I booked the earliest flight possible to Iloilo. Kailangan kong puntahan si Daddy. I need to see him. Gusto kong humingi ng sorry sa lahat ng ginawa ko at sa lahat ng mga hindi ko nagawa. Narinig kong kumakatok si Andrew habang wala sa sarili akong nag-iimpake ng mga damit. Alam kong nag-aalala siya simula pa kanina, but I can't deal with anything right now. Gusto ko lang mapuntahan agad si Daddy.

"Aliyah? Can I come in?" His voice was so comforting.

Pinagbuksan ko siya ng pinto. I was right, kitang-kita ko sa mukha niya ang pag-aalala, pero nandoon pa rin sa kayumanggi niyang mga mata ang bahid ng galit.

"You're going?" tanong niya nang mapansin ang nakabukas na maletang nakapatong sa kama.

"Yes. Nakausap ko na si Frances, 'yong EA ni Daddy, unstable pa rin daw si Dad kaya hindi pa siya puwedeng ilipad dito sa Manila, but I need to see him," nanginginig ang boses ko dahil pinipilit kong pigilan ang mga namumuong mga luha sa mata ko.

"Sasama ako sa'yo. You're not going without me."

"But you have work here—"

"Leo can take care of that," he quickly said. Ni hindi niya na nga ako pinatapos sa sasabihin.

"No, Andrew. Ayokong maabala ang trabaho mo because of me. I'll go alone, kaya ko naman," I said as I continue packing my things.

Lumapit siya sa akin at biglang hinawakan ang kamay ko. Hindi ko alam kung para pigilan ako sa pag-iimpake o para pakalmahin ang panginginig nito na ngayon ko lang napansin.

"No, Aliyah, I will go with you. May bumaril sa daddy mo and he's still out there. Paano kung may mangyari sa 'yo?" Punong-puno ng pag-aalala ang boses ng asawa ko, pero may kakaibang dilim pa rin sa mga mata niya.

"I can take care of myself—"

"NO! You don't know what you're dealing with, Aliyah!" His voice like thunder, firm and strong. I heard him curse and he took a deep breath.

Binawi ko ang kamay ko mula sa pagkakahawak niya. "Bakit ikaw Andrew? Kilala mo? Do you know that gunman?!" mariin kong tanong.

Halatang nagulat siya sa ginawa ko at sa tanong ko. Umupo siya sa kama at napahawak sa sentido niya.

"No... hindi ko alam kung ano'ng pangalan niya, but I saw him once... sa office ng daddy mo."

"What?! So, posibleng kilala siya ni Daddy?" My eyes widened in disbelief.

"We're not really sure, Aliyah."

I felt shivers crawling down my spine.

 Kung nagawang makapasok ng gunman sa office ni Daddy dito sa Manila at nagawa niya ring sundan si Daddy sa Iloilo... then, tama nga si Andrew, I can't do this alone.

***

Mag a-ala-sais na ng umaga nang makarating kami ni Andrew sa Iloilo. Sinundo kami ni Frances at ng isa pa sa mga tauhan ni Daddy sa airport. I told them na gusto kong puntahan agad si Daddy sa ospital at sila na lang ang mag-drop ng mga gamit namin ni Andrew sa hotel.

Nasa ICU pa rin si Daddy, wala pa ring malay. May dalawang pulis din na nakabantay sa pinto ng ICU. Mahigpit ang protocol nila at walang ibang pinapapasok sa loob maliban kay Frances at sa mga tauhan ni Daddy. Bukod sa picture ng gunman ay wala pa rin silang update sa ginagawa nilang imbestigasyon.

Habang papasok ng ICU, hindi ko maiwasang makaramdam ng takot. What if hindi na magising si Daddy? What if mawala rin siya. Guilt crept all over me. The last time I saw him, he was so mad at me. The last time I saw him, marami akong masasakit na salitang binitawan sa kaniya. Nangingilid ang luha ko sa takot na baka wala na akong chance na mabawi pa ang mga 'yon... na baka huli na ang lahat.

"Are you okay, Aliyah?" Andrew asked me softly. Hindi ko alam na napapansin niya pala ang namumuong takot at kaba sa puso ko.

"I'm fine, Andrew. I'm just... scared," my voice quivered.

"Don't be, I'm here."

Those four words offered a flicker of hope in my heart. He then held my hand tightly, but not too much, just enough to comfort me.

I quickly glanced at my father, lying on the hospital bed—unconscious, weak. Malayong-malayo sa strict and strong CEO na kilala ko. Malayong-malayo sa taong kinaiinisan ko. Malayong-malayo sa amang tinalikuran ko after that night.

***

"I don't want to throw a party, Dad! Gastos lang 'yan," naiinis kong sabi kay Daddy nang makita ko ang draft ng seat plan para sa birthday ko sa table niya.

"Tanya, it's your birthday, once a year lang 'yon. We never had a party since... since your mom died."

I can see the sadness and longing on my father's eyes. Simula kasi nang namatay si mommy three years ago, we didn't celebrate my birthday anymore... or not together at least. I moved out of our house and lived with Steph. So, having this conversation is hard for the both of us.

"Okay, Dad, but that would be the last." I said just to end the conversation.

"Thank you, Tanya. You don't know how much it means to me, anak." I saw him smile. After three years, I saw my father smile again and somehow, it melted my heart.

I thought, after my birthday party, makakabalik na kami ni Daddy sa dati, but I was wrong.

"Ma'am Lia, start na raw po natin 'yong program? Pinapatanong po ni Sir," nahihiyang tanong ni Frances sa akin sa dressing room.

"Ah, nandiyan na ba si Steph?"

"Yes po, nasa Table 2 po kasama ng parents and brother niya," she answered eagerly.

"Si... si Architect Romulo, nandiyan na rin ba?"

Sinilip ni Frances ang guest list na hawak niya. "Parang wala pa po," mahinang tugon niya.

I checked the time on my phone, quarter to seven na. Nakakahiya nang paghintayin pa ang mga bisita.

"Sige, start na tayo," nakangiti kong sagot sa kaniya.

Nakangiti ako kahit alam ko sa sarili kong hindi naman ako masaya. Inalis ko ang nakaipon kong buhok sa aking balikat at hinayaan ko itong nakalugay sa aking likod. I quickly glanced at the mirror and practiced my smile... my fake smile.

Shocks!  Ang dami palang tao! I calmed myself as I stood on the center of the stage. Akala ko pa naman close friends, family, and business partners lang ni Daddy ang invited. Ang nakakatawa pa, sa dinami-dami ng mga tao sa ballroom ay parang si Steph at ang pamilya niya lang ang kilala ko.

The host introduced me, and I smiled. That fake smile that I practiced. Wala pa siya... wala pa si Andrew. Pupunta ba talaga siya? Baka napilitan lang 'yon mag-yes kahapon. Naiinis ako sa nararamdaman ko. Bakit ko ba siya hinahanap?

Pero nagpatuloy pa rin ako sa paghahanap, pilit kong minumukhaan ang bawat bisita sa bawat lamesa. Hindi ko pa rin siya makita, hanggang sa naputol ang paghahanap ko. Naramdaman ko na lang ang kamay na pumatong sa balikat ko at narinig ko ang host.

"...to celebrate her engagement to Mr. Marcus Alfonte!" Unti-unting nabura sa mukha ko ang peke kong ngiti.

W-What?! A-Ako? Engaged kay Marcus?! Naguguluhan ako, ano'ng klaseng birthday party 'to?! 

Napaawang ang mga labi ko. Mabilis kong liningon ang kamay na nakapatong sa balikat ko.

"M-Marcus?"

Then Marcus whispered to me, "Lia, I'm sorry, I'll explain everything tomorrow... tapusin lang natin 'tong party." My eyes widened and I immediately removed his hand from my shoulder. He knows about this! And he didn't tell me anything?! How can he betray me like this?!

From the stage, hinanap ko agad si Daddy. Katabi niya si Tito Rod and they seemed so happy until they saw how mad I was. What the hell is this? Pinagkaisahan ba nila ako? Did they set me up? Sino ba sila sa iniisip nila? No one can take away my freedom! This is my life, and I will take control of it!

I walked slowly towards the host and whispered, "Tell them the party's over!"

Then I ran as fast as I can... ignoring Marcus calling me, Daddy stopping me, and even Steph na sinusundan ako. I was crying as I ran across that big hall, passing by the faces of strangers who were all in shock because of what's happening. There were even camera flashes, but they can't stop me. No one can!

Sobrang sakit ng dibdib ko, halos hindi ako makahinga, pero tuloy pa rin ako sa pagtakbo. Then, I saw Andrew... hawak niya sa kanang kamay ang isang pulang box. He came, pumunta nga siya! I felt my heart lighten. Pero tumatakbo rin siya palayo at kahit gustong-gusto ko siyang tawagin, parang walang boses na lumalabas sa akin. Patuloy ako sa pagtakbo kahit nakalabas na ako ng hotel.

Then I saw him again sa parking lot. He was just standing there, in front of his car. Wala na ang box na hawak niya kanina. He looks so handsome in his black tuxedo, but his face looks so sad. Nakita niya ba 'yong nangyari kanina? 

Hindi ko alam kung saan ako pupunta. Hindi ko alam kung hihinto na ba ako sa pagtakbo. I CHOSE HIM. That night, I chose to run to him.

No'ng gabi na 'yon, pakiramdam ko siya lang ang kakampi ko, pakiramdam ko sa kaniya lang ako puwedeng tumakbo. Maybe because he saved me once sa site and he was always so kind to me ever since the day na nakilala ko siya.

Nagulat na lang ako nang yakapin ko siya na para bang nagsusumbong ako sa kaniya. He hugged me too, tightly but not too much. Just enough... just enough to make me feel that I am not alone.

"Andrew, please... take me away," I told him while I'm drowning in my tears.

Mabilis niyang binuksan ang pinto ng sasakyan niya. He drove silently. Hindi siya nagtanong kung bakit ako naiyak o kung ano'ng problema. He didn't ask anything, he just let me cry it all out hanggang sa huminto ang sasakyan niya sa parking lot ng isang condominium tower.

"Okay ka na ba?" he asked with his warm and manly voice. Umiling lang ako. Not saying a single word.

"Are you in pain?" tanong niya sakin habang nakatingin sa labas ng sasakyan.

"Yes," mahina kong sagot and then I started sobbing again.

"What can I do for you, Aliyah? To... to ease the pain?"

I don't know what happened, pero nang marinig ko 'yon kay Andrew unti-unting gumaan ang loob ko. At kahit wala pa siyang ginagawa ay parang nabawasan na agad ang sakit na namumuo sa dibdib ko.

"Can I... can I stay at your place? Ngayong gabi lang, I'll pay you. I just need a place to stay for the night," nahihiya kong tanong sa kaniya. Ni hindi ako makatingin nang diretso sa mga mata niya.

"Yes, you can stay... but you don't have to pay for it."

He took off his coat at isinampay niya 'yon sa balikat ko. Hindi naman ako nilalamig, but smelling his perfume from his coat warmed my heart.

"Happy birthday, Aliyah! You look perfect tonight," he whispered.

Tumalon ang puso ko. I wiped my tears at parang bigla akong naging conscious sa itsura ko. I'm a mess tonight... my hair is full of tangles, my eyes are swollen because of crying, and my make-up is ruined. Tapos sasabihin niya 'yon? But his words... somehow, made me smile. Napangiti ako sa sinabi niya sa kabila ng lahat ng nangyari kanina. It was the only genuine smile that night.

***

Pinagtitinginan kami ng matangkad na receptionist at ng security guard sa lobby ng condo ni Andrew. Ngayon lang ba nagkaroon ng bisita si Andrew? Tahimik kaming sumakay sa elevator at pagpasok namin sa unit niya, agad niyang binuksan ang TV kahit na parang wala naman siyang interes manood.

"S-Sorry, I don't have anything to offer. I don't cook, but we can order food if you want?" he anxiously said.

Umupo ako sa sofa at tumingin sa kaniya. Ngayon ko lang napansin na hindi pala itim ang kulay ng mga mata niya... deep brown. Deep brown serious eyes.

"It's fine. Hindi naman ako nagugutom. Water will do," I answered shyly.

Naka-tatlong baso yata ako ng tubig sa sobrang pagkauhaw. Tinanggal ko ang coat niya at inabot 'yon sa kaniya.

"Thank you, Andrew," I softly said as I return his coat.

"No worries." Marahan niyang ginulo ang buhok niya na naka-half man-bun. "Uhm... you can sleep on my bedroom. Dito na lang ako sa couch," alok niya.

"No, it's okay. Dito na lang ako sa sofa, you sleep in your room. I'll be fine here," sagot ko sa kaniya habang inuumpisahang suklayin ang magulo kong buhok gamit ang mga daliri ko.

"Okay," he softly said with his low and manly voice. Umupo siya sa tapat ko, I can feel that he's staring at me... or at least he's looking at me.

"Can I ask what happened?"

Napalunok ako at napabuntong-hininga. Akala ko hindi niya ako tatanungin. Pero siguro kapag kinuwento ko sa kaniya ay mas gagaan ang loob ko. There's something about him that pushes me trust him. It's weird, pero pakiramdam ko kapag nandiyan siya... I'm safe.

"I don't even know where to start, but it looks like my father is giving me away." My voice was shaking. Pinipigilan kong tumulo muli ang mga nagbabadyang luha.

"Hindi ko nga alam na engaged na pala ako, e!" I laughed bitterly.

"Pero si Daddy, si Tito Rod, and si Marcus, alam nila lahat. And ini-expect nila na I will just agree, that I will just smile on that stage and go along with it... as if I don't have a choice. Gano'n ako ka-useless kay Daddy, just for him to easily get rid of me? Just to have someone na papalit sa kaniya, he's willing to give me away that easily!"

Hindi ko napansin na nahulog na pala ang mga pinipigilan kong luha. Inabot sa akin ni Andrew ang tissue na nasa coffee table at umiwas ng tingin sa akin. I pity myself, pakiramdam ko'y hindi anak ang turing sa akin ni Daddy... am I just a business deal?

He licked his lower lip. "So, Marcus is not your... boyfriend?"

"NO! He's just a friend! And I don't have a boyfriend. I don't need a man!" I said firmly and a bit irritated too.

Nahalata ko ang pagbabago sa mukha niya. Nakita ko ang pausbong na ngiti sa labi niya, pero agad siyang yumuko.

"I see... So, ano'ng plano mo ngayon?"

"I-I don't know, sleep maybe? Bukas, for sure, hindi na ganito. I don't know what will happen, basta ang alam ko... HINDI AKO IKAKASAL!"

Kahit na sa sofa ako nakahiga ay mabilis naman akong nakatulog. Napagod siguro ang mga mata ko kakaiyak. Nagulat na lang ako nang pagkagising ko ay may kumot nang nakapatong sa akin. I checked my phone and it's already 10:00 AM. Kasabay ng pagtingin sa oras ay nakita ko ang naipong notifications sa phone ko. Twelve missed calls from Steph, three from Daddy, six from Marcus. Puno rin ang inbox ko ng mga texts from Steph and Marcus.

Steph: Li, Nasa'n ka? Are you okay? Are you safe? Pupuntahan kita, just send me your location.

Marcus: I can explain. Please, let's talk. Where are you?

Nag-reply ako kay Steph, telling her that I'm safe and I'll call her later. Pero hindi ko na binasa pa ang ibang messages ni Marcus. I can't deal with him right now. Isa pa, wala na rin naman siyang dapat ipaliwanag.

Inilapag ko ang phone ko sa coffee table at napansin ko ang isang post-it katabi ng isang blue paper bag.

'Head out to buy brunch. Bought some stuff you might need —Andrew'

I slowly opened the bag and checked kung ano ang mga laman no'n. May hairbrush, toiletries, tissue, a black sleeveless knitted dress, and a pack of panties. I blushed. Parang bigla kong na-imagine ang itsura ni Andrew while buying these. I shook my head. Stop it, Lia!

Maya-maya pa ay narinig kong bumukas ang pinto. I quickly pat my face para mawala ang pamumula no'n pero bigo ako.

"Are you okay?" Nagulat ako sa boses ni Andrew. Mukhang nakita niya rin ang ginawa ko. Hindi ko namalayang dumating na pala siya.

"Ah, yeah. May lamok kasi..."

"What?!" Nanlaki nang bahagya ang mga mata niya.

"May lamok? Sorry, Aliyah." He sprinted towards me and touched my face.

Nagmamadali siyang sinipat ang mukha ko. "Saan? Saan ka kinagat? I'm so sorry."

I can smell his minty breath. Sobrang lapit ng mukha niya sa akin. To think na kagigising ko lang at wala pang hilamos, baka mamaya may muta pa ako or what! And he is this close to me, parang gusto ko na lang kainin ng lupa.

"I'm o-okay," I mumbled anxiously. Napansin niya siguro ang pagkailang ko. He stepped away.

Tahimik kaming kumain ng brunch. Nakapagpalit na rin ako ng damit at nakapag-ayos na rin.

"Andrew... how much pala? Lahat ng abala ko since last night," I asked while folding my white gown.

"You don't have to pay.  Consider them my birthday gift," he said while smiling.

"Thank you," nakangiti ko ring sagot sa kaniya.

***

Kahit kinakabahan ako, pinilit ko pa ring pakalmahin ang puso ko habang naglalakad papasok ng building ng AHG. I've rehearsed everything that I will say. Hindi ako magpapakasal kay Marcus, ayokong ma-involve sa company and I'm even willing to sell my shares. I just don't want anything to do with my father and his company.

Pagpasok ko sa office ni Daddy, kitang-kita ko na ang pinaghalong disappointment at frustration sa mukha niya. Mas lalo akong kinabahan.

"D-Dad..." I can't even greet him properly sa sobrang galit ko sa kaniya.

Tumayo siya. He looked at me with disgust. Why does my father look so disgusted and mad? Nanatiling nakatikom ang bibig niya. Marahan niyang iniharap sa akin ang screen ng laptop niya. That's when I knew why he looked that way. 

The headline of the article was 'Hotelier Heiress Flees Engagement Party, Caught in Scandalous Affair' . Then, there were three pictures—one, when I left Marcus on the stage, 'yong pangalawa, magkayakap kami ni Andrew sa parking lot, at 'yong huli ay 'yong pumasok kami sa condo, Andrew's coat on my shoulders and his eyes were fixed at me.

"You left Marcus because of that Architect?! Tanya!" Nagpupuyos sa galit ang boses ni Daddy.

"No, Dad! Umalis ako because I have no idea na ibinebenta niyo na pala ako sa mga Alfonte!" I'm crying but my voice is firm.

"MY GOD! You and Marcus were friends since grade school! Marcus is a good man! He likes you and he can handle AHG. Hindi mo pa maiisip 'to ngayon, but I DID THAT FOR YOU!"

"NO DAD! You did that FOR YOU! For your business, For your name!" I shouted. Halos sumabog na ang dibdib ko sa galit. Dad became silent.

"Kaya mo ba ako ipapamigay dahil wala akong pakialam sa kompanya mo?" I crossed my arms in front of me. "I don't need you, Dad! I don't need your money! I can live on my own without you!" I said in between my deep sobs.

"Sa tingin mo kaya kang buhayin ng Architect na 'yon! He just started his firm!"

 I clenched my fists.

"Wala kaming relasyon ni Andrew!"

"That's not what the pictures are telling! You were seen in his condo! Sinong matinong babae ang gagawa no'n?! Right after your own engagement party!" His voice was raging, his lips were trembling, and I can clearly see how furious his eyes are.

"Wala kaming ginawa... I just crashed into his place because of what you did!"

"Sinong maniniwala sa 'yo?! Do you even see the way you two looked at each other?!" He pointed the screen of his laptop, violently, pointing to the pictures.

"Ganito ka ba kagalit sa akin, Tanya? You're willing to ruin your image?"

Isang malalim na buntong-hininga ang pinakawalan niya bago nagsalita muli.

"Okay, Tanya, I'll give you what you want... you will no longer be part of AHG. From now on, wala na akong anak!"

Ganito rin kasakit no'n, three years ago when Mommy died. Sobrang sakit... that I even thought I was dying of pain. Hearing those words from Daddy made me feel that pain again.

"O-Okay, if that's what you want. But the café... Mommy wanted it to be mine. You know that. Sa akin 'yon. I'll buy it from you," I said while wiping my tears.

Suminghap si Daddy at tumalikod siya sa akin. He cleared his throat.

"Oh, that? Okay I'll give you your mother's café. Doon ka naman magaling 'di ba? Sa pagtitimpla ng kape, making those pastries, and pretending you don't care about your father!"

"I'LL BUY IT! I can buy it... I don't need your charity!" mariin kong sagot sa kaniya.

"Fine, I'll let you buy it then, if you marry—"

"I'm not marrying Marcus, Dad!" I shouted with frustration.

"Not Marcus! You will marry Architect Romulo! Then, I'll let you buy the café from me."

"W-What the hell, Dad?"

"Tanya! That's the only way to save your honor and your name!" he said with his voice full of authority.

I chuckled uncomfortably. Bitterly.

I scoffed. "My name... really Dad?" I stared at him. He remained silent.

"Fine! I'll marry Andrew! Then the café will be mine."

***

Kung alam ko lang na 'yon na pala ang huling pag-uusap namin ni Daddy bago siya magkaganito, I should've been kinder. Hindi sana ako nagmatigas. Hindi sana ako nagalit nang sobra-sobra sa kaniya.

Naramdaman ko ang kamay ni Andrew sa balikat ko. "Are you okay, Aliyah? Gusto mo bang magpahinga muna sa hotel? Wala ka pang tulog since last night." I looked at him. His eyes were worried and tired too.

"I'm fine," I softly answered. "I just need to talk to dad's doctor and Frances, and then we can rest." I slowly rested my head on his shoulder while we quietly sat on the hospital couch in Daddy's room.

Nagkaroon ng emergency meeting ang board that morning para mag-appoint ng temporary CEO na papalit kay Daddy. Kahit na ayoko naman talagang makialam sa AHG, nag-aalala pa rin ako. Ayoko pa ring masayang ang pinaghirapan ng mga magulang ko.

Ilang oras akong nagbantay kay Daddy at ilang oras din naghintay kay Frances pero hindi umalis sa tabi ko si Andrew. Kahit pansin kong hindi siya komportable sa ospital, he stayed with me.

"Ma'am Lia, nakapili na po ng temporary CEO ang board," bungad ni Frances. I quickly stood up, and so did Andrew.

"It was actually a unanimous decision, Ma'am," Frances continued, her lips curved into a smile.

"Sino raw?"

"Ikaw po, Ma'am Lia!" diretsong sagot niya sa akin. "They all believe na isang Alvarez lang ang kayang magpatakbo ng AHG. You may never notice it, ma'am, but... parehong-pareho kayo ng daddy mo," she said on her cheerful tone.

"What?! I-I can't. Dad disowned me. I have no right to—"

"He never did, Ma'am Lia. You're still his sole heiress. Hindi niya rin po binenta 'yong shares niyo, you still own 30% of AHG. He never disowned you." 

I gasped. My eyes widened as tears started to stream down my face. Hindi ako makapaniwala sa binalita ni Frances. Dad was clear the last time we spoke—wala na siyang anak.

"He even supported your business, Ma'am Lia. Monthly po siyang nag-oorder sa Café Amor and pinapakain niya sa amin sa office 'yon. He was so happy every time na kino-compliment namin 'yong gawa niyo! Sir Andrew knows that!"

Tinitigan ko ang asawa ko. I was too stunned to speak. I just stared at him while sobbing.

"Hey, baby... stop crying." Pinunasan niya ang mga luha sa pisngi ko.

"Si Daddy si Mr. T?" tanong ko kay Andrew.

"Yes, Aliyah."

Then I started crying even more. I wailed like a child. Andrew hugged me at iniyak ko lahat sa dibdib niya. I was so mad at myself. I was so cruel to my father. I should have known.

***

Gabi na kami nakauwi sa hotel. We were so tired that we almost skipped dinner, but Andrew insisted that we should eat. Nagpa-room service na lang kami. We ate silently, after everything that happened and after ng confession niya, we still ate silently... but something changed.

In between drinking his wine, titingnan niya ako na para bang may inaabangan siya. Right! Bago ibalitang nabaril si Daddy, I told him na may sasabihin ako sa kaniya. But I can't, hindi muna, AHG muna ang focus ko. 

I hope you can still wait, love. Please do wait. I prayed to myself.

Frances booked one room for me and Andrew. Of course, sa paningin nila, we're a real husband and wife. I was just chill about it, ayoko nang ma-stress pa dahil masyado nang mahaba ang nagdaang araw, but Andrew looks so tensed.

"I can sleep on the chair," he volunteered. Kitang-kita ko ang kaba sa kayumanggi niyang mga mata. Natawa ako. Gano'n ba siya sobrang takot na tabihan ako at willing siyang matulog nang nakaupo? He heard me laughing.

"What's funny, Aliyah?" he asked, looking so irritated.

"Nothing, Andrew. You can sleep beside me. Wala akong gagawin sa 'yong masama. Isa pa ang laki-laki ng kama o!" sabay upo ko sa king size bed.

"Okay, I'll just face the wall," he nervously said.

"Do what you want, kung saan ka komportable," I said to him, smiling.

Naglagay si Andrew ng dalawang unan sa pagitan namin, at saka tumalikod sa akin. Humarap siya sa dingding. Gano'n rin ako, nakaharap sa dingding at tinititigan ang abstract painting na nakasabit doon.

"You still awake?" he asked softly.

"Yeah, hindi ako makatulog. Inisiip ko kung kaya ko bang i-handle ang AHG." I sighed.

"I'm sure you can, you're hardworking Aliyah. You have your own way of connecting with people."

"Y-You really think so?" My voice quivered.

"Yes, I'm sure of that! So don't you ever doubt yourself." Kusang ngumiti ang mga labi ko dahil sa sinabi ni Andrew. His words, like what he said that night, were always so comforting. Parang kahit ano'ng mangyari kakayanin ko basta nandiyan siya.

"Paano pala kayo nagka-ayos ni Daddy? I thought galit siya sa'yo," I asked, my forehead creased in confusion.

"He was, at first. Galit na galit siya sa akin. Pero mukhang mas favorite pala niya ako sa 'yo," Andrew chuckled.

"He always wanted a son," I answered softly.

"No, wala siyang ibang gusto kundi ang magka-ayos kayo, Aliyah."

"That's what I want too... I was just too stubborn," my voice was slowly breaking.

Narinig ko ang pagbuntong-hininga niya at naramdaman ko pa ang paggalaw ng mga balikat niya.

"Can I ask you something?" malumanay niyang tanong.

"Ano 'yon?"

"Do you know why Mr. T? Why T?"

Parang na-iimagine ko ang mukha ni Andrew na nakakunot nang kaunti ang noo, malalim na iniisip ang sagot at may mga matang punong-puno ng pagtataka.

"Ah, actually, kanina ko lang din na-realize, why Mr. T." I moisted my lips. "No'ng bata kasi ako, palaging pasalubong sa akin ni Daddy from his overseas trips 'yong teddy bear na naka national costume ng country na pinuntahan niya. I called him Daddy Teddy back then. I even had a cabinet full of those teddy bears. Tumigil lang 'yon no'ng nagkasakit na si Mommy."

That's one of my favorite childhood memories. Back when we are still a family, noong hindi ko pa alam na puwede pala nila akong iwan.

"Are you crying?"

"No... I'm not," I said. Lying.

Seconds later, I felt his hands reaching for mine. He held my right hand at hinayaan ko 'yon. Ngayon ko lang yata naramdaman ang kaunting gaspang ng kamay niya at ang init na binibigay no'n, pero kagaya ng dati... it always comforts me.

"Andrew... "

"Yes?"

"Good night."

"Good night, baby," he softly said.

At mas lalo pang humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ko. I smiled and then closed my eyes... our fingers intertwined. Now, I know what I really feel about him. He's like the night... my refuge from all the chaos of this crazy, wild, world.

***

MsLynLuna ☽