Chapter 9

Tinulungan ko si Alas na makabangon mula sa kaniyang kama nang marinig ko ang muli niyang pagdaing. Tulo nang tulo ang pawis mula sa kaniyang noo na naglalakbay sa matigas niyang dibdib. Malakas naman ang buga ng malamig na hangin mula sa aircon but he's still sweating a lot.

"Water?" I offered.

Isang tango ang isinagot ni Alas. Tinulungan ko muna siyang makasandal sa kaniyang headboard bago ko inilapag ang bag sa sahig at lumabas ng kaniyang kwarto.

Mabuti nalang at mabilis kong nakita ang switch ng ilaw. I turned on the lights and zeroed in the black fridge mounted on the wall of his spacious kitchen. Mabilis akong nagpunta patungo roon at nagsalin ng tubig mula sa pitcher.

Habang ginagawa ko iyon ay kung anu-ano na naman ang tumatakbo sa aking isipan. There are sketches of me on his desk. I was sure it was me!

Mula sa umaalon na buhok, slim neck, shoulder blades, and even the soft curl of my lashes... kuhang-kuha niya.

Maingat kong inilapag ang baso at napatingin sa kawalan. What is he doing, with all that sketches of me scattered in his room?

Nag-imbak muna ako ng maraming hangin bago ako nagtungo sa kaniyang kwarto. By then, he had his head buried on his palms. Nang mag-angat siya ng tingin ay mapula na ang mga mata nito. Bigla akong nag-alala para sa kaniya.

"What happened?" I asked softly as I handed him his water.

"Headaches," he replied shortly. Mabilis niyang naubos ang laman ng tubig at inilapag ito sa kaniyang side table. Nang makita ko ito'y bumalik din kaagad ako sa kusina at sinalinan siya para sa kaniyang pangalawang baso.

"You have a fever..." I said quietly matapos kong damahin ang kaniyang noo. Inabutan ko si Alas ng tuwalya upang punasan ang pawis niya. He shook his damp head weakly. Despite the fact that he's not feeling well today, I couldn't help but admire his well-toned and muscled chest with his damp hair.

I sighed inwardly.

"Gusto mo bang ipagluto kita?"

"Yeah. That'd be great. Thanks." Paos ang tinig nitong sagot. Tumango ulit ako at nagtungo sa kusina.

Ngunit nang buksan ko ang mga cupboards at suriin ang kaniyang fridge ay napangiwi ako nang makitang wala pala akong puwedeng maluto para sa kaniya. Puro instant noodles, ramen, at canned goods ang aking nakita.

Bumalik ako sa kwarto upang ianunsiyo na magpupunta ako ng palengke para bilhin ang mga sangkap at nang makapagluto.

"Huwag na," aniya. He shifted his position on the bed and glanced at his phone again. "Krista is on her way. Inutusan ko na siyang bumili ng mga gulay at karne."

"Bakit nga pala wala ang assistant mo dito? You're sick and you're alone in this house!" I scolded him.

A faint smile appeared gently on his lips. "Well, you're here now so..." he shrugged. "It doesn't really matter, Belle. Isa pa, may exam ngayon si Krista kaya hindi siya makasama sa akin sa site. Hindi siya nakakuha ng panggabing schedule para sa kaniyang exam."

I looked at him in awe. Pinag-aaral niya si Krista in exchange of her, being his working student? Krista seems to be an obedient and intelligent kid. Kung anuman ang natatanggap niya mula kay Alas ay alam kong pinaghirapan niya iyon. And she deserves it. Alas wouldn't finance a student's scholar if he hadn't seen her merit.

Naupo ako sa kaniyang harapan at dumako ulit ang tingin ko sa mga sketches niyang naka-ipn sa picture board. I cleared my throat and turned to him, only to find him staring at me already.

"T-The sketches..." I stammered and pointed at them. Humugot ako nang isang malalim na hininga at sinalubong ang intensidad ng kaniyang mga titig. "Did you draw them?"

"Yes, Belle."

"Oh... well, it's beautiful."

"It's you."

Lumunok ulit ako at nagpakawala ng isang nerbyos na halakhak. "R-Really?"

"C'mere..."

He parted his legs slightly, inviting me to near him. Tinitigan ko siya nang ilang segundo at hindi nakagalaw mula sa aking posisyon. Mukhang nabasa ata ni Alas ang pag-aalinlangan sa aking mukha dahil lumitaw ang ngisi sa kaniyang mga labi.

"Don't be afraid, Belle. I'm not going to do anything with you. I'm sick, remember?" umarkbo pa ang makapal nitong kilay na tila ba inaasar ako lalo.

Namumula pa rin ang mga pisngi na lumapit ako sa kaniya. He immediately captured my wait and pulled me closer to him. Isinandal niya ang aking likod sa kaniyang matigas na dibdib at inilagay ang dalawa niyng braso sa aking tiyan. I could feel his breath fanning my neck and it made me shiver already.

"I've always dreamed about you..." bulong niya sa akin. Once again, I am thrown back to those days when he used to sing to me with that icy baritone voice. Since he's sick, it's sort of raspy on the edge as the words rolled out of his mouth smoothly.

"And you're faceless in my dreams, Belle. But when I saw you for the first time... I know it's you."

Bumaling ulit ako sa kaniyang mga obra. He sure is a man of many talents. Hindi na ako nagtataka na ganito ang kaniyang nakamit sa buhay. He could even surpass Jayden if he wants too!

But Alas is not that kind of man. He wouldn't shower himself with fame and stand in the spotlight if given a chance. Alam kong gusto lang niya ay tahimik na buhay.

"Do you like it?"

Tumango ako nang dahan-dahan, nakatingin pa rin sa kaniyang mga sketches.

"Good." He kissed my ears, earning a silent giggle from me. Then his mouth traveled to my neck and started kissing it as well.

"Alas..." I whimpered when I heard a faint knocking on the door. I'm sure it's Krista!

Aalis na sana ako ngunit mas lalo lang niyang hinigpitan ang kaniyang pagkakayakap sa akin. Namilog ang mga mata ko sa ginawa niya.

"Come in, Krista!" he called out.

Light footsteps padded across the room. I tried to wiggle out of his embrace to no avail. Masyado siyang malakas at masyado rin akong maliit.

"Engineer, nandito na po ang pinamili—" natigilan si Krista nang makita kaming dalawa. Namula ang buong mukha nito pati na rin ang leeg. Then she cleared her throat and looked away. "B-Binili ko na rin po ang gamot niyo, Engineer..."

"Great. Thanks."

I looked as embarrassed as Krista. Hindi na ako nanlaban pa. ngumuso nalang ako at hinayaan si Alas na balutin ako ng kaniyang malalakas na braso.

"Would you mind cooking for us? I want to spend some more time with Belle. Tapos na ang exams mo, diba?"

"Opo, Engineer. Wala pong problema." She squeaked and excused herself. Nang makaalis na siya ay nakahinga ako nang maluwag. Sinamaan ko ng tingin si Alas.

"Ang landi mo, Alas."

He chuckled. "She wouldn't mind it."

Umirap ako sa ere pero naglalaro na ang ngiti sa labi ko. His body is so warm. It must've been because of the fever. Ipinatong niya ang kaniyang baba sa aking balikat. Mas nanuot na sa ilong ko ang amoy na nakagisnan ko na nitong nakaraang mga linggo.

"I can't believe you're actually real..." he murmured. "I still can't get over the fact that the girl I had been dreaming... literally—" he chuckled. "is you. You're real."

I feel like choking up. He would easily notice if I shed a tear so I did my best to push them back. Mabilis kong ikinurap ang mga mata at linunok ang nag-aambang hagulhol sa aking lalamunan.

Naririnig ko ang tahimik na paggalaw ni Krista sa kusina. When I sensed that Alas has no plan of letting me go, I made myself comfortable in his embrace.

"Hmm. Have I mentioned that you look good in your uniform?" bulong na naman niya nang dumapo ang kaniyang mga labi sa aking tainga.

I shrugged. "Hindi ko matandaan. Mabola ka, eh."

He chuckled and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ears. "I like seeing you in your uniform. It made me imagine... things." Makahulugan nitong wika.

Isang halakhak na naman ang natamo ko mula sa kaniya nang tumama ang aking siko sa kaniyang tiyan. Sinita ko si Alas pero patuloy pa rin siya sa pagtawa at hinalik-halikan ulit ang pisngi ko.

"Where's Zeus, by the way?" tanong niya. Pinanuod kong pinagsalikop niya ang aming mga kamay. My hands are so tiny and soft compared to his big and rough hands. Ramdam ko ang pulso ng init mula sa kaniyang mga palad.

"Nasa bahay. He's probably watching TV by now." Sumilay ang maliit na ngiti sa mga labi ko.

"You can bring him here once in a while. I tried to make it as homey and cozy as possible, but I guess living here alone wouldn't fill the void."

Bigla akong nakaramdam ng kalungkutan para sa kaniya. Even though his beachfront property has a magnificent view of the beach, it wouldn't be that much comfortable if you are here in this spacious house alone. Unless you enjoy solitude like your favorite soup. Alas, as I've known him, always wanted someone by his side.

Kalahating oras ang nagdaan nang tawagin na kaming dalawa ni Krista para kumain. She set the table for the two of us in the balcony but Alas insisted that she joined us so she placed another plate for herself.

Nahihiya ako sa kaniya na siya pa ang nagluto ngunit mas nahiya ako sa sarili ko nang matikman ko ang sinigang niya. It tastes much better. That, I know without a doubt.

Alas seemed to enjoy it, too. I could see the look of satisfaction setting on his face as he ate his food slowly.

From a distance, the waves crashed the shore. Nakakarelax pagmasdan ang paghampas ng alon sa dagat habang papalubog ang araw at kumakain kami.

When we were done eating, I insisted on helping Krista with the dishes. As soon as we were done, Alas sent her home. Alam niyang marami pa ding gagawin si Krista bukod sa pagiging working student nito sa kaniya.

"Ang gamot niyo po, Engineer. Nilagay ko na po sa kitchen island counter."

"Cool. Thanks." Bahagyang kumaway sa kaniya si Alas habang papalabas ng bahay si Krista. Thankfully, he put on a shirt when we decided to eat earlier.

"Do you want to take a walk?" Alas turned to me after making sure that his assistant had drove off in a tricycle.

"Yeah..." lumapit ako sa kaniya. I linked my arms with his and earned a faint smile from him. Umikot kami sa bahay niya para mas makita pa ang buong karagatan nang may mahagip ang tingin ko.

"Teka lang, Alas." Bumitaw ako sa kaniyang braso at dali-daling nilapitan ang maliit na puntod sa likod ng kaniyang bahay. My eyes widen in shock and pain when I saw what's written on the tombstone.

Bullet

A loyal friend and companion

"He's my best friend..." ani Alas nang makitang nakatitig ako sa puntod na nanlalaki ang mga mata. "He passed away a couple of years ago. Until now I can't believe that he's gone."

Biglang sumikip ang dibdib ko habang inaalala kung gaano kalambing ang asong ito sa akin. He had guided Alas so many times when he was still blind. He served as his owner's very own eyes when he couldn't use his own. My loyalty to Alas is a shame compared to Bullet's loyalty to him.

I could feel the tears burning at the back of my eyes. I can't believe I've forgotten about him until now!

Niyakap ako ni Alas mula sa likuran at tahimik na tinitigan ang puntod ng alaga.

"I wish he's still here right now. He knows how to listen very well and can comfort me..."

Gusto ko sanang itanong sa kaniya kung nasaan na o kung buhay pa ba ang pusang naging kaibigan din ni Bullet ngunit pinigilan ko ang sarili ko. He would get suspicious if I suddenly know about him, being a pet parent and all.

"All dogs go to heaven..." I quoted the tweet I saw last night. Hinarap ko si Alas at tipid na ngumiti. "I'm sure he's in a happy place right now."

Tumango siya at dinampian ng halik ang labi ko. Then he wrapped his arms around my shoulders and lead me to the shore.

As we walked down the sand dunes, my mind keeps on drifting back five years earlier in our lives. It feels like a déjà vu. Me, in a uniform, with Alas by my side, walking down the beach after class.

Only this time, the blind boy I've been with is gone.

It was replaced with a more mature version of the boy I once loved. I squeezed his hands as the wind whipped my hair softly. The father of my child.

"Kakailanganin ka ulit ni Sir Patrick sa kaniyang team. Maraming upcoming productions ngayong buwan at magiging busy ang lahat."

"Paano po yung radio station?" tanong ko.

Ms. Patricia closed the lid of her laptop. Today, I noted, she looked really gorgeous in a navy blue dress. This is the first time I've seen her in a dress and she couldn't look more stunning with her pearls and tight bun. Mukha siyang GQ model.

"Ako na ang bahala doon. Ipriority muna natin ang live shows."

Tumango ako. Ipinaliwanag sa akin ni Ms. Patricia ang kailangan kong gawin. I headed out of the door and went to the studio where Jayden and this supposed to be young starlet is practicing for their duo.

Sumilip ako at nakitang concentrated silang dalawa habang binabasa at sinasaulo ang lyrics. I stared at the young girl. Kanina pa siya nakaw nang nakaw ng tingin kay Jayden. Para bang nas-starstruck pa rin siya sa binata hanggang ngayon.

"Belle!"

Napaigtad ako nang marinig ang boses ni Sir Patrick. Nagmuwestra siya at pinalapit ako sa kaniya.

"Balik ka ulit sa team namin, ok?"

"Yes po, Sir."

"Pupunta tayo ng GMA station by the end of the week. Para ito sa guest performance ng dalawang ito." sabay nguso niya kay Jayden at sa babaeng singer na ngayon ay kumakanta na. hindi ko marinig ang kanilang boses dahil sa soundproof ang kwarto at sinisilip lamang namin sila gamit ang glass window sa pinto.

"Jayden said he's comfortable working with you and would even like to have you as his personal assistant," he said and chuckled. The blood in my face drained. "Of course, I declined. I'm running short on personnel and even though he's one of the famous rockstars in this country, it wouldn't mean he has a one-way ticket to special treatment."

Napahinga ako nang maluwag sa kaniyang tinuran.

"So, as I was saying, kailangan ka ulit namin. May seminar kami mamayang hapon. We'll go through the basics again. Tayo ang magiging production team para sa live show na ito kaya hindi dapat tayo pumalpak. Makipagkita ka na sa team at may aasikasuhin lamang ako. Susunod ako sa inyo in a while."

I nodded and obliged. Nang makaalis na si Sir Patrick ay binalingan kong muli si Jayden at ang babaeng nanalo sa Idol Philippines. She seems to be nervous, being around him and all. Kanina pa siya nakayuko at ayaw tagpuin ang mga mata ni Jayden. From what I know, their duo together would serve as her introduction to the world of showbiz.

"How's your day?" Alas answered, one afternoon when I was dismissed early. I found him leaning against his car, wearing a black sweatshirt and pants.

"Tired." I smiled weakly at him.

"Well, I have a surprise for you." his eyes twinkled as he opened the backseat door.

"Mummy!"

My heart leaped to my throat when my son jumped out of the car, hugging my knees tightly. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko at kaagad na kinarga si Zeus, gulat sa nangyari.

"I dropped by your apartment earlier and talked to your mother," ani Alas. "Pumayag naman siya na dalhin ko si Zeus dito sa pinagtatrabahuan mo."

"Really?" I couldn't hide the fear in my voice. Ano kayang sinabi sa kaniya ni mommy? Hindi naman siguro niya ako pangungunahan gayong alam niya na naghahanap lang din ako ng magandang tiyempo para masabi kay Alas ang totoo.

"Yeah. And Zeus is still not my surprise." Anito. Binuksan niya ang pinto patungo sa passenger seat at iminuwestra ito. "Hop on in. May ipapakita kami sa iyo..."

I glanced at him then back to my son who giggled softly. I ruffled his hair and together, we sat in the passenger seat. Alas circled the car and settled on the driver's seat. As I saw rolling the car window close, I saw Jayden staring at us from the establishment's entrance. Nang magtagpo ang mga tingin naming dalawa ay maliit na ngiti lang ang iginawad niya sa akin bago siya pumasok ulit sa building.

Alas drove and all the way to our destination, my son chit-chatted with him.

"Mummy, you're going to love our little surprise!" Zeus bounced again in my thighs.

"Hmm? Really?" malambing kong tanong sa anak ko at hinalik-halikan ang pisngi nito. "I'm excited, baby."

Nilingon ako ni Alas and for a moment, his eyes held a tender gaze towards the both of us. I answered him with a faint smile before he returned his gaze back to the road.

Tinahak namin ang daan patungo sa dalampasigan. By then, I knew that we're going back to his house again. Sinabayan ko na ang excitement ng anak ko hanggang sa makababa kami sa sasakyan.

Alas followed the two of us, tossing his car keys inside his pockets. He opened the gate for us and as soon as we've stepped in, a small puppy came running towards our direction.

Sinalubong kaagad ito ni Zeus. He picked up the puppy and held it to my face, grinning widely.

"Surprise, mummy!"

Napalingon kaagad ako kay Alas. He smiled at the sight of my kid, shoving his hands at the pocket of his jeans.

"It was Zeus' idea. He'd always wanted a puppy but couldn't keep one because you're living in an apartment. Kaya naisipan kong bigyan siya ng kaibigan. He can visit the puppy here anytime he wants..." tapos ay sinilip niya ako ng tingin at tumikhim. "That is, if you want him to."

"Of course, I do!" I cried. I loved dogs as much as Zeus and Alas do. My mom is the only one who doesn't like 'em. "Thank you for doing this for my son, Alas." I said sincerely.

"Can I call you Dada?" inosenteng tanong ni Zeus na ngayon ay hinahaplos na ang ulo ng tuta. The puppy whined softly and scooted closer to him.

Si Alas naman ngayon ang napatingin sa akin. Ang kaniyang mga mata'y nanghihingi ng permiso. Tears swelled in my eyes as I happily nodded my head.

"You want to call him Dada, Zeus?" malambing kong tanong sa anak.

He grinned again and nodded his head repeatedly. "Yes, mummy."

"Sure, you can." I kissed him on the cheeks at inilapit siya kay Alas. Titig na titig siya sa anak at kinarga ito nang walang kahirap-hirap. The pup scurried away, feeling cold without Zeus' hands all over him.

"Are you going to be with mummy a lot?" tanong niya kay Alas.

"As much as I possibly can, champ." Sagot nito sa bata. Sinipat niya ako ng tingin at kinindatan. I chuckled, adoring the sight of the two of them. I wished I had a camera right now so I could capture this precious moment. I could see the connection building between the two of them and soon, they will become inseparable.

I couldn't be any happier.

"Cool! Will you take care of my mummy, Dada?"

Alas chuckled and patted his head. "Of course, I will. She's the girl of my dreams."

Zeus grinned na para bang naiintindihan niya nang lubos ang sinabi ng ama. He wrapped his tiny arms around his neck and whispered softly.

"I love my mummy so much and seeing someone who loves my mummy more makes me happy... Please love mummy more and more and more. Let's love her together..."

By then, I couldn't stop the tears from streaming down my face. When I learned about my pregnancy, I didn't felt any fear or anxiety. Oddly, it feels like what's happening is what's meant to happen. And when I gave birth to him, I thought I lost the part of me that had gone when I left Alas but Zeus gave it back.

Buong-buo niya itong ibinigay sa akin.

Niyakap ni Alas ang anak at may ibinulong dito na hindi ko na narinig. Zeus grinned again. Ibinaba niya ang bata at tumakbo ito patungo sa dagat.

Alas turned to me and grinned as well before he chased my son.

Ikinabit ko ang magkabilang kamay sa mga siko habang pinagmamasdan silang maghabulan sa buhangin. My heart clenched. But this time, it clenched in happiness. I swiped a tear from the corner of my eyes and found the puppy slowly making its way towards my direction.

Napangiti ako. A beach house, a pet dog, and a complete family. My life is complete having them by my side.