Nakahanda na ang lahat ng dadalhin ko. Isang duffle bag lang naman iyon na may lamang ilang damit, cash at iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan. Pinatay ko na ang cellphone ko at iniwan iyon sa nightstand.

"Caice, beh! Halika na sa baba. Nariyan na ang mga bisita." Si Mama Nae iyon na kumatok sa pinto ng silid.

"Susunod na po ako," I hollered back, checking my reflection in the mirror one last time. Simpleng besitida lang ang suot ko, maging ang ayos ng buhok ko'y hindi ko na masyadong pinagkaabalahan. Tutok ang buong atensyon ko sa plano ko ngayong gabi.

I would give my birthday gift to Uncle Roy and kiss him goodbye, tapos ay sasama na ako kay Hans. Kung saan, bahala na. I closed my eyes, natatakot ako but everything felt right. Ito ang dapat kong gawin, ito ang magpapasaya sa akin.

Sa baba ay nagkakasiyahan na ang lahat. Hindi naman magarbo mag celebrate ng birthday si Uncle Roy, wala rin siyang kung sinu-sinong iniimbita. Tanging mga kamag-anak at malalapit lang sa pamilya namin ang naroon.

They turned the whole lawn into a festive ambiance. Hangga't maaari ay umiiwas ako sa mga bisita. I would talk to a few cousins of mine, pero simpleng kumustahan lang. Masyado kasi akong okupado ng gagawin naming pagtakas ni Hans mamaya.

After the traditional singing of "Happy Birthday" and the cake cutting, the guests dispersed, resuming their conversations and activities. I seized the opportunity to slip away and find Uncle Roy in a quieter corner of the hall.

Kumpara kanila Dad, si Uncle Roy ang mas iwas sa atensyon. He would rather live simply than soldier through all the glitz and glamour of being a De Salvo, tulad ng siyang dinadanas ng mga kapatid niya.

He was standing by the grand piano, a glass of bourbon in hand, smiling at something Mama Nae had said. I approached him with a gift bag clutched tightly in my hands.

"Uncle Roy?" I called softly, drawing his attention.

He turned to me with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Darling,"

I smiled back, feeling a surge of affection for this man who had always been a source of comfort and wisdom in my life. Hindi ko alam kung sa gagawin kong pag-alis kasama si Hans ay makikita ko pang muli si Uncle Roy dahil isa lang ang nasisiguro ko, hindi na ako babalik pa kay Dad. And I would really miss Uncle Roy.

"I wanted to give you something," I said, holding out the gift bag. "Happy birthday."

His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he took the bag from me. "Hindi ka na sana nag-abala pa, Caice."

Bigla siyang natawa nang masilip ang laman ng bag, si Mama Nae din ay napangisi. It was a funky Wild West Spice set, a collection of unique barbecue spices. Napapansin ko kasing nahihilig siya sa pag-grill sa garden kaya 'yan.

"This is perfect!" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm genuine. "Magagamit ko itong madalas. I've been experimenting with different flavors for our barbecue Saturdays."

"I noticed," I said, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "I thought you might enjoy trying out some new recipes with these."

Uncle Roy chuckled, patting my shoulder affectionately. "Thank you, anak,"

I smiled, relieved that he liked the gift. "I'm glad you like it, Uncle Roy."

"Nako! Puro barbecue malamang ang ulam sa susunod na linggo!" Pabirong reklamo ni Mama Nae, nakatawa. May sasabihin pa sana kaya lang nangunot ang noo habang ang tanaw ay tagos sa aking mga balikat. "Diyos ko! Thalia!"

Nang lingunin ko ang tinitignan nito ay naroon si Taling, nakikipagsuntukan kay Oxygen.

"Sandali nga! Masasabunutan ko talaga ang batang 'to, eh!" Ibinigay nito ang hawak na kopita kay Uncle Roy at tinungo na ang dalawa.

"Huwag mong sasaktan si Taling, Nae." Malumanay na pahabol ni Uncle Roy bago naiiling na muli akong yukuin ng tingin. "Sumasakit ang ulo niya kay Thalia, kanino pa nga ba 'yan nagmana?"

Natawa ako dahil totoo. Lahat ata ay minana ni Thalia kay Mama Nae, tangin apelido lang ang kinuha kay Uncle Roy.

"How are you holding up?" Tanong ni Uncle Roy bago sumimsim ng kaniyang inumin.

Bakit ba kung titigan ako ni Uncle Roy ay palagay ko nababasa niya na ang gagawin kong pag-alis ngayong gabi?

Hindi niya na ako hinintay pang makasagot, muli nang nagsalita. "I know what you're planning, Caice."

My heart skipped a beat, and I opened my mouth to protest, but he shook his head, silencing me gently.

"Don't," he said firmly. "Hansen told me."

"Sinabi niya?" Damn! Why would Hans tell anyone about our plan? Paano na ngayon 'yan? Totoong mabait si Uncle Roy, pero uncle ko pa rin siya! Pipigilan niya lang kaming dalawa, and he didn't even understand why we had to do this!

Uncle Roy nodded. "He loves you, Caice. He loves you enough to think about what's best for you, kahit ikaw na mismo ang nagpahiwatig ng kagustuhang iyon. He couldn't just take you away from your family like that."

Bigla akong natigilan. Uncle Roy was right, as always. Hans's love for me was so deep that he was willing to sacrifice our immediate happiness for my long-term well-being.

"Running away isn't the answer. It's never as simple as it seems, Caice."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to hold back my frustration. "But Uncle Roy, I can't stay here. Dad's control is suffocating me. I can't even talk to Hans without fearing for his safety."

Lumambot ang tingin niya sa akin para bang naiintindihan ang pinanggagalingan ng lahat ng emosyon ko. "I understand, darling. Believe me, I do. Pero hindi mo kailangan magpadalus-dalos ng desisyon. Pag-isipan mo 'yang mabuti, niyo ni Hans. Kung aalis kayo at lalayo, paano ang buhay niyo dito? Ang pag-aaral niyo? Ang mga pangarap niyo? Lahat ng pinaghirapan ni Hans, Caice? Ikaw, higit sa kanino man, ang may alam kung paano siya nagsikap at patuloy na nagsusumikap para sa kinabukasan niya. Napag-isipan mo na ba ang mga iyan? Kung oo ay hahayaan kitang umalis, ngayon na mismo. Ihahatid ko pa kayo. Pero kung hindi pa, hinihiling ko sa'yo na paglaanan mo ng hustong oras ang mga bagay na iyan."

His words hit me like a ton of bricks. I stood there, speechless, my mind racing. Uncle Roy was right. I had been so consumed by my desperation to escape Dad's control that I hadn't thought through the practical implications of running away. Hans and his dreams, our future, everything we had worked so hard for—it all hung in the balance.

He reached into his pocket and withdrew a small key, pressing it into my hand. "There's a hidden cabin by the creek. It's secluded and quiet. Use it to clear your mind and think things through, hard. Hans knows where it is. He can take you there."

Niyuko ko ang susi na ngayon ay nasa aking palad na. "But... what about Dad? He'll come after me."

"Your father won't look for you there," Uncle Roy assured me. "It's a safe place. And whatever you decide, Caice, know that you can always count on me."

Tears spilled over as I hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Uncle Roy. You don't know how much this means to me."

Totoo. Lalo na ngayon na pakiramdam ko pinagkakaisahan na kami ng lahat, sobrang laking bagay na malamang kahit paano may kakampi ako.

He patted my back reassuringly. "Just promise me you'll think it through. Don't let anger and frustration drive your decisions. Take the time you need to figure out what's best for you."

I nodded, pulling away and wiping my tears. "I promise."

"Good. Oh, you remind me so much of Chiara. She'd rather die than follow Dad's orders," he said with a small smile. "Now, go find Hans and get out of here quietly."

I looked down at the key in my hand, feeling its weight both physically and metaphorically. Could I really jeopardize everything Hans had worked for? He had put in so much effort to build a better future for himself and for us. Running away might solve my immediate problems, but what about the long-term consequences?

I had to figure this out with Hans.

Kinuha ko ang inihanda kong mga gamit tapos ay muling bumaba, nakita kong inakay ni Uncle Roy ang dalawang bodyguards na panay ang lingon marahil ay hinahanap ako. Dinala niya ang mga ito patungo sa nagsasayahang mga ranchero sa hardin, I knew he was distracting them so I could slip out. And that was what I did.

I made my way through the party, avoiding the crowd as much as possible. I found Hans by the bushes. Agad na nagliwanag ang kaniyang mukha nang makita ako. Dito ko sinabi sa kaniyang maghintay, I knew in my heart that my decision wouldn't change. I would runaway with Hans in a heartbeat, lalo kung patuloy kaming hahadlangan ni Dad.

"Kinausap ako ni Uncle Roy," iyon ang bungad ko sa kaniya nang kunin niya mula sa akin ang bitbit kong bag.

Tumango lamang siya, para bang inaasahan niya nang mangyayari nga iyon. Sa siko niya ako hinawakan bago igiya palabas ng hardin. We were careful, kahit pa alam ko naman na hindi hahayaan ni Uncle Roy na mahabol kami ng mga tauhan ni Dad.

"Ibinigay niya sa akin ang susi ng cabin malapit sa creek," inilahad ko ang ang aking palad at ipinakita iyon sa kaniya nang makapasok ako sa truck na nakaparada hindi kalayuan mula sa villa. "Siguro'y doon muna tayo ngayong gabi, o hanggang sa mapagpasyahan natin ang mga susunod na hakbang."

Hindi pa rin umimik si Hans, tutok sa mata ang daan habang nagmamaneho patungo sa cabin na tinutukoy ni Uncle Roy.

"Hans?" Hinaplos ko ang kaniyang brasong nakakapit sa manibela, kaya naman saglit niya akong nilingon. "Are you okay?"

Hans sighed deeply, taking my hand in his and kissing the back of it. "It just doesn't feel right, Caice," he admitted, his voice heavy with emotion. "Parang inaagaw kita sa mga taong nagmamahal sa'yo..."

My heart ached at his words. Hindi ba't iyon na ang sinabi ni Uncle Roy sa akin kanina? "Hindi mo ako inaagaw, Hans. Ako ang kusang sumasama sa'yo. Ako pa nga ang nagpupumilit nito, 'di ba? I can't keep living like this, under Dad's control. I need space to breathe, to think, to be with you."

He nodded, his grip on my hand tightening. "Alam ko naman iyon, Caice. Hindi ko lang gusto na ako ang dahilan para malayo ka sa pamilya mo. I want us to be together, but not at the cost of your relationship with them."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked at him, seeing the pain and love in his gaze. "Hans, you're not the reason. Dad is. He's the one who's making this impossible. I love you, and I want to be with you. And it's just so hard to figure out how to do that without losing everything else."

Hindi na muling nagsalita pa si Hans hangga't sa marating namin ang cabin na sinasabi ni Uncle Roy. Bumaba ako ng truck at tiningnan ang paligid. Ang cabin ay nakatago sa likod ng mga matatayog na puno, tila isang lihim na lugar na sadyang itinayo para sa mga pagkakataong tulad nito. Huminga ako nang malalim, hinayaan ang malamig na hangin na magdala ng kaunting kapanatagan sa akin.

Hans opened the cabin with the key I handed him. The door creaked slightly as it swung open, revealing a small but cozy space inside. The log cabin was warm and inviting, with a stone fireplace at one end, a worn but comfortable-looking couch in front of it, and a wooden table with two chairs. Shelves lined the walls, filled with old books, trinkets, and various items that gave the place a homely feel. A small kitchen area was tucked into the corner, complete with a stove, sink, and a few cabinets. The large windows let in just enough light. Habang pinagmamasdan ko ang paligid, kasama si Hans, hindi ko maiwasang maisip kung paanong ganito, kahit ganito kasimpleng buhay lang ay alam kong pipiliin ko ng paulit-ulit basta nasa akin si Hans.

He put down our things on the wooden table and turned to me as the door closed behind us. We stood there for a moment, just looking at each other, the weight of everything that had happened hanging in the air between us. It had been so long since we'd been this close, able to touch and feel each other's presence without fear of interruption or danger.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I'm sorry for the chaos that my father has caused, for everything he's done to try and tear us apart."

Hans stepped closer, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "Hindi mo kasalanan, Caice. Wala kang kasalanan sa lahat ng nangyayari."

"I just... I hate that he's done this to us, Hans. I hate that he's made our lives so difficult, that he's hurt you."

Muli ay naalala ko na naman ang itsura ni Hans nang nakahandusay na ito sa lupa, unti-unting pinapanawan ng lakas matapos gulpihin ng tauhan ni Dad. Ang ala-alang iyon ay parang isang nakakatakot na pelikula na paulit-ulit na naglalaro sa aking isipan. I couldn't help but cry just by thinking about it.

"Hans..." hinayaan kong abutin niya ako at ikulong sa kaniyang mga bisig dahil hindi ko na alam kung saan pa ako pupunta kundi sa kaniya. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for everything."

Gently, I reached up and touched the tiny scar embedded in his jaw, a constant reminder of that terrible night. It broke my heart to see the mark, a permanent symbol of my father's brutality and our struggle.

"Baby, sinabi ko na, 'di ba? Wala kang kasalanan," he said, brushing away my tears with his thumb. "I'd live through a thousand beatings if it meant keeping you safe. You have nothing to apologize for."

"But it is my fault," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have gotten hurt. You wouldn't have that scar."

He shook his head, pulling me even closer. "This scar," he said, touching it lightly with his fingers, "is a small price to pay for loving you. I'd take a hundred more if it meant we could be together."

I leaned my head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "I don't want you to get hurt again, Hans. I don't know what I'd do if something worse happened to you."

He tilted my chin up, forcing me to look into his eyes. "Makinig ka sa'kin, Caice. Kahit pa anong karahasan ang gawin sa'tin ng daddy mo, hinding-hindi niya tayo mapapaghiwalay. We have something stronger than his hate, stronger than his control. We have each other. And as long as we have that, we'll find a way. Hinding-hindi kita iiwan hangga't sa ikaw mismo ang humiling ng bagay na iyon sa akin."

Mabilis akong umiling. Why would I ever want that? Eh, ako na nga itong nagtatapon ng sarili ko sa kaniya. No. I couldn't be away from him. I just couldn't.

Ilang sandali pa akong kinalma ni Hans, unti-unti rin naman akong natigil sa pag-iyak nang mapalagay akong kahit ngayong gabi lang, kahit itong gabi lang ay sa amin ito ni Hans. He guided me to the couch, his touch gentle and reassuring, before heading to the small kitchen of the cabin.

Nang bumalik ay may bitbit siyang isang baso ng tubig, agad niya iyong inabot sa akin bago muling naupo sa tabi ko. "Uminom ka muna, kanina ka pa umiiyak. Hindi maganda 'yan..."

I took the glass and sipped the water slowly. When I finished, he put his arm around my shoulders, gently rubbing my back. Ngumiti rin siya sa akin, kahit bahagya iyong umabot sa kaniyang mga mata ay napayapa ako. Ang mahalaga naman talaga ay magkasama kami ngayon, eh. Iyon lang.

I took a deep breath, trying to release the weight pressing on my chest. "Uncle Roy asked me to think about our plans. He said it might jeopardize your future. You've been working so hard for it your whole life."

Hans shook his head, his eyes full of determination. "Huwag mong isipin 'yun, Caice. I'd give up everything if it meant being with you. Isa pa, sanay akong gawan ng paraan lahat."

"But your scholarship," I protested, my voice breaking. Hindi ko gusto ang pumapasok sa aking isipan, pero hindi malabong gawin iyon ni Dad. Dad would rip Hans of every resources he could get his hand on. "Ang mga pangarap mo. If you stay with me, my father will destroy everything you've built. That thought alone breaks my soul, Hans. I can't bear the idea of you losing everything because of me."

"Pero ikaw? Ayos lang sa'yo na mawawala sa'yo ang lahat? Sasama at sasama ka pa rin sa akin, 'di ba? Ganoon rin ako, Caice." He gently cupped my face, his eyes searching mine deeply. "Kung magagalit pang lalo ang daddy mo at tatangkain niyang kunin ang lahat ng nasa akin ngayon, ayos lang. Malaya siyang subukan iyon, but he can't take away what really matters. He can't take away my love for you, and he can't take away the strength we have together."

I shook my head, tears welling up again. "He would ruin you... Us..."

"Gusto kong pag-isipan natin 'to hindi dahil sa natatakot akong sirain ng daddy mo ang buhay ko, o kung ano mang napagsikapan ko. Mabubuhay ako ng wala ang mga 'yan, Caice. Ikaw ang inaalala ko. Ayaw kong dumating ang pagkakataon na pagsisihan mo ang paglayo mo sa pamilya mo dahil nagpadalus-dalos tayo. Mga magulang mo 'yun, Caice. Bago ako, nandyan na sila. I wouldn't want to take you away from them. Hindi ganoong klase ng pagmamahalan ang gusto ko para sa ating dalawa."

I closed my eyes, letting his words sink in. How could he be so selfless? "I'm scared, Hans. I'm scared of what my father will do. I'm scared of losing you."

"You won't lose me," he whispered. Hans pulled me closer, his forehead resting against mine. "If I stay, it's not because I'm giving up. It's because I love you and I believe in us."

"You've done so much for me," I whispered, para akong nanliliit sa sobrang pagmamahal na meron si Hans para sa akin. "I'm sorry for the chaos my father has brought into our relationship."

Hans wiped away the remaining tears from my cheeks with his thumb. "Ang kulit mo naman, hindi mo nga kasalanan, eh."

Between the tears, I broke a small smile, feeling a glimmer of hope pierce through the darkness. I leaned closer to him, our foreheads touching, my voice barely above a whisper. "We'll stay and soldier through, Hans. We'll face this together. But if my dad is hellbent on taking me away from you, if he tries to ruin us even harder than what he's doing now, you have to promise me something."

Hans's brow furrowed slightly, concern flickering in his eyes.

"You have to promise me that you'll take me away. We'll leave everything behind if we have to. Just promise me that you won't let him tear us apart," I pleaded, my voice trembling.

He took a deep breath, looking into my eyes with unwavering determination. Natakot pa ako na baka hindi siya pumayag, na baka magmatigas pa siya. Pero dahan-dahang tumango si Hans at muli akong pinatakan ng halik sa tungki ng aking ilong.

"I will take you away from everything that threatens to hurt you..."

For a moment, we sat in silence, holding each other close. The warmth of his embrace and the steady beat of his heart against mine provided a sense of comfort I desperately needed. The cabin around us felt like a safe haven, a small bubble where we could be free from the world outside.

"Magpahinga na muna tayo," mahina niyang sabi nang pakawalan ako at bigyan ng kaunting espasyo para makagalaw. "Bukas ng umaga ay ihahatid kita sa inyo. Uuwi ka na, Caice. Uuwi ka muna."

Tumango ako, tumahan na sa pag-iyak. Pakiramdam ko ay naubusan na ako ng lakas. Naubos na sa kakaiyak at kakaisip kung paano na kaming dalawa. Basta isa lang ang alam ko, ayaw kong mahiwalay kay Hans.

After a moment, I headed to the small bedroom at the back of the cabin and took a quick shower. The warm water washed away some of my exhaustion, and I changed into something more comfortable—a sleeveless nightshirt and underwear. When I emerged, I found Hans entering the bedroom. He paused and raked his eyes over my body, a soft smile forming on his lips.

"Titignan ko sana kung tulog ka na," sabi niya.

I crawled up to the bed and looked at him. "Hindi naman ako matutulog ng hindi kita katabi... Tatabihan mo naman ako, 'di ba? Dito ka rin matutulog?"

Hans's smile widened, and he walked over to the bed, sitting down beside me. "Pagod ka, Caice..."

Inirapan ko siya. Sinabi niya kasi iyon sa paraan na parang kailangan niyang ipaalala iyon sa akin! Ano ba sa tingin niya ang gagawin ko pa sa kaniya?

I scooted over, making space for him. He lay down next to me, and I immediately snuggled into his side, resting my head on his chest. His arm wrapped around me, holding me close. The warmth of his body and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat calmed me.

"Dito lang ako... Ayaw ko nang umalis dito..." Malungkot kong bulong, nagmamakaawa. Sa kung kanino ay hindi ko na alam. Basta sana lang matupad.

Hans kissed the top of my head, a comforting gesture that momentarily eased my despair. But then I realized something. He hadn't kissed me yet tonight, 'yung totoo at nakakatunaw na mga halik! Wala pa! Simula kanina! Baka akala niya hindi ko napapansin 'yun, huh?

I frowned and turned to him, my eyes searching his. "Hindi mo pa ko hinahalikan!"

He looked at me pointedly, pero kita kong nagpipigil siya ng ngiti. Niloloko niya ba ko? "Pagod ka nga, 'di ba?"

I shook my head, determined. "I'm never too tired for your kisses!"

Without waiting for him to make a move, I leaned closer and kissed him tenderly on the lips. Hans chuckled first before he responded, his lips moving against mine in a gentle, familiar rhythm. I poured all my frustrations, my fears, and my love into that kiss, hoping he could feel the depth of my emotions.

His arms tightened around me, pulling me closer as the kiss deepened. It was slow and unhurried, yet filled with an intensity that spoke volumes. My fingers found their way into his hair, tangling in the soft strands as I tried to convey everything I felt through the kiss.

Hans finally broke the kiss, his forehead resting against mine as we both caught our breath. "Mahal na mahal kita..."

"Mahal na mahal rin kita..." Nanghihina kong tugon, muli ko siyang hinila para halikan na naman dahil pakiramdam ko, kung hindi ko siya hahawakan ngayon ay mawawala siya sa akin.

The kiss deepened, and we lost ourselves in each other. Hans's hands were everywhere, exploring, caressing. He rolled on top of me, his lips traveling down my jaw, then my neck. Each touch sent shivers down my spine, and I arched my back to meet his movements, wanting to feel every part of him.

He whispered sweet nothings against my skin, his breath hot and tantalizing. His hand slowly traveled down my body, caressing my thigh before slipping under my underwear. He moved with a deliberate slowness, making sure I felt every second of it.

"Hans..." I gasped, my fingers digging into his shoulders. "Don't you ever leave me..."

"Never," he murmured against my skin, his voice a low growl that made my heart race.

His lips found their way back to mine, and we kissed with a renewed intensity. My hands roamed his back, feeling the strength of his muscles under my fingertips. His touch was both gentle and commanding, and I surrendered completely to him.

Hans's hand slipped my underwear down, and I lifted my hips to help him. He discarded the fabric without breaking the kiss, his hands returning to explore my body. Every touch was electric, and I couldn't get enough of him.

I could feel the heat between us growing, the air thick with anticipation. Hans's kisses became more urgent, more demanding, and I matched his intensity with my own.

"I miss you..." Bulong niya sa nagsusumamong tinig.

"Me too..."

With a final, searing kiss, Hans made his move. He entered me slowly, making sure I was comfortable. The sensation was overwhelming, a perfect blend of pleasure and emotion. I wrapped my legs around him, pulling him deeper, wanting to feel every inch of him.

We moved together, our bodies perfectly synchronized. Every thrust, every touch, every kiss was a testament to our love, our need for each other. The world outside ceased to exist; it was just us.