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
“Vielle, magdahan-dahan ka!” rinig kong sigaw ni papa.Patuloy lang ako sa paglalakad papasok ng ospital. Dumiretso ako sa front desk at nagtanong kung nasaan ang emergency room. Nang ituro ng nurse ay agad akong tumakbo sa direksiyon nito.Balak ko pa sanang itulak papasok ang pinto nang pigilan ako ng isang lalaking nars.“Any patient inside, ma'am?” tanong nito.Sinamaan ko ito ng tingin. “Daze Martinez is inside, right?”Tumango siya. Akmang magsasalita pa ako nang may humawak sa braso ko at nilayo ako sa nars. Nilingon ko dito at nakita si papa ito na humahangos. Hindi na siya nakasunod pa kay mama sa opisina dahil agad ko siyang kinuyog dahil natataranta na ako. I even left my son on my parent's maid to rush here in the hospital.“Vielle, kumalma ka,” father said.Umiling ako at binalingan siya. “What if something bad happens to him, dad?”Tinapik ni papa ang balikat ko at pinaupo sa waiting area dito sa labas ng emergency room. He ruffled my hair and smile at me to ease my nerv
"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-
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
“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
“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
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-