He was oblivious at the moment as his eyes lingers in straight vision from his stand. A woman who's back facing him, she has an elbow-length blond hair. In her velvet red pouf dress, flows just an inch above her knee. Giving him a glimpse of her creamy and skinny legs where soft muscles were developed. She moved a little, stepping her right foot backward while she's busy talking with a girl of her age, her friend maybe. With that slight move, her leg muscle flexed a bit and damn that was sexy.

She turned to face him and he was so ready to see what a sweet face she has, but he was moved by how her left brow arched in the most perfect way when their eyes matched.

No way this woman will ever look sweet. He thought.

Well that's true. She has wasn't an angelic beauty but the opposite. Her almond-shaped eyes were in chestnut brown color, it's cold and pure and treacherous. It's as if it can hide everything and you'll come seeking for it's mystery. In the center of her small heart-shaped face is her tip-tilted nose. His eyes went down on her rich ridges lips on it's natural red color, it has a pronounced philtrum making the curved of her upper lip more visible. It looks so soft, he can't help but wonder how good will it taste.

He shook his head lightly at the unusual haughty thought he has for a stranger. But he can't control his gaze from climbing back to her eyes.

"Dang," Napaawang ang kaniyang bibig nang irapan siya nito bago pumihit patalikod upang magpatianod sa babaeng kasama nito.

"Trav, nandyan ka lang pala." It was his friend, Edward. "Who're you looking at?"

Sinundan nito ang tingin na tinatahak ng kaniyang mga mata.

"Helena Chanterelle?"

"Is that her name?" Wala sa sarili niyang tanong habang nakasubaybay pa rin sa pag-imbay ng bewang kada paghakbang ng papalayong bulto.

"The one in princess braid, right? Yeah, that's Shanna."

"No, no." Binalingan niya ang kaibigan nang mawala na sa kaniyang paningin ang bulto ng babae gawa ng pag-liko sa kabilang hallway. "The other one."

"Oh, that's Gift Briana Vito." Ngumisi ito. "Why are you checking her out? Don't tell me you're attracted to her."

Kibit-balikat siyang nag-simulang mag-lakad paakyat ng hagdan upang tunguhin ang susunod nilang klase matapos ang kanilang two-hour vacant period. "Okay, I wont tell you."

"Gago!" Humalakhak ito bago umagapay sakanyang pag-akyat. "Senior high school pa lang 'yon sila, wag kang patay bata."

"It's not as if we're a decade older. We're just a year ahead." Hindi niya alam kung bakit niya pa idinipensa ang argumentong iyon, does he like her? Hindi naman.

"Kahit pa, alam mo dapat ang pinopormahan natin yung mga matured girls." Inakbayan siya nito at sabay silang pumasok sa classroom nila. "Si Letty, yung senior ng Tourism Management. Gustong gusto ka noon ah! Okay yun si Letty, sexy na maganda pa. Kumbaga, hinog na hinog na. Sila Gift, hilaw pa mga yun hayaan mong mamukadkad."

Pinili niyang wag na lamang pansinin ang sinabi nito at ipagsawalang-bahala iyon.

Gift Briana Ballesteros Vito. A fifteen year-old senior high. Snobbish and mean. Everyone in high school department feared her because of her arrogance and rudeness.

Daughter of Architect Bernardo Vito -owner of an Architectural Firm named Ballesteros-Vito Associates.

Gift topped in her English, Science and Math class. She's running for valedictorian and was never humble about it.

Damn, what is he even thinking? Instead of reviewing for his upcoming final examinations, he's spending his time thinking about all the single details he gathered about Gift Vito.

Bakit? Si Gift Vito ba ang lalabas sa exams at ito ang kaniyang pinag-aaralan?

Why is he even wasting his time stalking her? Oh, yes! Stalking her. He finally admitted to himself that he's damn stalking her!

It was summer of that year when he saw her again. He's out riding his brand new Dodge Viper which was given by his dad as a reward for an outstanding academic performance he did on his first year of college. He fancy sports car, racing and anything connected to it. With his parents support, he was able to put up his own arena with his growing collection of cars. If all it take is good grades to have new wheels until he can make money of his own, he'll burn the midnight oil then. Because if you want something, you gotta go get it.

Nakaupo ito sa gutter ng sidewalk, nakayupyop sa magkadikit nitong tuhod. He may not be able to see her face but her hair is something he wont fail to recognize. There's something about how shiny it is in his eyes that made it exceptional, only Gift has it.

Ihininto niya ang kaniyang sasakyan ilang metro mula dito. He took off his seatbelt and slipped off his car. Unang hakbang pa lamang niya papalapit dito ay nag-angat na ito ng tingin sa direksyon niya at tila ba gusto niyang humakbang paatras nang makita niya ang namamasa nitong mata.

Tears flooded her face, her sight is new to him. He was used on seeing her feisty and fierce, but now she look so weak and so needy.

"Gift..." Alangan na bigkas niya sa pangalan nito bago ituloy ang paglapit dito.

Hindi ito nag-salita, hindi rin naman natigil sa tahimik na pag-iyak.

He squatted in front of her. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"I killed my mom." Her weak and broken voice uttered those words in a whisper.

Ang kaniyang mga kilay ay bahagyang nag-salubong tila tinatanto kung ano ang ibig nitong sabihin.

A faint smile formed her lips, she choked a sob and whispered again. "It's my sixteenth birthday today, it's also my mom's sixteenth death anniversary. You see, I killed her..."

Lost for words, he looked at her. A little stunned on what she said. What he saw is sadness in her eyes but he doesn't know what to say. He couldn't think of anything to say to take the pain away, or even lessen it. Maybe she doesn't need him speak a word, maybe what she needs is someone who'll listen. He can be one....

Siguro'y nakita nito iyon sakanyang nga mata dahil walang pag-aalinlangan nitong inihayag ang buong detalye kung bakit ito umiiyak. Her dad just throw her out of their house all because he's grieving for his wife that he doesn't want to see his child who looks very much like her mom.

Hindi niya personal na kilala ang ama nito, kaya pilit niyang binura sakanyang damdamin ang inis na siyang kaniyang nararamdaman para dito. Who's in the right mind will treat his child that way? But then, his mother always reminds him never to judge the situation he'd never been in.

"Stop crying..." Masuyo niyang sabi bago ito tabihan sa gutter. "Happy birthday, Gift..."

He saw her cheeks blush like a heart of flame and with that, he smiled.

"Thank you-" She paused for awhile and turned to him with a quizzical look. "I've told you my struggles yet I don't even know your name."

A brief chuckle came off his mouth, clearing his throat he extended his hand on her. "I'm Travis Andres Cavallero."

From that moment, he made a promise to hinself that he'll do whatever it takes to keep this girl smiling. He'll pay at all cost for her happiness. And he'll die making her happy.

But promises can be broken just as fast they were made.

As days passed by, something about his feelings for Gift grew intense that he had to stop himself. Ayaw niyang sirain ang kabataan ni Gift just because of some sinful thoughts he has in mind. He should start controlling his lustful desire for her, she doesn't deserve that.

And sometimes, we made bad decision. The worst decision he had ever made is to let her slip on his grip.

We are free to choose but we are not free from the consequences of our choice.

Seeing Gift loving another man broke his heart. At wala siyang karapatan para maramdaman iyon, he broke hers too.

That's one of his fears, he's scared that one day someone will realize how truly amazing she is. Someone else will kiss her lips. Someone else will take his place. Someone else will have her heart.

"Gago ka!" Malakas na suntok ang kaniyang pinakawalan na agad na tumama sa panga ni Lance na siyang nagpabuwal dito.

Bago pa siya maawat ng mga kasamahan nilang nabigla sakanyang ginawa, ay nakahakbang na siya papalapit kay Lance. Grabbing the collar of his shirt he pulled him up.

"Damn you, Lance!" He said in between his gritted teeth. "You fucking hurt her!"

"Travis, will you move away." Kalmanteng hinawi ni Lance ang kaniyang kamay at bumangon ito sa pagkakasadlak. "Hindi ba't iyon naman ang tamang gawin?"

"Man, ano bang nangyayari?" Naguguluhang tanong ni Aquish habang ipinagpapabalik-balik sakanila ang tingin.

Binalingan ni Lance ang lahat ng mata na nakamasid sakanila, everyone was silently watching them with curiosity and concern in their eyes.

"You love her, Travis." Matamang sabi ni Lance.

He stilled. Kumuyom ang kaniyang kamao, making the veins in his arms a little visible.

"Who's her?" Edward probed.

"Admit it, Trav. You love Gift." Diretsong sinalubong niya ang mga mata ni Lance. Narinig niya ang pagkabigla ng kanilang mga kasama sa sinabi nito. "I can tell it by the way you look at her. That's exactly how my dad look at my mom. You're like a cheesy retard when she's around, I'm an observant. Had I known that you are in love with her I wouldn't have hit her. Man, I like her. She's different from other girls, she doesn't seem so likable but I like her. But brother, that's not enough for me to have the gut and cross your nerve. I was actually waiting for your move, hindi ko maiwan si Gift because she'd been so nice to me. I tried cheating, para siya na ang kusang kumalas. But you see? It didn't happen. And I've gone too tired to see you shadow your feelings for her, if you love her Travis go take her. Hindi lang ikaw ang may mga mata na makakakita ng tunay na katauhan ni Gift sa likod ng kaniyang ipinapakita. Hindi lahat ng lalaki gagawin ang ginawa ko. Make a move and get your girl, hoser."

One thing led to another. Back to December where he saw her drinking and drowning herself into pool of tears, broken and devastated. Thinking that she was never good enough for everyone and that she will never be loved.

That December incident lead him back home. Home is to where his heart is. Home is to where Gift is.

Everything is sweeter the second time around and he couldn't agree more. They say that if a person gave you a second chance that means she's a real keeper and you should really keep her.

Gift is all messed up. He doesn't care, he's always willing to fix her anyway. Even if she keeps on falling, he'll pick her up no matter how heavy her burdens are.

His eyes moved and through the floor to ceiling glass wall he watched how mad the rain is pouring down. Skies were gloomy, thunder and lightning comes from time to time. The weather isn't at it's best.

The sudden sharp sound through an expel of air made him turned his gaze to where it's from. A middle aged man, in his three piece suit looking so reputable and formidable.

The strong aura of the man's face reminded him so much of her fierceness. They shared the same eyes, though hers were more appealing or maybe because he's in love with her so his opinion is a bit biased. Well, who's comparing anyway.

"Good afternoon." Pormal nitong bati bago nito tunguhin ang swivel chair sa likod ng malaking lamesang gawa sa magandang klase ng mahogany.

"Good afternoon, sir." He cleared his throat a little and introduced himself. "I'm Travis Cavallero, I'm your daughter's boyfriend."

He saw how shock shadowed his eyes for a fleeting moment before it went back to blank. "Take a sit."

Doon lang siya humakbang patungo sa isang silya na nasa harap ng lamesa nito. Pormal parin itong nakamasid sakanya.

"What do you want?" Diretsang tanong nito.

"Your daughter is all I ever wanted in life, sir." Seryoso niyang sagot, tumalim ang tingin nito ngunit hindi iyon naging sapat upang ibaba niya ang kanya. "I'm serious about my intentions for her. I want to keep her for as long as I live."

"Iyan lang ba ang ipinagparito mo?" Magaspang nitong tanong bago isa-isahing balingan ang mga papeles na nagkalat sa mesa nito tila ba binabalewala ang kaniyang mga sinabi.

"I'm here to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage, sir."

Doon niya muling nakuha ang atensyon nito. Nakita niya ang marahang ismid na ginawa nito sakanyang sinabi.

"I know if I'll propose to her, she'll marry me without a word." Puno ng kumpyansa niyang sabi. "But the world isn't just about us, I have to consider everyone around her. The people she loves the most. And you're one of them, sir. As a respect, sa inyo ko po hinihingi ang kamay ng anak niyo. If you'll allow me to marry her-"

"How old are you?" Putol nito sakanyang sinasabi.

"Twenty three."

"You have accomplished nothing in your life and you're willing to offer the life you have to my daughter?" Tuya nito. "Mr. Cavallero, ang pag-aasawa'y hindi ganoon ganoon lang. I know who you are, I know how money works for you. But without a cent from your father's pocket, would you be able to sustain my daughter's needs and caprices?"

Sandali siyang natahimik sa sinasabi nito. Napansin nito iyon kaya umangat ang sulok ng labi nito at nakudlitan niya ang tagumpay sa mata nito.

"You see, Mr. Cavallero. My daughter is different from the girls of her age. She's high maintenance, mamumulubi ang mapapang-asawa niya sa mga luhong meron siya." Ipinag-siklop nito ang mga kamay sa ibabaw ng lamesa at buong atensyon na tinitigan siya. "I know that she's living in with you, saan mo kinukuha ang iginagastos mo para sa anak ko? Sa bulsa ng magulang mo? What a shame."

Tumiim ang kaniyang bagang sa direktang insulto na ibinabato nito sakanya. "I'm about to finish my degree, I'll soon take over my father's company and by then I'm sure I can sustain her needs and wants... lay it in her palm-"

"Work here."

His eyes went to meet those brown almond eyes. He's eyeing Bernardo Vito like he's seeing two heads instead of one.

"Hindi ka gagamit ng pera ng mga magulang mo para buhayin ang anak ko. If you want to keep her, work here and earn money so you'll be able to feed her thrice a day."

Wala siyang hindi kayang gawin para kay Gift. Wala siyang hindi gagawin para dito. If this is what it takes to have her completely then so be it.

"And one more thing, if you really love my daughter. Respect her. Stop bedding her and treating her like a whore warming your sheets."

With that, he took the challenge. Baka sakali rin na kapag nakita nito kung gaano siya kapursigido sa anak nito'y mapagtanto nito ang ilang bagay na nabubulagan pa ito. Alam niyang mahal nito ang anak, sinong magulang ang walang pagmamahal sa anak? Kung meron, hindi sila nararapat tawaging magulang.

Being a working student isn't easy. He moves more and sleeps less. But then it's all making sense to him, there's no elevator to success and we all need to take the stairs on our way up.

He burned the candle in both ends. And boy! Working as a janitor was never easy, especially for someone like him who'd been pampered all his life. He's really going extra mile for her and he knows it's all worth it. Gift is so worth it.

"Travis?"

That baritone voice topped the small noise coming from the nozzle of the vacuum he's holding as he clean the carpeted floor.

Mabilis siyang tumuwid ng tayo at hinarap ang nag-salita. Pormal siya nitong pinagmasdan bago dagling tignan ang heavy duty vacuum na nasa kaniyang tabi.

"Hayaan mo na si Rodolfo diyan, may ipag-uutos ako sayo. Sumunod ka sakin." His voice sets command.

Wala siyang ibang napag-piliian kundi ang iwan ang ginagawa upang sundan ito papasok sa opisina nito.

Ipinatong nito sa lamesa ang attache case na bitbit atsaka siya hinarap.

"I have a meeting minutes from now, I wont be able to pick up my fiancé. I'd like you to drive her home for me." Hindi ito nakikiusap kundi pormal na nag-uutos na tila ba wala siyang ibang magagawa kundi ang sumunod sa sinasabi nito. "Matapos mo siyang ihatid, bumalik ka rito. Lilinisin ang fourteenth floor para sa seminar bukas, tumulong ka sa gagawing pag-lilinis."

Architect Bernardo Vito is a very busy man, kaya naman naging karugtong na ng job description niya ang pag-hahatid at pag-susundo sa girlfriend nitong si Cinderella Talavera.

"What is she like? Is she sweet? Is she caring? Probably lovely?" Nanunuksong tanong ni Cindy sakanya habang tahimik nilang binabaybay ang daan patungo sa unit nito.

Napangiti siya, well it always makes him smile whenever Gift becomes the subject of the conversation. "Gift is everything."

"Oh, boy. You're smitten." Humalakhak ito bago dahan dahan iyong namatay at napalitan ng isang malungkot na ngiti. "Too bad I don't see those side of hers, she doesn't like me. She hates me. Maybe she thinks of me like a wicked stepmother."

Idaan man nito iyon sa tawa'y hindi nakatakas sakanyang pandinig ang kapaitan sa tinig nito.

"She just needed some time, Cindy. At alam kong hindi mo iyon ipagkakait sakanya." Tumikhim siya at bahagyang pumormal. "Alam kong naiintindihan mo siya, you know where she's coming from."

Tumango naman ito. "Hindi ko alam kung ano ang mararamdaman ko nang malaman ko ang naging trato ni Bernardo sakanya. He wasn't proud of it but I'm glad he admitted how cruel he'd become to his daughter, kahit pa pinangangambahan niyang maging basehan ko iyon para iwan siya." Nilingon siya nito. "I love Bernardo, Travis. Sa kung paanong mahal mo si Gift. When I first saw her, I instantly fell in love with her. Maybe because I know that she's the daughter of the man I love. She's a part of him. Kamuhian man ako ni Gift, hinding hindi ako hihinto kakaantay sa pag-dating ng araw na matatanggap niya ako para sa ama niya."

Cinderella Talavera is a beautiful person, if only Gift can give her a chance to prove herself.

Hindi naging madali ang lahat, lalo na para sakanilang dalawa ni Gift. Marami na siyang hindi nagagawa dito, nagpatong-patong narin ang mga maliliit na kasinungalingang napagbubuhol-buhol niya sa tuwing mag-tatanong ito kung nasaan siya, saan siya nanggaling at saan siya pupunta.

He doesn't want to lie but he needs to keep her out of what he's doing.

He kind of miss her, kahit pa katabi niya itong matulog sa gabi ay halos mabawasan ang pagkatao niya sakanyang labis na pangungulila dito.

"Cindy, okay ka lang?" Nag-aalalang tanong niya nang makababa sa sasakyan at nakita itong umiiyak papalabas ng agency nito.

"Travis..." Humihikbi na yumakap ito sakanya na tila ba nawawalan ito ng lakas, he hugged her back to give her the comfort that she needs.

"What's wrong?" He asked worriedly.

"My mom died..." Her broken voice made his heart went for her, he couldn't imagine how sad it was to lose a mother. "T-tumawag iyong pinsan ko, she died. Ni hindi man lamang ako nakauwi sakanya. Ni hindi na niya ako naantay. Had I known, edi sana'y hindi ko na pinuntahan ang fashion show last week, I could've spend more time with her!"

"Shh, it's hard alright but there's nothing left to do rather than accepting what happened." His consoling words calmed her a little.

Inalalayan niya ito papasok ng sasakyan. Sa byahe ay tahimik parin itong umiiyak at punong puno ng pagsisisi and he can't stop her from doing that, why he knows less of what she feels.

Inihatid niya ito sa condo unit nito, he's worried about her. She's somehow a friend to him and she's the girlfriend of the father of the love of his life. Hindi gaya ng dati'y sinamahan niya ito sa loob mismo ng unit nito.

Alam niyang kailangan nito ng kausap at karamay sa mga panahong iyon. Bernardo Vito is out of the country at nang malaman ang nangyari'y agad itong nagpasya na bumalik. He'll catch the first flight back to Manila tomorrow, matapos ay pupunta ang mga ito sa Davao kung saan naroon ang labi ng ina ni Cindy.

Nang masigurong maayos na ang lagay nito'y saka lamang siya nag-paalam. Tinignan niya ang oras sakanyang relong pambisig. Clock is ticking near eight in the evening, medyo maaga siyang makakauwi ngayon.

He smiled at the thought that he'll be seeing Gift in their home and will be spending more time with her. He missed her, really missed her.

Dumaan siya sa hindi kalayuan flower shop. Hindi man nito sabihin ay alam niyang nag-tatampo ito sakanya and he's going to woo her, to secure her that no matter how tight their schedules are he'll always be hers.

With a bouquet of gazania, he drove his way home. Halfway, he received a call from Atticus.

His forehead knotted at the unexpected call, inabot niya ang telepono na nasa dashboard gamit ang isang kamay habang ang kabila'y pang maneho.

"Travis? Where are you?" There's a mixture of anger and urgency in his voice that made him shift from his seat.

"I'm on my way home, why? Is there a problem?"

"I'm in the hospital, Gift caught an accident. I'll text you the details." There's a contempt in his voice and before he could even panicked the call has ended.

Mabilis ang tibok ng kaniyang puso, wari niya'y kaya nitong wasakin ang kaniyang dibdib. He's worried as hell and his mind was bombarded with series of questions.

He can still clearly remember how she loathed him that night. He can still clearly remember how his heart broke at the sight of her, crying vehemently in the middle of an all white hospital bed.

Accusing him of something he can't understand. Yet he don't have enough gal to ask her.

They lost someone without knowing it's existence.

Gift left him. He lost two. He lost himself.

Pero hindi niya kayang maging madamot. They're both hurting but he has to be the bigger person and understand the situation even if he doesn't even know how to start comprehending it.

Gift needed space, a space away from him so she can love herself more. Kahit pa sa paglayong iyon ay maaaring mawala ang pag-mamahal nito para sakanya'y handa siyang ipagsang-alang-alang iyon, kahit hindi na siya nito mahalin ang mahalaga'y matutunan nitong mahalin ang sarili.

Maging siya'y kailangan niya ring paghilumin ang sarili niyang sugat. He went on his life and continued moving.

Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives. That's how he's healed and he wished the same state for her.

He watched her grow from the distance. Every step, he was there to support her. He remembered how he spent millions to burn the contract she has signed for posing bare naked on a campaign!

Seeing her in magazines with skimpy bikinis, lingerie, teddies and nighties almost showing her flesh to the world almost killed him. Iyon pa kayang hubad?! Damn, he'll kill!

Gift Briana Vito never changed and he thinks she never will.

Still the same sophisticated brat he knew. Her tongue-lashing words crippled pain in his heart like it always did. She still fancy calling people names that stand for how idiot oneself can be.

And she's still making his heart flip in a glance.

Every time he sees her, a part of him wanted to go near her and ask her how she is. But then the other part of him is stopping him from doing so.

Her eyes are full of sadness that her mouth never got the chance to say. That's why she'd rather appear stone cold in front of everyone. But no in his sight, there's a string between them that breaks every time they're in an arm distance.

"Sir, ako na ho ang mag-tutuloy niyan. Nakakahiya naman po sainyo."

Nilingon niya si Mang Ambo na abala rin sa ginagawang pag-wawalis ng mga nalaglag na tuyong dahon mula sa malaking puno ng cypress.

"Hindi na ho, Mang Ambo. Kaya ko na ito." He continued mopping the marble floor of the gazebo.

Malungkot na ngiti ang kumurba sakanyang labi nang mapagmasdan ang estatwa ng batang anghel sakanyang harapan.

The child was near four months when they lost it. Gift had an irregular menstrual cycle kaya naman inisip nilang normal lang na hindi ito datnan minsan sa isang buwan, they even though she had her period at some point ngunit sabi ng doctor ay maaaring nag-spotting lamang ito.

Nang malaman niya ang plano ni Gift na bilhin ang abandonadong lupa ay inunahan niya ito. Surely, Gift wont accept it if she'll learn that it was from him kaya naman sinabihan niya ang may ari na palabasing ibinigay lamang nito ang lupa.

Will you be a he or a she? A question that crossed his mind while looking at the soft features of the little angel.

He squatted in front of the statue and inhaled an air. "Your mom is back, I'm sure she'll visit you here."

True enough, because later that night Gift was there. Crying her heart out. Mula sa dilim ay tinanaw niya ito hanggang sa igupo ito ng pagod at antok.

Doon niya lamang ito nalapitan, he wrapped his jacket on her body and took her shoes off. Kung sana'y maaalagaan niya ito, kung sana'y pumayag itong maalagaan niya sa paraang gusto niya.

Their lives went on and on, napakahirap para sakanyang kalooban ng kaalamang naroon lamang ito sa malapit ngunit hindi niya ito maabot.

"Congratulations, newlyweds." Nakangising bati niya sa bagong kasal nang minsan niyang bisitahin ang mga ito.

"Thank you, Engineer." Sabi ni Bernardo habang si Cindy ay masaya lamang siyang nginitian. "Ikaw ba? You're of age now, kailan mo balak naumagay sa tahimik."

He shrugged on his seat. "I'm always ready, pero mukhang hindi pa handa ang pakakasalan ko."

"So it's still my daughter, huh?" Amusement laced his voice. "Gift is tough to handle, she's hard to tame."

"Wala namang kaso iyon sakin, Architect. I'm always willing to bow in her words." He smiled and shook his head like a silly boy.

"Do you need my help now? I can always weave magic, you know." The old man grinned.

"Oh, Bernardo. Your daughter will hate you even more if you mess with it." Banta ni Cindy rito na tila ba nahuhulaan ang tinatakbo ng isipan ng kabiyak.

"No need, Architect. I think my own magic can do the trick." Isang ngiti ang pinakawalan niya kahit pa siya mismo ay alangan.

Seeing her near with any man made him lose his mind! Hindi na niya nagawa pang pigilan ang kaniyang sarili, pinuntahan niya ang mansyon ng ama nito upang sana'y kausapin na ito.

He wants her tied in his side so no one could ever touch her.

But that didn't happen. Gift kept him in her room, sa hindi niya malamang kadahilanan. She was saying something about cougar and gigolo, it makes no sense in him.

That night, she had a nightmare. Doon niya napatunayang hindi pa ito tuluyang nag-hihilom bagkus ay mukhang mas lalong mabigat ang siyang pasanin nito sa dibdib.

He was moved. She's not ready to settle down, that's for sure. She's not yet ready. And he'll wait for her even if it takes a lifetime.

Nag-sunod-sunod ang problema niya, his sister needed him in Vancouver kaya ayaw man niyang iwanan si Gift ay pinuntahan niya ang kapatid.

He trusted Atticus anyway, Atticus might be every bad thing but he knows that Atticus respects him. Isa pa'y alam niyang si Blanche lamang ang gusto ni Atticus.

After almost half a year he went home. Aquish organized an all-boy party to celebrate his comeback. Kumpleto silang lahat sa AMO fraternity house nila sa Vanderbilt Drive.

And damn the troupe of friends he have! Sakanilang magkakaibigan ay siya ang may kakaibang alcohol tolerance. Lahat ay nakita na niyang malasing ngunit siya'y kailanma'y hindi. Maybe it runs in their blood, his dad and even Blanche has a high tolerance for alcohol.

They drugged him that night with the help of Alexus. He was too drunk to even think of what he's saying. Kinabukasan nang magising siya'y iniisip niyang panaginip lamang ang mga humahalo sa balintataw niya. Sa kung paano niya ihinayag sa harap ng mga kaibigan kung gaano niya kamahal at kung gaano siya ka-baliw na baliw kay Gift. But when he went downstairs, his friends were looking at him as if he's a clown in a circus. Stupidly grinning on him.

Bumalik ang kaniyang pag-iisip sa kasalukuyan nang mamatay ang makina ng sasakyan at humimpil iyon sa tapat ng kanilang bahay.

Their home. A product of his hardwork. Nilingon niya si Gift nang tumunog ang pagkalas ng seatbelt nito. Nakita niyang nag-iwas ito ng tingin sakanya bago siya masungit na inirapan atsaka bumaba ng sasakyan.

Napangisi na lamang siya sa ginawa nito. He'll never trade his life for anything if he's about to live the rest of it seeing Gift hissing and sneering from time to time.

Bumaba narin siya ng sasakyan. He guided her in and let her wander around. It's her house anyway.

Nakita niya kung paano nanubig ang mga mata nito habang nakatingala sa engranderng chandelier na nakabitin mula sa mataas na kisame ng buong kabahayan. Exactly how she wanted it to be...

Wala siyang binago sa mga detalyeng gusto nito para sa isang bahay, ang tanging pinakialaman niya lang ay ang carport kung saan pinahintulutan naman nito iyon. Wala naman din siyang naging problema dahil lahat naman ng gusto ni Gift ay ginugusto din ng puso niya.

"Why, Travis?" Mahina nitong bulong bago siya balingan. "Do you really love me?"

He took a sharp breath. If there's one thing he hates in life is that he'll be questioned about his love for her.

"Don't you think it's too time-wasting and not so money-wise for a joke, Gift?" He doesn't want to sound sarcastic but it dripped naturally in his throat. "I love you, there I said it again. Are you going to doubt my love for you for the rest of your life?"

"Whatever, I hate you still." Umirap ito at humakbang paakyat ng hagdan, siya nama'y sumunod dito.

Naiiling na napangisi siya, how he loves watching her walk ahead of him. The swaying of her hips were perfect, making something in him stir.

"I'm glad you're now familiarizing your way to our home."

"Asshat." There she goes again calling him names.

"Ten rooms, excluding ours." Sabi niya nang balingan nito ang mga nakasaradong pinto. "The last door in a black frame is ours, babe."

"You're assuming again, Travis." Medyo iritadong sabi nito.

Humahalakhak na nilapitan niya ito he held her waist firmly and walked her to the masters bedroom. Binuksan niya ang pinto ng silid.

"No, Gift. I'm claiming you." A low chuckle rose in his throat when he saw how her face boiled in crimson color.

"You wish!"

"Oh, honey. I'm done wishing. And I can't thank the heaven enough for granting it." Masuyo niyang sabi bago ipinid pasara ang pinto.

Muli niya itong hinarap, mataman itong nakatingin sakanya. Her eyes speaks of so much emotion yet her face remains passive.

"Hindi ka pa ba pagod, mahal ko? Aren't you gonna lay your armor down? Because I never raised mine." He said in a soft voice close to becoming a gentle whisper. "I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused you, Gift. Sorry may not be enough... and I can't promise you that there's gonna be no pain but I swear I'll ease every drop of it if you'll let me."

He inched closer to her, she didn't bulge on her stand.

"Gift, I'm sick and tired of seeing and not owning you while you've owned me the very first moment I laid my eyes on you."

Napasinghap ito nang tumigil siya ilang pulgada mula sa kinatatayuan nito, he went on his knees and begged in front of her.

"I'll die begging for you to let me in. Gift, will you let me?" He sounded so desperate that even he couldn't recognize the sound of his own voice. "Be my today and all of my tomorrows."

"T-Travis!" Naiinis siya nitong hinila patayo. "Ano ba?! Wag mo nga kong daanin sa ganyan! Naiinis pa ko sayo! Ang dami dami mong babae! There's Eloisa, Cindy and now Fina-"

"Dammit, Gift! Stop insulting the kind of love I have for you. I don't care about those women, I only care about you. It's always been you." Nakita niyang natigilan ito sakanyang sinabi.

That's right, my love. Sometimes learn to shut up and let me do the talking.

Huminahon ang kaniyang anyo at nagpatuloy. "Eloisa kissed me, naipaliwanag ko na sayo ang bagay na iyon. Cindy is your stepmom, I respect her much as I respect your father. She's a good friend, Gift."

Umirap na naman ito, napangisi siya. How bad he wanted to kiss her right there and then.

She had her arms crossed above her chest cocking her brow. "And the Fina girl? Who is she?"

He groaned and let out a throaty chuckle. "Babe, isn't obvious? My friends were playing cupid. They'd been deliberately making me jealous, lalo yang si Atticus. Alam ko namang sinasadya nila, I just can't help my emotions. Dammit. I don't like it that he's touching you. Nang sabihin sakin ni Alexus na nagkakaseryosohan na kayong dalawa ni Atticus ay hindi ako naniniwala, I should've known better. At napatunayan ko iyon when you gave me yourself again..."

No matter how hard she tries, she can't hide the red glow that came over her face.

"Stop blushing, you're turning me on." He laughed at his half meant remark. "Well, they asked me to date Fina-"

"Dinate mo naman!" She changes her mood in a snap. "You're an asshole!"

Napasipol siya sa akto nito. "Damn, babe. Can you chill? Baka pag ipinagpatuloy mo yan sa kama na ang bagsak natin."

Napasinghap ito nang hilahin niya ang palapulsuhan nito at walang sabing dalhin ang pangkapa nito sa ibabang bahagi ng kaniyang katawan na lalong ikinapula ng mukha nito. Mabilis nitong binawi ang kamay at itinago sa likuran ang nakakuyom na kamao na tila ba aagawin niya iyon anumang sandali.

"Feel that?" He smirked. "So you shut up first and let me talk, alam mo namang sa kama tayo lagi nauuwi kapag nag-susungit ka ng sobra eh."

"Basto-"

"Shut up, Gift!" Masungit niyang putol sa sasabihin nito. "As I was saying, they asked me to date Fina and that will do the trick. You'll probably get jealous and submit to me, well partly it worked."

Naningkit ang mga mata nito, nakagat niya ang kaniyang ibabang labi bago marahang napailing.

"Stop staring as if you want me to kiss you..."

Napasinghap na naman ito. How cute can you be?

"But no baby, answer me first, are you going to spend every second of your life with me now?"

Hindi ito nagsalita at nanatili lamang na nakatitig sakanya. Ilang sandali niyang hinayaan itong pag-masdan siya bago siya muling mag-salita.

"I'm sorry for all the little lies I have told you. I'm sorry that we lost an angel. I'm sorry that I cannot undo everything I did and go back to that December night, I'm sorry...." He said in the most gentle way he could muster. "I know it seems so hard for you to believe me now but will you let me explain-"

"I'm so tired of being sad, Travis..." Her voice broke and his heart automatically cracked. "I want to be happy... and if being happy means forgiving everyone who has hurt me... then I wil..."

Siya naman ang panandaliang natigilan sa sinabi nito. A small smile curved his lips, now they're getting somewhere.

"I should stop blaming everyone even myself and I should start accepting everything that happened beyond my control. Not just because I need it, but because this is what I want." A tear escape from her eyes, his hand went quickly in a gentle caress on her face. "I love you, Travis."

"I know, baby... I know." His smiles became more triumphant as if he's winning in life, well he is. "Now will you let me explain?"

Umiling ito at mahigpit siyang niyakap. She buried her face on his neck and closed her eyes. "We have so much time for that. Will you just hold me?"

"Gladly..." Buong pagmamahal niya itong sinikop sakanyang bisig. "I love you, Gift..."