Diane’s P.O.V.
As if it was the cue, Leandro instantly scooped me in his arms. He was carrying me in a bridal way habang nakataas ang kaliwa niyang paa. I had no other choice but to snake my arms on his neck for him to have an easier balance.
“I remembered when I saved you from that Zander, ganito ka rin kagaan noon.” Leandro smiled, but I looked away. He was reminding me of what had happened before, but my eyes went directly to Liam and Sharmaine.
At ganoon na lang ang inis ko nang makita kong karga na rin ni Liam si Sharmaine. Tuwang-tuwa pa ang bruha, but who wouldn’t relish the feeling when she was being carried by the great billionaire—Liam Arthur Evangelista?
For the second time, I diverted my gaze away. I decided to look at Karen and Samuel—na hindi na yata matatapos pa ang pagbabangayan over the newspaper game.
“S
Diane’s P.O.V.“Don’t you want to exchange your post-it note with Karen, Diane?” Leandro asked me, which earned a wrinkle on my forehead.Why would I even change my post-it note when fate already brought me back to the one I desired to be with? Napakaliit ng chance na kaming dalawa ang mag-partner ni Liam sa game na ito, pero nangyari pa rin.Luminga ako sa paligid. Almost everyone already got their partners in the second game. I was about to open my mouth to respond to Leandro’s query when Karen intervened, saving me.“Why, Leandro? Don’t you want me to be your partner?” Karen then linked her right arm to Leandro’s, not letting him off the hook. “Ouch, I’m hurt!”Napabuga naman ng hangin si Leandro. Being with Karen, he was kind of hopeless.“Hind
Diane’s P.O.V.Hindi ko na masyado pang binigyan ng pansin ‘yong sinabi ni Liam nang makita ko ang isang blue ribbon na malayang nakasabit sa isang sanga ng puno. Bumitiw ako mula sa pagkakahawak ng mga kamay namin sa isa’t isa, mabilis na tumakbo sa puno, at pilit na inabot ‘yong ribbon. Tumalon-talon na nga ako, pero hindi ko pa rin iyon maabot.“Wait, stay still… I’ll reach that for you,” Liam proposed.Mabilis na nakalapit sa kinaroroonan ko si Liam at tumingkayad siya para abutin ‘yong ribbon. Tumalon-talon na rin siya at kahit pa tingin ko ay over six feet ang height niya, hindi pa rin niya ‘yon maabot.“How on earth did they tie it up here?” Liam was rubbing his clean-shaven jaws with his fingers. “Ah, of course, they might have used a stepladder. Hmm… I guessed I have to carry you to get tha
Diane’s P.O.V.It took us a few minutes before we reached the supposed-to-be end of the forest and all the time, Liam effortlessly carried me. When we were in front of a wall full of vines, Liam slowly brought me down to my feet and I stood straight beside him.The combined green and red vines in front of me became a perfect backdrop which complemented the entire nature. As the vines covered the large brick and stone wall, they left some small gaps where you could still see the wall, creating great pattern and texture.“Hmm… mukhang dead-end na yata ito, Liam? Naliligaw na ba tayo?” tanong ko sa kanya. Pero malabo namang maligaw kaming dalawa rito dahil pagmamay-ari pa rin ni Liam ang ilang hektaryang lupain at man-made forest na ito.Pinakiramdaman ko na lang tuloy ang buong paligid. I must admit that I was always lost by how Liam used to stare at m
Diane’s P.O.V. A few moments went by and I found myself straddling into his body, gasping beneath his athletic frame. I could feel in between my thighs that Liam was already hard down there and I couldn’t be more excited at the thought. After what happened to us in his pad, alam kong hahanap-hanapin ko ito. It was as if I could feel that my body did not forget the intensity of being underneath him, flesh-to-flesh, and skin-to-skin. No other man could ever make me feel like this. My maxi dress was already pulled down to my navel after Liam threw my bikini top, revealing my bare mountains. I could see too much admiration on the way he looked at me and it was making me feel submissive to him. Liam kneaded into my breast, with my hard nipples being trapped and played by his fingers. Wala na akong nagawa kung hindi ang magpatianod sa nararamdaman ko para sa taong mahal ko. He was
Diane’s P.O.V. “So, you’re telling me that you’ve accidentally drowned before?” Liam furrowed his not-so-thick eyebrows. We were holding hands and true to his promise, he would never want to let me go. Pabalik na kami ngayon sa resort niya at magtataka lang naman ang kung sino mang makakakita sa amin dahil basang-basa pa rin kaming dalawa. Nakita na rin namin ‘yong dalawang blue ribbons kanina and just how we managed to get the first one, we did it again with teamwork and love. It was already one in the afternoon at wala na rin kaming makitang mga tao sa paligid. People might be back at the Moulin Paradise Resort, and they might be already eating lunch or enjoying themselves while swimming. Mukhang kanina pa nga natapos ang second game. Hindi ko tuloy maiwasang ma-curious kung sino ang nanalong pares. Who would have ever thought that while every pair was busy competi
Diane’s P.O.V.“If you’re not gonna break that damn fucking law, then you’re only letting Ernest reign over you. Can’t you see it? Your cousin is only controlling you, Karen. He’s depriving you of your rights! Why don’t you just admit that you’re only resisting your feelings for me? If not, then why would you even respond to my—” Samuel was almost gritting his teeth but Karen viciously cut him off.“Enough, Sam!” Karen was looking at him like she was about to murder him with her scorching glares. Her jaws were also clenching hard like she was competing against him. “I was only carried away so let’s just forget about what happened to us, okay?”“Why would I, Karen? Justify your reason.” Disappointment crossed Samuel’s handsome face.“Because I like Lorenz! Will that be eno
Diane’s P.O.V.“Do you have a turtle-neck blouse, sissy?” Karen asked me all of a sudden. Siya pa ang sobrang busy na naghahanap sa nasabing damit sa duffel bag ko.We were both done with our shower when Karen went inside my room a while ago. Pareho na rin kaming nakabihis, so I wasn’t sure kung bakit pa siya nagtatanong.“Hmm… wala, best. Bakit?” Nagtatakang tanong ko kay Karen. We were both wearing a spaghetti-strap top tank that could show a little bit of our cleavage.As far as I knew, she doesn’t want to wear a turtle-neck blouse because she always wanted to flaunt her slender neck. She still had a white towel on her hair but after drying and combing it, I guessed she would be all set.“Because you have a hickey on that pretty neck of yours,” she frankly spoke. “Wait here, I’ll get mine
Diane’s P.O.V.“So, guys… let’s start. Para hindi magtagal, sa simula lang natin gagawin ang bobo game. At baka sabihin ng iba na unfair na naman dahil ako ang magbibigay ng category, I’ll answer in the middle na lang, okay?” Xielo stated, na parang sinasadyang paringgan ang mga lalaki.“Siyempre, obvious naman na napaghandaan mo na ‘yan! Baka nga hindi na nawala sa utak mo ‘yong sagot eh!” Tumatawa si Peter habang nang-aasar sa kanya.“Well… it would be a little advantage for me dahil kung wala ako, this getaway will only bore you to hell,” Xielo refuted. “Aba! Hindi madali ang mag-organize ng games ha? But enough na, Peter. Huwag ka na lang sumali kung marami kang reklamo!” She scowled at him before clapping her hands to alert us. “Alright, everyone! Just get ready and I’ll definitely start in three,
Diane’s P.O.V.“Oh, sorry… M-Mommy A. I honestly forgot but I remember it now,” atubili kong tugon. If my memory was right, I used to call her Mommy A before. The moment I struggled from being a rape victim, I suddenly had two mothers.That time, Dra. Ava was persistent enough at ayaw niya talaga na tinatawag ko siyang Doktora o Dra. Ava. I lived with her for a few months while continuing my psychotherapy sessions at kapag nga may nagtatanong kung bakit ako nakatira sa dating bahay niya, she would often joke around na anak daw niya ako sa pagkadalaga.“Perfect! I could say that you now fully remember me.” Dra. Ava pleasantly released me from her hug and diverted her attention to my best friend.“And also, Karen, right? I’m glad to meet you. Diane has been talking a lot about you over the phone. Please, make yourselves comfortable. You
Diane’s P.O.V.Glossy white walls surrounded with landscaped paintings, double-floating bridal staircases with exotic brown columns, sophisticated elevators, and high ceilings with cascading chandeliers and remarkable drapes, greeted us from the inside. All furniture varieties were properly placed at its own position creating a minimalistic style.The mansion’s interior bespoke amenities that were even imported from other countries. It was truly breathtaking and I could say that the mansion had more than ten enviable rooms in it, other than the living room space and what I pictured out to be a chef-inspired kitchen.There was still a huge space for decorations, and generally, the overall mansion provided a natural light and ventilation. What we were breathing was indeed fresh air and there was no need for an air-conditioner. Kahit sino naman ay bigla na lang mapapanganga sa l
Diane’s P.O.V.After buying some treats and fruits sa nadaanan naming convenience store, it didn’t take long for Karen and I to finally reach Dra. Ava’s house. But it was an understatement to only describe it as a house. Hindi na pala ‘yon ang dating duplex townhouse ni Dra. Ava and little did I know na mansiyon pala ang aming pupuntahan.It was indeed a celestial and luxury house of about five thousand square feet—built with three stories and it even had what I thought were some attic levels. The exterior alone of modern peach-colored bricks casts a shadow of lavishness and makes a sassy statement in the entire place.The terraces were boldly overlooking and could already satisfy a visitor, who was just eyeing the second and third levels. Sky-rocketing French-designed and prostyle-fiberglass columns were dominatingly crafted at their finest.Fr
Diane’s P.O.V.“Best, if you really have to pull-over for us to better talk about it, it’s fine with me. I can wait. Isa pa, hindi naman aalis si Dra. Ava sa bahay niya at makakapaghintay naman siya sa akin,” I told Karen while gently wiping the tears on her right cheek using my handkerchief.Karen just nodded and parked at the right side of the road kung saan walang gaanong tao at mga sasakyan. She then pushed the ‘hazard’ button, alerting those within the perimeter that we were on a hazard—either having a mechanical problem, a flat tire along the way, or whatever they think was wrong with us.In this case, Karen should pacify herself first. She was overwhelmed by too much emotions and it wasn’t good for her. Lalabo lang ang mga mata niya habang nagmamaneho and I couldn’t afford to be in another car accident. That was the last thing I could have ever
Diane’s P.O.V.“Don’t lie to me, sissy. More than anyone else that surrounds you—well, even your siblings—it was me who can read you from head to toe. I can see right through you. Malakas ang pakiramdam ko na alam mo ang totoong dahilan kung bakit nagkaganoon si Liam at hindi lang ‘yon basta allergy lang. Don’t worry, I’ll seal my lips and whatever you share will only stay between the two of us. Deal?” Tumitingin-tingin si Karen sa’kin ngunit agad namang bumabalik ang atensiyon niya sa daan.“In three-hundred meters, turn left.” It was the female voice of Qooqle map on Karen’s infotainment system.I pursed my lips because I should have known her better. Karen wouldn’t share any of her secrets nang walang kapalit. She was quite clever… and most of the time, unpredictable.But being my most trust
Diane’s P.O.V. “So, where are we going now?” Karen asked me while taking care of her car infotainment system—wiping it with some tissues at her hand. Ilalagay niya kasi roon ‘yong address na kailangan naming puntahan. Mahirap na, baka kung saan pa kami mapunta at bigla na lang kaming maligaw rito sa Batangas. “Here,” sagot ko. Pinakita ko naman sa kanya ang cell phone ko at agad niyang binasa ang address na nakalagay roon, habang nilalagay ‘yon sa touchscreen niyang car monitor. Hindi naman ako mapalagay dahil pagkatapos ng ilang taon ay madadalaw ko na rin ang doktorang naging malapit sa buhay ko noon. Namamasa rin ang mga kamay ko at bahagya pang nanginginig ang mga ito. Actually, kinakabahan talaga ako and I had to take a deep breath to be comfortable. Out of all people, I knew that Dra. Ava Manuel was the only person who could
Diane’s P.O.V.Kung makikita lang ni Lorenz ang eksenang ito ay tiyak kong magseselos talaga ang kumag. But as much as I wouldn’t want to hurt him, I wouldn’t want to betray Karen too. I couldn’t say that I entirely knew her feelings, pero ayoko namang pangunahan ang kaibigan ko.I would want her to decide for herself—to decide who she would choose to be with in the end. It doesn’t matter who Karen would choose, as long as she would follow her happiness.“What can you say?” I asked Liam. “Mukhang nagkasundo na ang dalawa. I guessed there was something deeper between Karen and Chef Sam… at mukhang higit pa ‘yon sa kung ano mang pagkakakilala natin sa kanila.”“Hmm, I guessed your instincts are right. But anyway… si Lorenz ‘yong ka-video call mo kanina, ‘di ba? Did you mention to him anyth
Diane’s P.O.V. “Hmm… h-hindi pa kasi gising si Karen, Lorenz eh. You know her, right? It was still earlier than six and she’s not a morning person at all,” maang kong sagot while shrugging off my shoulders. “C-Can you call again later? Or… do you want me to relay your message to her?” I even straightened my posture para naman kahit papaano ay maging kapani-paniwala ang alibi ko. Sobrang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko dahil kahit ayokong magsinungaling sa kaibigan ko, ginagawa ko na iyon ngayon. Namamasa rin ang mga kamay ko. Ang lakas ng boses ko kanina habang pinagagalitan ko si Lorenz, ngayon naman ay halos bumulong na ako. “Oh! I get it now, Diane. Was it Liam who called you? My bad! Sorry for being insensitive here. I forgot that you’re also busy rebuilding your own love story.” Then, he smiled. “No, it’s fine. I’ll call her again later. Or maybe, I could set a date and tell Karen everything I neede
Diane’s P.O.V. “And how would you expect me to react, ha? Magpa-party dahil lang tumawag ka? Kung nandito ka lang eh baka nahampas pa kita!” gigil na sabi ko, pero hindi pa ako nakuntento roon. “You know what? Nagulat nga ako eh! Pagkatapos mo kasing hindi magparamdam sa amin nitong mga nakaraang araw, eh bigla ka na lang tatawag ngayon at malalaman kong buhay ka pa pala?” I contemptuously snapped at him. It was harsh, but I had to do it. Naiirita ako sa kanya, but at the same time… hindi ko mapigilan ang maawa. Pero, kasalanan naman niya ang lahat. “Hey! Do you have your monthly period, Diane?” natatawang buwelta niya sa lahat ng sinabi ko. “Can you please relax, take a deep breath, and hear me out first, okay? I’ve been trying to reach Karen ever since last night, but her cellular phone was damnably unattended. Hindi rin siya online eh, so I had no other choice but to call