Chapter 63

His 'once'- Special Title for the last chapters countdown.

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"W.. What time is our clearance?" He can't help but asked his friend Shine.

"That's the third time you asked that, Ryuuki. It's 08:30am, that's the earliest we can get.." Paliwanag nito sa kanya. And that would be 40min from now.

"I.. I'm sorry. I'm a bit nervous, we might missed her.." And that's the truth. Nag aalala talaga siya na baka hindi ito abutan. And that she might lose her forever.

"I'm the captain so, we will not missed her I promise." He rest assured him and tapped his shoulder.

"And also, Lee and Theo are still not here kaya hindi pa din tayo makaka alis.." Paalala ni George sa kanya and he naturally frowned.

"Those son of a b—

"Oh, Theo is here and h..he have f.. flowers.." That was Cameron.

Na pa lingon naman siya sa direksyon nito and he looks very confident in his smile. It looks like he was not even shaken from what he said last night.

"D.. Don't look so, bothered. I.. It's just flower.." Naka ngiti nitong bati sa kanya na tila na babasa ang kanyang iniisip.

"Ryuuki, don't start." Harang pa ni Cameron sa kanya dahil akmang sa salubungin niya si Theo ngunit nilagpasan niya ito.

"We found her. So, can you please give up on her.." Muli niyang paninindigan sa sinabi niya kagabi.

"You really won't stop in that, won't you?" He asked at him.

"I'm not saying na huwag ka sumama ngayon. You can still come with us.." Paglilinaw niya dito.

"I just wanted to ask you again, that's all. And if you will ever back down, hindi naman kita pipigilan na makita siya.. If you want to visit her it's fine with me.." Pagkukumbinsi pa niya dito.

"T.. That's all, I get?" He asked again na tila hindi kumbinsido sa mga sinabi niya.

"I know it's hard, but please give me back my wife.." Paki usap niya muli dito.

"Kneel down." Seryoso nitong sabi sa kanya. At doon naman na pa tayo ang kanyang mga kaibigan dahil mukhang hindi na gustuhan ng mga ito ang sinabi nito.

(Kneel down..) Ulit muli ng kanyang isip.

"Pride, huh?" He heard him sarcastically says at him.

"Are you forgetting that he's our friend and you're alone?" That was Xerces threatening him. Pinigilan niya naman ito sa pag lapit kay Theo.

"Cess, it's fine. I w.. will do whatever he says, as long as he give will give up on Rence.." Seryoso niyang sabi sa mga ito.

"I.. I'm really gonna kill him.." That was Reidd at ang iba naman ay na pa mura kahit maaga pa.

He looks at his eyes bago siya dahan dahan na lumuhod sa harapan nito. As a man talagang mataas ang kanyang pride ngunit if this is the only way for him to give up on Rence. He should at least, try.

Hindi niya naman siguro ikakamatay ang gagawin niyang ito.

"Y.. You can stop now." Theo stopped him in the middle of kneeling down kaya hindi niya na tuloy ang kanyang pag luhod. Nagtataka naman niya itong tinignan.

"I change my mind. Kneeling is a bit boring. Why don't you convince me on how serious you are? Offer me some exchange that would make me step down.." Hamon nito sa kanya.

"Does anyone had a pair scissors?" Tanong niyang bigla sa mga kaibigan niya.

"H.. Hey, you can't harmed him here kahit nandito pa si Alex. There's a lot of CCTV.." Saway sa kanya ni Shine.

Ngunit imbis na panisin ito ay nag tungo na siya sa quarter ng mga piloto and there he found something more helpful than a pair of scissors.

"I.. I hope this will you understand how serious I am.." Deklara niya dito matapos maka balik after 10 min.

"Sh*t. Sh*t. Sh*t." He heard Cameron cursed while shaking his head. He was not the type of a person who usually cursed.

"F*cking bastard." Segunda pa ni Damon sa sinabi nito. At halos sabay sabay pang na pa mura ang iba pa niyang kaibigan habang nanlalaki ang mata sa kanyang itsura.

"D.. Do we know you?" Lee denyingly asked him.

"Y.. Your hair.." That was Alex at halos hindi na ito makapag salita sa gulat.

"W.. What did you do?" George asked him.

"I really don't want to fall in love.." Na tatakot na sabi ni Reidd at hinawakan ang buhok nito gamit ang dalawang kamay.

"So, you are saying you believe on it?" Xerces asked him.

"Nope and I will forever refused from believing on it.." Deklara nito.

"Ha- ha- ha. You look like a monk." Theo laughed at him. He was the only one who's laughing and it was echoing in the whole private aviation.

Ang mga kaibigan niya ay hindi man lang makapag salita dahil sa pagka bigla dahil this was the first time in his lifetime where he cuts his hair this short.

Or rather this was the first time in his lifetime he had a semi bald hair style dahil ginupit lamang naman niya ang mahaba niyang buhok na hanggang batok.

"T.. This is really hilarious. I always thought that Isabelle liked you first because of your hair. B.. But, I think I know why. You really have the guts, unbelievable.." Na tatawa pa din na sabi nito at ilang sandali ba bago tuluyan na ubos ang pag tawa nito.

"Jeez. You really are stubborn. You are just like her. F.. Fine. Fine.. I really didn't expect you to do that.." He helplessly said at him pagkatapos ay na pa hawak pa ito sa sentido nito.

"W.. What d..do you mean?" Na guguluhan niyang tanong dito at kinakabahan.

"I surrender. You win." May kasamang buntong hininga na deklara nito.

"T.. This is not a t..trick, right?" Hindi niya makapaniwalang tanong muli dito dahil baka na bibingi lang siya.

"Bawiin ko na kay--

"No, you can't. I believe you." Mabilis niyang segunda dito.

"I've been with her for almost 7 years. And for those years we spend together, I hoped that time will come that she'll loved me back.." Theo said with sadness in his eyes.

"Well, she did may be loved me but not as much as she loves you.. That's why, I'm leaving the rest to you.. Make her smile again and please take care of her for the rest of your life.." Bilin nito sa kanya.

"I promise." Pangako niya dito.

"When you met 10 years ago may not be the right time for both of you but, it is now. Don't let her go again, because who knows? It might be our perfect timing na.." May halong biro nito sa kanya.

"I.. I won't." Mabilis niyang sagot dahil tila seryoso ito sa sinabi nito.

"Just give this to her.." He said at him pagkatapos ay inabot ang bouquet ng yellow roses. Kinuha niya naman iyon. What's he saying? Hindi ba ito sasama?

"B.. But, you can still com—

"If I will come, I might change my mind.." Putol nito sa kanya at hindi na siya naka kibo pa.

"That's just a joke. The truth was I was just here to ask you to give this flowers to her and tell you that I'm going back to LA. Because, I am really not planning in coming with you in the first place.." Pag aamin nito sa kanya na ikina gulat niya.

"What?!" Mataas ang boses niyang tanong dito.

"Kaya lang medyo, masama lang talaga ang gising ko ngayon and you really make me snapped out sa pag salubong mo sa'kin.. So, I just want to make even even just for a bit.." Talaga pa lang sinadya lang nito ang lahat para pa hirapan siya.

"You really never changed, don't you? But, it's a good decision that you really back down dahil kung hindi I'm really gonna kill you because of what you made me do.." He said at him pagkatapos ay na pa iling na lamang dito na may halong pagbabanta.

"Ryuuki, will be boarding in 5 min.." Shine tapped his shoulder at sumakay na ang mga ito sa eroplano. And they are all starting to cracked up because of his hair.

"This is the first time we had a friendly conversation. I kinda like it but, I don't want to be this friendly with you. Kaya aalis na ako. Just say my regards to her.."

"I will. And still, thank you..." Pangako niya dito.

"Don't thank me, because I'm always ready to snatch her from you kapag na balitan ko na pina iyak mo siya.." Seryoso nitong sabi sa kanya.

"That will never happen." Seryoso niyang balik dito and he just waved him goodbye habang nag lalakad na ito pa layo.

"Kalbo, stop day dreaming and let's go. Isabelle is waiting for us.." Naka ngiting tawag sa kanya ni Cameron at bumanghilit ng pag tawa ang mga ito.

Na pa buntong hininga siya dahil this will be a long flight for him dahil sa pang a- alaska ng mga ito. Mabilis naman siyang sumakay ng eroplano.

(This is it, Rence. Wait for me, I'm coming..) He can't help but, say to himself.

-----

"Magandang umaga po, Seniorita Isabelle.." She heard a familiar voice greet at him nang maka baba siya ng kotse sa harapan ng Clark International Airport.

"It's been a while, Nicko.. Thanks for coming and sorry for the short notice.." Naka ngiti niyang sabi dito.

"N.. No, it's fine po Seniorita. And I'm really sorry po, as much as I wanted to fly your private jet kaya lang may sakit po ako.." Malumanay naman na sagot nito sa kanya. She was now in Pampanga and she

"You've done more than enough, Nicko. And thank you for arrange this. Is it okay if you guide me to the airport? I'm having problems with my eyes.." She asked at him pagkatapos ay tinago niya ang kanyang portable stick sa kanyang bag.

The truth was she can see a little kaya lang medyo blur na talaga and she's having a hard time reading direction kaya mas ma inam na kung magpapa sama siya dito. She wears her sun glasses.

"N.. Nicko? A.. Are you there?" Tanong niya dito dahil may ilang sandali itong hindi kumibo.

"O.. Opo." Awkward nitong sagot sa kanya. Why does his voice sounded a bit off?

"This way, Seniorita." She heard him say at tumango naman siya dito.

-----

"I.. Is s..she here? D.. Do you see our target?" That was Alex using a binocular from the 2nd floor of the airport. He asked them in their connecting earpiece.

"Negative here in entrance 3." That was coming from George.

"Negative din dito sa gawi namin ni Vash.." That was Shine in entrance 1.

"I.. I saw her! S.. She's coming in entrance two.. She's in our left." Cameron says while disguising themselves in newspaper.

"Why d.. do you always win?" May iritasyon na tanong ni Lee.

"Because, I'm born to be.." Naka ngiti nitong segunda.

"International flight, huh? Aren't you taking this too serious, Sweetheart? Lee— No. No.. You might messed up. Xerces, Ten and Reidd, you all know what to do.." Utos niya sa mga ito at mabilis ang mga ito pumunta sa direksyon nito.

And he was at the center of second floor. Ginamit niya ang dala nilang binoculars na galing kay Alex. There he saw her talking to a guy na sumalubong dito.

Kung tama ang alaala niya that guy was the pilot who fly her plane goint to Ilocos Norte.

"Copy that." Mabilis na sagot ng mga ito. And they begin their plan.

"D.. Don't be too obvious, you three. Even though it was my airport, don't cause a large stir up here. Baka akala ng mga tao may terror attack na." Paalala ni Cameron sa mga ito.

That's when Ten and Reidd started to drag the pilot away from Rence. Nag pumiglas ang piloto ngunit dahil mas malaki ang pangangatawanan ng mga kaibigan niya ay wala na itong na gawa.

Xerces took over the pilot's position at saka nito inakay si Rence pa pasok sa Airport.

At dahil malabo ang mata nito at tanging kulay na lamang ang na aaninag ay hindi na nga nito na pansin kung sino na talaga ang ka harap nito.

"Being with Heather really makes this a piece of cake.." Narinig nilang pagmamalaki ni Ten and some of them chuckled.

"Nice. Now, everyone on our post now." Naka ngiti niyang sabi sa mga ito at isa isa na silang pumuwesto. Silang mga nasa second floor ay bumaba na din.

"W.. We are now in checking area, they are asking for your passport." They heard Xerces says in the line. And that's the signal they are waiting for.

"Yes, he's right. May I have your passport please?" Cameron sweetly asked her. He sneaked in on the check in area at dahil ito ang may ari wala ng na gawa pa ang empleyado nito sa gusto nito.

"S.. Sure." Sagot nito at dahan dahan kinuha sa bulsa ng hand bag nito ang passport.

(So, this is really a goodbye Rey.) Malungkot na sabi ni Isabelle sa kanyang isipan. Pagkatapos i- abot iyon kay Cameron.

"G.. Got it. Now, Damon it's your time run." Naka ngising utos ni Cameron dito at na pa ngiti naman ito.

"W.. What? D.. Damon? Where's Nicko? D.. Don't tell me, your all h..here?" She asked at Cameron.

"Bingo. Now, Isabelle why don't you try chasing him? You still have a flight to catch, right? And don't worry about that guy he's safe with Ten and Reidd." Xerces challenged her.

"X.. Xerces.." Na ibulalas nito at tinanggal ang pagkaka hawak sa braso nito.

"You are all crazy, psycho! What the hell are you doing here?!" Narinig niyang bulyaw nito sa kanyang mga kaibigan. Mabilis nitong nilabas ang stick nito at nag simula ng lumakad.

"Someone took my passport! I can't see well! So, make way!" Narinig nilang sigaw nito sa mga tao upang hindi ito maka bunggo. She removed her sun glasses at nag simula naman na itong tumakbo upang abutan si Damon.

"Now, that's the spirit. But, sorry Isabelle I'm not Damon." Naka ngiting sabi ni Shine dito when she grabbed his back.

"S.. Shine.. You're also here?" Gulat na bulalas nito. Hinawakan naman ito sa mag kabilang balikat ni Shine.

"That's where he went." Tila pag tulong nito dito at mabilis naman muli itong tumakbo pa tungo sa direksyon na iyon.

"Tabi! Tabi!" They heard her say warning everyone in front of her. Mabilis naman nag si lihis ang mga ito.

"Dahan dahan baka madapa ka niya'n.." Lee said at her. When she tries to grabbed his arm.

"Shut up, Lee.." Na iinis nitong sabi at binitawan ito.

"Weird woman, your passport is not with us. He already runs back to your left." Naka krus ang kamay sa mag kabilang dibdib na sabi ni George dito. Hinaragan nito ito upang hindi din ito maka layo sa kanilang paningin.

"Pati ikaw nandito? Damn, pinagkaka isahan niyo ako.." Narinig nilang pagmumura nito.

"That was very unlady, My dear Isabelle. Let me help you. Why don't you go, that way? Just run straight." Biro ni Vash dito at inikot ito pa kaliwa kung saan tumakbo si Damon.

"Vash, I'm really gonna sue you for real.." Na iinis nitong bulalas.

"Damn it, all of you. Why the hell am I the only one running?" Reklamo ni Damon sa kanila na ikina tawa nila.

"Because, you are too boring. Kaya you need to run to have some excitement.." Alaska ni Lee dito.

"Go to hell Lee. When did running becomes exciting?" Na pipikon na sabi nito dito.

"I.. I'm tired, damn it. Alex, give me a hand or else I will messed this all up.." Pagbabanta nito na ikina tawa ng lahat. Why is he so, talkative today?

"Coming." Segunda naman agad nito.

"Damon! Give me back my passport!" Habol ni Isabelle dito nang bigla na lamang ito ng tumatakbo na si Alexander na animo kalahok sa track and field sa sobrang bilis.

Na gulat naman si Isabelle dahil tila may malakas na hangin na dumaan sa tabi nito.

"Haa.. Haa.. G..Got you Damon.. Now, bring me back my passport habang sinasabi ko ng maayos.." Isabelle said habang hinihingal pa. Damon exhaustedly lay down the floor and that's when she grabbed his collar.

"A.. Alex, took it from me. For crying out loud, just run straight." Hinihingal na sabi nito at tila nakiki usap na ito na dumiretso na lang ito dahil sa frustration nito.

"Huh? Jeez. You are all crazy. Alex!" Isabelle angrily call Alex from his back. Tumayo naman ito at nag tungo sa diresksyon na tinuro ni Damon.

"Alex, return my pass— Awww.." HIndi nito na tapos ang sa sabihin nito ng tila may na bunggo itong malaking bagay na may katigasan.

"Aww. That hurts.." Daing nito habang na pa hawak pa sa noo nito.

"Aren't you too cheerful for someone who's gonna permanently lose her eyesight for running away from the hospital?" He asked at her.

"Y.. You're h..here too?" Tila gulat na gulat na tanong nito.

"Of course, ako pa ba ang mawawala?" Sagot niya dito.

"I.. I have t..to go." Takas pa sana nito ngunit hinapit niya ang bewang nito. Narinig niya naman na pa singhap ito.

"Do you really think that I will let you run away from me forever?" He asked at her. Hindi naman ito naka sagot at nag lihis lamang ng tingin.

"Once is enough and I will never let that happen again.." Dagdag pa niya dito and he was really dead serious on that.

"R.. Rey.. I ca--

"After all the troubles and heartache you've gave me. Aalis ka na lang?" Hindi niya mapigilan na tanong dito and he was really annoyed.

"A.. Are you m..mad?" Tanong nito sa kanya at gusto naman niya matawa dahil kailangan pa a nito tanungin iyon?

"M.. Mad is too weak to describe how I felt. And to think that I even let you go, just to make sure you'll take the surgery But, you still run away.."

"I.. I'm sorry Rey. Please understand. Don't be--

"No. I refused to understand your decision.." Mabilis niyang tanggi dito.

"Y.. You're s..scaring me.." Bahagyang na tatakot na sabi nito at na pa yuko na lamang ito dahil mukhang alam nito na talagang galit siya.

"And listen because from now on I refused not to be by your side everyday therefore from this day forward you'll stay by my side forever.."

"I want you to be responsible for the actions you've done and from always running away from me. And also be responsible for all the heartaches you've gave me. Naiintindihan mo?" Deklara niya dito at na pansin niya naman na gulat ito sa mga sinabi niya.

"But, you know I can't choose from you and Th--

"He already gave up and give us his blessing.. And he asked me to gave you this.. Riley, give it to Mommy." Paliwanag niya dito at tinawag si Riley na may hawak ng bouquet.

"M.. Mommy." Salubong ng bata dito at inabot ang bulaklak dito. Ngumiti naman ito dito.

"Yellow roses.. I.. It was really him." At tila naniwala na ito sa kanya. Yellow roses means friendship. Ngunit bakit gusto niyang mag selos?

"At kung binabalak mong tumakas please give up. Cameron owns this airport so, you can't leave kahit gustuhin mo pa.." Babala niya dito and this is the first time she looks to his eyes.

"We will go back to hospital even if I need to drag you d--

"And to think that you even brought Riley here.." Hindi makapaniwalang sabi nito.

"H.. Huh?"

"Rey, you are asking me back without saying you love me. What kind of confession is this?" Reklamo nito sa kanya na ikina ngiti niya ng labis.

Hinagis naman niya ang kanyang earpiece sa malayo upang hindi marinig ng mga kaibigan niya nag kanyang mga sa sabihin. Narinig pa niyang nag reklamo ang mga ito dahil sa ginawa niya.

"I surrender. Hindi ko talaga kayang magalit sa'yo. I am so, madly in love with you to even do that.. Pinag alala mo ako. You really brought the hell out of me.. I'm glad you're okay.." And he hugs her tight.

"I love you too in the most universe, Rey." She said to him and she hugs him back too.

"You're gonna take--

"Shut up, Rey and Riley please close your eyes.." Asik nito sa kanya at utos sa bata.

Tinakpan naman ng bata ang mga mata gamit ang dalawang kamay nito. And that's when she grabbed his face and give him a quick kiss.

"God, I missed you.." Narinig pa niyang sabi nito.

"Oh, kissing!" They heard Riley say habang humahagikgik.

"Woooo!" Sigaw ng mga kaibigan niya mula sa likod nila.

"Hey! Don't do that in front of a child!" Na tatawang saway ni Xerces sa kanila.

"Oo nga! Get a hotel both of you!" Sigaw ni Vash.

"Kiss him more! Mukhang na bitin!" That was Lee.

"More! More!" Hirit pa ni Reidd na naka balik na pala.

"Sa wakas, the suicidal couple got back together.." Naka hinga ng maluwag na sabi ni Alex.

"Thankfully, we are less of one weird couple." That was George.

"Y.. Yeah, to think that I've d..done that.." Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Damon habang inaalalayan ito ni Cameron sa pag tayo.

"I'm so, proud of you.." Naka ngiti nitong sabi dito and she smiles sweetly na ikina pula ng mukha nito.

"You're blushing?" Kunot noong tanong ni Ten.

"That's just your imagination.." Patay malisya nitong sabi at nag lihis ng tingin mula kay Cameron.

"M.. My eyes lids are falling. Can we go home?" Grumpy George says.

"You are so, KJ as always. Let them take their moment. You really don't have a romantic side on you, don't you? Buti na tatagalan ka ni Antoin— Reklamo sa kanya ni Ten.

"You always brought her up. I told you it was not like tha— George cuts him off but, Ten cuts him back.

"Really? Then, you just like kissi— That was Ten again.

"Let him realize everything in his own. Well, hopefully it will not be also too light for him. We don't want them to turn like Ryuuki and Isabelle.." Vash said meaningfully to George na ikina isip nito.

"But, where have you been Sweetheart? I look everywhere for you. I even hacked all the CCTV and signal in the whole Philippines but I did not found you.." He curiously asked her.

"I.. I just visited my parents grave together with Lolo and our Riley.." She said while smiling gently at him. When she says our Riley, that was their child.

"Y.. You spend a night in a cemetery?" His eyes widened in what he've heard. What the hell?

"It was really pretty scary if you'll think about it. W.. Wait.. What did you just say? You hacked all the CC--" Gulat na tanong nito.

"Ah.. Ehe-he, just forget it.." Mabilis niyang bawi ng ma pansin ang itsura nito.

"Are you nuts? Why did you do that?" Sermon nito sa kanya.

"Because, that's the fastest way to find you.. I didn't mean to do th.—

"Do you want to be in the headlines tomorrow?" Nag aalalang bulalas nito.

"M.. Mommy.." Excited na yakap ng bata dito at humagikgik muli. Mabuti na lamang at dumating ang bata kung hindi ay uulanin siya ng sermon mula dito.

"R.. Riley, I missed you too." Sabi nito sa bata at yumuko ito para mag pantay ang height nito at nang bata.

"Did you gain some weig..h..t.." Hindi nito na tapos ang sa sabihin nito dahil bigla itong bumagsak sa sahig maging ang bulaklak na hawak nito.

"R.. Rence! Wh.. What's wrong?! Rence!" Nag aalala niyang tanong dito at mabilis itong nilapitan.

"R.. Rey, is that you? M.. My head's spinning. And everything turns gray in an instant.." She said at him bago tuluyang nawalan ng malay.

"Rence! Hey! Wake up!" Gising niya dito ngunit hindi na ito nag dilat pa ng mata. Hindi tuloy niya ma iwasan na manginig dahil sa mga sinabi nito.

Nichollo already told them that if she encounters that sign it will be really risky. Sana hindi pa huli ang lahat. He cannot let her be blind, never.

"Oh my God.." Na tuptop ni Xerces ang bibig.

"Shine, we have to fly back to Manila right now. We have to take her to the hospital.." Baling niya kay Shine at dahan dahan itong binuhat.

"O.. Okay." Mabilis na sagot nito sa kanya.

"Cam, please get a clearance and inform them that it was an emergency." Hingi niya ng tulong dito.

"I.. I understand. I'm gonna talk to them.." Tumango ito sa kanya at nag tungo agad ito sa control room.

"N.. Nichollo, this is me.. I.. I'm with Isabelle right now. We will be in your hospital in less than 2 hours. She'll take the surgery today.." Bungad niya agad kay Nichollo habang hindi pa din na wawala ang panginginig ng kanyang katawan.

(What?! You son of a b*tch! Do you think scheduling again is as easy as ditching it? I don't thin--

"Damn it! Nichollo! She lost consciousness! And she said everything was turning gray.." Singhal niya dito dahil sa labis na pag aalala sa maaaring mangyari dito.

(Sh*t.. 'Yan na nga ba ang sinasabi ko. Fine, I'll talk to the best doctor I've had to arrange everything again. I'll see you here.) Seryoso nitong sabi agad sa kanya at binaba na ang linya.

"We can leave as early as 15min but, it's via chopper." Cameron says habang hinihingal mula sa pag takbo.

"Much better, thank you.." Pagpapasalamat niya dito.

"I.. I'm sorry but, I have to leave the rest of you he--

"You don't have to stay that. It's fine. Just make sure she gets better.." Ten said with a little smile in his face.

"He's right.." Segunda agad ni Vash dito.

"Shine, Ryuuki they gave the green signal. You can now, go." Cameron called them at tumango naman siya sa mga ito.

"Thank you." Pa salamat pa niya bago tuluyang umalis.

"Rence, hang in there. I promise.. I will never let something happen to you.." Pangako niya dito at hinalikan ang noo nito.

-----

"Lee, take care of Riley for a moment." Bilin niya dito bago tuluyang bumaba ng eroplano. Tumango naman ito sa kanya.

"R.. Ryuuki? Oh my God. What happened?!" Na tuptop ni Rihanna ang bibig ng salubungin sila nito sa hellipad at may kasama itong medical team na may dalang stretcher.

"S.. She lost consciousness.." That's all he can say habang buhat buhat ito pa baba ng helicopter.

"I'm sorry, but I have to take over.. Get her to operating room, now!" Utos nito sa medical team nito.

"She'll be fine, right?" Na nginginig niyang tanong kay Nichollo nang hilahin ito.

"She will.." He answers him confidently. At mabilis naman nila itong sinundan ni Rihanna.

-----

Sa bawat yabag na kanyang naririnig sa bawat pag labas at pag pasok ng mga nurse at doktor sa operating room ay labis ang kaba na kanyang nararamdaman.

Pakiramdam niya ay malapit nang huminto ang kanyang puso sa pag tibok dahil sa nerbyos. Ilang oras na ang lumipas buhat ng pumasok ito sa operating room at sa mga naka lipas na oras ay labis ang takot na nararamdaman niya.

"Ryyuki.." Tawag sa kanya ni Nichollo.

"Waaa.." Na ibulalas niya dahil sa labis an gulat.

"What are you doing here in OR? We already transfer her to her room.. W.. Wait.. A.. Are you alright?" Nag aalala nitong tanong and he unconsciously nodded at him.

"Thank God.." He said and let a sigh of relief.

"The surgery was done. But, it's too early to say that it's successful so she's still have to stay in the hospital for few more weeks for observation.. You look pale.. What's wrong?" Nag aalala nitong tanong.

"I.. I can't just shake this feeling in Operating room.. I.. I will be fine. J.. Just give 5 min.." Na nginginig niyang sabi dito at namalayan na lamang niya ang butil an butil na pawis sa noo.

"A.. Are you sure? Let me--

"It really just re..reminds me of my Mom when she was hospitalized.. I know that Rence' case was not threatening but, I can't help myself t..to be like this. Pakiramdam ko.. kapag nalingat ako hindi ko na siya makikita.." He shared at him.

"I.. I'm sorry.." He said as a sympathy for him and he sat beside him. Naramdaman niya naman ang pag tapik nito sa kanyang balikat.

"H.. How can you stand a..all of this? A.. Aren't you afraid to lose any of your patient?" Tanong niya dito.

"I.. I'm ignorant if I'll say that I'm not afraid at all. But, I promise her that I.. I will make a difference. That I will never lose a patient like her again.." Tila may malungkot na bagay itong naalala dahil bigla nag iba ang expression ng mukha nito.

"I'm sorry.." This time we the one sympathizing with him.

"Well, I guess this really is life. We couldn't have it all? By the way, I'm really curious how did you change her mind to take the surgery? You didn't kidnapped her right?" Pag iiba nito ng usapan dahil halatang he was as if shot by lighting.

"Ah.. Ahm.." Wala naman siyang ma isagot dito dahil na bigla siya sa tanong nito.

"You di--

"Hey, come on. I can decide for her. I'm her legal guardian after all. I'm her husband, right? Kaya naman nothing can goes wrong. I can sign a waiver for y--

"You crazy bastard.. D.. Do you want me to lose my license for operating her without her consent? I know she's your wife but, hell she's still the owner of Prime Malls.." Nichollo hissed at him while grabbing is collar.

"She's richer than you and me. Damn it.." Dagdag pa nito at gusto niya naman matawa dahil nanlalaki pa ang mga mata nito sa kanya.

"R... Relax, everything's under control. We kissed and already make up kaya for her to sue you would be impo—

"You are a one crazy pushy asshole.. Diyan ka na nga.. Bago pa ikaw ang ipasok diyan sa operating room.. You really both gonna kill me.." He said at him pagkatapos ay binitawan na siya.

"You should accompany her to a psychiatrist.. Mag pa tingin ka na din and here's a referral.." Pa habol pa nito at inabot pa nito sa kanya ang referral na reseta na sinasabi nito. At gusto niya naman matawa he's also really weird.

"Nichollo!" Tawag niya dito nang mag martsa ito agad pa layo sa kanya at humarap naman ito.

"Thank you.." He said sincerely with a smile. And he just waved back without looking at him. His back looks lonely as he watch his friend walks away.

Nichollo was often harsh in his words because he was always honest. He loves to bully someone and always mean too but, that's because he want to hide that he's still hurting.

"D.. Daddy?" Tawag sa kanya ng ka gigising na si Riley.

"Do you want to see, Mommy?" He asked at him.

"Mommy!" Excited na sabi nito. Ngumiti naman siya dito at binuhat ito pagkatapos ay nag tungo sila sa kuwarto nito.

May ilang segundo siyang tumayo sa harap ng pinto nito bago niya tuluyan pinihit pa bukas ang pinto ng kuwarto nito. There he saw her lying in the bed with her eyes covered with gauges.

"Mommy?" Tanong ni Riley sa kanya.

"Yes, Mommy is sleeping." Naka ngiti niyang sabi dito at binaba ito sa pagkaka buhat niya. Dahan dahan siyang lumapit dito at yumuko.

"Riley, Shhhh. This is our secret." Kuntsaba niya sa bata at niyakap ang na tutulog na si Rence.

"You've done a good job, Sweetheart. Thank you.." Bulong niya dito at hinalikan ito sa noo.

He thanked her for coming back to his life again and this time no more break up and no more running away. This is their second chance so, he will make things right.

Hindi na siya papayag na iwanan pa siya nitong muli dahil hindi na niya ito bibigyan pa ng rason para gawin iyon sa kanya.

-----

---A week later.

"Lo, can I stay here with you? I missed you all.." He asked at her grandfather while they are having afternoon snacks in their garden.

"HIja, we missed you too. But, you can't stay here with us. There are people who've been waiting for you.." Saway ng Lolo niya sa kanya.

"But, Lo it was really peaceful here. I kinda like it.." Pagpupumilit niya dito at niyakap ito.

"Isabelle Hija, it may be peaceful here but it's not yet your time.. Someone will be very sad kapag nanatili ka dito. He's waiting for you.." Saway muli nito sa kanya habang hinahaplos ang buhok niya.

"Lo, just remember I will all love you forever. Can you take care of my little Riley and tell that too?" Bilin niya naman dito.

"I will.. I'm glad that you're now happy Hija. I love you.." Naka ngiting sabi ng Lolo niya sa kanya at pakiramdam niya ay tila naman may tumulak sa kanya at na hulog siya sa tubig.

That was the best sleep she had for decades and to think that she'll be dreaming of her family makes her a bit happy. May be, this is really the good time to let go of all her heartaches and nightmares.

She slowly opened her eyes ngunit tanging itim lamang ang kanyang nakikita. She almost panicked when someone suddenly hugs her.

"At last, you're awake. I'm already freaking out as each days passed at hindi ka pa gumigising.." Nkaa hingi ng maluwag na sabi nito sa kanya.

"R.. Rey?" She confusedly asked.

"Yes, sweetheart this is me. Don't worry you didn't lose your eyesight. Your eyes were just covered because of the surgery.." Paliwanag niya dito.

"W.. What? How did I take the surgery?" Na guguluhan na tanong nito sa kanya.

"I asked them to do it.." Simple niyang sagot dito.

"Huh?! Napaka controlling mo! Can't I even make my own decisions?!" Na iinis nitong sabi sa kanya at saka siya binigyan ng suntok sa tiyan.

"Aray naman! You should give me a kiss instead of punching me! Did you even know how much worried I was?!" Na iinis niya na din na reklamo dito. What the hell is wrong with her?

"D.. Did you just dodge?! Damn it! W.. Where are you?! Huwag kang umiwas!" Reklamo pa nito sa kanya ngunit hindi niya ito sinunod.

"L.. Let me go!" Utos nito sa kanya ng hawakan niya ang mag kabilang kamay nito.

"No." Tanggi niya dito.

"Rey, I'm really gonna— Hindi niya ito pinatapos dahil hinalikan niya na ito sa labi.

Nagpupumiglas ito ngunit hindi niya ito binatawan ng bigla na lamang siya nitong binigyan ng head butt. Parehas naman sila na pa daing sa lakas niyon.

"Do you want my brain to pop out?!" Reklamo niya muli dito dahil sa sakit.

"How can you kiss me? I haven't brush my teeth yet!" Bulyaw nito sa kanya.

"I will still kiss you kahit amoy sardinas ka pa. C'mon, give--

"The hell I will! Go away!" Asik nito sa kanya at nag tago sa kumot.

"Rence, don't hide your face from me! Come on! Hey!" Saway niya dito.

"What the hell do you think you're doing with my patient?" Sermon sa kanya ni Nichollo ng maka pasok.

"Doc, he's harassing me!" Sumbong nito kay Nichollo na ikina tawa ni Eli Shah.

"Hey, I didn't. Isa pa, you are my wi— Aww! That hurts!" Hindi niya na tapos ang sa sabihin dahil sinuntok siya nito sa tiyan.

"Go away!" Bulyaw nitong muli sa kanya.

"Oh, it looks like they are energetic as always.." That was Ten.

"Yeah. And they are fighting again.." Sang ayon dito ni Vash.

"Jeez. Hindi na ako magtataka kapag na balitaan ko na nilayasan siya ni Isabelle.." That was Xerces.

"What are you all doing here? I didn't invite you ov--

"Dummy. Hindi ikaw pinunta namin dito. We're here for her and not for you.." Segunda naman ni Alex sa kanya.

"Nichollo told us that this is the day she will remove the cover in her eyes so, we decided to stop by.." That was Cameron at kapwa may dala ang mga ito na bulaklak.

"Mga istorbo lang kayo umuwi nga na kayo.." Taboy niya sa mga ito.

"Children, calm down will 'ya?" Na tatawang sabi ni Eli Shah sa kanila at nilapitan nito si Rence.

"I'm glad for you.." Narinig niyang bulong nito dito bago dahan dahan na tinanggal ang gauze nito sa mata.

"I.. It's still g..gray.." Bulalas nito matapos itong dumilat ng dahan dahan. Pakiramdam niya ay na estatwa siya at hindi siya maka kilos o makapag salita man lang.

"W.. Where's Theo? T.. Theo?" She asked at him and he was bewildered pati ang mga kaibigan niya ay hindi din makapag salita.

——

Oops! So, much for now!

Marami pang magaganap kaya walang bibitiw mga ka bitter!

Dahil baka may happy ending nga talaga! Lol.

That's a kind of man I want. Very sexy confession, Rey.

I love you too. Sa akin ka na lang kaya?

But, what the hell happened to her?

Abangan!

Read+ Read+ Read= Update Lol!

Bear with me for a couple of Chapters!

And I promise I'll give you the best ending for this story!

I already changed the cover so, it's finally finished!