Two years later.....As I stood in the bustling kitchen of my successful restaurant, the aroma of culinary delights wafting through the air, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Sa wakas, Nanay, Tatay, natupad ko na po ang pangarap ko noong bata pa ako. May sarili na akong restaurant. The echoes of my dark past, now relegated to the shadows of memory, resonated in the background, a reminder of the trials I had overcome and the strength I had found within myself. The news of Glenn Acosta's confinement in a psychiatric ward and Adrian's incarceration brought a sense of closure and relief to me, a chapter of pain and suffering finally coming to an end. Dahil sa kahihiyan ng pamilya, ang ginang ni Glenn Acosta ay nawala na na parang bula at walang tao ang nakaka alam kung nasaaan iyon. The people who had once cast shadows over my life were now held accountable for their actions, their presence fading into the background as I embraced a future filled with hope and redemption.
In the peaceful embrace of the garden, Marisse, Martin, and their son Matthew found solace and joy in the simple moments of life. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, their bond deepened, their love growing stronger with each passing day."Happy birthday, anak" bati ko sa aking anak na ngayon ay ipinagdiriwang namin ng ika pito niyang kaarawan. Matthew grown into a big and gentle man. One day, nang makauwi na siya sa bahay galing sa school, nagkwento ang anak ko na mayroon daw siyang inaway sa school. At first, napagalitan ko siya, I just don't want my child na lumaking basagulero, pero noong nag explain na siya, namangha ako. Hindi ko lubos akalain na sa murang edad ng aking anak, marunong na siyang mag tanggol sa iba. Ani ni Matthew, inaway n'ya raw ang isang kaklase niyang lalaki dahil inaway raw ang kaklase nilang babae. "Bakit ba inaway yung girl, anak?" Tanong ni Martin sa tabi ko habang nandito kami ngayon sa Salas. "E kasi naman Dad, may ipinapagawa
One week later..... As we arrived back in the Philippines, the warm embrace of our homeland welcomed us with open arms. Sinundo pa kami nina Mommy and Daddy, Mama and Papa namin ni Anthony. Present din doon si Patricia at ang kaniyang anak, maging si Angelo. The familiar sights and sounds of our surroundings filled their hearts with a sense of nostalgia and belonging, a reminder of the roots that anchored them to the land they called home. As they settled back into the rhythm of their lives, a sense of peace and contentment settled over their family, a testament to the enduring bonds of love and connection that held them together. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, a joyous surprise awaited Marisse and Martin, a gift that would fill their hearts with anticipation and excitement. The news of Marisse's pregnancy for their second child spread like wildfire, a beacon of light and hope in the midst of their everyday routines. The echoes of laughter and celebration filled
"Nay, 'tay, magandang umaga po. Nakaluto na po ako ng ulam" masiglang bati ni Marisse sa mga magulang ng makita nito na palapit ito sa kanila. "magandang umaga din anak" may ngiti sa labing tugon ng mga magulang nito. "Ah, sya nga pala 'nay, 'tay, susunod po ako mamaya sa inyo sa taniman, ipaghahanda ko po kayo ng meryenda at tanghalian, sabihan nyo na rin po na h'wag ng magbaon sina Mang Tomas, ako na po ang bahala sa kanila" dugtong ng dalaga. "napaka-sipag naman ng anak namin, kaya mahal na mahal kita e" usal ng ina ni Marisse sabay yakap sa kaniya. "Naku, Vanessa, dapat itong nakababata mong kapatid ang gayanin mo. Huwag puro ka diyan gala at inom, ano ba 'tong batang to" sermon ni Inay sa aking nakatatandang kapatid na si ate Vanessa. marami ang nagsasabi na magkasalungat daw kami ng ugali ng ate ko. kung ako ay raw ay mabait, masiyahin, walang arte at matulungin, si ate naman daw ay matapobre, laging nakasimangot, naglalakwatsa at nag iinom kasama ang mga kaibigan. "oh edi
Masaya naming pinagsaluhan ang mga pagkaing dala-dala ko. naririto kami ngayon sa kubo. "sarap naman ng luto mo, Marisse. puwede ka nang magtayo ng sarili mong karinderya, tiyak magiging successful din kaagad" nakangiting usal ni Mang Jun saka uminom ng tubig. "salamat, Mang Jun! hayaan nyo po balang araw ay magtayayo po ako ng sariling karinderya" sagot ko naman. Kalahating oras, nang makatapos kami sa pagkain ay agad na bumalik sa kanya-kanyang gawain ang mga trabahador, pati na rin sina Nanay at Tatay. Nang maiwan ako ay naisip ko na naman si ate. Papaano nya nagawa ito sa amin. Bata pa rin siya, at hindi ito tama. Para makapag libang kahit saglit ay iniwan ko muna sa kubo ang mga lagayan ng pagkain, saka nagtungo papunta sa taniman. Nagpasungkit ako kay Aries ng ilang pirasong hinog at hilaw na mangga. Ang may ilan ring saging na naroon. Pinili ko na lamang na iwanan sa kubo ang mga hinog na saging para may makain sila, samantalang ang hilaw naman ay iuuwi ko sa amin mamaya. P
Ako naman ay naiyak na lamang muli sa nangyari saka dali-daling inayos ang sarili at ang kusina. Pagkatapos kong mag ligpit ng kalat ay dali-dali akong nagkulong sa kwarto, saka muling umiyak. Dahil sa kakaiyak ay nakatulog agad ako. Malamig na dami ng hangin ang dumampi sa balat ko dahil hindi ko pala naisarado ang bintana sa aking kwarto. Agad akong tumingin sa salamin. Hindi naman ako halata na umiyak, kaya naman ay maari na akong lumabas. Gabi na, nandidito na ang aking mga magulang. Ngunit bago pa man ako makatayo mula sa kama ay napadaing na lamang ako dahil masakit ang gitna ko. "Mukhang napagod ang dalaga namin ah, sarap ng tulog mo kanina anak e" bungad sa akin ni Nanay. "Hindi na kita ginising kanina, baka maistorbo kita. Oh sya, kumain ka na" dugtong pa nito. Nginitian ko naman ito saka umupo. "Kayo po ba, 'nay, 'tay, kumain na po ba kayo?" Tanong ko sa mga ito. "Oo anak, kakatapos lang namin" sagot ni Tatay. "Si ate po ba, kumain na?" Tanong kong muli. "Ah, oo an
"may s-sinabi kase sa akin 'yung Adrian. A-ate, okay ka lang ba?" Nag aalalang tanong ko rito. Agad nanlaki ang kaniyang mata. Isinarado nya ang pinto ng aking kwarto saka lumapit sa akin. "Anong sinabi nya sa'yo?" Matapang na tanong niya. Kahit na ganoon pa man ay ramdam kong kinakabahan siya."A-apat daw ang umaangkin sa'yo minsan" sagot ko saka tumungo. "Ikaw bata ka, hindi ko alam na chismosa ka rin" pikon na sabi nya. "Ikaw na nga ang best bait-baitan, ngayon kinacareer mo na rin ang pagiging chismosa. You're unbelievable. At tsaka, kailan ka pa nag-alala sa akin, ha? Kailan pa kayo nag-alala sa akin?" May bahid na sama ng loob na dugtong nito. "Ate, I'm just worried about you. Kapatid kita, kaya dapat ako ang karamay mo" sabi ko. "Well, hindi ko kailangan ang ramay mo. Ito ang tatandaan mo ha, malalagot ka sa akin kapag isinumbong mo ako kina Nanay at Tatay" bilin nito bago lumabas. Ako naman ay naiwan na lamang na tulala sa nangyari. Bakit ganoon, gusto ko lamang naman na
"dahil pinagaya mo ako at perfect din ang score ko, libre kita" nakangiting sabi ni Patricia nang recess na. "Sabi mo 'yan ah" sabi ko sa kaniya. "Oo naman, g na" sagot niya saka dali-dali akong hinila palabas ng room. Nang makarating sa canteen ay as usual, maraming estudyante. Medyo nahirapan pa kami na maghanap ng table. Mabuti na lamang at nag offer 'yung pinsan ni Patricia na makitabi kami sa kanila. Wala na akong nagawa nang maka-oo si Patricia. "Ah, Bes, anong gusto mo?" Tanong niya sa akin pagka-upo ko. "Anything" sagot ko rito saka umalis na siya para bumili ng pagkain namin. Naiwan naman akong mag-isa kasama kasama ng pinsan ni Patricia. Naroon din ang kaibigan ng lalaki. "So, ikaw pala si Marisse" usal ng lalaki. Napatingin na lamang ako rito saka tumango. "I'm Anthony" dagdag pa nito. "Nice meeting you" sagot ko na lamang. "Nice meeting you, too. So, this is my friends" usal nya saka ipinakilala ang mga kaibigan. Si Jhamir 'yung lalaki na matangos ang ilong, more
One week later..... As we arrived back in the Philippines, the warm embrace of our homeland welcomed us with open arms. Sinundo pa kami nina Mommy and Daddy, Mama and Papa namin ni Anthony. Present din doon si Patricia at ang kaniyang anak, maging si Angelo. The familiar sights and sounds of our surroundings filled their hearts with a sense of nostalgia and belonging, a reminder of the roots that anchored them to the land they called home. As they settled back into the rhythm of their lives, a sense of peace and contentment settled over their family, a testament to the enduring bonds of love and connection that held them together. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, a joyous surprise awaited Marisse and Martin, a gift that would fill their hearts with anticipation and excitement. The news of Marisse's pregnancy for their second child spread like wildfire, a beacon of light and hope in the midst of their everyday routines. The echoes of laughter and celebration filled
In the peaceful embrace of the garden, Marisse, Martin, and their son Matthew found solace and joy in the simple moments of life. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, their bond deepened, their love growing stronger with each passing day."Happy birthday, anak" bati ko sa aking anak na ngayon ay ipinagdiriwang namin ng ika pito niyang kaarawan. Matthew grown into a big and gentle man. One day, nang makauwi na siya sa bahay galing sa school, nagkwento ang anak ko na mayroon daw siyang inaway sa school. At first, napagalitan ko siya, I just don't want my child na lumaking basagulero, pero noong nag explain na siya, namangha ako. Hindi ko lubos akalain na sa murang edad ng aking anak, marunong na siyang mag tanggol sa iba. Ani ni Matthew, inaway n'ya raw ang isang kaklase niyang lalaki dahil inaway raw ang kaklase nilang babae. "Bakit ba inaway yung girl, anak?" Tanong ni Martin sa tabi ko habang nandito kami ngayon sa Salas. "E kasi naman Dad, may ipinapagawa
Two years later.....As I stood in the bustling kitchen of my successful restaurant, the aroma of culinary delights wafting through the air, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Sa wakas, Nanay, Tatay, natupad ko na po ang pangarap ko noong bata pa ako. May sarili na akong restaurant. The echoes of my dark past, now relegated to the shadows of memory, resonated in the background, a reminder of the trials I had overcome and the strength I had found within myself. The news of Glenn Acosta's confinement in a psychiatric ward and Adrian's incarceration brought a sense of closure and relief to me, a chapter of pain and suffering finally coming to an end. Dahil sa kahihiyan ng pamilya, ang ginang ni Glenn Acosta ay nawala na na parang bula at walang tao ang nakaka alam kung nasaaan iyon. The people who had once cast shadows over my life were now held accountable for their actions, their presence fading into the background as I embraced a future filled with hope and redemption.
As I stood at a distance, hidden from view, my heart heavy with the weight of regret and longing, I watched Marisse, the high school crush who had once captured his heart, walk down the aisle towards a future that no longer included mine. The echoes of our shared dreams and successes, now overshadowed by the darkness of our past mistakes, resonated in the space between us, a haunting reminder of what once was and what could have been.I was crying. Imbitado ang buong angkan namin, pero ako lamang itong hindi pumunta. Napatawad na din ni Marisse sina Mama at Papa. Everyone was in peace now.In the quiet of my soul, I grappled with the memories of a love that had bloomed and withered, a bond that had weathered the storms of life only to crumble under the weight of betrayal and loss. The image of Marisse, radiant and resplendent in her joy, stirred a mix of emotions within him, a tumultuous blend of regret, longing, and acceptance.Ang g*g* ko. Nagawa ko pa na saktan siya. Akala ko, hang
Vanessa's POVAs I stood at the threshold of a new chapter in my life, my heart brimming with gratitude and humility, for the past few years, noong mahigit apat na taon na nasa kamay ng mga Acosta si Marisse, doon, I reflected on the journey that had led me to this moment of redemption and reconciliation. The echoes of my past mistakes, the shadows of betrayal and regret that had once clouded my existence, now seemed like distant memories as I embraced the forgiveness and acceptance that Marisse had extended to me. Minsan, pakiramdam ko, sa dami ng pagkukulang at kasalanan ko sa kaniya, hindi ko deserve na mapatawad niya, o mapatawad ng pamilya niya. I still clearly remembered back when we were young, si Marisse palagi ang apple of the eye nina Nanay at Tatay. Inggit na inggit ako sa kaniya dahil pakiramdam ko, hindi pantay ang pagtingin nila sa amin. So, nag rebelde ako. 'yung pang tuition ko, ginagastos ko lamang sa kung ano-anong bagay, 'yung mga kaibigan ko, iniwan ko dahil kun
As I stood inside the hallowed halls of the church, my heart beat with a rhythm that echoed the memories of a love long lost and found once more. The soft strains of music filled the air, a melody that wove a tapestry of emotions and longing around him as I watched Marisse, radiant and resplendent, walking down the aisle towards me. She's so perfect in her fitted wedding gown made out of diamonds. She's so gorgeous, everything about her is so pretty. Idagdag pa ang napaka ganda at perpektong kanta na sumasabay sa lakad niya, sa saliw ng musika at isang violin na tinutugtog ng kaibigan kong seaman. One step closerI have di*d everyday, waiting for you Darling don't be afraid, I have love you for a thousand yearsI'll love for a thousand more~Time stands still Beauty and all she isI will be brave I will not let anything take awayWhat's standing in front of meEvery breath, every hour has come to thisOne step closer~In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still, the year
Author's Note: Hello, thank youuuu so much po sa lahat ng nakarating hanggang dulo, sa lahat ng nagbabasa hehe. I love y'all po🥹 nasa dulo na po tayo, oo. Hindi ko pa siya matawag na epilogue kasi mayroon pang POV ang ilang characters. Happy reading po.___________In the aftermath of the tumultuous events at the café, after a month, Marisse and Anthony finally found themselves face to face once more, the wounds of betrayal and heartache still fresh in their minds. The air between them crackled with unspoken words and shattered dreams, the weight of their shared past bearing down on their fragile connection.As they stood in the quiet solitude of the park, their conversation turned bitter and painful, each word a dagger that pierced the fragile bond that once held them together. Marisse's voice trembled with resolve as she declared that she no longer needed Anthony in her life, that she could bear the weight of her child's future alone."Kamusta ka?" Panimula ni Anthony habang pare
"Ano bakit parang nakakita ka ng multo?" Tanong ni ate Vanessa sa tatlong babae na nasa harap namin. "T-this is not true. Hindi i-ikaw si Marisse" nauutal na ani ng babae sa amin habang maluha-luhang nakatingin. "Ano! Ilabas mo ngayon ang tapang n'yo. Mga duwag" sigaw muli ni ate Vanessa sa kanila. "Sharmaine, tara na" bulong ng babaeng naka short hair sa babaeng sinampal ni ate Vanessa kanina. So, her name is Sharmaine..."P-patay ka na" naiiyak na ani nito. "Ano, kaya ka ba nawala dahil pagkaraan ng ilang taon, guguluhin mo ang pamilya namin? Kukuhanin mo sa amin ng anak ko si Anthony? Naghihiganti ka ba sa ginawa ko, sa ginawa namin?" Sunod-sunod na tanong nito habang umiiyak. "Shocks" bulong ng isang babae malapit sa amin. "Ano, takot ka girl? Kasi nagpabuntis ka sa lalaking hindi ka naman mahal, napilitan pang magpakasal sa'yo si Anthony dahil diyan sa k*landi*n mo" ani ni ate Vanessa habang nakataas pa ang kanan na kilay. "Alam mo, bakit ka ba sabat ng sabat. E si Marisse
As I woke up the next day, a wave of dizziness washed over me, sending a rushing to the bathroom in a panic. The sensation of something strange pressing against my stomach made my heart race, and before she knew it, she was doubled over, vomiting in a whirlwind of confusion and fear."What the. Wala naman akong masyadong kinain kagabi" ani ko habang nakaupo na sa loob ng bathroom ko. Amidst the chaos of my bathroom, a soft knock on the door interrupted her turmoil. "Nak, breakfast is ready. Halikana, sabayan mo na ang Mommy at Daddy mo bago sa pagkain bago sila umalis para magtrabaho" Yaya Dulce, the family maid, stood outside, her voice gentle yet concerned as she announced that breakfast was ready. My mind spun with a mix of emotions as I tried to compose herself and face the day ahead."Ayos ka lang ba diyan? Gusto mo ba pumasok ako?" Tanong ni Yaya Dulce nang hindi agad ako nakasagot. "A-ayos lang ako, Yaya. Medyo masakit lang ang tiyan ko kasi hindi ako nakakain ng ayos kagab