A/N: I didn't proofread :'(. Please feel free to point out my mistakes.

Wakas

"Putcha ka Corvette! Ba't ka nag-out?! Alam mo namang mga bobo 'tong nga kasama natin!" Sigaw ni Kerven sa likuran ng sasakyan.

"You can do it man. I'll let you be the MVP for now. Grab the chance," Corvette chuckled teasingly to Kerven who's still busy playing ML at the backseat.

Katabi ko si Jhanos sa frontseat na nagmu-music marathon. Pikit ang mata at parang nakatulog na naman.

"Kingina mo," bulong ni Kerven dahilan para malakas na mapatawa si Corvette.

"Gago," sagot naman ni Corvette.

Napailing ako at nagpatuloy sa pagmamaneho. Papunta na kami sa skwelahan. Kaya kami sabay-sabay na apat ay dahil nagkaroon ng celebration kagabi sa amin dahil sa nanalo ang team namin sa basketball.

"Chris..." Natatawang tawag ni Corvette sa akin.

"What? I'm driving."

"Wait. Tingnan mo muna 'to," humahagikhik pa niyang sabi habang makulit na kinakalabit ang balikat ko.

Mahina akong napamura. "What is it? Just tell it."

"Dapat mo kasing tingnan! This will be fast," he laughed and put his phone in front of me.

I grimaced when I saw the images of a famous porn star with a bikini.

"Hardcore man!" Tumawatawa niyang pagmamayabang.

Napailing ako pero patuloy na nakatitig sa larawan. "Tss. Her boobs are too big and her butt too. Not my type."

"Anong hindi type? Bakit naka-wallpaper sa PC mo 'yong larawan ni— Puta! May motor sa unahan!" Mabilis pa sa kidlat niyang sigaw dahilan para gulat akong mapatitig sa unahan.

My eyes widened in surprise when I heard a small creaking sound from my cars front. Sobrang late na ako nang maapakan ko ang brake kaya paniguradong nabangga ko iyong nasa unahan. This is so fuck up!

I glared at Corvette who's now using his arms to cover his mouth. Si Jhanos naman ay agad ding nagising habang si Kerven ay kunot-noo paring nakatitig sa cellphone. Putangina.

"This is your fault, you porn addict," I hissed.

Pero mas lalo lamang na lumakas ang kaba at gulat ko nang makita ko ang babaeng nakahelmet na parang nanggigigil na tinatanggal ang helmet sa ulo.

"Patay!" Si Corvette.

"Anong nangyari?" Si Jhanos habang tinatanggal ang headphone sa kaniyang tenga.

"May nabangga ako," I swallowed hard and was about to go out, but immediately interrupted by Corvette. Mahigpit niyang hinila pabalik ang jacket ko. Kunot noo ko siyang binalingan.

"Bro... mamaya ka na lumabas," aniya habang ang tingin ay nasa babae at parang nang-uusisa.

I scoffed. "I need to talk to her. I need to explain."

"Kahit anong explain mo wala paring mangyayari kaya manatili ka muna dito."

"I know that." I tsked. Bakit ko ba naman kasi pinansin pa iyong pinakita niya?! Pinapahamak lang ako ng isang 'to eh. Tangina.

I gritted my teeth and just do what he said. Para namang nagtatalon na kabayo ang puso ko nang makita ko iyong babae na malakas na hinampas ang hood ng kotse ko.

"Baba!" She shouted with a vengeful expression. Inis akong napaiwas ng tingin sa kaniya ng pansamantala akong nasilaw dahil sa sikat ng araw na nakadirekta sa kaniya.

"The hell?" Bulong ni Jhanos.

Pagod akong napahinga ng malalim at pilit na pinapakalma ang sarili. Damn! Did she got hurt? Sana lumabas na ako kanina para konsultahin siya! Tangina nakinig na naman pala ako sa sinabi ni Corvette!

Halos napamura pa ako sa gulat ng marinig ko ang malakas na katok sa binatana ng sasakyan ko. Feeling ko ay masisira niya 'yon. Is she a bodybuilder? Hindi ko parin siya masiyadong makita dahil sa sinag ng araw.

"Bingi ka ba?!" She said in a very harsh way.

I swallowed the remaining braveness inside me and slightly opened the window. Pero nang sinulan niya ulit iyong katukin ay mas lalo lamang akong nagkanda-ugaga.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Hindi ko sinasadya!"

"Ibaba mo 'to!" She ordered while pointing at my window.

I immediately do what she said, tiniis ko ang sinag ng araw na halos takpan ang mata ko sa pagtingin sa kaniya. The girl is wearing a leather jacket and a fitted jeans with a combat boots on. Her body is so damn ideal. Sexy at parang katawan lang ng mga artistang babae sa palabas na Angel is an Agents. Pwede na rin ihawig kay Angelina Jolie.

"I didn't mean it! I swear!" I said in a pleading tone. Hindi ko naman talaga sinadya pero alam ko naman kasalanan ko talaga. Pero hindi ito tamang oras para kastuguhin kami ngayon. Araw ng pasahan ng thesis namin ngayon!

"Anong hindi sinasadya?! Hindi ka naman siguro bulag para hindi makita sa unahan na nagstop light na! Huwag mo nga akong lokohin!" She said irritatedly.

"Gago kasi e! Sabi nang ako na ang magdrive!" Si Kerven na pinapamukha pa ata sa akin ang salitang 'nasa huli na ang pagsisisi'. Talaga lang eh parang enjoy na enjoy siya sa paglalaro sa likod. Gago.

"Mamamatay na ba tayo?" Bulong ni Corvette. Isa pa 'to. Pahamak!

Mariin kong naipikit ang mga mata at problemadong napahilot sa sentido. Palagi na lang akong naba-bad luck. Sa mismong araw pa talaga ng thesis namin. Nakakalimutan ko na naman mga namemorize ko kagabi!

"Akin na lisensya mo," the girl commanded abruptly.

I gasped in shock. My brows furrowed. "Why would I give you my license? You're not a police—"

Parang nalulon ko ata ang dila ko nang mabilis pa sa alas kwatro niyang kinuha ang chapa niya mula sa loob ng kaniyang jacket at ipinakita sa akin.

She's... she's a police officer?!

Of all people! Ano ba namang pabuwenas 'to ngayong araw?! This is so fucking ridiculous. I've never encountered such thing in my life! Maganda ang record ko sa buhay at parang nabulilyaso lang dahil sa pagpapakita ni Corvette ng malasyang larawan sa akin! Hayop 'yan.

"C-can we talk about this first?" I fake a laugh, nagbabaka-sakaling kumalma siya at pagbigyan ako. I looked away when the sun ray hit my eyes one more time. Shit! I can't see her properly.

"License please..." She commanded again. Fuck. Sana nandito 'yung lisensiya ko. Kinukuha pa naman 'yon ni Chacey para picturan.

"Humarap ka nga sa'kin," authority is blended on her voice. Even her voice is sexy. Damn! Bakit ko pa ba pinapansin 'yon?

I firmly closed my eyes and faced her. Tangina. Ba't 'di na nagsasalita itong tatlo na kasama ko sa kotse?! Mga pahamak lang eh. Ayaw pa ata ako tulungan.

"C-can we talk about this first?" I replied shakily. This is a police officer. Normal lang na kabahan ako ng ganito.

"Idilat mo nga mata mo?! Huwag mo sabihing may lazer beam ka kaya hindi mo 'ko matitigan?! Dahil talagang tatamaan ka sa'kin." She's not just sexy but she's cool. Damn.

Dahan-dahan kong binuksan ang mga mata kahit na ba nasisinagan parin ako ng araw. But when she moved a little, she immediately replaced the sun with a beautiful pair of her eyes. An eyes who resembles the fireworks. It made me stilled and couldn't even move.

I was too blinded on watching her when I felt Corvette's pushing me from the back. Para akong nagising lalo na nang marinig ko ang boses niyang nanghihingi ng lisensiya ko.

"I have! I have!" My frown change into a smile. Wala sa sarili kong inabot ang dashboard at kinalkal ang lisensya doon. Nang makita ko ay nagawa ko pang ayusin ang buhok habang ibinibigay iyon sa kaniya.

Nakataas ang gilid ng labi at masama ang tingin niya sa akin iyong kinuha. She scanned the license. Kumuha siya ng puting papel sa bulsa nang kaniyang jacket at may isinulat doon.

I stayed looking at her, memorizing the every features of her face that will help me dream a lovely dream for tonight. Ang ganda niya. I'm starstruck as fuck.

And again, nagising na lang ulit akong nanghihingi na siya ng number sa akin. My heart beated so fast. Halong tuwa at excitement ang agad na lumunod sa akin. Damn. I didn't do the first move! She did it!

I immediately gave her my number and I gave mine too. Mukhang hindi ako mahihirapan nito.

"Alam mo na kung ano ang pag-uusapan natin kapag nagkita tayo ulit! Pagbabayaran mo ang ginawa mo sa ducati ko." Sabi niya na may halong pagbabanta sa boses pero iba ata ang dating no'n sa'kin. Mas lalo lang na lumaki ang ngiti ko.

She turned my license back together with the yellow paper, eto na siguro ang ticket. She then swiftly turned her back away from my car. Nanatili ang titig ko sa kaniya hanggang sa magsuot siya ng helmet at astig na sumampa sa kaniyang motor.

Napalitan ang ngiti ko nang mahinang tawa na siya namang sinita nina Jhanos. "You're crazy. I forgot to film you're idiotic face."

"Bro..." I called still staring at the girl who just made me smitten until she faded on the crowd of different cars.

"Magmaneho ka na nga! Late na tayo!" Si Kerven.

I shook my head and mindlessly started the engine. Maingay namang napamura si Corvette bago bumaba sa kotse. Napangiwi ako ng binuksan niya ang pintuan sa tabi ko at malakas akong hinila palabas.

"Ako na magmamaneho! Madi-disgrasya na tayo kapag nasa langit pa utak mo!" Singhal niya.

Even if he did that to make me move out from my own car, my smile still haven't change. Nababaliw na ata ako. Hindi ko talaga siya matanggal sa utak ko.

Kinagabihan ay dali-dali kong kinuha ang cellphone at nagsend ng message sa kaniya sa kung ano ang pwede kong gawin sa motor niya para naman mabawas-bawasan ang sama ng alaala ko sa first met namin. Tsaka chance ko na rin ito na makita siya ulit.

Pero sa kasamaang palad ay wala akong natanggap na reply pabalik. Pero hindi pa rin no'n napigilan ang excitement na naging dahilan para makatulog ako ng maayos sa gabing 'yon.

Kinabukasan ay daig ko pa ang may pupuntahang night out party sa pag-aayos at pagpapabango. Tss. Nagtutunog babae na ata ang aura ko nito. Pero wala akong pakialam. Isang magandang pulis ang kikitain ko ngayon kaya dapat lang.

"Mamaya 7 am. Sa greeenwich malapit sa Manila gym," she said over the phone.

I chuckled. "Yeah sure morning date—" hindi ko pa man natatapos ay tumunog na ang cellphone ko hudyat ng pagpatay niya sa tawag. Mahina akong natawa at imbes na ma-offend ay mabilis na tumakbo papunta sa garahe para kunin ang nakatago kong sasakyan.

It's my first time doing such things to a girl. Acting childish and even smiling after receiving some harsh comments. This isn't my thing. Madalas ay naiirita ako kapag sinasabihan ako ng masama at tinataboy ako sa paraang makakapagpahiya sa akin. Pero nag-iba na ata 'to ngayon.

"You're a reckless driver, Mr. Magno," she said in a way that she pitied me.

Yes... I am. But I'm thankful that I became reckless yesterday, though. Dahil hindi ko siya makikilala kung hindi 'yon nangyari. Pero mas tinatablan na ako ng konsensiya lalo na nang maisip na baka napano ko siya. Mabuti nalang daw ay walang masakit sa kaniya.

Napagplanuhan naming magkita ulit kinabukasan para dalhin ang motor niya sa isang kaibigan ko na nagmamay-ari ng Ducati shop sa Singapore. Balita ko rin kasi ay may marami siyang piyesa para sa Ducati ni Miss Police. Yes, I call her Miss Police because I find it suitable for her as an endearment. Bagay na bagay sa ka-astigan niya.

Inaya ko siyang kumain muna sa isang fastfood at nagpanggap na nagugutom at 'di pa kumakain. At habang kasama siya doon ay hindi mapigilang mapailing sa tuwa sa tuwing iniisip na para na rin itong date naming dalawa. Puta.

"27," she replied when I ask her about her age. My mouth formed and 'O'. I was so surprised. I thought she's just twenty-one or twenty-three. Kung ganoon ay five years pala ang agwat namin. This is so awesome! Pwede pa rin kami.

Pero sa kalagitnaan naman ng pagsasaya ko na kausap siya ay palagi namang tumatawag sa akin si Berenice. She's the daughter of my Dad's friend. Pinapauwi na ako dahil daw nag-aalala na si Dad. I scoffed at that thought. Dad never worry about me lalo na kapag kasama ko sina Corvette. Paniguradong ginagamit lang niya si Dad para magkita kaming dalawa.

Wala rin naman akong nagawa lalo na no'ng nag-aya na si Miss Police na puntahan na iyong motor niya. I really wanted to stay more and take the most of the time but it felts like she have something to do after this.

My heart fluttered so much when she smiled after she saw her Ducati's good condition. Nawala na nga ang gasgas at maganda na ulit ang porma.

Nagtanong pa siya sa babayarin pero hindi na iyon pinaggawa pa ni Andrei. Ilang ulit pa siyang nagpasalamat bago nagpaalam sa amin.

"Mauna na ako, may trabaho pa ako e. Salamat... Chrispher."

Her smile really blowed up my senses. Hindi ako no'n pinatulog. Kung siguro ikukwento ko kina Corvette itong nararamdaman ko paniguradong pagtatawanan nila ako dahil daig ko pa ang babae. Pero sabi ko nga, wala akong pakialam.

Kinabukasan ay maaga akong nagising para ipagprepare siya ng pagkain. Nanghiram pa ako ng recipe book ni Mom para lang talaga mas maperpekto ang lulutuin ko. At nang matapos ako ay binilisan ko na ang pagbibihis bago umalis para ihatid ang pagkain sa department nila.

Nang makarating ako doon at nagtanong sa ibang pulis ay wala pa daw ito. Mamayang alas-otso pa daw ang dating. Mala-late ako sa skwela kung hihintayin ko pa siya hanggang sa mag-alas otso kaya wala akong choice kundi iwan iyon sa mga kasamahan niya. Pero bago ako umalis ay nanghingi muna ako ng sticky note at nilagyan ng message para mabasa niya.

Hanggang sa umalis ako ay hindi na matanggal ang ngiti ko sa labi. Siguradong makikita ko siya ulit. Isa rin iyon sa mission ko. Kaya kahit na nasa loob ng classroom ay umiikot ang utak ko sa maraming bagay. Ngayon lang ako naging eager na bumilis ang oras at para makalabas na ako dito.

And when my last subject finished, I never expected for her to text me. She's asking my whereabouts. Kagat labi akong nagreply na papalabas na ako sa skwelehan. Isasauli daw niya kasi ang tupperware.

Halos takbuhin ko ang lawak ng hallway papunta sa exit para lang mapabilis na makapunta sa kaniya. At nang makaharap ko na nga siya ulit ay daig ko pa ang kalabaw na nanlalaki ang ilong dahil sa pagod sa pagtakbo. I simply fixed my hair to prevent my poise.

"Ba't ka kasi tumakbo?" May halong inis at pag-aalala sa boses niya na nagpaalab na naman sa nararamdaman ko. Ang corny pero puta 'di ko mapigilan!

She handed me the empty tupperwares. She complimented my food which gave me so much pleasure. But there's something on her words that made me surprised.

"Na-appreciate ko sobra, pero... baka nakakaabala na sa pag-aaral ang ginagawa mong 'to. Gumising ka pa talaga ng maaga para magluto—" I immediately interrupted her.

"No, I'm enjoying it. At tsaka madalas talaga akong nagigising ng maaga kaya okay lang na ipagluto kita ng... lunch... 'di ba?" I gulped hard. No. I don't want her to make me stop. Sa ngayon ay eto pa ang naiisip kong paraan para makita ko siya ulit.

She smiled in a very lovely way. This is my second time seeing her smile like this pero ngayon ay hindi na dahil sa motor kundi... dahil sa akin.

"Hindi mo na ako kailangan ipagluto para maging kaibigan..." She paused and open her car's door. "Tawagan mo lang ako kapag may kailangan ka."

If there's anything who can make me feel this way then I want to have it the rest of my life.

"I can... visit you, right?" I can do everything just to see her again. I know she's busier than me so I will do anything just to see her without ruining her time.

When she nodded as a response, my body heated with a foreign feeling. Parang sinasakal ang puso ko sa masarap na paraan. Damn, I like her already. This isn't just a simple crush, it already leveled up.

Since that day, nagsisimula na rin akong gawin ang mga bagay ng pagpapahiwatig. I don't care what might people say to me. Wala akong pakialam sa mga sinasabi ng iba lalo na kay Berenice na isa akong manloloko at two timer. Gandang pangalan naman no'n. Hindi makatotohanan.

"Berenice..." Puno ng pagpipigil kong tinanggal ang pagkakapulupot ng kamay niya sa akin. Kanina pa siya kulit ng kulit sa akin na sabihan daw namin ang mga magulang namin na pabilisin ang kasal naming dalawa para daw hindi mas mahirapan ang Daddy ko sa trabaho at matulungan ng pamilya niya. She's too worried about my father. But I find it as her way to make our marriage fast.

"Chrispher please! Hindi ka ba naaawa kay Tito?!" She exclaimed still clinging on my arms.

I didn't answer her instead I just make it slid inside and out of my ears. Her reasons are too shaggy. And I'm currently finding a way to help my Dad without doing negotiations through marriage. Ayaw ko na 'yong matuloy, dahil may isang tao na akong nakikita na nararapat na isama sa altar. Tsk.

"I'm sorry Berry but... I think we shouldn't do this. Marriage through parents negotiations won't work out. I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. You're my friend, I can't marry you..." I said those in a very sincere way I could possibly do. I want her to understand. I don't want to hurt her more. And I think this is the only way.

Her grip on my arm slowly loose it's strength. Unti-unti ay lumayo siya sa akin. Conscience immediately rose up from me when her tears started flowing under her eyelids. Shit. Eto 'yung pinaka-iniiwasan ko.

"Who's the girl, Chrispher?!" She suddenly screamed.

Nangunot ang noo ko bago napabuga ng hangin. "Berry..." Iniwaksi niya ang kamay kong handa na sanang hawakan siya upang pakalmahin. She then left me.

Nakayuko akong napalunok. Kalaunan ay napaupo sa veranda sa harap ng bahay namin at malalim na napaisip sa mga bagay bagay.

Nagsisimula na akong mag-alala sa sitwasyon sa pamilya namin. There's something about Dad's business that needs action. Alam kong sine-sekreto niya lang 'yon pero kung pansin niyang hindi na kami nakatingin, doon lumalabas ang problema na meron siya sa kompanya. Gusto ko siyang tulungan pero naguguluhan pa ako kung paano ko 'yon gagawin. I need to be useful to him but not in a way that he'll marry off just to save the company.

Nagdaan ang mga araw at sobrang nakakatuwa na unti-unti nang lumalaki ang kung ano mang meron sa pagitan namin ni Miss Police. Mayroong sinama ko siya sa paborito kong puntahan kapag gusto ko mapag-isa at sa pag-imbita sa kaniya sa school event.

In just a short period of time, I slowly learn to know her little by little. Her attitude, her reactions, her dislikes and likes, her weakness through flowers and many more. In just a span of weeks I already saw her showing her trust in me. She cried beside me when she felt so down and even let me comfort her the way she wanted. It's my first time that I hug her so tight that my heart almost explode inside my chest. I felt so happy and sad at the same time. Seeing her like this is a bit painful.

She's strong but she's fragile. She's determined but she can't totally decide on her own. Alam kong may nagpapatigil sa kaniya sa bagay na gusto niyang gawin at pakiramdam ko ay wala siyang magagawa doon. Kung may paraan lang sana ako para pakiusapan ang kung sino mang nagpipigil sa kaniya, gagawin ko.

"Chrispher iho, mukhang talagang nagkakasundo na kayo nitong si Berenice, ah?" Tumatawang saad ni Tito Macias habang nag-aangat ng baso ng wine papunta sa labi. Nandito kami ngayon sa isang restaurant dahil sa nag-aya ang parents ni Berenice na makipag-dinner sa pamilya namin.

Napalunok ako at pilit na nagbigay ng ngiti sa kaniya. Katabi ko ngayon si Berenice na panay haplos naman sa braso ko. She giggled and leaned into my shoulders.

"Of course Dad. Let me show you how close we are now," she said jubilantly. Nangunot ang noo ko nang agad na lamang niyang hinila ang pisngi ko papalapit sa kaniya.

My breath hitched when she planted a fast kissed on my lips. Hindi ko iyon agad napigilan. Nang kumawala siya ay kaniya-kaniyang tanguan ang ginawa ng mga magulang namin.

"See?" She said remarkably and shrugged.

Kumuyom ang kamao ko sa ilalim ng lamesa at hindi na binigyan ng pansin ang usapan ng mga magulang namin hanggang sa magtapos iyon.

Mabilis ang lakad ko papunta sa parking lot na siya namang sinusundan ni Berenice. She keeps on calling me since the exit of the restaurant. I don't know but I just felt this urged to run away and rushed to where Miss Police is. I wanted to explain. I felt like I... I cheated on her. Fuck!

We still haven't been together but why do I feel this now?!

"Chrispher wait!" When her hand landed on my shirt I immediately stop.

"What happened? Did I do something wrong?" Her innocent eyes is too artificial.

"Talaga bang 'di mo alam?" Pinilit kong sabihin iyon sa kalmadong paraan pero hindi ko alam kung bakit tumutulo na naman ang luha niya.

"Are you... already in a relationship with that police officer?!" She gasped. Her pained voice made me softened. Kaibigan ko pa rin naman siya pero kasi... she cross the line! She kiss me without my permission!

"I'm courting her..." I said those directly.

It's true. I already confessed my feelings to Phoebe. I can still remember how surprise she is that day. How she stop from crying. How she cutely raise a brow to state a question.

"No..." she shook her head. Tears rolled down her cheeks. Nagsisimula narin siyang humikbi. "No..." Dahan-dahan siyang naglakad paatras habang panay ang iling at ayaw akong paniwalaan.

I gulped hard. "Yes... Berry. I love her."

"No! You're a liar!" She started crying loudly. Tikom ang bibig lamang ko siyang pinabayaan. I don't want to hurt her but I just did.

Mabilis siyang tumakbo papalayo sa akin. Wala narin akong ibang nagawa. I went home and take care of my sister. Mukhang nag-away na naman sila ni Mom at Dad base sa reaksyon ng kapatid ko na tahimik pero nangungulit sa akin na tabihan ko daw siya sa pagtulog.

"I heard what happened to Tito's company. Nagkabulilyaso daw sa pantalan kung saan nandoon ang mga baril na kinuha niya galing bansa. Sinisisi ang kompanya ng Papa mo dahil sa kayo lang din naman ang may open na Security Agency." Si Corvette habang nakaupo sa bintana ng kwarto ko. It's been a week since that day that I'm with Berenice. Hindi na siya nagparamdam sa akin. Si Miss Police naman ay parang busy sa trabaho.

Nagtagis ang bagang ko dahil sa narinig. Si Dad. Magmula nang sumabog ang issue sa pagitan namin ng mga Ignacio mas lalo siyang napipilipit. Conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms at iba pa. Lahat ng 'yon walang kasalanan si Dad. Lahat ng kasalanang 'yon ay nadawit lang siya. Pero parang pinaglalaruan ata kami ng tadhana.

After the day I promised to help Dad in everything in exchange of letting them go in a vacation together with Mom... nagsimulang masira ang buhay namin. Nagsimulang madurog ang buong pamilya namin.

My parents were kidnapped. My father was killed. And I... was accused for shooting someone. Jhanos, who's my only hope was beaten and is unconscious. I was detained in jail and was in full trauma. I couldn't think properly. I was too depressed. I was too devastated. I started to think ill of other people. I started to think for revenge and hate police officers. I started hating them without thinking about how Phoebe would feel.

I saw her cry, hindi dahil sa kasalanan ng iba kundi... sa akin.

I push her away. I treated her like nothing to me. I was too clouded after losing my father. I don't know what to do. I just want to feel numb, to be a deaf and to be blind by everything. I want to forget the pain. I want it all gone.

"Chrispher... I can help you. I can get you out of this jail. We will protect Tita and Chacey together. We can avenge your father, too. We just need to go far away from here. I'll help you. Ako na lang ang makakatulong sa'yo ngayon. You want to take back your father's company? I am the key for that Chris... ako lang. Wala nang iba." The way she said those with sincerity washed my worries away. I found hope. I found ways to think on how to protect my remaining family.

"Anong kapalit?" I asked coldly at her. I know she have conditions. She can't do this without one. Whatever it is, I will do everything to keep my family safe and secured. I know I may sound a coward and selfish but if this is for my family, I will do everything.

She smiled sweetly before reaching for my cheeks. "Marry me..."

"C-Chrispher! A-aalis ka ba talaga?" Phoebe's cries made me want to back out. I want to step back and run to her and forget the plans I made to protect my family. I was all guarded by Berenice bodyguards at sasama pa ata sa amin papuntang America.

I didn't speak. I'm afraid I might say 'I love you' to her over and over again and never stop saying it until I lose my voice. I want to take her with me, if only it's possible.

"P-pakakasalan mo ba siya?" Why do I feel like breaking? I feel like giving up. My body wanted to collapse. Hearing her voice like this is never my intention from the very beginning.

I'm sorry... I just... need to.

"Yes..." Tears started flowing from eyes. My heart felt so heavy. Sobrang sakit ng pakiramdam ko... parang may nagpupunit sa dibdib ko.

I want to wipe her tears. I want to hug her real tight. I've been dreaming of having a baby with her. Is that a false hope?

"Hanggang dito na lang tayo... Chrispher." She turned her back with a smile of a broken person.

No... don't go. I don't want her to go! I want her to go back. Hindi ko na pinansin ang mga taong nasa paligid ko nang magsimula na akong humikbi at umiyak ng tudo sa sobrang sakit ng nararamdaman.

"I... l-love you. Mahal na mahal kita." I said my last remaining words. She'll never hear it. Fuck.

I left with so much despair. I left my love behind. I left her with my harsh words. I just hurt her. The thing I've always wanted to prevent...

"Engineer Magno!"

I was placing my hard hat on my table when a known friend called me. I smiled wide when I saw Carlos.

"Sir Carlos," I chuckled. He's one of my clients cousin.

"Balita ko ni-reject mo raw ang offer ni Agnes na bahay? Iyong sikat na model sa France?" Pang-uusisa niya.

Mahina akong napatawa bago niluwagan ang pagkakasabit ng necktie sa aking leeg.

"Yeah. I am planning on going back to the place I truly belong. I have so much experience working here, it is all enough to start new life back to that place."

Mahina siyang napatawa. "Mukhang hindi ata lugar ang pagkakaintindi ko sa sinabi mo, ah?"

I chuckled. "Kinda. It's my home. I want to take it back."

Time sure flies and it's been one year since all that happened. Iniwan ko ang lahat sa paraang alam kong tama sa oras na 'yon. I fought my life staying here. I studied half year of engineering and take special classes. And now... I made it to the top. Isa na akong kilalang Engineer dito sa America.

My Mom and my sister are now living the life as same as before but... without Dad. The pain is still there. Losing a father is the most painful thing that happened to me. All of that left a scar inside my chest. Lalo na ang mga magagandang alaala ko kasama si...

"Chris... Wala na ba talaga?" Si Berenice nang madatnan ko siya sa pintuan ng bahay ko. Umiiyak na naman at puno ng pagmamakaawa.

I sighed in a worried way. "Berenice... I thought we already talk about this before?"

"But still..." She bit her lower lip and cried harder. I gulped hard and pulled her closer for a tight hug. For now, this is the only thing I can give to her.

"Thank you so much Berenice... you've been so kind to me. I'm so sorry..." I caressed her back in a very sincere way.

I don't deserve her. I surely doesn't. She deserves someone who can choose her over and over again. She deserve someone who can make her smile and won't hurt her the same reason as I did. Her proposal of marriage didn't work out. Hindi ko talaga kasi kaya. Alam kong pangako 'yon pero talagang... hindi pwede.

She help me take back my fathers companies. Except for the Security Agency, iyon ay hindi na talaga namin na-recover. But I'm planning on making one, for him, because it's my father's dream. For now, may pinapaplanuhan pa akong dapat na unahin pagdating sa Pilipinas, iyon ang ang sarili kong firm. Pero bago ko gawin iyon... may gusto muna akong bisitahin at makita. Isang tao na ni minsan ay hindi nawala sa isip ko.

I went back to the Philippines as early as what my Mom expected. Hindi na rin ako nagpaalam kay Berenice sa pag-alis ko. She'll be hurt even more kung malaman niyang pupuntahan at ang uuwian ko ay si Phoebe.

And I saw her... first time in the year in a coffee shop with Atty. Andrew. Smiling and laughing comfortably with each other. 

I've became a spy for her. Wherever she goes I followed her. I know it's illegal but this is the only way I could do for now. I want to know if she's happy, if she's... with someone. And I guess... she is.

"Are you alright?" I asked worriedly as I held his tiny waist on my arms.

Fire of hope started to light up inside my system. The way she laid an eyes in me and the way she looks so dazzlingly beautiful tonight is a sin for me to see. She's so beautiful. So beautiful that every man who stared at her ended up wanting to take her away from me. Fuck it. I'm starting to get selfish again. I don't want that to happen.

"I-I'm fine..." I help her stand up, still not removing my eyes on her. I didn't even recognize her, not until I saw her eyes and unique lips.

Fast beating of my heart started to get wild. I bit my lower lip and ended up living the ball with a flush face. Shit. My policewoman is so beautiful! It's blinding me.

Her being that shines like a ray of sunlight. The only person who owns me. The person who detained me up until now.

"Ah!" She moaned between my arms as I held her hands tightly at the top her head.

"C-Chris... Ugh!" I kissed her lips which made her sweet seductive voice shuffled. I thrust deeper and deeper inside her. We shared the night with love and passion. Pleasure dance from the both of us after our release.

Huffing for air, I kissed her neck, her cheeks, the tip of her nose and her forehead.

"I love you..." This is my 50th times saying these words on her, sa ngayong gabi lang.

I chuckled when her lips opened but there's no words coming out. Mukhang napagod ko ata ng tudo. It's out fourth day before our marriage.

"I know... you love me too," I said teasingly.

Isang ngiti ang lumabas sa labi niya dahilan para halikan ko ulit siya sa labi.

"Hindi ko akalaing ikaw pa talaga ang magpapabagsak sa akin, Magno," ani ni ex-General Villegas. Nakapagitan sa amin ang malaking salaman na may maliliit na butas sa gitna dito sa presento, sapat lang para magkaroon ng daan ang boses naming dalawa.

I bit the insides of my cheeks and sighed. "Kung hindi kaya nang iba, ako ang gagawa." I paused. "Iyan ang nasa isip ko habang iniisip ko kung paano ko ipaghihiganti ang nangyari sa Dad ko."

He smirked and sighed heavily. "Nagtagumpay ka. I'm sure your father is so proud of you."

"I know." I granted coldly.

"Mukhang masiyado pala kitang minaliit, Chrispher Magno," he sure sounds regretful but in a different way.

I just smiled. This is where he belong. Marami na siyang kasalanang nagawa gamit ang taas ng ranggo at posisyon niya sa gobyerno. Alam kong may mga katulad pa niyang namamahinga sa gilid at nagtatago lamang sa likuran ng mga mamamayan.

"Enjoy your life here, Sir." I said as I stood up. I fixed my polo and was about to go out.

"I am hoping for that," he said. That's the last words I heard from him before I promised to myself that i will never see his face again.

Sunod kong pinuntahan ay ang hospital kung saan si Berenice. I heard she's recovering from her traumatic depression. She's been undergoing therapy. I hope she's doing fine now. As I opened the door on her room I saw how her face lightened up when she saw me.

"Hi!" She waved her hands in the air. I smiled and walk towards her.  I gave her the bouquet of roses that I even bought dollars in Beansey's shop.

"How are you now?" I asked.

She giggled. "Thankfully now in a good state. My cousin and my sister is a great nurse so I think... my recovery will be fast as expected."

I smiled. "I'm happy then."

"What about Phoebe? Where is she?" She asked and looked at the doorway.

I chuckled. "She's not with me. She's with Beansey today. They're buying some bride's accessories."

She pouted her lips. "Sadly, I can't go to your wedding day."

Mahina akong natawa. "It will be film. I'll give you the video."

"Nice!" She exclaimed excitedly.

Biglang natahimik sa pagitan namin. I don't know but... I suddenly felt out of words. There's guilt inside me for Berenice.

"Chris?" She called. I hummed as an answer.

"Take care of her. Love her more and more. I'll find mine soon. So don't worry." A small tear skip from her eyes. I bit my lower lip and immediately stood up to hugged her tightly.

"I'll do it to her forever. Mas minahal ko pa siya kesa noon. Berry..." I loosened our embrace, I held her shoulders and wipe her tears. "I hope you find the right one sooner. The one who can't make you cry in pain again."

She laughed and nodded. "I will!"

I then embrace her for the last time. Even if she did such dangerous things before, she's still the friend I need to protect. Just like her, I also lost a father. She need the love from the family and friends that's why I'm here today. I just hope for her sooner recovery.

"Ba't ang tagal mo? May poste ba na nakapalda sa daan?" Phoebe joked which made me laugh so hard. Nasa bahay na kami ngayon, iyong pinatayo ko sa dalampasigan para sa kaniya. I saw her preparing a salad on the kitchen table.

I pulled her waist and rested my head between her chest. I leaned on the table to support our weight. Quiet a good spot for me.

"Nasa harapan ko na ang poste," I teased.

"Kurutin kita eh," inis niyang sabi na mas lalong ikinatawa ko.

I kissed her neck dahilan para mapatalon siya sa kiliti. "May ginagawa ako, oh." Turo niya sa bowl na punong puno ng makukulay na gulay at prutas.

"Yeah. I know. I love you." Nanlalambing kong sabi. I chuckled when she moved away when I tried to kissed her neck again.

"Isa... sige! Aba... sa makalawa pa kasal natin pero nang aabuso ka na, ah?" She glared at me playfully.

My wife is so beautiful to be true. Mahina ulit akong natawa. "Won't you give me just a little time? I need to re-charge."

"Charge. Palagi ka na lang nagcha-charge. Ayaw." Mabilis niyang tanggi. Napaangat ako ng tingin sa kaniya.

"I'm low now..."

Napangiwi siya habang patuloy parin sa pag-aasikaso sa ginagawang salad. Kalaunan nang hindi na ata matiis ang titig ko ay napahinga ng malalim at napatingin sa akin.

She closed her eyes and planted a fast kiss on my lips. "I love you so much. Tanggap kita. Mahal kita. Ikaw na. Tapos na ang re-charging mo."

A tingling feeling of happiness made its way inside my stomach. I laughed so hard at what my silly wife just did to me. With just her kiss, I felt so full.

She's mine but I just wanted to own her more and more. Even if the only way to do that is to devour her from head to toe. That explains everything. I love her. Only her.