Zephyr gave Javion a deadpan look as he stared at him. "You looked busy. What's with you?""I have a piled up list of patients who need operation. VIP pa lahat," Javion answered without glancing at him."Cardio?" he asked.Javion nodded. "Yeah, both cardio and orthopedic."Napatango-tango si Zephyr at saka siya humalukipkip. "Kumusta naman kayo ni Serene? It's been a week since you two divorced, right?""Yes, and we're doing fine so far," he casually answered like everything is perfectly fine and it's happening according to his plan.Zephyr clicked his tongue. "And about Keizel?"Javion glanced at him. "I visit her once a week." Ibinalik niya ang tingin sa patients' records.He gasped. "Alam ba ni Serene?"Heaven laughed. "Ang chismoso mo talaga, Zephyr."Napanguso si Zephyr. "Curious ako. Crush ko kasi si Serene, baka hindi ko kayanin kapag nalaman kong nasasaktan siya ni Javion."Isang batok mula kay Javion ang natanggap ni Zephyr kaya naman sinamaan niya ito ng tingin habang hinihi
"You cooked this?" nakangiting tanong ni Javion habang nakatitig sa lunch box na nakalagay sa harapan niya.Serene frowned. "You're mocking me, aren't you? Alam mo ng hindi ako marunong magluto eh."Javion chuckled and opened the lunch box. "Malay mo nag-try ka ulit magluto. Everyone can learn you know."Humalukipkip si Serene at saka sumandal. "Ayaw mo na siguro ako ipagluto.""That will never happen. Mas imposible pang mangyari 'yan sa ititigil ko na ang kakainom ng alak," natatawang wika ni Javion at saka kinuha ang kutsara at sumubo ito ng isa. "Anong meron? Bakit pumunta ka rito?"Kinuha ni Serene ang resibo sa bag niya at saka ipinakita iyon sa binata. "I'm officially enrolled."Javion smiled. "Congratulations then, cutie. Malapit lang siguro rito 'yong review school na pinagenrolan mo.""You're right and I think namimiss na ako ni Kuya Zephyr kaya dumaan na ako," Serene answered.Javion grimaced and rolled his eyes. "That guy is being a menace. Kapag tuluyan akong nainis sa kan
*Ding dong ding dongTinatamad na tumayo si Serene habang dala-dala ang isang compiled paper na ibinigay sa kanila mula sa review school. Binuksan niya ang pintuan ng hindi tumitingin doon."How can I help you?" she asked without looking.Jethro's deep and lazy voice filled her ears. "Delivery for you and it was requested by Javion 'fucking-lover boy slash feeling fucking VIP shit' Axfor."Kumunot ang noo ni Serene at nagtatakang tumingin kay Jethro. "Did someone already tell you that your voice sounds really pleasant? regardless of that, ang lala naman ng mga lumalabas sa bibig mo."Jethro clicked his tongue and let out a deep sigh. "I'm sorry for that. I'm just pissed off."Napatango-tango si Serene. "I can see that. Anyway, ano 'yan?""Food?" balik-tanong ni Jethro.Serene shook her head and bend down to picked up a red box beside Jethro's right foot. "Ito, hindi mo dala ito?"Umiling si Jethro. "Nope, pagdating ko nandiyan na 'yan." Jethro cleared his throat. "Mind if I join you fo
Pagkatapos maglinis ni Serene ng hapagkainan ay nagtungo na siya sa sala. Naabutan niya si Javion na tinignan at may inaayos sa mga papel na nakakalat sa ibabaw ng coffee table. Umupo siya sa tabi nito at saka pinagmasdan ang ginagawa ng binata."What are you doing?" she asked."Organizing your things. Mahirap kasi mag-aral kapag hindi naka-organize mga gamit mo," he answered without glancing at her.Serene grimaced. "So, you're lowkey telling me na makalat ako."Javion chuckled and nodded. "Yeah. Wala ka bang study table dito sa condo mo?"Umiling si Serene. "Wala, mas gusto ko kasi sa coffee table mag-aral. Feeling ko accessible lahat.""I see. How about the chair? 'Yong ginagamit sa sahig pero may sandalan? Kumportableng gamitin 'yon," he suggested as he reached for the charger of her laptop and plugged it in. "I'll charge your laptop, lowbat na eh.""Wala rin. Hindi ko alam saan ako bibili," she casually answered.Napatingin si Javion sa kaniya. "Really? Don't you like shopping?"
"So, do you have a boyfriend? or anyone that can be the reason why I should avoid you when they're around?" Kenji asked as he took a sip from his coffee.Na sa library pa rin sila pero ngayon ay magkatabi na para magkausap sila ng maayos ng hindi nakakaistorbo sa ibang estudyante sa loob ng library.Napatigil si Serene sa pag-highlight at saka binalingan ng tingin si Kenji. "Mukhang biktima ka lagi ng pinagseselosan ah."Mahinang tumawa si Kenji. "Yes, I am. It's not that I'm being 'mayabang' it's just that women always chase after me.""Well, when it came from you, it is acceptable and naniniwala ako," natatawang sambit ni Serene.Kumunot ang noo ni Kenji. "You believed me?"Tumango si Serene. "I mean look around. Kung nakakamatay lang 'yong masamang titig, kanina pa ako nakahandusay rito."Kenji looked around and as the moment he laid his eyes on the women staring at him, they gave him a soft smile. Wala namang nagawa si Kenji kung hindi ang ngitian pabalik ang mga ito at saka muling
"So, okay na kayo?" tanong ni Jethro nang makabalik si Javion at Serene.She sat down on her chair again habang si Javion ay nanatiling nakatayo habang nakalagay ang mga kamay niya sa bulsa ng pantalon nito. Javion smiled and nodded."Yes, we just clarified something to each other," nakangiting sagot ni Javion.Jethro scoffed. "Makasabi ng 'clarified something' akala mo naman may karapatan kang mag-inaso. Let me remind you, bud, you're just her suitor, so better set boundaries about which you can and cannot do."Javion grimaced and rolled his eyes. "Alam ko, hindi mo kailangan isampal sa'kin. Tapos na 'ko sa kusina mo—"Humalukipkip si Jethro. "Linisin mo 'yong mga ginamit mo.""I already did. Nagpatulong na 'ko kay Lizzy," Javion replied.Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Jethro at saka sarkastikong nagtanong. "Lizzy? You mean Calizzta? Close kayo?"Napatingin si Javion dahil sa naging reaksyon ni Jethro. The corner of his lips were slightly raised. "Yeah, close kami.""Great, mas nauna mo p
"Are you sure na okay ka na ba? Pwede naman kita ihatid sa tutuluyan mo," nag-aalalang tanong ni Serene."I'm alright. Malayo naman sa bituka 'yon—" napatakip ng bibig si Kenji habang si Serene naman ay gulat na napatingin sa kaniya."Your Tagalog..." hindi makapaniwalang sambit ni Serene habang nakaturo ang hintuturo niya sa binata. "Deretso naman ah—you lied to me?"Mahinang tumawa si Kenji. "It's not a lie. I really can't speak Tagalog, but that statement... I can always hear it everywhere."Naningkit ang mga mata ni Serene. "I was contemplating if I should believe you or not.""Believe me," natatawang wika ni Kenji at saka niya itinuro ang malaking gusali sa harapan ng kinatatayuan nila. "You don't have to send me home, by the way. That's where I live. I can just go straight there after I send you back to the library."Tinignan ni Serene ang gusaling tinuro ni Kenji at saka siya napatango-tango. "As I expected from you. Mayaman ka nga, anyway, you don't have to. Malapit lang naman
Javion irritatedly removed his surgical gown and threw it directly in the trashcan. Sinunod niyang tinanggal ang face mask at latex gloves pati na rin ang suot niyang tie-back cap na suot nito. Hinugot niya ang panyo mula sa bulsa ng scrubs suit at pinunasan ang noo niya.Mariin siyang napapikit at umiling bago siya lumabas ng operating room. Sinalubong si Javion ng asawa ng pasyente. Javion smiled as he greeted the patient's wife."The operation is successful, Mrs. Rivera. You can now feel at ease. Maya-maya lang ay ililipat na po ng mga nurses si Mr. Rivera sa private room niya," pagpapaliwanag ni Javion.Napabuntong hininga ang ginang at napaluhod ito pero kaagad naman siyang hinawakan ni Javion sa magkabilang braso at inalalayan ito pa-upo sa bench na malapit sa kinatatayuan nila. "Totoo po bang wala na ang bara sa puso niya?" naiiyak na tanong ng ginang.Javion softly chuckled and nodded. "Yes, Mrs. Rivera."Hindi na napigilan ng ginang ang pagtulo ng luha niya kaya naman mabili
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