MARA
"Hey! Children, be careful. You might accidentally bump into Aunty Mara and hurt our little angel." Jayson said to the three children chasing in the living room.Ana and Alice always come every Saturday and Sunday to play with Gian. And it was chaos every time they were here."Uncle, we are extra careful not to bump Aunty Mara." Alice reasoned out. She and her twin are now seven years old, and Gian turned five three months ago.Grandpa gives him a big party. He invited his classmates, and Grandpa asked three hundred children from the orphanage. It was a huge party, and Gian and the twin were the ones who entertained those children.There are five clowns and a magician who gives entertainment to the children. Everyone, we're thrilled after the party. Grandpa also bought give away for the children after the party. All in all, it was a joyous party, especially for Gian. And after the party, Gian and the twin were eMARAFIVE YEARS LATERGian stood before us in the living head, hanging with Lyza beside him, sobbing. Gian has a bruise on his face and scrapes on his arms and knees. You went to pick up Lyza from kindergarten after school. Why do you have bruises?" Jayson asked softly. Gian, since his father died, he becomes closed up. He wasn't lively anymore. He became a loner who wanted to be alone always. He only plays with Lyza, Alice, and Ana. He doesn't have friends at school; instead, he always gets into a fight. Dean died two years ago. A week before his release, a riot happened inside the jail, and Dean was one of the casualties. "It was heartbreaking seeing Gian crying, begging his father to wake up. He cried nonstop the whole day without eating, and we only found her unconscious in his room. When he woke up, he didn't cry anymore. He just lay on his bed, hugging his father's photo.When he returned to school the first day, he beat his classmate. When we asked him why he did it, he said
LYZA13 YEARS OLD LYZAI grit my teeth, watching Gian leave the house with his friends: two girls and one boy. The girl is beautiful, not like me. I'm tall, but my breast is small. I want to grow up fast because I want to marry Gian. If I grow this slow, he might marry someone else. Gian is my future husband, mine only, and no one else. But how could it happen when I'm still in primary six while Gian is already in college? And within two years, he's going to graduate and work. In comparison, I'll be only in secondary school. My tears rolled down my cheeks when he put his arms on the shoulder of the girl and helped her into the car. A sob left my lips, and I quickly pulled my curtain close and threw myself on my bed, crying. "Gian is mine. " I cried. "He is my future husband. ""Lyza, Princess? " Dad called outside the door, but I ignored him. My heart hurt so much. "Lyza, " Dad stepped inside my room, and he quickly rushed to my side when he saw me crying. "Princess, what happened
GIANGood morning, Uncle, Aunty, Grandpa." I greeted them when I entered the dining area, but I frowned when I didn't see Lyza. She usually woke up early because she didn't want me to leave her behind. "Lyza hasn't awake, Aunty Mara? She's going to be late if she is still sleeping. I wake her up. "No need, Gian. She already left for school. "Uncle Jayson replied. My frown deepened. Isn't I the one sending her to school? Why did she suddenly go to school on her own? ""Bobby sent her to school. She said she had something to do before her class started. "Why she didn't tell me last? I should wake up earlier to drive her to school."" Don't worry about her. Come and eat. I settled on my seat, thinking why Lyza suddenly let Uncle Bobby send her to school. She always cries when it wasn't me who sent her to school every morning why she suddenly let Uncle Bobby. Is she mad at me? Does Uncle Jayson tell her that I'm the one who called him yesterday and told him that she is following me aga
LYZAToday is Saturday. I stay inside my room and wait for someone to call me. I have tried avoiding Gian since Dad scolded me about stalking him. I feel embarrassed when I understand how immature I am for doing it. I didn't ride with him every morning to school; instead, I asked Uncle Bobby to send me to school every day. And I woke earlier so that I wouldn't see him before I went to school.It's been one week, and I couldn't believe I could endure the whole week not talking to him. We only see each other during dinner, but I avoid looking at him. He tried talking to me many times, but I told him I had lots of homework, and I was glad he would leave me alone after. But today, I couldn't avoid him because it's our weekly routine to have a barbecue near the swimming pool behind the mansion, and everyone must be there. It's our family bonding because, during the weekdays, we only see each other during our meals. I miss Gian, but Dad was right. What will happen to me in the future if I
GIAN"I watch as Lyza left the table. I know she's mad, but I have little free time. I will also review during my free for my entrance income at Stanford University. Uncle wanted it, and I didn't want to fail him. I need to get into that University. "Never mind her. She's just being a brat. She'll get over it. " Uncle Jayson said, and I nodded and finished my food. After eating, I went to the terrace near the living room, bringing my reviewer. I was on the balcony for almost an hour when I heard Lyza talking to Uncle Jayson, and she agreed to have a tutor. And it was Dustin. I know this guy. He was always with Lyza when I picked her up from school. And I think he has a crush on her. It couldn't be. What if Lyza all attention is diverted to him? What if she learns to love him because they are always together? They are already together at school every day, and when he becomes her tutor, they will be together the whole day. "I know Dustin is a good guy. I asked some people who knew hi
GIANI watched as Lyza and Dustin walked past me in the living room without Lyza acknowledging me. They were laughing as they went to her room. Dustin has been her tutor for three weeks, and I saw they got closer. Lyza looks comfortable with him as they have known each other for a long time. I felt jealous. Three weeks ago, all her attention was on me, but now it seems she doesn't see me whenever Dustin is with her. They always laugh when they are together. It feels like she already forgets me. I sigh sadly. I have already been accepted at Stanford University, and after this school year, I'm going there. Lyza still doesn't know about it. Uncle said she would formally tell everyone on Saturday. He invited Alice, Ana, and their parents to dinner that day. Uncle was so happy when I was accepted, telling me he was so proud of me. Even my professors were all so happy and said I'm the pride of our University for getting into Stanford. Only Uncle Jayso knows that I was accepted. He said h
GIANWe are in the living room with Dustin. Uncle called him to join us in the living room as soon as he finished his session with Lyza. He looked agitated in his seat, maybe because he had work after thirty minutes and didn't want to be late but couldn't decline Uncle Jayson, or he was scared that Uncle Jayson would fire him. "Dustin, I asked you to join us here even though I know you are rushing to your next work because I have an offer for you. "What is it, Sir? " You are renting an apartment, right? And your mother needs proper treatment." Lyza, who just come, sat beside me and leaned her head on my shoulder, looking at Dustin, smiling. "Yes, sir. She badly needs to be admitted to the hospital; her illness is getting worse as the days go by, so I'm accepting more jobs to get the money she needs. ""My offer for you is I want you to resign from all your work and only focus on Lyza. I provide a place for you and your mother to stay. I'll send her to the hospital until she gets
LYZA"Let's toss for Gian for getting into Stanford University. " Dad cheerfully announced. It should be joyous news, but why do I feel like I will cry? "Wow! Little bro, you are a genius for getting into that school. I'm so proud of you. "Alice cheerfully said, hugging Gian. Everyone hugs Gian in joy, but I feel my tears rolling down my cheeks watching them.They are all happy, but I'm so sad. Gian is leaving. Dad said if I study hard, he will help me with Gian. Why he's sending him away? What if he finds a beautiful woman out there? I'm sure there are a lot of gorgeous women in that school, and he will forget me, the child Lyza. I stay in my seat, head hanging down, eyes brimmed with tears. "Hey! Mom sat beside me and pulled me into her embrace. "Gian will just study abroad. He won't leave us. This is a big opportunity for him. Do you want to stop him from reaching his dream?""I'm just sad. " I murmured. "I know, but Gian will come back when he finishes his studies or if he has
EPILOGUE GIAN I smiled as everyone enjoyed Gia's seventh birthday with my pregnant, beautiful wife beside me. Mom, Dad, and Grandpa entertain our guests while Sander, Christian, and Gia entertain the children. I cannot leave Lyza because she is already nine months pregnant and needs help every time she moves from one place to another. We will have our baby boy soon, and Gia was so excited to meet her brother. I chuckled as I watched Dustin chasing their three-year-old daughter around. Dina is a hyper child. You won't see her staying in one place. She's always running or jumping. Christine and Dustin got married when Christian turned two years old and a year after Christine got pregnant. The twins Alice and Ana are also present with their husbands and children. Ana has two children, a boy and a girl. Annalise is five years old, and her brother Adan is two years old. Annalise is Gia's best friend, together with Christian and Alex. Alex is Alice's five-year-old son, a timid boy,
GIAN"Sissy, Yan! Yan! I groaned and covered my ears with a pillow. It's only six in the morning, but Sander is already knocking at the door. "Mommy and Daddy are still sleeping. Everyone is still sleeping. Let's go to the park ourselves and Lily. Come on, uncle. " I heard our six-year-old daughter whine. "I told you to stop calling me uncle. I'm only five years older than you. " Sander said, and I could hear the annoyance in his voice. "But you're my mommy brother, so you are my uncle.""I feel old every time you call me uncle. Just call me by my name. It's fine with me. ""But mommy and daddy will get mad at me. They will think I don't respect you if I only call you by your name.""Just tell your parents I asked you to call me by name. So please stop calling me uncle, okay? ""In one condition." I chuckled. Sander was always fooled by Gia when it come to not calling him Uncle. "What condition? ""Let's go to the park, please. ""It's still early, and your parents will get mad at
GIANAfter a week of my return, Dad called a press conference. We hid my return from the public, and this would be my first appearance. We held the press con at the Fernandez Corporation main building, and all media outlets sent their representatives. The function hall is packed with reporters anticipating what Mr. Jason Fernandez wants to announce. There is some speculation that he might announce that I'm already dead after almost a year of searching, and some speculate that it is about the company. I watched in the waiting room with Lyza and our little Princess as Dad and Grandpa talked to the media and answered their question about the company, waiting for my turn. When the press started to ask questions about me, Dad signaled to Inspector Ronald, who was standing on the sideline guarding the people around him together with his men.Inspector Ronald nodded, and he came inside the waiting room. "It's time, Mr. Ramirez. " "Okay, Love, wait for Inspector Ronald to escort you to joi
LYZAThe following day, we returned home. Christine and her mother returned to their home together with Dustin. He doesn't want to separate from Christine and his daughter anymore. He was scared that something might happen to them if he wasn't beside them. Aunty Amy supported his decision, and after Christine and her mother coop up with what happened to them, they will talk about their marriage. I'm happy for them, and I hope Christine and her mother recover from the trauma that Maximi caused them. I smiled as I watched Gian's sleep. We are currently in our room because we didn't sleep properly last night. Gian was sleeping while I was afraid to close my eyes. I'm worried that once I open my eyes, Gian won't be here anymore, and everything will turn out just a dream. I caressed his face and pressed my lips on his cheek. He lost so much weight and was pale. He looks like a fragile thing right now, which I need to handle with care—gone my hero and my pillar, Gian. The eyes that were
GIAN I listened as my mother narrated what happened in the past and how she and my father suffered all these years in Maximo's hands. I hated her so much without knowing the suffering she went through. I believe what people told me, why my mother left me, and Dean didn't correct the lies the people said and let me feel them. I hate to know that the man who I love and saw as my father is the reason why I was separated from my family. I wanted to hate Dean, but I couldn't because he loved me as his son, and he provided me the things I needed, and he loved me unconditionally. He didn't lack as a father. "I'm so sorry, Gian." My mother said, snapping me out of my thoughts. Her eyes were brimming with tears as she looked at me. "Your father and I didn't mean to leave you in Mr. Fernandez's care, but we thought you would have a better life than being with us. When Dean died in prison, that's when we found where you are, and we found out that Mr. Fernandez took you in. During that time
GIANAround four in the afternoon, we left for the Cabin. My mother and Christine ride in Dustin's car while I go with Daddy Jason and Grandpa Carlos. I know my mother wants to talk to me, but it can wait later after I meet my wife and my daughter. I'm dying to meet them. I feel saddened that I wasn't there beside Lyza during her pregnancy and when she gave birth. I missed a lot of time being with her and my daughter. When the car entered the gate of the Cabin, my heart pounded in excitement. I could already see Sander, Amelia, Tommy, and another kid I don't know chasing each other. When they noticed the car approaching, they stopped running and waited for us. When the car stopped beside them, Sander went to the driver's side, waiting for Dad to step out of the vehicle. He looked a lot bigger the last time I saw him."Dada! Grandpa," Sander grinned and hugged Dad's legs. "Hello, little Prince. Where's your Sissy?" "She is inside the cabin with Moma, taking care of Gia and the baby
DUSTINMaximo was screaming as he struggled from the tight grip of Inspector Ronald's men, who were dragging him and his men out of the mansion. "Inspector Ronald, thank you for helping us. " Sir Jason said. Gian stuck beside Sir Carlos as if afraid to be separated from them again. "Asking us for help is the right decision, and it helps us a lot as well. Finally, we can put Maximo behind bars after all these years. Ma'am, can you come with us, as well as you, Doctor Alfred, to the police station? You are our witness, so we can imprison Maximo until he rots inside. " "Okay, and I will tell you all his illegal dealings and where he keeps his goods. "Christine's mother said while Doctor Alfred nodded. "Doctor Alfred, thank you so much for saving me. I know what you went through, and if you need my help, don't hesitate to tell me. I owe you my life. " Gian held Doctor Alfred's hand, face full of gratitude. "It's my work, and I did it willingly, but Maximo just in prison me without giv
GIANEarly in the morning, we left Tinay Island. I glanced at Christine, who was stuck beside me like glue as if I were her salvation, and my mother, sitting on my other side, looked so tense. Maximo is sitting in front of us, a smile not leaving his lips. Doctor Alfred is seated behind us with two of Maximo's men. We are in a boat heading to the City. I knew everything that was happening around me. I was in a coma, but I heard all their voices. Christine and my mother is my constant visitor during that time, and they are always crying, begging me to wake up. "Now, I know what happened back then. Dean is not my real father but my kidnapper. My mom told me everything while I was in a coma, but I couldn't bring myself to hate Papa Dean, who raised and loved me as if I were his real son. My parents didn't hate Dean as well because if he hadn't kidnapped me, I would live like Christine, my sister, or Maximo already killed me. I don't have an amnesia. Christine was right. It's better t
DUSTINWe went to the cabin Friday afternoon. Everyone is excited except Sir Carlos, Sir Jason, and I. We set up four tents outside the cabin for the adults while the children, Maam Mara, and Lyza will stay in the Cabin tonight. Everyone is laughing, helping each other prepare our food for dinner. While we are busy here, Inspector Ronald is also busy in the mansion preparing his men for Maximo's arrival tomorrow morning. They will wear a civilian uniform and post as guards, but some will stay hidden. We found out that Maximo had a record of selling illegal drugs before, but he billed out. The authorities have been on his tail these past years, but they couldn't find evidence that could put him behind bars. A few years ago, the authorities intercepted a massive shipment of illegal drugs. Someone tipped them about the shipment, and the informant told the authorities that it belonged to Maximo, but someone took the blame, and Maximo got out of it unscathed. And the authorities are ea