"Nakatulog na si Renoa, ikaw? Wala ka bang balak matulog?" Javion asked as he sat down on the chair beside Serene and rested his head on her shoulder. "Kuya, you should sleep. Nandito ako for Ate Serene, not for you," aniya Regina.Javion let out a deep sigh and gave Serene a peck on her cheek. "I'll sleep then. Good night, don't stay up too late.""Copy," nakangiting wika ni Serene. Javion left the kitchen pero igbis na umakyat patungong kuwarto, huminto siya at sumandal sa pader para pakinggan ang pag-uusapan ni Serene at Regina. Hindi kasi siya makampante lalo na at hindi pa nagsasabi si Regina kung bakit na naman siya nandito."Speak now, Regina. I'm all ears," malambing na sambit ni Serene."Baka nandyan pa si Kuya Javion," nagaalangang sabi ni Regina."I'll check it." Tumayo si Serene at lumabas ng kusina. She was about to react nang senyasan siya ni Javion na huwag maingay at bumalik na lang sa kusina. Serene wet her lips at saka bumalik sa kinauupuan niya. "Wala na siya, you
Napatingin si Javion kay Keizel dahil sa tinuran nito. He undone one button from his polo and sat comfortably on the sofa."It would be normal if I said I did, right? You're a part of my past after all," Javion replied nonchalantly.Keizel smiled. "Good Lord, you're not mad at me.""Bakit naman ako magagalit sa'yo?" tanong ni Javion. Wala naman siyang nakitang rason para magalit siya kay Keizel."Kasi umalis ako ng hindi nagpapaalam sa'yo?“ hindi siguradong sagot niya.Javion softly chuckled and waved his hand. "I know the reason why you left, Keizel. If I were you, I might have done the same.""Kahit na pwede naman kitang tawagan or i-text? You're still not mad?" Keizel asked carefully.Umiling si Javion. "I'm not that childish, Keizel. Hindi naman ako nagagalit sa mga simpleng bagay."That made Keizel smiled. "Are you waiting for me? I know that it is shameless of me to ask you that."Javion smiled. "Yes, I'm waiting for you. May mga favor pa akong kailangan ibalik sa'yo and there ar
Kazimir looked above Serene's head, and there he saw Javion clenching jaw while glaring at him. A mocking smile stretched in Kazimir's lips. Bumaba ang tingin niya at sinalubong ang mga mata ni Serene."Are you free today? Magaling na ba 'yong sugat mo?" Kazimir softly asked as he tucked a few strands of Serene's hair behind her ear.Serene shook her head lightly. "Hindi pa completely galing, but I can move comfortably. Akala ko ba bukas tayo aalis?""I have to attend a board meeting tomorrow. We can celebrate now if you're free," Kazimir offered.Tumango si Serene at gumilid. "Pasok ka muna, magpapalit lang ako ng damit.""Alright then." Pumasok na si Kazimir at umupo sa sofa and he watched the cartoon that was played in the television.On the other hand, Serene directly went upstairs. She froze nang pagbukas niya ng pintuan ng kuwarto, bumungad si Javion sa kaniya na naka-upo sa dulo ng kama at malamig na nakatitig sa kaniya. Serene slowly closed the door behind her back and placed
"Thank you for today, Kazimir," nakangiting sambit ni Serene.Kazimir smiled and waved his hand. "Pasok ka na, 'yong asawa mo ang sama na ng tingin sa'yo."Serene glanced at Javion who was standing and leaning against the door frame. Serene looked at Kazimir again. "Ingat ka, okay? I'll see you on Sunday and don't forget to send me the schedule."Tumango si Kazimir. "I'll see you on Sunday."Serene smiled and waved her hand at saka naglakad na papasok ng bahay. Umalis na rin ang sasakyan ni Kazimir. Bumuntong hininga si Serene bago siya naglakad papalapit kay Javion na malamig na nakatitig sa kaniya. She forced a smile."I'm home?" nag-aalangang sambit ni Serene.Javion just sneered at her and went inside the house without waiting for her. Serene suddenly felt uneasiness and cold sweat on her forehead. She let out a deep sigh before she decided to follow Javion inside the house. Sumalubong sa kaniya si Regina at Renoa na abala sa panonood ng television, but only Regina glanced at her
"Benjamin, bakit pala ang mahal ng rent sa yacht mo?" Izaiah asked.Benjamin grimaced. "Hindi iyon mahal. Kuripot ka lang talaga. Ang lakas-lakas kumita ng hotel mo, tapos hihingan mo ako ng fifty percent sa rent? Baliw ka ba?""News flash, bumaba ang profit ng hotel ko dahil sa Folklore Hotel na 'yan. That is why I'm requesting a discount," Izaiah uttered.Nerio smirked. "What can I do? people nowadays prefer to stay at my hotel.""What can you do—stop mugging my guests," sarkastikong sambit ni Izaiah.Benjamin clicked his tongue. "Bud, fifty percent is not reasonable. Wala akong kikitain sa fifty percent na 'yan at saka baka mas mahal pa 'yong magamit mo sa yacht ko kaisa sa kikitain ko."Bumagsak ang dalawang balikat ni Izaiah. "Come on, maawa ka naman sa'kin.""You owned a yacht?" Serene asked out of curiosity.Everyone looked at Benjamin kaya napalinga-linga si Serene. "Bawal sabihin?"Benjamin chuckled. "Do you remember the ship 'yong venue ng kasal niyo? and the yacht that Javio
"I'm sorry, honey. I can't send you home. Kailangan ko kasi dumeretso sa airport. I have a flight to catch," Kazimir explained.Ethan pats his shoulder. "We'll send her home. Madami naman kami."Zephyr nodded. "Yeah, feel at ease. Aayain pa namin magkape si Serene."Kazimir smiled. "Alright." Kazimir leaned and hugged Serene. "I'll leave first."Serene pats his back. "Ingat sa biyahe.""Will do. I'll see you next week," Kazimir replied.Tumango si Serene. Kazimir bid his goodbye to others as well before he completely left. The event ended very well. Inaasahan na ng lahat na aabutan sila ng pagdilim ng langit kaya naman kinancel na nila ang kaniya-kaniyang lakad para sa araw na 'yon. Izaiah clasped his hands together and faced his friends."It's only seven PM, where shall we go?" he asked.Kumunot ang noo ni Serene. "Wala kayo kailangan gawin?"William shook his head. "Wala. We cancelled all of our schedules for today, para makapag-stay kami sa event ni Tita until it was finished.""An
Javion looked at his wrist watch. "Eight PM na, Keizel. Baka tapos na 'yong event. I have to go back and pick up my wife.""Alam ko hanggang twelve midnight pa 'yong event na 'yon, Javi at saka gusto mo na ba talagang umalis? Your wife is with your friends naman, I'm sure safe siya sa kanila," Keizel replied.Javion bit his lower lip. "Sa bagay, they will send her home safe naman. I'll stay with you for a while then. Bakit dito sa Tagaytay branch mo gusto pumunta? I mean madami namang branch itong Espresso Vinogradov."Keizel smiled. "Mas maganda kasi 'yong interior dito.""Is that it?" Javion asked.Tumango si Keizel. "Yep, at saka additionally 'yong hangin. Ang fresh niya.""I see—" Napatigil si Javion ng marinig niya ang mga pamilyar na boses at dahan-dahan siyang bumaling ng tingin sa pinanggalingan non."Damn it, Vinogradov. Akala ko ba ililibre mo kami?" nagmamaktol na sambit ni Izaiah."Sabi ko si Serene ililibre ko, wala akong sinabi na lahat kayo ililibre ko. Ang dami niyo kay
"If you can avoid moving around, please do so. Baka po kasi bumukas 'yong tahi niyo," the doctor noted.Serene nodded. "Thank you po, Doc."The doctor left the room as Serene slowly closed her eyes."Are you feeling well now?" Zephyr asked.Jethro crossed his arms in front of his chest as he stared at Serene who was currently lying down on the bed. Nalinis na ang sugat niya at hinihintay na lang nila umepekto ang pain reliever para maka-uwi na siya, but Serene couldn't hold too much pain that caused her to feel exhausted at nakapikit na ang mga mata niya pero gising ang diwa niya for some unknown reasons."I'm good, uwi na kayo. Nakakahiya, binigyan ko pa kayo ng problema," nahihiyang sambit ni Serene."Well, at least you are aware," Jethro replied."Umalis ka na nga, Lee. Masama na ng pakiramdam niya, kokonsensiyahin mo pa," naiinis namang sambit ni Zephyr.Jethro scoffed. "I don't want to go yet. Gusto ko malaman kung pupuntahan ka ng asawa mo rito.""He probably won't," tinatamad n
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