"Mama Grace, gusto ko paglaki ko ay gagawa ako ng maraming gusali! "

Sumilay ang malaking ngiti sa kanyang mukha. Inabot niya ang aking pisngi at kinurot na may halong gigil. Napangiwi ako.

"Nako! Arias! Mas gusto kong ipatuloy mo sana ang pangarap ko, anak! "

Kumunot ang noo ko habang pinagmamasdan si Mama. "Ano ho bang pangarap niyo, Mama?"

Ginulo niya ang buhok ko bago inilabas ang mga gulay na ipinamili namin sa bayan kanina. Madaming mga gusali doon kanina. Napakalaki! Gusto ko din gumawa ng ganoon!

"Pangarap ko noon maging abogado. " Nakangiting usal ni Mama bago ako nilingon. "Pero nang dumating ka, ikaw na ang pangarap ni Mama. "

Pumaling ang aking ulo bago umupo sa bangkitong kahoy sa loob ng aming lumang kusina. 

"A-abogado? Ano 'yon? "

Lumapit siya sa akin bago ako pinugpog ng halik sa mukha. Hindi ko maiwasan na makiliti sa ginawa niya. 

"Ang mga abogado anak, sila iyong mga nagtatanggol sa karapatan natin bilang tao. Kapag tayo ay hinusgahan ng mga maling paratang ay sila ang magtatanggol sa atin. Ganoon ang mga abogado. "

Napangisi ako ng malaki bago lumayo sa kaniya. Ah! Ganoon pala ang mga abogado! 

Napakamot ako sa aking pisngi. "E, ma! Nahihiya po ako magtanggol ng ibang tao, e. Pwede bang kayo nalang ang ipagtatanggol ko? Kaya ko 'yon!"

Tumawa si Mama ng malakas. "Sus! Batang ito! Hindi pupwede iyan, Arias! "

"Ay! Ayoko nalang maging abogado kung hindi ikaw ang ipaglalaban ko, Ma! Gusali nalang! Gagawan kita ng mas mataas pa sa mga nakikita nating gusali sa bayan! Kahit ilan pa 'yan. "

Binatukan ko niya ako. "Aysus ko! Kung hindi ka mag-aabogado ay sana iyong mapapangasawa mo nalang! Nang may magtatanggol sa isang makulit na batang tulad mo! Lapitin ka pa naman ng basag-ulo. "

Niyakap ko si Mama sa bewang. "Ako Mama, gusto ko ng babaeng katulad mo. "

Hinaplos nito ang ulo ko. "Bakit? "

Ngumisi ako. "Aba'y gusto ko ng babaeng matapang at mabait! Siyempre dapat ay kasing-ganda mo din! "

Napahalakhak ako nang pingutin ni Mama ang aking tainga. Pilit na lumalayo ako sa kaniya. 

"Nako! Nawa'y mahanap mo ang iyong magiging katapat nang maturuan ka ng leksyon bata ka! Napaka-kulit mo! Makakalbo na ako sa'yo anak. "

Nakaalis ako sa kanyang pagkakapingot kaya kinawayan ko na siya. Makikipaglaro nalang ako sa uhuging si Roa. Sigurado akong nakaluwas na sila mula sa Maynila.

"Mahal kita, Mama! Lalaro kami ngayon ni Roa ng beyblade niya! "Nanakbo na ako paalis habang tumatawa.

"Arias! Bumalik ka rito! "

***

"Nay Jo, wala pa ba si Mama? "

Nakita ko ang pagkabalisa ng mukha niya bago umiwas ng tingin sa akin. Tiningnan nito si Inang Fe na nakatayo 'di kalayuan sa akin na seryoso ang mukha. 

Sumilip ako muli sa bintana at pinagmasdan ang mga sasakyang dumadaan sa tapat ng bahay ni Inang. Nasaan na kaya si Mama? Sabi niya sa akin ay pupunta lang siya sa kalapit na bayan para bumili ng mga kakailanganin para sa ilalako naming empanada. 

"F-felicidad..." Rinig kong usal ni Nay Jo.

"Jo, pakipasok muna si Arias sa kwarto ni Pablo. Dali! "Mariing utos nito. Hindi na ako nagprotesta nang hilahin ako ni Nanay Jo papasok sa kwarto. Tahimik na tiningnan lang ako ni Nanay Jo bago isinara ang pintuan. 

Nasaan na ba kasi si Mama?! Sabi niya ay babalik siya agad! Gusto kong sumama kaso ayaw niya! 

Nagdadabog na naupo ako sa sahig. Talagang hindi ko siya kakausapin kapag nakauwi na siya! Galit ako sa kaniya!

"Anong gagawin natin, Felicidad? Alam naman ni Graciana na hindi na niya kaya pang bumyahe papuntang Maynila pero ginawa pa rin niya!" 

Napalingon ako sa nakasarang pintuan nang marinig ko ang malakas na boses nila sa labas. Maynila?! Pumunta ng Maynila si Mama? Bakit?

Tahimik na kumilos ako at idinikit ang aking tainga sa pintuan upang makinig sa kanilang usapan. 

"Hindi ko napigilan, Jo. Alam naman niyang wala na siyang mapapala pa sa lalaking iyon! Hindi nga tinanggap ng lalaking iyon ang responsibilidad niya bilang ama! Ngayong lumalala ang sakit niya ay pinuntahan pa niya ang hayop na 'yon. Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin kay Graciana. "

Namilog ang mata ko. May sakit si mama?

Agad na binuksan ko ang pintuan at nakita ko ang gulat sa kanilang mga mata. Naiiyak na pinagmasdan ko si Inang at Nanay. 

"M-may sakit po ba si Mama, Inang?"

Nakatinginan silang dalawa. 

"A-arias..." Si Inang Fe. 

Umiiyak na nanakbo ako palabas ng pintuan. Pumunta ako agad sa bakuran ni Lola Pasing at namitas ng mga oregano at lagundi. Kung may sakit si Mama ay gagawan ko siya ng gamot. Pakukuluan ko ito. Ipapainom ko sa kaniya pag-uwi niya. Hindi siya pwedeng magkasakit! Ayoko!

Bumalik si Mama kinabukasan ngunit nakita ko na mugto ang mga mata niya. Tahimik na nakatanaw siya sa malayo. Agad na kinuha ko ang mangkok na naglalaman ng pinakuluan kong mga dahon para gumaling na siya. Nakita kong umuubo siya kanina at sobrang putla na ng kanyang mukha.

"Mama, inumin niyo 'to para gumaling na kayo."

Lumingon si Mama sa akin. Nakita kong bumaba ang mata niya sa hawak ko bago bumalik ang tingin sa akin. 

"O-okay lang si Mama, Arias. I-Inuubo lang. Lilipas din ito."

Hindi ako nakinig at inilapit 'yon sa kaniya. Natabunan ng luha ang aking mga mata. "Ayoko! Inumin niyo ito, Ma."

Lumamlam ang mga mata nito bago hinagod ang likuran ko. Ngumiti siya. "S-sige na nga... Napaka-kulit mo talagang bata ka. "

Napangiti ako nang inumin niya iyon. Tinitigan ako ni Mama ng matagal bago pinagpagan ang upuan sa tabi niya. 

"Upo ka nga rito, Arias."

Umupo ako sa tabi ni Mama at agad na niyakap siya ng mahigpit. Sabi kasi ni Inang Fe, nakakagamot ang yakap. Sana ay gumaling na si Mama sa pamamagitan ng mga yakap ko. 

Hinaplos niya ang ulo ko. "Anak, tatandaan mo lagi na mahal na mahal ka ni Mama ha. "

Tumango ako. "O-Opo mama. Ako din po. Hindi ko kayo iiwan. Dapat ganoon din kayo sa akin ha. "

Hinalikan niya ang ulo ko. "Pero kung dumating man ang araw na... maiiwan kita, magpakatatag ka ha. Magmahal ka ng buo at gusto ko lagi ka lang masaya. Naiintindihan mo ba? "

Marahas na umiling ako. "Hindi ako papayag! Ayokong iwan mo ako, Ma! Natatakot ako! Natatakot akong mag-isa! "

Lumayo siya sa akin para tingnan ang aking mukha. Nakita ko ang pangingilid ng luha niya bago kinurot ang pisngi ko. "Ngumiti ka. Gusto makita ni mama ang biloy mo."

Ngumisi ako ng malaki. Sinundot ni Mama ang dalawang biloy sa aking magkabilaang pisngi bago siya tumawa. 

"Ang gwapo-gwapo talaga ng Arias ko. " Pinugpog niya ako ng halik sa pisngi bago niyakap ng mahigpit. "Pangako ko sa'yo... hindi ako aalis. Hinding-hindi kita iiwan. Mahal na mahal kita, anak. Higit pa sa buhay ko. "

Pinanghawakan ko iyon.

Ngunit... nagsinungaling si Mama.

Iniwan niya ako...pumanaw siya at iniwan akong mag-isa.

Iniwan niya ako sa lalaking hindi ko kilala. Sinabi niyang siya ang tatay ko. 

Matangkad at seryoso ang mga mata nito. Strikto ang mukha. Natatakot ako sa kaniya.

"I am your father, Zacharias... you're going to stay with me from now on."

***

Agad na dinampot ko ang aking naiwang cellphone sa itaas ng lamesa sa loob ng kwarto at agad na lumabas. I'm anticipating a call from Roa regarding the new project on which we'll team up. It was the beach resort of Cleo.

Nagtaka ako ng makita ang unregistered number na tumatawag sa akin. I answered the phone right away, thinking it was just the company number Roa used, but I was mistaken.

"H...Hello? Arias? "

When I first heard her voice, I was taken aback. I had no idea where she got my phone number because I didn't remember giving it to her after our meeting last week.

"Why are you calling me?"

"I-I'm sorry, Arias I got your phone number from your friend. I have to tell you something. "

My brow furrowed when I heard how her voice shook.

"Continue," I said as I moved towards the corner of the hallway. I need to get back to where summer is. I was not expecting her to cry on the other line, which made me confused. "What's the problem, Ella?"

With her shaking voice, she answered, "A-arias... I-I have cancer."

My breathing hitched because of what she said. "W-what are you saying, Stella?"

I was concerned when I heard her sobs on the phone. Even though we had a history together, she was still my friend. We were friends in high school and college, but she moved away to pursue her dreams. Alone.

"I-I'm dying. I'm at stage 3 of colorectal cancer. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it when we met. " Umiiyak na saad niya sa telepono.

I was shocked to hear about her condition. "What?"

"T-the real reason why I came back here in the Philippines is not just to build my own art gallery, but to meet you guys again for the last time. Hindi na ako nagpapagamot. I was diagnosed two years ago. "

Galit na nagsalita ako. "Why the hell did you reach out to your friends just now?! You should've got proper treatment, Stella! " Napasentido ako. "I-I can't lose you. Y-you are important to me, Ella. We're friends. "

"Arias, there's no hope-"

"Kahit na! Hindi mo ba naisip na hindi ka lang mahalaga sa akin? Kundi mahalaga ka sa amin na mga kaibigan mo? Don't you think about how they will feel hearing you lose faith in yourself? "

"I'm sorry." Umiiyak siya sa kabilang linya.

I let out a long sigh. "Let's talk with the rest of our friends next time. They also deserve to know this, Ella. "

"I know, love."

"Stop calling me that!" I hissed at her.

"W-wala na ba talagang chance mabalik tayo sa dati, Arias? " Tanong niya na nakapagpatahimik sa akin.

I sighed heavily before answering. "We shouldn't talk about us."

"Mahal mo pa ba ako, Arias?"

"I'm sorry, Ella. The thing between us is history. I have someone right now. I-I... love her. " I said to her truthfully.

I don't want to instill false hope in her. It's true that what she did to me before hurt me, but I have found my happiness now. Summer was the woman who had my heart. I'll go to any length to make her mine and shower her with love she hasn't felt before.

Lahat ginawa ko. I showered Sam with the love and attention she deserved. I was happy to see her eyes gleaming with happiness. I can't help but stare at her while watching her eat her favorite sinigang, which I really practiced cooking. I am not really into home cooking, but I learned how to do it for her.

"Ganito, Pare ha. Watch and learn."

"Gago ka, kung simulan mo na kaya? I really want to learn how to cook it. "Seryosong nakatingin sa mga rekados na nasa harapan namin. Ngumisi si Roa sa gilid ko at dinunggo ang aking braso at nanunuyang tiningnan ako.

"Tangina ka, Zacharias. Kung ako babae mo, siguro pati betlog ko kikiligin! " Inis na hinampas ko siya sa braso na ikinatawa niya lang.

"Pakuluan mo muna ang karne ng baboy sa kumukulong tubig pagkatapos hayaan mo sa loob ng sampung minuto," Turo ni Roa at kinuha ang hiniwang sibuyas sa gilid at kamatis. "Ito, pare lagyan mo nang mga to tapos yung gabi. Ayusin mo ang paghihiwa ha! "

"I know how to cut vegetables, moron! Paano lutuin lang ang hindi ko alam. "

I was patient. I watched everything he did and tried to cook it on my own several times until I was satisfied with the outcome. That's the time I cooked Sinigang for Sam, and I was overjoyed when she said it was good!

Lihim na napangiti ako habang nakikita siyang ganadong kumain sa harapan ko habang pinipilit ko itago sa aking likuran ang napaso kong kamay. If she was that happy to eat her favorite dish, then it was okay for me to go through the hard work of cooking it.

"Pre, may naghihintay sayo sa labas ng site." Ibinaba ni Roa ang hard-hat sa lamesa. Kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa sinabi niya.

"Sino?" Tanong ko at ibinaba ang blue print.

His brows furrowed, and he looked at me while pulling his sleeves over his arms. "Gago, sino pa ba ang magbabyahe ng malayo, makita ka lang?"

From afar, I noticed a woman holding her attached case through the glass window. While walking towards our office, she smiled as she greeted the construction workers. I gave Roa a sidelong glance and pointed in her direction. "Who is that gorgeous woman?"

Mas lalong kumunot ang noo niya ng tumingin sa direksyon na tinitingnan ko. "Ahm... Si Attorney?" Ibinato niya sa akin ang blue print na hawak niya. " Girlfriend mo 'yan gago! "

I raised the corner of my lips and crossed my arms across my chest as I stared at her from afar. "Ahh, yes. That's my girlfriend. My attorney. "

"Naka-shabu ka ba? Lakas ng tama mo." I didn't mind Roa, and when Summer walked into my office, I approached her right away.

I kissed her on the forehead and then kissed her on the lips. "Hello, Babe. What are you doing here? "

Naiiling na ngumiti ang magandang labi niya at niyakap muna ako sa bewang bago tumingala saakin. "Let's have dinner!"

Our relationship was great, and everything went smoothly. We rarely argue about things because we talk about them together. Ayaw ko din na pinapatagal ang tampo niya sa akin. I know even the smallest details about her, her mannerisms, and her favorites. I memorized them all by heart.

She was soft-hearted and a workaholic, but all of her... every bit of her was fascinating in every way. She also loves cuddles. Kaya mahal na mahal ko ang babaeng ito. She was intimidating on the outside, but on the inside, she had the sweetest and purest heart.

"Nako, Arias. Huwag mong paiiyakin iyan ha. Aba'y kay bait na bata. "

Napangiti ako sa sinabi ni Nanay Jo, habang tinutulungan siyang maghain ng pagkain sa lamesa. Nilingon ko si Sam na hawak-hawak ang batang si Aya. She was playing with her little hand, and the child was smiling at her.

"Hindi ko po gagawin iyon, Nay. Iba ho siya. Iba ho siya sa lahat." nakangiting saad ko sa matandang babae na naiiyak na nakatingin sa akin. Lumapit siya at pinisil ang aking pisngi.

"Kung babalik man kayo dito sa Ilocos muli, dapat kasal na kayo ha. Malakas ang pakiramdam ko anak na siya na iyong ibinigay ng Diyos para sa iyo. Matutuwa si Graciana na nakikita niyang nahanap mo na ang kaligayahan na para sa'yo. "

As I remembered my mother, I smiled. I'm sure she's in a better place now.

"Kung iba man po ang nakalaan para sa akin, pipilitin kong maging siya iyon hanggang dulo. Siya lang... hindi man siya ang una kong minahal ngunit siya ang huli ko at ang aking hangganan. "

We sat in a chair together as we entered the cathedral. I smiled at Sam before kneeling and praying with my eyes closed.

I know that this world has been cruel to me because I grew up without my mother on my side, but for now, I beg you to please allow me to be with the woman I'm with. I want to fill her life with the happiness she deserves to have. I want her to be by my side, every single moment of my life. She was my happiness for the years I've been alone. She was my strength.

If there will be a time that we will be separated from each other, I pray that your grace will always draw us back together, keeping us in each other's arms until the end. I want to spend the rest of my life with her because she was a home to which I will always return.

I pray that nothing bad ever happens to her. Spare her from all the pain and give it to me instead. She had already suffered so much, so please share her pain with me. I wish her all the happiness in the world. Please, just let me love her in this lifetime. I promise... I promise to be a better man for her. Pipiliin at pipiliin ko siya, lagi't lagi.

I will choose her... every single day of my life.

Amen.

I'm not religious, but I believe she was designed for me... just for me.

I opened my eyes and I saw her staring at me with a warm smile plastered on her face. I saw my whole life... staring back at me. I smiled as I reached for her hand. I can feel my heart beating erratically inside my chest. Doon ay alam ko na ang plano ng Diyos para sa amin.

I will marry her.

Alam kong mali, pero itinago ko kay Sam na ang pinsan nitong si Ella ang babaeng tinutukoy ko na dati kong kasintahan. I don't want to dwell on the past. Ayoko din na isipin ni Stella na baka ginagamit ko lang si Summer para masaktan siya dahil hindi iyon ang totoo. Aaminin ko na nakakaramdam ako ng awa kay Stella dahil sa kondisyon niya.

I used to love her and didn't want her to die. Naging malaking parte din siya ng buhay ko. Ang tanging nararamdaman ko nalang sa kaniya ay ang pagmamahal ng isang kaibigan.

Mahal ko si Summer. Minahal ko ang buong siya... ang lahat sa kaniya. I adored her. She wasn't difficult to fall in love with. I was already losing my mind whenever she looked at me when her eyes were so expressive.

But soon, Stella found out about her.

"Why the hell did you want to come? You know you don't know how to swim! " I hissed at her.

"Do you really love my cousin? O baka naman ginagamit mo lang siya para masaktan ako? "

I instantly glared at her and clenched my fist. "Of course not, Ella! I'm not that type of man who will hurt someone who is also genuine in her feelings towards me! "

Nagsimulang humikbi ang babae sa harapan ko at iniabot ang aking kamay. "T-talaga bang wala na ako diyan sa puso mo, Arias? "

I removed her hand from me and looked at her with a serious expression.

"Mahal ko si Sam, Ella. Mahal na mahal ko siya. Hindi ko siya gagamitin para manakit ng ibang tao. She's already scarred because of her past, which you already know about, right? Don't you want her to be genuinely happy? "

Natahimik siya at pinahid ang luha sa kanyang pisngi. "I want to see her happy. I'm not that selfish, either. She's also one of the reasons why I came back. I want to reconnect with her. "

"Then you have to be happy about us genuinely, Ella. Take a rest." I said to her before walking out of the room. Naglakad ako pabalik sa dalampasigan, pero agad na nanlaki ang mga mata ko ng makita ko si Gillen na bitbit si Sam na walang malay.

"Sam!" Malapit kong masuntok si Gillen sa mukha kung hindi ko lang napigilan ang sarili ko. Agad na inagaw ko sa kaniya ang walang malay na babae. I angrily looked at him. "What happened to her?! What did you do? "

He sighed. "I just saw her lying on the sand, unconscious. "

Nag-aalalang tiningnan ko ang payapang mukha ni Sam at nagsisisi na iniwan ko ito mag-isa doon. Damn! I shouldn't have left her! Pinakiramdaman ko kung humihinga ito at inilapit ang aking mukha sa kanyang dibdib. I sighed in relief when I felt her breathing. Thank God!

I immediately asked Gillen to accompany me towards our room. Nadatnan pa namin doon ang mga kaibigan nito na sina Olive at Dawn na agad na tumakbo papunta sa direksyon ko para matingnan si Sam.

I hurriedly approached the door, which Olive had opened, and rushed Sam to the bed. Because of my anxiety, I'm unable to think clearly. Hindi ako mapakali dahil noong huling beses ko siyang nadatnan na walang malay ay iyong tinawagan niya ako. Natakot ako ng husto doon. I...I need to bring a doctor here!

"Stay with her, we'll drive across town to find a local doctor." Madiing sambit ko bago kinuha ang kotse ng sasakyan sa gilid.

Nakita ko agad ang pagkunot ng noo ni Dawn sa akin. "But the city proper was too far away here. Ilang oras kayong babyahe- "

"I don't fucking care. I want to make sure she's okay, "I looked towards Gillen, who was silently looking at me.

Lumapit muna ako sa kama kung nasaan si Sam na kasalukuyang hinahawakan ni Olive ang kamay. Before we went off to find a local doctor, I bent down and kissed her lips.

I was the one driving at first. I had a firm grip on the steering wheel. Kung kaya ko lang paliparin ang saakyan na ito papunta sa bayan ay ginawa ko na. Gustong-gusto ko nang matingnan ng doktor si Summer. Hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko kung may mangyari sa kanya.

Malayo pa ang bayan mula dito, pero kaya kong tiisin. Para kay Sam.

If you look at her, she seemed to have no problems, but I knew she was hiding her scars behind her smile. I'd rather not ask her about them, but if she's comfortable, I'll let her share them with me. Iyon lang ang gusto ko.

Kung saan kumportable si Sam, doon ako. Nandito naman ako lagi para sa kaniya. Maingat na hinaplos ko ang mukha niya at pinatakan ng halik sa noo at sa labi. I can't imagine losing this woman in my life.

"I love you, Sam."

It was unexpected that I met Judge Raul Escolano-Quin on my birthday, but I was more shocked when he contacted me a few weeks after we met. I gave him my calling card just in case. Kabadong naglakad ako papasok sa malaking mansyon ng mga Quin. Malaki ang gate at tahimik ang lugar. Mabuti nalang at wala pa si Summer ng ganitong oras. Nasa opisina pa ito at susunduin ko pa mamaya.

"Good evening, Sir." magalang na saad ko sa lalaking prenteng nakaupo sa kanyang mesa. He looked up in my direction and checked if it was really me. Nakita ko ang galak sa kanyang mukha, bago kinuha ang salamin sa kanyang mata ay ibinaba iyon sa mesa.

"Engineer Valencia," Tumayo ang matandang lalaki at naglakad papalapit sa akin. "I'm glad you responded to my request, Iho." He shook hands with me.

"No problem, Sir."

Napapailing ang matandang lalaki at mahinang natawa bago tinapik ang balikat ko. "I guess it will be Dad soon, Iho." Napahinto ako sa sinabi niya at napangiti. I was really nervous about coming here to his office after he called me.

Sumeryoso ang mukha nito at napayuko saglit bago ibinalik ang tingin sa akin. "Let's sit down first before talking. I need to tell you something. "

I sat down at the table with a nod to him. I took the seat in front of him. I noticed how he sighed deeply and looked me in the eyes. "Do you really love my daughter?"

"Yes, sir." saad ko bago nagsalita ulit. "Ano po ang sasabihin ninyo?" I saw him gather a couple of folders on the shelf next to him and place them on the table.

Akmang kukunin ko na iyon para buksan nang pigilan niya ako. "I wanted you to listen to what I was going to say first, because this news will be heavy."

My brows furrowed, but I nodded towards him. I had no idea what he was going to say, but I think it was not good news either.

"Do you know that Summer's brother died in an accident ten years ago?"

Tumango ako sa kaniya. Sam said that to me. It was the biggest baggage that she had to carry all these years. Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit may lamat ang pagkatao niya.

Sumandal siya sa kanyang upuan at malalim na tiningnan ako. "It was a time when I was still a lawyer. Our family was happy, but then an unpleasant tragedy happened, which left my wife and my daughter scarred until now. I know that you have known Summer for months now, but I believe you have known her hidden scars and the battles that she had. "

"I know that she was blaming herself for the death of her brother."

Summer was so good at hiding what she felt, but I always knew her true feelings behind a smile. Alam kong sa loob niya ay nasasaktan pa din siya and I hated seeing her in that pain.

He sighed and looked up at the ceiling. "My wife had post-traumatic stress disorder after that incident happened, and it fell into depression years later. Natatandaan ko pa na hindi nito gustong makita si Samsam ng ilang buwan. My child, however, "paused, and I saw the pain on his face. "She developed anxiety and panic attacks."

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko dahil doon. "S-she had anxiety and panic attacks?"

He nodded and then looked at me. "I was devastated by what happened. Lahat sinasabi na aksidente ang nangyari at hindi mahanap kung sino ang nakabangga. I remembered filing a case with the court for re-investigation, but I was shocked to learn that the case was already closed. Binasura lang ang appeal ko sa korte. "

"I was powerless at that time, and my name in the industry was not well known. It was difficult to accept the death of his brother in our family. Si Summer ay nilalamon ng lungkot at pagsisisi. She would scream every night and say that it was her fault that Luke died. Para sa isang ama, mahirap na makita ang anak mo na nasa ganoong sitwasyon." Nakita ko ang pagbakas ng sakit sa kanyang mukha.

I took a deep breath and listened intently to what he had to say. I'm not sure how I'll feel after our conversation, but the only thing that scares me is that Cynthia Romero, my stepmother, wanted to kill Summer. I will not let them harm her.

My hand clenched into a fist, and I could feel my anger rising inside of me. Matiim na tinignan ko si Judge Raul sa mga mata. "Tell me what I can do. Lahat po gagawin ko. "

Tulala na hinubad ko ang suot kong necktie at nahahapong umupo sa kama. Ilang araw na ba kaming nag-aaway? Two weeks? Three weeks? one month? Naramdaman ko ang pagsakit ng dibdib ko dahil sa mga nangyayari.

I grabbed the lamp from the side table and threw it against the wall. Ang malakas na pagbasag niyon ang umalingawngaw sa paligid kasabay ng pagbigat ng aking hininga. Hindi ko na napigilan na maluha. Why was it that hurting her was the only option I had?

I heard her crying again last night when I pretended to be asleep. Hindi kinaya ng puso ko ang bigat at sakit ng mahihina niyang pag-iyak habang nakayakap sa akin. Ramdam kong hindi niya gusto ang nangyayari sa amin. Hindi niya gusto na nanlalamig ako.

Her cries broke my heart, and I considered ditching the plan and telling her the truth, but I had made a promise to her father. It was too late to turn my back now. Marami nang sakit. Nasasaktan ko na si Summer.

"Y-you took advantage of the trust I placed in you, and you took advantage of me as a person. You will never, ever be forgiven by me. I will never love a person like you again. "

Tumalikod siya sa akin at humakbang papaalis. Ang mga salita niyang iyon ay parang punyal na itinarak sa aking dibdib. Doon na tuluyang rumagasa ang takot at sakit sa aking buong pagkatao. Naikuyom ko ang aking mga kamay habang lumuluha na nakatingin sa kaniya na naglalakad papalayo sa akin. Gustuhin ko mang sundan siya ay pinilit kong tumalikod. Wala na. Tuluyan na siyang nawala sa akin.

Napahagulgol ako ng malakas habang dinadama ang matinding sakit na nakadantay sa aking puso. Ito na siguro ang pinakamasakit na sitwasyon na kinailangan kong gawin. Sana, balang araw, kapag nalaman niya ang lahat ay magawa niya akong patawarin. Kinailangan ko lamang gawin iyon dahil mahal na mahal ko siya.

Papasok na sana ako muli sa loob ng unit ngunit nakita ko nalang ang aking sarili na tumatakbo sa direksyon na tinahak niya. Mabibigat at mabilis na hakbang ang ginawa ko para maabutan siya, pero ang nakasarang pintuan ng elevator ang bumungad sa akin.

"S-Summer... Please forgive me... I just love you so much. "

I was lost for days. I don't know myself anymore. Gustong-gusto kong makita muli si Summer. Gusto kong sabihin sa kaniya na mahal ko siya. Gusto kong magpaliwanag. Gusto ko siyang mayakap... at mas lalong gusto ko siyang nandito lang sa tabi ko.

"Pare, awat na! Lasing ka na. " Padaskol na kinuha ni Roa ang alak na nasa kamay ko.

Galit na binalingan ko siya. "Don't fucking stop me!"

"Putangina, Zacharias! Ilang linggo ka nang ganito! Sa tingin mo ba matutuwa si Summer kapag nalaman na ganito ka? "

Kinuha ko ang bote ng alak na nasa mesa at malakas na ibinato iyon sa dingding. Humihingal na napaupo ako. Hindi...Hindi ko na ito kaya. Gusto ko nang bumalik sa kaniya. Gusto ko siyang makita.

"P-pare naman..." Hindi ko na napansin ang paglandas ng luha sa aking pisngi habang nakaupo sa sahig. Ang malakas na hikbi ko ang pumuno ng buong silid.

Yumuko ako.

Ang sakit. Putangina. Ganito ang naramdaman ko noong mawala si Mama. Nawala din ako, pero doble at mas masakit sa pagkakataon na ito... kasi ayaw ko man na iwan siya. Wala akong magagawa. Kinailangan ko ding protektahan sina Inang sa Ilocos. Sasaktan sila ng ama ko.

"I-I miss her... I-I fucking miss her smile, Roa. " mahinang sambit ko at napatingala. Mas sumakit ang dibdib ko dahil pilit na inaalala ko ang nakangiting mga labi ni Summer. Ang mga tawa niya na isang magandang musika sa pandinig ko. Ang mga higpit ng pagyakap niya sa akin. Lahat ng iyon magagandang alaala pero bakit ang sakit?

He sat down on my side and tapped me on the back. I didn't think he'd be able to fully understand my decision. He didn't say anything, which surprised me because I expected him to tell me it was wrong.

"Kung ako din ang nasa posisyon mo, gagawin ko din lahat para sa babaeng pinakamamahal ko," napatingin ako sa kaniya at seryoso ang mukha ni Roa.

"Iyan ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagmamahal. Hindi lang puro salita. You may be hurting right now, but know that she was hurting as well. Hindi niya alam ang mga nangyayari. "

Napatungo ako dahil doon. Yes, my Sam didn't know. Mas mahirap sa kanya dahil hindi niya alam. "You better fucking get your ass up and set your mind straight, man. Don't put all your pain and her pain to waste. You had better finish what you started. Para sumaya na kayo. Pucha, bagay na bagay kayo ni Attorney, kaya tapusin mo na ang kailangan mong gawin! "

We've done the plan... but we faked the marriage and this resulted in painful consequences. I was lost... I lost everything again.

"Tangina ka! I-I did everything you asked me to! B-bakit mo sila dinamay! They're innocent! I will fucking kill you! "

My father showed me his demonic smile while he was being arrested by the police. He was handcuffed, and all I wanted to do right now was kill him... bury him alive!

"You don't deserve to be happy. Like me. "

"Zacharias!" Pagpigil sa akin ni Roa kasama na ng ibang kapulisan nang akmang hahablutin ko siya. I will never forgive him!

I was crying, but I don't care. While I stood there staring at the burned houses, I could feel my heart breaking into tiny pieces. Wala... wala man lang natira.

He killed... He killed the only family I had in Ilocos.

Nanay Jo... Inang Fe and her family... Ang batang si Aya. Lahat sila.

Nawala ng dahil sa akin.

"Pre..."

I sat in front of him. "What the fuck are you doing here, again?"

"Binibisita kita." Bumuntong-hininga si Roa sa harapan ko. "How are you doing here?"

I snorted. "Do you want to hear right now that I was doing well in this fucking psychiatric facility? Rehab was more bearable than this one. I despise it here, "

"Zacharias."

I glared at him. "You bastard, I don't fucking need your sympathy! Don't pity me!"

His jaw clenched. "I don't like seeing you like this, Zacharias. You know that it's not your fault! They didn't die because of you! "

"But they did," I chuckled as if he was making a joke, "and I was there when they buried them all. That son of a bitch killed them because he didn't want me to be happy. He wanted to see me suffer."

"And you're giving him satisfaction! Natutuwa na siguro ang tanginang 'yon sa impyerno na nakikita kang ganito!"

"May he rot in hell... I...I will never forgive him for what he did," I said, my bloodshot eyes staring back at him. "I deserve to be here; I'm insane. Every fucking second I was in that white room, I could feel myself completely losing it."

"Pre... paano na... paano kung bumalik si Sam? And she will see you like this! Do you want that? "

Walang buhay na tiningnan ko siya at bumaba ang tingin ko sa posas sa aking kamay. They had to actually restrain me here to keep me from killing myself. I lost track of how many times I attempted suicide due to guilt.

"I-I... I don't deserve her. Pinatay ko siya... I killed her soul the moment I left her. Mas mabuti na 'to. I already accepted that I don't have a future. I am alive, but I want to die. "

He hissed at me and grabbed my collar, forcing me to stand. Matapang na hinarap ko ang galit na mga mata niya. "Then what about me, you sick bastard?! "

I've known Roa for almost my whole life, yet this is the first time I've ever seen him worried about me. I've never seen him that frightened since we were kids. I forced a smile on my face.

"Can you... do the right thing and kill me instead? It's painful to be alive, "I asked.

"Fuck you!"

Malakas na sinuntok niya ako sa panga. He was hauled away from me by the nurses and the guards. As I felt the nurses force me to stand up, I could still feel the blood on the side of my lips. I fixed my gaze on him. I was shocked. He was crying.

"Kung isinuko mo na ang lahat pwes ako hindi pa! Pull yourself together, Zacharias! Don't forget what you promised to Summer's father! Sinabi mo sa kaniya 'di ba na mamahalin at aalagaan mo ang anak niya kapag nawala siya! Don't ever turn back from what you have said! You fucker! "

"Roa..."

He walked toward me and gave me a brotherly hug when he calmed down.

"Take your medicine, Pre. Sana ay gustuhin mo nang mabuhay ulit. Hindi pa nagtatapos ang buhay mo dito. You had someone to protect. "

If he hadn't brought me back with his words that day, I wouldn't have been able to finish the battle I needed to win. It was as if I'd been dragged back from the depths of hell, and all I wanted to do was be alive so I could see her again. I stayed in the mental health facility for months before being released and no longer harming myself.

They provided me with maintenance medications and ordered that I attend therapy sessions on a regular basis. I made the decision to be better... I'd want to fix myself. 

Kung sakaling bumalik man siya, gusto kong maayos ako. Na karapat-dapat ako para sa kaniya. 

***

"The defendant is guilty beyond all reasonable doubt. "

Masayang nakipagkamay ako kay Rusty matapos ang trial ng kaso. They pleaded guilty.

I am happy that, after all that we've been through, I gave her family the justice they deserved. I hope I have the chance to meet her mother and brother, para sabihin din sa kanila na iingatan ko si Summer, na mamahalin ko siya higit pa sa buhay ko dahil kay Tito Raul ko lamang nasabi ang mga salitang iyon.

I placed a basket of fresh flowers and lit a candle on her mother's grave before standing properly in front of it with my hands in my pockets. The three tombstones in front of me were her family. I paid a visit to their graves.

"I vow to cherish and love her for the rest of my life. She will no longer be alone in this world because I will bring her the love and happiness she deserves. Huwag na po kayong mag-aalala. Gaya nang pinangako ko, Tito Raul, pakakasalan at aalagaan ko siya." I stopped and smiled. "She will take my surname and be completely mine. "

I looked at their graves for the last time and smiled at the skies. I turned my back and started to walk toward my car. I sat in the driver's seat and dialed Roa's phone number. Sigurado akong tapos na iyon ngayon. I've been planning it for months and am now ready to surprise her.

"Hello! Pre, what's up? "

Napailing ako dahil sa sinabi niya. "Is everything already set? Anong sabi ni Dawn? "

Narinig ko ang malakas na pagbuntong-hininga niya sa kabilang linya. "They're already on their way. Ang hirap pa naman kausapin ng babaeng iyon. Ang laki ng galit sa akin. "

"That's because you are a coward as fuck!" Pang-aasar ko sa kaniya.

I smiled sheepishly when I heard him yelling on the other line. "Aba'y putangina mo rin! I am doing you a huge favor! Kung hindi lang dahil sa cute na inaanak ko, hindi ako papayag. Tarantado ka! Asan ang bayad ko! "

I started the car's engine and drove away. I can feel my stomach churning because of nervousness. I've been looking forward to this my entire life, which is why I'm both excited and happy. It warms my heart just thinking about seeing her face every morning when I wake up.

"Stop saying nonsense, Roa. I've already paid you in cash, right? We were friends, but you didn't even give a discount! "

He chuckled. "Of course, kasali doon ang talent fee ko. Ilang buwan din akong puyat gago!"

I smiled while driving and then hung up. My gaze was drawn to the fresh bouquet of red roses on the passenger seat. Hindi ko alam, pero sobra ang kaba na nararamdaman ko. I want to see her and our baby. Zacharael, my son,

I remember crying the first time we met. It was a heartfelt and memorable memory for me. Knowing I had one completes the picture. Wala na akong hahanapin pa. Sila palang ay buo na ako. Buo na ang pagkatao ko. Binuo ng pagmamahal nila at sa pagkakataon na ito, ako naman ang magmamahal sa kanilang dalawa.

When I arrived at the place, I grinned widely. Agad na nakita ko si Roa na may kausap na lalaki. Ang mga mata ko ay nakatingin sa kabuuan ng bahay. It was exactly as I had imagined it. Inilabas ko ang blue print at sinipat iyon sa bahay na nasa harapan ko. There it is. This is her dream come true. This is the house that I built for her.

"Zacharias! Nandiyan na sila! "

Mas nanlamig ang mga kamay ko dahil sa sinabi ng lalaki at may nakita na akong sasakyan sa di kalayuan. Agad na inayos ko ang aking suot na white longsleeves at mahigpit na hinawakan ang boquet ng bulaklak sa aking kamay. Nilingon ko si Roa na nakangisi sa aking tabi.

"I'm happy for you, man! Finally, you have your own family. Sana ako din. "

I chuckled at him. "Umamin ka na kasi."

He simply shrugged his shoulders and smiled bitterly at me. "Hindi pwede."

Napapailing na ibinalik ko ang tingin sa aking harapan ng huminto na ang sasakyan. Kinabahan na ako ng bumukas ang pintuan at lumabas si Olive na nakangiti.

Summer, who was dressed in a yellow sundress over her knee, caught my attention. Despite the fact that she was blindfolded, she smiled. Sumunod na bumaba si Dawn, hawak ang anak ko na si Zacharael. Agad na pumapasag ito sa hawak ng babae na natawa lang.

"Daddy! Daddy! " He then giggled and started clapping his hands.

My smile widened, even more, when I saw how delighted my son was to see me. Agad na tinakpan ni Dawn ang bibig ng bata dahil baka marinig iyon ni Sam. After meeting Zacky, we became inseparable and even Summer was jealous of him. I remember her pouting when Zacharael only wanted me for himself.

"Ano bang pakulo ito, Oli! Bakit may pa blindfold pa? " Rinig kong saad ni Sam, habang dahan-dahang naglalakad papunta sa harapan ko. Nakita kong tumawa lang si Olive at nang madako ang tingin sa akin ay sinenyasan ako. I immediately walked towards Summer and reached for her hand. Nakita ko na bahagyang natigilan siya at kinakapa ang kamay ko.

"Oh my God, Olive! Kaninong kamay to! "Natatarantang saad ni Sam at umatras. "I'm sorry, I had a husband." Kita ko ang pag ngiwi ng mapula niyang labi. Hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti dahil sa sinabi niya. I felt butterflies in my stomach.

"I'm just about to propose to you, but I don't mind being your husband right away, Babe."

Natigilan siya at napaawang ang mga labi nito. Tinanggal ko na ang blindfold na nakalagay sa kanyang mata at namimilog ang mga matang nakatingin siya sa akin.

"Zacharias..."

I smiled and drew her closer to me, kissing her on the forehead. Kita ko ang pagbalatay ng pagtataka sa mukha ng babae ng tingalain ako. "What's going on?"

I gave her the bouquet of flowers and smiled. "I am here to fulfill your dream, baby."

Her eyes widened as I held her hand and didn't block her vision toward the three-story house in front of us. Nakita ko ang unti-unting pamumuo ng luha doon at hindi makapaniwalang napatingin saakin. I could see the joy in her eyes right there.

"Surprise," I whispered, and tightened my grip on her waist while looking at her crying face. "I love you."

Nanginginig ang mga labi na tinignan niya ako at niyakap ng mahigpit. I chuckled when she burst out crying on my chest, so I tapped her back.

"I-Ito pala... Ito pala ang pinagkakabaalahan mo ha! Thank you! Thank you so much! " masayang saad niya na nakapagpalambot pa husto sa puso ko. I looked at her lovingly in her eyes as we moved away from each other.

"P-pero bakit alam mo... Bakit alam mo na ito ang dream house ko? "

I then looked at Roa, and he quickly handed me the unopened frame. It was the last thing that Ella left to me before she passed away. She worked for weeks on it because she told me it was Sam's dream, and I brought it to reality... for her.

I slowly gave it to her. "Open it, babe. It was Celestine's gift. "

I was just looking at her face when she started to rip the cover off the frame. Naitutop nito ang kaniyang bibig at tiningnan ang bahay na nasa harapan namin. Ibinalik niya ang tingin sa painting na nasa harapan niya.

"Zacharias... Oh my god! D-don't tell me... " Natutop niya ang kanyang bibig.

I nodded and cupped her face. "Celestine is the one who gave me the details of your dream home. She said that you've always told her how you wanted it to be. This was the reference I had while making our home. "

"Oh my god... S-she still remembered it all. This painting... " Umiiyak na tumingin siya sa malaking bahay na nasa harapan namin ngayon. This is the house that I built for our family.

"It was the same... Oh my god! "

Malakas na tumambol ang puso ko nang tinalon ako ni Summer ng mahigpit na yakap. Ang kanyang mga braso ay nakaikot sa aking leeg at ang kanyang mukha ay nakasubsob doon.

Kinabig ko siya papalapit pa sa akin at niyakap siya ng mahigpit habang pinapakinggan ang kanyang pag-iyak. "I-I love you so damn much, Summer. Ikaw lang... Ikaw lang ang mamahalin ko habang buhay. "

I stepped back slowly, reaching into my pocket for the small velvet box. I can't help but be emotional at times like this! Pinangarap ko lamang ito na mangyari noon, pero heto at dahan-dahan na akong lumuhod sa harapan niya. I can feel my insides shaking.

"W-what..."

I saw her eyes well up with tears once more. Her eyes glistened with joy, given the fact that she was crying. Hindi ito nagsasalita kaya kinabahan ako. She was just looking at me and the diamond ring that I showed her.

I could feel my eyes heating up as I swallowed hard.

"Attorney Summer Aine Genares Quin, my Samsam, my one and only home, and the mother of my child, I asked God to bring you back into my life, and I will not pass up the chance to love you even more."

I paused and a tear fell in my eyes.

"Will you spend the rest of your life with me?"

Narinig ko ang mahihinang paghikbi sa paligid na nagmumula sa kanyang mga kaibigan. Nakita ko si Zacharael na humahagikhik habang pinapalakpak nito ang maliliit niyang kamay.

Summer moved closer to me, leaning in pretty close until our faces were an inch apart. Her face was covered in happy tears, and she nodded as she held my face in both of her hands. I closed my eyes because of joy. Yes! I did it! I finally did it!

I was so glad I didn't stutter! I practiced this every single day, even if I was in her old office before.

"Yes... Yes, Zacharias! I'll marry you! I do! I love you."

I immediately leaned towards her and kissed her on the lips. Ang paligid ay napuno ng malakas na hiyawan at palakpakan, pero ang aking buong pagkatao ay nakapokus sa nag-iisang babae na mahal na mahal ko.

I get up and quickly place the ring on her finger, and my heart bursts with happiness I hadn't expected to feel in my entire life. I gave her a firm hug and a gentle kiss on the forehead.

"Mahal na mahal ko kayo, hanggang sa huling hininga ko. I'll die loving only you. "

Nakangiting tiningala ako ni Summer at inilagay ang kanyang palad sa aking dibdib. "Mahal na mahal din kita. Mahal ka namin ni Zacharael. "

Dawn walked towards us and placed Zacharael on my other arm. Agad na napatingin ako sa anak namin ng tumawa ito at nakataas ang kamay patungo sa aming mukha. I realized what that meant when Summer looked at me.

We both placed our faces in his little hand, and my heart was full of happiness and contentment when Zacky rubbed his tiny cheeks on us. Niyakap ko ng mahigpit ang pamilya ko at napatingala sa kulay bughaw na kalangitan.

I begged God to let me find her again, and I promised to do everything it took to love and cherish her and to never leave her side if anything went wrong.

Fate separated us at the wrong time, in the wrong situation, and we've been burdened by wrong decisions, but fate also brought us back together. Because of that, I'll always love her the way she deserves to be loved until the day I die. I will be hers.

Sa kaniya lang. Lagi't lagi.

She's my beginning and will always be... my end.

I'd been lost for years, but now I'm home with her. My one and only home will always be... by her side.

END