She watched the video with her trembling hands. It was me, playing with her daughter. I dressed my niece like an angel while I was wearing an all-black outfit. I licked her daughter's earlobe at the end of the video."Don't you dare," She mumbled. "Don't you dare harm my daughter, Athijha!" She yelled while pointing the dagger at me. Then she laughed. "You can't. I know you can't hurt an innocent child."I snapped my fingers. "Remember when the both of you almost died from a road accident?" I asked then laughed. "I was the one who planned that. Sorry to tell you this but, I can.""Dad will protect us. You stand no chance against him, against us, Athijha. We have our sword pointed at your neck. Our gun pointed at your temple," She hysterically said."And I am just about to cut your head, darling. Do you want to save your daughter's life badly? Then just stand at the corner and watch me ruin all of you just like how you ruined me years ago. Watch me. Just watch me and do not join the wa
I tried to speak but the sound I was only able to make is faint.Their eyes were suddenly on me. They were panicking as if I just came back from my grave.Exiquel held my hand before my brother does while my dad was in the phone, probably calling a nurse of maybe a doctor.Clea, on the other hand, was just standing at the corner and doesn't know what to do.The nurse checked on me before letting me drink some water for hydration.I never averted my gaze to my brother. He's sitting on a wheelchair and his left eye is covered with white bandages. He smiled at me."Do you feel okay, little sis?" He asked.I tried to reach up for him as my eyes starts to water. "Kuya," I called, almost voiceless. "Kuya," I repeated in much clearer voice.He chuckled a bit then drove his wheelchair to my side.It's like I forgot about my painful back when I sat on my bed to pull him into a hug."Your eye," I mumbled as I hide my face on his shoulder."You're thinking that I've gone blind, are you?" I nodde
I chuckled the moment I let my tears escape my eyes. It was because of joy though."You lost me. I lost you. Then we lost ourselves," I wiped my cheeks with my blanket which is damn embarrassing but completely comfortable. "Just how stupid are we in this lifetime, Exiquel?"He gave me a pat on the head. "Stupid enough not to stop even if were broken, I guess."We stared at each other then laughed at the same time.I sighed at the back of my head.This reminds me of how we were when we're younger.In the clinic. I, sitting on the bed and him, sitting beside me."Quel, find yourself a great woman, okay?" I said.There is no assurance that we'll meet again. And if we ever do in the future, I am not quite sure if he still feels the same because I know it will take years, or even a decade before our eyes collides for another time.He smile and nodded.That reassured me.Now, I don't have to worry about how he will go and move forward."You know what, someday, I will introduce you to someon
"Well, the only reason I can comprehend is that you're working for your family, the Millers," He clicked his tongue. "It is damn complicated. You have four families, so..."I raised my eyebrow. "Four?" I showed him my three fingers. "I had the Alonsos, Millers, the Vistas. I only have three.""You also had the Saavedras, Assia," He clenched his jaws.I pouted. "About the Millers, I really had a temporary amnesia caused by major depressive disorder. I couldn't remember anything for one and a half week. Mr. Miller is my dad's right hand and instructed him and his wife to take care of me for a while because he was worried that my mental health might go haywire again if I am so close to violence and to the people who might remind of... uh his death.""So, you really can't remember me when we met again in the train," He mumbled."Yup, I didn't," I said and smiled a little. "I was only reminded by everything when you brought me back in that shitty mansion.""Why were you-""Why was I still
I sighed as I hear my dad and my brother whispering behind my back. When I looked at them, they averted their gazes as if they were not planning something.I squinted my eyes and pointed at them. "Don't you guys dare," I said in a warning tone?"What are you talking about, Assia?" Kuya River asked.I massaged my temple. "You guys are planning to call him, mom and Clea, aren't you?" I placed my hands on my waist. "How many times do I have to tell you guys that I don't want them to see me off?"Kuya crossed his arms. "And I still can't accept that you had me buy a plane ticket when you're just going to ride out the private jet.""We're rich and all but we don't waste money over the things we're not going to use," Dad said."I just don't want them to see me off because I know seeing their faces for one last time will just make me want to stay here.""So, why don't stay?"I was taken aback. "Wha... Dad, wasn't this the deal we agreed on? I will be handling our international branches and I
My heart melted when our eyes met. She giggled and raised her cute little hands."Mom," She said then giggled.I lifted her and then kissed her on the cheeks a couple of times while she was giggling."Who missed mommy?" I asked while hugging her and dancing gracefully.Her giggle is the most adorable sound I have ever heard in my whole entire life.She kept on saying, "Mom," while looking at me with her bluish-green colored eyes.She has this curly black hair and long lashes that I always find gorgeous. Well, she came after me, I guess.I call in this household every day to check on them, especially on my daughter, and talk to her and hear her saying "Mom," and her waves of laughter."What's your name, love?" I asked.She reached for my cheeks and laughed. "Mom.""Come on, baby, what's your name?" I asked again."Kewa Crodette Savera!" She yelled then clapped her hands, followed by a long giggle."Very good, love," I said then kissed her. "Do you want to open your gifts? Mommy has bou
As I was laying on a bed to rest for a minute, KC started to go into our things and brought out the puzzles, her iPad, and some snacks we bought after landing."Mommy, do want me to massage your back?" She asked which made me smile."No, mommy is okay, love. You can just play with your toys," I replied, but my eyes were still shut.I opened my eyes when I felt her get into the bed and the next thing I knew. She was already sitting on my back and then started massaging me."You seem tired, mommy. I can play later," She said."Thank you, love," I replied."Mom, can I ask something?" She said after a short silence."Sure, love. What is it?""I've never asked this question since it seems sensitive but I am really curious, mom," She said. I suddenly got nervous about what kind of question she is going to ask. And about what? "I have a father. May I know where is he, mom?"My breathing hitched. She got off my back then I faced her. She has this innocent look on her face."I," I bit my botto
"Marupok ka!""What does that even mean?""Fragile," She rolled her eyes. "I bet your heart went crazy again, did it?""Stop teasing me about it! I've promised KC to take her to Disneyland today but now I am hesitating since Exiquel is here! What if he sees us?!""Stop worrying about those things, Assia. You promised your daughter, fulfill it," Her eyes suddenly turned dead serious. "You can't break that promise because of that, girl. Whether you want it or not, your ex-husband will find out about what you did and you've got to face it. If he finds out now, then so be it. You can't hide KC from him, Assia. Especially since he is her father."I placed my palm against my forehead.I looked at her with puppy eyes."I know what you want to happen, Assia," She said."Please, please, Isa. And you had the same situation. You will just act like her mom when we spot him somewhere near," I bit my bottom lip and acted cute even though I am not."Okay, fine. Do it your way. Anyway, can I have you
"Clea," Exiquel called right after I jumped out of our car. "Are you hear to play with me again?" He asked.I smiled then waved at him. "Of course, what else could be the reason I am here?" I asked.I witnessed how my father treated Athijha and she witnessed how hard it was for me too. My sister and I was there for each other but we never had the power to save each other.We were exposed to tons and tons of crimes at such a young age. We were exposed to killing and smuggling, all for the mafia. And even if I want to deny it, Athijha and I were also victims of our father's craziness.My hatred towards this family grew that I even did the most stupid mistake. I used Athijha as as shield just so I can enjoy my life.I started feeling envious towards my sister when I found out that we have different fathers. And I always wished I was her because even if she's an illegitimate child, her real dad is not like mine.I'd always cry myself to sleep after dad's done with his business with me.I'
"Why... why didn't you do it?""I don't know what to say to that person," She replied.I felt enraged towards the person she's talking about. He must hide under his mom's skirt once I find out who he is because curse the ground he's standing on to. I will definitely hunt her until he wishes he died before he could meet me.She was mumbling something but it's a little vague and faint."What? Sorry, Assia, I didn't catch it," I said.Her jaw almost fell when I said that. I wonder what's wrong with her.She laughed nervously and then shook her head. "I didn't say anything. Ha ha ha," She averted her gaze and then smiled a little. "I just find the crowd a little uncomfortable."I chuckled. "Still not used to the crowd, huh?"Something hasn't changed. "I guess I could never get used to it," She whispered in the air.I presented my hand. Her eyes traveled from my palm, up to my shoulder, and then to my bluebell eyes. A smile which reached my eyes crept on my lips as she stares at me with t
"Then I'll just go back to my s-," Before she could even finish what she was saying, I grabbed her arm.My brows are furrowed. "Nope, you're not going anywhere. You're staying here with me."She just want to tease me and damn, love, it's working!She closed her eyes. She sighed and smiled as if she's planning some mischievous things again and wants me to be a part of it.She tugged the hem of my shirt. "What?" I asked."Will you go with me?" She asked in a flirtatious manner.I looked around. "Where?"She smiled a little. "To the cliff, of course.""No," I said which made her brows furrow."Why not?" She asked."You just want to escape this party and just don't want to hear their farewells," I replied and crossed my arms. "And what are you gonna do there? Just stare at the moon or something?"She made a face then stepped on my foot."Stop sounding so sarcastic. And it's better to talk with my son than hear their farewells and shed a tear in the crowd. So, if you don't want to come wit
"Do you feel okay, little sis?" River asked.She tried to reach up for her brother's hand as her eyes starts to water. "Kuya," She called, almost voiceless. "Kuya," She repeated in much clearer voice.She calls her Kuya, huh? It is a Filipino word which refers to your older sibling with a male gender, I suppose. Damn, I guess I really did miss a lot of things.River chuckled a bit then drove his wheelchair to his sister's side.I gulped when I witnessed I Ath... Assia pulled her brother in for a hug."Your eye," She mumbled as she hide her face on River's shoulder."You're thinking that I've gone blind, are you?" She nodded in response. "My eyelid was just grazed by a knife. It's just a small cut.""What if you go blind in tge following years because of that?" Assia asked."I'm glad you're still as silly as fuck," River said then let out a burst of a loud laughter. "Good morning, little sis."You're not really hurt, right?""Yeah. I caught a bullet with my leg though.""Well, you're a
"Good evening, my lady. You look gorgeous like always," I said with a smile when she opened the door."And you are annoying as always," She said then rolled her eyes. "Can I leave this bouquet here? I have a feeling that I might destroy this by slapping you with it out of annoyance.""Harsh. But sure," I took her hand and kissed it. "Shall we go, gorgeous?"She nodded. "Sure."I never knew that 4 kilometers ride is too short for us to stay in car together. Damn the time."Quel, do you know me?" She asked out of nowhere.My forehead creased. "What do you mean? Of course, I know you, Athijha.""What if my name is not really Athijha? What if it is Clea?" She joked then chuckled a bit. "Don't get me wrong, okay? What if I am just her copycat and the real one just happened to tell me everything about her life?"I smiled. "Then you copied her perfectly. Your mannerism, the way you frown, your smile, and your laugh. It perfectly matches hers. But I can never forget how her eyes look. That is
It seems like she's havinf the urge to hit me with her bag she held herself back. "Why are you insisting that I am still your wife? You signed the divorce papers back then, Exiquel." She said.I smirked. "Oh, that? I didn't want to let go of you so I retrieved it when you left. Then I burned it together with the copies you prepared."Her jaw dropped upon hearing that. "How dare you put my money and efforts to waste?"I laughed. "Don't worry, wife. I'll give them back to you, twice. Even a million times if you ask. Anything for you," I replied then wiggled my eyebrows."What if I do something unforgivable? Are you still willing to do that?"I chuckled. "I'll always be on your side, little girl," I shuffled her hair."Exiquel," She called my name."Hmm? What is it, wife?" I asked.She took a step forward. "Do you still remember something I do?" She asked then took another step. "To the moon and back?"My eyes widened upon hearing that. My eyes shone with an unreadable emotion that keep
I visited the pavilion I built to commemorate the faded existence of my child.I'll bring Athijha here for some other time.When I got home, I decided to give her a call.[What is your problem, again?] She said as soon as she answered the call."Are you home?" I asked.[And why should you know?] She retorted with sarcasm. "You didn't text me so I got worried. Are you home? I'm heading there," I said, making up reasons just so I can hear her talk.[No, I am not. I just left. And I don't really see any reason why you should know.]"Because I am your husband," I responded in a proud tone, giving her a hint about what I did.She scoffed. [No, you're not.][Yes, I am.] I insisted.[Shut up, Exiquel. We're divorced. Stop insisting we're not separated, you dumbass.]"Or not," I chuckled.[Whatever you say. I gotta go. There is something important I have to do. Something more important than you,] She said then dropped the call.Then she found out about what I did. She kept on ranting about h
I felt how she got frozen on the spot when I planted a soft kiss on her forehead. I smiled at the back of my mind.I missed doing that."You're being considerate of my feelings too much again. I can handle myself, you know. Go on, love. Sleep now. I'll leave you here alone now. Goodnight, my love."I was wakened by terrified screams from the other room.Chill washed through my body when I realized it was my wife."No, son, no! No," She screamed."Athijha," I called in panic. She's still asleep and covered with sweat as she cries in her sleep."Fuck! Athijha, wake up!"She gasped for air then opened her eyes widely.She touched her cheeks and then brushed the tears away as I cup her face."Fuck! Are you okay, love?"She looked at me who's looking at her with my eyes filled with fear and nervousness.She held onto my wrist then tilted her head. "Quel," she called my name."Yes, love? What is it? Did you had a nightmare?" I asked in a worried manner."Love," She uttered our endearment th
She went out if the car and was about to guide me out but she doesn't really have to do that anymore. I jumped out on my own."It's okay, Jha. I am not drunk anymore," I flashed a smile. "You're back in here again."She nodded a little. She may not be aware of this but the way she acts while looking at the place that's used to be her home says how uncomfortable she is."You should take my car on your way home. It's dangerous," I said."No, thanks," She declined."Athijha.""No matter how much you put authority and warning in your voice, you can't order me to use this since I left my friend's car at the parking lot of the restuarant in front of the club where you drowned yourself."I took a remote out of my pants. "Then might as well spend the night here instead of going home at this hour."I walked in and didn't even dare to look back because I know that she'll choose to walk away and go with the first option I had given her.As I shower in the bathroom of her old room, my feet felt c