NIKKI'S POV"You're late."I turned around, only to find Pierre standing behind my back with his eyebrows raised. He looked at me intently, as if he was trying to read my mind. I let out a deep sigh."I'm sorry. I just did something important," I replied."I see. And that something important is eating breakfast with a guy?" He asked.Napasinghap ako, hindi ko inaasahan na marinig iyon sa kanya. Nagtatanong ang mga matang nagbaling ako ng paningin sa kanya. Did he saw us?"I saw you two. I'm confused, you told me you're single," he stated, as if he read my mind.I immediately recognized the pain that laced his voice. I held his hand and pulled him inside my office to talk to him."Pierre, I wasn't lying when I told you that I don't have a boyfriend. But I also told you, I'm not ready for another romantic commitment. That guy, he was the reason why I left. He was the reason why I came here, why I needed to heal..." I explained.Hindi naman lingid sa kany
NIKKI'S POV"So, you knew?" I asked.I didn't bother to hide the surprise in my voice. Buong akala ko ay wala siyang alam sa nangyari noon."I had just found out. But it won't stop me from pursuing you. Ikaw ang mahal ko, ikaw ang tinitibok ng puso ko, so bakit ako makikinig sa iba? I could go on, and chase other people, but will it make me happy the same way I am with you?" He asked in return.Hindi ako nakapagsalita. Tama ba na sumugal kami, kahit na alam naming marami ang hahadlang sa amin?"I don't know, Gale. To be honest, hindi ko rin alam kung tama ba na nandito ka. It would hurt your Mom," I replied."And it would also hurt me if I let her take you away from me. She may be my mother, but she can't simply decide for me. Ako lang ang tanging may alam kung sino ang nilalaman ng puso ko. And that's you..." masuyo niyang sagot.I looked away, feeling my heart melting at his words.Akala ko pagkatapos ng hapunan namin ay uuwi na kami, pero nagulat ako n
NIKKI'S POV"Are you sure about this? What if mag-resign ka na lang? I'm not comfortable with you going back to work after what happened last night," Gale said with a sigh.Kasalukuyan kaming kumakain ng agahan dito sa apartment ko. Pagkatapos ng nangyari kagabi, hindi pumayag si Gale na maiwan akong mag-isa sa apartment ko, kaya wala akong nagawa kundi ang hayaan siya na matulog doon.Magkahalong kaba at excitement ang naramdaman ko. It's been a year since we last slept under the same roof. He volunteered to sleep on the couch in the living room, because he doesn't want to invade my privacy."I need to talk to him, Gale. Naging mabuti siyang kaibigan sa akin. Ayaw ko rin naman na masira ang pagkakaibigan namin nang dahil lang dito," I replied.Deep inside, I was thinking of the best options."I know. Ang sa akin lang naman, I want you safe. How can you be so sure that last night was just an isolated case?" nakataas ang kilay niyang tanong.Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. Sa totoo lang, hindi
NIKKI'S POV"Dominique, wait!"I can hear Gale's loud voice, calling me, but I didn't stop. I was so stupid! Bakit ang dali kong naniwala na wala na talaga sila?She's here! Adhara's fucking here!Seeing her ripped my heart again. My heart shattered for the second time when she threw her arms around him and kissed him in front of me.Ang sakit!I closed my eyes, and tried so hard to regain my self control."Dominique, please. Not again, don't leave without hearing my explanation again," he whispered.Nanigas ako sa kinatatayuan ko nang ipalibot niya ang kanyang mga kamay sa bewang ko. He was hugging me from behind, tightly."It's okay, Gale. You don't have to explain. Matagal na tayong tapos," saad ko.Pilit kong tinatagan ang boses ko, kahit na ang totoo ay gusto ko nang umiyak. Naramdaman ko ang paghigpit ng yakap ni Gale."No! Isang pagkakamali na noong hinayaan kita na lumayo nang hindi ako pinapakinggan. Now, I want you to listen to me. Ikaw ang mahal ko, walang iba, Dominique," s
NIKKI'S POV"How are you, Dad?" I asked as I walked towards him and enclosed him in a hug.God, I missed him! I missed them! I missed my home!Dad smiled at me, and tapped my shoulders, "Hindi ba't ako dapat ang nagtatanong niyan sa'yo? How are you, anak?"Dad held my hand, and we walked into the living room, settling on the couch. "I'm doing fine, Dad," I replied."And your heart?" he asked again, raising his eyebrows at me.Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. How can I say my heart is okay, when it's definitely not? Siguro, kung hindi pa kami ulit nagkita ni Gale, I would say my heart is fine, that I've already moved on. But I knew better now."Well, I think it still beats for the same person who broke it," I replied, giving him a sad smile."It's alright, anak. Hindi naman ganoon ka-dali ang mag-move on. Sometimes, pinapaniwala lang natin ang mga sarili natin na maayos na tayo, pero ang totoo ay hindi. Lalo na kapag ang taong nakasakit sa atin ay iyong nga taong pinag-alayan natin ng pagmamaha
NIKKI'S POV"Welcome back, Ma'am!" nakangising saad ni Camille habang nakatayo sa entrance ng building.Napailing na lang ako nang makita ko ang hawak niyang banner. Kahit kailan, baliw talaga siya."I missed you, Mille," I said as soon as I closed our distance.I hugged her tightly, and she wrapped her arms around me as well."Gaga ka! Na-miss din kita, pero nagtatampo ako sa'yo. Hindi ka man lang nagsabi na uuwi ka! Hmp," naiinis niyang bulong.I chuckled at her words."Ano ka ba? It was meant to be a surprise. Kung sinabihan ko kayo na uuwi ako, edi hindi na iyon surprise?" natatawa kong tanong.Napalabi naman si Camille, at kalaunan ay ngumiti rin sa akin. Sinamahan niya ako hanggang sa loob ng opisina ko. Hindi pa man nag-iinit ang pang-upo ko sa silya, ay muli niya akong binulabog."So, kumusta na kayo ni fafa Gale? May improvement ba?" she asked.Her eyes were sparkling with excitement, and anticipation. I looked at her and shook my head. Daig ko pa ang artista na palagi na lang
NIKKI'S POVIniabot ni Gale ang kamay ko at giniya ako paupo sa harapan ng mesa. Sa gilid ay naroon ang dalawang lalaki na naka-suot ng tuxedo habang tumutogtog ng isang malamyos na awitin.Binuksan ni Gale ang red wine at nagsalin sa dalawang kopita. Kumuha siya ng steak at nilagay sa plato ko."Let's eat?" aniya.Tahimik kaming kumain habang patuloy ang mga musikero sa pagtugtog. Habang kumakain ay nilibot ko ang paningin ko. It's almost dusk, and the sun is slowly setting. Sunsets had always been a part of our every memorable moments, I wondered, will today be memorable as well?My eyes lit up as the sky slowly changed its colors, and the darkness filling in. Soon enough, the city glowed with different lights, looking almost like lanterns and stars in the skies.I took time appreciating the beautiful scenery around me, and the romantic ambiance of the place, apart from the delicious food that was served."Thank you for this, Gale. The food was delicious," I complimented.Gale only s
NIKKI'S POV"Good morning," Gale murmured.I slowly opened my eyes, and was greeted by his handsome face. He was topless, my gaze running down his hard, chiseled chest. I gulped, remembering how he kissed me last night, and how he caressed my body ever so gently."Magandang umaga," sagot ko.Gale snuggled, and buried his face on the crook of my neck, inhaling my scent. His warm breath causing ripples through my skin."Hmmm, ang bango mo pa rin..." bulong niya sa tainga ko.Bahagya ako'ng lumayo sa kanya dahil nakikiliti ako. Hindi rin ako makatingin ng diretso sa kanya dahil nahihiya ako, at siguradong namumula ngayon ang pisngi ko."Ano ka ba, Gale!" sita ko sa kanya, pero tinawanan niya lang ako.Nauna siyang bumangon at dumiretso sa banyo. Napalunok ako habang nakatitig sa maumbok niyang puwet. Mabilis kong iniwas ang paningin ko at pinulot ang mga damit na nagkalat sa sahig.Gale walked out of the bathroom, still naked, but his face was wet. Kinuha niya ang mga damit niya at nagbih
NIKKI'S POVThe bright rays of the morning sun touched our skin, making us feel a lot warmer today. I looked around, and took a deep breath, realizing how peaceful this place is.I stood in front of a grave. Nandito ako para magpaalam, at makipag-usap sa isang tao na matagal ng nawala sa mundong ito. This will be the last time, because after this, I will surely go somewhere far away."Are you sure about this?" Gale asked from behind me.Lumingon ako sa kanya at ngumiti. I've never been sure. Napagtanto ko na kapag hinayaan ko ang sarili ko na masaktan habang buhay, ako ang talo. Kasi ang taong nanakit sa akin ay matagal nang tahimik sa kabilang buhay, habang ako, nandito pa rin sa pahina kung saan puro sakit at pighati ang nararamdaman ko."Y-yes, I am." I cleared my throat. "This is the only way for me to move forward, Gale. I needed to let this one out. I need to let go of my pain, and my anger...""I know." He replied.Lumapit siya sa akin at marahan niyang hinaplos ang mukha ko, sa
GALE'S POV"Nooooo!"A loud scream left my lips as I saw Adhara's car crashing to a ten-wheeler truck. Bumigat ang dibdib ko, at parang hindi ako makahinga habang tinitingnan ang wasak na sasakyan. Kusang tumulo ang luha mula sa mga mata ko.Mabilis kong itinigil ang sasakyan, hindi iniinda ang sakit na nanalaytay sa balikat ko. Bumaba ako at lumapit sa sasakyan. My heart was racing, fear consumed me.No! God, no! This isn't happening!Gusto kong paniwalain ang sarili ko na panaginip lang ito, pero ang eksenang tumambad sa akin ay patunay na totoo ang lahat ng ito.Wasak ang unahang bahagi ng sasakyan, at kita ko ang duguang katawan ni Adhara. Naipit ang dalawa niyang paa. Sa passenger side naman ay nandoon si Dominique. Wala siyang malay, at puno rin siya ng dugo. Kumabog ang dibdib ko nang makita ko ang dugong umaagos sa kanyang binti.Fuck, no! Our child!Wala sa sarili kong kinatok ang bintana, pilit siyang ginigising ngunit nanatili siyang walang malay. Ayaw kong isipin na... Hind
GALE'S POV"No! Dominique!" sigaw ko habang dinidiinan ang paghawak sa balikat ko, kung saan tumama ang bala.Dali-dali akong tumayo sa tulong ng mga magulang ko at susuray-suray na tumakbo palabas ng bahay. Sinubukan kong habulin sina Adhara, ngunit hindi ko na sila naabutan pa."Gale, we need to take you to the hospital!" histerikal na sigaw ni Mommy."No, Mom! I won't go anywhere until I find Dominique and Adhara. Call the police!" I instructed.Mabilis kong tinungo ang sasakyan ko at nagmaneho palabas ng village. She wouldn't have gone that far yet.I hissed from the pain that filled my system. Kinagat ko ang labi ko para pigilan ang pagsigaw. Sandali akong tumigil sa tabi ng kalsada. I tore a part of my shirt and wrapped it around my shoulder. Napapikit ako at napamura sa sakit, pero hindi ko iyon ininda. I have to find Dominique. Kapag may nangyaring masama sa kanya at sa anak namin ay hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko.I wasted no time. Muli kong pinatakbo ang sasakyan at mabil
NIKKI'S POVMy mouth parted and my heart started beating so loud, seeing the look on Adhara's face. She's standing on the doorway, her hands were inside the pocket of her black cloak. Hindi ko naintindihan ang kaba na biglang lumukob sa akin, hindi ko na siya makilala. She's far too different from the Adhara I knew a year ago.Siguro nga ay pagpapapanggap lang ang pinakita niya sa akin noon, pero gusto ko pa ring paniwalaan na may kabutihan pa rin sa puso niya. However, seeing her face right now, I could only think of the worse. Masama ang tingin niya sa aming lahat.I gulped when she started walking towards us. Instinctively, Gale pulled me to his side."What are you doing here, Adhara?" Gale's voice was stern, and serious."I came here to claim what's mine," she said.Napasinghap ako, lalo na nang makita ko ang kakaibang ngisi sa mukha niya. She looked like she lost her mind, and the way she laughed, I can't stop thinking that maybe she lost her sanity."Akin ka lang, Gale. You promi
NIKKI'S POV"I'm really sorry for everything..."Hindi ako makapaniwala sa narinig ko. Tita Graciella was sitting in front of me, asking for forgiveness. It was something I never expected. After all, hindi maganda ang naging huling pag-uusap namin.I cleared the lump in my throat, trying so hard to stop myself from tearing up. Something warm touched my heart, and I felt as if it was burning. I always imagined how it would feel to make amends with her. And now I knew, the word happiness will never fit the way I'm feeling right now."I know saying sorry isn't enough to compensate for all the damage and pain that I caused you, but please know that I am sincere. I'm really sorry for all the things I did," she said, her voice started to crack.Her tears spilled uncontrollably from her eyes. Something told me that she's not lying. Her eyes held truth, and genuine regret.Hindi ko na rin napigilan ang sarili ko na umiyak. Bumalik sa isipan ko ang lahat ng masasakit na salitang binitawan niya
LOUIE'S POVI glanced on my wristwatch, it's already a quarter past three which means she's already fifteen minutes late. I sighed, and told myself to wait for another fifteen minutes, and if she doesn't show herself yet, I will leave.The door suddenly opened, and I saw her walking inside with her eyes settling on me. Sa unang pagkakataon ay nakita ko siyang ngumiti ulit sa akin.Kumalabog ang dibdib ko at hindi ko maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman ko. It's been years, but the regret I felt for not telling her the truth is still eating me."Gracie..." I whispered her name."Louie... It's been ages," came her reply.Binalot kami ng katahimikan. Nanatili lang ang mga mata ko sa kanya, pilit na inaalala ang dating Graciella na naging kaibigan ko. She's still beautiful and regal, the past years did a good job in maintaining her beauty.Habang nakatingin sa kanya ay napagtanto ko na iba na siya sa dating babae na minsan ay naging parte ng buhay ko. And along the memories of our friendship, the
GRACIELLA'S POV"Dominique is pregnant..."His words kept ringing inside my head. I couldn't take it! I wanted so bad to be mad at him, but when I looked at his eyes, I could see how happy he was. His eyes were filled with different emotions, and I knew it was all he ever wanted.Am I that heartless?Am I that selfish?Dominique stayed sitting on the couch, as Gale walked towards her, occupying the space beside her. He kissed her forehead, and it broke my heart. Gustong-gusto ko na hayaan sila, pero sa tuwing naaalala ko ang mga nangyari noon, hindi ko maiwasan na magalit.I trusted her parents, but they broke my trust.Unable to take the sight in front of me, I slowly backed down and left their apartment. Parang nawalan na rin ako ng lakas na pilitin pa si Gale dahil alam ko na mali ako. Alam kong mali ako, pero hindi ko pa rin talaga matanggap na sa dinami-rami ng mga taong pwede niyang mahalin, ang anak pa talaga ni Diana.Dali-dali akong sumakay sa sasakyan ni Ara na naghihintay sa
GALE'S POV"Dominique is pregnant."My own voice resonating in my ears. Malakas na kumabog ang dibdib ko, lalo na nang makita kong nag-iba ang ekspresyon sa mukha ni Tito Louie. Alam ko, I haven't yet done much to prove myself worthy of Dominique, but this pregnancy was unexpected. Nevertheless, I don't regret having her pregnant. The only thing I felt upon knowing about it is pure happiness.Umigting ang panga ni Tito Louie, habang si Nicole at Camille naman ay parang na-estatwa at hindi agad nakapagsalita.Naramdaman ko ang init ng palad ni Dominique nang ipatong niya ang kanyang kamay sa kamay kong nanginginig."D-Dad..." bulong niya.Ramdam na ramdam ko ang kaba at takot niya. Kitang-kita ko sa kanyang mga mata ang pangamba."What's your plan now?" Tito Louie asked.His voice was strained, but he didn't sound angry. Napalingon ako sa kanya, ngunit wala pa ring nagbago sa ekspresyon ng mukha niya. Seryoso pa rin ito at hindi kakikitaan ng kahit anong emosyon.Napatingin ako kay Domi
NIKKI'S POVI paced back and forth inside our room. I was restless, and worried about my family's reaction to our news. Our pregnancy wasn't planned, but it was the best thing that happened to us. And I'm hoping that this baby may unite our family, and strengthen our ties."Relax, everything's going to be okay," Gale whispered, wrapping his hands around my waist and giving me a soft kiss on my shoulder blades.I instantly relaxed under his touch."How can I?" I whispered back."I'm here, hindi ko kayo pababayaan. I will fight the world for you, love," he assured me.I nodded my head, and turned to meet his eyes. I can see the sincerity and honesty brooding in his eyes. He gave me a small smile before lowering his lips to capture mine.A few minutes later, we were already inside the car, driving towards the restaurant where we had a dinner reservation. We decided to let my family know first. As much as I wanted to invite Gale's family, I know it would only be full of tension and awkward