Helga

"My fiancee, Helga Ortega." Hindi niya alam kung ngingiti siya o sisikuhin si Pierre. She did not say yes, she answered his proposal with a hug. Does that means 'yes'? O assuming lang talaga si Pierre. Pinaglaruan ni Pierre ang kanyang mga daliri sa ilalim ng mesa. They were on a dinner with Pierre's college friends and associates. It was a lovely evening, finally, she can go out like a normal human being.

She can't help but to adore the quaint interiors of the restaurant. Lush paintings and furniture were carefully chosen to complement the Italian vibe of the place, they even played Scarlatti and Vivaldi, oh, she became familiar of Italian musicians because of her father's music choices. That made her think that time is not really of the essence when it comes to connections, you can build connections and know the person in a short span if you really open your heart to them. And longer engagements don't mean anything. Kagaya nang nasirang engagement ni Pierre at Helena na siya din ang may kasalanan.

"Oh, and an upcoming baby?" Tumaas ang kilay nang isa sa kaibigan ni Pierre na nakilala niyang si Winona.

"Yes." Pierre's eyes twinkled in delight. Parang walang titibag sa kasiyahan nito.

"Wait, Helga Ortega, hindi ba Helena Ortega ang girlfirend mo noong college, Pierre? I remember that girl from the other class, yung lagi mong pinupuntahan? That girl looks like her, though, I am lost. Sorry, I am not good in remembering names and faces." Winona laughed bawdily, she really looks clueless and a non-offending friend.

"She's my sister." Agap ni Helga.

"And you're the same girl in college?" Kumunot ang noo ni Winona.

Umiling siya at nahihiyang ngumiti. "I—I was in highschool when you were in college."

Nakita niya pa kung paano ito tingnan nang makahulugan nang lalaking kasama nito at saka umiling. Nagkibit balikat naman si Winona.

She thought that the dinner will get awkward, mabuti at hindi na tinalakay kung paanong naging sila ni Pierre. Pierre on the other hand was very attentive of her needs, panay tanong nito kung ano ang gusto niya at kung may kailangan siya. Maybe if she just welcomed Pierre in earlier days of her pregnancy, baka hindi na siya marunong maglakad ngayon dahil binubuhat na lang siya nito.

"It is too early to settle down." Sabi ni Vanjo. Sa grupo ay ito ang mukhang seryoso sa lahat. Akala niya ay si Pierre na ang pinakaseryoso na nakaharap niya pero meron pa palang tatalo dito.

Pierre shook his head, grabbing her right hand tightly, "When you find the right one, you'll feel that everything is too late. Kulang ang oras, at hihilingin mo sana noon pa nasimulan."

"Pero underage pa siya that time, hindi ba?" Humalakhak si Lucas, sumimangot naman si Pierre pero mukhang hindi naman ito nagalit.

"Age is—"

"Just a number?" Putol ni Santino kay Pierre.

"Age is a matter of feelings, not of years." Binalingan ni Pierre ang pagkain nito at sumubo ng bite-sized seared salmon. Mukhang wala ding balak ang kanyang fiance na magpakabog sa pang-aasar ng mga kaibigan.

"Ikaw, Helga, handa ka na bang magpatali dito kay Pierre? Masungit yan, laging busy."

"I'll make time." Maagap na sagot ni Pierre sa intriguing na tanong ni Lucas..

"Eh yung pagiging masungit?"

"Hindi naman siya masyadong masungit na ngayon." Pagtatanggol naman niya sa binata.

"Basta ikaw." Pierre kissed her forehead and her blood instantly pooled on her cheeks. She couldn't imagine that Pierre would be this blunt. He was so uptight. Now, even while eating, whenever he hears her voice, he will attentively respond.

"Uy, nagbabago din pala!" Naghagalpakan ang magkakaibigan.

They dismissed late, masyadong nag-enjoy ang magkakaibigan sa catch up nila. Hindi din naman siya na-bore, kung tutuusin ay nahihiya pa siya sa grupo dahil mukhang siya ang dahilan kung bakit hindi na ito nag-ayang magtungo sa bar. She heard from Stephanie that Cebu City has exquisite night life. Safe parties, chill nights and local performers have really nice voices.

"Siomai?" Pierre smiled at her, she nodded her head. Hindi ata maubos ubos ang kanyang pagkagutom. Sinusulit na niya dahil malapit na siyang manganak.

They went to Labangon. Magkakasunod ang nagtitinda ng siomai kaya paglabas pa lang ng sasakyan ay amoy na ang mabangong steam mula sa lutuan, nakasabit ang mga puso sa bawat tindahan at nakakahalinang tingnan.

They both sat at one of the benches made of old oak, she felt the rough finish on her thighs. The long table was covered with plastic designed with flowers and leaves, in front of them were two couples enjoying their meal, too. Nang dumating ang mga pagkain ay nagsimula na silang kumain dalawa. She was smiling while eating with her hands. There are a lot of things that she experienced and there's nothing wrong having a slice of life amidst it all. Parang nagkaroon siya ng bagong buhay lately and she was happy.

"Are you happy?" Napadako ang tingin niya kay Pierre. Hindi pa nito ginagalaw ang sariling pagkain. Nakangiti ito at nakatingin sa kanya. This guy, alam kaya nito na nakakatunaw siya kung tumingin? He could be on every box of a toothpaste brand.

Tumango siya, hindi nga niya maexplain ang kapayapaan na nararamdaman niya. She felt it when she lived with Elias Costa months ago, she's living without the need to prove herself to anybody or try so hard to make someone else's happy, it was the best days! Ngayon nga ay kasama na niya si Pierre, nadagdagan ang nararamdaman niyang kasiyahan. After all, happiness isn't on extravagant things, it solely depends on peace, just peace.

"Gusto ko ng ganito lagi, Pierre."

"You know that we should face my parents, right? Gusto kong maging parte pa din sila ng buhay natin."

"Would they accept me?"

"Their opinion don't matter at this point, Helga. I've made my decision. It is either they'll celebrate with me or not."

Nang umuwi sila sa tahanan ni Elias Costa, Pierre asked that they'll stay in one room. She agreed but she insisted to stay in her room, hindi na tumanggi doon ang kanyang nobyo.

"This is all pink!" Komento ni Pierre sa kanya nang natatawa.

"I love pink!" Sagot naman niya. Defending her pink bedsheets, fluffy baby pink wool carpet and eccentric pink wallpapers.

Pierre strides slowly to her and caught her by the waist. He placed her into a comfortable snug. Masuyo nito itong pinadaanan nang haplos ang kanyang likod habang mataman siyang tinitingnan sa mata. God, she missed him this close. His body heat, his manly scent and his stares. This is piece of unsteady soul, always angry and dominating man was her peace. Weird.

"You are free to choose the color of our bedroom. I won't complain as long as you are here now, my queen."

Pinipilit niyang itago ang pamumula ng mukha, only that her attempt failed. She was blushing and constantly smiling like a lovestruck teenager that she was to Pierre not so long time ago but more than half of her life already. She should practice doing a poker-face, hindi naman pupwedeng araw araw siyang kinikilig tuwing nakikita niya ito. She just couldn't believe it.

"Should we fly to Manila, tomorrow?"

Pinanlakihan siya ng mata, "Tomorrow?" Ulit niya, Pierre nodded.

"Why not? The earlier we settle this, the better."

Kaya naman kinabukasan ay hindi siya mapakali sa upuan sa eroplano. Pierre booked a business class seat for them, however, she couldn't relax as expected. Patingin tingin siya sa labas. She cannot enjoy the cotton candy clouds in the sea of blue hues and white. Hindi din siya makatulog dahil maigsi din ang byahe.

Sinundo sila ng isang driver mula sa airport. All her nervousness was top-up. There's a tight knot in her stomach and she felt her baby is also fidgeting inside.

"Relax, my parents knows you."

"As Helena's sister, Pierre." She snorted. Nakahawak siya sa kanyang sinapupunan habang nasa biyahe, parang kumukuha ng lakas doon. Pierre looks calm and confident, hindi niya alam kung saan ito kumukuha ng ganong lakas ng loob.

Isang magarbong mid-century modern mansion ang sumalubong sa kanila. All the wooden doors were shiny, healthy trees, ornamental plants and entricately designed garden made the house look modest, except for the huge olympic sized swimming pool and a cabana at the middle of it, it looks like an A-class resort. She met Pierre's parents, Remifelisse and Alfredo Floresca, they were civil and didn't get a chance to talk at all, kaya naman nang makita niya ang mga ito na nakangiting salubungin sila sa maindoors ay parang mahihimatay siya sa kaba.

"Welcome back, Son." Inilahad ni Remifelisse sa anak nito ang dalawang kamay. Alfredo Floresca smiled and looked at her with acknowledgement. She smiled shyly. Inanyayahan sila ng mag-asawa para pumasok sa mansyon. If she was amazed by the exterior of the house, mas lalo naman siyang napabilib ng loob ng bahay. There were different wood decors, all shiny and made of expensive wood from a huge chunk of tree. There were steel pieces, inspired by shrubs and flowers that hugs the two huge posts of the house. An expensive painting that was painted using a wood resin was proudly displayed at the center of the spacious sitting room of the house. Now she knows why the house looks familiar, it resembles a private resort in Bantayan.

"How are you, Helga? The pregnancy suits you well." Remifelisse asked. The woman is in her late fifties but it doesn't seem like it. Wala man lang itong puting buhok, even her hair was fixed in a low bun and a fuchsia midi dress, mukha pa din itong bata. Huling pagkikita nila ay noong 'kasal' nila ni Pierre, Remifelisse was crying and she felt sorry for her. There was no chance that they could talk that day, she felt that she's snatching her beloved son to her.

"Thanks, Tita."

"Mommy, call me Mommy. And call Alfredo your Daddy. I am really happy that finally, Pierre made up his mind."

"Mamanhikan na ba kami sa inyo, Hija? Although it will be awkward because Pierre grew up having Helena beside him and supposed to get married—"

"My biological Father is currently in Sweden, Daddy Al." She smiled. Napa-'o' ang labi ng mag-asawa. "I am, apparently, conceived by my mother by a mistake."

Naramdaman niya ang pag-gagap ni Pierre ng kanyang mga kamay, she gave him a curt nod to send a message that she's okay because she is. Dati ay hindi niya maipaliwanag ang pagkamuhi sa kanya ng mga taong minamahal at inirerespeto niya. It made her frustrated but not angry. Hanggang ngayon ay alam niyang dapat niyang ipagpasalamat na hinayaan siyang mabuhay ni Mauro at Adriana Ortega. They can choose to abort her or throw her in the streets but they didn't, they chose to raise her and gave her shelter, food, and her own identity that she should be thankful of.

"I am very proud of you, Pierre, for stepping up for Helga. You have our support."

They spent the whole day at the Floresca mansion. Helga easily get along with Remifelisse, they both shared their interest about plants. Ang akala niyang nakakakabang pagtatagpo ay hindi naman pala. Tuwang tuwa ang mga ito sa unang apo na darating. They were interested about the gender but she opted not to know for the element of surprise.

"Pierre, meron akong gustong puntahan bukas." Sumiksik siya sa katawan ni Pierre habang malambing niyang hinahaplos ang brasong nakapalupot sa kanyang tiyan. Maaga silang pinagpahinga ni Remifelisse sa silid ni Pierre dahil masama daw mapuyat ang buntis.

"Where?" Narinig niya ang boses nito sa kanyang batok.

"I want to talk to Mom."

"Do you need me to come with you?"

Umiling siya, "Ako na lang, she's my mother. She may hate me but she's still my mother."

Kinabukasan ay sinubukan niyang tawagan si Adriana Ortega. Her voice towards her was cold and indifferent but she didn't mind. Nakipagset siya ng lunch appointment sa paborito nitong French Restaurant. She remembers how Adriana loved the Tuna Jaw in Hollandaise sauce. She wore a simple baby pink short sleeve dress and a simple gold ballerina shoes to go with it. She did not attempt to hide her tummy, it is one of the things that she will always be proud of.

A driver drove Helga to Le Ame, she insisted that Pierre will not get in the way whatever their discussion will have and he respected that.

"Your name, Ma'am?" Tanong ng host sa entrada ng restaurant, kinabahan siya, she didn't know that she needs to reserve a table for lunch but she gave her name anyway. Nagtipa ito sa touchscreen monitor nito at agad na ngumiti, "Your company is already here, Ma'am."

Pinagbuksan siya ng pinto ng restaurant staff at dinala siya sa isang pribadong bahagi ng Le Ame. Meron iyong sliding glass door na naghihiwalay sa ibang customer ng restaurant. When the door opened, Adriana's lips parted as she looked at her very obvious pregnancy.

"Y-you are—"

"Pregnant, Mom." She calmly said as she sat on the chair in front of her mother. Tumalas ang tingin sa kanya ng kanyang ina.

"Then, who is the father?"

"Si Pierre."

Mas lalong lumalim ang pagkunot nito, "Hindi ka talaga natuto! Alam mong mahal ng Ate mo si Pierre! Bakit ka ba nanggugulo! Paulit ulit na lang, Helga! Dumagdag ka pa ng problema!"

"Mommy naman.." Her voice cracked.

"Aayusin ni Helena at ni Pierre ang kanilang relasyon. Maayos naman simula umpisa! Ikaw lang naman ang naging gulo simula't sapul! Kung hindi ka sana lumandi!"

"Mommy, stop.." Nakayuko siya habang nag-iinit ang sulok ng mga mata. "Bakit hindi ninyo makita? Pierre and Helena will never happen.."

"Because you are a slut!"

"Kung makapagsalita kayo, parang hindi niyo ako anak.." Puno ng hinanakit na sabi niya sa ina. "Maiintindihan ko si Daddy pero ikaw ang Nanay ko. How could you not love me when all I felt with my unborn child is pure love and adoration?"

Hindi nakakibo si Adriana at nag-iwas lang ito ng tingin. "If I need to raise this child on my own, I will and I can, with no regrets, I have enough love for my baby that it won't seek anymore love and affection from others." Patuloy ni Helga.

"But Pierre asked me to marry him and start a family with him. I've been fighting with what I feel eversince because of my love for Helena, but I cannot give away someone who's not mine. Kung kaya kong ibigay ang lahat, gagawin ko, pero hindi ko pupwedeng ipamigay si Pierre dahil meron siyang sariling desisyon."

"Kung hindi mo sana siya inakit." Mariing nagpunas ng luha si Adriana na hindi pa din siya tinitingnan.

"Hindi ko iyon ginawa, Mom.. You think I will be a slut because you are my mother and you cheated on your husband?"

Malakas na hinampas ni Adriana ang lamesa at nanginginig na itinuro siya, "Huwag mo akong pagsasalitaan ng ganyan. Binuhay kita! Tiniis ko ang panghuhusga sa akin ng pamilya ni Mauro at ng asawa ko mismo. Tiniis ko para lang mabuhay ka! I could just easily get rid of you when you were just a child. Kung alam ko lang na lalaki kang ganyan---"

"Sana pinatay mo na lang ako?" Malungkot siyang ngumiti sa kabila ng sumabog na galit ng kanyang ina. "Thank you for letting me live. You don't have to think about me. Nakita ko na ang tatay ko, he accepted me without questions asked. Hindi ko na kayo magugulo pa."

"A-anong sabi mo? Nahanap mo si Ulysses?"

Tumango siya, "I think I will just be like my father. From now on, you will not see my face anymore or any offsprings that I'll bear." Marahan niyang inabot ang nanginginig na palad ng kanyang ina na nakapatong sa lamesa.

"You were a great mom to Helena, and you tried. I know you tried but I also know that I am a constant reminder of your guilt that is why you hate me and I am sorry for making you feel the hate and guilt. Sorry, Mommy."

"Walanghiya ka!!" Napakislot siya nang maramdaman niya ang kamay sa kanyang ulo na hinihila ang buhok niya. Pinigilan niya ang kamay. She knew who it was.

"Helena, sandali!" Pero hindi nakinig ang kanyang kapatid.

"Malandi ka! Talaga bang kukunin mo ang lahat ng sa akin? Bakit bumalik ka pa!"

"Helena, tumigil ka!" Tumayo si Adriana at pare-parehas silang natigilan. "Hindi mo ba nakikitang buntis ang kapatid mo?" Istriktang wika nito.

Bumaba ang tingin ni Helena sa kanyang tiyan, biglang nagbago ang ekspresyon nito at tila may maliit na apoy ang biglang nagliyab sa kanyang mga mata. Helena stride backwards and then she prepared her right leg to kick her, she was caught off guard ngunit bago pa man mag-landing ang 6-inch stiletto nito sa kanyang tyan ay naiharang na ni Adriana ang kanyang katawan, niyakap siya ng kanyang ina ng mahigpit, pinuprotektahan siya mula kay Helena.

A strong thud froze Helga in fear as she saw Adriana's face. Napangiwi ito sa sakit at sa malakas na pwersang tumama sa likod nito, hindi lang isang beses kundi sunod sunod. All strength and anger that Helena could muster was what she has given on those kicks. Parang nag-ibang tao iyon.

"Helena! Stop! Stop!" Paulit ulit niyang sambit pero patuloy ito sa pagsipa sa likod ng kanilang ina na para bang wala itong buhay. "Helena! Si Mommy!"

"M-mommy.." Bulong ni Helga nang huminto si Helena sa pagsipa at pagtili. Helena was in shock, too.

"Mommy! Oh my God!"

Unti-unting napaluhod si Adriana habang napapapikit, hindi binitawan ni Helga ang kamay ng ina. Helena was a black belter in Taekwondo and her fighting skills is not a joke.

"H-help!" Helga cried. Paulit ulit siyang tumawag ng tulong habang si Helena ay tulala lang na pinagmasdan ang ina na wala nang malay.

"What did you do, Helena?" Umiiyak na tanong ni Helga. That kick was for her, kung hindi iniharang ng ina ang katawan nito ay malamang nasaktan din siya lalo na ang anak sa kanyang sinapupunan.

Binuhat si Adriana ng staff ng restaurant nang may dumating na ambulansya. Sumama si Helga sa ambulansya habang hindi binibitiwan ang kamay ng ina.

"I am so sorry, Mommy. Sorry.." Paulit ulit niyang usal.

That was one of the longest days of her life. Napuntahan na siya ni Pierre sa ospital, natawagan na din niya si Mauro Ortega ngunit hindi niya makita si Helena. Bigla na lamang itong nawala habang nag-iintay sila ng ambulansya.

"She saved my life, our baby's life.." Humihikbing lahad ni Helga kay Pierre. Adriana's spine incurred trauma. According to the doctors, she was paralysed from neck down because of the bleeding and the swelling of her discs due to strong impact from the kicks, tumama din ang metal heel ng stiletto ni Helena sa likod ng kanilang ina. The bad thing was, she will be suffering paralysis in her lifetime.

"Helga." Napaangat siya ng tingin sa tawag ng taong kinikilala niyang ama. Seryoso itong nakatingin sa kanya at nakapamulsa, tumayo agad siya at lumapit dito.

"Your mother wants to talk to you."

Nabuhayan siya nang malamang gising na pala ang kanyang ina. Pinunasan niya ang luha at lumapit sa silid nito. Her mother was wearing a neckbrace. Marami ding aparato ang nakakabit sa katawan. Malamlam ang mga mata nito at mukhang pagod na pagod.

"Mommy? Mommy I am sorry." Ang pinunasan niyang luha kanina ay kusang tumulo. "I am sorry for what I said. I really love you. I do.." Parang batang sambit niya. "Sorry for dragging you into this."

"No, Helga. I am sorry." Awtomatikong tumulo ang luha ng ina, "Now you know, that after all this years, I really don't want to lose you.. And I also learned it just today, I am not willing to give you up. I am sorry for being hard on you." Kahit nahihirapan ay nagawa pa din nitong sabihin.

"No, Mommy.. Stop talking.."

"Sorry because I've raised Helena that way. It was our fault."

"Adriana, you need to rest."

"Please send Helga home, Mauro, she needs to rest, she's pregnant. Look for Helena too, tell her I forgive her but tell her to accept our suggestion. Tell her that she needs therapy, Mauro. She need that."

Napakuyom ang kamao ni Mauro at inilipat ang tingin sa kanya. "Happy?"

"Mauro."

Umiling siya, "Sorry po, Da—Tito.."

"Wala kang utang na loob!"

"You can blame me all your life, Daddy. Hindi ko naman pinili kung paano ako lalabas sa mundong ito. But it is okay now, I understand how you feel. I understand how it hurts. I'll just pray you will find in your heart to forgive Mommy and your brother."

Tumalikod na si Helga pagkatapos tapunan nang malungkot na tingin ang ina.

Nagmamadaling lumabas si Helga sa hospital suite ni Adriana, sinalubong siya ni Pierre na may nag-aalalang tingin. She glanced at the hospital door, she knows this will be the last time that she will see the family that raised her. It is okay to cut the ties with people who doesn't see you as a person but as a nuisance. She understands the negativity that her presence is bringing her family and she doesn't want them to feel that way.

Pierre ran his fingers on her hair while looking at her with softness, "I am blessed to have you. I will assure you that never a day you will need other people in your life. I, will be enough, our child will be enough. Hindi mangyayari sa kanya ang pinagdadaanan mo."

Helga nodded her head. Silently praying that this will be the end of everything.

"I love you, Helga."

"I love you too, Pierre."

♁☆♁☆♁☆♁☆

Maki Say's: May Epilogue pa mamaya, wait lang! Ieedit ko muna. Finishing a story was one or my greatest weakness, I am trying to correct it now to my next stories kaya sana mainitindihan niyo kung napakatagal ng update ko kapag papatapos na. But I am trying! Thanks for waiting :)

Thanks for reading! Votes and Comments are appreciated. Offensive comments will be placed on MUTE.

Social media accounts:

Facebook Page: Makiwander

Facebook Group: WANDERLANDIA

NOTE: Answer the SECURITY QUESTION so that you will be approved

Twitter & Instagram: Wandermaki

Go to my wattpad profile and follow me for more stories.