This is the last chapter for Dominic and Serena's story. Thank you for being with me on this journey. I'm sorry it took me a while to update, I was just busy with school. Thank you for being patient.

Enjoy reading! I hope you'll give my last installment for Donovan Series a shot! 😆 May epilogue pa po pagtapos nito.

Song: Ikaw at Ako- Moira Dela Torre & Jason Marvin

Peace 

Anak...

That was one word she didn't use to address me for years.

Hearing it from her now... sounded so ridiculous and yet... so surreal.

Nanatili lang akong nakatitig kay Mama. Hindi parin makapaniwala na nandito siya. I looked behind her. She was with my siblings.

Si Ate Vicky at Kuya Johan, kasama ang pamilya nila. Si Kuya Nate kasama ang sa tingin ko ay girlfriend o fiancée o baka asawa na niya. But whatever! That's none of my business.

Marahas na inalis ni Hannah ang kamay ni Mama sakanya. My mouth parted at her bold move. This bitch is really testing my patience.

"And who the fuck are you?" walang respeto niyang tanong.

"Hey! Don't you dare speak to my mother that way!" suway ko sakanya at marahas ko siyang pinaharap muli sa akin.

Kung hindi lang talaga hinawakan ni Dominic ang kamay ko, kanina ko pa siya sinampal. Bahagyang tumawa at ngumiti si Hannah. She cocked her head to the side like she wanted to piss the hell out of me.

"Ah! Your mother! I'm surprised she can face you now, knowing you're the reason why her youngest daughter is dead!"

I heard some gasp. I didn't dare to look around. Nanatili ang malamig kong tingin kay Hannah. Nang mapansin niyang wala akong sinabi ay mas lalo siyang napangisi.

"See? You're guilty, right? Nang dahil sa'yo, namatay ang kapatid mo! Because of your carelessness and foolishness, Serena, your sister is dead!"

"She didn't kill her sister," sabi ni Mama. "Before you spit out some non-sense, make sure to get your facts straight!"

Si Hannah naman ang napasinghap ngayon. On the corner of my eye, I saw Dominic's parents coming closer. His father called more security to better handle this bitch.

"Oh? Nag-bago na po ba ang ihip ng panahon at di na siya ang sinisisi mo? Didn't you blame her for it?"

"Aba! Bruha ka!" Tito Chad was about to step in but Luca held him back. Sinubukan niyang magpumiglas.

How come she knew about this? As far as I can remember, I don't share much of my personal life to a lot of people. Sino naman kayang lintik ang nagsabi sakanya para malaman niya 'to? Was it Samuel?

Oh, right! I saw them talking once in an event we are both invited. They both plotted to ruin us. Ngayong hindi nagtagumpay si Samuel, siya naman ang sumusubok na sumira sa amin.

Hannah rolled her eyes at my uncle before looking at my mother again.

"Tita, baka nakakalimutan mo-"

"'Wag na 'wag mo akong matita tita!" sigaw ni Mama. "Sino ka para pagsalitaan ng ganyan ang anak ko? At sino ka para makisawsaw sa problema ng pamilya namin?"

"Oh! I-" Hannah stammered.

Lumapit si Kuya Johan upang pakalmahin si Mama ngunit iniwas lang nito ang braso niya. Mukhang ayaw mag-paawat. A took a step to try and calm her down but my feet betrayed me. I'm still not used to being defended by my mother.

"Yes! I may have blamed her for it but I regretted it everyday. It was my mistake as a mother to not see Serena suffering because of it. I was blinded by my grieving process that I didn't know what I was thinking! You have no idea how much that feels because you don't know what it feels like to lose a child!"

Agad na lumandas ang luha sa aking mata. My breathing hitched. I clenched my jaw when I saw a tear stream down my Mama's face.

"So, who are you to speak that way to Serena when you don't even know a thing about my family? That one tragic night doesn't define her as a person nor does it make her a murderer gaya ng gusto niyong palabasin ni Samuel!"

Hannah seemed surprised. Napaatras siya at umiling.

"I'm not working with him-"

"Hannah, just stop! Doing this won't do you any good." Si Dominic.

Parang baliw na tumawa si Hannah. She angrily pointed a finger at his face.

"Easy for you to say that dahil hindi naman ikaw 'yung nasaktan! Pinagmukha mo akong tanga! I waited for nothing! Paano mo nagawa sa akin 'to!? Akala ko ba mahal mo ako?"

Damn! She's crying now!

She almost kneeled in front of Dominic. Nang dahil doon mukhang umatras din ang luha ko. Ano bang pinakain ni Dominic dito para mabaliw sakanya 'to ng ganito?

"Admit that we had something good, Dominic. Tell me you're going to leave her for me."

"Oh! Damn, she's crazy!" si Margaux. Humalukipkip siya sabay umirap.

"What the hell are you talking-"

"Please, Dominic! Ako nalang! Please! Gagawin ko ang lahat para ako ang piliin mo!"

I turn to look at Dominic to see that his forehead is creased. Base palang sa itsura niya, kita ko nang nagugulohan din siya sa ginagawa ni Hannah.

Dumating naman ang mga security at agad siyang dinampot. Sinubukan niyang magpumiglas pero desidido ang security na palabasin siya.

"No! Don't touch me!" sigaw niya habang hinihila siya ng security palabas ng venue. "Dominic!"

Sa halip na ibaling ni Dominic ang tingin niya doon ay nilingon niya lang ako.

"I'm so sorry for this."

I nod my head. Tiningnan ko naman muli si Hannah na patuloy parin sa pagpupumiglas sa mga security.

"You're all going to regret this! I'm going to ruin you! I'll make sure of that!" she warned, as if that's going to scare us.

They already tried to ruin us once and they didn't succeed. Paano pa kaya ngayon na sirang-sira na ang pangalan ni Samuel? Sino naman ang tutulong sakanya? Her stupid brother? Oh, please! Kahit magsama pa sila, hindi nila kami masisira ni Dominic.

"Desperate bitch!" Tito Chad spat once Hannah is completely out of the venue.

Hinarap naman siyang muli ni Luca for another round of pep-talk. Tito Chad crossed his arms like a child while Luca is scolding him for his behavior. He pouted.

Si Gio naman tumayo na upang ibaling muli ang atensyon ng guests sa ibang bagay. The program then went on after that.

I felt Tita Cecilia's hand touch my arm. Nilingon ko siya. She gave me an apologetic smile.

"I'm so sorry for what happened, hija. She ruined what's supposed to be a good day." Napahawak niya sa kanyang sentido.

I gave her an assuring smile. "It's fine po. No one was expecting for her to come."

"Oonga, e. Mabuti nalang at hindi sa kasal niya ginawa 'yon! I'll probably lose my mind!"

Dominic sighed.

Nang iniwan na kami ni Tita Cecilia ay tsaka ko nalang muli ibinaling ang tingin kay Mama. My siblings are no longer behind her anymore. Nakapwesto na sila sa kanilang table. Mama tried to smile at me.

I gulped.

Dominic touched my shoulder for encouragement. He leaned in to whisper something in my ear.

"I'll leave you with your mom so you can talk privately okay? You can do it, Arielle." He said. He bowed his head at my mother before leaving me with her.

Nanatili ang hindi makapaniwala kong titig kay Mama. Habang siya naman ay sinusubukang ngumiti sa akin. She must've felt how awkward I was so she's trying to lighten up the mood.

"Congratulations!" she spread her arms wide, like she's aiming for a hug.

I was frozen in place. This is still so surprising for me so I didn't know what to do. I'm not used to her being like this towards me. After years of not talking with each other, here she is, ready to accept me as her child again.

Tumawa siya at binaba ang kanyang braso nang nanatili ako sa aking pwesto. Hindi nawawala ang ngiti sa kanyang labi.

Bumaba ang tingin ko sa palapulsuan niya. My eyes quickly watered when I saw that she's wearing the watch that I got her for Christmas. Nakita niya siguro na doon nakatuon ang tingin ko kaya napatingin rin siya doon.

"Thank you for this! I really love it!" her tone suggests me that she's really trying hard to make this situation easy for me.

I covered my mouth to stop my hiccups. I pursed my mouth to hide my trembling lips. There's so many emotions that rushed through me when Mama smiled at me. I didn't know which one of which I should feel.

"I... didn't know you were coming." That was the only thing I managed to say after keeping my mouth shut for a while.

My mother smiled again. "Dominic told us about it. He said that you're still hesitating about inviting us so he took the initiative. Naiintindihan ko naman, Serena, kung nahihirapan ka pang pakisamahan kami ulit pagkatapos nang... lahat ng nangyari."

"N-No! No, it's fine!" I said and tried to reach for her but I held myself back. Pinisil ko ang aking mga daliri. Yumuko ako at napakurap. "It's fine... I appreciate you being here, M-Mama."

Nagpakawala siya ng malalim na hininga bago niya tuluyang hawakan ang aking kamay. I was surprised kaya mabilis rin akong napaangat ng tingin sakanya.

"Oh, anak..." her eyes glistened with tears. Mahigpit niyang hinawakan ang aking kamay. "W-Would you like to talk somewhere private? Baka mas komportable ka doon?" 

Wala sa sarili akong tumango at tuluyan nang nagpaubaya sakanya. Hindi niya binitawan ang kamay ko habang naglalakad kami sa hardin.

"I'm sorry about what happened a while ago. 'Yun pa talaga ang naaubutan niyo..." I chuckled a bit to remove the awkward air between us.

I felt my mother's thumb brushing my hand. Mahirap pigilan ang sarili ko na 'wag mapatingin doon kaya kinagat ko nalang ang pang-ibaba kong labi. Tumingala ako upang pigilan ang pagbagsak ng luha.

"Mabuti nga at dumating kami. Baka kung ano pa ang masabi ng babaeng 'yon sa'yo."

"I can handle her."

"I know you can," tumigil siya sa paglalakad upang harapin ako.

I kind of felt uncomfortable looking at her in the eye because for years, she never looked at me so softly. Her gaze was so gentle that it almost scared me because I was used to her looking at me with her cold eyes.

Hindi ko alam kung totoo ba lahat ng 'to.

Ramdam ko ang pagkabog ng dibdib ko lalo na't nakita kong may panibago na namang luha ang lumandas sa mukha ni Mama.

"You're the bravest girl I know..." her lips started shaking. Sinubukan niyang ngumiti kahit na naluluha na siya ngayon. "I've waited so long for this moment, Serena. I've waited so long to hold you and feel you like this," she paused for a moment. "I missed you so much, anak."

Nang dahil sa sinabi niyang iyon ay hindi ko maiwasang mapahagulhol. Yumuko ako upang hindi niya makita ang pag-iyak ko. She reached for my cheek and gently caressed it using her thumb.

"I am so sorry for everything. I'm so sorry for all those cruel years. For blaming you for Ariana's death. For... neglecting you. I know that grieving for your sister's death is not enough excuse for us to treat you that way so I'm sorry... I'm sorry because I refused to see that you were hurting. I refuse to see that you also needed help that time. I'm sorry for not doing so much."

Suminghap ako.

"I'm sorry that you have to struggle in your own family. I'm sorry that you have to think that none of us cared about you. But I do, Serena. I do care about you. And I'm sorry... for not seeing you because I was too blinded by my own pain.

"Ilang taon ko ring pinagsisihan ang lahat ng ginawa namin ng Papa mo sa'yo. It was hard dealing with the loss of your sister. It was hard to the point that I could still vividly remember what happened that night. I just didn't loss Ariana that night... but I lost you, too."

Mas lalo akong napahagulhol ngayon dahil sa pag-alala ng nangyari sa gabing iyon.

"Pasensya na, anak, kung hindi kita pinigilan nung umalis ka. Pasensya na kung hindi man lang kita kinumusta. Sa tingin ko, ginawa mo rin naman ang tamang desisyon, e. You left because it was painful for you to stay. I'm sorry for suffocating you. Kami ang dapat nag-papagaan ng loob mo sa mga oras na iyon, pero kami pa ang naging rason para mas masaktan ka."

"M-Ma..." my voice broke. 

"I admit that I never saw you during those times where you needed us most. But this person you have become, I see her now," she smiled. "You managed to blossom into a fine, strong, and brave woman. You managed to carry yourself without us, your own family. You've taken and accept everything. You've been through so much but here you are, standing still. All the pain, you've turned it into strength. And for that I am proud of you."

I never knew I needed to hear these words from her. It somehow warms a portion of my heart that secretly hides my longing for them.

"Kaya laking pasasalamat ko kay Chad dahil hindi ka niya pinabayaan. He witnessed how you grew into the person you are now. At alam ko, kung papipiliin ka sa aming dalawa, siya ang pipiliin mo. At tanggap ko 'yon. Dahil mas naging magulang siya sa'yo kaysa sa amin."

Mas lalo namang humigpit ang pakakahawak niya sa kamay ko ngayon. She lifted my chin up to make me look at her.

"But... please give me a chance. Please give me a chance to prove myself to you. I know these are not enough for you to forgive me. But I'm willing to try. Pagsusumikapan kong makuha ang kapatawaran mo at-"

I cut her off by pulling her close to me. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders. I sniffled.

It's about time that we learn how to forgive ourselves for what happened. It's time to leave all those behind and just carry on with the present. In that way, we can find our peace—we'll finally heal from everything.

She's still my mother after all. How can I not forgive the person who gave me life?

"I forgive you," I said with no hesitation. Based on how her body tensed, I knew she wasn't expecting that. "You and Papa... I f-forgive you."

Si Mama naman ang napahagulhol ngayon. Yumakap siya nang mas mahigpit sa akin habang paulit-ulit na nagpapasalamat sa akin.

"I promise to make it up to you, Serena. I promise..." she whispered. "I love you so much, anak..."

I hugged her tighter. I closed my eyes to feel my mother's warmth. I whimpered.

"I love you, too, Mama..."

Nang kumalas siya mula sa pagkakayakap sa akin ay tiningnan niya ako ng maigi habang hawak ang magkabila kong pisngi. I smiled despite the tears that were running down my cheeks. She's looking at me like she couldn't believe that this is all happening.

Nawala lang ang tingin ni Mama sa akin nang mapansin niyang may lumabas ng tent. For some reason, I turn to look at it too. Ate Vicky, Kuya Johan, and Kuya Nate all smiled at me. Si Ate Vicky medyo naiiyak iyak pa.

"Congrats on your engagement, Sese." Si Kuya Johan ang naunang lumapit sa akin upang yumakap. My mouth parted in surprise.

Gumilid naman si Mama upang ipaubaya ako sa aking mga kapatid. Tumango siya sa akin at ngumiti. I hesitated for a moment but I still ended up hugging my brother back.

Just like Mama, Kuya Johan also apologized for not being there for me. He apologized for not doing a great job as a big brother. Sunod naman si Kuya Nate na ganoon rin ang ginawa. He apologized for not trying enough.

Nang si Ate Vicky na ang lalapit, hindi na niya maiwasang mapahagulhol habang papalapit sa akin. She reached out and hugged me.

"I'm so sorry, Serena..." she said in between her hiccups. "I'm sorry if I've been so cruel to you. Nagsisisi ako sa lahat ng ginawa ko sa'yo. Sana mapatawad mo ako..."

Matagal ang naging paghihintay ko pagkakataon na ito. This was the only thing that's keeping me from healing fully. It took me a long time to understand what love is. But I know it now. I learned it from them, from Tito Chad, and from Dominic.

They taught me that love comes in different forms—it has different meanings and has a different kind of intensity. My family taught me that love is about forgiving and understanding one another. Tito Chad taught me that love is kindness. And Dominic... he taught me that love is patient.

They all reminded me that love truly never fails.

Pagkatapos noon ay pumasok na kaming muli sa loob ng tent. I couldn't remove the smile off of my face because for the first time ever since Ariana passed, I felt genuinely happy. Like nothing else matters now because finally... things are okay.

Iniwan ko si Mama upang dumiretso kay Dominic. Nang mapansin na patungo ako sakanya ay agad niyang pinutol ang pakikipag-usap kay Gio upang salubungin ako. Kahit mukhang nagugulohan ay napangiti nalang rin siya nang makitang nakangiti rin ako.

"Hey... how was it?" tanong niya.

Basta ko nalang siyang niyakap sa halip na sumagot. He placed his hand on the small of my back and caressed it gently.

"Thank you." I said.

"For what?"

"For everything."

I know he's the reason why everything suddenly fell into place. I know he's the reason behind my family's attendance on our engagement party. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't feel what I am feeling right now.

Naputol lang ang pagyayakapan namin ni Dominic nang tawagin ako ni Ate Vicky at Kuya Johan upang ipakilala sa akin ang mga anak nila. I squatted in front of the kids to introduce myself. I think Zoey was able to recognize me.

"You're the woman at the grocery store!" aniya sabay turo sa akin.

"Yes, I am that girl."

She smiled cheekily and hugged me. Gano'n rin ang ginawa ng anak ni Kuya Johan. Sunod namang ipinakilala ni Kuya Nate sa akin ang girlfriend niya.

"Si Maya nga pala. Girlfriend ko."

I smiled. I extended my hand to her. "Hi! I'm Serena. Nice meeting you!"

"It's so nice to finally meet you! Lagi kong nakikita ang mukha mo sa internet o di kaya sa mga billboard dahil sobrang sikat mo! I can't believe I'm dating a famous model's brother."

Mayabang na ngumisi si Kuya Nate. Pagilid niyang niyakap si Maya. Tinanguan niya naman si Dominic.

"Naunahan niyo pa kaming magpakasal ah?"

"Mabagal ka ata, e." I smirked to tease him. "Inuuna mo siguro lagi ang mga pasyente mo."

Pinandilatan ako ni Kuya Nate ng mata habang tinatanggi ang paratang ko. Si Maya naman ay masaya lang na nakangiti habang pinapanood kami. Sumali naman si Dominic sa pang-aasar sa kapatid ko.

"Gusto mo seminar kita, Nate? May alam akong moves na pwede makatulong sa'yo."

Nilingon ko siya at kinunotan ng noo. At anong moves naman 'yan? 'Yung mga pagpaparinig niya? Napailing nalang ako sa kalokohan niya.

Sa gilid ko naman ay nakita kong magkausap si Mama at si Tito Chad. Base palang sa luha sa pisngi nilang dalawa, alam kong seryoso ang usapan nila. I smiled even more when I saw them hugging each other.

The day after the party, we announced to the public that Dominic and I are engaged. We also shared some of our pre-nup photos with them. Mabilis na naging usap-usapan ang tungkol doon. There are a lot of media outlets that are writing a headline about it.

Marami ring lumapit na media outlets sa amin upang i-cover ang tungkol sa engagement. Isa lang ang pinaunlakan namin dahil parehas naming kilala ni Dominic ang editor-in-chief. Si Liam.

Yumuko ako upang ilapag ang dala naming bulaklak para sa puntod ni Papa at Ariana. Nang umayos ako ng tayo, pagilid naman akong niyakap ni Mama habang nakatingin sa lapida ng dalawa.

I smiled a little and rest my head against hers.

"Sigurado akong masaya silang dalawa sa lahat ng nangyayari ngayon." Sabi ni Mama. Tumango ako bilang pag-sangayon sakanya.

"Lalo na si Ariana. Matagal na niyang hinihiling na mag-kaayos tayo. Kahit noong nabubuhay pa siya, 'yun lang ang palagi niyang sinasabi sa akin. Na mas magiging masaya lang siya kapag nagkaayos tayong pamilya."

Napasinghap siya. Inalis ko ang pagkakasandal ng ulo ko sakanya upang tingnan siya. I'm surprised that there were no tears in her eyes. She was just simply looking at their graves with a small smile on her lips.

"Masaya rin ako. Dahil pagtapos ng lahat ng nagawa namin sa'yo, nagawa mo parin kaming mapatawad. Napakatatag mo para magawa iyon, Serena, dahil sobrang hirap magpatawad. Ilang taon ko ring hindi pinatawad ang sarili ko nang dahil sa lahat ng nangyari."

"It is only right to forgive, Ma. We can't let the past hostage us forever. We need to let go and move on. And forgiveness is the first step in doing that."

Ngumiti siyang muli sa akin. She ran her fingers through my hair.

"Sa bahay ka ba ulit mag-stay mamaya? Ayos lang ba kay Dominic?"

"Pwede naman po at naiintindihan rin naman po ni Dominic."

I'm really glad that I found someone so understanding. He doesn't demand and he's just letting me do whatever makes me happy. I couldn't be more grateful to the One that sent Dominic to me.

Ilang araw kaming naging abala sa pagpaplano para sa kasal. Hanggang ngayon hindi parin sinasabi ni Dominic sa akin kung saan niya gustong maganap ang kasal namin. He just keeps on telling me that he'll bring me there soon pero hanggang ngayon wala parin.

Halos patapos nang ayusin ang lahat ng kailangan, hindi ko parin alam kung saan niya balak.

Parehong hands-on ang mga pamilya namin sa pagtulong para sa paghahanda sa kasal. Lalo na si Mama at Tito Chad. Silang dalawa ang maraming suggestions kaya hindi ko rin maiwasang maging emosyonal dahil nakakalambot lang ng puso na makitang maayos na nga ang lahat.

Sana matapos na rin ang lahat ng gustong manggulo at manira sa amin. I finally found my peace. And I'm not letting anyone take this away from me.

"Hey... are you okay?" tanong ni Dominic nang mapansing pinalis ko ang luha ko.

Agad na naalerto ang dalawa at mabilis na tumingin sa akin.

"Bakit ka umiiyak?" Tanong ni Tito Chad.

Nagkibit ako ng balikat dahil hindi ko rin alam. Sa halip na tumigil na sa pag-iyak ay mas lalo lang akong napahagulhol. Dinaluhan ako ni Dominic at yumakap.

"Wala naman kaming ginagawa sa'yo ah?" parang bata niyang sinabi.

I hit him on his chest. I wiped my tears away and sniffled.

"Don't mind me. I'm fine." My voice broke. Tito Chad made a face because I don't really look convincing.

"You don't look fine. What happened?" lumapit si Mama sa akin.

Nagkibit akong muli ng balikat dahil hindi ko talaga alam. Maybe these were tears of joy. My heart is just so full that I couldn't help but get emotional.

"You're emotional these days huh? Hmm..." Tito Chad said like he's suggesting something.

"Are you pregnant?" Mama ridiculously asked. Sumulyap siya kay Dominic.

Nabigla ako sa sinabi niya. Kahit si Dominic ay nagulat rin at napantingin sa akin nang may halong pagtataka.

"I'm not!"

Dominic and I haven't even done it yet so how come I am already pregnant? Ano 'yon? Magic?

Mama sighed heavily. Si Tito Chad naman nakangising nakangisi. I heard Dominic hissed.

"Tss. Sayang!" biro nito. He even flicked his fingers like he's really disappointed.

Tumawa si Mama at Tito Chad nang dahil sa sinabi niya. Inirapan ko siya at tinampal ang kanyang braso. He chuckled and hugged me to stop me from crying.

Namanhikan na rin si Dominic kaya sa ngayon, araw nalang ng kasal ang hinihintay namin. I was with Carol and my Mama when I went to the fitting of my wedding dress. Maganda na ang fit sa akin nito at iilang embellishment nalang ang aayusin bago ito tuluyang matapos.

"Ano ba kasing ginagawa natin dito sa Batanes? Bakit hindi nalang 'yung venue ng kasal natin ang puntahan natin?" tanong ko kay Dominic nang lumapag na ang sinasakyan naming eroplano.

Dominic impulsively asked me to go with him in Batanes out of nowhere! Basta nalang niya akong inaya nang walang dahilan. At ako naman itong pumayag dahil akala ko may importante siyang gagawin!

Pero nang makita kong marami siyang dalang gamit, napagtanto kong gusto pa atang magbakasyon ng isang 'to!

Tinuro ko ang dala niyang bagahe.

"At may time ka pang magbakasyon sa halip na sabihin mo na sa akin kung saan mo ba talaga balak ikasal?" pinandilatan ko siya ng mata.

"Arielle, chill! That's why where here."

"What?"

He sighed heavily and guided me towards the van that's waiting for us. I didn't get what he meant by that. Ngumuso ako at hinintay siyang matapos sa paglalagay ng gamit sa van. Nang makalapit siyang muli sa akin ay tinaasan ko siya ng kilay.

"Dito tayo ikakasal. Kaya tayo nandito."

My eyes widened in surprise. Kung hindi niya pa siguro ako tinulak papasok sa loob ng van ay tuluyan na akong naestatwa sa kinatatayuan ko.

"Really?!"

Dominic smiled at my reaction. He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. Lumapit siya upang halikan ako sa pisngi.

"Yes. And that's the first thing we'll do tomorrow. For now, let's just rest. Hindi ka ba napagod kagabi?"

I almost covered his mouth because his voice was so loud! Hindi lang kami ang nasa loob ng sasakyan 'no! Mamaya anong isipin ng mga 'to, e!

"Shh! Shut it!" I warned him. Tumawa lang siya.

Kaya naman kinabukasan ay excited akong nag-ayos para sa pupuntahan namin ni Dominic. Gamit ang parehong van ay sila rin ang naghatid sa amin patungo sa Basco Lighthouse. We went towards the Cliffside to see our organizers waiting for us.

I used my other hand to keep my hair in place. Agad na kumaway ang organizers ng kasal namin nang makita nila kami. Once we got nearer, I gasp at its breathtaking view.

Nakapunta na ako dito kasama si Dominic noon pero hindi parin talaga maiwasang mamangha. There are still a lot of beautiful places in our country that we haven't discovered. There are places that also deserved to be visited.

"This is the spot I chose for our wedding ceremony. Sa tabi naman lighthouse 'yung reception," sabi ni Dominic. "Do you like it?"

I can already imagine how our wedding will look like at this place! It would look so magical and romantic! It really is the perfect place for our wedding!

"I love it!"

Dominic smiled cockily.

"You're going to cry buckets on our wedding day. Just imagine me looking so handsome in my suit and bowtie while telling you my wedding vows..."  he hissed and bumped me using his shoulder. "Swerte mo."

I laughed sarcastically. "Ako pa talaga swerte? Hindi ba't mas swerte ka kasi mapapakasalan mo 'yung crush na crush mo noong college ka?"

Umangat ang gilid ng kanyang labi. "Parang siya di ako crush."

"Di naman talaga! Kung di ka lang papansin, di naman kita makikilala."

"So, should I thank the bet then?" he asked irritably. Pabiro siyang umirap sa akin at humalukipkip. May kung ano-ano pa siyang binubulong. "Sikat kaya ako sa campus paanong di niya ako makikilala?"

I smirked. Hinigit ko ang braso niya upang paharapin siyang muli sa akin.

"Pustahan nalang." Aya ko sakanya.

Kumunot ang noo niya at agad na umiling.

"I'm done with those stupid bets, Arielle. Ayaw kong makipagpustahan sa'yo."

"E, iba naman 'to! At hindi ba't doon din naman nag-simula ang kung anong meron tayo ngayon? Then let's end it with a bet! Come on!"

He continued pouting. He looks like was so done with this.

"But-"

"Just one bet, Dominic. Ang KJ mo naman!"

Napaatras siya at napahawak sa kanyang dibdib. He's acting like he was hurt by it.

"Ay! Wow ah? Ako pa KJ ngayon?"

"Please... just one bet." I pouted, hoping this would help me convince him.
"Tss..."

Nang hindi siya mag-salita ay nagpatuloy ako.

"Pustahan hindi ako iiyak sa kasal natin."

Dominic's jaw dropped. I even find my own bet ridiculous. I mean, who wouldn't cry at their own wedding day? I just made a bet that even I, knows that I'm not gonna win.

"Wow! Parang ang labas pa no'n napipilitan kang ikasal sa akin!"

"No! Of course not! You said I'm going to cry buckets! What if I only shed a tear? Edi talo ka?"

"That was just an exaggeration! I can't believe you're really-"

"KJ mo talaga!"

"Ako pa? Ako pa?" turo niya sa sarili niya habang nilalapit ang mukha sa akin.

Tinulak ko ang mukha niya palayo habang natatawa sakanya.

"Okay. Ganito nalang, pag hindi ako naiyak sa wedding vow mo-"

"Arielle!"

"Come on!" I said while chuckling. "Let's just see how good you are in making my heart flutter."

"Tss. You're so-"

"KJ!" I spat. Dominic glared at me.

"Fine! I'm in with your stupid bet if that's going to make you shut up about it. But if I win..." his smirk suggests me something.

"What?!"

"If I win, you're going to let me live with you in New York."

My eyes widened. "What?! Paano 'yong business mo?"

"Easy. I can work through laptop and I can just fly back here in the Philippines whenever I'm needed."

"Mas mapapamahal ka pa sa gano'n!"

Now he's the one being ridiculous!

"It doesn't matter. As long as I'm with you."

I glared at him. "Alam mo, sayang lang dahil halos wala rin naman ako sa New York! I travel a lot for work if you don't remember."

"Then I'll follow you wherever you are when I feel lonely."

I hit his chest.

"No!"

"What kind of married couples are we if we don't live together?"

"We're going to live together! Here! In the Philippines!"

Tumango siya pero hindi parin tapos sa pagpupumilit sa akin.

"I know. Pero sino ang magpapabalik-balik? Ikaw? You're more needed in New York because that's where your job is usually based. Mas mahihirapan ka kung magpapabalik-"

"Fine! Ayoko nang makipagpustahan. I'm calling the bet off!" I raised my arms in surrender.

Dominic laughed and shakes his head.

"No. No one's backing out. You started this."

"That's why I'm ending it!"

"KJ!" he spat and pointed a finger at me.

My jaw dropped and slap his finger away. I scoffed sarcastically.

"I can't believe-"

Ni hindi ko magawang maituloy ang sinasabi ko dahil hindi ako makapaniwala. Now the tables have turned! Ako naman ang KJ ngayon!

Sa huli ay wala rin akong nagawa. Now I have to force myself not to cry during his vow! Sana hindi maganda ang gawin niya para hindi ako maiyak.

After we went to our wedding's venue, Dominic brought me to San Carlos Borromeo Church to look for the blank book he's written on before.

"You know what? I went here nung nagkaroon ako ng shoot dito. I wrote in the same book. Hindi ko nga lang maalala ang sinulat ko noon." Sabi ko.

"Can I see it?"

"Not until you let me see what you've written on it."

"That's why we're here."

Napangisi ako. May iilang tao sa loob nang pumasok kami. Dominic and I immediately started rummaging through the books to look for the ones we've used before. Nauna kong makita ang akin kaya tinulungan ko siya sa paghahanap nung kanya.

When we finally found what we're looking for, we went to the table and sat on it.

"So, who's going to show it first?" tanong niya.

Bumagsak ang balikat ko. Alam kong hindi basta bibigay 'tong si Dominic kaya nagpresenta na akong mauna. Indeed, what I wanted to happen came true. Because I came back here in Batanes with Dominic and I on good terms.

And now... we're getting married here because he's the one.

"Can I see yours now?" I asked after he's done reading.

Tumango siya kaya kinuha ko na ang libro sakanya. I look for his handwriting and when I found it, I immediately started reading.

Batanes made me realize that I wanted to marry the girl I'm writing this with. I hope to come back soon and marry her here. -Dominic Donovan 

My mouth parted after I finished reading it. Hindi makapaniwala ko siyang tiningnan. He smiled proudly at me.

"How was it?"

Hindi ako nakasagot. So... does this mean that he was already thinking about marrying me when we first went here? At kaya ba gusto niyang ikasal dito sa Batanes dahil gusto niyang matupad ang sinulat niya dito?

We were both still young back then but he already thought of marrying me. That's how sure he is of me. No wonder why he patiently waited for me for five years. He didn't want to let our love go.

I tried to chuckle to cover the tear that streamed down my face.

"Oh? Hindi ko pa wedding vow 'yan pero naiiyak ka na. Mukhang matatalo ka pa ata sa pustahan natin ah?"

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin habang pinapalis ko ang luha sa aking mata.

"Let's write something new beside this." I suggested and grabbed a pen. Tumayo naman siya upang damayan ako sa pag-susulat.

And we did. -A & D

Kabadong kabado ako habang hinihintay ang pag-uumpisa ng seremonyas. I can see from where I'm standing that there are already a lot of guests here.

"Calm down, Serena. You're going to be fine." Bulong ni Carol sa akin.

"I know. I'm just..."

I couldn't even tell her the reason why I was feeling nervous! I was thinking of Dominic and I's bet the whole time! Kanina habang sinusulat ko ang vow ko, naiiyak na ako. Paano pa pag narinig ko na ang kay Dominic?

I'm surely going to lose. I need to prepare myself.

"It's time. The ceremony is about to start." The wedding organizer informed us.

Tumango si Carol at tinulungan na ako sa aking wedding dress. Mama and Tito Chad is already waiting for me outside the room. Malaking ngiti ang iginawad ng dalawa sa akin nang makita ako.

"You are so beautiful!" puri ni Tito Chad.

I smiled and thanked him. Patuloy lang sa pagkuha ng litrato ang photographer habang patungo kami sa spot kung saan gaganapin ang kasal. I can already see Dominic in front of the altar, on his taupe colored suit, waiting for me to walk down the aisle. Beside him is Arthur.

We stopped for a while to let our entourage enter the aisle first. He was smiling the whole time. Mas lalo naman siyang napangiti nang lumakad na ang mga pinsan niya at ang mga pamangkin namin. Carol squeezed my hand when it was already her turn.

"I'm so happy for you. And you're going to be fine. Just relax." Aniya.

Tumango ako. I squeezed her hand. "Thank you for everything, Carol."

She smiled at me before she started walking down the aisle. Si Mama naman ay hinagod ang likod ko. Si Tito Chad ipinatong ang kanyang ulo sa aking balikat.

"Sigurado akong nandito at kasama natin ang Papa mo at si Ariana ngayon." Sabi ni Mama.

"Continue to be happy, Serena, okay? Nandito lang ako palagi para sa'yo." Si Tito Chad.

I smiled at the both of them. Pagkatapos noon ay tinawag na sila ng organizer.

"Pasok na po."

Inalalayan ako ng organizer patungo sa harap ng arch. Nanatili ang tingin ko kay Dominic na matapos nginitian at halikan sa pisngi si Mama at Tito Chad ay ibinaling na ang tingin sa akin. Moon River started playing on the background and the one singing it was Ana.

When I started walking, Dominic put his fist over his mouth. Sana pala ito nalang 'yung ipinusta ko.

Damn it, Serena! Stop thinking about that damn bet!

I saw Arthur reached a handkerchief to him. Tumawa siya at tinanggap naman iyon.

Agad namang inabot ni Dominic ang kamay ko nang tuluyan na akong makalapit sakanya. I couldn't hide my smile. This moment feels so surreal and amazing. Hindi ko akalain na posible pa palang makaramdam ako ng ganitong klaseng kaginhawaan.

Kahit na nakalapit na ako ay hindi parin siya natigil sa pag-luha. Arthur keeps on tapping his shoulder. Ngumiti ito sa akin.

"Finally! My wish came true..." Dominic whispered.

I locked my eyes with him and saw the soul of the man who truly loved me for who I really am. The man who never judged me of my past. The man who supported me with everything. The man who patiently waited for me. And the man... I'm going to spend the rest of my life with.

"We are gathered here today in the sight of God, the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of Dominic and Serena's greatest life's moments. We are here to witness how our Creator gave recognition and beauty of love." The priest started.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

I closed my eyes while hearing that verse from the Bible. I first handedly experienced that kind of love. He is the sole reason why I felt at peace now. He made sure that I still know the idea of love even when I already got hurt a lot of times. 

"Dominic and Serena, you've both known each other for years. From the first glance on that racing track, to this day of your undying love and commitment."

The ceremony continued until it was time for us to declare our vows. Dominic tightened his hold on me, like he didn't want me to let go. I smiled.

"I love you," I mouthed.

He nods his head. "I love you."

"Do you, Dominic, take Serena, to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death do you part?"

Dominic looks at me intently before speaking. "I do."

"Do you, Serena, take Dominic, to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; until death do you part?"

"I do."

From the corner of my eye, I can already see Tito Chad whimpering beside Luca. Out of all the guests invited here, he's the one that witnessed Dominic and I's love story. He witnessed how we started, how we started to fall, how we ended, how we got back together. Until finally... he witnessed how we got married at this magical place.

"If so, please declare your personal vows to one another."

The priest then gave Dominic the microphone. Humugot muna siya ng malalim na hininga bago niya binuksan ang nakatuping papel kung saan niya sinulat ang personal vows niya.

I don't care about the bet anymore. If I'll cry then that's it. I'll welcome him in his new place in New York.

"To be honest, this has been the most nerve wracking moment I've ever had in my life and I'm not even kidding," he said. The crowd chuckled. "My beautiful and mesmerizing Arielle... I'm so lucky to be the only person to be calling you that name. I still can't believe that it's been years since I first saw you walking along UST's football field while fixing your hair. I knew at that moment, that you are something different. Dahil sa bawat taong nakakasalubong mo, lahat 'yon iniignora mo. You were considered as this snobbish woman back when I was still in college so I consider myself lucky... because you let me into your life.

"You are the bravest girl I know because after all that you've been through, you never failed to show me the real meaning of love. It's because of you why I never wanted anything more than to see you happy. You taught me the real meaning of life. Hindi man naging maganda ang rason ng pagsisimula natin, nagpapasalamat parin ako dahil kung hindi dahil doon, hindi mo ako makikilala. You wouldn't even dare to take a glance on me so for sure, I'll be harder for me to reach you."

I pursed my lips. He used his thumb to wipe away my tear.

"You are my person, Arielle. And I stand here today, the luckiest man in the world, because I never thought that I would marry someone so beautiful, so funny, so intelligent, so brave, and so strong. You are the one that keeps me from going. You inspired me in so many different ways and I'm sure you're still going to continue to inspire me on this new chapter of our lives together."

I don't even have an idea how much I'm crying now. All I know is that my cheeks are wet with tears.

"If you are down, I promise to be there to lift you up. If you need someone to encourage you, I promise to give be there for you. I promise to calm all your storms. I promise to protect you, to give everything you need, and to support you. I promise to grow with you. I promise not to hurt you but rather be your home. Lastly, I promise to dedicate my love to you and only you. Thank you for making this life more meaningful for me. I am so grateful to have found you. I love you so much, Arielle. And I'll continue to love you until the day I die."

Suminghap ako nang matapos siya. Dominic then wiped away his tears. I reached for his cheek and caressed it before holding the mic.

"All my life, I always thought it would be difficult to find someone who will love me even with this broken pieces of my heart. I admit that I was kind of annoyed with you when we first met. Because I've never met someone so loud and cheerful," the guests chuckled. "I wasn't used to be around those kind of people but at some point... you managed to own a piece of me I only give to people I'm comfortable with."

Dominic smiled.

"You know how hard it is for me to open myself and trust someone new. But with you, everything seemed so easy that it scared me—because I never knew that I would still be capable of loving and trusting someone again. It's because of you why I wouldn't look at this day, November 20th, as the cursed date for me anymore. But rather, I would look at this day as the time where I healed from everything. Tatandaan ko ang araw na ito bilang isa sa mga araw kung saan ko ipinangako ang sarili ko sa'yo nang buong-buo.

"You may not have met my younger sister, but I am certain that she's happy because I ended up with someone like you. Today was supposed to be the day where we reliveq the last moments of her life. But I'm sure she wouldn't me to always remember this day as the time where I lost myself. But instead, she wanted me to remember this day as the time where I finally picked up the broken pieces of my soul."

Nakita ko si Mama na inaalu na ni Tito Chad ngayon. Dominic wiped away my tears. I smiled at him.

"I want to thank you, Dominic, for being the love I needed when I thought I didn't need it. Your love changed me and it softened me. And even though I didn't know it at the time, your love saved me. You have taught me what true love is. I wish everyone could experience the same love you gave me. Because in you, I found my healing.

"You are the most beautiful thing that has ever happened in my life. I love you so much and I'm so thankful to have you. It's because of you why I will never have to worry about anything as long as you're by my side. You accepted me in ways no one ever has so I promise... not just my undying love and devotion to you, but also my full commitment of my life with you.

"I promise to take care of you and to protect you. I promise to always be my your side. I will risk everything for you. I love you so much, Dominic. Thank you for making me feel what forever is like."

I breathed hard after my vows. The wedding ceremony continued until it was time for the priest to officiate and declare our marriage.

"By the power vested in me, I know pronounce you as husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." The priest smiled at us.

Everyone stood up and anticipated for the first kiss we'll share together as husband and wife. Dominic moved closer to me as he reached for the end of my veil. He locked his eyes into mine. His eyes reminded me of my favorite thing.

His eyes awakens my soul. It's because of him why I wake up each day so happy because I'm so lucky to have a man like him in my life.

"Ahh... finally! I can now call you my wife." He said before he grabbed my jaw to press his lips on mine.

The crowd cheered but my only focus was on him—my person. The kiss that we shared was full of passion.

It was the first time I feel in love so deeply, and I will never regret giving my love and soul to him. Our relationship was far from perfect but we have a love that is true and sure. In him, I found my peace.

Dominic wasn't just my end... but he is also now my beginning.

END OF DONOVAN SERIES #6