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
Napa-angat ng tingin si Serene mula sa paglalagay ng cereal sa tasa ni Saira ng mag-ingay ang doorbell. She looked at Saira, confused when she saw how unbothered her daughter was."Uuwi ba ng maaga si papa?" tanong ni Serene at saka niya ibinalik ang cereal sa loob ng box. "Sabi ko okay lang naman ako eh."Saira frowned. "You have ouchy, mommy. You're hot and you looked like wala na po ikaw blood."Hindi maiwasang tumaas ang isang kilay ni Serene dahil sa tinuran ng anak. "You called someone over, didn't you? Who's that?"Saira smiled and started to eat her cereal instead of answering her. She let out a sigh and walked towards the door. Natulos siya sa kinatatayuan niya nang makita niya si Javion."Hi?"Kumunot ang noo ni Serene. "Leave." Itinulak niya ang pinto para isara iyon nang iharang ni Javion ang kamay niya dahilan para buksan ulit ni Serene ang pintuan. "If you want to get your hand injured, do it somewhere else. Baka idemanda mo pa ako for physical assault," sarkastikong wi
Later that day, Kazimir finally got home. He placed the paper bags he brought with him as he removed his jacket and take a sit in front of Serene where she was busy flipping pages from a black folder."How are you feeling? Tuloy-tuloy ba 'yong inom mo ng gamot?" Kazimir asked as he rested his back and closed his eyes.Sinulyapan ni Serene ang binata at saka siya ngumiti. "Yes, wala na akong lagnat but I'm still hoping hindi na siya bumalik.""Just continue your medicines and you'll be good." Umayos ng upo si Kazimir at saka ito nagdiquatro. "Where's Saira? Tulog na siya?"Serene nodded. "Oo, gusto ka nga niya hintayin pero inaantok na siya so pinilit ko siyang matulog. Why did you come home late?"He fold his sleeves up to his elbow and he crossed his arms. "Let's talk about me later. How's your day bukod sa sakit mo? May nangyari bang unusual?""Javion went here. Tinawagan niya ako tapos si Saira ang sumagot. Nakuha niya ang address at phone number ko kay Kuya Ethan." Serene grimaced
Time went really fast on Serene's end. Ibinigay niya ang apat na passport na hawak niya at ang mga plane ticket na hawak niya."Are you really sure you want to go home? Pwede pa mag-backout," biglang sambit ni Kazimir na nakatayo sa tabi ni Serene.Yohan suddenly chuckled and caught their attention. "Sorry for that, ang cute kasi ni Saira. She suddenly went from this..." Yohan smiled brightly. "To this." He then grimaced and laughed again. "Dismayadong dismayado siya sa sinabi ni Mr. Kazimir."Kazimir lightly pinched Saira's cheek. "I was just asking your mommy, baby because if I were the one to decide, of course I also want to go back there. Nandoon ang main company ko and that means I don't need to come back and forth from Switzerland to the Philippines and vice versa."Saira didn't hesitate to use her cute charms to her mother when she looked at her. "Mommy, I miss grapa and grama."Serene smiled. "We'll go there now, baby. It will be a whole day flight though, can you take it?""Y
SERENENaramdaman kong may humawi ng buhok ko at inipit iyon sa tainga ko kaya naman dahan-dahan kong idinilat ang mata ko at kaagad akong napangiti nang bumungad sa'kin ang mukha ni Kazimir."Did I wake you up?" he whispered.Umiling ako at saka humalukipkip. "No, mababaw lang talaga ang tulog ko. Ikaw? You should sleep, na kay Yohan naman si Saira."Ngumiti si Kazimir at humikab. Isinandal niya ang ulo niya sa balikat ko. "I can't find the position that I want.""How about now?" tanong ko.He softly chuckled and nodded his head. "Much better kaya lang hindi ka makakatulog—""Don't worry about me. Ikaw naman matulog ngayon, palagi ka na lang nagaalala para sa'kin, let me worry about you this time, Kazimir," putol ko sa kaniyang sasabihin."You sounded like you're going to leave," natatawang usal niya."Baliw, saan naman ako pupunta?" naguguluhang tanong ko.Kazimir just shrugged his shoulders at hindi na siya muling nagsalita. Napatitig ako sa bintanang na sa tabi ko. Biglang sumagi
"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
"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
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