I hope you enjoyed reading Keaton and Shanti's story the way I enjoyed writing it. It feels good to finish another story, and I actually got a teary-eyed when I wrote some of Keaton's thoughts. He's so fragile. Thank you for your endless support throughout the first installment of this series, and as we continue to unfold their mysteries, I'll assure you that you'll meet more princes with their most amazing version! Happy reading! Btw, I am also planning to write the stories of the powerful Dons of Enamel (First Generation).

Epilogue

The sirens of the police cars continued to ring in my ears. The clatters of the phones, the turning papers of criminal works, chatters of detectives, endless questions, an image of a surging storm, the big waves, the lightning, explosions, and a sinking ship never ceased to stop killing my mind.

"S-Stop it! Fucking stop it!" I shouted in pain.

I was in the corner of my darkroom, sitting with my folded legs, with my hands tightly covering both of my ears. I couldn't stop the noise, and it's getting worst as time goes by.

"S-Stop! S-top!" I tried to knock my head on the wall to stop the ringing of my ears, but that made it worst.  

Pictures of our parents in the middle of a storm with their out-strength hands begging for help and calling my name.

I shook my head.

"I don't want you to die...Mom, Dad. I was just trying to save you and Langston. He was too young... I just wanted to help..." I said between my tears.

My whole body was trembling with fear and anger as the information I heard from Secretary La Rosa started to flash on my head again.

"Your parents were sabotage, Keaton. Pinutol nila ang bakas na maari namin magamit mula sa mga magulang mo. They betrayed your parents to save their own life."

Hindi ko na alam kung sino ang paniniwalaan ko ng mga oras na iyon.

Was it staged? Paano kung ahensiya niya ang talagang pumatay sa mga magulang ko? I shouldn't have listened to him. I shouldn't have betrayed my parents!

"I'm sorry, Mom, Dad..." I muttered repeatedly.

I suddenly forgot about hunger, the feeling of tiredness, the sunlight, and the people around me.  As long as we're here in this far country away from speculations, Langston is safe. I don't mind living in this room filled with darkness and coldness of winter.

I was lying on the cold floor with my eyes fixed on the ceiling. How would Langston accept that I was the reason why our parents died?

I am a cruel brother.

A sudden knock on the door interrupted me. I thought it was the maid and her daily service of food, but when I heard another knock, my temper suddenly emerged.

I was about to scold the maid when I heard Langston's voice. "Kuya, it's snowing! Come out! Come out!"

I covered my eyes with my right arm. How could I face him? He was still a kid, yes. But his innocence is killing me. "Go away, Langston!"

Days continued to pass, and Langston became more persistent.

"Kuya Keaton, it's snowing again! Come out! Come out!"

"Go away, Langston!"

And then another day. "Kuya Keaton, the snow is beautiful today! Come out! Come out!"

"Go away, Langston! Bakit ang kulit mo?!"

And then another day again. "Kuya Keaton, ang daming snow today! It's so cold outside! But I met a new playmate! She is secretary La Rosa's baby girl! She's cute but she cries a lot! Come out!"

"Langston, tatamaan ka na sa akin! Go away!"

My brows crossed. Talaga sumunod rito iyong si La Rosa? Bumangon ako sa pagkakahiga ko at sumilip ako sa bintana. I saw him while playing with his daughters.

I smiled sarcastically. How could you smile and laugh when I suffered a lot because of you?

Lumipas muli ang mga araw at hindi pumalya si Langston sa pagkalampag sa pintuan ko.

"Keaton, do you want to build a snowman?"

I harshly stood up from my bed and walked straight in front of the door, opened it, and looked down at my grinning brother.

Isang malakas na batok sa ulo ang ibinigay ko sa kanya. "Nasaan na ang Kuya mo?!"

Instead of crying he just massaged his head. He held my hand and pulled me away from my room. "Let's eat! I know you're hungry!"

Nanghina ako lalo sa sinabi ni Langston. My knees buckled, and I sank on the floor.  The months of hiding my tears wavered in an instant.

My arms were trembling as I embraced it around my brother's little body. "I'm sorry, Langston... hindi ko naman sinasadya. I'm sorry, hindi ko sinasadya..." paulit-ulit na bigkas ko habang umiiling sa kanya.

Hindi ko masabi sa kanya na wala na sina Mommy at Daddy, na kami na lang at naiwan siya sa katulad kong may problema.

"I'm sorry, Langston... I'm sorry..."

When I felt his light pat on my head, my shoulders quivered, and my breathing couldn't stable. "Hindi na naman masakit ang ulo ko, Kuya. The pain didn't last long. Don't cry. You are the best Kuya in the world."

"Langston..."

That day, I tried to eat with him again. But my days inside my darkroom didn't stop. Lalo na sa tuwing pumupunta roon si La Rosa para kumustahin kami ni Langston sa mga katulong.

Talagang paninindigan niya ang pag-ako sa amin ni Langston? Nakakataba ng puso.

Madalas akong nakahiga sa sahig at tulala sa kisame, pero nang araw na iyon, naabala ako ng kalampag sa bintana ko. Hindi ko iyon papansinin ng una pero nagsunud-sunod iyon.

I crumbled my hair in annoyance before I walked straight in front of the window. Fuck, La Rosa and his disturbing family!

The little girl was busy playing her snowballs. May pinatatamaan siya sa harap ng bintana ko at dahil hindi niya iyon matamaan ay sa bintana ko tumatama. Siya ba iyong sinasabi ni Langston na kalaro niya?

Pareho silang pasaway ni Langston, ang sarap pag-umpugin.

Hindi ko siya pinansin at bumalik ako sa paghiga. She could break my damn window! I will deduct it to her father's salary!

But as days passed, the little girl continued to ruin my silence. Lalo na kung wala si Langston na kalaro niya at iyong isang batang lalaki.

Nakailang hampas ako ng unan sa kama nang marinig iyong pagsisimula niya sa pag-iyak. Wala na nga siyang kalaro, umiiyak pa siya!

Marahas kong binuksan ang bintana at tumalon ako roon. Mabibigat iyong hakbang ako sa snow at hindi ko na ininda iyong lamig hanggang tumapat ako sa batang babae.

"You are too noisy."

Nang lumingon siya sa akin nanlaki pa ang mga mata niya pero agad rin nawala iyong pagkagulat niya nang maalala niya ang kanyang problema.

I tried to help her for me to have my silence back, but all I got from her was a flying carrot on my head.

Matapos ang engkwentro ko sa pasaway na batang iyon nakarating agad kay La Rosa na lumalabas na ako ng kwarto ko.

"What is your plan, Keaton?"

"None of your business."

"Keaton, hijo..."

Marahas akong lumingon sa kanya. "Who are you? You are just a spy who planned to kill my parents! You damn used me, asshole!"

Huminga siya ng malalim. "You are still young, Keaton. I did a mistake in getting you involved, pero hindi kakayanin ng konsensiya ko na hayaan ka na lang sa plano mo. You planned to inform the authorities with your identity? Sa tingin mo ba ay buhay ka pa ngayon kung hinayaan kita?"

"So, instead, you brought me to some pets of your agency to narrate my confession? Then, voila! I bet you got promoted. I wonder why are still under this damn employment? Hindi ka ba sapat iyong nakukuha mo sa trabaho mo?"

"It's not about the payment, Keaton! I don't need much money."

Kumuyom ang mga kamao ko at pinagkrus ko ang aking mga braso. "You don't need to watch over us. Kung hindi ka mapigil, you can still ask for some news. You don't need to live here for our sake. Langston and I will continue to move forward here in Canada."

La Rosa was hesitant, but he sighed in defeat. "Always remember that you still have a home in the Philippines."

When we're living in Canada, we still have our loyal attendants. Siniguro ng mga magulang namin ni Langston na hindi kami basta maiiwan sa ere kung may hindi magandang nangyari. Kami pa rin ang kilalang magkapatid na Samonte na pinanganak para mabuhay ng marangya.

It was my first session with my psychologist when I met someone, his innocent smile was too disturbing, na parang nakakaloko. Habang katabi ko iyong katulong na siyang magsisilbing guardian ko, katabi ko rin iyong bata na parang kasing edad ni Langston.

Wala ba itong kasama? Dahil mas matangkad ako sa kanya, pilit siyang umuupo ng tuwid para mapantayan ako.

"What is your damn problem with me?" iritadong tanong ko sa kanya na nakangiti pa rin sa akin. Siguro ay mas kailangan niyang maunang kausapin ang doktor kaysa sa akin.

"I think I've seen you before... from the Philippines..."

Tumaas ang kilay ko. Pilipino pala ang batang ito.

"You're from?"

"From Enamel..."

I leaned on my chair and crossed my legs. "Such a small world. You're with?"

Yumuko siya. "Troy is sick. He doesn't want to eat anymore. He's always sad. LG's worried..."

"What is your family name?"

"Ferell! I am Aldus Ferell! You are?"

Kilala ko ang mga Ferell, sila iyong pinakakilalang pamilya sa Enamel. Ano ang ginagawa nila rito sa Canada? Bakit ang layo ng inabot nila?

When the door opened, the familiar figure of a formidable man went out with a kid on his arms. Nakasiksik sa leeg ng lalaki iyong batang sinasabi ng katabi ko na hindi na rin kumakain.

"Let's go, Aldus..."

Hindi ako umalis sa upuan niya si Aldus. "What is your name?"

"Keaton..."

"Keaton what? I told you my surname."

"Keaton Samonte."

Doon ko naagaw ang atensyon ng matanda at mariin niya akong pinakatitigan bago niya inilahad ang isa niyang kamay kay Aldus.

Hindi lang iilang beses na nagkakatabi kami ni Aldus sa upuan, katulad siya ni Langston na madaldal at maraming kwento.

I could feel my slow recovery as I continued with my sessions. Pero iyong pinsan niya ay wala pa rin pagbabago. Bumabati na rin sa akin si Don Ferell at minsan ay kasama na rin ang ilan pa sa mga pinsan ni Aldus.

Minsan ay naawa na rin ako kay Don Ferell sa tuwing nakikita ko siya. He looked so stressed and too worried about his grandson. Gusto ko sanang magtanong kay Aldus pero masyado pa siyang bata roon.

But during my last session, good news happened. Kahit ako na hindi ko na inasahang muling ngingiti ay napatayo nang lumabas si Don Ferell na akay na si Troy Ferell na may sigla na sa mukha.

"Troy!" tuwang-tuwang bati ni Aldus.

"I will eat a lot! Because the doctor said I am handsome!" Troy proudly said.

"You are well na!"

"Yes, yes!"

"It's your last day, right, Keaton?"

"Yes."

"Mukhang hindi ka na namin makikita rito. Troy still needs assistance."

Aldus tugged his grandfather's pants. "LG, Keaton invited us to his house on weekend!"

Napamulat ako. Wala akong matatandaang inimbitahan ko sila. "I did?"

"Wow! That's great! Where is your address, hijo? Aldus call him Kuya, mas matanda siya sa 'yo."

"No. He's just taller. We're both big boys."

Don Ferell chuckled. Muli siyang tumingin sa akin kaya wala akong ibang pinagpilian kundi ibigay ang address ko.

"See you, Keaton." I nodded.

And that was the beginning of my close relation with the Ferells. Dahil sa ilang taon namin pagtigil doon sa Canada, ang limang Ferell na lamang at si Don Ferell ang siyang laging dumadalaw sa amin.

Yeas had passed. At marami kaming napagdaanang magkasama ni Langston. We grew up independently, strong and powerful. I continued to build the Samonte's empire through our grandfather's property. Habang iyong mga kayaman na naipundar ng mga magulang ko mula sa ilegal ay pinanindigan kong hindi galawin sa napakahabang panahon.

I thought everything would be fine and act according to my plans the moment we return to the Philippines, but I caught Langston and his secrets.

Isang malakas na suntok sa panga ang tumama sa kanya. Nanginginig iyong kamao ko sag alit habang pinagmamasdan si Langston sa nakasalampak sa sahig.

"What the fuck, Keaton?!"

"Are you damn contacting Don Olbes?!"

"I did."

"What the hell!"

"Fuck off, Keaton! Stop protecting me like I am still a damn kid without his own mind!" pinunasan niya iyong dugo sa ilong niya.

"This is my business, Langston. Huwag ka nang makialam!"

"Stop being a noble, Keaton. Stop receiving daggers for me. Malaki na 'ko! May isip at alam ang nangyayari! I've been aware of our parent's death! Anak din ako at gusto ko rin ng hustiya! You had enough of suffering this alone. Tumigil ka na! I am here! Narito pa ako, Kuya..."

"Langston..."

"And please, stop damn blaming yourself because of their death! Dahil kahit kailan ay hindi kita sisisihin doon! Hindi kita sisihin... hinding-hindi. So stop moving alone and allow me to help this time... kasi pareho tayong Samonte. Tayo na lang ang natitira para magtulungan."

Biglang tumayo si Langston at sinalubong niya ako ng isang malakas na suntok sa aking mukha dahilan kung bakit ako naman ang natumba sa sahig na may dumudugong ilong.

"That is for hitting me! Masakit? Of course, brother! I am no longer your little brother. I am a grown man, Keaton. And I bedded a lot of women in different position, nakaisa ka na ba?"

"Fucking Langston Samonte!"

"I'll book a flight to the Philippines. I'll look for a lot of girls, alright? Dadalhin ko sa mansion, ikaw na ang bahala kung gusto mong tikman."

When we came back to the Philippines, Langston started his career. Habang abala ako roon sa pagtulong sa mga Olbes ay walang tigil sa pagdadala ng babae si Langston sa mansion, iba't ibang klaseng babae.

"Wala pa rin ba?"

"Shut up, Langston. At itigil mo na iyang kalokohan mo. Gago ka."

Ngumisi siya. "Ang gaganda ng dinadala ko, Keaton. Basta kapag tinigasan ka, pwede na iyon."

"Fuck off, Langston. Make sure to tightly seal that dick of yours! Hindi ko gustong may batang mag-iiyak dito sa mansion."

"I met the Ferells. May bagong pinatayong pabrika yata ang mga iyon, kaya marami silang pinamimigay."

"Factory?"

"Condom."

I cursed. "Langston!"

"I'll enroll today. Mag-aaral na akong mabuti para naman makapag-asawa ako ng maganda, matalino at mayamang babae."

"Suit yourself."

I thought every girl would give me a similar reaction. Lalo na kapag nahahalata ko iyong sadya nilang pag-akit sa akin sa tuwing hindi nakatingin si Langston na wala naman pakialam.

But this certain girl was damn different. She looked genuine in front of Langston, and she didn't seem bothered about my presence.

I flinched when she called me Kuya.

Kuya, huh?

If I bit your lip, will you still call me that way, miss? I later found out that she was the daughter of my father's secretary. Isang La Rosa.

"She's so beautiful, Keaton. I think... I should—"

"What? She's too tall for you, Langston."

"Huh? Mas matangkad ako sa kanya."

"You liked mestizas, right? Pick new. Huwag iyong La Rosa na iyon. Hindi ko gustong mauugnay tayong muli sa mga La Rosa."

"Alright. So, I'll break up with her?"

"Go on."

And yes, they broke up. Inayos ko ang nakasuot kong salamin habang nakaupo ako sa aking lamesa.

"Mr. Samonte, I already checked her background." Binasa ko iyong ibinigay sa aking papel ng imbestigador ko.

Tumaas ang kilay ko. I suddenly want to hire the father and play with the daughter. Pero mukhang umaayon sa akin ang mga pangyayari.

Ashanti Rose Miral La Rosa fiercely clad with her gang. Tarpaulins, megaphones, angry faces, old cars, and hateful messages against us.

Her face was lit with fire while covered with sweat. Was she angry about my business, or it was partly because of their break-up?

Come on, sweetheart, my brother is a crazy ass. I suddenly want to teach her to call me in another way rather than that bullshit kuya. Isa-isa kong binasa iyong mga nasa tarpaulin nila. It was really good, but I have important priorities, ladies.

I thought I could safely handle the scene, but it was a big mistake. The riot started when someone threw a stone on my face that caused me to bleed.

That woman! Gusto rin yatang may dumugo sa kanya!

I closed my eyes and massaged my temple. That word kuya keeps ringing on my damn ear! And that movement of her lips...

Gusto kong paduguin... sa kagat... sa tabi.

Napatayo na ako sa swivel chair ko at namaywang akong humarap sa bintana.

I planned to let her pass, to forgot about this tiny curiosity about her, it's a threat and I have more important things to do but that fucking resume is a sin.

I called her father and informed her daughter's immediate interview.

"Ano itong nababalitaan ko, Keaton, my loverboy brother? Tumitigas na ba?" tanong sa akin ni Langston sa loob ng opisina.

"Isang tigas pa, Langston. Ihahampas ko sa ulo mo iyang flower vase na malapit sa 'yo."

"But Ashanti's a good girl, kung gusto mo naman talaga, Kuya..."

"Fuck off, she's just my secretary."

"Alright."

"Basta kapag nagkatigasan na, Kuya, nandito ang condom, ah?" naglagay sa ilalim ng sofa si Langston, sa loob ng flower vase at sa may kurtina.

"Get out!"

"Pero kapag aatake ka, kunwari medyo concern pa ako. Para 'di tayo halatang dalawa na inihain ko talaga siya sa 'yo."

"Shut up, Langston! Get the fucking out!"

I thought her being my secretary, will make her quite miserable. I want to see her struggle and grunt in annoyance without any power to fight back on me. She started it.

Ako ang may kapangyarihan at sekretarya ko lang siya, pero habang lumilipas ang mga araw, ako iyong pinahihirapan niya sa maraming bagay.

She's actually good at work, but I never let her see that I was impressed. Dahil sa tuwing lumilingon siya sa akin ay agad kong ikinukunot iyong noo ko sa kanya.

Until suddenly her damn lips started to attract me again. A pen should be use to write, not with those lips. My fingered drummed against my table while looking at her.

Can I bite those lips and make it bleed and tell her it was part of her job? Can I pull that hair of hers and... mas maganda siguro kung kulot iyon at ang boss na ang tutuwid?

I choked with my imagination. Fuck off, Langston!

"Miss La Rosa, stop that!"

"W-What, boss?" she answered nervously.

"Nagbabasa lang po ako ng notes." Then fucking stop distracting me with those lips!

"This?" iniharap niya sa akin ang kanyang ball pen.

"Yes. It's noisy. I can't concentrate." Have your damn break now before I ravish you on the sofa, you insolent woman!

Ashanti Rose Miral La Rosa, my secretary continued to be a good employee but a risk to my valued oath. Lagi kong sinasabi na kasalan ko at ginusto ko iyon sa tuwing tumatalikod siya sa akin at magtitimpla ng kape.

Titigil ako sa pagsusulat o pagtitig sa laptop habang naroon sa mga binti niya ang mga mata ko. Sumandal akong muli sa swivel chair at niluwagan iyong kurbata ko.

I fixed my eyeglasses as my eyes continued to roam on her athletic figure. Sinong hindi gugusto... hindi iilang beses na gusto kong hilahin siya roon mismo sa loob ng pantry at...

Of course! I wanted to drink coffee with my secretary, a common employee and employer relationship. Magtatabi kami... shit!! I mean... magkakape kami.

Nang makauwi na siya, agad kong inutusan ang assistant ko na maghanda na ng mahabang lamesa kung saan doon na magtitimpla ng kape Ashanti.

"Mr Samonte, okay na naman po—"

"Para hindi na agaw oras iyong paglalakad niya sa pantry. She has a lot of work to do. Mas mabuti na riyan na siya magtimpla. And please kindly change the coffee, gusto ko iyong matagal matunaw."

"Mas magiging matagal po—"

"Just do it."

And that's it. When I was starting to feel the tiredness of my workload, I would immediately call her and ask for a coffee. Titigil ako sa anumang ginagawa ko sa ibabaw ng lamesa at pagmamasdan siya habang tinutunaw iyong kape. Tatlong beses ko iyong ginagawa sa isang araw.

When she's about to turn her face on me, I'd look down on my papers and creased my forehead. Bitin.

"Here's your coffee, boss."

Hindi ako sumagot at hinayaan ko siyang bumalik doon sa pwesto niya. At sa bawat pag-inom ko ng kape, hindi ako makatulog ng maaga.

It was all because of that brazen La Rosa.

We continued with our boss and secretary relationship, while she's busying cursing and trash-talking me on my back, I am also busy with my own once that she turned her back on me. We're even, La Rosa.

***

Hindi na ako nagulat ng malaman na nina Aldus at ng mga pinsan niya ang interes ko kay Ashanti.

"My brother is still the famous gentleman of the group." Sabi ni Langston habang may hawak na alak.

"Stop corrupting your brother's mind. Wedding night is sacred. You can kiss her, kahit dulo lang ng daliri ang abutin mo o kaya ng buhok. Ilang taon na akong ganoon, ang sarap sa pakiramdam." I scratched my eyebrow when I heard Aldus.

Humalakhak si Langston. "Sacred your face!"

"It's the feeling. Kahit ako ay parang nakokonsensiya kapag napahawak ako sa hita ng babae. I apologize quickly! Baka kasi isipin niya ay sinadya ko. You know... accident... coincidence..." dagdag ni Owen.

I didn't expect a better word from these idiots.

"Gano'n talaga, minsan nadudulas iyong kamay natin. Hindi naman iyon kasalanan, minsan kasi malakas iyong hangin." Sabi ni Troy.

Umiiling na lamang ako. "But seriously? It's better to wait, Keaton. Hindi naman mahirap gawin iyon." Seryosong sabi ni Nero.

Napatitig ako sa kanya. Siguro sa kanilang magpipinsan ay siya ang nagsasabi ng totoo.

"I'll take note of that."

Humalakhak si Aldus. "Kay Nero pa talaga!"

Sinubukan kong burahin sa isipan ko iyong mga napag-usapan namin ng mga Ferell. To talk with them when you're in the middle of fantasizing a woman is not a good idea.

I was waiting for her in the hotel lobby, and she's taking too much time. Hindi niya ba alam na hindi magandang maghintay ang mga Samonte? I tried to call her a lot of times, but she never picked up her phone.

But when I heard a familiar song, the fucking song that made me embarrassed the other day, my head automatically turned until my eyes landed her.

Sa pinakamagandang kulot na nasilayan ko. I imagined her in curly hair, but to see her in an actual flesh? And not my imagination anymore...

I gulped, and I forgot about my phone. I didn't care if I stared too much. Her strikingly Mexican beauty is something that would make me forget about my goals in life.

Gusto kong hilahin iyong buhok niya at dalhin siya sa pinakamalapit na tabi. I wanted to kiss those long legs of her that I've been dreaming every night, pull that hair to claim her lips, and run my fingers on her sexy spine.

I never saw her on backless, but my imagination surpassed reality. Lalo na nang lumampas ang mga mata ko at nagtungo iyon sa salamin na kita ang kabuuan ng hubad niyang likuran.

I wanted to stop pretending that I loved to drink coffee so much, and I wanted to stare at her freely. I wanted to end my sleepless night thinking about her if I can have her in the morning. I can wait, I have patience and control. But kisses wouldn't ruin my code, touching wouldn't destroy vow, and a little foreplay with her wouldn't break my rules.

I couldn't breathe. My heart was hammering fast. Nakalimutan kong empleyada ko siya. But I will go insane if I do not claim her mine tonight.

"Why are you late?" ibinulsa ko na ang telepono ko na muntik ko nang maitapon.

"Nakatulog po ako..." Damn. How does she look on my bed with that hair?

"Oh, nakakakulot pala ang pagtulog..." sagot ko. Pilit kong hindi ibinababa ang mga mata ko sa kabuuan niya. I wanted to look composed.

Nagkaroon pa kami ng palitan ng salita habang pilit kong pinakakalma ang sarili ko. Pero nang sandaling mauna siya sa paglalakad sa akin.

Teasingly jumping with that short dress! Gusto kong murahin ang lahat ng mga matang inagaw niya ang atensyon.

"Boss, sabi ng mga kapatid ko isuot ko raw itong sombrero ko. Would I look weird sa pupuntahan natin?"

Nang sandaling humarap siya at nakasuot na ng sombrero at mapaglaro niyang hinipan ang kulot niyang buhok, hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko.

This Mexican girl will be mine no matter what. Pag-aari ng isang Samonte.

"Fuck... Sweetheart... S-stop that..."

Iyon na ang simula ng sarili kong pagkalunod sa isang La Rosa. Para akong hindi mapakali sa tuwing hindi ko naririnig ang kanyang boses, hindi kumpleto ang araw ko sa tuwing hindi niya tatawigin ang pangalan ko, para akong magkakasakit kung hindi niya ako hahalikan at nagdidilim ang paningin ko sa tuwing nalalapit siya sa iba.

Hindi iilang beses kong inisip na rito na lang siya sa mansion mag-aral. Homeschooled. Bibigyan ko siya ng magandang kalidad ng edukasyon na higit pa sa unibersidad na pinapasukan niya. She can study, learn and build her dreams with me.

Walang ibang magkakainteres sa kanya at hindi siya makikipag-usap sa iba. Shanti's too beautiful that she couldn't notice it. I have dark secrets, na ngayo'y pinangangalagaan ko.

Gusto kong dumating sa punto na mahal na mahal ako ni Shanti na katulad ko'y halos malunod na rin siya sa pagmamahal, nang sa ganoon kapag dumating ang panahon na malaman niyang may mga bagay sa aking nakakabit ay hindi maganda, mas lamang pa rin ang pagmamahal niya sa akin at hindi niya ako iiwan.

But in the process of intensely loving her... she drowned and got tired of me. Pagkalunod na gusto niyang umahon. Hindi tulad ng pagmamahal ko sa kanya, na kahit gaano kalalim ang pagkalunod ay hindi ko nanaising umahon.

Ashanti Rose Miral La Rosa gave me another light, na nagawa niya akong bigyan ng panibagong silbi sa mundo. That I wasn't moving anymore because I needed it, but waking up because I wanted it.

I was started to enjoy my life again because of her. Ramdam kong mahal niya ako... her arms, smiles, kisses and caresses held my safe haven. Handa na akong matunaw sa kanya, handa na akong harapin iyong parte sa pagkatao ko na pilit kong ibinaon sa nakalipas na maraming taon.

Mahal na mahal ako ni Ashanti at tatanggapin niya ako, pakikinggan at yayakapin. She's my sweetheart, my strength, and my new life. But it seemed like the past had its own whipped to take back what I had done with my parents.

Nagsunud-sunod iyong problema na hindi ko alam kung saan ko unang ipapaliwanag sa kanya.

"I said fucking save him! Give him a fucking back-up!" sigaw ko sa mga tauhan ko. Nangangatal ang mga kamay ko ng makita ang litrato ng ama ng babaeng mahal ko na tadtad ng bala at wala nang buhay.

I told him to stop meddling my affairs! I told him to stop acting as my own father! I told him to stop protecting me!

I was sorry about those words I said. Wala siyang kasalanan, hindi siya ang may dahilan ng lahat! It was me and my damn pathetic acceptance!

Right at that moment, when I was still wrecked as fuck my love of my life entered my messy room with her eyes filled with tears.

"Tang ina, wala na..." Ilang beses ko iyong bulong sa sarili ko. Pero hindi ako sumuko.

Higit kitang mas kailangan ngayon, Shanti. I need you so much now, sweetheart...

"No... no... no... sweetheart, let me explain..." nagpumilit akong makarating sa kanya kahit alam kong anumang oras ay mawawalan ako ng balanse.

"Huwag kang lalapit sa akin! You killed my father! Hindi mo man lang ba hinintay ang paliwanag ko!"

"No... nagkakamali ka..."

My heart sank when she distanced herself to me. Humawak siya ng bagay na pwedeng magprotekta sa kanya na parang anumang oras ay sasaktan ko siya.

Sweetheart, I will never ever hurt you...

"Huwag mo akong lalapitan! Ibabato ko 'to sa 'yo! You killed my father! You monster! Ginawa ko ang lahat ng gusto mo, minahal kita! Pero ano ang tingin mo sa akin? Pag-aari na sa sandaling may magawang mali ay tatanggalan mo ng bagay na mahalaga sa kanya? Tatakutin? Sawang-sawa na 'ko sa 'yo, Keaton at sa kabaliwan mo!"

I felt a lump on my throat. Yes... I'm crazy... nababaliw na ako.

"No, you got it wrong, Shanti..."

Nang muli akong lalapit sa kanya, lumipad na ang vase na hawak niya sa akin. It wasn't the force of that ceramic vase made me feel the intense pain, but the fact that she's willing to hurt me because she's already afraid of me. Hindi na niya ako pinaniniwalaan...

Kulang pa pala iyong pagmamahal ko sa kanya, hindi pa rin pala niya ako pipiliin sa sandaling sumabog na itong pinakatatago ko.

Sa kabila nang panghihina ko pinilit ko pa rin siyang pigilan at pilit na ipaniwala sa kanya na hindi ako. Niyakap ko siya ng mahigpit.

"Someone set this up, inilalayo ka nila sa akin. Inaamin ko may problema ako. Papayag na ako, I will take medication, Shanti. You'll be there, sasamahan mo 'ko. Sasabihin ko na ang lahat ng gusto mong malaman... ikaw na ang masusunod, I will not cage you. I will give you freedom, pwede ka nang umuwi, hindi ako mananakit ng ibang tao... I will let this slide, kakalimutan ko ang nakita ko ngayon... dito ka lang. 'Wag mo kong iwan, Shanti..."

I cupped her face. Nagmamakaawa na ako sa kanya. "Maniwala ka sa akin... I love you... so much... when I mentioned Autumn before? I was just terribly jealous... walang ibang babae ang higit na ginusto ko kung hindi ikaw... stay Shanti..."

But she's determined to push me away. Ayaw na sa akin ng babaeng mahal ko. Ayaw na niya...

"Sawang-sawa na 'ko, Keaton. I lost my father because of this madness! Ayoko na! Pakawalan mo na 'ko!"

"I didn't kill your father!"

"Then, who? Sino?! Sino ang nag-iisang nagbanta sa ulo ng mga magulang ko!?"

"I didn't kill him, please..."

"Tapos na tayo, Keaton. Ayokong dumating na pati ako mawala na rin sa sariling katinuan. Mababaliw na ako kasama ka."

***

Three years away from her made me realize a lot of things. One is to grow. When I was still young, I picked the darkest place to hide but locking myself inside a small room with no words, light, sounds, and no one to listen with you would just get things worst.  Paraan na hindi ko na naisip na tahakin. I looked forward and focused on the other good lights. Hindi lang si Shanti iyong liwanag na dapat kilalanin ko, dahil may mga bagay pa rin akong dapat bigyan ng higit na pansin.

I focused on our business, continued to help the authorities through Don Olbes' strings and build myself more.

Maiksi lang ang tatlong taon kung hinayaan ko ang sarili kong tanging sa negosyo lang at sarili ko ang nasa isip, pero hindi pa rin lilipas ang gabi na hindi siya dadalaw sa isip ko.

Walang gabing nawaglit sa akin ang pinakamagandang kulot na nakita ko.

With her backless floral dress, flowing curly hair, a brimmed hat, and her laughter while teasingly running away from me with laughter.

"Boss, Mr. Samonte..."

And when I went home, I was too determined to win her back. Hindi ko muna ipinaalam na nakarating na ako sa Pilipinas. I bought a house near her at pinili ko iyong kwarto na tanaw ko siya.

I always let my lights off when she's inside her room, combing her hair, using her phone and laptop, reading books, and anything else that seemed interesting.

Tipid kong hinahawi ang kurtina ko sa tuwing bukas na ang ilaw sa kwarto niya. A glimpse of her would always make my day complete. Sa tuwing umuuwi na siya at gabi na siyang pumapasok sa kwarto, inuutusan ko nang pakawalan iyong mga aso at hayaan ang mga iyong gumala sa pagitan ng daan namin.

Wala naman kaming kapitbahay dahil malayo kami sa nakakarami, pero sinisigurado ko pa rin na walang mapapadaan at mapapatingala sa bahay nila kahit imposible naman siyang makita.

"Boss, nasa labas na po ang mga aso."

"Good. Matulog na ka na, Mang Jun. Let my dogs wander."

"Sige po. Bubuhayin ko po ba ang ilaw n'yo, boss? Pundi po ba? Papalitan ko?"

"No! Just sleep."

"Sige po."

Nang maisarado na ni June iyong pintuan ay sumilip na ako sa bintana ni Shanti. Wala siya sa may bintana kaya sumandal muna ako sa pader, ilang minuto akong naghintay bago ko siya nakitang nakatapis.

I gulped. Sumandal muli ako sa pader. I should stop this.

Hahakbang na sana ako pabalik sa kama nang bahagya ko ulit hawiin iyong kurtina. "Sweetheart, you're so beautiful..."

I went straight inside the bathroom and had my cold bath. I should have her as soon as possible.

When I was having my breakfast, I called Mang June. "Mang June, pakitaas ng isang upuaan doon sa kwarto ko. I need it for my push-up."

Sa ilang gabi kong panunuod kay Shanti sa gabi, naging desperado na akong lumapit sa mga Ferell.

"Oh, oh, oh! Fortune cookie gusto nang buksan, ang tanong gusto pa ba sa 'yo ipabukas... hey hey hey... iba na yata ang magbubukas. 'Wag kalimutan ngumiti... ay iyak na lang pala..." kanta ni Aldus na may sariling lyrics at sintinado.

"I don't care if she's dating that Arellano. Aagawin ko. I need help."

"Alright! Rock n roll!" sagot ni Aldus.

"Tamang-tama si White, malaki rin problema." Sagot ni Nero.

"It's easy. Buntisin. Tapos ang laban. Patayin ang switch ng ilaw," sagot ni Owen.

Mariin akong pumikit. Bakit sa tuwing kailangan ko ng tulong nila ay naabutan ko silang mga lasing? This isn't a good idea.

"That is not good," sabi ko.

"Come on! Mapipilitan lang sila sa umpisa, pero papayag din ang mga iyan! Ang grupo natin hindi sanay sa pilitan na ganyan. Triton, give me the blueprint of Tanya's place. Nasaan ba ang transformer?" Troy Ferell opened the flashlight of his phone.

"Don't worry about Leiden Arellano, Keaton. May babae na kaming nakahanda sa kanya." Dagdag ni Nero.

"Nagkunwari pa akong nagdedeliver ng tubig mahanap ko lang kung saan ang transformer na iyan, Troy! This isn't me! Shit." Umiiling na sabi ni Triton.

"T, uminom ka na lang."

Buong akala ko ay hindi magkakaroon ng tagumpay ang plano ng mga Ferell lalo na at kapwa sila mga lasing ng araw na iyon. But God, I was so thankful that with those silly tricks, I got my Shanti back.

Kasal na lang ang hinihintay namin.

I thought we're on our way to married life. Dahil inakala kong tapos na ang lahat, ngunit may mga humabol na ngayo'y nagbabanta sa amin ni Langston.

Lumayo akong muli kay Shanti. Paglayo na alam ko sa sarili kong panandalian lamang, gusto kong bumalik sa kanya na malinis at wala nang malaking problema, kaya ipinangako ko sa sarili kong tatapusin muna ang lahat bago siya dalhin sa altar.

Nakapamulsa si Dwight Arellano habang kapwa kami nakatanaw sa dagat. Hindi ko akalain na siya ang makikita ko sa tagpuan.

"Sa totoo lang, hindi rin ako makapaniwala na isa ka rin sa tumutulong sa kanya. Life is too ironic, right?" I could still feel his animosity toward me. Kahit may anak na sila ni Autumn at nabalitaan kong buntis na sa ikalawa.

"Just give me straight the message. I still have a fiancé waiting for me." Tumaas ang kilay niya.

"Stop the bitterness, Arellano. I have Ashanti now."

Humalakhak siya. "Fuck off! I am not bitter. I just want to tell you to stop worrying about the others. They're about to get traced. Ilang araw na lang, hindi na kayo magagalaw ni Langston."

Napahinga ako ng maluwag. "How did you know?"

"Confidential, Samonte." Tinapik niya ang balikat ko. "By the way, congratulations!"

Tumalikod na siya sa akin at nagsimula na siyang umalis. "Do you want to join the game too?"

My brows creased. "What game?"

"Baby Marathon!"

***

What is the groom's most beautiful gift at his wedding? Of course, it is his wife, dressed in a white gown as pure as her.  Your heart will continue to beat fast as your eyes stared at Your beautiful bride inside the church, inside your home, inside your new room, and on your bed, blushing demurely.

Ashanti Rose La Rosa Samonte, my wife, still intact with her long gown in the middle of our bed, would cause my sudden cardiac arrest the moment her arms strength and invited me.

I stilled myself on the edge of our king size bed as I slowly under the buttons of my suit, threw my white long sleeves, removed my belt, my pants until her eyes were answered by my longing desire the moment, she showed her bronze skin on me. Tinakpan niya iyong bibig niya para pigilan ang kanyang pagkagulat.

"M-made from Wuhan? Gosh, sweetheart, sa lahat ng gawang China iyan ang gustong-gustong i-import ng mga kagaya kong Mexicana."

My brows arched as I crawled on our bed. When I finally pinned her down, she giggled with excitement. She raised her arms upward and allowed me to undress her like a big present. I was like a little kid who got his first Christmas gift.

My forehead was beading with sweat as my fingers trembled with excitement. Nanulay rin ang kanyang mga daliri sa bawat aking mga labi bago iyon nagtuon sa aking mga salamin.

"C-Can you see me, husband?"

I grinned. "I got my lasik surgery for this wedding night, Marimar..."

Itinalang ko na sa ere ang huling tela mula sa Mexicana kong asawa. 

"Keaton, be gentle..." she whispered as I showered kisses on her neck.

"Ilang taon na akong tabing-tabi, Mrs. Samonte..." her body arched with desire when my mouth claimed one of her breasts.

"Keaton..."

"I love you, Ashanti... ikaw lang ang nag-iisang babaeng itatabi ko habang nabubuhay ako..."

Ngumiti siya. "A virgin groom is also a bride's best gift. I love you, Keaton..." Our lips locked with the burning incense of our love. 

***

When my phone rang, and my wife's name registered on it. I almost jumped just to pick it up.

"Yes, sweetheart? It's still early. Susunduin na ba kita?"

"Keaton, I'm too busy right now. Miss Nieva just called. Pumunta ka muna sa school, masakit daw ang tiyan ni Wuhan."

"Oh, alright. Dadaan na ba kami riyan?"

"No. It's okay. Ako na lang."

"I insist, Ashanti. You're sensitive right now. Hintayin ka na lang namin."

"Huh? Keaton, I am just one month pregnant! Masakit ang tiyan ng anak mo. Just go home straight. I'll see you later. I love you."

"I love you."

Mabilis kong pinatakbo ang sasakyan hanggang sa makarating ako sa school ni Wuhan, saglit pa akong natigilan nang makita ko si White Arellano. He looked troubled.

"Hey..."

Saglit siyang nagulat. "Samonte! Ano ginagawa mo rito?"

"Picking up my kid. You?"

"Same."

Nang papasok na kami sa faculty room, kapwa kami nagulat nang malaman na magkaklase pala ang anak namin. Both grade two. Bago ako makarating sa clinic para kunin si Wuhan ay narinig kong pinagsasabihin niya iyong babaeng anak niya.

"Araceli, stop bullying the other kids!"

"I didn't bully her, Papa! I just said that her adobo is mixing my Mama's perfume! I smell adobo!" umiiyak na sabi ng kanyang anak na ang laki ng ribbon sa ulo.

"Miss Nieve, may pang-bp kayo? Pineapple juice? Tumataas ang dugo ko. Bakit sila nagmana lahat kay Autumn?!"

Naiiling akong lumabas sa faculty room ako nagtuloy na ako sa clinic. Sinalubong ako ng nurse.

"Wuhan Tirzo's father?"

"Yes."

Itinuro nila ang pwesto ni Wuhan. Nang hinawi ko ang kurtina ay agad siyang bumangon sa kama.

"Daddy!"

"What happened to you?" inayos ko ang pagkakasuot ng kanyang salamin.

"My stomach hurts."

Mas lalo kong pinasingkit ang mga mata ko sa kanya na parang hindi ako naniniwala. Today is Ashanti's birthday, June 2.

And we pretended that we forgot it.

Ginaya rin iyon ni Wuhan na katulad ko ay singkit din. We both laughed. I played my nose with his.

"Let's go. We'll buy flowers."

Madali lang namin dinaanan ang bulaklak dahil itinawag ko na iyon kanina. Wuhan's busy with his stories while we're on our way to Ashanti's clinic.

"She's so arte and always wears big colorful ribbons. Her father is always in school. She's bullying the other kids."

"Really?"

"Yes!"

Tipid akong napailing. Hindi maipagkakailang anak nga nila ni Autumn ang batang iyon.

When we arrived at the parking, I carried my son in my arm while the other held a huge bouquet of roses. Marami ang nasabi na malaki ang pagkakahawig namin ni Wuhan at tanging ang kulot niyang buhok ang naiba sa akin.

I wondered why at first, dahil hindi naman talaga kulot si Shanti. But then, I realized that Ashanti's mother has curly hair.

Ngumingiti iyong mga nakakasalubong namin sa tuwing nakikita kaming mag-ama.

"Nasaan si doktora?" tanong ko sa receptionist.

Sasagot pa sana siya nang lumabas ang pinakamagandang kulot na doktor na nasilayan ko.

"Mommy!"

"Sweetheart..."

Malalaki ang hakbang ko patungo kay Shanti. Her eyes immediately watered and her hands covered her lips.

Sabay kaming yumuko ni Wuhan sa kanya at humalik sa kanyang pisngi.

"Happy Birthday, Mommy!"

"Happy Birthday, sweetheart..."

Wuhan clapped his hands. "There's another baby snowman coming!"

I kissed Wuhan. "Kuya snowman ka na..." bulong ko sa kanya.

Nagpalakpakan iyong mga tao sa narinig nilang balita. Natatawang naluluha si Ashanti sa aming mag-ama.

"Akala ko nakalimutan n'yo na ang birthday ko..."

I kissed her forehead. "Sweetheart, your every detail is unforgettable to me... to us... I love you..."