"Are you ready?" muling tanong ni Neiro kay Serene.They are still inside the car. Hindi pa kasi masyadong handa si Serene kaya naman pinapakalma niya pa muna ang puso niyang nagdadabog na sa sobrang kaba.She let out a deep sigh. "One minute pa. Wait lang."Naramdaman niya ang biglang paghawak ni Javion sa kamay niya kaya napatingin siya rito."We can just back out, darling," aniya Javion.Serene smiled and shook her head. "Nandito na tayo, sayang naman effort nila Neiro."Neiro chuckled. "Okay lang naman kahit i-move natin ng ibang araw. No pressure at all."Binawi ni Serene ang kamay niya mula sa pagkakahawak ni Javion at saka hinawakan ang handle ng pintuan. "Let's get this over with.""Your earphones are working, right?" Ethan asked.Tumango si Serene. "Yep, loud and clear.""Alright, magpa-park lang kami tapos susunod na kami sa loob. If you can, keep your distance from him," bilin ni Ethan sa kaniya.Serene gave him a thumbs up and went out of the car. Muli siyang napabuntong h
Zephyr gasped. "Hindi mo talaga alam na ako 'to? Samantalang si Serene nagulat pa nga siya na nakita niya ako rito—just by looking in my eyes."Kumunot ang noo ni Zeleste at saka ito nameywang. "Eh bakit ba nandito ka? This is a private room and Serene, Keizel, and I have some businesses to fix.""Really?" inosenteng tanong ni Zephyr.Zeleste nodded and she grimaced. "Why are you here anyway?""I followed you," Zephyr casually answered. "May ginagawa kasi 'yong inutusan nila Mom na magbantay sa'yo kaya sabi ko ako na lang muna tutal rest day ko naman."Kumunot ang noo ni Zeleste. "What? Pinapabantayan pa rin ako ni Mom hangang ngayon?"Zephyr gave Zeleste a icky smile. "Yeah, sabi ko nga you're too old for that pero binatukan niya ako.""Oh yeah? Leave, Kuya Zephyr. We don't need you here," aniya Zeleste at saka bumalik sa kinauupuan niya kanina."Alright, I'm leaving." Zephyr glanced at Serene. "Ay oo nga pala, kukunin ko na si Serene. May exam siyang kailangan ipasa sa'kin."Tumaas
Dahan-dahang iminulat ni Serene ang mga mata niya at bumungad sa harapan niya ang nakangising mukha ni Keizel. Sinubukan niyang gumalaw pero bigo siya dahil parehas na nakagapos ang mga kamay at paa niya sa kinauupuan niya.Tinapunan niya ng masamang tingin si Keizel. "And now what is this all about?""What? Ang tagal mo ngang gumising, mabuti nga eh hinayaan muna kita matulog at saka look," aniya Keizel at iminuwestra ang kamay paturo sa bintana. "It's already morning, Serene.""Ano na naman bang balak mo?" naiinis na tanong ni Serene. "You want Javion? Why don't you ask him yourself? Wala ka namang mapapala sa'kin."Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Keizel at malademonyo itong tumawa. "Anong wala? Javion's probably losing his mind right now kakahanap sa'yo. Thanks to ex-detective Fajardo, kaagad namin nalaman na may GPS pa lang 'yong damit mo, so I hope you wouldn't mind that we burned your clothes. Nilalamig ka ba?"Doon lang napagtanto ni Serene na hindi na niya suot ang mga damit na suot
"Salvatore, dadating ngayon si Javion. Once he arrived, immediately sent him to Serene at hayaan mo lang silang umalis. Iyon ang napag-usapan namin," aniya Keizel habang pababa siya ng hadgan mula sa ikalawang palapag.Nag-angat ng tingin si Salvatore. "Are you sure about that?"Tumango si Keizel at saka ito naupo sa kaharap na upuan ng binata. "Yeah, papakasalan na ako ni Javion.""Alright then, I'll take note of that. What are your plans after you got married to him? Paano ang anak kong dinadala mo?" Salvatore asked. "Huwag mong kalimutan, ang anak ko ang dahilan kung bakit kita tinutulungan ngayon, Keizel. I want my child, huwag mo akong itulad sa'yo.""Your child will be yours, Salvatore. Marunong naman akong tumupad sa usapan at saka alam naman ni Javion na hindi sa kaniya ang bata kaya hindi ko na ipipilit pa," mahabang paliwanag ni Keizel at saka nito sinapo ang noo niya. "Dapat nga i-compensate mo ako rito eh, hindi biro ang pagdala ko sa anak mo."Salvatore sarcastically chuck
"Kazimir, sabi mo bibisitahin ako nila Kuya Ethan? Nasaan na sila?" hindi mapakaling tanong ni Serene. "Isang linggo na ako nandito sa ospital na 'to ni-isa sa kanila wala pang nagpaparamdam sa'kin."Kazimir looked up. "They are still busy. Wala raw silang time para dumalaw dito."Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Serene. "That's impossible, Kazimir at saka bakit ba nandito ako? Hindi ba dapat na sa Axfor Medical Center ako?""Hindi ba inilipat ka nila Auntie rito? Nag-insist lang naman ako na bantayan ka kaya ako nandito," sagot ni Kazimir at saka ito tumayo at nilapitan ang dalaga. "Matulog ka na muna. You need to rest, honey.""I want to know why they aren't visiting me. Can't I at least give them a call? Saglit lang naman eh," pamimilit ng dalaga.Bumuntong hininga si Kazimir at saka ipinikit ng mariin ang mata. "You're banned from calling them, honey. Sabi nila Auntie, you can't call Javion... or anyone related to him."Serene froze as she stared at him, confused. "What do you mean?""I
Time went really fast on Serene's end. Kasalukuyan siyang nakaupo sa pang-isahang sofa at nakatitig ito sa Christmas tree, kung saan inaayos ni Kazimir ang mga regalong pinamili nito mula sa England. Kauuwi lang nito galing doon pero kaagad itong dumeretso sa bahay nila Serene."Dude, aapat lang naman tayo rito, bakit ang dami mo yatang binili?" natatawang tanong ni Serene.Kazimir chuckled at iminuwestra niya ang kamay sa mga box na nakabalot ng gold na pambalot. "These are for you, Auntie, and Uncle and then these..." iminuwestra naman niya ang kamay sa mga nakabalot na pink at doble nito ang dami ng nakabalot ng gold. "And these are for my god daughter na ilang linggo na lang ay lalabas na."Serene laughed. "Baliw ka talaga."Napailing na lang si Kazimir at saka ipinagpatuloy ang pag-aayos habang may nakapaskil na magandang ngiti sa mga labi nito. Serene staring at him warms her heart, ever since she left the hospital.Hindi na nawala sa isip niya ang magiging sitwasyon niya at ang
Three years later"Saira Jazmine Zabawa, get down from there," masungit na suway ni Serene sa kaniyang anak.Kaagad namang bumaba ang batang babae mula sa sofa at umayos ito ng upo. She placed her hands on her lap and looked at Kazimir with a pouty face."Papa, mommy's angry," she talked.Kazimir took a sip from his tea cup before he answered. "It is because you're being naughty, baby. It's normal for your mommy to be mad, right?"Humalukipkip ito. "I'm sad na. Papa's angry at me too."Kazimir gave Serene a deadpan look and laugh. "Manang-mana sa'yo. Maldita."Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Serene at saka ito humalukipkip. "Excuse me? Ini-spoil mo kasi siya kaya ganiyan siya kamaldita.""I did not—""Papa, I want ice cream," putol ni Saira sa sasabihin ni Kazimir.The guy nodded. "Sure, let's go to the supermarket. Isama natin si mommy, okay?"Natutuwang lumapit si Saira kay Serene at saka hinawakan ang kamay nito. "Mommy, don't be angry, please?"Serene let out a sigh at saka niya binuhat
"Nagkita kayo?" seryosong tanong ni Serene at saka niya inayos ang car seat ni Saira.Kazimir placed the paper bags in the car's trunk space. "Well, Saira asked for help from him kaya nagkita kami and it's actually a good thing na siya ang nakita ni Saira, doesn't it?""I see," maikling sambit ni Serene. She sat down on the passenger seat and wore the car seatbelt. Sumakay naman si Kazimir sa driver seat, wore his seatbelt, and turned the engine on."What are you going to do now?" Kazimir asked as he started to drive away. "Gusto nga niya ako kausapin, probably to talk about you but I refused."Umirap si Serene at saka siya humalukipkip. "Of course he'll do that. Ako nga hindi pumayag na siya lang ang masaya kaya lumipat ako ng Switzerland.""So... what are you going to do now? You know Javion, once he sets his mind onto something, he will do everything that he can to succeed and you know how wide his connections are," mahabang sambit ni Kazimir as he glanced at her. "Hindi malabong m
JAVION"Javion fucking Axfor, bahala ka diyan, kanina pa kita ginigising," I heard Serene cussed at kasunod non ang pagsara ng pintuan.I immediately got up and went to the study table near me. Kinuha ko ang cellphone ko at saka tinawagan ang number ni Jethro. Kaagad naman itong sinagot ni mokong."Ano? Hindi ka pa ba pupunta rito? Itatapon ko lahat 'to," iritableng bungad niya.I heaved a heavy sigh. "Kung alam mo lang kung ilang beses bumalik dito si Serene para gisingin ako.""So, that's our problem now? Get your ass up here or we'll destroy what we prepared," Alexsei threatened from the other line.Kinuha ko ang velvet box sa drawer at saka tinitigan iyon. "Ano pa bang kulang diyan?""Gag—""Benjamin speaking, ako na ang kakausap sa'yo. Mukhang mumurahin ka na naman ni Jethro," wika ni Benjamin mula sa kabilang linya. "Everything are set, Javion. Kailangan lang namin ng mga mata mo para tignan mo kung okay na ba ang set up and then William and your clothes are waiting.""Alright,
"I have carefully reviewed the evidence presented in this case and have reached a verdict," the judge started.Nagsimulang kumabog ang dibdib ko. Napatingin ako sa aking relong pambisig. "After six hours, the judge has finally decided," usal ni Zephyr kaya napatingin ako sa kaniya.I gave me a feign smile. "Kinakabahan ako, buti pa ikaw kalmado."Zephyr chuckled softly and shook his head in amusement. "Fun fact about those two lawyers... Izaiah and Benjamin never fail to win a trial."Napakurap-kurap ako at saka dahan-dahang ibinaling ang tingin sa judge nang magsalita ito. "After reviewing all the evidence and considering the testimony of the witnesses, the court finds the defendant, Keizel Paterson, guilty of kidnapping, robbery, fraud, slander, and breach of contract. The defendant is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. This concludes the trial. The court is adjourned." Kinuha niya ang kaniyang gavel at ipinokpok iyon ng isang beses sa sound bl
SERENENatapos ang meeting namin kasama si Salvatore. I was tensed and scared when I saw him pero ng tumagal-tagal ang pag-uusap namin ay unti-unti na rin akong nagiging kalmado at kumportable dahil na rin siguro kasama ko si Yohan at tinanong namin si Salvatore kung pwede namin i-record ang buong pinagusapan namin and he casually agreed.I really felt safe because Yohan graduated criminology and second course niya ang business management kaya naman ng mag-hire ako ng sekretarya at nakita niyang mas mataas pa ang sahod na inaalok ko kaisa sa pagiging pulis niya, he grabbed the opportunity and work for me.He was a licensed police officer kaya may kakayahan siyang magdala ng baril kahit saan basta dala nito lagi ang lisensya niya."Okay ka na ba?" nag-aalalang tanong ni Yohan nang pagbuksan niya ako ng pintuan.I smiled at him and nodded. "Yes, okay lang ako." Sumakay na ako at isinara ang pinto. Umikot si Yohan para sumakay sa driver seat at ipinaandar paalis ang kotse ko. Nagtama a
Ipinarada ni Javion ang sasakyan niya sa tapat nf bahay nila Serene bago ito bumaba at pinagbuksan ng pintuan ang dalaga. He immediately offered his hand. Marahang natawa at napa-iling si Serene dahil sa inakto ni Javion. Tinanggap niya ang kamay nito at saka lumabas ng kotse. Binawi niya kaagad ang kaniyang kamay nang makaramdam siya ng kuryente dahil doon. She placed her hands on her back and she smiled. "Thank you for sending me home in one piece," pagpapasalamat ni Serene.Javion chuckled. "It's always my pleasure to send you home... safe and sound.""Utot mo, lagi mo kaya ako iniiwan sa ere kapag magkasama tayo dati, lalo na kapag tinawagan ka ni Heaven," sarkastikong sambit ni Serene.Kumunot ang noo ni Javion dahil napa-isip siya sa tinuran ni Serene at nang mapagtanto niya iyon ay natawa siya. "You're jealous? Kaya pala ayaw mo kausapin si pretty Heaven dati."Serene squinted her eyes as she gazed at Javion. "Is she really that pretty in your eyes? Para tawagin mo siyang 'pr
"After how many years! We finally gathered again!" masayang sambit ni Izaiah at itinaas ang kaniyang baso na may lamang scotch. "Shall we toast?"Everyone lifted their glasses and clinked them together in a toast. Umupo na sila at nagkani-kaniyang lagay ulit ng alak sa baso."Bakit biglang nanlibre si Javion?" Alexsei asked, rolling up his sleeves. "Did the sun rise from the west?"Javion frowned. "If I don't treat, you'll call me stingy, but if I do, you'll say it's impossible. What if we just chip in together instead?"Neiro chuckled and said, "I forced him. Mas mura nga namang magbayad ng bill sa bar, instead of paying my service fees, 'di ba?"Javion affirmed with a nod, remarking, "It's a good thing that you're aware na mahal ang service fee mo. Wala kaya siya sa presyo."Alexsei laughed. "Makareklamo ka naman akala mo hindi mo afford 'yong serbisyo niya. Barya mo lang naman 'yon."Ethan made an approving sound with his tongue. "Can't argue with that. I mean, he'd rather invest mo
THIRD PERSON"Mr. Salvatore, right?" Javion asked as he offered his hand for a handshake.Salvatore stands up and accepts his hand. "Yes, you're doctor Javion?"The other smiled and nodded. "Thanks for accepting my invitation." Bumalik si Salvatore mula sa pagkakaupo and Javion did the same thing. Salvatore clasped his hands together. "Where's my daughter?" he asked directly. "She's only the reason why I agreed to meet you."The corner of Javion's lips raised as he stared at him. "She's currently with my secretary." Javion rested his back and crossed his arms. "As Keizel's ex-acquaintance, you should know better that in this world, there's always a trade-off. Am I right?"Salvator swallowed his own saliva. Alam niyang mahirap kalaban si Javion at kahit na kasama sa plano niya ang makipagtulungan dito, hindi pa rin niya maiwasang makaramdam ng kaba. Javion softly chortled. "Do not tremble, Mr. Salvatore. Should you opt to align with me, rest assured, your not-so pristine reputation s
Lunch. This might be the lunch that I really anticipated so much after three years. I finally get a chance to eat with Zephyr and Javion after three consecutive years but what really melts my heart is that Heaven—'yong pinagseselosan ko lang noon—is finally one of my friends and syempre kasama ko rin ang anak ko. Sayang nga lang wala si Yohan at Kazimir, it would be one hundred times better if they were here."What are your favorite foods, baby?" Javion softly asked as he assisted Saira to eat her food. "Do you like vegetables?"Saira nodded her head cutely. "I love veggies! lalo na po 'yong tomato."Tumango-tango si Javion at saka sinubuan si Saira. "How about dishes? May paborito ka bang ulam?"She slowly tapped her chin as she swallowed her food. "I like fish, daddy. Lalo na po 'yong milkfish sinigang ni papa."Naningkit ang mga mata ni Javion at saka ito tumingin sa'kin. "Ipinaghihimay ba siya ni Kazimir? It was very rare for children to like bangus."Mahina akong natawa. "Oo, ipin
"Okay na kayo ni Zephyr?" Doc Heaven asked as she placed the tray down on the table and took her seat. "That man asked me multiple times to call you, baka kapag ako raw ang tumawag sa sa'yo ay sagutin mo.""Tumawag ka ba?" tanong ko at saka ko kinuha ang isang baso na may lamang mainit na kape at humigop doon. "Pagkagising ko kasi sa ospital na pinaglipatan ko, hindi ko na ulit nakita 'yong luma kong cellphone."Tumango-tango siya. "Oo, tinatawagan kita pero laging unattended and now I know why it is unattended." Inilabas niya ang cellphone niya at may mga pinindot siya doon. "Actually... kahit alam kong unattended ang phone mo, I still sent these photos to you. Look at it." Inilapag niya ang cellphone niya sa harapan ko.Kumunot ang noo ko ng hindi ko makita ng maayos ang larawan na nandoon kaya kinuha ko ang cellphone ni Doc Heaven at kaagad na nawala ang pagkakunot ng aking noo nang makita ko ng malinaw ang larawan na iyon."Swipe it, from right to left. I've been sending you messag
"Mommy, can I go with you to work?" tanong ni Saira ng hindi ito tumitingin sa'kin.Tinignan ko ang repleksyon niya sa aking full body mirror. Kasalukuyan kasing nakatayo ako sa harapan non at inaayos ang aking blusa.Tumango ako at ngumiti. "Sure, baby. My employees there are friendly and kind like the people from Switzerland."Nag-angat ng tingin si Saira mula sa paglalaro ng kaniyang ipad at saka ito ngumiti. "Really, mommy? I want to go there.""Alright, tapusin ko lang ito then let's change your clothes," I replied.Umupo ako sa dulo ng higaan para magsuot ng medyas. "Saira, do you remember what happened yesterday?""Ano po 'yon?" nagtatakang tanong niya kaya hinarap ko siya.I crossed my arms in front of my chest as I straightened my back. "You saw your daddy with another little girl right?"Nawala ang ngiti sa kaniyang labi at saka siya dahan-dahang tumango. "Yes, mommy. Is she daddy's anak?"Marahan akong umiling at saka hinaplos ang matambok na pisngi ni Saira. "No, baby. Hin