Enjoy reading!

Third Person's POV

"You, why, bakit hindi mo 'ko sinisigawan..."

Thunder trembled.  He lied. They are not married. Jaime stiffened for a moment.

Natatarantang mas lalong humigpit ang yakap niya sa dalaga. Naiinis siya sa sarili kung bakit niya hindi inirehistro ang kanilang kasal dahil nagpadala siya sa galit. He's such a jerk. Ayaw niya mang saktan ang dalaga ay mas mabuti ng aminin niya dito ang kanyang pagkakamali. 

"I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you," Paulit- ulit na usal niya habang hinahalikan ang buhok ng dalaga.

Jaime smiles a little. Nagpakawala siya ng malalim na buntong hininga. Strangely enough, a big burden on her chest was lifted.

"Hindi ko sasabihing, hindi ako nasaktan sa nalaman ko," Panimula niya. "But it's not entirely your fault. Hindi ko inisip ang magiging epekto ng pagdating ko sa buhay mo. I was selfish. I never thought about your feelings, your disposition. Pilit kong ipinagsiksikan ang sarili ko sayo. I made your life messy. Idinamay kita sa gulo ng pamilya ko.

"At first inisip ko na responsibilidad mo kami, dahil sa pagbubuntis ko. I want them, but I never ask your side. I wallow in self pity. Masyado kong inisip ang lahat ng kalungkutan ko. Masyado kong kinaawaan ang sarili ko at natakot sa kung anong mangyayari sa mga magiging anak ko. That I never realize the burden and responsibility, na ipinasa ko sa iyo. I never consider your side specially your family. That's why I can never blame them. Gusto kong humingi ng tawad sayo at maging sa pamilya mo."

Mabining hinaplos ni Jaime ang kanyang tiyan.

"Thank you ha, dahil tinanggap mo kami at hindi ipinagtabuyan. Inako mo yung responsibilidad na alagaan kami. Thunder, salamat sa lahat."

Nagsipaglaglan ang kanyang mga luha.

"Shh, stop saying that please, don't say that.. Responsibilidad kita, kayo." His voice broke. Hinalik-halikan niya ang buhok ng dalaga.

"I was selfish. This time, gusto kong gawin yung tama. I, I realized, I don't deserve you but, can I ask one last favor from you? Take care of them, kasi I-"

"Stop! Ano bang pinagsasasabi mo? I don't like where we are getting at! We're going to take care of them together!" Agad na pagtitigil niya sa dalaga. "Bakit parang nagpapaalam ka?!"

Muling kinain ng kaba ang kanyang dibdib kung kaya ay hindi niya mapigilang mapasigaw. He's panicking. Hindi niya gusto ang ipinupunto ng dalaga. Hindi niya kayang tanggapin.

"Thunder-"

"Jaime, listen to me. Marry me! Let's start over again, Bee, baby, please let's start over again. We've been through a lot. This time for real! Let's raise them together."

Marahang humiwalay siya sa dalaga. He got the ring then gently put it around her once pale long slender fingers. She lost too much weight. Her face sank and her fingers are slightly bony. Nanginginig ang kanyang mga daliri ng hinaplos niya ang ipinasuot niyang singsing dito."There, there, see? It fits. Beautiful. It suits you!"

Masuyong hinalikan niya ang kamay nito. Pilit niyang inignora ang gustong sabihin ni Jaime. He don't want to listen to her. His trembling hands gently cups her pale face. Tinitigan niya ang mga mata nito. He tried his best to show her a jolly smile.

Tears were brimming on her eyes.  Parang napapasong inalis ni Jaime ang kanyang kamay mula sa pagkakahawak  ni Thunder. Tinitigan niya ang singsing sa kanyang palasingsingan. She should be happy because he want to marry her. She should be crying for joy.  She should be thanking the heavens... Pero hindi.

If only the things between them are normal. Lihim na bumuntong hininga siya. Marahang umiling-iling si Jaime. She took off the ring and place it back on his palm.

"Pakasalan mo yung taong makakasama mo habang buhay. Marry someone who is not selfish. Someone who is strong enough. Marry someone who will take the chance to completely understand and love you. And someone who can accept you and our babies. Yung hindi hinihingi ng pagkakataon o idinidikta ng sitwasyon.  At hindi ako iyon."

The hands that is holding her face slid down.

"Ganon na lang ba yon? Hindi ka man lang lalaban? Jaime, how can you tell me to marry someone that is not you?! Susuko ka na lang agad? Kasi ako gulong-gulo  na pero, pero ayokong sumuko kasi masakit eh. Ang sakit-sakit dito!"

Naluluhang itinuro niya ang puso. He can't understand her. Pero deep inside he did, ayaw niya lamang aminin sa sariling huli na ang lahat. They cannot change the past and he can never change her mind.

So he did the only thing that he can think of. He turn his back on her and left.

...

Tears slid down her cheeks, ngunit mabilis niya din iyong pinahid ng bumukas ang pintuan. Jaime sighed to calm herself. She needs to be strong. Stronger than anybody else. Life taught her to be brave.

"How is he?" Panimula niya dahil mistulang matuod ang dalagang bagong dating- si Rain.

Yumuyogyog ang balikat ni Rainesme habang kaharap siya. "S-si Kuya-"

Nakangiting iminuwestra niya ang kamay.

"I'm sorry!" Parang batang sumugod sa kanya ng yakap ang dalaga. Rain hug Jaime tight. Her tears flowing like stream. "Hindi ko sinasadya! Hindi talaga!"

Jaime felt bad. Kahit kailan ay hindi niya inisip na sisihin ang dalaga. Dahil alam niyang wala itong kasalanan. Pare-parehas silang biktima dito. Biktima ng tadhanang masyadong mapaglaro. Hindi niya mapigilang mapaluha din, ngunit pasimple niya itong pinunasan. "I know. I forgive you kasi wala kang kasalanan."

Mahigpit na yinakap niya si Rainesme. Both of them was depending on each others warmth. Matapos kumalma ay nakangiting nagsalita si Jaime. "Can I have a favor from you?"

Mabilis na tumango-tango si Rain. She whispered some words to her ears. After that, lumabas ang dalaga at muling pumasok hawak-hawak ang maliit na notebook.

Masinsinang nag-usap ang dalawa hanggang sa pumasok sina Gideon, Aster at Kazuo. Nasundan ito nila Isabella at Margus. The two girls cried a lot. Thunder stayed silent. Jaime just smile at them. The atmosphere was very heavy hanggang sa dumating na ang itinakdang oras. Napilitang lumabas ng pito.

Lahat ay naging tensyonado.  They are very nervous.

Lumipas ang mga oras tanging ang pagpatak lamang ng orasan ang maririnig. Lahat sila ay balisang nakatitig sa pintuan. They don't know how long the hours has passed. Every second was passing like an hour. Napakabagal.

Tahimik na nakaupo sa malamig na sahig si Thunder. His tense back was pressed againts the door. "Kung sino ka man, make them safe, please!" Piping panalangin niya. His eyes were tightly close. Suot niya pa rin ang damit na may mga natuyong dugong galing kay Jaime. But he don't seem to care.

Nakapokus lamang ang kanyang atensyon sa pagpapakiramdam sa likod ng pintuan.

Seconds turns to minutes. Minutes turns to hours.

Suddenly an ear piercing cry from a baby envelope the silence. Biglang napatayo si Thunder.

That- a babies first cry! He's now officially a father! Hindi niya maipaliwanag ang kanyang nararamdaman.

His eldest was born!

"Uwaaah! Uwaaaah!"

"Oh God! That's-" Naluluhang pinakinggan nina Isabella ang pagiyak ng bata.

The cry was followed by another soft one.

Damn his twins was born. Their babies was born! Pakiramdam niya ay nahihilo siya sa halo-halong nararamdaman. May saya na kahalong pangamba.

"Doc she stops breathing!"

It feels like a bomb exploded in their ears.

"S-he stops?" namanhid ang kanyang puso.

"What the fuck do you mean? Doc! Doc!"

Galit na kinatok niya ang pintuan. Just behind that door lies his wife. How can they say that she stops breathing?

"Tangina buksan niyo 'to!"

Halos kalampagin na niya ang pintuan. Ngunit walang nangahas na pagbuksan siya ng pintuan sapagkat lahat ng atensyon ng mga nurse at doctor ay nakatutok sa babae.

From the glass window, he can see their tense back. He repeatedly punch the wall beside him.

Balisang napadausdos siya sa sahig. His fist clenched tighly on his hair.

After another round of hours lumabas si doctora Gimenez. "Congratulations. The babies are healthy, the family can visit them."

He doesn't know what to feel. He feel exhausted. He felt tired. Tears was stinging his eyes. Jaime, little bee,  baby, thank you.

"Doc, how about her?" he whispered.

Two of the youngest generation of Dimiscus was born.

Dr. Jimenez sighed. "As for their mother, she was still unconscious. Ginawa na po namin ang lahat ng aming magagawa. It's up for him. But I'm afraid her heart can't suffer any longer."

That night Jaime was in a coma. Fighting between life and death. Her fight has just began. But she's a willing warrior.

..

JAIME WAS UNDER OBSERVATION for 24 hours. After a day and night she show no sign of waking up. Nanatiling nakahawak sa kanyang kamay si Thunder. Makailang ulit nagpabago-bago ang kondisyon nito. Minsan ay masyadong humihina ang tibok ng puso niya. He holds her hand through out the day. Ni hindi siya lumabas man lang at nanatiling nakabantay sa kanya. He only take a bath ng pilitin siya ni Kazuo, saying that Jaime needs a clean environment, so he reluctantly agreed.

He was just afraid that she will wake up and he'll miss it. He knows she'll wake up. Hindi niya alintana ang pangingitim sa  baba ng kanyang mga mata. The fatigue, hunger and stress is nothing for him. Gusto niya lang manatiling nasa tabi ng dalaga. Gusto niya siya ang unang makita nito sa kanyang paggising. Tanggap niya ang pagtanggi nito sa kanyang alok na kasal. He understands her but that doesn't mean he's not hurt.

Naalerto si Thunder ng mapansin ang paggalaw ng mga mata ng dalaga. Sandaling hindi niya alam ang gagawin.

Jaime's eyelashes trembled. Her eyes slowly opens revealing her watery pair of orbs. His blue and green eyes met her clear warm-chocolate eyes. This is the first time when he truly understand how beautiful her eyes are. 

Is he dreaming? Panaginip lang ba ito? Kung oo pwede bang hindi na siya magising? Kung pwede lamang pahintuin ang oras. Gagawin niya.

Unbeknownst to him, mariing nakatutok lamang ang kanyang paningin sa dalaga.

When she whispered the word , "Hi," parang sasabog ang kanyang puso sa tuwa. Her voice! God how he miss her voice!

Nanginginig ang kamay na inabot niya ang pisngi ng dalaga. He carefully touch her face. His fingers gently caress her cheeks. He can't believe it she's awake! "I'm not dreaming right?" Nangangatal ang labi na usal niya.

Nangingiting umiling si Jaime. Her smile was radiant, she was glowing. She seems really energetic despite her pale chapped lips. Hindi mo iisiping may sakit ito. "C-can I see them?"

"I'll call for a nurse-" Natataranta namang napatayo si Thunder. He can just press the button for the nurses. Ni hindi niya napansin na mahigpit parin ang hawak niya sa kamay ng dalaga.

"Wag na," She refused.

"But you need a rest, your body-" Napatigil sa pagsasalita si Thunder. Dr. Gimenez's words echoed on his brain.

Her heart can't suffer any longer. 

"This is my body. I can feel it. Ramdam ko kung anong nangyayari. Everything is fine."

Realization dawned on him.

Umiwas ng tingin si Thunder. Nag-iinit ang dulo ng kanyang mga mata. He slowly nod his head.

It was already 2 am. Madilim pa ang kalangitan. Thunder gently pushed her wheel chair. They are like taking a slow stroll, ang kaibahan lang ay nasa corridor sila at nakaupo sa wheel chair ang dalaga. Their heart was beating serenely. As if reaching out to comfort each other.

Huminto sila sa tapat ng isang kwarto. Paminsan-minsan ay maririnig mula sa pwesto nila ang mahihinang iyak ng mga sanggol. "We're here." Thunder whispered while looking at her.

Jaime's eyes clouded. Tanging isang glass window lamang ang naghihiwalay sa kanila. Nasa harap nila ang dalawang crib, isang kulay bughaw at isang kulay rosas. Mula sa kanilang pwesto ay malinaw na nakikita nila ang malulusog na sanggol. They look so tiny. She reach her arms. She wants to touch them. She wants to cradle them. Her fingers landed on the cold glass window. They are so close yet so far. Tears started to stream down her face. For the first time she felt immensely proud of her self. She felt satisfied and accomplished. Siya ang nagluwal ng dalawang anghel na ito. She felt fulfilled.

"He's so handsome, my girl's so beautiful. I wonder how they will look as they grow older. He got your nose Thunder, and she got mine." Wala sa sariling usal niya.  Her fingers slide on the cold glass separating them as if caressing their fragile faces.

How she wish she could be with them a little longer. Kahit sandali lang, kahit saglit lang. But she can't ask for more.

"D-do you want to touch them?"

Jaime smile and shake her head. She don't want to wake them up. Sapat na ang makita niya sila kahit na sa malayo. Thunder's lips trembled. Marahang pinahid niya ang mga luha ng dalaga. He can't bear to see her cry. It hurts him.

Thunder wrapped his arms around her shoulders. This time he will do whatever she wants without asking a question. Tanging ang paghikbi lamang ng dalaga ang namayani sa kanilang dalawa.

"Take me home, please." Nabigla siya sa hiling ng dalaga. Home...

Thunder said nothing and stare at her for a few seconds. After a while without saying a word he reached for his phone and called his secretary. He makes an arrangement. After a few moments, nakasakay na sila ng kotse. Both are acting as if everything is normal.

Thunder was the one driving. Jaime watch the scene outside the window. For the first time there is a comfortable silence between them. The different lights from the buildings act as stars in the night sky. It was 2:35 in the morning. Kaya wala pang mga sasakyan ang nasa daan sa mga oras na ito. They drive smoothly, while she humms a song.

At 4:43 they reach their house. Parang kahapon lang ng unang makapunta siya dito. The house look as fine as new. Malago na ang nga itinanim nila dito, sa nakalipas lamang  na ilang araw.

Walang imik na lumabas ng kotse si Thunder. He take several deep breaths.  His eyes were red. Parang may mabigat na bato ang nakadagan sa kanyang dibdib, pakiramdam niya ay anumang oras ay kakapusin siya ng hininga. He felt stuffy inside. Thunder let out a long breathe, he straighten his back and open the door for her.

Neither of them say a word. Thunder silently put his arms on her back and on the back of her knees, lifting her up.

"Today let me be your feet."

Sumalubong sa kanila ang halimuyak ng ibat-ibang bulaklak. A gentle breeze softly caress their face.

"Hm," Jaime burried her face on his chest. Nanuot sa kanyang ilong ang preskong amoy ni Thunder. Strangely enough it calms her agitated heart. Hinayaan niya ito.

They found themselves at the rooftop, facing the garden. They are sitting side by side. Shoulder to shoulder. Enjoying every caress of the cold morning wind. Enjoying their time together. Maingat na ipinatong ni Thunder sa kanyang balikat ang suot nitong jacket. Keeping her warm and contented.

"You never regret this, do you." Basag ni Thunder sa katahimikan. He looked straight ahead. He was afraid to glance at her.

Isang kalmadong ngiti lamang ang nakaguhit sa maputlang labi ng dalaga. "No. Meeting you and having them is the wisest decision I have ever made. Wala akong pinagsisisihan." she paused.

"I just wish, you pour your love on them. Love them as much as I do. Tell them about me. Tell them I love them. And tell my brother, I owe him alot."

Every word she says is piercing his heart. Mahapdi, masakit. Do they have another choice? Thunder gently held her hand. Looking at her pale bony fingers, he whispered, "Can't you just stay with me?" his voice broke.

"Alam mong hindi." Jaime grasp his hand tighter. "I can feel it Thunder... And this time I want to be selfish again, " Jaime giggles. Her fingers lightly trace his face, from his chin to his lips, his cheek to his mesmerizing pair of blue and green eyes. Nakatutok lamang sa kanya ang buong atensyon ni Thunder. Both memorising each others faces.

If I could just turn the time back, I will show you how much I always love you.

Sometimes saying those three words can never be enough, to make someone you love stay. "Close your eyes. I don't want you to see me like this. Open your eyes as I close mine."

That's why sometimes we better not say it. It's better that way.

She reach her hand to cover his eyes, as she rest her head on his shoulder. She smile. Her eyes gazing at the horizon. 

" I always love the dawn, this time witness it for me... tommorow, the next day and the next...then the next.... my Field King." She softly whisper.

Tears drop down from his closed eyes. His heart was painfully thumping. She remembers? "Thunder.... I ...felt...r-really t-tired.."

She mumbled as her eyes slowly closed. Her grip on his hand loosened. Thunder's tears keep falling from his eyes. "I know baby, how can you be so easily get tired? Fine then...j-just rest, I'll stay with you." He showered kisses on her face. Not daring to open his eyes. He hug her body tight. Searching for her warmth. She's just resting, just resting...

That same day, the 8th day of September, I realized that, people come and go either with your heart or with your soul. And, I lost both.

Nothing last forever.

Sound track:

Little Do You Know by Alex and Sierra

9-23-19 MONDAY, 6:58m