L I B E R T Y   K I N G S 

"Good Night, Kitten." 

I heard a sweet low voice in my dreams making me stir a little and smile. I know who's the owner of that voice. I know him very well. Grabe, hanging pagtulog ko ay naririnig ko pa siya. Hindi na ako magtataka dahil minsan pa nga ay napapanaginipan ko siya. Isa na naman ito sa mga araw na 'yon, kung saan dinadalaw ako ni Oliver sa panaginip. Siguro ay na mimiss ko na talaga siya.

I faced the other side of the bed while keeping my eye shut. I felt warm muscular arms wrapped around my waist and something soft sniffing my neck. I groaned slightly and scratched my neck before drifting off to dreamland. 

I woke up early in the morning and the sun is just about to rise. Ever since I discovered that I was pregnant, I always feel sleepy but I wake up earlier than usual. I don't experience morning sickness bukod sa paggising ko nang mas maaga. I do experience cravings at ang nasa top list ng cravings ko ay ang spicy peanuts. Recently, parang gustong-gusto kong kumain ng carrot strips tapos isasawsaw sa sour cream. I just watched a cooking show one-time sa television and I can't get it off of my mind. Every time I think about it my mouth starts salivating and my stomach would rumble. I guess my Baby loves carrots. 

I looked around my room and to my dismay I'm alone. I guess I was really dreaming about Oliver sleeping beside me. My heart stings a bit, I really miss him. You miss Daddy too right, Baby? My stomach rumble and I chuckle. I guess that's a yes. Maybe, I should get my phone again and try to reach out to Oliver but I will be doom if I do that. Nagkasundo pa naman sila ni Mom na h'wag akong pagamitin ng cell phone. 

Bumuntong hininga ako at nag-unat bago muling humikab. It looks like we are going to miss Daddy a bit more, Baby. With that thought, I start doing my morning routines before going down to the kitchen. It's a little bit chilly since papasikat pa lang ang araw and ito ang perfect na oras para uminon ng mainit na gatas. I went to the kitchen still a little bit sleepy, head's still in clouds. My eyes got teary as I yawned once again. I used to be a morning person but with pregnancy, I become a sleepy head. Malamang mamaya ay makatutulog na naman ako pagkatapos kumain ng almusal.

While waiting for the water to boil, biglang pumasok sa 'king isipan si Chanel. I miss my baby Chanel! Siguro naman ay naalagaan siyang mabuti sa mansion ano? Hindi naman siguro siya gugutumin doon pero malamang ay malulungkot siya. Isang linggo ako sa hospital tapos mukhang magtatagal pa ako rito sa rest house. With that thought, my heart sunk a little bit and my eye got teary because of sadness. Nanginginig nang kaunti ang aking kamay habang nagsasalin ng mainit na tubig sa mug dahil sa pagpipigil umiyak.

Habang naghahalo ng mainit na gatas ay hindi ko na napigil ang pagtulo ng aking luha. Sumakto ito sa gatas na aking hinahalo. Kawawa naman kasi si Chanel. I know the feeling of being left behind so damn well. I hate that feeling os much. At sigurado akong nalulungkot siya ngayon sa mansion. 

Napapitlag ako nang may biglang nagsalita sa 'king likod, dahilan kung bakit natapon nang kaunti ang gatas ko. Napaso tuloy ang aking daliri.

"You'll make the milk salty with your tears, Kitten."

His baritone voice made my heart do a flip instantly. I even forgot about my aching finger. I was so stunned that he's behind me. Ni hindi ko siya malingon dahil sa pagkagulat ko. Marinig lang ang boses niayng tinatawag ako ay sapat na para guluhin ang sistema ko. I've been missing him for weeks and now he's behind me. 

"Why are you standing like a rock there, Kitten? Don't you miss me?" 

I was still so stunned. My mind can't process the fact that he's behind me. I heard his footsteps nearing and suddenly his warm muscular arms are around my waist. His face on my neck sniffing it. 

"O-Oliver..."

I sounded so stupid! But what can I do? I miss him so damn much. 

"Hmm, yes?" 

"Do you...want some?" I asked pertaining to the milk. 

Ugh, bakit ba 'yon ang nasabi ko? Parang kanina lang ay gusto ko na siyang tawagan para makausap. Ngayon namang nandito na siya sa 'king tabi, ay ito lang ang masasabi ko? Gosh, nakahihiya ka, Liberty! Talagang pag-aalok ng gatas ang una mong sasabihin sa kaniya? After all that happened? 

Inilayo ni Oliver nang kaunti ang kaniyang mukha at ipinatong ang baba niya sa shoulder blades ko. 

"I'm good. I think our baby wants it rather." 

Oliver kissed my neck lightly while still hugging me, making me feel warm. 'Yung lamig ng hangin tuwing madaling araw ay napawi ng kaniyang yakap. My heart is beating so loudly right now and my mind is blank. Too much anticipation for him made my mind can't think right. With my trembling hands, I lift the mug and absent-mindedly drink the hot milk without blowing it. 

"Ouch!" 

I stuck out my burnt togue and fanned it with my hands. Akala mo naman ay may maitutulong iyon para mawala ang sakit. Oliver instantly removed his arms around me and faced me to him. His forehead was knotted and his brows were about to meet. While his eyes reflected concern and worry in them. 

"Are you still sleepy?" he chuckled, "I think your head is not with you. Look at what happened, Kitten. You burnt your sexy red tongue." 

I closed my mouth and stuck in my tongue. It's quite embarrassing to stick your tongue out. Baka kasi mukha akong aso. I could feel my cheeks got warm, evidence that I'm blushing from embarrassment. Quota na yata ako ngayon sa mga kahihiyan. 

Oliver sigh and said, "Stick your tongue, let me see it." 

I hesitantly open my mouth and slowly stick my tongue out. Face so hot and red, I couldn't look at him. His dark brooding eyes are so fixated on my burnt tongue making me shyer.  I slightly push his chess to create a distance between us. I close my mouth and stare at him intently.

"What are you doing here?"

I finally found myself! Nasabi ko na rin sa wakas ang gusto kong sabihin sa kaniya. 

"Visiting the mother of my child?" he said sweetly and wrap his arms around me again.

"At ngayon mo lang naisipang gawin 'to?"

"Nah, I've been here from the start. You just didn't saw me because I came home late and go to work early." 

"What?! You've been with me from the start?"

I said dramatically. I cannot believe this! I've been missing him for days tapos malalaman kong nauwi naman pala siya rito. I usually go to bed at nine in the evening and wake up at four or five in the morning. Ibig sabihin sobrang aga niya talaga umaalis sa bahay? Why? Nakakunot noo ko siyang tinigna habang nakasimangot.

"Why didn't you say anything? Or even wake me up?"

Oliver grunt, "Come on, Kitten. I couldn't wake you up and our baby just for the attention that I want. You both need to rest and be healthy."

"But I want it too!"

He just chuckled and made me face the other side. Oliver push me slowly while walking towards the counter. 

"Let's eat breakfast." then he kissed me on the cheek before proceeding to the kitchen top.

I got so amazed and fixated on watching him move around the small kitchen. Oliver's broad and sexy back made the kitchen looks promisingly hot. Masyado akong natuwa na hangang sa pagsilbihan niya ako ng pagkain at habang kumakain kami, ay nakalimutan ko siyang tanungin ng mga bagay na gusto kong malaman. Before we went here everything is in chaos. Like we made a big scandal that everyone would not forget easily. 

I ran away on my engagement night to chase him. I left Froy Valez, one of the most talked bachelors in the country and the one who did that was London Kings's daughter. I made a big mess. Maraming business personnel ang nandoon, some of them were prospect investors. Then we discovered that I was pregnant in an unpleasant way. Nalaman namin na buntis ako nang muntik ng mawala si Baby sa 'min. I got a lot of things to ask and I want to know what had happened after I went here with Mom. 

I left without doing anything. Ang importanteng nagawa ko lamang ay ang kausapin si Olivia. It didn't end well but at least I knew she recognized my Baby as her sibling. And that's more than enough for me. I couldn't ask for more from her. 

Breakfast with Oliver was like a breath of fresh air with Taal volcano as our scenery, it was so surreal. Hindi ko lubos maisip na nandito siya sa harap ko at kumakain na parang hindi kami naghiwalay. Na parang hindi ako naipangako sa ibang lalaki. Na parang hindi muntikang mawala ang anak namin. Am I living vicariously right now? Am I dreaming? Because this is so surreal. Noong tinalikuran ko siya nang alukin niya ako magpakasal, tinanggap ko na sa aking sarili na we can never be. Na hindi talaga kami para sa isa't isa. 

But right now, Oliver holds my hand as he guides me inside his car. Parang hindi ko pala talaga kayang wala siya sa 'kin. Parang hindi ko pala kayang tanggapin na hindi kami para sa isa't isa. Ngayon sigurado akong, kung sino man ang magtangkang paghiwalayin kami ay babanggain ko. Hindi lang para sa anak namin kung hindi para rin sa 'kin. If I decided just for our child then that's shallow. I realized that in love, I need to want and need it for myself so I wouldn't let it go so easily. 

"Where are we going? Hindi tayo nagpaalam kay, Mom."

Oliver just smiled at me and fixed my seatbelt. Before starting the car's engine.

"You'll see, Kitten. And don't worry about Ms. Emily, she knows my plans."

I gasped a little, "When did the two of you get okay with each other?"

"Well, no one can resist a Valez." 

Sinapak ko siya nang mahina sa kaniyang braso. Gosh, his biceps are to die for! Kahit nasa early forties na siya, ang katawan niya ay napakaganda at fit pa rin. Guys, my age will be call boys when they stand next to Oliver. 

"I know my Mom, Oliver. She's weak against hot and ruthless-looking man." 

Pinaningkitan ko siya ng mata habnag sinasabi 'yon. He just laugh and hold my left hand and planted a soft kiss. Hindi niya sinagot ang tanong ko pero may naiwang ngisi sa kaniyang labi hangang makarating kami sa 'ming destinasyon. I'm still pouting and looking at him with doubt in my eyes. At ang tanging ginawa niya lamang ay ang tawanan ako. 

"Don't worry, I got her approval in a virtuous way." then he winked at me.

I just rolled my eyes at him and smiled afterward. Hila-hila niya ang kamay ko habang ako naman ay nakatitig lang sa kaniyang likod. It's still early in the morning kaya hindi masakit sa balat ang araw. I'm wearing a lavender summer dress with my favorite Chanel glasses and floppy hat. 

Huminto kami sa tapat ng mga nakatigil sa bangka para sa lake. Saglit na nakipagusap si Oliver sa bantay roon at nagbayad, bago niya ako niyayang sumakay. Naglahad siya ng kamay sa 'kin at maingat akong inalalayan pasakay sa bangka. Medyo magalaw ito kaya napakapit ako nang mahigpit sa kaniya. Nang maayos na sa wakas ang pagkakaupo ko ay saka nagsaguwan si Oliver. Nagulat pa nga ako na siya ang gumagawa noon. 

"Manong is not going with us?" takang tanong ko kay Oliver.

Umiling lamang siya at nagpatuloy sa pagsasaguwan habang nakatitig sa 'kin. Hindi ko kinaya ang pakikipagtitigan sa kaniya nang matagal, kaya ibinaling ko na lamang ang aking mga mata sa ganda ng tanawin. The water isn't as fascinating as the ocean's blue water but it is exquisite nonetheless. The lakes water is clean that I could see myself clearly like a mirror. Kung hindi lang nagsasaguwan si Oliver ay malamang para talaga itong salamin sa linaw. It's calming and it bring peace of mind as the sound of the water againts the puddle moves. Huminto si Oliver kung sa gitna at kahit nasa gitna kami ay napakalaki na ng crater ng Taal volcano. Mukha itong bundok o burol mula sa 'ming kinalalagyan.

My mouth instatly parted with awe as I looked around us. Being at this place with Oliver brings joy to my heart. I turned around with a smile to Oliver but to my surprised. Oliver is kneeling in front of me with a serious and sincere eyes. On his big callous hands rest a red velvet box opened and inside it was an oval-cut blue sapphire, Surrounded by a further 0.90 carat of round-brilliant cut diamonds. It was a different ring but it's still have the sapphire stone.

My heart beated loudly as I look at the exquisite righ in front of me and of course, the man who's kneeling with it. Hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses nang lumuhod sa harapan ko si Oliver. This man didn't mind to be on his knees just to be with me. He didn't care at all.

"Oliver..."

A small lovely smile made its way to Oliver's lips. "Liberty Kings, I knew we started in unappropriate way. Our relationship was scandalous and we keep it clandestinely. And I regreted it, I deeply regreted it. If I could just turn back the time, I would let anyone know that you are the woman whom I love dearly. I wouldn't keep our love in the dark because it was one of my life lights. Shame on me, really. Shame on me. You didn't deserve to be kept in the dark. All your life you're walking on it and I hated myself for doing it to you also. I admit that I also got scared. Natakot akong hindi matanggap ni Olivia ang pagmamahalan natin. I'm so sorry for being a coward that time.  I know we didn't clear to each other if we'll make it public but I can feel that you want this in secrecy, and I let it that way."

It was true. Hindi naman talaga namin dalawa napag-usapan masyado kung itatago ba namin ang relationship namin o hindi. It was like we already knew but I didn't regret it. Kung maibabalik ng asiguro ang panahon, magpakatotoo ako kay Olivia. Sasabihin kong nagkagugusto ako sa kaniyang ama but I'll still remain silent about our relationship. Kahit ano pang gawin namin huhusgahan pa rin kami ng mga tao. And I don't want that to happen.

"It's okay, Oliver. I appreciated that you made it that way. Kasi kung hindi, I don't think I'll be able to handle it. I was so blinded with my desire to be recognized by my dad. Baka mabitawan lang kita agad. Ginawa ko pa rin naman. Binitawan pa rin naman kita kaya rapat ako 'yung humihingi ng tawad sayo ngayon. I'm sorry for letting you go. I'm sorry if I didn't tell you about my problems. Na kahit pagkwekwento ay hindi ko nagawa. Natakot din kasi ako. Natakot ako para kay Felix, na kung hindi ako gagawa ng paraan masisira siya kay Dad at sa mata ng tao. Natakot akong baka hindi na talaga ako kilalaning anak ni Dad kung hindi ko gagawin an gusto niya. Natakot akong baka ma-disappoint ko si Mom pag hindi ko nakuha 'yung mana ko. Natakot akong baka hindi mo ko ipaglaban kung malaman mong ipapakasal ako sa pamangkin mo. Sa lahat ng takot kong 'yon nakalimutan ko 'yung pinakakinatatakutan ko at 'yun ang mawala ka sa 'kin ng tuluyan."

My heart hurts so bad na parang hawak ko ito sa palad ko at pinipiga nang mariin. Naiyak na ko, nahulog na mula sa 'king mga mata ang mga luha ng pagsisi. Nalalasahan ko ang pait ng pagsisisi ko dahil sa mga naging desisyon ko. Talaga ngang nasa huli ang pagsisisis pero ang swerte ko pa rin dahil nandiyan pa rin si Oliver.

"I shoudn't have kept you in the dark. We can make it private not hiden. That's my fault and I... I wish you've been dependent to me but I respected your decision. Perhaps, we'll come up with better solution kung sinabi mo agad sa 'kin noon ang mga problema mo. But with all the strugglest that we've faced now. I'm truly greatful kasi napatunayan ko kung gaano talaga kita kamahal. Nakaya ko palang magmahal nang ganito katindi. Na sa edad kong 'to, I'll feel alive. Kahit napakaraming consequences ang hinarap at kakaharapin natin dahil sa pag-ibig na 'to, napatunayan kong matibay talaga ang nararamdaman ko say. And I hope... I will forever hope that you'll feel the same way."

Oliver got this soft, hoping, and sincere eyes as he said all those words. Nakaluhod pa rin siya habang hawak-hawak ang box na may lamang singsing. Hindi na titinag at hindi rin makikita ang paghihirap sa kaniyang posisyon. Patuloy lang ako sa pag-iyak nang tahimik habang nakatingin at pinapakinggan siya. Mabuti na lamang at kaming dalawa lang ang nandito ngayon. I want this to remain just between us. parang ayokong may makakikita o may makaaalam ng nangyayaring ito.

"I've told you, Oliver. My heart is yours to hold and I mean it with every part of my heart and soul."

A tear escaped his eyes but his lip has a smile on it.

"Does loving you is a sin? I keep on asking that over and over again... And the answer is still the same. Loving you is what my heart secretly praying for. I may tell myself that, I don't need someone by my side as I grow old. That my daughter is enough. But the moment I've laid my eyes on you... I forgot how to breathe. You broke all my solid plans. You turn my world upside down. And when I don't see you at my house, it doesn't feels like home anymore. It always feels lacking. And everytime you smile at me, I fall for you more. I've never been this selfish and greedy all my life. But damn, I want you in my life until I take my last breath. I love you endlessly, Liberty Kings. I love our child too. Marry me and let's face all the consequences of our love. Let's build our life together. Liberty, let's show to our child how love truly works. Marry me."

My hands flew to my lip as I cry harder. Sobs went out of my mouth as I look at Oliver patiently waiting for my answer. My heart was filled with joy and I couldn't contained it. Agad akong tumango ng maraming beses saka inilahad ang kamay ko sa kaniya. Huminga nang malalim si Oliver bago kunin ang aking kamay na nakalahad. His hands were cold. First time ko yatang ramandamang nanlalamig ang kamay niya kaya natawa tuloy ako.

"Nervous?"

"Of course! I was so nervous the first time I proposed to you and you turned your back to me. Today I was a hundred times nervous." namumulang pag-amin nito sa 'kin.

I just chuckled and stare at him. Huminga siya muli nang malalim saka hinalikan ang kamay ko ,bago niya sinuot nang dahan-dahan ang singsing sa 'kin. Hindi ko na magawang matawa nang makita ko ang panginginig ng kamay niya habang sinusuot iyon sa 'kin. I was so focused as he slipped the breath takingly beautiful sapphire righ on my righ finger. Akal ko 'yon na pero nagulat ako nang maglabas siya muli ng isa pang velvet box. Ang laman noon ay ang unang singsing na inalok niya sa 'kin.

"Uh... Will you marry me?"

Natawa akong muli dahil sa sinabi niya, "Do you really need to say that again?"

Kumamot siya sa kaniyang batok, "Of course, it's a different ring."

"I'll marry you over and over again, Oliver. Kahit gaano pa kadaming singsing ang i-alok mo sa 'kin."

"I love you, Liberty. My Kitten now My soon-to-be Mrs. Valez."

Oliver said lovingly as he slipped the second ring on my ring finger. Bagay na bagay ang singsing sa 'king daliri na para bang para sa 'kin talaga ang mga 'yon. Sa 'kin naman talaga at masaya akong para sa 'kin ang mga ito.

"I love you too, Daddy... Our Daddy."

Hinaplos ko ang tiyan kong wala pang umbok habang sinasabi 'yon. Napatingin doon si Oliver at siya ay lumapit para patakan ng isang halik ang tiyan ko. Bago niya ako abutin at halikan sa labi. It was the sweetest kiss that I've ever tasted. Ang mga halik lamang ni Oliver ang kayang magpaikot ng aking mundo. At masaya akong hangang pagtanda ko ay ang labing ito ang aking hahagkan.

~TBC~
I'm deeply sorry for the super late update. I've been trying to write for the past few days kaso kasisimula lang kasi namin ng second semester. Sadly, ang pangit ng schedule ko. Friday to sunday hangang gabi ang classes ko idagdag pa ang monday classes.

Anyway, Epilogue will be posted next week and it's either first or second week ng march ang pagbubukas ng story ni Olivia. Sa mga na iinis kay Oly diyan basahin niyo po ang story niya. HAHAHAHA Parang hindi pa rin ako ready na tapusin 'to gano'n talaga. Thank you for patiently waiting for the update. If you guys have questions, personal man or about anything just drop it here.

Feel free to share your thoughts and keep safe everyone!

Love lots :>>