LOUIE SOVYL "Point Of View"

"What the hell, bro. H'wag mong sabihin na hahanapin nanaman na'tin 'yung babaeng binigyan mo ng panyo noon?" I heard Gian asked as he looked at me in disbelief.

"Ano naman ngayon?" Seryosong sabi ko naman pabalik. "Let me tell you that I didn't force you to come with me asshole."

He tsked. "Grabe! Did she really get your attention? Damn. It's been a years! "

I didn't answer him and just passed him by. The sun is about to set too, so if possible —I would like to go to the house that my resources say.

I heard him calling me but i didn't care about.

I silently rolled my eyes, it's like he's not a policeman when he acts. Aish.

I looked around steadily until my eyes narrowed. I was stunned and my heartbeat gradually quickened. Clinched but true, that slim, hourglass figure! I knew that it's her!

I quietly groan when our eyes met. She had effervescent, champagne-brown eyes. I was stunned, they were dew-pond round. What a view. Parang nakatutunaw at nakakasilaw kung pakatitignan mo. Unlike before, there were no more tears in her eyes —that lightened my chest.

The two of us looked at each other, but it stopped, when Gian called me.
 
"Louie! You brute! Bakit nang-iiwan ko doon?" He growled at me and even managed to hit my shoulder.

I turned to him, papansin talaga ang isang 'to. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko siya naging kaibigan. He just grinned when he saw my expression. Muli kong ibinalik ang tingin sa babaeng matagal nang nakakuha ng atensyon ko. She was holding her chest and seemed to be groaning to something..

I was just about to go where she was,  when suddenly, she turned around and ran. I tilted my head and then sighed loudly. She's so far again, but that's alrigh. I'm sure that our paths will met again.

And I'm right, i didn't know na may silbe rin pala ang pangungulit sa akin ni Lydia. Lydia is my childhood friend, but we are not that close enough hanggang sa palagi niya na akong hinahabol habol. I told her to stop already because i don't love or even like her. But she didn't, she's so persistent.

That unexpected meet up helped me to show Lydia that I really have a girlfriend —which is a lie but who cares? I know that me and Hazel will also go that way. Plus the fact that we both got into websites.

The game of love that is emerging now to find the one. At first, I didn't really believe it. It's just bvllshit and I'm sure of it. But then, everything linked on it shine to my mind.

Everything about us is not just a coincidence, because I believe... That we are destined.

"What do you want to eat?" I asked her as I focus to the road. Ayaw kong mapahamak siya habang kasama ako.

"Kahit ano nalang, hindi naman ako mapili sa pagkain. Yung Japanese dish sana." I bite my lower lip to stopped the smile— forming on my lips.

Damn, binabaliw niya ako.

"You look like a fool, did you know that?" Pinukot ko ng masamang tingin ang gagong 'toh. Nahinto tuloy ako sa pag-iisip ko kay Hazel

"What are you doing here?" Instead of hitting his sarcasm, I asked.

He sat on the sofa, me on the other hand stood up.

"I know that you didn't come here just to annoy me." I added.

"Well, I have a proposal to make." When, his expression become so cold ay kaagad akong sumeryoso ako.

Sudalga is a business man, at halos siya ang nagpabago nang mga buildings dito sa pilipinas. Even in whole Asia ay kilala ang apelyidong nakapangalan sa kanya. I can say, that he's one of the ruthless. Ganun din naman ako, pero kung ipagkukumpara ang lawak nang komomikasyon at kapangyarihan —mas lamang siya sa amin.

"Are you sure? That's a good plan, " tinatans'yang salita ko. "But how about your.."

He sighed, mukhang problemado talaga siya. "That's the only way."

"I guess, I can't say no? Since, you came here as my client and not a lunatic friends."

"Yeah, " he whispered. Sumulyap pa siya sa akin. "Don't worry, i'll give you a reward."

I tsked saka sumandal sa sofa. "I don't need anything Xean."

"Nah, i knew that you will like it." Huling sabi niya saka nagpaalam na para umalis.

I sighed heavily as I looked at his proposal. I don't know what to think anymore, but I know what to do. And that is, to do my job. I need to be professional, that was my parents told me when they're still alive. They even said that, that is the only way to make my decision go well. Even if its, personal or not.

While cooking, I searched for something to feed the person with BED. Setting a regular eating schedule and sticking to it is one of the most effective ways to overcome binge eating and I plan to help her. 

Hindi niya pa sinasabi kung anong dahilan kung bakit nagkaroon siya nang BED ay maghihintay ako.

I'll understand her as long as I can even though I knew that she's hiding something —i want to know of, but i respect her so much. That even it's so frustrating, i'll keep quiet and let her adjust. I'm her slave after all.

She managed to lie on me and said that we hadn't met before which is not true. I hate liars, whether it's small or big.. I hate people like that— but little by little I'm accepting it— i realized that, that was part of human life. Or because maybe, she is Hazel Duro? The woman I can accept and understand as long as can.

I know from the beginning that I was doomed. Hindi ko kayang masaktan siya o makita manlang na umiiyak. Tang ina, parang ako ang mas nasasaktan. I want to see her being cheerful, bubbly and having a cherubic smile on her lips.

"Auntie, nandito po si Hazel sa bahay," pagpapaalam ko habang nakatutok sa niluluto.

"A-Ano ijo, pakiulit nga?" Tila nabibiglang sabi niya kaya palihim akong napangisi.

Pormal akong tumingin sa camera. "Ahm, auntie.. Me and your daughter. W-We are sharing something.."

Nanliit ang mga mata niya. "Something? You mean.."

"Yes," sumeryosong sabi ko. "We are dating.."

The video call died suddenly, me on the other hand just laughed softly. I found out that mom's old friend and Hazel's mommy ganda are one. We have a communication, even before when she found out that my parents had died —She always greeted me by phone— by asking me if i'm okay. So, i already treated her as my second mother.

I'm glad to know that she is the mother of the woman I want, like and mostly love.

"Ano ba 'yan, gulay nanaman." I heard Hazel murmured.

"You're saying something, miss?" Seryoso kunwareng sabi ko dahilan nang pagnguso niya lalo.

"None, attorney!" She had a songbird sweet voice and her hair blazed in the sun as she glance at me.

Nandito kami ngayon sa paborito naming puntahan, sa park. Kung hindi kase sa opisina,  sa bahay niya at sa bahay ko— you will find us at her favorite tambayan.

I also realized, how much she loves sunset which opposite of mine because sunrise is what I like. The opening and returning of the day to start a new morning, the hope.

While her, she wants to finish everything even if only for a moment. That like the sunset, it would reflect on her the intense weariness of all. And seriously, I don't like it.. I hate to see her expression changed into something I don't want to glimse of.

Makita ang sakit, lungkot, at kapaguran sa mga mata niya while looking to the sun that already set. It's so painful. Tulad nang araw ay masyadong nakakapaso, parang unti unting sinusunog ang puso ko sa init.

"And, you know what I found out? She's related to the lawyer you're admiring since then." Natigilan ako sa pagbabasa, nangunot ang noo ko at serysong tinignan si Lydia.

It's been a month, and my relationship to Hazel become so contended. We are enjoying ourselves by knowing each other day by day. How much I miss her whenever I got busy for my clients. Good thing, she always understand.

I didn't really expect it, I mean. She's young, being immature is their thing. Pero iba siya, ibang iba. Bawat araw na nagdaan ay nakikilala ko ang totoong siya, at sa bawat oras na kasama ko siya ay mas lalo akong nahuhulog.

"You know what, Lydia." Huminga ako ng malalim."You're talking nonsense," i dismissed as I shook my head in disappointment.

She glared at me, but she smile sweetly afterwards. "Then, ask her babe."

"Stop calling me 'babe' Lydia, your endearment of yours is making me cringe." Kumuyom ang kamao ko. "I don't want to disrespect you because you're still a woman," i calmly said, trying to let my system calm down. 

Without emotion in my face, I gave her a threatening look. "You don't want to see me angry."

"That's why I like you so much Louie, but that girl is a certified liar! She doesn't deserve you! She hooked up with a married man—"

"Pvtang ina!" Mabilis kong pinutol ang sinasabi niya. My eyes darken as i gripped Lydia's wrist. "Don't test my patience woman! H'wag na 'wag mong sisiraan si Hazel sa akin! Dahil kahit babae ka, masasaktan talaga kita"

Nakita ko ang pagdaan nang takot sa mga mata niya. She shivered and looked at me nervously but she was too brave! Again, she insulted Hazel! My fist clenched as I couldn't hold back so i pushed her hard on the floor.

"Leave Lydia! Fvcking get out in my sight!"

"B-Babalik ka din sa akin Louie! You will realized na walang kwenta ang babaeng 'yon!" Naluluhang sabi niya saka umalis na nang opisina.

My jaw tightened. I didn't know that she would be this desperate! Damn it! I called the guards and then banned Lydia from the firm na dapat matagal ko nang ginawa! They followed my order immediately so I could breathe easily.

I know how pure my Hazel is. And I hate it, when someone just insulted her.

She is my precious darling.

Nang mabanggit ko ang pangalan ni Attorney. Tuazon kay Hazel ay nakakitaan ko siya nang kakaibang reaksyon. I don't really want to conclude anything, but I can't help it especially since she suddenly avoided me. I'm so frustated, I'm so hurt! What did i do? Why did she suddenly walk away from me?

"Attorney. Sovyl." Someone mentioned my name. "We are discussing something important here."

"What do you think you were doing?!" My attention went to the man I have admired ever since.

He is also the second reason why I want to be a lawyer. He inspired me plus the fact that my mother was his godmother.

"I apologize." I sneezed and looked him in the eyes.

He just nodded but I can see the hidden envy, anger, and annoyance to his eyes. But it faded when he spoke again. Hindi ko tuloy mapigilang hindi mapabuntong hininga at mapatanong.

Ano bang meron sa kanila ni Hazel? Is Lydia's accusations, are true? That Hazel and Atty. Tuazon, t-they had a relationship even though he is already married? Damn.

My mind is a mess, add the stress of the witnesses who suddenly disappeared like a bubbles! We need to win this case, I have waited so long at hindi ako papayag na mabalewala ang lahat. Hindi lang naman ako ang naghirap dito, lahat kami.

"Use me, Louie."

"What?!" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ko.

"Yes, let's pretend that we are in relationship tulad nang plano ni daddy."

"You're going crazy! If you think you can use this situation Lydia, to make me like you." I looked at her sharply. "You are mistaken."

I heard her took a deep sigh. "I've known that Louie, ever since. I've known that."

"Then, why?! You can really betray your criminal father just for your greed!"

"Yes."

I was shaken and could not believe what she just said! Even thought i really want to overthrow his father, I'm not desperate to use her and her feelings.

But when I found out that she had everything we needed to overthrow the senator, I was forced. Damn.

When her father's staff and the hidden devices are there, I act like her boyfriend and she takes advantage of that. I wanted to feel sorry for her but I could do nothing. If she wants to be used, then I'll use her like she wanted too.

I need to be heartless to take down her father, who's the reason why i am suffering until now.

And while we were making the plan ay nakatulong ang hindi pagpansin sa akin ni Hazel. Ayaw kong makahalata siya, ayaw kong paghinalaan niya ang nararamdaman ko sa kanya.

But before the week went by, i couldn't! Tang ina, hindi ko na kaya! I immediately went to her house and confronted her.

We reconciled, she promised that she would never avoid me again. It hurts me when she keeps himself from telling me everything. May hinala na ako pero gusto kong sa kanya mismo manggaling.

And that day had come, the day she confessed. "Who... Who is he?"

"Mark Tuazon, the man you were admiring when it comes to law field."

"A-Are you serious?" I even asked, bringing my face closer to see if she was telling the truth.

She bit his lower lip and nodded. "Yes Louie, he's my ex."

"Damn." That day become so heavy. I don't know what should i do.

I plan to make that reason para tanggalin muna ang ugnayan naming dalawa until the case is over. I already know what happened in her past. And I accept that wholeheartedly. I already love her, and everything she had done.. I'll accept it. I won't mind, basta sa akin lang siya

I already know the reason why she looks like a poor car, left on the road while crying. And that's because she was deeply hurt then. Even me, she didn't notice.

Atty. Tuazon told me everything before she confessed. Aminado siya sa lahat nang kasalanan niya. I was furious when I found out everything. Mark broke Hazel's younger heart by marrying another girl without his girlfriend consent, which is Hazel. And the woman I love suffered from insulting and discriminating by other people— by calling her 'a marriage wrecker', 'mistress' and such.

"I used that excuse to get her away from me." Mahihimigan mo ang pait sa boses niya. "So that, I wouldn't hurt her again.. I just caused her a trouble, and she don't deserve it." Atty. Tuazon said seriously.

I groan in anger and then held on tightly to the beer I was drinking. "Good thing you know."

"I know, but if you're planning to make our past an excuse para pakawalan siya nang panandalian." Tintukoy niya ay 'yung plano ko. "Don't."

"Hold on her tightly." He added.

"What?!"

"Yes. Because if you dare.. I will use your situation para mapasaakin siya ulit." Nagtagisan kami nang tingin.

"That's bvllshit! Sa akin na si Hazel Tuazon!" Napapatayong bulyaw ko at nagawa pa siyang kwelyuhan.

Ngumisi siya nang nakakaloko. "Then be with her.."

To my great fear that Hazel would be with him again, the plan went awry. I suddenly lost my care for the case. I love Hazel in all my heart and i could give up everything for her. Hindi ako papayag na mapunta siya sa iba, magmahal siya nang iba bukod sa akin at mawala.

I didn't know that I would be selfish, possessive, and greedy because of love.

How ironic, back then I didn't care if a dart hit me because I believed I could control how I felt. In short, i don't care about those feelings. But now, damn.. I didn't mind fighting for it. Like a lawyer who's willing to fight the case in anything he could. Basta sa akin lang siya, sa akin lang si Hazel.

"Pa-kiss na, attorney!" She show her gleaming, bleach-white teeth and her cherubic smile kaya napailing ako.

Kahit hindi mo na sabihin mahal ko.

I touched her cheek and kissed her wholeheartedly. She had raspberry-red lips that always attracted me to kissed. When I taste her lips, damn it.. I can't even utter a words. I felt her lips respond to my kiss. They were sugar plum sweet and silk soft.

"Tang ina," i breathlessly whispered then wrapped my arm around her sylph-like waist.

She smiled and hugged me and then slammed into my chest. I just laughed softly.. she's so adorable, cute and adorable again. Her pert nose sniffed as if smelling me.

"Bango mo 'ah, anong gamit mong pabango?"

I shrugged. "Pawis lang."

"Yabang yarn?" She whispered like a child and bit my shoulder.

I laughed as i faced her thought "Hobby mo talagang kagatin ako?"

"Opo."

"Ikaw kaya kagatin ko dyan," mahinang bulong ko sapat na para hindi niya marinig, ngunit narinig niya pa rin.

"Sige nga, kung kaya mo." Nagtataray nang sabi niya.

I just laughed to her remark, and held her hand. Then, i kissed her tenderly.

The two of us looked at each other for a few seconds, and I just caught myself approaching my face to kiss her again and again. So fvcking addicting.

"Your beauty is like a sun, did you know that?" Sabi ko saka binigyan siya nang bulaklak. "My eyes will be hurt if i stare at you in a minute, but your beauty will give a light brighter than the sun every morning."

"Daming dama." Nakabusangot na kaagad na sabi niya naman matapos akong makita muli dito sa apartment niya.

"Good morning, Ma chérie," i whispered but she just rolled her eyes.

Huminga ako ng malalim. Nalaman niya na girlfriend ko si Lydia which pagpapanggap lang naman pero ayon ang hindi niya alam. Tinaboy niya ako, at lumayo sa akin.

"I hate you!" She hissed, her eyes are full of coldness. I can't read her right now. "I'm warning you, don't you fvcking come here to my life again Louie.

"I regrets trusting you at all." She let a bitter smile as she turn around.

I can still feel the heavy thing that burn my heart while hearing those hurtful words from her. She covered her ears so that she could no longer hear my explanation.

It was so hard, so painful but I knew it was my fault.

"Damn it!" I sighed tearfully and punched the table in front of me so hard. "I fvcking hurt her.."

"W-What should I do.. Nathan? She left, s-she left me. I know it's my fault too... But can she even give me a chance to explain my side?"

"I think malabo 'yan sa ngayon, pre." Bumuntong hininga siya. "Hindi nalang kase 'yung sa'yo 'yung problema, nasabi mong ganun din ang nangyare sa past niya. And you know how much it affected her personality. So I think, give her time."

"T-Time?"

"Yes." I was surprised when Macky answered as well. "What happened to you also affected my relationship with Sunshine brad. Hazel's best friend is so mad that she even has the guts to break our relationship."

"What?" Surprised, I exclaimed.

What the hell?!

"But of course, I won't let her," he said seriously and then drank the beer. "Give, Hazel a time.. Fix the mess in your life first, before you go back and get her again."

"Nandito lang kami para sa'yo." They said as they looked at me. "Tutulungan ka namin."

I was really surprised by what we are talking about and in what i am hearing right now. It's funny to think that we almost just laughed at love back then. But the wind seemed to change.

We learn to love, we learn in life.

Love really does something different, it changes a person's habits and beliefs.

Damn. Love is really powerful.

When we won the case and we finally imprisoned Senator Sarmiento, I immediately traveled to visit Hazel. If I had to beg and kneel for her to come back to me, I gladly would.

I love her so damn much.

"Bye children! Until, we see each other!" Hazel waved her hands as she smiled sweetly to her students.

We returned here to San Lè Desmà to formally say goodbye to her class. I can feel how much she loves her students.

I smiled quietly,  just in case we had offspring, our children's —I knew she would be a good mother.

"Oh my god, there it is." Excited, she exclaimed as she pointed to the sun that was about to set.

I hummed and let her lean on my shoulder. I took the flower that was on one side then handed it to her. It caught her attention, so she looked at me in surprise.

"Bakit laging Iris ang binibigay mo?" She asked as she looked at me softly.

I touched her cheeks. "These regal blooms have long stood for royalty, but also for wisdom and respect. And their opulent-looking blooms, that means it's definitely a compliment."

She let a louad 'ahh' so I laughed and kissed her on the forehead. Kasabay 'nun ay ang paglubog nang araw. Sabay kaming nakatingala sa kalangitan kaya kitang kita namin ang kagandahan nito.

I stared at her, the rays of the sun reflects on the water and that combination reflects on her brown eyes, overall, perfection, that's what I saw. And it was just a privilege to stand up besides her, the one of the most beautiful creation of god.

"I thank my life," i suddenly said.

"Huh?"

".. because it gave me you." Nangingiting sabi ko pa. "I love my life."

"Huh!?" She really looks so clueless.

".. because you are a part of it."

"Krazy, attorney," she laughed again and poked my cheek.

I just shook my head in amusement and held her hand. I slowly lifted it while still looking at her lovingly... Ganun din ang ginawa kong paghalik sa mga kamay niya kaya panay lang ang tawa niya. Even so, I could see the redness on her cheek. She shuddered.. Halatang kinikilig nanaman kaya hindi ko tuloy mapigilang kiligin din.

"You know how much I love you, right?"

"Yes."

I pulled out a box causing her to gasp. "You are the most precious thing on earth. I know there are billions of women in the world, but all I see is you, ma chérie."

"L-Louie.." I saw how her eyes twinkle, she looked like she was crying.

"And, I wanna write this new chapter of my life with you again and again," masuyong sambit ko saka muling nagsalita. "I wanna experience everything with you. I wanna see the world with you. Will you let me marry you?"

She bit her lower lip, her eyes filled with joy and happiness. Bahagya pa siyang subimangot at mahina akong sinampal sa pisnge.

"Akala ko.. Wala kang balak magyaya!" At doon siya humagulgol.

I licked my lower lip as I embrace my arms to hugged her. "Marry me, Ma'am Hazel."

"M-Mahal kita Louie.. Mahal kita palagi." Sumisinghot singhot na sabi niya naman. "And yes, magpapakasal ako sa'yo."

I closed my eyes tightly then kissed her on the forehead. I looked up at the sky. Thank you god for giving me a woman like her. Naramdaman ko ang pamamasa nang mga mata ko sa sobrang emosyon.

Not once, did I think of starting a family—building my own. All I want is to retaliate and pay those people who caused my parents to die. But every time I'm with Hazel, I do realize that my principles and beliefs are gradually changing in a good way. And that because of her, sa babaeng mahal na mahal ko at mahal din ako.

I took my cellphone when it suddenly vibrated. And the challenge began again.

I clicked the "holding on" bottom before smiling.

I'll never, let her go this time.

The End..