Chapter 61

Sorry- Special Title for the last chapters countdown.

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"Is it me or all of you are avoiding my call?" He asked at Damon in the other line. He already called evryone except him and Cam but, no one was answering at him.

(Don't say 'all'. I answer didn't I?) Saway nito sa kanya.

"Can you please take care Riley for me?" Hingi niya ng pabor dito.

(That's faster than we expected. Let me ask Cam first.. but, sh.. he's still in the shower..) Sagot nito sa kanya.

"Y.. You're still together?" May halong pagtataka niyang tanong sa mga ito.

(Ah.. Ahm.. Y.. Yeah?) Na uutal na sagot nito sa kanya.

"You really both are fishy. Are you hiding something f.. from us?" He really finds it fishy because they are more together than usual.

(W.. What w.. will be h..hiding? Stop asking nonsense.. D.. Drop him here before I change my mind..) Pag iiba nito ng usapan.

"T.. Thanks. I'll be there in 5mi—" Hindi niya naman na tapos ang kanyang sa sabihin dahil binaba na nito agad iyon.

"Riley, I will leaving you with your Tito Cam and Damon. So, behave 'kay?" Mahinahon niyang sabi sa bata habang binibihisan ito.

From now on, he'll not restrain himself anymore. He will do everything just to make her say 'yes' to her surgery.

Kahit na hindi siya patawarin nito ngayon agad ay okay lang sa kanya. He will accept all of the things she'll say kung iyon ang ikakagaan ng loob nito.

It's been a decade para mag dalawang isip pa siya sa kanyang gagawin. They both wasted a lot of time dahil sa nangyari at kapag hindi siya gumawa ng paraan ngayon ay baka ma ulit lamang ang nangyari noon.

If he had to beg for forgiveness ay gagawin niya. It's not that hard compare to losing her.

"M.. Mommy Cam?" He asked at him. Hindi niya na pigilan ang ma pa ngiti ng ka unti.

"He's not 'mommy' but, Daddy Cam." Pagtatama niya dito and kissed him in his cheeks.

The truth was he wanted him to stay at the mansion too pero wala naman siyang ibang tao na mapag iiwanan kung hindi ang mga katulong nila.

At hindi naman siya mapapalagay kung gagawin niya iyon dahil he want to protect him as much as possible.

And he are having a bad feeling that one of these days that certain someone would come for him. Hindi siya papayag na muli itong mag tagumpay sa gusto nito.

"I promise to buy you strawberry cake after, 'kay?" Pangako pa niya sa bata at niyakap naman siya nito sa tuwa.

-----

He was literally shaking as he starts to walk to the hospital. Hindi kasi niya alam kung paano at kung saan siya magsisimula sa pag hingi ng tawad dito.

All the emotion is rushing through kaya hindi niya ma pigilan ang manginig. Hinawakan niya ng mahigpit ang bouquet ng green roses na kanyang hawak hawak.

"Ma, I.. I'm really nervous.. Please watch over me.." He said as if he was talking to his late Mom. It's been a while since he did that but, that's the only way he can have courage to do this.

Bahagya naman niyang niyoko ang kanyang ulo nang ma pansin ang maraming media sa reception area.

It looks like they are all curious of what's the latest update to the owner of the biggest mall in the Philippines.

Ang mabuti na lamang at maraming mga bodyguard na nag babantay sa paligid so, they are really holding the media well.

He was in his way in going to the elevator area nang maka pansin na lamang siya ng mga pamilyar na mukha sa hallway. It was Heather and her gang kung tawagin nga sila ni George.

"R.. Ryuuki?" Mavis can't help but, wonder if that was really him.

"N.. No way.." Tila ayaw maniwala na bulalas ni Lyon. At na pa kamot naman siya sa batok dahil bahagya siyang na hihiya sa kanyang itsura.

"I.. It looks like you already come to your senses.." Heather said at him while crossing her arms.

"I.. I'm sorry.." He apologized at them.

"You don't owe us an apology. She deserve that more.." Si Mavis ang sumagot para sa kanila.

"I.. I know.." Na hihiya naman niyang sabi dito.

"Your face was a mess. S.. Sino'ng gumawa niya'n?" Antoinette asked at him. Hindi naman siya naka sagot dahil hindi niya puwede sabihin na si Nichollo ang may gawa n'on.

"Hindi ka naman punching bag.. Didn't you even defend yourself?" Dagdag pa ni Lyon na tinutukoy ang puro pasa at galos na mukha niya.

"But, let me ask you one thing before you see her.." That's Heather.

"Wh.. What's that?" Tanong niya dito.

"The guy named Theo who was her fiancé is now with her. Are you still going?" She frankly says to him. Siniko naman ito ni Lyon ngunit hindi man lang ito na tinag.

(Fiancé?) Nakaramdam naman siya ng labis na sakit sa narinig. Kung ganoon ay nag balik nito. This will be much harder now.

"I.. I'm not here para mang gulo.. I.. If he chose him I'll respect that.. But, still.. I h.. have to apologize to her.." That's all he can say dahil wala naman na siyang magagawa.

The time will really come na kailangan nila mag harap muli and it's now or never.

"That's the Ryuuki we know.. We'll go ahead.." Heather syas with a little smile at her face. It looks like she was satisfied with his answer kaya nag paalam na ang mga ito maliban kay Eli Shah.

"I.. Is s..she o..okay?" Halos hindi na niya ma itanong dito.

"I would be lying if I'll say she is okay.. She was physically and mentally drained.. I d.. don't know if it will be good if it will be good for her to see you.." Paliwanag nito sa kanya.

Gusto naman madurog ng puso niya sa kanyang narinig.

"But, to know the exact details I can call Nichollo for yo—

"N.. No.. It's fine.." Mabilis niyang tanggi dito.

"Don't tell me, ikaw ang kaaway niya kagabi? He took the PM shift today because his face was swollen.." Kunot noo nitong tanong at hindi naman siya naka sagot.

"Jeez. That bastard. He's a doctor but, he's beating someone.." Tila may inis sa tono nito.

"D.. Don't be angry at him. It was my fault and thanks to him I've come to my senses.." He sad with a bitter smile.

"I'm sorry Sir, but may we accompany you to���

"His your Boss' friend. I know him so, let him through before I stitch you all up right now.." Si Eli Shah na ang humarang sa mga bodyguard para sa kanya.

Na pansin naman niya na pa lunok ang mga lalaki sa takot dahil sa Doktora kaya tumawag ito sa linya ng sariling radyo ng mga ito para sabihin na padaanin siya.

He smiled at her before he goes at mabilis naman siyang nag lakad pa tungo sa elevator bago pa amg bago ang isip ng mga bodyguard.

There were still a lot of bodyguard in the hallway. Hindi naman na pigilan ng mga ito na titigan siya. He is really anxious right now sa bawat hakbang na kanyang ginagawa. He don't wanna make a scene.

But, if Theo insist that he is not allowed to talk to her wala siyang magagawa kung hindi ang mag pumilit. He is not someone who can stop him.

He knocked three times before he slowly opens the door. Bahagya siyang na gulat dahil wala doon si Theo and Rence was sleeping alone.

Dahan dahan siyang lumapit dito and he can't help again but, to blame himself again nang makita ang istura nito.

Dahil mas lalo itong pumayat ng huli niya itong makita. Is she really not eating again? Ipinatong niya sa side table ang dala niyang bouquet ng green roses.

"I.. I'm sorry.. I'm really really sorry. I.. It was all my fault.." Hindi niya na pigilan ang ma pa dukdok at ang ma pa luha dahil sa labis na pagsisisi.

May ilang sandali pa siya sa ganoon na posisyon nang tila maalimpungatan ito at dahan dahan na bumangon. Na pa tigil naman siya sa pag iyak at tumahimik.

"I.. Is someone th..there?" Tila hindi pa sigurado na tanong nito sa kanya.

She can't see him? But, he was just beside her at muli namang pumatak ang mga luha niya habang pinagmamasdan ito.

When did she became this vulnerable? Isn't she supposed to be strong? Matapang ito hindi ba? Why is she acting this weak? It hurts him to death to see her like this.

Tila nararamdaman nito ang kanyang presensiya kaya minabuti nitong kunin ang eye glasses nito sa kaliwang gawi niya na naka patong sa side table ngunit na tabig nito iyon kaya na laglag iyon sa sahig.

"Wh.. Who--

"It's me.. R.. Rence.. It's me.." Pa kilala niya while hugging her tightly. Hindi na niya hinayaan pa na kunin nito ang inaabot nitong salamin sa sahig. Naramdaman niya naman na gulat ito sa ginawa niya.

"R.. Rey.." Tila naman ngayon lang siya nito na kilala.

"I.. I d.. don't know where to st..start.. I.. I'm sorry, s.. sweetheart.. I.. It was all my fault.. I'm r..really really sorry.." Pa ulit ulit niyang hingi ng tawad dito. He wanted to be strong but, he really can't.

"That stupid Nichollo.. He really can't shut his mouth.." Narinig niya pang sabi nito dahil marahil hindi nito tinupad ang usapan ng mga ito.

"I.. I'm sorry for all the things I've done.. I'm sorry for all the things I've said.. I.. I'm sorry for everything.. I.. It's my fault.." Humahagulgol niyang hingi ng tawad dito.

Dinukot niya ang kanyang wallet at kahit na siya ay na nginginig ay inilabas niya mula doon ang naka tuping litrato ng ultra sound.

"I.. I f.. found this in my Kuya's things after he died.. I.. It says here that.. 'Riley, your Daddy Ryuuki and Mommy Isabelle loves you so much..'" He shows to her the picture.

"I.. I'm so, dumb.. I thought it was his son.. But, when I opened the whole picture I saw in the last part the words saying 'Sincerely your Tito Luke'.."

"I.. I'm such an idiot.. I.. I should've explain myself at that time.. H.. Hindi dapat kita hinayaang umalis noon.. Dapat ay hinabol kita.. It was all my fault.. I'm sorry.. W.. What have I done to b..both of you?" Labis ang pagsisisi niyang hingi ng tawad dito.

"Shhhh.. D.. Don't cry, Rey.. It was not your fault.." Saway nito sa kanya and she strokes his head.

"I.. It was mine.. N.. Naging marupok ako.. I should've listen to your explanation at hindi dapat ako nagpa dalos dalos.. Hindi mo kasalanan ang nangyari.." Paliwanag nito sa kanya at paninisi sa sarili.

Pakiramdam naman niya ay mas lalong na dudurog ang kanyang puso sa kanyang mga naririnig. How can she say that it was all her fault?

Siya nga ang nakita nito na may ka halikan na iba. How can he hurt the woman he love? She doesn't deserve any of this.

"R.. Rey, when did you become this crybaby?" Bahagyang biro nito sa kanya at mas lalo naman niya itong niyakap ng mahigpit.

"I.. I'm such an idiot.. Ang tanga tanga ko.. I w.. will do everything m.. ma pa tawad mo lang a..ako.. even it takes for--"

"You don't have to ask for forgiveness.. D.. Dahil wala kagaya ng sabi ko w.. wala kang kasalanan.. So, hush now.." She said at him and she holds his face with her two hands na tila kinakapa nito ang mukha niya.

"W.. What happened t..to your face?" Nagtataka nitong tanong ng tila maramdaman nito ang mga gasgas sa kanyang mukha.

"N.. Nichollo beat the hell out of me last night.. It's fine.. I.. I deserve it in the first place.." Kuwento niya dito.

"That liar.." Narinig niyang may himig na inis na sabi nito.

"W.. When d.. does the symptoms w..worsen?" Halos hindi na lumabas sa kanyang bibig na tanong dito dahil na tatakot siya sa isa- sagot nito sa kanya.

"T.. This? J.. Just today.. when Heather and her gang visited m..me.. D.. Don't worry, I c..can still see the lights.. n..nakaka aninag pa din naman ako.." Tila baliwala na sagot nito sa kanya.

"I.. I can still see a little w.. with my glasses.." Pagmamalaki pa nito. Hindi niya na pigilan na ma pa hilamos ng palad sa mukha dahil sa awa na nararamdaman niya para dito.

"P.. Please tell me that you'll take the surgery.." Paki usap niya dito and that's when she smiles gently to him.

"I'll think about it.." Iyon lang ang tanging sagot nito sa kanya.

"Rence, please don't be like th--

"A.. All these years.. I thought everything was y..your fault.. N.. Na bulag ako ng galit k..ko.. T.. That's why I lost our baby.." She cuts him off.

"K.. Kaya nga siguro ako pinaparusahan ngayon.. But, I'm willing to take the responsibility without complaining.. Sabi mo nga hindi naman ang pagiging bulag ang katapusan ng lahat.." She said to him.

"Rence, please huwag ka naman ganyan." Paki usap niya muli dito.

"I.. I was kidding.. I'm gonna give second thought of the surgery.." Biro nitong sagot sa kanya na lalo niyang ikina bahala.

Is she serious? Hindi niya ito maaaring pabayaan na ma bulag lamang. Hindi yata siya makak payag na mangyari iyon.

"Babe, am I interrupting something?" Mahinahon na tanong ni Theo na kagagaling lamang sa labas.

The guy looks the same as a decade ago. But, the difference was he became more annoying than before.

"T.. Theo?" Gulat na tanong ni Rence dito. Na pansin naman niyang ngumiti ito dito.

"N.. No, you're not.. Pa alis na din ako.. Rence, I will be back tomorrow.. So, I'll leave the two of you now.." He answered at him.

Tumayo na siya at inabot muna ang bulaklak na kanyang dala para dito kasama ang salamin sa mata na laglag nito kanina. Dahan dahan naman itong lumapit kay Rence.

"Ma una na ako. Take care of my wife.." May laman niyang bilin dito.

"You don't have to remind me.. She's my fiancé after all.. And thanks for the flowers.." Malamig na segunda nito agad sa kanya.

"W.. What time d..did you arrived?" He heard Rence asked at him.

"Two hours ago.. And Babe, please don't scared me like that again. I almost took NASA's private jet to get here as soon as possible.. You scared me to death.. How are you feeling?" Nag aalala nitong tanong dito at niyakap ito.

(Babe..) Ulit muli ng kanyang isipan. Gusto man niyang mag wala ay hindi niya magawa dahil wala siya ngayong sa posisyon para gawin iyon even though it hurts so much.

"I.. I'm f.. feeling fine.. Kumain ka na ba?" Narinig naman niyang sagot nito bago niya tuluyang sinara ang pinto.

Labis ang selos na kanyang nararamdaman ngayon. If they're still in the past he already punch his face more than three times. But, there's nothing he can do right now.

Hindi niya tuloy na pigilan ang ma pa mura at ma ikuyom ang kamao dahil sa labis na inis na kanyang nararamdaman.

Nang bigla niyang marinig na lamang ang malakas na pag iyak ni Rence mula sa kuwarto nito. He was 3 meters away from her door already ngunit narinig pa din niya iyon.

Pakiramdam niya ay na ubos bigla ang kanyang lakas kaya na pa upo na lamang siya habang naka sandal sa pader. She was just acting a while ago kaya hindi ito umiyak sa harap niya.

She was acting fine and strong dahil ayaw nito na makita niya ito sa ganoong ayos. She was hurt like him.

Hindi niya alam kung gaano siya ka tagal sa ganoon na ayos dahil ang tanging alam niya ay wala na siyang lakas para tumayo pa.

-----

"I brought Ate with me.. She's now talking to your Doctor. So, everything's gonna be fine.." Theo said to her to make her at ease. Tumango lang naman siya dito.

"I.. I'm sorry for troubling you again.." Hingi niya ng tawad dito.

"B.. Babe, don't say that.. It's not your fault for being hospitalized.." Saway nito sa kanya. May ilang sandali silang parehas tahimik bago ito muling nag salita.

"B.. But, in looking at you right now.. He already knows w.. what happened isn't he?" Theo asked at her with a gentle tone.

Tumango naman siya muli dito habang pinipigilan pa din ang kanyang luha na kanina pa gustong pumatak.

She doesn't want him to see her crying dahil mas lalo nitong sisisihin ang sarili nito kung ginawa niya iyon.

He suffered so, much kaya hindi na dapat niya iyon dagdagan pa. Naramdaman niya naman na niyakap siya nito.

"I.. Isabelle, it's okay.. It's just me.. You can cry now. W.. Wala na siya.." He said at her kaya hindi na niya na pigilan ang lalong ma pa iyak.

"T.. Theo, what have I d..done?" Umiiyak niyang tanong dito.

"W.. What do you mean?" Tanong nito sa kanya.

"I.. It's all my fault.. I.. I was w..wrong.. i..it was all a misunderstanding.." Paninisi niyang muli sa sarili at na pa yakap dito ng mahigpit. Tila siya isang bata na nag su- sumbong sa kanyang Ama.

"Shhh.. Shhh.. I'm here now. I will protect you.." He assured her.

"Theo.. I w..was wrong.. H.. He did not cheat on m..me.." Dagdag pa niya dito at mas lalong na pa iyak.

"Shhh.. everything's gonna be fine.. I will not leave you again.." Paninigurado muli nito sa kanya and he planted a kiss in her head.

-----

"Ate.." Bulalas niya ng ma pansin ang kanyang kapatid na pumasok sa loob ng kuwarto.

"Is she sleeping?" Tanong nito sa kanya.

"Yeah. She just fall a sleep." Sagot niya dito and he glance at Isabelle once more. Na pansin naman niya na hinaplos nito ang ulo ni Isabelle.

"I.. Isn't this familiar? She also looks like this, the first time when we both admitted her in the hospital.." His older sister asked bitterly at him.

"A.. Ate naman.. She's already fine isn't she? She's stronger than we think.. She--

"She's not as strong as you think.." Putol sa kanya ng Ate niya.

"But, aren't you the one who said she's already fine? She's not taking her medicine any--

"She's still taking it and s.. she never stop.. And I.. I was wrong I thought she was okay but, it looks like she's just faking it para hindi na tayo mag alala sa kanya.." Malungkot na paliwanag ng kanyang Ate na ikina gulat niya.

"Wh.. What are you saying? Isn't she supposed to be okay? It's been years.." He sounded a bit frustrated at her. Nilapitan naman siya ng kapatid.

"Uh- uhm. She supposed to be fine. And as a doctor 7 years was enough time to be fit again.. But, look at her right now. You can see it, don't you? She is not fine at all. She's still suffering.." Paliwanag nito sa kanya.

"T.. Then do something Ate, you're a doctor.." He demanded to her sister.

"I.. I know.. But, Theo don't you think it's time to set her free?" She bluntly says to him na ikina gulat niya. What is she saying all of the sudden?

"W.. What do you mean? You know I love h--

"I know that too. But, what if we really can't both cure her? And what if the only person who can heal her heart was the one she still love?" She cuts him off. Hindi naman siya agad nakapag salita dahil sa lahat ng sinabi nito sa kanya.

"I'm y..your brother so, how can you say that?" Na iinis niyang tanong dito. How can she say that to him?

"Because you're my brother kaya ko sinasabi ito sa'yo.. I don't think it's still right to hold her. L..Let her go.." Frustrated na dagdag pa nito sa kanya.

"A.. Ate, we talk about this.." Saway niya dito.

"T.. Theo, sh.. she's getting blind.. And her doctor told me that she don't want to take the surgery.." Bulalas ng Ate niya. Pakiramdam niya ay binuhusan siya ng malamig na tubig sa kanyang narinig.

"W.. What? You're kidding me, right?" He said at her hoping it was all a joke.

"S.. She's helpless Theo. So, let her go. Masakit man ang sa sabihin ko but, b.. baka hindi tayo ang kailangan niya. M.. May be, she needs someone else.." Hiling ng Ate niya sa kanya.

"She suffered so, much. Kaya h..hayaan mo na siya.. Let's just continue to watch ove--

"N.. No, I.. I'm not gonna let her go and I will continue to stay by her side.. dahil mahal ko siya.." Matigas niyang sabi dito.

"Do you think you'll be both happy if you'll end up together? Why can't you accept it? She's still not done in loving someone else.. Why don't you g--

"I know! I know that more than anyone.. All these years she still love him.. At hindi ako nag bu- bulag bulagan. But, I.. It's fine with me as long as she's gonna be okay.. I just want to protect her.. That's all.."

"If—

"Shut your what ifs! Ate, I will never back down again lalo na pagdating sa kanya.. I will give a damn fight if needed and I promise you that she'll take that surgery.." He hissed to his older sister at hindi na niya ito hinayaan pa maka kontra.

"Y.. You r.. really are a man now.. But, an idiot one.." Tila wala ng na gawa na sabi nito.

-----

"Are you basically living here?" May halong inis na tanong niya kay Theo ng ito ang bumungad sa kanya sa ospital kinabukasan. It was just 8:30am but, he's in the hospital already.

"I don't think you are in the right position to use that tone on me.." Segunda naman nito agad sa kanya.

"Did y.. you sleep here?" He asked at him in a serious tone.

"O.. Of corse.. saan pa ba ako ma tutulog? And besides, I missed her kaya wala naman sigurong masama.. di' ba? And by the way, if you are looking for her she's taking a bath.." Tila natural lamang na sagot nito sa kanya.

At dahil sa kanyang inis ay hinagis niya dito ang isa sa mga melon bread na dala niya.

"You really are still annoying.." He says while greeting his teeth.

"Same goes to you.." Balik naman nito sa kanya.

"You should've not come back. I don't think we will be needing you here.." Pagtataboy niya dito at binaba ang breakfast na kanyang dala galing sa isang cafe.

"Aren't I supposed to be the one saying that? You should not meddle with me and Isabelle.." Matalim na sabi nito sa kanya at tinitigan siya nito ng masama.

"Nice try, but that's not gonna work on me.." Kalmado niyang sagot kahit na gusto na niya itong suntukin kanina pa.

"Aren't you both too early?" Rence asked at them pagkatapos nitong lumabas ng banyo. Bahagya pang tumutulo ang basang buhok nito. And it looks like her sight is back again.

"You sleep here huh?" Sarcastic niya pa saling kay Theo.

(Damn, he miss her..) He can't help but said to himself while looking at her.

"L..Let me help you.." Alalay naman agad ng unggoy na si Theo dito sa hila hila nitong dextrose instead na pansinin siya.

"Then, let me help you dry your hair.." Naka ngiti niyang sabi dito at kinuha ang tuwalya sa kabilang kamay nito at saka ito inalalayang umupo.

"W.. What? Why don't you back off." Theo hissed at him. Hianarangan siya nito sa gagawin niya.

"Asa ka pa." He said at him with a smirk.

"H.. Hey, w.. what's wrong with the both of you?" Saway sa kanila nito nang maka upo ito.

"Babe, can you just kick him out here. I don't want him here.." Tila pag u- utos nito dito.

"Babe my foot. Sweetheart, don't listen to him. Why don't you just stay out of my sight?" He hissed again at him. Pagkatapos ay hinablot niya ang tuwalya mula sa kamay nito.

"Sweetheart?! She's not your sweetheart, anymore.." Na iinis na sabi nito sa kanya.

"I'm sorry. But, she still is.." Matalim niyang sabi at tinitigan ito ng masama.

"Pft! Ha- ha- ha!" They heard her laugh. Na gulat naman sila dahil sa pag tawa nito.

And they just both stop in fighting. Kapwa sila na pa titig sa magandang mukha nito lalo na ngayon na tumatawa ito.

Pakiramdam niya ay na wala lahat ng kanyang pagod at dinadala dahil sa pag tawa nito. She looks like an innocent child in the way she laughs.

"Jeez. You both never changed. Hindi pa din kayo magka sundo.." Na tatawa pa din na sabi nito sa kanya.

"Babe naman, you know that's impossible.." Narinig niyang reklamo nito dito.

"For the first time I'll agree on him with that. I will never comply to him.." Segunda niya agad dito.

"And by the way Rey.." Tawag nito sa kanya.

"Yes, sweetheart.." Malambing na sagot niya dito.

"I told you to stop calling her that!" Na iinis na bulyaw sa kanya ni Theo ngunit hindi niya ito pinansin.

"Can you ask your friends to not send me flowers again.. Look at my room, it was as if it's my funeral sa dami ng bulaklak.." May himig na reklamo nito sa kanya.

"S.. Sorry.." Hingi niya ng tawad dahil totoo naman ang sinabi nito. Napaka daming bulaklak sa kuwarto nito ngayon.

"That's new. Kailan ka pa nagkaroon ng kaibigan?" Nang aasar na tanong nito sa kanya ngunit hindi niya ito muli pinansin.

"Sweetheart, I brought breakfast.. Do you want coffee or hot choco?" Malambing niyang tanong dito.

"Babe, don't---

"Stop it both of you.. Or else I'm gonna kick you out here.." Babala nito sa kanila at kapwa naman sila na tahimik nito dahil mukhang hindi ito nag bibiro.

"I have to do something so, let's have a quiet breakfast.." Hiling nito sa kanila at inilbas nito ang laptop nito mula sa drawer.

"Aren't you supposed to be resting?" Nag aalala niyang tanong dito matapos nito isuot ang salamin nito sa mata.

"I'm still the chairwoman even I'm sick.." Sagot naman nito sa kanya.

"Babe, you have to— Yeah, sabi ko nga. How many coffee did you bring, assho— I mean.. Woodman.." Hindi naman na ito nakapag salita pa dahil tinitigan ito ng masama ni Rence.

"Don't push your luck, Theomoron.. I just bought two and just for us.." Balik niyang asar dito.

"H.. Hey!" Saway niya dito dahil mabilis nitong kinuha ang dalawang kape na dala niya at inabot kay Rence ang isa pagkatapos ay ininom agad ang isa pa.

"Y.. You really wanna die?" Na iinis niyang asik dito.

"Be my guest.." He said with a smirk at him. Muli naman na tawa si Rence dahil sa kanilang dalawa.

"Hindi ka ba busy? Baka may gagawin ka pa? Makaka alis ka na.." Taboy niyang muli dito.

"I'm still in my right mind. Kaya bakit ko iiwanan ang fiancé ko sa ex niya?" Matalim na sabi nito sa kanya na ikina samid ni Rence.

"B.. Babe, are you okay? Here have some tissue.." Sabi nito dito.

"Hoy! Hoy! W.. Where d.. do you think you're touching?!" He furiously asked at him.

Mabilis niyang hinawakan ang kamay nito na kasalukuyang pinupunasan ang tumulo na kape sa hospital gown nito. That's her breast!

"Wh.. What's your problem?!" Asik nito sa kanya na tila nag papatay malisya pa.

"You airhead! Pa simple ka pa! I'm gonna kill you!" Galit na galit niyang sabi dito and he grabbed his collar.

"Fine! Bring it on!" Hamon din nito sa kanya.

"Rey! Hey! Hey! Tama na 'yan.." Awat sa kanila nito.

"What? You'll hit me? Go on!" Pang aasar pa nito sa kanya.

"I said stop it!" At pumagitna na nga si Rence sa kanila.

"What the heck is going on here?" Nichollo asked at them nang abutan sila nito.

"Is this some famous love triangle scene?" That's Eli Shah.

"If you both just gonna stress out my patient then get out.." Matalim na sabi sa kanila ni Nichollo at sa takot na ma pa layas ay nag hiwalay sila.

"Jeez.. Thanks for that Doc.." Pagpapasalamat ni Rence dito at na upo na muli sa kama.

"I'm sorry for that Doc. By the way, I'm Theodore Mendoza her fiancé.." Pagpapa kilala ng unggoy kay Nichollo. Na pa "Oh" naman si Eli Shah sa sinabi nito.

"You really like fancy introduction.." May himig na inis niyang sabi at bumalik sa pagkaka upo.

"Ah right. You're Theresse' younger brother.. I'm Nichollo Salvador her doctor and this is Eli Shah.." Nichollo introduce himself in a friendly manner. At gusto naman niya itong suntukin sa inis.

"You know her?" Naka ngiti nitong dito.

"Y.. Yeah a bit.." Tila alanganin na sabi nito at na pa kamot sa ulo. Bigla naman itong siniko ni Eli Shah ng dumaan kaya na pa atras ito.

"How are you feeling, Isabelle? Did you had breakfast?" Eli Shah asked at her.

"The same as usual except that I'm a bit annoyed right now.." Matalim na pukol nito sa kanila at nag lihis naman siya ng tingin.

"Okay, boys please get out for a moment.. I need to check her up.." Taboy sa kanila ni Eli Shah.

"I think I feel like staying more.." Naka ngiti namang sabi ni Theo.

"That's something I will never let you.." Pigil niya dito at hinawakan ang balikat nito.

"Me too. Kaya habang sinasabi ko ng maayos ay sumama na kayo sa'kin.." Segunda naman sa kanya ni Nichollo at hinila sila parehas pa labas.

-----

"Aren't you lucky? You are loved by two gorgeous man.." Na iinggit na biro sa kanya ni Eli Shah matapos palabasin ang mga ito.

"E.. Eli Shah.. I.. I can't s..see.." Bulalas niya dito and she grabbed her arm.

"H.. Huh? W.. What?" Gulat na tanong nito dahil sa tantiya ng mga ito ay she still have 6mos. left but, the symptoms are getting worse than expected.

"E.. Everything w.. was still blur.." Dagdag pa niya dito at hindi na pigilan ang panginginig.

"It's too fast for that.." Nag aalala nitong sabi and she checked her eyes.

"Wait.. I.. I will call Nicholl--

"C.. Can you keep it from them?" Hiling niya dito. Aalis na sana ito ngunit hinila niyang muli ang braso nito.

"Isabelle naman.. How long will you act strong in front of them? You shou--

"Please.." Muli niyang paki usa dito.

"Fine. I will asked them to leave now.." Tila na pipilitan na sabi nito at lumabas na ng kuwarto.

Ang totoo ay pinipilit lamang niyang maging matatag pero sa totoo lang ay na tatakot talaga siyang tuluyan an mawalan ng paningin dahil ano na lamang ang buhay kung wala siyang paningin?

"They're gone.." And that was Nichollo.

"T.. This is faster than I calculated.. Eli Shah, we need to run again some tests. Can you scheduled her?" Utos nito dito matapos tignan ang kanyang mata. And his voice is really worried.

"Copy that. I'll give them a call.." Mabilis na sabi nito at lumabas na ng pinto.

"I.. Isabelle, this is getting serious.. It seems that the first tests we did is not reliable.. You should prepare yourself because as soon as the result is out I will schedule your surgery.." Nag aalalang sabi nito sa kanya.

"And it might be in 2-3 days.. because it's gonna be risky kapag pinag tagal pa natin.." Dagdag pa nito.

"Can you give me a little bit of ti--

"Isabelle! This is not a joke anymore.. We don't have much time.. It's your eyesight that we're talking about.. Sa katigasan ng ulo mo, you might lose it forever.." Sermon nito sa kanya at na tahimik naman siya.

(Lose it forever..) Ulit niya sa kanyang sarili.

"The symptoms are showing. Yes, you still can see but, just every now and then.. And the next time you feel light headed all you'll see is gray.. Kaya huwag matigas ang ulo mo.."

"I will give you some alternative medicine to prevent the symptoms. And let me make this clear, I will not take a 'no' coming from my patient.." May awtoridad na sabi nito sa kanya bago tuluyang umalis.

But, 3 days is too short.

-----

"S.. She needs to rest and as her Doctor I can let her to be stressed. So, go home Theo.." Eli Shah asked at him to go home.

"I am not going home kahit ano pa ang sabihin niyo. I came back here for her kay hindi niyo ako ma pipigilan." Pagmamatigas niya dito.

Bakit ba lahat ng maka kita sa kanya ay pinapa uwi siya? Damn, over his dead body. Hindi yata siya papayag na ma isahan siya ni Woodman kaya ma inam na ang maagap.

"N.. Nichollo.." Bulalas ni Eli Shah ng makita ang Doktor at na gulat naman siya nang makita na naka wheelchair si Isabelle na tulak tulak ng Doktor.

"W.. What's wrong? Why are you in a wheel chair?" Nag aalala niyang tanong dito.

"Is that the reason kaya mo kami pina uwi? What the hell is going on?" Dagdag pa niyang tanong sa mga ito.

"T.. This is only for check up.." Si Isabelle naman ang suamgot para sa kanya. Why the hell he can't trust what she've said?

"Sorry.. I.. I told him to g--

"It's fine, Eli.. And thanks Doc.. Can you leave us for a moment?" Hiling nito sa dalawang Doktor.

"I'm warning you for the last time. Don't stress her out or you'll never set your foot again here in my hospital. I don't give a damn, in your connections.." Her Doctor warned at him. Na pa lunok naman siya sa sinabi nito.

"J.. Just ignore him.. He.. He's really a bit grumpy.." Saway sa kanya nito while still sitting in the wheel chair. Bakit parang gusto niyang kabahan sa biglang tensyon an kanyang naramdaman.

"I.. I think you've heard it from your Ate. T.. Theo, I'm getting blind.." Pag aamin nito sa kanya.

"W.. What are you saying? You're not getting blind. You just have to take the surgery and everything's gonna be fine.." He says lightly at her. Ano ba ang sinasabi nito?

"You don't have to be considerate on me.." Saway nito sa kanya. Why does he feel that she's not planning to have the surgery at all? Her face looks cold. Tila wala itong paki alam.

"Y.. You don't have to be afraid with the surgery.. I'll stay beside you. I promise.." Pangako naman niya dito at hinawakan ang mag kabilang kamay nito.

"Y.. You don't have t.. to do that. I.. I don't want to be a burden anymore.." Tanggi nito sa kanya habang hinaplos pa ang kanyang mukha.

"B.. Babe.. don't be like this.. Why a..are you acting like that?" Saway niya dito. Why does she sounded like she's saying goodbye?

"A.. All these years I thought Rey cheated on me.. But, it turns out he did not.. S.. Sapat na ang mga taon na naging pa bigat ako sa'yo noon.. I don't w..want to r.. rely again to anyone.."

"I.. I should solve my problem on my own.. It's been hard to all of you.." She said to him. Is she breaking up with him? Of all the time, bakit nagyon pa?

"Babe, you never become a burden to me.. Mahal kita kaya ko nga ito ginagawa.." Paliwanag niya dito.

"T.. Theo, I.. I don't think t..that this will gonna work out.. It's n..not about you nor Rey.. It's all about m..me.. I am the problem.. at hindi kayo.." Paliwanag naman nito sa kanya.

"And do you think I'll accept that easily? Sorry, Babe but this time I will not listen to you.. lalo na't alam ko na mas kailangan mo ako ngayon.." He says without giving a damn to what she've said.

"But--

"So, l want you to know that I will never back off again. I will fight him fair and square just to have the position I want in your life.. And you'll take the surgery.." Dagdag pa niya dito bago tuluyang tumayo.

"Makinig ka naman sa akin. Baki---

"I.. I think you're tired. I'm gonna leave now kaya mag pahinga ka na.. I brought some dinner, eat it bago lumamig.." Tuluyan na niyang paalam dito at hinalikan ito sa noo bago tuluyang lumabas ng kuwarto.

What she says a while ago really hits him. But, if he'll surrender now paano naman ito? Wala na itong natitirang pamilya kaya sino pa ang mag aalaga dito? Why is she pushing everyone away?

Hindi yata siya papayag na isuko itong muli matapos ng lahat ng pinagdaanan nito. Martyr na kung martyr pero who knows what will happen to her kapag umalis siya sa tabi nito?

And damn him. He was always the problem. Kung kailan naman halos naka bangon na ito ay saka ito muling bumalik. He tear her apart again.

-----

"You heard it, don't you?" Theo asked at him nang ma pansin nito na nasa gilid siya ng pinto ni Rence. Hindi naman siya naka kibo dito.

"Let me repeat it. I will never back down again pagdating sa kanya. So, I'll really appreciate kung aatras ka na lang ng kusa.." Ulit muli nito sa mga sinabi nito kanina.

"I told you I'm not here para mang gulo. My priority was to make her take the surge— Hindi niya na tapos ang sa sabihin dahil sinikmuraan siya nito kaya na pa hawak naman siya sa kanyang tiyan.

"Matagal ko ng gustong gawin 'yan sa'yo.. Kulang pa nga 'yan. If you just saw her in LA 7 years ago.. B.. Baka hindi ka na mag pa kita sa kanya muli.." May himig pa na galit na dagdag nito.

Hindi naman siya gumanti dito dahil alam niya ang pinaghu- hugutan nito. And he was really guilty kaya tatanggapin niya ang lahat ng sa sabihin nito at gagawin nito sa kanya.

He was actually thankful na mag tagpo ito at si Rence sa LA dahil kung hindi nag tagpo ang mga ito ay baka may masama ng nangyari dito.

"I.. I expected that you'll do that.. I just didn't see it coming now.." He said helplessly at him.

"W.. We both know kung ano ang makaka buti sa kanya.. And that will never be you.." Paalala pa nito sa kanya bago tuluyang umalis.

"Damn, I know that too.." He can't help but, says to himself.

May ilang sandali muna niyang pina kalma ang sarili bago tuluyang pumasok sa kuwarto dahil kung hindi niyon gagawin ay baka lalo lamang mag alala si Rence sa kanya.

He can't burden her anymore. Ngunit laking gulat naman niya ng abutan ito sa wheel chair. Mabilis niya itong nilapitan.

"S.. Sweetheart, why are you in a wheel chair?" Nag aalalang tanong niya dito.

"Idiot. I don't have chronic disease. I just had check up, that's all.." Saway nito sa kanya at pinalo siya nito.

"S.. Sorry.. Did you had dinner? Ano'ng gusto mo? I'll order us some foo--

"Theo, left some food in the table. If you want we can eat that.." Suggestion nito sa kanya.

"I.. I actually saw him a while ago. He even hit me.." Na tatawa naman niyang kuwento dito.

"W.. What? N.. Nag away na naman ba kayo?" Nag aalala nitong tanong sa kanya at hinawakan ang kanyang mukha.

Gusto naman pumatak muli ng kanyang mga luha dahil muli nitong kinapa ang kanyang mukha.

Does it mean that she can't see him again? Hinawakan niya ang dalawa nitong kamay at ngumiti.

"I really want to see his reaction kapag nakita niya tayong ganito.." Tila pag iiba niya ng usapan at muli naman siyang pinalo nito.

"Rey! Puro ka kalokohan.." Reklamo nito sa kanya. Itinulak niya naman ang wheel chair nito at niyaya na itong kumain.

"C'mon.." Sabi niya dito at binuhat ito mula sa wheel chair at inupo sa kama nito. She really did lost some weight.

"Don't move. I'll set up your table.." Utos niya dito habang inaayos ang convertable na lamesa nito na naka kabit mismo sa kama nito.

"Hindi pa naman ako--

"No more comment.. Let me take care of you, my dear patient.." Naka ngiti niyang saway dito.

"Here, this is your spoon and fork.." At inilagay naman niya sa mismong kamay nito ang mga iyon. But, can she really eat by herself?

"D.. Do you want me to f..feed you?" Tanong niya dito.

"I.. I would be fine. I can still see the different colors. C.. Can you grab my glasses for me?" Tanggi nito sa kanya at isinuot naman niya dito ang salamin nito.

"W.. What's the menu?" Tanong nito sa kanya.

"The moron had a taste. It's Italian pasta with chicken BBQ on the side.. I think wala naman bawal sa'yo, di' ba?" Tanong niya dito at umiling ito.

"You can have the pasta first. I already mixed it. Himayin ko lang itong manok para sa'yo.." Wika niya dito at hinain na dito ang pasta.

"Oh, when did you become this thoughtful Rey? Mukhang advantage din pala ang pagkaka ospital ko.." Biro nito sa kanya.

"D.. Don't say that. I.. it's not even a good joke.. If you just know how I'm scared and worried right now.." Saway niya dito at tumahimik ito sandali.

"Don't be too serious, Rey." Tila baliwala na sabi nito sa kanya.

"K.. Kasalanan ko ang lahat. K.. Kung puwedeng ako na lang sana ang nagka ganyan at hindi ikaw.." Buong pagsisisi niyang sabi dito.

"S.. Stop blaming yourself. I told you it was not your fault.." Saway nito sa kanya at tinapik ang kanyang balikat. Pinag pa tuloy naman nila ang pagkain hanggang sa maka tapos na nga sila.

"Where is your medicine?" Tanong niya dito.

"In the drawer." Sagot nito.

Kinuha naman niya iyon and the medicines were all in zip locks kaya hindi na siya na hirapan pa. he grabbed the medicine with the label 'Evening'. At inabot iyon dito.

"H.. How are you feeling? A.. Are you really okay?" Hindi niya ma pigilan na tanong dito.

"I.. It's really hard to sleep but, I am m..managing.." She answered at him honestly.

"C.. Can I ask something?" Tanong niya dito at tumango naman ito sa kanya.

"You're going to take the surgery, right?" Paninigurado niyang tanong dito ngunit hindi naman ito sumagot.

"L.. Like I've said to Theo.. from now on I would like to handle my p..problem in my own.. You both don't need to worry about me.." Saway nito sa kanya.

"Y.. You're still sticking on t.. that?" Hindi niya mapigilan na tanong dito dahil alam niya kapag sinabi nito ay ginagawa nito. And that would be the worst case scenario for Theo and him.

"You know I'm always like this.." She said with a bitter smile.

"I.. I would never let you be blind.." Matigas niyang sabi dito.

"It's not the end of the world.." Kibit balikat na sagot nito sa kanya.

"I will do everything just for you to have the surgery.. Hindi a.. ako papayag sa gusto.." Marriin niyang tanggi sa gusto nito.

"R. Rey, bakit ba kayo ganyan? You've both done enough. Bakit ba hindi niyo ma unawaan ang desisyon ko?" Frustrated nitong tanong sa kanya.

"I.. Is it because s..sinisisi mo pa din ang sarili mo sa pagka wala ng anak natin?" Masakit na tanong niya dito at hindi na ito naka sagot sa kanya.

"Rence.. wala k..kang kasalanan.. It w..was not your fault.. Kaya huwag mo ng sisihin ang sarili mo.. You don't have to punish yourself because of that.." Paki usap niya dito.

"It's b..been to much for you.. Kaya hayaan mo naman ang sarili mo bumangon muli.. Kung may dapat parasuhan ay hindi ikaw 'yon.. It should be me.. because I failed in protecting both of you.." Paninisi niya sa kanyang sarili.

Unti unti naman pumatak ang mga luha niya.

"Mahal na mahal kita Rence. You suffered too much pain for the past years. I'm sorry that I'm not even there for you.. I.. I know a man like me don't deserve you.."

"D.. Don't say that.. And I.. I already decided.. please understand my decisi--

"Fine. But, if you promise me these two things, susundin ko ang gusto mo.." Hingi niya dito ng kapalit.

"Wh.. What is it, Rey?" Tanong nito sa kanya.

"First, you'll take the surgery.." Hiling niya dito at pinahid ang mga luha niya. That's all he come up to.

"And lastly, please promise me that you'll be happy with him.." His last wish tore his heart apart. Hindi niya kasi alam na darating pala ang panahon na isusuko niya ito.

Buong buhay niya ay ito lamang ang minahal niya at wala ng iba. Oo nga at hindi na siya magiging masaya pa muli dahil wala na ito sa tabi niya.

Ngunit mas lalo yatang hindi kakayanin ng konsensiya niya kapag na bulag ito at isa siya sa pinaka malaking dahilan kaya ayaw na nitong maka kita pa.

He can take every single pain basta huwag lang ito ang masaktan. Dahil ang gusto niya ay simula ngayon ay ibigay ang lahat ng bagay na ikakaligaya nito.

"Y.. Your say—

"Yes, sweetheart. I will be signing our divorce paper. I'm officially letting you go.. Pero hindi ibig sabihin nito ay hindi na kita mahal. It's because, I.. I don't wanna hurt you anymore and I know in holding you m..mas lalo kitang na sa saktan.." Mapait na sagot niya dito.

"D.. Dahil whenever y..you see me.. You will always keep remembering our c..child.. and you'll continue to blame yourself over.. and over again.. At alam ko na napaka sakit n'on para sa'yo.." Masakit na dagdag pa niya dito at niyakap ito.

"R.. Rey.." Tila pag aawat nito sa kanya.

"I.. I'm doing this because I.. want to stop you also from bearing too much.. A.. Alam ko na hihirapan ka kung sino ang pipiliin mo.. Dahil a.. ayaw mong may masaktan sa'min.." Paliwanag pa niya dito.

"I.. don't want to act like a child anymore.. I know he's a good man at kahit ganoon 'yung unggoy na 'yon hindi ka niya pababayaan at alam ko na mahal na mahal ka din niya.. Alam ko na nasa mabuti kang kamay.." Totoo naman talaga ng lahat ng sinabi niya na iyon.

"S.. So, d..do we have a d..deal?" He asked at her. Doon niya lamang na pansin na umiiyak na din pala ito. And instead of answering him ay tumango lang ito.

"Shhh.. you're crying again.." Saway niya dito.

"I.. I love you Rence.. and I will love you forever.." He said sincerely to her. Hindi niya alam kung gaano niya ito ka tagal niyakap and honestly, he don't want to let her go.

"I.. I will talk to Nichollo. I will tell him that you'll be taking the surgery 2 days from now.. Take care, sweetheart and please don't cry again.. I wish you all the happiness in the world.." Paalam niya dito at tuluyan na itong binitawan kahit na sobrang sakit man.

Nang bigla naman siya nitong hinila at hinalikan. He can taste the saltiness of her tears in that kiss. It would be the most painful kiss for him because he knows that was the last.

"R.. Rey, take care of yourself t..too.." Bilin nito at hinalikan pa ang kanyang noo.

Tumango naman siya ng mapait dito at tuluyan ng lumabas ng pinto dahil kung hindi pa siya aalis ay baka tuluyan pang mag bago ang kanyang isip at hindi na niya ito pakawalan pa.

(You have to be strong.. Kahit para lang sa kanya..) He said sadly to himself.

------

--2 Days Later

"W.. What happened?" Bungad niya kay Rihanna ng makarating sa ospital. The woman was crying while sitting in the cold floor.

"W.. Where is she?" That's Theo na kapwa hinihingal din sa labis na pag aapura nito.

"S.. She's gone.." Rihanna says at mas lalong lumakas ang pagkaka iyak nito.

-----

What the hell Rey?! Bakit sinuko mo na siya?!

Ito kasing guwapong Theo na ito.

Well, kahit sino pa ang piliin ni Isabelle hindi na siya lugi dahil they're both CEO!

Ha- ha- ha!

Just kidding! Marami pang magaganap!

Abangan!

Tsk Tsk! Mga kapwa ko bitter, it looks like we'll all gonna fall in love again! Ha-ha!

Another original chapter will be coming!

See you!

The reason I shorten the pages of this Chapter was simple..

To have a lot of reads.

Sorry, guys! I love you as much as my characters.

But, I need to survive too!

So, please VOTE too!