"Oh? Bakit nandito ka pa?" gulat na sambit ni Kuya Zephyr nang makita niya ako sa nurse station na naka-upo at nakaharap sa monitor.Hindi ako kumain ng tanghalian subalit ay dumeretso ako sa senior nurse at sinabing hindi ko itutuloy ang leave na ni-request ni Javion. Ayaw niyang pumayag nung una dahil delikado raw kapag sumama ako sa mga session ni Kuya Zephyr sa mga pasyente niya habang may sariwang sugat ako, kaya naman nag-request akong idestino muna sa nursing station ng isang linggo para makapagpahinga ang sugat ko. She hesitated at first, pero dahil malakas ang charms ko, napapayag ko siya."Nagpalipat ako rito, mga isang linggo. Baka ma-miss mo 'ko eh, kaya rito ako nagpalipat sa nursing station sa psychiatric department," nakangiting sambit ko.Nameywang si Kuya Zephyr. "Alam ba ni Javion 'to? Malilintikan ako kapag nalaman niyang nandito ka. I'm the chief of the psychiatric department, bakit hindi umabot sa'kin 'yong balitang ito?""I'm a nurse, Kuya Zephyr. Hindi ako under
"Javion—damn."Napatingin ako sa tagiliran ko at dahan-dahang inangat ang laylayan ng damit ko. Kumukirot ang sugat ko pero hindi ganito kalala. Kaagad akong nanlumo ng makitang unti-unting napupuno ng pulang likido ang gaza."Fuck, what are you doing?!"Napaangat ako ng tingin dahil sa lakas ng boses ni Javion. Napangiti ako. Narinig niya ako, I wasn't late after all. "Hindi ka pa nakakaalis?" nakangiting tanong ko."I left, but I forgot my wallet. Kaya nandito ako—you know what, it doesn't matter. Ano bang balak mo ha? Ma-declare na you're gone because of exaggerating loss of blood?" Lumapit siya sa'kin at walang sabi-sabi na binuhat ako na parang bagong kasal. "Did you know that you have to stay in bed?""Alam ko, pero kapag hindi kita hinabol edi wala ka na," I uttered as I rested my head on his chest.Wala naman na siguro si Kazimir kasi ayon 'yong sinabi niya. Pumasok kami sa loob ng bahay at kaagad akong binaba ni Javion sa sofa at tumungo ito sa kusina. "Wala na bisita mo?"
Napatitig ako kay Neiro ng tumayo ito at inayos ang gun belt niya pati na rin ang mga pin sa uniporme nito."Anong rank mo na, Neiro?" I asked out of the blue.He looked at me and smiled as he showed me the stars in his uniform. "I have three of these."Kumunot ang noo ko. "Huh?""Sagutin mo kasi siya ng maayos, nagyayabang ka pa kasi," sabat naman ni Benjamin kaya napatingin ako sa kaniya.It's Javion who replied. "He's a PLTGen.""P-L-T gen? Ano 'yon?" I asked again."Police lieutenant general. Second to the highest rank classification of policemen," Neiro answered at muling umupo sa upuan at sumimsim ng kape. "Nga pala, Axfor. Bakit ka umalis kaagad kagabi? Nanlibre pa naman si Benjamin ng beer.""Ipagluluto niya raw si Serene ng hapunan kagabi," Kuya Ethan answered at saka niya ako binalingan ng tingin. "Ipinagluto ka ba?"Umiling ako. "Hindi, inaway lang niya ako kagabi eh."Everyone gasped as they looked at Javion except Jethro."Likas ka na talagang demonyo 'no?" natatawang tan
"Mama is so incredible," Javion uttered. "She's so friendly... and kind, really."Napatingin ako sa kaniya dahil bigla siyang nagsalita ng ganoon. Kasalukuyan kasing nanonood ako ng telebisyon habang si Javion ay abala sa pagbabasa ng dyaryo. Magkatabi kami sa sofa pero busy sa kaniya-kaniyang agenda.Sumandal ako at saka ibinalik ang atensyon sa telebisyon. "Normal na sa kaniya iyon. Kaya nga sila nagkatuluyan ni Ojciec.""How did they know each other?" he asked."Arranged marriage. Kaya nga divorce na sila ngayon though Mama tried really hard to welcome Ojciec in her life, hindi lang talaga umayon sa kanila ang tadhana," pagkuwento ko.He clicked his tongue. "Sa tingin mo, aayon kaya sa'tin ang tadhana?"Napatigil ako dahil sa tanong niya. Napa-isip ako. Oo nga 'no? What if bumalik ex-girlfriend niya? or ma-realize ni Javion na si Heaven pala mahal niya? That's possible! Hindi naman niya sinabi kung may gusto siya sa'kin or kung mahal niya ako. Damn, iniimagine ko pa lang, nasasakta
Nagising ako dahil sa sinag ng araw na tumatama sa mukha ko. I slowly opened my eyes and was about to stand up, nang maramdaman ko ang paghipit ng kung ano sa beywang ako. Bumaba ang tingin ko doon at agad din napabaling ng tingin sa katabi ko.It was Javion. Nakapalibot ang braso niya sa beywang ko habang mahimbing itong natutulog. Kaagad na nag-init ang mukha ko nang maalala ko ang mga nangyari kagabi. Damn, now that I remembered it, ang sakit ng katawan ko. Buong katawan ko.Hindi tulad nung bago ako matulog, may suot na akong damit, at damit iyon ni Javion. Mukhang binihisan niya ako bago siya natulog. Dahan-dahan kong inalis ang braso ni Javion na nakapatong sa beywang ko."Where are you going?"Nanigas ako sa kinahihigaan ko at napatitig kay Javion. He slowly opened his sleepy eyes as he smiled and closed it again. "Let's stay like this for a while."Napalunok ako. How can someone who woke up be this hot and handsome?! I immediately brushed those thoughts away."K-kailangan ko m
Third person P.O.V Naka-uwi na si Javion at Serene sa bahay nila subalit ay hindi pa rin sila nakapag-usap ng maayos."Serene, tell me exactly what is your problem?" iritableng tanong ni Javion ng makapasok sila ng bahay.Inilapag ni Serene ang mga paper bag na hawak niya sa lamesa. "I don't have any problem. Iwan mo na lang 'yan sa lamesa, liligpitin ko mamaya. Magpapahinga lang ako."Napalitan ng pagaalala ang bakas sa mukha ni Javion. "May masakit ba sa'yo?""Meron," Serene answered nonchalantly."What part?" Javion asked worriedly. "Your wound? or your lower part? Tell me.""You don't have to worry," Serene replied as she went upstairs without waiting for Javion's response.Javion closed his eyes as he pinched the bridge of his nose. He let out a deep sigh. Maglalakad na sana si Javion para sundan si Serene ng biglang mag-ingay ang telepono niya. He stopped as he pulled out his phone from his pocket and he immediately answer the phone."What now?" bungad niya sa kabilang linya."B
Third Person P.O.V"Ang sarap nito, where did you buy these?" Serene asked happily habang puno pa ang bibig nito.Parang hinaplos ang puso ni Javion nang makita niya ang mga nakangiting labi at mga mata ni Serene habang kinakain ang cake na binili niya bilang peace offering dito."I bought it from Alexsei's cafe. Does it taste really good?" Javion asked.Serene smiled and nodded her head. "Yes. Siguro masarap din 'yong tiramisu cake nila."Napangiwi si Javion. "You love tiramisu?"Serene nodded her head gleefully. "Yes! Favorite ko 'yon.""Damn," Javion reacted. "I hate those, but since it was your favorite, I'll buy it for you next time."Ngumiti si Serene. "And you'll have to eat it with me.""No way!" pagtanggi ni Javion."Yes way, Javion. You have to taste it para maintindihan mo ako," pamimilit ni Serene.Umiling si Javion. "No, and that's final."Umalis na si Javion at tinungo ang sala ng marinig niya ang pag-iingay ng telepono niya. He answered it immediately."What's wrong, He
Javion's face darkened. "Apologize to her, Renoa."Umirap si Renoa. "Ayoko, you can't make me do something that is against my will, Kuya Javion.""Apologize, Renoa," he repeated.Renoa rolled her eyes again and unwillingly uttered. "Sorry."Javion clenched his fist and was about to scold Renoa when Zephyr beat him to it."Renoa, I believe we don't want to piss your older brother off, aren't we? You know how vicious and furious he can be when he's mad, right?" Zephyr explained softly. "You don't want to enter an argument with him, lalo na at kakauwi mo lang.""She doesn't need to apologize, Javion," malumanay na sambit ni Serene dahilan para mapatingin sila lahat sa kaniya. "She didn't say anything wrong. May kaniya-kaniya naman tayong opinyon, tama ba?""Her attitude should not be tolera—"Serene stopped Javion by secretly pinching him on his waist kaya naman napabuntong hininga na lang si Javion at saka matalim na tumingin kay Renoa as he pointed at her."The next time you disrespect
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