[JV's POV]

It had been a week since we have captured Elijah.

"Come here." Dad said in a low voice while he was holding a sharp dagger in front of him, pointed downward. Beside him was my brother, holding a black book.

I swallowed hard as my heart was also pounding so fast. Medyo nagsisisi ako na sinuot ko ang black dress ko na isang braso lang ang may sleeve para matakpan ang bandage. My gunshot wasn't fully healed yet— buti na lang, dahil kung hindi baka naisipan ko pang isuot ang sleeveless dress ko. Gosh sobrang lamig na nga ng aircon tapos kinakabahan pa ako.

I almost stumbled when I walked up to the elevated platform where he was. Behind him was a standing alone torch with a subtle fire.

Dad was so serious while standing in front of me. He was wearing his usual all black attire as a mafia— dress shirt, necktie, coat, slacks and even his shoes.

All the high members of the organization were here, surrounding and encircling me around the room. Men and women were also in their black dresses, and so does this hall— the tiles of the floor, ceiling, and even the paint on the walls were all black. Ang tanging hindi lang itim ay ang mga maliliit na ilaw mula sa kisame.

"Are you really sure, about this?" mahina niyang tanong sa akin nang huminto ako sa harapan niya.

I pursed my lips before nodding.

Huminga siya nang malalim bago ilahad ang isa niyang kamay sa akin.

"There's no turning back if I held your hand..."

Does he really think he could still convince me, here?

Hindi naman ako pupunta rito nang hindi ako sigurado sa desisyon ko. Hindi ko rin naman magagawang ipahiya ang sarili ko lalong-lalo na ang apelyidong pinagmulan ko. I'm not that stupid. Ilang beses ko rin itong pinag-isipan, madami akong isinaalang-alang.

But I understood where he was coming from, he was just worried about me...

"I am sure, dad." seryoso kong sagot sa kaniya at inilagay ang aking kamay sa kaniya.

He held my hand. Akala ko ay susugatan niya na ako pero hinawakna niya iyon na parang ayaw niya akong mawala sa kaniya.

I looked into his eyes. "I'm gonna be fine, dad." Ngumiti ako sa kaniya para hindi na siya masyadong mag-alala.

Palihim siyang huminga nang malalim.

"I know... I'm just scared for you..."

Pinanliitan ko siya ng aking mga mata. "Dad, I have you. I know you'll always protect me." Tinignan ko ang kapatid ko bago ko ulit siya tignan. "And I want to protect you too, in case, something happens..."

Muli na namang napabuntong hininga ang aking ama bago tumango sa akin at bahagyang ngumiti. He looked down to my hand. Binaliktad niya ito para maiharap sa kaniya ang aking palad.

"It will hurt a bit..."

He pointed the sharp dagger on the middle of my palm. I grinned teeth against each other to keep myself from grunting.

He pressed the dagger more and slit my palm to 1 centimeter. Humapdi ang sugat lalo na no'ng lumabas ang dugo.

Kuya Zed walked closer to us and put a black card under our hands. Dad tilted my palm so the blood would drip onto the card. I fist my hand as I felt the sting on my wound.

Bago pa mapuno ng dugo ang blankong itim na baraha ay agad na itinagilid pabalik ni dad ang aking kamay. Inabutan ako ng kapatid ko ng itim na panyo para sa aking sugat at si dad ay naglakad pababa ng platform para ibinigay ang card sa unang lalaki na naroon.

Nang bumalik si dad ay pumwesto na siya sa kabilang banda ko.

"Put your wounded hand here, ugly." Kuya Zed held the book on his palm and moved it up until my shoulder level.

I kept the handkerchief on my wound to not stain the book by my blood.

"Recite the oath." Dad said strictly.

The three of us were facing the firing torch, the most sacred thing in this room.

I slowly took a deep breath while looking straight at the fire. This is it... and there's no turning back.

"I, Jessi Victoria Wagner, do solemnly swear that will respect and protect the codes, principles and values that this organization uphold." I paused and breath before uttering the following rules. Gahd! My heart was racing so fast. Parang lalabas na sa dibdib ko.

"I will never divulge any mafia secrets of this organization, even if threatened by death or torture." Sht, hindi ko na lang aalamin sikreto nila, para 'di ko masabi kapag pinahirapan ako.

Kidding.

"I will protect and do no harm on this organization. An attack on one of the family members is an attack on all and therefore must be avenged."

As I continued reciting the oath of this organization, the black card with my blood also passed on around the hall, on every high member of the organization, as if they were connecting with me and accepting me as their new family member.

"Breaking any of them will be the cause of a serious punishment or death, and I swear this on my life."

Kuya Zed lowered the book after I finished. Tumingin ako sa kaniya nang lumingon siya sa kabilang side niya dahil umakyat ang isang middle aged na babae sa platform para iabot kay kuya ang black card na kanilang pinagpasa-pasahan kanina.

"One last thing to be an official, Victoria...ugly." Inabot niya sa akin ang black card.

I know he was serious but why do he always needed to say 'ugly'? Gusto ko siyang irapan pero 'di ko lang magawa dahil nasa harapan kami ng iba pang miyembro ng org. It wasn't also wise to do that 'coz it would look like I don't respect his position here, but once we finished this, I would roll my eyes at him!

Maingat kong kinuha ang card sa hampaslupa kong kapatid. Saglit ko pang tinitigan ang natuyo kong dugo roon bago maglakad papalapit sa torch.

I bit my lower lip as I inhaled. This was the torch that bonded all the people from different families to become one by their blood being burned in here, and just a couple of seconnds, my blood will join theirs...

I gathered all my strength to lift my arm above the torch. I wasn't having any doubts and setback on my mind, and I knew that was my time for me to let go the card onto the fire.

I watched it curled and crumpled as the fire burned it. The people behind me started clapping their hands and welcomed me.

I'm officially one of them. Dad and kuya will no longer be the only one who will keep me safe and each other's back at all times in any kind of circumstances.

What Elijah did make me realized that even the closest person you ever met could still betray you. Hindi lahat ng nasa org na 'to ay mapagkakatiwalaan at hindi sa lahat ng oras ay mas pipiliin nilang protektahan ang mga pamilya nila rito kaysa sa sarili nilang pamilya kapag nagkaroon ng gulo.

Kaya kung sakaling magkaroon ng problema at tanging sariling kadugo na lang nila dad at kuya ang masasandalan nila, it wouldn't be a burden that much... 'coz I could now really help them and make them feel they weren't alone on their fight, that there still a person they could count on and wouldn't betray them.

It was also the reason why I didn't hesitate to join because I know my goal and what my heart wanted— to protect my own family at all cost.

After confirmation we headed to another room, ballhall, to have a small festivity. The atmosphere was much lighter here than the sacred room we were earlier. Walls were painted with cream and white. Ceiling was high with big chandeliers and bright lights.

"Thank you po."

Binigyan ko ng matamis na ngiti ang mga kaibigan ni dad dahil sa mainit nilang pagbati sa nangyaring confirmation ko at ang maluwag na pagtanggap nila sa akin sa organization.

Mr. and Mrs. De Leon were holding a glass of champagne while talking with us, me and dad.

"Victoria," Dad held my back lightly to get my attention. I looked at him as he leaned closer to my ear to whisper. "why don't you go to your brother for a while, we'll just gonna catch up about something."

Lumayo siya pagkatapos niya 'yong masabi at ngumiti.

"Sure, dad."

Ngumiti ako sa kaniya maging kina Mr. and Mrs. De Leon bago magpaalam at umalis sa harapan nila. Nakailang linga pa ako sa napakaluwang na ballhall para hanapin ang hampaslupa kong kapatid, pero imbes na siya ang makita ko ay pigura naman ni Greyson ang nahagip ng mga mata ko.

His back was facing at me but I knew it was him. Timothy and Kuya Zed were in front of him, they were talking while holding their champagne.

Bago ako tuluyang makalapit sa kanila ay napatingin sa akin ang kapatid ko kaya pati si Greyson ay lumingon.

Greyson was smirking when he looked back at me, but then his expression changed as he saw me walking. His face soften.

"Hey..." he said sweetly and faced me totally.

Hindi ko rin mapigilan ang ngiti ko lalo na nang makalapit ako sa kaniya.

"Hi."

Hinawakan niya ang bewang ko at bahagyan hinila palapit sa kaniya para bumeso sa akin.

"Congratulations, love." he whispered, proudly.

"Thank you, love." I whispered back.

Greyson leaned closer to my ear and held my elbow lightly. "Sorry, I wasn't there when it happened." Marahan niyang hinaplos pataas ang aking braso at mahinang pinisil. "Only high ranks could get in the room... But mom and dad were there, they saw how beautiful you are." Mahina siyang tumawa. "And they said you looked cute when you were nervous."

He planted a soft kiss on my temple before letting me go and pulling himself from me.

Mahina kong hinampas ang dibdib niya. "Magtigil ka nga, epal."

He raised his brow at me and poked his cheek with his tongue, smirking. Alam niyang kinikilig ako.

"Congrats, ugly."

My gaze shifted to my hampaslupang kuya, who was behind Greyson. He was smiling at me, proudly, but his eyes were a bit worried.

Matamis akong ngumiti sa kaniya. "Thank you."

Naglakad ako palapit kay kuya at binigyan siya ng mahigpit na yakap. I know he was just worried about me being a part of this.

"Congrats, JV." Timothy said after I hugged my brother.

Nilingon ko siya at ngumiti. "Thank you!"

He held his hand up to make a high five and so I gave him.

Kumunot ang noo ko dahil may isang tao pa akong hindi nakikita na importante sa akin.

"Where's poppa?" I asked kuya.

He pursed his lips and looked behind me, at the door.

"He's at dad's office, getting his regular check-up." sabi niya nang hindi pa rin ako tinitignan. "Puntahan na ba natin? This place is numbing my brain, so boring." Kunot niyang sabi tsaka ininom ang champagne niya at inubos 'yon. Woah. He seemed frustrated.

Nang may napadaan na waiter sa tabi namin ay agad niyang ipinatong ang baso niya sa tray na hawak ng lalaki.

Nalukot ang mukha ko habang nagtataka ko siyang tinitignan. An'yari sa hampaslupa kong kapatid? Parang may mali sa kaniya.

"Wala ka sa mood?" nanantya kong tanong.

Mas lalong nagsalubong ang dalawa niyang kilay nang magbaba siya ng tingin sa akin.

"Kapag mag-i-stay pa tayo rito mawawala na talaga ako sa mood."

Alanganin akong natawa sa itsura niya. "Bakit?"

He glared at me. May sasabihin sana siya pero hindi niya natuloy nang may lumapit sa amin at binati ako.

"Hey, Jessi."

Sabay kaming napalingon nang makarinig kami ng malambing na boses ng isang babae.

My eyes dilated when I saw a gorgeous woman standing at our side. I was looking up a bit 'coz she was taller than me, maybe because of her heels? She was wearing a black bodycon tube dress, long enough to reach her knees. Her hair was dyed with bleach 'til roots and straightened. She fixed her black fur shawl that was wrapped on her arms but revealing her fair shoulders.

"Congrats sa confirmation mo." she smiled sweetly.

"Thank you." Ngumiti rin ako sa kaniya.

She's pretty, sweet, but... something's off.

"Victoria, this is Kaori." Kuya Zed introduced her, seriously.

Nilingon niya ang kapatid ko. "She looks so sweet, unlike you." Kaori smiled more to annoy my brother.

Inirapan siya ni kuya. Naiiling siya nang mapabuntong hininga at tumingin na lang sa ibang gawi.

"Now I'm not in the mood, for real." rinig kong bulong ng kapatid ko.

My lips formed an 'o' when my mind thought many ideas about the two of them. Kung ano-ano ang naisip ko pero ang nagpapaulit-ulit na tanong sa utak ko— may something ba sila ni kuya?

"He looks annoyed, I like it." Kaori whispered to me, smiling. She giggled before excusing herself to talk to other people in this hall.

She wiggled her fingers in front of my brother's face when she walked away.

I snorted when I stopped myself from laughing so hard.

"Tara na nga." naiinis na sabi ng kapatid ko at nilagpasan ako.

Sinundan ko siya ng tingin ko at binalik ang mga mata ko kina Greyson at Timothy. Saglit kaming nagtitigan at nagpakiramdaman bago kami tumawa nang walang boses dahil sa nasaksihan namin.

Nagkumpulan kaming tatlo at para kaming mga bubuyog na nagbabahagi ng mga haka-haka namin sa isa't isa tungkol sa relasyon ng kuya ko at ni Kaori.

"Ang fishy!" nagpipigil na tawa ni Timothy.

"Baka siya na ang future ate mo." dagdag pa ni Greyson habang tumatawa.

"Victoria."

Napaayos kaming tatlo ng tayo nang marinig namin ang boses ng kapatid ko. We all murmured and pointed each other on who was to be blamed.

"Ugly."

Napahinto ako. I pursed my lips and looked at him innocently. Pinandilatan niya ako ng mata niya tsaka inirapan kaming tatlo bago tumalikod ulit.

Nilingon ko muna ang dalawang magkapatid at nagpaalam.

"Mamaya na natin ituloy ang chikahan." mabilis kong sabi sa kanila bago umalis at hinabol ang hampaslupa kong kapatid na nakalabas na ng hall.

"Sino 'yon?" I teasingly asked when I reached him.

"Kaori. Paulit-ulit?"

"Alam ko. Ang ibig kong sabihin—"

"I don't wanna talk about her." pagpuputol niya. "And don't be friends with her, in case. She's not sweet as you think she is." he said meaningfully.

Woah... I pursed my lips. "Did she break your heart?"

Huminto siya sa paglalakad kaya pati ako napahinto.

His face was flattened when he turned his head at me.

"Victoria, just don't get close to her." matindi niyang paalala.

Napaatras ako. I looked away and arched my brows. "May sinabi ba akong iko-close ko siya?" depensa ko.

Naglakad siya ulit. He was taller than me that was why it was easy for him to get away with his long legs.

Hinabol ko siya para makasabay sa paglalakad niya.

"And, no, she didn't break my heart. Ew." he was disgusted.

Ang harsh talaga ng lalaking 'to.

Hinayaan ko na lang ang bibig kong nakatikom, hindi na ako nagtanong ulit tungkol kay Kaori nang sumakay kami sa elevator, dahil mukhang ayaw talaga sa kaniya ng hampaslupa kong kapatid. There was something off about her, anyway. Kung ano man 'yon siguro 'yon din ang rason kung bakit ayaw sa kaniya ng kapatid ko.

"Did you know why I was so contradicting?" he brought up a random subject.

Naputol ang pagmumuni-muni ko habang nakatingin sa atrium ng building mula rito sa glass elevator.

Lumingon ako sa kaniya. "About what?"

"About the fact that I want you to know about the things we're doing so you would know how life works, but refuse from the idea of you, joining the organization."

Nanatili akong tahimik at hinintay ang sunod niyang sasabihin.

"I want you to learn that being kind is not always good. Gusto kitang matuto at mamulat na hindi lahat ng tao ay gaya mo, at ang kabutihan na 'yan ang pwedeng magpahamak sa'yo dahil sa mga taong gahaman at mapagsamantala." He paused. Wala sa sarili siyang napabuntong hininga at masuyo akong tinignan. "I just want you to know how to be selfish, sometimes."

I tilted my head while still looking at him.

"You're afraid that this organization would change me."

Hindi siya sumagot.

"I won't level up my rank naman 'di ba, just like what we talked about. Gusto ko lang may back up kayo kung sakaling may mangyari. It's still me, you'll never gonna lose me."

But in case I need to do certain things, like killing, so I could protect the people I love, I will.

"No offense but I'm always gonna be in danger because I belong in this family." Pareho kaming napatawa kapagkuwan ay malumanay akong nagpaliwanag sa kaniya. "But it's better to know about the things so I could prepare myself from the danger. Keeping me away from this could protect me, at least, but I could also become a leverage to your enemies against you."

And I also learned that it's better to have your family on your back than rely on others you think you could.

He just gave me a small smile before we stepped out of the lift.

"Sir Zed!"

My brother and I looked at our right side when someone called his name. We were about to open the door of dad's office but a guy in his corporate attire was walking so fast toward us. 

"There's an emergency meeting." medyo hingal nitong sabi nang huminto siya sa harapan namin.

He tsked and nodded to the guy. "Okay." naiirita niyang sabi. He dismissed the guy after that and looked at me.

His expression changed from being irritated to smiling.

"Sorry, ugly, but I have to go. Update mo na lang ako sa kwento ni poppa mamaya." Bumeso muna siya sa akin tsaka naglakad sa hallway na pinanggalingan din ng lalaki kanina.

I sighed while staring at his back. He's so busy...

Ngumiwi ako bago pindutin ang maliit na doorbell na nasa gilid ng pintuan dahil naka-lock ang kwarto. It was just a couple of seconds when I heard the lock of the door clicked to open.

I slowly opened it. Pagkapasok ko ay hinanap kaagad ng mata ko si poppa sa loob ng office ni dad. Nang makita ko siya sa gilid na nakaupo sa couch ay agad na gumuhit ang kurba sa aking labi.

"Hi, poppa!"

I walked toward him and extended my arm for a hug when I was close.

"Hi, apo." he smiled. "Kumusta ang confirmation?" Poppa stood up and welcome me with a warm hug. "I'm sorry I wasn't there, retired people couldn't be in that room." He laughed about that fact and sit on the couch.

Tumabi ako sa kaniya. "It's okay."

"Where are your dad and brother?"

Ngumiwi ako at sumandal. "Dad's busy talking with his friends. Kuya has an emergency meeting. Sabay nga kami pumunta rito, papasok na sana kami pero biglang may dumating na lalaki tapos tinawag siya, kaya 'yon."

I sighed.

Mahina siyang tumawa at tumayo. Pumunta siya sa tabi ng office desk ni dad. There was a kitchen trolly with two stainless cloches.

Inangat niya ang isa. "Do you want salad?" he asked.

Ngumiwi ako at kinuha ang maliit na pillow sa tabi ko para yakapin. "Ahm, nah. May iba pa po bang pagkain diyan?"

He hummed and pulled the other cloche up. "Lasagna."

"Hmm. Lasagna for me then."

"Okay." he said casually.

Tinulak niya ang trolly palapit sa akin at inilapag ang salad at lasagna sa coffee table. Pagkaupo niya sa tabi ko ay tinikman niya ang salad.

Napansin ko ang pagiging tahimik niya. He wasn't like that, madaldal si poppa lalo na sa amin ni kuya dahil marami siyang kwento sa amin.

"How are you poppa?" mahina at maingat kong tanong sa kaniya nang hindi siya tinitignan dahil hinahati ko ang aking lasagna.

"Fine but hurt." he directly answered. His voice was so lonely.

Nanikip ang dibdib ko dahil sa sagot niya. I pursed my lips and looked at him. Huminto rin siya sa pagkain at pinunasan ang kaniyang bibig gamit ang table napkin. Nilingon niya ang nasa tabi niyan trolly, sa pangalawang layer ay naroon ang isang pitchel na may cold water, isang glass, at soda in can.

"Water or soda?" he asked. I wasn't sure if he was changing the topic or he was just taking his time to think about the next words he should utter 'coz he didn't know how to talk about it?

"Soda, poppa."

He opened the soda for me. Medyo inilayo niya pa 'yon sa kaniya nang bahagyang bumulwak ang acid ng softdrink. Pinunasan niya muna ang in can bago ilapag sa harapan ko.

"There's only one empty glass. So kung gusto mong uminom sa baso, I'll have the soda and you drink water." He forced to laugh. "Hindi ko naman kasi alam na pupunta ka rito. I was planning to eat before going in the ballhall. I knew I couldn't eat there because there would be a lot of talking with the other people."

I giggled to light up the room. "Agree."

"Champagne is not enough, I'm hungry." dagdag niya pa.

Inabot ko ang softdrink at uminom habang si poppa ay nagsalin ng tubig sa baso. I continued eating as he placed the glass on the table. Nanatili akong tahimik at napansin ko sa aking peripheral view na huminto siya sa kaniyang pagkain.

Lumingon ako sa kaniya habang ngumunguya. Nakasandal siya sa upuan habang nakatingin sa kawalan.

Uulitin ko palang sana ang tanong ko kanina kung okay ba siya, pero nauna na siyang magsalita.

"I was watching this american series for a while," he smirked. "and it was kinda funny to think how accurate the episode I've seen 'coz I could really relate my current situation on that."

Kumunot ang noo ko at hindi muna sumubo ulit ng lasagna para makinig sa kaniya. Inayos ko ang aking upo at iniharap ang aking katawan kay poppa.

Malalim ang kaniyang naging paghinga bago niya sabihin ang mga kataga mula sa kaniyang napanood.

"Not every friendship is meant to last a lifetime. What does last forever is the pain when the person is gone."

Nagkaroon ng mahabang katahimikan pagkatapos niya 'yong sabihin. I wanted to comfort him but I didn't know how. Mas lalo lang din akong nalungkot para sa kaniya.

He pursed his lips before looking at me.

"He was my friend and what hurts the most is that I've lost him even though he's still alive. He wasn't the Elijah I've known when we were young."

Parang dinadaganan ng kung anong mabigat na bagay ang puso ko habang pinagmamasdan ko ang malungkot na mata ni lolo.

He took a deep breath, probably to lessen the heaviness in his heart. He put a sad smile on his face and caressed my hair gently.

I bit the insides of my lips and hugged him very tightly. I know poppa loved Elijah too like how he loved us, his family.

He kissed my hair and tapped my shoulders.

Humiwalay ako sa kaniya at ngumiti.

"Food can cheer you up!" I said happily to uplift his mood.

He smiled too and nodded. Humarap ulit ako sa aking lasagna at kumain ulit. Kwenentuhan ko siya ng mga nangyari no'ng senior high school ako para kahit papaano ay malibang siya. After eating we decided to play chess. Lumipat na kami sa office desk ni dad dahil mas komportableng doon.

He was sitting on dad's big and tall swivel chair while I was on the other side of the desk, guest chair. Naging tahimik kami nang magsimula kaming maglaro dahil sa konsentrasyon hanggang sa nasa kalagitnaan na kami at marami na ang nawalang pieces sa akin maging sa kaniya.

"Poppa," I called him out of curiosity after I made my move when something popped up in my mind. "I'm just curious..."

"About what?" he asked after moving his knight.

"Why didn't nanay get home after you've found her? And about the research, can you enlighten me about the details on how it could be weaponized?" tanong ko habang nakatingin sa chess board, pinipilit mag-isip kung ano ang sunod kong gagawin pero may iba pang katanungan ang nasa isip ko na gusto kong masabi.

Medyo nawala ang konsentrasyon ko kaya hindi ko na masyadong pinag-isipan ang aking next move at namili na lang ako ng pawn na igagalaw. I was so anxious I might forget those questions on my head.

"How could the radiation and the drug cure nanay?" dagdag kong tanong. "Hindi ba sinisira ng rad ang healthy cells?"

Nag-angat ako ng tingin sa kaniya. He was leaning on the table, his arms were crossed over the table while his fingers were tapping both of his elbow while his eyes were locked on the chess board.

"The drug... it was made specifically for the radiation to destroy. When it was injected to your nanay, it covered the damaging cells so when she was exposed with radiation, the cells that were coated with the drug were the ones that had been destroyed." He inhaled slowly and extended his arm to make his move. "Karen and her colleagues also made a machine that could emit a specific rad and that only could destroy the drug. Both variables were fixed intently for one another to perform a specific task."

My lips parted for a couple of seconds, processing the explanation he said. I was just amazed on how they could do such things. Both variables were dependent to each other to do its job. Without the other, it wouldn't be possible.

"Your turn."

I blinked twice when he pointed my pieces. Oh, yeah. Yumuko ako kaagad para tignan kung ano ang susunod kong galaw.

"The drug can be weaponized if altered. Just what I said earlier— both variables were fixed because they made it like that; but it could also be changed to perform other objectives. It could make super humans, if it was modified. The human strength, reflexes and endurance would be enhanced."

I stopped to think about my next move and looked at him.

"It's very dangerous..." puna ko. "If it fell into the wrong hands, it could start a war."

He nodded and looked at me. "Exactly." Inangat niya ang isang kamay niya. "If the terrorists got their hands on it, people would suffer." Sunod niyang iniangat ang isa pang kamay niya. "And if the government got the research, it wouldn't be safe also. The people could suffer too in case some officials were crazy enough to use it on wicked purposes."

I slowly nodded. "Yeah, like what if the next president is a dictator..."

He took a deep breath and looked down. Napatingin din tuloy ako sa chess board nang maalala kong wala pa akong move.

Napangiwi tuloy ako at sinubukang mag-isip ng magandang desisyon kung ano ang igagalaw ko. Hay, ewan. Bahala na. I moved my bishop and after a long silence he talked about nanay to answer my question about her earlier.

"We didn't know before who set off the laboratory base to explode, but we knew it was because of the research. I didn't want to compromise her safety, so I kept her away. Your nanay could be studied to replicate the research when she was young, the drug in her body had left a component residual and could only diminish after a couple of years." He picked his pawn and mine

"That was why we didn't let her come back to us, right away. But nothing to worry about, she's already safe now."

He placed his black pawn on the spot where my piece was. I groaned and stomped my feet when I realized his entire plan to win this game.

"Poppa, ang daya mo naman." I frowned.

He chuckled. "I'm not madaya. You were distracted that's why."

Ngumiwi ako at napasimangot.

Our game didn't take too much time to finish because it was already too late for me to escape from his trap. Poppa and I were just talking, after the game, about silly and funny things when kuya entered the room who looked annoyed— maybe because of the emergency meeting he attended... or Kaori.

Ilang segundo palang ang nakakalipas nang bumukas na naman ang pinto at pumasok naman si dad.

He smiled at me when our eyes met. Saglit niya rin tinignan ang kapatid ko bago tumimgin kay poppa at nawala ang ngiti sa kaniyang labi.

"Father, I need to talk to you, alone." Tinignan ako ulit ni dad at nilingon niya rin si kuya na nakaupo sa couch. Kuya Zed was crossing his arm over his chest while his legs were apart. He was looking at the space with his brows furrowed, he was really pissed about something.

"Zed, can you give us a minute?"

Tumaas ang kilay ng hampaslupa kong kapatid nang marinig niya ang pangalan niya. His facial expression relaxed when he realized that dad was talking to him.

"Yeah, sure." he said plainly. Tumayo siya at nagtungo sa pintuan. "Come on, ugly." tawag niya sa akin pagkabukas niya ng pinto.

Ako naman ngayon ang napasimangot bago tumayo at sumunod sa kaniya palabas ng kwarto.

"An'yari sa'yo?" nagtataka kong tanong pagkasara ko ng pinto.

He put his hand inside his pocket. "Nothing, just annoyed." Kunot noo niyang sabi. He took a deep breath and looked at me. "You said you want to talk with Elijah." pag-iiba niya.

I pursed my lips when I remembered that. "Yeah."

I never got the chance to talk to him since he was captured.

"Let's go then."

Kuya Zed and I headed to the elevator down to the headquarters' dungeon. I was silent inside the lift, my mind was busy thinking what should I say first to him when we got there. Pagkabukas ng elevator ay mas lalong bumilis ang tibok ng puso ko. Dumaan pa kami sa ilang gates bago makapunta sa mismong hallway ng dungeon.

"Can I talk to him, alone?" I tried my best to relax as I asked my brother while we were walking in the middle of the hallway of cells.

"Are you sure?" he asked. He held my arm to direct me to the south wing of the dungeon.

I pursed my lips and nodded.

Saglit akong napapalingon kapag may naririnig akong umuubo mula sa loob ng ibang mga selda. Hindi ko maaninag kung ano ang kalagayan ng mga priso dahil madilim at mabilis din ang aming paglalakad.

Marahang hinawakan ng kapatid ko ang aking braso dahilan para ako ay huminto.

"The next cell is his. Are you sure you don't want me by your side?" nag-aalala niyang tanong.

Pinanliitan ko siya ng aking mga mata. "I can handle this." paninigurado ko sa kaniya.

When he didn't say anything I looked behind him, at the hallway. "Just take a few steps."

He hissed. "Is that really necessary?"

"Yes."

Ayokong marinig niya ang mga sasabihin ko.

He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Okay, fine." Tumalikod siya sa akin at nagsimulang maglakad palayo. Nakakailang hakbang palang siya ay huminto na siya at humarap sa akin sabay bulsa ng dalawa niyang kamay sa pockets ng kaniyang slacks.

Pinandilatan ko siya ng aking mga mata at sinenyasan ko pa siya gamit ang aking kamay na lumayo pa. His lips parted and grinned his teeth. He glared at me and turned around again to walk.

Nang sapat na ang layo niya sa akin ay hinayaan ko nalang siyang magpatuloy sa paglalakad. Huminga muna ako nang malalim bago ihakbang ang aking mga paa palapit sa selda ni Elijah.

I slightly gasped when I saw Elijah leaning his back on the wall, sitting on dirty floor with his blood stains.

"Huh." he scoffed.

Napatingin ako sa kaniya, akala ko ay tulog siya pero hindi pala, maga lang pala ang mga mata niya dahil sa bugbog.

"I should've gone sooner to you when you were already at my drug warehouse, so I could've tortured you."

It made me shivered and stepped back from his cell.

"What a shame I was too l late..." dismayado siyang hindi niya ako nasaktan no'ng na-kidnap niya ako. Fck. He was really crazy!

"So, what do I owe this visit?" he asked with so much enthusiasm. His mood could change quickly. What a creep.

Nakakuyom ang kamao ko at paminsan-minsan ko 'yong hinihigpitan na parang may hawak akong stress ball.

"Clement..." nanginginig kong sabi dahil sa galit. "You involved him so you could hurt us because your son died." Nanubig ang mga mata ko. "But why hurt him when you were the one who killed your own son?" I clenched my teeth. "Fck." mariin kong sabi. "He was innocent!"

Mabilis kong pinunasan ang luhang tumulo sa aking pisngi gamit ang likod ng aking kamao.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk." Nakangisi siya habang naiiling sa akin. Mahina siyang natawa at tumingala. "Can't you understand, I wanna inflect more pain on your family. Besides, it was your fault after all, Valeriano's, why he left me. If Cecelia didn't die, I wouldn't've wanted to revenge, and he wouldn't've left me. It wasn't also my fault why he ended up in the hospital bed because of a heart attack."

I sniffled and gathered my strength before walking closer to his cell.

Hindi ko napigilan ang galit ko at hindi ko sinubukang pigilan. "Fuck you." nangigil kong sabi sa kaniya. "You always want someone to blame." Matalim ko siyang tinignan bago ngumisi sa kaniya. "Why not blame yourself? This organization already avenged the death of your wife. You and your best friend lost someone on that explosion, so it is not fair to blame our family. But after the explosion when your son left you because of your reasons, it was your fault." mariin kong sabi. "Maybe if you didn't let the vengeance consumed you, your family is still intact. It wasn't us, Valeriano's, why they left you. It's because of you, your existence."

Mabilis siyang tumayo at isiniksik ang kaniyang kamay sa pagitan ng rehas para hablutin ang leeg ko.

"It was your family's fault!"

I gasped for air when his hand tightened.

"Tangina!" Kuya pushed Elijah's hand to the side. I wasn't sure if his bones cracked but Elijah's scream was piercing my ears.

"I told you I should've come with you!" galit na sabi ng kapatid ko sa akin habang inaalalayan niya ako. His hand was wrapped on my waist while the other served as my handle, my knees felt like noodles. Ang isa kong kamay ay nasa leeg ko at marahan 'yong minamasahe.

"H-he's f-cking insa-ne!" hinihingal kong sabi sa kapatid ko.

"He is!" inis niyang sabi.

Kuya and I immediately left the place so I could drink some water. The guard's pantry was the closest place that had a clean water that was why we headed there.

"You're so stupid!" galit niyang sabi sa akin habang ako ay umiinom sa plastic cup. Pareho kaming nakatayong dalawa sa tabi ng mineral dispenser habang may dalawang lalaki na kumakain ng tanghalian nila sa gilid, sa bilog na lamesa, palihim pa silang sumusulyap-sulyap sa amin.

"I didn't know he would grab my neck!" sumbat ko sa kaniya pagkatapos kong maubos ang tubig. I stomped my feet on the trash can beside me to open it up and forcedly threw the cup in it.

He hissed. His eyes shifted to the two guards having their meal. "Get out!" singhal niya sa kanila.

Agad na umalis ang dalawa dala ang pagkain nila.

Naglakad palayo sa akin ang hampaslupa kong kapatid habang nakapamewang.

"Your ugly and stupid." rinig kong bulong niya.

Pareho kaming napahinto nang bumukas ang pinto. Nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita si Greyson na natataranta, mabilis niyang iginala ang kaniyang mata sa loob ng pantry at nang makita niya ako ay agad siyang nagtungo sa akin.

His eyes looked down at my neck. "What the hell were you thinking!?" Pinandilataan niya ako ng kaniyang mata, galit at nag-aalala.

"She was so stupid." inis na sagot sa kaniya ng kapatid ko.

I glared at my brother while his eyes were also doing the same at me.

"Take her to the hotel, Greyson. Tapos na rin naman na ang party para sa confirmation niya."

Galit na galit siya dahil sa nangyari sa akin. Nawala ang inis ko nang makita ang takot niyang mga mata.

I pouted and looked away from his eyes. "Sorry na..." nakokonsensiya kong sabi.

Inirapan niya ako habang naiiling kapagkuwan ay tinasaan niya ako ng kaniyang kilay. "Isusumbong kita kay dad." pananakot niya sa akin bago siya lumabas ng pantry.

My eyes looked at Greyson when he touched my neck.

"Love, you should've been more careful." inis niya ring sabi.

Hinawakan ko ang hem ng tuxedo niya sa bandang dibdib. Mas lalo akong nakonsensiya. Ayoko siyang pinag-aalala.

"I'm sorry... I didn't know he would choke me."

Greyson's lips parted out of disbelief. Hindi ko alam kung may nasabi ba akong mali.

He cleared his throat and shook his head to snap out from something.

"Let's go home, okay?" mahinahon niyang sabi.

Ngumiwi ako at tumango sa kaniya. I really felt bad because I made them worry.

He clucked with teeth grinning while his brows were furrowed and looked at my neck again. "It's reddening, oh." Tinuro niya ang leeg ko.

Greyson was still not pleased about what happened. He reached for my hair at the back of my shoulder and split it in half so it would cover my neck, at least.

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at pinanatili niyang magkadikit ang aming mga braso hanggang sa makalabas kami ng pantry at magtungo sa elevator papunta sa pinakamataas na floor ng building.

As soon as the elevator opened. A bunch of people at the lobby were there, sitting on the couches and talking. It was the reception area for the people from other building around this working place, the center of the headquarters' island.

The lobby was covered with wall glasses. There was a deck outside around the entire floor, where the cable cars were placed to transport people to the other buildings.

Greyson and I went outside. Bahagya akong napapikit at umiwas sa direksyon ng hangin nang tumama 'yon sa akin at nailipad ang aking buhok papunta sa aking mukha. I groped my hair and put it on one side of my shoulder.

Saglit kaming huminto nang may kinausap si Greyson na isang lalaki na nakasuot ng grey suit at may pin name sa gilid ng kaniyang damit sa bandang dibdib; Isa siya sa mga guide ng building.

Tinanong ni Greyson ang lalaki kung saan nakapwesto ang mga cable cars na patungo sa hotel. I didn't listen to their conversation because I was busy looking around. Malapit na ngang lumubog ang araw kaya ang gandang pagmasdan ng langit. Naglakad ako palayo nang kaunti kay Greyson habang magkahawak pa rin ang aming mga kamay para silipin ang babang bahagi ng building.

"Okay, thank you."

I stopped sightseeing when he squeezed my hand to get my attention.

"Let's go, love."

He pulled me closer to him and let go of my hand. His arm wrapped my waist as we continued walking around the deck. Nang makarating kami sa section ng cable cars na papunta sa hotel ay agad na rin kaming sumakay sa isang vacant cable.

Parang nawala ang mga iniisip ko kanina at nakalimutan ko ang nangyari sa dungeon nang makita ko ang view sa baba.

"Baby, look oh. It's so pretty..."

Nakatungkod ang dalawang tuhod ko sa upuan habang ang mga kamay ko ay nasa glass at itinuturo ang mga puno sa baba. The island had its own sustaining forest and it wasn't just the cable cars that was used for transportation around this island, land cars also.

"I know." He chuckled and stood up. Ginaya niya ang ginawa ko at tumungkod din sa upuan. Para kaming mga batang tuwang-tuwa sa nakikita.

Ilang saglit lang nang umangat nang kaunti ang foam ng upuan dahil tumuwid siya nang tayo. Hindi ko na inabala na lingunin siya at tanungin kung ayaw niya na ba tignan ang nasa baba dahil masyado akong abala sa pagliliwaliw.

"Baby!" tawag niya sa akin.

I hummed and looked back. "Why?"

Saglit pa akong tumunganga sa kaniya para sa sasabihin niya. But when my eyes shifted to the camera he was holding, I automatically smiled cutely on its front camera for us to take a picture. Nakailang selfie pa kami sa loob ng sasakyan hanggang maabot namin ang roof deck ng hotel.

Binati kami ng hotel guy na nagbukas ng pinto ng cable car. We greeted him too before entering at the lobby and walked toward the front desk at the reception area to get our key cards. He has his own room and so did I.

"You're not gonna stay with me?" I baby talked at him when we got inside the elevator.

"Why, do you want me to stay with you?" he murmured on my ear when other people also got inside the lift.

I hugged his arm and nodded while pouting.

Hindi kami masyadong nagtagal sa elevator dahil hindi naman masyadong mataas ang floor ng kwarto namin. Our hands were intertwined, and I was swinging it in the air. Nasa dulo ang kwarto niya samantalang ang akin naman ay nasa gitna. Napagdesisyunan na lang namin na sa kwarto ko na lang muna kami mag-stay dahil mas malapit 'yon.

"Do you wanna eat?" he asked and reached for the menu on the table in front of the couch.

"Ahm," I took my heels off and dropped on the carpet before sitting beside him who was flipping the laminated pages. "I want fries..."

He hummed and leaned his back on the sofa. "May nakita ako dito." He held my wrist to pull me closer to him and cuddle me.

"Yon lang gusto mo, love?" he asked sweetly and wrapped his arm on my waist.

I rested my head on his shoulder and my hand on his chest. Hinayaan ko na lang siya pumili ng iba pa naming kakainin dahil ang gusto ko lang naman talaga ay fries. I was really craving.

He leaned forward a bit to reach for the phone to call the hotel service for our order, after that he came back to his position and cuddled me again. Komportable at tahimik lang kami habang nasa gano'ng posisyon nang sa magtanong siya tungkol sa nangyari kanina.

"Love, why did you wanna talk with Elijah?" he asked while caressing my hair slowly.

Hindi ako sumagot kaagad. The side of my eyes felt hot as my throat got lump when I remembered my reason.

"Coz he hurt you, me, my family." mahina kong sabi. "Gusto ko siyang awayin dahil doon. I'm so angry at him." I wiped my face when the tears fell on my cheeks. "He was the reason why Tito Frederick died, but he hurt you instead for that reason so he could hurt us. Wasn't that fcking insane? Gumagawa siya ng rason para lang saktan kami... I hate him so much... and I wanted him to know that. His doings made his family torn apart and I wanted to blame him for it too. I want to make him feel so bad about himself."

"And I think you made him so angry when you blame him for that."

He pulled away and looked at me with his caring and sad eyes.

"Jess, please don't do anything stupid like that again..." nagmamakaawa niyang sabi.

Kumunot ang noo ko. "So, what? Dapat nanahimik na lang ako?" I sounded offended. "Ano naman kung sabihin ko 'yon, totoo naman? Bawal ba na ilabas ko ang galit ko dahil sa mga pinaggagawa niya?" Nanubig na naman ang mga mata ko. My heart felt heavy. "He was the reason why mom died, why we couldn't get to spend time with our dad, and why you have to live with your new life. Hindi ba pwedeng sisihin ko siya sa mga ginawa niya?"

Because of that fcking document, many lives were compromised on how should be lived.

"Was it too much, hurting him with my words even though he hurt us more?" It was just words that I threw at him! Pasalamat siya hindi kutsilyo!

Mabilis siyang umiling at hinawakan ang kamay ko. He looked guilty for making me think that way. "No... not that. I mean... don't do anything stupid, like going near him..." Kapagkuwan ay kumunot ang noo niya. "What if he snapped your neck?" he looked scared of that thought.

Nawala ang inis ko at nagbaba ako ng tingin. Tumulo tuloy ang namuong luha sa aking mga mata.

"I know. I'm sorry... Nanggigil lang ako kanina, like gusto ko siya sabunutan kaso di ko magawa kaya lumapit na lang ako sa selda niya so he could clearly hear me."

I sniffled and sobbed a little.

"Come here..." Greyson hugged me again to give me comfort while he caressed my back to encourage me to cry even more, so I could release my pain.

We stayed like that for a while until our food arrived and my cried subdued.

Nakatunganga lang ako sa pagkain habang siya ang naglalapag no'n sa coffee table. I thought I could be contented with my fries but then when I saw the food that Greyson ordered; it made my stomach craved for it. They were so well-presented, specially the sushi.

Hinintay ko siyang matapos para makaumpisa na kaming kumain. Pagkaupo niya sa tabi ko ay agad kong inabot ang fries.

While we were eating Greyson started to talk stuffs that I still didn't know about him, to cheer me up and lightened up my mood. Hindi ko na rin napansin na unti-unti na naming naubos ang mga pagkaing in-order namin dahil sa sobrang daldal naming dalawa.

Our weekend was well-spent in that island before we headed back to our city using our private jet plane. Hindi ko alam kung magsisisi ba akong 'di ko dinala mga readings ko sa island para roon ko binasa dahil pagkauwi namin ay kaunting pahinga lang at nag-cram na ako para tapusin ang mga iniwan kong gawain.

The whole week was tiring. Ang daming ginagawa dahil malapit na ang midterms. Home, school, home, school. 'Yon lang ang lugar na napupuntahan ko sa mga nagdaang araw. Hindi pa rin ako makalipat sa condo dahil wala pa akong time para isiksik 'yon sa madugo kong schedule dahil sa pagre-review para sa midterms.

My concealer was my holy grail until our exams ended. Gahd, grabe dark cricles sa mga mata ko no'ng mga nakalipas na araw dahil sa sobrang puyat para lang hindi ako tatanga-tanga sa exams. Well, it paid off naman. I was confident with my answers so it didn't bother me at all. Gahd, I studied kaya!

But the sleep nights were so stressful that was why I deserved to chill for a bit because of that hell week. Josh and my other classmates set a day for drink night! I was invited and I already agreed to them that I would be there to join them at the party.

Bukas pa naman 'yon, Sunday. Today was Saturday and I already had plans on how it should spend.

I have dates!

It was just 9 in the morning. I just wore my white basic shirt, tucked it in my ripped off denim short, and paired my white chunky sandals. I ponytailed my hair and left some strand on the side of my ears. Nag-liptint na lang ako at mascara bago tuluyang lumabas ng bahay dala ang aking wallet at phone.

Si Mang Ben na ang naghatid sa akin sa milkshake shop dahil puyat si Greyson kagabi; he was busy compiling his files. Besides, nasa condo niya siya, ayoko namang magbyahe pa siya papunta rito para lang sunduin ako. I didn't wanna bother him that much so I just told him he could pick me up after my date with Steccy.

"I've ordered strawberry milkshake for you. Tagal mo kasing mag-reply." reklamo ni Steccy pagkaupo ko sa mataas na upuan.

Nilingon ko ang katabi ko at pinanliitan ko siya ng aking mata. I fixed my sit and put down my phone and wallet on the long table in front of us that was also against the glass wall. Steccy was wearing a green halter top, black high waisted fitted pants, and paired it with her black snicker shoes. She had a natural make up on her face, her hair was straightened. A sunglass was resting on top of her head while a layered necklace was hanging on her neck.

"Nag-reply ako after 2 minutes, anong matagal doon?"

She rolled her eyes. "Nasa harapan na ako ng counter kanina, alangan namang hintayin pa kita."

Inirapan ko siya. "Ewan ko sa'yo. Minessage mo muna sana ako bago ka pumunta roon." We became close since then. Hindi naman siya mahirap maging kaibigan lalo pa't nakikilala ko na ang mismong siya.

She laughed. "Okay, fine. Whatever." Steccy paused before changing the subject. "So how was confirmation?"

"It was fine... and scary." I laughed awkwardly.

Natawa siya sa akin. "Same. It was really scary and traumatic, what the fuck."

"Excuse po. Ito na po order niyo."

Napalingon kaming dalawa ni Steccy sa likuran namin nang magsalita ang isang babae na crew ng shop. Umatras ako kay Steccy dahil sa pagitan niya namin pinadaan ang mga milkshake nang ibaba niya iyon sa table.

"Thank you." I said sweetly after she put it down.

"That's yours." Pina-slide ni Steccy ang strawberry flavor sa tapat ko at kinuha naman niya ang kaniya. "And this is mine, avocado."

Sumipsip siya sa bamboo straw, pero agad niya ding nilayo ang bibig niya roon nang may naalala siya.

"Oh, by the way, Jhames." She swallowed. "Hindi siya makakapunta dahil may date daw siya."

Tumigil ako sa pagsipsip at natawa habang nakatikom ang aking bibig. Nilunok ko muna ang nasa bibig ko bago magsalita.

"Hayaan mo na. Deserve niya makipag-date sa type niya dahil sobrang hirap siya hanapin ang mga tipo niya."

Jhames and I were already good. He had explained himself. Nagawa niya lang din naman ang mga bagay na 'yon para tulungan ang kapatid niya, he just loved Steccy...

"Agree." Steccy pulled the stick o from her shake and bit on it then she put it back again on the milkshake.

I rested my elbow on the table and swirl my chair to face her.

"You, how are you?"

"Well," She raised her brows and shrugged. She laughed a bit. "therapies are helping and doing its job." She sighed to lessen the heaviness in her heart. "I feel better now that they're gone by my side. It's giving me peace of mind somehow but..." Ngumiwi siya at tumingin sa glass wall, pinapanood ang mga sasakyang dumadaan. "but I feel guilty...mixed emotions... Nakakapanibago pa rin sa pakiramdam na wala nang nagdidikta sa kung ano o paano dapat ang magiging takbo ng buhay ko."

Mahina siyang natawa kapagkuwan ay nawala rin ang ngiti sa kaniyang labi. Her eyes were sad, but something about her changed. Steccy's aura became lighter.

She sighed. "How is he by the way, Lolo Elijah?" tanong niya bago sumipsip sa straw. "Is he living with the consequences?" she said meaningfully.

"Yeah, he has this... sched of torture."

Schedule like appointements for every families of the organization to torment him.

She scoffed and looked down on her milkshake. "He hurt so many people in your organization. Hindi naman sila papayag na hindi nila maipaghiganti ang mga taong nasaktan ng lolo ko." Her voice was lonely.

Suddenly her tone changed, playful. "Gosh, buti na lang hindi siya napatay ni Jaylor." mahina niyang bulong. "Thank god he just shot his legs. Baka kung ulo ang tinamaan niya nalagot na rin kami sa miyembro ng organization niyo."

She was trying to make the subject feel lighter even if it was very traumatic. Hindi ko rin naman siya pinigilan na pag-usapan ang ganito bagay dahil tingin ko gusto niyang mailabas ang nararamdaman niya. I just sat there and listened to her.

"How is he, Jaylor?" I asked curiously.

Hindi kasi siya pumapasok masyado. Si Lexy lang madalas kong nakikita sa room.

"He's fine but not really... y'a know... Nakakausap ko si Lexy and last week nasabi niya sa akin na baka aalis muna silang Pilipinas."

"Lilipat sila sa Spain?" I asked.

Ngumiwi siya. "Yeah. There's too many things that happened here." Tumingin siya sa labas. "Too many painful memories..." she whispered, sharing the same sentiments with her cousins.

She cleared her throat and before looking at me. "I wanna say, thank you again to your dad— to your family— for saving our asses." She laughed. "Kung hindi nakipag-negotiate ang dad mo sa organization namin sigurado lagot din kaming dalawa ni Jaylor, sa org namin pati na rin sa inyo."

"We're happy to help." I smiled.

When dad and kuya went to their base to capture Elijah, instead of gun firing their people they come to negotiate. Hindi naman nila punterya ang mismong org nila at tanging si Elijah lang ang kailangan nila. Dad said if they would protect Elijah from them, they would be glad to fight back and come through them just to get Elijah.

But thank god they didn't protect Elijah anymore, they surrendered him because they understood the crime Elijah committed on his former organization. Both of the organizations have respect with the same code they had that Elijah violated on his former org.

"Salamat din sa pagproprotekta ng dad mo sa amin sa mismong miyembro ng org niyo."

I smiled sweetly and tap her shoulders.

"They've understood your situation too just like us. Besides, you helped us captured him and your father— who really wanted to hurt our organization... It's fair enough to spare you."

She looked at me and gave me a soft smile.

Uminom ako sa milkshake ko at kinain ang isang pretzel na nasa ibabaw ng whip cream.

"Nakausap mo na ba ang dad mo?" tanong ko sa kaniya habang nakatingin sa labas.

Steccy hummed. "Nah." she said casually. "He wasn't transferred to headquarters naman 'di ba?" bigla niyang tanong.

"Yeah, he's staying at the Base 2. Ni-request niya 'yon, so in case you want to visit and talk to him, you can easily go."

Hindi siya kaagad sumagot.

"Ayoko pa siyang makita, besides, he will serve his entire life at your organization's prison naman. Nasa base 2 lang din naman siya, so... why hurry?" she shrugged.

I saw on my peripheral view when she looked at me.

"But why does he need to stay alive, while Lolo Elijah will gonna be executed next year?"

Killing Elijah was an act of mercy, that was why the organization decided to prolong his life to make him suffer. Hanggat hindi nakakabawi ang lahat nang nasaktan niya sa org ay hindi siya pwedeng mamatay, kaya kapag naghihingalo na siya ay ginagamot siya para ma-torture ulit.

I looked at Steccy. I pursed my lips 'coz I didn't know how to answer her question. Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit si Matthew ay mananatiling buhay.

I shrugged and shook my head. "I don't know too... I'm sorry, hindi ko na natanong."

Both of us didn't speak after that for a while.

"I wanna be better for my children..." Steccy said after the long silence between us.

Napatingin ako sa kaniyang habang nakayuko at sumisipsip sa straw.

"Children don't get to chose who would gonna be their parents." she said meaningfully out of her experiences. She looked at me with her sad and scared eyes. "But what if maging katulad ko si dad o si lolo?"

My lips parted and sit up. "No." mabilis kong sagot.

"But what if." She was so worried. "I did many things that I'm not proud of because of them. Lolo Elijah said I'm just like him, what if I turn out what they want me to after the long run?"

I held her arm that was on the table.

"Steccy... Hindi porket sinunod mo ang mga kagustuhan nila at nakagawa ka ng mga bagay-bagay sa past mo, magiging kagaya mo na sila. Your past doesn't define you. Yes, you can't change what you've done but you can decide what you want for the future."

Napatitig siya sa akin at napalabi. Emotions was all over her eyes, I knew she was moved by it.

"You, bitch, don't make me cry." Ngumisi siya at umirap sa akin. She was trying not to be so vulnerable.

Mahina akong tumawa at hinampas ang braso niya. "Admit it, you're touched."

She scoffed and looked at the glass wall. Iniangat niya ang milkshake niya at hinawakan ang straw. "K. Fine." masungit niyang panloloko bago sumipsip sa straw.

She hummed. Ngumuso siya sa glass wall kaya napatingin din ako roon.

"Sundo mo nandiyan na." she casually said. Sinundan ko ng tingin kung saan nakaturo ang nguso niya.

I saw Greyson who just got out from his car that was parked across us. He squinted his eyes and put his hand on his forehead because of the sun. He was wearing his basic white shirt, casual shorts and black flip flops.

Kumunot ang noo ko at inabot ang aking phone. "Anong oras na ba?" I doubled tap the screen and it lighted. "Oh. It's already 12 pm."

Muli kong tinignan si Greyson. Naglalakad pa rin siya at nang magtama ang mata naming dalawa ay agad niya akong kinindatan. He smirked and looked away.

"Epal." mahina kong bulong sa aking sarili habang nagpipigil ng ngiti.

"Landi naman." pagpaparinig ni Steccy.

Hindi ko na lang siya pinansn. Bahagya akong tumalikod sa kaniya para makita ko si Greyson at sundan siya ng tingin hanggang makapasok sa glass door. Muli siyang tumingin sa gawi namin pero bigla siyang tumalikod at pumunta sa kabilang side ng milkshake shop.

Nagsalubong ang kilay ko at pinagmasdan ko siya kung saan siya pupunta. My eyes widened and scoffed when I saw him sat down in front of the table with Drake.

"Oh, so they have a date too? I wasn't informed." I sarcastically said to Steccy while still looking at them.

"Yeah, probably. Stupid, Drake." sagot naman ni Steccy.

Greyson was facing his back at us. Sumilip si Drake sa amin at lumingon naman ang lalaking nasa harapan niya sa gawi namin. They both waved their hands at us.

Mahina akong natawa at muling hinarap si Steccy. Pagkatingin ko sa kaniya, she was glaring at Drake.

"Did you know he was already here?" I asked.

She looked at me. "No."

I chuckled. "Well, I guess we still have another date to attend."

Steccy also laughed softly. "Yeah..."

Pinadulas ko sa table ang glass ng milkshake palayo sa akin, na wala nang laman, bago kuhain ang aking wallet at binuksan.

"How much was my milkshake?" tanong ko kay Steccy.

"Nah, it's find."

I stopped and looked at her. "Sure ka?"

Pinanliitan niya ako ng kaniyang mga mata. "Paulit-ulit?"

Paloko ko siyang inirapan at sinarado ang aking wallet. "Okay." I grabbed my phone with my wallet and jumped out of the highchair. I pulled my shorts down 'coz it went up.

"Gosh, I still look pretty." casual na sabi ni Steccy habang nakataas ang phone niya sa harapan ng mukha at inaayos ang kaniyang buhok, mirroring herself.

"Tara na, baka mabasag pa 'yan."

Binababa niya ang phone at kinuha na rin ang pahaba niyang wallet sa table tsaka bumaba sa upuan. Sabay kaming pumunta sa dalawang lalaki na tumayo na rin at sinalubong kami sa tapat ng pinto.

Nginitian ko muna si Greyson bago tumingin kay Drake para batiin siya.

"Hi, Drake!"

He looked at me with a friendly smile on his face and nodded. "Hi, JV!"

"Greyson, hi." Steccy smiled casually and acknowledged his presence. "How was the date with this guy?"

My baby laughed with his closed lips, producing a humming sound. "We'll be having our second date, so you guess."

Her brows arched out of amusement and looked at Drake. "Oh, so you had fun, huh?"

Drake pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes to tease her. "Are you jealous?"

I heard Greyson's soft chuckles and that made me look at him. He was looking at the two but he turned his gaze at me. He held my hand and squeezed it. He didn't say anything but I knew he was just waiting for us to be alone before he would talk.

Saglit pa kaming nag-asaran sa loob ng shop habang nakatayo sa tapat ng pinto bago namin mapagpasiyahang lumabas. We bid our goodbyes and waved our hands to each other as we entered our cars. Nasa left side pala ng shop nag-park si Drake kaya hindi namin siya nakita ni Steccy na dumating.

"Do you wanna say something?" I asked while putting my seatbelt across my body.

"I just miss you..."

Palihim akong napangiti dahil sa sinabi niya.

"I miss you too, love."

Mag-aangat palang sana ako ng tingin sa kaniya pagkatapos kong maikabit ang aking seatbelt nang hawakan niya ang baba ko.

"Give me a kiss."

He held my chin up to make me look at him and he leaned to plant a soft kiss on my lips.

I stiffened; I wasn't ready for that. It sent butterflies in my stomach.

"I'm sorry I was busy the whole week." he said sadly, feeling guilty for not giving me attention this past few days because of midterm exams.

I blinked twice while my lips were parted. Hindi pa rin ako nakaka-recover.

"It's okay, I understand and I was busy too." I smiled at him sweetly.

He sighed with his eyes longing for me.

"I'll make it up to you."

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at hinalikan ang likod ng aking palad bago niya pinaandar ang sasakyan.

"So, what do you intend to do?" I sounded excited while looking straight at the road.

"You'll see..."

A playful smile stretched his face. Kumunot ang noo ko at ngumiwi nang tignan ko siya. I wanna know! I squeezed his hand while it was intertwined with mine and resting on my thigh. Greyson just shook his head and laugh at me. Okay, fine. I would just wait then...

It wasn't a long drive until he stopped his car at the parking lot of the supermarket. I was hungry and craving for lasagna and pizza so we ended up eating at the Greenwich inside the market.

Si Greyson na ang pumila habang ako ay naiwan sa 4-seater table namin— nakaupo at nakangiwi habang matiyagang naghihintay. I was looking around when my eyes caught him staring at me while he was waiting on the line.

My heart went crazy for that. He winked playfully and smirked when he saw my reaction. Pinanliitan ko siya ng aking mga mata at inirapan. Ang landi niya talaga.

Binuksan ko na lang ang phone ko para hindi ako mainip at lalong magutom habang hinihintay siyang um-order.

I kept swiping left and right on my phone to pick the best photo on my gallery. Kapag may nakikita akong cute pics ay pinipindot ko ang heart button sa baba ng aking screen para i-favorite 'yon so, later, I could filter which ones should I print. I wanted to develop memorable pictures of me with Greyson, with my family, with friends and so on.

"Are you on Tinder?"

Nalukot kaagad ang mukha ko at hindi makapaniwalang nag-angat ng tingin kay Greyson na kakaupo lang sa harapan ko at may hawak na number para sa order namin.

"What?" I wanted to make sure I heard it right.

His face flattened and raised his one brow. "Are you on Tinder?" This time he said it more seriously.

"No!" mabilis kong sagot. Bakit naman niya nasabi 'yon? Gahd.

He held my wrist and pulled it down on the table so he could see what was on my screen.

He tsked. "I thought you were. You kept swiping, eh."

I scoffed. "Why would I even go there. I already have you." Iniharap ko sa kaniya ang aking phone. "It was your pictures on my phone with me that I was swiping." I mimicked his tsked to irritate him. "Namimili ako nang ipapa-develop."

Binaba ko ang kamay ko at pinindot ang power button ng aking phone. Ayokong mag-phone sa harapan niya, besides I didn't spend much time last week. Ayoko nang magsingit ng ibang bagay habang kasama ko siya.

"Punta tayong NBS later, I wanna buy books." pag-iiba ko.

Ngumiwi siya. He hummed and pursed his lips, his mood suddenly changed from grumpy to happy.

"What books?" he asked while lightly tapping the order number board on the table.

"Accounting books and... ahm coloring books."

His brows furrowed and an amused smile formed on his lips. "Why coloring books?"

Ngumiwi ako at nagbaba ng tingin sa aking kamay. I played my fingers, feeling a little shy.

"I dunno... it helps me relieve my stress and anxiety..."

"Awe..." Greyson giggled, finding my shyness cute. He reached for my hand and pulled it on the center of the table. "Do you want to paint with me?"

Mabilis akong napatingin sa kaniya. "Paint with you?"

He nodded.

My eyes lit up. Iniisip ko palang na magpi-paint kami, kinikilig na ako!

The idea made me excited. "Okay, sure! When?"

Tumingin siya sa ibang gawi at nag-isip. "Maybe next week, we can't paint right now. I already made plans for tonight, for the both of us."

Ayan na naman siya. Mas lalo tuloy akong naku-curious sa kung ano ang balak niya mamaya. Kinulit ko siya ulit tungkol sa bagay na 'yon pero tinawanan niya lang ako at paulit-ulit akong sinagot ng basta.

Wala talaga akong nakuhang matinong sagot sa kaniya kaya iniba ko na lang ang usapan. Greyson and I talked about what happened on our midterm exams while we wait for our order to arrive. We didn't have the time to share it with each other before because we were so focused on our studies.

I knew he did well on his exams too 'coz he wasn't that conscious about it. Nang dumating ang order namin ay kwenentuhan niya pa ako ng hindi niya ma-gets na mga tanong sa exam nila as if I were one of his classmates. He even tried to explain his computations to me so he could make me agree on him that he was right. Same goes to him, when I told him about mine.

Hindi ko nga alam kung nagi-gets niya sinasabi ko but he was nodding and agreeing with me like he knew my course.

Eating and talking with the person you love, like this... is priceless... and I wouldn't trade any single second of this moment. How I wished we could stay like this, forever...

Pagkatapos naming kumain at maubos ang in-order namin Lasagna Supreme Feast ay sunod naming pinuntahan ang NBS. Walang masyadong tao sa loob ng store. Hinanap ko ang mga books na kailangan ko sa school habang si Greyson ay nasa pens section, nagti-test ng mga specific ballpens na kinakailanagn niya sa course niya.

Lihim akong napangiti nang makita ko siyang seryoso na sinusulatan ang testing paper na naroon sa ibaba ng shelf. Hinayaan ko na lang muna siya roon at umikot-ikot nalang ako sa store para mamili ng coloring book.

I didn't bother to pick the coloring materials 'coz Greyson insisted to choose it for me. Hindi na rin ako umangal dahil mas may alam naman siya sa mga ganyang bagay. Mas mabuting siya na ang pumili no'n para sigurado ang magandang kalidad.

Nakailang ikot pa ako sa magkabilaang shelf dahil hindi ako makapili ng coloring book! Isa lang plano ko bilhin dahil baka masayang lang naman, pero ang cute no'ng iba! Gusto ko rin bilhin, pero no.

Nang nasa bisig ko na ang mga librong kailangan ko ay binalikan ko na si Greyson. His brows were furrowed while standing in front of markers and highlighters.

"Pst." mahina kong sabi sa kaniya at hinila ang hem ng kaniyang sleeve.

Nawala ang kunot sa kaniyang noo nang tumingin siya sa akin.

"Tapos ka na, love?" malumanay niyang tanong.

I smiled and nodded. "You?"

"Yes, ikaw lang naman hinihintay ko. Ilang coloring books ba binili mo?" natatawa siya. Isiniksik niya ang marker sa shelf.

Sumimangot ako. "Isa lang. Ang hirap kayang mamili." reklamo ko sa kaniya.

"Dapat binili mo na lahat."

My eyes lit up. Nawala ang lukot sa mukha ko at nabuhayan dahil sa sinabi niya.

"Talaga? Wait, balikan ko." Mas lalo na naman tuloy akong nakumbinse na kunin ko rin 'yong dalawa ko pang nakitang cute.

"What?" Kumunot ang noo niya, hindi makapaniwala sa sinabi ko.

Tatalikod na sana ako nang marahan niyang hawakan ang braso ko para pigilan.

"No, Jess!" mabilis niyang sabi. Tinawanan niya ako. "I'm just joking. Patola ka naman."

Seryoso ko siyang tinignan. "I'm trying to stop myself from buying the other two, tapos sasabihin mo 'yon."

He just chuckled and get the books in my arms. Inipit niya 'yon sa kabilang braso niya para mahawakan ang palapulsuhan ko at hatakin na papunta sa counter para magbayad at hindi na ako kumuha pa ng ibang coloring book.

I handed him money for the things I bought but he refused to accept. I glared at him. Ayaw pa. I tucked his shirt and inserted the money on his pocket.

Pagkatapos ma-stapler ng babae ang resibo sa paper bag ay iniabot niya na 'yon kay Greyson. Ngumiwi ako nang mapansin ko ang babaeng cashier na super ngiti sa kaniya.

Girl, that's my baby, ha!

Greyson smirked and held my hand when he noticed my eyes were glaring at her.

"Thank you." he said casually to the cashier while his gaze was on the paper bag when he got it from her.

"Why are you glaring at her?" painosente niyang tanong sa akin habang naglalakad na kami sa labas at papunta sa arcades dahil doon ang sunod naming destinasyon.

"Huh?" I looked up at him, plainly. "Who?" painosente ko ring tanong.

Mahina siyang tumawa dahil sa naging sagot ko sa kaniya. Alam naman niya, ih, tapos tatanong-tanong pa siya.

"Ilaro na lang natin 'yan." pang-aasar niya.

Luh, kala naman niya affected pa ako. Hampasin ko siya ng libro, ih.

Pagkapasok namin sa Timezone ay agad na rin namin pina-load-an ang card niya para 'yon ang gamitin namin. Dumiretso kami sa may basketball pagkatapos at pumwesto kami sa dalawang bakante na magkatabi.

"Huwag mong galingan, ha!" pagbabanta ko sa kaniya nang ibaba niya sa floor, sa gitna namin, ang paperbag.

"Depende." Nakangisi niyang sabi sabay swipe sa tapat ko ng card at gano'n din ang ginawa niya sa tapat niya.

Pagka-release ng mga bola ay kumuha na ako ng isa. Unang shoot ko hindi pumasok. Pati 'yong sumunod hindi ulit. I heard Greyson chuckling kaya napatingin ako sa kaniya. Nainis ako dahil parang wala lang sa kaniya ang pagsho-shoot ng bola sa ring. Psh, well, what could I say? He was a basketball player!

This is his sports, unfair!

Kinurot ko ang tagiliran niya para ma-distract siya.

"Madaya!"

I scoffed and shoot again. Ang mga sumunod na bola ay pumasok na at unti-unti akong naka-adjust. Natapos ang ilang rounds at na-lock na naman ang gate sa slide ng bola. Pina-swipe ko ulit kay Greyson ang card sa tapat ko.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang tumabi siya sa akin. He lightly pushed me to my side using his arm.

"Oh, ba't ka nandito?"

He looked at me and winked. "Let's beat the score."

Pinanliitan ko siya ng aking mga mata. Ang landi talaga.

Nang gumulong pababa sa amin ang mga bola ay sabay kaming kumuha. Hinayaan niya akong maunang mag-shoot. My gaps for every shot were slow so it was the time for Greyson to throw the ball into the ring. Lahat ng free throws niya ay pasok.

"Baby, dali. Ang bagal." he mocked me while he was laughing a little while shooting.

I tip-toed and leaned on him to laugh sarcastically on his ear. "Ha ha."

Halos lahat ng points na pumapasok ay dahil sa kaniya. Mahina pa kaming nagtutulakan dahil nagkakaagawan kami ng bola. Ang bilis niya kasi mag-shoot!

"Whoa!"

We both exclaimed and high fived when we finished playing and beat the score! Tatawa-tawa lang ako pero ang sakit na ng likod ko!

"Okay, next game!" I said excitedly while he pulled the tickets from the machine. Ang dami!

Wala sa sarili akong napatingin sa likuran namin at may ibang tao roon na nakatingin sa amin. Nag-iwas ng tingin ang dalawang babae nang tumama ang mata ko sa kanila. Alam ko naman kung sino ang tinitignan nila but unlike a while ago, hindi ko na sila sinamaan ng tingin.

Napangiwi na lang ako habang pinipigil ang aking ngiti. Well, that's my baby, bleh!

Napabalik lang ang tingin ko kay Greyson nang inabot niya sa akin ang nakatuping mga tickets. Para akong bata na natuwa dahil sa dami no'n! Excited na akong ipalit 'yon mamaya, charot! Baka ballpen palang ang kayang i-redeem nito.

Si Greyson ang namili ng sunod naming nilaro, pati ang mga sumunod. It was very fun but tiring! Lahat kasi ng pinili ni Greyson ay nakakapagod! Gahd, baka sumakit katawan ko nito bukas! May gala pa naman tom!

Before our points on the card totally consumed, both of us headed inside the photobooth.

"Love, dapat ito inuna natin. I look potato na." I said while pouting.

He giggled and held my face with his hands so I would face him. Pinunasan niya ang mukha ko gamit ang panyo niya at inayos ang aking buhok.

"Maganda ka pa rin."

Kinilig ako sa sinabi niya at hindi pa ako nakaka-recover nang may ginawa na naman siya sa akin!

He kissed my lips. Akala ko saglit lang iyon pero hindi! He pulled my neck to deepen our kiss and sucked my lower lip.

Mahina akong napadaing dahil doon. Napamulat ako at agad na humiwalay sa kaniya nang marinig ko ang tunog na nagawa ko. I looked around as if may ibang tao sa loob ng booth. Medyo napraning ako roon ah! May pinto naman ang booth pero gahd!

"Greyson, don't do that!" mahina kong hinampas ang binti niya habang nakasimangot.

"Ang alin?" he asked, laughing a little.

Ngumiwi ako at hindi sumagot. 'Di ko alam kung sasabihin ko ba 'yong ginawa niya o 'yong nagawa ko dahil sa kaniya!

Epal talaga.

His arm wrapped my waist ang pulled me closer to him.

"Ready?" he asked.

Nag-iba na naman ang mood ko dahil na-excite ako ulit!

"I'm ready. Just swipe it baka may naghihintay sa labas. Ang tagal natin dito."

"Kasalanan ko?" He leaned and swiped the card.

Pinanliitan ko siya ng aking mga mata. Sasagutin ko palang sana siya nang hawakan niya ang baba ko para humarap sa camera. I put the smile on my face before the countdown finished. Every shot took 3 seconds interval for the next. After 6 different poses, before we printed the pictures, Greyson put his email on the screen so we could have a softcopy of it.

"Hati na lang tayo." I said while staring at our 6 different pose in one photopaper.

Lumabas na kami ng Timezone dahil ubos na points namin, tsaka pagod na ako, 'di ko na kaya! Nakapulupot ang kamay ko sa braso niya habang naglalakad dahil baka mapasubsob ako, hindi ako nakatingin sa raan, ih!

"Basta sa akin 'yong may kiss."

Ngumiwi ako at tumingin sa kaniya. "Saang kiss?" Nagbaba ako ng tingin sa pic. Yong sa left side kasi ako 'yong naka-kiss sa cheek niya, tapos 'yong nasa right side— siya naman 'yong nakadampi ang labi sa pisngi ko.

"Syempre 'yong ako 'yong kiss mo."

I hummed and reached for the paper bag he was holding on his other hand. "Okay!"

Gumilid kami at saglit kaming huminto sa paglalakad para mailagay ko sa loob ang picture. He opened the paper bag and I pulled my coloring book to insert the picture in between its pages.

"Oh, you don't need to color that book anymore."

Kumunot ang noo ko nang isarado ko ang libro. "Why?"

"You bring colors into my life. Nilagay mo picture natin doon. That's enough colors."

Inirapan ko siya dahil ang corny. Pinilit niya pa akong tumawa nang magpatuloy kaming dalawa sa paglalakad habang nakahawak pa rin ako sa braso niya.

Sumakay lang kami ng elevator para makababa sa basement parking lot. Naramdaman ko ang pagod at sakit ng katawan ko pagkaupo ko sa shotgun seat.

"Gahd. Ang sakit sa katawan no'ng basketball." mahina kong daing nang maikabit ko ang seatbelt sa akin.

Isinandal ko ang aking ulo at iniunat ang aking paa sabay pikit ng mga mata ko.

"I know, right." rinig kong pagsang-ayon ni Greyson.

I just hummed and didn't talk. Pinili ko na lang munang pumikit buong byahe hanggang sa makaabot kami sa condo building namin ni Greyson.

"Pst, wake up, love..." He lightly pinched my cheek after he parked.

"I'm not asleep." sagot ko sa kaniya at minulat ang aking mga mata. Hindi naman masyadong malayo ang market dito sa amin kaya paano ako makakatulog.

"Weh?" duda niya.

Inaalis ko palang ang seatbelt ko ay nakalabas na siya ng kotse, kaya bago ko pa mabuksan ang pinto ng sasakyan ay siya na ang gumawa no'n para sa akin.

"Thank you." I said sweetly and hugged his arm while I intertwined our hands.

He squeezed my hand as we entered the elevator. Kaming dalawa lang ang naroon kaya hinayaan ko nalang ang sarili ko na lambingin siya. I pressed my cheek on his shoulder and put my weight on him. I giggled when I felt him strengthen himself so we wouldn't fall.

This was the first time I was gonna visit my condo unit. Wala akong ideya kung ano ang itsura no'n pero tingin ko maganda, regalo 'yon ni dad ih! Balak ko ring matulog doon ngayong gabi. Dad said the cabinet had already filled with clothes for me, which was also part of his gift, kaya hindi na ako nag-abala na magdala ng damit na pamalit ko.

"I'm excited!" I squealed as I swiped my card key.

"Me too!" Pinisil ni Greyson ang kamay ko dahil sa gigil.

He opened the door and let me walked in first. Medyo madilim sa loob kaya kinapa ko ang dingding sa hallway para hanapin ang switch. Hawak ko ang kamay ni Greyson kaya hinila ko na rin siya papasok sa condo. Nang may mahawakan akong switch ay agad ko 'yong pinindot.

"Wait! Don't open the lights!"

"Huh?" naguguluhan ko siyang hinarap at saktong naglakad din siya palapit sa akin para patayin kaagad ang ilaw!

Nadumbo ko tuloy ang dibdib niya!

"Ouch, my nose!" Hinawakan ko ang ilong ko.

"Oh! Sorry, baby!" he said while laughing a little. He held my head and pulled it on his chest to hug me.

He moved and reached for something. I didn't know what he did, but then the room slowly had some source of light. Habang hawak ko ang ilong ko ay lumingon ako sa likuran ko kung saan naggagaling ang ilaw.

Napahinto ako sa kinatatayuan ko at nabitawan ang aking ilong nang unti-unting bumukas ang kurtina papunta sa gilid ng glass wall.

I didn't know what to feel... but I knew I was overwhelmed by the view. The sky was in its gradient color, from violet it graduated to orange as it got close to the sun. Greyson put his arm on my stomach and hugged me from behind. He rested his chin on my shoulder while both of us were staring at the sun setting in front of us.

"I'm on time." he whispered and kissed my temple.

Nanubig ang mga mata ko nang maintindihan ko ang ibig niyang sabihin. "Did you plan this?"

"Mh-mm." he paused. "I once visited your condo unit when your dad was here. Both of us check if everything was already settled. It was noon, like this... and I saw the sunset. It was so beautiful, like you... kaya sabi ko gusto kong makita mo rin 'yon."

It made my heart melt. Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi ko nang tumulo ang luha sa aking pisngi.

"They said every sunset is unique... Do you believe?"

I nodded.

"Every time I see sunset it always makes me feel at peace... and every time I see you, I could feel the same tranquility." My heart ached, but it felt good. "You're my comfort, Jess... my sunset... the person I wanna see at the end of the tiring day."

My cheeks were wet because of tears. I didn't know what to say but my heart just wanted to tell Greyson how much I love him. I was tired and happy and felt loved. I was so captivated by the moment, hindi na ako magtataka kung mapapaiyak na lang talaga ako sa mga oras na 'yon.

Hinarap ko siya at marahang hinawakan ang pisngi niya. Muli na namang tumulo ang luha ko habang pinagmamasdan ko ang sinseridad sa kaniyang mga mata.

"Mahal kita, Greyson..."

Tumiklay ako at dinampi ang aking labi sa kaniya. I kissed him deeply to make him feel how much I meant it.

"Mahal kita, Jess..." bulong niya sa labi ko nang mahiwalay ito sa kaniya.

I was closing my eyes as he rested his forehead on mine while his hand was on my waist and the other was drying my tears. Maingat niya akong niyakap pagkatapos no'n. I heard he clicked the switch. Napatingala ako nang mapansin kong lumiwanag.

"Pwede mon ang makita ang loob ng unit mo." He laughed softly.

Nang buksan ko ang mga mata ko ay bukas na ang mga ilaw ng living room. Wala sa sarili akong lumingon. Ang mata ko ay unang nahagilap ang nakalubog ng araw. Madilim na sa labas. Sunod kong pinagtuonan ng pansin ang itsura ng aking condo unit.

It was spacious. The color themed was more of a white with nude colors. Maaliwalas ang paligid dahil mataas ang ceiling.

Natuwa ako sa sofa na pahaba kaya pumunta ako roon at pabagsak na umupo. Medyo tumalbog pa ako dahil sa ginawa ko. Greyson just chuckled and walked toward me. Inabot niya ang paperbag sa akin.

"Here. May aasikasuhin lang ako sa condo unit ko saglit, babalik din ako kaagad."

Nakangiti lang ako nang kunin ko sa kaniya ang inaabot niya. "Okay!"

I felt enthusiastic! Naalala ko rin ang mga binili namin kanina kaya mas lalo akong na-excite.

Hinayaan ko na lang ang sarili kong halungkatin ang paper bag at kinuha ang aking accounting book. Napatingin lang ako saglit sa gawi ng aking pinto nang marinig ko iyong sumara, nakalabas na si Greyson.

Binalik ko ang aking tingin sa hawak ko. Maingat kong pinunit ang manipis na plastic na bumabalot roon tsaka ko binuklat. Inilapit ko sa mukha ko ang libro at inamoy ang pagitan ng mga pahina. Ang bango, gahd.

Hindi ko masyadong pinagtuonan 'yon ng pansin dahil gusto ko na ring tignan ang iba.

Sinarado ko 'yon at inilagay muna sa coffee table na nasa harap ko. Inabot ko ang paper bag na nasa lapag at kinuha ko ulit isa kong libro tsaka ulit pinunit ang plastic, gano'n din ang ginawa ko pagkatapos— inamoy at isinara sabay lapag sa lamesa.

Huli kong hinugot na libro sa loob ng bag ay ang coloring book ko! Gahd, mas excited pa ako roon. Ipinatong ko 'yon sa aking binti at maingat na hinawi ang pahina para hanapin ang litratong iniipit ko roon kanina. Nang matunton ko kung nasaan ang larawan ay huminto na ako.

Nakangiti ako nang iangat ko ang litrato namin. I stared at it for too long to admire and appreciate our cute little faces in the paper. After a couple more seconds I put it down over my accounting books and so did my coloring book.

Naramdaman ko na naman ang sakit ng katawan ko kaya humiga muna ako sa sofa. I stretched my body for a seconds.

"Ah!" daing ko nang matapos akong mag-unat. Gahd, sarap sa feeling.

Kinuha ko ang isang unan na nasa tabi ng bewang ko at niyakap 'yon. Tumagilid ako ng higa at pumikit. Idlip muna ako saglit, magigising naman ako kapag dumating si Greyson. I said I would just nap, but then I slept! Nagising na lang ako nang may mahinang tumatawag sa aking tenga ng pangalan ko.

"Jess... Hey, love..."

I groaned. Nakapikit palang ako ay kilala ko na kung sino 'yon dahil sa boses at pabango. Pagkabukas ko ng mga mata ko ay sinalubong ko naman ang mga titig ni Greyson sa akin. Nakaluhod ang isa niyang paa sa floor kaya magka-eye level lang kami.

Kumunot ang noo ko nang mapansin na nag-iba ang level ng liwanag sa living room— wait, wala ako sa living room. Napabangon ako at tumingin sa paligid. Tumayo si Greyson at umupo sa gilid ng aking higaan.

"It's your room." sinagot ni Greyson ang katanungan sa aking isipan.

Nagtatakang napataas ang dalawa kong kilay nang lingunin ko siya.

"Paano ako napunta rito?"

"I carried you."

Napatitig lang ako sa kaniya dahil sa sinabi niya. Wala pa ako masyado sa wisyu dahil kagigising ko.

"Did you take a shower?" tanong ko sa kaniya dahil napansin ko na basa ang buhok niya.

Ngumiti siya at tumango. Hindi ulit ako sumagot.

"Tara sa kusina." he nodded down his head once.

"Why?"

Natawa siya sa tanong ko. "Eat."

Kumunot ang noo ko at ngumuso. "Maya, gusto ko rin mag-shower."

"Okay, I'll wait for you outside." He stood up and leaned to kiss my hair.

Pagkalabas niya ng kwarto ay tumayo na rin ako at nagtungo sa C.R. Napakurap pa ang mata ko dahil sa luwang din no'n. Gahd, dad. Kaloka ka talaga. Ang hirap linisan nitong condo unit, 'apakaluwang. Paano kaya nakakaya ni Greyson linisin 'yong kaniya? Siya kaya naglilinis o pinapalinis niya? Maluwang din 'yong kaniya, ih. Tanong ko nalang siya mamaya.

Hindi ako masyadong nagtagal sa banyo. Dumiretso na ako sa walk in closet pagkatapos ko maligo. Binuksan ko pa lahat ng cabinet para mahanap kung nasaan ang mga underwear. Akala ko mag-uulit ako ng ginamit ko kanina, pero buti nalang at nakita ko rin kung saan nakalagay.

I just wore a cotton shorts and oversized shirt before getting out of my room. Hindi ko na muna masyadong pinakealaman ang ibang damit na naka-hang roon, but I saw the color palette of my clothes. For sure, he hired some stylish and someone who bought all of those.

Pagkasara ko ng pinto ng aking kwarto ay napakunot ang noo ko nang may marinig na mahinang classical music. Nagtataka akong naglakad nang dahan-dahan habang hinahanap kung saan 'yon nagmumula, hanggang sa natunton ko ang living room. Napatitig ako sa vinyl player na umiikot at nagpi-play.

"Ahem."

Mabilis akong napaikot at lumingon sa likuran nang may narinig akong tumikhim.

He was standing not far away from me. Greyson offered his hand while smiling. I tilted my head out of curiosity, hindi ko alam anong trip niya pero naglakad ako palapit sa kaniya. Pagkabigay ko sa kaniya ng kamay ko ay agad niya 'yong pinagkislop sa kaniya.

Hinila niya ako patungo sa kusina. Napatingin ako sa kisame nang mapansin ko na medyo dim ang ilaw.

Tatanungin ko palang sana si Greyson kung gano'n ba talaga ang ilaw roon nang mapahinto ako. My lips parted, I was shocked. Naistatwa ako sa kinatatayuan ko at unti-unting gumuhit ang ngiti sa aking labi.

"You did this!?" Kinikilig at hindi ko makapaniwalang tanong sa kaniya habang nakatingin sa isang dinner date table.

The white linen of the table was hanging on its edges. Red petals of roses were spread on top of it. Seven pillar candles with different heights and colors— peach, orange, red, nude, white— were placed on the one side of the table. There was a champagne and two glasses of wine at the center. The table napkins and utensil were perfectly arranged at the side of the red table mat.

"Yes, love."

Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi ko. Muli niya akong hinila palapit sa table. He pulled my chair.

I gasped when he had a bouquet hiding there. Kinuha niya 'yon at inabot sa akin.

"Thank you..." Lusaw na lusaw na ang puso ko dahil sa ginagawa ni Greyson... I kissed his cheek before sitting on the chair.

"It's so pretty..." mahina kong bulong sa aking sarili habang tinitignan ang bulaklak at ang mga nakalagay sa lamesa.

"Like it very much?" he asked as he placed a plate in front of me, it was steak.

I looked up at him. "Yes." I pouted my lips at leaned up to give him a kiss. Bumaba rin siya sa akin at hinalikan ako.

It was just a quick one before he walked on the opposite side and placed his plate too.

"You're having so many surprises right now—" naputol ang sinasabi ko nang makakita ng paint sa likuran niya, nakasabit sa wall.

Oh my gahd...

"That's me!" sabay turo ko roon. Naalala ko 'yon dahil sa digital art na regalo niya sa akin. The paint showed my back, facing the elevator, waiting, with my long curvy hair at my back unponytailed. I was in my uniform, my sling bag was on my shoulder, hanging on my side.

He laughed a little before turning his head at his back. "Yeah, it was also part of my gift. Hindi ko nga lang sinabi sa'yo kaagad 'coz I wanna surprise you as we visit here."

"I'm surprised!" I said gratefully.

Nang binalik niya sa akin ang tingin niya ay napanguso ako.

"Nagustuhan mo ba?"

Tumango ako habang nagpapa-cute sa kaniya. "I love your art, as always. But I love the artist more, I love you!" I kissed my forefingers and made a flying kiss at him.

He playfully caught it with his fist in the air and brought closer his hand on his lips.

He looked at me intently. "But the best artist for me are your parents. They've created and properly raised a daughter like you. What a true masterpiece, indeed."

I chuckled at him, kinikilig.

Pakiramdam ko sobra-sobra 'tong ginagawa niya para sa akin. Deserve ko ba 'to?

"Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin 'yong nararamdaman ko ngayon but thank you for this day, for everything. I really appreciate it." I looked at him dearly.

He always made sure I knew he loved me so much.

Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko na nasa ibabaw ng lamesa.

While the classical music playing at the living room we also started eating.

"This steak is good." sabi ko pagkatapos kong malunok ang nasa bibig ko.

"Thanks."

Kumunot ang noo ko at nagtataka siyang tinignan. "Why? Ikaw rin nagluto nito?"

He grinned his teeth after pulling the fork from his mouth. He nodded proudly.

Wow.

"When and where?"

He chewed the food and swallowed.

"Here, while you were asleep." He put down his fork while his eyes never left me. "Actually, I really wanted you to be tired that was why I asked you to play with me at the arcades, so you fell asleep after and I could do my surprise."

Wala akong masabi. This guy really deserved to have surprise from me too. Pag-iisipan ko nang mabuti kung ano ang gagawin ko. I will not fail him!

I thought his plans were already over as we finished eating but then he asked me to have a night drive. Nag-aaya siyang pumunta kami sa kabilang bayan para maki-fiesta. The night was still young so I agreed.

Habang nasa byahe kami ay nagmu-music jamming kaming dalawa. We were singing on top of both of our lungs with the songs that was playing inside his car. Medyo nasa kalagitnaan na kami ng daan at wala na masyadong bahay. Halos palayan na ang nadadaanan namin at kakaunti na lang din ang mga nakakasabayan naming sasakyan.

Tawang-tawa kaming dalawa kapag pumipiyok kami lalo na kapag ang taas ng notes, pero napahinto ako nang huminto siya sa pagkanta at hindi mapakali nang tignan niya ang fuel gauge.

"Oh shit." mahinang mura niya sa kaniyang sarili. He pursed his lips and immediately drove the car on the side.

"Why?" tanong ko.

He pulled the break and stopped the car in the middle of nowhere. Nakatingin pa rin ako sa kaniya nang ipatong niya ang kaniyang siko sa gilid ng bintana at hinawakan niya ang kaniyang labi.

Greyson looked at me and he laughed nervously. "Wala na tayong gas, love."

"What?" imbes na mag-panic ako ay natawa ako sa sinabi niya.

Maybe because we felt hype and happy that was why we made fun about our situation. Nagsisihan kaming dalawa kung bakit wala na kaming gas sa pagitan ng aming mga tawa. Super excited gumala, 'di na-check kung sapat pa ba ang gas.

Epic fail.

"Wait, gonna call my moron brother. Patulong tayo sa kaniya, utusan ko siyang magdala ng gas." natatawa pa rin siya habang kinakalikot ang phone niya.

His face flattened, couldn't believe what he was seeing on his phone.

He titled his head while staring at it. "Wow, wala ring signal, love." He looked at me. Greyson laughed again but a bit worried.

"Tara sa labas, hanap tayo signal."

I opened the door and stepped out of the car. Nilabas ko rin ang phone para sumagap din ng signal.

"Alam mo ba rati, nawalan din kami ng gas ni Mang Ben tapos wala ring signal." kwento ko habang naglalakad kami sa gilid ng kalsada.

"Paano kayo nakauwi?" tanong niya.

"Well, may napadaan na kotse, tapos ayun tinulungan kami. Wala pala signal globe doon noon, ih globe sim ko! Buti nalang di kami same ng sim no'ng humintong kotse, kaya may na-contact silang car carrier." I laughed but I automatically stopped. "Oh! May signal na ako!" Hinila ko kaagad ang braso niya dahil sa tuwa.

Nanatili kami sa kung saan kami nakatayo at hindi umalis hanggang ma-contact namin ang kapatid niya. Ako na ang tumawag kay Timothy dahil sa pwesto ni Greyson, sa tabi ko, walang signal. Gahd.

"Dalian mo, ah!" sabi ko sa kaniya bago magpaalam at ibaba ang tawag.

Greyson and I headed back to his car after the call. May streetlights naman ang gilid ng daan kaya hindi madilim.

"They said everything happened for a reason." I said casually as I leaned my butt on the hood of his car.

As soon as Greyson also leaned, beside me, the rain started to pour on us!

"What!?" gulat kong tanong, hindi makapaniwala akong napatakip sa ulo ko. "Ano namang reason bakit umulan ngayon?"

Natawa si Greyson. "Nasobrahan ata ang saya natin kanina, kaya ang epic fail na natin ngayon!"

Imbes na tumakbo kami papasok sa kotse niya ay nanatili kami roon at nagtawanan na naman. He held my wrist and pulled it down.

"Do you wanna dance?" he asked.

Pinandilatan ko siya ng aking mga mata. "Here?" tumingin ako sa paligid tsaka tumingala at itunuro ang langit habang papikit-pikit dahil sa butil ng ulan. "Under the rain!?"

"Yeah!" he giggled.

Tinignan ko siya. "This is crazy." natatawa kong bulong sa kaniya. He knew I already agreed to his idea because he pulled me away from the hood.

Dinala niya ang isang kamay ko sa kaniyang balikat at hinawakan niya ang isa. Both of us were soaking wet! He pushed his hair back before pulling my waist closer to him and started to swing us, slowly.

"You said, everything happens for a reason. Then what could be the reason why we're here?"

I chuckled awkwardly. "I don't know!"

His smile became playful. "This is the reason why..."

My lips parted when he moved closer and kissed my lips. I automatically wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back.

I was contemplating about what he said, but then I realized why it was happening to us. It made me remembered the days when I was sitting in the middle of the road, crying, while the rain was pouring on me then he came and saved me. It was the start of our love story.

Mang Ben was right. There is no coincidence, everything happens for a reason— kahit na hindi mo pa alam kung anong dahilan. Just like a piece of puzzle that has its own purpose— but don't know yet where to put— and perfectly fits to its right place to form the whole image.

I'm still young, a work in progress. My life puzzle isn't completely finished, but I know Greyson is a piece that perfectly fits in it and will also mold me to become the future Jessi, my ultimate fate. I know it will be confusing and challenging along the way, but that's life— bewildering.

I just hope I wouldn't lose that piece, because without him, my life would be incomplete and my heart would forever feel a small void that couldn't be filled with any other piece.

He's the only epal of my life. 

The end.

__________D.H