Note: Sorry guys, I know I have announced before na epilogue na ang ipo-post ko ngayon but I miscalculated. I didn't expect that this chapter would take me days to write lol. Sorry about that.

I pressed the doorbell over and over again, trying hard not to scream. I didn't want to make a scene or catch anyone's attention. I kept looking behind my shoulders, trying to be careful with my surroundings.

It was the middle of the night, the rain has downplayed to a mere drizzle but I was still soaking wet. I was shivering cold, only wearing my black jeans and black sleeveless top. Despite of how I felt, my main concern was the poor baby in my arms wrapped in my black jacket.

"Reika?" Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang makita si Benji na lumabas mula sa pinto. Magulo ang buhok nito at namumula pa ang mga mata, halatang nabulabog ang tulog.

Nang buksan niya ang gate, nagmamadali akong pumasok hanggang sa loob ng bahay nila.

"Get me some towels. You're a nurse. You better help this baby." Bulalas ko agad nang makapasok si Benji sa loob ng bahay. Nakita ko ang gulat sa mukha niya nang dumapo ang tingin niya sa sanggol na dala ko. 

"Sandali, ano? ha?" Kinusot-kusot ni Benji ang mga mata, gustong makasigurado kung tama ba ang nakikita. Napasinghap ito at nasapo ang noo gamit ang magkabilang kamay. "What the hell?! Is that a baby?!"

"Yes. Hurry and move your ass. The baby has been exposed to elements, it might catch a cold or something. Please." Nagmamadali man, pinilit kong wag sumigaw o magtaas ng boses dahil sa sanggol na hawak ko.

Huminga nang malalim si Benji, halatang pilit na kinalma ang sarili. Nagmadali agad ito na tumungo sa direksyon ng banyo nila. "Kuha lang ako ng mga tuwalya."

Nagbaba ako ng tingin sa sanggol na karga ko at awang-awa ako nang makitang may mga bahid pa ang mukha nito ng pinaghalong dugo at putik. Natutulog na ito at tumigil na sa pag-iyak mula nang makarating kami sa Filimon Heights.

Napabuntong-hininga ako at nilibot ang paningin sa paligid. Simple man, napakalinis at napakaaliwalas naman ng bahay na pagmamay-ari nina Riley at Benji. Binili nila ito ilang buwan na ang nakakaraan sa tulong na rin ni Apollo. Their choice didn't come without a consequence. Riley was disowned by his Father, he still disapproved Riley's decision to follow his heart. Despite of it, Riley found acceptance in his other relatives and Benji's parents as well. Together, they found happiness each other. 

Dumako ang tingin ko sa malaking salamin na nasa tapat lang ng sofa. Nakita ko ang sarili kong basang-basa. Tadtad ng putik ang mga braso at mukha ko, pati na ang kulay itim kong damit, at ang sanggol na karga ko.

"Bennie, is that you?"

Narinig ko ang antok na antok pang boses ni Riley. 

Mula sa repleksyon ng salamin, nakita ko si Riley na pababa sa hagdan suot ang maiksi nitong short at white sando. Hapit na hapit ito sa balat niya kaya sobrang macho niyang tingnan kung hindi nga lang sa white facemask niya.

"Pssst..." Naisipan kong sumutsot at ngumisi habang nakatingin pa rin sa salamin.

Habang humahakbang sa baitang ng hagdan, dumako ang tingin ni Riley sa salamin dahilan para magtagpo ang mga tingin namin.

Kitang-kita ko kung paano nanlaki ang mga mata niya sa takot hanggang sa umawang ang bibig niya at nagpakawala ng napakalakas na sigaw. Namalayan ko na lang na dumausdos na si Riley pababa sa natitirang baitang ng hagdan, una ang pwet.

Nauwi sa iyak ang sigaw ni Riley habang sapo ang pwet dahil sa labis na sakit.

****

Ilang taon na rin mula nang gumraduate ako pero pakiramdam ko nasa principal's office na ulit ako dahil kay Riley. Talagang kinaladkad pa talaga ako nito patungo sa kusina para lang ma interrogate habang si Benji naman ang umaasikaso sa sanggol.

"So let me get this straight." Pikit-matang minasahe ni Riley ang pagitan ng kanyang kilay matapos maikwento sa kanya ang lahat ng nangyari. "You took a baby in the middle in the night and brought it here?! You really want us to go to jail?!"

"Have you been listening?!" Marahas akong napakamot sa ulo ko na nakatalukbong ng tuwalya. "I told you! It was bad! It was left on the damn wheel barrow, naked and bloodied! The wheel barrow even had mud so it smeared on the poor baby! Noong una nga akala ko tiyanak tapos naman baby doll, imagine my shock when it cried and I realized that it was a real baby!"

Marahas na napabuntong-hininga si Riley at naupo sa silya. "The hole in the ground! Did you even look at what's underneath?!"

Napasinghal ako at ngumiwi. "I ran away the moment I found the baby! I got scared! Imagine, a hole in the ground, a baby in a wheel barrow, in the dark of the freaking night, near an abandoned looking house! Riley, I'm not good at math but add them together, you know it's fucked up!"

"Reika, you kidnapped a child! You still took it--"

"I did what I had to do!" Giit ko sabay turo sa puso ko. "Call it an intuition or survival's instinct, I knew I had to get that baby out of there! I followed my heart and I don't regret it! Not a bit!"

llang sandaling nanahimik si Riley habang seryoso ang tingin sa akin, ako naman ay humahangos habang nanginginig ang mga kamay.

"Did you call the cops?" Riley asked in a serious tone.

"Yes!" Giit ko. "I used my connection and asked someone to call the cops on behalf of me. Tutungo sila doon sa address. I didn't tell them about the baby because--"

"What the hell, Reika?!" Bulalas muli ni Riley. "Did you even think this through?! Paano kung may--"

"I think it was a good idea."

Kapwa kami napalingon ni Riley sa pinto at nakita namin si Benji na may seryosong ekspresyon sa kanyang mukha. He even looked a little on edge.

"What are you saying?" Napahalukipkip ng mga braso si Riley.

"Ri, I got to assist delivery operations before. I know a new-born baby when I see one. That baby over there, her umbilical cord wasn't even cut and she wasn't even cleaned well. She's better off away from the place where Reika got her." Tumatango siya at lumunok. "I think it was right for Reika to take the baby away."

Riley sighed, as if accepting defeat. "So what's going to happen to the baby?"

"Habang nasa taxi ako, kayo agad ang naisip ko. Alam n'yo ba kung bakit?" The corner of my lips rose to a small smile.

"Because I'm a nurse?" Benji said, unsure.

"Because we're amazing?" Sarcastic na sambit ni Riley.

I chuckled and looked at them both in admiration. "Because I know that the two of you are the perfect couple to take care of her... to protect her and give her the life that she deserves. Look at you both, you defied odds and moved mountains just to follow your heart. That baby was left out there, defenseless... she sure is going to need someone who will fight to protect her and love her at all cost."

Kapwa nagkatinginan sina Riley at Benji.

"What if someone comes looking for her?" tanong ni Benji.

"I made sure that no one followed me. I discarded my company car and its plate numbers before coming here. Tomorrow, I'll use my connections to erase my traces of ever using that vehicle. Nag taxi lang ako habang papunta rito at wala akog pinagsabihan tungkol sa bata. But if someone does come looking," I paused to grin at Riley. "I know you have a gun."

"You really thought this through huh?" Riley squinted his eyes. 

"There's a baby in our midst, I had to think it through." I shrugged. "But you know what, I doubt someone will be looking for the baby. I have a feeling she's going to be with you for a long time. Just please, promise me that this secret stays with us."

Muli, nagkatinginan sina Riley at Benji.

****

Nagulat ako nang madatnan kong nakalatag sa sala ang isang malaking kutchon. Nakaupo sa ibabaw nito sina Drummer at Daddy nanonood pa ng cartoons sa netflix.

"Ate!" Ngumiti si Drummer at gaya ng dati, sinalubong pa rin ako nang mahigpit na yakap kahit hanggang bewang ko lang ito.

"Bakit ngayon ka lang?" Tanong agad ni Daddy, may pag-aalala sa kanyang mukha.

"Sorry Dad, something important came up. Had to deal with it." Nagmano agad ako sa kanya. Para namang tangang nag-abot din si Drummer ng kanyang kamay kaya nagmano rin ako sa kanya.

 Mabuti na lang talaga at nakapagbihis pa ako bago umuwi. Nambulabog pa kasi kami sa mga Hawthorn para humingi ng gatas at manghiram na rin ng damit.

"Bakit gising pa kayo? Madaling araw na ah? At bakit nasa sala tong kutchon?" I couldn't help but chuckle.

Mom came out from the kitchen with a glass of coffee and milk in her hands. "Gusto ka kasing hintayin ni Drummer. Hindi rin naman kami makatulog nang Daddy mo. Plus, it's really been awhile since the floor of us slept in one place."

I smiled at the thought of us sleeping in one place. I don't know why but something just feels so peaceful when I wake up in the morning find myself next to my family. 

All of a sudden, Drummer yawned.

"Antok ka na?" Lumuhod ako sa harapan niya upang magpantay kami.

Bago pa man makasagot si Drummer, bigla na lang nag-ring ang cellphone ko na nasa loob ng maliit kong sling bag. Nagpaalam ako sa kanila at umakyat sa kwarto upang sagutin ito.

"Ketchup? Any updates?" Pabulong kong tanong.

"Rei, they found nothing. It's an abandoned house. Mayroong hukay pero wala namang laman maliban lang sa isang patay na baboy." pabulong niyang tanong.

"Baboy?!" Pabulong kong bulalas.

"Ano ba talagang nangyari?" tanong pa niya.

Umiling na lamang ako at sinapo ang mukha ko. "Nevermind... Thanks Ketchup."

Lumabas ako ng silid at saktong naabutan ko si Mommy na paakyat ng hagdan. 

"Everything alright?" she asked.

Umiling ako at ngumiti. 

Lumapit siya sa akin at inakbayan ako sabay halik sa noo ko. "Let's sleep it off. Tomorrow's going to be a good day."

Tumango ako at iniyakap ang kamay ko sa bewang niya.

****

Sandaling nawala ang lahat ng mga problema ko nang magising ako at matagpuan ang sarili kong nakahiga katabi ang natutulog na si Drummer, sa bawat gilid naman namin ay sina Mommy at Daddy.

Hindi ko napigilang ngumiti lalo na nang maalala ko ang kulitan namin kahit pa ala-dos na iyon ng madaling araw. Drummer was like a firecracker. Laro pa rin ng laro kahit namumula na ang mga mata sa antok. Kung hindi ako nagtulog-tulugan, hindi rin ata ito matutulog. 

Nang araw na iyon, napagdesisyunan kong pumasok ulit sa opisina dahil sa awa para sa mga empleyadong naroon lalo na kay Stella na siyang halos sumasalo sa mga pagkukulang ko. Pinilit kong ituon ang atensyon sa pagtatrabaho at ibinigay na lamang ang mga address na nakuha ko sa Private Investigator na inatasan ni Gramps para hanapin si Magno.

Gramps may have done questionable stuff but I know he'll do whatever it takes to keep all of us safe, to keep Magno safe.

Ang susi naman ay nanatili sa akin. Hindi ko ito ibinigay sa private investigator. Ewan ko ba pero pakiramdam ko kasi iyon ang tama nang mga sandaling iyon. 

Habang inaasikaso ang mga sales report ng kompanya, narinig kong may kumatok sa pinto ng opisina ko. 

"Ms. Reika?"

Nag-angat ako ng tingin at nakita ang sekretarya kong si Stella na nakasilip sa pinto. Tumango ako at ngumiti dahilan para pumasok siya suot ang kanyang pencil skirt, cardigan, at stilettos. Manghang-mangha talaga ako sa kanya at nakakaya niyang magsuot ng stilettos sa opisina samantalang ako hanggang wedged boots lang. Damn superpowers.

"Everything okay?" She smiled warmly, as usual.

"Hoping it will be," I tried to be positive.

"By the way, Mrs. De Juan called and asked me to prepare a list of venues you could choose from. What time should I make the reservation?" aniya.

"For?" I let out a confused laugh until it dawned on me. "I'm getting the gang back together on Sunday," I whispered to myself, happiness coating my heart at the thought of seeing all of my friends together at one place. 

"So, where'd you want it to be?" she asked.

I placed my elbows up the table, propping up my jaw as I tried to think of the perfect place. I smiled when an idea crossed my mind.

"There's this function hall just a few kilometers away from the Cohen's bar. I heard they sold the place at ginawa na itong restaurant ngayon. I think it would be perfect for an intimate get-together. Pa-reserve mo for Sunday, 6pm. Maximum of 20 people, baka may dalang date ang mga loko." 

"You won't throw a party?" she asked.

I shook my head. "Braylee and Denver are parents now plus Benji and Riley are taking care of a little angel... and for the long shot, maybe susulpot din si Lorenzo dala si Ned bilang pam-protekta sa sarili niya." biro ko.

"Who's Ned?" Stella let out a confused laughter. She knew most of my friends lalo't galing ito sa Filimon Heights University.

"Lorenzo Cohen's son," I chuckled. "Gulat ka? Don't worry ako rin. Imagine my shock when Piper told me that she saw Cohen in Apollo's restaurant, with his son who was just as old as our Braver."

"I hope the baby won't grow up to be like his Dad." Stella sighed, palibhasa natipuhan din siya ni Cohen noon. "Nga pala, are you sure you don't want the dinner to be held at Mr. Apollonio's restaurant?"

Tumango ko. "Yeah... Slade and I have a special memory in that place. Apollo will forgive me," biro ko pa. 

Ngumiti si Stella at tumango-tango. "Got it. How about the invitations?"

"I'm on it," I winked at her and grabbed my phone. "Pray that they'll actually show up."

"They love you, they'll show up." Stella assured me. I hope so.

Nang makalabas si Stella, tinawagan ko agad si Silver ngunit hindi ito sumasagot. Sinubukan ko naman si Sawyer ngunit hindi rin ito sumasagot, ni hindi ko alam kung ito pa ba ang number niya. Sunod ko namang tinawagan si Haji at parang sinwerte na ito dahil sa wakas ay sumagot na.

"Haji! My bumbay bro!" pabiro ko agad na bati.

"Umuwi na ba si Magno?" tanong niya, parang nababagot.

"Hindi pa nga eh," I sighed but still I kept my smile. "Nga pala busy ka ba sa Sunday? Siguro naman hindi kasi hindi ka pa naman nagsisimula sa Med school diba? Let's hang out for old time's sake. Sagot ko lahat. Game?"

"And watch the love of my life be happy with her own family? No thanks, Rei," he scoffed.

The smile on my face faded but still, I tried to understand him. He's been in love with Braylee for years and I couldn't hold that against him. 

"Andun naman kami, sige na! Celebration na rin 'to kasi nakapasa ka sa NMAT! Biruin mo 'yon? Si Haji Kazemi, magdo-doktor na? Come on, Haji." I jokingly pleaded.

"Oh really?" he scoffed again. "Will Sawyer even be there? How about Lorenzo? Is Magno even home yet? And Jethro, don't even get me started on that prick."

"Apollo's there," I tried to reason.

"Woman, Piper and Apollo might beat me up anytime! Napa-praning ako kapag kasama sila," natatawa niyang giit, palibhasa isa ito sa parusa nilang dalawa ni Sawyer.

"Andun naman ako eh," pikit-mata kong sambit. Wala na akong pakialam kahit pa para na akong nagmamakaawa. I just want to see the gang back together... at least some of them. 

"And besides, Lucho, Warren, and the others are there. Kaibigan mo rin sila," giit ko.

"O sige na, tingnan ko," bumuntong-hininga siya, halatang napilitan. 

"Thanks Haji!" I beamed. "I'm proud of you by the way." I smiled from ear to ear.

Humalakhak siya. "Ano bang nakain mo?" 

"Wala, basta, see you!" Agad ko nang pinutol ang tawag.

Akmang si Jethro naman ang tatawagan ko nang biglang bumukas ang pinto at pumasok si Riley habang tulak-tulak ang isang kulay pink na stroller. Naiwang nakaawang ang bibig ko nang makitang kahit si Riley ay nakasuot din ng pink mula ulo hanggang paa at may suot pa itong pink hat and heart sunglasses. 

Riley's posture was straighter than ever; chin up, lip pouted, and a fierce expression. 

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Hindi ko napigilang matawa.

"Shhh, don't say a bad word." Riley spoke with eloquence as he took off his glasses. Pinong-pino ang galaw nito. Malamya itong yumuko at sumilip sa loob ng stroller.

Riley's expression immediately softened. A sweet smile appeared on his face as he spoke gently, "Hey sweet girl, hang in there okay? Zio will talk to your kidnapper."

"Zio?" Natawa na lamang ako at napailing-iling. 

Umayos ng tayo si Riley at tinaasan muli ako ng kilay, his hands never leaving the stroller. "Zio is italian for Uncle. 'Wag kang epal."

Pabiro akong nagtaas ng mga kamay bilang pagsuko. "What are you guys up to by the way?"

Tumayo ako sa kinatatayuan at lumuhod sa harapan ng stroller, lalaruin ko sana ang baby pero nakita kong tulog ito habang nakasuot ng pink overall at pink headband na may sunflower pa sa tuktok.  "Sleep well, cutie."

"We went to the hospital to make sure babygirl is fine, and she is. We also went shopping for some clothes and made deals with some lactating mothers. We just dropped by since we're around the area," Riley relayed.

"How did it go in the hospital? Wala bang naging problema? I mean, security stuff..." I asked.

"Benjie and I lied... told the people we were just babysitting someone's baby. Nobody asked more since Benji worked there," Riley paused as if he realized something. "Damn, I feel like a criminal."

"No you're not. You're a savior," I smiled reassuringly. "Nga pala do you have a name for her other than babygirl?"

Riley didn't say anything. He just shrugged. "Mauna na kami, we're meeting Benji in a restaurant."

"Speaking of, Sunday 6pm. I'll text you the location. Be there because we're getting the gang back together." I winked at him, making him wince.

Before Riley could even reach the door, it suddenly opened revealing Lorenzo Cohen with an adorable baby boy strapped right in front of him. 

"Que horror!" Ma-dramang huwamak si Riley sa dibdib.

"Anak, takpan muna ni Papa ang mata mo. May masamang tanawin," malambing na saad naman ni Cohen sabay pabirong takip sa mga mata ng anak na nakatulala habang sinusubo ang mga daliri.

Tumayo ako at lumapit kay Cohen. Hindi maalis ang ngiti sa mukha ko. Baby Ned looked so adorable with his blue little beanie!

"Hey handsome," I suppressed my squeal.

"Hello, Reika." Humalakhak naman si Cohen kaya agad ko siyang sinamaan ng tingin.

"Kung hindi lang talaga dahil sa anak mo, nasapak na kita," I spoke on a gentle tone. After all, ayokong matakot ang anak niya.

"Neddy saved Papa's face again." Cohen grinned as he bowed to look at Ned lovingly.

"Ano bang ginagawa mo rito?" Riley grimaced but his voice was calm and gentle as well. His hands on the other hand were reaching for Ned's plump cheeks.

Cohen sighed, looking at me with an apologetic expression. "I heard about the fallout between you and Sawyer. Pasensya ka na talaga sa nangyari at pati na rin sa iba ko pang mga nagawa noon."

"Thanks..." Cohen's apology warmed my heart. "It was a long time ago though. Wala na 'yon. And besides, kasalanan na nami ni Sawyer ang nangyari pagkatapos." I assured him.

Hindi na rin nagtagal pa sina Cohen at Riley. Sabay silang umalis upang bumili ng gatas para sa mga bata. Nanibago ako nang makita silang nagk-kwentuhan at nagtatawanan.  All of a sudden, they had a common ground; having babies to raise. 

Nang makaalis sila, ipagpapatuloy ko na sana ang pag-iimbita nang bigla na lang nagpatawag ng emergency meeting ang mga nakatataas. Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako at itinuon muna ang pansin sa trabaho. 

I spent the next few days focused on my family and work. 

My days would often start with waking up in the living room next to my family. My Dad would give me a ride to the office with Mom and Drummer tagging along. I'd spend the entire working hours making sure that all my tasks are done, sometimes i'd even bring some workloads to finish at home. Every night, I made sure to talk to Slade and watch their performances via livestream provided by their manager whom I have befriended as well.

Saturday came and I still had to drop by the office to finish some other projects. Unfortunately, Stella got sick so it was up to me to deal with my schedules and appointments.

All of a sudden, I remembered how I still haven't contacted Sawyer, Silver, and Jethro. Halos lahat na-contact ko na maliban sa tatlo.  Mabuti na lang at nakakuha na ako ng email nina Sawyer at Jethro mula sa LinkedIn lalo pa't hindi rin naman ito sumasagot sa mga chat at tawag ko.

To: Sawyer

Hey, I know we haven't talked for a while but please come to the address attached. Sunday, 6pm. There's no special occasion aside from just Slade coming back from his tour.

Truth be told, I just really want to see you guys again. Together.

Won't be the same without you

I miss you, Thomasson

Ps, do you know anything about this key? Pic is attached too. It belongs to Magno. Baka kasi makatulong sa paghahanap sa kanya.

To: Jethro

Hey, dinner on Sunday, 6pm, address is attached.

I want to see you guys together again. Please make that happen by being there.

Please. 

Ps, do you know anything about this key? Pic is attached too. It belongs to Magno. Baka kasi makatulong sa paghahanap sa kanya.

Nang mai-send ang mga email, si Silver naman agad ang tinawagan ko. 

Pagkatapos ng napakaraming ring, para akong nakahinga nang maluwag nang sa wakas ay sumagot ito. 

"Finally! Sumagot ka ring elemento ka!" Bulalas ko agad.

"Sorry. Been busy. How's it going? Umuwi na ba ang wierdo?" kaswal nitong tanong.

Napabuntong-hininga na lamang ako ngunit sa kabila nito ay pilit kong ngumiti. "Hindi pa rin.. pero si Slade uuwi raw bukas. Dinner tayo. Celebration na rin natin para sa kanya."

"Tayong tatlo lang?" tanong niya, parang nag-aalangan.

"No, I invited the entire gang. I just really want us to be complete. Miss na miss ko na kasi ang dati. Alam mo na." I shrugged as I chuckled. 

She sighed from the other line, wiping off the smile from my face. 

"Busy ako bukas, next time na lang. Babawi ako," walang kaemo-emosyon niyang sambit gaya ng dati.

"But tomorrow's Sunday," katwiran ko.

"Reika, may duty ako kahit na anong araw. And besides nasa Manila ako, kailangan ko pang bumili ng ticket. Masyadong hassle. Hindi ako pwedeng pumunta diyan nang basta-basta," giit naman niya.

"Hindi pwede o ayaw mo lang talaga?" Hindi ko na napigilan pang bumulalas. Hindi ko na rin naitago pa ang dismaya sa boses ko. "I know you're in Redwood. Just about 4 hours of roadtrip away from Filimon Heights.

The other line became silent for a few moments until Silver sighed. "Babawi ako next time. Isama pa natin sina Braylee."

Napailing ako.

"Paano kung wala nang next time? Paano kung biglang may maglaho na naman na parang bula gaya ni Magno?" Nagsimulang mangilid ang luha sa mga mata ko kasabay nang paninikip ng dibdib ko. I could even feel my hands and lips trembling.

"Ano na naman ba yang pinagsasabi mo?" Bulalas niya. "Come on, Rei. You're being immature."

"Immature?" Pagak akong napahalakhak kasabay ng tuluyang pagpatak ng mga luha ko. "Akala ko ba walang iwanan? Akala ko ba walang iwasan?" I tried to keep my voice from faltering.

"Kailan ba kita iniwan at iniwasan?! Reika, you know I had to leave. At sa tuwing andiyan naman ako sa Filimon Heights, sinisigurado ko naman lagi na nagkakasama tayo diba?!" Bulalas niya kaya napatingala na lamang ako at napakagat sa labi ko. 

"I just want to see us all together again... just like the good old days." It came out almost a whisper.

Mariin akong napapikit at sinapo na lamang ang noo ko. Naramdaman ko ang panginginig ng kamay ko. "J-just be there, okay? I miss you." Ayokong marinig niya akong umiiyak kaya pinatay ko na lamang ang tawag.

Habang nakaupo sa swivel chair ko, hinayaan ko ang luha kong dumausdos.

Inilabas ko na lang sa  pamamagitan ng pagluha ang sobrang pangungulila ko sa nakaraan.

Maybe growing up really means growing apart...

I shook my head. 

No. It can't be.

****

Hapong-hapo ako nang makauwi sa bahay kahit pa wala naman akong masyadong ginawa sa office kundi mag-type nang mag-type sa harapan ng computer. Sa kabila nito, parang nawala ang lahat ng pagod ko nang madatnan ko si Drummer sa hardin, nakaupo sa maliit ng silya at para bang hinihintay ang pagdating ko. 

"Ate!" His face lit up the moment he saw me opening the gate.

"Ayos ah? Parang aso lang? Asan buntot mo?" biro ko sabay luhod sa kanyang harapan.

"Si ate talaga," he giggled and hugged me tight, wrapping his legs on my body as if he wanted me to carry him.

"Bigat mo!" Pabiro kong reklamo nang kinarga siya. "Baho mo rin!" Dagdag ko pa sabay halik sa pisngi niya. I continued kissing his cheek, tickling him. He giggled over and over again while squirming like a worm. 

Pagpasok ko sa bahay, nadatnan kong nasa kusina na si Mommy at nagluluto. Si Daddy naman ay nasa shop pa at marahil ay nagsasara na.

Tinulungan namin si Mommy sa pagluluto, well more like moral support lang si Drummer but I still counted it as helping. Nang matapos kami, saktong dumating naman si Daddy. 

That night was like any other, but for some reason, it felt special. So special that I just had to grab my camera and take a photo of us together. 

Hanggang sa paghuhugas ng pinggan, tulungan pa rin kaming apat. Si Daddy ang nagsasabon, si Mommy ang nagbabanlaw, ako ang nagpupunas, at si Drummer naman ang nagbibilang kahit wala naman talagang dapat bilangin. 

Umakyat ako sa kwarto upang magbihis at saktong napansin ko ang mensahe galing kay Slade.

Reika's Guy:

Last show tonight and then I'm back to Filimon Heights

Reika:

Can't wait to see you again

Reika's Guy:

Lalo na ako hahahaha

wag ka talagang magsasawa sa mukha ko

Reika:

Tagal na akong nagsawa

manhid na ako

Reika's Guy:

eh mag-asawa?

that sounds new right?

Reika:

What are you implying? hahaha

Reika's Guy:

I just can't wait to be with you again

Konting hintay

Reika:

It's not like I'm going anywhere hahaha

Reika's Guy:

I love you, you little shit

Before I could even reply, I heard a knock from the door. When I opened it, I saw Drummer dressed in his blue pajamas.

"Hey little bean!" Agad ko siyang kinarga, yumakap naman agad ito sa akin at ibinaon ang mukha sa balikat ko. "Oh Bakit?"

Napangiti ako dahil sa panlalambing ni Drummer. Sa pagtanda niya, ito talaga ang isa sa mga pinaka mami-miss ko sa kanya. Sigurado kasi akong mag-iiba na siya sa pagtanda niya. Sana lang talaga 'wag siyang magaya sa mga kaibigan ko na aalis at biglang pasulpot-sulpot na lang.

"Drummer?" bulong ko sa kanya.

"Hmm?" he asked.

"Growing up doesn't mean growing apart. Some friends just grow separately." I kissed his cheek.

"I don't want to grow up," he murmured. "I want to be a baby forever."

"Well, good news... You are forever my little baby bean," I smiled as I hugged him tighter.

Kagaya ng mga nakaraang araw, nagising akong muli sa sala pero sa pagkakataong iyon ay mag-isa na lang ako. Bumangon na silang tatlo. Naririnig ko si Mommy na nagluluto sa kusina samantalang sina Daddy naman at Drummer ay nagtatawanan mula sa hardin. 

Sinilip ko ang cellphone ko at bumungad sa akin ang mensahe mula kay Stella.

Best Secretary:

Good Morning, Ms. Reika

Everything's set for tonight's dinner kaso I won't be there to assist

How about ang intern po ang papuntahin? tutal bukas naman po ang start niya

Reika:

'Wag na

It's sunday, rest niya muna

Thanks, Stella

for everything

Best Secretary:

You're welcome

*coughs* bonus

hala na send!

Reika:

Hahahaha

I'll see what I can do

"Ate!!!"

Nagulat ako nang biglang umalingawngaw ang sigaw ni Drummer. Mabilis na bumukas ang pinto at pumasok siya na may napakalaking ngiti sa mukha. Mayroon siyang hawak at parang tumawang-tuwa siya rito.

"Ano 'yan?" natatawa kong tanong.

"Catch!" sigaw niya at biglang hinagis sa akin ang nasa kamay niya.

"Drummer!" Napatili ako nang makita kong lupa pala ngunit mas napatili ako nang mapagtantong may kasama pa talaga itong bulate. 

Tawang-tawa si Drummer na papalabas ng bahay.

"Humanda ka sa'king tiyanak ka!" tili ko at mabilis ko siyang hinabol.

Buong umaga, wala kaming ibang ginawa kundi mag-asaran at maglaro ng kung ano-ano. Pati sina Mommy at Daddy sumasali rin. Panay ang kulitan naming apat hanggang sa bigla na lang akong nakatanggap ng tawag mula kay Jethro. 

Umakyat muna ako sa kwarto ko saka ito sinagot.

"When was the last time you've seen Magno?" bulalas agad nito.

"Couple of months ago." I suddenly felt nervous from the way he answered. "Wait, hindi mo talaga alam? Jusko kang Jethro ka, asan ka ba?!"

"I'll catch a flight back to Filimon Heights today. Ako na ang bahala," he said authoritatively at mas lalo pang nakunot ang noo ko.

"Jetho what the hell is going on?!" Pabulong kong bulalas. 

"Nothing serious," giit niya.

"Eh 'yong susi? Alam mo ba para saan 'yon?" tanong ko.

"It's a key to an apartment. Magno's. I have the same key, he sent me one," sagot ni Jethro. Sa puntong iyon ay bigla kong naalala ang apartment na ineregalo ni Lolo sa kanya. As far as I can remember, he was planning to sell it dahil hindi naman daw niya gagamitin. Akala ko naibenta na niya iyon kaya hindi ko naisip na puntahan.

"Okay." I took a deep breath and sighed. "Later, 6pm. Same address that I sent you. Magkita tayo."

When the call ended, pabagsak akong naupo sa kama. Hindi ako mapalagay kaya naman dali-dali akong nagbihis at naligo. Kinuha ko ang kulay itim kong sleeveless dress at wedged boots. Magbibihis na sana ako pero natigilan ako nang makuha ang atensyon ko ng malaking picture frame na nasa dingding.

Napalingon ako at pinagmasdan ito.

It was the collage consisting of the best moments with my friends. Every photo had a story to tell. Fun ones, most of all.

Naagaw ng isa sa mga litrato ang atensyon ko. Magkasama kami ni Slade, magkaakbay sa isa't-isa habang may malalaking ngiti sa mukha. We were both wearing our black band shirts and ripped jeans. We looked way younger as well. My hair was even shorter. 

Binalik ko ang tingin sa hawak na damit at itinapon ito sa kama. 

Lumapit ako sa tokador ko at agad na kinuha ang luma kong ripped jeans at kulay itim na sleeveless band shirt na pagmamay-ari ni Slade. Napangiti ako.

****

Pagbaba ko sa sala, sinalubong agad ako ni Drummer ng mahigpit na yakap.

"Ate, dito ka lang. Play lang tayo," pakiusap niya.

"Drummer, ate has work," malambing kong giit sabay gulo sa buhok niya.

"But it's sunday!" he pouted.

"May tatapusin lang talaga ako. Ganito, how about ihatid niyo na lang ulit ako sa office?" suhestyon ko dahil ayokong makita itong umiyak.

Gaya ng mga nakaraang araw, inihatid muli ako nina Mommy at Daddy. Nasa front seat si Mommy, sa tabi ni Daddy samantalang magkatabi kami ni Drummer sa backseat. Mabuti na lang talaga at naniwala sa akin sina Daddy nang sabihin kong may emergency sa office kaya ako pupunta.

Habang nasa loob ng sasakyan, panay ang yakap sa akin ni Drummer at parang ayaw akong bitiwan. 

Nang makarating sa tapat ng office, hindi ako binitiwan ni Drummer. Sobra akong naawa sa kanya kaya niyakap ko siya nang mahigpit at paulit-ulit na hinalikan sa noo. 

"I love you, 'wag na umiyak. Alam mo, noon, may sinasabi lagi si Daddy sa akin," panlalambing ko sa kanya.

"Ano?" Umiiyak siyang nag-angat ng tingin sa akin.

Napatingin ako sa direksyon ni Daddy at mula sa rearview mirror ay nakita ko siyang ngumiti. Lumingon din sa amin si Mommy, punong-puno ng pagmamahal ang mga mata.

I faced my brother and wiped away his tears. "Love never abandons."

Napangiti ako habang pinagmamadan ang paalis na sasakyan lulan nina Mommy, Daddy, at Drummer. Ngumiti sina Mommy at Daddy sa akin at kumaway bilang paalam. May kung anong sinabi si Mommy kay Drummer, luhaan man, ngumiti ito at kumaway din.

"God, thank you for giving me my family," I whispered to myself.

****

Huminga ako nang malalim bago binuksan ang pinto. Pagpasok ko, tumambad sa akin ang isang simpleng sala na ang tanging laman ay sofa, tv, at maliit na mesa. Malinis ang paligid maliban lamang sa mga alikabok na tila ba palatandaang matagal nang walang pumapasok dito.

Tinungo ko na lamang ang unang silid na nakita ko. Sa pagpasok ko ay laking gulat ko sa aking nadatnan.

Tadtad ng mga newspaper clippings at kung ano-anong dokumento ang mga dingding. May mga litrato ng mga kabataang pamilyar sa akin. May mga kulay pulang marka at bilog ang mga ito ngunit hindi ko maintindihan. Bukod dito ay napakarami ring mga basura sa sahig, mga lalagyan ng fastfood takeouts at kung ano-anong inumin. 

"Weird Addamson Magno, what were you up to?" bulong ko sa sarili ko.

****

I snapped out from my deep thoughts when my phone rang. I found myself sitting on the floor, holding some of the documents that I took from the wall. 

 I took a look at my phone, it was an unknown number but I still answered it.

"H-hello?" sambit ko.

"Ms. Reika, this is Olivia, your intern. Anong oras po ang dating n'yo rito sa restaurant? Everything's almost set." sambit nito kaya napatingin agad ako sa relo ko. It was almost 6pm!

"I'm coming," bumangon ako ngunit bago umalis, sinigurado ko munang nakunan ko ng litato ang bawat sulok at bawat dukomentong nakapaskil. 

Habang nasa loob ng elevator, hindi maalis sa isip ko ang mga natuklasan ko. At sa mga sandaling iyon, sigurado ako... hindi nawawala si Magno. Mayroong kumuha sa kanya.

Habang sakay ng taxi, patungo sa restaurant. Mabilis kong ipinadala kay Jethro ang lahat ng mga kuha ko. Sa mga sandaling iyon, tanging si Jethro na lang ang mapagkakatiwalaan ko. Pagkatapos mapadala ang mga litrato, nagtipa agad ako ng mensahe para sa kanya.

Reika:

Magno didn't run away

 Cops are involved

I don't know who to trust

Bago pa man ako makapagtipa ng iba pang mensahe, muling tumunog ang cellphone ko. It was a call from Slade.

"Slade, asan ka na?" tanong ko, pilit na pinanatiling kalmado ang boses ko kahit pa tensyonado pa rin ako pagkatapos ng mga natuklasan ko. Sasabihin ko na sana kay Slade ang tungkol sa mga nangyayari ngunit bigla siyang nagsalita.

"Baby, i'm really sorry. Hindi ako makakauwi ngayon. Chewy still hasn't returned. They don't have any other bassist for tonight's show. I had to cancel my flight. Pangako, mamaya mismo, magbo-book ulit ako ng bagong flight. Sorry--"

"Slade, it's okay," putol ko sa sinasabi niya. It was disappointing that he couldn't come home sooner but his sincere apology is enough for me. Pilit akong ngumiti. "Be Wave Syndicate's Slade tonight, it's okay."

I held back my words. Slade's guilty for missing that flight. Madadagdagan lang iyon kung sasabihin ko na ang tungkol kay Magno.

I heard him heave a deep sigh. "Wait for me. I'll come home as soon as I can."

"It's not like i'm going anywhere," I chuckled. "Slade?" I pressed my lips together as I closed my eyes.

"Reika?" he asked.

"I love you." I smiled. "I know I don't say it much but I love you, Slade Villafranca."

For a few moments, there was silence. Until he spoke again.

"Fuck this, I'm catching that flight, i'll go home--"

"Baby, it's okay. Late na rin naman." Natatawa kong giit.

He sighed again. "I keep messing up."

"You don't... I mean, you have me, I have you. So far, we haven't messed it up." Paala ko sa kanya.

"You're the only thing I got right," he chuckled. 

Natawa rin ako. "Baby, that's a line from a Yellowcard song."

"Well it fits," pabiro niyang katwiran. "I mean, you're definitely the best thing in my life."

Biglang naagaw ang atensyon ko nang makitang nasa tapat na kami ng restaurant. "Slade, tawagan ulit kita. Nasa restaurant ako. I'm about to meet our friends. I hope all of them are here."

"Say hi to them for me," aniya bago ko tuluyang pinutol ang tawag.

Nang bumaba ako ng taxi, kahit papaano ay gumaan ang pakiramdam nang maisip ang mga kaibigan ko. At least makikita ko ulit sila. 

Pansin kong wala masyadong tao ang paligid, palibhasa pina-reserve ko ang buong restaurant. Nabahala ako ng konti nang makitang walang nakaparadang sasakyan pero pinilit kong maging positibo. They'll show up. We just grew separately, not apart. After all, love never abandons.

Pagpasok ko sa restaurant, agad naglaho ang ngiti sa mukha ko nang makitang isang tao lang ang nasa loob. 

"Hey, I'm Olivia." Pakilala agad nito sa akin habang may simpleng ngiti sa kanyang mukha. She looked so gentle and kind. She had long black hair that almost reached her waist. Her clothes were white; both her long skirt and cardigan. I almost even mistook it as a white dress.

"I'm Rei--"

"Reika De Juan," she cut me off quite enthusiastically. "I know, I've heard so much about you."

"Sorry if pinagtrabaho ka agad ni Stella ngayon, she can be assertive sometimes but she's just doing it because she wants to help," sabi ko na lang sabay ngiti sa kanya. "Wala pa bang dumarating?"

Olivia pursed her pale lips together as she shook her head. She looked sad for me kaya natawa na lang ako.

"Nah, darating sila. Late lang siguro," I brushed it off. I guess it was also me, trying to be positive. Me, trying to believe that my friends will still show up. 

"Upo muna tayo," yaya niya sa akin kaya tumango ako.

Kapwa kami naupo ni Olivia sa mesa na nasa gitna ng restaurant. Nagtaka ako nang mapansing napakatahimik ng paligid bukod sa classic na kanta na lumalabas mula sa speaker na nasa dingding. 

All of a sudden, my phone beeped. I checked it, only to find a message from Riley.

Gayfriend:

Can't come huhu Babygirl is sick

diarrhea ata

dalhin namin siya ni bennie sa hospital

Reika:

Take care, keep me updated

Itatago ko na sana ang cellphone ko nang makatanggap naman ako ng message mula kay Braylee.

Bubbles:

Rei sorry talaga

Napaaway na naman ang students ni Denver. He had to bail them out

I can't handle Braver outside all alone

he's really wild

Apollo and Piper's flights got cancelled din, stuck sila sa airport.

Reika:

It's okay bubs, I understand haha

I miss you

Bubbles:

Miss you more!!

bawi kami swear

I sighed as I returned my phone to my bag. I really can't blame them for not coming. Hindi naman nila kasalanan na may emergency.

"Cool shirt," biglang sambit ni Olivia.

Ngumiti ako. "It's not even mine."

"Your boyfriend?" she asked.

Tumango akong muli.

For an intern she seemed pretty confident to strike a casual conversation with me. I liked it. Palibhasa hindi talaga ako sanay sa mga taong pormal dahil balahura naman ang mga kaibigan ko. Balahura pero mahal na mahal ko sila.

Nagbaba ako ng tingin sa sarili ko at kahit papaano ay naramdaman kong parang bumalik ulit sa dati ang  lahat. I was casually wearing a black shirt and ripped jeans, no pressure act all formal and prompt like in the office. 

Pasimple kong nilibot ang paningin sa paligid. The entire restaurant was clean and properly organized. All the wooden tables and chairs were aligned to accommodate about twenty people. There were no party decorations, the restaurant was as it is. It looked quite classy with all the paintings in the walls though.

On top of the tables were covered food and buckets of beers drowned in ice. Even the utensils were already prepared, mga kaibigan ko na lang talaga ang kulang. 

"Para saan pala ang gathering na 'to?" tanong niya.

"It's to see my friends together again, plus I wanted to do something special for my boyfriend," I jokingly rolled my eyes. "The crazy things we do for love," I scoffed.

"We all do crazy things for love." She shrugged. A smile plastered on her face.

"Yes we do..." I couldn't help but agree. "How about you? What's the craziest thing you've done for love?" I asked, but before I could even look at her, my phone rang.

Napatayo ako sa gulat nang makitang si Magno ang tumatawag. Nanlamig ang katawan ko, nataranta ako at dali-dali ko itong sinagot.

"Magno?!"

"Reika..."

I froze in fear the moment I heard Magno's voice from the other line. He sounded distressed, crying. A chill ran down my spine.

"Reika, he wants me to choose again," Magno cried.

My eyes welled up in tears, remembering what happened when we were kids. How that mad man in the woods,made Magno choose who gets to die between Vicky and I.

I swallowed hard. I could feel my heartbeat growing faster and louder, my breathing becoming ragged.

"Please 'wag sila! Utang na loob, huwag sila! Huwag sila! Ako na lang ang patayin mo! Wala silang kinalaman dito!" Magno began crying and begging from the other line. I covered my mouth in shock and despair as tears dropped down my eyes.

All of a sudden I heard a scuffle. Until I heard was a deep familiar voice.

"Ang pinsan mo o ang kapatid mo? O silang dalawa mismo ang mawawala sa'yo?"

I heard Magno scream so loud that it made me cry even harder.

"It's okay," I whispered, trying to keep my voice together. "Magno, listen to me. Please listen to me." I begged as I tried to stop my tears from falling.

"Sorry, Reika sorry," paulit-ulit na iyak ni Magno.

"It's okay." Nilunok ko ang hikbi ko at paulit-ulit na tumango. "Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. It's okay--"

I gasped when I felt a sharp pang in my body. I looked down and saw a knife lodged in my stomach, Olivia's knife still in the handle.

Slowly, her hand let go.

"This is the craziest thing I've done for love and I regret nothing," Olivia whispered in my ear. Her voice was without a shadow of remorse nor even hesitation. I looked up at her face and all I saw was wickedness in her eyes.

I swallowed hard as I opened my mouth. "You will."

With all my strength, I grabbed a hold of the knife's handle and pulled it out of my own body. Anger had taken control of me that it somehow blocked me from feeling disgust or pain.

Olivia's eyes widened but before she could even do or say anything, I swung my knife on her direction, slashing her face.

A blood-curdling screamed echoed inside the room as Olivia's face suddenly oozed with blood. She raised her palms on reflex and in the process, catching her own blood as it streamed down her torn face.

As she went hysterical for her face, I grabbed my phone and staggered out of the restaurant, clutching my stomach, trying to stop the bleeding.

The stab was beginning to take a toll on my body. I didn't feel any pain, in fact, I couldn't feel anything at all. It was as if I was too weak to even feel pain. 

I could hear my own blood dripping down the floor and I could feel it coming out of my stomach. I wanted to call for help but my fingers were numbing as well. All I could do was walk.

My head was beginning to feel heavy, vision even became blurry. I felt like I was drunk, the worst kind of drunk.

Next thing I know I was already lying in the cold and hard pavement. I could feel cold air touching my face, and all I could see are stars up at the dark sky. 

"Fuck!" I gasped and cried when I began to feel pain all over my body. It was excruciating. Like my entire body was being squished to a pulp.

I gritted my teeth as tears continued to stream down the side of my eyes. I no longer felt numb, instead all I felt was pain. Nothing but pain!

I laughed scornfully at the thought of death. I was dying and yet I was all alone. Siguro pati sa libing ko, hindi rin dadalo ang mga 'yon. Siguro sa libing ko, nag-iiwasan at nag-aaway pa rin sila. 

My laughter turned into a soft cry as I remembered my parents... my little bean... my demon and his twin ghost.

"I don't want to die..." I whispered and cried at the thought of not seeing them again.

"You're not going to die!"

I wasn't sure if my eyes were just playing tricks on me but I actually saw Silver, kneeling right in front of me. She was crying, gasping, and screaming. She wasn't alone, I could hear someone else's voice.

I yelped when I felt something press against my wound. I couldn't help but scream.

"I'm trying to stop the bleeding! You're okay! You're okay!" Silver was crying but her voice sounded like she was trying to keep me calm.

"Stop the pain! Ang sakit, hindi ko na kaya! Tama na!" I begged and cried uncontrollably as I held on her arm. It was the worst kind of pain I've ever felt. 

 "You're going to be okay!" Her other hand hugged me by the shoulders and kissed my forehead repeatedly. "Lucho! Bilisan mo! She's losing so much blood!" She screamed.

"They're not answering! Putangina! Sumagot kayo!" I heard Lucho cry. He was panicking as well.

"Sinong may gawa sa'yo nito?" tanong ni Silver sa pagitan ng bawat paghikbi niya.

"Olivia... S-slashed face," I grinned at the thought of giving her a taste of medicine despite of the excruciating pain I was under.

All of a sudden, I remembered Magno and Tron. 

"S-save Magno and Tron... Aba..ddon... connect..." I began to gasp uncontrollably. "Find Magno, he-he's in danger."

"We will! We'll find Magno and you'll be okay!" Narinig kong sumigaw si Lucho.

"Reika? Reika, remember what we talked about at the campsite?" I heard Warren's voice and felt his hand touch the side of my cheeked. I blinked my eyes and saw him on my other side. He had the usual soft and gentle smile up his face. 

"Happy memories, Reika. Remember the good old days," he reminded me gently as I felt him hold my other hand.

I smiled as I tried to move my head to nod.

I look up at the star-filled sky as I tried to look back on all the moments that made me smile.

I remembered how Grandpa defended me from the principal and all the other adults who judged my way of life; My scary yet cute first encounter with Silver back in that restroom; Talking to Slade by the seashore; Magno making me laugh with his crazy antics; Braylee wearing clothes that was the same color as the Philippine Flag; Our loud carpool rides while dressed in all black; Lucho trying so crowd-surf and failing miserably; Slade and I attending that party dressed as Bananas in Pajamas; sharing food with the boys when there's buffet; passing drinks, doing bets, and laughing with all my friends.

And then I remembered how good it felt to wake up next to my parents... Mom was hugging me while Dad was on the other side, as if he fell asleep while watching over Mom and I; The fun we had back in the campsite and how we messed around in the falls; Silver's cute frowning; Watching Sawyer play soccer and scoring a goal; Magno crowd-surfing like a boss; Riley's freak-out over my flirty antics; Everyone attending Drummer's christening and first birthday; Drummer running up to me with a smile up his face; how happy we were as a family of four; the smile on my parents' and drummer's face...

'You're the only thing I got right...' and like a ghost of a memory, Slade's voice registered in my mind.

I remembered Slade playing his guitar on top of a stage, the happiness on his face while making music at the motion of his fingertips. His mouth, singing along to the song. The way his eyes just remained on mine even if I was in the middle of the crowd.

 I smiled even more when I remembered Slade and I standing in the crowd, watching Wave Syndicate play from afar. His hands around my waist were pulling me to a hug while all I did was lean on him and feel his warmth against my skin. The way he slouched just to lean his face above my shoulder, our cheeks grazing softly.

"I love you," his whisper against my ear.

"Same," my mischievous reply and uncontrollable smile.

And just like that, I was no longer in pain. All I could do was smile at the realization that I lived a happy life despite of all the tears and the pain. I've done a lot of bad things in my life but God still blessed me in the best kind of way, by giving me my family and friends.

"Thank you," I whispered.

All of a sudden found myself inside a car, lying in the backseat while using Silver's lap as my pillow. Silver was crying, begging me to stay awake while stroking my hair.

"You came..." I smiled at Silver.

She nodded hastily as she pressed her lips together, trying to stop herself from sobbing. "And i'm not leaving again! I'm here to stay and annoy you for the rest of our lives!"

I looked at the front and saw Warren in the driver's seat. His hands moved in a panic and from the rear-view mirror, I could see tears streaming down his eyes. 

"You'll be okay!" Lucho kept saying it over and over again. He was at the passenger seat but he was facing our direction, his crying eyes are focused on mine. "Reika, may concert pa tayong pupuntahan kaya umayos ka!" Iyak pa niya.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Silver continued to cry over and over again. "'Wag mo kaming iwan please? Babawi pa ako diba?" I think it was the first time I heard her beg.

All of a sudden, I heard my phone ring. It took me awhile to realize that I was still holding the phone in my hand. It was as if my hand went rigid in a curled position that my phone just got stuck in between.

"A-answer..." I begged Silver as I gasped.

Mariing napaikit si Silver at tumango. Dali-dali niyang kinuha ang cellphone mula sa kamay ko at narinig ko siyang muling humikbi. "It's my Brother..."

▬ end of 69// thank u ▬

Hello, heto na naman ako at nakikiusap na sana wala pong mags-spoil sa mga nangyari lalo na sa social networking sites. Sana naman pagbigyan n'yo na ako tutal libre ko namang ibinabahagi 'to sa inyo rito sa wattpad. Isipin ninyo, pinaghirapan ko 'to ng ilang buwan tapos kung is-spoil lang bigla, sayang effort haha <3 Thank you sa inyong lahat!

Chapter Theme: Only the lonely Survive - Marianas Trench