MAMAY'S P.O.VPAKANTA-KANTA PA AKO HABANG NAG-AALIKABOK SA MGA NAGGAGANDAHANG PIGURIN NG YUMAONG SI YVONNE NANG BIGLA AKONG MAPATALON. BIGLA BA NAMANG NAG-RING ANG CELL PHONE KO NA NAKALAGAY PA MAN DIN SA LOOB NG BRA KO!Jusmio!Natatarantang binitawan ko ang feather duster at nahulog iyon sa sahig. Kinuha ko rin ang cell phone ko at sinagot ang tawag. Bakit ko nga ba ito sinagot, eh, unknown number ang tumatawag?"Hello? Is this Mrs. Gervacia—”"Miss,” diin kong pagtatama sa babaeng tumawag. "Miss lang at wala pa akong asawa. Mang-aaba-abala ka nang may ginagawa ang tao 'tapos mali lang ang itatawag mo.”"Oh, I'm sorry, Miss Gervacia.”"Iyan! Iyan! Madali ka naman palang kausap!” nasisiyahang sabi ko. Nag-okay sign pa nga ako kahit hindi niya naman ako nakikita."This is Miss Selin Tobias, guidance councilor po ako sa school na pinapasukan ni Janiya. Kilala niyo ho ba siya?” sabi ulit ng babae na puros pa Ingles kaya naman palang mag-Tagalog. Pinahirapan niya pa ang buhay niya."Oho,
JANIYA'S P. O. VNAPAUNGOT NA LANG AKO AT INIS NA BUMANGON HABANG NAKAPIKIT PA RIN NA KINAKAPA-KAPA ANG CELL PHONE KO.Kanina pa iyon nagri-ring— may tumatawag. Noong una ay hindi ko na pinansin dahil baka si Adrianne lang naman iyon. Wala pa ako sa mood na makipag-usap sa kahit na sino. Pero nang mag-ring ulit iyon sa pangalawa pang beses ay sinagot ko na. Kaysa naman pasakitin ko pa ang tenga ko. Besides, mukhang wala rin namang balak na tumigil sa pagtawag ang nasa kabilang linya.Nang makapa ko na ang cell phone ay sinagot ko na lang iyon nang hindi na tinitingnan ang screen para malaman kung sino ang caller."Hello—”"Hello, good morning! Is this Miss Janiya Fortaleza? I'm sorry if we got you disturbed. And oh, by the way, I am Irina Pelaez from the Campbell-Gerardo University. I just wanna ensure your admission on us. You're… an incoming first year, right? I just wanna ask you about the course or program you are about to take with us? I should've been discussing this on personal
JANIYA'S P. O. VBUONG ARAW KONG HININTAY ANG REPLY NI STRIKE PERO NI "LIKE" AY WALA MAN LANG AKONG NATANGGAP.Imbis tuloy na maging masaya ako 100% ay naging 50-50 pa dahil panlulumo ko na wala akong natanggap na sagot mula kay Strike. Ayoko na rin namang hintayin siya dahil mukhang magkakatotoo ang sabi ni Mamay na gagabihin na naman siya ng uwi. Alas diyes na kasi ng gabi, hindi ko pa rin naririnig ang pamilyar na tunog ng paborito niyang sasakyan.Sa mga nangyari sa akin ngayong Sabado ay lalo ko tuloy na-miss si Papa at ang dati naming lugar. Tuwing Sabado kasi noon, marami kaming activities ni Papa. Maglilinis kami, 'tapos maglalakad-lakad sa malapit na fishport na parang sea side na rin. Iyon na ang pinaka-weekly date namin. Nagkukwentuhan kami habang kumakain ng paborito naming snacks— ang combo ng ihaw-ihaw at palamig.Pero ngayon na nandito ako, kahit walang pasok ay hindi ko pa rin nasulit ang araw. 70% ng oras ko ay naubos lang sa kwarto— kakahiga, kaka-scroll sa cell phon
JANIYA'S P. O. VPAGKATAPOS NG LAHAT NG GINAWA AT NAGING PAG-UUSAP NAMIN NI STRIKE, INAKALA KO NA TULUY-TULOY NA ANG MAGIGING PAGBABAGO SA UGNAYAN NAMIN. Pero habang lumilipas ang mga araw ay doon ko na-realize na hindi pala. We're still strangers to each other's eyes. Oo at naninirahan nga kami sa iisang bubong. Nag-uusap paminsan-minsan at madalas na iisang pagkain lang ang kinakain sa isang araw. Pero napagtanto ko na wala pa rin akong iba at bagong bagay na nalalaman tungkol sa kanya. Kilala ko pa rin siya bilang si Strike Vicencio Castillejos, ang nag iisang anak ni Tita Yvonne at naging tagapagmana niya; twenty-eight years old na bilyonaryong CEO na walang ibang kaibigan dahil na rin siguro sa obvious fact na masungit siya at nakakatakot. While as for me, malamang na kilala niya lang ako bilang "bata" na naging responsibilidad niya nang wala sa oras. Nang gabing iyon ay maaga kong narinig ang pagdating ng sasakyan ni Strike. Pero hindi na ako nag abala pa na bumaba para magpap
JANIYA'S P. O. VA few weeks later…KATATAPOS LANG NG GRADUATION RITES AT IMBIS NA MAG-CELEBRATE AT HETO KAMI NGAYON, NAKATAYO SA HARAPAN NG NAKAKANDADO NANG GATE NG MANSION DE CASTILLEJOS.Katabi namin ang ilang mga maleta at iba pang bag na naglalaman ng mga gamit namin. Ako, si Mamay, at si Adrianne ay kasalukuyan nang naghihintay sa pagdating ng sasakyan na susundo sa amin at magdadala sa amin sa Maynila. Hindi raw kasi sasabay sa amin si Strike dahil nandoon na siya noong isang araw pa. Kaya pala hindi ko na siya nakikita. At kaya rin pala hindi siya sumipot sa graduation ko. Wala rin kahit message man lang ng isang "congratulations" o "job well done"."Mamay, balita ko marami raw boylet sa Maynila. So, I guess alam na kung ano'ng dapat mong una na gawin…” rinig kong pang aasar ni Adrianne kay Mamay. Binangga niya pa ng pabiro si Mamay sa balikat.Napangiti na rin ako at bahagyang napahagikhik."Ang una kong gagawin? Maglinis at siguraduhing nasa ayos ang lahat sa bahay,” pagsopl
JANIYA'S P. O. V"H-HOY, T-TEKA. A-ANONG GINAGAWA NATIN DITO? BAKIT NANDITO TAYO? A-AKALA KO BA, GAGALA LANG TAYO?” Awtomatiko akong napahawak sa braso ni Adrianne para pigilan siya nang akmang papasok na siya sa loob ng isang malaki at halatang mamahaling salon. "Gagala nga tayo. But before that, we have to do get ready first. Tsaka, hello? Magco-college na tayo! Hindi tayo pwedeng pumasok sa mamahaling university na iyon nang mukha tayong batang ligaw. Lalo ka na,” mahabang saad niya. Napakunot-noo ako. "Anong lalo na ako? Lalong mukha akong batang ligaw?” nagbabantang tanong ko. "Gaga! I mean, mas lalo na ikaw na dapat maging mas presentable. You have to keep up with that billionaire CEO's lifestyle nga, 'di ba? Para in case na may makaalam sa connection niyo, walang magiging problema dahil hindi ka magmumukhang charity case niya. You have to start living your life as a Disney princess na. Ayaw mo naman sigurong masira ang reputasyon ng Prince Charming mo, 'di ba?” Tinaasan k
JANIYA'S P. O. V"W-WHAT?! H-HOW?”Hindi ko rin alam kung paano sasagutin ang tanong na iyon ni Adrianne. Dahil kahit ako sa sarili ko, hindi ko rin alam kung bakit o paano ko nagustuhan si Strike. It just have been what? A few months since I met him? At obvious ang agwat namin sa isa't-isa, may it be on our life status at pati na rin sa edad namin na sampung taon ang agwat. Pero hindi ko alam."Hindi ko rin alam. Basta, naramdaman ko na lang bigla. At kanina, when he noticed my appearance, no'ng pinuri niya ako, doon ko na-confirm na may nararamdaman na nga ako for him! A-As in, the butterflies, the spark. Lahat ng iyon, naramdaman ko!” bulalas ko. Nakangiti pa rin ako na parang baliw at patili rin ang pagkakasabi ko niyon kay Adrianne. Nakahawak pa ako sa braso niya at duda ako na nasasaktan na siya dahil alam ko na maya't-maya ay humihigpit ang pagkakahawak ko sa kanya.Napansin ko ang naging ekspresyon ni Adrianne, tila hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala sa sinabi ko. Nakaramdam tuloy
JANIYA'S P. O. VAFTER THAT DAY, INASAHAN KO NA MAGKAKAROON NA NG KAHIT KAUNTING PAGBABAGO ANG SAMAHAN NAMIN NI STRIKE.Na magiging close na kami kahit papaano, o kahit civil man lang. Pero natapos na't lahat-lahat ang bakasyon ay wala pa rin kahit katiting na improvement sa pagsasama namin. Ganoon pa rin katulad ng dati. Square one, sabi nga ng iba.What's even worse is that, sa loob ng halos dalawang buwan na bakasyon ay ilang araw lang na nakasama namin sa bahay si Strike. Madalas siyang wala at paalis-alis. I get it, it was all because of his expanding business. Pero hindi ko pa rin maiwasang hindi magtampo. Maybe, it was all because of this stupid little feelings of mine. Stupid little feelings na parang unti-unting lumalaki kahit wala naman akong nakikitang kaimpre-impress kay Strike.At ngayon, first day na ng pagpasok ko biglang college at wala pa rin akong napapalang paramdam galing sa lalaki. Wala na ngang pa-"congratulations" no'ng graduation, wala pa ring pa-"good luck" ng
1 month later… JANIYA'S P. O. VThe courtroom was a symphony of whispers and hushed conversations. The air crackled with tension, a palpable energy that vibrated through the room. Giulia, the woman who had orchestrated the accident that had nearly taken my life, sat before the judge, her face a mask of defiance. "Your Honor," the prosecutor began, his voice a steady drone. "The evidence is clear. The defendant, Giulia, acted with malice aforethought, deliberately causing a car accident that resulted in serious injuries to the plaintiff, Janiya.”He recounted the events, the meticulous planning, the calculated actions, the chilling indifference to the potential consequences. I sat in the witness stand, my heart a heavy stone in my chest, reliving the terror of that fateful day."The defendant," he continued, "has shown no remorse for her actions. She has exhibited a complete disregard for the law and the well-being of others. She is a danger to society and must be held accountable fo
JANIYA'S P. O. VThe air crackled with anticipation, a symphony of laughter and whispered secrets. The sun, a benevolent witness, bathed the garden in a golden glow, illuminating the scene with a warmth that mirrored the love that pulsed through the air. It was my wedding day, a culmination of a journey filled with heartache, healing, and ultimately, a love that had triumphed over every obstacle.My reflection stared back at me, a vision of happiness in a white gown that flowed like a gentle waterfall. My heart, once burdened with pain, now swelled with a joy so profound it threatened to spill over.Earlier that day, as I stood before the mirror, my hand resting on my swollen belly, the doctor had uttered the words that had sent a wave of pure bliss through me. "Congratulations, Janiya," he had said, his smile mirroring the joy that illuminated my face. "You're going to be a mother of four.""Four?" I echoed, my voice filled with disbelief and delight. "Are you sure?""Absolutely," he
JANIYA'S P. O. VOras matapos ang naging pag uusap namin ni Ryuu, si Strike naman ang hinarap ko. The hospital room, once a sterile haven of recovery, was now transformed into a haven of love. The air was thick with the scent of lilies, their white petals mirroring the crisp white sheets that enveloped me. My body still bore the scars of the accident, my spirit felt stronger than ever.Strike sat beside me, his hand gently holding mine. His eyes, filled with a love that could melt glaciers, held mine captive."Janiya," he began, his voice a soft melody that resonated deep within me. "You know, I've been thinking..."I chuckled, a light, tinkling sound that echoed in the quiet room. "You're thinking again? Baka maubos na braincells mo n'yan, ha?” I teased, my voice laced with affection. "Anywats, what's on your mind?"He smiled, a smile that could rival the sun's brilliance. "Well, I've been thinking... about us.""About us?" I echoed, a playful eyebrow raised. "You know, I've been th
JANIYA'S P. O. VPag alis ni Strike ay dumating din agad si Ryuu. Hindi ko alam kung tinawag ba s'ya ng una, but whatever happens, I'm glad that he's here. Para maayos na ang lahat once and for all. Ryuu sat beside me, his hand resting on mine, his eyes filled with a warmth that soothed the ache in my heart."Janiya," he began, his voice soft and gentle. "I'm so glad that you're awake now. At masaya 'ko na nakakabawi ka na ulit ng lakas mo kahit papaano.”Ngumiti ako ng tipid.I squeezed his hand, tears welling up in my eyes. It felt like an eternity since I'd last seen him, since I'd last felt his presence."Ryuu," I whispered, my voice hoarse from disuse. "I… I have something to say. M-May gusto 'kong sabihin pero hindi ko alam kung paano ko sisimulan. I'm… I'm aso sorry. I'm so sorry for everything."Agad na kumunot ang noo ni Ryuu. Parang nagtataka s'ya sa mga sinasabi ko."S-Si Strike,” banggit ko. "He's… He proposed.”Suddenly, his smile fade. Kitang-kita ko rin kung paano bigl
JANIYA'S P. O. VThe hospital room was a haven of quiet, the only sound the rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring my vitals. Strike sat beside me, his hand resting on mine, his eyes filled with a tenderness I hadn't seen in years. "Janiya," he began, his voice husky with emotion. "I know you're awake now. I know you can hear me."I squeezed his hand, a wave of warmth spreading through me. It was strange, this feeling of comfort, of safety, in his presence. It had been so long since I had felt this way.He talked about the weeks we'd been apart, the fear, the uncertainty, the overwhelming love he felt for me. He talked about the triplets, their constant chatter, their innocent faces filled with longing for their mother.Sinabi n'ya rin kung ga'no s'ya nagsisisi ds mga maling nagawa n'ya at sa lahat ng sakit naiparanas n'ya sa akin. He apologized for everything, his voice thick with remorse."I know I messed up, Janiya," he said, his eyes pleading. "I know I hurt you. But I never
JANIYA'S P. O. VThe sterile white ceiling seemed to mock me, a stark reminder of my predicament. My body felt like a leaden weight, each breath a struggle. I was trapped, a prisoner in my own mind, watching the world go by from a distance. The weeks blurred into one another, a hazy tapestry of whispered conversations, hushed footsteps, and the constant hum of machines. I knew they were there, hovering over me, their faces etched with worry, their voices filled with hope. Strike, Ryuu, Mamay, my father, his new family, even my best friend, they all came to visit, to tell me stories.But I couldn’t respond. I couldn’t even open my eyes. I was a ghost, a silent observer in a world that seemed to be moving on without me.One day, a familiar voice, gentle and laced with concern, broke through the fog. Ryuu. He was sitting beside me, his hand resting on mine.“Janiya,” he said, his voice soft. “I know you can hear me. I know you’re in there.”He spoke of the triplets, their laughter echoi
The hospital room was a sanctuary, a haven of quiet calm amidst the storm that had ravaged their lives. Janiya sat by the window, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the sterile white walls. She watched the city unfold below, a bustling tapestry of life that seemed to mock the stillness of her own world. Two weeks had passed since the accident, two weeks since the world had almost ended for her. She had been given a second chance, a miracle that had left her reeling, her heart a fragile vessel, her mind a swirling vortex of emotions. She had woken up to a world of love and support, a tapestry of faces that had become her lifeline, her anchor in the storm. Her mother, Mamay, her unwavering rock, her source of strength and unconditional love. Her triplets, her reason for being, her tiny miracles, their innocent eyes reflecting a love that transcended words. And then there was Ryuu, his presence a constant in the chaos, his love a quiet, unwavering force that had held her
Parang nag-aapoy ang hangin, puno ng tensyon, isang nakakakuryenteng pakiramdam na mabigat sa paligid. Ang ambulance bay, na karaniwang magulo pero kontrolado, ay naging parang digmaan, isang kumukulong kaldero ng galit at lungkot. Si Ryuu, galit na galit, ay nakatayo lang ilang dangkal ang layo kay SV, nakakuyom ang mga kamao, at nag-aapoy ang mga mata. “Tanga ka!” sigaw niya, parang ungol ang boses niya. “Ikaw dapat ang nagbabantay sa kanya! Ikaw dapat ang nagpoprotekta sa kanya!”Si SV, maputla at payat, puno ng guilt at takot ang mga mata, ay hindi umatras. “Hindi ko alam,” nauutal niyang sabi, halos pabulong lang. “Hindi ko nakita ang trak. Napakabilis ng pangyayari.”“Hindi 'yan dahilan!” Singhal ni Ryuu, lumapit pa siya, amoy na amoy ang dugo at pawis sa hangin. “Ikaw dapat ang nasa tabi niya! Ikaw dapat ang nag-iingat sa kanya!”“Alam ko, alam ko,” pagmamakaawa ni SV, nakataas ang mga kamay na parang sumusuko. “Pasensya na. Pasensya na talaga.”Pero parang bato ang tainga ni
Ang hangin parang nag-aapoy, puno ng hilaw na emosyon—kalungkutan, galit, at desperasyon. Ang ambulance bay, na karaniwang magulo pero kontrolado, ay naging parang digmaan, isang kumukulong kaldero ng galit at lungkot. Si Ryuu, galit na galit, ay nakatayo lang ilang dangkal ang layo kay SV, nakakuyom ang mga kamao, at nag-aapoy ang mga mata. “Tanga ka!” sigaw niya, parang ungol ang boses niya. “Ikaw dapat ang nagbabantay sa kanya! Ikaw dapat ang nagpoprotekta sa kanya!”Si SV, maputla at payat, puno ng guilt at takot ang mga mata, ay hindi umatras. “Hindi ko alam,” sabi niya, halos pabulong lang. “Hindi ko nakita ang trak. Napakabilis ng pangyayari.”“Hindi 'yan dahilan!” Singhal ni Ryuu, lumapit pa siya, amoy na amoy ang dugo at pawis sa hangin. “Ikaw dapat ang nasa tabi niya! Ikaw dapat ang nag-iingat sa kanya!”“Alam ko, alam ko,” pagmamakaawa ni SV, nakataas ang mga kamay na parang sumusuko. “Pasensya na. Pasensya na talaga.”Pero parang bato ang tainga ni Ryuu. Dahil sa galit,