I BIT MY LIP as I looked at my twins who were occupied coloring and drawing on their paper with Candy who kept on blabbering something. They were in the garden sitting inside the little tent that was bought by Dick. It was such a relief that they were now alright, especially when we cried last night. “Aba! Nanggigigil ako at gusto kong manakit ng bata na hindi tinuturuan ng tamang asal ng magulang. Talagang pagbubuhulin ko silang lahat hanggang sa hindi na sila makapag-bully,” asik ni Cindy sa aking tabi. Nakaupo kaming dalawa sa silya sa veranda ng kaniyang bahay. Pumasok na sa trabaho si Dick kaya’t kami-kami lang ang nandirito pero bago siya pumasok ng trabaho ay nagluto muna siya ng mga pagkain para sa amin. I sighed heavily. “Kaya nga, tumawag nga ako kanina kay Teacher Angel at sinabi ko ang problema. Mabuti na lang at naunawaan naman niya ako at siya na ang bahala na kausapin ang mga batang iyon at pati na rin ang mga magulang.” “Sinasaktan ba ng mga batang iyon ang kamb
I CLOSED MY EYES as I lean on the chair. I’m very exhausted from the intense training for the past few weeks that Coach Idy gave me. It really motivated me to do my very best, especially that I represent my hometown, Isla Fiji regardless of what happened in the past. Hindi rin nawawala sa aking na sumemplang o maaksidente ako. Lagi ko nga lang itinatago sa kambal dahil paniguradong iiyak sila kapag nakita nilang may mga sugat at gasgas ang aking balat. May mga pagkakataon na naglalaban kami ni Coach Idy na ginagaya ang techniques ni Monalisa. Gusto kasi niya na masanay ako at kaya kong malampasan iyon. Sa umpisa ay medyo nangangapa pa ako lalo na’t ilang mga taon din ako na tumigil sa pagkarera. Mas maraming loops at obstacles ang mayro’n sa Grand Race lalo na’t limpak-limpak din ang premyo ng mananalo. Napadilat naman nang may nararamdaman akong maliit na mga kamay na pilit tinatanggal ang aking suot na mga boots. Bumaba ang tingin ko at nakita ko ang kambal na tinatanggal ang boo
I HEARD my twins gasped exaggeratedly from both of my sides. I roamed everywhere, and I’m also dumbfounded too. For the first time, I’ve finally arrived in Manila, and also my twins too. The trip was indeed exhausting and long, but it was worth it. Months of training had passed, and I could say that I’m ready for the Grand Race. Nakarating na kami sa Ark Hotel kung saan kami tutuloy. Nandito rin ang ibang mga contestants para sa Grand Race. Hindi kami magkandaugaga ng kambal sa katitingin sa paligid ng hotel na aming tutuluyan dahil napakaganda talaga. “Mas lalong gumanda ang Manila at talagang handang-handa na sila para sa darating na Grand Race at dito talaga sa Ark Hotel mananatili ang mga contestants pati na rin ang kanilang mga kasama,” puno ng pagkamahang turan ni Coach Idy sa aking tabi. Kasalukuyan kaming nasa loob ng elevator na kulay ginto at kitang-kita ko pa nga ang repleksiyon namin do’n. I agreed, especially because there were many promotional banners in every corn
I DRINK soda in the can I’m holding, and put it with a thud on the table which made Coach Idy chuckle. We were now in her room. Cindy and Dick along with the three little kids were still having their moment roaming around in Manila. It was a relief that my twins didn’t see me like this, especially that I’m really annoyed by what happened at the meeting a while ago. “P*nyeta siya, Coach. Gusto ko talaga siyang sapakin kanina. Wala akong pakialam kahit magtulong-tulong pa sila sa pambabatikos sa akin dahil sinagot ko ang reyna nilang plastik. Hindi ko inakalang hanggang dito sa Manila ay mga gago pa rin na pilit akong ibinababa,” asik ko. “Pero hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala na ginano’n ka niya lalo na’t mukhang hindi siya makabasag pinggan. Looks could really be deceiving. Unang meeting pa lang ay nagpasabog ka na’t mukhang instant famous ka na sa kanila lalo na’t isang taga-Isla Fiji ang naghamon kay Monalisa na famous na talaga pagdating sa karera,” aniya.I scoffed. “P*nyeta siya.
I’M DUMBFOUNDED as I looked to the black and gold colored huge building in front of me. It had a glittery engraved name of Arum on top. It screamed luxury. There were lots of people having fun while wearing their best outfits heading inside. I could even see some women wearing daring clothes which made the men around look at them. As we entered inside, all we saw was a black room, but as we walked further, we could even hear the loud music while the lights were everywhere glimmering as the people on the dance floor danced gracefully like there was no tomorrow. “Putek! Paraiso ata itong napuntahan natin, ha? Bagay na bagay ang kagandahan ko rito. Dapat ay nagsuot ako ng sexy na damit para mas lutang na lutang talaga ako sa lahat,” Hindi makapaniwalang turan ni Cindy sa aking tabi. I wore a dark gray V-neck shirt that was being paired by a black jacket, jeans and boots. While Cindy and Coach Idy just wore a simple dress that was being paired by jacket and boots. “Ayos na ang sin
I’M STARING at Maru who was combing his fingers through his hair that was perfectly fixed into a manly bun in frustration as he was now in front of the twins who were sleeping peacefully on the bed while hugging each other. Iniwan muna kami ng pamilya ni Cindy at pansamantalang lumipat sa room ni Coach Idy para bigyan kami ng space lalo na’t kasama ko si Maru na nakasuot ng hoodie na pinaresan ng jagger pants at rubber shoes. Nagsuot din siya kanina ng shades at face mask para walang makakilala sa kaniya rito sa Ark Hotel na pagmamay-ari pala ng kaniyang pamilya.He sighed heavily, and looked at me. “They really looked like me, but I just wanted to have a DNA test to make sure that they really were mine.”I nodded my head while I crossed my arms. “Wala naman akong mapapala kung magsisinungaling ako pero kung iyan ang ikapapanatag ng kalooban mo ay gawin mo lang kung ano ang gusto mo.”“Ilang taon na sila?” tanong niya.“Hmm. . . Four,” sagot ko.He bit his lip, and looked torn. I cou
AS THE GRAND RACE approached, I began to be more occupied for the past few days, and it was also a relief that Maru spent more time with the twins. During those days, I crossed-paths with Monalisa who was very persistent to annoy me. “Good luck, Ka-tol! Kayang-kaya mo iyan. Basta’t manalo o matalo ay maganda pa rin ako!” bulalas ni Cindy habang kumekendeng-kendeng at may suot na baby carrier sa katawan kung nasaan si Baby Bunso na subo-subo ang maliit na kamao. Napaka-cute talaga nito. Coach Idy scoffed, and shook her head. Inaayos ko ang aking suot na overall black and gold jumpsuit. Lumipad ang team ni Coach Idy dito sa Manila para ikondisyon si Zebby at suportahan ako sa aking laban. Kompleto kami at natutuwa ako sa kanilang presensiya lalo na’t todo ang kanilang pagsuporta sa akin hanggang dito sa Grand Race. Tinulungan din ako ni Coach Idy na ikabit ang mga protective gears ko. Nang pinatawag na kaming lahat ng mga contestants para pumunta na sa aming posisyon ay hindi ko nam
I COULDN’T HELP BUT TO ROLL MY EYES in annoyance as Cindy kept on teasing me, especially that she saw how Santino made a move to me a while ago. She even shamelessly asked the twins if they would agree that Santi would court me. Cindy crossed her arms. “Bakit? Wala namang masama na sumubok ulit magmahal lalo na’t mukhang wala kang pag-asa r’yan kay Maru. Tandaan mo, inamin na niya na mahal niya si Monalisa at ikakasal na silang dalawa. Hindi naman puwedeng magpa-single ka na lang habambuhay, ‘no?”I glared at her. “Ayaw ko nga. Sa tingin mo ba ay seseryosohin ni Santino ang isang tulad ko na single mother? Isang beses ka lang nasaktan samantalang ako naman ay dalawang beses at wala rin akong balak na gawing tatlo iyon. Mas pagtutuunan ko na lang ng pansin ang aking mga anak kaysa sa p*nyetang pag-ibig na iyan.”“Putek! Baka nga bago matapos ang taong ito ay ikasal ka. Masyado kang bitter at sinasarado mo ang sarili mo na lumigaya at magmahal muli. Hindi puwedeng si Maru lang ang magi
AS I CLOSED THE DOOR after I changed my outfit for tonight that I’m truly sure that Maru would definitely be burned in desire tonight. I wore a halter neckline seductive gray lace bodysuit lingerie. The upper laced part emphasized the shape of my big breasts, and it was connected with a silver jewel in between my breast then also to my navel. I really loved the effect of it, especially it showed off my curves, and I felt sexy wearing this kind of lingerie. My long jet-black hair was fixed in a messy bun. Slowly I made my way towards bed where my husband patiently waited for me. I could see how he looked at me from head to toe, but remained in my breasts which made him licked his lips pervertedly. “Woah. . . You were so f*cking sexy in that f*cking lingerie, Baby. I couldn’t wait to make love to you all night long,” he exclaimed in delight while caressing shamelessly the bulge of his monster cock inside his white brief. His green orbs darkened in desire. Napadako naman ang ting
I POUTED MY LIPS as Toffee and Taffy adorably went closer to me, and gave a peck of kiss on my lips then hugged me tightly. My youngest twins were really clingy and so adorable. The three of us were left in our house, because Marsh and Mallow were in school while Maru was running some errands in Arum. “Ang mga baby ko ay naglalambing at mukhang may gustong hilingin sa akin,” usal ko. Both of them giggled which made my heart flutter in euphoria. “Ish klim po, Mama.” bulol na turan ni Taffy. “Plit. . . Usto po, Tapi at Topi po iyon, Mama.” singit naman ni Toffee. Hindi ko napigilang panggigilan silang dalawa dahil napaka-cute nilang dalawa. “Sige, kakain tayo ng Ice Cream,” pagpayag ko. Kitang-kita ko naman kung paano magliwanag ang mga mukha ng dalawa at hindi rin nagtagal ay pinugpog nila ako ng mga halik sa buong mukha na ikinatawa ko lalo na’t nakakakiliti iyon. The three of us immediately headed to the kitchen, and I opened the refrigerator, but I saw no trace of ice cream
I COULDN’T HELP BUT TO CHUCKLE as everyone was singing a Happy Birthday Song while clapping their hands to Toffee and Taffy who was swaying their hips adorably. Toffee wore his prince inspired outfit while Taffy wore a pink glittery princess gown. Both of them had little crowns on top of their heads. Mommy and Daddy were laughing out loud while recording this moment with their video camera. Mommy wore an elegant tube gold gown, and Daddy wore a black tuxedo with a golden-colored necktie. The quadruplets wore the same black tuxedo, but they had different colors of neckties. Maru’s necktie matched the color of my pastel blue halter neck gown while Yash, Miro and Sota had a silver-colored necktie. Sota even went beside Toffee and Taffy to dance which made Yash and Miro chuckle while sitting in the corner. The Arklentine really spoiled my children so much, and they even turned everything magical here in Nanay’s garden here in Isla Fiji. My parent’s house was filled with colorful balloons,
Maru’s POV BEFORE, I’m the most so-called multi-billionaire playboy bachelor of the town. My oozing charisma and sex appeal made every sexy woman worship me. They really loved the way I talked dirty to them while being a pervert, especially to the sexy ladies who had the assets that I’m fantasizing about the most, which were big breasts. Well, I’m not a saint, and I couldn’t live without sex. Without having effort, I could have what I want, especially that I’m the first born of the Arklentine Quadruplets. My parents, Lion Arklentine and Kagome Higurashi-Arklentine, were really generous to give us a luxurious life, and equal amount of love and affection. Until Mommy crushed everything by arranging me with an arranged marriage to Monalisa Juantivino, a daughter of Arklentine’s colleague and business partner. Actually, I don’t have any violent reaction to that, especially that I got an innocent looking fiancée who was also a sexy kitten in bed. She was also a famous motorcycle racer.
I SLOWLY fluttered my eyes open, and I couldn’t help but to groan in pain, especially at the back of my head. My heart leaped fast in fear, because I didn’t know where I was now. The door suddenly opened revealing Monalisa holding an envelope. “Oh, the curious cat was finally awakened! Did you had a great time following me, Trisha? Masyado kang tanga at nagpapabida kahit kailan. Hindi mo alam na ikaw mismo ang nagpapahamak sa sarili mo dahil sa pagiging pakialamera mo. Ano naman ang akala mo sa sarili mo, isang superhero? You were really a dumb bitch as ever!” sarkastikong turan ni Monalisa habang maarteng naglalakad suot ang red ruched side slit bodycon midi dress na pinaresan ng gold stilettos. Iba na ang suot niyang damit no’ng sinundan ko siya rito. “P*nyeta kang hayop ka! Mamamatay tao ka! Ang kapal ng mukha mong umarte na wala kang ginagawang masama sa harap ng mga Arklentine lalong-lalo na kay Maru! Oras na makaalis ako rito ay ilalabas ko ang itinatago mong baho kasama ang
WEEKS HAD PASSED, Monalisa and I were being civil to each other, and she even apologized for her mistakes in front of the twins, especially to Marsh. Still, Marsh and Mallow were aloof, and not close at her which she didn’t mind. Mommy and Daddy were delighted by the fact that everything was fine, and as much as possible settled. Monalisa’s baby bump was now showing-off, and she was thrilled to know what the gender of the baby was. Samantalang ang pag-aaral ng mga bata ay inaasikaso nina Mommy at Daddy. Nakontak din nila ang mga teachers at principal kung nasaan nag-aaral ang mga bata sa Isla Fiji para makapag-transfer sa homeschool muna at babalik ulit sila sa Face-to-face kapag naging maayos na ang lahat. Wala namang problema sa amin iyon ni Cindy lalo na’t sina Mommy at Daddy ang nag-asikaso ng lahat at tutok na tutok din naman ang mga tutors sa mga bata. May sarili nga silang silid na ginawang classroom at do’n sila nag-aaral kasama ang mga tutors. Napabalik ako sa reyalidad na
EVERYTHING WAS STILL SURREAL for me. As Monalisa was being discharged from the hospital, and returned here in the Arklentine Mansion, everything had changed. Mommy and Daddy made sure that she could do anything she wanted to which made her delighted. She even suggested having her very close personal maid from the Juantivino Mansion to make sure that she was always being looked after, and Daddy agreed with it. Talagang bumawi sina Mommy at Daddy kay Monalisa na sobrang ikinatuwa naman ng mga magulang ni Monalisa. Kulang na lang ang salitang spoiled para dito. Sa tuwing nasa sala o hindi kaya nasa paligid si Monalisa ay nasa loob lang ng playroom ang kambal. Ayaw ko pa rin na magkita sila lalo na’t hindi rin maganda ang huling nangyari sa kanila. Alam kong magtataka ang kambal oras na makita nila si Monalisa na kasama namin dito sa Arklentine Mansion. Paniguradong mahihirapan akong ipaliwanag sa kanila lalo na’t medyo komplikado ang nangyayari. “Sigurado ka ba sa gagawin mo, Ka-tol?
I SIGHED HEAVILY as I leaned on the wall on the cubicle inside the comfort room in the hospital where Monalisa was rushed in. My hands trembled as my tears fell from my eyes. It was still difficult for me to endure the pain. But the painful truth really hurt the most. Santino gave me the documents that I wanted to see including Monalisa’s pregnancy test kits, ultrasound pictures and results proving that Monalisa was really pregnant with my husband’s child. There were three doctors who even testified that the results were true. Ipinaliwanag din sa amin ni Doktora Cattleya, ang OB-Gynecologist na bawal ma-stress si Monalisa at dapat mag-ingat kung hindi ay magkakaro’n na talaga si Monalisa ng miscarriage. Kitang-kita ko na sobrang problemado at stress ngayon ni Maru habang panay ang bulong niya sa akin na mahal na mahal niya ako ng sobra pati na rin ang aming mga anak habang humihingi ng tawad. As usual, Monalisa’s mother made a dramatic entrance while being so hysterical. She even b
I COULDN’T BELIEVE that Monalisa didn’t do anything foolish as she stayed here in the Arklentine Mansion for days. She felt that she wasn’t welcome here, so she always stayed in her room or had a moment on the balcony connected to her room. The maids just delivered her some foods and necessities she needed. “Grabe talaga ang babaeng iyon at pa-special!” bulalas ni Cindy na nasa aking tabi habang nagpapa-breastfeed para patulugin si Baby Bunso. Nasa sala kami at nakaupo sa sofa. Nakatingin kami sa mga maids na mayro’ng dala-dala na tray na naglalaman ng iba’t-ibang mga pagkain habang paakyat ng hagdan. Kasalukuyan kasing nagpapahinga si Dick dahil medyo masama ang pakiramdam. Namasyal ang mga bata kasama sina Mommy at Daddy habang si Maru naman ay inasikaso muna sandali ang Arum. “Hayaan mo siya basta’t wala siyang ginagawang kagaguhan lalong-lalo na sa mga maids. Palibhasa ang mga maids lang ang kaya niyang saktan,” usal ko at saka sumubo ng prutas na Peras na sobrang tamis. She h