This chapter is dedicated to BitchyRascen. Hi love! Thanks for the support. 🥳

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Miss

I don’t want to bear kids at this age. Para sa akin ay masiyado pang maaga para maging isang ina. Takot din ako na baka dahil sa sariling propesyon ay mapahamak ang magiging anak ko. Threats are everywhere but because of my job, I become more prone to it.

I will build a family in the right time, with the man destined to me. Hindi naman iyon kailangang madaliin. Having kids can certainly wait until I am ready. Besides, I have a coming niece or nephew from my sister. Yes, I do love and adore children. They’re cute and amazingly awesome. Pero hindi ko naman inaasahang magiging ganito kalaki ang epekto ng pagkakaroon ng bata sa sariling tahanan.

A life saver, I can say as this probable child will change Mommy Salvacion’s condition. We can’t really judge someone’s view and perception of happiness. Kung para sa atin ito ay mababaw at simpleng pangyayari lamang, para sa kanila’y malaking bagay na ito.

They say a child is always a blessing. It gives light to the whole family. The source of laughter’s, the strength and a gift. Seeing Mommy Salvacion’s bright face upon hearing what Chaz have said, proves that claim.

Kung gaano kahirap makumbinse si Mommy na magpagamot noong nakaraan, gano’n siya kabilis na sumang-ayon ng makita ang dalawang guhit sa pregnancy kit. She didn’t even ask for assurance if it is really mine. Tiwala siyang sa akin iyon.

My chest heaved at the thought. I’m really sorry for lying Mommy. But this is for your own good. Kapag magaling na siya nang tuluyan, siguro.. doon namin aaminin ang lahat.

“Narito na pala kayo,” boses ni Daddy ang nagpabalik sa akin sa wisyo.

Bumaling siya sa amin bago kay Mommy Salvacion na nasa hospital bed. Nakatulog siya pero ang PT ay nanatili sa kaniyang kamay. Tumayo si Chaz sa aking tabi. It’s been a minutes and we’re just waiting for his father. Chaz needs to talk to him before we leave.

“I’ll talk to him. Can you wait for me?” tanong niya.

Tipid akong ngumiti. “Go ahead. I’ll just stay here.”

Tumitig siya sa mukha ko. He licked his lower lip before looking at his wristwatch. After a while, he nodded and went to his father. Nagtagpo ang tingin namin ni Dadddy Rodolfo.

“Good afternoon, Dad.” I greeted.

He smiled. “Good afternoon, hija.” malamyos ang tinig na sagot niya pabalik.

Chaz' parents are really kind especially her mother. Pero si Daddy ay may pag ka-istrikto ang tindig kung sa isang tingin lamang. His dark aura was like a replica of Chaz particularly those set of dark irises.

“We have to talk, Dad.” pormal na pahayag ni Chaz sa ama.

“About what hijo?” binalikan ni Daddy Rodolfo ng tingin si Mommy.

Hindi nakaligtas sa akin ang pagkunot ng kaniyang noo nang makita ang dala-dala nito. Kumalabog ang dibdib ko sa kaba. Napatayo ako nang wala sa oras saka tinabihan si Chaz.

Daddy glanced at us with confused look. “What happened here?” nagpabalik-balik ang tingin niya sa aming dalawa.

My hands turned cold. His brows were creased. Dumapo ang tingin ko kay Chaz na may hindi mabasang reaksyon sa mukha.

“I'll explain everything, but not here.” Chaz retorted.

I detached my gaze at him and looked at Dad. Nagkatinginan kami, sanhi para muli akong mag-iwas ng tingin. Pinili kong pagmasdan si Mommy na mahimbing na natutulog. Nakarinig ako ng buntonghininga na batid kong galing kay Daddy.

“Follow me.” utos nito bago umalingawngaw ang mga yabag niya palayo.

Doon lang ako nakahinga nang maluwag. Kanina ko pa pala pinipigilan ang paghinga ko. I glanced at Chaz and caught him looking at me.

“Dito lang ako,” I said lowly.

He released a deep breath. Muli niyang binalingan ang suot na relo na tila tinitingnan ang oras. 

“This will be quick. Do you want something while waiting? Or, you can eat the fruits we bought.” he said after a while.

Nakangiti akong umiling. “Ayos lang alo. Babantayan ko lang muna si Mommy,”

Isang tango ang pinakawalan niya bago tumalikod at sinundan si daddy. Naiwan akong mag-isa sa silid. Siguro ay pag-uusapan nila ang tungkol sa pagpapagamot ni mommy. Well, they can’t do that here as she might woke-up any moment. Tama lang na sa labas sila mag-usap.

Naupo ako sa paanan ng kama habang naghihintay. My eyes narrowed at the pregnancy test. She’s holding it with two hands that were rested on the top of her stomach. I chuckled when I remember Ate’s word.

Who would have thought that a simple urine sample will save a woman from dying?

Nakakatuwang malaman na handa na siyang lumaban. I couldn’t help but to be proud of her because of that. She has a long way to go. Kahit pa mali ang paraang ginawa namin, ang mahalaga’y ligtas siya sa kapahamakan.

I was plainly looking at Mommy’s face, admiring her beauty and flaws while waiting. Hindi ko nasundan ang oras hanggang sa marinig ko ang pagbukas ng pinto followed by their voices.

Tumayo ako saka sila sinalubong. Maaliwas na ang mukha ni Daddy Rodolfo, dumiretso sya kay Mommy at nakitako ang pagpatak niya ng halik sa noo nito. Their talk went well, huh.

I was about to ask Chaz about it but he snaked his arms around my waist even before I could say a word. He was all smile while I felt my cheeks flared up.

“Thank you,” I feel him nuzzling my hair. “So fucking much, wife.”

Napanguso ako sa huling sinabi niya. Tiningala ko siya saka siya sinamaan ng tingin. He released a chuckle at that. He knows about it, surely.

“Oh yeah, I forgot. Sorry for the bad word,” natatawang aniya.

Umismid ako. “Hindi ka nagtatanda, maraming beses ko nang sinabi sa’yo ‘yan!” I hissed.

Chaz puckered his lips. “Can’t help it, I’m just damn lucky to have you. Sorry na..”

Napasimangot ako. Lalo siyang natawa.

“Okay here, pitikin mo ang labi ko.” nginuso nito ang sariling labi.

Namilog ang mata ko. I consciously looked at his father, to my horror he’s watching us! He looked amused at some reason.

“Come on wife, I deserve a punishment.” sambit ni Chaz sa gitna ng pagnguso.

I shyly diverted my gaze away from dad and glared at him instead. Hinampas ko ang kaniyang dibdib.

“That’s enough, Chaz. Hindi ko kailangang pitikin ang labi mo dahil alam kong uulit ka pa.” mataman kong sinabi.

Bumalik sa isipan ko ang ginawa niyang pagmumura ng gabing iyon. My cheeks heated so bad as I felt how my body reacted even from just reminiscing it. Oh my god, Sofia!

Your dirty mind, really.

“Uh-huh, how about a kiss every time I’d tell a profanity?” he asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

Tumalim ang tingin ko sa kaniya. Mariing nakatikom ang labi dahil sa hindi maganda ang biro niya.

He chuckled roughly. “Kidding, baka puro pagmumura na lang ang mabigkas ko.” Humalakhak siya bago bumitaw sa akin at lumapit sa mga magulang.

I gasped heavily and glared at his back. Si Daddy ay nangingiti lang. Though, I can still feel my cheeks blushing ‘cause of some lewd scenario I suddenly remember. And this is not good. Really, especially to the health.

“Aalis na kami, Dad. May trabaho pa ang asawa ko,” pagpapaalam ni Chaz sa ama.

My chest pounded. So that’s why he’s always checking the time. He’s thinking about my work. I want to interfere and tell him its fine if I’ll be late. Alam naman na ‘yon ni Jenny. Ngunit hindi ko na iyon naisatinag nang tumango si Daddy sa sinabi niya.

“Mag-iingat kayo,” simpleng sagot ni Daddy Rodolfo.

“We will, Dad. Call me if you need anything.”

Humalik muna si Chaz sa ina bago kami tuluyang lumabas ng hospital. Habang nasa sasakyan, tinanong ko siya kung kalian ba ang pag-alis nila Mommy para magpagmot. I was already expecting that it would be sooner, like what he said way back. Mommy needs it. Mas maaga mas maganda.

“Bukas ang napag-usapan namin ni daddy. I’ll be with them on the first week. Will that be okay with you?”

My heart wrenched. Although, I was expecting for that fact, hindi ko maiwasang malungkot sa kaalamang mawawala siya ng ilang araw. On the other hand, I’m glad he’s asking for this. I felt enlightened that he cares about my opinion.

I timidly smile before nodding my head. “Uh.. dapat nga na kasama ka nila habang ginagamot si Mommy,”

“I won’t stay there for long. Uuwi pa rin ako pagkatapos ng isang lingo. Aayusin ko lang ang mga dapat ayusin doon para hindi mahirapan si daddy.”

“What if isama mo si Manang Remmy? She could be of great help to them. I’m sure naman magtatagal sila sa States.”

Nagsalubong ang makapal niyang kilay. “’Nay will stay here with you. We’ll just hire a private nurse.”

“Pero paano naman ang mga personal na pangangailangan nila katulad ng pagkain? They’ll also be in need of servant, Chaz.” giit ko pa.

“There are a lot of servants we could get, that’s not a problem. Basta si Nanay ay mananatili sa bahay, kasama ka." may pinal niyang sinabi.

Napanguso ako. “Okay.” I averted my gaze away from him and sighed. “Mag-iingat ka roon. Isang linggo lang naman diba?”

“Isang linggo lang, Grace..” pabulong
na sagot niya.

Napangisi ako. I crossed my arms and stared outside the window. We didn’t talk after that. Silence engulfed the atmosphere. Only that, this kind of silence is very comforting.

Maya-maya pa’y huminto ang kotse niya sa tapat ng isang restaurant malapit na sa firm.

“You’re already late, wife.” he begun as he parked his car.

“Tama ka. Kaya bakit tayo narito?” kunot noong taong ko sa kaniya.

He stopped the engine when the vehicle was at place already. Chaz then removed his seatbelt. Hindi niya ako sinagot sa halip ay lumabas  ng kotse saka mabilis na umikot patungo sa gawi ko. He opened the front seat.

“We’ll have our lunch here. I’m starving,”

“Kakasabi mo pa lang, late na ako.” pangangatwiran ko.

He smirked. “Late ka na rin naman. Lubusin na natin.” mapanuyang sagot niya.

I rolled my eyes sighed in defeat.

We had our very first lunch on the fancy restaurant. Minsan na kaming nagkasabay kumain pero iyon ay nasa loob ng bahay. Ang sabi ko busog ako dahil na rin sa kinaing fries at burger.

Pero habang pinagmamasdan ko ang menu, bigla akong nagutom  that I
two three dishes. He doesn’t care though. He even asked if I want more, and all I could at that time was to shook my head. Feeling a little embarrassed kasi ako ang ayaw kumain pero ako pa ang maraming nakain! Pagkatapos ay hinatid niya ako sa opisina.

“I’ll fetch you after work. Ipahahatid ko na lang ang kotse mo sa bahay.” aniya nang muli akong pagbuksan ng pinto.

Tumango ako. Chaz smirked before leaning in to kiss my cheeks. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko kasabay nang pamumula ng pisngi sa biglang galaw niya.

I glared at him but be just grinned. Hindi talaga ako masasanay sa ganitong galaw niya. Nakakabigla!
Lumingon ako sa paligid at napahinga nang malalim ng makitang kaunti lang ang tao.

“I’ll go now, sobrang late ko na.” I said. My chest hammering inside.

Ngumiti siya bago tumango. Huminga ako nang malalim bago pilit na humakbang palayo sa kaniya. Bago pumasok sa loob, muli ko siyang nilingon. He was still standing there. His formal brushed up hair was dancing along the wind. Tumatama ang sikat ng araw sa kaniyang mukha. I saw him grinning while waiving his hand to me twice.

I sighed deeply. Umiling ako bago muling tumalikod at hindi na siya nilingon. When I reached my office, Jenny welcomed me.

“I know you’re in a good mood and I don’t have any intention to ruin it, but..” she started.

Hindi pa ako nakakaupo at nagtatanggal pa ng coat ng pumasok siya’t may dalang tatlong folder.

"But?” I asked.

I put my black coat on the backrest of my swivel chair before sitting on it. Jenny released a loud sigh as she handed me the folders.

“We received a new dossier, Ma’am. Si Mr. Danilo mismo ang nagpunta rito kanina para kausapin ka.”

Kumunot ang noo. I opened the first folder and read what is inside.

“Sigurado talaga siyang tatanggapin mo raw ang kaso ng anak niya dahil sa nangyari noon. He even bragged that he’s the brother of the Mayor just because I told him you’re not here.” I caught her rolling her eyes. “Tss, such an asshole.”

“Lavigne..” I whispered, trying to remember where and when did I heard that surname.

“The cheap actress—I mean, ex actress. Wala na pala siya sa industriya ngayon.”

Sa narinig, naalala ko ang dating kliyente na sinampahan ng kaso nang Lavigne.

“Ah, yes. It was her. Bakit sa atin dinala ito?” binaybay kong muli ang bawat pahina ng dokumento.

Nagkibit balikat si Jenny. “Maybe they thought you’ll save his son like what you did to Mr. Ryan. Alam ko naman na ang magiging sagot mo riyan, pero gusto ko pa ring marinig.”

Tumaas ang kilay ko. Tumahimik ako’t binasa ng maiigi ang reports. It is stated here that his son, Charlie
Lavigne has a complaint of harassment and acts of lasciviousness. Why are they bringing this here instead to other prosecutors? Alam nilang minsan ko nang kinalaban ang kapatid niya, ang pamangkin niya.

I am not judging the defendant but after reading all of what is written on the documents, and his previous records I ended up in a conclusion that I know is for the better.

“Drop this, Jenny. Hindi natin tatanggapin ‘to.”

I said with finality. I closed the three folders and return them back to her.

“I know you’ll say that. For formality na lang talaga na pinakita ko sa’yo ‘to.”

I sighed heavily. “They can find another prosecutor to fight for their case and not us. Knowing, Mayor? He won't let this slide without fighting, even if it means playing dirty."

Naalala ko ang ginawa nilang pagsasabotahe sa mga prosecutors na handang humawak sa kaso ni Mr. Ryan noon. They’re evil and I guess, there is really a divine justice for karma.

Marami pang sinabi si Jenny tungkol sa pamilayang Lavigne. She was right, nasira nga ang mood ko sa dala niyang balita. Nang sumapit ang alas tres, nagtungo kami ni Jenny sa isang condominium building para mag-imbestiga sa kasong kasalukuyan naming tinatrabaho.

Murder.

Hindi ko na alam kung ano ang nangyayari sa mundo at talamak na ang krimen. Rape, harassment, murder.. and a lot more of sinful deeds made by those addicts and criminal. Nakakalungkot na unti-unting nagbabago ang dating matiwasay na pamumuhay sa bansa.

Yes, crimes are inevitable but not to this extinct. Napapaisip na lang ako kung kailan ba ito matatapos. O may katapusan ba?

When will our country will gain it’s freedom from this exorbitant incidents and crimes? When will be the justice will be served to those innocents if there are still greedy personalities living around the circle. Lalo pa iyong mga nasa pwesto. A good example is that Mayor of Caloocan City.

Gabi ng araw na iyon, tapos na kaming maghapunan at naghahanda na lang ako ng pagtulog nang mabungaran si Chaz sa sarili kong kama. His back was resting on the headboard of the bed, a laptop on his lap while he was seriously typing on it.

Katatapos ko pa lang maligo at sa pagkakatanda ko’y wala siya sa pwestong ‘yan nang pumasok ako sa banyo. Mula sa ginagawa, nag-angat siya ng tingin at dumiretso iyon sa akin.

“What brought you here, Chaz?” I asked as I strides towards my vanity mirror.

I was drying my hair with my towel already on my purple silk nighty. Sleeveless iyon, has a deep cut on the chest part and falls just above my knee. Nilingon ko siya nang hindi sumagot. I caught him eyeing my body darkly.

“This is not your room. Why are you here?” I asked casually although, I was having a hard time breathing due to his intense stares.

I stop drying my hair and put the white towel on the backrest of my chair. He lifted his eyes to my face, the dark expression didn’t falter.

Napalunok ako. Kanina’y sinundo niya nga ako mula sa trabaho. Kung tutuusin ay maaga siya na dumating doon. Hindi naman siya nagreklamo na kinailangan pa niyang maghintay ng halos isang oras.

“Dito ako matutulog.” he uttered, sounding hoarse.

Natigilan ako. “Wala na akong sakit. Hindi mo kailangan samahan ulit ako rito. You should go to the master’s bedroom now.”

Doon naman ang kwarto niya. noong nakaraan lang nabakante iyon dahil pinili niyang samahan ako rito.

His lips pursed. “Sick or not, I want to sleep beside you.”

Namilog ang mga mata ko sa sinabi niya. I felt my heartbeat quickened.

“You aren’t supposed to be here. Go to your own room now, Chaz. Matutulog na ako.” I shook my head as a protest.

Seryoso ba siya? Dito sa tabi ko matutulog?

The previous nights was acceptable since I am literally immobile that I had to stay on the bed for the whole day. Siya ang nagbantay sa akin pero ngayon na maayos na ako, rito pa rin siya?

“I want here, Grace.” Mataman niyang sinabi.

Suminghap ako. I put my hands on both of my waist as I arched him a brow.

“Mahina ang aircon dito. Pinapatay ko ‘yon kapag madaling araw dahil sa lamig and you felt entirely the opposite. Mainitin ka right? You always wants your room to be cold to the point someone like me will shiver! This doesn’t suit your preference kaya maiging umalis ka rito at bumalik sa sarili mong silid!” talak ko.

Iyon ang napansin ko nang isang beses na napunta ako sa kwarto niya. Malamig ang temperature dahil sa aircon, para sa akin dahil kung siya ang tatanungin that is just normal. I also notice it about him the other night. Wala siyang pang-itaas na natutulog at kapag sa umaga nama’y palagi kong napapansin na mabilis siyang pawisan.

“You’re observing me all this time, huh. What do you know about me other than that? Sigurado akong hindi lang iyon.” nanunuksong pahayag niya, nakangisi.

I rolled my eyes sluggishly. “Ah basta, hindi ka pwede rito!” lumapit ako sa pintuan at binuksan iyon, hudyat para umalis na siya.  “Out now, Chaz.”

Tumaas ang sulok ng kaniyang labi. His eyes were dancing in amusement.

“You’re right about it, wife. But we have what we called changed of heart. Mas gusto ko na ngayon ang katamtamang init lamang na kwarto. Yours to be exact.”

I sighed deeply. Mariin ko siyang tinitigan at tumitig din siya pabalik, hindi nagpatalo! My lips protruded as I stared at his hawk like eyes.

“Really huh? Mas gusto mo rito, Chaz Theo?”

He nodded, still looking at me darkly.

I smirked. “Fine. You stay here, ako na lang ang lilipat.”

I heard him groaned when I quickly turn around and left the room. Nangingisi akong linapitan ang master’s bedroom para roon magpalipas ng gabi. I made sure I locked the door so he won’t be able to follow me.

Unlike the first time I went here, hindi nakabukas ang aircon. I didn’t bother opening it and dived directly to the king size bed. His familiar scent instantly filled my nostrils. Nakahalo sa mga unan at kumot ang kaniyang pabango which is really addicting.

Napangisi ako sa loob-loob saka niyakap ng mahigpit ang isang unan. As I was about to close my eyes, a certain photograph on the bedside table caught my interest. Nakatagilid ako’t kaharap ang lamesang iyon, pero kahit sa malayo alam kong picture naming iyon nang araw ng kasal.

He was behind my back, holding my waist as his chin was resting on my shoulder. The photographer was the one who’s instructing us to do some poses. Hawak ko pa ang bouquet malaki ang pag kakangiti ko sa litratong iyon, habang siya’y seryoso lamang ang postura. 

Hinanap ng mata ko ang litrato nila ni Harry pero wala akong makita. It was the only frame on the place. My heart warmed. Dala ng kapaguran, nakatulugan ko ang paninitig sa litrato naming. I was smiling as I dozed off to sleep later that night. And maybe because his scent lured me from deep slumber.

My brows creased when I felt a feathery touch on my cheeks. Ramdam ko ring may mabigat na bagay ang nakadantay sa tiyan ko. My brows furrowed more when I felt the thing on my stomach started moving. Nawala rin ang kung anong humahaplos sa pisngi ko, but I felt someone’s stiffing on my neck part. May munting tinig din akong nariring na hindi ko maintindihan nang maayos.

I groaned and extended my hand to remove the thing that is ticking my neck. Ang mahinang halakhak ng kung sino ang nagpatunay na hindi ako  nanaginip. I opened my half hooded eyes. Chuckling Chaz was the first thing I saw. Nakatukod ang kaniyang siko sa aking uluhan habang nakapahinga sa palad niya ang mukha, tinitigian ako.

“Mornin’ wife,” his bedroom voice wakened my sleeping soul.

It was so nice and soothing. Wala sa ayos ang kaniyang buhok, kahit pa kagagaling niya lang sa pagtulog, he still looked effortlessly handsome.

“Good morning, hubby..” I greeted him back with a whisper.

Tipid akong napangiti. Sumiksik ako lalo sa kaniya at muling pumikit. The warmth from his body is making me sleepy more. I purred like a kitten. Mas siniksik ko pa ang sarili sa katawan niya.

Humalakhak siya. “I thought you don’t like to be with me in one bed?”

“Did I say that?” paos kong tanong.

“Uh-huh.” he hummed and nuzzled my hair.

I pouted. My chest blushed and I moved even closer to his chest to hide it.

“Binabawi ko na. I want to feel you every morning, hubby.”

I don’t want this to end. Masarap sa pakiramdam na katabi siya. It feels heaven and surreal. Kahit naman iniwan ko siya kagabi ay alam kong susunod pa rin siya. I am not even surprise that he managed to sneak on this room.

“We have a lifetime to have this kind of morning, wife. Hanggang sa ikaw na lang ang magsawang katabi ako.” He chuckled.

I smiled and embrace him more. “Hmm. Let’s see if sino sa ating dalawa ang magsasawa, Chaz Theo.”

He put his thigh above mine before hugging my curve. Natuko sa leeg ko ang mukha niya habang ako’y nakasiksik pa rin sa kaniyang dibdib. I sniffed his scent. Ang bango niya pa rin kahit hindi pa naliligo.

Possible pala ‘yon?

“Definitely not me,” he murmured.

Napangisi ako. “Don’t talk. Prove it,” panghahamon ko pa.

Naramdaman ko ang pag-angat niya. I distanced myself and glanced at him. My heart leaped seeing his looks. He’s handsome on a formal looked but this one?

Mas gusto ko ang ganitong itsura niya. Gusot ang buhok. Some strands of it fall on his forehead. Mapungay ang kaniyang matang nakadugaw sa akin. His lips were naturally red and his proud nose... I sighed deeply and closed my eyes.

His lips parted a bit. “Hindi lang ako hanggang salita, Grace. If you hear me say a word, expect I will take an action to it the following days.” pumikit siya ngan mariin. He muttered something under his breath. “The past was just an exception from it.”

“’Kay. Sabi mo eh,” I said as I remove the sleep off my eyes. “Anong oras na pala?”

Chaz sighed heavily. “Seven,” he shortly answered.

My eyes widen. I remember their flight time is eight thirty, he can’t be late!
Napabalikawas ako ng bangon.

“Get up, Chaz! Alas otso ang flight niyo!” I reminded him.

Akma na akong bababa sa kama ng pigilan niya ako. He encircled his hand on my waist and made my stomach as his pillow. A short gasped escape my lips.

“Ten minutes more. Stay for a bit.” He grunted.

I shook my head. “No. Tumayo ka na riyan at mag hahanda na rin ako para pumasok.”

He groaned when I successfully unleashed his hand on my waist.

“Wife come back here. Maaga pa,” ungot niya.

Nilingon ko siya natatawa. His chest was showing. Tanging baywang niya paibaba ang natatabunan ng comforter. Nakakatawa ang kaniyang reaksyon na nakanguso at tila pinagbaksakan ng langit at lupa.

“Tayo na riyan, Chaz Theo. Ayaw ko sa mga tamad bumangon!”

Sumingahap siya’t tumalim ang tingin sa akin. Humalakhak ako bago tumalikod at lumapit sa pinto.

“Where are you going?” tanong niya ng makita akong papalabas ng kaniyang silid.

“Sa kwarto ko. I’ll take a shower and changed for my working clothes.”

I heard him mutter a curse. Napangiwi ako roon.

“I’ll tell Nanay to transfer your belongings here. Pagbalik ko, wala ka nang maidadahilan para iwan ako rito!” he hissed like a kid.

I just shook my head and left the master’s bedroom. I took a quick shower and dressed myself with a mini dress, crossed straps around my chest to my nape and a pair of red velvet heels. Pinaresan ko lang ng gray coat and dress ko and I was off to go.

Chaz and I had our breakfast first. Binilin nga niya kay Manang Remmy ang paglilipat ng mga damit ko sa kwarto niya at nagpaalam na rin na mawawala siya ng isang linggo.

“Mabuti naman at naisipan ng mag pagamot ni Salva. Sana ay matagal na niya itong ginawa.” Manang said.

“It’s aright, ‘nay. She already agreed to undergo a chemotherapy. We don’t have to worry about it anymore.” sagot ni Chaz.

Bumuntonghininga si Manang. "Paano ba ‘yan, mag-iingat kayo roon. Ipagdadasal ko ang mabilis niyang paggaling .”

I felt delighted hearing that. Prayer is indeed the great asset of healing. We need to asked for His guidance and grace to give Mommy the strength to fight for her disease. Sa panalangin tayo kumapit. Hindi Niya tayo bibiguin.

Hindi ako mahilig magdasal pero hindi ko naman nakakalimutan ang obligasyon ko bilang isang katoliko. I love Him over everything. Palagi siya ang una, at kung minsan may mga pagkakataong nakakalimutan kong magdasal sa gabi, hindi iyon bumawas sa pagmamahal at pananampalataya sa panginoon. That doesn't make me less of a Christian.

“Ayaw mo bang ihatid kita sa airport?” I asked while seating on the frontseat.

Mabagal siyang umiling. “Hindi na, Grace. Mahihirapan lang akong umalis kung ihatid mo pa ako.”

Napanguso ako. From the window, I shifted on my seat and looked at him.
My heart is full of happiness that scared me. Sobrang bilis nang mga pangyayari. Too good to be true kung sabihin ng ilan.

But what can I do?

I just let the faith control this relationship for now. I'll let my self be enslaved by the feeling of having him by side.

“Eat on time, wife. I’ll asked your friend to remind you about meals every day. Also, avoid going out alone. Dapat may kasama ka palagi and don’t stress yourself. Huwag puro trabaho, pahinga rin.” mahaba niyang litany.

I smiled timidly. I can hear my dad on his voice. Para siyang si daddy noong papabukod pa lang ako sa kanila. Speaking of.. I miss them. Sana makabisita ako sa kanila one of these days.

“Noted, old man.” I said teasingly.

Kumurba ang ngisi sa labi niya. I was just staring at his face while driving. Isang linggo ko ring hindi ito makikita. Mabuti nang kinakabisado.

“We’ll get old eventually. Contrary to your point, I’m still young. I can still make you cum whole day and night. Baka ikaw pa ang bumigay.”

Namilog ang mga mata ko sa bulgar niyang sagot. My cheeks heated. Suminghap ako't sinamaan siya ng tingin. That’s not what I am pointing, really this man, hindi ko na kilala. Ibang tao itong kaharap ko!

“You pervert! Who are you, huh? You’re not my husband! Ilabas mo si Chaz Theo!” histerekal kong sambit.

He burst out laughing while shaking his head. “What? I’m just defending myself since I am not really old like what you’re pointing.” he said before licking his lip.

The entire time, kinulit ko lang siya tungkol doon sa narinig. Nakakainis na nakakatawa. Seriously his bad lips! Kung ano na lang ang sinasabi.

One week without him?

I don’t really know if I’ll managed to survive without feeling homesick. Nasanay akong parating siyang nariyan. Kahit noong hindi pa kami nagkakasundo. But then again, he’s not here for a purpose.

I convinced myself that one week will be fast. Mabilis lang iyon. I was already at my office when I heard my phone rang. I checked who it was and my lips automatically smiled reading the content and the sender.

Old Man:
I'll be home immediately. Kapag maayos ko na ang lahat doon, uuwi ako kahit hindi pa tapos ang isang linggo. I can't stay in once place without you. In fact, I'm already missing you..