Aaron tightened his grip on his leg as he awaits for his mother's explanation of things.
His mother cleared her throat before she continued.
“Irina came from a wealthy family and used to be a part of your father’s inner circle in college. Their families were close too. They practically grew up together. Your father said that Irina was sweet and caring. But she started to change when Irina learned that your father and I was already in a relationship. Irina maligned me in front of other people—most especially to your grandparents. She even spread a rumor in the university that I was carrying another man’s baby. But your father trusted me and didn’t believe all of Irina’s allegations about me. Your father confronted Irina and she confessed that she loves him. But should I be the one to weigh things, Irina was obssesed with your father. Greg rejected her that instant and threatened to sue her should she continue to trea
Agad na lumapit si Joshua kay Aaron.“What does she want now?” his brother asked, his fists were balled.‘’I don’t know. She just specifically asked me to go and see her,” aniya.“Will you go?” si Kiel.He gently shook his head. “I-I don’t know. I cannot go near her now without wanting to hurt her,” pag-amin niya, ikinuyom ang mga kamay.That’s the truth. Hindi pa humuhupa ang galit niya kay Gregory at sa mga kasama nitong nagplano ng masama sa pamilya niya.And if Kristine only wanted to see him to beg for her freedom, he surely will not give it to her kahit na lumuha pa ito ng dugo. He promised himself that he will make sure that Gregory and Kristine will suffer for the rest of their lives for what they did to his family. And he will do just that.“I understand,” umpisa ni Kiel, marahang tinapik ang balikat niya. “Go see her whene
“Good morning, Mommy!” Charlie greeted her still sleeping mother. Aaron watched as Charlie carefully climb on the hospital bed and gave her mother’s hand a kiss. “Goodmorning, baby brother!” his daughter continued as she gently ran her little hands over at Sam’s tummy. “Here, I made a card for you.”Charlie placed a card beside Sam’s pillow. It has a colorful stick figures of their family with little hearts and flowers on the border. Charlie scribbled that herself last night when she learned that he’ll be bringing her again to the hospital today.It has been two long weeks since the incident happened. Nailipat na si Sam sa isang regular suite. Nakauwi na rin si Joseph mula sa ospital. Pormal na siyang nakapagsampa ng kaso laban kina Gregory at Kristine. And though he’s still learning how to make a perfect ponytail, he know now how to braid Charlie’s hair. Subalit sa
Sam had been running for a while now in that dark place she was in. She had no idea where she was and how she got there. All she knew was that she needs to get out of there as soon as possible. She needs to be with her family. She needs to be with Aaron and Charlie. She needs to--She screamed when she fell onto something—a pit of neverending darkness. She thrashed her head from side to side, desperately looking for something she can hold on to but nothing—all she can see was nothing.Few moments more and she fell on what seemed to be a dark ground of nothingness. She breathed heavily—filling her chest with as much air as she needs. After that, she shook her head—dismissing the fear and confusion surrounding her. She gathered what seemed to be the last of her strength and tried to stand.“Aaron! Charlie!” she called, but she didn’t hear her voice. Mukhang hindi lang ang paningin niya ang wala sa lugar
Aaron’s chest constricted as she saw Lucas walking to and fro in front of Kristine’s hospital suite. He doesn’t want to think of anything negative but he cannot help it. Lalo pa sa malayo pa lang, kitang-kita na niya ang matinding pag-aalala sa mukha ni Lucas.He picked up his pace and made Charlie sit on the waiting bench before facing Lucas.“What happened?” nagmamadaling tanong niya sa kaibigan.Lucas gently shook his head and ran his fingers on his hair. “I really don’t know what happened but a nurse advised me not to go in yet when I arrived. What could possibly be wrong? Ngayon lang naman nangyari ‘to?”He released a slow breath, trying to keep his panic to himself. “Doc Angel checked on her before we went to see Doc Stef. She said Sam was fine and so is the baby,” kalmadong paliwanag niya.“She said that?” tanong nito. Tumango siya. &ldquo
“And that’s all for the day’s visit,” deklara ni Aaron matapos nitong isara ang pinto ng hospital suite ni Samantha.She just spent the whole day talking to her loved ones who came to visit her. Honestly, she was tired. Her strength is not yet in it’s excellent condition but defying death made her realized that she should appreciate all the time she gets to spend with the people she loves. Kaya naman kahit nanghihina pa rin siya, she made sure to talk to her loved ones who came to see her today.Naunang dumating ang Daddy niya. He cried as soon as he entered her hospital room. Naiyak na rin siya nang makita itong buhay at maayos. Aaron had already filled her in with what happened to her Dad and all the things that has transpired while she was in coma. At abot-langit ang pasasalamat niya na kahit nailagay sa alanganin ang buhay nilang mag-ama, they both survived and given a next chance at life.Sunod naman na duma
Maingat na hinawakan ni Aaron ang kamay ni Sam nang tumigil ang sasakyan nila sa mismong front porch ng bahay ng mga Sandejas sa Tagaytay. Matapos ang halos tatlong linggo niyang pamamalagi sa ospital, she finally got discharge today.And she’s more than happy to see the outside world. It has been days since she woke up from the coma but she couldn’t go out of her hospital suite to stretch her legs for a bit. Aaron wouldn’t allow her.Mula nang magising siya, hindi na umalis si Aaron sa tabi niya. Lagi itong nakabantay sa kanya. He’d carry her to the bathroom. Feed her like she’s a three-year old kid. And even wakes up intentionally at night just to check on her. Daig pa nito ang nurses sa ospital na nagra-rounds.But she couldn’t complain. She loves getting all of his attention. After all the struggles they went through in keeping their feelings for each other a secret, it’s quite liberating no
Samantha silently reached for Aaron’s hands as they sat on the chairs designated for jail visitors. She can sense that he is getting impatient that's why she did that.They will be meeting with Kristine today. And though Aaron was still having second thoughts about him meeting with Kristine, she, on the other hand, was ready to face Kristine.In fact, it was her idea to finally meet with Kristine today. She wanted to do it for closure. Because after Kristine had pleaded guilty during her own arraignment, there would be no reason for them to her ever again.Isang linggo na ang lumipas matapos ang libing ni Gregory. Maliban sa ilang tapat na taga-silbi, ni wala sa mga malalayong kamag-anak at business associates ang dumalo sa lamay nito. Matapos kasi nitong makulong dahil sa ginawa nitong pag-kidnap sa kanilang dalawa ni Charlie, naglabasan na rin ang iba’t-ibang kaso na may kaugnayan kay Gregory Sto. Domingo. Kasama na roon a
Aaron gently placed a bunch of flowers at the tomb in front of him. It has been two years ago since he last visited there personally. Not that he didn’t want too. But he respects the De Herreras so much that he prevented himself to visit Monique’s grave knowing that they are putting the blame on him with her unexpected demise.“The one who did this to you is already dead. He killed himself. Not exactly the punishment I really wanted for him to have but… his death was more than enough payment for all of his sins.” He took in a sharp breath—trying to rein in his emotions.Dala pa rin niya sa kunsensiya niya ang nangyari kay Monique na lalo lang pinagtibay ng confession ni Gregory. Kahit na ilang beses na silang nag-usap ni Sam tungkol doon, at kahit na anong pag-aalo ang gawin nito, hindi pa rin niya maalis sa isip niya that it was because of Gregory’s hate towards him and his family that was the cause of Mon
Dahil na rin sa pagod sakakaiisip at kakaiyak, tuluyang nakatuog si Charlie. Nang magising siya, madaling-araw na. She can’t believe she slept that long and missed dinner!Dinner. Shes' not supposed to miss any meals!She secretly groaned, realizing what she did.That has sent her to the edge of panic and relief all at the same time. Sandali siyang nakiramdam. Gael wasn’t cuddling her like he used to. She turned to her side carefully and she saw her husband sleeping on his side too facing away from her. Napalabi siya. Mukhang nagtampo na talaga sa kanya ang asawa.Hindi bale, today is officially their anniversary. She can tell him her secret now.Mabilis niya itong niyugyog. “Gael, wake up,” she whispered.He groaned, shifted slowly and lied on his back. Singkit ang mga matang tumingin ito sa kanya. “W-What? What is it?”Umusog siya kaunti palayo rito. “You have to get up. I’ll tell you something.”He huffed and clicked his tongue. Subalit bumangon din. Sandali itong bumaling sa orasa
“Again? Pero puno pa ang fridge niyan, love. Nakita ko kagabi nang bumaba ako sa kitchen,” reklamo ni Gael kay Charlie nang muli siyang maglagay ng dragon fruit sa cart. They were out grocery shopping in a local grocery store in Cancun. They have been staying there for a week now in celebration of their second wedding anniversary. It was a trip she didn’t really want to take at first because she easily gets tired lately. But when Gael told her that she will call the shots every time, she was in in no time.She rolled her eyes and faced him. “Can’t you get it? I’m not buying them for me to eat. I’m buying it because they looked cute,” pagrarason niya, muling naglagay ng dalawang piraso pa ng nasabing prutas sa cart.Gael huffed. “Should I buy you a dragon fruit farm?”“Of course not!” sabi niya, muling naglakad sa aisle ng prutas na kinaroroonan nila.“What about a grocery store then? You want me to purchase this grocery store for you?”Namawaywang na siya at hinarap ang asawa. “You
“Are you ready?” tanong ng Mommy ni Charlie sa kanya.She filled her lungs with air and gave her mother a slow nod. “Yes,” she replied smiling.Gumanti ng ngiti ang Mommy niya, nangingilid ang luha. Masuyo pa nitong inabot anag kanyang pisngi. “I wish you all the happiness in the world, sweetheart.”“Thanks, Mom,” sabi niya bago niyakap ang ina.They stayed like that for a while bago sila nakarinig ng katok sa pinto. “Hey, the music’s starting and all the guests are waiting. Don’t tell me may balak ka pang itakbo ‘yang anak mo, Sam,” said her father’s familiar voice outside the door.Natatawa nilang binitiwan ng Mommy niya ang isa’t-isa. Sandaling nitong pinunasan ng panyo ang gilid ng mga mata nito bago siya muling nginitian. “Let’s go. Your Dad cannot wait to give you away… officially,” pabirong sabi ng Mommy niya bago inabot sa kanya ang kanyang bouquet.When her mother opened the door to her room, she was met by her father’s loving gaze. “Finally,” anito, nakangiti. He gave her
“Ate, sa ‘yo na po ito,” anang sampung taong gulang na batang babae sa kanya. The girl was handing her a big white gumamela flower she probably picked near the gate of the orphanage. Napangiti siya, bahagyang yumuko bago tinanggap ang bulaklak na inaabot ng bata. “Talaga, akin na lang ‘to… ano nga ulit ang pangalan mo?” “Chamy po, ate.” “Salamat, Chamy.” The child gave her a soft smile in return. Akma na sana itong tatakbo pabalik sa mga kalaro nito sa ‘di kalayuan nang pigilan niya ito. “Ano nga palang gusto mong maging paglaki mo, Chamy?” The child beamed at her.“Gusto ko pong maging nurse, Ate!” Sandaling nangunot ang noo niya. “Bakit naman nurse, Chamy?” “Gusto ko po kasing alagaan si Lolo Gael d’yan sa kabilang building.” Lalong nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya. “Lolo Gael?” Mabillis na tumango si Chamy. “Gael lang po kasi ang alam niyang banggitin. Kaya Lolo Gael.” Tumuwid siya ng tayo, hinayon ng tingin ang building ng carehome sa mga matatanda na naroon din sa compoun
It was a manic day for Charlie. No. It was chaos spelled in all caps.She’s running late from her appointment “Hey, slow down, beautiful. You’ll hurt yourself,” nakangiting sabi ni Gael sa kanya, sumandal pa sa hamba ng pinto ng walk-in closet niya.“Go away, Gael. You know I cannot be late today,” sabi niya habang naglalagay ng sunscreen sa mukha. Gael chuckled. “Bakit, hindi ka naman late a. You still have at least an hour and a half to spare.”She scoffed and picked up her blush powder. She won’t wear her full make-up today. “An hour and a half spare that I’ll spend for travel. You know how’s Manila traffic in the morning, Gael. It’s one of the worse and I can’t afford to be late today. Nakakahiya sa orphanage at carehome! At lalong nakakahiya kay Ate Sophie.”It’s true, kasama niya sa pagpunta sa bahay-ampunan at carehome ang kapatid ni Jasmine ngayon. Siguro, kung hindi lang kapapanganak ni Jasmine, baka kasama rin niya ito ngayon.Visiting orphanages was a thing she had been d
Gael jumped out as soon as the car pulled over infront of the police station. Doon sila dumiretso nina Gray at Jacob mula sa simbahan. Aside from Lena, wala nang sino pa mang nasaktan sa masamang insidente na plinano ni Alaric. And it was more than a relief for him. Now he can focus on one thing, ang puntahan si Charlie sa mismong police station.Pahapyaw nang sinabi ni Jacob sa kanya kung ano ang nangyari, subalit hindi pa iyon buo. And not only does he need to talk to Charlie for the full details but he also needs to see his wife to calm the lingering worry in his chest. The picture of Lena dying in his arms was still vivid iin his memory. And he cannot stop thinking that, it could've Charlie dying in his arms and...He shook his head, willing the unwanted thoughst away. Charlie is fine, he convinced himself before picking up his pace. He was at the director’s office in no time. Agad naman siyang hinarap ng pinuno ng kapulisan. Sandali niya itong kinausap at sinabi nito mismo sa ka
Sandaling namanhid si Gael sa kanyang nasaksihan. Panandalian niyang kinumbinsi ang sarili na imahinasyon niya lang ang lahat. Na nasa maayos na lagay si Charlie at walang kaguluhan na nangyayari sa mismong araw ng kanilang kasal. He even tried to blink a few times—willing the dreadful scenario away from his head. But when he opened his eyes, his bride, his wife still laid there on the cold ground, bleeding.With his chest constricting, he tried to stand up, wanting to go to Charlie as soon as he can. But his bodyguard nearby kept him from doing so. Anger burned his skin in an instant. He had to go Charlie and no one, not even the damn death god himself could prevent him from doing so.He turned himself onto the ground, lying on his back, and gave the bodyguard hovering over at him a straight jab to the jaw. Napaupo ito, bago siya mahilo-hilong binitiwan. He took that chance to crawl his way to Charlie, who fell near the entrance of the church. ‘I like the water, Kuya Gael. Can you t
Hindi matapos-tapos ang pagsipat ni Charlie sa sarili niya sa lifesize mirror na nasa kanyang hotel suite. Hindi pa rin siya halos makapaniwala na naroon nga siya at ikakasal ulit kay Gael. This time in a church and in the presence of their family. Well, some of their family. But nevertheless their families are present and that’s the most important thing.She looked down at her ring finger. The emerald engagement ring and the ink she had five years ago are there, a testament of everything she had gone through loving Gael. But she’s glad she finally made it right there at that very moment, when she can declare to the whole world that Gael is hers as much as she is his. That in the world of broken promises and dreams, of heartaches and of tears, Gael is her always—the one she will keep on choosing to love as long as she breathes.Her phone rang, immediately stopping her train of thoughts. Agad na nagsalubong ang mga kilay niya nang mag-register sa screen ang pangalan ni Gael. She picked
Kanina pa nasa harap ng salamin si Gael subalit panay pa rin ang pag-aayos niya sa kurbata ng kanyang suit. The damn thing just won’t align! Frustrated, he took it off altogether and huffed. He’s anxious for some unknown reason. Gray, who arrived last night, said at it must be the wedding jitters but he refuses to believe so. He’s just on edge because he didn’t get to see his wife and son for hours now. Sneaking in at Charlie and Levi’s hotel room crossed his mind a few times last night. With his skills as a former elite boduyguard, he could do that with no sweat involved. But his grandfather gave him a talk about keeping his word and just wait until it’s time for them to meet at the altar again. Subalit naging sobrang napakahirap niyon sa kanya dahil sa iisang hotel lang silang naka-check –in na mag-anak—just different floors. Idagdag pa na talagang makulit si Tala at panay-panay ang pagbabantay sa mag-ina niya, h’wag lang niyang makita ang mga ito. Gray told him to have a little