I can feel someone holding my hand firmly. Iyon ang una kong napansin nang magising ang diwa. Kaya kahit mabigat ang talukap ng mga mata'y sinikap ko itong imulat. I want to confirm that it's him. Gusto kong masiguradong buhay nga ako at hindi lang guni-guni ang lahat.
I saw the white ceiling as I opened my eyes. I blinked several times and checked my breathing. True, I'm still alive.
"Desire..."
Napatingin ako sa gilid. There, I saw him. Puno ng pag-aalala ang kanyang mukha. He's still wearing his suit. Ngunit bahagya iyong nadumihan. Siguro'y nang pasukin ang nasusunog na bahay. Totoo nga, he came to save me. To fulfill his promise of protecting me and our child.
"Are you okay? May masakit ba sa'yo? Wait, I'll call the doctor. You need to be checked again." He stood up, but I hold his hand.
Umiling ako.
"Please... stay."
Muli siyang umupo. Hinaplos niya ang mukha ko. His eyes are filled with genuine care and concern. Pinatakan niya
The first time I laid my eyes on her... I got hooked. So bad.She was dancing wildly in the middle of the crowd, not minding the men's stares at her. Nang mga oras na 'yon, hindi ko pa alam kung sino siya o anong ugnayan niya kay Analiese Fontana. I didn't even think about that while watching her.I'm not sure why I got hooked by her at first glance. Maybe because of her drunk, yet mysterious innocent eyes. Maybe because of her sweet smiles while dancing. Maybe because of her fragility. I don't know.I've met different women. But I never do the first move. And dancing wasn't even my forte. Kaya kung anuman ang meron sa kanya ay gusto kong malaman. She was so submissive, but at the end of the night, I felt so frustrated.He mistook me for another man.I got confused and angry because of that. Ni minsan wala pang babaeng tinawag ako sa ibang pangalan. Especially in that kind of heated moment
PreludeSome of the people's heads inside turned to me the moment I entered the fine dining restaurant. I remained unmoved by their curious glances and continued gliding as the waiter led me to the table my secretary reserved. Nakasunod ang dalawang bodyguard, tahimik na nagmamatyag.But my mouth ran dry as soon as I saw the silhouette of the man I despise so much sitting in front of the table. Nakatalikod man sa gawi ko ay nasisiguro kong siya nga ang nakikita. Hindi ako puwedeng magkamali, dahil siya ang taong sumira sa buong buhay ko. He killed my soul, completely.Ilang beses akong napabuga ng hangin hanggang sa marating ang mesa. I sat in front of him, trying to calm the anger I'm feeling for him all these years.His jet black eyes meet my gaze. He didn't look shocked, just like what I expected.He's on his black button-down shirt topped with a black tux. Looking so formal and savage just like before. Ang kanyang mga mata'y
My life was close to perfection.I don't have to think about the money or the things I need. I was living comfortably, enjoying a life of a princess with the mindset that all I just need to think is my studies and love life.Lahat ng gustuhing bagay, nakukuha ko. I never had a financial problem. I was used at being on the top of the food chain, adored and respected by the less fortunate people. Everything was easy and good.That's what I thought, at first."Des!" Hestirikal ang boses ni Lilian sa kabilang linya. Kadadating ko lang sa bahay. Mabuti na lang at wala si Mommy kundi baka napuno na ako ng tanong ngayon."Bakit ka biglang nawala kagabi? We were worried about you! Hinanap ka namin sa buong bar dahil sa pag-aalala!""Slow down, Lil. Sasabihin ko rin sa inyo ang nangyari kapag nagkita tayo. But I'm totally fine, don't worry."Bumuntong-hininga siya."Huwag mo sabihing sumama ka sa isang lalaki? Did you went t
Mariin ko siyang tiningnan, urging him to speak more. Sa huli'y ngumiti siya. Aaminin ko, parang may kakaibang nararamdaman ako sa taong 'to. Kahina-hinala. Maybe there's a hidden agenda or something? "Hindi naman talaga ako ang dapat na tutor mo." I crossed my legs with my hand resting on my knee, slowly tapping it. Saglit na bumaba ang tingin niya dito, ngunit agad ring bumalik sa aking mga mata. "And then? Bakit ikaw ang nandito instead of that person? Alam ba ito ni mommy?" "I'm just making a favor for a friend. He's kinda busy that's why I'm here on his place. And yes, your mother knows all of these." "Hindi ka ba busy with your own life and you came all the way here to do these nonsense things?" I don't care if it looks like I am an interviewer interrogating him. I just want to know a little background. "As what I've told you, I'm bored. And this is not a nonsense. I'm helping a friend, and at the same time I'm helping you. It's hitting
"Miss Des, may bisita po kayo," bungad sa akin si Wamilda paglabas ko ng kuwarto. Pasado alas nuebe na ng umaga nang tumingin ako sa relong pambisig. Tinanghali kasi ako ng gising dahil matagal akong nakatulog kagabi sa kakaisip ng paraan kung paano mapapa-give up ang maestro kong arogante. Iniisip ko rin ang dahilan kung bakit siya hinayaan ni mommy na maging substitute ng tutor ko. If he's that famous, mom knows him for sure.Kung ganoon siya kayaman, bakit pa siya nagtiyatiyaga sa pagtuturo? As what he have said, tinutulungan niya ang kaibigan niya. But to think of it, how come he has a friend from the lower class? At kung tutuusin, puwede naman niya iyong tulungan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng trabaho sa kompanya nila.Damn. Sumakit na lang ang ulo ko sa kakaisip ng mga bagay na 'yon ay wala pa rin akong naisip na sagot. And it ended up, eyebags lang ang nakuha ko."Sino?" Wala naman akong expected na bisita ngayon. Siguro isa sa mga kaibigan ko. Mahilig a
Wearing a silk robe, I opened the glass door towards my room's veranda. It was one of the usual nights of October, cold and dark. Ang malamig na hangin ay nanuot sa aking katawan habang humahakbang patungo sa railings. Nang marating iyon, tinukod ko ang dalawang siko, pinagkrus ang aking mga braso sa magkabilang panig ng balikat. The atmosphere was peaceful. Ang banayad na pag-alon ng aking buhok ay hinayaan ko, habang unti-unting nag-aangat ng tingin sa madilim na kalangitang napupuno ng bituin. Between those shiny little things, a moon shines brightly. The moon that never fails to fascinate me. Tatlong araw na lang bago ang aking ika-labingwalong kaarawan. I should feel happy and excited, that finally I would be on the legal age. But it feels like, iba ang nararamdaman ko. Hindi ko man aminin kay mommy, alam ko sa sarili kong naghahanap pa rin ako ng kalinga ng isang ama hanggang ngayon. All my life, I never had a father. Ni isang beses, hindi
"Ma'am, nandito na po si Mr. Mongreco," bungad sa akin ng isang kasambahay pagpasok ko pa lang sa pintuan ng mansiyon."Kanina pa?""Opo. Nasa study room siya."Bumuntong-hininga ako at dumiretso sa kuwarto para makapagbihis. Nang umalis siya kanina ay hindi na rin ako nagtagal pa dahil alas dose na iyon ng tanghali. Louie was obviously irritated with his words, kaya umalis na rin ito at hinatid ako. Mainitin kasi ang ulo non kaya mabilis mainis. I don't blame him, though. Mukha naman talagang sinadya ni Reilan na inisin siya. He should have kept his mouth shut than insult him. What do I expect, anyway? Gago naman talaga ang Mongreco na 'yon.When I entered the study room, his eyes automatically shifted on me. He's in his usual position, sitting on a chair in front of the circular table. Itiniklop niya ang hawak na libro nang maupo ako sa tabi niya."I thought you forgot about our session. Buti naman naalala mo," he said darkly, eyes are scre
He tried to reach for my hand but I stepped backward. Nagsusumamo ang kanyang mga mata, ipinapakita sa akin ang labis niyang pagsisisi sa ginawa.But it's all too late."Des, please... I'll be good I promise. Hindi na ako mambababae. Hindi ko na 'yon ulit gagawin. J-Just give me another chance..."Umiling ako."I don't give second chances, Harris. It's all over. Ayoko ko ng magkaroon pa ng koneksiyon sa 'yo. I'm done with you. So get your ass of here before I'll call the security. You know me, pag sinasabi ko ginagawa ko talaga."Ngunit hindi siya nagpatinag. Sinubukan niya akong hawakan, ngayo'y mas agresibo ang kilos kaya hindi ako nakaiwas. I tried to take off his hands on my both arms, but he's too strong for me. Lalaki pa rin siya kaya walang laban ang lakas ko sa kanya."Harris, get off me!""Hear me out, Des. I know kasalanan ko, but it's a mistake. It's just a mistake babe... Let's start over again. I know yo
The first time I laid my eyes on her... I got hooked. So bad.She was dancing wildly in the middle of the crowd, not minding the men's stares at her. Nang mga oras na 'yon, hindi ko pa alam kung sino siya o anong ugnayan niya kay Analiese Fontana. I didn't even think about that while watching her.I'm not sure why I got hooked by her at first glance. Maybe because of her drunk, yet mysterious innocent eyes. Maybe because of her sweet smiles while dancing. Maybe because of her fragility. I don't know.I've met different women. But I never do the first move. And dancing wasn't even my forte. Kaya kung anuman ang meron sa kanya ay gusto kong malaman. She was so submissive, but at the end of the night, I felt so frustrated.He mistook me for another man.I got confused and angry because of that. Ni minsan wala pang babaeng tinawag ako sa ibang pangalan. Especially in that kind of heated moment
I can feel someone holding my hand firmly. Iyon ang una kong napansin nang magising ang diwa. Kaya kahit mabigat ang talukap ng mga mata'y sinikap ko itong imulat. I want to confirm that it's him. Gusto kong masiguradong buhay nga ako at hindi lang guni-guni ang lahat.I saw the white ceiling as I opened my eyes. I blinked several times and checked my breathing. True, I'm still alive."Desire..."Napatingin ako sa gilid. There, I saw him. Puno ng pag-aalala ang kanyang mukha. He's still wearing his suit. Ngunit bahagya iyong nadumihan. Siguro'y nang pasukin ang nasusunog na bahay. Totoo nga, he came to save me. To fulfill his promise of protecting me and our child."Are you okay? May masakit ba sa'yo? Wait, I'll call the doctor. You need to be checked again." He stood up, but I hold his hand.Umiling ako."Please... stay."Muli siyang umupo. Hinaplos niya ang mukha ko. His eyes are filled with genuine care and concern. Pinatakan niya
Emosyonal akong niyakap ni Lili at Marie nang pumasok sila sa kuwarto ko. I'm done with my make up. Nakaroba pa lang ako samantalang sila ay nakaayos na. They look so happy for me. Ako rin, sobrang saya. Na sa huli, ito ang naging resulta. Na sa huli, mabubuo ulit ako."Stop crying, girls. Your make ups would be ruined. I don't want to have ugly bridesmaids. Kaya tumigil na kayo dahil baka mapa-iyak rin ako. Arte niyo, ha." I chuckled.Kumalas sila. Pinunasan ang mga luha."Ano ka ba naman, Des! We're just happy! Alam namin kong anong pinagdaanan mo kaya sobrang nakakagaan sa puso na makita kang masaya ngayon," si Lili na bahagyang namula ang ilong."Oo nga. Kaya hayaan mo na kami! Isang beses ka lang ikakasal kaya kami emosyonal. I'm sure mapapaiyak ka rin sa kasal namin," ani Marie.Tumawa ako."Let's see, then.""O, siya magbihis ka na at baka ma-late ka pa sa kasal niyo. Good luck." They both laughed before going out.Naiwa
Kakabangon ko pa lang sa kama ay agad na akong nakaramdam ng pagkaduwal. I quickly run towards the bathroom. Sinikop ko ang buhok at sumuka sa sink.Umagang-umaga ay ganito na ang nangyari. Kaya hindi ko maiwasang magduda na totoo nga talaga ang hinala ni Lili. As what I've heard, pregnant women sometimes have morning sickness.Narinig ko ang pagbukas ng pintuan ng banyo, hindi na ako nag-abalang lumingon dahil abala ako sa pagsusuka. Wala namang pumapasok sa kuwarto ko ng walang paalam maliban kay Reilan."Baby," his voice was soft.Nang matapos sa kalbaryo, inis ko siyang hinarap. I thought he already left last night but here he is, fueling my irritation again."Bakit ka nandito? Lumabas ka! I don't need you here! You should leave me!"Sinunukan kong lumabas ngunit hinarangan lang niya ako. With our body's closeness, I can smell his manly perfume. I inhaled his scent. Mabangong-mabango iyon sa pakiramdam ko na para bang gusto ko iyon
Reilan opened the car's door for me. Our bodyguards remained at our back as we stand in front of my father's home. The house where I stayed for four years in pain.I admit, living here was really hard. Wala ang mga taong nakasanayan ko. Wala si mommy, o kahit ang mga kaibigan. Though dad is there, he's still a complete stranger. Hindi rin kami ganoon kadalas mag-usap dahil abala siya sa kompanya.Kahit inaalalayan ako ni Rios, sa loob ng apat na taon, hindi pa rin ako nasanay. It was like I am trapped in such an unfortunate reality I can't escape. But despite of that feeling, I know this place helped me grow.I didn't despise living here. Because I know, I owe a lot to them, to my father who helped me live again. Maybe it was really destiny who brought me here. And maybe, at the end, I'll heal completely in spite the scars.Marami man ang masamang nangyari, marami pa rin akong natutunan.The pain made me become the person wh
Agad kaming nagsampa ng kaso laban kay Victor. Hindi siya umapila. Instead, he pleaded guilty during the hearing. Naging tahimik ang mga sumunod na linggo. I felt relieved that finally, he's now on jail. That finally, matutuldukan na ang madilim na parte ng buhay ko.I also talked to Rios in person. Pero hindi ako hinayaan ni Reilan na makipagkita sa kanya ng mag-isa. He was with me all the time but he gave us some privacy.Rios, until the end, tried to convince me that the Mongrecos are evil. He said that I will be safer by staying on his side, that I should come back to Scotland with him. Nagalit siya nang hindi ako sumang-ayon sa gusto niyang mangyari.Ngunit sa huli'y wala ring nagawa. My decision was already absolute. Hindi na ito mababago pa ng kanyang paninira kay Reilan at sa pamilya nito.Mr. Lucas contacted me a few days after Victor was captured. Sinabi niyang hindi siya sigurado kung paano nito natunugan ang aming imbestigasyon. I just t
Silence filled the whole place.No one dared to say something after we told them everything that happened including our child's death. Shock was evident on his mother's face. Ni isa mula sa mga kaibigan niya ay hindi nagbalak magsalita, tahimik na nakikiramdam sa paligid. Niyuko ko ang ulo, wala ng masabi. Reilan stayed silent while caressing my waist. Alam kong kahit siya ay gulat pa rin sa nalaman. Sa diin ng kanyang bawat salita habang nakikipag-usap sa mga magulang ay ramdam ko ang poot doon. He is having a hard time controlling his anger. Hindi man niya sabihin, ramdam ko ang galit na nararamdaman niya.I know because I also felt that kind of anger the moment I knew about it.Naputol ang katahimikan nang malakas na tumunog ang cellphone ni Reilan. Nanatili siya sa tabi ko nang sagutin ang tawag."It was Major Bonifacio," he said after the call. Nagtangis ang bagang niya, halos durugin ang teleponong hawak sa pinipigilang galit. I hold his hand
Tahimik akong iginiya ni Reilan papasok sa isang may kalakihang kuwarto. I didn't say anything as he commanded me to sit on a side of the bed. Saglit niya akong iniwan at pumunta sa closet. Pagbalik niya'y may dala na siyang damit. His clothes, probably."Wear these, for now. I don't have your clothes here," aniya sa mababang boses at inabot sa akin ang hawak. It's a mustard t-shirt and shorts.Tumango ako at inalis ang coat. I put it on the bed before looking at him again. Kinuha ko sa kanya ang mga damit saka tumayo.I walked towards the bathroom. Ramdam ko ang pagsunod ng kanyang tingin. When I finally escaped from his sight, I heaved. I looked at my reflection on the mirror. And damn, I look horrible. Ipinatong ko muna ang damit sa sink at naghilamos ng mukha. Ang malamig na tubig ay kahit papaano'y nagpagaan sa aking pakiramdam.When I went out, my eyes automatically darted on the man sitting in the king-sized bed. Madilim siyang nakatingin sa
After dinner, we decided to watch a movie. Sinang-ayunan ko ang suhestiyon ni Louie dahil sa tingin ko hindi ako makakatulog ng maaga sa gabing iyon.I'd just idle and think about the many things I need to fix in my life. Alam kong marami pa akong kailangang ayusin. Pero sa ngayo'y gusto ko munang magpahinga mula sa lahat at sa mga susunod na araw na lang isipin ang dapat gawing aksyon."Anong genre ang gusto mong panoorin ngayon?" he asked. Nakaupo ako sa sofa. Siya nama'y tinitingnan ang mga DVDs."Anything will do. Just make sure it has a good story line. Alam mo namang wala akong specific genre.""Wala ka pa rin talagang pinagbago."Action movie ang pinanood namin. He sit beside me with a bowl of popcorn. Kapag siya ang pumili ay patayan talaga ang gugustuhin niya. I don't have any problem with that, though. Okay naman sa akin kahit ano basta maganda ang takbo ng storya."Ang galing ng stunts!""Yeah. Galing ng bida,"