Special Chapter

Lucas Andriene Clemente

When I saw her the first time, she was patiently waiting on a couch for his boyfriend. The command's vocalist, she was just there not minding the people around her. She seems very quite and snob, she never looked at anyone even me. But she always looks excited whenever her boyfriend is around. I guess she really is in love with him, I can only see emotion in her when he's around.

My cousin, Samantha wanted me to get close to her and honestly I wasn't interested at all. She never talk to anyone except to his boyfriend. She never smiled nor glance at anyone but him. I don't think we could ever get along. She seems very distant when it comes to other people, so I focused on my reason for staying there. To look after my cousin. She's very stubborn and I'm the only one who can tame her, she got no choice.

"Lucas! Hindi mo naman siya kinakausap. Nakita ko kayo kanina, hindi mo naman siya nilapitan. Paano kayo magiging close?" naiinis na sita niya sa akin isang beses matapos nilang mag meeting ng Command.

"I told you, I don't think we'll get along. I'm not even sure if she knows I'm beside her," walang ganang sagot ko sa pinsan ko.

"But at least talk to her. You have to get her attention okay? She should stop manipulating Xav."

I shook my head in disbelief, she's very spoiled. She always get what she wants and now, she want to get his ex boyfriend back.

"Can't you just move on? That guy can't even fight for you. Why would you settle to him?"

"You don't understand, Lucas. He has no choice, his father won't let him. And his girlfriend is taking advantage of that."

I sighed, I can't believe my cousin is this in love with that guy. And his girlfriend, how can she let his boyfriend flirt with my cousin? What is she, a martyr?

"I don't want to get involved Sam," I said in finality.

I may spoil her so much in other things but not in this. Of course, I want her to be happy but I don't want her to hurt other people just to get what she wanted. And besides, she deserves better. Hindi niya kailangan ng lalaking hindi siya kayang piliin kahit pa anong dahilan ang mayroon ang lalaking iyon.

Para sa akin kapag mahal ko ang isang tao, hindi na niya kailangang gumawa ng kahit na ano para piliin ko siya. Wala siyang kailangan gawin dahil wala ng tanong tanong. Laging siya ang pipiliin ko, gusto man ng ibang tao o hindi. Hindi niya kailangan makihati dahil nag iisa lang siya.

"Mind if I join you here?" I asked, when I saw her sitting on the couch again waiting for his boyfriend.

Hindi siya umimik pero tumango para malaman ko na ayos lang sa kanya na umupo ako sa tabi niya.

"Do you really have to wait for him? May lakad kayo after?" I tried to ask her to start a conversation but she just nodded.

I smiled to hide my disbelief. Is she really like this?

Bumaling ulit ako sa kanya para sana kausapin siya ulit pero tumayo siya at umalis ng wala man lang sinasabi na kahit ano.

I smirked and felt thrilled for the first time. I didn't know what gotten into me but after that day every time she spends her time waiting for his boyfriend, I keep on approaching her. Trying to get at least a short conversation but she always refuses to talk to me and most of the time, walks out.

That didn't stop me from approaching her though. I saw her waiting for a taxi to leave the building and called her.

"Veronica!"

She stopped for a while before turning to me, smiling.

"Hi," parang nahihiya na sagot sabi niya sa akin.

"Paalis ka na? Wala ba rito si Xavier?" nakangiting tanong ko sa kanya.

"Andyan siya sa taas. May importante silang pag uusapan ng Samantha kaya umalis na muna ako. Uuwi na rin ako ngayon dahil may nakalimutan akong gawain."

Para siyang nag mamadali at di mapakali habang kausap ako, pansin din ang lungkot sa mga mata niya na sigurado akong dahil kay Xavier at Sam.

"Ihahatid na kita, gusto mo?" nakangiti paring alok ko sa kanya. Hindi pinapahalata na pansin ko ang lungkot sa mga mata niya.

Sa totoo lang ay hindi ko gusto ang ginagawa ni Samantha at Xavier. Kung ako ang masusunod ay hindi ko gugustuhing mapunta ang kahit na sino sa kanilang dalawa sa lalaking iyon.

"Nako hindi na, ayos lang. Dito na ako sa taxi sasakay. Baka bigla kang kailanganin ni Samantha at parehas pa tayong malagot kung malaman niyang umalis ka para ihatid ako," pag kukumbinsi niya sa akin na parang nag aalangan pa sa sasabihin.

"Sigurado ka ba? Hindi naman mamasamain ni Samantha iyon, panigurado."

Sinubukan kong maging masigla ang alok sa kanya pero hindi parin maalis ang tamlay sa kanyang mga mata.

"Ayos lang talaga Lucas. Sige, mauna na ako may gagawin pa kasi ako. Salamat nalang sa offer."

Tumalikod siya sa akin at nag mamadaling sumakay sa taxi. Pinag masdan ko naman ang pag alis noon at kumaway pa kahit na hindi naman niya makikita.

I'm not sure of the reason why I suddenly felt concerned about her but I choose to cover it with the thought of protect my cousin.

I already told her to stop meddling with his ex but both of them wouldn't stop. Mahal nila ang isa't isa na kaya nilang piliing makasakit ng iba.

"You should find someone better, Sam."

"Why do you want me to stop, Lucas? Sabihin mo nga sa akin, naaawa ka ba sa babaeng yun?" naiinis na kumpronta niya sa akin.

Nandito siya sa condo ko, galit na galit dahil nalaman niyang sinamahan ko si Veronica kanina habang nasa meeting sila at pinakiusapan ako ni Xavier na sunduin ang girlfriend niya sa trabaho.

"Why don't you choose someone else, Sam? You're beautiful and talented, why do you have to love someone that couldn't fight for you? Nakakasakit lang kayo ng iba. "

Umiling siya sa sinabi ko bago muling nag salita, "Bakit ako? Hindi ba ako nasasaktan Lucas? Mahal ko si Xavier at mahal din niya ako. Alam ng babaeng yun ang totoo, pero selfish siya kaya kahit alam niyang hindi siya mahal ipinagpipilitan niya parin ang sarili niya!" galit na paliwanag niya sa akin.

"At alam mo din na hindi ka gusto ng papa ni Xavier, Sam. Ipagpipilitan mo din ba ang sarili mo?" marahang tanong ko sa kanya.

Mas nagalit lang siya sa akin at sinampal ako, hinayaan ko lang siya at pinag masdang mabuti.

"Xavier loves me and that's the only thing that matters to me. I don't care if all of you wouldn't agree, I love him and I'll do everything to be with him. And you, you better start controlling yourself Lucas. You can't like that manipulative girl," mariing sambit niya bago padabog na umalis.

I sighed heavily. She's right, I can't like Veronica. I can't like her because she's not yet done loving someone else.

I tried to control myself and keep my distance to her but she's so hard to refuse nor avoid. Getting to know her and spending much of my time hanging on to my friend's company where she works just to watch her doing her work, I couldn't get a hold of myself. Before I could even stop, I already fall.

I was looking at her while she was busy listening to their lecturer, until now she thinks I'm Samantha's driver. I let her think that way because I didn't mind, she's cute. I like it when she looks worried that I might be fired because I am with her.

She was busy sketching while I was busy watching her. I have never been fascinated by anything, I have seen different countries and discover hidden paradise all over the world but nothing looked like her. She's not beautiful, she's breathtaking and she is not even aware of that.

I looked at her again and saw her talking to her pair, they were slightly laughing while she was blushing. I smiled and took out my phone to take a picture of her. 

I was busy at my phone for some work when their mentor show her favorite works by the participants. And I couldn't hid my smile when I saw her work, it was me. She sketched me, while she didn't even look at me. I'm sure she didn't, nakatitig lang ako sa kanya kaya imposibleng hindi ko makita kung lumilingon  siya sa akin.

She looked at me very embarrassed, I just smiled at her that made her blush more. Hindi naman ito ang unang beses na nakita ko siyang nahihiya sa akin pero iyon ang naging simula ng patuloy na pagtanaw ko sa kanya.

-

"What did he tell you? Come on tell me," I asked Veronica. She looks worried and hurt that made me want to hug her tight.

"Is he bothering you?" I asked.

She couldn't look at me straight.

"Sinaktan ka ba nya Veronica?"

"Hindi," mahinang sagot niya.

Huminga ako ng malalim at pilit na ikinalma ang sarili. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang magagawa ko kung sakaling sinaktan siya ng lalaking iyon.

"What did he tell you then? Why are you avoiding me? What's wrong baby? Please tell me," I asked her, looking straight to her eyes.

"Hey, please look at me. What are you thinking? Tell me please," I asked a bit frustrated. She bit her lower lip and calmed herself before looking at me.

"Galit sya Lucas," she whispered.

"He still affects you this hard huh?" I chuckled without humor. I distanced myself to her and sighed. I bit my lower lip as I felt a sudden pain in my chest.

"Do you still like him?" I asked after a while.

"I still like him, but hm, I think I'm-"

She tried to come close to me but I stepped back, "Right. What do I expect? Okay then. I think I should go," I couldn't look at her. I felt my heart hurt and that's when I know this is not just a feeling anymore.

I love her more than I allowed myself.

-

I distanced myself to her once again, I tried to avoid her and contain myself from going to her. Pero kahit pa hindi ko siya nilalapitan ay lagi lang akong nakasunod sa kanya. Kaya ng malaman ko ang nangyari sa interview nina Xavier at ng kanilang banda ay agad akong pumunta sa bahay nila kinabukasan.

I saw her go out so I followed her. Pumunta siya sa isang restaurant na pag-aari ng pamilya ni Xavier. Hindi naman siya sobrang nag tagal doon at umuwi din agad. Nang masigurong nasa loob siya ng apartment ay umuwi ako para tawagan si Ramiel. Isa sa mga trained body guards ng pamilya namin na halos kaedad ko lang, ang papa niya ay nag tatrabaho para sa parents ko kaya naging mag kaibigan kami noon pa man.

I told him to watch for Veronica's safety. Dahil sa statement ng ex boyfriend niya, sigurado akong pagkakaguluhan siya ng media.

Kinausap ko din ang kaibigan kong si Giob ang boss niya, para sa sitwasyon ni Veronica. He understands how much I care for her.

Kinagabihan ay lalo lang naging matunog ang issue sa interview ng banda nila Xavier. I wanted to punch him but Veronica's safety and privacy is my priority right now. Tinawagan ko ang best friend niya at ipinaliwanag ang plano ko. She was confused and a bit hesitant but still agreed after our long conversation.

At morning we headed to Gail's house and do as we planned. I saw her looking weak and worried that made me want to hug her and protect her from everything. Bigla kong nakalimutan na pinipigilan ko ang sarili ko sa kanya, gusto ko nalang siyang hawakan at itago sa lahat.

Umiiwas ako ng tingin sa kanya at paminsan minsan lang sumusulyap para pigilan ang sarili na yakapin siya. Ramdam ko lang ang titig niya pero pinilit ko paring hindi pansinin iyon. We executed our plan and it worked. Pag dating sa condo ni Gail ay dumating din ang kaniyang mga bodyguards. Doon pa lang ako nakaalis at nakasunod kina Veronica na pumunta sa bahay ng kapatid ko.

I saw her eating dinner with my sister but I refuse to let myself stare at her. I miss her so much but I don't want to confuse her. We planned to go to our rest house in Pangasinan early in the morning. After discussing our plan, I decided to go to the room where she is. Nakahiga siya pero hindi pa natutulog, hindi din siya kumilos ng marinig na pumasok ako pero tumingin din matapos ang ilang sandali. 

Naupo siya at sumandal sa headboard ng kama. Agad din siyang umiwas ng tingin sa akin at pinaglaruan nalang ang kanyang mga daliri para makaiwas sa titig ko.

"Sorry," mahinang sambit niya. "You don't have to do this Lucas, ahm, I mean nag papasalamat ako na tinutulungan mo ako pero hindi naman kailangan. Uuwi na ako bukas sa apartment, kakausapin ko si Gail para hindi na siya tumuloy dito."

Kita ko ang kaba sa kanya habang sinasabi iyon, hindi din siya makatingin sa akin kaya lalo lang akong napahugot ng malalim na pag hinga at sumandal sa sofa.

"Sorry for the trouble I've caused. I don't know how to repay your kindness and help but I'm really thankful for this. Pero okay na ito, salamat. Hindi na kailangang umalis pa bukas dahil uuwi na rin ako. I'll face them to end this issue," mahinang sambit nya, tumawa ako ng mahina para maitago ang inis ko. 

Ayaw ko siyang guluhin pero hindi ko kayang pabayaan lang siya, kaya ano ba nag iniisip niya at gusto niyang umalis?

"You are not going anywhere. Matulog ka na at maaga ang aalis bukas papuntang Pangasinan. You are not facing anyone there Veronica Marchella," mariing sambit ko tsaka lumapit sa kanya pero ibinalot niya ang sarili niya sa kumot.

I wanted to give her space, I don't want to confuse her. If she still likes his ex, I don't want to add another burden to her.

-

"Lucas, is everything ready?" Samantha called me to ask if everything was ready.

She was too excited for us, she keeps on asking if everything was prepared. I am excited too but I have to contain it so Veronica wouldn't know we prepared something for her.

"Everything is perfectly prepared, Sam. I'm on my way to our house. I fetched sister Mona and Paopao at hinatid sila kay Ram. Pupunta na din kami pagkatapos mag handa," sagot ko sa pinsan ko.

"Alright, see you there. Happy anniversary!" she said and then ended the call.

Tonight is our 2nd wedding anniversary. Though Veronica thought this party is for Gail's advanced birthday celebration, planado iyon para hindi siya mag duda.

"Baby, I'm home."

Bungad ko iyon ng makapasok sa bahay, sinalubong naman niya ako ng yakap at halik.

"Everything's fine?" she asked. Ang sabi ko sa kanya kanina ay pinapatawag ako ng Daddy para mag usap. Para hindi siya mag taka sa pag alis ko.

"Yes baby," iyon lang ang nasabi ko at muli siyang hinalikan.

Tumawa naman siya at lumayo tsaka ako hinila paakyat sa kwarto.

"Mag handa na tayo para sa party ni Gail. Sabi niya ay huwag daw tayo mag papalate. Pinag bantaan pa nila ako," she said sweetly.

I smiled and kissed her forehead, she's always beautiful and breathtaking. I wouldn't mind looking at her for the rest of my life.

Nag handa kaming dalawa para sa party. She was wearing a body tight champaigne dress and a strappy heels in the same color. She tied her hair in a loose bun and wore a simple make up.

"You're breathtaking, wife."

She smiled when I whispered that to her.

"You're handsome, husband."

I kissed her again and I always love how she kisses me back. It always made me feel like the heaven sent so much blessings to me for having her as my wife.

Matapos mag handa ay dumiretso kami sa venue. She was clueless and that made me excited and nervous at the same time.

Bumaba ako ng sasakyan para pagbuksan siya ng pintuan. Sinalubong naman niya ako ng magandang ngiti kaya nabawasan ang aking kaba.

The venue is perfect, it was like the only establishment that is glowing in the middle of the garden. I held her and guide her to the entrance. But before they open the door for us, I turned around to see her and kiss her lips again. I don't think I could ever get enough of her.

I took out a blindfold and blindfolded her.

"Hey, what's going on?" her voice sounds nervous so I kissed her again.

Bumalik ako sa tabi niya para maalalayan siya. Pag bukas ng malaking pinto ay sinalubong kami ng mga kaibigan at pamilya namin.

Everyone is smiling and clapping as I guide her, bahagya akong lumapit lalo sa kanya.

"Happy 2nd anniversary, Wife." I whispered and took off her blind fold.

Gulat siyang humarap sa akin tsaka muling tumingin sa lahat. Nandoon sina Gail, Rica, Finn maging ang iba niyang katrabaho. Nakita niya din si Sister Mona at Paopao na nakangiti sa kanya maging sina Xavier, Samantha at ang Command. My parents are present too, my sister is very excited and give her a hug. Ramiel and his team was there too, they become her friends too so they couldn't be absent. The reporter who interviewed her on the auction was invited too, she was taking our pictures and maybe writing something for a magazine.

Everyone was excited and happy, my wife is  overwhelmed with my surprise but it wasn't the end of it. I wanted to make her feel special all the time.

She was talking to some of her friends when I approach her.

"Wife, may I have this dance?" I asked as a slow music started to play in the background.

She turned to me and smiled beautifully, "Of course, husband."

"Excuse us ladies," paalam ko sa mga kausap niya.

I took her to the center of the venue. We danced with the rhythm of the music as I whisper how thankful I am that she had given me a chance to spend the rest of my life with her.

"I have told you this a million of times already and I will keep on saying it until we get old. I have never loved someone this way before, you are the first and the only. You have changed my life and put colors to it. You have put spices and made it worth living. The heaven and earth knows how grateful I am that you were given to me."

There's no enough words to express how I feel about her. She's definitely out of my league. She made me fall in love, made me whipped and fascinated.

"Husband, you were the only person I fully loved. There's no similar feelings, there's no other love that felt this way other than yours. Thank you for making me feel special. I have a gift for you," she whispered as she slowly caressed my face.

I always love her touch, she made me feel soft. She made me feel that it was okay to loosen up and free myself.

"You don't have to give me a gift, baby. You're more than enough," I said.

"Shh, I love you daddy."

Everything around me stopped as I heard her say that. I stopped swaying and look at her, shocked. She smiled at me with a tears at the side of her cheeks.

"We're having a baby!" I couldn't contain myself and just exploded out of excitement and overwhelming happiness.

Doon ko lang narinig ang sigawan at palakpakan ng mga bisita namin. Niyakap ko naman agad ang asawa ko na umiiyak din gaya ko dahil sa saya.

"God, thank you! I love you, baby. I love you so much," I said with a tears in my eyes.

"I love you more baby," she said and kissed me.

Everyone gathered to us and congratulate us. My parents hugged my wife and my mom cried out of happiness. My sister teased me and congratulate me at the same time.

We haven't been perfect for the past years together but we both grow and learn.

"Congratulations, Vy and Lucas!" bati ng best friend niyang si Gail. Ngumiti ako habang pinapatakan ng halik ang ulo ng aking asawa.

"Congrats!" bati naman ng pinsan ko sabay yakap kay Vy.

"Thank you," sagot niya sa kanila.

"Congrats dude," bati sakin ni Xavier.

"Thank you," sagot ko.

Hindi na ako nakatutok pa sa mga sinasabi nila. Lahat ng atensyon ko ay nasa asawa ko lang na masayang nakikipag usap sa kanila.

I have seen her very happy, contented and at peace when we get married. But tonight I see her whole, this means a lot to her. I promise to love her and our sons and daughters for the rest of my life.

"Congratulations Mr. And Mrs. Clemente," bati ni Shasha ang reporter na naging kaibigan na din namin.

"Thank you, Shash."

Ngumiti ako sa kanya at tumango.

"Would you mind if I ask something?" tanong niya kay Vy.

"Go ahead," my wife answered. Tahimik naman akong nakinig sa kanila.

"When can you say it's the right person for you?" she asked.

My wife turned to me and smiled before turning to Shasha again.

"I honestly don't know. I just found myself realizing I couldn't love someone after him, my husband. When I gave him a chance before, I know he's the only person I would trust my whole life. I guess I knew he's the right person because he completes me. He's my love, contentment and my missing piece. If not him, I wouldn't be loving this way."

Hearing her say that made me want to kiss her so much. I never imagined myself feeling this way towards someone.

She may think that I complete her but the truth is, she's the one who completes me. She's my everything.

I kissed her cheeks and whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too," she answered.

You will only love our children's, after me.

The end.