Reeve's POV . Dumating na nga ang kinatatakutan ko ngayon, dumating na ang Papa ni Melissa. Matagal-tagal ko rin na pinaghandaan ito, at ginawa ko na munang tahanan ang maliit na bahaykubo na nasa tuktok na imbakan ng mga nakukuhang niyog. I have made the necessary preparations beforehand, and Melissa and I have already discussed this. Considering her father's strict nature, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to stay at Melissa's house. Manong Paeng offered his place, but I declined. Ayaw kong maka-isturbo sa bawat pamilya nila, kaya mas pinili ko na pansamantalang manirahan sa maliit na bahaykubo na ito.May maliit na kama na gawa sa kahoy. Ako mismo ang gumawa nito. May upuan at mesa at may paglalagyan sa bawat gamit ko. Walang TV at radyo lang ang meron ako. It's alright. I have practised this already and slept a few nights here practising my routine. "What do you before, Reeve? Anong klaseng trabaho ba ang ginagawa mo noon bago mo nakilala ang anak kong si Melissa?"
Reeve's POV For the past three days, Melissa and her father haven't been home yet. My surprise for her was waiting in the top corner. I kept the place tidy and helped Tiya Esperanza and Manong Paeng. "Bukas ang dating nila, Dong. Tumawag sa akin ang ama ni Melissa at mukhang may kasama sila. Pinapahanda sa akin ang guest room ng bahay," si Tiya Esperanza sa akin. I'm looking forward to seeing Melissa, my girlfriend whom I've missed dearly. Even though we exchange messages every night before sleeping, nothing beats being able to see each other in person. "Ganoon ba, Tiya. Mabuti naman. May maitutulong ba ako?" "Ay nagawa mo na lahat, Dong, kaya okay lang. Ang ganda rin kaya ng ginawa mong sorpesa para kay Melissa. Tiyak magugustuhan niya ito. Noon pa siya nangarap na magkaroon ng ganito. Kaso walang marunong na gumawa. Ikaw lang pala!" Ngiti ni Tiya sa akin at nakangiti akong tinitigan ito mula rito. I wake up early in the morning and go through my usual household routine. This in
Reeve's POV . Dammit. I bite my lower lip and wrap the piece of cloth on my wound. Sa sobrang pagmamadali ko ay hindi ko napansin na may isang matulis na bagay sa gilid ng puno at tumama ito sa paa ko. Mabuti nalang at hindi malalim ang sugat. "Okay ka lang ba, Dong Reeve?" si Manong Paeng sa likod. "Okay lang, Manong." "Nasugatan ka ba?" "Wala ito, Manong, galos lang." Gumalaw na ako at tinali nang mabuti ang mga ito. Iilang basket ng tuyong isda ang delivery ngayon papuntang kabilang isla. At mamaya ay sasama ako sa kampo nina Ethan sa shooting range sa kabilang bundok. Melissa is not around. She's with her father down the city. Inaayos nila ang iilang papelis at importante raw ito, dahil pangalan naman ni Melissa ang nakasulat sa titulo. "Ako na ang tatapos, Dong. Ihanda mo na ang sasakyan, at ng sa ganoon ay makababa na tayo. May lakad ka pa ano? Di ba sasama ka kina Ethan sa shooting range?" "Oo, Manong." Mabilis ang kilos ko at hindi ko na inantala ang sugat ko sa paa.
Reeve's POV . "Reeve? Love?" My eyes came open, and her beautiful face was the first vision I saw. My brows furrowed. I'm feeling disoriented. Where exactly am I, and what is this place? What the hell happened to me? My mind speaks. "Okay ka lang ba? M-Masakit pa ba ang ulo mo? Mabuti nalang at nagising ka na. . . Salamat." She hugged me tightly, and her heart pounded against my chest. I blinked repeatedly, struggling to make sense of the situation. Ang huling alaala ko ay sina Diego at Cariena. I need to save them, I have to. . . But what is this? Where am I? And who. . . "Dalawang araw kang hindi nagising at nag-alala ako, Reeve. Gutom ka na ba? Nagluto ako ng paborito mo. T-Teka lang, ihahanda ko lang, okay." Haplos niya sa pisngi ko at hinalikan niya ako sa labi. Nagtagal ito rito at sa hindi ko maintindihan ay nagwala ang tibok ng puso ko. It feels like I want to hug and kiss her damn hard. The feeling that you have the most beautiful being in your front right now is wha
Reeve's POV.Diego and Cariena are. . .My mind got clouded for a second while reading the article online about the two. Diego and Cariena are dead, and that includes me.Tulala ako sa sarili habang nakatitig sa mga litrato sa internet.I couldn't find any pictures of Diego and Cariena, possibly because their family kept them private. However, I do have a few pictures of myself. Interestingly, I even came across a website where the Mondragon Boys honour my passing.I found myself in a difficult situation as I was thrown into the sea without my watch, which was my only means of identification. What other expectations can I have in this situation? Iyon lang din ang isang paraan para makuha ni Linus ang lokasyon ko at lahat.Dammit.Napasandal ako sa upuan at hindi ko alam kung ano ang susunod na gagawin.For the Mondragon boys and for my family, I no longer existed. I'm good as dead, and the worst part? I've lost one big brother that I treasured most. . . Diego.Napahilamos ako sa sari
Reeve's POV . When I saw her tears, I held her close and comforted her with words of assurance. Then, as I kissed her forehead, I couldn't help but breathe in her scent, knowing I would miss her dearly. I will miss her. I will surely miss my Melissa. "Ayaw kong umalis, Reeve. Pero wala akong magagawa." Sabay patak ng luha niya habang nakatitig sa mga mata ko. Pinunasan ko ito gamit ang kamay at pinipigilan ko rin ang sariling patak ng luha. A true man never cries. . . That was what Diego used to tell me all the time. Dammit, Digs. I don't think it will apply soon to me. My mind speaks. Our wedding is scheduled for next month, and all the necessary arrangements have been taken care of. We have completed the paperwork, confirmed the services of a pastor, and arranged for a small gathering of our loved ones. Despite some initial hesitation, Melissa's father has finally given his blessing to our union. Wala na akong balita sa ama ni Melissa mula ng bumalik ito sa Amerika noong nakar
Reeve's POV . Mainit ang panahon dahil tagtuyo't ngayon at sa bawat araw ng buhay ko ay nasanay na ako sa buhay na ganito. Wala na ang manokan, at pati na ang isda. Tanging tanim nalang na gulay at mais sa paligid ang pinagkakaabalahan ko. I diverted my attention into doing where my expertise matter. Nagtayo ako ng maliit na talyer para magkaroon ng kita kahit papaano. Wala na akong balita kay Melissa, at sa higit dalawang taon na simulang mawala siya na kasama ang ama niya, ay wala na kaming balita mula sa kanila. I've heard different stories from different people in the business where Melissa's father used to be a member. They all said the same thing. Melissa is probably now having a hard time trying to save her father's company. Iba-iba rin ang narinig kong balita. Nag-asawa na raw siya, at isang negostong taga Amerika ang pinakasalan niya. Pambayad utang daw ito sa lahat ng mga utang ng Papa niya. At maliban doon, ay nasa critical pa din daw ang kondisyon ng ama ni Melissa a
Reeve's POV . Is it possible to come back to life after death? The odds are slim, only one percent. However, Diego, Cariena, and I were fortunate to fall into that small percentage. "What a load of bullshit, Reeve! What do you want to do here? Nakakatamad maglakbay nang pabalik-balik dito. Inaaway na ako ni Cariena. May babae raw ako! Shit and biscuits!" He spat the bubble gum he was chewing, and I continued doing what I was doing. "Go back to your family, Diego. Just leave me alone. I'm happy here." "Happy? Do you call this happiness? Shit and. . . more shits!" He looked around and shook his head. Both of his hands are resting on his hips. After I saw Diego that day, I couldn't believe it. Ang akala ko ay hindi niya ako nakilala, iyon pala ay nagmamasid lang siya. Hindi agad ako nagpakilala sa kanya na ako si Reeve. Umuwi siya, pero bumalik lang din pagkaraan ng tatlong araw. He lingered at the repair shop, feigning issues with his motorcycle and making numerous excuses. Ulti
Brielle.Nakaraos din ang gabi at heto, tulala ako sa sarili.His mother and brother, Glenn, left about an hour ago. Morris and I stayed because this restaurant also provides overnight accommodations for those who wish to stay longer than a day.Hinintay ko lang na matapos si Morris sa banyo at ako na ang kasunod. Wala ako sa sarili kanina at pilit akong nakikisama sa ina niya.She asked many questions as if she were one of my teachers in school. She seemed classy, as she came from a good family, the Monteverde.Ngayon ko lang napagtanto na hindi basta-basta ang pamilya ni Morris. May pangalan siya. May pinangangalagaan. May sari-saring negosyo sa buong Asya at Amerika and mga magulang at kapatid niya. Si Morris lang ang naiiba at hindi ko alam kung bakit. Ang alam ko lang ay may negosyo rin naman siya sa Italya, pero hindi raw kalakihan ito. Hindi raw tulad ng kapatid niyang si Glenn at ng mga magulang niya."Are you alright?"I spun, and there he was, standing a few feet from me, a
Morris."Just meet them. That's the only way. Glenn is doing everything he could. He is in a tight sport, Mors. Hindi ko ito sasabihin sa 'yo ngayon. Pero ginagawa ni Glenn ang lahat para sa 'yo. He might be heartless, but he loves you as his brother."I shut my eyes while listening to Reeve in the line. Wala siya rito at nasa Amerika. Pansamantala, ay si Glenn ang humahawak sa negosyo niya na nasa parehong Isla."I already gave Glenn the details, and your mother will be there. Meet them for once," he added.I gritted my teeth. "I hate the old man," I uttered under my breath."He is not around the country at the moment. It's a good opportunity, Mors. And with the deal Glenn made with your father, it saves you."I inhaled deeply and shook my head.That lunatic Glenn, really? How many times I told him not to worry about me. He needs to worry about himself first! Ang tigas ng ulo niya."I know what you're thinking, Morris. Glenn is your brother. You and him are the same, bro. Hard heade
Brielle."All of the sudden? Akala ko ba hindi ka seryoso sa relasyon na ito? Hindi ba sinabi mo sa akin na wala kang maipapangako?" I looked at him, confused, thinking of the other way around. Excited ako, at kabog ang pintig ng puso ko habang dikit ang tingin ko sa mga mata niya. Napaigting siya, at nakuha ko agad ang ibig niyang sabihin.I sighed, feeling disappointed. "Okay lang, Morris. You don't have to force yourself to introduce me to your parents. I'm not ready for this." Inunahan ko na. I shook my head and turned away from him. I know I should be celebrating because most woman looks forward to this... To introduce them to the parents of the person they love. But Morris is different. We already had a deal. He doesn't want any lingering promises, and I don't like this. I don't want a commitment. Kahit pa sabihin na natin na sabik ako at gusto ko naman, ay puno naman ng pag-aalala ang puso ko. Kaya mas mabuting wala na."Hey, Bree. Listen to me." He followed me.I paused an
Morris."Did you stuff it up?" Bryce asked in the line."No. I did not, asshole. I'm not as sick as you," I laughed while connecting the line to Linus."Fuck. You know you're an asshole, too, at times, Mors. You almost give me a heart attack, bro." He chuckled. His line came back clear now, and I can see him better than before."Yo, looks great! What did you do to yourself, Mors? You're finger-licking good, man," Linus spat. He can see me better, too.My face flushed, and I shook my head."Psst, keep quiet, gentleman. Let me remind you that our big black bear is in love." Diezel uttered."What? Damn. Are you serious?" Bryce's mouth parted. "I can't believe it." He shook his head."Oh well, who's the lucky girl?" Linus smiled."Let me guess? Is it Brielle? Siya lang naman ang magtitiyaga sa isang katulad mo, Mors," kantyaw ng walanghiyang Diezel."Stuff you." I cursed and growled at him, and the rest of them laughed."Ibang klase… So, this Brielle what she's like?" Linus asked."Oh, u
Brielle.Mainit, pero hindi masakit ang sikat ng araw. Naka two-piece swim suit ako at tinutulungan ako ni Morris sa paglagay ng sunscreen.Nasa gitna na kami ng dagat at may dalawang fishing rod na nakatambay na para sa isda. Hinihintay na lang ni Morris na may kumain sa pain niya."All done, babe. You are well covered and protected from sunburnt." He puts back the lotion on the side bench."Thank you, babe," agap ko at kinuha ko na ang sombrero. "Hmm, gaano ba katagal ang isda?" Titig ko sa dalawang fishing rod sa harapan."In a second… here we go." Pumwesto agad si Morris at hinawakan ang fishing rod. May isda na. Pero gumalaw rin agad ang isang fishing rod. May isda na rin ito."Take that one, babe.""Okay… paano nga ba?" Pinuwesto ko ang dulo ng fishing rod sa tagiliran at saka hinatak ko ang reeling pabalik sa akin. "Ang bigat!""Just hold still. I won't be long with this, and I will help you with that," he says and quickly maneuvered his move.Steady lang ang hawak ko at reeli
Morris."Done and dusted. All sorted, boss.""Motlo bene, Blue. Very good. And please don't call me boss, especially in front of Brielle." I whispered because I could see Brielle ahead, smiling, approaching me."Va bene, capo."I smirked a little. Still, he called me boss in the Italian language. Asshole."Morris, baby!" Brielle hugged me, and I hugged her tighter. Blue sharply looked at her, and by the time his eyes glanced at me, I growled. He then dipped his head."Y-you have someone with you?" Nakatingin na si Brielle kay Bleu, at nakayuko pa rin ang gago."Yes. This is Blue, baby. He is my dear friend," I introduced. "Say hello to my girl, Bleu."Tumitig muna si Bleu sa akin at maamo na ang mukha niya. At saka kay Brielle na siya ngumiti."È un piacere conoscerla, signora." Nilahad niya ang kamay kay Brielle."Huh? Ano raw?" Brielle looked at me in confusion. I gritted my teeth, giving Bleu an ultimatum."Fanculo. Parla in inglese, Blu." I fucking swore, asking him to talk in En
Brielle.The air crackles between us. It's intense, hot, and demanding.Sa totoo lang, simula nang maibigay ko ang sarili ko kay Morris ay nakalimutan ko na ang lahat ng pait at masasamang ala-ala na pinagdaanan ko.I'm not a virgin to this, and I'm not a prostitute either. However, I am close to that because of my job, as I used to tame dangerous people, and when they got drunk and naked in front of me, a killer who was on standby would take over the job and kill them.That wasn't a bad job, and I earn a lot of money from it. Hindi man kalakihan ang pera na kinikita ko noon, ay iyon lang din naman ang nakikita kong paraan para makapag-ipon at nang sa ganun ay makatakas kami ni tiya sa imperyno.There was no escape, honestly, in that hell as they held me by the neck. I thought I could easily escape that hell, but I was wrong. But luck was on my side, and here I am with tiya, living on this remote Island.Walang nakakakilala sa amin at walang maghahanap sa amin dito.I bite my lower l
Morris."And what are you planning, Morris? Are you sure you are going to be okay on your own?"I scoffed and shook my head in disgust. Does he really think I can't do it alone?"Do you want me to cut off your head, Dez?" I scowl."Yeah, yeah, I know, bro. I'm just worried." He chuckled."Don't be worried. You don't know what you're dealing with, Dez. Worry about yourself. You are about to enter your world now, and you will be forbidden from seeing us for a while. Can you handle that?" I smirked."Oh well, I have no choice. I can handle it, Mors. I'm a big boy you know. Limang taon lang naman ang kailangan nila sa akin, at bibilisan ko ito. Sisiguraduhin ko na sa loob ng tatlong taon o dalawa ay makukuha ko na ang market target, at isa na ako sa pinakamayaman tao sa buong mundo. Fuck." Malutong na mura niya at natawa akong bahagya."I know you can do it, Dez. I will wait for you after five years, okay? Suit yourself to everything, and you know where I am. I am a phone call away. And
Brielle.Nakakapagod. Balot sa pawis ang boung katawan ko at hindi ko alam kung nasaan ako ngayon. Ramdam ko ang sakit sa paa at balot ito ng dugo at putik. Mabilis kong pinunasan ang luha at saka matapang na inayos ang damit ko.Tapos na akong umiyak, at ubos na yata ang luha ko. At kahit pa iiyak ako ng dugo ay hindi maawa sa akin ang mga iyon. Mga hayop sila! Wala silang awa!Hindi ko naramdaman na pumutak ang katiting na luha sa pisngi at mabilis kong pinunasan ito. Kinagata ko ang labi at namuo ang galit sa loob ko.Babalikan ko si tiya. Babalikan ko siya.***"Bree, baby. . ." Ang mainit na dampi na halik ni Morris sa tainga ko ang nagpamulat ng mga mata ko ngayon. Nanaginip na naman ako, pero iba ito at hindi kagaya nang mga nakaraang panaginip ko.Humikab ako at ramdam ko ang konting kirot sa hita. Napa-ungol ako nang maramdaman ko ang kamay ni Morris sa bahaging ito."I'm sorry, I made you tired, baby, and I know you want to sleep more. But we have to go." He rested his face