NUEBE

Leanne ran around the mansion and checked every room. She had a hard time catching her breath and beads of sweat also started to form on her forehead. When she finally reached the last room, Leanne was sure that this was Rafael's study. She took a deep breath and opened the door.

Leanne's eyes widened in surprise and horror. The scene in front of her made her heart thumped wildly. An unconscious and injured Emilio was held by two men at each arm. Rafael stood in front of him holding a wooden stick, ready to strike again.

Leanne's mind went blank and her body moved on its own. She ran and stopped Rafael's arm, "Nooo! Stop... Father... please, stop!"

Rafael pushed Leanne away and she fell to the ground. She knew that she probably wont be able to convince Rafael like this, so she hugged Rafael's leg and sobbed. "Father... I'm sorry. I wont do it again... I'll stay away from him... please..."

Rafael seemed undisturbed as he again raise the wooden stick. Leanne panicked and shouted hoarsely, "I'll get married! I will marry Diego Diaz. Father... Stop... Please..."

There was silence for a while, only Leanne's sobbing could be heard. Rafael finally threw the stick to the side and left with the two men.

When they were finally alone, Leanne checked on Emilio. She slapped his face lightly to wake him up, "Emilio... Emilio..."

Emilio showed no sign of waking up, so Leanne put Emilio's arm around her shoulders and stood up. With their difference in height and weight, Leanne was almost half dragging Emilio to the door.

When they finally reached the main door, Leanne was gasping for air from crying and exhaustion. She called out for Isagani with difficulty, "Isa...Isagani...help..."

Isagani was surprised to see Leanne, with her small and weak body supporting Emilio. He was not able to move right away until he saw Leanne staggered a little. Isagani then came forward and took over in carrying Emilio.

Leanne followed them home silently, however, her tears have not stopped falling. She was guilty and worried. Her heart felt painful... so painful that she wanted to die.

Leanne was not even sure if it was her own emotions that she was feeling, or it was a mixture with Josefa's... but one thing was for sure... she does not like seeing Emilio get hurt.

When they finally arrived in Emilio's house. Leanne was rooted to the ground as she watched everyone scatter around to take care of Emilio.

Leanne did not have the courage to show her face to them, so she stayed and waited outside.

Leanne was dazed and looked aimlessly at the sky. She was suddenly startled when a wooden cup blocked her view. She then looked up and saw Isagani.

Leanne's voice was still hoarse and nasally from crying, "This is...?"

"I'm sorry... I shouldn't have blamed you..." Isagani looked apologetic with his eyes lowered.

Leanne received the cup and took a sip of water. She then shook her head as her tears threatened to fall once again, "I'm so stupid... It was all my fault... I should have thought more carefully and judged the situation before taking action...stupid... stupid... I'm so stupid..."

Leanne was ashamed and full of blame. She regretted that she did not took everything seriously at the start and was impulsive. She made reckless decisions that even caused someone to get hurt. How could she possibly forgive herself!?

Isagani stretched out his arms to pat Leanne's back, but stopped half way. He was about to say something, "Josefa... You..."

When suddenly, Tiya Rosario shouted. "Isagani! Where are you? Emilio... Emilio has woken up!!!"

What followed were sobs and relieved words, as they started getting busy inside once again.

As soon as Isagani heard those words, he immediately lightened up and rushed back home.

Isagani suddenly stopped and looked back. "Aren't you coming?"

Leanne showed a relieved smile and dusted off her clothes, "No... He is fine now... He wont need me here anymore"

Isagani titled his head in confusion, until he suddenly thought of something and smiled playfully. "What!? This does not seem like you. Aren't you worried? You like dear Manong Emilio, right?"

Leanne took Isagani's teasing seriously, she sighed tiredly and turned around to leave, "You were right... We can't be together... Isagani, I'm getting married... so, I think I will give up on him."

She then started to walk away. She did not wait for Isagani's response nor looked back to see his expression. Leanne just left calmly, like she had just attained a clear mind.

When Leanne returned home, she saw Maria from far away. Maria was waiting for her by the entrance.

Maria then came up to her, "Josefa, where have you been?"

Leanne met her half way and grabbed Maria's arm in distress, "Maria!!! Emilio was injured because of me... Can you please check on him for me?"

Maria also became worried as she nodded and walked towards the direction of Emilio's home.

Leanne stood motionlessly as she watched Maria gradually leaving her sight. She showed a pained expression and patted her chest. "It's alright, Josefa. This is the right thing to do... I might not be able to fix your regret, but at least we were able to tell Emilio your feelings. I promise you that I will make sure you're happy and in love with great-grandpa... I also promise for those two to be happy... together."

Leanne closed her eyes as she felt the pain in her heart lessened slowly. It was the first time she felt heartbreak. It was beyond emotional pain... it was an intolerable and crippling heartache.

When Leanne finally opened her eyes, there was only relief and anticipation left. She smiled happily as the remaining single tear fell down to her cheeks.

"Goodbye... my first love." Leanne whispered under her breath.

Leanne then turned around and went inside her home. Whatever happens from today onwards, she will face it with full determination. She wont make another mistake ever again.