Hindi na nag-aksaya pa ng panahon si Charlize at bumaba na rin sa receiving room. She did not meet the questioning gaze of her uncles. Her gaze just zeroed in to her Grandma na noon ay nakaupo sa pang-isang upuan ng sala set. “Grandma, please tell me I heard you wrong,” umpisa niya, balling her fists to rein in her emotions. Her grandmother took a sip from the cup of tea in front of her. She looked way too relaxed for her liking. And for the very first time in her 26 years of life, she’s pissed at her grandmother. “Very well, now that cat is out of the bag, there’s no use hiding it from you anymore,” umpisa nito, marahang ibinalik sa saucer ang tea cup bago muling nag-angat ng tingin sa kanya. “Yes, Charlie you heard me right. Kinausap ko ang lolo ni Gael at binigyan ko siya ng picture ninyong mag-ina.” Alright, binabawi na niya ang sinabi niya kanina. Her grandmother needs to be questioned that way and more! She felt her heart dropped at the pit of her stomach. Hindi niya
Malakas ang pagkabog ng dibdib ni Charlie habang paroo’t parito siya sa library kung saan niya hinihintay si Gael. Her grandmother suggested that they’d talk there privately. Noong una, ayaw niya sana itong kausapin. Tutol din ang daddy niya na kausapin niya si Gael. Maging ang mga tiyuhin niya ganoon din ang pasya.But her grandmother insisted that they should talk, dahil tama ito, marami silang dapat pag-usapan na dalawa ni Gael. Pero kung siya ang tatanungin, hindi pa siya sana talaga handang kausapin ito. She was still reeling from the events of yesterday. Truth be told, all she wanted and needed to do was to cuddle in bed with her son.She doesn’t need confrontations right now. She doesn’t need to be questioned. She doesn’t need to be pushed to the wall nor make decisions. She had been a crying mess last night. But given the urgency of the situation, she doesn’t have any other choice but to deal with all of it head-on, like the way had been living all her life. Ilang sandali pa
Gael watched as his wife left the library, leaving him crushed for the nth time. Alam niya, hindi magiging madali para sa kanya ang pagbawi niya sa mag-ina niya-- ang makuha ang pagpapatawad ni Charlie sa mga nagawa niya. But he’s not ready to give up. No. He will never give up.His family is his Northern Star. He will be lost without them. And so he must keep trying no matter how hard the process it would be.This is yet the greatest battle he’d ever fought for. And the soldier in him is not ready to lose.He huffed and fixed himself, readying to leave the place. Subalit bago pa man siya makalabas ng library, muling bumukas ang pinto. This time it’s Ms. Sam and Sir Aaron.He swallowed the painful lump that has formed on his throat. Ms. Sam’s tears were brimming but Sir Aaron’s were somber. Maya-maya pa, mabilis na humakbang si Ms. Sam sa kanya at walang sabi-sabi siyang niyakap gaya nang madalas nitong gawin sa kanya noon.“Kumusta ka na, Gael? Masaya akong nagbago na ang buhay mo
Panay pa rin ang hikbi ni Charlie kahit na nakahiga na siya sa kanyang kama. She’s still reeling from the conversation she just had with Gael.“Charlie, I just want you and Levi back. I want my family back.”She bit the insides of her cheeks, trying to withhold a sob. Hindi niya mapigilan ang paghapdi ng kanyang puso nang maalala niya ang sinabi ni Gael kanina.There’s nothing else in this world that she wants than to give Levi a complete family. But when Gael came back, there's nothing he wanted more than make revenge against her family. He did things that had hurt her-- continously hurt her.Tapos ngayong nakaka-alala na ito, sasabihin nitong gusto na ulit sila nito ni Levi. Well he lost his memories, but still…Mali ba siya na hindi siya pumayag na patawarin ito agad? Na magsimula sila ulit agad bilang pamilya, silang tatlo ni Levi? Mali ba siya na nagmamatigas pa rin siya? Na hindi niya gustong kalimutan ang naging kasalanan nito sa kanya?Is it wrong that she’s still hurting?Bu
“How dare you make a fool out of me!” Gael roared as he landed his fists on the face of Alphonse, ang lalaking itinuro ng mga raliyista na nagbayad sa kanila upang manggulo sa SSL. Kilala niya ang lalaki sa mukha subalit hindi sa pangalan. Minsan umaaaligid ito kay Alaric at Lena kasama ng iba pang mga tauhan ng mag-ama. “You will not leave this country alive, do you hear me? You and your friend will rot here and I will make sure of that!” dugtong pa niya. Subalit imbes na matakot, the bastard lifted his black and blue face up at him and smirked. “Ich habe keine angst vor dir außenseiter! (I am not afraid of you, outsider!)” The guts of this a*shole to tell him that! Uundayan pa niya sana ito ulit ng suntok subalit pinigil na siya ni Gray. “Alright, that’s one too many blow, Gael. Bugbog na ‘yang mga ‘yan kagabi pa. At hindi ‘yan ang dahilan kung bakit kita pinapunta rito,” anang kaibigan, hawak siya sa braso. “Tinatanong ng mga nasa taas kung ano raw ang gusto mong gawin?” Bumali
“Charlie, narinig mo ba ang mga sinabi ko?” anang Daddy ni Charlie sa kanya. It was almost lunch time and she only woke up just a few minutes ago The sedative that the doctor gave her helped to make her sleep last night. Ni hindi na nga niya nahintay ang hapunan kagabi. She just slept the whole night away. At nang magising siya, instead of breakfast, her first agenda of the day was to have this important conversation with her Dad like how her Mom had put it when she woke her up. “I did, Dad. It’s just…” Her voice trailed off. Kasasabi lang ng Daddy niya kung ano ang totoong nangyari kay Gael sa nakaraang limang taon—how Alaric Schulz pinned on them every single bad things he did to make them look like they were the enemy, how he manipulated all things so that all the odds will favor him and his selfish plans, and how the Bernsteins were robbed by their most trusted man right under their own noses. It was a lot to take in and just like yesterday, she’s still reeling. The past two d
“Sorry, may emergency kasing pinuntahan si Gray, Gael. Pero sabi niya mabilis lang siya. Kaya magmeryenda ka muna habang hinihintay siya,” ani Jasmine habang inilalapag sa harap niya ang isang slice ng cheesecake at isang baso ng juice. “Sorry ha, ‘yan lang ang puwede kong i-offer sa ‘yo. Wala kasi kaming stock ng beer. Hindi pa rin kasi ako nakakapag-grocery. Alam mo na,” anito, bago marahang hinaplos ang tiyan nito.He smiled. “Hey, don’t apologize. Ako nga itong nang-aabala sa inyo ni Gray.”It’s the truth, halos gabi-gabi siya sa bahay ng mag-asawa nitong nakalipas na ilang araw. He just felt he needed to be surrounded with friends now that he facing the greatest battle of his life just yet—taking back his wife and son.“You will never be a bother to us Gael. Kayong dalawa ni Charlie,” anito bago umupo sa katapat niyang upuan sa lanai. “By the way, how are you two?”He forced a smile and released a slow breath. “Still the same.”“And by the same you mean?” “Well, she still won’t
Marahang inilapag ni Charlie ang isang karton ng probiotic drink sa grocery cart bago niya iyon tinulak.“Where to next, Mommy?” tanong ni Levi sa kanya habang nakaupo sa mismong cart.She was out grocery shopping with her son. Request iyon ni Levi sa kanya kaninang umaga. Kaya pinagbigyan niya ang anak niya.Nitong nakalipas na mga araw, palagi silang magkasama ng anak niya. They did things she missed doing with him like playing, watching his favorite movies and learning new things. Kahapon, she thought him how to paint. She not an excellent painter. Her cousin Tala is. Pero pwede nang pumasa na drawing ng butterfly at fish ang ginawa nilang mag-ina maghapon.Now that she doesn’t need to think of the responsibilities forced on her for the past years, ngayon pa lang niya nararamdaman na talagang nanay nga siya ni Levi. And it really felt nice just being a mom. Malaking tulong din ang presensiya ni Levi ngayong may pinagdaraanan siya. Being with Levi keeps her level-head. Levi kept her
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