VANCOUVER, BC"What time should we meet?" She was on the phone with Cas. Hindi niya alam na pupunta rin ito sa Vancouver para bisitahin ang mga pinsan. If she knew, nagsabay na lang sana sila. "Well, what time do you finish your workshop?" "Uhm, four in the afternoon. I am staying in the same hotel where the conference is so I have time to get ready.""That's convenient. What do you feel like having? Steak? Seafood? Chicken? I would cook for you if I had my own place here, but I don't so I'm going to take you out." Alam niya ang sinasabi nito. The Carnegie family is close knit. Palibhasa ay napakatipid gumawa ng bata ng mga ito kaya kapag may pagkakataon ay palaging nagkikita-kita. It was a surprise for her dahil usually, most British family are reserved and see each other during the holidays. Hindi ka basta pwedeng bumisita with short notice. "I will eat anything. I am not picky." She was in the washroom at may kinse minutos silang break from the workshop. Nagreretouch s'ya ng ma
Nakabalik s’ya sa workshop, pero wala na roon ang isip niya. Ale occupied her whole mind and she can’t stop thinking about the damn kiss. She kept looking at the time. Gusto na niyang matapos ang workshop ngayon para makapagbabad s’ya sa tub. She definitely needs a drink after this. She was sitting near the back at maraming bakanteng silya. Since she does not know anyone, wala s’yang katabi. Hindi niya alam kung nagdedeliryo ba s’ya o hindi, o baka naman kumapit na sa damit niya ang amoy ng lalaking 'yon, dahil ngayon ay naaamoy niya pa rin si Ale. Her back felt hot. Kanina nang umupo siya ay siguradong walang nasa likod. But now, she's not so sure anymore. Unti-unti s’yang lumingon at namilog ang mga mata niya. There he was. Again. Hindi niya alam kung paano ito nakapasok sa workshop nila. Wala naman ito sa listahan. “What are you doing here?!” asik niya sa lalaki. Mahina ang kaniyang boses dahil ayaw niyang maka-attract ng atens’yon.“Just listening. Mancini’s a friend." She kn
"Whatever you're going to say, you can say it from there. And say it fast, I want to get some rest before I go out tonight." He frowned. "You're going out on a date?" Pietra didn't answer him. Tumayo s'ya at naglakad papunta sa babae. Sa kauurong nito ay muntik ng mapatid sa silya. Mabuti na lang at kaagad niyang nahawakan sa baywang. They are so close together at hindi nakatulong ang suot nitong bestida. He can still feel the heat from her body. "Y-Yes." "I asked you to be with me, but you said no. Are you dating exclusively now?" He does not like this. Not at all. And even if they were dating exclusively, it's not going to stop from getting what is his. Sigurado s'yang ang batang babae na hinalikan niya noon sa Florida ay si P. Why she's denying it is another matter, but he will find out why sooner or later. He remembered that young girl saying she's saving her first kiss for the man she's going to marry or her future husband. Something like that. And he intends to do just that.
He's okay with pursuing her. But not kissing her?? She can't be serious."You do realize you're half naked right now. And if I didn't stop, something would have happened between us.""And your point?" tanong nito sa kaniya. Hindi pa rin umaalis mula sa kandungan niya. "Don't like as if this is the first time you've seen tits—""Pietra!" Pero rumolyo lang ang mga mata nito. "What?" Natatawa itong tumayo at dinampot ang bra pati na ang bestida na tinanggal niya kanina. "Just because you got to third base does not mean that I will automatically become yours. Besides, I want to see how you're going to pursue me. Gusto mo, bigyan pa kita ng kompetisyon para ganahan ka?""Don't you dare." "Then galingan mo." Pietra went to the bathroom and turned on the shower. Nakita na lang niya na isinara na nito ang pinto. Iniwan lang s'ya ng basta-basta. He wrote her a quick note before leaving her room. Nang makapasok s'ya sa sariling suite ay hindi niya alam kung maliligo na ba s'ya o tatawagan si
“When do you want to get married?”Nabitin sa ere ang tinidor ni P. He chuckled, because he knew she did not see that one coming. Priceless ang expression ni Pietra.“Iilang oras ka pa lang nanliligaw, gusto mo na ako kaagad pakasalan?” She laughed a bit. Mukhang nakabawi na ito sa pagkabigla. “I have my own place, a job, lots of money and I am old enough to sign the marriage certificate without needing my parents’ consent. Why wait?” He took a sip of his drink. Itinuloy ni Pietra ang pagkain. “Tsk. Hindi mo pa nga alam kung anong klaseng pamilya mayroon ako. Paano kung lahi pala kami ng mga kriminal, pakakasalan mo pa rin ako?”Sa tono ni Pietra, hinahamon s’ya nito. Kung baho rin lang ng pamilya ang pag-uusapan, baka mas lamang pa ang mga Gambino kaysa Profaci. The business they’re into is fairly similar— parehong illegal. It involves a lot of money, and taking a life if push comes to shove.“Would you still marry me if you found out I killed someone?” balik tanong niya kay Pietra.
Like a real gentleman, he walked Pietra back to her hotel room. No kiss just as she wanted. The last thing he wants to ruin what he started. At kung ito ang paraan para maging sa kaniya ang dalaga ay gagawin niya. Lahat naman halos ng babae ay gusto ang sinusuyo. Pietra is no different in that matter. “I had a great time and the food’s great.”Tumigil sila sa harap ng pintuan nito. It's funny how his room is beside his. Sinadya niya talaga 'yon nang mag-check in s'ya. All he had to do was charm the receptionist. Ganoon pa man ay ayaw nitong sabihin sa kaniya kung ano ang room number ni Pietra. All he was told is that the room will be close to the person he's asking for.“I’m glad you enjoyed tonight. I will see you tomorrow.”Hinintay niyang makapasok ito sa loob ng silid saka nagtungo sa sariling suite. He felt tired and happy at the same time. Ngayon lang niya naisip na mahirap palang manligaw lalo na at hindi basta-basta ang babae. P is playful and funny. But behind that, he also
NEW YORK He didn't think he'd back here so soon, but for P— he did. The city looked the same way he left it. The bright lights still compliment the skyline and the amount of people who continuously roam around the streets are still there. "You missed New York that much?" nakangiting tanong ni P sa kaniya. He smirked at her. "Not really. You are the only reason why I'm here." Lulan sila ng sasakyan ni P at hindi kaila sa kaniya ang dalawang lalaking sumundo sa kanila kanina sa airport. They didn't look like an ordinary butler or driver, pero 'yon ang pakilala ni P sa mga ito kanina. The Mafia Don's princess could have more bodyguards. Sa Vancouver ay may dalawa rin na umaaligid sa kanila, at nang sumakay sila ng eroplano ay lumulan din ang mga ito. It was when they landed in New York and saw the other men's presence that they turned around and took the next flight. "Okay, if you say so. Do you want to go out for dinner or do you want to cook? I figured I can let you rest tonight. I
“Are they joining us?” tanong niya kay P habang naghahain.“Yes. You don’t mind, do you?” Pietra was back in no time. Nalaman niya na sa kabilang unit lang tumitigil ang dalawang matanda. Umiling s’ya. “It’s fine. Do they have allergies?”“Wala naman. Magnus loves lemons so you can add a few more slices on his plate. Rob is easy. He likes anything. Are we eating in five minutes?”“Yes. These are done.” Inilapag niya ang dalawang plato sa mesa. The table is good for four people and although the unit is modest, para sa isang kapatid ng Mafia Don, she could have a bigger suite— maybe a penthouse even. It showed me how simple P can be. Hindi s’ya maluho. And although there is nothing cheap in her things, kumpara sa iba ay mas mura pa rin ang mga ito. “Plating and all, look at you. Are you sure you’re on the right profession? Parang hindi ka naman bagay maging Chemical Engineer.”“Mas bagay akong asawa mo,” wala sa loob na sagot niya kay P.P laughed and waved her hand. “Masyado kang a
The smell of ammonia was what woke him up. He found himself still on the floor and P was on the bed waiting for him to open his eyes. Ang doktor na tinawag niya ay nagpunta sa bahay para i-check si P. May kasama rin itong isang nurse. Umupo muna siya sa sahig at kahit hilo ay tinangka na lumipat sa kama. Hinaplos ni P ang pisngi niya saka siya ginawaran ng halik sa labi."What happened?" Tumawa si P. "Hinimatay ka." He made a sour face. "I meant—""I'm pregnant. I need to get an ultrasound done but the doctor is thinking I'm about five to six weeks along." He was so happy he couldn't speak. He is going to be a father... Hindi siya marunong humawak ng bata. Paano ba magpalit ng diaper? Okay naman siya sa pagpupuyat. Kahit huwag na siyang matulog sa pagbabantay at—"Ale?" His train of thoughts were suddenly stopped when he heard P's voice."Sorry. You were saying?"Tumikhim ang doktora. "We will give you a few minutes before we take your blood samples." Lumabas ito ng silid kasunod a
P was very patient with him and held his hand every step of the way. Ang hindi niya lang ginawa ay ang pagkonsulta sa doktor. He doesn't need it. What he needs is someone who will listen to him. He realized how he bottled up everything inside and now he's paying for it. He told P every single memory he has growing up— good or bad. P is the only therapist he needs. "So he wasn't always bad to you?" Umiling siya. "He is not really. It's hard to explain. Think of it as I will never be good enough as his son.""Well, that's because you're not his." They were out in the balcony and it's been a couple of months since Alejandro and Gabriella's death.May routine sila ni P na uminom ng tsa sa gabi sa balcony at saka mag-uusap. They had talks before but never like this. This time, he's pouring everything out. Mas madaling maging masaya kapag ni-let go na niya ang lahat ng masasamang pangyayari sa buhay niya. Hindi niya makakalimutan, pero hindi rin niya kailangang alalahanin pa at pabigatin
Hindi matanggap ni Gabriella ang kapalaran na sinapit niya kay Alejandro. They were friends. They grew up together. She can't believe that after everything, he would do such a horrible act to her. It wasn't even because he loved her. Love isn't selfish. Love doesn't envy. Alejandro was blinded by his hate and jealousy to Alessandro. At his young mind, it was instilled that he has to do better so he would be Don someday. He gained it by birthright, but even that wasn't real. "I want a divorce." Gabriella's voice was firm. Napatawa si Alejandro. "You really think you'd be free from me, Gabriella?" "I will do whatever you want, just set me free. I will not tell a soul about your family's secret." She was hoping she would be able to persuade him. Ayaw na niyang makisama sa asawang hindi niya kayang pagkatiwalaan. Masyadong mahaba ang habambuhay. At kung hindi siya pakakawalan nito ay mas nanaisin pa niyang wakasan ang buhay niya. Sa imp'yerno rin naman ang tungo niya. How her life
He and Pietra flew home to the Philippines, but didn't take their original flight. TJ arranged something else for them and made sure they are safe. He asked Pietra for some time before they talk about what happened at ilang araw pagkatapos nilang makabalik sa Pilipinas ay hindi na ito nakatiis sa pananahimik niya."Ale, I know you're grieving your family but sometimes, it helps when you talk about it. I will not hold it against you. I am here to listen," bulong nito sa kaniya matapos yumakap. Ever since they came home, he's been keeping to himself. Aside from spending a few hours in the restaurant, uuwi siya sa bahay para makasama si P. He would prepare meals for the both of them. Inaalagaan niya ito. Pero pagdating ng gabi, nahihirapan siyang matulog. Kahit sa panaginip ay nakikita niya ang pagbangga at pagsabog ng kotse ni Alejandro. Pati ang pagkamatay ni Gabriella ay sumasagi sa isip niya. "If you don't want to talk to me, talk to someone. Please, Ale. I don't want you to get sic
The family is in chaos and he is nowhere near the Gambinos. He followed his instinct and went to New Jersey where P would be. Sana lang ay nadala ito roon nina Rob. Surprisingly, TJ owns a home there at ibinigay niya kay P pati na kay Rob at Magnus ang address nito kung sakaling magkaroon ng problema sa pagbabalik niya. He has never been there so he doesn't know what it's like. Baka nasa isang secluded na lugar ang bahay nito katulad sa headquarters nila sa San Servando. Deep inside he hoped that he wasn't going to use it. He drove despite being tired. His only goal was to see P and be with her. Bahala na kung ano ang kasunod na mangyayari. Driving thru the city was brutal until after what seemed like forever, he reached a family neighbourhood. Bergen County has contemporary homes and the one on the right side at the end of the street was the one he was looking for. It's not secluded at all. In fact, it was a beautiful home if only it's occupied by a couple and their children. Pero
"I'll take my chances."Kung gaano siya kabilis dumating ay ganoon din siya kabilis na tumalikod sa kapatid at nilisan ang restaurant na 'yon. Magnus and Rob are with P at hindi pababayaan ng dalawa ang fiancee niya. Narinig niya ang pagpukpok ni Alejandro sa kamao nito sa mesa at hindi natutuwa sa ginawa niya. "No wonder you were the least favorite in the family, Alessandro. You've always been different and yet Dad kept you."Alejandro's father only kept him to serve a purpose and that's to bury a secret. He has yet to find out what it is but he already knew that he is not going to like it— whatever it is. "That's fine. I don't care," sagot niya sa kapatid at hindi man lang ito nilingon. His brother knew fully well not to create a scene in public that would tarnish the business. Kaya nga siya ang inuutusan nito noon para magligpit ng kalat. Alejandro doesn't have it in him— he is simply... weak.He started calling P but she wasn't answering. He tried Rob and Morgan but they did not
"What time is it?" tanong ni P sa kaniya. It's been a couple of days since they bought the ring and P has been wearing it proudly. Kahit nang pumasok ito sa opisina at magfile ng bakasyon ay isinama pa siya. Tonight, they are flying home to the Philippines. P will be working for a month then use her two months worth vacation. They are planning to visit Spain and Estefan was kind enough to let them use one his houses. "About one in the afternoon. Why?" "I need to buy some art supplies." "Sasamahan kita." He had a rough night trying to read what he can about his family. Si TJ ang nagsend sa kaniya ng mga dokumento. Inumaga na siya sa pagbabasa at dahil agahan na, nagluto na rin siya ng kakainin nila "No, you should get some sleep. You were busy reading last night. It's best you take a nap. Babalik din ako kaagad. Do you need anything while I'm out?""Maybe some new boxers?" "Pink okay?" Sinamaan niya ng tingin ang nobya. "I'm kidding." P tiptoes and kiss his lips. "I'll take the g
A phone rang and Emma excused herself to take the call outside. She thought about it and weigh the consequences. She didn't want to start a war. Profacis never start a war. When she heard the door opened and shut shortly, she came out of the cubicle and went straight to the sink to wash her hands. Wala siyang balak batiin ang babae at makipagplastikan. Her contract was over and the Lexington home has been taken over by another designer from her firm. Alejandro didn't give a fuss over it and let her rest. By the time she was feeling well, the renovations are done and there's no point in talking to him anymore. "Miss Profaci. Fancy seeing you here. I don't believe I've seen you here before," bati nito sa kaniya na para bang walang ginawang mali. She didn't bother to respond or acknowledge her presence. As much as possible, she wants to maintain her cool. Ayaw niyang sirain ang magandang araw nila ni Ale. They just got engaged, and although there are no details yet for their wedding—
TIFFANY & CO., 5th Avenue They made it to the jewelry store after lunch. P's family has connections so does his. However, they didn't have need to use any of them. Tor knew the manager of the store who owed him his life some years ago. The champagne was flowing and everything just looked sparkly wherever they look. "How many rings am I allowed to get?" nakangising tanong sa kaniya ni P. For someone who didn't want a ring earlier, she's now giggling and excited to pick not just one— but several. She looked like a little kid waiting for Christmas to open her gift. P was simply adorable. "You can have one on each finger if wish. Add each toes if you like too." He flashed her a smile and P grabbed both his cheeks and kissed him on the lips. "Just kidding. I want you to pick one for me, actually." Tumaas ang isa niyang kilay. Kinuha ni P ang kaniyang braso at isinampay sa sariling balikat at sumandig sa dibdib niya. "If I pick it, it doesn't feel romantic." She chuckled. "It would fee