Kinabukasan ay magkahawak kamay kaming bumalik sa ancestral villa para sabihin kay Uncle Roy ang napagpasyahan naming dalawa. Hans and I wouldn't elope, at least for now. Ihahatid niya akong pabalik sa mga magulang ko, titiisin naming pareho ang distansya at pakikibagayan ang lahat ng kagustuhan ni Daddy. Ipagpapatuloy namin ang kani-kaniya naming buhay. Si Hans ay ang trabaho at ang pag-aaral niya, ako naman ay ang pag-aaral ko rin. We would focus on that, hangga't sa mapatunayan namin kay Daddy na walang dahilan para paghiwalayin kami, para hadlangan kami.

I froze as soon as I caught sight of my father's car parked in the driveway outside the villa. Panic surged through me, my mind racing with questions. What was he doing here? He was supposed to be in Paris!

Alam kong inevitable na kaharapin namin si Daddy, but I didn't expect it would be this soon! Isa pa'y nasa business meeting siya hindi ba? Anong ginagawa niya dito ngayon?

I grabbed Hans's hand, my heart pounding in my chest. "We need to leave," I whispered urgently, my voice trembling with fear. "Dad's here, he's inside."

Parang hindi naman nagulat si Hans sa sinabi ko. Umiling lamang siya, tapos ay dumilim ang anyo.

"Napag-usapan na natin 'to, Caice. Haharapin natin ang daddy mo ng maayos dahil wala naman tayong dapat ikatakot, 'di ba?" he said, his voice steady despite the fear that had set in me. "What's the worst that could happen?"

I shot him a terrified glare, my eyes wide with panic. "He could kill you!" I hissed, my voice barely above a whisper. The thought of my father confronting Hans filled me with dread.

Hans squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Kaya natin siya, Caice. Dalawa tayo, 'di ba? Isa lang siya."

I hesitated, torn between the instinct to flee and the desire to confront my father head-on. But in the end, I knew I couldn't run from this forever. I had to face him, to stand up for what I believed in, even if it meant risking everything.

Tumango ako at pilit na nilabanan ang panghihina na lumulukob sa aking dibdib. Sabay kaming pumasok ni Hans sa loob ng villa at ang galit na tinig agad ni Daddy ang sumalubong sa amin. Nasa sala sila, kausap sina Uncle Roy at Mama Nae.

"How could you let that boy take my daughter? Nasan sila, Roy? Nasan si Caice?"

"Maupo ka, Vince. Hintayin mo—"

"Anong hintayin? You let them elope, for Christ's sake! Sa tingin mo'y babalik pa sila? Sa tingin mo ibabalik pa ng lalaking iyon ang anak ko? Pagkakataon niya nang makadali ng malaking isda, sa tingin mo'y pakakawalan pa niya? How could you let this happen, Roy?

"Hindi masamang tao si Hans, Vince!" Mariin ngunit may pagpipigil na sabi ni Uncle Roy. "Exodus and I can vouch for him. Wala siyang mga materyal na bagay na kaya mong bilihin, oo. But he was decent. Bukod pa sa masipag ay masikap. Respectful, too. Kung hindi ay hindi ko naman 'yan hahayaang basta na lang pumasok pasok sa loob ng pamamahay ko. Kaya nasisiguro akong ibabalik dito ni Hans si Caice. I let them leave last night dahil gusto kong piliin ka ng anak mo ng walang pagpipilit. Hans would open her senses, naniniwala ako doon."

Muling nangilid ang aking mga luha nang marinig ang mga sinabi ni Uncle Roy tungkol kay Hans. Ang pagtitiwalang meron ito kay Hans, kung sana ay ganoon lang rin kabukas ang isipan ni Daddy ay wala sanang magiging problema.

Natigil ang akmang pagsagot ni Dad nang makita kaming dumatig. Si Mommy ay nakatayo sa tabi nito, akmang lalapit ngunit agad na inabot ni Dad ang braso upang pigilan. He then glared sharply at our intertwined hands. Imbes na kumalas ay hinigpitan ko lamang ang kapit doon. Kailangan kong maging matibay, maging matatag.

"Umuwi na tayo, Caice." Hindi na sumisigaw si Dad katulad ng kanina, parang ang makita lang akong bumalik ay sapat na para rito.

Mom was looking at me with pleading eyes na para bang pinakikiusapan akong kusa na lang sumama sa kanila pauwi dahil malaki ang posibilidad na sina Daddy at Uncle Roy pa mismo ang mag-away. I didn't want that to happen, neither did Hans.

Lumuwag ang pagkakahawak niya sa aking kamay, nang balingan ko siya ay tinanguna niya lamang ako as if telling me he would be fine if I leave now.

"What did I tell you?" Kalmadong sabi ni Uncle Roy kay Dad nang makita nilang lahat na pakawalan ako ni Hans para makalapit ako sa mga magulang ko.

"Look, Roy. I don't care about your protégé, gusto ko lang kunin at iuwi na ang anak ko." Hindi inalis ni Dad ang tingin nito sa akin na para bang anong oras ay tatalikod ako at babalik kay Hans kung malilingat ito.

"Vince, matanda na si Caice. Hayaan mo na siyang magpasya para sa sarili niya. Kung sasama siya sa'yo, let it be because she wanted to. Hindi iyong dahil natatakot siya sa kung anong kaya mong gawin."

My dad had won that day, his authority and control prevailing over my desire for freedom and autonomy. It was a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that once again, I was being forced to conform to his will.

As the days passed, the consequences of my defiance became increasingly apparent. My father tightened security around me, making it nearly impossible for me to leave the house without his knowledge. Every move I made was monitored, every action scrutinized. It was suffocating, to say the least.

But despite the restrictions placed upon me, I remained surprisingly compliant. I didn't try to break free from my father's chains, didn't attempt to defy him in any way. It wasn't out of resignation or acceptance of his control, but rather a strategic move on my part. I knew that rebelling against him now would only make matters worse, would only serve to strengthen his resolve to keep me under his thumb.

Instead, I bided my time, waiting for the right moment to make my move. I knew that I couldn't stay cooped up in the house forever, that eventually, I would need to find a way to assert my independence once again. And when that time came, I would be ready.

In the meantime, I found solace in the knowledge that my relationship with Hans remained intact, despite my father's efforts to tear us apart. We may have been physically separated, but our connection remained strong, our love for each other unwavering.

I also took comfort in the fact that my mother seemed to understand my plight, even if she couldn't openly defy my father. Her silent support gave me the strength to endure, to keep fighting for the freedom I so desperately craved.

But perhaps the most important realization I came to during those long, lonely days was that I didn't have to choose between being Hans's girlfriend and being my father's daughter. I could be both, could navigate the complexities of both relationships without sacrificing one for the other.

"Caice, aalis na muna ako. Sigurado ka bang ayaw mong sumama sa amin ng Tita Chi mo? Para makapasyal ka rin kahit sandali lang." Tanong ni Mommy nang makababa ito ng hagdan at nakitang muli, ay inaabala ko lang ang aking sarili sa pagbabasa ng kung anong makuha ko sa library. Iyon na lang ang ginagawa ko sa maghapon, wala rin naman akong cellphone. Dad had cut any possible means of communication, puwede kong tawagan ang bilang sa daliri kong mga kaibigan pero kailangan ay alam niya.

"Hindi na po, ayos lang ako dito." Tipid akong ngumiti bago tumayo upang makalapit at makahalik sa pisngi nito. "Mag-iingat po kayo, Mommy."

Sandali pa ako nitong pinagmasdan na tila naniniyak bago nakakaunawang tumango. Naghabilin pa si Mommy ng kung anu-ano sa akin bago tuluyang umalis. Nang mawala ito ay ako at iilang mga kasambahay na lamang ang naiwan sa mansion ng aking mga magulang, si Dad kasi ay lumipad kaninang umaga pa-Manila, hindi ko alam kung uuwi rin mamayang gabi. But of course, I wasn't reckless enough to try anything stupid again.

Hangga't hindi ako nito binibigyan ng dahilan na magwala ay mananatili lang akong kalmado at susunod sa lahat ng sasabihin nito. Iyon naman ang napag-usapan namin ni Hans. Sapat na sa akin na nangako siyang itatakas ako oras na may gawin si Dad na mas malala pa sa lahat ng ito.

Dad was my hero growing up, kaya masakit din sa akin ang ganitong tila ba ito kontrabida sa buhay ko.

Hapon nang katukin ng isa sa aming mga kasambahay ang pinto ng aking silid upang sabihin na may bisita ako sa ibaba. Kaibigan ko daw. Nang tanungin ko ito kung sinong kaibigan ang naghihintay sa akin ay sinabi nitong si Minnie. I didn't have a friend named Minnie.

"Sige, bababa na lang ako. Pakisabi ay sandali lang."

Hindi ako nagmadali sa ginagawang pagbibihis, kakatapos ko lang kasing maligo nang akyatin ako nito para sabihin iyon.

As I reached the foyer, I saw a woman standing there. Ang nagpakilalang bisita ko ay ang babaeng nakita ko sa talyer nang isang beses kong puntahan doon si Hans. Iyong pinagkamalan kong itinatago niya sa akin kaya ayaw niya akong papuntahin doon. Oo nga, Minnie nga ata ang pangalan ng babaeng ito.

Ano naman ang ginagawa niya rito?

"Can I help you?" Iyon agad ang tanong ko nang tuluyang makababa, saglit ko siyang inestima. Tulad ng unang beses ko siya nakita ay hapit na mini skirt ulit ang suot nito, kapares ng baby pink na ribbed shirt.

The woman—Minnie, apparently—smiled warmly at me, though there was a hint of apprehension in her eyes. "Hi, Caice. Sana ay hindi ako nakakaabala. Ako nga pala si Minnie, nagkita na tayo sa talyer noon."

I raised an eyebrow, tapos ay tumango. I didn't want to be rude, lalo na't nasisiguro ko naman na hindi siya pupunta rito kung hindi importante. "Yes, natatandaan ko. Anong kailangan mo, Minnie?"

Minnie took a deep breath, her gaze flickering uncertainly. "It's about Hans," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Ang natatandaan ko'y sabi ni Hans, daddy ni Minnie ang kasosyo ng uncle niya sa talyer. "I know you probably don't want to hear anything from me, but I just thought you should know..."

I felt a surge of anger rising within me at the mention of Hans's name. What could she possibly have to say about him? And why did she think I would want to hear it?

"Pasensya na rin kung kinailangan kong sabihin sa mga kasambahay niyo na kaibigan mo ako. Baka hindi kasi nila ako patuluyin kung iba ang sasabihin ko—"

"Anong meron kay Hans? Anong nangyari?" Putol ko sa iba niya pang sinasabi dahil hindi naman na iyon mahalaga.

"Hans didn't want me to come here, he didn't even know I was coming. I just..."

"Anong nangyari?" Medyo iritado na ako dahil hindi niya pa sabihin sa akin ng diretso kung ano ang problema! Gusto ko siyang alugin para ilabas niya ang impormasyong hinihintay ko, kaya lang hindi ko siya gustong hawakan dahil hindi naman kami magkakilala.

"Isinara na ang talyer, Caice. Utos iyon ng daddy mo! Noong isang linggo ay nagtalo sina Hans at ang Tiyo Ramon niya. Sinabihan ko si Hans na kausapin ka niya at baka magawan mo ng paraan, baka puwede mong kausapin ang daddy mo na huwag pakialaman ang kabuhayan nila pero sinabi niyang hindi mo na kailangan pang malaman." Umiling siya. "But I think you should know. Hindi ko alam kung nasaan si Hans ngayon pero hindi na siya muling bumalik ng complex simula nang pati sila ni Tiyo Ramon ay magkasira."

Hindi kaagad ako nakapagsalita. Nag-unahan ang samu't saring damdamin na sumalakay sa aking dibdib. Hindi ko mapaniwalaan. Hindi totoo ito! How could my father do this? How could he wield his power to disrupt the lives of others? Mga taong wala namang ginagawang masama sa kaniya? Sa akin?

The news hit me like a sucker punch to the gut. It wasn't just about Hans's livelihood being threatened; it was about the blatant abuse of authority and the callous disregard for the well-being of others. My father's actions spoke volumes about the kind of man he was—a man willing to crush anyone who dared to defy him, even if it meant destroying their very self in the process.

I felt a surge of guilt wash over me, knowing that Hans and his uncle's rift had been sparked by their argument over me. If only I had intervened sooner, if only I had found a way to reason with my father and prevent this from happening. Kaya lang hindi ko alam! Hindi ko inasahan na aabot sa ganito si Dad! And now, it seemed like it was too late—the damage had been done, and the consequences were rippling out in all directions.

But amidst the turmoil and self-recrimination, there was also a flicker of determination. I refused to let my father's tyranny dictate the course of my life, or the lives of those I cared about. This was a wake-up call—a stark reminder that I couldn't afford to stand idly by while injustice reigned.

I would find Hans, wherever he was, and stand by his side.

Nang makaalis si Minnie ay agad kong tinawagan si Kade, ginamit ko ang telepono sa library. Alam kong pati iyon ay monitored ni Dad, wala na akong pakialam, makinig pa siya sa lahat ng sasabihin ko.

"Caice, what's up?" Sagot ni Kade mula sa kabilang linya matapos tanggapin ang tawag matapos ang tatlong ring.

Binalingan ko ang grandfather clock na nasa isang sulok ng silid, wala pang alas singko ng hapon kaya natitiyak kong nasa rancho pa ito. "Nandyan ba si Hans?"

"Caice," ramdam kong sandaling nag-alangan si Kade, hindi rin agad sumagot.

"Kade, gusto ko lang malaman kung nandyan ba si Hans," halos magmakaawa na akong sagutin niya iyon. Ang sabi ni Minnie ay hindi na bumalik si Hans sa bahay ng tiyo niya at wala akong maisip na iba niya pang puwedeng puntahan kundi ang rancho. Hindi mabilis magtiwala si Hans, and I knew he could trust Uncle Roy his life kaya malakas ang kutob kong doon siya pumunta.

"Yes, narito siya," sabi ni Kade bago agad akong agapan. "But I don't think it's best kung pupuntahan mo siya. Huwag na muna, Caice. Baka magalit na naman si Uncle Vince, hintayin mo na lang si Hans na puntahan ka kung puwede na—"

"Hindi niya ako pupuntahan! Ni hindi niya nga sinabi sa akin na ipinasara pala ni Dad ang talyer ng tito niya sa San Jose! Hindi niya nga sinabi sa akin na nagkasamaan sila ng loob at umalis siya doon!" Puno ng hinanakit kong sabi kay Kade, pilit kong ikinalma ang aking sarili kahit pa galit na galit na ako. "Sabihin mo sa kaniya na magkita kami sa pinagdalhan niya sa akin noong unang date namin. Alam niya iyon! Tell him he should now honor his promise... Hihinatayin ko siya doon ngayong gabi, Kade!"

"Caice, I don't think that's a good idea," mahinang tutol ni Kade sa sinabi ko.

"I don't care what you think, Kade. Sabihin mo ang lahat ng 'yan kay Hans!" Iyon lang at pinutol ko na ang tawag.

Galit na galit ako kay Daddy. Gusto ko siyang sugurin, sigawan, saktan! Pero para ano? Para bigyan lang siya lalo ng lakas laban sa akin? Laban sa amin ni Hans? I couldn't just sit here and take it all in! Ayaw ko na! Tama na!

Without wasting any more time, I grabbed a duffle bag from my closet and began stuffing it with essentials—clothes, toiletries, some cash, and anything else I thought I might need. My hands were shaking, partly from anger and partly from the adrenaline surging through me. Tears streamed down my face as I shoved items into the bag, each tear a testament to the frustration and helplessness I felt.

I knew my mom would be home soon, and the last thing I wanted was to take my anger out on her. She had always been caught in the crossfire between my father and me, and I didn't want to add to her burden. So, I locked myself in my room, letting the sounds of the house fade into the background as I focused on my escape.

The hours ticked by slowly. I could hear my mother moving around the house, probably wondering why I hadn't come down for dinner. She knocked on my door a few times, her voice tinged with concern, but I didn't answer. I couldn't face her, not with the rage still simmering inside me.

Finally, the house grew quiet. My father hadn't come home, and the opportunity to leave was now. I waited until the clock struck ten, then slipped out of my room and headed for the back garden. The night air was cool against my tear-streaked face, a stark contrast to the heat of my anger. I moved quickly, not wanting to waste any more time. Every step I took away from the house was a step towards freedom, towards Hans.

I made my way through the garden, avoiding the well-lit areas and sticking to the shadows. I had planned this route in my mind a hundred times, each detail etched into my memory. My heart pounded in my chest as I approached the gate, the final barrier between me and the outside world. I took a deep breath and pushed it open, the creak of the hinges echoing in the silence of the night.

As soon as I was out, I started walking quickly down the street, heading towards the meeting point Hans and I had agreed on. The anger still burned inside me, fueling my determination. I wasn't scared; I was resolute. My father's attempts to control my life had only strengthened my resolve to fight back.

I hailed a tricycle and directed the driver to take me to Slice of Heaven, the pizzeria where Hans and I had our first date. The ride felt interminable, every bump and turn amplifying my anxiety. What if Hans didn't show up? The thought gnawed at me, but I pushed it away, clinging to the belief that he would honor his promise.

When the tricycle finally pulled up outside Slice of Heaven, I got out and paid the driver, my hands trembling slightly as I handed over the money. I stood there for a moment, looking at the familiar sign, the warm glow of the lights inside casting a nostalgic hue over the memories we had made here.

I chose a spot outside, where I could see both the entrance to the pizzeria and the street. I sat down, my heart pounding in my chest, each beat a reminder of the stakes. The night was quiet, the air filled with the faint scent of pizza and the distant hum of traffic. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to fend off the chill of both the night and my fears.

Minutes turned into what felt like hours. Wala akong cellphone, ang tanging pinanghahawakan ko lang ay ang pangako ni Hans sa akin noong huling gabing magkasama kami. He would take me with him. Kapag lumala ang lahat ay aalis kami. Itutuloy namin ang balak ko noong una pa lang.

And it did get worse! Dad had made it worse!

Medyo matagal na akong nakaupo at naghihintay ngunit wala pa rin si Hans. Hindi ako naniniwalang hindi sasabihin sa kaniya ni Kade ang mensahe na ipinahatid ko. He would be here.

Sana...

Doubt began to creep in. What if my father had gotten to him? What if Hans had decided it was too risky, too dangerous? The thought of my father's relentless interference made my blood boil. I tried to push the doubts away, reminding myself of the times Hans had stood by me, the promises we had made to each other. But the longer I waited, the harder it became to stay hopeful.

An hour passed, and the anxiety twisted into a tight knot in my stomach. I couldn't help but replay our last conversation in my mind. Had I misread his resolve?

Just as I was about to give in to despair, I saw a familiar figure approaching in the distance. My heart skipped a beat. It was Hans. He was here. Relief washed over me, so powerful that it brought fresh tears to my eyes.

I knew he wouldn't let me down!

He walked quickly, his eyes scanning the area until they landed on me. The moment he saw me, his pace quickened, and in a few strides, he was there, standing in front of me, slightly out of breath.

"Caice..."

With tears spilling down my cheeks, I stood up and threw my arms around him. "I was so scared you wouldn't come," I whispered against his chest. "Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin ang ginawa ni Dad sa talyer? Bakit hindi mo ko pinuntahan? Hans, may usapan tayo, 'di ba? I would only sit still kung hindi ka niya papakialaman!"

"I'm sorry... Ayaw ko nang dagdagan pa ang galit mo sa daddy mo kaya hindi kita pinuntahan," malumanay niyang paliwanag. "I'm sorry..."

We stood there for a moment, just holding each other, the world around us fading into the background. Nanghihina ako dahil para kaming napapagkaisahan! Pero kahit paano ay kumakalma na ang galit na sumasalakay sa aking damdamin kanina pa. We had each other, iyon ang mahalaga. Iyon lang.

Hans pulled back slightly, looking into my eyes. "What do we do now?"

Nasa kaniyang mga mata ang pagpapaubaya ng lahat sa akin. Hinahayaan niya na akong magdesisyon ngayon para sa amin. Hinahayaan niya na akong masunod.

"You promised me, aalis tayo... Kukunin mo ko. Now is the time, Hans. Take me away..."