I heaved a deep breath. Masyadong mabilis lumipas ang mga araw na parang kahapon lang pasko pa, tapos mamaya bagong taon na. It has been two days since that conversation of the four of us happened. I agreed. Wala nang nangyaring pag-uusap sa amin ni kuya matapos ang senaryong ‘yon. He’s always in his office. Hindi niya na rin ako binibisita kagaya ng dati at hindi na rin siya dumadaan sa kwarto para halikan ako sa noo pagkauwi at pag-alis niya ng bahay. Sila mama naman, kahit nandirito na sa resthouse, buong atensiyon nila ay nasa negosyo. My monologue was cut when mama suddenly slammed my door open. “Get up, Vielle. We’ll go to chruch. The mass will start at exactly seven in the evening.” Tumango lang ako dito at ngumiti. Lumabas naman kaagad siya habang ako ay tumingin sa digital clock na nasa night-stand. May simba pala bago matapos ang taon, siguro kailangan ko na ring isimba ang sarili ko sa sobrang dami ng kasalanan ko. Bumangon ako sa kama at nag-inat ng katawan. Nagtungo
I tried pushing him but he's stronger than me. He bit my lower lip making me gasp and he took it as an advantage to slid his tongue on my mouth and fought with mine. Ramdam ko rin ang mainit niyang kamay na hinihimas ang inner thigh ko. I guess he loves rubbing my thigh."Hmm..." My sentence would turn into a hum as he keep on sucking my tongueHis lips left mine, tracing my neck to my collarbone, until the valley of my mountains. Nagtagal ang labi niya doon habang ang kamay niyang hinihimas ang hita ko kanina ay pisil-pisil na ang dibdib ko ngayon. My hand wrapped unto his hair and pulled it as he squeezed my breast. "K-kuya..." "Daze," he muttered while nipping the skin on the valley of my mountain. "I told you to call me Daze." Napasinghap ako nang walang seremonya niyang hinila ang balakang ko dahilan para umangat ang hem ng dress na suot ko. Mas lalong namilog ang mga mata ko nang lumuhod siya sa harap ng magkahiwalay kong hita. I was about to cover my central part but his han
"Any questions regarding Miss Martinez's presentation?" the panel asked while looking around, eyeing for my classmates. Umiling sila at nag-thumbs up pa ang iilan na ikinangiti ko. The panels clapped with a smile on their faces while glancing at my power point presentation. Well, today is the fourth day of January, back to school. Sa unang araw pa lang ng pasukan, kinakailangan na naming i-presenta ang ginawa naming thesis. Mamayang hapon naman ay kailangan din namin mag-present sa isang subject para sa IATA Codes na minimorya namin. Mabuti nalang walang pasok mamayang hapon. "Congratulations, Miss Martinez," saad ng isang pannel at muli akong nginitian. I just nodded and smiled. Bumalik ako sa aking upuan at agad namang pumalit ang power point presentation ng kaklase kong si Fiona na simula nung tumuntong ako ng kolehiyo ay pinag-iinitan na ako. And who would have thought na magiging kaklase ko ang babaeng 'to? Before she proceeded in front, she took a quick glance at me and rol
“Glad you finally came.” Bungad ni mama at tumayo. I went to her direction and kissed her cheeks, same as what I did to papa. Naglibot ako ng paningin at dumapo ito sa isang ginang na katabi ni Art at sa lalaking sa tingin ko ay ka-edad ni papa. I plastered my practiced smile. “Good afternoon, po.” Ngumiti ng malawak ang ginang. “Good afternoon, too. Napakaganda mo namang bata.” I bowed my head. “Salamat po.” Tuhikhim si mama. “Maupo muna tayo.” We just nodded and took our seat. Magkatabi ang mga magulang ni Art, well that’s what I think. Habang si mama at papa naman ay nakaupo sa mga single sofa. Me and Art sat together on the long sofa. “Vielle,” sambit ni mama. “This is Amelia Ledwidge, your fiancée’s mother and Edcel Ledwidge, his father.” Tumango ako dito at ngumiti. “Nice to meet you po.”Ngumiti ang ginang. “You're really indeed a beautiful lady, Vielle. I like you already.” Kime akong ngumiti dito. Inaya ni papa si tito Edcel doon sa pool area dahil meron daw siyang i
Humihikab akong naglakad pababa ng hagdanan habang bitbit ang mini-backpack ko na pinagsidlan ng mga yellow pads at iba pang light school materials. My notebooks are on my room, masyadong mabigat kung ilagay ko pa sa bag ko. I didn’t had a good sleep. Of course, sinong makakatulong sa naging usapan namin ni kuya kagabi? He just confessed! He loves me, not just his sister but as a lover! Sinong makakatulog kakaisip doon? Dagdag pa ang tuwang nararamdaman ko nang marinig ko ‘yun kay kuya. Crap, Vielle. Get back to your senses! Iritado kong bulong sa’king sarili habang papasok ng kusina.“Good morning, baby,” papa greeted me. Ngumiti ako sa kanya at lumapit. I kissed his cheeks and said good morning before I went towards my mother’s direction who’s busy preparing sandwich, my favorite snack. Binati ko rin ito ng magandang umaga at hinalikan ang kanyang pisngi. She just replied me with a humm and told me to sit to eat. Pilit ang ngiti kong tumungo sa nakasanayan kong upuan. Nilagay ko
"Wake up, sleepy head." Ramdam ko ang pagtapik ng kung sino man sa pisngi ko. Binuksan ko ang aking mga mata at bumungad sa akin ang sobrang lapit na mukha ni Daze. My cheeks burned when I realized our lips were almost touching."We're here," he said. Agad akong umayos ng upo at doon ko lang napansing wala na ako sa sasakyan. I am in a very large bed- it's a queen sized I think. Naglibot naman ako ng paningin sa buong paligid. The room is relaxing. Magkaibang-magkaiba sa naging silid ko doon sa rest house ni Daze sa boracay na kulay pink. This room's interior design is very unique. Simple, yet elegant. Mula sa isang napaka-unique na wooden table, sa gray colored tiled floor, sa chandelier na mahahalata mong babasagin dahil sa transparent ito. The big curtains covering the glass window is painted with color gray and with gold linings. The gray single couch facing the curtain with a cute fluffy white pillows on it. May maliit na center table na may nakapatong na cactus plant. On my
I was staring at his handsome face. Nakaidlip lang ako ngunit hindi ako makatulog ulit. Maraming bagay ang tumatakbo sa isip ko ngayon. Una, ang pag-amin ko sa totoong nararamdaman ko para sa kanya. Pangawala, ang pangalawang pagkakataong may nangyari sa’min. Pangatlo, kung ano ang magiging reaksiyon nila mama, ng mga tao, at lalong-lalo na ang clan ng Martinez kapag nalaman nila ang tungkol sa bagay na’to.I felt him tightened his embrace. Napangiti ako habang nakatitig sa kanya. My head is rested on his right arm while his left arm was wrapped around my waist. Nakatanday ang binti nito sa hita ko na para bang ayaw niyang makawala ako.My forefinger traced his straight and proud nose. Payapa ang mukha nito habang natutulog, na kahit ako na nakatitig lang ay napapakalma.I heaved another deep breath. Masakit pa rin ang pagitan ng hita ko ngunit hindi kasing sakit noong una. He’s huge, that’s normal. Namula ako sa’king sariling iniisip.I felt him moved. “Hey.”I blinked several times
I was just silently eating. Katabi ko sa upuan si Art, nasa magkabilang dulo si mama at papa habang kaharap ko si Kuya at Hayden. All I thought is that Taliah is here, but she’s nowhere to be found. “Kailan ka pa nakauwi, hija? I’m sorry I wasn’t able to entertain you right after you came,” pagbabasag ni mama sa mahabang katahimikan sa hapag. Nagpatuloy ako sa pagsubo. Paminsan-minsan namang sinasalinan ni Art ng pagkain ang pinggan ko na sinusuklian ko lang ng ngiti. “Uhm, I just arrived this afternoon. Dito po kaagad ako dumiretso.” I catched her giving Daze side glances. “I was so excited to see my childhood friend.” Napangiwi ako nang banggitin niya ang salitang childhood friend. Gusto kong matawa. I’m a woman, and it’s normal for me to have my instinct right. That she came back to Philippines for my brother. “Nagtaka nga kami nung sabihin ni Syl na aalis kayo ng bansa. Anyway, you look so beautiful right now,” my mother told her.Rinig ko naman itong mahinang natawa. “Thank
Sumapit ang araw ng Family day ni Jarren at katulad ng sinabi ko, magkakaroon kami ng family bonding. He's afraid to lose all his gadgets kaya pumayag. I also told Daze to cancel all his appointment today. "I already booked a ticket in Manila Ocean Park," bungad na wika ni Daze nang makapasok sa aming silid. Tipid ko itong nginitian at muling nagpatuloy sa pagsusuklay. Naglakad ito patungo sa 'king likuran. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my shoulder blades. I keep combing my hair while he's busy kissing my shoulder blade from behind."Don't you think your dress is too revealing?" he whispered. Unti-unting umaangat ang labi nito sa 'king leeg. Napadaing ako at bahagya siyang siniko. "No kiss marks, Love. May lakad tayo ngayon." "Nilagyan mo ako ng kiss mark kagabi. Ang unfair mo," ungot nito at mas hinigpitan ang pagkakayapos sa 'kin.Hindi na lang ako sumagot at nagpatuloy sa pagsusuklay. I'm wearing a blue sweetheart dress with a criss-cross back. Two inches mula sa 'ki
“Turn around,” he whispered with his hoarse voice. Napalunok ako at agad na sisunod ang kaniyang utos. The shower's still running but it didn't help me decrease the heat I am feeling. Napapikit ako nang tampalin niya ang aking pang-upo at walang babalang umulos sa 'king loob. I flattened my palm against the blurry glass wall of the shower area. He lifted my left leg as he bury himself deep. Dumikit ang aking pisngi sa glass wall at mahinang humalinghing. Ayokong magising si Jarren dahil lang sa 'king pag-ungol. “Oh, God…Daze…” “I love you so much, Love. Fuck!” Napapikit ako nang mariin nang magsimula na siyang gumalaw. Nakakakiliti ito kaya't hindi ko maiwasang mapaungol nang mahina. I felt him reached for my hair and gripped it tightly. He pushed my back lower and made his pace faster than a while ago. “Oh!” Tumirik ang aking mga mata nang sinasagad niya ang kaniyang kauohan sa 'kin. “Keep it that deep—oh god… Daze!” Gusto kong umungol nang malakas ngunit natatakot akong magis
“Happy birthday!” we greeted Jarren who's face is expressionless. He rolled his eyes and blow his cake. “Mommy, I told you I just want a credit card.” Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at magsasalita na sana nang may iabot si Daze na flat retangular shape na nakabalot sa isang gift wrapper. “Happy birthday, Jarren.” Mabilis na tinanggap ng bata ang inabot ng kanyang ama at binalatan ito. My eyes widen even more after seeing his gift. “Thank you, daddy! You're the best!” he beamed at his father.Bumaling ako kay Daze at sinamaan siya ng tingin. “Daze! You're spoiling him! Hindi pa siya pwedeng humawak ng credit card. For suck's sake, he's just seven!” Ngumiti lang ito at yumuko para halikan ako. “Let him, baby. He's a Martinez after all.” “Kuripot ka, mommy.” Jarren stuck his tongue out at me and ran to my father's direction. Akmang hahabulin ko ito para sana pingutin nang hapitin ni Daze ang bewang ko at siniksik ang mukha sa leeg ko. “Daze, you're spoiling him too much. Baka masanay 'y
"Just what the fuck?" Kiyo murmured. "Bakit ba ayaw mo akong palapitin kay Vielle, ha? Bestfriend niya ako!" "Fiancé niya ako. Manahimik ka." I shot him deadly glares."Kaka-propose mo lang last month, why so rush?" asked Art.Binitawan ko ang hawak kong folder at tinignan sila isa-isa. We're complete. Art was just added. We are planning for a surprise wedding ceremony onboard. "Takot maagawan." Ngumisi si Ice na ikinairap ko. "Shut up, you all," Iritadong saad ko. "Ice, I need your connection in Emirates Airline for this.""What's your plan?" he asked.I tapped my fingers on the table. "I want a wedding during flight.""You mean, sa loob kayo ng eroplano ikakasal? Hindi ba't masyadong mahirap 'yun?" Lace asked. "It's not. I'll pay the seats in first class," I replied. "And I want Alcantara to be the captain."Tumango naman si Kiyo. "Ako na bahala sa pari." "I'll help with the invitation and preparation of reception venue," Art volunteered. "But when will be the wedding?" "Overm
I was busy cleaning his wounds when someone entered the room. Nilingon ko ito at bahagyang nabigla nang si papa ang bumungad sa paningin ko."I want to talk to him alone, Vielle. Leave us for a moment," he said.Pilit akong tumango dito at ngumiti. Muli akong bumaling kay Daze at pinahawakan sa kanya ang cold compress na dinadampi ko sa kanyang labi at pisngi. I gave him a tight smile before standing up and leaving them both inside the room.Nang makalabas ako ng silid ay sinalubong agad ako ni Jarren. Yumuko ako upang kargahin siya. His cute small arms wrapped around my nape. Agad akong naglakad patungo sa sofa kung saan naroroon si Mama— Mommy."How's Daze?" she asked.Umupo ako sa tabi nito at kinandong si Jarren. "He's fine now.""Mommy," Jarren called me. "Are we gonna live in the same house now? Papi accepted him, right?"Ngumiti ako dito ng pilit. Hindi rin ako sigurado. Ramdam ko ang galit ni papa kay Daze kaya't hindi ko alam kung makukumbinsi ba ni Daze si papa. Hindi ako si
“What gift do you want to receive on your birthday?” she asked innocently. I hummed and caressed her tummy. I want a baby, Diana. “Just you.” Daze, I'm sorry if I have to do this. The truth is... It was all lies. I'm in love with someone and we'll be having a baby soon. I loved him so much. My relationship with you will take me to nowhere but hell. I'm sorry, Daze. I can't tell it to you directly because I don't want to feel guilty watching your emotions flashed through your eyes. Let's end it here. I'm sorry. Love,DainaI crumpled the letter and threw it on the floor. I'm mad. But I don't wanna believe that letter. I want to convince myself that she's lying. “Cheers,” Ice interfere with my deep thoughts. I took a deep breath and raised my glass. I'm with my friends, Isaiah and Lace. “Man up, dude. Ilang beses mo na bang binasa ang sulat?” Lace said in monotone. Hindi ako sumagot. Ininom ko ang hawak kong alak hanggang sa maubos. Nilapag ko ang baso sa mesa at bumuga ng marah
“Papa,” I called him. He's standing near the glass wall. Nakatitig ito sa malawak na siyudad ng Manila. We're here in a very wide and big condominuim of Rial Condo. Malaki ang espasyo ng sala nito, kusina at may terrace pa. May tatlong silid at ang isa ay inuukupa ni mama Amelia na hanggang ngayon ay tulog pa.He turned his head to look at me and smile. He motioned me to come over, and that's what I did. Nilapitan ko siya at agad niya naman akong niyakap. Parang biglaang gumaan ang pakiramdam ko sa uri ng yakap ni papa. He's hugging me as if I was lost for many years. I could feel his longing between our hugs. “I never thought my babygirl was alive,” he murmured. I hugged him back, much tighter than his. Diniin ko ang mukha ko sa kanyang dibdib at hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili kong umiyak. Hindi ko rin inakalang hindi ako nabibilang sa pamilyang Martinez.“Dad,” said by a voice behind us. “Can we talk?”Kumalas ako sa yakap kay papa Edcel at bumaling kay Art na seryoso ang mukh
Wala na si Daze nang magising ako kinabukasan kaya napagdesisyunan kong maligo at magbihis bago lumabas ng aking silid. I choose to wore a white shirt and a faded blue shorts. “Jarren, did you slept with papa Art last night?” tanong ko sa bata nang madatnan ko ito sa kusina. I saw Daze stilled and his brows furrowed. Tinignan niya ako na para bang may narinig siyang hindi kaaya-aya sa kanyang tenga. Hindi ko na lang ito pinansin at bumaling kay Jarren. Masayang tumango ang bata. “Yes, mom.” Ngumiti ako dito. Umupo na ako sa upuang katabi niya at nagsandok na rin ng makakain ko. I was busy putting rice on my plate when a maid came to enter the dining area. “Madam Danica, Sir Daniel, may naghahanap po sa inyo sa labas,” sambit ng maid. Nangunot ang noo ni mama. “In this early morning? Who?” Mas lalong nangunot ang noo ko kay mama. Anong early morning? E, alas nuwebe na ng umaga, early morning pa? “Hindi po siya nagpakilala. Ngunit ang sabi niya po, may impormasyon po siyang hawa
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard Flight 3B9 with service from New York to Philippines. We are currently third in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in approximately seven minutes time. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments. We also ask that your seats and table trays are in the upright position for take-off. Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you for choosing Emirates Airlines. Enjoy your flight," anunsiyo ko. Matapos ay agad akong nagtungo sa Economy class dahil doon ako naka-assigned. Pasimple kong tinapunan ng mga tingin ang mga pasahero kung nakasuot na ba sila ng kani-kanilang seat belts. I saw kids happily and cheerfully talking to their parents. Bigla ko tuloy naalala ang anak kong si Jarren, at kapag naaalala ko siya ay hindi ko maiwasang mapabuntong-