Note: R18 content
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Major General Cajucom stared at my face intently. Saglit lang na dumaan ang gulat sa mukha niya pero nawala rin iyon. He smiled at me.

"I've met my only son, Trey's girlfriend before... and I'm pretty sure it's not you."

Hindi ko binitawan ang titig sa kaniya. "You know who I'm talking about, Major General."

Mahina itong natawa sa sinabi ko. "You're a doctor?"

"I have a PhD."

"Really? What's your research all about?"

Sa wakas ay binitawan niya na din ang kamay ko. I was nervous, but I would never betray myself in front of him. I know he's just being polite, so I tried to explain it as briefly as I can.

Major General Cajucom glanced at his wife who's been patiently waiting for him. He excused himself after our small talk and went to their table. Ako naman, naupo na rin at nakitang papalapit na si Enrique sa akin.

"Anong sinabi niya sa'yo?"

Hindi na nakatiis si Enrique at tinanong ako nang makapasok kami sa sasakyan. He went pale when he saw me talking to his father, on the way back to our table, but he didn't say anything.

I shrugged. "Wala naman. He asked about my research and he was being polite about it."

"Did you say... who you are?" He almost whispered.

I nodded and smiled at him. "I wanted to see his reaction."

Enrique shook his head. "You'll never get that from him. I tried to follow his footsteps on PMA and graduated as class valedictorian but I didn't get as much as a nod of recognition from him. Kahit na nung ma-promote ako nang maaga..." he trailed off and shook his head.

"Is it important to you?" I asked softly. "To get your father's recognition?"

Enrique went silent. After a long while, he sighed.

"Sa totoo lang, hindi ko din alam..." he reached for my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Siguro dahil palagi kong nakikita si Mama na umiiyak dahil sa kaniya. Gusto kong tapunan niya din kami ng tingin, ng atensyon, ng kaunting pagmamahal..." he chuckled humorlessly. "Pero mukhang impossibleng mangyari iyon."

I thought about his sisters. Enrique is strong and resilient. He can withstand his father's cold attitude towards them but what about the girls? Every time they see their father on the news, they can't proudly claim him as family. Lumaki silang wala ang ama sa piling nila kaya napilitan si Enrique na magpaka-Tatay para sa kanila.

"But tonight, after seeing him receive all the awards for all the years in service, I decided that this fight is finally over." Enrique leaned back and closed his eyes. "I won't chase for his approval or love anymore. I'm going to start accepting the fact that my father will never, ever love me."

I leaned on his shoulder and said nothing. We were both exhausted and drained from the event, but somehow, Enrique's surrender brought an air of calmness in him. The storm inside him has finally died down.

"I'm proud of you..." I reminded him again as we both dozed off to sleep.

As the day of his departure neared, I felt strangely calm. Hindi tulad noon na para akong mababaliw sa tuwing iniisip ko na aalis ulit siya. I even asked my friends what to do with myself once he leaves again.

But right now, after everything that's happened... I think I'll be okay.

Kinapa ko and dibdib ko kung may natitira pa bang galit, puot, o hinanakit dahil aalis ulit siya. I couldn't find any. All I know is that I'm proud of him and I'll definitely wait for his return with a happy heart.

The time we had back then was beautiful and will always be special to me. I managed to survive on my own without him by my side and I'm proud of myself for that. Somewhere between those years, a child who was dumbly in love has finally grown up.

"Aalis na naman ang bebeloves ni Avery!" Pang-aasar sa akin ni Celeste.

Ever since Raya and Ivo announced that they secretly got married, our squad was thrown into chaos. Mabilis na umuwi si Celeste at si Lulu sa La Union para makatulong sa paghahanda ng kasal nila sa simbahan. Karlo is still busy with his fiancee, so he couldn't come right away. Tuloy, kaming mga girls lang ang tumutulong dito sa La Union.

"Tigilan mo nga ako, Cel," saway ko sa kaibigan.

We decided to help with the preparations and make Raya as comfortable as she can. Palagi nalang nitong inaako ang lahat ng responsibilidad kahit noong bata pa siya kaya gusto naming maski sa kasal niya lang, wala siyang ibang iisipin.

"Gagi, ngayon ko lang na-realize... hindi na virgin si Ivo!"

"Lulu!" We all groaned.

She laughed. "Sorry, sorry. Eh kasi naman! Halos 24 hours ko nang kasama ang tao simula pagkabata ko kaya alam ko kaagad na wala yang sex life!"

"Pakitapon nga ng buntis na 'to, ang bastos ng bunganga, eh!" Si Yari habang umiiling.

Nagtawanan lang sila habang naghihintay kami sa wedding organizer na dumating. I wanted Enrique to attend the wedding, but he's leaving the day before the event. Wala naman akong magagawa roon kaya ayos lang din.

"Do you still have the mini PMA ring I gave you?"

"Of course," I glanced at Enrique from my laptop screen. "Why?"

"Can I borrow it? I'll return it before I leave..."

Napanguso ako. "Anong gagawin mo dun? Baka maiwala mo pa, ha?"

He chuckled as we both entered my room. The bull ring was safely kept in my bedside table's drawer for years. I pulled it out and gave it to him.

"Thanks."

Tumango ako at lumabas ulit para ipagpatuloy ang pagtatrabaho. Tumigil na sa pagtatrabaho sa construction si Enrique dahil sa daming papeles na inaasikaso habang papaalis na ito. He had already received his deployment and movement order from his higher-ups. Ina-update nalang niya ang military ID niya at health assessment form.

"Avery..." tawag ni Enrique sa akin.

"Hmm?"

"I'll be gone for eight months."

Tumango ako. Enrique observed my face, so I gave him a small smile.

"Eight months is nothing, Enrique."

"They added an advisory role on top of training the NCOs." Lumapit ito sa akin at tumabi. "Will you be okay here?"

I nodded. "Oo naman. It's not a combat or operational mission, right? So I can visit you at the camp?"

"If I can secure a visitor privilege... yeah." He pulled me close to him and kissed my cheek. "Pupuntahan mo ba ako sa Cagayan de Oro?"

I grinned at him. "Why not?"

"You really are the best girlfriend, Avery... I can't wait to make you my wife." He murmured before kissing me again.

The following days were hectic. Aside from helping on my bestfriends' wedding, I was also preparing to present my findings at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention in hopes that they would publish my research in their platform. Our senior researcher said that we have to impress the association to maintain a good standing. They were aiming to join the peer review team of the association by next year.

Pabalik-balik si Enrique sa Maynila at La Union hanggang sa tuluyan itong matapos sa inaasikaso. The renovation at the boarding house is slowly taking form. In just a few months, it will be completed. When Enrique comes back, he'll see what it'll look like.

We checked into a hotel the night before his departure. Enrique and his fellow soldiers who were assigned to Cagayan De Oro will gather at the camp first before they fly to Mindanao.

"Sigurado ka bang ayaw mong lumabas?"

I shook my head. We initially planned to dine in a fine restaurant as a treat before he leave for tomorrow but at the last moment, I suddenly felt the urge to just stay here with him.

"Mag-order nalang tayo... kahit ano." I shrugged.

Enrique stared at me before nodding. Kinuha nito ang cellphone mula sa bag para makapag-order para sa aming dalawa. After he was done with his phone, he went to me.

"Anong iniisip mo?"

I looked up at him. I was just lazing around on the hotel's balcony. It offered a great view of the city lights here in the metro. Hindi ko 'to nakikita sa La Union pero hindi ko rin naman mami-miss kapag umuwi na ako. I'd always prefer the quiet nights of La Union than the sleepless nights of Manila.

"Iniisip ko si Tita..." pag-amin ko. "Hindi lang kasi ako makapaniwala na mahal na mahal niya ako, eh pamangkin lang naman niya ako," I laughed.

He pulled the metal chair next to me. Mataman itong nakatitig sa akin habang nakaupo.

"You're lovable, Avery..."

"Maybe now. But when I was still a child? Hell, I was so full of insecurities and had depleted self-esteem. I was always self-sabotaging myself whenever something good happens to me. Hindi ko alam kung paanong napagtiisan ako ni Tita."

"Never question your aunt's love for you, Avery."

"I know, I know..." I sighed and looked up to him. "I'm really lucky to have you guys in my life."

Enrique leaned in to kiss me. "I'm the luckiest man to have you..." he murmured against my lips before deepening the kiss.

I wrap my arms around his neck as the kiss deepened. Enrique's hand snaked to my waist. His touch made me crave for more, so I wrapped my knees around his hips as he carried me inside, not even bothering to shut the door close to the balcony.

As soon as my head hit the sheets, Enrique's lips followed mine. A low moan escaped my lips when his other hand slipped inside my shirt and found my breasts. My hands roamed around his body, reaching for the snap of his jeans while we were still kissing.

When he pulled apart, his eyes were dark with lust and his lips were red. I let out a squeal when he tore my shirt off and started kissing my neck aggressively.

He was always so hard and rough on everything... especially when it comes to this.

I couldn't even ask him to stop because it turns me on. He is so damn hot when he's being authoritative in bed. And if only his uniform is not sacred, we would've done it with his uniform on!

"Spread your legs wider, Avery." He commanded, pulling down the zipper of my denim shorts.

I obeyed silently and moaned when he touched me there.

"So fucking wet..." he panted, completely tossing my shorts and underwear to the side. My body shivered upon his touch, and I ended up screaming his name when he lowered his head down there.

Enrique is skilled in so many things... including this. The air of confidence lingered around him while he was doing me. He knows what he's doing, where to touch me, how to make me come. His fingers pressed against my inner thigh as he spread me wider. I was almost senseless when I had my first orgasm.

Para akong mawawalan ng huwisyo nang matapos ang lalaki. He stood over me, taking off his clothes one by one. I bit my lower lip while staring at him. Pilit ko pang hinahabol ang hininga kaya bahagya akong umatras mula sa kaniya.

Enrique caught my ankle and smirked at me. "Where are you going?" He whispered before pulling me back to him. "I'm not yet done with you..."

He reached for the packet of condom on the bedside table but I stopped his hand. Napatingin si Enrique sa akin.

"I-I want to feel you..." I bit my lower lip as I pleaded.

Seryoso itong nakatingin sa akin. He licked his lower lip. "Are you sure?"

Dahan-dahan akong tumango. Dahan-dahan ding inalis ni Enrique ang kamay sa bedside table. He kissed me again, softer this time.

I whimpered when he positioned himself and entered me without a warning. My nails dug at the skin on his back. I could never get used to this. I was filled to the brim! He never let me think and started thrusting while his other hand was busy with my breasts.

"Fuck, Avery..." Enrique moaned. Hearing his strained voice turned me on even more.

I came again and shivered. Enrique pulled my knees to his shoulders, never breaking the rhythm of his thrusts until I was screaming his name over and over again. I was so exhausted from the multiple orgasms but he's still going at it! Ipinikit ko ang mga mata. He reached for my lips and kissed me, thrusting even harder until he spilled his seeds inside.

We were both drenched in sweat, still drunk from our own orgasms when the phone started ringing. Napatingin kaming dalawa sa cellphone niya. It must be the delivery guy! Enrique reached for his phone and turned it off. Napatingin ako sa kaniya.

"What? You think that was it?" He kissed my lips. I could feel him getting harder again. I can't believe this man! "That was just the start, Avery..."

Oh, my God!

Madaling araw na akong nagising. The room was dark and cold but Enrique's hand on my waist was warm and comforting. I tried to make out his face in the dark. The remnants of the city lights outside casted a shadow on his face.

Marahan kong hinalikan ang lalaki. He slowly opened his eyes and smiled against the kiss when he realized it was me.

"Maaga pa ang call time mo," bulong ko sa kaniya.

Mas lalo lang isiniksik ng lalaki ang sarili sa akin. I sighed and allowed him a few minutes of his own. Ayaw ko pa rin namang bumangon. We stayed like that, gently holding each other until the sun rose.

The camp was packed with multiple buses that will drive the soldiers to the airport. Hindi na kami makakasama doon kaya dito na kami sa kampo magpapaalam sa kanila.

Enrique was wearing his field uniform, with a big rucksack field with gears and clothes on his back. That thing is so heavy. Sinubukan ko itong buhatin kanina dahil nakaharang ito sa paanan ng kama pero hindi ko man lang magawa. I have no idea how he manages to carry it effortlessly like that!

"We're not authorized to use our phones while traveling so my next call will be when we land in Laguindingan."

I nodded and pulled him into a hug. "Mag-iingat ka."

Enrique hugged me back and buried his face on my neck. Umangat pa ang mga paa ko sa lupa dahil sa higpit ng yakap niya. I chuckled and kissed him.

"Here's your bull ring..." Enrique pulled out the gold ring and slipped it on the ring finger on my left hand. I curiously gazed at the ring, wondering if anything had changed but I couldn't find anything. Ipinagsantabi ko nalang muna ito at niyakap ulit ang lalaki.

"I'll visit you, I promise..."

I stood there, watching him get on the bus. May natitira pa ring lungkot sa puso ko pero hindi na kagaya noon. Alam kong ngayon, panatag na ako sa relasyon namin. Nothing could get in our way anymore.

Umuwi kaagad ako sa La Union dahil bukas na ang kasal nila Raya at Ivo. I was filled with happiness as I watched two of the most important people in my life exchanging vows to spend the rest of their lives with each other. Looking back at Raya's life and everything she went through, I was convinced that fairytales do come true...

"Class, this thesis is your final requirement for your graduation. I want to congratulate you in advance for all your hard work and sacrifices. I know you are all going to be great psychologists one day..."

My students exchanged emotional looks. This is our last day of school together. I will still be teaching in this campus but these graduates will move on to new chapters of their lives. I could only hope for the best for them.

"Did you file for a leave?" Enrique asked while we were video-calling each other. Pangatlong buwan na niya sa Camp Evangelista ngayon at sa wakas ay na-grant na din ito ng visitor's privilege mula sa higher ups niya.

I nodded and grinned. "I even booked a flight!"

He chuckled. "That's my girl."

"Tatapusin ko lang ang mga trabaho ko dito para wala na akong isipin."

He nodded. Hindi tulad ng dati, naging mas madali na para sa amin ngayon ang long-distance relationship. We learned how to compromise with each other and navigate the mines of miscommunication that often happens when the other one is so far away.

Tatlong araw lang naman akong maglalagi sa Cagayan pero excited na excited ako habang nag-iimpake. I never had a day off these days! I'm looking forward to taking some time off work since my students are already graduates and I'm just waiting for the results of my submission from Journal of Personality and Social Psychology about my manuscript.

"Dr. Perez? Someone is looking for you..."

Nag-angat ako ng tingin nang tawagin ako ng assistant researcher namin. I stood and followed her outside my office. Laking gulat ko nang makita ang retired General kasama ang dalawang private sa hallway ng laboratory namin. I gave him a polite smile.

"Good afternoon po."

Hindi siya nagsalita. Lumapit lang ito sa akin at malakas akong sinampal sa pisngi. I thought I could hear the blood ringing in my ears because of the intensity of the slap. For a moment, my vision blurred.

I took a few steps back to steady myself but by then, he had already grabbed my collar and was ready to hit me again...