“Hindi ka pupunta sa kasal,” madiing sabi ni Dad. “Cora, let’s go,” pagalit na dagdag pa niya. “What?! His cousins want to see him!” Bumitaw si Mom kay Dad at lumapit sa akin. Kumapit ako sa braso niya. “And Damielle wants to see him! Ipinakilala ko na siya sa kanya.” “They can spend their time with each other at other times and I will talk to Mr. Forteza to cancel the engagement party and to ask for his consideration and forgiveness for him. Sa birthday ni Rome, doon sila magkita-kita ng mga pinsan niya.” I think that would be my father’s final decision when he left us both in my room. Niyakap ako ng mahigpit ni Mommy. The room was filled of full of tension and silence. “Huwag kang mag-alala, hindi naman matagal magalit ‘yang daddy mo. Ganun talaga siya, kapag sinabi niya, sinabi niya. Hindi pwedeng kontrahin niyo. We should go. Pakinggan mo na lang ang daddy mo kaysa magalit siya sa atin pareho. Sorry, son, I can’t be at your side, mag-aaway lang kami ng dad mo,” hinawakan niya
Tumingin-tingin ako sa paligid para tingnan kung saan ang hospital na sinasabi ni Francis. That was a wrong move when I didn’t look at the road. Kaagad kong inapakan ng madiin ang preno at mabilis na bumaba sa sasakyan nang may nakita akong babaeng nakaputi na tumatakbo. “SH*T!” Gasping in the air, I sprinted towards the person in front of my car. That was close! Ayokong makasagasa ng tao. Hindi ko na ulit uulitin ang hindi tumitingin sa daan. I almost forgot to breathe when I only knew that the woman lying on the ground was Faye. “Faye!” Lumuhod ako para mabuhat ang ulo niya. “Why are you doing this to yourself?” When I notice there’s a lot of blood in her hand, nanginig ako bigla. Anong ginagawa niya? Nagpapasagasa ba siya? Mukhang kagagaling lang sa pagkakabunot ng swero ang sugat niya. She closed her eyes abruptly, and I assumed that she’d become unconscious. Nevertheless, I quickly put her in my car and drove her to the parking lot. The incident resulted in traffic. I took
I reached Makati after being away for two days. When I got to Wilson, I couldn’t contain my frustration at what I had found out. I toss every book that’s on top of the table against the wall. “PUNYETA! Nawala lang ako ganito na ang nangyari?!” I couldn’t stop throwing away all the reports that Regina gave me about five minutes ago. “Sir Rome, I’m sorry.” “I’m sorry?!” I huffed. “The project fell through! I still need to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson about the appliances project! You didn’t even think to explain why I wasn’t there? And look at this! Two days lang akong wala! Check the money deduction for the daily updates, ang daming nabawas! What’s going on, Regina?!” I burst into stress. I felt lang I wanted to throw all the things in front of me. Filled with annoyance, I was yanking myself over to lop the innocent things that were lying at the top of my wooden table. It would be a waste of materials if the anger won over me. “Sir, I’m sorry. I’m gonna fix this and I will talk
“Mom, mabait naman si Faye at alam kong alam niya kung ano ang sinabi ko sa ‘yo. Ako talaga ang nagkamali,” pagbibigay lakas ng loob ko sa kanya at pagtatanggap ng mali ko. “Just let her first. Hindi naman siya aalis ng Pilipinas, Rome. Anyway, what is your plan for your upcoming birthday? Anong gusto mo, sa Palawan na lang natin gagawin o dito? O sa resort mo?” Hindi na ako nagdadalawang isip sa birthday ko. “I want to celebrate here, Dad. Kapag malapit na kayong umuwi sa New York doon na lang tayo mag-Palawan. Ayoko rin sa resort dahil maraming mga guests. Gusto ko reserved for us. Rude ko naman kung paalisin ko sila.” “Anong plano mo? Catering?” “I need your help, Mom and Dad. Babawi ako kay Faye,” I said. “Kay Faye? Anong gagawin namin?” Tanong ni Mom. “Mom, Dad, do you resent Faye that much?” Gusto kong maging maayos si Faye sa parents ko. Ayokong may galit ang kahit sino sa kanila sa kanya at ayokong magkaroon ng tensyon kapag magkakasama kami. “I never resent your ex-wif
“Kumusta?” “Doing well. I have to tell you something,” I sort the plan in my mind. “Binabalak kong mag-propose kay Faye sa birthday ko. I need your help. You know…” I exhaled in joy. “The feeling of this excitement.” Ngumiti ako sa abot hanggang tainga ko. “Weh?” Hindi makapaniwalang tanong niya. “Tinatanggap mo na si Faye?” Mukhang natuwa rin siya. “Walang mangyayari kung puro nakaraan na lang ‘yung tinitingnan namin,” narealize ko lang kasi ang reyalidad. Hindi ako magkakaroon ng tunay na pagmamahal kung hindi ko pipiliin ng tamang tao. “Maganda ‘yan. Anong plano mo ngayon?” Tanong niya. “Help me tomorrow to buy a great engagement ring.” “Sure!” natutuwang sagot niya. “I will call you tomorrow. Are you free, anyway?” “Oo. Wala si Dad so my freedom is flying free again with me. Parang mainit ulo n’on araw-araw sa akin eh. Loves naman niya ako kaya oks lang. Ako lang naman ‘yung magiging successor niya eh,” taas na kumpyansa sa sarili niyang sabi at sumandal sa sofa na parang
I spent more time in Wilson and had a little conversation with Arlo and Regina. Not that long, I drove way to San Juan, Rivera to visit Tita Pau and Faye. Ate Fiona informed me that this day would be her last day to hold a vigil. “Let me have that,” I volunteered and got the styro plate with a bunch of watermelon seeds. “Nakakahiya na sa ‘yo, Rome. Upo ka na lang kaya roon?” Napakamot si Ate Fio. “Bumabawi lang,” simpleng sagot ko. I put the styro plate on the table. People were smiling at me. “Sino siya?” “Hindi ko kilala. Sosyal siya oh.” “Bango pa.” “Sabi sa ‘yo pagchichismisan ka riyan eh,” Ate Fio said when I suddenly entered inside. Ayoko kasi ‘yung pinag-uusapan ako, pero hindi naman ako naiinis sa kanila. “Can I give some coffee sa mga nagpapasugal?” “Maupo ka. Ako na bahala roon. Bisita ka rito. Kausapin mo na lang si Mama,” pagtawa niya. “Okay, fine.” Naupo na lang ako sa harapan ng kabaong, but soon stood to sight Tita Pau. Nangayayat siya, unlike before. Faye lo
As soon as the dawn stepped, my smile couldn’t sell in high amounts because of the excitement. Kaya pala ako nagising dahil ang ingay ng notification ko. For sure greetings lahat ‘yon. “Seems our birthday boy is excited?” Salubong ni Mom sa kusina. “Happy 28th birthday, my handsome prince!” Inilahad niya ang regalo sa akin. “Wow, mommy. I can’t thank you enough po,” I hugged her tight as I touched my lips on her head. “Later muna ‘yan buksan anak. Gusto ko pinakahuli mong bubuksan ‘yan.” “I understand. I will keep it in my room.” “Happy birthday, Son,” this time my father walked towards me and gave me his gift. “I appreciate it, Daddy,” I said. “Happy birthday, Sir Rome!” Mukhang pinaghandaan ng mga katulong ang sabay-sabay nilang pagbati. “Thank you very much!” “Sana po hindi ka na magsungit!” Sigaw ulit nilang lahat kaya’t nagkatinginan kami ng parents ko habang tumatawa. “At kailan ako nagsungit sa inyo, ha?” Natatawang tanong ko. “Ay sir, every day!” Sagot ni Sebby. I c
Mukhang nag-iinuman na sina Xino sa pwesto namin para mamaya. They all raised their glass as if they were inviting me to join them. I lifted my thumb finger. “Wala pa ba ‘yung girlfriend mo?” A guy asked while his body was covered with water. “Kyle, pinsan mo. The third oldest of the Wilson cousins.” Inilahad niya ang kamay niya na kaagad ko ring tinugunan. “Nice to meet you. What should I call you then?” nakangisi kong tanong. “If you’re comfortable calling me ‘kuya’ then you can.” “Kyle na lang.” I am a bit uncomfortable. I used to call ate but not kuya. Ewan ko ba kung bakit ako ganito. “My question, you didn’t fill it yet,” he reminded me. “Oh, she’s on her way for sure,” confidently I answered. “I’m curious about her. Anyway, good luck. I know this will be your best day ever so far besides your wedding.” “That’s so kind of you, Kyle. I’ll introduce her as soon as she arrives.” “Sure. Our pleasure to meet her,” he remarked last and left to join his supposed siblings. Hind
ROME “Cheers sa 7th anniversary ng mag-asawang Wilson!” itinaas ni Xino ang baso na may lamang alak. I, Emman, Kael and Drev cheers our glasses at Xino’s glass. “Happy 35th birthday na rin p’re! Gurang na tayong lahat, bwahaha!” “Thank you so much, mga pare ko. Walang araw na hindi masaya ang birthday ko dahil sa inyo,” I said. Minsan walang okasyon ay bigla na lang silang nang-aayang inumin para mas lalo raw kaming mapalapit sa isa’t isa, which is good. “Ako naman ang ikakasal this year,” sabi ni Drev. “At ninong kayong lahat,” he added. “Two weeks pregnant.” Humiyaw kaming lahat at kanya-kanya namin siyang binati. “Sure, dadalo kami riyan! Congrats pare. Akala namin nabubulok na titi mo e,” malaswang sambit ni Xino. Nakatanggap lamang siya ng isang pukpok sa amin. “Hindi ibig-sabihin na nabuntis lang siya ngayon e hindi ko na ginagamit ito?” Drev pointed his manhood as he smirk. Pare-parehas kaming natawa sa kanyang sinabi. “How about si Emman?” mapaglarong boses
(Final Chapter)Niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit at ganun din ako. Nagpalakpakan naman ang nakikinig.Naglakad naman ang pamangkin ko dala-dala ang mga singsing. Pero ang mga mata ko ay naka’y Rome, punong-puno ng luha at hindi makapaniwala na pagmamahal na ulit ang tingin ni Rome sa akin.“Bless, O Lord, these rings which we bless in your name. So that those who wear them may remain entirely faithful to each other, abide in peace and your will, and live always in mutual charity. Through Christ our Lord.”“Amen.” Sinabuyan ng pari ng holy water ang mga singsing.Kinuha ni Rome ang isa at hinawakan ang kamay ko. Nginitian niya ako ng matamis.“Faye, this ring I give you, in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”Ako ang susunod na kumuha at napakagat ang labi.“Rome, take and wear this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”“In the sight of God and the
I climbed back into his embrace and kissed him passionately once again. Niyakap ko ang buong ulo niya. I tilted my head and played with his mouth. Nakikigalaw na rin siya sa kung paano ko siya halikan. I felt his hands massaging my breasts. Hinawakan ko ang magkabilang kamay niya. I sucked his lower lip. He laid me down on the bed and traced his fingers up my thighs, all the way to my chest.“Your body is familiar.”“We always do this here,” sagot ko at hinila ang tie niya para mahalikan ako.Suddenly, he stood up and started to undress himself. He pulled me towards him and positioned himself in the middle. He licked his fingers and slid them in between my thighs. I let out a soft moan. Slowly, he inserted his length inside me. Napatakip ako ng bibig habang hinahaplos ang kanyang matitigas na dibdib.“Namiss kita, Rome.”I was the one who started moving to attract him even more. I closed my eyes tightly when he pressed my head against the bed as he choked me.He suddenly quickened hi
ROMEI stopped rummaging through the cluttered cabinet of my table when suddenly there was a knock. I fixed my hair and smiled sweetly. I knew Claudia was behind my door.When I opened the door, she was indeed standing there. I grabbed her hand and wrapped my arms around her waist.“Claudia! I missed you!” I kissed her temple, “why did you only visit me now? Don’t you miss me?” I think I look stupid now because I was pouting my lips. It’s okay, it’s just for her anyway.“Hey! What are you doing?” She slightly pushed me away. She was full of wonder. I was also puzzled by her behavior, “why are you hugging me?! You can’t do that!”“I’m hugging you because I missed you. Hindi ba pwede?” I grabbed her chin and I was about to smack her when she avoided her lips, “Claudia! I want to kiss you!”“What are you doing?” Inilayo niya ang mga braso kong nakakapit sa baywang niya.“Claudia? Why are you acting like that? Hindi nga kita nakita sa hospital. You don’t care for me?” I said softly, “I ju
“Welcome back home, son.”The woman—my mother—guided me inside the huge mansion. Sinabi nila na I am belong to this house. Akin ‘to? So I am wealthy? Wow, that was cool. Naniwala lang ako nang may portrait akong nakita sa sala.“Sir Rome!” A maid is crying when she runs toward me and hugged me tight. Nagulat ako kaya’t nanlaki ang mga mata ko habang papalapit siya. Nakataas ang mga kamay ko sa ere habang nakatitig sa ulo niya.“Hey! Take it easy, ha-ha! He is not yet healed. Baka masakit pa ang katawan niya,” father said. Bumitaw naman ‘yung maid. Mukhang ayaw pa akong bitawan. Tumagal pa kasi siya ng ilang segundo. “I know you missed him but he needs some rest.”Ginagawa ba talaga ng mga maid ang mga ganitong bagay sa kanilang mga amo? She smelled detergent. Halatang kakalaba lang niya. “Magpapahinga muna siya, Seb. May sasabihin ako mamaya sa inyo but I need to guide Rome to his room,” father exclaimed and he wrapped his arms to me. “Let’s go, son. Excuse us. Makipag-bonding na lan
2 DAYS AFTER and they are still in Palawan. Faye still doesn’t know what happened to her fiancè. Maging sina Manang Sonya ay walang kaalam-alam sa nangyari sa kanilang alaga. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson is not ready to tell everything about what happened to Rome. “It’s supposedly their marriage now. But what just happened…” Hindi sinisisi ni Mrs. Wilson si Faye dahil wala naman talagang kasalanan si Faye ever since. Nangyayari ang mga bagay na ‘to sa hindi inaasahang lugar at panahon. Ang kailangan lang nilang gawin ngayon ay manalangin para sa anak nila.Madalang na nga lang silang magkita tapos kapahamakan pa ang madadatnan nila kay Rome.Gusto mang sisihin ni Mrs. Wilson ang sarili kung bakit nararanasan ni Rome ang kasakitan ngunit hindi niya magawa dahil panghihinaan lang siya ng loob at wala na rin mangyayari kung sisisihin niya ang sarili niya. Nangyari na e, kung maibabalik lang sana ang nakaraan.Nagpapasalamat siya dahil nasa tabi niya palagi ang asawa niya para suportahan ang nar
Nagpaalam si Mr. Wilson sa kanyang pamangkin na si Bruno at hinabilinan na bantayan muna ang kanilang Tita Cora and quickly rushed to their rented car. Ipinatakbo niyang mabilis ang kanilang sasakyan papunta sa hospital where Rome was admitted. Nangangatog ang kanyang mga kamay at tuhod dahil sa takot habang tumatakbo na para bang hinahabol siya ng malaking leon.“Hello, nurse. Ano ng nangyare sa anak ko?” Hingal na hingal nitong tanong nang matuntong niya ang nurse station.Medyo may kalayuan ang tinakbuhan niya dahil malawak ang hospital.“Can I have the name of the patient po?” Magalang na tanong ng nurse habang nag-i-stapler ng mga medical certificates.“Rome Wilson,” karipas niyang sagot at huminga muli ng malalim. Napagod siya dahil sa kanyang pagtakbo. Mula kanina ay tumatakbo na siya. May edad na si Mr. Wilson at madali na lang din sa kanya ang makaramdam ng pagod ng madalian.“Rome Wilson?” The nurse tried to search for his name but no one appeared at the monitor. “Sir, wala
Sumakay kaagad ako sa kotse para handa ng umuwi. I missed my fiancé already and I am hungry. Wala pa akong kain magmula kaninang umaga.I thrust my hand into my pocket to get my phone and compose a message to my dear love.To: Faye—Pauwi na ako. Magprepare ka na ng food.I can’t help but smile. I didn’t wait for her response. I started the engine as I shaped my lips into an ‘o’ to whistle while driving. My forehead furrowed and I turned on the wipers of my car because the raindrops were heavy.My cellphone rang but I didn’t bother to check it. It was probably just a reply from Faye.When I arrived in front of my mansion, the gate, which was incredibly tall, opened. I rolled down my window to talk to the guard who was getting wet in the rain.“Kuya, pasok ka muna sa loob at magkape.”“Sige, sir!”I closed the window and put my car in the garage. Inihagis ko pataas ang susi ko at sinalo ulit. Umiikot-ikot pa ako sa pwesto ko. Kahit pagod ako araw-araw sulit naman kung nakakasama ko an
Lahat ng agenda namin ngayong araw ay natapos na. Hindi na namin nagawang pasyalan ang parents ni Rome at mga pinsan niya dahil pagod na pagod kami. Mabuti na lang at nakapag-dala kami ng mga gamit namin nang pumunta kami sa El Nido para sa photoshoot. Nag-book kami sa Hotel for one night. Pagkatapos naming maligo ni Rome ay kaagad na kaming natulog. Wala na kaming time para maglandian pa. Mula kaninang umaga gumagalaw na kami sa wedding namin.3RD PERSONLumipas ang tatlong gabi, ang pamilya ni Rome sa Palawan ay binalak na nang umuwi bukas pagkatapos ng kanilang pamimili. Nakapalibot sila sa dining area habang may kanya-kanya silang usapan.“Kumusta daw sina Ate Faye at Kuya Rome?” Tanong ni Nicole na sarap na sarap kumain sa inuulam nilang kalderetang baka.“Busy sila hindi rin namin sila macontact. Kailangan na nating umuwi para tulungan natin sila. Masyado nilang nirarush ‘yung wedding kasi iniisip kami ni Rome,” sagot ng tatay ni Rome.“Is that so, Tito?” Tumango si Mr. Wilson k