Chapter 49

Book 2

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Los Angeles California, U.S.A.

Present time.

"S.. Sigurado ka na ba na kaya mo nang umuwi ng Pilipinas?" And like old times Theo asked her again if she will be okay.

"Do I need to repeat it again?" May himig niyang inis na tanong dito habang hindi pa din inaalis ang kanyang mga mata sa screen ng kanyang laptop.

"I just want to asked if you are really sure of that. I am just worried." Tila naman tatay niya ito kung makapag alala sa kanya.

"There's a lot of things that I need to fix in the Philippines. Alam mo 'yan. For the past couple of years our sales went down. Our stocks barely move kahit sabihin pa natin na ang Mall ko ang pinaka sikat dito sa LA ay in a contrary naman ang nasa Pilipinas. And Rihanna can't handle everything because she is also raising Tanya." Mahinahon niyang paliwanag dito.

"Mabuti nga at hindi nagre reklamo itong si Tanya because all of her Mom's time are consumed by the company, by my company." And she added. Totoo iyon halos sa yaya na lamang lumaki ang bata dahil sa pinasa niyang trabaho niya kay Rihanna.

"I can help you if you want me to." Offer naman nito sa kanya.

"You've done so much. Let me fix my problems from now on." She said with warmth at him.

"But, really if you don't want to g--

"I said I'm going. I need to fix my malls. What do you want me to say? That I move on already and it's okay for me to come home. Happy?" May himig na inis na niyang sabi dahil tila ayw siyang pakinggan nito.

"Okay, don't need to be so defensive here Belle. Nagta- taas ka na naman ng boses. I am just asking, okay? Fine, I think you are good to go. So, I'll pick you up tomorrow? I'll just going to fix few more things pa dito." Na tatawang sabi nito sa kanya.

"Fine." Umiirap pa niyang sabi and he just kissed her forehead. At nang sumara na ang pinto ay hindi na niya na pigilan ang manginig. She's having a anxiety attack, again. It's been a while since she experienced it. But, still she is not free from this.

"It's been almost a decade, Rence. Ano ka ba naman." She said to herself habang na nginginig na tila siya nilalamig. Minabuti na niya agad kunin ang kanyang gamot sa drawer bago pa tuluyang sumumpong ito ng malala.

Ininom niya iyon agad at dahan dahan na pinakalma ang kanyang sarili. Her anxiety pills are only the reason she can sleep and stay calm everyday. Hindi niya alam kung hanggang kailan niya kailangan uminom niyon but, the only thing she knows is she really needs it.

"Please, stop me from being like this." Hiling niya sa panginoon. Para na kasi siyang masisiraan sa tuwing siya ay aatakihin.

(Akala ko ba naka move ka na? Ipinagmamalaki mo pa kay Theo.) Sermon sa kanyanng kanyang isipan.

"Yes, I thought too. But, it looks like I was just lying to him. And to myself, huh?" She said to herself. Ayaw na niyang balikan iyon. Ayaw na niya pang maalala iyon. Because, not all can move from that kind of nightmare.

It had been years but, the pain from the past is still open like it was just happened yesterday. Napaka sakit na akala mo ay hindi totoo. At hinihiling mo nga sana na hindi na lamang talaga nangyari na siya ay na aksidente.

"Miss! Miss!" Narinig niyang tawag ng isang lalaki sa kanya.

"Diyos ko, buhay pa kaya siya?! Miss! Diyos ko! Gumising ka!" Nang ma ansin marahil nito na siya ay dugaan ay binuksan na nito ang pinto at dinala na siya nito sa ospital.

"'Yung b...ba...baby k..ko.." Halos hindi na lumabas sa kanyang bibig na sabi dito.

"Miss! Miss!" Tawag muli nito sa kanya.

-----

Mabigat ang kanyang buong katawan maging ang kanyang mata ng siya ay magising. Hindi niya alam kung na saan siya ngayon ay tanging alam niya ay napaka sakit ng kanyang katawan.

"Wh.. Where am I?" Hindi niya mapigilang tanong sa kanyang sarili.

"Hi.. Hija! Diyos ko mabuti at gising ka na! Salamat sa Diyos!" And that's her Nana. Na gulat naman siya dahil bakit ito nandito ngayon. Bigla na lamang ito umiyak at hindi niya alam kung bakit.

At nang siya ay nagpa linga linga na ng tingin sa paligid ay doon niya na pagtanto na nasa ospital siya. And all of her body was covered by bandages and supporters. Her neck has supporter as well as her right legs kaya naka taas ito. Ang kanyang ulo naman ay may bandage.

"Paano ako na punta dito, N.. Nana?" Medyo nalilito pa niyang tanong sa matanda. Hindi pa siya makapg salita ng maayos.

"Shhhh. Huwag ka munang mag salita Hija, mag pahinga ka lang. Pinag alala mo kami ng labis. Halos isang buwan kang walang malay. Hindi na namin alam ang aming gagawin. Maraming salamat naman at gising ka na.." The old woman cried again.

"N.. Nana, huwag ka ng umiyak. A.. Ayos lang ako. K.. Kamusta p..pala baby ko?" Hindi na siya nag sinungaling dito at inamin na lamang agad ang totoo dito.

"Siguro, okay lang naman siya dahil buhay pa naman ako." She said with a smile. Bigla naman niya na pansin ang pagka balisa nito. At hindi niya maintidihan kung bakit.

"H.. Hija, mabuti siguro mag pahinga ka muna. N... Na gu- gutom ka ba? May gusto ka ba ka inin." Pag iiba ng usapan ng matanda sa kanya. Bigla naman siya nakaramdam ng takot. Hindi niya yata gusto ang nangyayari.

"N.. Nana, huwag mong ibahin ang usapan. Tinatanong ko kung kamusta ang baby ko." Ulit niya sa matanda. At hindi naman ito naka sagot.

"Nana!" Mataas ang boses na niyang tanong sa matanda.

"I'm sorry Hi.. Hija. I'm sorry. W.. Wala na ang baby mo.." Halos naman hindi na lumabas sa bibig nito na sabi sa kanya. Halatang halos hindi nito kaya iyon sabihin sa kanya.

"You are j.. just joking, right?" Pagak ang boses na tanong niya dito dahil sa labis na pagka bigla. Hindi niya alam ang kanyang mararamdaman. Huminto yata ang pag tibok ng kanyang puso dahil sa labis na sakit hanggang sa hi di niya namalayan ay humgulgol na lamang siya.

"H.. Hindi totoo 'yan. Sabihin niyong hindi totoo 'yan!" She is now really angry.

"H.. Hija.." Halos naman hindi na ma pigilan ng kanyang Nana ang pag iyak dahil sa nangyari sa kanya.

"Damn! Damn! Damn! B.. Bring back my baby! Bring it back!" Galit na galit na niyang sabi at pinagha hagis ang lahat ng nasa siede table na gamit.

"Diyos ko! Diyos ko! Why is does it have to be my baby?! Bakit baby ko pa?!" Muli pa niyang sigaw at pakiramdam niya ay mababaliw na siya sa labis na sakit.

"Pati ba naman siya?! Diyos ko! Ang baby ko!" She scream again in anger. Hindi kasi niya talaga kayang tanggapin na wala na talaga ang baby niya.

"Aaaaargh!! I... I want to go to the doctor. B.. Baka nagkaka mali lang siya." Nagwa- wala niyang sabi at sinubukan na niyang tumayo at isa isa na niyang tinatanggal ang mga naka kabit sa kanyang katawan maginh ang dextrose niya. Na alarma naman ang kanyang Nana.

"H.. Hija, h..huwag. H.. Hindi mo pa puwede 'yang tanggalin. Hija naman.." Umiiyak na awat ng kanyang Nana sa kanya.

"Baka buhay pa talaga ang baby ko. Oo, buhay pa siya at binibiro niyo lang ako. Sige na Nana, pabayaan mo na ako!" Bulyaw niya na sa matanda at tinabig ang kamay nito.

"Julius tumawag ka na ng doktor, dalian mo!" Utos nito kay Julius na umiiyak na din. Mabilis naman itong tumakbo para tumawag ng doktor.

"Hindi ko alam kung paano pa ako mabubuhay ngayon. K.. Kung wala na ang baby ko m..mas mabuti pa siguro m..mawala na din ako.. W.. Wala na akong dahilan pa para mabuhay.." She said at her Nana pagkatapos ay tinangka kunin ang kutsilyo ngunit mabilis iyon na ihagis ng kanyang Nana sa sahig.

"Isabelle! Diyos ko Hija! Tama na. Tama na.." Umiiyak na yakap ng kanyang Nana sa kanya. Marahil hindi na nito alam ang gagawin sa kanya.

"G.. Gusto ko ng mamatay.. Gusto ko ng mamatay Nana.. A.. Ang baby ko.. Ang baby ko.. Nana..." And she cried so hard. Hindi na niya alam ang kanyang gagawin. Ang alam lang niya ay napaka sakit.

"H.. Hija! Diyos ko gumising ka! Nurse! Nurse!" Na aalarmang tawag ng kanyang Nana sa nurse ng tuluyan na niyang hindi kinaya ang mga pangyayari at nawalan na siya ng malay.

---

"D.. Doc, kamusta siya?" Nag aalala tanong ni Nana Margarita sa doktor.

"She is okay. Actually, she is physically okay. We already run some tests and she is already clear from danger. But, mentally I may say not." Sabi ni Doktor Sanchez sa matanda. Hindi naman niya alam ang gagawin para sa kanyang alaga.

"She is still shock because of her baby. So, I suggest that she should see a psychiatrist or a counselor for counseling. Kailangan kasi niya iyon ngayon." The doctor suggested pero duda siya kung kaya niyang kumbinsihin ang kanyang alaga para magpa counseling.

"Ano bang nangyari sa alaga ko.. Bakit siya pa ang binigyan ng ganitong problema.."

-----

"H.. Hija, heto kumain ka. Inuluto ko ang paborito mo--

"I don't want to eat." Walang ka emosyon emosyon niyang sagot.

"Pero hindi ka makaka inom ng gamot kapag hindi ka kuma--

"If I will drink those medicines will that bring back my baby?" She said it with the most sarcastic way she can.

"H.. Hija, huwag ka namang ganyan. Kailangan mo pagpaka--

"Leave me alone Nana, gusto ko makapag isa.." Pagtataboy niya dito. Gusto niya ngayon mapag isa. She doesn't want to see anyone nor to talk to anyone.

She wanted to cry again but, she can't cry anymore.. She don't have tears left to cry. Napaka hapdi na ng kanyang mata ngunit mas masakit ang kanyang puso. Hindi niya alam kung paano pa siya magpapa tuloy sa kanyang buhay ngayon without Rey and her baby.

Napaka sakit. Walang salita ang kayang magpaliwanag ng kanyang nararamdaman. She wishes this was not true that she will soon wake up from this nightmare.

"Hija, nag padala sa bahay ng litrato sila Rina. Gusto mo bang maki---

"Itapon mo na 'yan Nana. I don't want to see any of them n..nor even hear anything about them. I don't need them in my life.. And I will never need anyone again. Tatawagin na lang kita kapag may kailangan ako." Pagtataboy niya dito. Kumuha siya ng gamot sa kanyang drawer that's a sleeping pills. Gusto niya munang tumakas sa realidad at upang magawa iyon ay kailangan niyang matulog para mapahinga ang kanyang isipan.

"Shit!" She said and she throws the empty bottle of her sleeping pills. Wala na pala iyon laman dahil na ubos na niya iyon. She is taking her pills five times a day. Minsan mas madalas pa nga dahil gusto niya palagi matulog para hindi na siya makapag isip pa. So, she depends on her pills too much.

"Damn those pills! Kung kailan mo kailangan." And then again, she can't help but cry once more nang maalala na naman niya ang kanyang munting anghel na pinakamamahal.

"It's all your fault. It's all your fault." Sabi niya sa kanyang sarili. Hindi niya alam kung ilang beses na niya iyon na sabi sa kanyang sarili. Ngunit hindi pa din niya mapigilan na isisi sa kanya ang nangyari.

"Bakit mo pa kasi siya kailangan balikan? Bakit ba napaka tanga mo? Bakit ang hilig mo umasa? Tignan mo pati ang baby mo na wala dahil sa katangahan mo." And she cried again.

"My baby... My baby.. Ibalik niyo ang baby ko." Muli niyang pighati.

(No, Isabelle. It was really not your fault. It was Rey's fault because he cheated on you. He lied to you and he make you believe that he loves you. It was all his fault.) Her mind analyzes it for her. And it does a bit make sense. Bakit niya kailangan sisihin ang sarili samantalang ito ang may kasalanan kaya nangyari lahat iyon.

Kung hindi niya ito na huli na may kasamang iba ay hindi naman siya aalis. Ito ang may kasalanan ng lahat. Isa itong sinungaling at manloloko. Pinaniwala siya nito sa isang kasinungalingan at sinaktan lamang siya nito. Ito ang dapat sisihin sa lahat at walang iba.

"Rey, you son of a bitch! I hate you! Damn!" She said hatefully. At tinapon niya ang suot niyang singsing sa sahig.

-----

"H.. Hija?" Her Nana asked her while she was in her casual wear at hindi na niya suot ang kanyang hospital gown habang naka upo sa wheelchair.

"Pupunta na ako ng America at huwag niyo na akong hintayin pa dahil baka hindi na din ako bumalik pa."

"H.. Hija, ano b..ba naman 'yang sinasabi mo?" Naguguluhang tanong ng kanyang Nana sa kanya.

"You heard me Nana. Hindi ba gusto mo akong muling bumangon? So, this is it." Walang ka emosyon emosyon niyang sabi.

"Pero w..wala kang kasama doon. Hindi ka pa maga--

"Doon na ako sa America magpapagaling. And I don't need anyone in my life and I will never need them again." She said it with her most hateful tone. Pagkatapos niyang sabihin iyon ay umalis na sila ng kanyang bodyguard papunta sa airport habang siya ay tulak tulak nito sa wheelchair.

May ilang sandali pa ay unti unti na niyang naramdaman na tumatalab na ang kanyang anxiety pills dahil unti unti nang humupa ang kanyang nararamdaman. And her tears are slowly stopping.

Magagalit si Theo kapag nalaman nito na hanggang ngayon ay umiinom pa din siya nito. Ang alam kasi nito ay matagal na siyang tumigil sa pag inom nito dahil she is mentally normal. And yes, he knows everything that happens accidentally.

-----

6 years ago at Los Angeles California

Doro Le mez

"Y.. You bitch! How dare you slap me?!" The blonde woman angrily hissed at her. Itinulak pa siya nito sa kaya napa salpak siya sa sahig. And instead of saying anything she kick the other woman besides the blonde woman.

"Awww! You son of a bitch!" The other woman said at her pagakatapos ay sinampal naman siya nito.

"Tss! Is that all you've got? That does not hurt a bit!" Paghahamon pa niya sa mga ito. Hindi niya alam kung bakit siya nandoon sa ganoon na sitwasyon ngayon. Ang tanging alam lamang niya ay wala siya sa mood ngayon.

"Crazy asshol--

"H.. Hey, Hey... Ladies you know it's bad to fight right? And please don't be violent. It would be a pity putting a scratch on those beautiful faces of yours." Singit ng may pamilyar na boses na lalaki sa kanila. Bahagya naman na gulat ang mga babaeng kaaway niya ngunit ayaw pa din pa awat.

"This shitty woman started it!" Galit na galit na singhal sa kanya ng boonde na babae at binatukan siya. Tinignan naman niya ito ng masama.

"I'm gonna show her what she want-- Sabi pa ng isa at tangka na siya ay susuntukin ngunit inawat na naman ito ng paki alamerong lalaki.

"Na- a- a.. Okay, let's have a bargain?" The stupid stranger makes a proposal.

"Huh?!" Nang gagalaiti naman na bulyaw ng blonde na amerikana.

"Here's 100 bucks. Take it or I'll just g--- Sabi ng baliw na lalaki at nag labas ng pera mula sa bulsa. Tinangka pa sana nitong tumalikod para kunwari ay tila wala itong paki alam kung tanggapin man ng mga ito ang proposal nito.

"Call. Bye, bitch." Awat naman ng mukhang pera na Amerikana. Binatukan muna siya nito bago tuluyang kinuha ang pera at umalis na habang naka ngisi.

"Money can solve everything. So, you don't have to use your fist." Narinig pa niyang sabi ng lalaki na tila nagmamalaki. Dahan dahan itong lumapit sa kanya at doon naman niya na pansin na guwapo pala ang lalaki.

"There are a lot of bad ass here in LA. You should be careful. By the way, Are you okay Miss?" He asked at her habang papalapit sa kanya.

"I'm fine. You should not get involve. I am quiet pissed right now. So, they will be a good punching bag, you know." She said while rolling her eyes.

"So, it was really your fault."

"Yeah. Does it matter?" She answered shortly.

"Won't you say thank you?" He sarcastically asked at her.

"I didn't asked for your help in the first place. So, why should I-- She hissed at him ngunit hindi siya nito pinatapos.

"I.. Isabelle? I.. Is that y..you? A.. Anong nangyari sa'yo? Bakit ganyan itsura mo?" He asked at her in disbelief. Tila hind nito mapaniwalaan na nagka ganoon siya. Ano gang mali sa kanya.

"Do I know you?" Kilala siya nito? Paano?

"It's just been more than three years Isabelle. And that's not a good joke Isabelle. Of corse, you know me. Ako to'." He said again to her. At kinukumbinsi siya na kilala niya ito.

"Look, Mister. Enough of this joke. Hindi kita kilala." Medyo na iirita na niyang sabi dito. What the hell? Who is this guy?

"B.. Belle, p..please huwag ka namang ganyan. Ako ito si Theo, remember? Magka klase tayo noong college." And now, he sounds really desperate. Sino ba 'to? Na sisiraan na yata ito.

"Let me go. Hindi kita kilala na sisiraan ka na siguro." Pagtataboy niya dito at tinangkang kunin ang kanyang kamay mula dito.

"Oh my God, Isabelle. Ang tagal kitang hinanap. Alam mo ba 'yon? Ano bang nangyari at hindi ka umattend ng graduation natin? You are the only one who didn't march. Everyone was expecting you." Dagdag pa nito sa kanya na tila close sila dahil may himig ito ng pangse sermon.

(Graduartion? M...march?) Naguguluhan niyang tanong sa sarili. What the hell is he saying? Nakaramdam naman siya ng kaunting sakit sa kanyang ulo.

"Sila Rina, Lea, Jerome, ako at siyempre si Woodman. At pagkatapos n'on hindi ka na din nag pa kita samin. Ano ba ang nangya--

(Wood...man Wood...man Woodman?) Where does she hear that name again?

"N.. No! N.. No! Oh my God! No!" Iyon na lamang ang na isambit niya at nag histerya na siya ng marinig niya ang pangalan na iyon.

"I.. Isabelle?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Theo sa kanya marahil na guguluhan ito kung bakit siya nagkaka ganoon. Hanggang sa tinabig niya ito palayo sa kanya kaya napa salpak naman ito sa sahig. Na guguluhan na lamang siya tinignan nito habang siya ay tila siraulo na iiling iling dahil gusto niyang alisin sa kaisipan niya ang pangalan na iyon.

"Oh my God! Isabelle?! Diyos ko! Ano bang nangyayari sa'yo?" Na tatarantang tanong ni Theo habang agad siyang ni lapitan dahil nawalan na siya ng malay. Sinugod naman siya agad nito sa ospital.

-----

"H.. How was she?" Labis ang pag aalala na tanong ni Theo sa doctor ng ospital kung saan siya sinugod nito.

"She just passed out because of stress. She is just shock. There is nothing to worry about because she is only sleeping right now. I already call her doctor and she's on her way right now." Paliwanag ng doktor sa kanya.

"Y.. You mean, she is always hospitalized?" Naka kunot noo niyang tabong sa doktor.

"Are you her guardian? She's been in and out here for almost 3 years. And this is the first time she had someone besides her." Tanong sa kanya ng doktor.

(3 years? What the hell?) Gulat na ulit niya. Ano ba talaga ang nangyari? Bakit ito nagka ganito?

"Y.. Yes, I am and I'll never leave her again." Determinado niyang sabi. Hindi niya alam kung paano at kung bakit ito nagka ganito pero ang tangi niyang alam ay hindi na siya papayag na mawala itong muli. Kung dati ay nagpa uba siya ngayon ay hindi na.

"Oh, here's Dr. Mendoza. She's her psychiatrist." Turo ng doktor sa kanya at na gulat siya kung sino iyon.

"Ate?"

"Theo?" Halos sabay nilang sabi na dalawa.

"You know each other?" Tanong sa kanila ng Doktor.

"A bit, Timmy. He is my little brother." Naka ngiti naman sagot ng Ate niya at na pa "I see" naman ang isang doktor at umalis na.

"What brings you here? It would really shocking if you will say that it's me you're looking for." Usisa nito sa kanya at na pa kamot siya.

"Huwag mo sabihin may pinopormahan ka sa mga nurses ko. Naku, Theo talagang--

"Actually, it was not your co- workers. I'm actually here because of her." Pinutol na niya ang sinasabi nito bago pa siya tuluyan ma sermunan nito.

"How do you know her?" Tanong nito sa kanya at tinuro si Isabelle.

"She is my friend from the Philippines. I don't know what happen to her for the past three years because two weeks before our graduation ko siya huli nakita and we are all worried why she did not march with us in our graduation day." He explained to her what happened.

"So, do you mind telling me what really happened?" He asked to her again.

"Why do you want to know?" Tanong nito sa kanya habang tinitigan siya ng mariin. She looks like she was trying to dig something.

"I told you she is my friend na kikinig ka ba?" Pamimilosopo niya dito.

"Don't give me that Shit, Theo. You don't treat your ladies like that. Don't tell me you like her." And now, she's sounding like she was before. At hindi na niya na itanggi pa ang totoo niyang nararamdaman para dito. Hinila naman siya nito sa isang tabi.

"I am her doctor, and I am your sister. Kaya sasabihin ko na ito sa'yo. You can like every woman you want except her. Understand?" Mariin na bilin nito at tinalikuran na siya. What the hell is she thinking?

"W.. Wait. Wait. I said wait! Why are you acting like that? Mas una ko siyang na kilala kaysa sa-- Habol pa niya dito.

"She's a psycho." Buntong hininga nito sa kanya.

"W.. What the hell are you talking about?" May himig niyang inis dito.

"She's mentally ill.." Pag uulit pa nito at binabawan ang term na ginamit.

"W.. What?" Naka kunot niyang tanong dito. Inaasar ba siya nito?

"Baliw siya. Tanga ka ba? May tama siya sa utak. Malala. As in literally." Seryoso na sabi nito. May ilang sandali siyang hindi nakapag salita.

"You are just making an excuse.. Bakit ba ayaw mo sa kanya? At hindi ako naniniwala na baliw siya. She is the same Isabe--

"Then, why she can't recognized you?"

"Of cors-- How do you know that she can't recognize me?"

"I told you she is my patient. At alam ko na nakipag away na naman siya. She is under my guidance. She's an in house patient. Naka takas lang siya and she is not even progressing a bit. She's rejecting the treatment."

"Do you understand me?"

"She is in serious condition. Kapatid kita kaya gusto ko layuan mo siya. She is not in the right mind right now. And I even not know if I can treat her dahil kahit siya mismo ayaw niyang tulungan ang sarili niya."

"Masasaktan ka lang, Theo. So, stop thi--

"I will not stop this. Mas kailangan niya ako ngayon kaya hindi ko siya iiwan."

"Theo you are insane. Hindi ako magtataka kung isang araw maging pasyente na din kita."

"This is the first time I fell in love. Kaya hindi mo ako masisisi and it was with the same girl. Noong una nag pa ubaya na ako. But, not this time dahil I thought that she will have a beautiful life with him ngunit nagkamali ako. And it was my fault too dahil sinuko ko siya."

"So, please let me know all the things that happen to her this past few years. I will help her. I will do everything to cure her."

"That's so, sweet of you. But, no. So, shut up."

"Ate naman. Please..."

"Miss! Miss! Hey! Where are you going?"

"Oh, c'mon. Not again. What the hell am I doing in this stupid place? I told you that I am not a freak! So, stop bringing me here already. I told you leave me alone." Para naman dinudurog ang puso ni Theo ng makita ang kalagayan nito. Mukha itong normal kung titignan ngunit halata sa mukha nito na may pinagda daanan ito. Maganda pa din ito ngunit hindi na kasing ganda noon.

"No! No! I told you ayoko na! Damn!" Pagmamatigas nito ngunit hindi na ito naka palag pa ng hawakan ito ng dalawang lalaki at sinaksakan ng pang pa tulog. Ilang sandali pa ay naka tulog na ito habang umiiyak.

"See how menta---

"If you will not tell me what happened to her, I swear you'll not gonna see me again forever. Kahit kila Papa ay hindi ako magpapakita." He doesn't have much time to joke around.

"Fine, you have a seat first. I'll tell you what I know." Her sister said while rolling her eyes and they both sat down.

"She came here three years ago. She had an accident and her therapist was my friend. Siya ang naki usap sa akin na gamutin ko siya." His sister started narrating.

"What accident?" Gulat na gulat na tanong niya.

"You don't know? Akala ko ba mag kaibigan kayo. And will you let me finish? Or else this is all you'll get." Her sister said in the most sarcastic way.

"It was really a big car accident three years ago. I don't know when was it exactly? Perhaps March or April.. And it was a miracle that she made it. Fractures, bruises and other injury lang ang na tamo niya at wala ng iba pa." Para naman dinudurog ang puso niya sa kanyang naririnig. Paanong hindi niya alam ito?

"B.. But, her baby was gone.. Na kunan siya dahil sa aksidente.." Halos madurog ang kanyang puso sa kanyang mga naririnig. Kaya marahil ito hindi nakapag martsa noong graduation nila.

"W... What? The baby was gone? I know she was pregnant at that time dahil sinabi niya na mag ninong daw ako para sa anak niya. But, this is the first time I heard about this." He can't help but get angry to himself. Wala man lang siyang nagawa para dito.

"And you still like her?" Her sister asked him.

"I like her before and now, I'm really certain that I really love her. No doubts about it. I promise to myself that I will never let her go no matter what." Paninindigan niya sa kapatid. Hindi na niya ito papakawalan at po protektahan niya ito upang hindi na ito muli masaktan pa.

"Mas matindi pa ang tama mo sa utak kaysa sa kanya. Mag sama kayo." May himig na inis na sabi nito sa kanya.

"So, can I visit her regularly?" He asked at her. But, Even she say 'No' he will still visit her.

"Be my guest. I don't care anymore. Pero siguraduhin mo ang gulo na pinapasok mo. Ako ang doktor niya pero aminado ako sa sarili ko na hindi ko alam kung magagamot ko siya o kahit pa paano ay ma ibsan ko ang trauma niya."

"She is just not responding to the treatment but, also don't want to get cured at all. Kahit ang sarili niya ay ayaw niyang tulungan. Ikaw na ang makakapag desisyon niyan Theo. And after you decide, there is no turning back." Paalala pa nito sa kanya.

"I will not step down Ate. I love her." Pagmamatigas niya dito.

"Tomorrow 10am. Is her session with me. Around 1 pm kami matatapos." Her sister said while she is walking away from him.

"Thank you." And he really meant it. And he swear to himself that no one can stop him now. Mamahalin niya ito at aalagaan sa abot ng kanyang makakaya. Hindi na siya papayag na muli pa itong umiyak kahit kailan mas gugustuhin niyang siya ang masaktan at hindi ito.

*****

"Good morning, Isabelle." Bati niya dito kinabukasan habang ito ay naka upo sa wheelchair at binabantayan ng dalawang nurse na lalaki. Sinimangutan naman siya nito imbis na ngumiti. His first goal right now is to make her respond the treatment because he believes that will solve everything right now.

"You are not thinking of running away, right?" Naka ngiti pa din na tanong niya dito. Pinandilatan naman siya nito. At gusto naman niya matawa sa realsyon nito.

"Go to hell, moron." Inis na inis nitong sabi sa kanya. Nilapitan naman niya ito habang papalapit ito sa clinic ng kanyang Ate.

"Get of my fac--

"Tasty, huh? Wala sa ospital niyan. That's grilled barbecue with cheesy bacon." He explain to her. Malaki ang pinayat nito kumpari sa dati. Kaya mabuti kung kakain ito palagi.

"Fine." Tipid na sagot nito.

"I'll se you later." Naka ngiti niyang sabi dito at hindi naman siya nito pinansin. May ilang oras pa siyang nag hintay. Kaya minabuting lumabas muna.

"Kamusta? Fries?" Bati niya dito pag labas nito ng clinic.

"Ayok--

"Sa'yo na 'yan. Bye." Paalam niya dito. Kahit ganoon lang sila ngayon ay masaya pa rin siya na makita ito o maka usap ito kahit napaka hirap.

*****

Ilang linggo pa ang mabilis na lumipas. Hanggang ganoon pa din ang estado nilang dalawa. Hindi nga niya alam kung na tatandaan na ba siya nito o kung kahit pa paano ay curious ito kung sino siya. Minabuti niyang hindi mag pakita dito ngayon at dumiretso na lamang siya sa Ate niya upang maki balita tungkol dito.

"How was she Ate? Hindi ba niya ako hinhanap?" He asked at her sister. Umiling naman ang Ate niya.

"It was not good. She was still not responding to the treatment. And I don't think she is even curious about you." That was not what he expected her to say.

"May be, we should try other strategies." Masakit man ang kanyang narinig ay hindi pa din siya dapat sumuko dahil ngayon siya mas kailangan nito.

"Are you still going to push through this?" Naka kunot noo na tanong ng Ate niya.

"Yes. May be she will not be here tomorrow or until the next day. Bye, Ate I love you." He determinedly said to her.

*****

"Hey, come back here!" Narinig niyang habol ng nurse kay Isabelle habang ito ay tumatakbo mula sa mga ito.

"Shit!" Mura nito.

"Psst! This way!" Tawag niya dito ngunit halatang nag aalinlangan pa itong lumapit sa kanya.

"Bilis! Hayan na sila!" Tawag niya dito at tumakbo naman ito pa lapit sa kanya. Niyakap niya ito kunwari para hindi ito makita ng mga ito.

"What the fuck?! What the hell are you doing?!" Galit na galit na tanong nito sa kanya.

"Shhh.. Ang ingay mo. Baka marinig ka nila."

"Get off me!"

"Fine. Kung iyan ang gusto mo. Bahala kang makita nila." At saka niya ito mabilis na binitawan.

"Sir, did you see a patient going here?" Tanong ng isang lumapit na isang nurse sa kanya. Naramdaman naman niya ang pag yakap nito mula sa likuran.

"Yes. But, I believe she passed that way." Sagot niya sa mga ito at kumindat sa mga ito. Because, he planned all of this. Para mapa lapit dito.

"Thank you." The nurse replied at him pagkatapos ay umalis na.

"Nandiyan pa ba sila?" Tanong nito sa kanya. Gusto pa sana niyang sabihin na nandoon pa para mayakap pa niya ito ng matagal ngunit baka makahalata ito.

"You can now let me go." Biro niya dito at tinulak naman siya nito.

"Kapal!" Bulyaw nito sa kanya at tumawa lang naman siya.

"So, what's your plan?" He asked at her.

"I'm gonna go home.. Saan na nga ba ako naka tira?" Bigla naman na guluhan ito noong huli.

"Are you sure you don't know your home?" Paninigurado niya dito at hindi naman ito muna naka sagot.

"I cannot go home. My nurse will just report me to the hospital and I'll be back to square one again." She honestly said to him.

"Fine, you can come with me temporarily." Alok niya dito kaysa kung saan saan na naman ito mapadpad.

"You are not a rapist, right?" Seryosong tanong nito sa kanya.

"Ha- ha- ha. Of course, not." Natatawa niyang sagot.

"Sure?" Pa habol pa nito habang nag lalakad sila.

"Hell, yes. Ano ka ba?" Na tatawa pa din niyang sagot.

*****

"This is your house?" Tanong nito ng maka pasok sila sa kanilang mansyon.

"Actually, this is our ancestral house." He asnwered.

"The view of the beach is very beautiful! Should I buy a house like this?" Aliw na aliw na sabi nito sa kanya nang dinala niya ito sa kuwarto nito. It was the best guest room they have.

"I'm glad you like it." He felt a bit warmth. Mukhang masaya kasi ito. And that's all he wanted.

"You can have a swim if you want too. And don't worry about anything else. Just have fun here and you can stay here until you wanted." Naka ngiti niyang sabi dito.

"Cool!"

"I'm going to ask the cook to make something special tonight. Para naman maka kain ka ng maayos. And gonna ask them to buy you some clothes. But, for now wear this." Paalam niya dito at inabot ang pinaka maliit niyang damit dito. Inabutan din niya ito ng sleeper.

"T... Thank y..you." Na gulat naman siya ng mag pa salamat ito.

"You will always be welcome Isabelle." He said to her sincerely. Na pansin naman niya na bahagya itong na mula bago siya tuluyang umalis.

Hindi nag tagal ay kumain na sila. Magana itong kumain at kung pagmamasdan ay tila normal naman ito. Ngunit alam niya sa sarili niya na hindi iyon totoo. Madalas ito kasing tulala at tila malalim ang iniisip. May mga oras pa nga kanina na bigla na lamang ito umiiyak mag isa. Para tuloy dinudurog ang kanyang puso dahil wala siyang magawa.

"Dahan dahan, baka naman hindi ka matunawan. Gabi pa naman." Pagkatapos ay pinahid niya ang ka unting sauce sa gilid ng labi nito.

"This is the best meal that I had for the past couple pf months." Naka ngiti na sabi nito sa kanya.

"If you are just staying in your house at hindi ka tumatakas. Hindi ka mawawalan ng ganyang pagkain." Biro niya dito at inirapan naman siya nito.

"Oh, huwag ka ng magalit. Here have some wine." At pinag salin niya ito sa baso. Marunong ba itong uminom? Well, it is just wine.

"Are you sure, you'll give me wine?" Tanong nito sa kanya. And what's that for?

"Thanks." She said and she drink it straight. At pagkatapos nilang kumain ay tumayo na ito at nag tungo sa beach.

"The moon is very beautiful." She said while seating on the beach bed.

"Why's that I felt like this happen before?" He heard her say. She looks a bit confused too.

"Isabelle, are you okay?" Nag aalala niyang tanong ng muntik na itong mahulog sa beach bed. Minabuti na niya itong lapitan.

"My head is a bit spinning." Reklamo nito habang naka hawak sa sentido nito.

"I told you to stop drinking, pang ilan mo na ba 'yan?" Sermon niya dito dahil mukhang ika dalawang bote na nito ng wine.

"H.. Hey, what's wrong?"

"I don't know. I felt like crying. My heart hurts... I don't know why.." She start crying so much. Para naman siyang tinulos na kandila sa kinatatayuan. Dinudurog ng munting mga luha sa mata nito ang kanyang puso ng unti unti. She's miserable, very. She is in so much pain. Kung puwede lang niya kunin ang buong sakit, gagawin niya.

"I.. It's okay, you can c..cry all you want.. I'm here.." He said while he is trembling while holding her. Hindi niya namalayan na pati pala siya ay umiiyak na.

"Ang sakit sakit naman. Bakit ganito?" She said while crying in agony. Tumingala ito sa kanya at niyakap na lamang niya ito ng mas mahigpit pa.

"That's why I'm here. I will share on your burden and lessen it. I will help you recover and I will never let you go, ever again.." That's a fact.

"I know you can conquer this, Isabelle. You're way much better than this. And you just need time. Time to move on and time to slowly forget about everything. And we'll take it one step forward each day." His tears are starting to fall dahil sa labis na awa para dito. If he can just bring back time. Dapat ay pinag laban niya ito kaysa nagpa ubaya siya.

"I'll be here for you forever. I promise. So, just stay still with me.." He said whilw holding her tightly determinedly.

"D.. Do you know that promises always betrayed me? I d..don't know why..." She said in the most blank and sarcastic way she can and she passed out.

"Isabelle! Isabelle!" Natataranta niyang tawag dito. At mabuti na lamang at na tutulog lang ito. Binuhat niya ito at dinala pa punta sa kuwarto nito.

"You can rest all you want, Babe. Just think that this is just a nightmare and soon you'll wake up. I love you." And he kissed her forehead.

-----

"Oh, hello there sleepy head. Good morning, how was your sleep?" Masigla niyang bati kay Isabelle nang bumaba ito sa sala. Para naman na laglag ang puso niya ng makita ang magulo nitong buhok na halatang kagigising lang. She looks so, damn cute.

"Stop staring me. Ikaw yata ang hindi na tulog." Mababa ang boses na sita nito sa kanya.

"My bad. I just found you cute right now." He said to her.

"Stupid." She said while rolling her eyes.

"Ha- ha. C'mon let's eat." Natatawang yaya na lamang niya dito. Hindi niya alam kung anong nangyari pero bakit yata napaka tahimik nito ngayon? At hindi ito kasing gana kahapon kumain.

"Is there something wrong? May masakit ba sa'yo? Or hangover yan? Do you want medicine?" Nag aalala niyang tanong ng hindi na siya naka tiis. Inalis nito ang mga mata sa plato nito at nag angat ng ulo. She looks straight in his eye.

"I don't need medicine." Malamig na tanggi nito sa kanya. Na pa buntong hininga naman siya at binitawan ang kutsara at tinidor niya.

"Kailan pa bumalik ang alaala mo?" Tanong niya dito. At hindi man lang ito na gulat sa tanong niya.

"It is coming back after I drink the next day. So, I believe I can leave right now." She sarcastically said to him.

"And where do you think you'll go?" Tanong niya dito at nilapitan na ito.

"Mind your own business. Kaya ko ang sarili ko." Matigas nitong sabi.

"But, I am not seeing anything right now that you are capable of." Balik niya dito at humarang sa harapan nito.

"I'm not asking for your permission so, move." She said angrily.

"I will never let you leave this house. Until you, come back from your sanity." Matigas na sabi nito sa kanya at seryoso ito.

"Blah, blah. Whatever. Don't need your opinion. Move." She did not give a damn at all. Nilagpasan niya ito.

"Do you think this is what your child wanted you to be like?" Hindi na pigilan bulalas ni Theo dito. Hanggang sa maramdaman na lang nito ang hapdi sa mukha dahil sa pagkaka samapal sa niya dito.

"Y... You don't know h.. how I feels. And how hard I am living right now, ng mawala ang anak ko. Araw araw ko hinihiling na sana hindi na lang ako magising para magkasama na kami. Na sana, hindi na lang ako na ligtas sa aksidente." She said it in the most painful way she can. Na gulat naman ito sa kanya.

"Na sana bangungot na lamang ito." At tuluyan ng pumatak ang kanyang luha. Hanggang sa tinatawag na lamang nito ang pangalan niya ngunit nawalan na siya ng malay.

"Where am I?" How many times did she already say that? Nasa hindi pamilyar siyang lugar ng siya ay mag mulat ng mga mata. Bigla naman siyang nanigas ng bigla na lamang may yumakap sa kanya.

"I'm sorry, for saying those words to you. Hindi ko na iyon uulitin. But, please let me stay with you. Let me take care of you. Let me heal your pain one by one." Hingi nito ng paumanhin sa kanya. Hindi naman niya alam ang mararamdaman.

"I'm sorry, Belle. I should not leave you at that time. I should've fight for you. But, I just really can't see you like that. And I don't care if it takes a decade or a millennium to heal you. I will stay by your side even forever. I promise, so just let me be." He said to her.

"Why are you the one saying sorry?" She asked at him. Bakit nga ba? Hindi naman ito ang may kasalan at hindi naman siya responsibilidad nito. They just know each other and that's all. Why is he this concerned to her?

Wala siyang ginawa kung hindi sungitan at laitin ito. At saktan at pag salitaan pa ng mga masasakit na salita. And how come he is still like this? Is he an idiot? Ngunit may warmth na tila humaplos sa kanyang puso.

"Because, I love you and I don't want to see you getting hurt." He declared at her. May ilang sandali naman siya hindi nakapag salita.

"You should be not that desperate just to make me admit to that psycho hospital. Its not even funny." Balik niya dito ng walang ka emosyon emosyon man lamang.

"I'm dead serious. I love you." Ulit pa nito and he kissed her forehead. Binatukan naman niya ito. At ngumisi lang ito. She start standing.

"Wh.. Where are you going? I'm sorry, hindi na ma uu--

"Shut up, Theo. And stop saying sorry because it was not even your fault." Putol niya dito and she smiles a little bit.

"Buy me clothes, I'll just take a bath." Utos niya dito.

"Huh?" Naguguluhan namang bulalas nito.

"It's Monday right? I believe I have an appointment with your sister." She said as if nothing. Mas lalo naman itong na gulat sa kanya.

"Bring a lot of good sandwiches too." Bilin pa niya bago tuluyang umalis.

It has been three years already. May be, that is already a lot of time to cry. She is not forgetting her dearest Riley, it is just that she needs to move forward for her child as well. Hindi naman siguro nito gusto makita na ang ina nito ay hanggang ganito na lang. Para sa anak niyang alam niyang nasa langit na.

-----

"Nag iba yata ang ihip ng hangin?" His elder sister can't help but, say to her.

"It is still the same because buhay pa tayo." She said in the most sweetest way.

"So, you can even joke." The woman said to her.

"That is a fact actually." Balik niya dito.

"I don't like you for my brother." She said honestly.

"Ate!" Pigil ni Theo dito.

"And I don't plan liking him too." She said cooly.

"So, just you know my name is Rence Isabelle Legaspi. I am the standing chairwoman of Legaspi Mall and the major owner as well." Pagpapakilala niya dito. May ilang sandali itong hind nakapag salita. Tinignan nito si Theo at tumango ito dito.

"Hope that can change your mind because, my company is still the number 1." Dagdag pa niya at saka ngumiti.

"I hate her." Na iinis na sabi ng ate niya.

"C'mon, Ate just do it na. I'll be waiting here." Na tatawa niyang sabi.

-----

"Ayoko na! Hindi na ako babalik!" Na iinis na sigaw niya habang sinarado ang pinto ng pagka lakas lakas.

"What's happening?" Theo asked her.

"Your sister is a psychopath! Mas malala pa siya sa akin." Na iinis na reklamo niya.

"W.. Why? What did she to you?"

"I just asked how was her fir--

"Shut up!" Pulang pulang sita niya.

"What's wrong about tha--

"Hindi na kami babalik!" Sabay nilang sabi ni Theo at nag walk out na. Tumawa lang ito ng malakas. But, the next day she still comes back with Theo.

Araw araw silang nag aaway ng Ate nito hanggang sa naging natural na lamang iyon sa kanila. Hanggang ang araw araw ay naging isang bese kada linggo at hanggang sa naging once a month. And once a month turns into once every six months. Hindi nila namalayan na lumipas na pala ang apat na taon.

"How was she?" He asked to his sister.

"She is doing fine. She is almost normal. Huwag mo lang siya pag iisipin ng nakaraan niya at mag papaalala ng mga bagay na masasakit sa kanya."

"The medication is also taking effect. She just needs to come here every six months for the maintenance medicine and therapy as well. But, most probably don't let her depend on her anxiety and sleeping pills. So, she can back to normal."

"I understand, Ate. Maraming salamat." Naka ngiti niyang sabi dito.

"I just love you kaya ko ito ginagawa. Don't need to thank me, now you should think carefully. You can still back out from her dahil mabuti na siya. Kaya na niyang tumayo ulit sa mga paa niya. Kaya hindi mo na kailngan mag alala pa."

"Bago ka pa tuluyang masaktan."

"I will be o--

"No, you will not. I am her psychiatrist and I know what she is thinking and how she feels. And trust me I just cured her mentality not her heart. So, please for your sake just stop this until you still ca--

"I really can't, Ate. I love her. I really do. Matagal ko ng alam 'yan. Mahalin man niya ako o hindi. I just want her to be happy and I just want to stay by her side." He smiles bitterly.

"May be, you have to set an appointment in my clinic." His Ate say to him.

"Do, whatever you want. We will just be here for you." His Ate smiles bitterly too.

"Theo, kanina pa kita hinahnap. C'mon, let's eat lunch. Ginutom ako." Naka ngiting lapit nito sa kanila.

"Hey, Ate don't brain wash Theo." Sita niya dito.

"Wala akong kapatid na ba--

"Ha- ha, you just had one! Sorry! Chow, Ate see you in six months. Huwag kang mag alala, dadalawin kita kapag gusto kitang asarin." She teased her.

"Should I admit you ag--

"Theo, let's run!" Takot niyang yaya dito.

-----

Belle, I'll see you tonight in Mirza del Al at 07:00pm. Let's have a good dinner. She got a text from Theo. And she replied ok. Bakit naman sa hotel pa sila mag dinner?

And because their dinner is formal she dressed up in a formal wear too. Wearing her navy green Valentino gown that suits her tan colored skin. It was a simple sleeveless with a high slit gown. Itinali niya ang kanyang buhok ng bun and she just put light make up with just long earrings. She also wear five inches heels.

She is now living in her condo again. But, most of the time in Theo's house kasi mas komportable doon. May be, she should buy mansion too. But, may bahay naman si Theo kaya hindi na siguro kailngan. Pag baba niya sa kanyang condo ay may Mercedes Benz na itim ng naghi- hintay sa kanya. Na pa sipol naman siya.

"Nagpapa guwapo si Theo.." Naka ngiti niyang bulalas. She is actually a bit excited dahil it's been a while since she dressed up this nice at she missed living a normal life.

"Ms. Legaspi, this way please." Salubong sa kanya ng isang employee and he guides her in where Theo was. Bumukas ang pinto ng isang restaurant. Nandoon si Theo naka tayo habang tila kinakabahan na naghihintay sa kanya.

"D.. Don't look at me like t..that." Na iiling niyang saway dito dahil mariin itong naka titig sa kanya.

"Sorry, I just find you too beautiful tonight. So, I can't help it. Have a seat." Lalo naman siyang na ilang sa sinabi nito.

"And what is the special occasion na kailangan pa natin mag fine dining?" She asked at him while cracking a joke. But, he did not buy it. Seryoso pa din ito at tila kinakabahan. Ano ba nangyayari dito?

"Starting from now on we'll have fine dining very often." Naka ngiti naman na sagot nito.

(What's he saying?) She said to herself being confused. Hindi nag tagal ay kumain na sila. And Theo is really so, awkward. Ano kaya nangyayari dito? Balisa din kasi ito na tila kinakabahan.

"H.. Hey, Theo. Masama ba pakiramdam mo? Gusto mo ba umuwi na tayo? We can continue this any other da---

"N.. No! Walang uuwi. S.. Sorry, I'm fine." Naghihisterya nitong sabi sa kanya.

"Fine. But, you know you are really weird tonight. Are you hiding something?" Hindi niya mapigilan na sabihin.

"What do you mean? I'm fine. Please, just trust me with this. And don't ask to many questions."

"Huh? Naghahanap ka ba ng away?" She hissed at him.

"N.. No, sorry. Let's just enjoy the dinner. The food is great, right?" Pag iiba niya ng usapan. Ininom niya muli ang wine. Hindi niya alam kung nakaka ilang baso na siya niyon. All he know is he needs that.

"O.. Okay, but tell me if you are not feeling well. I don't want you to force yourself to finish this dinner lalo na't masama pakiramdam mo." Nag aalalang sabi nito sa kanya.

"Thank you." Naka ngiti niyang sabi at tila nawala lahat ng kaba niya. He can do it and he have to do it. At lumabas na nga ang pinaka hihintay na dessert. Finally, it's showtime. Inubos niya muna ang wine na laman ng kanyang baso. Tumayo siya upang palitan ang pianist.

"H.. Huh? What are you doing?" Nagtatakang tanong nito sa kanya.

"I just want to play this song for you." And he starts playing the song. He plays the best song that can describe his love to her. And it is "I will always love you". He looks at her while he was playing every piece of it na parang ang kanta na ang nagsa sabi ng lahat ng kanyang nararamdaman.

He loves her so much. And no words can explain that. Pagkatapos ay tumayo na siya at dahan dahan siyang lumapit dito. Kinuha niya ang kamay nito at hinalikan iyon. Dahan dahan siyang lumuhod sa harapan nito at kinuha sa kanyang bulsa ang isang navy blue na jewelry box. Binuksan niya iyon na may laman na 6 carat diamond ring. Taimtim naman itong naka tingin sa kanya.

"Isabelle, I know that you've had through a lot. Kaya hayaan mo akong alagaan at mahalin ka. Hindi kita sasaktan pangako. Just give me a chance to stay forever by your side. At ako na ang pi--

"Shut up." She said at hinila ito upang halikan. Nakita naman niyang gulat na gulat ito.

"Ang daming sinabi. I love you too. And please don't do those kind of things. It is too cheesy." Saway niya dito.

"W.. Wha--

"I said I love you too. At matagal na akong nakapag decide na kung magmamahal akong muli. Ikaw na ang mamahalin ko. Because, you always make me feel secured, loved and cared." She confessed at him. Ngunit, totoo naman iyon.

"You always do unbelievable things for me. And thank you for that."

"Hindi mo alam kung gaano ako nagpapasalamat sa mga iyon. And also, thank you for not giving up on me. Dahil ako man hindi ko alam na kaya ko pa palang muling mag mahal." She sincerely said those words to him na alam niyang matagal na nitong hinhintay. Hindi niya namalayan pumapatak na pala ang kanyang mga luha.

"I Love you more. Shhhh. Don't cry." Sabi nito at niyakap siya matapos isuot ang singsing sa kanyang daliri.

"Ikaw kasi!" Natatawa niyang sabi at pinalo ito. Dahan dahan nitong nilapit ang mukha nito sa kanya. At dahan dahan siyang hinalikan. Tinugon naman niya iyon at na pa ungol naman ito. Pinalo niya muli ito.

"Okay, okay. I'll stop." Natatawang sabi nito nang ma realize nito ang ginagawa nito. Pulang pula naman siya. Hinalikan siya nito sa noo at bumulong ng 'I love you' sa kanya.

"How should we go home? My house or your house?" He asked while they are in his car.

"And because you confessed to me that would be your circumstances. I'll go home in my house and you'll go in your house." Naka ngiti niyang ngisi dito.

"H.. Huh?! That's unfair! You are always staying in my house and spending the n--

"But, that is when we are not yet in relationship. And now, if I continue to do that I'll be in danger." Saway niya dito.

"Fine, I'll just buy a house near your pad. Para hindi ako masyadong malayo sa'yo." He cooly said na ikinatawa niya.

"Do whatever you want."

"Are you sure?" Seryoso nitong tanong habang naka tingin sa kanyang mga labi. Dahan dahan itong lumapit at hinalikan siyang muli.

"This is what I'm saying, when I said dangerous. Just visit me often and I'll visit you a lot. Let's take everything slow, okay?" She said and give him again a kiss.

"Pa salamat ka mahal kita." Tila may himig na reklamo nito na ikina tawa niya muli.

-----

Los Angeles California, U.S.A.

Present time.

Yes, babe? Bakit ka tumatawag? Theo asked her in the other line.

"Wala lang. I just miss you, 'yun lang." She said, lying. Gusto lang niya humugot ng lakas mula dito.

Nagla lambing ang ale. I miss you more. But, wait.. You are still on your pad? I thought you had a meeting? Nagtatakang tanong nito.

"Yep, I cancelled the meeting. C'mon let's see a movie today." Yaya niya dito.

Hmmmm.. This is new. Alright, mag paalam lang ako sa secretary ko. I'll see you in 30 minutes. Hindi ko yata kayang tanggihan ang paglalambing mo. May himig na katuwaan na sabi nito.

"Ok. Mag bihis lang ako. I love you." Naka ngiting sabi niya and he heard him say I love you more.

-----

"Theo, just tell me if you don't want me to go back to the Philippines. I'll understand naman." She said at him while they are watching the movie in the theater. May ilang sandali itong hindi nag salita pagkatapos ay nag buga ng hangin.

"I really don't want you to go back to the Philippines. Dahil sa mga masasakit at masasamang mga pangyayari noon. But, I can't control everything. And I realized that one day, we both really have to go home." He honestly, said to her.

"And may be, that time is really now. Don't worry about anything. Dahil sasamahan naman kita. I told you that I will be by your side forever, di' ba? Kaya hindi kita iiwanan. We'll face it together. So, just please don't think too much. Alam mong masama iyan sa'yo." Hinawakan nito ng mahigpit ang kamay niya habang naka tingin ito ng mariin sa kanya.

"But, promise me one thing. That you will never lie to me. And even it hurts to death you'll tell me the truth." Hiling nito sa kanya at tumango siya pagkatapos ay niyakap niya ito.

"I love you." She said.

"I love you more. So, just bare the one week that I'm not around. I'll just finish everything I have to here at susunod ako sa'yo doon." Pangako nito sa kanya.

-----

"Ninang! Ninang!" Sigaw ni Tanya mula sa malayo. Naka ngiti ang siyam na taong gulang na bata sa kanya habang siya ay sinasalubong.

"Hi, kiddo. Long time no see." Bati niya dito habang yakap yakap siya nito.

"Kamusta, ang flight mo Isabelle?" Rihanna asked at her.

"It's fine, Rihanna. Kamusta na kayong dalawa? Let's have lunch?" Yaya niya sa mga ito.

"I didn't think that you'll really go back here again." Hindi mapigilang sabi nito habang sila ay kumakain.

"Me too." She said honestly too.

"Are you okay? You look much thinner than the last time I saw you. May masakit ba sa'yo?" Rihanna asked her. Mukhang wala talaga siyang maitatago dito.

"I'm fine. By the way, I have a lot of toys just for you." Sabi niya kay Tanya.

"Talaga? Thank you po Ninang!" Masayang masaya na sabi nito. Inabot niya dito lahat ng laruan at damit niyang dala na lalong ikina tuwa nito.

"You are spoiling her too much." Saway ng Nanay nito.

"Can you give me a ride to my home?"

"Hindi ka ba nagpa sundo kila Nana?"

"I.. I don't wanna see a lot of drama when I just got back here. I am still taking it slow dahil hindi pa ako ganoon ka handa para buma--

"Shhh.. I'm sorry sa kadaldalan ko. I will not asked any question that will confused you. Don't worry, we'll drive you home. Right, Tanya?" Hingi nitong pa umanhin at hinawakan ng mahigpit ang kanyang kamay.

*****

Oh, yeah! Rence is back!

Rock N' Roll!

Ang pinaka hihintay na reunion ay malapit na!

Hooray!

I am broken hearted so, this will be the source of my happiness and romance!

Rey and Rence will meet again! Plus Theo and the witch!

Heto na ang pinaka hihintay natin!

Show time!