Hi guys!

Here's my treat for y'all! I know a lot of you still has so many questions, I hope this chapter might enlighten you somehow.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to comment down and click the star button.

Cheers to more chapters!!!! Kidding.

~~~

"You are sick, Phanes! Why do you have to do that!"

"Kuya Phanes, Venus! Kuya! How many times do I have to tell you that I'm a minute older than you!"

"Then act your age!!!"

"Wow! Just wow! Coming from someone who's text-flirting at class hours!"

"I am not flirting, is it my fault if they keep on texting me----"

"They? Damn! Venus how many dickheads you have huh?!"

"Oh come on, Kuya!"

"At least make sure they got half of my looks---"

"I got the fairest admirers in the whole wide world, Kuya! And Trent, the one you keep on calling names was way more better than you."

"So, shortdick has a name huh!"

"I mean it, he's way better than you!!!"

"And now you're even lying. Stop attending classes, you're not learning at all--"

"No wonder, Amanda's fond of him--"

"I don't care about Amanda."

"Claire too---"

"Ditto."

"How 'bout Tiffany?"

"Never heard about that on---"

"Oww! Have you heard about the rumors already Kuya? Freya's dating him."

"..."

"Woah! You must be brokenhearted. You like her right? I caught you stalking her the other day----"

"Venus."

"I even overheard you talking to her picture--"

"I'm talking to Ninong Dude's Venus! What the hell are you trying to pull off with this conversatio---"

"Argh!!! Don't you get it, Kuya?"

"Obviously! God Venus, you're playing beyond the boardgame! Why drag names of woman, suddenly?"

"I can't believe it! The competitive Phanes Mallory's acting dumb all of a sudden. Argh! What I am trying to say is do something! What's the use of that goddamn face of yours if you won't use it for a cause!"

"Phanes Trenth Mallory, Venus! You keep on---"

"Argh!!!! Kuya!!!"

"..."

"You know I like Trent right?"

"Tsk! That shortdick, might visit him this midnight."

"Kuya..."

"I will tell Dada Dude about it too---"

"No need Dude." I cut off.

"Dada?!" They both exclaimed in surprise.

"Finally! My presence got acknowledge at last!" I muttered. "Can you remind me your age once again, please?" I added, tossing the newspaper on the table. "I keep on forgetting it whenever you're acting like this."

Venus raises her hand.

"I'm Ten."

"Ditto." Phanes followed.

See that? These twins never failed at making me tweak my hair.

"Exactly!" They both fell silent. "Act your age, kiddos."

Venus pouted, meanwhile Phanes just shook his head. This boy, akala ba niya hindi ko alam ang ginagawa niya?

"And Phanes, stop sneaking out." I uttered catching his attention. " Freya's mom keeps on nagging me about your whereabouts dude. Stop snatching Freya like a pet, without their consent."

"I got Ninong Dude's approval though." He backfired.

"And that Ninong Dude's of yours will receive a scolding tonight. I informed his wife about your little alliance."

"Dude, you're just joki-" He was cut off by his sister.

"Woah! Don't tell me..."

"Yes, honey. He's the Trenth in that spreading rumors."

"OMG!" Venus in surprise hugs her brother. "God! Kuya, why didn't you tell me. I thought no secrets allowed!" She exclaimed in glee. Swaying her hips sideways. Napailing nalang ako.

"And you too, Venus! Who's that Trent?!" She hurriedly withdrew her hand off her brother and jump on the space beside me.

"Dada, Trent's a decent man." Sambit nito, hugging me, bet she's trying to appease me with her charm-tricks. "He could actually provide us for a living, once we decided to get married----"

I sneered and stood up, looking at Phanes. "Hey Dude! You're right. Let's visit that shortdick later."

"Dada!!!"

"I can't believe I got the coolest dad in the world. How 'bout a race?"

"Kuya!!!"

Another four years passed. She truly take my heart away with her the moment she ascended. We've been doing great lately, but never could been better when she's with us.

Dinner came, everyone has settled on their respective seats. Mom and Zannah's mother cooked tonight's meal, they often visits us every weekend. Dad Gregory, yea! he told me to call him dad way back years ago.

So as I was saying, dad Gregory, lolo Alfonso and Tanda having their usual night talks. While I on the other hand, is having a tough time dealing with the twins.

"Stop kicking my right foot, Venus. I'm damn eati--"

"Language, Dude!" I muttered.

"She's acting naive, Dada dude." Sumbong nito. Medyo napalakas iyon, now everyone's looking at our way.

"I'm not!" Dipensa naman agad ng isa. "Look grandma, kuya's just making a scene to catch your attentions." Dadag pa nito.

"And why would I do that? If I'm seeking attention, I won't pull that sick stunt." Phanes rebuts. "Manners kiddo." Dagdag din nito.

Napailing nalang muli ako. Nang pasadahan ko ng tingin ang lahat. Tulad ko sila, mukhang sanayan nalang talaga ang solusyon rito.

"How's school, kids?" Mama asked. Making the two stop throwing mouthful words at each other.

"I've been doing great grandma. I actually ace my math quiz today." Venus answers exuberantly.

Nawiwili namang nagkailingan ang mga lolo's nito.

"And how 'bout you Phanes---"

"He's absent grandma." Venus uttered. "I was wondering why? But now I know why."

"Bakit ba ang hilig mong sumabat kahit you're not the one ask---"

"He's dating Ninong Spy's daughter, Freya." Sabat muli ni Venus. Phanes glared at her.

Natahimik ang lahat at sandaling natigil sa pagkain. Dad almost spit out the food he's chewing. Venus can't really keep her mouth shut.

"I will really visits di--"

Phanes got cut off once again when everyone suddenly started laughing. Like Phanes, nagulat din ako.

"Kuhang kuha niya pala ang grandpa niya eh!" Lolo Alfonso uttered.

"Ama?"

"Bakit? Hindi ba Gregory?" Hamon pabalik nito. "Tandang tanda ko pa kung paano mo tinanan si Queenery nang siyam na taong gulang ka pa lamang---"

"Ama." Zannah's parents uttered in unison. Tila parehong nahiya ang mga ito.

"Really, lolo? Grandpa did that?" Ani ni Venus, amusement is evident in her eyes.

Damn! Nabigyan na naman siya ng ideya. Baka ipagpilitan nito ang pagpapakasal o 'di kaya'y balakin din nitong makitanan.

I need to guard this young lady. Especially now that Nana and Ruru's having their vacation, well, I asked them to take Zegolas with them.

That man, never knew he would do that. What has been registered in the marriage contract, wasn't his name but mine and Zannah. I learned about that just few weeks ago. I don't hella know how, but I thank his ass for that and feel sorry too.

My wife's a goddess, and falling in love with her was never a crime nor a mistake. And if it is, sentence me a lifetime imprisonment. I would loved to.

An hour after dinner, umuwi na din ang mga ito. Nakatutuwang halos walang mintis sa pagpapaalala sa akin na habaan ko pa ang pasensya ko sa dalawa. Kahit pa hindi nila hingiin, as a father, it runs in our blood, instinctively.

"Aren't you going to sleep, honey? It's passed nine already." I asked when she suddenly sit beside me,  leaning on me. "Is something wrong?"

Instead of answering she remain silent. I glance at Phanes, on my right side.

"What have you done young boy?" Baling ko rito. But then he laughs.

"Oh come on, dada dude! Have you forgotten our agenda tonight?" He answered smirking like an old-asshole.

"You won't visit him right? Right dada?" Venus suddenly whispered flashing me her curly eye lashes.

"Owww, I almost forgot about that shortdick."

"Dada!!!!" She exclaimed. Pushing me lightly, as she then stood up and march her way upstairs.

Phanes laughs harder.

"You!" Sita ko rito. He stop laughing and cough a bit. "Matulog ka na rin." He laughs once more, bago sumunod.

He kissed me on my right temple. "Goodnight, Dada." He whispered.

"Don't think of running away with Freya, young boy. I'm warning you dude! I got my eyes on you at all angles."

"Dada!!!" Nahihiya nitong sambit, and there my turn to laugh.

Ilang minuto pa akong naglagi sa veranda, writing stuffs. Penning memories down, so that come what may, I got my backup with me.

When I check the twins room, nahihimbing na sa pagtulog ang mga ito. I walk near them and place a kiss on their foreheads.

There's always a right time for everything, kiddos. Like what they say, there's a lot awaits for those who waits.

It was quarter to twelve midnight, when I suddenly wake up, caused by noises outside. Don't tell me, Phanes will sneak out tonight to visit that shortdick for real huh?!

Knowing Phanes, he's not fond of waking up. For him sleep is the most important thing in this world next to us.

Agad akong bumangon at nagtungo sa labas. I was about to check their room when I feel an energy somewhere. I rushed downstairs.

"Phanes is that you, dude?" I call out, but none response.

The hell!

I search the living room and even went on the kitchen but I saw nothing. No one. Pabalik na ako when...

"Dada?"

I saw Venus.

"Why the hell you're still up at this damn hou---"

"Did you see her?" She cut off.

She looks like, she's about to burst in tears, but don't look terrified at all. Agad ko itong nilapitan.

"Are you okay, honey?" I hushed when she started crying.

"Dada I saw her, didn't you see anyone? 'Cause dada, I really saw her. I felt it. She kissed my forehead. I saw m-mom."

Automatiko akong napatigil sa sinabi nito. Her hug tightens. "I saw her dada." Sambit muli nito.

"Shhhh! It's okay, honey." Alo ko rito. "Remember, your mom's with us," She look at me, naupo ako para pantayan ito. " She's here and right here, remember?" I uttered pointing her temple and chest.

"No, dada." Sambit nito. "You don't understand." Iling nito. "I said I just saw her." Hiyaw nito.

"Mom? Mom?" She call out, roaming around. "Mom, Where are you?"

When I look up, I saw Phanes looking at us. There's only one thing that could put end to his sleepy head, her sister's cries.

They could fight all day, but once she starts crying that's his limit. His soft spot.

"Kuya, you saw her too right?" Maya'y hiyaw nito, ang tingin ay nasa kapatid na.

"Why don't you tell dada yourself? Why don't you tell him that you saw her that night of our birthdays, that morning when we step on the stage to get our awards---"

"Venus." Phanes cut off warning his sister, but Venus continues.

"That rainy night when we almost bump into a car. That...t-that time when dada was left unconscious in the woods."

"Venus please---"

"T-that night when we saw her in the falls and  later got lost, following, looking for h-her." Muling putol nito. "T-that's mom."

"Venus, stop."

"Why? Why kuya?" Hiyaw muli nito.

"Venus----"

"Why do we have to suffer this way? Why do we have to keep it to ourselves. Why----"

"Because I got scared!" Phanes cut off.

This was the first time I saw him literally yells at his sister. "I was so scared. That if ever dada found out about it. I'm scared he'll get lost once again.

That hits me bullseye.

I was left dumbfounded. I don't know if, my mind can't process the information it has received or it was just denying the possibility.

Hindi na muling nakapagsalita ito, she fell on the floor still crying. I stared at Phanes when he went down to pick up his sister.

"We've seen him suffer enough for years, Venus. And it's not a joke." Iling nito, looking at me. "I know what he's capable of. I know because he's our father, and we've seen it. I know he will search the world just to find her."

"Kuya..."

"And we knew, no matter what he does, he can't. Because deny it all we want. Mom's dead." He look down. He's trying to hide his tears.

"It will drives him crazy. And I don't wanna see him in that state again...ever."

I pulled him. Hugging him as tight as I could. Hugging them as tight as possible. Because at that moment, that's the least thing I can pull off.

I thought I'd paid enough attention, so no one could ever laid a finger to hurt them. Little did I know, that it's me. I'm the danger who keeps on scaring them.

"I'm sorry." I whispered. I tried everything to get a hold of my emotion, but I failed.

Later that night. I burst in tears too. Asking them for a never ending forgiveness. For being the reason why they had to lie. For being weak, when they needed me the most. When I should be the one protecting them.

I guess I haven't moved on at all. I thought I am. But hearing Phanes say those words. I realize, I've been fooling myself for so long. Acting like nothing happened, when in fact it's been tearing me apart every night.

After all these years, I am still a prisoner of the past. I guess, I will never...never gonna moved on, from the love we shared. From the love that worth all the tears I shed.

Forgive me, kids. 'Cause no matter what I do, I can no longer be the same person as yesterdays. No matter how hard I tried to make it up with you. I keep on failing, lacking.

For the moment she died. I didn't just lost a wife, I lost my life.

At all cost, even afterlife. Haunt Daven Mallory is hers to keep. Perhaps, a jail, I would never mind spending my lifetime with.

Meanwhile

"You snuck out again?"

"Don't worry. That would be the l-last."

"Are you crying?"

"Obviously, It just that, I don't understand. I have never done anything, defying His order, well...aside from sneaking out, I guess."

"But?"

"Why do we have to suffer this way?....Tell me, hanggang dito na lang ba talaga matatapos ang kuwento?"

She look at me, "Don't you deserves a happy ending?" She whispered. "Don't I deserves a happy ending." She sighed. "Don't we?"

Hearing her say these words...now I know. Now I know why I had to die that night. I can't just let his woman, suffer alone.

'Cause no matter how brave an individual is, they still need a hand to sometimes pick them up, a shoulder to lean and cry on whenever they feel exhausted. A friend they can count on.

I've seen her cry for countless times whenever she's back home. Nakita ko kung paanong pagpipigil ang ginagawa nito para hindi lapitan at yakapin sila. She was there, through their ups and downs, but can't get herself near with them.

Sneaking out from heaven, from time to time, didn't ease her longings at all. The bravest woman I've ever known. And I knew, that there's something big out there, waiting for her.

"Kapag hindi pa happy, hindi pa ending, remember?" I suddenly assure her.

She then smile and wipe her tears away. "I wonder what better plans He has for you, for me. For everyone who's still suffering along this kind of misery."

We were about to starts walking again. When she turn around.

"Don't tell me, you're planning of sne--"

"Last na." Hirit nito, cutting me off.

"Ilang last na 'yan!!! Hindi na p'wede!!!"

"Tsk! Parang 'di mo dinalaw si Molly kanina huh! 'Wag ako!"

Nauna siyang umalis kanina, tapos nauna akong bumalik ngayon. Paano niya akong nahuli?

"Isss! Sige na nga, tara?"

Nauna akong naglakad, ngunit natigilan ng mapansing hindi ito sumunod. I look back, and saw her genuine smile.

"Minute change." Ani nito. "Ayoko na palang manggulo." Dagdag nito.

"What do you mean?" Natitigilan kong saad. "Are you goin---"

"Mmmm." She cut off. "We've finally reached our destination, buddy. It's time. I know it will hurt bullseye. Giving up our precious memories in His hands. But we had no choice. If it's His will..." She paused and smile at me once again.

And together we uttered, "We shall abide." For come what may, nothing beats the plans of our real Savior.

"In my next life, I want to be your servant." Ani kong muling nagpatigil sa kaniya. "A brother, perhaps?"

"Sure!"

The End.