Tumalikod ako para sana punasin ang luha ko pero nakita ko ang dalawa kong Kuya sa harap ko.
"Bakit ang lungkot-lungkot mo?" tanong ni Kuya Rad sa akin at marahang niyakap.
"Hindi mo pa ba sasabihin, Ivo!?" parang kulog ang boses ni Daddy.
"Paano siya magsasalita kung magagalit ka, Daddy?" Kuya Achilles reprimanded with annoyance in his voice.
Hindi ako nagsasalita at bumubuhos ang luha ko. I sat down on the wooden bench here as I lamented.
"Binubully ako... ng mga Sebastian at iba pang apilyido, Tito Lino's offsprings are joining even the offsprings of Tito Hector," nag-angat ako ng tingin, "Kuya, Daddy, sa school, bina-body shame nila 'ko," napapaos kong sabi at natigilan sila.
"Ano pa?" Dad asked as he crouched in front of me.
"Public humiliation."
Ang tagal kong nagsabi ng hinanakit ko at bumuntong hininga siya. We went inside and I drank the water that Mom given me.
"Binili niyo ba ng gamit niyo ang binigay ni Daddy, Vanessa?" Kuya Rad asked.
Umupo ako at tinignan sila.
"Siyempre, Kuya, half of it should be on gimmick."
Natawa ako at pinunas ang mukha. Ate Lava suggested something that made me interested, I have never been interested in those things like how she suggested.
"Kaya mo 'yon?" tanong ni Daddy, referring to the suggestion of major operations that Lave suggested.
Tumango ako. My friends were also very excited about the decision. Kaya sa sumunod na araw, pinasa ko ang lahat ng trabaho ko kay Kuya Ekron na bise presidente ng kumpanya. From the smallest work, I ventilated it and he supports me, though.
"Bumalik ka, hindi ko 'to kaya lahat," aniya.
"Si Aljun na ang tawagin mo, kung gano'n."
Sinamaan ako ng tingin at inayos ang paperworks sa table.
"Kahit naman anong reklamo namin kay Lolo, wala rin namang ginagawa, hindi na pinagsasabihan," Kuya Kirjath said lazily.
Kuya Achilles sighed heavily, "Even if we'll complain, he can't do anything, Rad almost died because he tolerated his brother and his bastards, na ngayo'y nakakulong pa rin."
"Ang mga 'yon pa ang nagkalat ng scandal ni Rad, e," Kuya Ekron added.
I vomited the water and they laughed.
"Binabakla mo 'yon noon, 'no?" usisa ni Kuya Kirjath.
"Hindi, a," sabi ko.
"Nandiyan pa ba 'yong pakiramdam ng pagiging babae, Ivo?" tanong ni Kuya Rad sa duyan nila Tito Rogelio.
Tumayo ako, "Kayo kaya ang pagalitan ni Daddy?" bumusangot ako at nakita ang bahay ni Kuya Rad kabilang parte ng farm na natatanaw, I can see the palace in the middle of the farm, bahagyang malayo sa mga taniman.
"Wala na talaga, Ivo? Kiss mo nga 'ko sa lips," pang-iinis ni Tito Alejandro.
Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin at uminom sa alak ni Kuya Achilles.
"Cresswell Alonzo is hot..." I said boyishly.
"Ivo," Mom's voice thundered.
Zallega men laughed.
"Veronica, we've waited for this..." Dad almost had a heart attack on laughing.
"Ma, next time na magtutwerk siya, itututok ko na..." pang aasar ko pa.
Women turned red. Natahimik lang ako nang dumating ang mga taong nakakaasar. I went to Kuya Rad and busied myself on my gray laptop. I was sitting in front of the small coffee table.
"Ivo, 'yong next project, saan itatayo?" Aljun asked.
I turned, "Ang head engineer niyo lang ang magsasabi, tinatapos ko pa ang mga plates, magpi-print pa ako ng hard copies, by next year, pwede nang simulan."
"Hindi ko naman masabayan ang head engineer."
"Nagkakaintindihan naman kami," sabi ko at pinigilang tumawa.
"Saan itatayo, sino ang magsu-supervise, at anong kumpanya iyon kung sakaling mabuo?"
I smirked, "Sa akin, I will start from scratch even if I am already the CEO."
He chuckled, "You should pass the position to whoever deserving from the Zallegas now, pansin ni Papa, kayo na lang ang may hawak no'n."
"No one deserves in that company, even Kuya Ekron is not illegible to hold the MZ Estates, ako na ang nagsasabi sa harap niya, I had a background check, ako ang pinili ng board."
Tumawa siya, "Chill lang, mamsh, highblood, e."
Nainsulto ako sa doble niyang sinabi. Hindi na ako nagsalita, hindi naman ako gaanong mataba, it's just the normal way of getting chubby. I am not lean, just the common body of a guy.
Makakatulog na ako sa inuupuan kong rattan nang humiyaw sila Kuya.
"Matutulog ka na naman," Kuya Achilles laughed.
"Antok ako..." I stood and saw them bringing out the nine am snack.
Pinuslit ko ang isang medium sized bowl of macaroni salad at umupo ako sa outdoor couch nila sa gilid. Nagsagian sila at humagikgik. Kumain lang ako at nakita ko ang mga barkada ko sa daan at humahagikgik sila.
"Sa Calaca, roadtrip, kailan alis mo?" tanong ni Jayden, son of the owner of ethanol.
"Brunch namin," sinubo ko ang fried chicken.
"Mayang gabi, si Ryan, nag-aanyaya pa-Maynila mamayang gabi," pumasok na sila.
I turned to Dad. Tinignan niya rin ako at nabasa ko ang iniisip niya kaya bumaling ako.
"Sige ba... pinayagan na 'ko," I smirked.
Dad laughed mockingly. "You're always obeying me, Ivo, no, you are not going."
Tumawa ako at nawalan ng pag-asa sa kanila.
"Your Dad's kill joy," Vanessa muttered and used my spoon to eat in the bowl where I was eating.
Tumingala ako sa kanya habang puno ang bunganga.
"May party?" tanong ko nang tahimik.
"Birthday ni Ryan, he throws a party, baka lang maengganyo ka," bulong niya.
"Sinong mga guest, baka naman mga batangeño, ha? That would be boring."
"Ang mga pinsan niyang galing yata sa Amerika, ewan, basta, bonggang party iyon."
Kinuha ko ang kutsara sa kanyang kamay at sumubo ng malaki, dinoble ko pa dahil kulang sa bunganga ko.
"Yuck..."
Puno ang bunganga kong nag-angat ng tingin at si Vienna iyon. Hindi ko pinansin at bumaling kay Vanessa na sumubo ulit.
"Ngayon lang daw binigyan ng magarbong party, puslitan mo ako ng dress ng Mommy mo."
Humagikgik ako at lumunok.
"Magdi-dress ka, barubal ka naman, ang gaslaw-gaslaw mo," tumawa ako.
"Gago ka!"
Kunwari nga nag-empake na ako ng dadalhin sa US sa Miyerkules, inutusan ko pang pumuslit ng dalawang eleganteng dress ang handmaiden ko na si Abel sa dresser ni Mommy, ako na ang bahala sa pasahod niya dahil dinoble ko pa ang bayad ko.
I'm sure this will be fit on Vanessa, kilala ko na siya at susukat din ito.
"Abel, pakitapon nga 'to sa labas," binigay ko ang itim ng plastic.
"Ah, oo sir, kakadaan lang ng truck pero nandiyan na naman ang panibagong truck..."
Good job, Jayden.
Tumakbo ako sa taas at tumawag. "Kumpleto iyong nasa plastic, Van, make up, stilettos, may kuwintas na rin doon."
"Sigurado ka bang susukat sa akin iyon?"
Kumamot ako sa batok at nahiga, "Isukat mo na lang."
Gabi nang dinner, tatlo lang kami nila Mommy at Daddy, dahil may kanya-kanya rin namang bahay rito sa Nasugbu ang mga Kuya ko.
Marami akong kinain at ininom ang tubig. Umakyat na ako at nang tantiyado ang oras ng tulog nila Mommy, lumabas ako sa veranda ng kwarto ko.
Sumampa ako sa railings at nakita sa baba ang mga kaibigan ko at sa daan ay nakikita ko ang mga iba pang nag-aabang.
"Ivo, tang ina, ang laki ng aso..." Vanessa said in a loud whisper.
I threw the meat as they caught and gave it to the Tibetan Mastiff. Bumaba ako sa hagdanan at nagulat ako sa itsura no'n, Logan folded it and turned like a golf bag.
Humagikgik ako at naglakad patungo sa butas ng likod, nakalabas na kami nang dumungaw ako sa butas at hinila ang paso para takpan.
"Hindi sila nakahalata?" tanong ni Jayden, "Ang Presidente, tulog na?"
Tumango ako at sinuot ang itim na slacks sa harap ng sasakyan nila Jayden.
"Ang alam nila, tulog na 'ko, tang ina, we'll miss the after party later so we have to go," Jayden went to the front seat.
"Iyong pagkain talaga ni Ivo, e," sabi ni Logan sa driver's seat.
I chuckled and saw our squad inside the HiAce van, wearing their formal one, binutones ko ang long sleeve ko at tinupi hanggang forearm.
Sa Calaca ang deretso namin at nagsibabaan kami. A fancy party where there are also photographers and tycoons. Malalaki ang hakbang ko para iwasan ang media, I have no guards here as I strutted to where Ryan is.
"Happy birthday, Ryan."
Nagtapikan kami ng balikat. Binigay ko ang regalo kong ballpen at namangha siya roon.
"Uy, hello," bati niya sa likuran ko.
Umatras ako at binigyan ng espasyo sila Vanessa at iba nsming kaibigan sa pagbabati.
"The star studded of the party, Vanessa Baltazar," anang isang anak mayaman.
Natawa kami dahil sa pamumula niya. Pinagpapawisan ding nakatingin sa likod ko si Jayden. Hindi rin ako lumingon at naestatwa ako sa kinatatayuan ko at nakatingin sa buong barkada.
"Tumakas kayo 'no?" tumawa si Enrico Razon.
"Ganito ba ang ayos ng tumakas, Tito?" Logan gulped.
"Napagplanuhang maigi, Enrico," Dad's voice was on my back.
Mariin akong pumikit at natawa ang mga matatanda. Mom popped out with her wine glass.
"Mom," lumapit ako at bumeso, "'Wag niyo akong sesermunan dito."
"Enjoy your last night of being a baby, hijo," she mocked.
Natigilan ako. She smirked as we were guided by the butlers, bumubulong-bulong ang mga kasama ko at pati ang mga magulang nila, narito. I was barely recognizing what Mom said.
"Anong ibig sabihin ni Mommy?"
Lumamon na ako at natigilan si Vanessa, sumenyas sa butler at nagpalagay pa ng pagkain sa plato ko.
"Hindi ko rin alam ang ibig sabihin no'n," Ryan laughed, "Malakas iyong bulong," he stood up to socialize as I continued eating.
"Sa tingin niyo, saan ang after party?" tanong ni Jayden.
"Sabi ni Ryan, sa Maynila raw, roadtrip," sabi ni Logan.
"Sa tingin niyo, payag ang mga magulang natin? Para ngang babae kung itrato 'tong ungas na 'to, e," turo sa akin ni Vanessa.
Sinagi ako ni Logan, "Lakas mong kumain, gago, ang sarap-sarap ng way mo sa pagnguya, gago. "
Tumigil na ako dahil napagtinginan tuloy ako. I remained on my phone while hearing my friends' rants re regarding to their parents.
"Nababagot ako rito," sabi ni Vanessa.
"Bakit naman, ayaw mo 'yon, baka mag-b-bj ka na naman pagkalasing mo," sabi ko at tumawa sila Ryan, Jayden at Logan.
"Gago. Parang tanga," Vanessa rolled her eyes.
"Five consecutive days without party, Vanessa, ano na, ready ka na?"
"Ready na bang bantayan ng magulang sa party?" tanong ko bago pa siya makareklamo.
"Sayang talaga ang pagpupuslit ni Ivo ng damit ni First Lady kapag hindi ako payagan sa after party," parinig niya sa magulang.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin dahil may mga natawa, natawa rin ako pero hilaw. Bumaling ako sa kanya at pinanlakihan ng mata.
"Gaga 'tong babaeng 'to," komento ni Jayden.
Bumaling ako sa phone at nagtipa, I could here my friends literally pissed.
"Hindi worth it ang pagbibigay ni Ivo ng karne sa aso makatakas lang."
Humagikgik akong tumingin kay Vanessa. "Hindi ka titigil?"
"Hindi, Ivo," umirap siya.
"Dati na akong hindi pinayagan, so I will go home with them," bumagsak ang balikat ko.
"Instead of enjoying the party, you're working," puna ni Ryan.
I turned, "May kausap lang."
"Nga pala, I have someone to recommend, magbubukas na ngayon ang gusali ng warehouse niyo, 'di ba? He wants to work, he graduated from Senior, Automotive ang strand niya."
"Pwede namang hanapan, maraming sasakyan ang hardware. We are exporting some stocks from Calatagan at minsan nasisiraan ang mga truck kaya kailangan pa ng mga mekaniko," uminom ako.
"Gusto raw kasi niyang makaapak sa isang pinakamalaking hardware pero malabo, aniya, he is too passionate on doing a small job and going on top to be part of MZ Estates," Ryan chuckled.
"Sige, hahanapan natin," ngumiti ako.
"Paano ang requirements? I will tell him later."
I moved and smirked, "Sasabihin ko na lang sa Kuya Achilles ko na ipasok na lang siya."
He punched my shoulders a bit, "Bias ka, e."
Ewan ko kung bakit kumain na naman ako ng panghimagas, habang kumakain ako, nakita ko ang Vienna na nakikipaghagikgikan sa mga kaibigan niya, that's when I realized why my friends stopped from talking.
Nakatingin sila sa akin habang kumakain, I can barely hear what are they are talking about.
"Pinsan mo 'yon, e, bakit galit na galit ka?"
Vienna pouted. "Wala akong pinsan na magaling kumain."
Vanessa scoffed. "Ganyan ang aastahin mo sa formal na party?"
I looked at Vanessa and frowned. Umiling ako at ngumiti nang mapakla at pinunas ang bibig.
"Bakit, Vanessa palengkera? Totoo naman na magaling siyang kumain, ah."
My eyes narrowed at her. Sinagi siya ng mga kaibigan niya at lumunok siya. Tumayo ako at tahimik na naglakad.
"Let's go home, Dad? Pagod na 'ko," napapaos kong sabi.
"Hindi ka na dadalo sa after party?" he stammered.
Umiling ako at naglibot pa sa sala nila, the theme of the home is so fancy. Hindi kasing engrande ng moderno naming mansyon pero masyado ring maganda ito.
"But if you want to attend the party, it's okay with me, uh... socialize with new people your age, mahirap namang nagtatrabaho ka lang."
"Ayos lang ako, Daddy, marami namang alak sa atin, I could drink whatever liquor I want to drink with my brothers, nawala na rin kasi 'yong excitement ko sa after party," pumulot ako ng isang magazine nila at binuklat.
"Kung gano'n, hindi na kami pupunta, matutulog na ako sa taas," Ryan said lazily.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin at natawa, "Just go, I don't mind it, may tatapusin pa ako mamaya."
"Para saan? I don't remember that you are doing things at night." Jayden doubted.
"My requirements for transferring at States, doon ako sa Harvard mag-aaral ngayong taon."
They cursed.
"Tang ina, prestigious school iyon..."
Tumango ako. I slumped in the couch as I stared at the magazine, it's all about the men surrounded me through all these years. Sila iyong cover doon. I certainly think that they are attractive, not like me, that's growing big, bigger and bigger.
Hindi na nga ako dumalo sa after party, I only waited my parents in the Benz and they came, sa front seat si Daddy, kami ni Mommy sa back seat.
"You okay, son?" Dad asked.
"Yes, Dad," nag-iwas ako ng tingin.
Umusad na ang sasakyan ng mga body guards at sumunod na rin ang Maybach na sinasakyan namin.
Hindi na ako umimik buong biyahe at nakatulog pa sa inuupuan ko.
Lunes nang pumasok ako sa opisina ko para ayusin pa ang iilan. I even attended some meetings in MZ Advocates and Developer the afternoon came as I even got late, sinundan ako ng sekretarya ko at umupo sa kanang bahagi ng Kuya ko.
"The boards from MZ Estates are calling for a meeting," sabi ni Tito Elmer sa akin.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin.
"Po? I don't remember calling for a meeting with the board."
Hinawakan ni Kuya ang palapulsuhan kong nakapatong sa conference table. He caressed it gently like what he was thinking communicated in me.
"Bakit?" tanong ko.
"No matter what would be the decicion of the board, Ivonis, just accept it wholeheartedly, hmm? The Dela Merced, Del Ferrer, Cardinal, Villareal always got your back," he said.
That moment, I know what he meant, hindi ako masyadong nakinig sa presentation ni Kuya Ambrose at kung tinatanong ako ni Kuya Grayson sa opinyon ko, sinasabi ko naman pero hindi ko alam kung tama ba.
I arrived at the MZ Estates with everyone's filled the hall. Relatives, business partners, investors were there. I was surprised in an instant when I saw them all.
Umupo ako sa Presidential table at nakita si Aljun na prenteng nakaupo at kausap ni Lolo.
"Anong meron, Tito?" tanong ko kay Tito Train na kinakausap si Tito Damian.
"Hindi mo pa alam?" tanong niya, gulantang.
Bago pa ako nakakapag-react, Dad stood up, "Son, let's talk for awhile before we'll start the meeting."
I nodded and pounding but Mom and my brothers smiled at me, warmly. Uminit ang sulok ng mata ko at lumandas ang luha sa aking pisngi. Ate Elijah offered a tissue before I followed Dad, sa likod, malapit sa aircon.
"The board decided for the newest person who would lead the company, but please, move forward in your own way, son," aniya.
I nodded and bit my lips. "Am I not credible to lead your legacy, Dad?" I smiled.
Today, I am slowly failing his expectations to be a good leader.
"Of course, you are... you are, son, you are, it's just that I can't fight for this anymore," he said with soft hoarse voice.
My tears flowed like I could not bear the pain if I think how I treated this as my responsibility.
"This is from your grandfather, Kuya Achilles successfully brought this on top... Dad... I can't imagine that when I held it for too long, it will be failed," tumaas ang boses ko. "Am I not a good leader?" napapaos kong sabi.
I almost squatted in pain.
"Son, you are, you led the company beyond my expectations, you reached the further beyond Kuya Achilles, and you are now reaching the point where you will become more stronger in this field..." he knelt down in front of me and consoled.
Umiling ako, he remained calm and still stoic.
He held my chin to make it up to him, "You're not a failure, it will make you stronger, I promised that, you are capable in everything you do as you will get successful slowly, 'cause we, sometimes, don't feel the sweetness of success if we will take the inheritance. Survive, this is just a minor fall, you will never know that you are capable of doing things from scratch as you can make it easier to get up."
He tamed me, something in me was tamed as I stopped weeping.
"You think, I can do it?"
He grinned, "Yes, you are."
Pinunasan ko ang mukha ko at humakbang para lumapit sa isang laptop at printer, I created something to appoint another CEO. In front of the boards, I signed it. Hinawi ko ang buhok ko at umupo, I have signed everything that matters from the small paper."I'm so sorry, Ivo, I haven't expected this, too," Kuya Ekron looked too dismayed.I only nodded as I turned on my laptop, I transferred all the data and closed it, I cleared my throat and stood."Hindi mo ipaglalaban ang tinuring mong buhay, Ivo?" Ate Lava almost exclaimed.Bumaling ako."You were fifteen when you became the CEO, damn it, Ivonis," Ate Elijah almost cried but Kuya Rad caressed her shoulders.I hopelessly stared at them and gave a weak smile. "It's about giving in to the people who wants to be a leader. ""But what if we, your cousins won't allow you to give this up, Ivo?" Kuya Kirjath asked coldly."It's time to build up every
The meeting continued until lunch, iilan lang ding kakilala ang nakakalapit sa akin. I can't stop myself thinking how far I am. Five years ago, the company was taken away from me but fortunately, I have been working my own company with all the success and plenty of sweats. Sa dinner naming magkakapatid sa Burj Khalifa, napag-usapan namin si Ares, nasermunan din namin si Kuya Achilles."Look, when you already forgave your son, there is someone came, Lava's five months pregnant, right?" Kuya Rad said."It has been four years, Ares' already thirteen, the tragedy wasn't his fault, it was an accident," sabi ko at sumubo.Pumatak ang luha ni Kuya Achilles, "Napatawad ko na ang anak ko, matagal na.""And Lava, did she already did that though?" tanong ko."Yes, she did."I almost rolled my eyes.Sa mga sumunod na araw, I went back to New York for another party to attend as I got an issue again. A publication pu
Kung mga Kuya ko ang gusto, e, 'di pagbigyan, nakararami na siya ng insulto sa akin at mas lalo pa akong ginaganahang inisin siya. If she really likes them, then go, but there are barriers on reaching the limits at hindi na maaari at gusto kong tumawa.Hindi ako umimik sa agahan naming dalawa. Hindi ako nakakain nang maayos, I am a damn stress eater but how could I eat when she's menacing at me ans and I got her thoughts that she would probably annoying me about my brothers at ang mga gagong iyon, anong sinabi nila o ginawa at parang nagayuma nila ang mapapangasawa ko?"What's inside the mansion?" she broke the silence between us while I was in my coffee."Marami." I said without tearing my eyes in my laptop."Tulad ng?""Anong bang nakikita mo?""Ikaw?"Nag-angat ako ng tingin."I mean..." she panicked, "I-Ikaw? Anong masasabi mo? Hindi ko kasi alam…"Ang gulo niya at parang natanto ko ang isang bagay kaya tumaas
"Pinauna ako ni Tito Ephraim at may nagsabi roong pasunod na ang fiancee ng isang Ephraim Ivonis Yousef Zallega, that's why I was nearly bombarded," she said.Bumuntong hininga ako at hinilig ang batok sa back rest. Kinalas niya ang necktie ko at sinunod ang botones ng upper button."Bakit kasi ayaw mo?"She breathed deeply smirked at me, "Inaamo pa natin ang sarili natin sa isa't-isa, Ephraim Junior..."I groaned, "Stop calling me by that."Maaga kong inayos ang mga problema sa warehouse, I was in the other building, in the main office where there are pile of documents to be done immediately, pinasa muna sa akin ni Daddy ito dahil may maaga siyang pinuntahan na lugar.I was wearing my boots, black jeans, white long sleeve and white hard hat when I checked the construction area for the renovation.Zuri was still sleeping when I left the mansion but I had to go home after I supervised the whole
Sa taas ako at parang pinagkaisahan ako dahil sa sobrang sama na rin ng pakiramdam ko. She followed me as I was already doing what she commanded.Nahiga ako at pinikit ang mga mata, the bed sank and I know that she is beside me. I heard how she squeezed the towel as the water's pouring out."Mainit ka," aniya, pinunas ang leeg ko."I'm aware of the fact that I am hot..." I chuckled weakly."Magpapahinga ka, o mang-iinis ka?""Pareho. Iinisin pa kita."Hindi ko alam kung ano ang nararamdaman ko, in just a short time of being with her, I found myself getting near her as the air is blowing me near her more. It's already enough for me dahil ang ginagawa niya sa akin ngayon, lalo lang akong napapamahal sa kanya."N-Nilalamig ako," sabi ko nang matapos niyang punasan ang aking likod."Is it a flu, Tita?" she asked.I opened my eyes and saw Mom doing some chores in my room."Tumaas po ang lagnat," Zuri added.
"Baby, please, can you kiss me again..." pagsusumamo ko at ngumiti.She laughed… her laughters means everything to me. I never know the importance of laughters of someone but when I found here, when I heard hers, I realized that I had it all."Ah, ayaw mo 'kong halikan?" banta ko at tumawa siyang inayos ang bumabalot sa aming kumot."Bakit ba gustong gusto mo ng halik?"I closed my eyes again, natawa siya at ako na ang humalik, this time, it bothers the whole muscles in me, dahil sa gitna ng halik, nabuhay ang hinding-hindi mapipigilan. Pero bago pa bumigay, agad na kaming tumigil.Niyakap ko lang siya habang malalim ang hininga matapos ang halik. I will get insane."Gustom ka na?"Umiling ako at ngumiti, "Why don't we do our tasks on the garden at two?"Duda siya sa sinabi ko at pinagmamasdan lang ako. "So we could cuddle all day?" she laughed.I smiled and nodded sleepily."Promise me that you will sleep
Bumati ako sa mga team ng Zallega Home Builders Inc., they even hugged me like they missed me so much, others are American, the others are Fil Ams, a high end engineers and architects from my company.Dad offered the part of our hotels as a shelter for them, for free, I got it though and they were allured by the interior of our fancy hotel.Zuri became busy on her school that's why I had to work for now. Wearing my grey tux, I strutted the MZ Advocates and Developers."Good morning, Engineer," bati ng mga empleyado.Tatango lang ako lagi at aayusin ang duffel bag."Ivo, eighth floor ang Zallega Home Builders at ang opisina mo, sa pintuan doon, if you want to change something, you can call the maintenance team to give your demand." Kuya Achilles said.Tumigil ako, "Nandoon na sila?" tanong ko."Ang aga nila, pinagtinginan daw agad ang team mong sabay-sabay, most of the other companies are too h
I nodded and watched her, she said, she already ate her early dinner, at ako rin, halos busog pa ako dahil ginawa ko ang blueprint at mga plates kanina sa opisina ko."Diyan na ako sa gilid, sa banda ng pader," sabi ko at hinubad ang damit, I crawled in her bed and going there while she was still fixing the large pillows.Parang pinaghandaan talaga ang lagi kong pagbisita rito. Her bed was a combination of blue and pink. Na halata namang akin iyong nasa tabi ng pader.A thunderous sound scattered as she quickly went to me, I chuckled and held her head as I laid down with her, kumidlat pa at agad niyang hinila ang kumot. The lightning and thunder attcked again as she went nearer, her face was touching my chest. I felt her breathing was really bad."Takot ka?" tanong ko."How mean? Nakita mo nang takot ako 'di ba?"Tumawa ako at niyakap siyang muli. We were cud
I was very young when I started hearing thoe name of the young Filipino businessman who's rocking the highest society. As a curious kitten I checked on him. Pumulot ako ng magazine sa rack. He's very good looking man in gray tuxedo. He was smiling but even if he's young, I can sense his ruthlessness and the way he showcase his mysterious smile, it seems like he was the only person what is up and wait..."Hindi ba't ito iyong nahuli ko noong nagpapablowjob, Shane?" napalakas ang tanong ko sa kinakapatid kong Cardinal, he's handsome and he has a very weird name, napalapit ako dahil nakipagkasundo ang kapatid kong babae sa pinsan niya.He turned to me lazily. "Ah, oo. Si Ivo, the one we were with when we went to Iloilo para sa party, limang taon na rin nang hindi kami nagkita."Tumango ako at tiningnan ang litrato niya."Gusto mo siya ano?" Vincenzo teased while giving me a water.Umirap ako at uminom."I'd l
I paid for her wedding gown and they prepared for it. We visited Sto. Domingo Church as we transacted the budget of it."Ang dami mo nang gastos." she said while looking at the aisle.Natawa ako at tumingin sa harapan. "Lord, thank you for blessing her to me," ngumiti ako at lumandas ang luha, "Thank you for allowing me to fight for this woman." I signed of the cross.I won't ever deny my tears to God. He's been guiding me through all these years. Sometimes, I'd like to screw everything but it turns out to tears."Good morning!" my Mom greeted one busy morning came.Nasa opisina si Zuri. She was getting all of her works kaya kahapon ay umuwi ako rito sa Alabang para magpahinga nang bahagya dahil hinayaan ko siyang makasama niya ang mga kaibigan niya."Masyadong maalikabok ngayon ang bahay kaya pwede ka munang sa kwarto at padalhan na lang ng pagkain."Ngumiti ako, "'Wag na, Ma, sige lang, I wi
Tuloy lang ang tradisyong pamamanhikan. Medyo hindi lang ako nasanay sa ganiyong bagay. I witnessed how my brothers supplicate to the Dela Merced and Villareal. Alright, I saw how Dad was set up something sumptuous when he married Mom for the second time.Natapos ang pamamanhikang tradisyon at umuwi rin ng Maynila ang buong pamilya ko dahil sa marami pang gawain doon. Kami na lang din dito sa harap ang natira."Sabihin mo lang kung gusto mong umakyat, sasamahan kita," sabi ni Zuri at binigay ang baso sa akin.Umiling ako at lumipat ng upuan sa ilalim ng santol dahil sinisilipan na ako ng araw sa dati kong inuupuan."Bakit mo ako nilayasan?" naiinis niyang tanong.Kumunot ang noo ko at umupo, "May araw. Naiinitan ako.""That's why I am convincing you to go upstairs para hindi ka mainitan dito.""I want to breathe some fresh air, dito muna ako."Hindi siya sumagot at tinalikuran ako. Lalo pa ak
Umalis ako at dumeretso sa Alabang. Hindi ako tumingin kahit kanino o sumagot man lang sa tanong nilang lahat kung nasaan daw ang mapapangasawa ko."Nasaan siya?" ngumisi si Kuya Achilles at kunwari naglilinis sa pool.Nasa lounge bed ako at pinanonood ang mga nagdi-disenyo para sa nalalapit na kasal. Binaling ko ang mga mata sa binabasa kong libro."Sungit natin ngayon, ah, hindi pinayagan sa kama?" pang-iinis ni Daddy.I flipped the page and heard Mom's steps with her commands."Seb, I want it to be elegant looking even on the backyard. Sabihin mo iyon sa mga tauhan mo...""Yes, Madame," sagot ni Severino at ng team sa likod ni Mommy.I sighed heavily and looked at the trees."Ivo, where's Zuri? Seb was looking for her..."I lazily darted my eyes on the page, "In my condo... packing her things up..."She laughed awkwardly. "Susundan ka rin pala, bakit mo hindi sinabay?" I sensed her panic.
It was a long drive and tiring. Dumeretso sa kanilang mga bahay ang mga Kuya ko, it was also a long vacation for them.Nakatulog ako nang hapong iyon katabi siya. I was peacefully watching here when a knock from the door awakened her."Engineer, Daddy niyo po, nasa baba," boses iyon ni Roy.I stood up and left Zuri in my room. Bumaba ako mula third floor ng unit ko at nag damit. I was so stunned when I saw those policemen and some Attorneys ."Ivo, anak, calm down," Mom said.I calmed myself and sat down."Eugene filed a case against you and they are here to arrest you..." Dad started.Ito lang ang hinihintay ko para gumalaw na rin nang bahagya."Kidnapping ang sinampa, but we demanded to just house arrest you..." Dad said again.Bumuntong hininga ako at tumango. Nagulat pa ako sa Victoria at Cloe na nasa breakfast nook ko."Kuya ko si Drake Aragon na isa sa family l
Hindi ko na sinagot ang pangungulit niya sa sinabi ko. I only smiled before I closed my eyes and breathed deeply.Hindi ako naging kumportable sa gabing iyon at nanatili akong pa-gising-gising. She must be still sleeping this time, mag-aalas sais na. Naramdaman ko ang pag-alis niya kagabi at mula noon, hindi ko na nakuha ang tamang tyempo upang matulog nang maayos lalo na't kaunting galaw, tumutunog ang kama at umuuga.I went out and the whole sala was still dimmed, the lights from the kitchen were giving an access to my way. Pumunta ako sa kusina nila at nagulat ako sa anino.Zuri was shocked too, hawak niya ang baso ng gatas at nilapag sa bilugang lamesa. Ngumiti ako at niyakap siya."I just couldn't sleep," I said and tightened her in my arms."Titimplahan din kita," anya.Naupo ako at parang kanya ang bahay dahil alam niya ang ginagalawan niya. Umabot ako ng isang tangkay ng prutas sa gitna at pinitas upang kainin."The bed was no
"Your are so formal, we're relatives, so you don't have to show it up," she slapped my shoulders while laughing.Tumikhim ako at ngumiting muli. Kinuha ko ang kamay at nagmano. "Nice to see you again..." nag-angat ako ng tingin, "Lola."Nagulat siya sa sinabi ko at may mga tahimik na tumawa. Si Severino ay malakas na tumawa na agad nanahimik bago pa mapahiya lalo ang matanda. Dad was so stunned about what he witnessed.Tumawa na ang matanda sa pagkagulat at nakihalo ng usapan."Mukhang magkakasundo nga sila ng apo kong si Lambert, pero sayang, hindi siya nakasama, her daughter is sick," the woman said sadly. Napatango ang kakilala, "Mukha ngang magkakasundo, there's the sense of formality na sa unang tingin sa batang ito, you are hesitantly go to him at mukhang abala, Anita, you disturbed him," natawa sila."Hindi naman po, Ma'am," agad kong sagot."But you were watching while your nurses are
Napatayo ako nang halos dumugin ako ng mga media at agad na may humigit sa akin palayo roon. They were my brothers and it was literally shocking for me on the next happenings. I was guided to the wide hotel suite. Binuksan ni Kuya Achilles ang isang laptop at binigay sa akin. I looked at Vanessa and she gave her daughter to Cormac and she went to me."Anong nangyayari?" tanong ko.I was bewildered by those media who mobbed me and this clip, I can't seem to find the urge to play it."Alam ba ni Zuri 'to?" tiningala ko si Vanessa na nakalapit na."Hindi pa, nililibang ni Gracey roon sa hall, her parents are involved here and she might go back to Manila anytime soon if she'll watch it..."Bumuntong hininga ako at bumaling sa screen. I played the video clip and it was published earlier today. Nasa isang interview sila at pinalilibutan ng maraming reporters mula sa iba't-ibang panig ng bansa."Thank you, Madame for b
Naandar na ang bangka kaya hindi na ako makababa. Dinala sa karatig-isla at agad na binato ang lambat. Wala roon ang iniisip ko kundi ang mga tauhan ni Justin.I recieved a text from her and they headed to the city and do I feel relief because of that, though?"Kaunti na lang ang mga isda dahil kakahuli lang ng marami kanina," anunsyo ni Omar.Tumango ako at ngumiti nang kaunti at pinaplano kung paano ko ilalayo si Zuri dito. Amanpulo I not accepting those many guests right at this moment, baka lang pwede kaming umuwi na roon.I also missed my home. It has been two months since we went home here in the Philippines and yet, I am still trying to recognize where is really my home?Dumaong ang bangka dahil mataas na ang sikat ng araw, bumaba ako at hinanap sa buong hotel ang mag-organisa sa surpresa para sa Daddy at mga Kuya ko.