HININTO NI LILY ANG SASAKYAN SA TAPAT NG ISANG TWO-STOREY DUPLEX. The design of the residence is a clash of modern and coutry— two straight buildings stood side by side in white and brown paint, rectangular dark-tinted windows and black-painted bar gates. Nakapalibot sa tahanan ang nagtataasang mga puno at lumalambitin sa pader na halaman ng yellow bell. The country appeal of the duplex could be felt more inside of it. Sa loob ng bahay nagkalat ang iba't ibang halamang pananim, ang veranda na may wooden flooring, picnic table na may plorera ng sunflowers sa gitna, at display ng basket ng mga makukulay na bulaklak.

Lily's eyes wandered around the veranda. Gawa sa kahoy ang grilled roofing doon kaya sumisirit ang mabining sinag ng araw. Nasa kabilang dulo ng veranda ang isang pakurbang sofa na gawa sa rattan; may puting kutson iyon sa upuan at throw pillows na may makulay na patterned prints. Katapat ng veranda ang malawak na latag ng berdeng artificial grass, isang mayabong na puno ng Acacia sa sulok na halos dumikit sa mataas na pader at hanay ng namumulaklak na halamanan.

Hindi malaman ni Lily kung saan pupwesto. Dinala lang siya roon ni Jared para doon maghintay. Mukhang, hindi pa kasi gising ang mga tao sa bahay. Nakakapagtaka dahil alas-nuwebe na ng umaga.

Oo, lagi akong late sa trabaho. Pero never naman ako inabot ng nine sa higaan. I mean, if I'm drunk, yeah, sure, isip niya habang patuloy na pinapasadahan ng tingin ang paligid.

Habang naglalakad-lakad, hindi niya mapigilang alalahanin ang naging pag-uusap nila ni Jared kagabi. Iyon ay noong hinatid niya ang lalaki sa bahay nito. Sarili niyang kotse kasi ang ginamit noon papuntang The Org...

"Lily," ani Jared, nakaupo ito sa kanyang tabi sa sasakyan.

"Yes?" nasa maluwag na kalsada lang ang kanyang tingin habang nagmamaneho.

"Did you intend to punish me? Kaya ba hindi mo tinuloy?"

"How come it's a punishment? Aren't you glad, hindi natuloy?" then she scoffed. "Kung natuloy 'yon, mas matindi pa ang dadanasin mong pagdurusa, Jared."

Dama niya ang mga mata ng lalaki sa kanya. She did not bother to face or return his gaze, because based on what her peripheral vision could see, Jared looked fine. And if ever he was only being his psychologist self and hiding his real reactions, Lily would still just roll with it. Wala lang talaga siya sa mood pakomplikaduhin pa ang lahat.

"It's a torture because I expected we'll have sex."

She could not help a mocking smirk. "You're tortured about that?"

"Of course." Nilipat ni Jared sa harap ang tingin. A slight flush touched his face, his voice sad. "It hurts to think you're almost in my reach, then gone. I wanted you to hold me so much... but then, you suddenly changed your mind." Sinundan iyon ng pag gaan ng tinig nito. "But if you don't want to have sex tonight, it's alright."

Lily took in a deep breath. He's really such a good sub. So understanding too. If he kept on talking so gentle like that, she might already assume he still loves her even if he's not confirming it.

That would be very bad.

"You just said some things that... that made want to stop," she explained.

He considered, she felt it from the weight of his silence. Then, he spoke gently. "Kahit ako, nagulat sa mga pinagsasasabi ko kanina. I'm sorry if that bothered you."

Hindi niya alam ang sasabihin kaya nanahimik siya.

Having babies with Jared... she didn't know what to feel about that.

That sounded... nice, to be honest.

But then...

Jared continued. "I think you have already made it clear from the very beginning. Na wala ang gan'ong bagay sa mga plano mo... sa isip mo. You just wanted good sex. I just wanted a stress relief."

Alam ni Lily na sinasabi ng lalaki ang mga iyon para makumpirma mula sa kanya kung tama ang pagkakaintindi nito sa sitwasyon nila.

"Sorry for stressing you out," Lily sighed. "Pantanggal stress ang hanap mo, but look at me, trying to reform your yes-man personality with BDSM."

"I agreed with that set-up, why apologize?"

"I just..." napailing siya. "Hindi ko alam, Jared. I don't think I'm being a good Domme to you."

"But to other men, have you ever been?"

"Yes, because I don't give that much damn about them. Nage-enjoy ako kapag nakikita ko silang nahihirapan pero ikaw—" she sucked in a deep breath and slowly shook her head. Biglang nagtaas siya ng boses, tinangay ng emosyon. Ni wala sa mga balak niya ang sabihin kay Jared na ayaw niyang pinapahirapan ang binata. "What I meant to say is," she really did her best to defend herself, to justify herself. "I used to be their Domme for the role. Now, I am starting to understand what being a Domme really is..."

Being a Domme means caring for your Sub. Caring... and not breaking your Sub's trust in you...

Nagulat siya sa huling na-realize. All that she got figured out first was being a Domme required caring for the Sub. It was only by this exact moment when she also realized that a Sub surrenders to their Domme because of trust.

Lumambot ang kanyang mukha. Does this mean... Jared really trusts me?

"Why don't we just visit Nena tomorrow?" presenta ni Jared na tuluyang kumonsumo sa kanyang atensyon.

Nanahimik siya at pinag-isipan ang alok ng binata.

No way.

She didn't want to.

Sinabi na rin naman ni Jared na choice pa rin niya kung pababalikin sa buhay niya si Nena, 'di ba? Ibig sabihin, hindi naman kailangang makipagkita siya rito kung talagang ayaw niya.

"Lagi na lang kasi ako ang iniisip mo," patuloy ng binata dahil hindi niya ito sinasagot, "kaya ka nagkakaganyan siguro. Maybe, seeing some friends will refresh your mind, clear the clutter there."

"My mind will be more messed up if I see Nena." Her eyes were still on the road.

"I'll make sure that won't happen. I'm your subby, remember?"

Napasulyap siya sa lalaki, napaawang ang mga labi. Gumanti si Jared ng malumanay na ngiti sa kanya.

"Just tell me what you want, Ma'am. And I will do anything just to please you. I'll make sure nothing messes up my Domme's mind, how about that?"

Hindi naki-cooperate ang kanyang mga mata. Puno ang mga iyon ng pag-aalinlangan nang tumaas ang sulok ng kanyang labi.

"Will you really do that for me, subby?"

"Yes, Ma'am," ngiti nito bago binalik sa harap ang tingin. "Watch where we're going."

Nagulat siya kaya saglit na dumaplis ang manibela sa pagkakahawak niya.

"Shit!" she muttered as she clutched the steering wheel tighter. Isang dahan-dahang kabig lang at unti-unting dumiretso muli ang takbo ng kotse.

Lily sighed in relief. "I'm only going to see Nena because that's what my subby wants."

And as a Domme, it's her duty to care and provide the wants, needs and desires of the Sub.

"Thank you," titig sa kanya ni Jared. "I feel blessed to be your sub."

Napalabi siya. "How come?"

"Kasi, kahit ayaw mo, gagawin mo pa rin para sa akin."

Nag-init ang kanyang mga pisngi. "This is all because I am your Domme! Parte ng usapan natin na huwag kang bigyan ng stress kaya—" malakas siyang napabuntong-hininga at napailing. "Geez, Jared! Parang ayoko yata nitong epekto mo sa akin kapag kasama kita. Nagiging mabait akong tao."

Naputol ang pagbabalik-tanaw ni Lily nang marinig ang mga paparating. Hinarap niya sa direksyon ng kahoy na pinto ang mukha. The blue-painted wooden glazed door opened. Nakasunod kay Jared ang isang ginang na sayad sa balikat ang alon-alon na buhok. Napatuwid ng upo si Lily habang sinusundan ng mata ang dalawa.

"There she is, Mom," lingon saglit ni Jared sa babae.

Mom! Pamimilog ng mga mata ni Lily bago tuluyang natulala sa babaeng palapit sa kanya.

Jared stood aside to make way for his mother. The woman stopped in front of her seat, a petite woman with short, jet-black hair. Nakasuot ang ginang ng puting blouse na may pink floral accents at maluwag na puting gartered straight pants. Her very presence was serene, as if she brings a fresh morning breeze with her. Looking at her soft features and gentle manner could put anyone at ease.

But not Lily.

"Mom, this is Lily, my good friend." Then, Jared turned to her. "Lily, this is Mom. Her name's Jade."

Hindi na narinig ni Lily ang pagpapakilala ni Jared sa kanilang dalawa ng nanay nito. As soon as Jared's mother stood in front of her, she was taken over by timidity. Everything else around her became blurred and mute. She was absorbed by the light and gentle presence of Jared's mother.

It was as if she was looking at the color of white— she could not find a single stain or flaw at Jared's mom.

She's Jared's mom. Dear god, she looks so fresh... so decent... so calm... so balanced... She's beautiful and she looks kind as well. Napalunok siya habang tumatayo. And here I am standing before her. I have nothing to match an inkling of her level. I'm a notorious slut at The Org. I broke her son's heart and left him in Belgium. How am I even supposed to approach her without feeling guilty or like I don't deserve her presence or—

"Hi, Ma'am!" masigla niyang ngiti sa babae.

"Good morning," ganti nito ng bati sa malumanay na tinig.

Sa kanya yata nagmana si Jared...

"Did you already have your breakfast?" tanong nito na ewan kung bakit kinagulat pa niya.

"Yes, but... I'm still a little hungry—" nagulat siya nang masabi ang totoo kaya balak niyang bawiin agad, "But! But—"

Magaan itong natawa sa kanya. "Sabi ko na nga ba!" Then the woman turned to Jared. "I'll go ahead and start cooking. Maya-maya, gising na rin ang Dad mo. Pagkain ang unang hahanapin n'on sa akin kaya—" nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin ng ginang sa kanilang dalawa, "—I'll be leaving you two here for a while. Will that be fine with you?"

"Yes, Mom," magalang na tango ni Jared dito.

His mother gave Lily a lingering look, but she was too shy to comment on that or say anything. Nanatiling ganoon hanggang sa sumuko ang nakangiting ginang, pumihit at natanaw nilang bumalik sa loob ng bahay.

"Mukha ba akong gutom?" inosente niyang tanong kay Jared.

Magaan lang ang tawa nito habang sinasabayan siya sa pag-upo sa picnic table.

"Paano'ng hindi ka magmumukhang gutom para kay Mom? Nakatanga ka sa kanya ng ilang minuto bago mo siya binati."

"Gan'on katagal ako nag-space out?" bulalas niya.

Jared met her eyes. "Yes."

Umiwas siya ng tingin sa binata, tinutok niya ang mga mata sa kawalan. "Ang obvious ba na... na pinasadahan ko siya ng tingin kanina? Napatitig kasi talaga ako sa kanya kaya natagalan akong magsalita..."

Has she even read what I was thinking about her?

"I saw you looking at her," Jared answered, "pero parang hindi mo naman siya pinapasadahan ng tingin. You just stared at her face."

But I swear, I noticed her clothes too...

"Don't worry, she doesn't bite," kuha ni Jared sa isang tangkay ng bulaklak sa plorera na nasa sentro ng picnic table na may asul na checkered table cloth.

Pigil ni Lily ang paghinga nang tumapat sa kanyang mga mata ang matingkad na pagkakadilaw ng sunflower. Jared waited patiently before she accepted the flower, delicately holding it by its green stem. For some reason, its bright yellow color, a big beaming presence made her smile.

"She's the submissive wife," patuloy ni Jared. Hindi namamalayan ni Lily ang unti-unting pag-usog ng binata padikit sa kanya. Tinukod nito ang isang siko sa mesa para alalayan ang gilid ng ulo nito. Sa ganoong posisyon, mas nasisilip ni Jared ang kanyang mukha, walang takas sa mainit nitong titig ang kanyang mga mata.

Lily gently lowered the sunflower, her beer eyes peering at Jared's above the curve of its petals.

"So, you can expect her to be always gentle, always the peacemaker."

"You got it from her, didn't you?" Her smile was soft. "That gentleness, that peacemaker thing."

"Even the submissiveness, yes."

Naalala tuloy ni Lily ang mga kwento sa kanya ni Jared nung nagkasama sila. Saglit niyang nakalimutan ang kasalukuyang status nila ng binata. For some reason, she felt at ease and friendly— the same old Belgium feelings expressing itself once more.

"Is that why she can't even defend you to your father? Tungkol 'to sa course na kukunin mo noon," paalala niya sa binata.

Nagulat ito ng kaunti, medyo nalungkot bago napalitan ng pagpipigil matawa.

Interest flickered in his eyes as he scooted closer to her, still catching her curious gaze.

"Hindi ba, kwento mo noon," patuloy niya dahil natagalan sumagot ang binata, "sumama ang loob mo sa kanya? Kasi, oo lang siya ng oo sa kung ano ang gusto ng Dad mo para sa'yo?"

"That was before," anito. "Maayos na ang lahat sa amin."

"But is it her submissiveness that made her like that?"

"More on, being a yes-person," nakangiting sagot ni Jared sa kanya.

"At gan'on ka. So, namamana pala talaga ang ugali ng mga parents, no?"

"Genetical possibility," anito, palipat-lipat ang mga mata sa kanyang mga mata at mga labi. "But there are many factors when it comes to developing a personality. Hindi lang genetical. Nahuhubog din siya ng environment— ng mga taong nakapaligid sa'yo."

"What about me? Do you think, nagmana ako sa parents ko? Am I similar with my siblings?" lapit niya kaunti ng mukha kay Jared.

Their eyes held a staring match. She was waiting for his answer, and he was pondering how to answer her question. They seemed to enjoy the way their eyes stare at each other though. Lily wasn't sure if Jared thought or feel the same way with this situation.

How she wanted to inch her face closer to his'.

"Excuse me," biglaang luwa ng pinto sa nanay ni Jared.

Sabay silang napalingon sa ginang na natigilan naman sa gulat nito.

"I'm sorry, have I disturbed—"

"We're just talking, Mom," tuwid ni Jared ng upo at pumihit paharap sa direksyon na pinagmumulan ng nanay nito. "What is it?"

"Oh," nabawasan na ang pag-aalala sa mukha nito. Her eyes shifted to Lily then back to Jared. "I just forgot to ask, kung may allergies bas a particular food or ingredient si Lily?"

Napatingin tuloy sa kanya si Jared. Nagpapasalamat si Lily dahil hindi siya natulala na naman sa nanay nito o nilamon ng hindi maipaliwanag na hiya.

"Wala naman ho akong allergies. I can eat anything."

"Yes, she can," pigil ni Jared ang matawa pero sa lapad ng ngiti nito parang nabasa na niya ang kalokohang nasa isip ng lalaki. Hindi napigilan ni Lily na makurot ito sa tagiliran.

He became reactive, which was something he rarely does. Jared threw a glare at her as soon as her pinch pained him. Nagbabanta ang tingin nito bago binalik ang tingin sa ina.

"I see," patalikod na ito. "I'll go get myself busy in the kitchen."

"Can I wake Clint?" tindig ni Jared mula sa kinauupuan. "We need to talk."

"Baka nasa kwarto pa nila ni Nena," sagot ng babae at lumagpas ang mga mata kay Jared para silipin siya. Then she turned to her son. "You're leaving your friend out here?"

"I'll be fine!" maagap niyang sagot nang mapatingin ang dalawa sa kanya.

"Why don't you accompany Mom in the kitchen?" magaang ngiti ni Jared kaya pinanlakihan niya ito ng mga mata. "You can just talk to her while you watch her cooking."

My goodness, gee-whiz, Jared, what is the meaning of this? Kagabi, babies. Ngayon naman, pinaba-bonding mo ako sa Mom mo... pigil niya ang ngumiti sa mga ito nang may malisya.

"Baka makaistorbo lang ako—"

"There's no room for the modesty here," magaang biro sa kanya ng ginang. "You better come with me to the kitchen. Magmumukhang tanga ka lang diyan kung maiiwan kang mag-isa."

Lily blinked. Seems like, she's got no choice. "Sure?"

.

.

MADALING NAPAKIUSAPAN NAMAN NI JARED SI CLINT. Hindi nagtagal ang paghihintay niya sa kapatid sa pasilyo, katapat ng pinto ng silid na gamit nila ni Nena. Mag-isa lang na lumabas si Clint matapos magpaalam sa asawa.

"What do we need to talk about?" pamewang nito, na siyang nakasanayan nang posing ng kanyang kapatid kapag naiintriga sa intensyon ng pagpapatawag dito. "And what brings you here? Did you bring my car here?"

"Of course, I didn't," malumanay niyang sagot. "I just want to give you a little briefing."

"Briefing for what?"

"Lily's here."

Nagsalubong ang mga kilay nito. "You brought that girl here?"

"Don't look at me like that. It's Nena who really wants Lily to drop by. At para sa akin, walang masama kung samahan ko rito si Lily." Hindi na rin niya binigyan pa ng pagkakataong makakontra ang kapatid. "Kahit ngayong araw lang, ayus-ayusin mo muna ang pagkausap kay Lily. Don't make it obvious to Mom and Dad that you don't like her."

"Are you not going to ask why I don't like her?"

"Does your opinion about her matter? That's the proper question, Clint," he remained grave yet cool.

Hindi makapaniwala ang kanyang kapatid. Pinigilan nito ang mapailing.

"I've seen that woman so many times at The Org. The reason why I avoided her is her obvious unwillingness to submit or surrender to anyone. She's her own boss, that's good. But what's bad is she treats men as slaves for her pleasure, not as humans. I think you need to know what that Belgium girl has already become before she fools you again."

"You've been in and out of The Org too," kontrolado pa rin ni Jared ang tono, maayos pa rin makipag-usap sa kapatid. "And yet, I don't hear anyone being so judgmental about it."

"I'm not judging her for having sexual experiences," paglilinaw nito. "What I'm trying to say is, baka magkaroon ka na naman ng hindi makatotohanang expectations. Ganyang-ganyan ang ginawa mo noon sa Belgium, eh. Isang buwan mo lang nakasama 'yong tao, akala mo siya na 'yong The One. That's why I am reminding you about what type of woman she is."

"I'm not as stupid as you think. The first time we met, I was not prepared." Jared's eyes narrowed with determination, his voice lowered with evenly pressed conviction. "But now, I already am. So just let me be, alright?"

Napatitig sa kanya saglit si Clint. Nasa matalim na mga mata ng kapatid na hindi ito kumbinsido. In-adjust ng lalaki ang pagkakatukod ng mga kamay sa balakang. Tuluyan na itong umiling pakanan. Nasa baba ang tingin.

"So, si Nena ang may gustong pumunta rito si Lily?"

"Bibisita raw dito sila Beta, 'di ba? Kaya naisip nung dalawang babae na mag-triple date tayo."

"Triple—" nabilaukan si Clint sa narinig at napatingin sa kanya ang nanlalaking mga mata. Then he burst into a chuckle. "Ah, those women. They're just really something," iling-iling nito. "Talagang matatalas ang pang-amoy, ano? Na-assume na agad nung dalawa na may namamagitan sa inyong dalawa?"

Jared just gave his brother a bored look. "I better go check Lily."

"Where is she?"

"With Mom. In the kitchen."

Paalis na sana siya pero pinigilan nang boses ng kanyang kapatid.

"Oh, no," pag-aalala ni Clint.

"Why?" he fully faced his brother once more.

"Idon't think it's a good idea that you left her with Mom."