"Serene, tapos ka na?" tanong ni Anna nang lumabas si Serene sa faculty.Serene smiled and nodded. "Yes, pasado ang midterm!""Oh em gosh! Deserve natin mag-bar mamaya!" excited na wika ni Anna.Serene laughed. "Pass, susunduin daw ako ni Javion mamaya eh."Anna pouted. "Ang hirap naman ng buhay may asawa.""Wala lang nagsusundo sa'yo eh mahirap na agad may asawa," natatawang aniya Serene.Biglang bumukas ang pintuan ng faculty at napatingin doon si Anna. Her jaw immediately dropped habang si Serene naman ay nagtatakang napatingin sa likuran niya. "Neiro?" "Hi?" natatawang sambit ni Neiro at saka inayos ang necktie nito. "Labasan na ng results ng midterms ngayon, how did you do?"Serene smiled and showed him her results. "Great! one point twenty-five of everything."Neiro squinted his eyes as he gave Serene a smile. "Congratulations, Serene."Tinupi na ulit ni Serene ang papel at saka inakbayan si Anna. "By the way, meet Anna, my friend."Neiro smiled. "Hi, Anna.""P-professor W-Wat
Javion's face darkened. "That's... great."Serene smiled. "Great isn't it? Libre pa. Hindi ko kailangan gumastos."Tumango si Javion bilang pagsang-ayon at hindi na siya nagsalita pa ulit. Bumukas ang pintuan ng elevator at mauuna na sana lumabas si Serene ng sabayan siya ni Keizel."Ouch!"Gulat na napabaling ng tingin si Serene kay Keizel na ngayon ay na sa mga bisig ni Javion. Kumunot ang noo niya."Magdahan-dahan ka nga, Serene," Javion scolded.Napatanga si Serene sa kaniya at saka marahang umiling at yumuko. "Sorry, Keizel. Hindi ko sinasadya."Hindi naman ako dumikit sa kaniya, siya nga 'tong sinabayan ako sa paglabas. Serene thought."It's okay, Serene. Nabigla lang din siguro ako," pa-humble na sambit ni Keizel.Nag-angat ng tingin si Serene at parang sinuntok ang puso niya nang makita niya kung gaano kalumanay si Javion sa pag-alalay kay Keizel."Be careful next time, Keizel. You might hurt yourself," aniya Javion at saka ito tumingin kay Serene. "You as well. You might hurt
At Trendsetter Castle (Kazimir's building) "Wow," namamanghang sambit ni Serene habang pinagmamasdan ang labas ng Trendsetter Castle. "Ms. Serene Zabawa?" Bumaba ang tingin ni Serene sa babaeng nakatayo sa harapan niya. The woman smiled at her dearly and bowed her head a little as she greeted her. "Good morning, ma'am. I am Diana, Mr. Zanders' secretary." Serene smiled. "Hi, good morning." Iminuwestra ni Diana ang kamay niya paharap sa entrance ng building. "Mr. Zanders wants me to accompany you to his office. Nandoon na rin po ang dalawang models na kakarating lang a few minutes ago before you arrived." Bumakas ang pag-aalala sa mukha ni Serene. "Late na ba ako?" Diana lightly shook her head. "Not at all, Ms. Zabawa. Maaga lang po talaga dumadating 'yong iba dahil sa managers nila." Serene let out a sigh of relief. "I see, anyway, tara na baka naghihintay na sila." Tumango si Diana and she took the lead to Kazimir's office. In just a few minutes, nakarating na si Serene sa o
Serene tried to move away from him, but Javion is too strong. Napagod lang siya kakapiglas mula sa pagkakahawak ni Javion pulo-pulsuhan at beywang niya. Bumagsak ang mga balikat ni Serene."Let me go, will you?" pagod at naiinis na sambit ni Serene.Bumalik sa ala-ala ni Javion ang nakita niyang paglapit ni Serene kay Kazimir kaya naman kaagad na nandilim ang mukha niya at nagtaim ang bagang niya kasabay ng paghigpit ng hawak niya sa pulo-pulsuhan at beywang ni Serene. Serene felt a pang of pain in her wrist because of Javion's tight grip. "M-masakit.""How does it feel?" Javion asked with his icily and deep voice. "Kaya ba ayaw mo nang lumalapit ako sa'yo dahil mas komportable ka kay Kazimir, Serene?"Serene frowned in confusion. "Ano na naman naiisip mo? Can't you just let me go? Masakit nga kasi."Javion pushed her away kaya tumama ang likod niya sa pintuan pero hindi naman iyon gaano kalakas kaya naman hindi siya dumaing. She massaged her swollen wrist at bakat doon ang kamay ni
"I-I'm Serene," kinakabahang sambit ni Serene.Umaliwalas ang mukha ni Javion as he closed his eyes. "No wonder you looked so pretty."Kumunot ang noo ni Serene. "Ha?"Humiga na si Javion sa tabi ni Serene kaya naman nakahinga siya ng maluwag. Serene was about to get up when Javion wrapped his right arm on her waist and pulled her closer to his body. Ibinaon niya ang mukha niya sa leeg ni Serene that sends shivers down to her spine. Nanigas siya at sa bawat dampi ng mainit na hininga ni Javion sa leeg niya ay tumataas ang balahibo at bumibilis din ang tibok ng puso niya.Serene tried pushing him away pero mahigpit ang pagkakayakap ni Javion sa kaniya. "H-hoy, t-tatayo ako.""Don't leave," Javion whispered. "At least let me go," naiinis na sambit ni Serene.Mas lalo pang humigpit ang yakap ni Javion sa kaniya at ipinatong din niya ang binti niya sa mga binti ni Serene and pulled her even closer to his body as he planted a lot of soft kisses into Serene's neck. Hinayaan lang niya ito ha
"There's no way she did that," Javion denied.Zephyr smirked. "Believe what you want. As your friend, I'm just giving you a heads up. Serene is not a type of woman who you can control in your hands.""Why are you together in the first place?" kunot-noong tanong ni Javion."She personally went to me and asked if pwede ko siya samahan uminom and since kaya lang naman ako pumasok to get something, pumayag ako at sinamahan siya." Zephyr gave Javion a deadpan look. "Serene never asked me to drink with her, nag-away ba kayo?"Javion looked away. "It's none of your business. Thanks for sending her home."Zephyr nodded and closed the door for Javion and left. Inihiga ni Javion si Serene sa sofa at kinumutan ito at saka siya pumunta sa kusina para magtimpla ng kape. Javion took a seat and stared at Serene while sipping coffee from his mug. Zephyr left him astonished.Nag-ingay biglang ang cellphone ni Javion at nang makita niya ang pangalan ni Keizel doon ay kaagad niya itong sinagot. Inilapag
"Thank you so much for today and for the days that you were my senior, Doc Zephyr!" nakangiting sambit ni Serene at yumuko pa ito ng ninety degrees bilang pagrespeto na siya namang ikinatawa ni Zephyr.Zephyr grabbed both of her shoulders and made her stand straight. "Silly woman. We're friends, remember? and I'm looking forward to being one of your colleagues after your graduation. Nangako ka sa'kin kanina na sa Axfor Medical Center ka magtatrabaho pagkatapos mo grumaduate; kaya naman, hihintayin kita."Serene smiled and nodded. "Doc, yes, Doc!"Zephyr smiled. "Great, I'll see you on your graduation day. Good luck with your family dinner later and to your final examinations. Do well." Zephyr raised his right hand para makipag-high five kay Serene.Nakipag-high five naman si Serene kay Zephyr at saka ito kumaway. "Ingat sa pag-uwi!"Zephyr just gave her a thumbs up bago ito sumakay sa kotse niya at ipinaandar iyon paalis. Serene then went inside the house at dumeretso siya sa kuwarto
"Keizel's your wife? Hindi ba naghiwalay na kayo five years ago, Javion?" Javion's cousin named Sylphy asked.Javion grimaced. "Finally, someone asked. Everyone claimed and believed that she's my wife ng dahil lang naka-upo siya sa tabi ko at kasama namin siya sa lamesa, nonetheless, our relatives already jumped into conclusions and dad can't stop them anymore and decided to tell them to believe what they want to believe."Humalukipkip si Sylphy at saka inilibot ang tingin sa kabuuan ng kuwarto. "If she's not your wife, then where is she?"Javion pointed at the door with his thumb. "Outside, uubusin lang daw niya 'yong kape and then papasok na siya.""I can't wait to see her. She must be pretty since she's a Zabawa," nakangiting sambit ni Sylphy."She's indeed pretty—where's Shyloah?" Javion asked.Naglibot ng tingin si Sylphy sa kabuuan ng venue at saka siya nagkibit-balikat. "I don't know. Kanina kasama ko siya, that guy loves to explore remember? Maganda kasi ang interior ng restaur
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