Giovanne Zabala

"Kuya Gio?"

Napahinto ako sa paggawa ng homework ko nang kumatok ang aking kapatid. Alam ko na agad kung bakit siya nagpunta rito kaya pinagbuksan ko siya.

"Kuya, mom and dad is fighting again. Naririnig ko sa kwarto ang sigawan nila kaya hindi ako makatulog," sumbong nito sa akin.

I knew it. Every time our parents are arguing, Gelo would always come here in my room. At hindi na naman ako makakatulog nito. Kailangan kong siguraduhin na hindi magkakasakitan ang parents namin. I don't want them to separate just because of that. I don't want our family to be broken.

"Pupuntahan ko sila, matulog ka na dito," sabi ko kay Gelo bago ginulo ang buhok niya.

Bumusangot ang mukha ng kapatid ko kaya natawa ako. Kahit naman halos magkasingtangkad na kami ay tatlong taon pa rin ang tanda ko sa kaniya. I will always treat him like a kid.

Lumabas ako ng k'warto at dumiretso kung nasaan ang mga magulang namin. Sa hallway pa lang ng bahay namin ay dinig ko na ang sigawan nila. Ano na naman kaya ang dahilan ng pag-aaway nila?

"I told you Joanne, I don't have another woman! Stop being paranoid." I heard Dad said.

"I don't believe you. Naghihintay ka lang ng panahon para hiwalayan ako at magkasama na kayo ng babae mo!" sigaw naman ni Mama.

I was bit shocked for a while. They are fighting because of a woman? Kahit kailan ay hindi naman nagloko si papa kay mama. Ang kadalasan nilang pinag-aawayan ay tungkol sa mga nangyari noon na hindi ko naman alam.

"For goodness sake! Kung mayroon mang dapat maging paranoid dito, ako 'yon! Until now I don't even know if you really love me or our family! You think I didn't know? You still kept a picture of that man in your closet!" Dad shouted also before silence enveloped the whole room.

Silence means yes, as what they say. So, it's true? My mother was in love with another man? Who could that be?

I heard my mom cried and sobbed. Hindi na siya nagsalita ulit at umiyak na lamang. Hindi ko na alam ang nangyayari sa loob pero ang tanging alam ko sa tuwing umiiyak na si Mama, sumusuko na si Papa. Palagi namang si Papa ang unang sumusuko.

Their relationship is far from being perfect. They always argue about a lot of things. But one thing is for sure, their love for us is priceless.

"Ma, can we talk?" I asked my mother when I saw her in the kitchen.

Maagang umalis si Papa para pumasok sa opisina. Nakapambahay lang si Mama kaya sa tingin ko ay dito lang siya ngayon.

"If it's about last night, I'm sorry. Hindi lang namin mapigilang magtalo ng Papa mo," sabi ni Mama.

I sighed. "I know that. Halos kabisado ko na ang pinag-aawayan ninyo ni Papa. Pero ito ang unang beses na may pinag-awayan kayong tungkol sa nakaraan. "

Bumuntonghininga si Mama. "I'm sorry, Giovanne. It was just about my past relationship."

"But is it true? You didn't love our father?"

"You know, you can't just forget your first true love. But, trust me when I say that I love your father," she answered.

Another years passed by and I am now a licensed engineer. That is my dream since I was a kid and also my parents want me to manage our real estates company.

Maayos naman ang takbo ng career ko. I have my own house already. That was one of my projects. Mabuti na rin iyong may sariling bahay na ako para hindi ko na laging nakikita ang pagtatalo ng mga magulang ko.

My phone rings and I answered it before I entered my car. It was Jordan. My friend.

"Hello, I'm on my way there,"  I told him.

Magkikita kami ng mga kaibigan ko dahil pareho na silang may asawa. Naunang nagpakasal si Nique, sumunod naman si Jordan. And guess what? Ako na lang ang natitirang single.

"Good, akala ko may trabaho ka na naman kaya hindi ka pupunta. We'll wait for you here!" Jordan said before hanging up.

I just shook my head. My friends are both doing great in their career but they remain humble. Every time we hang out, it feels like we never grow old.

The club was at peak already when I arrived. I went straight to the table where my friends are. Umiinom na sila ng alak at may order na rin para sa akin. Alam naman nila ang order ko kaya inunahan na ako.

"Gio! Our single friend!" Jordan said while bro-hugging me.

He was like that always. Parang hindi celebrity kung umasta. Dito pa talaga nagyaya kung saan maraming tao.

"Jordan, huwag mong asarin. Baka biglang maghanap 'yan dito ng mapapangasawa," sabi naman ni Nique. Ang Mayor naming kaibigan.

They both laughed and I just smirked at them. Nilibot ko ang paningin sa buong bar bago umiling sa dalawa kong kaibigan.

"I don't want woman who like parties. Mahilig na nga ako sa party tapos gano'n din siya? Aba wala nang mangyayari sa buhay namin niyan," biro ko bago nilagok ang isang shot ng alak.

"Huwag kang magsalita ng tapos, Gio. Baka lunukin mo 'yan," pangongontra sa akin ni Nique kaya sinamaan ko siya ng tingin.

'Yan na naman siya sa pagiging seryoso niya. Is that the effect of politics to people? They became more serious and deep.

We continue talking while drinking. The music is getting louder that we couldn't hear ourselves anymore. We stayed there an hour before their phone rings.

"Oh, your wives are calling you now. Mabuti pa ako, puwedeng mag-party magdamag," sabi ko sa kanila bago tumawa.

"Sana talaga makahanap ka na ng katapat mo. Sagutin ko lang 'to," sabi ni Nique bago lumayo.

Tumayo rin si Jordan para sagutin ang tawag kaya naiwan ako mag-isa. I don't want to get married sooner. Ayaw ko pang matali sa isang relasyon. I just want to enjoy being single and free.

"Hi," someone said before sitting down next to me. I glanced at the woman beside and I smelled her scent. Sweet.

"Yes? Do you need something?" I asked and I saw how she rolled her eyes on me. This woman has an attitude, huh?

Her phone vibrated and I saw how she ignores the call from her dad. I stared at her. Her clothes were revealing too much skin. I hate it. This woman needs to go back to their home, right now. She is a walking temptation.

I glanced at her tattoo on her wrist. It's too small but I could still see what it is. Heart symbol with a missing piece.

"Mukhang pinapauwi ka na ng daddy mo," sabi ko sa kaniya nang muling tumawag ang daddy niya.

She looked straight to my eyes but I stared back. Her eyes are very expressive. I can see that she's annoyed by me now.

"Argh! Kainis. Makaalis na nga." Padabog siyang umalis sa harapan ko kaya bahagya akong natawa.

She's acting like a brat. How old was this woman again? I think she is still a teenager. But she looked mature.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit tumayo rin ako at sinundan siya palabas ng bar. Siguro para siguraduhing uuwi na talaga siya. But who cares right? I don't even know her.

Nakita ko siyang nag-aabang ng taxi kaya inunahan ko na siyang pumara doon. I typed the plate number of the taxi for security purposes. Mahirap na baka kung saan pa niya dalhin ang babaeng 'to.

"What are you doing? Sasakay ka ba ng taxi?" tanong niya.

I smiled. "Nope. Just making sure that the driver will bring you home safely."

She rolled her eyes again and I almost laugh.

"Manong, pakihatid nang maayos. Ingat kayo," bilin ko sa driver bago tuluyang sinara ang pinto ng taxi.

I watched it drove away then I sighed. I went back inside the bar to see my friends drinking again. Hindi pa yata sila pinauwi ng mga asawa nila.

"Gio, where have you been?" Jordan asked.

I shrugged. "Just outside."

Jordan and Nique glanced at each other before smirking. They are thinking of something again.

"Outside? With a woman? Nakahanap ka na ba at talagang hinatid mo pa sa taxi?" Pang-uusisa ni Jordan.

Mukhang nakita nila ako sa labas. Wala nang dahilan para magsinungaling.

"I'm just being gentleman. Baka kung mapaano iyon. Mahirap na at ako ang huli niyang kasama dito." Palusot ko.

Mukhang hindi sila naniniwala pero pinalampas din naman. Nagpatuloy pa kami sa kuwentuhan dahil baka matagalan ulit bago kami magkita-kita.

The next day, one of my professors in college asked me to come on their art gallery. I love collecting different paintings so I went there. Maybe I could buy something to display in my house.

Naglibot ako sa buong gallery at naagaw ng pansin ko ang isang painting. I think I saw something like this last night.

"Whose artwork is this?" I asked because I couldn't see someone near the painting.

Bahagya pa akong nabigla nang may tumayo sa gilid. Nawalan siya ng balanse kaya agad kong hinawakan ang braso niya. Is this woman drunk?

She looked at me and I recognized her. She's the woman in the bar last night. The woman with a sweet perfume.

"Sorry. Nagulat ba kita?" tanong ko at agad siyang umiling bago umayos ng tayo.

She looked different from last night. Wala siyang makeup ngayon at parang mas bagay sa kanya iyon.

"As I was asking, sa'yo ba ang artwork na 'to?" tanong ko ulit at iminuwestra ang isa sa mga artworks na naka-display.

She nodded and smiled. "Yes, sir. It is called 'missing piece'. By its name you could already tell the meaning of this artwork."

"Yeah. It was easily understood but I want to know why did you paint something like this?" I asked again. I want to know her reasons behind it.

"Because...I feel incomplete. And I know that someone can give me the missing piece of my soul." She answered.

I stared at her. This woman is something I couldn't figure out. I want to help her in any way that I could.

"I will buy it," I said. She was shocked at first so I smiled.

"Really?" she asked again and I nodded. "Thank you."

Pinagmasdan ko siyang ibalot ang painting. Hindi talaga siya nakakasawang tingnan. Last night, she was a temptation but today she was an angel.

"Ahm, what is your name sir?" She asked hesitantly. I gave her my identification card and she wrote something.

Isinama niya sa paper bag ang card na sinulatan niya bago inabot sa akin iyon. Hindi ko sinasadyang mahaplos ang kamay niya at napansin kong bahagya siyang namula.

"Thank you, Sir," she said.

"I gotta go. See you around," I told her.

Umuwi na muna ako para ikabit sa k'warto ang painting bago ako dumiretso sa office. My dad has been calling me nonstop because I have to attend the presentation in our company.

Pagdating ko doon ay ako na lang pala ang hinihintay. Dumiretso ako sa upuan ko at sumenyas doon sa mag-pipresent.

"You may start," I told him.

Sumandal ako sa upuan ko habang pinapanood ang presentation pero hindi ko naman naiintindihan. My mind was being bombarded by that woman. I can't get her out of my mind.

Damn! What did she do to me? Is she some kind of a witch?

Come on, Giovanne. Forget about that woman. You hate party girls, right?

"Mr. Zabala? Are you with us?"

I was snapped out of my thoughts when someone tapped my shoulder. I glanced at the presentation slide and it has reached the end. This is ridiculous!

"I'm sorry, what is it again?" I asked them.

"Gio, the presentation was finished already and he was asking your opinion about it," dad said.

I tapped my fingers on the table and smiled apologetically.

"I was thinking of something else, I'm sorry. Can I have the presentation so that I could review it later?" I asked and he immediately send it to my laptop.

Dad has to dismiss the meeting because he notice that I wasn't listening. He will definitely scold me for this.

"Giovanne." There he goes.

"I'm sorry, 'pa. I think I drank too much alcohol last night that's why I still have a hangover. But don't worry I will review the presentation now," I told him immediately.

Agad kong binuksan sa laptop ko ang presentation at sinubukang intindihin iyon. After reviewing it, I get my phone from my pocket and the card that I received from that woman.

Engr. Giovanne Zabala
May you remember me whenever you look at this painting.
Thank you.

Alani Mireille Tejada, Artist.

I automatically smiled while reading what she wrote for me. Binaliktad ko iyon at nakita ko ang phone number na nakasulat sa likod. Sa kan'ya siguro ang number na 'to.

I decided to send her a message.

To: Alani Tejada
You said you feel incomplete, maybe I have the missing piece of you.

I hit send and I sighed. What the hell am I doing? Texting a woman? Really, Giovanne?

Days had passed and I tried so hard to forget about Alani. But I just can't. Maybe, I need to get drunk again.

My friends were both busy that's why I went to the bar alone. Sa ibang bar ako nagpunta dahil mag-isa lang naman ako. Ilang minuto pa lang ang lumipas nang may magkakaibigang dumating at umupo sa kabilang sofa. I think they are here to celebrate.

My drinks came and I gulped one shot of it. I was in the middle of drinking when a woman sat beside me. Again. What's with these women that they really want to sit beside me?

"Hi, you see, I have a friend over there and I just want to tease her. Just go with the flow okay?" She told me.

I was confused at first but I just did what she said.

"Don't be stiff. Can you laugh a bit like we were flirting?" She said that really made me chuckled.

She touched my shoulder and I smiled. I wonder if it's really for her friend or she was taking advantage of the situation.

"Would you mind if you'll leave him?" Someone suddenly said and I was shocked to see Alani standing in front of us.

"Why would I do that?" The woman beside me asked while smirking.

Alani rolled her eyes. Maybe it's a mannerism of her huh?

"Because I'm his wife."

I was stunned for a moment because of what she said. Did she really say that?

"Sige na aalis na ako. May nanalo na e," sabi ng babaeng katabi ko bago umalis.

Bahagya akong umubo para makuha ang atensyon ni Alani. Her reaction was priceless. She looked like a jealous girlfriend or wife, rather. As what she said.

"I'm not informed that I already have a wife." I told her. She glared at me and I chuckled.

I pulled her and made her sat on my lap. My arms snaked on her slender waist so that she won't leave. She smells good. This position was perfect for us.

"Gustong-gusto mo naman ang paglapit sa'yo ng kaibigan ko," inis na sabi niya na nagpatawa ulit sa akin.

"I don't. Sinasakyan ko lang ang trip niya dahil may inaasar daw siyang kaibigan. Hindi ko alam na ikaw 'yon."

Her eyes widened then she glanced on the other sofa. I remained staring at her and our eyes met. I pulled her closer.

"I really don't like aggressive girls but you can be an exception." I whispered that made her swallowed hard.

Her arms encircled around my neck and I already knew what she was about to do. This woman is very easy to read. And when she smashed her lips to mine, I immediately answered back.

I mentally cursed. Her lips were so soft and sweet. It was like it wasn't been kissed before.

"Let's go upstairs." She muttered and I stopped.

"No—

"Please." She begged and I had to collect all my self control to turn her down.

Yes, she's beautiful and sexy but as much as possible, I don't want to do something that she will regret later on.

"No. I'll take you home."

Umalis siya sa pagkakandong sa akin at padabog na tumayo.

"Then don't! I'll find another man." She shouted and all I could do was sighed.

It was not my intention to hurt her pride. Nakonsensya pa tuloy ako. I took a deep breath before standing up to look for her. Baka kung ano pang gawin ng babaeng 'yun.

Natanaw ko siyang may kasayaw agad na ibang lalaki kaya napailing ako. She really knows how to use her charm, huh? Just because I rejected her, she will find another man?

My forehead creased when I saw her reaction that's why I walked towards them.

"You'll be lucky if I kick you down there."

Kumulo ang dugo ko nang mas dumikit sa kanya ang lalaki kaya agad ko iyong sinuntok. The bouncers were alerted and they immediately get that man.

"Let's go." I told Alani before pulling her outside the bar. She was not only a walking temptation but also a walking trouble.

"Bitawan mo ako!" Sigaw niya at pilit na nagpupumiglas kaya mas hinigpitan ko ang hawak ko sa kanya. Hindi siya makakabalik doon sa loob.

"You will really do what you want, huh?" I said while glaring at her.

Dahil sa kagustuhan niya muntik na siyang mapahamak. I don't know what kind of mind this woman has! I hate how reckless she is!

"What is it to you? Why do you care? Tinanggihan mo ako tapos gan'yan ka umasta ngayon?" panunumbat niya sa akin kaya mas lalo akong nainis.

I ran my hands to my hair because of frustration. I don't know what to do with her anymore.

"You said that maybe you have my missing piece then prove it. Complete me, Giovanne."

I shook my head. "That's not what I meant when I said that. Damn! Just forget about it."

"Fine. Just take me home." She told me and I almost sighed.

Hindi ko alam kung talagang sumuko na siya sa gusto niya o baka may iba siyang plano. Whatever it is, I should be ready.

I arrived at the condominium hotel that she told me and I saw that she's sleeping already. I sighed before going out of the car to carry her.

She looked like an angel when sleeping but I know that she has a naughty mind.

"You're such a tease." I whispered while staring at her.

Kinuha ko sa pouch niya ang susi ng unit niya para makapasok. Mabilis kong tinahak ang kwartong naroon at inilapag siya sa kama. Nang akmang aalis na ako ay hinila niya ang kuwelyo ko.

Damn! I knew it!

"You're right. I'm such a tease and you can't resist me." She whispered before attacking me with her kisses.

Fuck this shit! I'm loosing my control and I'm afraid that I would give in. And it came, the last drop of my resistance fell. I kissed her back.

"Do you really want this?" I asked while staring at her.

She tried to unbutton my polo but I held her hand.

"If you really want this, then I'll be in control."

I will not let her control me in any way. We will do it the way I want it and I will be in control of everything.

I made love to her the whole night and I discovered that I am her first. That made me want to make it special for her.

The next day, I woke up alone on the bed. Napabangon ako agad para hanapin si Alani pero tanging sulat lang ang naiwan niyang bakas.

Lock the door when you leave.
-Alani.

I sighed. She really left me alone here in her condo huh? She trusts me that much? Pero sumama pa rin ang loob ko sa ginawa niya. After she begged last night, she will leave me? Ha!

I fixed myself then I left immediately to go home. Mukhang wala namang balak si Alani na balikan ako doon.

"Gio, inumaga ka yata. Sa kabila ka ba natulog?" Tanong ni Manang Lolis.

Kasambahay siya sa bahay namin dati at naisip kong siya na lang ang isama dito sa bahay ko. Hindi naman kasi gano'n karami ang gagawin niya kaya makakapagpahinga pa siya.

"Hindi po, Manang. I was with a friend." I told her and she look confused.

"Friend? O baka naman girlfriend, iho?"

Natawa ako sa tanong ni Manang. I never had a girlfriend. But I like someone before. Too bad that woman was already taken.

"Palabiro ka talaga, Manang. Saan po pala kayo pupunta?" Tanong ko nang mapansin na may bitbit siyang eco bag at wallet.

"Sa supermarket. Ubos na ang stock mo rito."

"Samahan ko na po kayo. Sandali lang po at magbibihis ako," sabi ko at dumiretso sa itaas para maligo.

After showering I just wore my casual clothes then I went down. Manang Lolis is already waiting outside. Pinagbuksan siya ng kotse at ako na rin ang nagmaneho papuntang mall.

"Sige na, Iho. Kaya ko na itong pamimili ng mga karne at gulay. Humanap ka na lang ng mga gusto mong idagdag," sabi ni Manang Lolis.

Like what she said, I strolled around the supermarket to look for some liquors and drinks. I immediately went back to Manang to help her with the groceries.

"Ito na po ba lahat?" Tanong ko habang bitbit ang mga pinamili.

"Oo, Iho. Dalhin mo na sa kotse ang mga iyan at balikan mo na lang ang iba."

Dinala ko nga sa kotse ang ibang pinamili at nang pabalik na ako ulit ay may nakabungguan ako. I smelled a familiar scent and I saw her.

"Oh, you're here. The girl who begged last night then just left without saying goodbye," I told Alani and I saw that she got offended.

I was offended too with what she did earlier. So it's just fair.

"Why? What do you want me to say? Thanks for last night? Sorry, akala ko kasi sanay ka sa gano'n kaya umalis na lang ako bigla."

I got pissed more. This woman is unbelievable.

"You know what? Don't mind what I said, just don't show your face to me again," I said before walking away from her.

I should've known that she's like that. Kapag nakuha na ang gusto aalis na lang bigla.

Damn you, woman! I don't want to see you again. Ever.

"Ayos ka lang ba, Gio? Bakit parang nawala ka yata sa mood?" Tanong ni Manang Lolis pagkalapag ko ng mga pinamili sa kusina.

I shook my head and sighed. "I just met a very unpredictable and unbelievable woman. Hayst. Never mind."

I left the kitchen and went upstairs. Pabagsak akong humiga sa kama at naisip ko na naman ang mukha ng babaeng 'yun.

"Maybe, I should just drown myself with work." I told myself and stood up to go to my office here at home.

I finished all my pending works there like what I told Dad. He let me not to go to the company and just work from home today.

Weeks passed and I could say that I am now more focus at work. She is still running to my mind sometimes but I learned how to stop it.

"Engineer Giovanne, your client is already waiting for you at the conference room." My secretary said and I nodded.

"Okay, I'll be there now." I told her.

Niligpit ko ang mga papeles na nasa mesa ko bago ko isinuot ang aking suit. Palabas na sana ako ng opisina nang tumunog ang phone ko. It was an unknown caller.

"Hello? Who's this?" I asked while walking towards the conference room.

"Hello? Is this Engineer Giovanne Zabala?" A woman said from the other line.

"Speaking. Why? Who's this?"

"Ahm, I'm sorry kung naistorbo kita. Ako 'yung kaibigan ni Alani na kumausap sa'yo sa bar noon. Si Alani kasi..."

My forehead creased in confusion. Why the hell will she call me?

"What about Alani?" I asked getting impatient.

"Alani is in the hospital right now because...you got her pregnant."

I didn't say anything. Pinoproseso pa ng isip ko ang sinabi ng kausap ko ngayon. Buntis si Alani? At ako ang ama?

Memories from that night flashed through my mind and I don't remember wearing protection when we did it! Oh fuck! How could I be so careless?

"Hello? Are you still there?" she asked and I took a deep breath.

"Text me where she is and I'll go there," I said before hanging up.

Dumiretso ako sa conference room para kausapin ang kliyente ko. This is a big project but I have an emergency.

"Mr. Zalde, I'm sorry but I have an emergency. Can we reschedule this meeting?" I asked him.

The client looked hesitant and I know that he won't agree with me.

"So you mean I just waste my time here? You should have told me earlier—

"I told you, it is an emergency. If you don't want to reschedule the meeting then just forget about it," I said before I left the room.

Dumiretso ako sa parking lot at sumakay sa kotse ko. Natanggap ko na kung saang hospital naroon si Alani kaya doon na ako nagpunta.

Damn! I told her that I don't want to see her again but look what I'm doing now?

"Where is she?" I asked Alani's friend whom I think is Mylene.

"Ahm, nandoon siya loob nagpapahinga. Actually, ayaw niyang ipasabi sa'yo ang tungkol dito pero naaawa ako sa kan'ya. Pinaalis siya ng parents niya sa bahay nila," saad ni Mylene.

My jaw clenched. This is all my fault. Now, I feel guilty.

"She should've told me sooner. How is she? Bakit nandito siya?"

Mylene sighed. "Natatakot kasi siyang itanggi mo ang dinadala niya. Sobrang tindi ng paglilihi niya at hindi ko naman siya laging nababantayan. Nakita ko na lang siyang walang malay. She's my friend and I'm worried about her. Baka kung anong gawin niya sa sarili niya."

I still can't believe that I got her pregnant. I'm having a child with her. Naunahan ko pa ang mga kaibigan ko na magkaanak. How ironic!

My phone rings and I saw that it's my dad.

"Hello, Dad?"

"Giovanne, why did you ditch your client? Where the hell are you?"

I sighed. "Dad, I'll talk to you later. It's an emergency."

Pumasok si Mylene sa loob ng kwarto kung nasaan si Alani at nanatili ako sa labas. Ayaw kong mabigla siya na nandito ako.

Nang lumabas ulit si Mylene ay sinenyasan niya na akong pumasok. I took a deep breath.

Nabigla si Alani nang makita ako at sinamaan pa ng tingin ang kaibigan niya. She looked pale and stress.

"Mylene, why? Kung ayaw mo na akong alagaan ayos lang bakit kailangan mo siyang papuntahin dito?"

She really doesn't want me here, huh?

"I'm sorry. Hindi ko kayang makita kang nahihirapan kaya pinapunta ko na siya rito. Kailangan niyong mag-usap. Ayusin niyo ang dapat niyong ayusin."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked in a serious tone but she just gasped. "Pinalayas ka raw ng parents mo?"

Hindi niya na naman ako sinagot. Nauubusan na ako ng pasensya sa pagsusungit niya pero kailangan ko siyang intindihin.

"Can you talk to me? Hindi ka raw kumakain nang tama at napababayaan mo ang sarili mo. Bakit?"

Inis siyang humarap sa akin. "Mukhang alam mo na lahat ng nangyari kaya bakit nagtatanong ka pa? At anong tanong mo? Bakit hindi kita tinawagan? Hindi ba ikaw na mismo ang nagsabi na ayaw mo na akong makita?!" Sigaw niya pero nanatili akong kalmado.

Nag-alala ako nang padabog siyang humiga at tinalikuran ako.

"Careful. You might hurt the baby." I said and gently touched her arm but she removed it. I sighed. "I know I said that I don't want to see you again but that's a lie. Nasaktan lang ako nung nagising ako na wala ka kaya nasabi ko 'yun. It's my fault. I'm sorry."

Nanatili siyang tahimik at nang silipin ko ay tulog na pala. She must be sleepy that's why she's grumpy.

When she woke up our eyes met and I saw her blushed.

"Are you feeling better now?" I asked.

She nodded. "I'm fine now. Puwede na akong umuwi. Don't worry you don't have to pay the hospital bills. I'll pay for it."

I sighed again. This woman loves to hurt my ego, huh? Mabuti na lang at binayaran ko na agad ang bills habang natutulog siya kanina.

"I already paid for it. Hinihintay ko lang na magising ka para makapunta na tayo sa inyo."

Pagak siyang natawa. "Sinong may sabi na pupunta tayo sa bahay? Gusto mo na bang mamatay? Umuwi ka na nga lang at bumalik sa tahimik mong buhay."

"How?"I asked. "Paano ako babalik sa tahimik kong buhay ngayong alam ko ng magkakaanak ako sa'yo?"

"You know what? You don't have to do this. Hindi mo ako kailangang panagutan. Hindi naman kita sisiraan kaya huwag kang mag-alala," seryosong sagot niya.

I know that she was just afraid that I would leave her.

"What makes you think na hindi kita pananagutan? Anak ko ang nasa sinapupunan mo kaya responsibilidad ko kayo."

Her eyes were clouded with tears and I want to hug her. Dahan-dahan akong lumapit at sinubukan siyang yakapin. Nang bigla siyang umiyak.

"If I had known earlier, you won't be experiencing this. You don't have to fight alone. I will be with you." I whispered.

She's crying and I hate it. It hurts seeing her like this.

"Sshh. Calm down now. When you're crying, the baby might be crying too." I told her and she suddenly laughed. It's not my intention to make her laugh.

The moment she got discharged, I decided to go to their house. Ayaw niya pa sana pero pinilit ko siya. Alam kong natatakot lang siya sa magiging reaksyon ng magulang niya pero hindi ko naman siya pababayaan.

When we arrived to their house, I realized that she is the daughter of the Tejada's. My mom's friend. Kita mo nga naman kung gaano kaliit ang mundo.

"Mom, Dad." Alani called their attention and I saw how they got shock when they saw me.

"Engineer Giovanne Zabala, what are you doing here?" Alani's mom asked. I held Alani's hand.

"You're the man who got my daughter pregnant?"Her mom's asked in disbelief.

I nodded. "Yes, Mrs. Tejada. And I am here to take full responsibility of what I have done."

"What a coincidence. Your mother and I are friends. Does she know about it already?"

"Not yet. Ngayon ko lang din po kasi nalaman na buntis si Alani. But I'm planning to tell them soon."

"Great. Then settle down and let's discuss everything." Her Dad told us.

We sat down and the foods were served. Hindi nagsandok ng pagkain si Alani kaya ako na ang gumawa no'n.

"Eat. The baby must be hungry." I told her and she glared at me. This woman could really be the death of me.

"As I was saying, you have to marry our daughter."

Well, as expected. Alam ko na ang sasabihin nila at napaghandaan ko na iyon.

"Dad? He doesn't need to marry me. Ang sabi ninyo ay iharap ko lang siya at ayos na. Bakit may kasal?"

"I will marry her and she will live with me."

My parents raised me as a responsible man. Kaya kahit biglaan lang ang lahat ay gusto kong sa bahay ko tumira si Alani.

"Giovanne, iho. Bakit napaaga ka yata ng uwi? Hindi ba ay sa Sabado ka pa?" Tanong ni Manang Lolis pagdating namin ni Alani sa bahay.

"Manang Lolis, si Alani po. Magpapakasal na po kami at dito na rin siya titira," sabi ko at iminuwestra si Alani.

"Ako ba'y pinagloloko mong bata ka? Ni wala ka ngang nobya tapos magpapakasal ka na?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Manang Lolis.

Natawa ako dahil totoo nga naman ang sinabi ni Manang. Wala akong girlfriend pero magpapakasal na ako.

Hinawakan ko ang kamay ni Alani. "Manang, mabilis po talaga ang mga pangyayari pero seryoso po ako. Magpapakasal na po kami ni Alani."

Tumunog ang phone ko at tumatawag si Daddy. Lumayo muna ako sa kanila para sagutin iyon.

"Hello, Dad."

"Giovanne, you have to go here in the office to meet your client or else—

"Yes, I'll be there." I told him and he just ended the call.

Bumalik na ako kung nasaan sila Alani at Manang kaya narinig ko pa ang usapan nila.

"Ah, I still have a client to meet. Aalis na muna ako," sabi ko kay Alani. Tumango siya kaya humarap kay Manang at nagbilin. "Manang, ikaw na po munang bahala kay Alani."

"O siya, sige. Ingat ka sa pagmamaneho." Sabi ni Manang Lolis.

I don't know what I was thinking but I was about to kiss Alani on the lips. Mabuti at napiigilan ko ang sarili ko at sa pisngi na lang ako humalik.

"Sleep early." I told her before I went out of the house.

I drove to the company and I was confused when no one was in the conference room. Pinuntahan ko si Daddy sa office niya at nakita ko siyang nakasandal lang sa upuan.

"Dad, where's the client?" I asked him.

He shrugged. "Well, it's a prank. I just said that so that you will go here and tell me where have you been."

I took a deep breath before sitting down on the visitor's chair. I can't believe this, my dad just pranked me.

"So, are you going to tell me?" He asked again.

I don't want to keep it a secret. Sooner or later they will know.

"Dad, I don't know how to say this but...I'm getting married."

A moment of silence passed before my Dad laughed. I knew it. It's ridiculous.

"Gio, I know that I pranked you earlier but you don't have to prank me back. Seriously..." Then he laughed again.

"I'm serious. I got someone pregnant and I'm getting married."

This time Dad stared at me. His forehead creased.

"Who is the girl? Don't tell me it was just someone you met out there?" He asked.

"She's Alani, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tejada." I told him.

He raised his eyebrows before nodding at me. That made me confused.

"Is that all? You're not going to blame me or so whatever?"

Dad chuckled before shaking his head. "No. You're on the right age that's why I'll let you handle your problems. You may go now 'coz I know that you brought home your soon-to-be-wife."

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag dahil doon. Agad akong tumayo at umuwi na sa bahay. I don't know but I feel excited whenever I'm thinking that there is someone waiting for me at home.

Pagdating sa bahay ay nakapatay na ang mga ilaw kaya sa tingin ko ay natutulog na rin si Alani. Hindi ko na siya sinilip sa kwarto dahil baka hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko at tabihan ko pa siya.

Nagtungo na lang ako sa opisina at nagtrabaho. Mayamaya lang ay biglang bumukas ang pintuan sa opisina ko.

"Ah, nakauwi ka na pala. Sorry hindi ko sinasadyang pumasok," sabi niya at mukhang nahiya sa ginawa. Napasulyap ako sa relo ko. Hatinggabi na, ah.

I stood up. "It's late already. Bakit gising ka pa?"

She pouted. "I can't sleep. Namamahay yata ako."

Akala ko pa naman nakatulog na siya. Sinara ko ang laptop ko bago siya lapitan at hinawakan sa kamay. I gave her a glass of milk.

"Drink that," I said while putting the glass in front of her.

"No way! I hate drinking milk." She crossed her arms like a real brat.

I sighed. "Milk is good for pregnant women. And it will also help you to sleep better."

Ininom niya rin naman ang gatas iyon nga lang padabog na naman siyang naglakad palayo kaya hinila ko siya pabalik. Hindi uubra sa akin ang pagmamaktol niya.

"Will you stop stomping your feet? Buntis ka kaya dapat mas maingat kang kumilos ngayon," saway ko sa kaniya.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I'll be careful from now on." She said and I smiled.

I like how she follow what I said. Pinisil ko ang ilong niya kaya hinampas niya ang kamay ko. Natawa ako sa kasungitan niya. I really love it whenever she shows different reaction. Hayst. This moody woman.

I'm serious when I said that I will marry Alani. That is why I prepared an intimate wedding for the both of us. And there, I promised to take good care of her and to be always there forever.

I know that everything happened so fast but I still want this relationship to work out. Gusto kong makuntento at sumaya sa relasyon namin ni Alani. Kahit na hindi ko pa alam kung gusto ko na ba talaga siya.

She's important to me and I don't want to hurt her. Kaya nang malaman kong sinaktan siya ni Mommy, hindi ko maiwasang magalit. Alam kong ayaw ni mommy kay Alani pero kailangan ba talaga niyang saktan ang asawa ko? I didn't know it sooner because Alani is so good at hiding. Mabuti na lang at nakita ko ang CCTV footage.

"Giovanne, I didn't mean to hurt her. She's disrespectful! Sumagot-sagot siya sa akin kaya naitulak ko siya." Depensa ni Mommy nang puntahan ko siya sa bahay.

"Siguro may nasabi kayong masama sa kanya kaya niya kayo sinagot. I know my wife. She tend to do that every time she feels insulted."

Mommy glared at me. "You don't know her enough, Gio! Ni hindi mo nga alam ang pinagmulan niya. Stop defending her—

"I will defend her because she's my wife. At kung ayaw niyo sa kan'ya, pabayaan n'yo na lang kami, Ma," sabi ko bago ako umalis sa bahay.

Days passed and Alani's birthday came. This day, she was born in this world. I'm so happy that I met her. Nasasanay na ako sa presensya niya sa buhay ko kaya hindi ko na siya gustong pakawalan.

Today, something was wrong with Alani. Para siyang matamlay at malungkot. Then she suddenly left me.

Nag-alala ako sa kan'ya dahil hindi ko siya matawagan. Mayamaya lang ay tumawag sa akin si Gelo.

"Hello? Bakit napatawag ka?" Tanong ko.

"K-kuya...I'm really sorry..I'm really really sorry." He said that made me confuse.

"Ano bang sinasabi mo? Hiniram mo na naman ba ang kotse ko nang hindi nagpapaalam? O baka naman nagkalat ka sa k'warto ko diyan?"

"Kuya...hindi pa ba sa'yo sinasabi ni Alani?"

"Ang alin? Can you just get straight to the point?"

"Nakunan si Alani, Kuya...kasi nabangga ko siya...patawad kuya.."

Hindi ko agad naproseso ang sinabi ng kapatid ko. Nakunan si Alani? She's not pregnant anymore? Iyon ba ang dahilan kung bakit balisa siya?

Hatinggabi na ng umuwi si Alani at sinadya ko siyang hintayin. Kailangan kong marinig sa kanya ang totoo.

"Alani, may hindi ka ba sinasabi sa akin?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

I stared at her bruises and wounds down to her stomach. Bakit hindi ko napansin?

"Saan galing 'yang mga sugat mo?" Tanong ko sa kanya pero hindi siya kumibo. "Totoo ba, Alani? Totoo bang nakunan ka?"

She gasped and cried. That confirmed everything. It's true.

"Bullshit! Totoo nga? Sabihin mong nagsisinungaling lang si Gelo! Sabihin mo!"

"I'm s-sorry..." She stuttered and I lost it.

Sumiklab ang galit sa puso ko. Hindi ko matanggap na wala na ang anak namin. Hindi totoo 'yun.

Tanginang buhay 'to!

"Bakit? Kailan mo balak sabihin sa akin?! Balak mo ba akong lokohin!" Bulyaw ko sa kaniya dahil hindi ko maintindihan.

Sinubukan niya akong lapitan pero umatras ako. I don't want her to be near because I might hurt her. I might lose my control and I don't know what could I do.

"I'm sorry.." She said.

That night, I left the house and went straight to where my brother was.

"Oh my God! Gio why did you punch your brother?!" Mama exclaimed when I punched my brother the moment I saw him.

Hindi pa ako nakontento at kinuwelyuhan ko pa siya para ambahan ng isa pang suntok pero pinigilan ako ni Papa.

"Stop it! Baka mapatay mo ang kapatid mo! Pag-usapan natin 'to nang maayos," sabi ni Papa at inilayo ako kay Gelo.

I glared at Gelo. "You bastard! You killed my baby!"

Gelo looked down and shook his head. I wasn't even shock when he kneel down in front of me.

"I'm..I'm so sorry, Kuya...I didn't mean to..It was an accident...I'm sorry."

"Wait...I'm confused. What the hell are you talking about?" Mama asked.

I pointed at him. "He bumped Alani and now our baby was gone."

Napaupo ako sa sofa dahil sa panghihina. Nagagalit ako at naiinis sa sarili ko. Pakiramdam ko may kasalanan ako. Napabayaan ko si Alani.

"Gio, it was an accident. Baka naman kasi si Alani ang nagpabaya—

"Joanne! Stop blaming someone. Huwag mo nang dagdagan pa ang sama ng loob ng anak natin," sabad ni Papa sa sinasabi ni Mama.

Napuno ng katahimikan ang paligid. Tears are flowing from my eyes whenever I think that we lost our angel. Hindi man lang niya nasilayan ang mundo. Hindi ko man lang siya nabuhat.

"Gio, anak." Mama said then sat down beside me. "I'm sorry for your lost. You can stay here so that we can comfort you."

I sighed. I'm still mad at Alani because she hid everything to me. Paano kami magtatagal kung hindi niya ako pinagkakatiwalaan? Mahilig siyang maglihim ng sikreto sa akin. It feels like I'm just nothing to her.

Siguro mas makabubuti kung manatili muna ako rito. Baka magkasakitan lang kami kapag umuwi ako nang may sama ng loob.

I ignored Gelo for the past days. I'm still mad at him and I don't know if I will ever forgive him.

My phone rings and I saw Manang Lolis calling me. Kumunot ang noo ko bago sinagot iyon.

"Manang Lolis, napatawag ka po?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Giovanne, hindi ka pa ba uuwi? Si Alani naglayas na. Napagod na siya kahihintay sa'yo."

Natigilan ako sa sinabi ni Manang bago ako napabuntonghininga. I knew it. Women like her tend to leave whenever they are in trouble. Wala namang bago. Palagi pa rin siyang umaalis.

"Okay, Manang. Just let her be."

Hindi man lang niya ako hinintay na makauwi. Pagod na siya? Nagsawa na siya? Well, I'm tired also.

Umuwi ako sa bahay ko at nadatnan ngang wala na ang mga gamit niya. May naiwan naman siyang gamit sa may master's bedroom. Kasama na rin ang sulat at sketch ng mukha ko na regalo daw sa akin ni Alani.

I opened the letter and read it.

Dear Giovanne,
I missed you. I understand if you don't want to see me anymore. Naiintindihan ko rin kung galit ka dahil sa nangyari. Kaya nga umalis na lang ako. I'm sorry sa lahat ng pasakit na binigay ko sa'yo. I just want to say thank you. For making me feel that I'm important. Thank you for everything. Advance happy birthday, my engineer.

-Alani

Pabagsak akong humiga sa kama at pumikit habang hawak ang sulat ni Alani.

"Kung bumalik ka sana agad, baka naabutan mo pa siya," sabi ni Manang na nandito na pala sa kwarto.

Hindi ako sumagot at nanatiling nakatingin sa kisame.

"Ang sabi niya hahanapin niya ang tunay niyang magulang. Gio, alam mo bang siya ang anak ng kaibigan ng mama mo?"

Kumunot ang noo ko dahil doon. Ampon si Alani? At kaibigan ni Mama ang magulang niya? Wala naman akong kilalang ibang kaibigan ni Mama.

"I don't understand. Kung kaibigan ni Mama ang magulang ni Alani, bakit galit na galit si Mama sa kan'ya?" Naguguluhang tanong ko.

Narinig ko ang pagbuntonghininga ni Manang kaya tumingin ako sa kanya. Matagal nang nagtatrabaho sa amin si Manang, bata pa si Mama ay nandito na siya kaya sa tingin ko ay may alam siya sa mga nangyari noon.

"Huli na ng mapagtanto kong si Linda ang ina ng asawa mo. Noong nagpunta dito si Joanne, nabanggit niyang may kahawig si Alani kaya napaisip ako. Kahawig niya nga si Ignacio, ang dating nobyo ng Mama mo."

Napabangon ako nang may naisip.

"Wait...don't tell me, iyon ang lalaking may litrato sa closet ni Mama? Siya ang pinagseselosan ni Papa?" tanong ko at tumango si Manang.

Nahilot ko ang sentido ko sa sobrang gulo ng mga nangyayari. Napakaliit ng mundo. Ang dating kaibigan at boyfriend ni Mama ay ang magulang ni Alani na asawa ko na ngayon. Napakatindi talaga maglaro ng tadhana.

"Iho, hahanapin mo ba si Alani? Sana mabalik mo siya dito. Ang batang 'yun, naghahanap lang ng taong tatanggap at magmamahal sa kan'ya. Sana huwag ninyong sukuan ang isa't isa."

I don't have plans to look for her. She left me so it means she doesn't want to be here. Hahayaan ko na lang siya sa buhay niya. Besides, mag-asawa pa rin kami kaya hindi siya tuluyang makakawala sa akin.

But then I just swallowed what I said. Because after how many months, I started to look for her. I'm just afraid to admit this, but I'm in love with Alani. She managed to enter my heart and get it. Now, I'm heartless.

"Baka nakakalimutan mong asawa pa rin kita. At kung gusto mong umalis, pirmahan mo muna ang annulment papers natin. Hindi ka aalis nang bitbit ang apelyido ko."

That's a lie. Hindi ko siya hahayaang umalis. Handa akong tanggapin siya ulit sa buhay ko dahil hindi ko na kayang mawala siya. Pero muli na naman siyang umalis. Naiwan na naman ako. Sa susunod talaga itatali ko na siya sa tabi ko.

Muli siyang bumalik sa akin. And this time, I will make sure not to let her go anymore. Nangako ako sa puntod ng mga magulang niya na aalagaan ko si Alani. I learned about what happened to her and that made me swear to myself that I won't leave her.

"Finally, you will get married again. At invited na kami sa kasal mo," sabi ni Jordan at tinapik ang balikat ko.

"Giovanne you should take good care of Alani now. Baka iwan ka ulit at hindi na bumalik sa'yo," payo naman ni Nique.

I took a deep breath. This day is our wedding day and I will vow not to let Alani leave me again. Hindi ako gagawa ng dahilan para iwan niya na naman ako. At kung siya ang nakagawa ng kasalanan, pinapangako kong patatawarin siya at tatanggapin nang paulit-ulit.

"The bride is here!" The wedding coordinator shouted and we all prepared ourselves.

Music played and the bride's maids and groom's men started to walk towards the altar. Hindi na ako makapaghintay na muling maikasal kay Alani. At nang matanaw ko na siya sa dulo ng simbahan ay napangiti ako.

This is it. Thank God that you let us to be together until this day. Thank you for giving this wonderful woman to me.

"Hi, you looked gorgeous as always. The most gorgeous bride I've ever seen. I love you." I told her when she finally stopped in front of me.

She smiled. "I love you, Engineer Giovanne Zabala. Sige na nga, you're the most handsome groom ever."

I will always be forever grateful to have her in my life. We were both incomplete souls and we have the missing piece of each other. We complete each other and hopefully, we will last forever.

The End.