I ended the call from one of my friends in Bentley when another ring followed. Mag-aalas otso ng gabi rito sa Boston , kaya di ko mahanapan ng rason ang pag-tawag ni Ryland.

"What?" I started.

"Kayo pa ba ni Antonia?" bungad niyang tanong.

"Yeah," iritado kong untag. He's calling just to ask this?

"Are you sure? Do you still communicate?"

Doon na ako kinabahan sa tanong niya. Mahirap aminin na tumatamlay na ang relasyon namin.

"She's been distant...pero iniintindi ko nalang. She's busy." I shrugged.

"You got it all wrong, Rouge."

"Why?" I asked, my eyes narrowed at the plant outside the window as if it was my cousin.

"Ikakasal na siya."

Napatayo ako. "What kind of bullshit are you talking about, Ryland?"

Dumoble ang iritasyon ko sa kanyang pagtawa."Better bring your ass back here and see it for yourself. The wedding is on Sunday."

I didn't bother procrastinate. I bought a ticket that night on my way to the Philippines.  Sa buong magdamag sa eroplano ay tanging pagpigil sa kasal ang nasa isip ko ngunit hindi ko na ito naabutan. It was too late. Gabi na akong nakarating kaya dumiretso ako sa reception na tinext sa 'kin ng pinsan ko.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit kami nagkaganito. Dahil ba sa agwat ng edad namin? But why did she have to leave me hanging in Boston? She suddenly cut our communication but I kept on denying the very definite reason. Pinagpapalagay ko palagi na abala siya. And now she's going to get married? I don't want to call her names pero tangina lang! This is a sharp strike to my ego!

Sa tagal ng walang komunikasyon namin ni Antonia ay parang nawawalan na rin ako ng gana. Bakit hindi man lang niya ako sinabihan? Bakit hindi pa niya tinapos kung magpapakasal lang naman pala siya sa iba? It's like she's playing me on her porcelain soft hands with a string.

Imbes na masaktan, galit ako habang pinapanood sila ng asawa niya sa loob ng reception. I guess she has never loved me. I could say the same, but I'm not sure. Maybe what we had was just to fire up the thrill of having a wide age gap relationship. I was twenty one when we started, she was turning thirty two.

Nahagip ng paningin ko ang babae sa may floral arch. She picked a flower then put it in her ear.

"May kilala ka sa loob? Bakit hindi ka pumasok?"

Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. Kung kinakabahan man ang tawag sa nararamdaman ko, wala naman akong rason upang kabahan. I'm just a chill man! I don't get on edge when talking to a woman for the first time! Not even infront of Antonia.

Her voice. It's unique for a woman to have a natural husk in her voice. Antonia is soft spoken. But this woman? Palagi ba siyang kumakanta o naglalasing kaya ganyan kagaspang ang boses niya? Yet anyway, it's sexy as it sounds. I wonder how it sounds as she scream my name in pleasure. Pinigilan kong mapangiti, I believed she has noticed.

"My dad's the groom."

Upon knowing that, ideas surged like big waves into my mind. She's Antonia's husband's daughter. Hindi ako tumanggi na ihatid siya pauwi because right then, I was able to know about her new home.

Our unexpected meetings after that night kept coming without me having to control it by my own hands it's like the stars are aligned. I guess my lucky cards are doing the wonders.

Sitting at the edge of my bed, napahilamos ako sa aking mukha.  Sweat dripping in me like guilt and shame. I can't almost drag my feet to the washroom.  Naririnig ko mula rito sa banyo ang may pagmamadaling kilos ni Antonia.

Napailing ako habang hinuhugasan ang aking kamay. I wanted for us to talk, but we almost ended up in an insentient sex. Puno ako ng galit habang siya'y walang kaemo-emosyon.

"I have to go." Her tone was sharp it could stab my gut.

"You promised a conversation."

"Wala tayong dapat pag-usapan! Fine, I left you. End of story."

Gigil akong napasabunot sa 'king buhok. I looked at her incredulously.  Ganon nalang 'yon? Porket kasal na siya sa iba ay hindi na namin dapat pag-usapan kung anong ginawa niya? Atleast I need to have some closure! Hindi ako matatahimik hangga't hindi ko nalalaman ang dahilan niya!

"It's the 'why' that frustrates me! Bakit ka bumitaw Antonia?"

Hindi niya ako sinagot. Malamig niya lang akong tinitigan bago tumalikod at lumabas ng kwarto. 

"Ipapakita ko sa asawa mo kung paano kita babawiin!" sigaw ko.

"Die trying, Rouge."

Inilang hakbang ko siya at marahas na hinarap sa 'kin. "You can never  trivialize me. You know I can defy every fucking law out there."

Sinampal niya ako. Damn, that hurts. But I just chuckled. Walang nagagawa ang sampal niya.

"Isang linggo pa lang kayong kasal ng asawa mo, pero hindi mo mai-alas ang katotohanang nandito ka sa puder ng ibang lalake kahit maka-ilang sampal ka pa sa mukha ko."

Hindi na kami nagkita ulit matapos ang araw na iyon. But I was able to have a glimpse of Antonia every single time I drive Lorelei home. She's not that bad. I'm attracted to her. My guilt rode with my infatuation as I spent more time with her.

Takot akong aminin na may nakaraan ako sa madrasta niya. I've never feared anything in my life more than losing Lorelei.

Sa ikalawang pagkikita namin ni Antonia, ginawa kong oportunidad ang dinner sa bahay nila. I was guilty, yes. But I have to talk to her so bad. Hindi para balikan siya kundi ang klaruhin kung anong mali sa'kin. At kung ano man iyon, pwede ko itong baguhin para sa taong mamahalin ko. Para sa kanya. Para kay Lory.

Because let's admit, past relationships are lessons. You commit mistakes, and whatever you have done or what haven't done, it could be rectified for you to be a better one. And I am not just doing this for myself.

"Huli na 'to Rouge. Wala na tayong pag-uusapan pa pagkatapos nito," giit niya na nakasandal sa pader.

We were hiding at the side of their house contrast to their garden. Maririnig pa ang pag-uusap ng mag-amang Dreyfus mula sa pinagtataguan namin.

"Iniwan mo ako sa Boston at umuwi ka rito para magpakasal sa iba. Sana bago ka bumalik ay nakipaghiwalay ka muna nang harap-harapan para hindi ako nagmukhang tanga."

Walang emosyon ko siyang tinignan sa gitna ng dilim. I couldn't discern her expression because of the lack of light.

"I didn't communicate with you for a year. Wasn't that enough as an indication? Na ayoko na? I'm tired of us, Rouge," mariin niyang bulong.

"Hindi mo manlang naisipang makipaghiwalay nang maayos."  I calmly stated.

"Kasi alam kong hindi ka papayag. You throw tantrums everytime you don't get what you want. It's so immature of you," akusa niya.

"So that's it? I was immature? Is it because we don't meet halfway Antonia? Is it because I'm just twenty three?"

"Yes," agaran niyang ani.

Okay. Hindi ko alam kung paano naging immature ang mga ginagawa ko para sa kanya. Is being a jealous man already immature? Throwing tantrums? Is being loyal to her an immature thing, too? Kahit ramdam kong pabagsak na ang relasyon namin, I wasn't an asshole in Boston picking up girls every night! Dahil umaasa pa rin akong masasalba kami. How was that as immature?

"Do you love the old man?"

"Lucas makes me happy. So yes, I love him. Naisip kong hindi kita minahal kahit kailan, Rouge. I'm sorry if I have to break this to you."

I wasn't in my right frame of mind after that talk. Not because she told me she's never loved me. I was pressured to change! Hindi ko alam kung paano ko babaguhin ang sarili ko. Changing yourself is not like taking candy from a baby. Minsan nagbabago tayo nang hindi natin namamalayan. Sometimes, change is a conscientious thing.

And change is a decision.

Babaguhin ko ba ang mga ayaw ni Antonia sa'kin?  If one of my idiosyncrasies was the reason why Antonia left me, magiging dahilan din kaya ito na aayawan sa 'kin ni Lory? I just want to be the best for her.

But looking into her striking brown almond eyes...naglaho ang gusto kong baguhin iyon. Dahil sa nakikita ko, mamahalin ako ni Lory nang walang hinahanap na katangian. She would love me as I am. That's what I love about her.

Inaamin kong sinubukan kong agawin si Antonia sa ama niya pero naudlot 'yon. Nasa bakod pa lang ako ng plano ko ay umatras na ako. Naudlot ang pagbawi ko sa inaakalang pagmamay-ari ko dahil hinila niya ako. At simula nun, naging sa kanya na ako. Kay Lorelei.

As I was kissing another girl, her image haunted in front of me. Hinahanap ko siya sa kahit saan ako magpunta. And I knew right then and there...it's different. She's different. It's a gradual realization for me.

This has somehow scared the shit out of me in an exalting kind of way. Pwede ba 'yon? A happy kind of scared?

I was just so driven when it comes to her. It's like a fire of passion. One kiss from her is like gasoline, then we'll just create a fire.

"Where's Lory—"

Hindi ko natapos ang tanong nang bigla akong hinalikan ni Antonia. I was initially shock! Hindi ako makagalaw ng ilang sandali. As Lorelei's face came to my mind, napahawak ako sa braso ni Antonia. Guilt attacked me to the extremes.

"How do you feel, Rouge?" Nanginginig ang boses ni Antonia. Was she scared too? Kung oo eh bakit niya pa ako hinalikan?

"Nothing, I feel nothing," I firmly said. And it's true. Wala na akong maramdaman.

"Ako ba ang kinukumbinse mo? O ang sarili mo? I know you, Rouge. Agresibo ka para lang makuha ang gusto mo."

She's right. Hindi ako tumitigil hangga't hindi nakukuha ang gusto. Pero bago pa man ako magsimulang kumilos, unti-unti nang nauupos ang dahilan ng pag-uwi ko. Palayo lang ako nang palayo sa kung ano mang sadya ko rito.

It showed me another reason instead. A better reason. The best decision.

"I own someone now..."

"Huwag mong gagamitin ang anak ni Lucas!" marahas niyang bulong. Sumilip siya sa likod ko bago ako tinignan nang nagngangalit niyang mga mata.

"Iyan ba ang gusto mong mangyari? Believe me Antonia, I tried. I had planned for it. Fortunately, it didn't happen."

Lory's slender arms done by being a vegetarian...gusto ko siyang alagaan. She seems fragile with that slim body of hers. But she can be as hot as hell when mad or irritated.

She's striking. Very striking. She got me with her brown almond-shaped eyes, the way she finger-combs her hair that runs down to her slender waist. I've been dreading to run my hands on that smoothness, too. Sumisikip ang dibdib ko sa tuwing pinagmamasdan ko siya.

Every move of her, every breath she takes, every smile she lights on me, every lip-bite when she's shy or out of words to say...even when I'm inside her ay kulang pa rin. It's just...it's all too much! Fuck! I just want her to be my baby mama!

Have I already said she's beautiful? Parang hindi sapat na ulitin ko. Hindi sapat na sabihin lang. Gusto ko nalang siyang titigan. Everything about her is just so striking. Yeah...she struck me like lightning.

Buong magdamag akong nakatitig sa kanya. We made love all night. Alam kong may sama pa siya ng loob at may ideya na ako kung bakit.

"This isn't enough....this isn't enough for me..."

Even kissing her won't be enough. I'm not looking for something anymore. She is that something and she's more than that. She's more than anything that could make me feel enough. Lagpas langit ang pangangailangan ko sa kanya.

"What's enough for you?"

'I wanna marry you'. Ito ang gusto kong sabihin nang umagang 'yon. Pero tanging pagtitig ang nagawa ko.

And that was the last time I saw her until three and a half years.

It broke my fucking heart. Not even Antonia was able to ruin it enough. Kasi kung nasira niya ako, hindi ko na sana mamahalin si Lory ng ganito.

"Kailan daw ako makakalabas?"

Nakatingala ako sa puting kisame, binubulag ang mga mata ko sa marahas na puting ilaw. Tatlong araw na ako sa ospital at hindi ko alam kung matatawag kong suwerte ang paggising ko.

I woke up with Lorelei hating me. At the same time I'm happy to be alive, pinaghirapan ko naman ang mabuhay. If I have to do the same mistake again, this time taking her from her father who now despises me, then I'll do it.

If being immature is going to be a way for me to have her back, why stop?

"Two days from now. You acquired blunt trauma," ani ni Ryland. "Pumunta si tito Herman, babalik daw siya mamaya para kausapin ka."

Sinubukan kong tumayo ngunit pinigilan ako ni Chaucer. "I have to talk to Lory. That can't be my kid!"

"In the first place Rouge, bakit ka pa naghabol sa kanya? Sa 'yo man ang dinala ni Antonia o hindi, still it would have boiled down to this. You fucked up big time! Haven't gotten your head out from your ass, have you?"

Masama ang tingin niya sa 'kin. Well he always does.

I ignored them. I mean, what they said is true so I just kept my assentation in silence. I don't fight against them. It's all done. Nangyari na. What I'm worrying about is what's going to happen next, not the things that had already came into place.

"Where is she?" tahimik kong tanong. I expect for them to know her whereabouts for me.

"She won't talk to you," kaswal na sagot ni Chaucer

"I know. I'm asking where she is."

"She's in a place where you won't show up."

Kung nakakabutas man ng bungo ang tingin, matagal nang nakabulagta  si Chaucer at siya ang ipapalit ko sa hinihigaan ko ngayon. Bakit ba ayaw nilang sabihin kung nasaan siya? Is it too hard for them to know? Alam nilang magtatanong  ako tungkol sa kaniya!

"She was here yesterday and that was the last time I've seen here." Si Ryland ang matinong sumagot saka niya nilingon si Chaucer. They knew. They saw her!

"Tell me where the fuck is she! I told you to find her for me!"

Tumayo si Chaucer at animo'y naghahamon ng suntukan akong sinugod sa bed. Ako ang agrabyado dahil ako 'tong nakahiga. 

Alertong tumayo si Ryland upang pigilan siya. Nagpumiglas si Chaucer.

"I talked to her okay? She's done! Ayaw ka niyang makausap! Sinabi ko sa kanyang hinahanap mo siya. I told her that you were serious with her but she won't believe a thing. Nagmatigas siya Rouge. So fucking quit it! Give her some damn space!"

I know that. Alam kong magmamatigas siya. Lory's easy to please, but she's one fine fierce woman. Once you break her trust, parang puno ang itatanim niyang hinanakit sa 'yo. Hindi basta-basta natitibag.

Napahilamos ako sa aking mukha. It still hurts but I don't care. Walang-wala lang ang mga pasa at sugat ko.

Nang araw na 'yon ay nakita ko ang batang katulong nila Lory na dumaan sa hallway ng ospital. May dalang paperbag. That must be for Antonia.

"Shirley! Psst!" tawag pansin ko sa kanya.

Di ko alam kung tatawa ako sa inosenteng panlalaki ng kanyang mga mata.

"Sir Rouge..."

Sinenyasan ko siyang lumapit. Tumingin siya sa paligid bago ako nilapitan. Hinila ko siya papasok sa room.

"Nasaan si Lorelei?" agaran kong tanong.

Yumuko siya.

"Shirley please...kailangan kong makausap ang amo mo." Kung kailangan kong magmakaawa sa katulong gagawin ko.

"Nasa Las Vegas po sila ng kapatid niya."

Fuck it. Alam ba 'to nila Ryland?

"Kailan pa sila umalis?"

"Madaling araw po, kanina," aniya.

Binigay ko sa kanya ang luma kong cellphone. Malaki ang crack nito pero gumagana pa naman. I never thought mababasa ni Lorelei ang laman nito. I never thought maa-unlock niya ang passcode.

"Balitaan mo ako tungkol sa kanya. Ikaw ang mata ko kay Lory," seryoso kong sabi.

"P-pero..."

"Please Shirley. Bawal na ako sa subdivision, ikaw lang ang maaasahan ko. I'm begging here..."

Parang tuta siyang nakatitig sa 'kin. Talo pa ang birhen sa pagiging inosente ng batang 'to!

My frustration level jumped up to the highest bar sa nakikitang pag-aalinlangan niya. Alright! Loyal siya sa amo niya! Ginulo ko ang buhok ko at muli siyang hinarap.

"Tutustusan ko ang pag-aaral mo. Full payment na ang tuition fee. How is that?" I am downright desperate right now.

Matagal niya akong tinitigan bago siya tumango, yakap ang basag kong cellphone. "Okay po. Makakaasa po kayo."

Well 'yon lang naman pala ang makapagpapayag sa kanya.

Matagal nakapagreport sa 'kin si Shirely kaya mas lalo akong na-frustrate. I need the information rightaway kaya ako na ang gumawa ng paraan pagkalabas ko ng ospital. But I was in no such luck. Even her closest friends didn't know a single thing.

Umabot pa ng isang buwan bago kumontak ulit ang bata.

"Ahm...sir Rouge, sa Rancho Bel Air po sa Wimbledon, Las Vegas ang tinutuluyan nila ngayon. Itetext ko po sa inyo ang buong address."

Halos mapatalon ako sa kinauupuan. My hands were literally shaking holding the phone.

"Yes Shirley please ASAP! I've already had your scholarship prepared in Ateneo."

"A-ateneo po? Oh my god...Sir, address lang naman po ang binigay ko. Ayos na po ako kahit sa community college lang."

"No. You'd be in Ateneo. Punta ka sa opisina ko sa White Harbor para maibigay ko ang requirements mo at ma-enrol ka na this Monday."

"Jusko! Pano ko 'to sasabihin kay Nanay..."

Tinawagan ko si Douglas at pinaluwas ng Las Vegas upang siya ang magmatiyag kay Lory doon. I wanted to do it on my own pero may kailangan rin akong asikasuhin dito sa bansa. My father trusted me to change and do my responsibilities. And besides, I'm giving Lorelei her time and space. But once she comes back, hihilain ko na siya agad pabalik sa 'kin. Nothing and no one could stop me.

Ikalawang taon. I am face to face with the man that is slightly a smack-dab of her. He suddenly showed up infront of my door across Lorelei's condo.

"Lauris."

Malayo sa inasahan ko ang binungad niya sa 'kin. Tinanggap ko ang bawat suntok niya. She's Lory's brother. I am not gonna fight back.

Namilipit ako sa sakit pero pinuwersa ko pa ring makatayo. I wipe the blood at the back of my hand. Dudura sana ako but...I've just vacuumed my marbled floor.

"So you're not done yet. Taon-taon ba akong makakatanggap ng ganito? Who's going to throw a fist on me next year?" Marahan akong tumawa.

"Noon ko pa 'yan gustong gawin sa 'yo, ngayon lang ako nakahanap ng tiyempo. That's for my sister." Hindi naman galit ang tono niya. He's one of those unpredictable dudes na di mo alam kung kailan galit o kailan seryoso.

"How is she?" Hinawakan ng hinlalaki ko ang aking labi kung saan ko dinama ang sugat. Dinungaw ko ang dugo sa aking daliri.

"She's happily engaged."

Tumawa ako. "Engaged lang naman pala. Maaagaw ko pa. Kailan siya uuwi?"

I wasn't threatened by that news. I've encountered worse ones than knowing my woman is engaged.

"Pagkatapos niyang ikasal. You know that shotgun wedding in Las Vegas? Elvis Presley style...I don't know kung invited ka. But if you want, you could come." Ningisihan niya ako bago tinalikuran.

I guess my assistant missed out knowing this information. Wala siyang nai-report na engagement ni Lory. Or it could be Lauris was lying. Pangiti-ngiti lang siya pero tuso rin ang isang 'yon.

"Confirmed sir, nalaman ko po mismo kay Arevalo. Palagi rin po silang magkasama sa tuwing binibisita niya si Ms. Dreyfus dito," ani ni Douglas via international call.

I remained unperturbed.

If so, then I'll just wait for her to come back. But I'll make sure this time, she'd end up with me. I'll tame her anger kung naroon pa man ang galit niya sa 'kin. She won't stay angry at me perpetually, anyway.

May sinend na mensahe sa 'kin—no, it's not just a message. It's a stolen shot picture of Lorelei in her white tank top and high waist jeans. Damn! When did she acquire that toned stomache? And those curves were even more defined I wanted so bad to run my hands in that smooth skin of hers.

Hindi ako mapakali sa inuupuan ko habang pinagmamasdan ang litrato. Her hair...it's now cut to mid-length and styled in tousled bob waves. She looks great in it. She's so beautiful.

She's back, Sir :D

Napangiti ako. Hindi ako nagkamali na pagkatiwalaan ang batang 'to. Graduate man, she still keeps on feeding me information. Paying for her studies was utterly worth it.

Binalikan ko ang pagtitig sa litrato. Kung marami mang galit sa mga taong nanakit sa kanila, maybe I'm an outcast among those people. Because even how many times Lorelei's going to break me as much as how she has ruined everyone for me, even how many days I've lived my life missing her...dreaming of her...still loving her...after three and a half years, she still owns me. She's the only one I allowed to own me this way. Hard and steadfast.

But I won't work alone in taming her back.

"Pinopormahan siya ni Zavid," pahayag ni Lauris. I was surprised he invited me in his condo the same building where Lory's condo is and mine.

"So you're in alliance with me?" Dumekwatro ako at tinungga ang nilahad niyang beer can. This is a man to man talk. Parang wala lang nangyaring suntukan noong nakaraang taon.

He painted his signature smirk. Tinuro niya ako sa kamay niyang may hawak na beer.

"Wala akong pinapanigan. Binabantaan lang kita. I'm just being fair. Zavid is good for her while you are good and bad for her. If it's just the good, it's not healthy. There should be a balance between the good and the bad. In that way, mas angat ka kesa sa kanya. But I'm not saying that I'm siding with you."

"Doesn't make a difference. I still took great pride in what you've said."

Muli siyang ngumisi. I could feel something brewing in that Machiavellian head of his. "Huwag kang pakampante. Zavid has an edge, too. Sinaktan mo pa rin ang kapatid ko."

"I am complacent about this, Lauris. Babalik sa 'kin ang kapatid mo. It's not a threat. That is meant to happen, " I finally said. Dead set and with flat-out conviction.

I wrapped the white towel on my waist then went out from the shower. I just came from my run and Lory's not around when I came back. Nakailang text na ako sa kanya pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi siya nagre-reply. I just have to wait for her then.

Pinadaan ko ang kamay sa basa kong buhok habang tinutungo ang nighstand kung saan nagri-ring ang aking cellphone. It was from an unknown number.

"Hello?"

"Rouge..."

"Antonia?" pagtataka ko.

Bumaling ako sa bukana ng kwarto. It has no door, and I imagined Lorelei standing right there listening as the past unfolds once again. Ayaw ko na ulit maungkat iyon. The last thing I want to happen is to communicate with Antonia.

"Yes... it's me." Hearing her hushed voice, parang may pinagtataguan siya.

"What do you want?"

"Lory's wedding is—"

"Tomorrow, I know. Pupunta nga ako bukas." Putol ko sa kanya. I don't have to be reminded of it. I have that in my mind like a damn tattoo.

"Bukas pa? Rouge, the wedding's about to start in thirty minutes! Lucas had your invitation made wrong on purpose!"

Her statement rendered me frozen. Nanlamig ang mga kamay ko. But this is Antonia. She's Mr. Dreyfus's wife who doesn't want me for her daughter. Hindi ko alam kung papaniwalaan ko siya. "Are you sure?"

"Of course! Tatawagan ba kita kung hindi ako sigurado?" nahihimigan ko ang inis niya. Maybe I should believe her. Wala namang mawawala kung maniwala ako.

"Come here fast and stop the wedding,"pinal niyang sabi saka naputol ang linya.

Marahas akong suminghap at mabigat na hangin ang aking pinakawalan. The weight of tension and fear has never left me as I threw my phone in Lory's—'our' bed.

Kaagad akong nagbihis, kinuha ang unang kasuotang nakikita ko na nakakalat lang sa sahig. I don't give a rat's ass! I have less than an hour to stop the wedding. Alam ba ni Lory ang tungkol dito? Bakit pa siya umalis? Fuck this!

Kinuha ko ang susi saka tumakbo palabas ng unit. Hindi ako mapakali habang hinihintay na bumukas ang elevator. I keep combing my hair in frustration, looking at my watch, tapping my feet, and my stomache's in knots. Inuunahan na ako ng aking kaba at takot na baka hindi ko mapigilan ang kasal!

"Fucking open this goddamn lift now!" sigaw ko, minamaltrato ng aking kamao ang pinto. Tinaliman ko ng tingin ang ilang mga nakasaksi sa kabaliwan ko. They'll call the security? The hell they will.

Mabilis akong pumasok at sinangga pa ang mga sakay pagkahawi ng pinto. I didn't bother say sorry, wala ako sa mood ngayon. Namamasa na aking palad. Mas lalong sumikip ang aking dibdib at handa nang sumabog sa ilang segundo habang nakakulong ako sa apat na sulok ng elevator na 'to. Binalewala ko ang mga nanunuring mga mata sa aking direksyon.

I didn't even bother bring my cellphone, comb my hair or spritz some perfume. This is an emergency so I have no time to dress up nicely.

Bumukas ang lift, sumiksik ako upang ako ang unang makalabas. Binombahan ako ng reklamo ng mga nabangga ko but all I could afford is to run to the parking lot.

Malayo pa lang ay pinatunog ko na ang sasakyan saka nagmaneho at mabilis sumibad. Tumili ang gulong at malakas ang ugong ng tambutso. I need my cousin Ryland to drive me to the church. He's a car racer kaya mas madali niya akong mahahatid doon. But I have no time to seek someone's aid right now! All I have is myself.

I'm not familiar with the churches here kaya paulit ulit kong binabanggit ang simbahang nabasa ko sa invitation. But damn traffic! Ngayon pa? Putang ina! Nagmamadali ako!

Padabog kong pinindot ang busina dahil sa bagal ng sinusundan kong van. Gigil na akong bungguin ito at daanan ang kisame! Binubulabog ko na ang buong highway.

May malaking espasyo sa gilid na lagpas sa yellow line. The traffic light is green, no traffic enforcer at walang sumasalubong na sasakyan.That's my all clear. I shifted to gear three then I speeded away. I've done illicit things in my life, so this one's just a piece of piss.

"Come on...come on..." I chanted as I was driving out of way meeting passing vehicles na papunta sa kabilang direksyon. Limang segundo nalang ay magre-redlight na.

Nanginginig ang mga kamay kong humawak sa shiftstick. Buong-diin kong tinapakan ang accelerator. Umani iyon ng nakakabinging busina galing sa mga sasakyan. Hindi ako bobo o tanga o baliw na aasang walang hahabol sa 'king MMDA officer. Magtataka pa ako kung walang hahabol.

Tingin lang sa daan at relo dumedestino ang aking paningin. Sa tantiya ko, halos thirty minutes na ang nakalipas mula nung tumawag si Antonia.

Imbes na giginhawa ang pakiramdam ay mas lalo lang akong binubugbog ng kaba habang papalapit sa simbahan. Malayo pa lang ay kita na ang pumapaligid ng magagarang sasakyan sa labas. Hindi na ako makasiksik sa puno ng parking spaces.

Sa unang bakanteng lote na natagpuan ay doon nalang ako nag-park, bumaba ng sasakyan at tinakbo ang namagitang distansya sa ilalim ng sikat ng araw.

Upon hearing Pachelbel's Canon in D, binilisan ko ang takbo na halos hindi ko na maramdaman ang mga paa kong nakatapak sa lupa. Nag-iinit na ang sulok ng aking mga mata pati na ang aking dibdib. Because Lory, kahit anong mangyari, pipigilan ko ang kasal.

Noon ay kamao ang binabato sa 'kin ng ama mo, kung baril man ngayon, pipigilan ko pa rin. If I have to die stopping the wedding, I fucking would!

Habol-hininga akong huminto sa tapat ng bukana ng simbahan. Napayukod ako't tinukod ang mga kamay sa 'king tuhod. Humahapdi na ang aking dibdib at nanunuyo ang lalamunan.

Pinunasan ko ang naglandas na pawis sa aking noo gamit ng aking braso habang pinapanood ang mabagal na paglalakad ni Lory sa red carpet na kumokontra sa puti niyang wedding gown. The ruffled design from the waist down looks like feathers following her behind.

I didn't have the time to appreciate the whole setting. Malalaking hakbang ang ginawa ko papasok sa loob ng simbahan. My determined strides and brave soul are my silver lining so I'm clinging to them right at this moment.

Nanganak ng mga bulungan pero patuloy pa rin akong humahakbang. It seems like I'm wearing a pair of blinkers dahil tanging na kay Lorelei lang ang mga mata ko.

Tinapakan ko ang tela ng gown niya sa parteng nakasayad sa carpet dahilan upang siya'y mapahinto sa paglalakad. Pero hindi tumigil ang Canon in D.

Lumingon siya sa likod, tuluyang pumihit nang makita ako. Ang gulat na nakapinta sa maganda niyang mukha ay tinapatan ko ng ngiti. As much as how I like to voice out how beautiful she is, wala na kaming oras. We have to get away.

"Rouge..." tumakas ang butil ng luha sa mga mata niya.

I wipe her tear-stricken cheek then tilt her chin. "Run away with me, Lorelei..."

Hindi ko na siya hinintay sumagot. Bumaba ang kamay ko't inabot ang kamay niya saka siya hinila at nagsimula na kaming tumakbo.

Hindi siya tumanggi. Hindi niya pinigilan ang sarili. Sumasama siya sa 'kin. Kung wala man sa mga 'yon ang ginawa niya, pipilitin ko pa rin naman siya. I would surely go caveman!

"Lory!"

Rinig kong tawag ng kanyang ama kasabay ang mga protesta t bulungan ng mga nasa simbahan. Nilingon ko si Lory upang tunghayan sana ang reaksyon niya. She's looking at me through her moist and warm brown eyes.

"I already do, Rouge. I will always run away with you..." habol-hininga niyang sabi habang papalabas na kami ng simabahan.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is making me hard right now. God, I love her!

"Come back here, Lorelei!"

Walang tumigil sa 'min. Sa gitna ng pagtakbo ay tinanggal ni Lory ang kanyang heels so I have to stop for a second to let her take it off. Sinungkit niya ang strap sa mga daliri niya and we resume.

All hell broke loose. Nagsilabasan na ang mga tao sa simbahan, kanya-kanyang pindot ng mga cellphone at tawag sa kung sino. Ang ama niya 'y tinuturo kami sa kausap niyang security.

And Lauris, kinawayan niya lang kami. I guess he has our blessing.

"Where are we going Rouge?" tanong ni Lory nang makalayo na kami.

Lagpas normal na ang numerong pinupunto ng stick sa speedometer. I have to drive fast bago pa kami maabutan.

"Anywhere but here..." saka lumikha ng ugong ang kotse sa pagdagdag ko ng bilis sa pagmamaneho.

Diretso ko siyang hinatak palabas pagkatapos maka-park sa White Harbor. Sinalubong kami ni Douglas na nanlaki ang medyo singkit na mga mata nang makita ang kasama ko. Pinagtitinginan rin kami ng mga nandito.

"You operate the yacht." Utos ko. Hindi kami huminto sa paglalakad. Hatak ko pa rin si Lory.

"Y-yes, Sir."

Sandali niyang pinasidahan si Lorelei bago siya tumalikod at nauna na sa 'min.

Hinila ko si Lory papasok sa cabin ng yate at marahang tinulak sa kama. She gasped and continually gaped as I crawled my way on top of her. Hinubad ko ang basa sa pawis kong shirt.

"Bakit hindi ka umatras?" hinihingal kong tanong.

Defensive siyang umiling at may kaunting takot sa mga mata.

"There were guards everywhere! I swear Rouge, wala akong alam! Akala ko rin ay bukas pa ang kasal. Dad called and asked me to help him on something but it was just a trap. I texted you before I left. Hindi ko na maintindihan si dad..." Halos naiiyak niyang paliwanag.

Hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya at ilalim ng mga mata niyang nangingilid sa luha. I reached to her back and tugged on the zipper of her dress. She gladly obliged as I slid the velvety cloth off her slender-curve body. Painstakingly slow, sinusundan iyon ng mga mata ko.

"We'll get away for a while... we'll let their heads cool then we'll go back a few days later. Sounds like a plan?"

"Few days?" Parang hindi siya sang-ayon sa sinabi ko.

"Yeah? Don't you wanna?"

He bit her pink-painted lips at parang nahihiya akong tinignan. Namula ang pisngi niya.

"Why not a few weeks? Or...years?"

Tumawa ako at binaon ang aking mukha sa kanyang leeg. She massaged my head and combed my hair at the same time.

There's no place that I'd rather be but in her lair. In her arms. In the sanctuary of her body. In the shrine of her presence.

"Thanks for stopping it. Bakit mo nga pala alam na ngayon ang kasal?" tanong niya.

"Antonia called. She saved us."

Inangat ko ang aking ulo upang dungawin siya. I threaded my hands on her hair and tugged on it as I dipped my lips on hers to kiss her deeply, deep-seated with love and in all sincerity.

Worshipping her lips and her as a whole has never felt this good I could weep for blissing out.

Lumarga na ang yate. But I didn't stop kissing her. I veered and went into kissing her cheeks, nose, eyes...then went back to her lips before I travelled to her ear and tug at it with my mouth.

I unhook her bra, it's strapless so it's easy for me to throw it out. Then I reached down and pulled her black lace panties. Lumuhod ako habang dahan-dahan itong binababa sa mga binti niya.

I fisted the thin-cloth into a ball then threw it out at the open window.

"Rouge! Favorite ko iyon!" maktol niya.

Tinukod niya ang siko sa kama at gulat akong tinignan bago siya bumaling sa bukas na bintana. I could see the city buildings from here.

Humalakhak ako at muling pumatong sa kanya.

"I can always buy you another. Besides, we don't need that anymore. Care to agree?"

She answered me with a kiss and encased her mile-high legs around me. The feels that I've always been dying to bask myself in.

Dinikit ko ang noo ko sa kanya samantalang tinatanggal ko ang butones ng aking jeans. My hands are shaking. I always do when it comes to her. Hindi ko alam kung anong meron sa kanya na pinapakaba ako sa tuwing ginagawa namin 'to.

In the end, I didn't mind my trembling nerves and I just do the best way I can to please her as much as how she brings me to Elysium.

Kinapa ko ang mukha niya, namamasa na ang aking mga mata. Maybe this is the feeling for overcoming everything. Luha sa saya ng nagawa namin kanina, sa pagtakas palayo sa mga hindi ayon sa amin.

Even in the next life, even with my soul being thrown down to hell, it will all be worth it for her .With her.

"I love you, Rouge..." buong-puso niyang bulong. I could feel it to the frigging brim!

I closed my eyes as I let those words echo in my ear, be seeped in and enclosed it with my heart. There's no other sound that is more beautful than her voice saying it.

Well...okay, I'll include her pleasured moans of my name.

Hindi ko ikinahiya ang paglandas ng luha sa mga mata ko. Isang beses ko siyang hinalikan at taos-pusong tinitigan. Nanginginig pa rin ang mga kamay kong kinukuwadro ang mukha niya.

"I don't need anything else but you and your love, Lory. You and the family that we will be having. At sa pamilyang bubuhuin natin, 'yon na ang magiging mundo ko. Everything about you, Lorelei...everything that involves you...is the kind of world that I need to revolve myself around to."

I kissed her again as I slid my way inside of her to the hilt. Hearing one of my favorite sounds from her escapes her throat. And that's all I need. She's all I need. This is all I need as much as how I need her like my next breath.

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If you're reading this, it means you have reached the end of the story. Thank you so much sa mga nagbasa at nakaabot sa huling yugto na 'to.

Daghang Salamat!