"Uuwi na 'ko," sambit ni Serene at saka kinuha ang cellphone niya na nakapatong sa coffee table.Everyone looked at her. Yes, they are still there including Zeleste. Serene smiled at them. "Thank you for having me today." Tumingin ito kay Javion. "Magpahinga ka, don't exhaust yourself."Tumayo si Javion at saka nilapitan si Serene habang hila-hila niya ang sabitan ng kaniyang dextrose. "Why don't you stay for the night, Serene?"Umiling si Serene. "Can't do. May pasok pa ako bukas, hindi ako pwede umabsent kasi may pre-board kami."Javion pouted and nodded his head. "You'll come back tomorrow after your class, yeah?""Hindi ako sure—""I'll come to you tomorrow, Kuya Javion. Aalagaan kita, nag-aaral pala si Serene, she has to focus on it, doesn't she?" putol ni Zeleste sa sasabihin ni Serene.Serene heaved a deep sigh and smiled again. "Yeah, she's right. I think siya na lang mag-alaga sa'yo bukas. Ite-text na lang kita para mangamusta."Hinawakan ni Javion ang kamay ni Serene at sak
"Ano nga ulit 'yong nakita mo sa condominium ni Serene? Red box, right? Anong laman?" Zephyr asked.Jethro gasped in shock. "Seryoso bang hindi ka pa nakakapasok doon? How the hell would I know kung anong laman non?""I haven't. How many do I have to repeat myself? Kahit isang beses hindi pa ako nakakapunta doon," naiinis na sambit ni Zephyr.Hindi makapaniwalang natawa si Jethro. "Naunahan ka pa namin ni Izaiah makatungtong sa condominium niya? I just can't believe it—anyway, paano tayo papasok doon? We don't know her passcode.""I called Neiro and Ethan," sagot nito habang tumatakbo. "I just hope na nandoon na sila, because if not I might just kick the door to open it and let Izaiah handle my case."Kumunot ang noo ni Jethro. "You're willing to risk that much for her?"Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Zephyr ng balingan niya ng mabilis na tingin si Jethro. "Why? You wouldn't?"Jethro shrugged his shoulders and ran faster than him. Nakahinga sila nang maluwag nang mamasid nila ang dalawang
Nanigas si Javion sa kinauupuan niya at saka unti-unti itong lumayo sa dalaga. He blinked multiple times at may luha pang nakatakas mula sa mata niya dahilan para mahinang matawa si Serene."You're face looked priceless," natatawang aniya Serene.Javion gulped and Serene can clearly see that dahil sa pagtaas-baba ng kaniyang adam's apple. "The... who?" Humalukipkip si Serene at saka sumandal. "Ayoko nga ulitin. Baka mahimatay ka pa diyan.""Are you joking with me or... you're pregnant?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong nito."Ano bang gusto mo diyan sa dalawa?" she asked back instead of answering him properly.Bumaba ang tingin ni Javion sa tiyan ni Serene. "I want the latter.""Then here the latter it is," nakangiting sambit ni Serene. "I am one month pregnant, Javion.""What? Really?" matamlay na tanong nito.Bumagsak ang mga balikat ni Serene. "Bakit ganiyan reaksyon mo—Javion!"Nanigas sa kinauupuan niya si Serene ng biglang bumagsak si Javion pahiga sa sofa. Kaagad siyang tumayo at i
Kasalukuyang nakaupo si Serene sa upuan sa may hardin ni Javion. She crossed her legs and her arms in front of her chest as she stared blankly at the peaceful sky.Isang linggo na ang nakalipas simula ng mangyari ang insidenteng iyon but, Serene can't help it but to feel bothered and stressed about it. Pumapasok pa rin siya sa review school at tumatambay sa library kasama si Kenji pero hatid-sundo naman siya ni Javion, kung hindi ito ay si Jano at Henry naman.Napatingin siya sa cellphone niyang nakapatong sa lamesa sa tabi niya at saka kinuha iyon at sinagot nang makita niya ang pangalan ni Kazimir. "Hey, Honey... kumusta?" he asked.Serene smiled bitterly. "I'm good... Sorry pala for turning you down, Kazimir."Kazimir chuckled. "Don't worry about that. Mabuti na rin na alam mong may gusto ako sa'yo, it will help you to feel like you're loved by a lot of people, doesn't it?""Are you sure na okay ka lang? Walang sama ng loob?" tanong ni Serene."Wala, I'm feeling great actually," a
"What's your plan?" Izaiah asked. "You know, you can do everything except ending people's lives."Javion glared at Serene kaya naman tumungo ang dalaga. He crossed his arms in front of his chest as he sneered at her. "She agreed to that fucking criminal."Kumunot ang noo ni Izaiah at saka ito tumingin kay Serene. "She agreed to what?"Naiinis na tumayo si Javion as he walks back and forth habang nakapameywang ito. "She agreed to join hands with him."Umaliwalas ang mukha ni Izaiah at saka ito sumandal sa pader na malapit sa kaniya habang sinusundan ng tingin ang hindi mapakali na si Javion. "Ano ba 'yon? Is it life threatening?" he asked. "Because if it's not, I won't stop her.""It is not. Mas safe pa nga ang buhay ko eh," Serene answered at saka ito masamang tumingin kay Javion. "Akala ko ba gusto mong ligtas kami ng anak natin? Tapos pagagalitan mo ako dahil sa pagpayag ko sa gusto niya?"Javion froze and turned to face Serene. "How can I not? Okay lang ba sa'yo 'yon ha? Iyong gus
A week passed peacefully. No calls, no suspicious gifts. Napabuntong hininga si Serene ng matapos niyang i-highlight ang huling statement sa libro na binabasa niya. She then slowly leaned against the backrest and stared at Kenji who was busy studying."Why? Are you done?" Kenji suddenly asked without looking at her. "Or are you hungry?""I'm hungry. Gusto ko ng—"Kenji gave her a deadpan look. "Please request something that I can provide."Serene chuckled and clasped her hands together. "Hmm, hilaw na mangga with bagoong."Kumunot ang noo ni Kenji at saka nagtatakang tumingin kay Serene. "What the fuck are those?""Mango with salted and fermented anchovies?" natatawang sambit ni Serene at saka itinuro ang pintuan. "May nakita ako naglalako diyan, bibili ako tapos sa labas na ako kakain ah.""I'll go with you," aniya Kenji at saka isinarado ang libro at tumayo. Kinuha niya ang cellphone at wallet niya at saka namulsa. "Let's go."Napangiti si Serene at saka siya tumayo. "Libre mo ako?"
"Are you ready?" muling tanong ni Neiro kay Serene.They are still inside the car. Hindi pa kasi masyadong handa si Serene kaya naman pinapakalma niya pa muna ang puso niyang nagdadabog na sa sobrang kaba.She let out a deep sigh. "One minute pa. Wait lang."Naramdaman niya ang biglang paghawak ni Javion sa kamay niya kaya napatingin siya rito."We can just back out, darling," aniya Javion.Serene smiled and shook her head. "Nandito na tayo, sayang naman effort nila Neiro."Neiro chuckled. "Okay lang naman kahit i-move natin ng ibang araw. No pressure at all."Binawi ni Serene ang kamay niya mula sa pagkakahawak ni Javion at saka hinawakan ang handle ng pintuan. "Let's get this over with.""Your earphones are working, right?" Ethan asked.Tumango si Serene. "Yep, loud and clear.""Alright, magpa-park lang kami tapos susunod na kami sa loob. If you can, keep your distance from him," bilin ni Ethan sa kaniya.Serene gave him a thumbs up and went out of the car. Muli siyang napabuntong h
Zephyr gasped. "Hindi mo talaga alam na ako 'to? Samantalang si Serene nagulat pa nga siya na nakita niya ako rito—just by looking in my eyes."Kumunot ang noo ni Zeleste at saka ito nameywang. "Eh bakit ba nandito ka? This is a private room and Serene, Keizel, and I have some businesses to fix.""Really?" inosenteng tanong ni Zephyr.Zeleste nodded and she grimaced. "Why are you here anyway?""I followed you," Zephyr casually answered. "May ginagawa kasi 'yong inutusan nila Mom na magbantay sa'yo kaya sabi ko ako na lang muna tutal rest day ko naman."Kumunot ang noo ni Zeleste. "What? Pinapabantayan pa rin ako ni Mom hangang ngayon?"Zephyr gave Zeleste a icky smile. "Yeah, sabi ko nga you're too old for that pero binatukan niya ako.""Oh yeah? Leave, Kuya Zephyr. We don't need you here," aniya Zeleste at saka bumalik sa kinauupuan niya kanina."Alright, I'm leaving." Zephyr glanced at Serene. "Ay oo nga pala, kukunin ko na si Serene. May exam siyang kailangan ipasa sa'kin."Tumaas
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