thank you for waiting.
Reeve's POV . "That's bullseyes, man! Yo, where did you learn to shoot?" Napatingin ako kay Manong Paeng at sumenyas ang kilay niya sa akin. Umigting ang panga ko at binalik ko ang titig kay Emmanuel. Anak siya ni Vice Mayor, at sa kanya binibenta ni Melissa ang baril. "Sa shooting range, Sir," pagpapakumbaba ko. Napag-usapan na namin ni Manong Paeng ito. I have no recollection of everything, and to make a story, we have to tell a lie. For instance, I was working in one of the shooting range further down the Visayas, and that's how I became an expert. Not bad. "Kaya pala." Iling niya at mariin na hinaplos ang baril. "Laro tayo minsan, pre. Gustong-gusto ko ang estillo mo. Ibang-iba. Parang iyong mga assassin style na napapanood ko." "Fan rin po ba kayo ng mga gyera, Sir," tanong ni Manong Paeng sa kanya. "Oo, Manong. Papa is a big fan of Rambo. Kaya nga ang daming koleksyon ng baril niya at nahiligan ko na ito." Pilyong sagot ni Emmanuel. "Rinig ko, Sir, tatakbo ka sa susuno
Reeve's POV . It's easy as it looks, but I did the job perfectly. I helped Manong Paeng, and instead of him carrying the heavy things, I carried them. Wala akong reklamo dahil mukhang sanay ang katawan ko sa pagbubuhat ng mga mabibigat na bagay, at madali lang sa akin ito. Napapadali namin ni Manong ang lahat at mabilis ang delivery sa bawat tindahan. We delivered the goods to different little stores around the small town. We picked up and delivered in four batches and finished it in a day. Manong told me he would do this for two days if I wasn't helping. Hindi kaya ng katawan niya na gawin ito ng isang araw lamang. Pero dahil nandito ako at tumutulong sa kanya, ay napabilis ang lahat ng gawain niya. Hapon na nang makabalik kami sa islang bundok at isang kilong karneng baka ang bitbit ko. Parte ito ng komisyon ko kay Manong at may pera bang sobra. Ibibigay ko ito kay Melissa. "Naku, huwag na. Sa 'yo iyan eh. Itago mo nalang, love, meron pa naman ako." She refused to take the m
Reeve's POV . "Ano 'to? Kinakabahan ako sa sopresa mo, Reeve," reklamo niya. I smirked and smiled while guiding her. We had a nice dinner, and she seemed happy with everything. She loved the food that I cooked and complimented me well. I didn't let her do the remaining work and just let her relax. Pagkatapo niyang maligo at handa na sana siyang matulog, ay saka ko naman ginawa ang sorpresa ko sa kanya. Pinaghandaaan ko ito, at sa simpling bagay na ito, ay maibibigay ko man lang sa kanya ang date na pingarap niya. There was no city light here. It's too far because we live here up the mountains. Kahit papaano ay may alam ko pagdating sa mga electrical na bagay at koneksyon nito. I improvised some lights using the solar panel and connected them to the lights I made. It's pretty expensive to buy the ready-made one, and I need the funds. But to make it from scratch, I was impressed with myself for that. "Malayo pa ba?" "Malapit na. Konting hakbang nalang. Siguro mga one hundred pa,"
Reeve's POV.I tried hard as I could to stop my desire towards her. But tonight, I could no longer contain this as she made the first move.I love her, and I'm sure about that. Although I had this persistent feeling, I didn't let it affect me. I kissed her hard, and she responded the way how I wanted.It's feverish. The heat travels so damn fast inside me. I wanted to make it slow for her, but she could not stop herself."Mel, love," I whispered and kissed the intimate hole of her neck. She gasped, trying to hold her moans.Mabilis ang galaw ng kamay ko at isa-isang natangal ang damit sa katawan niya. Huminto kaming pareho na habol ang hininga at tinitigan ko siya sa mata.I want her to think about this thoroughly. Yes, I fucking want her, but something is bogging me again, and it's not right."Reeve. . ." Hawak niya sa pisngi ko at mabilis ang halik na ginawa niya sa labi ko.I kissed her with equal fervour and scooped her body so that she could settle on the countertop. We are not
Reeve's POV . "Ayan tuloy. Basang-basa ka na." Panay ang punas niya sa mukha ko at hinayaan ko na siya. For the past five days, heavy rain has been pouring down nonstop. Unfortunately, we were forced to cancel our plans to visit the neighbouring island due to the typhoon. The sea has become perilous, and the entire area has become drenched. The cornfield is overflowing with water, and the land has become muddy in every direction. At least nasa tuktok kami at hindi mabaha rito. Pero mahirap ang akyat pababa at pabalik. Masyadong maputik. As the heavy rain poured down, Tiya Esperanza made her way to her small sari-sari store at the mountain's base. Unfortunately, Manong Paeng could not make the journey due to inclement weather. A lot of dried fish needs to be dried, or else they will get mouldy. Inilatag ko nalang ang mga ito sa bahay ng manokan na nasa unahan. At ito pansamantala ang ginagawa ko sa bawat araw. Nababasa ako ng ulan, at wala akong pakialam. I don't want Melissa to
Reeve's POV . The town is big enough to get all the things you want. Medyo tumili na ang ulan sa bahaging lugar na ito, pero basang-basa parin ang bawat kanto at lupa sa paligid. Medyo magulo ang palengke. Maraming nagtitinda at nagrereklamo ang halos lahat sa kanila. Mataas ng presyo ng isda, dahil walang angkat dahil sa bagyo. Bumili ako ng dalawang kilong isda at tig iisang kilong karne ng baka at baboy. May prutas pa naman, pero may iilang prutas dito na wala sa bahay kaya bumili na rin ako. Inilagay ko ito sa isang ice chest na paglalagyan at ito ang bitbit ko sa kamay. As I observed the scene, the joyful grins of the children playing in the mud and water triggered a familiar feeling within me. Pausing, I closely examined the group of boys who engaged in rough play with one another. Wala silang pakialam sa klase ng laro nila kahit na parang wrestling na ito. Ang mahalaga ay masaya sila. As I gazed upon them, I couldn't help but wonder if I had a close circle of friends. If
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
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