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Prologue: December 24, 2007
Huling Na-update:
2023-05-04 17:07:19All I ask
A novel written by xxakanexx
Sometime in the future...
"Is Alejandros back?"
It was Pan who asked me about our brother Alejandros. I don't know if he is back already. It's been a week since I last talked to him. I am actually waiting for him too because I am going to use the plane because Ada wants to go to Disneyland. Gusto ko naman siyang dalhin, silang dalawa ni Danielle para bago magsimula sa school ang panganay ko ay makapasyal pa kaming apat.
"I don't know. I haven't talk to him yet. Do you need anything? Anything that I can help you with?" Tanong ko kay Pan. She looked at me. Naupo siya sa chair ni Alejandros. I was grinning at my sister. Ngumuso siya.
"Hindi mo naman maiintindihan itong designs ko. Bakit ba kasi you're so business minded? You always think about the pros and cons. You always think about assets and liabilities, Kairos, why don't you just use your imagination and your heart?"
I use my imagination. I used it by thinking about my future. A family and now I have two beautiful kids and a lovely wife. My life is complete. Of course, I use my heart, I love my children, I love my wife – I mean I have to love her because if I don't hat will be wrong.
Before I married Mariake, I weighed her pros and cons in my life. Mas maraming pros si Mariake for me so I married her. She's good enough for myself, my family and my reputation. She's a former Binibining Pilipinas. Ours was not a love at first sight – in my point of view – but I married her so that means something.
I smiled at my sister. "That's not my forte." Sabi ko sa kanya. "I am the business minded one here. Ang dami kong gagawin. Alejandros is gay for a matter." Biro ko pa. She rolled her eyes.
"Speaking of, I miss Alba. It's been too long. I had always wondered what she looks like now. Si Lisha naman kasi, nag-deactivate siya ng lahat ng social media niya. Even si Ate Cachi, I can't find her! Kahit na sino sa kanila! I mean, don't you miss Ate Cachi? She's your best friend."
I just smiled at her.
"Cachi chose a different path. Iyong buhay na hindi ako kasali so why would I miss her?"
Ngumuso si Pan sa akin.
"Kainis ka. I miss Alejandros." Sabi niya pa. "He's really my favorite brother." Umismid na naman siya. Hindi ko na siya sinagot. Maya-maya ay pumasok ang secretary ko.
"Sir, nandito po si Mr. Benitez. He wants to talk to you po."
"Yes, please, let him in."
"Aalis na ako kuya. Just call me if Alele comes back."
"Alright, ingat Pan. Drive safely."
Paglabas ni Pan ay pumasok si Mr. Benitez. He is one of my right hand. Pinapunta ko siya dito para pag-usapan ang renewing of vows namin ni Mariake. Ate Amal said that it should be two years from now, para ika-tenth year naming but she's turning thirty next month and I want that to be her gift. Isa pa, makakabuti iyon sa airlines dahil sa same month na iyon ang 85th founding anniversary nito. It's like hitting two birds with one stone.
"Is everything ready? My staged proposal? The wedding? May problema ba?" I asked nang mapansin kong tahimik siya.
"Yes, Sir. Kasi nga pinaayos ninyo sa akin ang muling kasal ninyo kaya nagpunta ako sa city hall para tingnan ang registration ng wedding ninyo. Nakuha ko naman po ang marriage certificate ninyo, Mr. Vejar, but is seems like there's a mistake."
What mistake?
Napatuwid ako ng tayo.
"May dalawang marriage certificate registered under your name, Mr. Vejar. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ito napansin noon but it's disturbing. One with Mariake's name on it." Ipinakita niya ang certificate ng kasal ko with Iake. The date says March 17, 2008. It has my signature on it.
"So what seems to be the problem?" I asked again.
"The other one has your name and Catherin Fe Albarda - Cinco's name and signature."
Napabalikwas ako ng tayo. Hinatak ko ang certificate sa kanya. It had Cachi's name and signature. May pangalan ko rin iyon ay may pirma!
But the date – the date!
"Fuck!"
December 24, 2007.
That's the date in the marriage certificate with Cachi's name.
"Fuck! What the actual fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"
"So, Mr. Vejar, your marriage with your wife is null and void because you have this existing marriage with Miss Cinco – the real Mrs. Vejar."
"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"
How the hell did that happen?!
Kaugnay na kabanata
All I Ask AIA. 01 -I will leave my heart at the door
The stranger in our door.Kairos'"What? What? Hindi kita maintindihan, Kairos. Can you just sit down for a moment and calm your tits? Sumisipa iyong anak ko sa tyan ko dahil sa'yo."I was phasing uncomfortably in front of Telulah Consunji – Sandoval. She is my cousin. She is a very intelligent lawyer. Hindi nga lang siya nagpa-practice ngayon dahil buntis siya at medyo maselan ang kalagayan niya. She already has a son, seven years old na iyong bata, kasing edad halos ni Danielle ko."Can you calm down and tell me again what happened." She said calmly. Nakatingin siya sa dalawang marriage certificate ko. Hindi ko maintindihan kung paano nangyari ang kasal na ito! How the hell did it happen? How the hell can't I remember the fact that I marrid Catherine Fe?!"Paano ako nakakuha ng cenomar kung kasal na ako by that time! This is fake! So fake! Hindi kami kasal ni Cachi! Paano ang reputation ko? Ng company? Paano ang press! Tel, they're gonna have a field day! Hindi pwedeng maapektuhan a
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-04All I Ask AIA. 02 -I won't say a word, they all been said before
ConfrontationKairos Gregor Rouvin Vejar'sCatherine let me in but she let Ody in too. I was watching Ody and the kid. It seems that they have known each other for a very long time. The kid was playful with Ody. He calls him Mr. Ody. They were laughing. Ody seemed to know his way around Cachi's home.I saw Catherine approaching. She told me to stay in the veranda and now she's walking towards me. She looked tired. Para bang kulang na kulang siya sa tulog. And I wondered why. She finally faced me."What's this?" I asked her."Kairos this---""What is Ody doing here huh?"Napaawang ang mga labi niya."Why do you care so much? What is it with you if Ody is here? He's a—""What is he doing here?" I was hissing by that time. She emitted a long breath."He's just here visiting the kids." Sabi niya. Lalong nag-init ang ulo ko. I looked away from her and the I exasperatedly sighed. And then I faced her again."You never tell me anything! He fathered your child and yet you didn't tell me! When
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-04All I Ask AIA.03 - So why don't we just play pretend
Round TwoKairos Gregor Rouvin Vejar's"I might not come home tomorrow, Iake."I was massaging my temples while talking to my wife on the phone. I am inside the coffee shop just in front of Catherine Fe's building. I was drinking black coffee without sugar or creamer. I hate sweets."Oh, that's sad. Nagluto pa naman ako ng favorite mong patatim." I just smiled."That's too bad. But you can still cook it for me when I get back next week." I continued sipping my coffee while talking to my wife while waiting for my other wife. That's how fucked up I am right now. "Where are the kids?" I asked."Danielle is asleep. Ada is watching tv, do you wanna talk to her?""Of course." I smiled. Maya-maya ay kausap ko na ang bunso ko sa phone."Daddy, I missed you when are you gonna come back?""Daddy misses you more, Princess. I love you. When I get back we're going to Disneyland." Sabi ko sa kanya. Nagthank you siya sa akin at saka nag-goodnight na. Ibinalik niya ang phone kay Mariake at saka na ak
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-04All I Ask AIA. 04 - Like we're not scared of what is coming next
Baby DaddyKairos Gregor Rouvin Vejar'sI found myself walking away from the hospital. I don't know where to go. I couldn't get Cachi's image out of my head. I couldn't seem to forget the amount of pain she has in her eyes. I really did screw up our friendship. I should've listened to Amalthea. She knows things and she told me not to say anything to Cachi if I am still gonna marry Mariake the day after. But I couldn't keep it to myself anymore...I just...I really can't.I sighed.I kept on walking until I found myself in front of the school where Cachi's son was. Naisip kong puntahan iyong bata. I dunno why, maybe because I am feeling guilty. I really wanna punch the father of the kids for letting them experience this. Ody, he's a bad father. Hindi niya dapat pinababayaan ang mga bata. The other one was too weak. He should've known better. Sa tingin ko, hindi rin alam nila Uncle Hermes ang tungkol sa mga bata.He's just an asshole. Mas matindi pa siya kay Yael. At least Yael had the
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-04All I Ask AIA. 05 - Or scared of having nothing left
The Legend of the AlienCatherine Fe Cinco'sFebruary 17, 2003Nakangiti ako habang nakatingin sa cake na dala ko. Excited akong ibigay ito kay Kairos. Birthday niya kasi noong February 4 pero hindi ko siya napuntahan kasi nasa duty ako noon saka umuwi ako noong Qatar noong Feb 5 at Feb 10 na ako bumalik. Masyado naman siyang busy noong Feb 11 – hanggang kahapon kaya ngayon lang niya ako napagbigyan.Kairos Vejar is a very busy man. Sa batang edad niya kasi president na siya ng sarili niyang kompanya. Dalawang taon na kaming makaibigan pero kahit ganoon hindi ko pa rin siya gets. Para kasing wirdo siya. Lahat sa kanya dapat by schedule pati nga itong pakikipagkita niya sa akin by schedule din.I smiled when I saw him entering our favorite coffee shop. Wala siyang dalang kahit ano. Iyong mga nauna naming meet ups kasi kundi niya sakama iyong secretary niya, may body guard siya o kaya man si Dione – iyong bunso niyang kapatid na naging kaibigan ko na rin.I waved at him. Hindi siya masy
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-04All I Ask AIA. 06 - Don't get me wrong, I know
The GeminisCachi'sMarch 23, 2003"Good morning, Miss Cinco."It's eleven in the morning and I just got out from an eight-hour shift. Nag-text lang si Kairos sa akin na susunduin daw niya ako pagkatapos ng duty ko. Nagreply lang ako ng K. Alam naman na niya kung anong ibig sabihin noon. Ang busy ko naman kasi kanina. Ang daming tao tapos umaga pa lang may namatay na. Grabedad!Agad akong inabutan ni Kairos ng Hot Chocolate galing sa paborito kong bubuyog. Binuksan naman kaagad niya iyong pinto ng kotse para makasakay na ako. Sumunod siya. I smiled at Kuya Marvin."Good morning, Kuya Marvin. Saan po tayo pupunta?""Sa CLPH daw, Miss Cinco."Tumingin ako kay Kairos. Naka-coat and tie siya na kulay gray. Ayos na ayos iyong buhok niya. Ngumisi ako. Ginulo ko iyon."Catherine, did that make you mature?" Kunot noong tanong niya. I made a face. Ang sungit. "Drink your chocolate. Take a nap. It's gonna be a long drive.""Ano bang gagawin natin sa CLPH?" I asked him. May binabasa siyang mga p
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-10All I Ask AIA.07 - There is no tomorrow, All I ask
What do you want?Kairos Gregor Rouvin Vejar’s“Hey!”I smiled when I saw Rem and Rom together inside the hospital suite. This is the first time I ever saw them together and it warmed my heart. Rem was sitting on Rom’s bed. He was holding a pen and a paper.“Hello, Mr. Kairos.” Rem smiled at me. “I am dwawing Rom and I in Disneyland.” Ipinakita niya sa akin ang drawing niya na nakasakay silang dalawa ng kakambal niya sa train. “Rom, did I tell you alweady that Mr. Kairos hewe is taking us to Disney so you bettew get well soon ‘cause it’s goona be fun!” He excitedly told his brother. Ngumiti naman si Rom. Kahit paano ay may pagbabago na sa hitsura niya. Nagkakakulay na ang pisngi niya. The doctor said that his body is adapting well to his new bone marrow and that made me feel relief.“Weally?” Rom asked. He, then looked at me. “Thank you, Mr.Kaiwos. Wait, Rem, he said that he’s an alien.”“For weal?! Maybe he knows Dad!” Nagtingingan silang magkapatid. Lumuhod pa si Rem sa kama ni Rom
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-10All I Ask AIA. 08 - If this is my last night with you
Five wordsKairos Gregor Rouvin Vejar's"What else do you like?"The supposed to be two day visit in Seattle became a whole month. Pauwi-uwi naman ako sa Pilipinas pero tuwing Biyernes ay bumabalik ako at umuuwi ulit kapag Lunes ng gabi. Isang buwan nang ganoon ang sitwasyon ko. I didn't know that time flies so fast. I am enjoying my time with the twins even though we're always inside the four walls of Rom's hospital suite. Si Catherine Fe, hindi niya nakakalimutang ipakita sa akin na hindi niya ako gusto but I guess, she's just letting me dahil nahihiya siya kay Alejandros. Tang ina, bandang huli naging utang na loob ko pa kay Alele na nakakalapit ako sa mga anak ko."C'mon, tell me what else do you like?" Nakangiti ako habang nakatingin kay Rom at Rem. Ako ang sumundo kay Rem kanina sa school, buti nga tinawagan ako ni Alejandros para sabihin na sunduin ko si Rem sa school, naririnig ko sa background na umaalma si Cachi pero wala siyang magagawa dahil may event siya ngayon at kailan
Huling Na-update : 2023-05-10
Pinakabagong kabanata
All I Ask Epilogue: I love you, Family
Esmeralda Alba Vejar'sI could still remember that day when my Mom and Dad walked down the aisle. I was only ten years old back then and I am very much happy because I know for a fact that it's that day that will change everything in our lives.My dad told me that he had always adored my mom when they were younger. He had always seen her as a special girl. He was just too gay to even realize that.Their wedding was six years ago, and now, I am sixteen and I am watching them as they talk to each other in the gazebo while drinking tea. Momma smiled at Dad and they laughed again.I sighed."What are you doing, Ate?" Eros asked me. I looked back, I think he just got home from school."Look at them. They're so perfect for each other." Sabi ko pa."Oh yes. So perfect that they had two other kids." Tumawa si Eros. May dalawa pa kaming kapatid, si Alexandro at si Sarita. Sarita is our youngest, she's in kinder now, si Alexandro naman ay grade four. We have a semi - big family and my parents h
All I Ask Seduced. 17 - Closing
Alejandros'"You didn't tell Sabino you're back? Pinasundo mo lang siya papunta dito sa CLPH? Bakit? Dapat ikaw ang sumundo sa kanya, Alele. He cannot walk."I was having a morning walk with Ate Amal that morning. Kahapon ako dumating galing Seattle at kahapon ko rin nalaman ang tungkol sa katotohanan kay Sabi. Ang hindi ko maintidihan ay kung bakit kailangan niyang gawin iyon. I know, maybe it's about love or because he didn't want to feel alone.I feel responsible for whatever happened to him. Ako talaga ang may kasalanan noon kasi naman iniwanan niya ang pamilya niya para sa akin at kailangan kong harapin iyon. Kahit na hindi ko na siya mahal sa paraang nais niya, he is still my responsibility. Hindi ko siya pwedeng iwanan basta. Alam kong dapat akong magalit sa kanya but as I looked at him that day, I realized that he changed as I did.Pareho kaming nagbago. At sa pagbabagong iyon, naiwanan ko si Sabino."Ate, Sabi can walk. He's been trying to hide that for a long time. Not sure
All I Ask Seduced. 16 - Miracles
Elisha's"Momma is Papa gonna be alright?"Eros was sitting beside me. His hands were clasped together and he was looking at me with his wide almond shaped eyes."He is going to be fine, Eros. He promised you and Ate right?" Ginulo ko nang bahagya ang buhok niya. Nasa waiting area kami ng ospital at naghihintay sa kanila. Si Alba ay nasa kabilang couch at nagbabasa ng libro niya. Alba is a wide reader, isang bagay na namana niya sa Papa niya. I remember seeing a lot of books in his rooms when I was a teenager. He loves reading, mana si Alba sa kanya."But will we be able to eat the candies in his coat pocket after it's done?" Eros asked me."Of course! But Papa needs to eat many broccolis because he needs to get healthy after it's done." He smiled at me. Napangiti na rin ako."I miss him already Momma. After its done, I'm letting him hug you because he helped Rom. Rom's gonna be alright after this, too right?" He asked again. I could only hope. I am hoping and praying that everything
All I Ask Seduced.15 - Here
Alejandros'"Papa, are you still bakla?"I was going upstairs with Alba in my hands. Pikon nap ikon ako kay Elisha. Kung sino-sinong lalaki ang kinakausap niya. Inabot na siya ng tanghali sa labas! Hindi naman niya kasama si Eros. Kahit pa sabihing may baby sitter doon. Anong magagawa noong baby sitter?! Sasabunutan ko na talaga itong babaeng ito! Hindi siya nag-iisip!Ini-stress niya ako samantalang bukas na ang operation namin ni Rom! Hindi niya baa lam na bawal ma-stress ang beauty ko?!"Anak, stop asking me that." I plainly said to my daughter. She shook her head."According to google, baklas don't go around punching people if they're upset. They slap people around, pulling their hair, then they don't have kids. "Cause they're baklas. Papa, I don't think you're a bakla nymore. I think you love Momma that's why you punched Mr. Jarvis. He's Mommy's friend and he gave us two bottles of cow milk for Rom. You're jealous, Papa. You're in love with Momma."Hindi ako nakakibo. Tinitingnan
All I Ask Seduced. 14 - Reasons
Alejandros'"Thank you, Alejandros ha."Pagpasok namin sa apartment ay iyon agad ang sinabi ni Elisha sa akin. Thank you. Nagpapasalamat siya dahil pumayag akong maging donor para kay Rom which is never really a problem kasi pamangkin ko naman ang pinag-uusapan at isa pa kailangan talaga ni Rom ng tulong. I saw the kid. He was too weak. Kamukha siya ni Rem pero mas maliit siya at mas maputla at mas payat dahil nga siguro sa sakit nito."It's nothing. I'm glad to help." I told her. Sinusundan ng mata ko si Eros. Kanina sa plane ay magkausap na kami. Natutuwa ako sa kanya dahil para bang ang independent niya tulad rin ni Alba. Now, he's taking out all his toys and the he looked at me."Hey, Papa, let's play with my cars and lego! Faster!" Gigil na gigil siya habang kinakawayan ako. Napatawa ako tapos ay agad na nagpunta sa kanya. He gave me some lego blocks and told me to build whatever I want. Alba joined us and played too."Papa, are you going to marry Momma?"Natigilan ako. I looked
All I Ask Seduced. 13 - Come fly with me
Alejandros’“Come fly with me, Alejandros.”I couldn’t decide on what to do. Gusto kobg sumama kay Elisha pero hindi ko basta pwedeng iwanan si Sabi. But then, looking at her now, in front of me makes me want to fly with her – gusto kong sumama sa lahat ng lugarna pupuntahan niya. Gusto ko na siyang makasama at ituloy kung anuman ang naudlot noon. We have kids. Two of them at hindi ko hahayaan na mawala na naman sila. I have missed seven years of Alba’s life. Hindi ko hahayaang madagdagan iyon. Hindi ko rin hahayaang mawala sa akin ang anak konh si Eros. The way he looked at me earlier - iyong para bang kinikilala at tinatantya niya akong mabuti ay sobranh awakward para sa akin. Hindi naman dapat ganoon iyon. I sighed."Please, Alejandros. Let's fly to Seattle. Please..." Hinawakan niya ang braso ko and I swear, I felt fireworks all over me. Napabuntong - hininga na lang ako."I will arrange our plane, Lisha.""Oh my god! Thank you, Alejandros!" Bigla na lang niya akong niyakap. Natig
All I Ask Seduced.12 - Back for more
Eight years later...Kindred Hospital Seattle – First HillElisha's"Momma, will he be okay? I mean really, really okay? I am really really worried about him. Rem keeps on asking me if Rom is going to die. Mama Cathy doesn't want us to think that Rom is going to die. Rem said that if Rom dies, he wll die too, is that true? If that is, where are we gonna bury him? In Qatar, here in Seattle or in the Philippines? It's so confusing because we have like dual citizenship."Alba keeps on talking while we walk around the hospital to find Cachi. I just got back from picking Alba and Rem from their school and since we got in the car, hindi na tumigil si Alba sa kakasalita. Hindi ko maintindihan kung paanong naging napakadaldal nang anak ko samantalang noong baby siya ang tagal niya bago natuwid sa bulol niyang pagsasalita. She's now seven years old. Two months from now, eight years old na siya, I was thinking of giving her a birthday party. Ngayon lang kung sakali siya makakapag-party."Rom is
All I Ask Seduced.11 - The After
Elisha'sWe are now walking back to the main base of the CLPH. Alejandros was holding my hand while we walk. I couldn't contain my happiness. Basta masaya ako at mukhang masaya rin naman siya."Hey, Alele!"Napansin kong may golf cart na huminto sa tapat namin. In there, I saw his cousin, Apollo Vejar kasama ang girlfriend nito. They were laughing while talking to Alele."Saan kayo? Tara, sakay na!""Sure! Saan ba kayo pupunta ni Wewe?" He asked. "Si Lisha nga pala." He looked at me then he grinned. "Jowa ko." Napansin kong kumunot ang noo ni Apollo."Jowa?" He repeated what Alele said."Girlfriend iyon, Pol." Sabi noong maliit na babae. Hindi naman nagsalita na si Apollo pero halata sa kanya ang pagtataka. Inalalayan naman ako ni Alejandros hanggang sa makaupo kaming dalawa sa likod ng golf cart. Hindi niya pa rin binibitiwan ang kamay ko. I am happy – so happy. Mahal ko naman kasi si Alejandros. Iyon nga lang, hindi ko alam kung mahal niya ba ako. Paano kung hindi, paano kung ganito
All I Ask Seduced. 10 - Building up
Elisha's"Ateng, lalaki na ba siya? Parang lalaki na siya... feeling ko lalaki na siya."Taa nang tawa si Catherine Fe sa akin. Nasa bahay niya ako nang umagang iyon. Naghahanda kasi siya sa pagdating ng Mommy niya. Excited ang lukas. Sabi niya nga bantayan ko siya dahil baka atakihin siya ng epilepsy sa sobrang excitement niya. Ganoon daw kasi siya kapag mataas ang emotions. Inaatake siya."Hindi ko alam." She smiled. "Malay mo naman. Ano nag-wrestling ba kayo?" She asked me."Hindi. Umiyak kasi si Alba, so I had to attend to her. Ewan ko ba. Parang napapaso na rin ako. Umalis nga ako sa kabila, tulog pa rin si Alele. Sa iisang kama kami natulog eh. Bahala na, basta." I sighed. Nasa play pen si Alba, habang si Rem at Rom ay nakahiga sa crib nilang dalawa at para bang nag-uusap."Everything has to be perfect. I don't want Nanay to think that I am losing it." Tumawa siya. "Anyway, h'wag mon ang pakaisipin si Alejandros. Kung gusto ka niya at kung may nararamdaman siya sa'yo, gagawa siy
