count!" sigaw ng first Arkhon. "Is everyone okay?!"

Lahat sila tumingin sa isa't isa bago sumagot ng "okay." 

"Good. Now." Tumingin sa kanya ang unang Arkhon. "Your decision... what do we do next?"

Pinalitan niya ng magazine ang Baretta 92 niyang baril na hawak, saka ikinasa. "Let's kill those other sons of bitches."

"Guns blazin,'" nakangising sabi ni Knight. "I always like that plan."

"Me too," sabi ni Niccolo.

"We all do," sabi ni Blaze, saka tumingin sa kanya. "You okay, baby?"

She nodded. "Let's finish this."

Tumango ang lahat, saka hinalughog nila ang labas at paligid ng mansiyon. Nasa unahan niya si Blaze at nasa likuran niya si Kane. 

Halos hindi niya maiputok ang baril na hawak dahil mas mabilis ang mga kasama niya. 

Ang ginagawa na lang niya ay sinusuyod ng tingin ang buong paligid para siguruhing walang nagtatagong kalaban. 

Nakahinga lang siya nang maluwag nang maikatlong ikot sila sa buong mansiyon at wala na silang kalabang nakita. 

Tumuon ang atensiyon niya kay King na ihinaplos ang dulo ng daliri sa basang semento at inamoy 'yon.

Agad na dumilim ang mukha ni King. "Gasoline."

"Kaya mabilis na natupok ng apoy ang bahay," sabi ni Niccolo. 

"But how could they scatter the gasoline without us noticing?" tanong ni Uncle Klaus. "We could have smelled it when we came in."

Blaze looked up at the sky before returning his attention to them. "Drop from the sky. I heard a roar of a helicopter earlier when we were in the kitchen. I thought it was just passing by. It was already too late for us to smell it."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Happy. "So, a helicopter poured a gasoline on my house and lit it. Then the Triad members just barged in."

"They bombed your house's gate first," sabi ni Knight. "Nakita namin. Hindi lang kami agad pumasok kasi napapalibutan nila ang buong bahay at kulang kami ng bala."

Hinilot niya ang nananakit na sentido. "We have to get out of here."

"But where's Dad, Mom and Bailey?" Blaze asked, worried. 

"If Von Per got out from the secret tunnel on the rooms—"

"I don't want a what if, Uncle Klaus!" pagalit na sabi ni Blaze. "It's my dad, my mom and brother we're talking about! No what if!"

"Then let's go. If they got out, they'll be in my house by now," sabi ni Uncle Klaus.

"Kung ganoon bakit hindi na lang 'yon ang dinaanan natin?" nagtatakang tanong ni Yrozz. 

"It's only connected to the rooms," sagot ni Uncle Klaus na may kinukuhang kung ano sa bulsa. "The kitchen is connected somewhere else." May inilabas itong susi mula sa bulsa, saka pinindot ang gitnang buton. 

Lahat sila ay gumalaw palayo sa swimming pool nang bigla iyong nahati sa gitna. At sa unti-unting pagkawala ng tubig sa swimming pool, tumaas naman ang isang platform na may lamang itim na van. 

"I think we'll all fit in there," sabi ni Uncle Klaus na confident sa sasakyan. 

They all sighed. 

"Wala ka bang sasakyan na mas mabilis pa riyan?" tanong ni Yrozz. 

"Nope. That's it. This has been our car since the old days," nakangiting sabi ni Uncle Klaus. 

"I'll drive," boluntaryo ni Knight na parang excited. "I heard that the second Arkhon's car is something out from a James Bond movie."

Umiling si Uncle Klaus. "Sorry, kiddo, only I get to drive the van."

Bumagsak ang mga balikat ni Knight, saka sumimangot. "Ako na yata ang malas. Muntik na akong masunog, mabaril at mabombahan, hindi ko pa rin nakikita nang personal ang idol ko."

Doon tumawa ang unang Arkhon. "Yes, I remember, your information was sent to me when you got selected to be a boss even though I left the Org already." Napapailing pa ito. "What caught my attention was your role model. Dominick Quinn." The first Arkhon shook his head. "I mean, if you really know him, you'll be very disappointed. But he does have his moments and I think that's what caught you ... and also me."

"Come on, let's hop in," sabad sa usapan ng hippeis ng unang Arkhon. "We're still not safe here."

Agad namang isa-isang pumasok ang naroon pero siya ang pinauna ng lahat dahil buntis daw siya. 

And everyone—including her—who entered the van gaped at the inside of the car. 

Maluwang ang sasakyan na hindi niya inaasahan, may kumportableng upuan para sa lahat. Walang siksikan. At ang armrest ay may tatlong buton kada isa. 

Ang una ay para sa ilaw na nasa uluhan niya na nakakabit sa bubong ng sasakyan. Nang pindutin niya ang pangalawang buton, nagulat siya nang bumukas ang kabilang armrest at nakita niyang mga bala ang laman niyon at mga granada na nakalagay sa safety box. At nang pinindot niya ang pangatlong buton, nagulat siya nang bumukas ang inaapakan niya at nakita ang nakahilerang mga iba't ibang uri ng baril. 

And when Happy looked around, she saw that everyone was doing the same thing she was doing. Checking out everything—every button. 

Si Knight ay lahat ng puwedeng pindutin, pinindot. At dahil nasa shotgun seat ito, malapit lang dito ang iba pang buton. Tulad ng disco lights na bigla na lang lumabas sa uluhan nila, maliit na TV na lumabas mula sa bubong ng van, sa harapan ng mga upuan nila. 

"Fuck! This is so cool!" Knight sounded so excited. "What does this button do?" sabi nito, sabay turo sa walang label na buton na kulay-pula. 

"That's war mode."

"Meaning?" Knight excitedly asked. 

"Push it," Uncle Klaus urged. 

"Fuck," Knight whispered in utter excitement before pushing the button. "
Hooooly
 fuck!" He cussed again when different kind of guns came out from the hood of the car and a controller came out from the dashboard. "Fuck! This car is very awesome!"

"Yes, it is," sabi ni Uncle Klaus na binuhay na ang makina ng sasakyan at pinausad 'yon. 

"Let me drive!" sabi ni Knight.

"Nope," iling ni Uncle Klaus, saka may pinindot dahilan para bumilis ang sasakyan. 

"This is cool as fuck!" Knight was grinning from ear to ear. 

Panay ang pindot ni Knight sa mga buton na nasa harap nito. Kaya hindi na sila nagulat nang bumukas ang likod ng van at may machine gun na lumabas. 

And Knight was just laughing his ass off. 

"Stop it already!" Yrozz hissed at him. "It's annoying!"

Tawa lang nang tawa si Knight kaya pinabayaan na lang nila ito. Hindi na sila nagugulat tuwing may bumubukas o sumasara o kung ano-ano pa man. 

Thanks to Knight and his craziness. 

Natigilan si Happy nang maramdaman niyang hinalikan siya asawa sa balikat.

"Baby, are you okay?" mahina ang boses na tanong nito. "Hindi ba sumakit ang tiyan mo?"

Umiling siya. "Hindi naman. Pero mas mabuti sigurong magpa-check up ako after this just to make sure."

"Of course," sabi nito habang hinahaplos ang tiyan niya. 

Tiningnan niya ang katawan nito, lalo na ang parteng baso nitong nasunog. 

"I'm sorry, Blazey. I'm sorry."

"Sshh..." He kissed her forehead. "I'm okay. Don't worry about me. It's just a first-degree burn. I can endure. Ang importante sa akin walang nangyaring masama sa iyo at sa anak natin."

Tumango siya at akmang babaling kay Kane para tanungin kung ayos lang ito nang biglang may sumagasa sa sasakyan nila. 

But to her shock, their car didn't take a beating. Ganoon pa rin ang hitsura n'on, walang pinagbago at walang nasaktan sa kanila na nasa loob. Ang sasakyang bumangga sa kanila ang siyang nasira. 

"Sorry, motherfuckers..." sabi ni Uncle Klaus. "This car is not owned by a legend for nothing." Pinausad uli nito ang sasakyan na parang walang nangyari. 

Napasipol si Knight. "Fuck! I love this car. I want one! My kids would love it!"

"Dominick's house should be replaced with a good security," kapagkuwan ay sabi unang Arkhon. "If it's well secured like this car, this shouldn't have happened."

"I'll handle it," sabi ni Niccolo. "I don't like weak houses."

Monti chuckled. "Yes. Because the only thing that can destroy your house is a nuclear bomb."

"Of course." Niccolo sounded proud. "My family lives there. It has to be indestructible as much as possible." Then he looked at her. "No worries, after I'm done with your new house, you don't want to leave there."

"Thank you," sabi niya na nakangiti. "Kailangan namin 'yon, lalo na't buntis ako."

Niccolo nodded. "Leave it to me."

"Maybe Phoenix can help," suhestiyon ni Blaze. "Grabe rin ang bahay ng isang 'yon."

Bago pa makasagot si Racini, nagsalita si Uncle Klaus. 

"We're here."

Lahat sila sumilip sa labas ng bintana. Nasa mansiyon na nga sila nina King. 

Agad silang lumabas nang tumigil ang sasakyan. Nang makapasok sila sa bahay, may mga nakahanda nang damit para sa mga naghubad kanina at may nakahanda na ring first-aid kits. 

And Happy felt relieved when she saw Mommy Beth on the living room together with Daddy Von who looked like hell and Bailey who was playing on the phone. 

"Mommy!" sigaw ni Blaze bago sinugod ng yakap ang ina. "Thank God you're okay."

"I told you to leave it to me," sabi ni Daddy Von. 

"Dad." Ito naman ang niyakap ni Blaze, saka nagtapikan ang dalawa ng balikat. "Thank you."

Daddy Von smiled before glancing at her. "All good?" Then he looked at everyone." Everyone okay?"

Tumango si Happy, saka tumingin sa asawa. "Blazey, your burn, kailangang magamot 'yan." 

Tumango si Blaze at akmang lalapit kay Uncle Klaus na siyang may hawak ng isang first-aid kita nang pumasok sa sala ang ama niya na nakaupo sa wheelchair at itinutulak 'yon ni Mommy Henreitta. Nasa tabi nito si Clev. 

"Dad?" She was shocked to see him. "Hindi ka pa magaling. Why are you here?"

"We got attacked." Si Blake ang sumagot na kasama ng tatlo. 

Happy looked around, looking for someone. "If you're all here, where's my sister? Who's taking care of Lucky?"

Blake looked at her, she could see desperation and pure anger in his eyes. "Two nurses took her. Sila ang nurse ni Lucky simula nang pumasok siya rito kaya kahit paano ay panatag ako sa kanila pero bigla na lang nilang kinuha ang asawa ko. Hindi ako nakalaban. They injected me something that makes me groggy, but I managed to subdue one of the nurses."

"And we found out that the Triad had their families. Kaya nila nagawang tulungan ang Triad. Nadamay lang din sila sa gulong 'to," sabi ng ama niya. "Hindi lang ang puwersa natin ang lumalakas, pati na rin ang sa kalaban natin. This is them retaliating. This is them trying to take us down—personally. Because without the Arkhontes and the bosses' connections, the Organòsi will not stand a chance."

This was the reason why her father left the Organization. Pamilya nila palagi ang delikado. Hindi basta-bastang kalaban ang Triad. Kasinlakas—o baka nga—mas malakas pa ito sa Organòsi. Kung ano man ang mayroon sila, natitiyak niyang mayroon ding ganoon ang Triad. 

The first Arkhon spoke. "The Triad is not called an organized crime syndicate by the Organòsi for nothing."

"Looks like they hit all of us at the same time," sabi ng hippeis ng unang Arkhon. 

Tumango ang ama niya. "They're getting desperate. Especially my ex-wife."

Nanghihinang napaupo si Happy sa sofa habang hawak ang tiyan niya. "Bakit si Lucky pa? She's in a very critical state right now! She has to be protected at all costs!"

"Because of this." Lumapit sa kanya si Blake at may ipinakitang video mula sa cell phone ng ama niya. 

Happy's lips parted in fear and anger when she saw Lucky strapped on a chair with a ticking bomb on her chest. She looked so weak with her half-hooded eyes. 

"
Hi
." Helena came into view. "
As you can see, Dominick, your daughter is slowly dying so I will let you choose. Happy or your very weak pregnant daughter.
" Nagbigay ito ng address. "
Be there with Happy in an hour and I'll return Lucky. I swear. Cross my heart.
" Matamis itong ngumiti. "
I just want Happy, my daughter. And if anybody from that fucking Organization of yours pull a stunt while we're doing the exchange, I will kill Lucky. Trust me, I can and I will.
"

Nanginginig ang kamay sa galit na humarap siya sa ama. "Let's do the exchange," sabi niya. "Now."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 57

"I DIDN'T MEAN for this to happen, princess," sabi ng ama ni Happy habang nasa daan sila patungo sa address na ibinigay ni Helena. Si Uncle Klaus ang driver ng kotse na kinalululanan nila habang nasa backseat naman sila ng kanyang ama. "If only I can save Lucky without putting you in dangers. I won't put you in this position—"

"Daddy." She held her father's hand and squeezed it. "Ang dami mo nang ginawa para sa akin. You don't have to say sorry for this. Wala kang kasalanan dito. And we have to save Lucky. She needs us more than ever now and we will not fail her, Dad."

Pinakatitigan siya ng ama, saka ikinulong ang kamay niya sa mga kamay nito. "I'm proud of you, princess."

She smiled. "You always say that."

"Because I am." He squeezed her hand. "Nang magising ka sa coma, puro kaligtasan mo lang ang nasa isip ko. Because I don't want to fail you for the second time. I protected you from everyone who means you harm. And to see you protect your sister from someone who wants to harm her as well, I felt really proud of what you have become."

Inayos muna niya ang suot na bull cap ng ama, saka humilig sa balikat nito. "We can do this. We can save Lucky."

"I know we can," sabi nito na puno ng pagtitiwala sa kanya ang boses. "This is your plan."

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay nito. "I'm scared, Dad."

"It's okay to be scared but control it. For your sister's safety."

Tumango si Happy, saka humugot ng malalim na hininga. She had to save Lucky and protect her baby. Madaling sabihin, pero mahirap 'yong gawin, nasisiguro niya. 

"Master, we're closing in," anunsiyo ni Uncle Klaus. "Someone tailed us the moment we left my house. Looks like the Triad is serious about this."

"Of course, they are," sabi ng ama niya. "They always fight dirty." Her dad kissed her temple. "Take care, okay?"

Tumango siya. "I will."

Panay ang hinga nang malalim ni Happy habang papalapit sila nang papalapit sa address na ibinigay ni Helena. Panay ang tagis ng mga bagang niya habang pilit na kinokontrol ang takot na nararamdaman. 

She couldn't let herself be scared. Lucky was counting on her. 

My little sister. I have to save her. 

Agad na tumingin sa labas si Happy nang tumigil ang sasakyan. 

"We're here," anunsiyo ni Uncle Klaus. 

Nakiramdam muna siya. Tahimik ang buong paligid at madilim. 

"Master Dominick, this is a trap," sabi ni Uncle Klaus. 

"Of course, it is," sabay nilang sabing mag-ama. 

"It's the Triad," dagdag ng ama niya. "It's always a trap."

Hindi lumabas ng sasakyan si Happy hanggang wala siyang nakikitang paggalaw sa paligid. Lumipas ang isang minuto bago may umilaw sa unahan nila. 

It was a truck's headlights against their car headlights. 

Then Helena came into view. 

Doon lang siya lumabas. 

"Happy, my baby," bati nito sa kanya.

"Helena," sabi niya sa malamig na boses. 

Ngumiti ito habang naglalakad palapit sa kanya. "I'm happy that you're here. Finally. No guards." Hinaplos nito ang pisngi niya nang makalapit sa kanya, saka bumulong. "I have snipers in every corner of this place. One wrong move, you and Lucky will die, okay?"

Tumango siya. "Where's my sister?"

Helena waved her hand on the air. Minutes later, she saw her sister on a wheelchair. Itinutulak ito ng isang lalaki na may kasamang dalawang lalaking armado. 

There was still a bomb around Lucky. 

"A-Ate..." Lucky weakly spoke when she neared her. 

Umangat ang kamay niya para hawakan ang kamay ng kapatid na nanlalamig. "Hey, lil' sis. Everything is gonna be okay. Hinihintay ka ni Blake sa bahay. Trust me, okay?"

"
Aww
... so touching," sabi ni Helena na binuntutan pa ng tawa. "This is the reason why I know you'll come. Your family is your weakness."

Matalim ang mga matang tumingin siya rito. "At least I don't kill them."

Tumawa lang ito, saka sinenyasan na naman ang mga tauhan nito. Nakasunod ang mga mata niya sa kalalakihan na inaalis ang bomba na nakakabit sa kapatid niya. 

Mahigpit ang hawak ni Lucky sa kamay niya. "Ate..." 

"I'm here." She squeezed Lucky's hand. "Hindi kita pababayaan. Nandito si Ate."

Lucky nodded at her with so much trust in her eyes. Ayaw niyang biguin ang kapatid. 

"As promised," sabi ni Helena na nakangiti. "I will give your sister back in exchange of you. You can have her now."

Itinaas niya ang kamay para senyasan si Uncle Klaus. 

Nang makalapit si Uncle Klaus kay Lucky, agad nitong ipinalibot ang bomb detector na hawak nito sa bawat parte ng katawan ni Lucky at sa wheelchair na kinauupuan nito. 

"Oh, come on," sabi ni Helena na umikot pa ang mga mata. "Don't you trust your own mother?"

"No," sagot niya. 

Tumingin sa kanya si Uncle Klaus nang may ma-detect itong bomba sa suot na pulseras ni Lucky.

Tumalim ang tingin niya kay Helena. "We have a deal."

Helena chuckled. "I was just trying my luck. Boys... take it off of her."

Nang maalis ang pulseras, inulit uli ni Uncle Klaus ang pag-check sa bawat parte ng katawan ni Lucky at sa wherlchair bago tumingin sa kanya at tumango. "No bombs."

"Take her to safety," sabi niya. 

"Wait," pigil ng kanyang ina kay Uncle Klaus. "I want to see Dominick."

"Dad is not well—"

"I don't care. Let him out or the deal is off."

Tumango siya kay Uncle Klaus na tinawagan sa cell phone ang ama niya. "Master Dominick, please step out of the car for a moment."

Nang patayin ni Uncle Klaus ang tawag, segundo lang ang lumipas ay bumukas ang backseat na pinto ng kotse at lumabas doon ang ama niya, saka tumingin kay Helena. 

"Satisfied?" Puno ng sarkasmo ang boses ng ama niya. 

Tumalim naman ang mga mata ni Helena. "Really, Dominick, Henreitta? That bitch? I know you two are doing something behind my back even then."

Her dad smiled. "What can I say, I'm just irresistible."

Nagtagis ang mga bagang ni Helena. "I won't let you get away with this. You cheated on me again and again!"

Her father scoffed. "Come on, Helena, you betrayed me first. You're the one who played me. I was a good husband to you until the day you left. What do you want me to do, accept you and the Triad in my life?"

"That's what a good husband will do! Accept his wife and what she does!"

"And go against everything I believe in and what I fight for?!" balik sigaw ng ama niya. "You can rot in hell for all I care. I begged you to leave the Triad, to choose our family, but you chose them, so fuck yourself!"

Nagtatagis ang mga bagang na may tinawagan si Helena at inutusan nito ang nasa kabilang linya. "Kill Dominick Quinn."

Happy eyes widened in fear as she looked at her father. "
Noooo
! 
Daaaad
!

Gusto niyang takbuhin ang pagitan nila ng ama para ilayo ito sa kapahamakan, pero huli na. Dalawang beses na tumama ang bala sa katawan nito at duguan ang katawang bumagsak. 

Nanginginig na nag-uunahang bumagsak ang mga luha niya. "
Daddddddy
! 
Noooo
!"

"D-Daddy..." bulong ni Lucky. "W-what happened to D-daddy?"

Galit siyang humarap kay Helena, umiiyak siya, handa na itong atakehin at patayin sa ginawa sa ama niya pero ang isa sa mga tauhan nito ay itinutok ang baril sa ulo ni Lucky na nagpatigil sa kanya. 

"Ah-uh." Helena shook her head at her. "One wrong move, remember?" 

Naiiyak na kumuyom ang kamay ni Happy. "You bitch!" 

Tumawa lang ito, saka tinapik-tapik ang basa niyang pisngi. "You'll get over it. He wasn't a good dad anyway. It was his fault that you got into coma."

Nanlilisik ang mga mata niya. "No! It was your fault!"

"Because he doesn't want to give you to me!" Helena tsked before glancing at one of her men. "Check the pulse of that bastard."

Tumango ang lalaki, saka nilapitan ang ama niya. 

Happy was sobbing when the man spoke after checking her dad's pulse. "He's dead."

"No... Daddy! No!" Fat tears streaming down her face. "No! No! Daddy!" She couldn't even go to her dad because she was seized by the two men! 

"Master Dominick." Uncle Klaus looked in shock. "Master... No..."

"Leave with Lucky and that corpse, Klaus, before I change my mind," walang emosyong sabi ni Helena. 

"Daddy!" Happy screamed while crying. "Daddy!"

Pilit siyang nagpupumiglas sa hawak ng dalawang lalaki pero itinutok ng mga ito ang baril sa ulo ng kapatid niya. 

"No... no..." umiiling na pakiusap ni Happy habang hinihila siya ng dalawang lalaki patungo sa likod ng truck. "No! Daddy!"

Isinakay siya ng dalawa sa truck pero bago nito isinara iyon, pinaalis ng mga ito ang lahat ng suot niya at pinagsuot siya ng ibang damit. May babae roon sa loob ng kinapkapan ang lahat ng parte ng katawan niya, mula ulo, likod ng tainga, kahit ang pagkababae niya ay kinapkapan nito, pati ang pang-upo niya bago tumingin sa dalawang lalaki. 

"No bugs," sabi nito bago lumabas ng truck at iniwan siyang mag-isa sa loob. 

Napahawak siya sa pupulsuhan. Wala na roon ang bracelet niya. 

No... my tracker. 

Napaigtad na lang si Happy nang malakas na sumara ang truck at nabalot ng kadiliman ang buong paligid. Nanghihina siyang napaupo habang naiisip ang lagay ni Lucky ngayon pagkatapos ng mga nangyari. 

Please, Lucky, be okay. 

She was alone, worried and scared in the back of the moving truck when she heard her husband's voice on her ear—from the nano-sized earpiece hidden and glued in the inside of the fossa part of her ear. 

"How's my baby feeling?" 

Lihim siyang napangiti pero hindi siya nagsalita. She just hummed a little to tell Blaze that she was okay. Baka may hidden camera na naka-night vision sa loob ng truck, hindi siya puwedeng mahuli. 

"Uncle Klaus and Lucky are on their way home," sabi ni Blaze na siyang nasa kabilang linya. "And, Dad, he's ahm, he's gonna be okay. Huwag kang mag-alala."

Happy hummed softly again. 

"And about your tracker, don't worry about it too. Si Yrozz na ang bahala. Mahahanap ka niya hanggang nakadikit sa iyo ang nano-sized earphone na gawa niya." 

But I thought the signal only works at twenty miles radius? 

"Don't worry if it's just a twenty-mile radius," dagdag ni Blaze. "Hindi ka niya hahayaang mapahamak kung ayaw niyang gilitan ko siya."

Pigil ni Happy ang magsalita. Ganoon siya hanggang sa tumigil ang truck sa paggalaw. Si Blaze lang ang nagsasalita sa kabilang linya habang siya ay nakikinig lang. 

Nang bumukas ang pinto ng truck, pinalabas siya ng dalawang lalaki at hinawakan sa magkabilang kamay. 

Napatigil siya sa paglalakad nang sumalubong sa kanya si Helena na nakangiti habang pinagmamasdan siya mula ulo hanggang paa. 

"There. New dress, no bugs," sabi nito. 

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama at puno ng poot. "You will pay for what you did to my dad! I will make you pay!"

Tumawa lang si Helena, saka sinenyasan ang mga tauhan nitong ipasok siya sa malaking gusali na nasa harap nila. 

This was the new building of the Triad that they couldn't infiltrate because of its powerful walls and top security. 

Naging sunod-sunuran si Happy kung saan siya dalhin ng dalawa hanggang sa dumaan sila sa pinto na bigla na lang nag-ingay at umilaw ng pula. 

Shit! What is that?

"Search her again!" sigaw ni Helena na pasimple niyang ikinaigtad. 

Agad namang kinapkapan siya ng babaeng kasama nila, lahat ng sulok kaya naman nakita nito ang nano-sized na earpiece sa tainga niya at ibinigay nito iyon kay Helena. 

Helena crushed the small earpiece on her fingers before glaring at her. "I said no wrong move!" galit na sigaw nito sa kanya, saka mahigpit na hinawakan ang baba niya at pinisil iyon nang malakas pero hindi siya ngumiwi kahit sobrang sakit niyon. "What did you do?! Who are you talking to?! Answer me!"

Happy glared back at Helena. "Screw you."

Malakas siyang nitong sinampal at mahigpit na namang hinawakan ang baba niya. "Answer my questions!"

Happy remained silent. 

Padabog na binitawan siya ni Helana, saka bumaling ito sa pinakamalapit na bantay. "Double our security." Pagkatapos ay dinuro siya nito. "And put her on the torture chamber until the file is ready for extraction."

Hindi nagpumiglas si Happy at hinayaan na lang ang mga lalaki. Nang makarating sila sa sinasabing chamber ni Helena, umawang ang bibig niya nang makitang may babaeng naghihintay sa kanya roon. 

Babaeng kamukhang-kamukha niya. 

Another look-alike. 

"SIGURADO AKO," sabi ni Yrozz habang nakatutok ang mga mata nito sa laptop. "This is it. This is the place."

"I'm sure as well," sabad ni Ruthgar. "We had been circling around and this is the only suspicious place, and this is the area where we lost the transmission from Lady Happy's earpiece."

Blaze secured the central strap lock of his parachute before speaking. "Ready for the drop." 

Everyone was strapping their parachute as well. And he could see Kane's jaw tightening. 

Nilapitan niya ito. "She's gonna be fine."

"We lost contact." He was worried of Happy. They all were. "What if... what is something bad happens to her?"

"She's fine." Blaze had to believe it so he wouldn't go insane. "Happy is fine. Okay, buddy?"

Tumango si Kane. 

Blaze secured the duffel bag that had his guns before looking at the others. They were all doing the same thing. Knight, Niccolo, Monti and Kane were securing their parachute's strap locks. King was with Uncle Klaus in the cockpit piloting the plane. While the Team Oldies together with the first Arkhon were now securing their guns and bullets inside a duffel bag. 

Nilapitan niya ang ama ni Happy. "You're still not healed," sabi niya. "The jump might open the wound again."

Tinapik nito ang balikat niya. "Huwag mo akong alalahanin. Focus on my daughter."

"But, Dad—"

"I died earlier—with the help of Parisi's medicine—for my daughters." Ngumiti ito. "And I'll gladly do it again. For my daughters."

Blaze sighed before looking down at where the old man was shot. In the chest. Twice. 

His father-in-law was wearing a vest made by Niccolo. Impenetrable. Kahit ang bull cap nitong suot na halos matakpan na ang mga mata nito ay bulletproof din kung sakaling sa ulo ito patamaan ng kalaban. It was just costumized to spurt blood by Racini to make it more convincing. While the medicine was from Racini as well. It could stop a pulse for a minute or so and it stopped Dominick Quinn's pulse, fooling the enemies.  

It was a risky plan but it worked. Lucky was now already receiving the best care in the world and Blake was with her to protect her. He would have like for Blake to be here but baby girl needed him more. Ang huling balita sa kanya ng kakambal ay maayos na ang lagay ni Lucky. 

Baby girl is a fighter. She would never give up. 

And he would like to have Luther's help but it was a nine-hour flight from Italy to here. They couldn't wait that long.

"What happened earlier... we're lucky," sabi niya sa ama ni Happy. "Our luck might run out this time, Dad. Happy will be devastated if something bad happens to you. 'Yong pag-iyak niya kanina, mas doble pa ro'n ang iiiyak niya kapag may nangyaring masama inyo."

Tinapik nito ang balikat niya. "Kung ikaw ang nasa sitwasyon ko, susuong ka ba sa laban kahit ganito ang lagay mo?"

Blaze nodded. "Even wounded and battered, I will, for my wife and my child."

Dominick smiled. "See? And this is my daughter we're talking a about. Makikipagpatayan ako para sa mga prinsesa ko."

Tumango na lang si Blaze. Hindi naman niya mapipigilan ang ama ni Happy. Anak nito ang pinag-uusapan nila. Kung sa kanya man mangyayari 'yon, kahit magkagutay-gutay siya, para sa anak niya, handa siyang pumasok sa giyera. 

"Vest in?" tanong ng ama niya sa ama ni Happy. "Ready to roll?"

Dominick smiled. "Fuck, yeah."

"It's been a long time since we got together like this," sabi ng unang Arkhon. "With new faces this time." Inilibot nito ang tingin sa kanila at tumigil ang tingin kay Knight, saka nakangiting bumaling sa ama ni Happy. "That young man idolized you. Please don't disappoint him."

Tumawa ang ama ni Happy. "No worries. I'll give him a reason to idolize me more."

Napailing ang unang Arkhon, saka bumaling kay Knight. "If you got disappointed, remember, I told you so."

Lumapit naman si Knight sa ama ni Happy, saka inilahad nito ang kamay. "Sir, it's really an honor for me to fight beside you. Really a big honor."

Ang seryosong mukha ni Dominick ang tumitig kay Knight. "I loathe your father."

"I feel the same," sabi ni Knight. 

Biglang ngumiti si Dominick at tinanggap ang pakikipagkamay ni Knight. "Then we're buddies. You and me." 

"Don't idolize him," sabi ng ama niya kay Knight. "His head is getting bigger."

"He's a legend," bulong ni Knight habang nakatingin pa rin sa ama ni Happy na puno ng paghanga. "Such an honor.  I'm glad I came here. Fuck."

Tumawa ang ama ni Happy. "Don't make me blush now."

Nasapo ni Knight ang mukha. "My face is hot. Fuck! Am I blushing?"

"Yes."

"Fuck," Knight cussed.

Napailing na lang silang lahat. 

"It's creepy seeing him like this," sabi ni Racini habang nakikipag-usap pa rin si Knight sa ama ni Happy. "I mean, I've seen the serious Knight. And the crazy Knight. But this... this is a whole new level of creepiness."

Monti chuckled. "Let him be. You know how Knight idolized him."

"Yeah..." Niccolo tsked. "Kaya nga siguro galit ang ama niya sa dating ikalawang Arkhon dahil bukambibig siya palagi ni Knight."

"Okay! Ready!" biglang sigaw ni Yrozz na ikinabaling nila rito. "Com check?"

They all checked their communication line through their earpiece. At nang maayos 'yon lahat, binuksan ni Uncle Ruthgar ang ramp ng malaking skydiving plane na kinalululanan nila. 

"Good luck, bitches!" nakangising sabi ni Uncle Ruthgar. "Bring home the bacon!"

Natatawang napailing sila. 

"Is your chest secured?" tanong ng ama niya sa ama ni Happy.

Tumango ang ama ni Happy. "Niccolo and Blaze secured it."

"Ready to fuck their brains out?" tanong ni Uncle Vent sa kanilang lahat. 

"Fuck, yeah!" sabay-sabay nilang sagot. 

"Let's roll!" sigaw ng unang Arkhon bago ito ang unang tumalon palabas ng eroplano. 

Team Oldies followed and one by one, they jumped. 

"Your Highness," kuha ni King sa atensiyon niya bago pa siya makatalon. "Don't die, okay?"

He smirked. "That's the plan, jackass."

"Dick." King tsked before glancing at Kane. "Keep His Highness and Young Miss safe."

Kane nodded. "I will."

"Okay. Go. See you down there."

"Tell Deth and Lyf to wait for my signal," bilin ni Blaze kay King. 

Nasa ibaba kasi ang magkapatid, hindi nila kasama. 

King nodded. 

King, Uncle Klaus, Yrozz and Uncle Ruthgar, they would remain in the plane. They have other things to do. 

"Come on," sabi niya kay Kane bago isinuot ang safety googgles na naka-night vision, saka tumalon. 

Violent cold air hit his body as he fall, he struggled hard to control the air to work for him until he was finally gliding in the air like an expert diver. 

"Guys!" Boses iyon ni Yrozz sa tainga nilang lahat. "There's eight guards on the rooftop where you will land! Two in every direction!"

"I'll take the east!" sigaw ni Niccolo na nakalabas na ang parachute.

"South!" Blaze said as he moved his body to south before releasing his parachute. 

"West!" sigaw ng ama niya. 

"North is mine!" sabi ni Uncle Vent. 

Blaze took out his two knives that was safely secured and strapped on his thigh. 

The air blowing the parachute was not helping him to aim better but his need to neutralize the enemy was stronger than the wind. 

He gripped the knife tighter, waiting for the right momentum before throwing it. 

"Hell, yeah!" Blaze hissed when he had hit his targets. 

Nagkanya-kanya ng hiyaw sina Niccolo, Uncle Vent at ang ama niya nang tamaan din ng mga ito ang mga kalaban. 

Blaze quickly manoeuvred his parachute towards the rooftop and landed smoothly and safely. Agad niyang inalis ang parachute sa katawan niya. 

"Blaze, send the signal to Lyf and Deth," sabi ng ama ni Happy. 

"Yes, Dad," sabi niya, saka inilabas ang grenade launcher na nasa duffel bag niya at iniabot 'yon kay Kane. "Do the honor."

Kane smiled before holding and pointing the grenade launcher at the gate of the building. It was powerful outside, but from the inside, they would see if it could stand an attack.

"Fuck it," sabi niya. 

Kane pressed the release and it hit the gate with a loud bang—destroying the indestructible from the outside. 

"Fuck, yeah," Blaze whispered with a smile before glancing at Team Oldies. "Signal has been sent."

Happy's sad unstrapped the parachute. "Let's rock and roll, people." Then he pulled a rifle from his father's duffel bag. 

"Let's do it with a loud bang," sabi ng unang Arkhon.

"And always keep in mind our two important plans to win," sabi ni Knight. 

"Gun's blazin,'" sabi ng lahat. 

"And don't die," sabi niya.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 58

CHAPTER 58

HINDI HINAYAAN ni Happy na makita ng kahit sino man na natatakot siya. Nanatiling walang emosyon ang mukha niya habang itinatali siya sa upuan. Ang mga mata niya ay paminsan-minsan ay tumutuon sa babaeng kamukhang-kamukha niya na kalmadong nakaupo di-kalayuan sa kanya.

Another look-alike?

Ilang kamukha ba niya ang mayroon ang Triad? Ano ba ang pinaplano ng mga ito sa kanya?!

Huminga siya nang malalim nang makitang pumasok si Helena sa loob ng kuwarto. Nakangiti ito sa kanya habang naglalakad palapit. 

"Happy, how are you feeling?" tanong nito, saka hinaplos ang buhok niya nang masuyo. "Are you ready for the show?"

"What do you want?" she asked calmly and coldly. 

Helena smiled in amazement. "I'm really amazed by you. You're calm and collect even in this kind of situation—"

"Why are you doing this?" hindi niya napigilang tanong kay Helena. "You're my mother, aren't you supposed to be on my side?"

Nawala ang ngiti nito, saka tumalim ang mga mata. "I'm getting sick of you referring me as your mother. You took Dominick away from me. You took my husband away from me."

"I don't know what you're talking about," sabi niya sa malamig na boses. 

"Didn't your perfect father tell you the truth?" she sneered then laughed bitterly. "Of course. Dominick won't. Secretive as ever. He always wanted to be perfect in everybody's eyes. Especially in the eyes of his first born."

Naguguluhan siya sa mga sinasabi ni Helena pero hindi siya nagtanong. Nakikita niya sa mukha nitong sasabihin din nito iyon sa kanya. 

She wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing her curious.

Helena sighed heavily. "You're not even curious."

Umiling siya. "My dad is not perfect, Helena. I know he made mistakes and I don't care. I understand Dad and why he keep secrets from me—"

"Even it's about your own mother?"

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "You're my mother, yes. Dad keeps it a secret from me but I didn't mind—"

"I'm not your mother." 

Happy froze, shock was written in her face. "C-come again?"

"I'm not your mother," ulit nito, saka malamig na ngumiti sa kanya. "Did your father tell you that?" 

Happy remained frozen. "W-what... h-how... w-what..." She couldn't form any coherent word as she stared at Helena in shock.

Helena chuckled. "I guess Dominick didn't." She tsked. "It was our first year in marriage when his ex-girlfriend came to see him with a child who matched Dominick's DNA. His first born," she sneered. "When you came, Dominick was never the same. His attention was always to you. Always what's best for you. Always. Always. I lost my husband because of you!"

Sa halip na magalit, napangiti si Happy na nauwi sa mahinang pagtawa. "Thank God we're not blood related. I'll kill you later and it's gonna be easy."

Malakas siyang sinampal ni Helena ng maraming beses dahilan para pumutok ang gilid ng mga labi niya. 

"Your mother is a whore!" she spatted at her. "She whored herself to Dominick! Dominick's first born should have been my child! Mine! But you took it away from me! You ruined everything! You ruined my plan!" nanlilisik ang matang sigaw nito sa kanya. "And now I will ruin you too after I'm done with you!"

Napailing-iling si Happy. "I was a child back then, yet you were jealous of me. Jesus Christ, Helena, you're a fucked-up bitch."

Mahigpit at malakas nitong sinakal ang leeg niya at matalim ang mga matang tiningnan siya nang masama. "You think your husband loves you? Think again!" Itinuro nito ang babaeng kamukha niyang nakaupo nang kalmado. "No one will be the wiser but me. You think we only have one person to copy you? Think again! I made two look-alikes and this one knows everything about you that even your husband can't tell the difference! I will use your father's plan to trick us before to trick them back as well."

Happy calmly smiled. "I trust my husband."

Tumawa nang nakakaloko si Helena, saka itinuro ang malapad na TV na nasa unahan niya. "There, you will see your husband rescuing your look-alike. Oh, I'm sure you know that your team is here, trying to rescue you and they will rescue the wrong Happy making me happy."

Happy just smiled. "Trust me, my husband can tell."

"Why?" Helena smirked before looking down at her finger. "Because of the tattoo on your finger? Don't worry, the new Happy has one too."

Still worry didn't consume her. "My Blazey can tell."

Mapaklang tumawa si Helena. "Keep saying that. But later, your heart will be broken like how you broke mine."

Napailing siya. "Good luck with your plan, Helena."

Ngumisi lang ito sa kanya, saka bumaling sa dalawang tauhang naroon. "Beat her up but don't kill her. I still need her after the file has been extracted."

Beat her up? 
My baby!
 But she didn't let anyone see her worry. 

Naglakad na paalis si Helena. "Happy," tawag nito sa babaeng kamukha niya na agad na ngumiti. 

Kamukhang-kamukha talaga siya nito! Mula sa paglalakad, pagsasalita, kahit ang boses! Pati kung paano ito gumalaw. Siyang-siya. 

"Helena," sabi ng kamukha niya. 

"Let's go and finish our plan."

Her look-alike smiled. "Of course."

Nang makaalis ang dalawa, agad na lumapit sa kanya ang dalawang lalaki na inutusan ni Helena na bugbugin siya. Kinakabahan siya sa gagawin sa kanya ng dalawa pero mas itinuon niya ang buong atensiyon sa kamay niyang kumakawala sa pagkakatali. 

Napaigik siya nang sunod na sunod na suntok ang tumama sa mukha niya. Halos maluha siya sa sakit nang tumama ang dobleng sipa sa magkabilang balikat niya. 

Dalawang lalaki ang bumubugbog sa kanya at wala siyang magawa kundi ang yumuko para protektahan ang tiyan para hindi tamaan ang inosenteng buhay na nasa loob ng kanyang sinapupunan. 

Happy was struggling to stay awake while getting beaten. Napapadaing na lang siya tuwing tumatama ang mga kamao at sipa ng mga ito sa tagiliran niya at sa ibang parte pa ng katawan niya maliban sa tiyan niya. 

The chair she was strapped in fell into the ground, together with her. 

She felt the rope loosen. 

Lord, please... give me more strength to fight, 
she begged.  

Pilit siyang nagpumiglas at kumawala sa pagkakatali habang pinagsisisipa siya ng dalawa. Panay ang iwas niya na hindi tamaan ang tiyan niya! Ibang parte na lang huwag lang ang tiyan niya! 

God! Please help me get through this! Help me fight this!

Happy was already in the verge of tears because of severe pain when she saw the man's feet kicking toward her stomach. 

No!
 Her mind shouted in fear for her baby. 

She was scared, in pain and weak but God was with her—she felt Him when she finally got free from the ropes after so many minutes of struggling. 

Mabilis siyang bumangon para umilag at lumaban ng suntukan. 

Leave no survivor.
 'Yon ang nasa isip niya habang walang habas ang bawat suntok at sipa na pinapakawalan niya sa dalawang kalaban. She was so focus on surviving for herself and for her baby that fear of losing didn't came to her mind. 

Happy didn't hold back. She moved with certainty and lividness. She kept seeing the two men beating her up in her mind and her attacks just became more deadlier and deadlier. 

Pagkatapos niyang mapatumba ang isa, tumakbo siya at mataas na tumalon, sabay malakas na sipa sa lalaki gamit ang dalawang talampakan. 

Sabay silang bumagsak sa sahig pero agad siyang nakabangon. 

Nang makitang nakahiga pa rin ang kalaban, mabilis niyang nilapitan ito at hinawakan ang buhok bago ilang beses na ihinampas ang ulo nito sa semento hanggang sa dumugo 'yon. Pagkatapos ay binalikan niya ang isa pang walang malay na kalaban para baliin ang leeg nito. 

Hindi puwedeng walang malay lang ang dalawa. Pagkatapos ng ginawa ng mga ito sa kanya habang nakatali siya, hindi niya hahayaang huminga pa ang mga ito. 

Happy stood up after ending two lives and was about to leave the room but it was locked. From the outside. 

"Shit!" galit siyang napamura, saka tumakbo pabalik sa harap ng TV nang marinig niyang tumutunog 'yon. 

And truth to Helena's word, she saw his husband rescuing the wrong Happy. 

Kumuyom ang kamay niya habang titig na titig sa asawang nakikipaglaban para iligtas ang pekeng Happy na nakatali rin at may mga pasa sa mukha. 

Blazey... I trust you, baby. 

IBINABA NI BLAZE ang walang balang baril, saka mabilis na hinugot ang isa pang baril na nakalagay sa thigh holster niya. Umikot siya at itinutok sa kanan niya ang baril, saka kinalabit ang gatilyo.

Then he strapped it back on his thigh before running while putting a new magazine on his gun. 

Tuloy-tuloy lang ang pagtakbo ni Blaze habang nakikipagbarilan. Nang makitang may kalaban sa kanan at kaliwa, hinugot niya ang isang baril at nakadipang nakipagpalitan ng bala habang tumatakbo. 

He took cover as he changed the magazine of his guns before stepping out from the large pillar to rain more bullets on their enemies. 

Then he heard a loud thud behind him. When he looked back, he saw an enemy down. Killed by Kane. 

"Watch your back, Your Highness," sabi ni Kane.

He chuckled. "I have you for that," sabi niya, saka binaril ang lalaking nasa likuran nito at itututok na ang baril kay Kane. "No one sneaks on my son's back and live." Then he looked at Kane. "Let's move." 

Tumango si Kane, saka sabay nilang pinasok ang bawat kuwarto na nadadaanan nila. They protected each other's back while fighting side by side and back-to-back. 

"They're too many." Kane tsked. "Our bullets are running out."

Blaze pointed his gun at the two swords strapped on Kane's back. "You have swords, I have knives. We'll survive."

Kane smiled. "Of course. I-spoil pa natin ang magiging anak ni Mom."

Pinalitan uli ni Blaze ang magazine ng baril. "Speaking of which, I'm hoping it's a boy. Marami akong mapapatay kapag naging babae na siya."

Kane nodded. "I'm hoping it's a boy too. I'd hate to kill teenagers who will hurt her."

Natatawang tinapik niya ang balikat nito. "Good that you feel me. We'll kill everyone who hurts her."

Kane nodded with a smile. "Sana lalaki ang una n'yong anak, Your Highness. 'Tapos babae na ang sunod para may katulong tayo sa pagpatay sa mga mananakit sa kanya."

Blaze actually laughed at what Kane said. "For that, you're my son now."

Kane chuckled. For the first time, he heard him chuckle. Before, it was always a smile. 

"Come on," aya niya kay Kane habang ikinakasa ang baril. "Let's roll."

Mabilis na binaril ni Blaze ang papasalubong sa kanilang kalaban samantalang si Kane naman ay nakatalikod na naglalakad sa tabi niya dahil ang kalaban nila sa likuran ang pinapaulanan nito ng bala. 

At nang tingnan niya ang mga pinatumba nitong kalaban, lahat sa ulo ang tama. 

"Wow..." Blaze was amazed at Kane's shooting skill. "Where did you learn to shoot so accurately?"

"I'd been training since I was six years old."

"Oh. Fair enough."

"How about you, Your Highness?" tanong ni Kane habang patuloy silang nakikipagbarilan. "Where did you learn to kill?"

With gun's blazin', Blaze answered. "I forced myself. To get the justice I wanted." 

Walang emosyong binaril ni Kane ang lalaking kalalabas pa lang sa pinagtataguan nito. "How do you force yourself to kill?"

"I was desperate and angry," sagot niya, saka binato ng kutsilyo ang nakitang kalaban dahil ubos na ang bala niya. "Fuck. I'm out of bullet."

"Me too," Kane said before dropping his guns and pulling his swords out from its sheath. "But it's okay. I like using my swords better."

Blaze dropped his guns as well before pulling his knives out. "I like knives better."

"One stab to kill is okay, buddy," bilin niya kay Kane. "Don't make it too much bloody. Magrereklamo na naman si Claud." Claud was the head of clean up crew under Midnight. 

Kane lips thinned. "I don't like that guy. I heard him say that Mom is very pretty."

Tumiim ang mga bagang niya. "He did?"

Kane nodded. "Yes. But only His Highness has the right to call Mom pretty so I don't like Claud. He's a motherfucker."

Humigpit ang hawak niya sa kutsilyo. "Let's paint this building with blood then, so he has so many to clean up."

"Yes, Your Highness." 

Blaze frowned at Kane while they were walking. "Where did you learn to use motherfucker?"

Kane glanced at him. "From you."

"Oh." Napangiwi siya. "Don't let your mom hear you say that. She'll kill both of us."

"Okay."

"Good." Blaze continued walking while attacking every enemy they encountered. 

Hand to hand combat plus knives. While Kane glided gracefully with his swords. Nakikita niyang umiikot ang hawakan ng espada sa pupulsuhan nito habang nakikipaglaban. Kapagkuwan ay ibinato nito ang espada sa kalaban na nasa likuran niya. 

Mabilis naman niyang hinugot ang espada sa lalaki na nasa likuran niya at ginamit 'yon para tulungan si Kane sa dalawa nitong kalaban na parehong may hawak na baril. 

Blaze went samurai on the two. Slashing and stabbing, they were spurting with blood as they fell.

Kane looked at him. "Hindi ko alam na magaling ka rin pala sa espada."

Blaze shrugged with a smug smirk. "I'm talented. Come on."

"First level, clear," sabi ng boses ni Niccolo mula sa earpiece na suot. Niccolo teamed up with Parisi and Uncle Vent to take down the enemies on the first floor of the building.

"Second floor. Clear," sabi ng boses ni Knight na kasama naman ang ama niya at ama ni Happy. 

"Third floor. Clear." Boses ng unang Arkhon na kasama ang hippeis nito. 

"Fourth floor," sabi niya. "We'll still checking."

Naghiwalay sila ni Kane para suyurin ang buong palapag nang marinig niya ang boses nito. 

"Your Highness! In here!"

Mabilis siyang tumakbo sa pinanggalingan ng boses nito at agad na humigpit ang hawak sa kutsilyong dala nang makita ang sampung kalalakihan na nilalabanan ni Kane nang sabay-sabay. 

And behind those ten men was Happy—his wife. Tied to a chair. Face swollen. And she was looking at him, begging. 

"Blazey... save me..." She was crying while begging. "Our baby..."

Mabilis na tinulungan ni Blaze si Kane na labanan ang sampung kalalakihan. He blocked and attacked at the same time. Nang mahawakan siya ng isang lalaki sa likuran, sinusubukan siya nitong sakalin, kaya iginalaw niya ang kamay na may hawak nang kutsilyo para saksakin ito sa leeg pero nasalag nito iyon.

Mas malakas ito sa kanya dahil unti-unti nang nauubos ang hangin sa baga niya. 

He was losing oxygen, desperate to be alive, he didn't stop head-butting the man behind him. And when his hold on him loosen, he faced him and immediately buried his knife on his neck. 

"Fuck you," sabi niya, saka sinipa ito at ibinato ang kutsilyo sa kalaban ni Kane. Pagkatapos ay sumipa ang paa niya na tumama sa leeg ng kalaban, saka mabilis niya itong sinakal at binali ang leeg. 

When he heard a snap, he pulled his knife on another man's body to attack the remaining enemies. 

Blaze and Kane didn't leave any survivor. If it was not stabbed or slashed to death, then it was a broken neck. 

Pareho silang hinihingal ni Kane nang matapos ang labanan. 

"Baby!" Agad siyang lumapit kay Happy at mabilis na inalis ito sa pagkakatali. 

"Blazey!" Agad na yumakap sa kanya ang asawa nang mahigpit. "I was so scared!"

Blaze stilled and frowned. Something felt off. His wife's body felt different. Maraming beses na niyang nayakap ang asawa ay hindi ganito ang katawan nito. Yes, she smelled the same but she felt different. 

Something is wrong. 

Kumawala siya sa yakap ng asawa, saka sinapo ang mukha nito at pinakatitigan. "Ano'ng ginawa nila sa iyo?"

Habang sumasagot si Happy, may hinahanap ang mga mata niya sa mukha nito na palaging nakukuha ang atensiyon niya kapag ganito kalapit ang mukha nila sa isa't isa. 

And it was missing now. 

Pasimple siyang humakbang paatras, saka nilingon si Kane na nakatayo lang hindi kalayuan.  "Kane is bleeding," sabi niya habang nakatingin sa kamay ni Kane. "I have to see his wound—"

Happy stopped him by gripping his hand. "Don't leave me. I'm scared."

Napatitig siya sa asawa, saka napabuntong-hininga. "Okay. I won't." Niyakap niya ito nang mahigpit, saka bumulong sa tainga nito. "You're missing something."

"What?" she asked softly. 

"The three very tiny moles on my wife's temple where I love placing my lips on," bulong niya, saka sinaksak ang babae sa dibdib habang nasa mga braso niya ito at hindi nakikita ang mukha. 

And when the woman dropped dead on the floor, he heaved a deep sigh before turning around. 

Kane asked as he neared him. "How many copycat do they have?"

"I hope that's the last," sabi niya, saka bumuntong-hininga uli. "'Yon ang pangalawang kamukha ng asawa ko na pinatay ko." Napailing siya. "This is insanity. Fuck."

Kane nodded. "I would have killed her if you didn't. I mean, I know Mom, she would have ran towards me to see my bleeding hand. That's just who she is."

Tumango si Blaze. "Fuck. Good thing I didn't kiss her. Na-i-imagine ko na ang mangyayari kung ginawa ko 'yon. I might get kicked out the house for good. You know that your mom is a very possessive woman."

"But you did hug the fake Mom," Kane pointed out. 

Blaze froze as his body went cold in fear. "Fucking fuck. I need to beg for forgiveness." 

"I'm sure, princess, will understand, pussycat." Boses iyon ng ama ni Happy sa earpiece. "Be in the elevator. We're going up."

Agad silang tumakbo ni Kane patungo sa elevator. Nang bumukas 'yon, nasa loob na ang lahat. Sila na lang ni Kane ang kulang. 

Agad silang sumakay. 

"So that wasn't my daughter." Dominick tsked. "They're using my trick against us this time. This is really personal."

His father looked at Dominick. "We both know why it's personal, Dominick. It's Helena."

Napailing ang ama ni Happy na may hawak na kutsilyo sa magkabilang kamay na nababalot ng dugo. "I know..."

"And knowing Helena..." Uncle Vent tsked. "Be prepared to explain to your daughter."

"I'm always prepared," sabi ng ama ni Happy na nagtatagis ang mga bagang. "And because of that, I'll kill them all." 

Tamang-tama naman na bumukas ang elevator. Nakahanda na sila sa pag-atake pero ang sumalubong sa kanila ay hindi mga miyembro ng Triad kundi sina Deth at Lyf. 

Akala niya nasa 'baba pa ang dalawa at naglilinis pa ng kalat do'n. 

"We cleaned up this floor," sabi ni Deth. "There's one we cannot open. It's fingerprint locked. We hit it with grenade launcher, but the door didn't even budge."

Nagkatinginan silang lahat. 

"Doon siguro nila itinatago si Lady Happy," sabi ni Knight. 

"What are we waiting for?" the first Arkhon asked. "Let's bring down that fucking door."

Iginiya sila ng magkapatid na Romanov patungo sa pinto na sinasabi ng mga ito. 

One look and Niccolo already had something to say about the lock. 

"That lock is not easy to bypass but not impossible," sabi nito saka akmang lalapitan ang pinto nang bumukas iyon. 

They stilled and went to war mode when they saw who was inside the now open door. 

More than twenty men and Helena who was pointing a gun at Happy's head. 

And Happy, she had bruises all over her body, making him shake in so much anger. 

Blaze saw red. 

Malakas at mabilis niyang ibinato ang dalawang kutsilyong hawak kay Helena pero dumaplis lang iyon sa leeg nito dahil nakailag ito at ang dalawang tauhan nito sa likuran ang tinamaan. Alam niyang galit din si Kane sa nakitang lagay ni Happy dahil nakita niyang ibinato nito ang espada kay Helena pero hinarang iyon ng isa sa mga tauhan nito kaya hindi iyon umabot kay Helena.  

Lalo silang nag-apoy sa galit nang ipinagduldulan ni Helena ang dulo ng baril sa ulo ni Happy. 

"Do something stupid again and me and my men will shoot her head off," sabi ni Helena, saka tumingin kay Dominick. "I see you're still alive."

Dominick smiled like he was unfazed by Happy's condition. But Blaze knew better. Dominick was livid. He could see him tightening his jaw as he spoke with a smile. 

"Well... what can I say, even life can't resist me," sabi ng ama ni Happy. 

Nagtagis ang mga bagang ni Helena. "This is all your fault. Our marriage failing was all your fault—"

"Oh, screw you," sabi ni Dominick sa walang pakialam na boses. "I begged you. You know I did."

Mas nanlisik ang mga mata ni Helena. "How dare you! You want me to accept this bitch into our family?!" Dinuro nito si Happy gamit ang baril na hawak. "No! She ruined everything! Everything! Your first born should have been my child!" 

Tumalim ang mga mata ni Dominick. "Don't call my daughter a bitch, I'll kill you."

"She's a bitch!" sigaw ni Helena. "A bitch! Just like her whore of a mother! A whore!"

Happy's father moved. It was so fast; Blaze barely saw it. All he could see was a blur movement of objects and he heard six gunshots coming from Happy's dad. 

It happened so fast. In a blink of an eye, eleven men on Helena's side all dropped dead. Only seven left alive. Excluding Helena who went pale at what happened. 

Four from knives and seven from bullets. 

Nakaawang ang mga labing napatingin siya sa ama ng asawa. Umuusok pa ang dulo ng baril na hawak nito habang nagtatagis ang mga bagang at matalim ang mga mata. 

That was... that was the real monster in battle. No wonder he was a legend. 

Dominick tsked. "I'm out of bullets."

Agad namang nagbigay ng magazine si Knight. "Here."

Tinanggap naman iyon ng ama ni Happy at akmang papalitan ang magazine ng baril nito nang magsalita si Helena.  

"I said don't move!" Lalong dumiin ang dulo ng baril ni Helana sa ulo ni Happy. "I will kill her."

Dominick sighed heavily before continuing what he was doing—changing the magazine of his gun. "You won't kill her, Helena because you still need her." He smirked. "How's the extraction of the files doing? Is it open yet? I'll assumed it's not because my princess is still alive."

Parang bubuga ng apoy ang galit sa mukha ni Helena. "You and her ruined our family!

Umiling si Dominick. "I didn't. We didn't. Before Happy came, you were already playing me for a fool. I knew, Helena. I'm not an idiot. I know you're gathering information on the Organòsi and putting it together into a hard drive. My mistake was trusting you and thinking that maybe I could change you because I believe that there is no one who is born evil. Evilness is a choice you make for yourself to be superior to others. I thought if I trust you, you'll choose me. But you left the moment your cover was blown even after I begged."

"It was the best thing for me to do," sagot ni Helena sa malamig na boses. "I don't want to see you anymore."

Ngumiti si Dominick na parang wala lang. "I know. But of course, you need to come back because I didn't let you get away with the files, did I?" He chuckled. "Oh, Helena, you thought you're so smart, protecting the hard drive with a fingerprint locked." He smirked smugly. "You're not the only one who has that kind of skill."

"You fooled me!" Helena sneered at Dominick. "But not anymore. I'm just waiting for my ride—a helicopter to get out of here with your daughter. And after the Triad is done with your daughter, I will gut her open myself and send you her body parts."

Dominick tsked. "Why are you so bitter, Helena? Is this because you can't open the hard drive that I found under your closet and I override it and then put another fingerprint together with yours?" He looked at Happy. "My daughter's fingerprint. You need her—the fingerprint of my child that you hated—to open that hard drive. Sorry..." He smirked. "Oops, no not really."

Nakangising ibinaba ni Helena ang baril sa tiyan ng asawa niya na ikinalamig ng buong katawan niya. 

No! Our baby! 

"How about if I shoot only this part?" Tumawa si Helena. "She'll live but someone will also die."

Blaze's heart was pounding, he was readying to attack—fuck he was ready die just to save his wife and child—when Dominick spoke calmly, stopping him. 

"Princess, 
krav maga
 please."

Krav maga was a kind of martial art. It was also used to disarm an assailant. 

Bumaba ang mga mata ni Happy sa baril na hawak ni Helena sa tiyan nito, saka tumingin sa kanya at sa ama nito bago dahan-dahang tumaas ang kamay na parang sumusuko. "Please have mercy on me," naiiyak na pakiusap nito kay Helena na ikinagulat ng lahat. 

Happy didn't beg earlier. Why beg now? 

"Not my baby. Please... please I beg you."

"Silence!" sigaw ni Helena na lalong nairita. "Don't move!"

"Please... please..." Happy begged. 

"I said don't move!" sigaw ni Helena. 

Biglang nawala ang lahat ng emosyon sa mukha ni Happy at mabilis na iginalaw nito ang mga kamay. 

She turned around, her hand reached to grip the barrel of Helena's gun and she continued turning until she was already out of the line of fire. Nakipag-agawan ito ng baril kay Helena. Panay ang siko ni Happy sa balikat ni Helena hanggang sa barilin ni Dominick si Helena sa balikat dahilan para mabitawan nito ang baril na hawak. 

Mabilis namang itinutok ni Happy sa gilid ng noo ni Helena ang sarili nitong baril habang nakatutok naman ang baril ng ama ni Happy sa gitna ng noo ni Helena. 

Nagpalit na ngayon ng posisyon sina Helena at Happy. Ang asawa na niya ang may hawak ng baril. 

My baby is such a badass
. Blaze couldn't stop smiling. 

Ang natitira namang tauhan na kasama ni Helena ay napatumba agad ni Uncle Vent at ng ama niya nang kasimbilis ng kisapmata na umatake nang gumalaw si Happy kanina. 

The Team Oldies were really legends. Team Happiness had a long way to go to be like them.

"This is not the end!" Helena hissed. "The Triad will win! We will not lose!"

Dominick smiled. "Thank you so much for leaving me because if you haven't, damn, I wouldn't have enjoyed my very lovely Henreitta."

"I will kill all of you!" sigaw ni Helena sa nanggagalaiting boses habang hawak ang dumudugo nitong braso. "I will end you! I will kill all of—"

Two gunshots fired—from Happy, straight on Helena's temple and Dominick's gun straight on Helena's forehead—and Helena dropped dead. 

"I told you I'll kill you," sabi ni Happy sa walang buhay na katawan ni Helena.

"Nobody messes with the Quinns," sabi ni Dominick na nakatingin sa walang buhay na katawan ni Helena. "And live." 

"Daddy?" sabi ni Happy na binitawan na ang baril. 

"Princess?"

Happy glared at her father. "You have so much explaining to do." 

Daddy Dominick gulped. "I will, princess. Maybe later?"

Nilampasan lang ito ni Happy, saka tumakbo kay Kane. Agad nitong sinuri ang dumudugong kamay ni Kane. "What happened to you?" puno ng pag-aalala nitong tanong. "I told you to take care, didn't I?" 

Nagkatinginan sila ni Kane, saka sabay na napangiti. 

"I'll be fine, Mom."

May babala ang titig ni Happy may Kane. "You better be."

Kane smiled at Happy before embracing her. "I'm relieved that my mom is okay. Next time, don't make yourself a bait, okay, Mom?"

Hinagod ni Happy ang likod ni Kane. "I'm okay." Kumawala ito sa yakap, saka humarap sa kanya. Titig na titig ito sa kanya na para bang minimemorya ang buong mukha niya, saka ngumiti. "I love you."

His heart softened. "I love you too, you know that." 

Tumango si Happy, saka sinugod siya ng mahigpit na yakap. "Thank you kasi nakita mong hindi ako 'yon. Thank you so much, Blazey. Thank you," bulong nito. 

Niyapos niya ang katawan ng asawa. "You're my wife, baby. I would know if it's you or not."

Kumawala ito sa yakap, saka sinapo ang mukha niya at ito mismo ang sumiil ng mapusok na halik sa mga labi niya na agad naman niyang tinugon hanggang sa pakawalan nito ang mga labi niya. 

"Our baby is unharmed," bulong ni Happy sa mga labi niya. "Though I was beat up by two men..." Nagdilim ang mulha niya. "I killed them."

Agad na kumalma siya. "Oh. That's good to hear."

"Yeah?" Happy smiled while looking lovingly at him. "Helena told me you'll broke my heart tonight."

"Did I?"

Happy answered by kissing him senseless. 

"Does that mean you're not mad that I hugged the fake Happy?" nakangiwing tanong niya nang pakawalan nito ang mga labi niya. 

Nakangiting umiling ang asawa, saka hinalikan na naman siya. "Nope. I'm not."

Blaze let out a sigh of relief. "Thank God."

Natawa si Happy, saka bigla na lang umalis sa tabi niya para kumustahin ang lahat. Nasa asawa niya ang buong atensiyon niya hanggang sa narinig niya ang boses ni King sa earpiece na suot. 

"Your Highness and other people hearing this," sabi nito. "We're ready outside. Everything is in placed. I'm already with the cleaning crew." 

"To the elevator," sabi ng unang Arkhon na tiyak niyang narinig si King. "Let's go home. King is ready."

Gumalaw silang lahat maliban sa ama ni Happy at si Knight na nakatingin sa labas ng glass wall ng building habang nag-uusap. 

"It's more fun if we jump," sabi ni Knight. 

Tumango si Dominick. "True. Maybe we should ask King to put an inflatable circle down there so we can jump happily and freely while listening to 'Young, Dumb and Broke.'"

"Dad," sabi ng malamig na boses ni Happy. 

It was just the word "dad" but Daddy Dominick actually froze. Ang may kasalanan nga naman, napaghahalataan. 

Dominick whispered at Knight. "We'll do the jumping some other time. My princess will gut me because she just found out my lies. I'm scared as fuck."

Knight nodded. "When my wife found out that I ate a chocolate cake with KN, my youngest, even after I promised her we won't, I was scared as fuck as well so I know the feeling."

Tumango ang dalawa na ikinailing ni Blaze. 
Mukhang nagkasundo ang parehong sinto-sinto. 

Nasa likuran siya ng asawa habang nakasakay sila sa elevator, maingat siya na hindi ito hawakan dahil sa mga pasa nito sa katawan. Baka masaktan ito. 

Nang makalabas sila ng gusali, halos malinis na ang buong kapaligiran dahil nag-umpisa na pala ang cleaning crew. 

And when King saw Happy, his jaw tightened and his knuckles fisted. Then he looked at him. "Please tell me they're all dead."

Tumango si Blaze. 

Saka lang kumalma si King. "By the way, every corner and every floor of this building is already wired with bomb. I'm sure of it because me and Dad did it ourselves. While Yrozz and Uncle Ruthgar are battling with the Triad through the computer. Who knows what's happening with those two."

"Thank you, King," sabi ni Happy, saka tinapik ito sa balikat. "Take care, okay? Umuwi ka agad pagkatapos mo rito."

Tumango si King. 

Iginiya ni Blaze ang asawa palapit sa kotse na dala rin ni King. Ang isa sa mga sasakyan ng ama ni Happy na bulletproof at crash-proof. 

"How's my baby feeling?" tanong niya bago binuksan ang pinto ng kotse. 

Ngumiti si Happy kahit halatang pagod ito. "I'll just rest. I'll feel better later."

Tumango siya at inalalayan ang asawa papasok sa kotse. At dahil nasa likuran siya nito, hindi nakatakas sa kanya ang kumakalat na dugo sa pang-upo ito, lalo na sa gitnang hita pababa sa pantalon.  

"Baby..." he whispered in fear. "Y-you're bleeding."

Hindi sumakay ng kotse si Happy dahil sa sinabi niya. Sa halip ay bumaba ang tingin nito sa pantalon, saka may bahid na takot ang mga mata na tumingin sa kanya. 

"Our baby."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 59

Hello to Rachelle Engada, Mary Buenavides, Jan Lyza Tabingo ang Richard Engada Jr. 

❤️ 

And thank you, Ardelyn Magbanua from Krizzia 

❤️

CHAPTER 59

BLAZE WAS IRRITATED as he looked at Niccolo drawing blood from his wife's forearm. Nasa bahay sila nina Uncle Klaus, doon nila dinala si Happy pagkatapos itong duguin. Uncle Klaus' house had medical equipment and hospitals were out of the question now after everything that had happened. 

And Happy was in full bedrest after the bleeding. Thank God their baby was a survivor. 

Samantalang si Blaze ay nakaupo lang sa gilid ng kama habang hinahaplos niya ang buhok ng asawa. "Niccolo, she's my wife," may diin niyang sabi. "I would know if she's a fake."

Niccolo smiled at Happy before glancing at him. "We can't be too careful, Blaze. Pagkatapos ng mga nangyari, kailangan natin 'to."

"It's okay," sabi ni Happy na may tipid na ngiti sa mga labi. "Let him, Blazey. To give everyone a peace of mind."

Hindi na umimik si Blaze pero panay pa rin ang tagis ng mga bagang niya hanggang sa makalabas ng kuwarto si Niccolo. 

"I hate this... don't they trust my judgement that you're my wife and I will not mistake you for someone else—"

"Hey..." Inabot ni Happy ang kamay niya, saka pinagsalikop 'yon. "It's okay. Hindi naman sa wala silang tiwala sa iyo, kailangan lang nila ng pruweba na ako 'to. Ayos lang naman sa akin, para mapanatag na rin sila. Pagkatapos ng mga nangyari, normal lang na i-check nila ang dugo ko kung ako nga 'to."

Blaze sighed. "I still don't like it. I know it's you. I would know. Asawa mo ako."

Nginitian siya ng asawa. "Huwag ka nang magalit. Ang importante ngayon ay maayos ang lagay ni baby at ng lahat ng nakipaglaban, lalo ka na at si Kane, saka si Daddy. And long as you're all okay and no one was harmed by my idiotic plan to bait myself, everything is fine."

Blaze sighed before softly squeezing his wife's hand. "You're the one who's not fine." Tumiim ang mga bagang niya. "You have bruises all over and I'm so mad at myself for letting this happen to you. Kasalanan ko 'to kasi pinayagan kita sa plano mo—"

"Blazey..." Happy cut him off by saying his name softly. "Iyon lang ang plano na naisip ko na masisiguro ang kaligtasan ni Lucky."

"Paano naman ang kaligtasan mo? Hindi mo ba naisip 'yon?" madilim ang mukhang tanong niya. 

"It's for Lucky."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Blaze. "I know that, but I'm your husband, baby. Hindi mo man lang hinintay ang desisyon ko. Bigla ka na lang nagdesisyon na wala ako."

Happy's face fell. "I'm sorry... ayoko kasing ilagay ka sa sitwasyong mamimili ka. I know you love me and I'm important to you but so is Lucky. She's your baby girl, your twin's wife, your friend. I'm not gonna put you in a position where you and Blake will have a beef with each other because of choices and decision making."

Hinalikan na lang ni Blaze ang likod ng kamay ng asawa, saka pinakatitigan ito nang matiim at nakikiusap ang mga mata. "Huwag mo nang uulitin 'to, please? I was so scared. I wanna be there for you, just like how Blake wanna be there for Lucky but... we both know we can't and it's driving us crazy. Mas mapapahamak kayo kung kasama n'yo kami. Blake was going insane. I was losing my mind as well."

"I'm sorry." Hinaplos nito ang pisngi niya. "I won't do it again."  

"Dapat lang." Dumukwang siya para halikan sa gilid ng mga labi ang asawa. "Huwag mo na akong pag-alalahanin nang ganoon. Mababaliw na ako."

Happy chuckled before tapping the space beside her. "Tabi ka sa akin. Gusto kong yakapin ang asawa ko," paglalambing nito. 

Agad siyang tumabi rito, saka pinaunan ito sa mga braso niya bago masuyong yinakap nang mahigpit. Maingat ang galaw niya baka masaktan ito dahil sa mga pasa nito sa katawan. 

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you," bulong niya habang yakap ito. "I'm so sorry, baby. I'm really sorry."

"I'm safe now, Blazey," sabi ni Happy, saka yumakap din sa kanya. "Pinatay ko naman na 'yong dalawang lalaki na nanakit sa akin at wala na rin 'yong babaeng nagpanggap na ako." 

Bumuga siya ng malalim na hininga. "Sana nga wala nang magpakita uli na kamukha mo. Mababaliw na ako kapag may pinatay pa akong kamukha mo. I know it's not you but killing someone who has your face, I can't even look at them." Napailing siya. "Para kasing ikaw ang sinasaktan ko."

It was really taking a toll on him and his sanity. He made it look so easy killing his wife's look-alike, but it wasn't. He couldn't even look at the face because he felt like he was hurting his wife. Physically. And he couldn't take it. 

"Sana nga wala na," wika ni Happy, saka naghikab at mas isiniksik ang katawan sa katawan niya. "Sabi ni Helena, dalawa lang ang ipinagawa niyang kamukha ko. I'll assume that the first one was the woman who pretended to be Cassie and the last one is the woman who pretended to be me,  the woman you and Kane first saved."

Blaze tsked. "That woman was beat up as well," sabi niya nang maalala ang lagay ng babaeng una nilang iniligtas ni Kane na akala niya ay ang asawa niya. "Who would do that to herself?"

Naghikab uli si Happy. "To be more convincing, I guess." Humigpit ang yakap sa kanya ng asawa habang pahina nang pahina ang boses nitong inaantok. "I was scared when Helena came back for me in that room. Balak niyang tumakas kasama ako kasi kailangan pa niya ako. Hindi kasi nangyari ang plano niya kasama ang babaeng 'yon na kamukha ko. Balak niya akong dalhin sa ibang main HQ ng Triad. 'Buti na lang nasa labas kayo ng pinto at napigilan siya."

Blaze kissed Happy's forehead. "Hindi namin siya hahayaang makatakas. Pagkatapos ng mga ginawa niya, kailangan na niyang mawala. Baka kung ano na naman ang gawin niya sa atin—"

A soft snore filled his ear, making him stilled. 

Bahagya niyang idinistansiya ang katawan sa asawa para titigan ito. Mahimbing na itong natutulog na may kasamang mahinang paghilik na nagpangiti sa kanya. 

Maingat niyang inalis ang ulo ni Happy sa pagkakaunan sa braso niya, saka inayos niya ito sa pagkakahiga. 

Pagkatapos ay umalis siya sa kama para kunin ang ointment na dala niya palagi sa bag niya, saka bumalik sa asawa para lagyan n'on ang mga pasa nito sa katawan. Ginawa na niya iyon kanina pero gusto niyang gawin uli para kahit paano ay hindi lumala ang mga pasa nito sa katawan. 

Blaze was in the middle of rubbing the ointment softly on Happy's bruises on the shoulder when Niccolo stepped in the room again. 

"Is she asleep?" ranong nito. 

Tumango siya, saka lumipat ang daliri niyang may ointment sa pisngi ni Happy na may mga pasa rin. "Why are you asking?"

"The test came out positive," sabi nito. "She's your wife."

He looked at Racini. "I told you so."

Ngumiti ito. "I'm sorry. It was necessary, for precautions. Saka nakita na namin ang CCTV footages. There was only two Happy in that building, the real and the fake. 'Yong totoong Happy, ikinulong nila roon sa kuwarto para itago, at 'yong fake naman ay inilabas ni Helena sa kuwarto kung saan ikinulong si Happy at pinabugbog nang kaunti para siguro mas nakakakumbinsi bago itinali sa upuan para makita n'yo ni Kane at iligtas. I think Helena's plan was to trick us into saving the fake Happy, but it didn't work as she expected. She underestimated your love for your wife."

Blaze nodded before sighing softly. "Sana nga wala nang lumabas na kamukha ng asawa ako." Then he remembered something. "I sent you my wife's whole body scan a few months back. Nakita mo na ba?"

Niccolo nodded before looking at his wife. Napailing ito na parang hindi makapaniwala. "I saw the internal scar tissues and the healed broken bones. Grabe pala talaga ang naging impact sa kanya ng pagsabog na 'yon noong bata pa siya. Grabe ang pinagdaanan ng katawan niya, mabuhay lang siya. Her father really didn't give up on her."

Blaze caressed Happy's face. "Nang makita ko ang whole body scan niya, natakot ako, kaya ipinadala ko sa iyo para humingi ng pangalawang opinyon at para masiguro na wala akong dapat na ipag-alala."

"She's fine," sabi ni Niccolo. "Magaling ang mga naging doktor niya noon. Naayos naman nila lahat at wala akong makitang mali ngayon. Tama naman ang diagnosis mo. Wala naman akong nakitang dapat ipag-alala. Though, have you told her about this?"

Umiling siya. "It was scary to see even for me. I don't want her to ever know it. Kaya naiintindihan ko si Dad na inilihim niya ito kay Happy. Hindi na niya kailangang malaman 'to. Ang importante, maayos ang lagay niya at walang magiging problema sa pagbubuntis at panganganak niya." 

"Do you want a tip from me?" Niccolo asked. "To have a happy married life?"

"What?"

"Kapag malaki na ang tiyan niya, magiging iritable na siya, lalo na kapag third trimestral na niya. And as much as possible, stop the libido. Yes, an ob-gyn would say that it's okay but trust me, it's not. It's very uncomfortable for them. And when she's giving birth, prepare to be a punching bag and cuss absorber because that's what will happen to you. At kapag lumabas na si baby, ikaw ang magbantay sa gabi. Your wife needs all the rest she can get."

Mahina siyang nataw.  "Based on experience?"

Nangingiting tumango si Racini. "Happy wife is—"

"Is a happy life," pagtatapos niya. 

Pareho silang natawa at nabaling nang sabay ang atensiyon sa pinto nang may kumatok do'n. 

It was Blake. 

"Can I come in?" Blake asked. 

Tumango si Blaze, samantalang si Niccolo naman ay nagpaalam na. Tatawagan daw nito ang asawa na miss na nito. 

"How is she?" tanong ng kakambal niya nang makalapit sa kama na kinahihigaan ni Happy. "She looks beat up."

"She was beat up," sabi niya. 

Natahimik si Blake, kapagkuwan ay lumapit ito sa kanya ay inilahad ang kamay. "I'm sorry."

"Why?" Tinapos niya ang paglalagay ng ointment sa mga pasa ng asawa, saka tumingin sa kakambal. "Guilty?"

Nagbaba ng tingin si Blake. "I was desperate, Blaze. I can't let anything happen to my wife—"

"Save it." Iginalaw niya ang kamay para tanggapin ang pakikipagkamay ng kakambal. 

A forearm handshake. 

"Thank you," sabi ni Blake. "For not blaming me."

Huminga siya nang malalim, saka tiningnan sa mga mata ang kakambal. "It was Happy's decision and it was her plan. Alam kong nahirapan ka rin na magpaiwan dito sa bahay habang nasa panganib si Lucky. I know how much you love her." 

Natahimik si Blake, kapagkuwan ay bumuntong-hininga. "Wanna drink? I'll make you one."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Is this you blowing off some steam?"

Blake shrugged. "Well? Drink?" 

Blaze sighed before shaking his head. "I can't leave my baby. Kailangan ko siyang alagaan." 

"So responsible." Blake smiled before messing his hair. "You finally grew up."

"Love made me grew up." His face softened as he stared lovingly at his wife. "She made me grow up so I can be a better version of myself."

"Sino ka na nga uli?" biglang tanong sa kanya ni Blake na ikinatawa niya. 

"That was my line," reklamo niya, saka bumaling sa kakambal. 

Blake shrugged. "Pareho na tayong who you sa isa't isa ngayon." He tsked before offering his hand at him. "My name is Blake, your twin."

Natatawang tinanggap niya ang pakikipagkilala nito. "Blaze, your twin."

"There. Kilala na uli natin ang isa't isa," sabi ni Blake na napapailing. 

Napailing rin siya, saka napabaling ang atensiyon kay Henreitta na kakapasok lang sa kuwarto. 

"Dominick is looking for you two," sabi nito na nakangiti. "I'll take care of Happy while Beth takes care of Lucky. Don't worry about your wives and get your ass in the dining hall." 

"There's a meeting?" Blake asked. 

Blaze scoffed. "Anong meeting? Kapag nandiyan si Daddy Dom walang meeting na magaganap. Parang si Knight 'yon, sinto-sinto minsan at madalas ang minsan sa kanya."

Napatango-tango ang kakambal niya, saka tinapik ang balikat niya. "Magpapaalam lang ako kay Lucky. See you in the dining hall."

Nang makaalis si Blake, inayos niya ang kumot ni Happy bago tumayo at humarap kay Henreitta. "Thank you. I'll be back ASAP."   

Henreitta smiled. "Happy is gonna be fine. If something happens, I'll call you immediately. Don't worry. I know the drill."

"Thank you," Blaze said to Henreitta with so much gratitude. "I'll be back as fast I can."

Hinalikan muna niya sa noo ang asawa bago lumabas ng kuwarto. Tamang-tama naman na kalalabas lang ni Blake sa kuwarto nito at ni Lucky kaya sabay na silang bumaba. 

"Ano sa tingin mo ang pagmi-meeting-ngan natin?" tanong ni Blake. "I think it's about the Triad and how we're gonna handle them now that Helena is gone. Parang siya lang naman 'yong may personal na galit sa Pamilya Quinn."

Tumango siya. "That's true. The fight was personal because of Helena, but now that she's gone, I don't know what the Triad will do. Kailangan nga nating pag-usapan 'to. Good thing the first Arkhon is still here."

"Yes, we should formulate a plan and—" Napatigil sa pagsasalita si Blake nang makapasok sila sa hapagkainan at makita kung ano ang ginagawa ng Team Oldies at Team Happiness. 

Daddy Dom was strumming a guitar while the other oldies were singing. While Team Happiness was eating an ice cream. The first Arkhon and his hippeis were gone. It was just them again.

Blake sighed. "Umasa ako na matinong usapan 'to."

Napailing siya. "Pagdating sa matatandang 'to, huwag ka nang umaasa."

"Hey!" agad na reklamo ng Team Oldies na mukhang malinaw siyang narinig. 

Then Daddy Dom smiled. "Good thing you two are here." Itinuro siya nito. "I heard that you make one hell of a drink." Itinuro nito ang kusina. "Go mix some drink for us."

Napangiwi si Blake. "I hope this house has a lot of bathrooms."

Tinapik ng ama nila ang tiyan nito. "We didn't grow old to have weak stomachs. Come on, son." He urged him. "Make some. We'll celebrate." 

Uncle Klaus spoke. "No worries, my house is secured."

"I checked." Nag-thumbs-up si Niccolo. "All good. We can drink without worrying."

"Go. Make us that drink, Blaze," sabi ni Daddy Dom. 

Napailing na lang siya, saka sinunod ang mga ito. Matatanda pa rin ang mga ito, kailangan niyang sundin. 

Same ingredients from the last time he mixed a drink on Blake's bachelor party. Except for the dinuguan, he replaced it with something more sinister.

Nang makabalik si Blaze sa hapagkainan, nakaupo na ang lahat, maliban sa kanya na may dalang dalawang pitsel ng pinaghalo niyang inumin. 

Uncle Vent mouth formed into an "o." "That looks so ugly, but who am I to judge. Von Per makes some worst drinks, just like his son."

"Dad, I'll bet that'll knock you out," sabi ni Lyf sa ama na nakangisi pa. "Wanna bet?"

Uncle Vent smirked back. "Wanna bet your inheritance, so you'll go broke?"

That silenced Lyf, making everyone laugh. 

"How about you, Deth, son?" Uncle Vent asked. "Wanna bet as well?"

Deth smiled. "Should I call Mom and tell her you're drinking again?"

Agad na umayos ng upo si Uncle Vent. "Deth, shut up. I'm giving you Lyf's inheritance."

"Dad!" reklamo ni Lyf. 

Uncle Vent tsked. "Because of too many women in your life, you're becoming a pussy now, Lyf. Look at Deth, no pussy, no problem. Right, son?"

Deth nodded. 

Lyf tsked. "Let's just drink."

Napapailing na inilapag ni Blaze ang dalawang pitsel sa gitna ng mesa, saka umupo na rin sa tabi ng kakambal niya. 

"Actually," panimula ni Daddy Dom. "This is supposed to be a very serious meeting but fuck, serious is not my style. Unless I'm flirting and flirting chatting which of course, I'm not doing anymore because I have my very lovely Henreitta—"

"Too much information," his father interjected. "This is not a meeting, it's a drinking session."

"Do you have a cake?" Knight asked. 

Daddy Dom smiled. "I know you're gonna ask that, so I asked Klaus here to bake you one."

Knight's face actually lit up. "Really? Fuck! I feel honored and..." His face fell when Uncle Klaus put a cupcake in front of him. "That's not a cake. That's a cupcake."

Daddy Dom argued. "Of course, it is. It's a cake in a cup."

Knight looked at Daddy Dom flatly. "Ginagago n'yo ho ba ako?"

Tumawa si Daddy Dom. "I like you already. And yes, ginagago kita. May angal ka?"

Knight tsked. "Pasalamat ka idol kita."

"Your very much welcome," sabi ni Daddy Dom. 

His father interjected. "You're such a dick."

"What?" Daddy Dom frowned. "I'm not a fake person. This is me. Take it or leave it."

"I'll take it," sabi ni Knight na kinakain na ang cupcake. "I still remember the first time I met you, when I came to your house to tell you about Lucky, you were drinking a hot coffee, in the middle of the day, during summer while you're sweating bullets. Doon pa lang, nakita ko nang sinto-sinto ka kaya tanggap ko na ang lahat."

Daddy Dom smirked. "Drinking coffee, in the middle of the day, during summer, is my talent."

His father tsked. "Of course. Drinking a freezing water in the middle of winter is also your talent."

Daddy Dom smiled smugly. "What can I say? I like breaking the norms."

"Breaking the norms or just being an idiot in general?" His dad savaged Daddy Dom again. 

"Von Per!" Daddy Dom glared at his father. "How dare you! You're such a jackass."

"And you're a dick."

"Here you go," sabi ni Uncle Klaus na naglalapag ng wine glass sa harap ng bawat isa, saka sinalinan nito iyon ng alak na hinalo niya at hindi pinansin ang pagbabayangan ng dalawang matanda. "Master Kane will start to drink first, and then my son, King, and then his next and the next of his next and so on."

Kane looked at all of them. "But I only drink beer."

"Kane..." It was Uncle Ruthgar. "You're a man so man up and drink this poison."

"Yeah," sabad ni Yrozz na nasa harap na naman ng laptop nito. "Drink up, Kane, and be a man. Your mom, Lady Happy, will like it."

Napangiwi si Blaze. 
My baby will kill me if something bad happens to Kane. Fuck! 

"Okay," madaling kausap si Kane. 

"Now that it's settled," sabi ni Daddy Dom nang makaupo na si Uncle Klaus sa tabi ng ama niya. "We'll call this gathering a drinking session while pretending we're in a meeting and sharing our most embarrassing moments in life."

Sumabad si Blake. "This is actually a good therapy session for groups who's working together."

Daddy Dom nodded. "This is why I like your sons better, Von Per. They have brains, unlike you."

His father glared at Daddy Dom. "Do you wanna get stabbed, you motherfucker?!"

"That's a bad word," sabi ni Kane na sumabad ng usapan, "His Highness told me not to say it so I assumed it is."

Lahat, napatingin sa kanya. 

"Happy will kill me."

Lahat, tumango. 

"That's true," everyone murmured. 

"Looks like Kane is Lady Happy's big infant baby," sabi ni Monti Parisi.

"And Blaze here is the big baby," sabi ni Niccolo Racini.

"A very big baby," dagdag ni King. 

Blaze just shrugged. "What can I say, I'm a very understanding husband."

"Welcome to the club," sabi ni Blake na mahinang tumawa. "Imagine Zapanta saying that plus barbecue and beers."

Natawa siya. "I miss those lunatics."

Daddy Dom pointed his finger at him, stealing his attention. "Nice one and smooth as fuck. For that, I'll give you a personalized jacket." Bumaling ito kay Uncle Klaus. "Go get them. I designed it myself for my son-in-laws."

Agad namang tumalima si Uncle Klaus at nang bumalik ay may dala itong dalawang jacket, saka ibinigay iyon sa kanila ni Blake. 

"Come on." Daddy Dom grinned excitedly. "Open it."

Sabay naman nilang inalis ni Blake sa lalagyan ang jacket at sabay na tiningnan. 

It was a black jacket, no print on the front, but in the back, there were two words.

"Happy's bitch," basa niya sa nasa likod ng jacket niya. 

"Lucky's bitch," basa naman ni Blake sa nasa likod ng jacket nito. 

"That's a very wonderful jacket," sabad ni Knight. "May ganyan ako. The back says 'my wife's bitch' then below was a word #JokeOnly. When my wife saw it, she cut out the 'joke only' so my jacket has a rectangular hole in the back. People asked me what happened to it when I'm wearing it, I only answered simply. It was designed by my wife with a very sharp scissor that can cut my dick as well."

Napailing silang lahat. 

Sinto-sinto na naman si Knight. 

"My Iriszilla made me a personalized mug," kuwento naman ni Niccolo. "And a word is printed on the cup. So every time we argue over something, she would hand me the cup to read the words printed on it because it says, 'I concede and admit defeat.'"

"My cup has a word 'my wife is the law,'" sabi ni Monti. "And of course, she is. My wife is a lawyer after all." 

Napailing ang Team Oldies bago sabay-sabay na nagsabi ng, "pussies."

While the single Team Happiness murmured, "I can't relate." Except for Kane who was now sniffing the drink and crunching his nose in disdain. 

"Mukhang excited na ang bunso natin," sabi ng ama ni Happy. "Drink it, Kane."

Akmang iinumin na 'yon ni Kane nang magsalita uli ang ama ni Happy. 

"Share a story first. A very embarrassing one. Come on, don't be shy. We're all family here and this is like a group therapy session as Blake put it."

Inilapag naman ni Kane ang wine glass sa mesa bago tumingin sa kanya at nagsalita. "I was embarrassed to call Lady Happy, Mom, but not anymore. I actually like it... having a mom."

Natahimik silang lahat sa ikinuwento ni Kane. 

It was simple, embarrassing maybe but on Kane's case, it was not. It was a development for Kane. An emotion and care he needed in his life. 

"Can I drink now?" tanong ni Kane na sa kanya nakatingin. 

Tumango siya. "Be careful. That's deadly."

Kane smiled. "It's okay. Just heal me afterwards."

Kapagkuwan lahat sila ay nakatingin kay Kane nang inumin nito ang hinalo niyang inumin. After he gulped it down, he immediately passed out on the table. 

Face first.

Mabilis na tumayo si Blaze para tingnan ang lagay ni Kane. Nang masigurong nawalan lang talaga ito ng malay, nakahinga siya nang maluwag.

"Still alive," sabi niya, saka huminga nang malalim. "Fuck. No one tells my wife about this."

Lahat tumango at napatitig—pati siya—sa pitsel na laman ang hinalo niyang inumin. 

"That's a very powerful toxic," sabi ni Uncle Ruthgar. "I'm shaking."

"I'm excited," sabi ni Uncle Vent.

"I'm not," sabi ni King. 

"I don't think it's a good idea to drink that," sabi ni Niccolo. 

"Same," sabad ni Monti.

Knight tsked. "Don't be pussies. Let's continue." 

King gulped as he held his own wine glass filled with the toxic deadly drink he mixed. "I... ahm, my embarrassing story is..." He sighed. "When I did drugs way way back. That was a very shameful part of my past that I can't still forget. Even now that I've been cleaned for many years."

Pagkatapos ni King magsalita, lahat tumingin kay Blake na ikinakunot ng noo ng kakambal niya. 

"What?" Blake asked, confused.

"Say something," sabi ni Uncle Ruthgar. "Be Dr. Phil, come on."

Napailing si Blake pero nagsalita pa rin. "Forget about that part but don't forget the reason why you got cleaned up. Let it go and focus on the reason why you are who you are now."

"Brilliant!" Daddy Dom applauded again. "See that Von Per? Blake is more useful than you."

His dad just tsked. 

While King took a deep breath before gulping the drink. 

Natawa si Blaze nang makita ang pag-iiba ng hitsura ni King na halos hindi maipinta 'yon bago ito tumakbo patungo sa banyo.

"Fuck you, Your Highness!" King screamed. 

Blaze smirked smugly. "I'm so talented."

Napailing si Lyf na siyang susunod na iinom. "Fuck." Napangiwi ito, saka napailing uli. "My embarrassing story was when I stopped a woman from seducing my brother because I want Deth to stay a virgin and untainted by pussies." Kapagkuwan ay mabilis nitong ininom ang laman ng wine glass nito. 

Lyf didn't run towards the bathroom or puke or passed out. He just sat there, with his eyes wide opened. Unmoving. 

"Is he..." Mas itinutok ni Uncle Vent ang mga mata kay Lyf. "Passed out with his eyes wide open?"

"That's just creepy," sabad ni Monti. 

Blake let out a sighed of relief. "At least I don't have to give him an advice. That's a good thing."

"My turn," sabi ni Deth, saka hinawakan ang wine glass at inangat 'yon. "I don't actually have an embarrassing story—"

"Bull," sabi ni Niccolo. 

"Bullcrap," sabi ni Uncle Ruthgar. "Everyone has one."

"But I don't," sabi ni Deth, "I have nothing to be ashamed of."

Napasipol ang ama niya. "See that, Vent? Your son is more than a man that you could ever be."

Uncle Vent showed his middle finger to his father. "See this, motherfucker?" 

Habang-nag-uusap ang dalawa, ininom na ni Deth ang inumin at wala man lang itong reaksiyon. He was still breathing and conscious. No vomiting or passing out.

"Wow..." sabi ni nilang lahat. 

Deth shrugged. "I have a strong stomach. You'll get that after spending time with Lyf."

"Nice," sabay nilang sabi ni Blake. 

"Next." Nginisihan ni Uncle Ruthgar si Yrozz na siya nang susunod pero nawala rin agad ang ngisi nito nang makitang nangangalahati na ang laman ng wine glass ni Yrozz. 

Kanina pa kasi inom nang inom si Yrozz at walang epekto rito ang inumin niya. 

"Is that a legit drink?" nakakunot ang noong tanong ni Uncle Ruthgar sa kanila, saka kinuha ang wine glass ni Yrozz at doon uminom. 

They all went silent when Uncle Ruthgar dropped unconscious on the floor—with a very loud thud. 

Yrozz stilled before glancing at Uncle Ruthgar. "What happened to him?"

Napailing na lang sila. Walang kaidi-ideya si Yrozz dahil busy ito sa harap ng laptop. 

Napangiwi ang Team Oldies habang nakatingin kay Uncle Ruthgar. 

"Nakakahiya," sabi ng ama ni Happy. "We should kick him out of the team for having a weak stomach. Such an embarrassment!"

"He's a good tracker," paalala ni Uncle Klaus. 

"He's old," Daddy Dom retorted. 

"So are you," his father interjected. 

Naputol ang pagbabangayan na naman sana ng dalawa nang makabalik si King sa mesa. 

"Fuck..." Hinihingal at namumutla si King. "That was fuck. Sana nawalan na lang ako ng malay. Mas gusto ko pa 'yon." Then he looked at him. "Fuck you, Your Highness."

"King!" Uncle Klaus hissed at King. "That's not how you talk to your master—"

"Fuck you, Prince Blaze," ulit ni King dahil alam nitong ayaw niyang tinatawag na prince. 

Blaze just showed his middle finger at King. "Fuck you too, jackass." 

Napailing na lang si Uncle Klaus na siya nang susunod. Pinulot nito ang wine glass, saka inamoy 'yon bago nagsalita. "My most embarrassing story was when I first started working for Master Dominick."

Biglang tumawa si Daddy Dom. "That one?"

Tumango si Uncle Klaus. "I went to his office in his house to introduce myself and when I opened the door I saw him having a threesome on the table. I cannot unseen it. From that moment onwards, the table looks gruesome to me, so I burned it after a month of working for him. And then there's also the car incident." 

Daddy Dom laughed again. "I told you not to go in!"

"The car was shaking, so I went inside to check and saw two horny individuals having sex on the backseat." Uncle Klaus sighed heavily. "And the woman looked at me and asked if I wanna join. My answer was, 'no thank you, I'll just guard the door.' After than I burned the car and bought a new one who was violated by Master Von Per this time. So, I have to burn it again and buy a new one. Again."

"Come on, Klaus," nangingiting sabi ni Daddy Dom. "I'm sure you also have experienced sex in the car—"

"I haven't. I have a bed for that. It's more comfortable there."

Napatanga ang dalawa kay Uncle Klaus. 

"Fuck. Then you missed the adventure," sabi ni Daddy Dom. 

"The adrenaline!" dagdag ng ama niya. 

Uncle Klaus spoke calmly. "No, I didn't. It was quite an adventure and adrenaline for me because I'm the one who has to explain to the cops why the car is having a personal earthquake." 

"That's just TMI, Dad," sabi ni King sa ama.

"Oh, you have no idea," sabi ni Uncle Klaus. "My masters are animals."

Daddy Dom sighed heavily. "Just drink, Klaus."

And Uncle Klaus did. No effect. Nothing. 

Uncle Klaus then glanced at Uncle Vent, the man sitting next to him. "Your turn, Vent. Do not embarrass us."

Uncle Vent quickly picked up the wine glass to smell the drink. "Hmm... smells awful. I love it!"

Napailing ang Team Oldies. 

"Well..." Uncle Vent smiled. "My embarrassing story was we were in a mission, the whole team, when my wife called me and said, 'sweetheart, I'm pregnant.' That was Deth. And because of too much shock, I pulled the trigger of my gun and accidentally shoot Ruthgar in the leg. And the last one was me and my wife was having a sexy time when Lyf barged in into our room and saw the whole thing. That was embarrassing because Lyf was already twenty-five at the time."

Napangiwi silang mga bata pa. 

"TMI, Daddy. TMI!" Deth hissed. "That's just gross!"

"Sex is not gross," agad na depensa ni Uncle Vent sa sarili, saka tumingin kay Deth. "That's how I and your mom made you so be grateful, you motherfucker, before I disinherit you—"

Nagtakip ng tainga si Deth at malakas na kumanta para hindi marinig ang ama. "
Lalalalalalalalalala
!"

Natawa na lang silang lahat. 

Though they all agreed. It was gross hearing their parents talked about sex. 

Natatawang uminom naman si Uncle Vent at katulad ni Uncle Klaus, walang nangyari. Nagsalin pa ito ng isa at ininom lahat. 

"That was good," sabi nito. "Very strong. My stomach is grumbling. I like it!"

"My turn," sabi ng ama ni Happy, saka nakangiting nagkuwento. "My embarrassing moment was when I masturbated and came into my hand and then I forgot to wash that hand before taking a bread and giving it to Von Per."

"Fuck you!" his father hissed at Daddy Dom who was laughing his ass of. "That's not funny!"

"It's true! And when I tried to cook and burned Von Per's castle." Daddy Dom smiled cheekily. "Literally burned it. They have to renovate the whole kitchen because I burned it. And when his parents asked who did it, I pointed Von Per and said, 'he tried cooking but failed.' Of course, they believe me because I'm the second Arkhon and I'm so believable. Until I keep burning their kitchen because I keep trying to cook. They installed a camera to see the real culprit and they saw me in the footage, and they were like, 'Dominick, we love you but please keep out from the kitchen for everybody's safety and to keep us from kicking you out.' Of course, I didn't listen. The next thing I knew, I was packing home because I got kicked out and Von Per was like, 'Thank God, you're leaving. Don't ever come back.' And I was so embarrassed."

"Fuck you," sabi ng ama niya. 

Nagkibit-balikat lang si Daddy Dom, saka ininom ang alak na ginawa niya. Napangiwi ito pero walang epektong kakaiba. "Damn!" he hissed. "That's a strong gut puncher. I like it."

Napailing na lang si Blaze. The Oldies were really veterans in drinking hard drinks. 

"For me..." Ang ama na niya 'yon. "The most embarrassing moment was being Dominick's best man in his wedding and while walking on the aisle towards the altar, I keep farting because someone..." He glared at Daddy Dom who was laughing again. "Put a farting pill on my bottled water. Fuck you, Dominick. Fuck you!"

Daddy Dom replied with a sweet smile. "You're very much welcome, Von Per."

His father tsked before drinking the toxic and nothing. Just like the other oldies. No effect. 

Blake took a deep breath. "My turn." He held his wine glass. "Blaze and I was in the mall, just looking around when I farted really loud and people looked at me. And then this bastard..." Dinuro siya nito. "Acted like he doesn't know me when we're look-alike!"

Natawa si Blaze nang maalala niya 'yon. That was indeed embarrassing. 

Blake tsked and drank the toxic he made. Napangiwi lang ito at napahawak sa tiyan pero hindi natumba. "Fuck! That was gross!"

Tumawa si Blaze, saka agad na ininom ang laman ng wine glass na para sa kanya bago nagkuwento nang nakangiwi. "Embarrassing was when I was so full and I need to poop. So nasa mall kami no'n ni Blake kaya doon ako nag-CR sa public comfort room. And when I was about flush the toilet, it wouldn't budge, and someone was waiting for me outside to use it after me. And I didn't know what to do so I open the door, then ran. Like hell! No turning back. And that mall has been blacklisted in my head since then."

"That was gross," sabi ni Monti. 

"Fucked up," sabi ni Uncle Vent. 

Blaze sighed. "Yep. It was."

Niccolo held his wine glass before speaking. "Well, as for me, I got drunk, like really drunk, I don't know what I was doing. Until the morning came and I found that I bought a building."

They all frowned at Niccolo. 

"What's embarrassing about that?" Knight asked. 

"I was naked the whole night and dancing to 'Careless Whisper' on the street." Niccolo sighed. "Imagine the shit I pulled after that one just to delete every video of me dancing naked on the street. It was fucking horrific." 

Monti spoke. "The closest thing I have for embarrassing was when I get into a passenger seat of a wrong car while I was talking to someone about cleaning up dead bodies, burning them, dried blood and all that shit. And the driver was a detective. I got arrested and questioned."

"What happened?" puno ng kuryusidad na tanong ni King. 

"The Organòsi pulled me out."

"Oh," sabi ni Knight, saka ito naman ang nagkuwento. "My wife pranked me. I was in a meeting with the other royalties in Spain when my phone rang. Iniba ng asawa ko ang ringtone ng cell phone ko kaya sa halip na mag-ring 'yon, my phone keeps saying the word, 'am so horny, am so horny' again and again. And everyone was looking at me like 'you're really horny?'"

Inangat ni Niccolo ang wine glass nito. "Let's cheers to our embarrassing moments."

Itinaas din nina Monti at Knight ang mga braso ng mga ito at sabay uminom ang tatlo. Ngumiwi lang ang mga ito, saka hindi maipinta ang mukha. 

It was King's turn to drink again because Kane was still unconscious when Henreitta entered the dining room.

Nakatingin ito kay Daddy Dom. "Happy, she's awake and she is looking for you, Dom."

Nakangiwing tumayo si Daddy Dom at kinakabahang nagsalin ng inuming ginawa niya sa baso nito, saka ininom iyon. He repeated that five times. "Pray for me. My princess is gonna grill me."

Napailing na lang sila, saka sinundan ng tingin si Daddy Dom. Mukhang gigisahin nga ito ng asawa niya. 

And now he wondered... 
Sino ba ang tunay na ina ni Happy?

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 60

CHAPTER 60

HINDI NGUMITI SI HAPPY nang makita ang ama habang nakaupo siya sa kama kahit malapad pa itong nakangiti sa kanya habang papasok sa kuwarto niya. 

He lied to her, but she was not mad. She just wanted an explanation. Explanation na hindi puro kasinungalingan.

Nang magisnan niya si Mommy Henreitta, ang ama agad niya ang hinanap niya. Hindi sila nakapag-usap kanina dahil ayaw siyang iwan ng asawa niya, pero ngayon, kailangan na talaga niya ang paliwanag ng ama sa dami ng tanong sa isip niya. 

"Princess..." Habang naglalakad ang ama niya palapit sa kanya, unti-unti namang nawawala ang ngiti sa mga labi nito nang makitang walang ngiti sa mga labi niya.  "You're mad at your old man?"

Hindi siya umimik. 

Bumuntong-hininga ang ama niya, saka umupo ito sa gilid ng kamang kinauupuan niya. Hinawakan nito ang kamay niya at hinaplos ang mga daliri niya. "Talk to me, Princess," sabi nito sa mahinang boses na nakikiusap. "Princess..."

Tumingin siya sa mga mata nito. "Why?" simple niyang tanong. Straight to the point. "No lies this time, Dad. Please? I'm getting tired of it. Just tell me everything and I'll try my best to understand."

Her dad took a deep breath before answering her. "Your mother, she passed away a couple of years back. Remember when I left for a week and told you I was gambling the whole week in Vegas?"

Tumango siya. 

"I was with her. Sunshine... that's your mother's name. Inayos ko ang libing niya." Lumungkot ang mukha ng ama niya. "I owe her that. Pakiramdam ko kasi kasalanan ko ang nangyari sa kanya— hindi, kasalanan ko talaga. Nadamay siya sa gulo ng buhay ko."

Nakaramdam si Happy ng kaba at takot sa mga sinasabi ng ama niya. "Please, don't tell me that she got hurt because of us?"

"It's because of me, princess." Her dad looked down. "Your mother and I, she was the first woman I cared about. I asked her to marry me, but she declined my proposal."

She frowned. "Why?"

"She was married to someone else and didn't tell me." He sighed heavily. "Gago ako pero hindi ako ganoong klaseng gago. Nang malaman ko na may asawa na siya, nakipaghiwalay ako. I'm a bastard and a jerk but I know my limits. My mother raised me to respect marriage. She was more than willing to broke up with me as well because her husband found out and she choose him over me... so, yeah."

Happy could see sadness in her father's eyes. "She broke your heart..." she observed. 

Mapaklang tumawa ang ama niya. "She did, but, that's life, so, I moved on and I met Helena. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pinakasalan ko agad siya. Maybe because I was still frustrated, angry even... I don't know. But I was a good husband, princess. I never cheated on Helena. Never. Kahit nang bumalik si Sunshine sa buhay ko at ipinakilala ka niya sa akin, hindi ako nagloko. Kahit sinabi niya sa akin na hiniwalayan niya ang asawa niya at mahal pa rin niya ako, umiwas ako. I told her that I'm married and the only thing I can offer her is to care for our daughter—you—and love her as much as I could."

Nanubig ang mga mata niya. "Daddy..."

Masuyo nitong hinalikan ang likod ng kamay niya, saka pinakatitigan siya. "Don't be mad at your mom for giving you to me. She was broken because of the divorce. She was crying when she gave you up, begging me to take care of you. I offered financial support but she declined and said that she'll manage. Pinapangako niya ako na alagaan at mahalin kita nang sobra-sobra habang wala siya. Sabi niya babawi siya."

"And you fulfilled that promise to her," sabi niya nang pabulong. 

"I'd like to think so." Masuyo siyang nginitian ng ama niya. "I love you so much, princess. I can't imagine my life without you in it."

A lone tear escaped her eyes. She could feel her father's love for her. It was overflowing. "Thank you for loving me so much, Daddy."

"Of course." Hinaplos nito ang gilid ng pisngi niya. "You're my princess. Wala akong hindi kayang gawin para sa mga anak ko."

Happy smiled tenderly at her father. "Thank you, Daddy..." Then her face became somber as she asked. "But what happened to Mom after she left me with you? Binalikan ba niya ako?"

Umiling ang ama. "Hindi na siya bumalik. Helena told me that if I want her to accept you in our life, I should cut my contact with your mother, so I did. Helena was jealous and I know how unfair our situation was for her, so I obliged. Ikaw ang pinili ko at pinutol ko ang komunikasyon ko kay Sunshine kasi gusto kitang bigyan ng masayang pamilya. Nawalan ako ng balita sa mommy mo, pero nasisiguro kong madali niya akong mahahanap dahil hindi naman kami lumipat ng bahay. Taon ang lumipas, hanggang sa nalaman ko ang tunay na pagkatao ni Helena at nabunyag ang lahat ng ginawa niya. She was angry at you... at your mom for ruining her plan."

Happy's voice was laced with fear as she asked. "W-what happened to my m-mom? M-may ginawa ba siya sa mommy ko?"

"'Yong nangyari sa mommy ni Lucky, ganoon din ang nangyari sa mommy mo. Nauna lang si Sunshine dahil sa kagagawan ni Helena. Nalaman kong siya ang nag-utos na gawin 'yon sa mommy mo dahil sa sobrang galit niya." Her dad looked so broken. "It was my fault, princess. I should have stopped Helena sooner. Fuck. I still carry the guilt of what happened. It was all on me. It still keeps me awake at night. So much guilt and regret."

Nakaawang ang mga labi niya kasabay ng pagdaloy ng luha sa mga mata niya. "S-she was v-violated? M-my mom?"

Her dad nodded gravely. "She was in a worst state before she died." Tumiim ang mga bagang nito. "Kaya ayokong sabihin sa iyo, baka hindi mo kayanin ang nangyari sa kanya kapag nakita mo siya at sisihin mo ang sarili ko sa mga nangyari. I know you, princess, I know you will blame yourself because you'll think that this all happened because she gave birth to you. She lost her mind, princess. When I found her again, she was already in the asylum. 

"I pulled some strings and transferred her to a facility that could help her but nothing. She keeps getting worst and worst. I wanted to take care of her as well but I was also taking care of you. You were in coma back then and I have to focus my attention to you because of the Triad and Helena. And then a few years ago, she took her own life in the facility. Ako ang umayos sa lahat kahit alam kong huli na. Your mother was an amazing woman, for her to experience that kind of cruelty, it must had been too much for her. She was alone and scared and I wasn't there for her. She suffered so much for being with me—"

"And for giving birth to me," Happy whispered. 

"Princess—"

"She suffered because she gave birth to me," bulong niya habang himihikbi. "Nangyari sa kanya ang mga 'yon dahil sa akin. Because I'm your first born and Helena can't take it. If not for me, then my mom would have been happy now—"

"She was happy to have you, princess." Tinuyo nito ang luha sa gilid ng mga mata niya. "You weren't a mistake for her. Hindi mo kasalanan ang nangyari. Partly, it was my fault, but this is all Helena's doing. Everything. Nang unang tumawag si Helena sa iyo, natakot ako. Sigurado akong sasaktan ka niya pero alam ko ring kailangan ka niya."

Happy bit her lower lip. "Kung ganoon bakit mo ako pinaniwala na siya ang ina ko?"

"Because I'm a jerk and I can't make myself to tell you the truth," pag-amin ng ama niya. "Natakot ako na baka masaktan ka kapag nalaman mo ang katotohanan at sisihin mo ang sarili mo. Masyado kitang mahal na mahal para makitang nahihirapan ka. I promise your mother that I'll make you happy in any way I can, whatever it takes, and I keep my promises, princess."

Naiintindihan niya ang ama dahil ramdam niya ngayon ang sakit ng nangyari sa mommy niya. Kung nalaman niya siguro ito nang mas maaga, hindi siya mapapanatag hangga't hindi napapatay si Helena. 

Ngayon nagsisisi na siyang pinatay niya agad si Helena. 

Death was too easy for her. She should have tortured her until she begged for death! Pagkatapos ng lahat ng ginawa nito sa pamilya niya, kulang pa 'yon! 

But knowing that Helena was dead also gave her comfort. Hindi man ito nahirapan, ang importante wala na ito at hindi na makakapaghasik pa ng kasamaan. 

"Princess..." Inilabas ng ama niya ang wallet nito mula sa bulsa, saka may inilabas doong larawan. "I save this for you." Inilagay nito ang isang larawan sa mga palad niya. "It's your mom."

Sa halip na tingnan ang larawan, niyakap muna niya iyon sa dibdib habang mahinang umiiyak sa sinapit ng kanyang ina. Just imagining it made her heart tighten in so much pain. Her mother suffered because of her—because of Helena and the Triad. 

I promise, Mommy, I will avenge what happened to you. Hindi ako titigil hangga't hindi ko nauubos ang Triad na nanakit sa iyo. 

"Igaganti kita, Mommy," bulong niya habang umiiyak at humihikbi. "Pangako, Mommy, igaganti kita. Papatayin ko silang lahat. Igaganti kita."

"Princess..."

Patuloy lang ang paghikbi ni Happy habang yakap ang larawan ng ina. 

Mommy... I'm so sorry, Mommy. I wish I could be there with you to care for you when you needed it the most. I'm so sorry, Mom. I'm so sorry for not knowing. 

"I'm so sorry, Mommy... so sorry... I'm so sorry." Happy was sobbing as she said sorry to her mother. "Please forgive me, Mommy, I'm so sorry."

Niyakap siya ng ama, saka hinalikan ang noo. "It wasn't your fault, princess. It was mine. The guilt should only be mine alone. Kasalanan ko 'to, hindi mo 'to kasalanan. Don't carry this on your shoulders. Please, princess. Your Mom will not like it."

Yumakap siya sa ama habang umiiyak dahil sa pinaghalong galit, awa at guilt na nararamdaman dahil sa nangyari sa kanyang ina. 

In that moment, Happy promised to never stop fighting until the very last Triad member was dead and gone. She would kill them all. Every single one of those monsters who treated people like toys and garbage. 

Panay ang tiim ng mga bagang niya habang umiiyak siya. 

Yakap lang siya ng ama hanggang sa unti-unti siyang tumahan habang hawak pa rin ang larawan ng kanyang ina. 

"Please tell me more about her," she begged her father after she pulled away from their embrace. 

"Princess..." Halatang hindi sang-ayon ang ama niya sa hiling niya. "Don't torture yourself—"

"I want to know her through you."

"Very well..." Her father smiled even when his eyes were sad. "She was as radiant as her name. She was an amazing woman. Mahilig siyang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan kaya nagkakilala kami. She has the gentlest soul I've ever had a pleasure of meeting." 

"W-was she still like that after what happened?"

Umiling ang ama niya. "Sunshine changed. She became violent and it's understandable." Napailing ito. "The Sunshine I knew was gone when I found and saw her again. I heard from the asylum that she was sent there because she nearly murdered her child."

Happy stilled. "Her child? M-may kapatid ako sa kanya?"

Tumango ang ama niya. "Nagbunga ang panggagahasa sa kanya. I tracked down the child but someone already got him before I did and erased all the child's files. I assumed that whoever got the child gave the child a new identity. Maybe the father or someone took the child, I'm not sure. I'm still looking into it now but it's a long shot, princess. Hindi ko pa rin mahanap 'yong bata."

Bumaba ang tingin niya sa larawan ng ina, saka hinaplos 'yon. 

Mom... 

Her mother was beautiful with a radiant smile and the same hair as hers. They way she smiled and the shape of her face reminded her of someone else. 

"My mom was pretty," komento niya. 

"She was," sang-ayon ng ama niya. 

Nginitian niya ito. "Thank you for this, Dad. I appreciate it."

Tumango ang ama niya, saka hinaplos ang pisngi niya. "Sana hindi ka na galit sa akin. I already explain my side and I would understand if my reasoning wasn't enough for you or if you couldn't understand why I lied to you. Tanggap ko 'yon at naiintindihan ko. Magkaiba tayo ng paniniwala at pag-iisip kaya ganoon. Pero sana, sa mga nalaman mo, huwag mong sisihin ang sarili mo. Biktima ka lang din dito. Hayaan mo nang ako ang umako sa lahat ng kasalanan at guilt. Sa akin na lang 'yon, okay, princess? I want you to be happy and stay the way you are now. Daddy is always proud of you."

Naluluha na namang tumango siya. "I wouldn't lie and say that I understand your reasoning why you lied to me, but I do know one thing and I'm sure of it. You love me. At gagawin mo ang lahat para sa akin... para sa amin nina Lucky at Clev. And yes, you're not perfect, you're a liar with so much flaws, but I don't care. I love you, and I'm proud to call you my dad."

A tear actually fell from her father's eyes as he looked at her tenderly. "Akala ko kamumuhian mo ako dahil sa pagsisinungaling ko sa iyo. I'm really sorry, princess, that your father is the biggest jerk in this planet."

Happy smiled at her dad. "The biggest jerk in this planet loves me and Lucky and Clev with all his heart. And that, that means so much to me."

Her father kissed her forehead softly before encircling his arms around her body and hugging her tightly but carefully because of her bruises. 

"I love you, princess," sabi ng kanyang ama. 

"I love you too, Daddy," sagot niya. 

Ilang segundo pa siyang niyakap ng ama bago siya pinakawalan at hinawi ang ilang hibla ng buhok na nakatabing sa noo niya, saka nginitian. "Princess, from now on, I promise not to lie to you." Itinaas pa nito ang isang kamay na parang nanunumpa. "That I swear."

"Talaga?" may pagdududa pero pabiro niyang tanong.

"Yes."

"Then answer me," sabi niya na pinakatitigan ang ama. "This has been bothering me for a while now but I was busy, so I forgot... Sabi ni Blaze, base raw sa sugat na natamo ko noong nabaril ako, imposible raw na ma-comatose ako uli. Lalo na ng isang linggo. What really happened back then, Dad?"

Napangiwi ang ama niya. "Ahm, can we skip that part?"

Tiningnan niya ito nang masama. "Look at my face and tell me if I want to skip that part."

Malakas na bumuntong-hininga ang ama niya. "I, ahm, it was actually a medically induced coma because I wanted to delete Midnight's file and it took me three days because of so many securities and viruses. And then the remaining days was for your wound to heal. Kapag gising ka kasi, alam kong masasaktan ka dahil sa sugat mo. I hate seeing you hurt."

Napailing siya. "The Oscar goes to you, Daddy," puno ng sarkasmo niyang sabi. 

"I know, right?" May pagmamalaki pa talaga ang boses nito. "I was so awesome and..." He stopped when he saw her glaring at him. "I'm sorry I lied to you, princess. I will not do it again."

Napailing na lang si Happy. "I really love you, Daddy, but sometimes, I just want to smack you in the head."

Her father gave her a cheeky smile. "I love you too, princess." Hinalikan siya nito sa noo. "Anyway, I shall go back to the dining area now because we were having a drinking session with your team."

"Si Blaze kasama sa drinking session?" tanong niya. 

Tumango ang ama, saka umalis ng kama. "Gusto mo papuntahin ko rito?"

Umiling siya. "No, it's okay. He deserves to rest and have fun. Okay lang naman ako. Medyo nananakit lang ang katawan but I'll live. Though, can I speak to Kane? I wanna see if okay na ang sugat niya sa kamay. Kasama n'yo ba siyang umiinom? Can I steal him for a moment?"

Nauwi sa ngiwi ang ngiti ng ama. "Ahm... Kane is, ahm, Kane is not available at the moment."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Nalasing siya?"

Her father nodded. "One shot."

Lalong lumalim ang gatla sa noo niya. "But Kane can drink a couple bottles of beers and he hasn't passed out..." Napatigil siya sa pagsasalita nang makita ang mukha ng ama. "Dad." May pagdududang tinitigan niya ito. "What did you do? Anong klaseng alak ang ininom n'yo at pinainom n'yo sa panganay ko at nawalan siya ng malay?"

Hindi makatingin sa kanya ang ama. "It's ahm, you know, it's a guy thing, princess—"

"Dad." May diin ang boses niya. 

Napakamot ito sa batok, saka humarap sa kanya, "Blaze mixed a drink. Toxic. And Kane was the first victim." 

Tumalim ang mga mata niya. "Ano'ng ginawa n'yo sa panganay ko?" 

Her father was silent. Head down. 

Malakas na napabuntong-hininga si Happy. "I want to talk to Kane, Dad," sabi niya sa ama na tahimik pa rin. "Or si Blaze ang papuntahin mo rito. Alam n'yo namang parang bata 'yang si Kane sa ibang bagay, bakit n'yo pinainom? Hindi 'yan katulad n'yo na malalakas ang bituka sa inuman. Kane is only deadly in the battlefield. Dapat naisip n'yo 'yon bago niyo pinainom ng alak na sobrang toxic."

"It's Ruthgar's fault," sabi ng ama niya, saka tumalilis ng alis. "I'll go get Kane!" pahabol nitong sabi bago lumabas ng kuwarto. 

Napailing na lang si Happy at sumama ang mukha. 

Blaze was with Kane. Hindi man lang ba nito naisip na walang kamuwang-muwang si Kane sa mga sobrang malalakas na inumin? 'Tapos may sugat pa si Kane. Paano gagana ang gamot dito kung may alak sa sistema nito?

Napabuga siya ng marahas na hininga, saka bumaba ang tingin sa larawan ng inang hawak pa rin niya. 

Instantly, her face softened. 

"Hey, Mom..." sabi niya sa mahinang boses. "It's nice meeting you even though it's already too late for both of us. Promise ko sa iyo, igaganti kita. Hindi ako titigil. I wish I can remember you, but I can't. Pero may picture na ako ngayon sa iyo at palagi kitang titingnan para maukit sa isip ko ang mukha mo at hindi kita makalimutan. I owe you so much, Mommy. Thank you for giving birth to me. Thank you for giving me an amazing father, he's not perfect but he's the greatest."

Mabilis na tinuyo niya ang luha sa pisngi nang may kumatok sa pinto ng kuwarto. Pumasok doon si Kane na medyo gumigiwang pa habang naglalakad. 

Nag-aalalang tinitigan niya ito pagkatapos niyang itabi ang larawang hawak. "What happened to you?"

"I had a very toxic drink, Mom," sabi nito habang naglalakad palapit sa kanya. 

Happy sighed before tapping the space on the bed beside hers. "Come here, let me see your wound."

Lumapit naman sa kanya si Kane at pabagsak na umupo sa gilid ng kama, paharap sa kanya, saka ipinakita ang mga kamay nitong may benda na. 

"Sino'ng gumamot sa sugat mo?" tanong niya. 

Pero walang sagot mula kay Kane kaya tiningnan niya ito at nahuling titig na titig sa larawang itinabi niya sa bedside table—ang larawan ng mommy niya. 

"W-why do you have her picture?" tanong ni Kane. 

His question didn't make her frown, his tone did. It was a mixture of shock and fear and the look in his mismatched eyes, it confused her.

"Why?" tanong niya. "Do you know her?" 

'Yon lang ang naisip niyang dahilan para ganoon ang maging emosyon sa mukha nito. 

Kane nodded, making her heart pound.

"Really? You do?" Eagerness was on her voice. "Tell me, saan mo siya nakita? Paano mo siya nakilala? Nakausap mo ba siya kahit minsan lang—"

"She's my mom," Kane whispered before glancing at her. "Mom."

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 61

CHAPTER 61

TINITIGAN MUNA NI BLAZE si Kane na mag-isang nakaupo sa dalampasigan at nakaharap sa malawak na karagatan. Nakatingin lang ito sa kawalan at mula sa kinatatayuan niya, ang lungkot-lungkot nitong pagmasdan. At may maskara na naman itong suot.

His eyes looked lost. He knew what that felt. He understood him. 

His wife, Happy, didn't like lying and keeping secret so she told Kane everything after knowing that the woman in the picture was also Kane's mother. Ikinuwento ni Happy lahat ng ikinuwento ng ama nito kay Kane. 

After that, Kane left the house. 

Doon niya nalaman ang lahat ng nangyari, nang bigla na lang umalis si Kane, kung sino ba talaga ang ina ng asawa. Everyone was shocked to know that Kane and Happy were siblings. Even Dominick. 

And in his opinion, that was just fucked up. Kane experienced the cruelty of his mother and now he found out that his mother was once a nice woman? It was just too much to bear for Kane. 

And Happy was worried. She asked the whole team to track down Kane hours after he left. 

Ilang araw nang hindi umuuwi si Kane sa bahay nina Uncle Klaus at sobrang nag-aalala na silang lahat, lalo na ang asawa niya. Kane knew how to stay undetected and unseen by the cameras that was why Yrozz and Uncle Ruthgar had a hard time tracking him down. 

And when they finally did, after a couple of days, Kane was already in Miami. 

Siya ang nagboluntaryo na kausapin si Kane. Hindi niya pinasama si Happy dahil kailangan nitong magpahinga. Pero nangako siya na gagawin ang lahat, sumama lang si Kane sa kanya pauwi. 

"Is he there?" Boses iyon ni Yrozz mula sa earpiece na suot niya. 

"Is Kane okay?" Boses naman iyon ni King. 

"He's okay... physically," sabi niya. "Emotionally? I'll find out."

"Bring him home, Your Highness," sabi ni King. 

"Yes," sagot niya bago ini-off ang earpiece, saka inalis sa tainga niya at ibinulsa bago naglakad palapit kay Kane. 

Blaze stopped beside Kane, he stood for a couple of seconds before he sat on the sand, next to Kane. 

"Hey, buddy," sabi niya sa mahinang boses. 

No response. 

"Do you want to talk?" 

Still, no response. 

Blaze took a deep breath. "Gusto mo ba akong umalis?" tanong niya kay Kane. Nang hindi ito umimik, tinapik niya ang balikat nito. "Sige, iwan na kita para mapag-isa ka. I know you need it, I'm just here to see if you're okay. Everyone is worried of you. Pero kung kailangan mo ng kausap, hindi ako aalis. Talk to me, okay?"

Akmang tatayo na siya nang magsalita si Kane. 

"Don't leave," sabi nito sa pabulong na boses. 

Blaze stayed before taking a deep breath and looking at him. "How are you feeling, buddy?"

Umiling si Kane. "I'm not okay, Your Highness." It was an honest to God answer. "I felt like someone just fucked my brains out." Kumuyom ang kamay nito. "I was so busy fighting and being the fourth Arkhon's ultor that I didn't knew that my mother died... akala ko nasa asylum pa siya. Ni hindi ko nga alam na inilipat pala siya. The fourth Arkhon told me lies and I'm angry. Why am I gullible? Why am I like this? I don't feel okay."

In that moment, Blaze wished that he was Blake. Para alam niya ang sasabihin niya, kung ano ang ipapayo niya. But he had to do something for this kid. Kane was in pain and in this moment, he was the only person Kane got. 

"You're in pain," sabi niya. "That feeling that you're feeling right now, that's called pain. And it hurts. I'd been there. Just let it flow, gather your thoughts and think carefully of what you want to do next. Susuportahan ka namin kahit ano pang gusto mong gawin. If you wanna be alone and be with yourself for a while, that's okay, if that'll make you feel better—"

"I wanna see Mom," Kane whispered. 

Tumango siya. "I can arrange that. Gusto mo ngayon din umalis tayo para puntahan ang mommy mo? I could ask Daddy Dom where your mom was buried and—"

"No... my other Mom."

Blaze stilled. 
Happy
. He wanted to see Happy.

He smiled. "Sure. Come on. She had been crying for days. Nag-aalala siya sa iyo, lalo na nang hindi ka umuwi. She didn't have a good rest until Yrozz finally tracked your location."

"I was just so lost," Kane whispered. "I don't know what to say or do. Natatakot ako na baka may masabi akong hindi maganda sa kanya dahil sa kaguluhan at galit na nararamdaman ko, siguradong masasaktan ko siya kaya mas mabuting hindi ko muna siya kausapin. I still remember when you were angry at her and say those hurtful things to her. I don't want to see that pain in her eyes."

Natahimik siya. Iyon ang ginawa niya na habang-buhay niyang pagsisisihan kahit pa maayos na sila ni Happy. He would never forget the pain he caused her and he would do his best not to make her feel that way again. 

It was a lesson learned. A very terrifying one. 

"I know how much she cares for me..." Kane whispered. "And now I know why. Noon tinatanong ko pa ang sarili ko kung bakit ganoon niya ako alagaan at protektahan, ngayon alam ko na. She felt it too—like how I felt it. Our blood connection. Akala ko noon, ganoon lang talaga 'yon, kasi mabait siya. But I see how she treats me and King. It's different. And I keep asking why. Now I know..." Bumaling ito sa kanya. "Is she okay?"

Tumango si Blaze. "She is. Nag-aalala lang siya sa iyo. Lahat kami nag-aalala sa iyo. I mean, we all know how good you are at fighting but out here in the world, alone, it's different. Ayaw naming mag-isa ka kasi nandito naman kami. We don't want you alone and lonely. And of course, we need you—the whole family needs you. So... uwi na tayo?"

Kane looked at the horizon again before speaking. "This beach is very beautiful. I want to come back here again... with Mom this time." 

That made him smile. "Mukhang nakatulong sa iyo ang mag-isa ng ilang araw. Nakapag-isip-isip ka na."

Tumango si Kane. "Hinihintay ko lang na may sumundo sa akin... kung mayroon. I let those cameras caught me so Yrozz can track me—if he is tracking me," sabi nito na parang nahihiya. "Umalis kasi ako at nahiya akong bumalik. I was afraid that because I left, the door is not open for me anymore."

"The door will always be open for you, buddy," sabi niya saka ginulo ang buhok nito. "Keep that in mind."

Kane smiled at the vast horizon in front of them before glancing at him. "This is a very uncomfortable question but I have to ask. I heard you refer to me as your 'son' when we were trying to save Mom... so... ahm, after what you learned about me... am I still your son?"

Mahina siyang tumawa, saka tumango. "Just don't call me daddy and we're good."

Kane chuckled too. "It'll be very uncomfortable to call you that."

"Very uncomfortable," sang-ayon niya. "But in here..." He tapped his chest where his heart was located. "You are like my son. I don't care if you're as tall as me and you're just a few years younger than I am. You're my son," sabi niya, saka tumayo at inilahad ang kamay kay Kane. "Come on, buddy, let's go home."

Tinanggap ni Kane ang kamay niya, saka tumayo ito. Their simple handshake turned into a forearm handshake. 

Kane gripped his forearm tightly. "Thank you... for coming to get me."

"Anytime," sabi niya, saka tinapik ang balikat nito. 

Kapagkuwan ay namulsa si Kane. "Are we driving home?"

Itinuro niya ang kotse na ipinahiram ni Uncle Klaus. They were not supposed to drive because they didn't have a driver's license here, but Uncle Klaus had lots of connections and he made it happen. 

"That's our car," sabi niya. 

"It's a nineteen-hour drive home," paalala ni Kane sa kanya. "It's gonna be a long ride."

He smiled. "Looks like we'll have our very own bonding session. You, me and..." Tumingin siya sa kotse kung saan nasa loob ang kakambal niya. "My twin, Blake."

Sumama ito sa kanya kasi ayaw nitong mag-isa siya sa biyahe. They tracked Kane via car because they were following his movements. Maayos naman na ang lagay ni Lucky at kasama nito ang mommy niya sa kuwarto. Ito muna kasi ang magbabantay kay Lucky habang wala si Blake. 

He joked at Blake and told him he just missed him. And when Blake said yes, it made him laugh out loud. 

"I don't think your twin likes me, Your Highness," sabi ni Kane na may pagkailang. "He doesn't talk to me much."

"Then let's change that," sabi niya, saka inakbayan si Kane at iginiya patungo sa kotse. "By the way, wala ka bang gustong daanan bago tayo umalis? Your things in the hotel maybe?"

Umiling ito. "I didn't have much."

"Okay." 

Nang makalapit sila sa kotse, lumabas ng driver's seat si Blake at nakapamaywang na humarap kay Kane. 

Napailing na lang si Blaze. His twin could really make someone uncomfortable. 

"Blakey, this is Kane, as you know," pormal na pagpapakilala niya sa dalawa. "And Kane, this is my twin brother, Blake. Talk to him, Blakey."

"Kane..." sabi ni Blake, saka inilahad ang kamay. "The one who bombed my house."

Napatigil ang kamay ni Kane na sana ay tatanggapin ang pakikipagkamay ng kakambal niya. "I offered to pay it but His Highness..." Itinuro siya nito. "Said you'll take care of it after a lot of angry talking."

Blake was so serious and then the next second he was smiling at Kane. "Relax, I'm just kidding." Ito na ang kumuha sa kamay ni Kane para magkamay ang dalawa. "Come on, let's go home. I miss my baby already. Get in the car."

"I call shotgun," sabay nilang sabi ni Kane. 

Gusto niyang umiling at makipag-agawan kay Kane. That was his seat when Blakey was the one driving. He never, never rode on the backseat. 

But it was Kane so...
 "Fine. I'll seat on the backseat."

Napatigil si Blake sa pagsakay sa kotse, saka gulat na nilingon niya. "The fuck? You? Giving up the shotgun seat?"

He shrugged. "He's sort of my son, so yeah."

Blake chuckled. "You're making me proud, Blaze." Tinapik pa nito ang balikat niya. "Good job."

Natatawang napailing siya, saka sumakay na sa backseat habang si Kane naman ay nakasakay na sa passenger seat at inaayos ang seat belt. 

"So, kiddo," sabi ni Blake habang nagmamaneho na ito at nasa daan na sila. "How old are are you and why are you being babied by everyone?"

Nagkibit-balikat si Kane. "Ang alam ko, twenty-eight na ako. I'm basing my age from what the fourth Arkhon had told me before."

"What if he lied about that too?" tanong niya. "I mean, he gave you a new identity and changing your age is part of it, I guess?"

Kane shrugged. "I think he did. Napag-isip-isip ko kasi na kung nangyari 'yon sa mommy ko pagkatapos niyang ibigay si Mom kay Sir Dominick, kung ganoon dapat taon ang agwat ng edad namin ni Mom. One to two years would be precised... not months." 

"No worries," sabi niya, saka tinapik ang balikat ni Kane. "Yrozz and Uncle Ruthgar are already doing their best to dig up the fourth Arkhon's kept secrets."

Bumuga ng marahas na hininga si Kane. "My life is messed up. I don't even know if Kane really my real name is."

"We feel 
yah
, kid," sabi ni Blake na napapailing na napapangiti. "Our life was a mess as well. Akala naming dalawa hindi na kami makakaahon pa. But God is good. Have faith in Him. He'll give you the happiness you deserve. But while waiting, make yourself better, make yourself smile and stronger so when God graces you with happiness and everything you ever wanted and needed, you're ready to accept it with all of you."

What Blake said made Blaze smile. Blake finally believed in God—because of Lucky. After so many years. It made him happy to hear Blake talked about God and faith. And he just knew what to say in situations like this. 

This was why he idolized his twin. In secret, of course. He had always wanted to be like Blake. Always responsible and strong-willed. 

"Thank you," sabi ni Kane sa kakambal niya. 

Blake nodded. "You're welcome. And since you're my twin's 'sort of son,' then you are my 'sort of nephew.' It's uncomfortable—awkward even—but I'll manage."

Mahinang natawa si Blaze, saka nahiga sa backseat. "This is gonna be a long drive. Sana pala nag-airplane na lang tayo."

"Come on, Blaze, long rides like this are fun," sabi ng kakambal niya. "Don't you think so?" 

"Yeah, yeah," sabi niya, saka kinuha ang kutsilyo na nasa gilid ng boots niya at nilaro-laro 'yon, "Blakey?"

"Yep?"

"Ilang buwan na ang tiyan ni Lucky?" tanong niya. 

"Nearing four. Si Happy?"

"Nearing two." Napangiti siya. "Damn, halos magiging magkaedad lang ang anak natin. How cool is that?"

Natawa si Blake. "Yeah... it's cool. Pero wala pa rin kaming pangalan na maisip ni Lucky."

"Kami rin." He kept on moving the knife around his fingers. "Happy said she'll name our baby because she's the one who'll feel the pain of giving birth."

"Lucky said the same thing," natatawang sabi ni Blake. 

He and Blake tsked at the same time before murmuring, "Sisters." 

Natahimik ang buong sasakyan hanggang sa magsalita si Kane. 

"I saw on TV that there are things we can do while in a long drive." 

Blaze chuckled. Kane was bored. "Blakey, mag-isip ka nga ng laro. 'Yong hindi pambata, ha?"

Blake was silent for a moment before speaking. "How about Truth and Lies?"

"Paano 'yon laruin?" puno ng kuryusidad na tanong ni Kane kay Blake habang siya ay nakikinig lang sa dalawa. 

"Magsasabi ka sa amin ng tatlong bagay tungkol sa iyo, ang dalawa totoo, ang isa hindi totoo at pipili kami sa tatlong 'yon kung saan ang hindi totoo."

"That's boring," he commented. 

"Oh..." Kane sounded intrigued, "I like that. It's like a game to know each other. I'll go first!" He's excited. "Ahm... I like movies. I like beaches and I like silence."

Napabangon si Blaze sa mga ibinigay ng choices ni Kane, saka humawak sa gilid ng driver at passenger seat at sinilip si Kane. "Buddy, that's easy. Say something else. 'Yong mahirap hulaan."

"But it's not easy," Kane argued. 

"I like movies," pili niya sa mga sinabi nito. "That one. That's the lie. You like TV shows not movies. So, again, come on. Blake can read you because he's a psych so, make it strong." 

"Ahm..." Kane took a deep breath. "I like pizza, I like songs and I like rain."

Blake chuckled before glancing at him. "He has a very simple mind. Still not tainted."

Napailing siya. "The lie is I like rain," sagot niya. 

Kane looks stunned. "How did you know, Your Highness?"

Napailing siya. "Walang mangyayari sa laro na gusto mo. Kilala na namin ni Blake ang isa't isa at simple kang mag-isip masyado. Wala 'yong patutunguhan." Inabot niya ang stereo, saka ini-on 'yon, "Let's listen to some shit." 

Natigilan silang tatlo nang sa halip na kanta ang marinig ay ungol ng babae ang pumuno sa sasakyan. 

"The fuck?!" Mabilis niyang ini-stop ang player, saka pinindot ang 
open
 para makita kung anong klaseng DVD ang nasa loob. "Holy shit..."

In shock, Blake pulled over to look at the DVD. "That's a porn."

Tumango siya, saka nakatanga pa rin sa DVD. "Look at the name written on the cover."

Kane and Blake read the name out loud and the date below it.  

"Owned by Von Per. March 19, 2001."

Blake let out a loud sigh. "Wow... this is just TMI." 

Tumango siya, saka ipinasok niya uli 'yon sa player pero hindi na ini-on. Makakatay sila ng mga asawa nila kapag nagkataon. 

"Is porn that bad?" tanong ni Kane. 

"Depends," sagot ni Blake na bumalik na sa pagmamaneho. "Bakit? Hindi ka pa ba nakakapanood ng porn?"

Umiling si Kane. "I was busy fighting and training to watch those porn things."

"He's a virgin," bulong niya sa kakambal na napatango-tango naman. 

"Oh... that's why you're the baby of the family. Damn... to be that innocent again." Sinulyapan nito si Kane. "Ano ba ang alam mo? Have you been kissed on the lips before? Like torrid?"

Umiling si Kane. 

"How about masturbate? Come on." Blake was like a therapist in session. "We're all guys here. Own up."

Umiling uli si Kane. 

He and Blake were shocked. He expected that much from Kane. 

"Seriously?!" sabay nilang tanong ng kakambal.

"Kahit nakakita ka ng magandang babae, hindi tumitigas 'yan?" Blake looked so bothered, it made Blaze laugh. 

"Tumitigas naman," sabi ni Kane sa walang emosyong boses. "Pero 'yon lang."

Talagang itinigil uli ni Blake ang sasakyan sa gilid ng kalsada para lang kausapin si Kane. "Haven't you tried touching it, up and down, to release the pressure?"

Umiling si Kane. "If the woman is pretty, tumitigas siya pero kapag naiisip ko na baka Triad siya, nawawala na kasi ayoko sa Triad." 

Blake looked at him, he was shaken. To the core. 

"Paano pala kung hindi siya Triad?" tanong niya kay Kane. 

Kane just shrugged. 

Blake let out a loud breath before driving the car again. "Fuck, Kane, you're really innocent. Hindi ako madaling magulat, pero 'tang-ina, ibang level ang kainosentehan mo."

"And I want to stay like this so Mom will not change how she treats me," sabi ni Kane, saka bumuntong-hininga. "Natatakot akong magbago ang trato niya sa akin. I really like how she treats me. It makes me feel special and loved."

"Kiddo, a time will come that you have to grow up," wika ni Blake. "You have to be ready for that. And don't worry about Happy, she's an amazing woman. She will understand that you have to grow up and she will love you the same. Because that's family. We support them as they grow."

Humalukipkip si Kane. "I'll choose being babied than watching porn."

Blake tsked. "If that's the case. We have to find you a woman who would baby you and fuck you at the same time." 

Natawa na lang si Blaze, saka bumalik sa pagkakahiga sa backseat. Blake was really into helping Kane grow up. Siya, ayaw niya muna. Baka masakal siya ng asawa niya na parang ayaw matuto si Kane sa kaberdehan ng mundo. 

"But I don't know how to fuck," sabi ni Kane. 

Panay lang ang tawa ni Blaze habang seryosong nag-uusap ang dalawa sa unahan ng sasakyan. 

"That's easy," sabi ni Blake na may diin pa. "Natututunan 'yan. We will buy you porn videos and magazine and you will be an expert in no time. Blaze and I will help you—"

Blaze made a loud noise. "Count me out, Blakey! I don't want to sleep outside the room."

"Fine. I will help you. In some way only because I'm married. Pasasamahan kita kay Lyf." Blake sounded serious and when he was like that, he really was serious. The last time he used that tone was when he told him he would drop out to support him in med school.

"But I don't want to," parang bata na sabi ni Kane. 

"Don't say that!" his brother hissed. "We just have to find the perfect woman for you."

"I don't want to!"

Blaze closed her eyes and let the two argue. Gustong-gusto ni Blake na tulungan si Kane pero ayaw naman ni Kane. Nakakatawang pakinggan ang dalawa pero inaantok siya. 

Blaze fell asleep on the back, when he woke up, it was already dark outside, the car was still moving. 

Bumangon siya, saka sumilip sa rearview mirror. Blake was driving and Kane was asleep. 

"Let's switch," sabi niya sa kakambal. "You need to sleep."

"Huwag na. Ako na. Kaya ko pa naman," sabi ni Blake habang nakatutok ang mata sa daan. "Pahinga ka na lang diyan."

Napatitig siya sa likod ng kakambal. 

This was Blake. His big brother. Always spoiling him in subtle ways. 

"Blakey, ako na," may diin niyang sabi. "I'm not a kid anymore. May asawa na nga ako. I can manage."

"I know that," sabi nito. "Pero kahit pa may asawa ka na o magkaroon pa tayo ng puting buhok, I will always be your big brother and it's my job to make you comfortable. So stay there and let me do my job that I hadn't done for months."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "What are you talking about?"

Humigpit ang hawak nito sa manibela. "You think it's easy letting you go to war alone? Letting you fight without me? This is the simplest thing I have done for you for months now, so let me!"

Lalong lumalim ang gatla sa noo niya. "Are you... are you 
PMS-ing
?"

"Fuck you. I'm serious here."

Napailing si Blaze. "Okay lang ako, Blakey. At least I learn to stand and fight without you by my side. At least now, I don't depend on you anymore and it's a good thing—"

"For you, yes." Blake cut him off. "But for me? Don't you think I didn't miss my brother?"

His face said it all. He was confused as fuck! "Why are you being like this, Blakey? You miss me this much?" biro niya. 

Blake tsked. "Baka nakakalimutan mo, ito ang unang beses na nagkahiwalay tayo nang matagal."

Blaze chuckled. The emotional side of Blake that he seldom showed. "Sorry, I got busy."

"You seldom call." Nanunumbat na ito. 

"Sorry."

"Nakalimutan mo na ako simula nang pumasok si Happy sa buhay mo."

Doon siya malakas na natawa. "
Aww
, Blakey, that was my line with you and baby girl before."

He glared at him through the rearview mirror. "Don't—Just stop calling my baby, baby girl! I'll stab you!"

Naalimpungatan si Kane dahil sa ingay nila ni Blake. 

"Are we there yet?" inaantok pang tanong ni Kane sa kanila. 

He and Blake tapped Kane's shoulder together, hoping it would make him fall asleep again like how a baby would respond. 

"Go back to sleep, Kane," sabi niya. 

"Okay," sabi ni Kane, saka natulog na uli. 

Napailing si Blake. "Because of Kane, you feel like an adult, yeah?"

Tumango siya. "It's like I have to be better because I'm one of the people he looks up to."

"That's how I always felt with you," sabi ni Blake, saka mas binilisan ang pagmamaneho. "I have to be always better because I have you who look up to me."

"You are more than better, Blakey," sabi niya, saka isinandal ang katawan sa likod ng backseat. "The best brother anyone can have."

"Okay. Shut up now," sabi ni Blake na ikinatawa niya. "Matulog ka na."

He was going to sleep but Kane was awake and talking. Hindi siya nakatulog at sumali na lang siya sa usapan ng dalawa. 

Blake was still forcing Kane to watch porn and Kane kept rejecting Blake's idea. And then how to have sex and all that shit. Hindi lang 'yon, umabot din sila sa usapang kung paano mag-masturbate. Ayaw talagang tantanan ni Blake si Kane siguro dahil feeling kuya na naman ang kakambal niya. 

That's how he is. Always the big brother. 

Nakabalik sila sa Pennsylvania, wala pa rin silang maayos na tulog na tatlo, lalo na si Blake na ayaw magpatulong sa pagmamaneho at panay ang bangayan nito at si Kane tungkol na naman sa sex. Hindi magkasundo ang dalawa. 

He, Kane and Blake all yawned as they stepped out from the car. 

"Kane, as I told you in the car again and again and again—"

"I don't want to!" Parang batang nagmamaktol si Kane, saka parang humihingi ng tulong na nagtago sa likuran niya. "I change my mind, Your Highness, I don't want him talking to me!"

Napailing siya, saka natawa at inakbayan si Kane. "Come on, let's go inside. Your mom is waiting."

Nagpagiya naman sa kanya si Kane patungo sa pinto. 

Nang makapasok sila sa kabahayan, lahat nasa sala, naghihintay kay Kane, maliban kay Happy. 

Lahat ay yumakap kay Kane at tinapik ang balikat nito. 

And when it was Daddy Dom's turn to greet Kane, he stared at Kane for a long minute before smiling softly "Sunshine's son... God... you were under my nose all this time. Kelleon is such a motherfucker. I really need to talk to that son of a bitch."

Kane looked down. "I'm sorry for leaving like that. I didn't mean to make you all feel bad and worried."

"Ayos lang 'yon, bunso," sabi ni Daddy Dominick at niyakap si Kane bago tinapik ang balikat. "Ang mahalaga, bumalik ka na. I promise, I'll take care of you. Kahit man lang sa paraang 'yon, makabawi ako sa mommy mo."

Kane's face saddened. "If there is one thing I remember about my mom besides her face, it's the hatred in her eyes every time she looked at me. Sa tingin ko, hindi niya magugustuhan na aalagaan n'yo—mo ako."

"Bunso." Ginulo ni Daddy Dom ang buhok ni Kane. "Inaalagaan ko ang pamilya ko, at pamilya kita. Kaya hayaan mo akong alagaan ka, okay?"

Tumango na lang si Kane at hindi nakipag-argumento. "Si Mom?"

"Nasa kuwarto niya. She's in total bed rest."

Tumango uli si Kane, saka tahimik na umakyat ng hagdan. Agad naman niya itong sinundan hanggang sa walang imik itong kumatok at pumasok sa kuwarto. 

Nang makapasok si Kane sa kuwarto, pumasok din siya para alalayan sana ang asawa dahil kailangan ng katawan nito ng pahinga. Pero napangiti na lang siya at hindi na pinigilan si Happy nang makitang mabilis itong umalis ng kama at sinalubong ng yakap si Kane. 

"Kane..." Happy's eyes were filled with tears. "Thank you so much for coming back. Thank you... thank you..."

Kane just hugged Happy then he whispered, "I'm sorry for leaving, Mom. Ayoko lang na may masabi akong masama sa inyo kaya umalis na muna ako."

"It's okay. It's okay," sabi ni Happy na hinahagod ang likod ni Kane. "Ayos lang. Ang importante, nandito ka na. Na-miss kita."

"I missed you too, Mom."

Happy looked at him and mouthed "thank you" and "I love you" to him. 

"I love you too," he mouthed back at his baby. 

Ilang segundo pang nagyakap ang dalawa bago iginiya ni Kane pabalik sa kama si Happy. Siya naman at inalalayan paupo sa kama ang asawa. 

She needed a total bedrest for two weeks for the baby and for her body to recover. 

"Ayos ka lang ba?" agad na tanong ni Happy kay Kane, saka bumaling sa kanya. "How about you? Are you feeling okay? Napagod ka ba?"

Umiling siya, saka humiga sa kama, sa tabi nito habang nakaupo ito. "I'm fine, baby. Magpapalambing lang ako, pero mamaya na."

Napangiti ang asawa niya, saka ibinalik ang atensiyon kay Kane. "Ayos ka lang ba?"

Kane nodded. "I'm okay."

Hinawakan nito ang kamay ni Kane. "Hindi ko 'to nasabi sa iyo kasi umalis ka agad, pero, gusto kong malaman mo na nothing has changed, okay? I'm still your mom... you're still my baby. And we're family. I know that your memory with your mom was not good so I will do my best to be a good mom to you and we'll create good memories together, okay?"

Tumango si Kane. "Salamat dahil kahit wala akong magandang memorya sa mommy ko, hindi na ako ganoon kaapektado ngayon, tulad noon. Siguro dahil pinunan mo lahat ng pagkukulang niya. Dahil ipinaramdam mo sa akin lahat ng hindi ko naramdaman sa kanya. I just wished that I meet you sooner. I wouldn't have mind having a big sister whom I will call mom."

Happy was crying again as she hugged Kane and conversed with him. Hinayaan niya lang ang asawa niya. He knew how emotional pregnant women could get. At alam niyang pinaglilihian nito si Kane kaya hinayaan niya ang dalawa na mag-usap. 

But Kane had to leave because Uncle Klaus came to get him because Daddy Dom wanted to speak with him. 

Humaba ang nguso ni Happy. "Baby, kinuha na naman nila sa akin si Kane ko."

Natawa na lang siya, saka inalalayan ito pahiga at hinalikan sa noo habang magkatabi sila. "Babalik naman agad si Kane mo. As of now, si Blaze mo naman ang lambingin mo."

Natawa itong tumagilid at yumakap sa kanya. "Napapabayaan ko na ba ang asawa ko?" malambing nitong tanong. 

Tumango siya, saka ibinaon ang mukha sa leeg ng asawa. "I miss just being with you, dating and just you know, chilling. Hindi na natin nagagawa 'yon."

"
Aww
, my husband feels neglected." Hinalik-halikan siya ni Happy sa noo, sa pisngi saka sa mga labi. 

Mainit na silang naghahalikan ng asawa at gusto na niya itong hubaran pero pinutol niya ang halikan nila, saka niyakap na lang ito nang mahigpit. 

"You need a total bed rest," sabi niya na hinihingal at kinokontrol ang libido na hindi siya lamunin nang buo. "Babawi ako. Pangako." 

Mahinang natawa si Happy, saka niyakap siya nang masuyo, "I love you, Blazey. So much. Thank you for staying with me through all this mess. You're a godsend."

"What can I say?" He smiled smugly at her. "I'm an awesome husband."

"Yeah." Happy placed a kiss on his lips. "I agree." 

Mahina siyang tumawa, saka hinalik-halikan ang leeg ng asawa na naputol ng bigla na lang bumukas ang pinto at walang sabi-sabing pumasok si King. 

"Young Miss..." Deretso itong nagsalita. "Master Dominick wants you in my dad's study. Right now."

Pareho silang napabangon ni Happy at kumunot ang noo. 

"Why?" Happy asked. 

"It's about Kane."

Nang marinig nila ang pangalan ni Kane, mabilis na bumangon si Blaze at maingat na pinangko ang asawa, saka pinaupo sa wheelchair dahil kailangan talaga nito ng pahinga. Itinulak niya iyon patungo sa pribadong opisina ng ama ni King na si Daddy Dom ang gumagamit pansamantala. 

It was in the same floor, so it was easy to get there.

Tahimik lang si Happy habang tulak-tulak niya ang wheelchair na kinalululanan nito. Nang makarating sila at makapasok, agad na ngumiti si Daddy Dom.

"Come in, princess."

Blaze stopped the wheelchair a meter away from Daddy Dom's table where the old man was sitting on a swivel chair. Nakaupo naman ang ibang Team Oldies sa sofa na nasa loob din ng opisina. 

Blake was there as well, beside their father. Kane and the others were not present.

"Ruthgar here is an international lawyer. Hindi lang halata," sabi ng ama ni Happy. "Ruthgar, tell my daughter what you and Yrozz found out about Kane?"

Uncle Ruthgar immediately spoke. "Kane's mother didn't give him a name after she gave birth to him. It was the fourth Arkhon who gave him his name and surname. And the age, Kane is not twenty-eight but twenty-seven. The fourth Arkhon changed the age so no one can find him and he can lie to Kane about it. I don't know why the fourth Arkhon did what he did, but that's all I know."

That's just so cruel. 

"And?" tanong ni Happy sa magalang na boses. "What can I do for my Kane?"

Walang paligoy-ligoy na nagsalita si Daddy Dom. "I called you here because I want to adopt Kane. I asked Lucky and she said yes, I called Clev on the phone and he agreed as well. Desisyon mo na lang ang hinihintay ko."

Nagkibit-balikat si Happy. "Ayos lang naman sa akin. Kung ano'ng makakabuti para kay Kane, doon ako."

Daddy Dom nodded. "He needs a family whom he can call his own. Legally. Kaya ginagawa ko 'to. And I have to adopt him for inheritance purposes as well. Is that okay with you?"

Happy nodded. "Dad, I'm married to a prince. Blaze's inheritance from Daddy Von is already too much for us."

His cheeks literally hit up at what Happy said. Ito ang unang beses na sinabi nitong prinsipe siya. Fuck! He thought she would never bring it up and now she did and he was fucking blushing! 

So embarrassing!

To be called a prince by his wife and the pride in her voice when she said it, the feeling was overwhelming. 

"Dahan-dahan lang, princess," sabi ni Daddy Dom na nangingiting nakatingin sa kanya. "Nagba-blush ang asawa mo."

Happy immediately looked at him and smiled. "Totoo naman ang sinabi ko, 'di ba? I'm married to a prince."

His face heat up even more. 
Fuck this! Fuck! Stop embarrassing me, face! Fuck! 

Nilingon ni Happy ang ama. "'Di ba, Daddy Von, I'm right? I'm married to a prince."

His father smiled. "Yes, Happy. You are, since I already registered them as my sons. He is now officially Prince Blaze Vitale." 

Blake tsked. "Nagtataasan ang mga balahibo ko."

Happy looked at him again. "Stop blushing, you're being so cute. Gusto mo halikan kita?"

He stayed silent and unmoving while still blushing. Not making eye contact to anyone but his wife. 

He was caught off guard! 
Fuck it!
 

"Okay, let's continue our conversation before Prince Blaze blush like a girl here," sabi ni Daddy Dom, saka tumingin kay Happy. "Naipaliwanag ko na kay Kane kanina no'ng nandito siya at kinausap ko kung bakit gusto ko siyang i-adopt pero ayaw niya."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Happy. "Bakit daw?"

Daddy Dom answered. "He said he want the bond between you and him to be stronger, but this doesn't feel like this is a right thing for him. It doesn't feel right to him and he can't see him self as Kane Quinn."

Daddy Dom sighed after speaking and he looked at Happy like he was asking for assistance to change Kane's mind. 

"Well, ahm..." Parang hindi rin alam ni Happy ang sasabihin. "I, ahm, I respect Kane's decision. Huwag na lang natin siyang pilitin, Daddy. Puwede naman tayong maging pamilya kahit walang ganito."

"I want to legalize everything, princess," sabi ni Daddy Dom sa seryosong boses. 

"Then put him in your will," Happy suggested. 

Daddy Dom sighed very heavily. "He doesn't want to be added and I don't want to force him. At kung ipilit ko man, tatanggihan niya 'yon panigurado at masasayang lang ang lahat. Hindi niya 'yon gagamitin, sigurado ako kasi nga ayaw niya. Pero may naisip na akong ibang paraan."

"Ano 'yon?" tanong ni Happy. 

"I will give you Kane's share of inheritance and you will give it to him." Daddy Dom smiled. "Siguradong hindi ka niya tatanggihan kasi masasaktan ka. Kane loves his mom."

Nagkatinginan sila ni Happy, parehong naguguluhan. 

"P-paano?" tanong ni Happy. 

"Ruthgar," sabi ng ama ni Happy na nakangiti. "Take over."

Uncle Ruthgar looked at Happy. "Since we're in Pennsylvania, the law is in our favor. There are no age gap required so we can do it."

"Do what exactly?" Happy asked again. 

"You will adopt Kane and give him his inheritance," sabi ng ama ni Happy.

Everyone was silent, he and Happy were shocked. 

But Happy quickly recovered and asked, "What do I need do to make it happen?" 

Hindi sinagot ni Daddy Dom si Happy, sa halip ay tumingin ito sa kanya. "Blaze, think about it thoroughly before you agree with your wife." He was very serious. "I'm doing this because I want that kid to have a family of his own. Not that we're not family here but I want him to have a home. For Kane, he's with us but this is a house for him, not a home. But if you adopt him and take him in, he will consider your house a home to go to, a home that he deserves... Just think about it since you two are the closest to him." Daddy Dom looked at him in the eyes. "Especially you, Blaze. Kane will carry your surname if you say yes to this."

Blaze was silent. He was thinking about what Daddy Dom said. About Kane having a home that he deserved.

"It's tough, isn't it?" tanong ni Daddy Dom sa kanya kapagkuwan. "Madali lang sabihing 'anak ko to' pero minsan, napakahirap n'ong panindigan—"

"Kapag pumayag si Kane, papayag ako," sabi niya. "Hindi naman namin basta desisyon 'to. He's old enough to decide for himself. Kung gusto niya, bukas ang pamilyang bubuuin namin ni Happy para sa kanya."

Blake actually got up from where he was seated to give him a quick hug and a tap on the shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Blazey. You have balls now."

Mahina siyang natawa. "If the law permits and if it's okay with Kane, why not?" Pinagsalikop niya ang kamay nila ni Happy. "He's already our son in our hearts so... this doesn't really change anything. Kung papayag si Kane, payag ako. Right, baby?"

Happy nodded, her eyes filled with tears and gratitude for him that confused him. 

"Bakit ka umiiyak?" tanong niya, saka lumuhod sa sahig para maging magka-level sila at tinuyo niya ang luha nito. "Tama na ang iyak. Maaapektuhan niyan si baby."

Happy immediately tried to stop. "Masaya lang ako kasi pumayag ka na hindi kita pinapakiusapan o pinipilit. It's a big deal for me, Blazey. Thank you."

"Hey..." Hinalikan niya sa pisngi ang asawa. "In my heart, Kane is my son too. Wala namang magbabago. Magiging legal lang pero pareho lang din naman. And Kane Vitale has a ring to it, right?" 

Happy chuckled while nodding.

Sumabad si Daddy Von. "Since he will inherit everything from you, Blaze, he will also be given a title. He's gonna be Prince Kane Vitale." 

"It fits," sabay na sabi nila ni Blake at sabay silang natawa. 

"Klaus, got get Kane so we can ask him if he wants to be adopted or not," sabi ng ama ni Happy. 

Agad namang tumalima si Uncle Klaus pero hindi ito nakalayo. Dahil bukas ang pinto mula pa kanina nang pumasok sila, nakita nilang napatigil sa paglalakad si Uncle Klaus nang makalabas ito ng pinto at napatitig sa kung sino man na nasa gilid ng pinto na natatago sa kanila. 

Blaze frowned when Uncle Klaus spoke, his face softening at someone behind the side of the door. "I think it's a yes."

Nang magtama ang mga mata nila ni King na nasa labas ng pinto, nagtanong siya rito. 

"What is it?" he mouthed at King. 

King mouthed back. "It's Kane."

Sa sinabi ni King, maingat pero mabilis niyang pinaikot ang wheelchair ni Happy, saka tinulak 'yon palabas ng kuwarto. 

What he saw actually made his heart tighten. 

Nakaupo si Kane sa sahig at nakasandal sa pader, sa tabi ng hamba ng pinto. Nakapikit ang mga mata nito habang nakatingala at may luhang umaagos sa mga mata. 

"Kane..." Happy dried Kane's tears. "Hey... why are you crying?"

"I heard everything." Finally, Kane opened his eyes and looked at them with so much gratitude. "Thank you... thank you so much..." Then he knelt and just buried his face on Happy's folded knees. 

Nilapitan niya si Kane, saka tinapik ang balikat nito at ginulo ang buhok. "Come on, buddy, let's talk inside."

Kane dried his damp cheeks before glancing up at him. "Thank you."

He smiled. "Just don't forget our talk, buddy. Don't call me dad. I'll kick your ass."

Kane smiled that turned into a full laugh. "I won't... it's awkward for me too."

"Good. Come on. Let's settle this."

Tumango si Kane, saka tumingin kay Happy. "Thank you. I said no to Sir Dominick because it doesn't feel right... but this one... it feels right to me. You feel right to me, Mom. So thank you... for accepting me for I am since the beginning until now—"

"Until I took my last breath, Kane." Happy interjected. "I will accept you. Always. Keep that in mind, okay?"

"Even if I watch porn you will still accept me and treat me the same?" Kane asked making him face palm while Happy looked at him darkly. 

"It's Blake," wika niya. 

"Nope," biglang laglag sa kanya si Blake na nasa labas na ng pino. "It's Blaze."

But Kane had his back and pointed Blake. "It's him."

Nilingon ni Happy si Blake at tiningnan nang masama. "Don't taint my baby!"

"That's a big baby and he needs to grow up," Blake answered. 

Lalong sumama ang tingin ni Happy kay Blake na naging dahilan para tumaas ang dalawang kamay ng kakambal na parang sumusuko. 

"Fine, fine, hindi na. But..." Blake looked at Kane. "If you're ready to watch porn, tell me, I'll send you to Lyf ASAP—"

"Blake!" Happy hissed. 

Blake chuckled before shaking his head. "So protective."

"Of course, panganay ko siya," inis na sabi ni Happy. 

Blake sighed. "Oo na. You two are adopting a big baby. Literally," sabi nito na ang tinutukoy ay si Kane. "But salute to both of you. Hindi lahat gagawin ang ginawa n'yo. You have my respect." Then he looked at him. "You finally used your balls. I'm proud that you turn out like this... that means I raised you well."

Blaze smiled. Yes, Blake raised him well. Mula noong bata pa sila, si Blake na ang kasama niya palagi. Lalo na nang mawala ang ina nila. Blake was not just his twin but also his mother and father, all at the same time. 

That was why he really idolized him. 
Just in secret though.

"Come on," sabi ni Uncle Ruthgar. "I'll tell you what to do to make it happen."

Agad namang tumayo si Kane at pumasok na sila uli sa study ni Uncle Klaus. 

And as Uncle Ruthgar read to them their responsibilities, Kane's rights, what to do, things to know about the adoption process, what to expect and a lot more, Blaze didn't feel even just an ounce of regret. 

His decision to adopt Kane together with Happy actually felt fulfilling... he felt like he did the right thing. And he knew he did. Kane was family— this time, not just emotionally, but also, legally.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 62

CHAPTER 62

IN JUST TWO WEEKS, the Quinn's mansion was renovated to its glory again. There were two workers, the day and the night shift. Kaya mabilis lang na natapos ang bahay nila. Tumulong din si Racini para sa seguridad ng bahay nila mula sa gate at sa pader na nakapalibot hanggang sa loob. Hindi talaga nito tinantanan ang bahay nila hangga't hindi nito aprubado ang security system. 

And Phoenix came as well to help secure the house. Just for a couple of days. Ayaw kasi nitong mawalay sa asawa nang matagal. 

And now, Mommy Beth, Daddy Von and Bailey went home to the Philippines together with Phoenix and Niccolo to fix the house there too and the security system as well. 

Blake and Lucky stayed in Pennsylvania because her sister needed to be well taken care of. But now instead of staying in the hospital, Lucky was staying in the house and only trusted doctors could enter their home. 

Samantalang hindi rin sila umuwi ni Blaze sa Pilipinas dahil napagkasunduan nilang samahan sina Blake at Lucky sa Pennsylvania. Ayaw nilang maghiwalay na apat. Ayaw ng kambal maghiwalay at ayaw rin niyang mahiwalay kay Lucky pagkatapos ng mga nangyari.  

Si Yrozz naman ay pansamantala munang umuwi dahil may aayusin lang daw ito, si Uncle Ruthgar ay kasama pa rin nila sa bahay kasi wala naman itong pamilya na uuwian kaya nag-offer siya na sa kanila na lang ito tumira. Si Uncle Vent ay bumalik na muna sa Russia dahil miss na raw nito ang asawa. Sumama naman dito sina Lyf at Deth pero nangakong babalik agad. 

Thankfully, the Triad had been silent but their plan to end them continued through out every continent. Hindi lang sila personal na gumagalaw tulad noong una na personal ang labanan dahil kay Helena at sa mga pinaggagagawa nito pero patuloy pa rin nilang nilalabanan ang Triad. 

At si Happy pa rin ang nagdedesisyon sa lahat. 

The first Arkhon went off grid again, much to her disappointment. 

Kaya ngayon, hindi na sanay si Happy na walang maingay sa paligid. Kaya naninibago siya na kaunti lang sila sa bago nilang bahay at kulang na ng ingay. 

It was just her and Blaze, Blake and Lucky, her father and Mommy Henreitta, sometimes Clever would visit, King was always in their house of course and Uncle Klaus, then Uncle Ruthgar... and of course, her baby, Kane. 

Thanks to Uncle Ruthgar and her father and Uncle Klaus' connections, the adoption didn't take sixty to nine days like the usual. It only took more than a week to finalize everything and it was now settled. 

Kane was now their legally son and he was now officially Prince Kane Quinn Vitale much to his chagrin because King now called Kane "His Highness."

And when Happy asked her father about Kane's standing in their family, if he could inherit her title as an Arkhon, her father told her that Kane couldn't, much to her disappointment. Kane was her adopted son but not her first born. It had to be by blood, according to the Organòsi law. 

Her phone beeped, dragging her out from her reverie. 

Napangiti siya nang makita kung sino ang nag-text sa kanya. 

From: Kaney-baby

Mom, lunch is ready. I cooked it 
🤤

Natawa siya sa emoticon na ginamit nito. A drooling emoticon. Natututo na talaga si Kane. Dahil 'yon sa kakasama nito kay King at sa daddy niya minsan. 

Hmm... pero masarap kaya ang luto nito? 

King had been teaching Kane how to cook, same with Blaze. Pero mas may improvement pa ang anak niya kaysa sa asawa niyang muntik-muntikan na namang masunog ang kusina. Kaya ipinatigil na ng daddy niya baka raw mag-renovate na naman sila. 

"Yes, Mom." It was Blaze on the phone with Mommy Beth, stealing her attention.  

Pinakatitigan niya ang asawa na nakahubad-baro at naka-denim jeans lang, saka nakapaa habang nakatayo malapit sa sliding window at kausap ang ina. 

My husband really is a gorgeous man
, sa isip-isip niya habang pinagmamasdan ang asawa at nakikinig sa pakikipag-usap nito. 

"Yes, Mom... though it would be better if you make it four floors? Si Blake na lang kaya ang kausapin mo tungkol sa bahay? I know... I know... just remember, I need a whole floor for my family if we're gonna stay in one house."

Hindi na napigilan ni Happy ang sarili, nilapitan niya ang asawa.

"The whole floor is mine, Mom," sabi ni Blaze. "And I need four rooms in that floor with living room and some entertainment rooms. Yes, thank you, Mom. Bye. Love you too."

Nangingiting niyakap niya ang asawa sa baywang mula sa likuran, saka hinalikan ito sa batok. "Kumusta ang ipinapagawa nilang bahay sa Pilipinas?"

Blaze faced her and kissed her lips softly before answering her. "It's going well. I think."

"What's with the whole floor?" she asked while kissing Blaze softly on the lips. "And the four rooms?"

Blaze bit her lower lip. "The rooms. The master bedroom is for us. It's soundproofed of course, because my baby is a screamer."

Mahina siyang natawa sa sinabi nito. "That's because you're so good in bed and I can't help but scream."

"Hmm..." Hinalik-halikan ni Blaze ang leeg niya pababa sa dibdib niya, kapagkuwan ay bumalik na naman ito sa mga labi niya. "Then one room for Kane, of course. Then one for King, our butler. And the other room is for our baby's room." 

"Hmm..." Happy just hummed as she kissed him back with passion and need. 

Her hormones was at it again. 

Nagpaubaya na lang siya nang igiya siya ng asawa pabalik sa kama at ihiniga. Hinayaan niya itong hubaran siya at halikan ang hubad niyang katawan. 

"Baby..." Napasabunot siya sa buhok ni Blaze nang bumaba sa puson niya ang mga labi at dila nito. "Kane said lunch is ready. Maybe we should do this later—"

"Lunch can wait," sabi ni Blaze sa baritonong boses. "Let me eat you first. I need my dessert."

Umarko ang katawan ni Happy nang bumaba ang mga labi ng asawa sa gitnang bahagi ng hita niya, sa pagkababae niya at kinain nito 'yon. 

"Oh!" Napaungol na lang siya nang malakas habang iginagalaw ang balakang niya para ipagduldulan ang pagkababae sa bibig ng asawa. "Oh! Uhmm! Blazey... oh!"

Blaze licked and ate her wetness until she came. Hard. And then Blaze took her from behind. Ayaw na nitong angkinin siya na nakahiga siya at kukubabawan siya dahil baka raw maipit nito ang sinapupunan niya at madaganan. 

So, Blaze would always take her from behind and it always felt so good. 

Lalo na't hinahalikan ni Blaze ang likuran niya, pinaglalandas ang dila sa likod niya at kinakagat-kagat ang balikat at leeg niya habang nag-uurong-sulong ang kahabaan nito sa loob ng mainit at basa niyang pagkababae. 

"Ah! Blaze! Uhm!

Napahawak na lang sa bedsheet si Happy at ibinaon ang mukha sa unan habang sumisigaw sa sarap ng pag-angkin sa kanya ng asawa. 

Her moans muffled because of the pillow but Blaze whispered over her ear as he fucked her from behind. 

"Scream, baby," he whispered with his sexy deep baritone voice. 

Napatingala si Happy at doon kumawala ang mahaba at walang inhibisyon niyang ungol nang sagarin ng asawa niya ang kahaban nito sa kaibuturan ng pagkababae niya. 

Mas bumilis ang pag-angkin nito sa kanya. "Oh! Oh! Blaze!"

"Baby! baby! Oh! Fuck!" Blaze kept on hissing as he owned her body. "Baby—oh! Fuck! Fuck! You feel so good. Fuck."

Alam niyang malapit nang labasan ang asawa niya dahil mas nagiging marahas na ang bawat ulos nito na lalong nagpapawala sa kanya sa sarili sa sobrang sarap na nalalasap niya. 

"Oh! Oh! Blaze! Shit—uhm!"

Nakagat na lang ni Happy ang pang-ibabang labi nang maramdamang nilabasan na naman siya kasabay ng pagpuno ni Blaze ng katas sa sinapupunan niya. 

"Ohhh!" Mahaba siyang napaungol dahil sa sarap na lumukob sa buong pagkatao niya. "Oh... so good... I want more..." 

Because of what she said, Blaze rubbed his fingers on her clit and started finger fucking her from behind. 

One finger... then two and now, it was three. 

"Oh! Oh! Uhm! Blazey..."

Happy was losing her mind again as her husband pleasured her with his fingers. In and out. She kept on groaning and moaning and her legs were shaking in so much pleasure building on her belly. 

And then she felt his cock inside her again. Hard. Rough. And fucking her fast! 

Sunod-sunod na puno ng pagnanasang ungol na lumabas sa bibig niya habang inaangkin na naman siya ng asawa. At nang sabay silang nilabasan, napadaing siya sa sarap sa pakiramdam ng katas na ibinaon nito sa kanya. 

Blake licked her sweaty back before kissing her nape and asking. "More?"

Hinihingal na bumagsak ang katawan ni Happy sa kama, saka umiling. "Maybe later..."

Blaze chuckled before kissing her neck, down to her shoulder. Pagkatapos ay pinatagilid siya nito, paharap dito, para sipsipin ang naninigas pa rin niyang perlas na nasa tuktok ng dibdib niya. 

Pinaglipat-lipat nito ang pagsipsip at pagmasahe sa dibdib niya hanggang pababa na naman ang kamay nito sa pagkababae niya pero pinigilan na niya ito. 

"We can't... lunch, remember?" paalala niya sa asawa. 

Blaze groaned. "I hate lunch."

Natawa siya. "Kane cooked it."

"Oh." That put a proud smile on Blaze's lips. "That's my boy."

Natawa si Happy, saka bumangon at pumasok sa banyo para maglinis ng katawan. Pagkatapos ay pumasok siya sa walk-in closet at nakita niya sa salamin na may mga kiss mark siya sa gilid ng leeg at balikat. 

Mahinang natawa na lang siya at hinayaan 'yon. 

She was married to the most amazing but horny insatiable man. There was nothing to be ashamed off.

Happy wore a spaghetti strap tops and sweatpants so she could breath freely. Ayaw na niyang magsuot ng jeans. Medyo may kalakihan na ang tiyan niya, ayaw niyang maipit ang baby niya. 

Nang makalabas siya ng walk-in closet, tamang-tama na papasok naman si Blaze na bagong ligo. 

Hinalikan muna siya nito sa mga labi bago pumasok sa loob para magbihis. 

Napangiti na lang siya, saka hinintay ang asawa na makapagbihis para sabay na silang lumabas. 

"Blazey, tingnan mo." Itinuro niya ang leeg na napansin niya kanina nang pinagmamasdan niya ang kiss mark na gawa nito. "Parang medyo dark itong parteng 'to ng leeg ko."

Blaze went to her side to kiss her neck. "There. No worries that's a pregnancy thing. Nangyayari talaga 'yan sa mga buntis minsan."

Happy pouted before cupping her own breast. "Kasama rin ba 'to sa pagbubuntis ko? Lumalaki na sila kaya gustong-gusto mong nilalamas."

Mahinang natawa ang asawa. "Yes. It's part of pregnancy. Inihahanda na sila ng katawan mo para sa breastfeeding ni baby."

Napatitig siya sa dibdib. "Hmm... para ka pala dapat kay baby, pero mas nauunang i-enjoy ni Daddy." She tsked. "Bad daddy."

Natatawang pinangko siya Blaze. "Come on, let's eat."

"Put me down, I can walk!"

"Just let me do this for you," sabi ni Blaze kaya hindi na siya nakipag-argumento. 

Hinayaan na lang niya itong dalhin siya sa kusina. 

When Blaze put her down finally, Happy immediately went to her sister's side and kissed Lucky's cheek. 

"I'm glad you're here," sabi niya sa kapatid. 

Lucky smiled. "I'm feeling better today." Medyo nanghihina pa rin ang boses nito pero hindi na tulad noong una. "Gusto kong kumain kasama kayo kahit on special diet pa rin ako."

Nginitian niya ang kapatid. "Of course. How's the talk with Clev and Mommy last night?"

Lucky smiled. "It was fun." She smiled at Mommy Henreitta. "Mommy is very lovely."

Napangiti naman si Mommy Henreitta na nilalagyan ng pagkain ang plato ng ama niya. "Kain na tayo," sabi nito. "Clev can't join us today," imporma nito sa kanila. "He's busy with the Triad problem in Europe. The boss, Niccolo Rasini asked for his assistance."

Hinalikan muna niya sa noo si Lucky bago umupo sa hinugot na upuan ni Blaze para sa kanya, sa tabi nito. Napapagitnaan siya nina Blaze at Kane. 

"I'll call Clev later," sabi niya, saka nilagyan ng pagkain si Blaze sa pinggan at sinunod lagyan si Kane. "Ikaw ang nagluto nito?" tanong niya sa panganay. 

Kane nodded with a shy smile. "But King helped me."

"Of course, you're 
my highness
," sabi ni King na inaasar na naman si Kane. 

Agad namang sumama ang mukha ni Kane. "Stop calling me that."

King chuckled. "What's wrong? You're a prince now."

Hindi umumik si Kane pero alam niyang iritado ito kaya naman bumulong siya rito. 

"Don't feel bad about it. You're a prince, you are mine and Blaze's son. Own it because that's what you deserve and more. Okay?"

Kane automatically smiled. "Okay, Mom."

"Okay," nakangiting sabi niya, saka tinikman ang niluto ni Kane. "Hmm... masarap na magluto ang panganay ko," puno ng pagmamalaking sabi niya. 

Si Blake naman ay kakapasok lang sa dining hall habang dala-dala ang pagkaing niluto nito para kay Lucky. 

Lucky had a special diet. Pili lang ang pagkain na puwede nitong kainin dahil nga sa kalagayan nito. And so far, it was working. Lucky was feeling better. Ilang beses na rin itong nakasama sa kanilang kumain sa hapagkainan kaya natutuwa siya. 

"Let me," sabi ng ama niya na siyang naglagay ng pagkain sa pinggan ni Lucky. "Hindi ko 'to nagawa para sa isa ko pang prinsesa."

Pareho silang napangiti ni Lucky sa sinabi ng ama. Her father had been making it up to Lucky these past few weeks. And it made her heart swell. Nakikita kasi niyang ipinaparamdam talaga ng ama niya kay Lucky ang pagmamahal nito. And that was where their father was good at. Making his children felt special. 

"Thank you, Daddy," sabi ni Lucky.

"Of course, princess." Hinalikan ng ama niya si Lucky sa noo bago bumalik ang atensiyon nito sa sariling pinggan. 

"Mom called," sabi ni Blake na nakatingin kay Blaze. "I choose the whole second floor since they want to stay on the first floor—only if they're visiting—since Dad wants to go back to Tuscany."

"Well, Von is still a duke," sabad ng ama niya. "He has responsibilities."

"Then I'll take the third," excited na nakangitng sabi ni Blaze, saka tumingin ito kay King. "Wala ka namang balak humiwalay sa amin, 'di ba? Uncle Klaus is still with Dad here. Hindi pa rin sila naghihiwalay."

Uncle Klaus nodded his head and smiled proudly. "It's always an honor serving Master Dominick."

"Kung hindi siya sasama sa iyo, wala ka nang uutusan," sabad ni Blake na masama ang tingin kay Blaze. 

Blaze scoffed. "Anong ako? Ikaw ang unang nag-utos sa kanya noon, naaalala mo?"

Agad na umiling si Blake. "Can't remember."

Blaze just tsked and looked at King. "Well?"

King nodded. "Of course. I'll always be with you and Young Miss. If I'm welcome."

"Welcome ka naman. Para may tagaluto ako kapag wala si Blake." Tumawa si Blaze. "I'm so blessed. So many cooks in the house. No worries because your room is already in the making," sabi nito pagkatapos uminom ng tubig. 

"How about my room?" Kane asked, curious.

"Ikaw pa ba, makalimutan namin?" Inabot ng kamay ni Blaze ang buhok ni Kane para guluhin 'yon. "Your room is underconstruction as well. Then we will design it like how you like it, okay, buddy?"

"Okay." Kane smiled. 

"How about my room?" King demanded. 

Blake cut his steak before answering. "Lalagyan natin ng maraming vacuum, dustpan at walis ang kuwarto mo. You're our butler after all—"

"Young Miss, His Highness is bullying me," sumbong sa kanya ni King. 

Sumilip naman si Kane kay Blaze. "King bullied me earlier. He keeps calling me Your Highness, Your Highness—"

"Stop." It was her father. He glanced at Kane and Blaze. "By the law, you two are now father and son. Dapat hindi na 'Your Highness' ang tawag mo kay Blaze, Kane."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay ni Kane. "Kung ganoon... ano?"

"Not dad, please! Not dad!" pakiusap ni Blaze na ikinatawa niya. 

Her father just rolled his eyes at Blaze before looking at Kane. "Bunso, call me Daddy Dom. Ayoko ng lolo. Hindi ako matanda," sabi nito, pagkatapos ay itinuro si Mommy Henreitta na nasa tabi nito. "Your very pretty Mommy Reitta and..." He gestured his hand at King's father and Uncle Ruthgar. "Uncle Klaus and Uncle Ruthgar.

"Then...." Kapagkuwan ay iminuwestra nito sina Blake and Lucky. "Call her Lucky because she's a bit younger than you and Blake, call him Kuya Blake." Then her dad pointed King. "Halos magkaedad lang kayo. Bahala ka na. And of course..." Iminuwestra nito ang kamay sa kanila ni Blaze. "Happy is mom and Blaze is dad."

"No!" Blaze sounded so horrified. 

"Pops?" sabi ng ama niya sa patanong na boses. 

Sumama ang mukha ni Blaze. "No! No name calling. Blaze is fine."

"No. Dad is more appropriate," giit ng ama niya. "It's the law."

"No—"

"Dad," sambit ni Kane habang nakatingin kay Blaze. "That does feel uncomfortable, but I can endure... if it's the law."

Blaze let out a loud breath. "I'm horrified right now."

"Hayaan mo na si bunso," sabi ng ama niya kay Blaze. 

Blaze tsked. "Fuck, dad it is."

Natuwa si Happy, saka pumalakpak pa. "
Yey
! Dapat masanay ka na, Blazey. Malapit nang lumabas ang baby natin."

Blaze just sighed before glancing at Kane. "Please don't call me dad outside the house," pakiusap nito kay Kane. "I will really kick your ass."

Kane grinned— for the first time. "Yes... for the law... Dad."

Nasapo ni Blaze ang noo, saka hinilot ang sentido. "This is fucked up. Just fucked up. Fucked up."

Blake snickered. "
Aww
... the big baby is now a daddy. Nice. A round of applause for Blaze."

"Blakey! Stop it!" Blaze hissed.

Natatawang hinalikan niya ang asawa sa pisngi. "Hayaan mo na. He's our adopted baby, he can't keep calling you Your Highness and I love you... so, so much for letting him call you that. I know it's awkward but let's just try, okay? Kung hindi mo talaga kaya, baguhin na lang natin."

Blaze face immediately softened. "I love you too, baby."

Blake chuckled. "Pussy."

"Blakey-baby." May diin ang boses ni Lucky. "Don't bully Blaze. And I told you to stop cussing!"

Agad na natahimik si Blake, saka hinalikan sa mga labi si Lucky. "I love you, baby."

From angry to smiling face. Lucky's face changed in an instant. "I love you too, Blakey-baby."

At naghalikan ang dalawa na parang walang tao na ikinangiti na lang niya. Ganoon din sila minsan ng asawa, nakakalimutan nilang may kasama sila. 

"Anyway..." Her father clasped his hands stealing all their attentions. "I have an announcement to make."

Lahat sila tumingin sa ama niyang may tinawagan sa cell phone nito at nang sumagot ang nasa kabilang linya ay agad na nakilala niya ang boses ng dalawa. 

It was Daddy Von and Mommy Beth. 

"Von, it's on," sabi ng ama niya. 

Daddy Von chuckled. "Sorry we can't do this face to face. Dominick can't wait anymore. He's excited." 

Hinawakan ng ama niya ang kamay ni Mommy Henreitta na nasa ibabaw ng mesa. 

Lihim siyang napangiti. Parang alam na niya ang announcement nito. 

"Everyone..." Tiningnan sila ng ama niya isa-isa. "Let's say it together, Von!"

Tumawa si Daddy Von. "Okay. Ready! Go!"

"Reitta and I are getting married," sabi ng ama niya. 

"Beth and I are getting married!" masayang sabi ni Daddy Von. 

"
Yey
!" Happy squealed in glee. "
Yey
! 
Yey
!"

"Yehey!" Lucky squealed in happiness as well as everyone clapped their hands. 

"About damn time!" sabi ni Blake na nakangiti. "Fuck it!"

Blaze was grinning from ear to ear as well. "Congratulations! It should be a double wedding!"

"It is," nakangiting sabi ni Mommy Henreitta. "Beth and I already talked about it."

"Yes," Mommy Beth added. "Hindi pa namin naayos lahat pero salamat sa suporta n'yo. You make me all happy."

"And I'm adopting Bailey," dagdag na anunsiyo ni Daddy Von. "I already told Themarie and she's okay with everything. She said she misses you both and she's looking forward to seeing you again."

"We missed her too," nakangiting sabi ni Blaze. "Good job, Dad. Thank you. Ingatan mo si Mommy. Dalawa kaming babalatan ka nang buhay kapag sinaktan mo ang mommy namin." 

"Don't hurt her, Dad," bilin naman ni Blake sa ama. "You know what she'd been through. She needs more loving than anyone. Don't let her baby you, you baby Mom."

Lucky chuckled. "Coming from my Blakey-baby who likes to be babied... hmmm..."

Blake silenced Lucky by kissing her. "Sshh... sa atin lang dalawa 'yon."

"Bye!" sigaw ni Daddy Von, saka namatay na ang tawag. 

Napangiti siya habang pinagmamasdan ang mag-asawang Lucky at Blake, kapagkuwan ay ng bigla na lang siyang hinalikan ng asawa. 

"Stop looking at my twin." May pagseselos sa boses ni Blaze. "Ako ang asawa mo, sa akin ka tumingin."

Napapantastikuhang napatitig siya sa asawa. "Nagseselos ka pa rin, eh, kasal na tayo."

"You're looking at him tenderly." May pag-aakusa sa boses nito. 

Mahina siyang natawa. "Because they're so sweet and I appreciate it. Lalo na sa kalagayan ng kapatid ko. It warms my heart."

Sumama ang mukha ni Blaze. "At hindi ako sweet?"

She pouted. "Nagpapa-baby ka palagi."

"Oh." Blaze looked take aback and she regretted if immediately. 

"Blazey..." She softly cupped her husband's face. "I love you just the way you are. At saka sweet ka naman, ah..." She smiled cheekily. "Most of the tine."

His face actually fell. "So not all the time? Fuck." He actually looked bothered now. "Should I, ahm, be sweeter? Ahm, where am I lacking, I'll fill into it—"

She kissed Blaze's lips and whispered, "Don't change. I love you just the way you are."

Napatitig sa kanya ang asawa. "Talaga?"

Tumango siya, saka masuyo itong ngitian. "I want my Blaze. The real Blaze. Flaws and all."

"Hmm..." Than was just what Blaze said before returning to his food. 

Si Happy naman ay napapantastikuhang ipinagpatuloy ang pagkain niya. Nanatiling tahimik si Blaze habang nag-uusap sila sa kasal ng mga magulang nila. Ni hindi ito umimik na ikinakunot ng noo niya. 

Kahit si Blake ay napansin 'yon, lalo na nang umalis si Blaze sa hapagkainan pagkatapos kumain. 

"Ano'ng nangyari do'n?" tanong ni Blake sa kanya. 

Nagkibit-balikat siya. "I'm not sure. Baka may sinabi akong na-offend siya? I should talk to him and apologize."

Mahinang natawa si Blake habang napapailing. "He will always be a big baby."

Napangiti siya. "I like babying him. Kaya ayos lang." 

Blake faced him, his face was serious. "Thank you, for taking care of my twin."

"Inaalagaan niya rin naman ako," nakangiting sabi niya, saka nag-excuse kay Blake para lapitan ang mga magulang. Hinalikan niya sa pisngi ang ama niya at si Mommy Henreitta. "Congratulations. I'm happy for you two. Be amazing!" 

Tumawa ang ama niya, saka hinalikan siya sa noo. "Thank you, princess."

Mommy Henreitta beamed at her. "Thank you, Happy."

Nginitian niya ang dalawa, saka nagpaalam sa mga ito para hanapin ang asawa niya. Pero nalibot na niya ang buong bahay, wala siyang Blaze na makita. Kaya naman tinungo niya ang kuwarto para kunin ang cell phone na iniwan niya sa bedside table para tawagan si Blaze pero hindi nito sinasagot ang tawag niya. 

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya nang patayin nito ang tawag niya. 

That's odd. 

To: Hubby 

❤️

Nasaan ka? Miss na kita. 

She hit 
send
. 

Moments later, he replied. 

From: Hubby 

❤️

Give me an hour. Miss you too. 

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. 

To: Hubby

 
❤️

Uwi ka na. Kiss kita 
😘

Blaze replied immediately as well. 

From: Hubby

 
❤️

I love you, baby 
😘

Nag-reply pa si Happy pero wala nang sagot mula kay Blaze. Kaya naman pinalipas na lang niya ang isang oras na hinihingi nito sa pagbabasa ng mga report na dumating sa kanya mula sa anim na boss ng Organòsi. 

Pero tapos na niyang basahin 'yon, wala pa rin si Blaze kaya naman nag-umpisa na siyang mag-alala kung nasaan ang asawa niya. 

Happy called Blaze's phone. No answer. 

That was it! She would track him down! 

Akmang lalabas siya ng kuwarto para magpatulong kay Uncle Ruthgar nang makatanggap siya ng mensahe galing sa asawa niya. 

From: Hubby 
❤️

Baby?

Tumigil siya sa harap ng pinto at hindi na siya nakalabas dahil nag-reply siya sa asawa. 

To: Hubby 
❤️

What? Nasaan ka ba? You're making me worry! 

Blaze replied immediately. 

From: Hubby 
❤️

Will you marry me? 

Napatitig siya sa text ng asawa, saka nagsalubong ang mga kilay. "Baliw talaga 'yon." She tsked. "Para namang hindi pa kami kasal."

Napapailing na binuksan ni Happy ang pinto para lumabas ng kuwarto pero natulos siya sa kinatatayuan at napatigil sa paghakbang nang makitang nasa labas ang asawa niya. Nakatayo ito katabi si Kane na may maliit na white board na hawak na may nakasulat na, 
"Dad forced me to ask you to marry him again"
 at may arrow niyon sa ibaba na nakaturo sa hawak ni Blaze na singsing. 

Hindi alam ni Happy kung bakit bigla na lang nanubig ang mga mata niya nang makita ang singsing na hawak ng asawa. 

And when she looked at Blaze, he was looking at her lovingly. "I'm sorry because I'm not sweet all the time... just most of the time, and I know I'm lacking in a lot of things... but I'm willing to fill them for you... I'm more than willing to work harder. Just marry me again. In church this time." Nauwi sa ngiwi ang ngiti nito. "Pasensiya dahil natagalan. Pangako babawi ako. I will give you the grandest wedding, the most beautiful wedding dress, the most amazing reception, and my promised ring."

Her eyes fell on the ring he was holding. His promised ring. And tears just fell from her eyes. 

She knew that design. The detailed work on the ring he was holding. She knew it very well because she designed it herself! Isa iyon sa mga singsing na gawa niya na wala pang nakakabili dahil sa presyo niyon. 

It was the most expensive ring in her jewelry store. 

And now Blaze was putting the ring on her finger and it had fit perfectly. 

Happy just continued crying silently. She didn't even know why she was so emotional. 

His promise—he fulfilled his promise to her. To buy her an expensive ring. Hindi naman importante sa kanya kung mahal o hindi, ang importante sa kanya ay tinupad nito ang pangako sa kanya.

Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. "Why ask me to marry you again? Kasal naman na tayo..."

Masuyo siyang niyakap ni Blaze, saka hinalikan sa gilid ng noo. "I promised you, remember? Magpapakasal tayo uli, sa simbahan na. This is me keeping that promise. Pasensiya natagalan. Ang dami kasing nangyari. Pero ngayong medyo tahimik na, pakasal na tayo sa simbahan, baby ko. Gusto na kitang iharap sa dambana. Unahan na natin sina Mommy." 

Naiiyak na tumango siya, saka yumakap din sa asawa. "I love you, Blazey, and yes, I wanna marry you again."

Lalong humigpit ang yakap nito sa kanya. "I love you too, baby. So much." He buried his face on her neck, like he had always did. "I love you." 

Happy was enjoying Blaze's embrace when she read what Kane had written on the white board again making her chuckle. 

"
Congratulations!"

Naiiyak na kumawala siya sa yakap ng asawa para hilahin si Kane palapit sa kanila. Niyakap niya nang sabay ang dalawang lalaking importanteng-importante sa buhay niya. Feeling their care and love for her. 

Her husband and son. 

"I love you two," sabi niya na naiiyak na naman. "Thank you for coming into my life and loving me. I promise to love you back, a million times harder."

Blaze kissed her temple. "I love you, baby."

Kane hugged her back. "I love you, Mom."

Happy closed her eyes as happiness filled her heart, making it swell.  She felt contented and blessed and lucky. 

She had her dad, who was now happy with her new mother. She had a very adorable sister who was now getting better and a brother that she adored. A brother-in-law who loved and cared for her sister so much. A very dependable butler, tracker and ultors and the Team Oldies whom she considered a part of her growing family. A loving son, her baby Kane and a very loving and caring husband, her Blazey. And inside her belly was an innocent life that she couldn't wait to welcome to their world. 

The only thing she wanted now was to see Midnight, to find him. At ngayong may oras na siya, itutuon niya 'yon sa paghahanap kay Midnight. Hindi siya titigil hangga't hindi ito nahahanap. 

She wanted her family to be complete and Midnight would complete it. 

Other than Midnight, she had everything she could ever ask for. She felt complete—whole even.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 63

Happy Birthday, Joh Pinto. Naaalala ko pa 'yong nawala tayo sa manila, umuulan tapos tayong dalawa lang dahil may importante ginawa ang mga kasama natin. Pabalik-balik tayo sa overpass. Bastos na driver 'yon, nasa kabila lang pala yong Hotel, ayaw lang pumasok 

🤣

 tapos nagkakakilala palang yata tayo ng personal no'n. Haha.

CHAPTER 63

BUMAGSAK ANG LUHA sa mga mata ni Happy nang maalala ang ipinagtapat sa kanya kagabi nina Blaze at Blake na siyang dahilan kung bakit nakasakay sila ngayon sa pribadong eroplano patungong Pilipinas. 

They told her they lied to her—they lied to her about Midnight. He was not missing... he was actually gone. 

He was dead. 

He died being punished for doing what he believed was right. 

Noong una hindi siya agad naniwala, pero nang ipaliwanag sa kanya ng kambal ang alam ng mga ito, pakiramdam niya dumagan sa dibdib niya sa sobrang sakit n'on.

And she was angry. Gaano ba kahirap sabihin sa kanya ang totoo? Bakit pinaniwala siya ng mga ito na nawawala lang si Midnight samantalang alam naman ng dalawa wala na pala ito? 

Everyone knew except her. And it made her so angry at herself for not knowing the truth! She could have dug deeper instead of sending men to look for Midnight.

Blake and Blaze waited a long time to tell her. Sana hindi sila nagsayang ng oras sa paghahanap kay Midnight, sana nailipat na nila si Midnight ng libingan nang mas maaga. Hindi na ganito na hinayaan siya ng dalawa na hanapin si Midnight ng maraming buwan bago nagsabi sa kanya ng totoo. 

She went looking for Midnight with everything she got when she was just ten weeks pregnant and now, she was already nearing five months! Ang daming oras na sinayang nila. 

Namalisbis ang luha sa mga mata ni Happy nang maalala na naman niya ang mga ikinuwento ng asawa niya sa kanya tungkol kay Midnight. Kung saan ito nakalibing. 

Paano ko pa makukumpleto ang pamilya ko kung wala ka? I thought you're just missing... sabi mo you'll be in a good place? Sabi mo magiging masaya ka ro'n... Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin na hindi ka lang basta mawawala? Kuya, naman eh...

Kumuyom ang kamay niya habang nakapikit ang mga matang lumuluha. Walang ingay ang pag-iyak niya. Ayaw niyang maistorbo ang mga kasama niya. 

Pagkalipas ng ilang minuto, kahit naramdaman niyang may tumabi sa kanya ng upo, hindi siya kimibo at patuloy lang sa pag-iyak. 

"Baby..." It was Blaze. 

She remained silent as tears fall from her eyes. 

Blaze dried her tears. "I'm sorry... balak ko naman sabihin sa iyo nang maaga pero nag-aalala ako. Pasensiya na... please huwag ka nang magalit sa akin. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry."

Hinawakan ng asawa ang kamay niya at hinalik-halikan ang likod niyon pero hindi pa rin siya umimik. Nakapikit lang ang mata niya habang tahimik na umiiyak.

"Baby, please, talk to me," pakiusap ng asawa niya. "Kausapin mo naman ako."

Happy opened her teary eyes to look at Blaze. "Just let me be in this whole ride. Promise kapag maayos na ang pakiramdam ko, kakausapin na kita."

Umiling si Blaze. "No... you had a spotting last night because of this... because of me. Alam kong kasalanan ko, pero hindi kita puwedeng hayaan na ganito. Kaya hindi ko masabi-sabi sa iyo ang nangyari kay Midnight, lalo na nang malaman kong buntis ka dahil natatakot ako kung paano mo siya tatanggapin. What happened to him was very cruel. You had been bleeding these past few months and it's alarming. But I see how much he means to you, so I told you what happened to him and risk it all—even you and our baby's health. And knowing Midnight, he wouldn't want you to be like this. Midnight would want you happy even if he's not with you anymore."

Hindi niya napigilan ang mapahikbi. "Hindi ko matanggap na patay na siya, 'tapos hindi man lang maayos ang pagkakalibing sa kanya. Galit ako sa sarili ko kasi mas nag-focus ako sa Triad kaysa sa kanya. If only I had dug deeper and gave him my time, dapat nailipat na natin siya sa maayos na libingan. It broke my heart when you told me that he didn't even have a name on his grave. That's cruel. My brother doesn't deserve that, Blaze. He doesn't!"

"I know... I know..." Masuyo siyang niyakap ng asawa. "And I'm so sorry. It's my fault. Don't blame yourself."

Napahawak siya sa mga braso ni Blaze na nakayakap sa kanya at umiyak nang umiyak. Parang sinasakal ang puso niya sa isiping wala man lang pangalan sa libingan ni Midnight. 

He was a good man! He didn't deserve to be treated like that! He deserved to be respected and loved! 

She would severely punish the fourth Arkhon for doing this to Midnight. 

He will pay! 

"Sshh..." Blaze kissed her temple before drying her cheeks and kissing her forehead. "Tama na, tahan na. Hinayaan na kitang ganito kagabi kasi alam kong nasasaktan ka at naiintindihan ko 'yon pero nag-aalala ako sa iyo at kay baby, baka mapaano kayong dalawa. Hindi ba pinang-iingat ka ng OB mo?"

Tumango si Happy, saka masuyong hinaplos ang tiyan. "Sorry, baby, hindi lang napigilan ni Mommy. I was heartbroken... I'm sorry... Did Mommy hurt you, baby?"

Hinalikan ni Blaze ang tiyan niya, saka hinalikan siya sa noo. "Pasensiya ka na sa asawa mo dahil nagsinungaling ako sa iyo. Kasalanan ko. Please forgive me?"

"I'm mad and disappointed, but more at myself," sabi niya, saka pinagsalikop ang kamay nilang dalawa. "Naiintindihan ko naman kung bakit hindi ka agad nagsabi sa akin. Sobrang nagalit lang ako kagabi kasi ang dami nating sinayang na oras kaya hindi kita pinansin at kinibo. Pero tama ka, Midnight would never want me to be like this. He would want me to be happy. Always. Ganoon naman siya palagi." 

Blaze kissed her shoulder. "Masaya ako..." Hinaplos nito ang tiyan niya. "Noon, nang malaman namin ni Blake ang nangyari kay Midnight, naghanap kami ng taong makakatulong sa amin para mailipat siya. Sa dami ng nangyari, masaya ako kasi sa wakas, maililipat na natin siya sa maayos na lugar. I was selfish and a jerk for not thinking of Midnight... for only thinking of you and our baby's safety. And for that, I'm so sorry. Ayoko lang kasi na may mangyaring hindi maganda sa inyong dalawa ng anak natin kapag sinabi ko ang totoo. Mababaliw ako. Sigurado 'yon."

Hinaplos niya ang pisngi ng asawa. "Bakit kasi hindi mo sinasabi sa akin agad noon? Noong hindi pa ako buntis at nalaman mong ako na ang pangalawang Arkhon?"

"A lot was going on back then, baby." Blaze sighed. "The fourth Arkhon, the bombing, what happened to King, and when we though Kane was against us, and what happened to your dad and Lucky and then the Triad, Helena, and a lot more... it escapes my mind and I'm so sorry for that."

Happy took a deep breath before nodding. "I'm sorry too, for being angry at you last night."

"At least you didn't shout at me," pabirong sabi ni Blaze. 

Mahina siyang natawa, saka napailing. "Pero ang totoo, gusto kitang suntukin kagabi."

"'Yan, tumatawa ka na." 

Napapailing na pinakatitigan niya ang asawa. "Pasalamat ka lang talaga nasa harap tayo ng kakambal mo kagabi, ayokong mapahiya ka kaya hindi kita sinigawan at sinuntok sa sobrang galit ko sa iyo."

Blaze face softened as she looked at him. "That is the reason why I fall in love with you everyday."

She frowned. "What reason?"

"Oo, binu-bully mo ako minsan pero hinding-hindi mo ako ipinapahiya sa harap ng ibang tao, lalo na sa harap ng kakambal ko. And it makes me love you even more."

"Siyempre, asawa kita." Ngumiti si Happy na nauwi sa mahinang tawa nang maalala ang ginawa niya kagabi. "Kahit ang totoo, gustong-gusto na talaga kitang suntukin kagabi sa sobrang galit na nararamdaman ko."

Blaze chuckled before kissing her shoulder again. "Thank you... for respecting me in front of Blake."

Ngumiti siya at nagkibit-balikat. "Ayokong mapahiya ka sa harap ng kakambal mo... it's just doesn't feel right to me. May kuwarto naman tayo kung saan puwede kong ilabas lahat ng galit ko sa iyo. Hindi 'yon kailangang makita ng iba."

Masuyo siyang niyakap ni Blaze. "Masaya ako at okay na tayo. Akala ko darating na lang tayo sa 'Pinas hindi mo pa rin ako papansinin."

"I was just heartbroken." Her smile saddened. "Still am, actually."

"I know," Blaze whispered. 

"Dad! Your turn to role the dice! The snakes and ladders are waiting for you!" It was Kane, shouting from the back. Sumama ito sa kanila. 

Kane said he was not just their son but he was also her personal ultor. Ayaw nitong magpaiwan. Blake wanted to come as well, but Lucky needed him by her side especially now that she was seven months pregnant. Masyado nang maselan ang pagbubuntis ng kapatid niya. Hindi puwedeng wala si Blake sa tabi nito. 

"I told you not to call me dad in public!" Blaze shouted back. 

Natawa si Happy. Hindi pa rin sanay si Blaze na tinatawag na "dad" ni Kane kahit maraming buwan na ang lumipas. 

"But we're in a private plane," Kane pointed out. 

"Don't be a smart ass on me, Kane!" Blaze hissed, annoyed. "By the law, I'm your father!"

Happy couldn't help but to smile at the two adorable men in her life. It was awkward for some but it was still cute when Kane called Blaze "dad" and Blaze got angry immediately. 'Yong ang hilig asarin ni Blaze si Blake pero ang dali namang maasar ng asawa niya. 

"Dad" lang ni Kane, tumataas agad ang presyon ni Blaze. 

She had such an adorable family. 

Kung sana nandito lang si Midnight, tiyak na magiging masaya ito kasama ang pamilya niya. Midnight would have adored Kane as well—since they knew each other. 

As far as she knew, Kane—even at a young age—trained Midnight to fight. 

"Your Highness, come on!" Si King 'yon, at halatang iritado. "The snakes are waiting to bite your dick! Come on!"

Blaze tsked before kissing her on the lips. "Doon muna ako. Pahinga ka lang rito."

Napailing na lang si Happy nang pinuntahan ni Blaze ang dalawa para maglaro ng Snakes and Ladders. Siya naman ay nanatili sa kinauupuan at ipinikit ang mga mata habang iniisip si Midnight at umusal ng panalangin para sa kapatid niya. 

After praying, she could hear the trio's voice filling the plane. 

"You're not counting right, Your Highness!" reklamo ni King. "The snake should have bit you here! Not here!"

"King, isang sigaw pa, isasabit kita sa pakpak nitong eroplano!" galit na sabi ng asawa niya. "Calm down!"

"How can I calm down when you're cheating?"

"I am not!" Blaze hissed back. "Stop being in beast mode. Nagmumukha kang si Oggy."

"Oggy is better than Tom and Jerry!"

"No! He's not!"

Napabuntong-hininga na lang si Happy, saka hinaplos ang tiyan. She tuned out the loud voices. "Hmm... my babies, lalabas na kayo, isip-bata pa rin ang daddy n'yo," sabi niya habang hinahaplos ang tiyan. "Ang sarap minsan iumpog ng ulo niya sa pader."

Napatigil siya sa pagkausap sa mga anak nang pabagsak na naupo si Kane sa iniwang upuan ni Blaze. 

"They're very noisy," reklamo ni Kane na nakasimangot. "Hindi ba puwedeng maglaro kami nang walang ingay? 'Yong hindi magulo?"

Natawa siya. "Hindi ka pa nasanay sa dalawang 'yan."

Kane sighed. "So noisy." He tsked before glancing at her stomach. "Malaki na ang tiyan mo, Mom."

Tumango siya. "Uhm-hmm." Ngumiti siya. "Dalawa, eh."

Namilog ang mga mata ni Kane. "Dalawa? 

Tumango si Happy, saka pabulong na nagsalita. "Secret lang natin kay Blaze. Huwag mong sabihin. Ang alam niya isa lang."

Kane frowned. "Hindi ba sumama naman sa iyo si Dad noong nagpa-ultrasound ka last week? Bakit hindi niya alam?"

"Sa labas lang siya." Tumawa siya nang maalala ang hindi maipintang mukha ng asawa niya. "Hindi ko talaga siya pinapapasok sa loob mula nang malaman ko sa first ultrasound ko—na hindi ko rin siya pinapasok—na kambal 'yong babies namin. Gusto ko siyang sorpresahin."

Kane had an excited smile on his face. "I can't wait. I bet Dad was irritated and pouting outside the OB office."

Happy chuckled. "Kilala mo talaga 'yong ama mong baliw."

"Sinong baliw?" It was Blaze. He was back with King behind him. 

Nagkatinginan sila ni Kane, saka sabay na tumawa. 

Masama ang tingin sa kanila ni Blaze. "Sino ang baliw? Si King, 'no?"

King just tsked. "That's you, Your Highness. Anyway..." He looked at her with begging eyes. "Let's play Scrabble. It's boring. Your Highness is a cheater in Snakes and Ladders."

"I didn't cheat," agad na depensa ni Blaze. "Hindi ka lang marunong magbilang." Pagkatapos ay ngumiti ito sa kanya. "Come on, let's play to pass the time. Para na rin malibang ka. Kapag nakaupo ka lang diyan, iiyak ka na naman kapag naalala mo si Midnight." 

May tipid na ngiting pumayag at tumango siya. "Sige. Pair kami ni Kane, 'tapos kayo naman ni King."

Kane smiled while the two immediately complained at each other. 

"I don't want to be paired with you!" reklamo ni Blaze.

"Me too!" King hissed back. 

Napailing si Happy, saka hinayaan si Kane na alalayan siya patungo sa sofa na kinaroroonan ng mga ito kanina. 

It was some sort of a living room in the plane. Complete with a center table. At nasa gitna ng center table ang nakahanda nang Scrabble at nakatabing Snakes and Ladders. 

"Nice..." nakangiting sabi niya, saka magkatabi silang naupo ni Kane sa mahabang sofa habang sina King at Blaze naman ay sa sahig umupo, paharap sa kanila. 

Nagpapaawa na naman sa kanya si Blaze. "Baby... ako dapat ang partner mo kasi ako ang asawa mo."

Agad namang nagreklamo si Kane. "Anak naman ako, ah. Legally adopted, remember?"

Blaze tsked. "Gaguhan 'to, eh!"

Tiningnan nang masama ni King si Blaze. "I'm a genius!"

Blaze glared at King. "Mag-aral ka ngang mag-Tagalog, hindi na nakakaintindi ka lang. Binubuwisit mo ako." 

Napailing na lang siya, saka napangiti nang agad makabuo ng salita si Kane sa tiles nila. 

"
Aww
... my baby is smart," proud niyang sabi, saka niyakap ito mula sa tagiliran. 

Kane just smiled and hugged her back. And Happy felt really comfortable. Hindi lang basta legal na anak niya itong bini-baby niya kundi kapatid din niya. 

She had so much love for Kane. 

"King, mag-isip ka." Iritado ang boses ni Blaze. "Anong magandang idugtong sa salita ni Kane? Huwag tayong nagpapatalo. Matalino tayong dalawa!"

"Tama!" King even flexed his forearm before placing tiles on the Scrabble board. 

Gumuhit ang hindi makapaniwalang emosyon sa mukha ni Blaze nang makita ang salitang ginamit ni King. "Really? King? Sa dami ng tiles na 'yan na nasa harap mo, you choose to use the word 'go.'? While Kane's word is gouged." 

King shrugged. "It's easier."

"But dumber." Blaze tsked. 

Napangiti na lang si Happy, saka hinayaang si Kane ang mag-isip ng mga salita. Pero paminsan-minsan ay tumutulong din siya. Samantalang ang dalawa nilang kalaban, panay ang bangayan. 

That was what they did while on the way to the Philippines. Play, eat and rest. Matagal-tagal na rin na hindi nila nagagawa 'yon. It was like their very own bonding session. It was very fun. 

Nang makarating sa Pilipinas, dumaan muna sila kina Mommy Beth para mangumusta at kumain, saka magpahinga nang kaunti dahil sa jetlag. Malapit nang matapos ang bahay na ipinapatayo ng mga ito. 

Kane was very happy to see his fully furnished room. Halos magningning ang mga mata nito. 

"I never had my own room before," wika ni Kane. "Iyong akin talaga... iyong ipinagawa talaga para sa akin." Maingat siya nitong niyakap. "I like it, Mom." Then he went to give Blaze a quick hug. "Thanks."

Tinapik ni Blaze ang balikat ni Kane. "This is our house, this your room. At kapag nakapanganak na ang mom mo, dito na tayo titira kasama sina Blake at Lucky, saka si King. Dito ka na uuwi."

Kane smiled. "Like a home."

Happy smiled. "Yes. Like a home."

"Home." Kane's smile widened even more. "I never had one before. I like it. Thank you."

"Your Highness." It was King, calling them from the staircase. "The car is ready. We can go now."

"Let's go," sabi ni Blaze. 

Tumango siya at naglakad patungo sa hagdan. Lihim na lang siyang natawa nang dalawa ang nakaalalay sa kanya habang pababa siya ng hagdan. 

Sina Blaze at Kane.

Nang makalabas ng bahay, sa backseat siya pinaupo si Blaze katabi ni Kane samantalang ito ang driver at nasa passenger seat si King.

Masama ang mukha ni Kane. "Pero gusto kong umupo ro'n," wika nito, sabay turo sa passenger seat. "That's my spot when Dad is driving."

Nginisihan ito ni King. "Not anymore."

Hinawakan ni Kane ang hawakan ng espada nito, saka matalim ang mga matang tiningnan si King. "That's my spot when Dad is driving. No one is allowed to sit there but me. I'm his son! That's my father! It's the law! Do you want to see my ID? It's Kane Quinn Vitale!"

Itinigil ni Blaze ang sasakyan. "Magpalit na kayong dalawa. Sige na."

"Yes!" Kane hissed with a smile then made the switch.

Natawa na lang si Happy. Kane was very possessive. When it was his, it was his. Walang aagaw n'on. 

"You two are spoiling him," sabi ni King sa kanya nang ito na ang katabi niya sa backseat. 

Happy shrugged. "He deserves that and more."

Ngumiti lang si King, saka inabala ang sarili sa mga natatanggap nitong mensahe mula sa iba't ibang head ng Organisasyon na para sa kanya. 

Dahil buntis siya, si King ang naging secretary niya. Ito na ang tumatanggap sa lahat ng mensahe na para sa pangalawang Arkhon at ito na rin umaayos sa lahat ng mga pagtitipon. Ang kailangan niya lang gawin ay magpakita at magdesisyon. King would do the rest. 

Indeed, a very trusted butler—No, a very trusted family member. 

It was not a long ride to Midnight's grave. Only hours away. Blaze pulled over in front of an abandon mansion. May nauna nang sasakyan sa kanila. A black van. Mukhang nandito na si Knight. 

Nang malaman kasi nito ang balak niyang paglipat sa mga labî ni Midnight, agad itong nagboluntaryong sasama.

"Midnight is here?" nasasaktan niyang tanong habang nakatingin sa abandonadong mansiyon. 

Malungkot na tumango ang asawa. "Buried on the backyard."

Her heart ached. "He doesn't deserve this."

Pinagsalikop ni Blaze ang kamay nilang dalawa, saka iginiya siya patungo sa likod ng abandonadong mansiyon habang nakabantay sa likuran niya sina Kane at King. 

They couldn't be too careful. 'Yon ang bilin sa kanila ni Racini. 

Even if it's peaceful, always be on guard. 

Nang makarating sa likod ng mansiyon, naroon na si Knight at may isang lalaki na hindi niya kilala. Definitely a new face.

Nakahanda na ang lahat, kahit ang bodybag na gagamitin para sa katawan ni Midnight. It was all ready. 

Parang may sumakal sa puso niya nang makita ang krus na gawa sa kahoy kung saan nakasulat ang pangalan ni Midnight. The twins made this. For Midnight. Hindi niya mapigilang manubig ang mga mata. Hindi niya matanggap na nangyari ito kay Midnight. 

Kumukulo na naman ang dugo niya sa ikaapat na Arkhon. 

"Velasquez," sabi ni Blaze. Nagkamay ito at si Knight nang makalapit sila. 

"Thank you," sabi ni Knight, saka tumingin sa kanya. "We'll give him the resting place he deserves."

Tumango siya. "We will."

Nilingon ni Knight ang lalaking kasama nito. "This is North," pagpapakilala nito lalaking kasama. "The head of my personal cleaning crew. He will assist us with the exhumation of Midnight's body. North, meet the second Arkhon."

North bowed his head at her. "It's an honor to meet you."

Happy nodded her head. "Likewise." Then she smiled. "Let's start?"

Tumango si North at kinuha ang pala, saka maingat pero mabilis na naghukay. Habang si Knight naman ay itinupi ang manggas ng polo, saka kinuha ang isa pang pala at tumulong din. 

Same with Blaze, Kane and King. 

They all helped until they saw a black cloth underneath. 

"Careful! That's my brother," malakas ang boses na sabi ni Knight. Lumuhod ito at ang kamay ang ginamit para alisin ang lupa na nakapalibot sa itim na tela. 

Pigil ni Happy ang hininga habang naghihintay na makita ang katawan ni Midnight. Kumakabog nang malakas ang puso niya at may namumuong luha sa gilid ng mga mata niya. 

Kapagkuwan ay hinawakan nina North, Knight, Blaze, Kane at King ang bawat dulo at gilid ng itim na tela, saka maingat iyong hinila pataas, paalis sa lupa. 

But to everyone's shock... the sheet was empty. 

There was no body.

CECELIB | C.C.

# CHAPTER 64

CHAPTER 64

AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT made by the second Arkhon, Happiness Aravena Quinn Vitale was released and disseminated to every tracker of the Organòsi. The content was to look for members who would be a part of 
Venator
, a special team who would look for Midnight Velasquez whatever it would take, whatever it would cost. 

Susuyurin ng mga ito ang lahat ng parte ng mundo para mahanap si Midnight at para malaman kung ano ang nangyari dito. 

And as the months progressed, there was still no sightings but Happy never gave up on her brother. Wala sa bokabularyo ng asawa niya ang sumuko sa paghahanap kay Midnight. 

And as Blaze walked back and forth in front of the operating room, he was having a mental breakdown. His wife who wouldn't stop looking for Midnight, bled this morning and he rushed her to the hospital where she had to undergo a C-section. 

Her water already broke at seven months!

The baby had to come out. Fuck! At first he thought that it had something to do with so much stress and fatigue. Looking for Midnight really took a toll on his wife's health. But while in the middle of nervousness, fear and panicking in the ER, he heard the term two transverse lines from his wife's OB while talking to them about doing a C-section.

That was where he fully grasped what was happening. 

Two! Twins! 

They were having twins!

Kaya hindi siya mapakali. Mababaliw siya sa kakaisip kung maayos lang ba ang mag-iina niya sa loob. A premature birth was already risky, but twins? He couldn't stop worrying if his babies were doing fine!

He had been pacing back and forth and he was panicking as time passed. 

"How's Mom?" humahangos na tanong ni Kane na kadarating lang kasama si King. "Is she okay?" Mukhang kababalik lang nito galing sa pakikipaglaban sa Triad sa Mexico. 

"Your Highness..." Hinihingal si King dahil sa pagtakbo. "How's Young Miss? Master Dominick and Madam Henreitta are already on their way. Master Clev just left London after I told him the news. Yrozz, Lyf and Deth are all coming back from New York as we speak."

Tumango lang si Blaze, saka tumingin na naman sa pinto ng OR. "Fuck..."

"Bakit daw premature?" nagtatakang tanong ni Kane na nakatingin din sa pinto ng OR. "Is Mom really okay? Hindi ba tayo puwedeng pumasok?"

Tumayo sa tabi niya si King, saka pabulong na nagsalita. "Please tell me that Young Miss' premature labor has nothing to do with you two having sexual intercourse."

Kung hindi lang siya nag-aalala sa mag-iina niya, baka nasuntok na niya si King. "Dalawang buwan na akong tigang dahil ayokong stress-sin ang asawa ko kaya tigilan mo baka mapatay kitang 'tang-ina ka."

King chuckled. "I'm just trying to calm you down, Your Highness."

"Not working." He tsked before running his fingers through his hair. "Fuck."

"Blaze!" It was Blake, running towards them. He was in the hospital because Lucky just gave birth yesterday. "How's Happy?" May pag-aalala sa boses nito. "I heard what happened. Is she okay? Is this because of staying late for Lucky yesterday?"

"I don't know. It's preterm," sagot niya na bakas ang pag-aalala sa buong mukha. 

Blake gave him a quick hug and a tap on his shoulder. "She'll be okay. Si Happy pa. Lalaban 'yon, lalo na't maayos na ang lagay ni Lucky."

"Nag-aalala pa rin ako," sabi niya, saka napasabunot sa sariling buhok at pilit na inaaliw ang sarili. "How's Lucky by the way?" pag-iiba niya ng usapan para malibang siya. "Have you named the baby yet? It's been a day."

Blake's lips formed into a happy smile. "Lucky is doing fine. So is our baby. He's so cute and adorable. I think he got it from his mother."

Blaze tsked. "Guwapo at cute ako, sa akin nagmana 'yan."

Tiningnan siya nang masama ni Blake. "Ang hilig mo talagang mambasag ng trip. Mukha mo kaya ang basagin ko?"

Kahit nag-aalala sa asawa, natawa siya sa sinabi ni Blake. "Ang dali mo talagang mapikon. Binibiro lang naman kita."

King snorted. "Says the one who gets easily irritated."

Pinagkrus niya ang mga braso sa harap ng dibdib. "Hindi ako madaling mapikon." 

"Dad," tawag ni Kane sa kanya. 

Tiningnan niya nang masama ang panganay. "We're in public!" he hissed. 

"What is it again?" King sounded so sarcastic. "You don't get easily irritated? Lies, lies, lies, Your Highness." 

Tiningnan niya nang matalim si King. "Butler ba talaga kitang 'tang-ina ka? Where's the King who doesn't talk back to me, huh? Bring him back."

Nagkibit-balikat si King. "He changed." 

Nalukot ang mukha niya. "How?"

"His master became his friend," King simply answered him. "Or do you want us to be not friends?"

He glared at King. "Do you want me to fire you?"

"
Aww
... so sweet," nanunudyong sabad ni Blake. "Magseselos na ba si Happy sa inyong dalawa?"

Mabilis na umigkas ang kamao ni Blaze sa kakambal pero agad iyong nasalag ni Blake at nginisihan siya. 

"Sino ang hindi pikon?"

Iritadong inagaw niya ang kamao na sinalag ng kakambal, saka umupo sa waiting area para iwasan ang tatlo. At nang makapag-isa, hayun na naman ang pag-aalala niya sa asawa. Panay ang tingin niya sa pinto ng OR habang kabado. 

In the middle of his nervousness and fear, his phone vibrated from his pocket. Inilabas niya iyon sa bulsa, saka nagsalubong ang mga kilay nang makitang FaceTime call 'yon galing kay Titus. 

Nagtatakang sinagot niya ang FaceTime. Napaigtad siya nang makitang ang lapit ng mukha ni Titus sa camera. 

"The fuck?!"

"Oh! Sorry." Ngumisi si Titus sa camera, saka unti-unting umatras. 

Doon niya nakita ang mga baliw niyang kaibigan sa Bachelor's Village. Mukhang nasa Bachelor's Hall ang mga ito at nagtipon lang para makipag-video call.

Kumaway si Tyron. "
Yow
... we heard from Blake that your wife is in the OR and we know that you're panicking right now and we feel you, bud. So... we're here to calm you the fuck down." He smiled. "By the way, welcome to 
Under
standing Club. 

At sumigaw ang lahat habang nakangiti naman ang iba at tumatawa. "May you enjoy your stay because there's no going back!"

"What is that, a choir?" nakakunot ang noong tanong ni Blake nang umupo ito sa tabi niya. 

Umiling siya. "No. I think it's a fucking a capella." 

"Then they should be singing," sabi ni Blake.

"How's the wife?" tanong ni Phoenix na hindi pinansin ang pinagsasasabi nila ni Blake. 

"Don't ask him." Si Blake ang sumagot. "His legs are shaking."

"You were shaking too when Lucky was in the OR," buwelta niya sa kakambal. "Umiyak ka pa nga. eh. Huwag ako ang ginagago mo, Blake. Lalaban ako."

Tumawa lang si Blake at hindi siya pinansin. "So, what's happening? What's with the video call?"

"Moral support," sagot ni Khairro. "At siyempre, ang pa-barbecue namin at pa-beer. Hindi puwedeng pass lang kayong magkambal. Ano 'to, lokohan?"

Napailing siya. Ang mga gago talaga. Hindi nakakalimot sa barbecue at beer. "Hindi ito para sa moral support na video call, paniningil 'to mga gago."

"Simpleng tao lang naman kami," sabi ni Iuhence. "New baby, means barbecue and beer."

Tumango si Calyx. "Bagong kasal meaning barbecue and beer uli."

"Lahat ng achievement na hindi n'yo nailihim sa amin, barbecue and beer 'yon," dagdag ni Beckett. 

Napailing na lang sila ni Blake. 

"Saka na kayo maningil," wika ni Blake. "Kapag nakauwi na kami. Lulunurin ko kayo sa beer at tatabunan ng barbecue." 

"We need a date," sabi ni Knight na kumakain ng cake. May dala pa talagang pinggan ang sinto-sinto. "So, we can set an appointment. Hindi puwedeng kulang tayo niyan. And please look for some rainbow cake on the way home. I heard there is such cake in New Jersey."

He looked at Knight flatly. "Gusto mo kaming dumaan sa New Jersey para lang sa cake mo?"

Knight grinned. "Yes please."

"Nope," sagot niya, saka napatingin kay Kane na tinitingnan ang nurse na dumaan sa harap nito. Nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. "Kane, are you checking her out?"

Kane looked at hin, clueless as ever. "King said to look at her breasts. It's big. Hindi kaya siya nabibigatan?"

Napangiwi siya. And here he thought Kane was improving. "No. She's not and her breasts are normal."

"So, it's true. You adopted someone who's just years younger than you," sabi ni Andrius. "Salute to that."

"He's family," sagot niya. 

"How old is he?" tanong ni Pierce. 

"Twenty-seven," sagot niya. 

"And a virgin," dagdag ni Phoenix, saka napailing. "And the people around him can't seem to taint his innocence. Many tried. He won't budge. Gusto niyang manatiling inosente."

"Really?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ng mga kaibigan niya. 

Tumango siya. "That's my son."

Napailing si Shun. "I can't believe there's still a man like that... Oh, well... what's your baby's gender?"

Umiling siya. "Hindi sinabi sa akin ng asawa ko. Surprise daw."

"Baka naman triplets 'yan," natatawang sabi ni Ream. 

"Gago. Ako lang ang sharpshooter sa atin," agad na pagmamalaki ni Calyx. "Ako lang! Ako!"

"O, eh, di magpa-barbecue at beer ka na," sabad ni Train. "Achievement 'yan, pero magbayad ka muna ng utang. Mahiya naman kayong mga nangungutang!" Tumingin ito kay Iuhence. "Ang kakapal ng mukha. Lilipas na naman ang isang taon!"

Natawa na lang siya ng nagbingi-bingihan si Iuhence na nakipag-usap pa kay Tyron. 

"Sige na, bye na," sabi ni Evren. "Magtitimpla pa ako ng gatas ng anak ko. May girl bonding mamaya ang mga amazona."

"Oo nga pala. Kakatayin ako ni Etheyl! Shit! 'Yong gatas ng triplets!"

Nagkanya-kanyang alis ang mga baliw niyang kaibigan dahil hands on ang mga ito sa pagbabantay ng mga anak. Hanggang sa ang natira na lang ay sina Titus at Phoenix. 

"How's the house?" tanong niya kay Phoenix na ang tinutukoy ay 'yong mansiyon nila sa Pilipinas. 

Nag-thumbs-up ito sa kanya. "Approved. Walang makakapasok sa mansiyon n'yo nang puwersahan." He shook his head in disbelief, "Niccolo Racini is one hell of a security geek. That was an amazing system. Like fuck. I was amazed."

"So, the walls are really bulletproof?" hindi makapaniwala niyang tanong.

Tumango si Phoenix. "Walls, doors and glass windows. All bulletproof. The gate is nearly indestructible. What I mean by nearly is that only a nuclear can destroy it. Courtesy of Racini. Even the roof has sprinklers. Wait, speaking of sprinkles, me and Racini made a sprinkle system that will release a fire extinguisher-like formula instead of water once there's fire. And trust me, it's powerful."

Napasipol siya. "Damn... that's not a house, it's a fortress."

"Raccini and I design it like a fortress but it's pretty cozy and comfy inside. Hindi mo iisiping may canyon sa bubong ng bahay na 'yon."

"Thanks for the upgrade," sabi ni Blaze. 

Magpapasalamat din sana siya nang bumukas ang pinto ng OR at lumabas ang OB ng asawa niya. 

"Gotta go," sabi niya, saka mabilis na pinatay ang tawag. Tumayo siya, saka nilapitan ang doktora. "How's my wife? My babies? Are they okay?"

Nakangiti itong tumango. "Yes. Your wife is okay. Though it's preterm, they're all safe."

Pumikit si Blaze at nagpasalamat sa Diyos dahil nakahinga na siya nang maluwag. 
My babies are safe. 

"They're out of any harm, right?" paniniguro niya. 

Tumango ang doktora. "The twins are being transferred to the NICU as we speak."

His knees wobbled hearing the word "twins." Good thing Blake was quick to grip his forearm to steady him. 

"Huwag kang mahihimatay. Sasaksakin kita. Huwag kang gumawa ng eksenang 'tang-ina ka," pabulong na sabi ni Blake sa kanya na halos hindi bumuka ang bibig habang nagsasalita, saka ngumiti sa doktora. "We're very thankful that they're okay. What's the gender?"

"It's a girl and a boy."

His lips gaped open. He was filled with so much happiness and emotion. His brain actually froze and it stopped working that was why Blake did all the asking while still gripping his forearm to keep him steady. 

"Who's the eldest?" Blake asked. 

"Are the babies cute?" tanong naman ni Kane. 

"I'm sure they're as cute as me," sabi ni King. "Since I think I will be the nanny of the two."

The doctor smiled. "The eldest is the boy. And yes, they're the cutest. Anyway..." She clasped her hands. "You can visit the babies later, while Mrs. Vitale will be delivered in her room shortly. You can wait for her there."

"We would really appreciate it if Happy can share a room with my wife. They're very close sisters and they both undergo C-section. It would make them recover faster if they're together," nakangiting sabi ng kakambal niya, saka sinabi kung nasaang room si Lucky. 

"I'm sure we can arrange something for them to make them comfortable."

"Thank you, Doc." It was King.

Nang mawala ang doktora sa harap niya, doon lang siya binitiwan ni Blake. Napahawak siya sa braso ni Kane para hindi siya matumba. 

"Fuck..." Hindi kayang ipaliwanag ni Blaze ang sayang nararamdaman niya sa mga sandaling 'yon. "It's twins... It's really twins... fuck! We have twins!" Parang doon lang nag-sink in sa utak niya ang lahat na nagawa niyang mapatalon sa sobrang saya at sumuntok pa sa ere. "Twins! It's twins!" Malapad ang ngiting humarap siya kay Kane na tipid na nakangiti. "It's twins! Fuck!" Then he faced Blake. "Yes! Twins!"

Blake laughed at his reaction. "Ngayon alam mo na ang naramdaman ko nang manganak si Lucky. Pinagtawanan mo pa ako. Ngayon, ako naman ang tatawa sa iyo." Napailing ang kakambal niya. "Hindi naman halatang masaya ka. Para kang baliw na tumatawa at umiiyak nang sabay."

Natigilan siya at napahawak sa pisngi niyang basa. Hindi niya napansing umiiyak pala siya sa sobrang saya. "Fuck..." Tinuyo niya ang basang pisngi. "I'm just fucking happy. Masaya akong ligtas ang mag-iina ko. Hindi lang 'yon, kambal pa. I mean, nalaman kong kambal kanina pero iba pala sa pakiramdam kapag lumabas na at kambal nga, 'tapos maayos ang lagay nila." 

Fuck! I think my chest will explode. Fuck!

Blake smiled softly. "Amazing feeling, isn't it?"

Tumango siya habang nakangiti pero nanunubig naman ang mga mata. "Very... very amazing. Happy... she's so amazing."

"Hindi niya pala talaga sinabi sa iyo na kambal?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Blake sa kanya. "Kanina mo lang nalaman sa ER?"

Tumango si Blaze. "She didn't. Palagi akong nasa labas kapag ultrasound niya. Kaya naman pala ganoon kasi may nililihim siya. I thought it was hormones."

"It's a secret," wika ni Kane. "Ayaw ni Mommy na sabihin sa iyo." 

Namimilog ang mga matang napabaling siya kay Kane. "You knew all along?!"

Kane nodded. "Mom said it's a secret, so I kept it." 

Napahawak siya sa dibdib at umaktong nasasaktan. "You betrayed your father. How dare you."

Kane smiled. "I'm pro Mom. Sorry, Dad."

Blaze tsked. "I'm not even shock, but I'm still hurt."

"Do you want an apple pie as peace offering?" 

Natigilan siya, saka napatitig sa panganay niya. "Apple pie? Gagawan mo talaga ako?"

In cooking, Kane had improved. He now knew how to make an apple pie and it was really good. 

Kane smiled. "Basta hindi ka na magagalit sa akin kasi nagsinungaling ako sa iyo. Though I didn't really mean to lie, but I'll make it to you with apple pie." He grinned. "It rhymes."

Blaze sighed. "Mga gago talaga. Por que pagkain ang kahinaan ko, ginaganito n'yo ako? Ipapaalala ko lang, Kane, sa batas, ama mo ako."

"Kaya nga kita gagawan ng apple pie," sabi ni Kane na natututo nang sumagot. 

Hindi niya alam kung maganda ba 'yon o hindi. Hindi rin naman na kasi bumabata si Kane at palagi itong sumasama kay King. Hindi puwedeng puro lang ito sang-ayon. He had to decide for himself. 'Yan ang palagi nilang sinasabi ni Happy kay Kane. 

"Siya lang ang ginaganyan ka," wika ng kakambal niya, sabay gulo sa buhok niya na kanina pa magulo. 

Tinabig niya ang kamay nito. "Huwag mo akong gaguhin, Blakey, ginaganyan mo rin ako. Baka akala mo hindi ko napapansin. Nang mainis ako sa iyo dahil inilipat mo ng channel habang nanonood ako ng 
Tom and Jerry
, ipinagluto mo ako ng pasta."

Natawa si Blakey. "Eh, marupok ka, eh."

Tumango si Kane. "Marupok ka sa dalawang bagay. Kay Mom at sa pagkain."

King nodded in agreement. "Yep. You're a glutton and a stuffed toy. Soft."

Umigkas ang kamao niya kay King pero mabilis itong nakailag habang tatawa-tawa ang loko. 

"Doon na tayo sa kuwarto ni Lucky," aya ni Blake sa kanya. 

Umiling siya. "Hihintayin ko ang asawa ko na makalabas. Mauna na kayo."

"Sige." Tumingin ito kay King. "Come on, help me to make sure everything is in place."

Tumango si King at sumama naman kay Blake. Samantalang naiwan naman sila ni Kane sa labas ng OR at hinintay na ilabas si Happy.

Moments later, his wife was finally wheeled out from the OR, nurses surrounding her while being delivered to Lucky's huge private room. Nasa likuran naman sila ni Kane at humahabol, saka sumusunod sa asawa niya. 

When his wife was transferred to her bed, He immediately went to her side while attentively listening to the doctor's instructions. 

Panay tango lang siya habang nakikinig. At nang makaalis ang doktor at mga nurse, bumaba ang tingin niya sa asawang wala pa ring malay hanggang sa mga sandaling 'yon. 

Blaze's face softened as he caressed his wife's face. "Thank you. For making me happy... for completing me." Hinalikan niya ito sa noo, kapagkuwan ay maingat na pinagsalikop niya ang kamay nilang dalawa. 

While Kane held Happy's other hand while smiling. "She's okay," sabi nito. "Mom is okay."

"Of course." King smiled. "It's Young Miss. She always fight for her family."

Sabay silang tumango ni Kane at nanatili sila sa tabi ni Happy kahit wala pa rin itong malay. Nakaupo lang siya sa tabi nito habang nakikinig kina Lucky at Blake na nag-uusap. 

"I already have a name." Pinakatitigan nang masuyo ni Lucky ang anak nito na nakahiga sa tabi at ngumiti. "Verdict," sabi nito. "But instead of 'i' we'll use 'e' to put a twist on it. Verdect because he is my verdict. My judgement in everything that has happened to me. And I get through all that—my sickness, every pain I felt. He was my verdict." 

"Verdect," Blake whispered as he softly caressed his son's face. "Yeah... I like it. Verdect." Then he glanced at him. "Kayo? May pangalan na ba?"

Bago pa siya makasagot, pumasok sina Daddy Dom at Mommy Henreitta. 

"How's my princesses?" agad na tanong ni Daddy Dom na lumapit muna kay Lucky para halikan ito sa noo at kumustahin ang lagay bago nilapitan si Happy at hinalikan din ito sa noo. 

Kadarating lang na dalawa mula sa paglilibot ng mga ito sa iba't ibang bansa. 

"How is she?" Daddy Dom asked him. 

"She's fine. Just sleeping," sabi niya para mapanatag ang loob nito. 

Nakahinga naman ito nang maluwag. "Thank God." Then he smiled. "So it's a twin, huh? King told Klaus and Klaus told me," deretso nitong paliwanag kung bakit nito alam na kambal nang makita ang nagtatanong niyang tingin.

Blaze smiled. "Yeah. It's a twin. The boy is the eldest."

"The first born," Daddy Dom whispered before looking at Lucky and Blake's son. "And his hippeis."

Akala niya aangal ang kakambal niya sa narinig pero ngumiti pa ito. "I like that thought, that my son is the hippeis protecting Blaze's son, because it feels like my son is me and I'm protecting Blaze. Just in another way though and in a different situation."

Blake. His always protective brother. He would never change. 

"Nasaan ang mga apo ko?" tanong sa kanya ng ama ni Happy.

"Nasa NICU," sagot niya, saka bumuntong-hininga. "They're premature and had to be incubated."

Tumango-tango si Daddy Dom, saka tinapik ang balikat niya. "Thank you for taking care of her."

"My pleasure," sagot niya habang titig na titig sa asawa. "It will always be my pleasure to take care of this amazing woman in front of me."

"Still smooth as fuck," natatawang sabi ni Daddy Dom. "Anyway, it's all good. Natapos na ni Ruthgar lahat. You and Blake can now go back to the Philippines as an alive person." Tinapik nito ang balikat niya, saka lumipat kina Lucky para kargahin si Verdect. 

Daddy Dom and Mommy Henreitta had been travelling the world together as part of their bonding before the wedding. While his parents were already on the way from Tuscany with Bailey. Hindi muna nagpakasal ang mga ito dahil hinihintay na makapanganak sina Happy at Lucky at maging maayos ang lagay ni Lucky. Daddy Dom wanted his two princesses present in his wedding, same as his parents. 

"Why are you so cute?" nanggigigil na tanong ni Daddy Dom kay Verdect. "Ano'ng pangalan nitong apo ko?"

"Verdect," sagot ni Lucky.

"Verdect," ulit ni Daddy Dom, saka ngumiti. "I like it." Kapagkuwan ay bumaling ito sa kanya. "Kayo, may pangalan na kayo?"

Bago siya makasagot, pumasok sa kuwarto ang Team Happiness. Fresh from battle with cuts and bruises. 

"How's Lady Happy?" tanong ni Deth na humigingal pa. 

"Is she okay?" tanong ni Lyf na puno ng pag-aalala. 

"She's gonna be fine, right?" Yrozz asked in fear. 

Nakakunot ang noong tumango si Blaze. "She's just sleeping."

"Oh," sabay na sabi ng tatlo, saka sabay ring tiningnan nang masama si King. 

"You said it's life and death!" Yrozz hissed. 

King shrugged. "It is. Giving birth is always a life and death." 

Lyf gritted his teeth. "My dad is on the plane as we speak because I told him it's serious."

King shrugged again. "Then we'll be complete. I called Uncle Ruthgar to come here and Master Von Per and Lady Beth are on their way also. Reunion."

Napailing na lang si Blaze. Siguro dahil naging kanang-kamay ni Happy si King at nahasa ang isip nito kung ano ang magandang gawin sa mga sitwasyon, magaling na itong magmanipula nang mga tao para ilagay sa iisang lugar. 

"Ang ingay na naman nila," reklamo ni Kane. "Nasanay na akong walang maingay."

Natawa siya. "Hayaan mo na, ang importante nandito sila."

Kane nodded. "Okay."

Blaze leaned in to kiss Happy's forehead and he just stayed by her side until she woke up, still weak from the operation. 

"Hey, baby..." he whispered. 

Kumurap-kurap ito sa kanya, saka inilibot ang tingin sa kabuuan ng kuwarto. Unti-unting gumuhit ang ngiti sa mga labi nito nang makita si Lucky at ang ibang naroon. 

Then her eyes settled on Kane. "Hey."

Kane smiled. "Hey, Mom."

When she returned her eyes on him, her smile widened. "Surprise," bulong nito. "We have twins."

Blaze chuckled. "I know. You shock me in the ER all right."

Nanatili ang ngiti sa mga labi nito. "Hindi mo pa dapat do'n malaman, eh. Surprise dapat."

Napaling na natawa na lang si Blaze, saka hinalikan ang asawa sa mga labi. "My knees wobbled. Sapat na ba 'yon para sa reaksiyon sa sorpresa mo?"

Umiling ito. "Gusto kong mahimatay ka sa sobrang gulat."

Natawa siya. "
Atapang-atao
 ako, baby. Manginginig lang ang tuhod ko pero hindi ako mahihimatay."

Happy pouted. "Epic fail and surprise ko."

"Ayos lang, mahal naman kita."

Mahina itong natawa, saka napabaling sa amang hinalikan ito sa noo. 

"How's my princess doing?" Daddy Dom asked tenderly. "Feeling okay?"

Tumango si Happy. "A little bit uncomfortable but I'll manage."

"That's my princess," Daddy Dom said proudly. 

"Congratulations," sabi ni Mommy Henreitta na kanina lang ay kausap si Lucky tungkol sa pagbe-breastfeed. "I know you two will be good parents." Hinaplos nito ang buhok ni Kane na tahimik lang na nakaupo sa kabilang gilid ng kama. "You already prove it with this one."

"Thank you," sabi niya. 

"Nasaan ang mga baby natin?" tanong ni Happy. 

"Nasa NICU," sagot niya. "We can visit them later, if you're already allowed to move, okay?"

Nakangiting tumango si Happy. "Excited na akong makita sila." 

"Us too," sabad ni Lyf. "Since the boy is the eldest, the girl will be heavily guarded."

Tumango siya. "Yes. She will be and if someone even dares to hurt her..."

"We'll kill them," sabay-sabay na sagot ng Team Happiness, lalo na si Kane. 

Napailing na lang si Happy sa kanila. 

Pumasok naman si King sa loob ng kuwarto at humarap sa mga naroon. "The nurses asked us to leave the two patients with only their families to care for them. And because we're good citizens, we're leaving."

Lyf tsked. "Fuck."

Deth tsked. "We'll be outside."

Yrozz sighed. "Uuwi na lang ako sa bahay." Sa mansiyon nina Happy ang tinutukoy nitong bahay. "See you around."

Isa-isang naglabasan ang naroon at ilan lang silang naiwan. 

Siya, si Kane, si Blake at sina Daddy Dom and Mommy Henreitta. Paminsan-minsan ay pumapasok si King para itanong kung may kailangan sila. 

Blaze stayed by his wife's side while Happy talked to Lucky, to her parents and to the other people who visited her.

And when the doctor finally allowed Happy to move, they went to the NICU. Nakaupo ito sa wheelchair at itinutulak niya iyon kasama si Kane. King had to stay because Blake wanted him to run some errands.

When they arrived outside the glass wall where their babies were inside, Happy stood up from the wheelchair when their babies were moved to the front so they could see them, even when they were inside an incubator. 

Those tiny hands and feet. My babies.
 Blaze felt a tear fell from his eyes. Hindi niya maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman sa mga sandaling 'yon. All he could do was held Happy's hand and looked at their babies. 

He felt so blessed and complete and just so so happy. He couldn't explain this feeling of contentment and happiness all together inside him. 

So, this was what it felt like to see his children for the first time after birth. 

"Look, Kane," sabi ni Happy na nakangiti. "Mga kapatid mo. You will be a good big brother to the for sure."

Kane had a soft smile on his lips. "They're so tiny. I think if I hold them, I'll break them."

Happy smiled. "Vraxx. His name is Vraxx," his wife whispered while looking at their twins. "From Dad's middle name."

Blaze smiled and carefully hugged his wife from behind. "And our baby girl? What's her name?"

"Fiery," Happy answered. "Because her father is blazin' hot." 

Natawa siya, saka hinalikan sa balikat ang asawa niya. "How about Fiery Essence and Vraxx Ethos? I'd been thinking about names too."

Nakangiting lumapat ang kamay ni Happy sa salamin habang titig na titig sa kambal nilang anak. "Welcome to our dangerous and crazy world, Vraxx Ethos Quinn and Fiery Essence Vitale." 

Ngumisi si Blaze, saka inakbayan si Kane. "May you live good lives. Daddy and Kuya Kane will love you to the moon and back and back again."

Happy smiled softly. "And Mommy loves you two. Mommy will do anything to keep you two safe."

Me too
, Blaze promised. 

He would kill and die for his children. And he knew that Kane would also kill and die for his siblings, so were the other who were close to them. Because they were family and family had always looked out for one another. 

Family. One word. Three syllables. Six letters. And what he learned from his experience was that family wasn't always blood. It was the people in your life who would do anything for one another, to keep each other safe, happy and unharmed. They were the people who would love and care for you no matter what. 

And someday, he wished for his children to find the same kind of family he found. Not related by blood, but they were all connected by heart.

CECELIB | C.C.

# EPILOGUE

~ Gusto kong magpasalamat sa lahat ng nagbasa, nag-vote, nag-comment at sumuporta sa kuwento ni Blaze at Happy, pati na rin sa kuwento ni Blake at Lucky. You guys are amazing. You really inspired me and motivate me to write more. I dedicate this story to all of you. Thank you so much for the support. You're all amazing and i love you, CCBells and Inoxentes 

😍❤️

 

Salamat sa paghihintay ng updates ko kahit minsan matagal 

, salamat sa walang sawang pagbabasa sa mga gawa ko. From my silent readers to my loud readers who leave comments for me to read and to be inspired and motivated — you always made my day. Truly. 

EPILOGUE

"WHY ARE WE heading outside?" nagtatakang tanong ni Kane habang naglalakad sila palabas ng bahay. Palingon-lingon pa ito sa madilim na kapaligiran. "Dad, where are you taking me?"

Kane had been calling him "dad" now for a year now—yes, even in public but he didn't get irritated anymore. Sanay na siyang naririnig 'yon. Mas maiirita pa siya siguro kung hindi siya tatawaging ganoon ni Kane na siyang itinuturing nilang panganay ni Happy. 

Yes, by blood, Vraxx was their first born and second was Fiery, but by heart in their family, Kane was their eldest.

"Mom..." Binalingan ni Kane si Happy na nasa tabi nito. "What's happening? Bakit tayo nasa labas? Gabi na, ah."

Ngumiti lang si Happy, saka iginiya si Kane patungo sa malawak pero madilim na solar. 

Confusion was still in Kane's face as he looked around, maybe trying to understand the situation. 

"Okay, I'm still confused," pag-amin ni Kane nang tumigil sila sa paglalakad. "Ano'ng mayroon dito sa labas? May mga kalaban ba?"

Tumawa si Happy, saka tumingin sa kanya at nagtanong. "Ipakita na natin sa kanya?"

Tumango siya. "Well, we bought it for him."

Kinunutan sila ng noo ni Kane. "Ano'ng binili n'yo para sa akin?"

Bilang sagot, may tinawagan siya sa cell phone. "King?"

"Your Highness?" sabi ng nasa kabilang linya. 

"Light it up," utos niya. 

"On it," sabi ni King, saka pinatay ang tawag.

Pagkalipas ng ilang segundo, napuno ng liwanag ang kanina'y madilim na solar na nasa harap ng bahay at nakita nila ang binili nila para kay Kane na siyang dahilan kung bakit sila nasa labas ngayon. 

Slowly, Kane's lips parted as he looked at the car in front of him. "Is... is that a Koenigsegg Agera?"

Tumango si Blaze. "Nasira na ang sasakyan mo at nanghihiram ka kay King kaya binilhan ka na namin." 

"Sa 'yo na 'to," sabi ni Happy, sabay abot ng susi ng sasakyan kay Kane. "Sana nagustuhan mo."

Slowly, Kane grinned. "Hell, yeah. I like it! So much. Thank you!" Niyakap nito si Happy, saka siya bago tumakbo palapit sa bago nitong kotse. 

Yumakap sa baywang niya ang asawa mula sa tagiliran. "Look at him, Blaze, he looks happy."

Inakbayan niya ito, saka hinalikan ito sa noo. "He deserves all the happiness his heart can hold."

Happy nodded. "Very true. He deserves every happiness he's feeling right now."

Niyakap niya ang asawa habang pinagmamasdan si Kane na siyang-siya sa bago nitong sasakyan. 

Sumakay ito, binuhay ang makina ng sasakyan, 'tapos lumabas at halos haplusin ang bawat sulok ng sasakyan na nakangiti.

Then he looked at them. "I like it! Thank you! It's amazing!"

Happy smiled. "He has no idea why we bought a car for him, does he?" 

Umiling siya. "Kahit siguro siya, nakalimutan na rin niya ang araw na 'to."

Happy sighed. "Siguro dahil din sa mga naranasan niya. He's always in the battlefield to celebrate this day."

Blaze nodded before letting go of his wife and calling King. "Handa na kayo?"

"Just a little bit," sabi ni King sa nagmamadaling boses. "No, Lyf, don't put it there! Yes! Okay—Your Highness, we're ready."

"Okay." Pinatay niya ang tawag, saka kinuha ang atensiyon ni Kane. "Come on, buddy. Pasok na tayo sa loob." 

Kane was still grinning from ear to ear as he walked towards them. "Paano n'yo nalaman na 'yon ang gusto kong sasakyan?"

"I saw the poster in your room," sagot niya.

"We want the best for you," sabi ni Happy. 

"But it's very expensive... one of the most expensive cars in the world!" Kane exclaimed. "Thank you so so much, Mom, Dad. I love the car."

"You're welcome, buddy." Inakbayan niya si Kane at iniyakap ang isang braso sa baywang ng asawa, saka iginiya ang mga ito pabalik sa kabahayan. "Open the door," udyok niya kay Kane. "Come on, pasok na tayo."

Sumunod naman sa kanya si Kane. 

Pagkatulak na pagkatulak ni Kane sa pinto pabukas, nagsiputukan ang party poppers at umulan ng confetti sa buong sala, saka sabay-sabay na sumigaw ang mga nasa loob. 

And Kane froze as everybody greet him.

"Happy Birthday, Kane!" 

"Happy Birthday, Your Highness!" nakangising sabi naman ni King. 

"Happy Birthday, bunso," sabi ng ama niya at ama ni Happy. 

"Happy birthday, buddy," sabi niya, sabay tapik sa balikat ni Kane. 

"Happy Birthday, Kaney," sabi ni Happy, saka masuyong niyakap ang panganay nila. "We wish you the best and all the happiness that your heart can hold. We love you."

Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago napalitan ang reaksiyon ng mukha ni Kane. A lone tear fell from his eyes as he looked at every person present. 

Hindi makapaniwalang nakatitig lang ito sa kanila. "How did you know that it's my birthday?" pabulong nitong tanong. "I don't even remember that it's today until you greet me a happy birthday." His eyes watered. "I... ahm... I haven't celebrated my birthday before so... I don't know what to say. I... ahm... I can't stop crying."

Ginulo niya ang buhok ng panganay. "You can say whatever you want, buddy. Saka nandito na kami ngayon para samahan ka sa espesyal na araw na 'to. Bawat taon, pangako, ise-celebrate natin ang birthday mo."

"I hope you like our birthday gift to you," wika ni Happy kay Kane, saka niyakap na naman ito. "Happy Birthday, Kaney. Sana masaya ka sa piling namin nitong nakaraang taon at sa mga taon pang daraan. Pangako, hindi ka namin pababayaan at mamahalin ka naman nang sobra-sobra."

Another tear fell from Kane's eyes before he enveloped Happy into a tight embrace. "Thank you... this means a lot to me... Thank you, Mom. As always, you made me happy again. Thank you! Ang suwerte ko at nakilala kita—kayo."

Tinapik uli niya ang balikat ni Kane habang yakap nito ang asawa niya. At nang pakawalan ni Kane sa pagkakayakap si Happy, saka sa kanya naman ito mahigpit na yumakap. 

"Thank you, Dad," sabi nito. "Salamat kasi kahit ganito ako, panganay pa rin ang turing mo sa akin. That you didn't adopt me just for legal purposes. You made me experience how it feels like to have a father. Thank you for accepting me to your family. Thank you. So much."

Tinapik niya ang likod ng panganay. "It's my pleasure to be your father, Kane. Happy birthday, buddy. I wish you the best. Always. You know that."

Tumatangong pinakawalan siya ng yakap ni Kane, saka tinuyo nito ang namamasang mga mata habang isa-isang tinitingnan na naroon. "Y-you're all here." Tumingin ito kay Daddy Dom at Daddy Von. "P-paanong... paanong nandito kayo? 'Di ba busy kayo lahat? I mean... 'yon ang sabi n'yo noong tumawag ako, 'tapos wala naman pa 'yan kanina." Itinuro nito ang styro letters na bumuo sa salitang "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KANE" na nakadikit sa semento, mga balloons na nakasabit sa kissme at iba pang birthday designs na naroon.

"King did all this," sabi ni Yrozz. 

"We just helped," sabi ni Lyf na nakangiti.

"King enslaved us for five minutes," wika ni Uncle Vent na napapailing pa. "Who said only cars can be fast and furious? We can as well."

Ngumiti si Daddy Dom. "Hindi ko palalampasin ang birthday ng bunso ko," sabi nito, saka lumapit kay Kane at may iniabot ito. "Regalo ko," sabi nitong nakangisi. 

"Same," sabi ng kanyang ama na nag-abot din ng kaparehong regalo kay Daddy Dom kay Kane. "Happy Birthday, kiddo."

"Dad! Why are you giving my baby condoms?!" Happy hissed at the two.

But of course, Kane was Kane, he accepted the gift. "This is the third unopened condom box you have given me."

Daddy Dom tsked. "Itapon mo na lahat, maliban diyan. Expired na ang mga 'yon. Baka makabuntis ka pa."

Daddy Von nodded in agreement. "Yep. Get rid of the old once and always put on a rubber before sex."

"Kane, you're now twenty-eight but still a virgin!" Lyf tsked. "I told you to come with me to my escapades so you can learn from me."

Tiningnan nang masama ni Happy si Lyf. "My baby will be tainted someday but I will not let him learn from you. Ayokong maging fuckboy ang anak ko tulad mo! Babarilin kita, Lyf. Tatamaan ka talaga sa akin!"

Natatawang niyakap niya ang asawa mula sa likuran at hinalikan ito sa leeg. "Hayaan mo na, matanda na si Kane."

Umiling ito habang magkasalubong ang mga kilay. "Eh, alam mo namang mga BI 'yang mga gustong turuan si Kane. Paano kung dumami ang panganay niyan like Dad?"

Napahawak agad sa puso nito si Daddy Dom. "Ako na naman ang nakita." Humihingi ng saklolo itong bumaling kay Lucky na yakap ni Blake mula sa likuran. "Lucky, my princess, ipagtanggol mo ako sa kapatid mo."

Umiling si Lucky. "Marami ka naman talagang panganay, Daddy. Don't lie."

Dalawang kamay na ni Daddy Dom ang nakahawak sa dibdib nito, saka tumingin kay Clev na kausap ni Yrozz. "911, Clev."

Umiling si Clev. "They're right, Dad, no help here."

Bumaling si Daddy Dom kay Mommy Henreitta habang hawak pa rin ang dibdib. "Love, look at our kids, savaging their own father."

Natatawang ibinuka naman ni Mommy Henreitta ang mga braso kay Daddy Dom. "Come here... I love you nonetheless."

"
Aww
..." sabi ng mommy niya na nanunudyo at tumaas ang kilay sa ama niya na nakatingin dito. "Magpapa-baby ka rin?" natatawang tanong nito. 

His dad just chuckled before hugging his mom. 

"Happy birthday, bunso," Bati ni Themarie kay Kane, sabay abot ng isang malaking box. "Here you go. Regalo namin ng Kuya Shun mo."

Nakangiting tinanggap 'yon ni Kane. "Puwede ko na bang buksan?"

"Oo naman," sagot ni Shun na nakangisi. 

Kane immediately and excitedly opened the box and gape. "Are these porn videos and bold magazines?" tanong nito sa mag-asawang Themarie at Shun. 

Agad namang itinuro ni Themarie si Shun na karga-karga ang anak na si Saito. "His idea."

Kane shook his head. "Oh, well, it's the thought that counts," he said before hugging Themarie. "Thank you," sabi nito, saka niyakap naman si Shun. "Thanks, Kuya Shun."

Tinapik naman ito ni Shun sa likod. "Anytime, buddy. And please put those magazines and porn videos into good use."

Tumawa lang si Kane. 

"Our turn to give a gift," wika ni Luther na kasama si Amethyst na karga-karga ang anak nitong si Logan. Here's ours."

Tinanggap naman 'yon ni Kane at binuksan. "Naked women posters?" he asked innocently. "Ano'ng gagawin ko rito?"

Sinuntok ni Amethyst si Luther sa tiyan. "Dapat iba ang niregalo namin sa iyo. Itong Kuya Luther mo kasi, eh."

"Idikit mo sa pader ng kuwarto mo," sabi ni Luther. "And then jackoff."

Kane was smiling as he shook his head at the two and hugged them afterwards. "Thank you for the poster." 

"And course, my gift," sabi ni Lyf, sabay bigay ng isang pahabang box kay Kane. 

"Mine as well," sabi ni Deth na ang regalo ay nakalagay sa kaparehong box na bigay ni Lyf. "Our gift."

Agad iyong binuksan ni Kane at ang lapad ng ngiti nito nang makitang parehong espada ang laman ng dalawang kahon at may nakasulat sa bawat hawakan. 

Ang espadang bigay ni Lyf ay may nakasulat na "death," samantalang ang espadang bigay ni Deth ay may nakasulat na "life." 

Napailing na lang si Blaze dahil nagkabaliktad yata ang dalawa. 

Kane grinned at the Romanov brothers. "'Buti naman hindi porn videos. Mas magagamit ko 'to."

Itinuro ni Lyf si Deth. "This is his idea."

"Kaya pala," sabi ni Kane na tumatango. "Thanks, D. Thanks, L."

"Here's ours," nakangiti namang sabi ni Lucky, sabay abot ng maliit na box kay Kane. "Don't worry, ideya ko 'yan, hindi sa Kuya Blake mo kaya hindi 'yan bastos."

Nalukot ang mukha ni Blake. "Dapat 'yong ideya ko ang sinunod natin."

Nakangiting nilingon ito ni Lucky. "Pero dahil mahal mo ako, ang ideya ko siyempre ang masusunod."

"Oo na," nangingiting sabi ng kakambal, saka hinalikan sa gilid ng noo ang asawa habang yakap ito mula sa likuran. 

Binuksan naman ni Kane ang regalo nina Lucky at Blake, saka napangiti ito. It was a custom-made wristwatch with engraved words on the back that said, "Kane Quinn Vitale."

"This is nice." Agad iyong isinuot ni Kane. "Salamat," sabi nito, saka niyakap ang mag-asawang Lucky at Blake. 

"And from Team Oldies," sabi ni Uncle Ruthgar, sabay bigay ng isang folder kay Kane. "From me, Vent and Klaus, we give you a house fund so when you already have a family, you won't have a problem making them a home they'll love, like how these people made a home for you." 

A soft smiled appeared on Kane's lips. "Thank you."

Daddy Dom tsked. "Von, next birthday ni Kane, magbukas din tayo ng fund para magamit niya kapag may babae na siyang nagustuhan. Hindi ko matanggap na mas mahal ang regalo ng tatlong 'yan kaysa sa atin."

Natawa si Daddy Von. "Ikaw 'tong may gustong magregalo ng condom, eh."

Hindi nila pinansin ang dalawa na nagbabangayan na naman.

"And for my brother by heart," sabi ni Yrozz, saka ibinigay ang regalong laptop kay Kane. "It's upgraded."

"Yes!" Kane was grinning from ear to ear as he accepted the laptop. 

"Kuya Kane..." It was Bailey who now lived with his parents in Tuscany and just came home with their parents. "Happy birthday," sabi nito, sabay bigay ng regalo nitong nakalagay sa box. 

Ginulo ni Kane ang buhok ni Bailey. "Thank you, kiddo."

Then from the kitchen, King came out while holding a cake with already lit candles. Agad silang kumanta habang naglalakad si King palapit sa kanila. 

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, happy birthday, happy birthday, Kaney!" 

Applause filled the place. 

"Blow the candles," sabi ni Happy. 

Kane excitedly neared his two layered cake, closed his eyes for a moment, before blowing the candles.

"
Yey
!" Happy was grinning.

They all clapped their hands again. 

"Happy birthday!" ulit nilang bati lahat kay Kane. 

Ang lapad ng ngiti ni Kane at ang aliwalas ng mukha nito habang tinitingnan silang lahat. "Thank you, everyone. Thank you for celebrating my birthday. This is the first for me and I'm very lucky to be part of this family." Then he looked at him and Happy. "To my parents who adopted me, accepted me and loved me regardless of my age... thank you, it means a lot. Your love and care is overwhelming, and I promised to love you all back a million times harder."

"
Awww
... si bunso, lumalaki na." Ginulo ni Daddy Dom ang buhok ni Kane. "That's a good speech, kiddo. In this family who loves you and care for you, my advice is to always love them harder because they're the ones who will be there for you no matter what."

Kane nodded. "I will." Then his attention went to the twins on the crib, lying together with Blake's son. Agad na ngumiti si Fiery nang makita si Kane at pilit na inaabot ang kamay nito kay Kane. "It's Kuya's birthday. Did you miss Kuya Kane? Hmm?"

Fiery just kept on smiling and moving her hands, wiggling her legs, and Vraxx was making this cute sounds while chuckling. While Verdect, Blake's son just stared silently at Kane who was now playing peek-a-boo with the three babies. 

"
Aww
... so cute..." Hinaplos ni Daddy Dom ang pisngi ni Verdect. "Bakit hindi ka maingay? Mana ka ba sa daddy mo na hindi palasalita? Hmm...."

Verdect just moved his head, maybe Daddy Dom's touch on his face tickled him. 

"And my little princess..." sabi ni Daddy Von at kinarga si Fiery. "
Aww
... you're very cute as well. Kung hindi lang magagalit ang mommy mo, kinuha ka na namin. So cute... very pretty princess." 

Ibinalik ng mga ama nila ang mga bata sa crib at ang crib mismo ang kinuha ng dalawa at itinulak. Dahil may gulong naman ang crib, madali lang ng mga itong naitulak iyon patungo sa mommy niya, kay Mommy Henreitta at Bailey para makipaglaro. Minsan lang ang mga itong bumisita at gustong makasama ang mga apo. 

Kasama rin ng mga ito si Saito na pinipisil-pisil ang pisngi ni Vraxx, saka si Logan na pilit na inaabot at gustong hawakan ang kamay ni Fiery.

Nang kinuha nina Daddy Von at Dom ang mga bata, sumama ang mukha ni Kane kay King na katatabi lang ng cake na dala.

"Wala kang regalo sa akin?" kunot ang noong tanong ni Kane kay King. 

"Ba't pa ako magreregalo?" tanong ni King. Sa wakas ay marunong nang mag-Tagalog ang loko pero may kakabit pa rin iyong accent. "Ako ang nagluto ng mga pagkaing nasa mesa. Effort ang regalo ko, Your Highness. Effort!"

Lalong sumama ang mukha ni Kane. "Ewan ko sa iyo."

Natawa na lang sila at napailing. Ang hilig talagang asarin ni King si Kane, pero sigurado namang may regalo ito kay Kane mamaya. 

"Kain na tayo," aya Yrozz. "Nagugutom na ako."

Napangiti sila. 

Inakbayan niya si Happy, si Blake naman ay niyakap si Lucky sa baywang, at sina Happy at Lucky ay magkaangkla ang mga braso habang naglalakad. 

Blaze smiled. 

He thought it would be challenging living with family while having and taking care of your own family in a shared mansion, but that wasn't the case for them. 

They all went along, and nothing had changed. Happy still cared deeply for Lucky and treared her like a baby her from time to time, Blake was still his protective brother who demanded doing things for him. The kids adored Kane so much. And King—well, he was still King but the jackass became more manipulative. 

And one family had been added to their very secure compound—Luther.

When he moved back to Philippines with his family nearly a year ago, they asked him to stay with them in the compound because it was safer—they still have the Triad to worry about. Pero masyado na raw matao ang mansiyon sabi ni Luther para doon tumira ang mga ito kaya naman nagpatayo ito ng sariling bahay sa tabi ng mansiyon nila. 

Even Yrozz had a small house inside their compound full of high-tech stuff. While Lyf and Deth built a cozy house beside's Yrozz. Pero ang pagkain ng magkapatid na Romanov kapag nasa bansa ay sa bahay pa rin naman nila. 

While Shun and Themarie visited often. They had always had dinner here every week. 

Nang makapasok sila sa hapagkainan, kanya-kanya silang hugot ng upuan para sa mga asawa nila. 

Napalingon si Blaze nang pumasok ang crib sa kusina na tulak-tulak ni Daddy Dom na nakikipaglaro pa rin sa tatlo.

While Saito was already in Shun's arms, so was Logan who was already climbing on Luther's lap.

At sa mga sandaling 'yon, may kanya-kanyang pinag-uusapan ang mga nasa hapagkainan. 

Ang ama nila at Team Oldies ay negosyo ang pinag-uusapan, si Lyf naman ay tinuturuan ng kung ano-anong katarantaduhan na naman sina Kane at Deth na nakikinig lang dito at paminsan-minsan ay nagrereklamo. 

While the women were planning for a bonding session and the rest were just listening.

"Next week, let's go shopping please?" aya ni Amethyst kina Lucky, Happy at Themarie habang kumakain. 

"Sure." Lucky smiled. "Then we'll pamper ourselves like spa and all the girly things. I miss that. It's been months since we last go out together."

Themarie smiled before looking at Happy, "I don't have to ask to confirm but I still want to. Will the Organòsi secure the whole area for us?"

Nakangiting tumango si Happy. "Of course. I'll deploy guards and snipers to secure the location, so we better pick a place so my men can secure the area ahead of time." Then she glanced at his mom and Mommy Henreitta. "Sama kayong dalawa sa amin please?"

"Sige ba," masayang pagpayag ng mommy niya. "Sa susunod pa na linggo ang uwi namin nina Von at Bailey sa Tuscany."

"Great." Themarie smiled at his mom. "Mag-dinner kayo sa bahay ni Dad, please, Mom?"

His mom smiled tenderly at Themarie. "We would love too. Tawagan mo lang ako kung kailan."

"Please bring Bailey," dagdag ni Themarie. "Saito likes playing with his Kuya Bailey."

"I will," sabi ng Mommy niya na nakangiti. 

Lihim na napangiti si Blaze. They knew their family was complicated, but Themarie was very cool toward his mother and Bailey before and after the marriage of their father and his mom. Ganoon din ang kanyang ina kay Themarie. Maayos ang pakikitungo ng dalawa sa isa't isa.

"Mommy..." Lucky smiled at Mommy Henreitta. "Sama ka rin please, bonding tayo. It's been a long time."

Mommy Henreitta smiled sweetly. "Of course, baby. Hindi pa naman kami babalik sa Pennsylvania ng dad mo."

"Great." Amethyst clapped her hands. "All girls, no boys."

Agad silang umangal na mga asawa. 

"That's not fair!" sabay na sabi nina Luther at Shun.

"Definitely not," sabay nilang sang-ayon ni Blake. 

"That's okay," sabad naman ni King na karga-karga si Vraxx na umiiyak kaya isinasayaw nito. "We'll have our own bonding session here in the compound. All males. No girls with lots of beers and grilled meat."

"I like grilled meat," sabi ni Blake. 

Of course, he did. That was Blake's weakness. At gusto niya ng kakanin, magpapabili siya bukas kay King. 

Samantalang ang kababaihan ay nagkibit-balikat lang sa drinking session na pinaplano ni King na ikinailing na lang nilang mga lalaki. 

"You're always bullying us, your husbands." Luther tsked while feeding Logan. "Eat up, kiddo. Masarap 'yan. Luto 'yan ni Kuya King mo."

"Kami? Bully? Ano naman?" Themarie shrugged. "Mahal n'yo naman kami." Binalingan nito si Shun na pinapakain si Vraxx. "'Di ba, hell boy? Mahal mo ako?"

Shun immediately leaned in to kiss Themarie on the lips. "Very much."

Tinaasan ng kilay ni Amethyst si Luther. "May sasabihin ka?"

Luther immediately smiled lovingly at Amethyst. "I love you, baby."

Agad namang ngumiti si Amethyst. "
Aww
... ang sweet ng asawa ko."

Happy chuckled before kissing his cheeks. "Love you, Blazey ko. I'm not gonna say sorry for bullying you because I live for it these past few months, but I love you so, so, so much."

He smiled lovingly at his wife. Her I love yous could still rob the oxygen on his lungs. "That's okay, sanay na ako. Pasalamat ka talaga mahal na mahal kita."

Ngumiti lang si Happy, saka nilagyan ng dagdag na pagkain ang pinggan ni Kane na tahimik lang na nakikinig sa usapan at sa mga pinagsasasabi ni Lyf dito. 

While Lucky was asking Blake. "Hindi ba nice naman ako sa iyo at hindi bully?"

"You're savage." Iyan lang ang sinabi ni Blake sa asawa nito bago nito niyakap, saka hinalikan sa pisngi. 

"How's the business doing?" kapagkuwan ay tanong ng daddy nila kay Blake na ikinatuon ng tingin nila rito. "I heard you're about to expand?" 

Blake nodded while putting food on Lucky's plate. "Okay naman ang lahat. Ever since I came back as an alive person and took over the company, it's been doing well." 

His dad looked at him, "And you? How's work?"

Blaze shrugged. "Work is okay..."

"I told you to just build your own hospital." 

Umiling siya. "Dad, lalong mawawalan ako ng oras sa pamilya ko kung ganoon. Okay na ako sa Romero's Hospital. I'm enjoying my job with a good pay."

"But you'll earn more if you build your own hospital," diin ng ama niya na matagal na siyang pinipilit na gawin ang gusto nito. 

"I don't want to. I'm earning enough," giit din niya. 

His father sighed. "Blaze, you have a family now." Tumingin ito kay Happy. "Tell him that it's a good idea to build a hospital of his own." 

Happy smiled at his father. "Dad, it's okay, kung saan masaya ang asawa ko, suportado ko siya. And if it's about our family, Blaze has a share on the Vitale Shipping Line and I have a share as well on Dad's businesses and it's already too much actually including his inheritance from you. And we have a lot of investments in his friends' companies and not only that, we already secured our children educational plan and other funds for them in the future. So, no worries po, Daddy Von, mas gusto kong doktor ang asawa ko at masaya siya sa ginagawa niya. Gusto kong nakangiti siyang umuuwi sa akin at may oras siya sa amin, lalo na't nag-a-adjust naman ang hospital sa requests niya. Saka malaki naman ang sahod niya sa Romero's Hospital. Sobra-sobra pa nga. But if a time will come that he wants to build his own ospital, ayos lang din sa akin. I'll support him all the way."

Tumango-tango ang ama niya, saka bumaling ang atensiyon kay Blake at nag-usap na naman ang dalawa tungkol sa negosyo.

Blaze leaned in to kiss his wife's shoulder and he whispered, "Thank you." 

"For?" Happy whispered back.

Blaze couldn't help himself, he leaned in more to kiss her cheek. "Thank you for always respecting my decisions and defending me."

Happy kissed his lips and just smiled at him before getting Vraxx from King. "Excuse me," sabi nito. "I'll just breastfeed Vraxx." 

Nang umalis sa mesa si Happy, doon naman umupo si King sa tabi ni Kane. Kapagkuwan ay may inilapag na maliit na box sa mesa si King—sa harap ni Kane. 

"Regalo ko," sabi ni King. 

Natigilan si Kane, saka nangingiting napatitig kay King. "Akala ko wala kang regalo sa akin."

Nagkibit-balikat lang si King, saka kumain na. 

Si Kane naman ay binuksan ang maliit na box at napangiti nang makitang signet ring 'yon o mas kilala bilang gentleman's ring. And it had his initials "KV" on top.

"Happy birthday," sabi ni King. "Lahat binigyan ko niyan sa birthday nila kaya huwag kang feeling espesyal."

Malapad ang ngiting isinuot ni Kane ang signet ring. "Thanks, King. I like it."

"Yeah, yeah," King said dismissively. 

Kane grinned. "Salamat sa favorite breakfast ko kanina na niluto mo, alam kong ginawa mo 'yon kasi birthday ko. Salamat sa paglilinis ng kuwarto ko kahit panay reklamo mo. Salamat sa T-shirt na binili mo noong isang linggo," sabi nito na marunong nang mang-asar. Alam kasi nitong ayaw na ayaw ni King na iniisa-isa 'yong ginagawa nito para sa iba. 

"Whatever," King replied. 

Kane grinned. "Salamat, Kuya."

King just tsked. 

Natawa si Blaze. 
King is embarrassed.
 

"Kuya—"

"Shut up, Kane, hindi nagkakalayo ang edad natin," inis na sabi ni King. 

Natawa naman si Kane, saka tumahimik na at nagpatuloy sa pagkain. 

Si Blaze naman ay tumayo at sinilip muna ang crib kung saan natutulog ang isa sa kambal at si Verdect. Napangiti siya nang makitang mahimbing ang tulog ni Essence. Kaya naman agad siyang lumapit kay Happy na nakaupo sa tabi ng crib, patalikod sa mesa habang bini-breastfeed si Vraxx na mukhang tulog na rin. 

Bumalik siya sa mesa, saka bumulong kay Kane. "Doon muna ako sa mom mo. Mamaya, inuman tayo. Happy birthday uli, Kane."

Agad namang tumango si Kane kaya agad siyang humila ng upuan para itabi 'yon sa kinauupuan ng asawa. 

"Is he asleep?" tanong niya. 

Tumango si Happy habang hawak nito ang dibdib kung saan sumususo si Vraxx para hindi matakpan ang ilong nito. "But he's still feeding. 'Buti nga hindi na umiiyak."

"Si Essence?" tanong niya habang sinusubuan ito ng pagkain dahil hindi ito maayos na nakakain sa mesa. "Hindi kaya magutom siya mamaya dahil nakatulog agad? Mapupuyat ka na naman dahil kailangan mo siyang i-breastfeed. Ayaw mo pa namang natutulog kapag sumususo sa iyo."

"Natatakot kasi akong baka madaganan ko siya o hindi siya makahinga nang maayos pero ayos lang ako." Happy smiled at him. "Kaya ko 'to. Magsasabi ako sa iyo kapag kailangan ko na talaga ng pahinga."

Blaze sighed before an idea hit him. "Ganito na lang kaya, matulog ka at ako na lang ang magbabantay kay baby habang bini-breastfeed mo siya. You need to rest because you're busy in the morning as well."

"Blazey, ayos lang ako," sabi ni Happy na nakatingin kay Vraxx. "Saka 'di ba may drinking session kayo mamaya?"

"Puwede namang hindi ako uminom—"

"No. It's okay," putol ni Happy sa iba pa niyang sasabihin. "Minsan n'yo na nga lang ginagawa 'yon. I can take care of the twins. Ako pa ba?"

"But, baby—"

"Blazey." She looked at him, "I can take care of the twins. Saka nasa 'taas lang naman kami at nasa pool lang kayo. Ayos lang kami. And it's for Kane's birthday so go and have fun with our eldest. We'll make unforgettable memories with him, remember?"

Blaze sighed. "Fine, but my phone is ready for you. Tawagan mo ako kapag pagod ka na. Seryoso ako, baby. I'm sure Kane will understand if I excuse myself. You're breastfeeding two babies. You need full rest and a healthy food to keep up with the two."

Happy chuckled. "That's true... I need to keep up. Ang lakas sumuso ni Fiery."

Natawa na rin siya. "Tingnan mo naman ang taba-taba."

"Si Vraxx din," sabi ni Happy. "Pero mas mataba si Fiery."

Tumango siya. "Kaya siguro gustong-gusto siyang hawakan ni Logan."

Happy let out a short laugh. "Pansin ko nga."

Naputol ang usapan nila ng asawa nang lumapit sa kanila si Kane na may dalang pinggan na puno ng hipon. "Mom, heto, o, binalatan na kita ng hipon. Don't worry, I used a plastic hand glove. And of course, soup. You need more soup because of the babies."

"Thanks, buddy," sabi niya kay Kane, saka tinanggap ang dala nito. 

"Thank you, Kane," nakangiti na lang sabi ni Happy kay Kane. 

Kane kissed Happy on the top of her head before saying, "Thank you for celebrating my birthday, Mom. It's amazing." Then he looked at him. "Mamaya sa inuman please huwag kang mag-mix ng inumin. Baka mawalan na naman ako ng malay."

Natawa siya. "It's your birthday. I wouldn't put you in that kind of state again."

Kane smiled and went back to the table. Hahang sila naman ni Happy ay bumalik sa mesa pagkatapos sumuso ni Vraxx. Naihiga na ito ng asawa sa crib, sa tabi Essence na mahimbing pa ring matutulog. 

It was a fun birthday dinner. Sina Lyf at Clev ang nagtuturo ng kagaguhan kina Deth at Kane na masama ang mukha sa pinagsasasabi ng dalawa at ayaw makinig. Ang Team Oldies naman ay kinukulit din sina Deth at Kane na makipag-sex na raw. 'Buti na lang sina Saito, Logan at Bailey ay abala sa paglalaro para marinig ang pinag-uusapan nila.

Tulad ng palaging nangyayari, naging tampulan ng tukso ang dalawang birheng lalaki sa pamilya nila kapag nagsasama-sama sila. 

After dinner, Deth and Lyf cleaned the dishes while King and Clev cleaned the table. Tutulong sana si Kane pero hindi ito hinayaan kasi birthday nito. 

Meanwhile, Luther was mixing a drink for their drinking session together with the Team Oldies and Team Happiness. Samantalang ang mga asawa nila ay nasa sala, nag-uusap-usap habang kasama ang mga bata na binabantayan ng mga ito. 

Napabaling siya sa kakambal nang lumapit ito sa kanya. 

Blake looked at him, "The lunatics want to drink some beer tomorrow."

"Sure," agad niyang pagpayag. "Though I'll ask my wife first."

"I said no."

Napakurap-kurap siya sa kakambal. "Bakit? Wala naman tayong gagawin bukas kung payagan tayo ng mga asawa natin—"

"Hindi pa nga tayo nakakapag-inuman na tayo lang dalawa dahil pareho tayong busy, 'tapos makikipag-inuman ka sa iba? Gaguhan? Saksakin kita riyan."

Natawa siya nang maisip kung bakit humindi si Blake. "Nagseselos ka ba kasi wala na akong oras sa iyo?"

"Gago." Tiningnan siya nito nang masama. "Sa kusina lang ako, tutulungan ko si Luther."

Akmang papunta na sa kusina ang kakambal niya nang may kumatok sa pinto. Naglalakad na siya para buksan kung sino man ang nasa labas ng pinto pero naunahan siya ni Kane. 

Binuksan ni Kane ang pinto at agad na ngumiti nang makita kung sino ang nasa labas pero may bakas pa rin ng gulat ang mukha nito. "You came."

Agad na iniabot ng kung sino man na nasa labas ng pinto ang regalong dala nito para kay Kane. "Happy birthday, chief."

Kane smiled. "Thanks."

Tuluyan na ring pumasok ang bagong dating at natigilan silang lahat nang makita kung sino 'yon.

It was Midnight... and as he looked at him and at Blake then at Happy, he smiled. 

"
Yow
, how's it going?"

THE END

CECELIB | C.C.

# SPECIAL CHAPTER - Vraxx Ethos and Fiery Essence 

SPECIAL CHAPTER

Vraxx Ethos and Fiery Essence

HINUBAD NI VRAXX ang leather jacket na suot nang makalabas siya ng Club X—ang club na pagmamay-ari ni Logan, ang anak ni Uncle Luther. Nakakailang hakbang pa lang siya palabas nang may tumawag sa kanya. 

Vraxx checked his phone. 

Kuya Logan calling... 

"Kuya," sabi niya nang sagutin ang tawag. 

"Uuwi ka na?" tanong nito. Naririnig niya sa kabilang linya ang musika sa loob ng club pero dinig pa rin niya nang malinaw ang boses nito. "I saw you leave."

"Yeah..." He let out a loud breath. "Mom called. She wants me home."

"Oh, okay. Ingat sa pagmamaneho pauwi."

Natawa siya. "Kuya, we both know that my driving is always the least of my worry when I'm outside."

Logan tsked. "Well, you're the second Arkhon's son and the next in line. Where's Verdect?"

"Home."

"Kasama mo siya kanina, 'di ba?" Bakas ang gulat sa boses ng kausap. "Himala yata. Hindi humihiwalay ang isang 'yon sa iyo."

"He left the club early." Kumunot ang noo ni Vraxx. "Now I'm wondering if he's really home." He tsked. "He must've sensed something." 

Logan chuckled. "You know him. Even after college, he's still focus on protecting you. Verdect will always protect you like how Uncle Blake protects Uncle Blaze."

Nagkibit-bakikat siya. "I don't mind. I like him being around. It calms me. And it's fun when people always mistook us as twins because we look-alike."

Logan laughed. "Both your parents are look-alike as well—that's what you get. By the way, speaking of twins, have you seen Fiery Essence?"

Kumunot ang noo ni Vraxx sa tanong ng Kuya Logan niya. "Why are you asking, Kuya? Nakita mo ba siya? Fuck! Hindi 'yon pinapalabas ni Dad ngayong gabi dahil nga sa mga nangyayari."

"I saw her on the club earlier. With her boyfriend."

Natigilan siya. "You okay?"

Logan chuckled nonchalantly. "No worries. I'm used to it. I already called Kuya Kane to pick her up but do check if she's already home. Matigas ang ulo ng isang 'yon."

"I will."

"Sige, ingat sa pag-uwi," sabi nito saka nagpaalam na. 

Nang mawala sa kabilang linya ang kausap, ibinulsa ni Vraxx ang cell phone, saka pasimpleng tumingin sa paligid. Nakikiramdam. Madaling-araw na kaya kulang na ang tao sa labas. Pero bago pa siyang makahakbang, may tumutok ng baril sa tagiliran niya. 

"Move or you'll die," sabi ng may hawak ng baril sa kanya. "My gun has a suppressor, no one will know you're dead."

"Thanks for the info." Mabilis na umikot si Vraxx at dinisarmahan ang lalaking nasa likuran niya at itinutok sa ibaba ng baba nito ang sariling baril, saka kinalabit niya ang gatilyo. When the mam dropped dead on the floor, he checked out the gun he was now holding. "Hmm... nice gun."

Humakbang siya paalis, saka tinawagan ang Uncle Lyf niya habang inaalis ang dugong tumilamsik sa mukha niya dahil sa pagbaril niya sa lalaki nang malapitan. 

"Uncle," sabi niya nang sagutin nito ang tawag, "I need a clean up. One body. Outside Kuya Logan's club."

"I'll send someone," sabi ni Uncle Lyf. "Ingat sa pag-uwi." 

"Thanks." Pinatay niya ang tawag, saka naglakad patungo sa kotse niya. Hindi pa siya nakakasakay nang makatanggap siya ng text mula kay Verdect. 

Coms in.

Mabilis niyang kinuha sa bulsa ang earpiece, saka inilagay iyon sa tainga niya. "This is Vraxx Ethos Vitale, reporting for duty." In his birth certificate it was actually Vraxx Ethos Quinn but he likes to used his father's surname. "How can I help you today?" he asked jokingly. 

"Code," sabi ng boses sa kabilang linya. 

"KN, it's me," may diin niyang sabi. 

"I don't care. Give me a code." 

Vraxx tsked. "Bloodlust."

"Oh, hey, Vraxx." May ngiti na sa boses nito. "Huwag ka pa lang sumakay sa kotse mo. Someone put a bomb on it."

"Fuck!" Mabilis siyang lumayo sa sasakyan niya, "I love this car! Kuya Kane gave it to me! Fuck it!"

"Magpabili ka na lang uli kay Kuya Kane, mayaman naman 'yon," suhestiyon ni KN.

Vraxx tsked. "How did you know?"

"Because I'm awesome, talented and just fucking amazing," sagot ni KN sa kanya. "Anyway, just walk towards the road on your left, the Viscount will pick you up."

"Viscount?" tanong niya habang malalaki ang hakbang na naglalakad. "He's here?"

"Yep." KN said popping the "p." "Just arrive tonight and he's already saving your ass."

Napailing si Vraxx, saka mas binilisan ang paglalakad. Truth to KN's words, there was a car waiting for him but Viscount was not the driver, he was in the backseat. The driver was Prince.

"
Yow
," sabi niya kay Prince nang makasakay sa passenger seat. 

Napatingin siya sa harap nila nang hindi sumagot si Viscount o si Prince sa kanya at nanatili lang sa unahan ang tingin ng mga ito. 

Natigilan siya nang makitang may limang kalaban na naroon, nakatutok ang baril sa kanila at nagsasalita ang mga ito at sinenyasan silang lumabas ng sasakyan. 

"This car is bulletproof, right?" he asked Viscount and Prince. 

Humigpit ang hawak ni Prince sa manibela. "It's rental. Kadarating lang namin."

"Fuck." 

"Yeah. Fuck," sabi ni Viscount. 

"Let's just run them over," suhestiyon niya habang humahawak nang mahigpit ng gilid ng kinauupuan. "That would be nice, Prince." 

"Good idea," sabi ni Viscount. 

Nakahanda nang sagasaan ni Prince ang limang kalalakihan nang isa-isa iyong bumagsak sa semento. 

Headshot. 

Then he heard a voice on his earpiece. 

"You okay, Eth?" It was Verdect. Eth was Verdect's nickname for him, it was from his second name, Ethos. "Nabaril ka ba?"

"Nope. I'm good," sagot niya. "Thanks. You?"

"I'm right behind you, Eth," sabi nito. "Prince, move the car. Now."

Nang bumagsak ang limang kalalakihan, agad na pinaharurot ni Prince ang sasakyan palayo sa lugar na 'yon. 

"Verdect really won't let anything happen to you," sabi ni Viscount na nasa backseat. "You're lucky to have a cousin like him."

Wala sa sariling napahawak si Vrazz sa tagiliran niya kung saan naroon pa ang pilat nang mabaril siya noong fifteen years old siya. Magkasama sila noon si Verdect at siya ang sumalo sa bala na para sana rito. It was a very natural movement for him. He didn't think twice. He didn't want his family hurt. He didn't want his cousin to get hurt so he used himself to protect him. 

From then on, Verdect changed. Mas sineryoso nito ang pagiging hippies nito kahit ayaw niya. Verdect underwent training with his dad, Uncle Blake and Kuya Kane. Even Uncle Lyf and Uncle Deth trained him. 

At lahat ng tao na nakakakita sa kanila na kilala ang mga ama nila, palaging sinasabi na kung itrato at protektahan daw siya ni Verdect ay parang si Uncle Blake na pinoprotektahan ang daddy niya na kakambal nito. 

Well, ever since they were toddlers, it was him and Verdect. Always together. Mas pinagkakamalan pa silang kambal ng marami kaysa sa kanila ni Fiery. 

"Eth, next time you wanna go out to fuck, I'll kick your ass."

Natawa siya sa sinabi ng pinsan. "I was just blowing off some steam."

"Isusumbong kita kay Mommy Happy," sabi ni Verdect na Mommy Happy ang tawag sa mommy niya. "She'll ground you and she wouldn't care even if you're already twenty-four."

Vraxx tsked. "Fine. Let's have a deal. What do you want?"

"No club hopping for two weeks," sabi ni Verdect. "Maawa ka naman sa mga taong nagbabantay sa iyo kapag lumalabas ka."

"And you won't tell Mom about tonight?"

"Yes."

Vraxx sighed. "Deal."

"Good. By the way, Kuya Kane picked up Fiery earlier," imporma sa kanya ni Verdect. 

"Hindi ba nagalit?" tanong niya. 

"Hindi naman. Kilala mo naman si Fiery. She understands," sabi ni Verdect. "Alam naman kasi niyang si Kuya Logan ang tumawag kay Kuya Kane para ipasundo siya."

Napabuntong-hininga siya. "'Buti naman. Kung ako ang nakakita sa kanya at kung ako ang nagsumbong, ilang sipa kaya ang natanggap ko?"

Tumawa si Verdect. "Fiery learned to fight from the best."

Napailing na lang siya. "I'm always her punching bag." Huminga siya nang malalim. "It's a good thing that even though she's spoiled by everyone, she's not a brat."

"Exactly," sabad ni Prince. "Young Miss is a very nice girl."

"That's why I like her," dagdag ni Viscount. 

Nagulat silang lahat nang marinig nila ang boses ni Logan sa earpiece na mga suot. 

"Viscount..." May pagbabanta sa boses nito. "If you still want to keep the important parts of your body attached to you, I suggest you put your admiration elsewhere."

KN chuckled. "Tumahimik ka kasi, Viscount. Bawal na bawal kang magkagusto sa prinsesa ng mga Vitale dahil naka-reserve na 'yon."

"Kanino naka-reserve?" Boses iyon ni Admiral na kasama sa Team Vraxx pero hindi niya alam kung nasaang panig ito ng bansa ngayon. 

Kung sino ang ka-teammate niya, mga anak din 'yon ng ka-teammate ng mommy niya. 

"Naka-reserve sa kakilala nating torpe ba?" tanong ni Admiral uli. 

Sumabad si Navy sa usapan, ang pinsan ni Admiral. "Hayaan n'yo na, bata pa naman ang babaeng sinisinta niya."

Their conversation was done through earpiece only. Palagi namang ganito ang usapan nila, lalo na kapag malayo sila sa isa't isa.

"Paano 'yan, hindi naman na bumabata 'yang si Logan. Malapit nang lumampas sa kalendaryo ang gago kaya hindi puwedeng hayaan na lang," sabad ni Kuya Saito na mukhang busy sa laptop nito dahil naririnig niya ang pagtipa ng keyboard sa earpiece na suot. "NK, bigyan mo nga ng magandang advice itong si Logan nang matahimik na."

Nagsalita naman si Kuya NK. "Wala kang mapapala sa akin. Kahit sarili kong love life, hindi ko maayos. Fuck it! Why is that woman so savage?!"

Natawa sila. 

Kuya NK liked Summer, Tito Cadmus' daughter. Summer was really savage and a player that was why NK was really having a hard time taming her—if he could.

KN tsked. "Sumuko ka na lang kasi, Kuya. Hindi ka naman kasi talaga bagay sa kagandahan ni Summer. Diyosa 'yon, sinto-sinto ka. Hindi kayo bagay."

"KN..." May pagbabanta sa boses ni Kuya NK. Bbaka nakakalimutan mong mas matanda ako sa iyo. Ibibitin kita nang patiwarik kapag nagkita tayo." 

"Idiot." KN hissed. "Magkatabi lang tayo. Huwag kang pa-cool, Kuya. Hindi ka cool—ouch! Fuck!"

And they heard grunts of pain. Napailing na lang siya. Mukhang nag-hand-to-hand combat na naman ang magkapatid na Velasquez. 

"What the fuck?" Boses iyon ni Night at halatang iritado ito. "Stop fighting you two!"

Hindi pa rin tumigil ang dalawa kaya hinayaan na lang nila. Sanay na sila. Kung hindi sina NK at RV ang nagbabangayan, sina NK at KN 'yon. 

"Kuya Sai," sabi ni Night, "I'm inside the syndicate's system, do you want me to open a door for you?"

"Hell, yeah," excited na sabi ni Kuya Saito. "Bye, idiots, the geniuses are busy."

Nawala sa kabilang linya sina Kuya Saito at Night, sumunod na nawala ay sina KN at NK na naroon lang para manggulo at sumunod na nagpaalam ay si Kuya Logan. 

Tamang-tama naman na pumasok na sila sa gate ng mansiyon kaya inalis ni Vraxx ang earpiece na suot at ibinulsa iyon bago lumabas ng kotse. Pero hindi agad siya pumasok sa bahay, hinintay niyang makapasok sa gate ang kotse ng pinsan. 

"Hey." Sinalubong niya si Verdect na kalalabas lang ng sasakyan. 

They did a forearm handshake, so did Prince and Verdect and Viscount and Verdect before walking towards the house. 

"Sa bahay na muna ako," sabi ni Viscount na itinuro ang bahay ni Uncle Yrozz. "See you tomorrow."

Tumango lang sila, saka pumasok sa bahay nila. Lihim na napangiwi si Vraxx nang makitang gising pa ang mommy at daddy niya. 

Oh, fuck! 

"Mauna na ako," sabi ni Prince. "I have to talk to Dad. Grandpa has a message for him," sabi nito, saka umakyat agad.

Agad namang tumayo ang mommy niya mula sa pagkakaupo mula sa sofa nang makita siya. 

"Vraxx... you okay, baby?"

He nodded. "Yeah." 

His mom was worried but his dad looked pissed. 

"Dad—"

"Hindi mo pinatulog ang mommy mo sa pag-aalala sa iyo." Nagtagis ang mga bagang nito. "She should be resting by now. Hindi ba sinabi ko naman sa iyong huwag ka munang lalabas dahil sa nangyayari? Gaano ba kahirap intindihin 'yon, ha?"

"Gusto ko lang namang mag-relax," sabi niya.

His dad heaved a deep sigh. "Sa susunod na gusto mong mag-relax, siguruhin mong hindi ka nakakaperhuwisyo ng ibang tao. Lahat nag-aalala sa lagay mo."

Hindi niya napigilan na sagutin ang ama. "Why? Because I'm the next second Arkhon? That's why you all have to keep me safe—"

"We always try our best to keep you safe because you are my son! You are family and we love you! Walang kinalaman ang pagiging pangalawang Arkhon mo rito!" His father snapped at him before leaving them on the living room. 

Vraxx looked at his mom. "Sorry, Mom."

His mom sighed. "Baby, I know you have a mind of your own and you want to do things your way, but it's not right to talk back to your dad like that. He was just worried. And he's right, we're not fussing over your because you're my successor but because we love you." Sinapo ng kanyang ina ang mukha niya. "Say sorry to him, okay? Alam mong ayokong nag-aaway kayo. He's a good dad, you know that. Lahat ng ginagawa ng daddy n'yo para 'yon sa ikabubuti n'yo."

Natahimik siya hanggang sa halikan siya ng ina sa pisngi at nagpaalam ito.

"Good night, baby," sabi ng kanyang ina. "Magpahinga ka na. Get some sleep, okay?"

Tahimik siyang tumango, saka napasabunot sa sariling buhok na humarap kay Verdect. "I didn't mean to snap like that."

Verdect tapped his shoulder. "Control that anger, Eth. Minsan may mga nasasabi tayong masasakit na salita kapag galit tayo na hindi kayang baguhin o burahin ng kahit isang milyong I'm sorry. So, learn to control that side of you."

Natahimik si Vraxx sa sinabi ng pinsan. 

"Sige, matulog ka na," sabi ni Verdect na umakyat na para magpahinga. 

While he stayed in the living room, standing. 

"Hey." 

Napaigtad siya sa gulat nang marinig ang boses ng kakambal. 

Agad niya itong nilingon na walang ingay na naglalakad palabas ng kusina habang kumakagat ng mansanas. 

"Bakit hindi ka pa tulog?" tanong niya kay Fiery.

"Eh, ikaw, ba't hindi ka pa tulog?" balik-tanong nito. 

"None of your business," sagot niya. 

Nilampasan siya ni Fiery para kunin ang cell phone nito sa center table. "My sleeping hours is none of your business as well, V." She waved her hand at him, the one that was holding the apple while ascending the staircase. "Good night, V. Say sorry to Dad before you sleep. He was worried of you. I already apologize to him. Your turn."

Vraxx sighed before ascending on the staircase to go talk to his dad. Agad niyang tinungo ang kuwarto ng mga magulang nang makarating siya sa palapag nila. 

Akmang kakatok siya sa pinto ng master bedroom nang mahagip ng mga mata niya ang ama at ang kuya niya na umiinom sa mini bar. 

He walked towards them. 

"Kuya Kane... Dad..." sabi niya. 

Nilingon naman siya ng ama, saka nagtatanong ang mga matang tumingin sa kanya. "What is it?"

Vraxx took a deep breath. "Look, Dad, I'm so sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it—"

"Yes, you did," sabi ng ama niya dahilan para mapipilan siya. "You mean what you said so I asked myself, can't you feel our love and care for you that you think that way? May naging pagkukulang ba kami ng mommy mo sa iyo... sa inyo ni Essence para maisip mo 'yan? May nagawa ba kaming mali sa pagpapalaki sa inyo? Did we pressure you in any way?"

Natahimik siya. 

"Tell me," sabi ng ama niya. "So, I can fix it... so we can fix it."

Vraxx remained silent. He didn't know what to say. He misspoke earlier, out of irritation. 

Inakbayan siya ni Uncle King na kadarating lang sa mini bar at ginulo ang buhok niya. "Speak up, kiddo. Pinapasama mo ang loob ng dad mo." 

He looked at his dad, his big brother Kane and Uncle King. They were all looking at him expectantly, waiting for his explanation. 

"I misspoke," pag-amin niya. "I got irritated."

Uncle King tsked before looking at his dad. "He is so you, Your Highness. Remember the pain Lady Happy felt when you lashed out your anger on her?"

His father grunted. "Don't remind me, King." Napailing ang ama niya, saka ininom nito ang rum sa baso na hawak. "Sige na, matulog ka na." Tinapik nito ang pisngi at leeg niya. "Pahinga ka na. Hayaan mo na 'yon. Basta sa susunod, huwag mo na kaming pag-alalahanin ng ganoon."

Tumango siya at akmang hahakbang na patungo sa kuwarto niya nang magsalita ang Kuya Kane niya. 

"Vraxx, don't talk back to Dad like that ever again. Hindi ko nagustuhan 'yon." Nagtatagis ang mga bagang nito at matalim ang tingin sa kanya. "Kapag inulit mo pa 'yon, sa akin ka mananagot at hindi mo ako gugustuhing magalit."

Tumango siya. "Yes, Kuya."

Kuya Kane's face softened afterwards. "He's the best dad anyone could ever wish and have. So don't talk to him like that."

Vraxx nodded. "I know he's the best, Kuya. I was just irritated."

"Sige pahinga ka na," sabi ng Kuya Kane niya. "Madaling-araw na."

Tumango siya at pumasok sa kuwarto niya.

Vraxx sighed before taking off all his clothes and stepping inside the bathroom to shower. Pagkatapos niyang maligo ay tinuyo niya ang basang katawan. Lumabas siya ng banyo na walang saplot at pabagsak na nahiga sa kama, saka napatitig sa kisame.

It wasn't the first time that he talked back to his dad but it was the first time that his big brother got mad about it. 

Malakas siyang bumuntong-hininga, saka ipinikit ang mga mata at tinakpan ng kumot ang hubad na katawan. Bukas na niya iisipin kung paano makakabawi sa mga magulang niya at sa mga taong nasaktan sa mga nasabi niya. Ang importante nakahingi ng siya ng tawad sa mga magulang at sa kuya niya bago sila matulog. 

Tomorrow... he would make it up to them. 

I promised. 

ITINAPON NI FIERY ang buto ng mansanas sa basurahan bago pabagsak na naupo sa gilid ng kama niya. Madaling araw na pero hindi pa rin siya makatulog kahit anong pilit niya. Nakakailang basong gatas na siya pero wala pa rin. 

She tsked and then stilled when her phone beeped again. 

Galing 'yon sa Kuya Logan niya. 

From: Kuya Logan

Are you home? 

Napailing siya. It was Kuya Logan's tenth text to her with the same content... 'Yon ay kung nakauwi na ba siya. 

Kaya naman nag-reply siya baka nga nag-aalala ito sa kanya. 

To: Kuya Logan

Yes po. Are you busy, Kuya?

Kuya Logan replied after a couple of seconds. 

From: Kuya Logan

Why are you asking?

She replied. 

To: Kuya Logan

I'm bored. 
😑
 Uwi ka na, Kuya, please? Hindi ko makulit si Vraxx na lutuan ako, nagkasagutan sila ni Dad. Tulog na rin si Prince at nasa misyon naman si Konn. Cook me some mac and cheese please?

Agad na nag-reply ang Kuya Logan niya. 

From: Kuya Logan 

Punta ka sa bahay. I'm on my way. I'll cook your mac and cheese.

Napangiti si Fiery. Ito ang gusto niya sa Kuya Logan niya. Alam na alam talaga nito ang gagawin para maaliw siya. Siguro dahil masyado silang close na dalawa na para na silang magkapatid kung magturingan kaya kilalang-kilala na siya nito. 

Kapatid naman niya talaga ito. Kuya pa nga niya, eh. They lived in the same compound—that made them family and more like siblings. 

Nagmamadali siyang nagbihis ng kumportableng sweatpants at malaking T-shirt bago dumaan sa balkonahe ng kuwarto niya at nag-rappel pababa gamit ang nakahanda nang lubid na naroon. 

Hindi ito ang unang beses na ginawa niya ito kaya handa na siya. 

Pagkaapak na pagkaapak ng mga paa niya sa semento, agad siyang tumakbo patungo sa bahay ng Tito Luther niya na hindi kalayuan sa bahay nila, saka pumasok gamit ang pinto sa likod. 'Yon kasi ang hindi naka-lock dahil doon dumadaan ang Kuya Logan niya kapag umuuwi galing sa club nito. 

Fiery waited in the kitchen for a long couple of minutes before she heard footsteps on the backdoor. 

When the door opened and Kuya Logan entered, she smiled. 

"Hey, Kuya. Morning."

Agad itong ngumiti. "You're really bored?"

Tumango siya. "Can't sleep."

Hinubad nito ang leather jacket na suot, saka iniwan lang ang itim na T-shirt. "Bakit hindi ka makatulog? Dapat nagpapahinga ka na."

"I don't know..." Nangalumbaba siya habang nakaupo sa stool na nakaharap sa island counter. "Mac and cheese please?"

Napailing na lang ang Kuya Logan niya. "Oo na, ipagluluto na kita."

"
Yey
... thanks, Kuya."

Tumango lang ito, saka naghugas ng kamay bago nag-umpisang lutuin ang paborito niya kahit madaling-araw na. 

Napangiti si Fiery habang pinagmamasdan ang Kuya Logan niya. He was really a good brother to her. Not because he had always spoiled her but because he really knew her. Siguro dahil mula pa pagkabata magkasama na sila at kuya na niya ito. Palagi itong nasa tabi niya kapag kailangan niya. 

"Kuya?"

"Hmm?" Humarap ito sa kanya habang hinihintay na kumulo ang tubig sa kaserola. 

"May girlfriend ka ba ngayon?" tanong niya. 

Sumandal ito sa lababo habang nakakrus ang mga braso sa harap ng dibdib. "Why are you asking?"

She shrugged. "Narinig ko kasing nag-uusap sina Kuya Saito at Kuya NK last week tungkol sa iyo. Sabi ni Kuya Sai may gusto ka raw na babae pero hindi mo pa nililigawan. Bakit?"

Tumitig ito sa kanya. "She's too young to understand how I feel and I don't think she likes me back."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Sino naman ang babaeng hindi magkakagusto sa Kuya Logan ko?"

Kuya Logan shrugged. "We can't always get what we want."

Bumakas ang lungkot sa mukha niya sa sinabi nito. "That's true."

"Speaking of which, how are you and your boyfriend?" tanong nito, saka humarap sa kaserola para haluin ang pasta. "Sorry pala dahil tinawagan ko si Kuya Kane. You know it's not safe out there, especially these past few weeks. Ayoko lang na mapahamak ka."

Umayos siya ng upo. "We broke up."

Mabilis na napalingon sa kanya ang kausap. "Why?" 

Napatitig siya sa kuya niya. "Why are you smiling? You really don't like him that much?"

Kuya Logan chuckled. "Halata ba?"

Napasimangot si Fiery. "Nakipag-break na nga ako sa kanya, 'tapos masaya ka pa."

"Bakit ka nga nakipaghiwalay?"

"Na-realize ko kasing mapapahamak siya nang dahil sa akin, wala pa naman siyang alam kung anong panganib ang sinusuong niya kapag kasama niya ako. Ayokong mapahamak siya nang dahil sa akin. By the way, it's okay about you calling Kuya Kaney, I don't mind. I know you just want me safe." Bumuntong-hininga siya kapagkuwan. "Anyway, dapat siguro ang hanapin kong boyfriend ay 'yong may alam talaga kung sino ang pamilya ko."

"That'll sums up to a couple of families," sabi nito. 

Tumango siya, saka inisa-isa ang pamilyang 'yon. "That's Uncle Knight's family, then Uncle Midnight, Uncle Yrozz, Uncle King, Uncle Lyf and Deth, Uncle Cadmus—ahm, no, Storm is younger than me. Si Uncle Andrius? 
Nah
, Fourth is younger than me. Tito Phoenix? Hmm... Pharaoh likes Uncle Niccolo's daughter. Hmm... Uncle Titus' son maybe? But Kuya Ace is older than me. Ahm..." Nag-iisip siya. "Sino pa ba? Hindi naman puwede sa family ni Uncle Luther kasi kapatid na ang turing ko sa iyo." She tsked. "I hate this. Wala naman akong gusto sa mga pamilyang nabanggit ko. They're all like brothers to me."

Tumalikod uli sa kanya ang Kuya Logan niya. "Bata ka pa naman. Makakahanap ka pa. Don't rush."

"Okay." Nangalumbaba siya uli. "Kuya? Ikaw, bakit never kang nagka-girlfriend? Ayaw mo bang magseryoso like Kuya Sai?" 

Logan was now melting the cheese as he answered her. "I just don't feel like it."

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga, saka napasimangot. "Paano kung wala pa rin akong mahanap sa mga susunod na taon? I'm already twenty-four, Kuya."

"Ganito na lang..." Logan faced Fiery. "Kapag lampas na ang edad mo sa kalendaryo at wala ka pa ring mahanap, ako na lang."

Humaba ang nguso niya lalo. "Kuya, naman! I want someone who will love me like how my dad loves my Mom."

"And you think I can't love you like that?" Titig na titig na tanong sa kanya ni Kuya Logan. 

Umiling siya. "I don't think, Kuya, I know you can't love me like that. I'm like your little sister. We're like siblings."

Logan just sighed and went back to cooking. 

Napasimangot na naman siya. "Nagugutom ako."

"Just a little longer," sabi nito, saka inilagay ang mac and cheese sa oven. "Thirty minutes." Itinuro nito ang pinto ng kusina. "Punta lang ako sa kuwarto, maliligo ako at babalikan kita. I smell like sweat."

"Okay," she said with a sigh. 

Logan left the kitchen. And while waiting for her mac and cheese to get cooked, she received a call from her mom. 

"Princess, where are you?" istriktang tanong nito agad nang sagutin niya ang tawag. "Bakit wala ka sa kuwarto mo? Hindi ba sabi ko sa iyo na huwag kang lalabas ng disoras ng gabi?"

Napangiwi siya. "Nandito ako kina Uncle Luther, Mommy."

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo riyan?"

"Nagpaluto ako ng mac and cheese kay Kuya Logan. Sorry, Mommy, balik din ako agad kapag luto na ang mac and cheese ko."

Her mother sighed. "Princess, alam kong close ka sa Kuya Logan mo at alam kong inaalagaan ka niya pero madaling-araw na. It's not appropriate for you to be with him in this hour. May bukas pa naman kung kailan mo siya puwedeng puntahan."

"Mom..." May diin ang boses niya. "Wala kaming ginagawang masama ni Kuya. Nagpapaluto lang ako."

"Alam ko naman 'yon—"

"No," she cut her mother off. "I'm sorry for cutting you off, Mom, but the way you said it it's like we're doing something inappropriate. Mommy, naman. Kuya Logan is like a brother to me. Walang ganoon sa amin."

"Maybe he's a brother to you, but did you even think or ask what you are to him?" tanong ng kanyang ina na ikinatigil niya. "Anak, walang lalaking uuwi ng madaling araw para lang ipagluto ka kung wala 'yang gusto sa iyo. Kahit pa kapatid ang turing niya sa iyo."

Umiling siya. "No, he was already on his way home when I asked him—"

"Your Tita Amethyst told me earlier that Logan will not be home tonight because he is busy with his club."

Umiling uli siya. "Mommy, kapatid ang turing sa akin ni Kuya Logan. That's it."

"Baby... even your dad noticed how Logan looked at you. You're a woman now, baby, you should be home by this hour and resting." Her mom sighed. "And if you don't believe what I said about your Kuya Logan, just think and observe. Matalino ka naman para makita kung tama ang sinasabi ko o hindi. Open your eyes... really open them, and then we'll talk, okay?"

She sighed. "Okay."

"Umuwi ka agad pagkatapos mong kumain," bilin sa kanya ng mommy niya. 

"Yes po," sagot niya. 

"Sige. Love you, princess."

"Love you too, Mom."

Nang mawala sa kabilang linya ang ina, wala sa sariling napatitig si Fiery sa kawalan dahil sa mga sinabi nito. Hindi niya alam kung ilang minuto siyang wala sa sarili. 

Napapaisip tuloy siya. 

This was the first time that her mother made such comment about Kuya Logan. Even her dad noticed how Kuya Logan looked at her?

That's absurd! 

She was his sister! His little sister. Though he stopped calling her his little sister after her senior year. 

Napailing si Fiery, saka natigilan nang pumasok ang Kuya Logan niya sa kusina. Bagong paligo ito. Nakasampay pa nga ang tuwalya sa leeg na agad dumeretso sa oven para kunin ang mac and cheese na nasa loob. 

"Kuya?" kuha niya sa atensiyon nito. 

Kagad naman itong humarap sa kanya. "Yes?"

"You know I don't like to complicate things," she said while looking into Kuya Logan's eyes. "I'm a very simple-minded person who doesn't like complications because it leads to a lot of things—including conflict and confusion."

"Yeah." Kumunot ang noo ng kaharap. "I know... kilala kita."

"Then I have a question that needs an honest answer from you," sabi niya. "Ayokong naguguluhan o mag-assume."

Kuya Logan gave all his attention to her. "I'm all ears. Hit me."

So, she asked. Eye to eye. No lies. No assuming and just plain truth. "Do you like me as a woman?" Kinagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi, saka nagpaliwanag kung bakit natanong niya 'yon. "Si Mommy kasi tumawag sa akin ngayon lang at 'yon ang sinasabi niya pero hindi naman ako naniniwala. So, I have to asked you so that I could tell her that what she's saying is absurd and—"

"Yes," sagot ni Kuya Logan na ikinatigil niya at ikinalaki ng mga mata niya. "I like you—no, scratch that. I'm in love with you." Pinagkrus nito ang mga braso sa harap ng dibdib habang titig na titig pa rin sa kanya. "Did that answer your question?"

Fiery nodded before saying. "I'm sorry... I don't feel the same way."

Kuya Logan smiled. "I know, Fiery Essence. I know that very well."

Nagbaba siya ng tingin. "I'm sorry, Kuya."

"It's okay." Kuya Logan sighed heavily before placing the mac and cheese on the island counter, in front of her. "Mac and cheese?"

She dragged her gaze to him. "You're not mad that I don't feel the same way?"

Umiling ito. "Don't worry, I'm not mad, I'm just hurt. Magkaiba 'yon." Then he forced a smile. "Eat up, then go home. You need to rest. Sa kuwarto lang ako. I need some sleep. Busy na naman ako bukas."

Tahimik lang siyang tumango at hinayaang makaalis ito. 

Nawalan siya ng ganang kumain kaya aalis na lang sana siya at dadalhin ang mac and cheese sa bahay nang maisip niya ang Kuya Logan niya. 

He didn't look like he would be getting some sleep after her blatant rejection. 

Huminga siya nang malalim, saka umalis ng kusina para hanapin ito. 

She found him in the mini bar, drinking vodka straight from the bottle. She wanted to console him—make him feel better. But how? Without giving him false hope?

Kaya umatras si Fiery at hindi na lumapit. Mas masasaktan lang niya ang Kuya Logan niya kung bibigyan niya ito ng pag-asa sa mga ipapakita niya rito pero wala naman talaga. 

She wouldn't hurt him like that.

So as she walked out of Uncle Luther's house, she was sure about one thing. Her relationship with her Kuya Logan would never be the same again.

THE END

CECELIB | C.C.