7 years later..."Jarren, come here!" Iritado kong sigaw habang dala ang mga laruan niyang nagkalat sa sahig kanina. Nilingon ko si Arthemis na puro ng drawing ang mukha dahil sa kagagawan ng magaling kong anak. Gusto kong humagalpak ng tawa dahil sa itsura niya ngayon. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hinayaan niya si Jarren na gawin ang kung ano-ano sa mukha niya. "What?" Inosenteng tanong nito na ikinakunot ng noo ko. Aba, marunong na magpatay-malisya. I pointed Art who is now busy wiping off his face using the baby wipes I handed him a moment ago. "Why did you draw naughty things on your papa's face?" Jarren pouted and rubbed his nape. "I asked him to play with me and he said he's sleepy. Moma at Papi is busy that's why I played with him even when he's asleep." Nakatitig lamang ako sa kanya habang nagpapaliwanag siya. You heard it right. He's calling Art at papa. I told him to call Art like that because Art insisted to. Hindi na ako nagulat nang dahan-dahang lumapit sa'kin si Jarren
Napasimangot ako nang bumungad sa akin ang pagmumukha ni Sam, nakangiti at may mapanuksong tingin. She's wearing a blue dress making her look like not a mother at all. "Hey, masungit na flight attendant!" she happily yelled and embraced me. Bumitaw naman sa pagkakahawak ko si Jarren at nakipagfist-bump sa anak ni Sam na nakangiti ng matipid. He really looks like his father, Ice. "I'm very happy you make it here, Vielle!" Sam said.Pabiro ko itong inirapan. "How can I refuse when you already sent the chopper for us, Sam?" Ngumiti ng matamis si Sam. "It's time to face your fears, darling. You see, I'm just like you before.""Yours aren't forbidden as mine, Sammy," I said. May kumuha sa mga bagahe namin ni Jarren. Naglibot naman ako ng paningin sa loob ng airport at bumuntong hininga. Sam held my wrist and pulled me into a walk. Si Jarren naman at ang anak ni Sam na si Kai ay magkasabay na naglakad. Sam sent a private chopper owned by the Imperials for us, my son. She invited me to
"Is this your son?" Wala sa sarili akong napatayo habang nakatitig sa kanya habang karga ang anak ko. "Daze..." His cold eyes look at me, as if assessing my being and scanning me through. "May anak ka." Napakurap-kurap ako at dumapo ang paningin ko sa anak kong kalmado ang mukha. Lumukob sa buong sistema ko ang kaba sa samo't-saring konklusiyong pumapasok sa utak ko. Did Jarren told him? Did he knew he's our son?"Yes, Daze." It was my mother who replied. I motioned Jarren to come over and he obeyed. Naglikot ito sa pagkakakarga ni Daze dahilan para ibaba siya nito sa lapag. The kid immediately ran unto me and asked me to carry him. "Bakit ka pa umuwi?" His cold voice like is piercing through my bones that I even took a step back. His intense cold blank eyes aren't showing any emotions. "Daze!" sita ni mama. "Kakauwi pa lang ng kapatid mo, 'yan na kaagad ang pag-uugali mo. Change your behavoir because you're already getting married!" Daze just scoffed and walked towards the
Naalimputangan ako dahil sa halik na pumupupog sa mukha ko. Kinusot ko ang aking mga mata at dinilat ito. Bumungad naman sa mukha ko si Jarren na nakangiti at may bahid ng chocolate ang mukha.Inabot ko ito at pinahiran ang kayang pisngi. "Where did you get this?""Good morning, mommy! Get up now!" Hinila ako nito pabangon. "Your breakfast is ready!"Bahagya akong natawa sa inaakto nito. "Where did you get the nutella smudge, Jarren? Did you play with grandmommy?""Nope," he replied. "It was me and daddy.""Granddaddy?" paglilinaw ko ngunit umiling muli ang bata."It was daddy Daze." Umupo ito sa kama at ngumiti. "He said sorry to me this morning and asked if how will he make it up to me. I told him he'll make me pancakes, but he don't know how."The happiness lingering on his eyes gave me relief. I ruffled his hair and kissed his forehead. "Susunod si mommy. Maliligo lang ako."Tumango lang ito at nagmamadaling bumaba ng kama. Walang lingon na itong lumabas ng silid at hindi pa nag-a
Humikab ako habang papalabas ng kotse. Today is Sam's wedding day, the most awaited day of her life. Nauna na kami ni Keith dito sa Montenegro Resorts para makapaghanda na samantalang naiwan ang bride sa hotel na tinutuluyan niya. According to her, their honeymoon would be in Maldives. Such a good place to spend with your love ones. "Look at these beautiful ladies," saad ng isang boses na ikinalingon namin ni Keith. "I'm Isia Imperial, the mother of the groom." I blinked and extended my hands. "I'm Vielle Martinez, Sam's friend." "Kapatid mo ba si Daze Martinez?" she asked. I bit my lip and nodded. "Opo." She smiled. "You're beautiful." Ngumiti rin ako dito. She let go of my hand and faced Keith. Misses Imperial is wearing a peach colored dress and its length touches the ground. It was simple, yet attractive. Bumeso si Keith kay Misses Imperial. She tolds us to ready ourselves because the bride is already on her way. Nagtungo kami sa dulo ng red carpet na nagsisilbing aisle na
Maaga akong lumisan sa resthouse ni Daze para mahabol ko ang flight ko sa alas sais. I need to go home. Ayokong mag-stay sa lugar na maraming alaala ang nakaukit. "... we have just landed at—"Hindi ko na pinakinggan pa ang cabin crew na nagsasalita. Isinukbit ko ang dala kog bag sa aking balikat tumayo na para sa paglabas. Nagsitayuan din naman ang mga kapwa ko pasahero. Nang makababa ako ng eroplano ay hinugot ko ang aking cellphone sa bulsa at ini-unlock ito habang naglalakad. I immediately dialed my mother's number and waited for them to pick the phone up. "Hello, Vielle?" si papa ang sumagot. I took a deep breath and continue walking. "Hey, pa. Gising na po ba si Jarren?" "Ah, tulog pa ang bata. Naglaro kami ng xbox kagabi kaya inabot kami ng alas dose." I can sense father is grinning. Napagkawala ako ng mahinang tawa, sakto namang nakalabas na ako ng paliparan kaya agad akong tumawag ng taxi. "Sige, po. Pauwi na po ako, pa. Call you back later." I heard him hummed on the
"What are you doing here?" Lumabas ito galing kusina bitbit ang isang bote ng alak at ang mapupungay nitong mata ay nakatingin sa akin ng diretso at blako. Nangapa naman agad ako ng dapat iresponde sa tanong niya. My hand gripped the handle of my hand bag tightly as I answered, "I-I just came by. If you want, aalis na ako." Puhimit agad ako patikod sa kanya at humakbang patungong pinto. Nakaisang hakbang pa ako nang magsalita siya, "Sit down and let's talk." I feel like my heart almost stopped pumping. Wala sa sarili akong napabuntong-hininga. Gusto ko rin naman siyang makausap. Magmula nang makauwi kami, hindi kami masyadong nagkausap, ni wala nga kaming matinong usapan. Muli akong humarap sa kanya at naglakad patungo sa pangdalawahang sofa habang siya ay umupo sa pang-isahan. Binaba ko ang handbag sa center table bago umupo. I saw him rested his back at the backrest of his couch while I'm busy wandering my eyes around. I can feel the awkwardness. It's suffocating. Parang hindi
Nagising ako dahil sa pagtunog ng alarm clock. Pikit-mata ko itong kinapa sa nightstand at ini-off. I covered my mouth to yawn and slowly opened my eyes. I blinked several times to adjust from the brightness of the surroundings. Ramdam ko rin ang mabigat na bagay na nakapatong sa tiyan ko. The moment I opened my eyes and my vision cleared, I spotted someone's arms wrapped around my waist. Ngayon ko lang din na napansin na hindi pala unan ang inuunan ko kundi ang braso ni Daze. Nakatanday ang binti nito sa hita ko dahilan para hindi ako makagalaw.I lifted my hands and slightly tapped his cheeks. "Daze..." He groaned and tightened his hug on me. "What?" "It's already six. May trabaho ka pa sa opisina. I still need to go home," I replied. He groaned once again before he slowly opened his eyes. His eyes landed on me and a genuine smile formed on his lips. "You're here," he murmured."Of course I'm here." Napapantastikuhan ko itong tinignan. He chuckled and pulled me more closer. "I
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-