I actually do not plan to have this part para maka-abante na sa story. But because you requested it, here you are.

Anyway, di naman sya naka-apekto sa story flow.

Consider this a special chapter. Spoiled kayo, ha?!

==================

Rob's POV

Belated Merry Christmas, Rob! May regalo ako sa iyo. Paano ko ba iaabot sa iyo?

My heart skipped a beat when I read that text message.

Just like how it skipped that night of the race when I saw how they competed together.

"'Tangna! Nag-counter-flow raw si Caloy?! First time!"

"Dati na nilang gawa yan sa Palawan. Si Jun ang navigator nya. Ano'ng inaasahan mo?!"

That conversation I heard from spectators and other racers here was after one of the marshals announced on the two-way radio what just happened.

Isang patunay sa sinabi noon ni Jun, when she navigated for me, that Sorriente would counterflow only if she's the one navigating.

They definitely have the chemistry as a team. Pagdating sa karera, buung-buo ang tiwala nila sa isa't-isa. Sorriente trusts his navigator will tell him the right thing to do. Juno trusts her driver that her instructions would be perfectly executed.

Naiinggit ako. Nagseselos.

They were the quiet type of racers. Hindi ko narinig ang boses nila sa unang karera pero habang nagtatagal ang karera, alam nilang mananalo silang dalawa. And that I realized,

"Show off!" sabi ko pagkatapos ng elimination round.

"Ha?"

"Sinadya nyong magpahuli. Pero alam nyong mananalo kayo."

Tumawa lang si Juno ng mahina.

"I was listening to the radio comms during the race. Only the two of you were quiet the whole time," I said.

Kaya bago ang final race, I requested Jun to finish the race quickly. I want this race done so she could get out of Sorriente's car. Lalong lumalala ang pagseselos ko sa nakikita kong enjoyment sa mata nya. And I thought she kept her promise dahil during that last round, doon ko nalaman na noon lang nagsalita si Jun sa radio for the first time. May inalam itong info sa kasalubong na van.

"10-4. Ano'ng sasakyan?" si Juno.

"...passenger van...over... fourteen to sixteen seater... Dyosa?" yung marshall.

"Oh?"

"Fuck! First time ... salita sa radio. Ganda ... boses... love you..."

May naghiyawan sa background.

"Tado!" sikmat nito at nag-mute uli.

"... namo, mga da moves..." may isang sumingit.

Pati ako natawa kasama nang mga nakarinig.

At nagsalita uli ito nung sinasaway sila, kahit nina Paul at Troy, not to cross the intersection dahil magpapalit na nang pula ang traffic light para sa convoy ng malalaking trucks.

"Tuloy lang, Caloy. Bilisan mo."

I heard gasps and a lot of cursing on the ground and the radio.

I couldn't help but comment, "Trust her. She knows what she's doing."

I said that because I believe her, too. I experienced her expertise on this.

And I wasn't wrong.

"Holy shit! Kumanan sila!" sabi nung marshall sa radio."Puta, yun pala. Gumamit ng U-turn slot sa kabilang direksyon!"

"Tangnang plano mo. Ikaw na, Juno!" Sigaw ni Troy.

Hearing those, I was one proud man for trusting her. And I guess, fucking Sorriente, too.

I knew it was their car approaching first. Malayo pa ang kasunod na kalaban nila. Napapailing na lang ako habang nakangiti.

I couldn't agree more when the head facilitator said they were indeed the 'undisputable pair'.

Kasama ako sa mga pumapalakpak na naroroon sa finish line, kasabay ng hiyawan ng mga iba pa sa pangalan ni Jun at Sorriente.

Ngumiti ako ng malapad nung mag-menor ang sasakyan nila na dagli ring nawala.

Sorriente just honked thrice and didn't stop at the finish line, instead went ahead taking Juno away from the cheering crowd...away from me.

Saglit akong napatanga habol sila ng tanaw, hanggang may nagsabi, "Fucking Caloy! Itatanan na yata ang Dyosa nya!"

Tapos nagtawanan na sila na tila binalewala ang pangyayari.

Dun ako parang natauhan kasabay nang di mapigilang takot. Parang hindi ako makahinga.

I ran to my car but Paul and Troy tried to stop me.

"Hayaan mo silang mag-usap, Rob. She deserves to know the truth," si Paul.

Napatingin ako sa dalawa. Saka ko nakumpirma. Alam nilang seryoso talaga si Caloy sa intensyon nya kay Jun.

"No," matatag kong sabi. "She already has plans on moving on from him."

"Dahil ang akala nya si Anne ang dahilan ng lahat ng pagpupursige ngayon ni Caloy," singit ni Troy."Tama si Caloy. You're not playing fair."

"Sinaktan na nya si Jun dati!"

"Everyone deserves second chances. Let her choose after she gets to know all the truth, Rob. Don't let her go away and regretting things kapag huli na nya nalaman ang lahat.And you may regret it, too, kapag pinili ka nya tapos sa huli, iiwan ka rin nya dahil marami syang hndi alam. That's what being fair is all about.And that's how you can keep Juno's trust until the end."

I just shove them off and drove away to follow Sorriente and Jun.

The asshole even hang up on me when I called him. Lalo akong nanggigil.

I called Jack to trace them but the phone was turned off. Jack only provided me the location where the phone last pinged.

I kept on cursing Sorriente in my mind. Sinama ko na rin ang mga sentinels ni Juno. Paikut-ikot ako sa area na yun hoping to catch a sight of that asshole's car, until....

"Tulungan nyo kami!!!" It was her shouting on the radio. ""Tulungan nyo kami ni Caloy! May gustong pumatay sa amin!"

Isa ako sa mga napamura kasabay nang panlalamig at tila pagpintig ng ulo ko.

I heard a noise in the background. Like engines roaring.

Then people from the drag racing team started asking questions, like what's happening, where they are and the likes.

"CALOOOYY!!! Kumapit ka!!!"

"Tulungan nyo kami! Mahuhulog na kami sa bangin. May Fortuner sa likod namin, tinutulak kami sa kotse ni Caloy!"

The image in my mind is scaring the shit out of me.

"Nasaan kayo?" singit ko. Ako ang pinakamalapit sa kanila pag nagkataon.

"Hindi ko alam, Rob," naiyak na ako. "Caloy, asan tayo?"

I heard him say the place, but I wasn't familiar so I instructed them to switch on Sorriente's damned phone.

"Jun, papunta na rin kami. Tumalon na kayo palabas!" Si Troy yata yun.

"Hindi kami makalabas. May baril yung nasa likod! Sinubukan ko, muntik akong tamaan! Bilisan nyo!"

"Fuck you, Sorriente! Kasalanan mo 'to! Kung di mo tinangay si Jun!" Sigaw ko.

Natahimik si Caloy.

"H-hindi, Caloy..." si Jun. "Hindi mo kasalanan na may sira ulong gustong ihulog tayo sa bangi—"

Then she screamed and cursed again.

Lucky me, I still have Jack on my phone line, "Fuck, Jack! Hanapin mo ang signal ni Sorriente! Bilis!!!"

"MAHUHULOG NA KAMI!!! BILISAN NYO!!!" Sigaw ni Caloy.

My heart was racing its heartbeat.

My God! Please... not her... not her! Ako na lang!

Piping dasal ko sa isip.

We we're telling Caloy to protect jun, but I heard her telling him not to get his seatbelt off. Both of them were even arguing.

"May airbag, Caloy..." she cried. "Please, wag mong alisin ang seatbelt mo, please!"

"Jun... ayokong masaktan ka!" I can hear fear, concern and love in his voice.

Fuck! Fuck! Tang ina, Sorriente! Mapapatay kita!

"Tubig ang babagsakan natin! At sabi mo, hindi ito masyadong mataas!"

"Mabato pa rin sa ilalim, Jun!"

"Sorriente, protektahan mo si Juno!" sigaw ko na..

"Putang ina, Agoncillo! Alam ko!!! Jun, bitawan mo ang seatbelt ko!"

I heard the engines roar again. This time with metal clashing and Sorriente shouting Jun's name.

My heart stopped when I heard a loud splash and metal clanking.

"Rob,I found them," si Jack. "They're off the cliff!"

"Putang ina, alam ko!" nanginginig na ang boses ko.

Fuck! I'm already crying!

Sinabi sa akin ni Jack kung saan ko sila pwedeng puntahan. Mabuti at walang kabahayan sa parteng yun ng tabing dagat na maaring makaharang sa sasakyan ko.

But when I reached the shoreline, hindi ko na makita ang kotse. Naging palatandaan ko na lang ang kakarampot na ilaw sa may kababawang parte ng dagat.

I saw Jun, came up the surface gasping for air. Then she shouted to the cliff where they fell from. Naroroon na pala ang mga kasama nila.

She was repeatedly asking for help... para kay Sorriente. Then she disappeared in the water.

Lumusong na ako, di alintana ang lamig ng tubig-dagat!

I saw the car. Hanggang leeg ko lang ang lalim pero mabato. Sapat ang taas ng tubig para lumubog ang kotse. Puno na yun ng tubig. Sumisid ako.

With the help of the light from the DR people, I saw her from the back of the car. I thought they were kissing. I felt a thud in my chest.

But Sorriente wasn't moving. Ilang beses itong tinapik ni Jun sa pisngi pero wala. She went up to get air and did the same. This time I realized, she was trying to give him air. Tapos parang may hinihila si Jun.

Sorriente's foot was stuck under!

The third time she resurfaced, I did, too, and went to the shotgun side. Hindi ko na sya nahabol nung balikan nya si Caloy.

Kaya pagsisid ko, nakita ko uli na ganun ang ginawa nya, yet Sorriente really isn't moving.

Hinila ko na si Juno sa kabila ng pagpiglas nya.

She was crying for Sorriente. She was asking and begging that we both get him out. But I guess it's too late.Isa pan, nangangasul na ang labi at baba ni Juno sa lamig.

Dun ko napansin na nakalusong na rin sina Paul. I have to get her out. But she begged again. At least for us to give Caloy air.

Then my eyes saw saw the ring she wasn't wearing earlier. Something gripped my heart!

Fuck! Fuck!

But this is not the time to think about heartaches and all. Juno is already hysterical from begging.

Paul and Troy understood the way I looked at them. They knew it was bad news. yet no one from us could say it to Juno. She was still hopeful... or in denial, perhaps.

I made myself in-charge for the rescue... or at least retrieval. I called for all tall men in the group to help out.

Nung madala si pampang si Juno, we did our job.

After several attempts to give Sorriente air, alternately kaming mga lalaki, we really knew his gone kahit di kami mag-usap.

It was futile to get his foot out after finding out that it was struck by a metal from the engine. All we could do it carry the damn heavy car to the shore.

And when we did, I witnessed the most heartbreaking grasp on false hope and hysterics I've seen in my life.

Wala salitang mamutawi sa labi ko. I couldn't describe it.

Kahit wala pang sinasabi si Jun, the ring and her behavior now were clear evidences that she chose Sorriente.

I was still fucking lucky that it was night and I was drenched in water like the others.

Hindi nila nakita ang ilang beses na pagtulo ng luha ko.

I was silently hurting and crying for many reasons.

She chose him.

He left her after that...again! And he left for good.

She's a mess.

She's in deep pain. I think deeper than I am now.

And I fucking can't rejoice that Sorriente is out of my way and dead.

It just felt so wrong to be happy now. Kahit pakiramdam ko, malaking tinik ang nawala sa daan ko.

And when she started lashing out all her pain and frustration on me, I let her be. Sinasangga ko lang ang bawat suntok at sipa nya. I was like a punching bag protecting myself.

She needed it. She's definitely in denial. The truth has not sinked in yet.

Ako, at ang sentinels lang nya ang naglakas nang loob na awatin si Juno.

Wala ngang nagawa yung Pat dahil isang malakas na sampal lang ang inabot nya sa babae.

She screamed and wailed in the sea in that dark night like a howling she-wolf who lost her mate, as both her best friends put her in a tight embrace. Cooing her.

Nobody dared to shut her up.

We just listened. And I knew, we all felt her pain. I saw the other women crying, even some men. Some were cursing.

Hanggang unti-unting humina ang pag-iyak nya. At nung tumakbo sya pabalik sa malamig na katawan ni Caloy, the more hurt I felt.

Nakita ko kung paano nya hinawakan ang kamay ni Caloy at tingnan ito nang buong pagmamahal. Narinig ko ang panunumbat nya na magkahalong pagtatampo,hinanakit, panghihinayang at pag-ibig.

"Iniwan mo na naman ako, Carlito. Nung una, sa Palawan. Iniwan mo 'ko na magkaaway tayo," patuloy nyang hinahaplos ang pisngi nito. "Ang sakit-sakit nun sa puso ko. Araw-araw akong umiiyak sa tabing-dagat dahil dun. Pero... pero nagkita uli tayo. Nagkaayos... tapos..."

Napahikbi si Jun.

"For the second time around, iniwan mo uli ako. Pero this time... wala nang balikan. Hindi na tayo uli magkikita," humagulgol na ito.

"At least... At least... yung pangarap ko noon na maging tayo... at yung gusto mong ma-engage tayo... natupad... kahit ... kahit sa huling lima?... Sampung minuto ng buhay mo..."

Iniyakap niya ang braso sa bewang ni Caloy at sumubsob sa basa nitong dibdib.

Inggit na inggit ako. Selos na selos! Sa isang patay!

Pero nagdulot ng kilabot sa akin ang sumunod nyang sinabi.

"Igaganti kita, Carlito...pangako ko yan sa 'yo..."

Lumapit na ako. Hindi ako papayag na madudungisan ng dugo ang kamay ni Juno.

"Jun, take a rest, please..." hinimas ko ang likod nya.

"D-dito lang muna ako, Rob," mahina nyang sabi.

"Uhm... alright," ipinatong ko na lang ang isang tuyong jacket sa balikat nya.

Hinayaan muna naming sya hanggang dumating ang mga pulis at ambulansya.

Nung kausapin ng mga pulis si Juno sa ospital, kahit alam ko na, ang sakit-sakit pa rin na marinig sa bibig nya na dinala sya doon ni Sorriente para mag-propose at tinanggap nya iyun.

Doon ko rin nalaman na kilalang-kilala na sya ng pamilya Sorriente. Base ito sa kwento ni Caloy sa mga kapaitd at ama.

In the duration of the funeral, though I was hurting to see Juno mourn for another man's death, isinantabi ko muna yun.

Tumutulong ako sa mga awtoridad na hanapin ang may gawa nito sa kanila. Tinanggihan ko nga ang trabahong yun galing sa ama ni Caloy.

Galit rin naman ako, dahil nadelikado ang buhay ni Juno.

Talagang hahanapin ko ang mga salarin. Ako na, wag na si Juno. She's really emotional and rash.

Pinagtibay nun ang gagawin ko nang makita ko ang talim ng pangil nya sa huling gabi ng lamay at pumunta doon ang mga Quimbo.

Kung hindi lamang sa estado ng emosyon ni Juno at ang pagiging sensitibo ng pangyayari, baka hinayaan ko syang lumpuhin si Danny sa harap ng pamilya Sorriente, Quimbo at lahat ng bisita.

Tila nakikiayon din ang mga taga-DR scene sa galit na nararamdaman ng babae kay Danny. O talagang hindi nila basta sinusuway ang babae, lalo na kapag galit.

Pero hindi pupwede. Dahil pare-pareho kami ng hinala kung sino ang may kagagawan nito.

Lamang, wala kaming matibay na ebidensya.

Kung labis na mararamdaman nang mga Quimbo ang malaki naming hinala, lalo itong mag-iingat.

Matapos mailibing si Caloy, niyaya ni  Claire si Juno na umakyat sa second floor ng bahay. May hinala na ako kung saan sila pupunta.

Panibagong patalim na naman ang sumaksak sa akin, na tila hinila ang pagkakabaon nang pribado akong kausapin ng matandang Sorriente.

"Rob," simula nya. "Alam kong karibal mo ang anak ko kay Juno.Kilala kita base sa kwento ng anak ko. Malaki ang insekyuridad nya sa iyo sa maraming dahilan. Kaya lalong napagtibay nun na magpursige syang magtino. Dahil dun, at sa mga nakita ko nitong mga nakaraang araw, alam kong mahal mo ang nobya ng anak ko. Maaaring kapantay o mahihigitan pa nang kay Carlito."

Huminga ito nang malalim dahil nanginig ang boses nito, "Sabi ni Carlito, yung Paul at Troy, binabantayan si Juno. Pero, ikaw ang may pinakamalaking kapasidad na protektahan at alagaan siya. Siguro ngayon, ikakatuwa ni Carlito na sa iyo na namin ihahabilin si Jun. If you can continue your intentions with her. And not hurt her like what my son did before years ago... and now he left her again. It was my son's greatest regret in life... that he hurt that young lady."

Sa totoo lang, hindi ko ito inaasahan. Wala akong masabi. 

My respect for Caloy and his family went up.

I can't go on getting mad at a dead man. At least just be happy for him that he finally got what he wanted at the last moments of his life. For him and Juno.

Yet... at the expense of her hurting being left behind for the second time. And at my expense bearing the burden of competing with a dead man's love and memory.

Damn love! But we can't do anything about it! Shit!

After having dinner at the duplex with her friends, I finally got a chance to have a heart to heart talk with her.

It was an awful and damning honest conversation. But at least, I get to know how she feels at the moment.

She was pushing me away and I begged her not to let go. Hindi ako papayag na bibitaw sya ngayong kailangan nya ako.

Kaya lang kailangan kong igalang ang nararamdaman nya. 

It's too fresh. She's still mourning.

She's in pain to the point na hindi sapat ang nararamdaman nya para sa akin para mapaghilom ko sya.

So, I told her I'd leave to give her the privacy she needed.

But I was just not far away from her. Nasa trabaho man ako, I make sure that I text or chat with her kahit isang beses isang araw. And every night, I'd climb up to her room and watch her sleep secretly.

Alam kong binabangungot sya sa pagtulog, doon pa lang sa ospital at sa funeral chapel.

I'd set up her alarm kapag alam ko nang nananaginip sya.

That's the only way to wake her up without her seeing or hearing from me. At least she'd thought she's healing all by herself, just like how she wanted to.

Alam kong dinadaya ko sya. Kaya lang kasi, di ko matiis na umuungot at umiiyak sya habang nananaginip.

Alam kong nagtataka sya kung paanong nag-a-alarm ang cp nya, but she never asked me. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag.

At sa bawat gabing nagpupunta ako sa kuwato nya, naiiyak ako'ng makita na suot nya ang baseball cap at yakap ang jacket ni Sorriente.

Ito malamang ang laman ng paper bag na dala nya nung bumaba sila ni Claire mula sa itaas ng bahay ng mga ito.

And it hurt more to see her visit Caloy's grave every day, and read in the fan page made for her that she's been staying every lunch break at the soccer field bleacher. Kung saan sila palaging nagla-lunch ni Caloy nung mga huling araw bago ito mamatay.

May mga bagay naman na kahit papano, natuwa akong malaman.

First, she never stopped her KM and kendo training.

Second, at least she was using the money I deposited in her account. I was happy na hindi na nya minasama ang pagbigay ko ng pera sa kanya, gaya nang hindi na ito nagreklamo nung sabihin kong enrolled na sya at bayad na ang lahat sa second sem hanggang grad fee nya.

Third, hindi na ito nagtrabaho at nag-concentrate sa pag-aaral.

Fourth, Quimbo siblings already flew to the U.S. Disadvantage man para sa kaso na ang persons of interests namin ay malayo, I felt relieved na malayo rin sila kay Juno.

Iwas na magkita sila at umapaw na naman ang galit sa puso ng babae.

Ayokong makikitang ganun si Juno. Ang umiiyak sa galit at sakit.

Pangalawang araw mula ng dumating si Reid at Andie, pinuntahan ko ang mga ito at nagtapat sa lahat nang nangyari. Abot langit ang paghingi ko nang paumanhin sa asawa ng kaibigan ko.

Umiyak nang umiyak si Andromeda.

At kahit Huwebes pa lang, gusto na nitong makausap ang bunsong kapatid, pero nakiusap ako, sa tulong na rin ni Reid, na ipagpaliban muna dahil may pasok pa sa Charleston si Jun. Na kung maaring hintayin na lang nang weekend kung kailan talaga pupunta ito at mga kaibigan nila.

At nakiusap ako na kung maari, huwag na nyang kastiguhin ang kapatid sa mga nangyari, kabilang ang pagsali nito sa drag racing, ang paglilihim tungkol sa anak namin at kay Caloy.

"Rob, gusto ko syang makausap agad hindi para pagalitan sya. Kundi dahil kailangan nya ako. Kailangan nya ng karamay. At dahil kapatid ko sya. Nag-iisang kapatid."

Nakiusap pa rin ako at sinugurado kong binabantayan ko si Jun.Sinabi ko ang mga kahilingan ni Jun na kung paano nito gustong mag-cope up sa sitwasyon.

"Alam mo ito, Half?"

Tumango si Reid.

"Bakit hindi mo sinasabi sa akin?" malambot na sumbat nito sa asawa.

"Yun ang gusto ni Juno, Mine. Ikaw na ang nagsabi, matutong gumalang sa nararamdaman at gusto nang may katawan. Isa pa, iniisip ka rin ni Jun. Ayaw ka nyang mag-aalala."

Umiyak uli ito, "Kaya siguro kung anu-ano ang sina-suggest mong ipasalubong para kay Bunso. Ikaw na aso ka!"

Doon lang napahinahon si Andromeda.

Nalaman ko kay Reid na sinabihan na rin ni Andie ang mga kaibigan na dadating ng Sabadong iyun. Ang dahilan ni Andie, para maiiwas sa awkward na sitwasyon ang kapatid. Madalas daw kasi itong makipag-asaran sa mga dating kabanda nya, lalo na kay Mike Montecillo at Jeff Caringal.

Pagdating nga namin ni Ralph sa villa, they were only talking about the newly weds' trip and Hope's travel with Reid's parents.

That evening, I knew Andie and Jun had a heart to heart talk.

Hinatid ni Reid ang asawa sa kuwarto ni Juno. Matagal na nag-usap ang dalawa. At nung sunduin ni Reid si Andie, nasalubong ko ang mag-asawa sa hallway nang second floor. Mapula at medyo maga ang mata ni Andie.

I don't know what they talked about, but that evening, as I secretly watched Juno sleep, hindi ito binangungot.

Whatever they talked about, I was happy about it.

Isa pa, nung ihatid ko sya sa duplex, Jun, was more conversant.

Napansin nga nito ang bahagya kong pangangayayat at kakulangan sa tulog.

That's good. It felt nice to know na napapansin nya pa rin ako.

And same as the previous night, hindi uli ito binangungot. But what made me feel more enlightened was the fact that she wasn't hugging Sorriente's jacket. Even the baseball cap was nowhere in sight.

Nagtuluy-tuloy na yun. She even chatted her sentinels and friends in Palawan about it. And the way she said it, as if she was reporting her progress to them.

I know, of course.

Nagseselos man ako, pinigilan ko. Hindi kasi nag-i-initiate mag-text or mag-chat si Juno sa akin. It was always me who'd contact her first. That goes to say, she wasn't telling me about how she's doing, unless I ask.

When Paul and Troy went to her school, they went out on a group date. She posted their pics on both her FB accounts, which immediately garnered positive comments.

The power trio! And their first date after Paul came back from the US.

Kahit naiinis ako, I was more of delighted.

That was her first happy post after she reprimanded the people putting comments, posts and PM's sa FB nya tungkol kay Caloy at sa pagkamatay nito.

And that was the start of her getting back to social media, little by little.

"Wow, you're smiling," bati ng secretary ko dahil inabutan ako nitong nagbabasa sa FB wall ni Juno.

But that smile vanished when I noticed that she recently confirmed Sorriente's FR sa original account nya. It took a lot of effort to shrug the bad feeling off.

Ang mga sumunod na kumalat sa social media sa sirkulo ni Juno ay ang pagsama nito kina Paul at Troy sa drag racing events.

Though I was aware of that.

Thing was, kahit sa original account nya, nagpo-post na sya ng pics doon.

That was the time I called Reid.

"Yeah, Drew knows. And she's fine with it. Just made the Amazon promise to keep safe and not be caught by the police because my wife won't bail her out," natatawang kwento nito.

For me, that's a double-bladed situation. Good in the sense that Juno no longer needs to hide from Andie. Bad, because she got her blessing to drag race.

Sa ngayon, ayoko munang problemahin yun. Mukhang wala naman itong balak lumaro na. Sumasama lang sya para mag-cheer at makihalubilo.

I talked to Reid about my concern.

"Drew said that her sister was really an extrovert and jolly, when their parents were still alive. Things changed after they became orphans. Let her be, pal. Let her go back to her old life. Baka yun ang kailangan nya para ... para makatayo uli. That is her coping mechanism."

Huminga ako ng malalim, "And you, lovebirds, are spoiling her. You're putting a lot of money in her account."

"What can I do? She's family. She's my wife's sister," proud pang sabi nito. "You know what, Rob, you're being a worry wart. You should be happy. She's exerting effort to move on."

Gusto kong isipin yun, kaya lang, araw-araw pa rin si Juno sa soccer filed bleacher, eating lunch alone but there's always a spare food beside her. At tuwing hapon, nagpupunta pa rin sya sa puntod ni Sorriente.

But, yeah, I have to admit, there's progress.

Second week nang December, she started getting busy shopping for gifts. Too busy she didn't even notice that I was just an arm length away from following her.

I just got really curious with what she has been buying. Ang dami kasi.

Meron kaya para sa akin?

Nalaman ko kung bakit ganun karami.

Una, nung makipag-inuman ito kina Paul, Troy, Kevin at mga ka-grupo nito. Binigyan nya lahat ng regalo.

Kaya pala ito nag-book ng Uber at nagpasundo sa duplex.

Hinatid na lang nina Paul pauwi. Mabuti at hindi nila hinayaang malasing nang husto si Juno. Sampung minuto mula nang umalis ang dalawa, tumawag si Paul sa akin.

"Sabi ni Troy, nakilala nya ang motor mo'ng sumusunod sa amin at naiwan malapit sa duplex. Make sure she doesn't break her no nightmare and no crying nights streak. She isn't wasted, but still very tipsy. She might have a breakdown in the middle of the night."

"Then why leave her alone at home?" I said sarcastically.

Tumawa ito, "We'd love to, kaya lang...Troy..."

Naka-conference pala kami. Hindi ko napansin.

"You'd go berserk if we sleep in her room. We three do not sleep separately," pang-asar na sabi ni Troy. "Ayaw naming magigising si Jun para lang awatin tayong tatlo."

"Fuck off!" I sneered.

"Tss," sabi lang nung dalawa na may kasamang pagtatawa tapos nawala na sa linya.

Of course, I climbed up to her room. Gustong mag-init ng ulo ko nung maabutan kong nakapantulog na si Juno.

Di ko alam kung binihisan nung dalawa o kusa itong magbihis mag-isa. Pinili ko na lang paniwalaan ang huli.

Last two days before Christmas, she was almost everywhere. Giving gifts to people important to her.

She even visited the Sorriente family and stayed there for about an hour. Then she made a short trip to her parents' grave. Lastly, she went to Caloy. I already expected that but it still stings.

I'm fucking jealous of a dead guy, for Pete's sake!

Medyo nanibago ako na hindi sya nagtagal dun, di kagaya nang mga nakaraang araw.

Or maybe because, it's Christmas Eve.

Nung masiguro kong nasa villa na sya, saka ako umuwi kina Mommy to spend Christmas with them.

I kept on checking my phone even during Noche Buena.

"Still no message from her?" Kaswal na tanong ni Dad.

Napansin na pala nila.

"Give her time, Rob," Mom said with an understanding smile.

Over dinner, it became my counselling time with my parents about Juno.

"Remember, son. A woman who knows how to mourn for a lost beloved means she really knows how to love. She has already learned and would know how to treasure her next romance. You're lucky if you will be that man," sabi ni Dad.

"So, baby, don't rush her. Especially when she's making efforts to move on. Let her contemplate and realize things first, alright?" si Mommy.

Kahit tumango ako sa kanila, napuyat pa rin ako kakahintay kahit simpleng 'Merry Christmas' greeting lang sa text of messenger.

Pero wala.

Bumati na ako kanina sa kanya but I didn't get any reply. I was thinking na malamang e hindi nya nabasa, or na-overlooked nya.

Expected naman kasi na flooded ang mga networks at social media ngayon, hanggang bukas.

Kinabukasan matamlay akong bumangon. Unang dumapo ang mata ko sa hand carry bag ko.

Magagamit ko ba ang mga inempake kong damit?

Matamlay akong bumaba para magtanghalian. Mom and Dad are no longer in the house. They have a holiday trip abroad.

That afternoon, I went to my godchildren's houses to give my Christmas gifts. Then I went malling alone.

I even saw Tamara with her cousins. I didn't know she went back here for a vacation. Then, I saw John Peralta with them. But she wasn't paying much attention to him.

Well, I don't give a damn. Umiba agad ako ng daan.

I have Juno to think about.

And fuck it! Wala pa ring text. It's already a day after Christmas!

I just went back home. The house felt empty kahit may dalawang maids na naiwan sa bahay at piniling wag muna magbakasyon.

Maaga akong naghapunan at nahiga.

Hindi ko napansin na nakatulog na ako. Bandang alas-onse ng gabi, nagising ako para mag-CR.

Paglabas ng banyo, nakita ko uli ang nakahanda kong mga damit sa bag.

Napailing ako. Hindi ko na yata magagamit.

Tapos napatingin ako sa phone ko sa bedside table.

The light was blinking.

Halos patakbo akong lumapit doon and read the message.

"YES!" It was almost a shout. "Finally!"

Nagmamadali akong naligo at nagbihis. I drove, as fast as I could, going to Cavite.

My heart was racing when I stopped in front of the duplex.

Tulog na ito base sa mga patay na ilaw sa loob.

Shit! Baka nagtampo si Jun. Hindi ako naka-reply agad. May ilang oras na mula nung mag-text sya.

I climbed up to her room.

And there she was, sleeping soundly on her bed, hugging her pikachu stuffed toy.

I looked around.

Saan nya kaya nilagay yung regalo nya sa akin?

Excited ako.

Pero wala akong nakita.

Hindi bale, hihintayin ko na lang na sya ang magbigay.

Nagmamadali akong nahiga sa tabi nya after taking my clothes off, leaving only my boxers... as usual.

I don't care if I just woke up kanina sa bahay. I'd be happy to go back to sleep so long as this woman is beside me.

Kahit panoorin ko na lang syang matulog gaya nung mga nakaraang gabi.

I immediately wrapped an arm around her waist.

She stirred from her sleep, so I whispered,

"Merry Christmas, Jun! Sama ako sa iyo sa Palawan."

Tuluyan na itong nagising at nilingon ako.

"Alam mo?" medyo paos pa ang boses nya.

Ngumiti lang ako tapos hinapit ko sya sa akin.

"Paano ka sasama? Bukas na nang tanghali ang flight ko at peak season ngayon."

"Magkatabi nga tayo ng upuan sa eroplano eh," natatawa kong sabi.

Natawa na lang siya ng mahina, "Mga gawa nyo ni Jack eh."

Di na ako kumontra. Basta nilubog ko na ng ilong ko sa buhok nya.

I miss this. Her smell. Her soft skin.

HER!

"Where's my gift?" ungot ko.

"Tsk! Kung kelan gabi," mahina nyang reklamo pero tumayo rin.

She turned on the night lamp and took something out of her bag.

It was just a small box in a gift wrap. But I don't care.

It's her first gift for me!

Naupo sya sa kama at inabot yun, "'Wag kang choosy ha? Pinag-isipan ko yan. Konte!"

Di ko mapigilang mapangiti.

Her smart mouthing is resurfacing a little.

I tore the wrap and opened the box. I thought it was a wrist watch but it wasn't.

"Ayos lang ba?" Parang alanganin nyang tanong.

"You told me not to be choosy," I teased her.

"Wag na nga! Akina yan!" Eto na, nagsusungit na nga.

Lalo akong napangiti.

"It's perfect. I love it," sinsero kong sabi. "Put it on me."

I extended my hand and handed her the box.

There she put the ethnic leather bracelet on my wrist.

Then I noticed the engraved characters, "That's alibata, right?"

"Uhuh."

"Ano'ng nakasulat?"

"Halimaw."

Natawa na talaga ako. Kasabay ng pag-iinit ng mata ko.

Mabuti at medyo dim ang night lamp nya at nakatalikod ako dun kaya di nya nahalata.

"Thanks a lot!" sabi ko.

Nagkibit lang sya ng balikat.

"Aren't you going to ask me for your gift?"

Umiling sya, "Marami ka nang naibigay sa 'kin," simple nyang sabi.

"Silly! Of course, I have something for you," sabi ko.

I reached for my pants on the floor, which made her roll her eyes.

"Rob, ayoko nang makalat!"

"Okay, okay!"

Sorry, I was too excited earlier to lay beside her so I could wrap her around my arms.

Tumayo ako para isabit ang pantalon ko sa likod ng pinto.

Dumukot ako sa bulsa nun, para matigilan.

It was the wrong pocket.

I know because the small box there was the engagement ring I bought for her after she miscarried.

So, I dug into the other pocket which has the smaller box I got for her.

"Sorry, di ko na naibalot," sabi ko.

Napahinga sya ng mahina sa bibig pagkabukas nun," Rob..."

"I noticed you like earrings. The simple type, so..."

"Mahal yung ganito, Rob. Diamond ito eh."

"Mas mahal kitang di hamak dyan, Jun."

Di sya nakakibo, sabay yuko.

I guess, I said the wrong words.

Napatikhim ako, "I'm ... I'm sorry to bring that up."

"H-hindi. Ano, ayos lang. Hayaan mo na. Thank you dito. Maisasanla sa future, " halatang pinilit nyang magbiro.

I just fucking ruined the moment.

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