"Nooooo," Andrei cried. Nakakapit siya sa braso ni Zandrey and it seems like he doesn't want to let go. Sunod-sunod iyong pagtulo ng luha niya and my chest tightened at the sight of it."Drei, Dad has to go," I said softly, dahan-dahan kong kinukuha siya mula kay Zandrey, pero matindi talaga ang kapit niya."Should I just not go?" Zandrey murmured. Parang ayaw na rin niyang umalis dahil sa iyak ni Andrei."No, you should go. Ako na bahala kay Andrei," I said. Kita ko ang pag-aalala sa mukha niya, but he really has to go. Kailangan siya doon."No, Daddy. Don't leave, Daddy," he cried again.Gusto ko na rin maiyak. I don't want to see him cry like this. Ramdam ko iyong takot niya sa pag-alis ng daddy niya, even if I already told him he will be back. I had to assure him that his dad is just leaving for work, that he'll be back in no time. Pero patuloy lang iyong iyak niya."Dad will be back, Drei. Don't cry, baby. He just has to work," paliwanag ko ulit."I wanna go with Daddy!"Malapit
"Good morning," Zandrey greeted as he kissed my bare shoulders. "Good morning," I greeted back. It's been quite a smile sincec I had a smile on my face upon waking up. Mabilis siyang tumayo mula sa pagkakahiga samantalang nanatili muna akong nakahiga. He went to the bathroom. Nakatingin lang ako sa ceiling as I will myself to finally wake up. We have a long day ahead kaya kailangan ko nang bumangon. Anytime now, the kids might wake up. Bago pa man ako makatayo ay may narinig na akong kumakatok sa pinto. I quickly stood up to wear the clothes I wore last night. Muntik pa akong ma-out balance dahil sa pagmamadali. I heard Zandrey laughed. Nang lingunin ko siya ay kasalukuyan siyang nakasandal sa pinto ng bathroom at nagto-toothbrush. I rolled my eyes at him. "Kasalanan mo," I grumbled. He just chuckled once again. Nang makapagbihis na ay saka lang ako lumapit sa pinto. I even checked the bed kung may nagkalat bang kung ano. Good thing wala naman kaya malaya ko nang nabuksan ang p
Patuloy akong naglakad hanggang sa makabalik ako sa sasakyan. Matindi iyong hawak ko sa paper bag na bitbit ko na may lamang lunch niya. I was initially lost- lost for words, lost for reactions. The moment I saw it, parang nawalan na lang talaga ng kakayahan ang utak kong mag-function.It was when my phone beeped that I realized I'm in reality, that I was not dreaming or hallucinating.Everything I've seen was real.I tried to reach for my phone na nasa bag ko. I realized my hands were shaking while trying to get it.Are you coming?It was a text from Zandrey. Nang makita ang pangalan niya, agad nag-unahan sa pagtulo ang mga luha kong kanina pa gustong kumawala.Ngayon ay muli kong naramdaman iyong sakit sa loob ko. I started crying loudly, not minding if people might hear me from the outside.Ang bigat ng loob ko. Hindi agad ako nakaiyak kanina pero ngayon ay parang walang pigil sa pagtulo iyong mga luha ko.The image was still clear in my mind. He was kissing another girl and if I w
Buong biyahe ay hindi ako nagsalita. Tahimik lang akong umiiyak sa likod ng sasakyan. Maging sina Dominic at Daisy ay hindi rin ako kinulit sa kung ano talagang nangyari. They just let me pour all my feelings out and I'm so grateful for them. Kung hindi sila dumating, siguro ay nandoon pa rin ako. Siguro ay kaharap ko pa siya ngayon. Siguro ay mas lalo akong nagmukhang tanga.It was so hard for me to digest everything that I have seen. Then I thought, the past days, I kind of feel like there was really something wrong. Ramdam ko nang parang may kakaiba, but I tried to shrug it off my mind. Pinilit ko ang sarili kong huwag pansinin iyong mga napapansin ko. But God, how could I be so blind?Hindi pa rin ako matigil sa pag-iyak. He showed he really loves me. The kids love him. Pero paano ko ipagpapatuloy kung ano man itong nasimulan namin kung may bahid na ng pagtataksil? I'm not the type of person who would just tolerate something like that. Pero paano ang mga anak ko? Paano ako? Paano
It has been days since I haven't seen him. Naririnig ko siyang umuuwi ng bahay to see the kids pero hindi rin nagtatagal. I still refuse to see him and I am standing firm on that until now. Isang araw na din ang lumipas magmula 'nong huling iyak ko dahil sa ginawa niya. I'd like to think it would be the last kasi nakakapagod na talagang umiyak. But I know it wouldn't be the last. I have unlimited tears and they always fall for him. Nobody else knows about what happened yet. But nobody has also seen us together. So far, wala pa namang nagtatanong sa amin kaya wala pa akong nasasabihan. I don't really want it to be a really big issue. But who am I kidding? Iyong ginawa niya pa lang ay isa nang malaking usapan. I still wonder most of the time... paano kung malaman nila ang ginawa ni Zandrey? Paano kapag nalaman nilang wala nang kasalang magaganap? I'm sure it will be such a huge disappointment. Kahit ako ay matindi rin ang panghihinayang. Pero anong magagawa ko? It already happened. I
Zandrey's POV "Hey, a slot for the medical mission has opened up," Troy said upon seeing me in the hallway. "Sinong umatras?" Tanong ko. The slots have been fully occupied since it was posted. Mostly ay mga interns iyong nagpalista. I'm just not sure why another slot opened. Baka siguro may nagback out. "Celeste can't go. May importante daw na pupuntahan," sagot naman ni Troy. "I have to ask my wife first," I replied. I know we're not yet married and she's not yet my wife, but I've been telling people here in the hospital that she's my wife. Ikakasal na din naman kami kaya okay na 'yon.. In fact, we're already living together and have kids. She's not yet my wife legally, but in my heart, we're already married. Napailing na lang si Troy sa naging sagot ko. There was a teasing grin on his face. "Hindi na talaga ako magtataka kung madagdagan na naman mga anak mo." I laughed at what he said. "Kayo rin ni Hope. It's about time," I mumbled, referring to her girlfriend, who's also a d
Aira has been so cranky these days. Madalas kaming hindi magkaunawaan, but I always make sure we still end up making up at the end of the day. Ang hirap kapag may galit o tampo siya sa akin. I feel like anytime, she'll push me away and I cannot go back to her. Konting pagkakamali lang ay natatakot na ako. Natatakot kasi akong mawala siya. One weekend, we had a beach getaway with our family and close friends. Pagkatapos lang iyon ng mga busy na araw. We thought everybody just needed a rest from everything. I know I do, kaya nang magka-chance ay pumayag ako. Daisy and Dominic announced their pregnancy. I'm so happy for them. Madalas kasi akong kausapin ni Dominic tungkol doon. After they their first baby, they had a hard time conceiving. Ngayon ay makakahinga na siya nang maluwag kasi dumating na ang panahon para sa kanila. The kids were already tired from swimming in the sea. Maging ako ay napagod din kaya agad akong nakatulog. But I woke up in the middle of the night. Naalimpungata
I know she's hurting because of what she witnessed. I was hurting too because I unintentionally hurt her. Kahit gaano mo pala iwasan iyong mga bagay na pwedeng makasakit, you would still end up hurting them. Pero alam ko sa sarili kong wala akong kasalanan. I was just a victim too and I wanted to explain myself to her. But she's not giving me any chance to explain at all. I understand her, but I am also being put in a helpless situation.The entire time I was still busy at the hospital, maya't-maya pa ring pumapasok si Aira sa isip ko. I was so distracted at work that I just wanted to take the rest of the day off. Kaso hindi pwede. Walang ibang on-duty na doctor. So even if I really don't want to wait, I just did. I can't run away from my responsibilities here.When I got home, it was already late, and she was already sleeping. She locked the door. She must ahve forgotten I have a key so I opened it as slowly as I can.My heart instantly ached upon seeing her form lying on our bed. I
TW: Abuse, ViolenceZandrey's POVI was almost running late for my next class. Naharang kasi ako nina Jed at Dominic. Nag-aayang makipag-group date. To avoid prolonging the conversation, I just agreed to go. There's no harm in it. Besides, I might benefit from it. In whichever way, I'm not sure. Lagi lang naman akong game sa mga buhay nila. Lately, all I did was study and go home when I have the chance. I can't mess this up. Not when I don't want to be under my dad's roof anymore. Kaya kailangan kong pagbutihin ang pag-aaral. I know he has the wealth, but I don't really trust him in giving it to me as his heir. Baka may iba siyang anak, so I have to do well on my own. I don't really need his money.I passed by the Library since it was the closest route going to our building. But it was quite packed with students so I bumped into a girl."Are you okay? I'm so sorry," I quickly said. I helped her picked up her things that fell on the floor. When I looked up, I almost stopped.Man, she's
"Does your tummy still hurts?" Andren asked. He's holding a book while looking at me. Napansin niya sigurong napapangiwi ako."Konti. Pero hindi naman gaano," I replied."Mom, why don't you go to the hospital?" Andrew butted in. "Hindi pa naman siguro ako manganganak. Mararamdaman ko naman 'yon," I murmured. I inhaled-exhaled. This month's gonna be my month. We'll finally going to have our baby girl.Zandrey and I had been married already for 8 years. We already have three boys. And finally, after several years of waiting ay magkakaanak na rin kami ng baby girl. I was actually waiting for this. And it indeed came."Asan ba ang Kuya niyo?" I inquired. Andrew and Andren looked at each other. "Where's Andrei?" I asked again."Umakyat ng ligaw," Andrew replied laughingly. My eyes widened because of what I've heard. May nililigawan na ang anak ko nang hindi ko man lang alam? God, he's just sixteen!"What?" I asked, a bit panicking. Hindi pa siya pwedeng magkagirlfriend! Hindi pa siya pwe
"You may now kiss the bride," the priest said. Dahan-dahan niyang itinaas ang belo ko and smile lovingly at me before brushing his lips to mine. "I love you so much," bulong niya when he hugged me. I returned his hug, even tightier."I love you more," I replied. I felt him kissed the top of my head."Hey, stop that. Picture muna," Daisy exclaimed after that long moment we just had. Naghiwalay na kami mula sa pagyayakapan and smiled at each other.We took pictures and a lot of pictures. We wanted to have as much documentation as possible. Masasabi kong ito na talaga ang isa sa mga pinakamasasayang araw ng buhay ko. I believe this is what Zandrey feels as well. Today, we just really happy because after everything we went through, all the backwards and forwards that came in between, we are finally here and are officially married.I am Maria Airaleen Alfonso-Del Fuerto now. And I think what a beautiful name that is.Who would have thought na ang dating "group blind date" lang sana at mau
It took him weeks to fully recover from everything. He had to go to a lot of therapy to fully recover. Mabuti na lang at walang ibang na-damage sa kanya. He still has to stay at home for some more time though. But that's okay. As long as he's okay and still breathing.He already knew about my pregnancy . I will never forget the huge smile on his face when I show him a picture of the sonogram. Thank God my body also recovered kaya wala na akong problema sa pagbubuntis.We decided to have the wedding after I gave birth to the baby. Ayokong malaki iyong tiyan ko kung ikakasal ako. We agreed to it and I know we're all set for that. Kailangan din munang manganak ni Daisy because she still wants to be the one who will organize it for us.We're currently in bed, both ready to sleep when I felt him hug me. Nang lingunin ko siya, nakita kong nakangiti siya sa akin."I can't wait to marry you," he mumbled. Natawa na lang ako. We're still quite far from the date we initially set.I remember when
Iyak ako nang iyak habang nagmamaneho si Thaniel. We were still an hour away from the hospital where Zandrey is. At hindi na ako mapakali. No one would tell me what's really his condition and my heart can't stay still. "Ai, please don't forget you're pregnant. Makakasama sa baby 'yan," Thaniel said, his eyes, still focused on the road. Ilang beses na niyang sinabi 'yon, pero kahit anong gawin ko, hindi pa rin ako matigil sa pag-iyak. Hindi ko alam kung paano kakalma pagkatapos ng nalaman ko. I can't help but blame myself for everything that happened. Kung hindi ako nagmatigas, siguro ay walang away at hindi mangyayari ito. From time to time, I text Daisy or Dominic for update but none of them has replied to my messages. Hindi na ako mapakali sa kinauupuan ko. Kung pwede lang paliparin itong sasakyan, kanina ko pa ginawa. Hindi ako relihiyoso. I don't pray as often. I don't call Him all the time, but at times like this, I have no one call but Him. Alam kong ang daming nangyayari t
Aira's POV I decided to take a vacation. Alam kong hindi dapat ako nagbabakasyon ngayon sa dami ng mga dapat gawin sa firm. Pero kailangan ko 'to. I needed to go somewhere so I can clear my head. If I don't do this, I might explode, so I needed a relaxing place where I can fully be alone with myself and my thoughts. "Siguro ka bang okay ka lang?" Thaniel asked. I asked him for help in booking a room in his resort. It was very last minute and I hate to take advantage of our friendship, but I just really need this right now. "I'll be fine, Thaniel," I responded. Mukhang hindi pa rin siya kumbinsidong okay lang ako. There was something in his face. I tried to smile at him pero mukhang naging ngiwi iyon. "Ang creepy," he commented. I rolled my eyes at him and he just laughed. "Siguradong okay ka lang mag-isa dito ha?" "Oo nga," I replied. "Just call me whenever you need anything, okay?" "I will." I shooed him away once again. Mukhang ayaw niya kasing umalis. Kailangan ko nang map
I woke up with a heavy head. Para akong dinaganan ng ilang daang sasakyan. I couldn't even stand up from my bed because of the heaviness I feel. "I cooked some soup. You should have some para mabawasan ang sakit ng ulo mo." I looked up and saw Mom standing beside me. When I looked around, I realized I was at my old unit. Wala na akong maalala kung paano ako nakauwi dito. "Si Dom na ang nag-uwi sa 'yo dito kagabi. Lasing na lasing ka," she stated as she walked towards me. Pinaurong niya ako sa kama saka siya tumabi sa akin. "Ano bang nangyayari, Zandrey? May problema ba kayo ni Aira?" Gulong-gulo na ang isip ko. Nauubusan na ako ng lakas sa tuwing naiisip ko ang mga nangyayari. Aira's still not talking to me. Her father punched me in the face. And now, I'm about to tell her Mom that I hurt her daughter.Why is this happening to me?"Come on, you can tell me everything, Zandrey," she murmured.I took a heavy breath before I started telling her everything that happened.It was not ea
I know she's hurting because of what she witnessed. I was hurting too because I unintentionally hurt her. Kahit gaano mo pala iwasan iyong mga bagay na pwedeng makasakit, you would still end up hurting them. Pero alam ko sa sarili kong wala akong kasalanan. I was just a victim too and I wanted to explain myself to her. But she's not giving me any chance to explain at all. I understand her, but I am also being put in a helpless situation.The entire time I was still busy at the hospital, maya't-maya pa ring pumapasok si Aira sa isip ko. I was so distracted at work that I just wanted to take the rest of the day off. Kaso hindi pwede. Walang ibang on-duty na doctor. So even if I really don't want to wait, I just did. I can't run away from my responsibilities here.When I got home, it was already late, and she was already sleeping. She locked the door. She must ahve forgotten I have a key so I opened it as slowly as I can.My heart instantly ached upon seeing her form lying on our bed. I
Aira has been so cranky these days. Madalas kaming hindi magkaunawaan, but I always make sure we still end up making up at the end of the day. Ang hirap kapag may galit o tampo siya sa akin. I feel like anytime, she'll push me away and I cannot go back to her. Konting pagkakamali lang ay natatakot na ako. Natatakot kasi akong mawala siya. One weekend, we had a beach getaway with our family and close friends. Pagkatapos lang iyon ng mga busy na araw. We thought everybody just needed a rest from everything. I know I do, kaya nang magka-chance ay pumayag ako. Daisy and Dominic announced their pregnancy. I'm so happy for them. Madalas kasi akong kausapin ni Dominic tungkol doon. After they their first baby, they had a hard time conceiving. Ngayon ay makakahinga na siya nang maluwag kasi dumating na ang panahon para sa kanila. The kids were already tired from swimming in the sea. Maging ako ay napagod din kaya agad akong nakatulog. But I woke up in the middle of the night. Naalimpungata