Heir

Umuwi kami ng gabing ‘yon na hindi nagawang makapagpaalam sa tiyahin at tiyuhin ni Chaz. It was like Chaz was in a hurry to leave the place. Napansin ko rin ang pagbabago nang timpla ng kaniyang mukha nang makita si Harry.

Chaz seemed uncomfortable and agitation was visible with the way he’s clamping his jaw. Na haggang ngayon ay nanatiling misteryoso sa akin kung bakit. Pero pinagsawalang bahala ko iyon. Nakuntento ako na parati siyang nasa tabi ko. Sa paggising sa umaga, bago matulog, at pagpunta ng trabaho. His presence alone makes me forget the scene.

“Free your Saturday, let’s go for a vacation this weekend.” Chaz said.

We’re currently on the cliff, the one he brought me the other night. Napaisip ako sa isasagot. Katatapos lang ng kasong hinahawakan namin, Jenny’s on leave, leaving me on the office alone. Wala pa naman kaming kaso na dapat trabahuin.

Isa pa, may pakiramdam akong bukas makalawa ay babalik na ulit si Jenny. Normally, whenever I am telling her take rest, it would only take her two to three days. Pang isang araw palang ngayon.

"I’ll see Chaz. Saan mo ba balak pumunta?” I asked calmly.

Even though deep inside I was looking forward for the weekend with him. Kahit saan pa iyon, basta siya ang kasama.

“Isla Cali, the one I told you before. My grandparents’ hometown,” he said, tapping his fingers on the stirring wheel.

Nasa loob lang kami ng kaniyang sasakyan at nakamasid sa labas para magpalipas ng oras.

Napatango ako. Mas lalo akong na excite sa kaalamang beach ang pupuntahan namin. I’ll be surrounded with two of favorite place then..

“Where exactly? Sa malayong
probinsya ba ang Isla Cali?” I curiously asked.

Ilan lang ang mga napuntahan kong beaches sa Pilipinas at karamihan sa mga iyon ay mga kilalang lugar. This is one is kinda foreign.

“It’s on Eastern Samar. Not that far, wife.” he turned his body around, facing me.

If I’m not mistaken doon din ang tinatayo nilang hotel.

“Sige. I’ll tell you na lang if I can free my sched that day,” I smiled.

“I hope you can,” Chaz sighed massively.  “Your body deserves a break. Working nonstop isn’t really healthy. Hindi lang ako nagsasalita dahil alam kong mahal mo ang trabaho mo, but please don’t overdo it.”

I nibbled on my lower lip. The concern on the tone of his voice makes my heart warm. Back then, he said that even if I’d get sick from working nonstop, he will never care. Right now, he’s actually the one advising me to take a break.

Napangisi akong nilingon siya. He glanced at me. The duskiness on his tantalizing and deep like ocean irises welcoming my sight.

“You’ll love it there. Alam kong mahilig ka sa dagat and Isla Cali is the best choice to relax...with me.”

I pursed my lips as I stared at him. He looked hopeful. Expecting me to say yes and enjoy the weekend with him. Pero nang tumagal ang pananahimik ko, nag-iwas ito ng tingin at tumikhim.

"But it's fine—"

“Fine then. Let’s go to Isla Cali this weekend.” I said with finality.

Muli siyang lumingon sa gawi ko, kumikislap ang tuwa sa mga mata niya. 

"But make sure you won't leave me. Baka mamaya, umalis ka bigla at iwan ako roon."

He chuckled and his next move surprised me. I stilled when I felt his hand on my waist, his face very close to mine. I was too focused on his handsome face that I didn't notice he already unlock the seatbelt. Sa isang galaw, natagpuan ko ang sariling nakaupo sa kandungan niya.

My heart hammered. His arms were around my waist and his face on the hallow space of my neck.

"Maybe tie me in the bed so you'll know I won't escape?" his husky voice made me shiver.

The way his lips touched my skin makes me sighed in contentment. This man, really...

"Or better yet, let's lock ourselves in the room for the whole weekend. Talking and.."

A gasped erupted in my lips when I felt his teeth scratching my skin. Napasabunot ako sa buhok niya pero hindi ko man lang magawang ilayo ang sarili dito.

"How about we stay in Manila and attend our works. Better, hmm?" I whispered hoarsely earning a chuckle from him.

Days passed by in a snap of finger. Friday came and my hunch was right when I saw Jenny on her table the moment I arrived at the firm. Our working day then started. Lunch came and we both decided to spend it in a nearby restaurant.

Habang naghihintay ng order, lumilipad ang isip ko sa mga nangyari nang nakalipas na araw. Particularly when Chaz addressed me as love. Having a partner who’d always make you feel good, loved and secured is a nonpareil feeling. He might not be vocal about it—his genuine feeling, but his moves says it all.

And I am holding into it.

“Earth to you, Pia dear! Huwag mo namang ipahalatang in love na in love ka, beh. Grabe ‘to!”

Napakurapkurap ako sa biglang pag pitik ni Jenny sa aking noo. I wrinkled my brows before touching my forehead. I glared at her, but she just laughed.

“Ano ka ba naman, Pia! We’re here to have our lunch, stop fantasizing your husband! Best friend time ‘to, duh!”

Binaba ko ang kamay saka suminghap. “May naisip lang ako, kung makahusga ka naman,”

“Aba beh, ang pula-pula kaya niyang pisngi mo! Ipapaalala ko lang ulit sa’yo, Pia ha. I was there with almost half of your life and this is the first time seeing your face burning! Ipupusta ko ang mahal kong alagang aso, si Mr. Fuentes ang dahilan niyan!”

Mas lalong uminit ang pisngi ko sa narinig. Malakas siyang humalakhak. She even covered her mouth.

“Damn, natumpak ko!” she exclaimed, laughing.

I sighed heavily. Ginala ko ang paningin sa kabuuan ng restaurant at napansing ang ilang sa mga mata nila ay nakatuon sa amin.

“Hinaan mo ang boses mo, Jenny. Umaagaw tayo ng atensyon,” suway ko.

"Hayaan mo silang maiinggit ang mahalaga’y masaya tayo,” she rolled her eyes and leaned on her chair.

“Ikaw lang ang masaya,” I whispered.

Jenny chuckled. “Sus, hitsura mo Pia. Para ka ngang asong ulol na nangingiti kahit walang nakakatawa.”

Natatawa akong umiling. Hindi rin nagtagal dumating ang hinihintay naming pagkain. Pareho kaming gulat ni Jenny nang makita ang waiter na naghatid noon.

“Ryan? Ryan Valencio?!” bulalas niya.

Mr. Ryan flashed his friendly smile. Nakasuot siya ng polo shirt na kulay dilaw na pinaresan ng kulay itim na slacks.

”Hey, Ma’am,” he answered shyly before putting the dishes on our table.

“Oy, ikaw nga! Kumusta ka na?” si Jenny ulit ‘yon, nasa boses ang tuwa na makita ang huli.

“Maayos lang po ako, Ma’am. Kayo po ba, kumusta na?”

Mr. Ryan glanced at me wearily. He smiled while I smiled in return. I’m glad he’s fine. Mabuti at linubuyan na siya noong artistang may gusto sa kaniya.

"Wow, Ryan po talaga ha?" Jenny gasped. “ Batang-bata pa 'to, kahiya naman 'yang po mo!"

Humalakhak si Jenny saka pabirong hinampas si Mr. Ryan sa braso. The latter laughed along with her as he glanced at me once again. My lips pursed seeing them.

“’Di joke lang, pero paano ka napunta rito? Sa huling pagkakaalala ko’y heartrob ka ng bansa,” Jenny giggled. “Gusto mo sa akin ka na lang mag trabaho? Per hour and pag pa-sweldo ko sa’yo, depende pa sa sarap na ibibigay mo.” she added, making my jaw dropped.

Suminghap ako’t mabilis siyang sinaway. Mukha namang parang wala lang ‘yon kay Mr. Ryan dahil tumawa lang ito.

“Jenny bastos ng bibig mo, kumain ka nga!” I said.

“Sarap na ibibigay sa pagkaing ihahain sa akin. Duh, Pia? Mag general cleaning ka na sa brain mo, masyado nang maraming algae.”

I glared at her and she just winked. Ito talagang si Jenny, hindi ko maintindihan ang ugali. Mas gusto ko pa kung nasa trabaho kami dahil pormal ito at hindi ganito.

May mga pagkakataon talagang kung anu-ano na lang ang sinasabi niya. Walang preno ang bibig. Pero mayroon din namang hindi ito palasalita. The talkative side of her depends on her mood.

Hilaw na ngumisi si Mr. Ryan.

“I’m not fit to be an artist, I realized it too late. Kinailangan pang mapahamak ako pero ngayon ay bumabawi na ako sa buhay." he bowed his head before caressing his nape. "Fate leads me here and if not because of you, perhaps I'm at a cold cell right now. Walang direksyon ang buhay.”

Tumahimik si Jenny sa sinabi ni Mr. Ryan. Tipid naman akong napangiti habang pinagmamasdan siya. He looked well grown, healthy and happy.

“You should stop thanking us whenever our path would cross. Matagal nang tapos iyon at katulad nga nang sinabi ko, hindi namin magagawa iyon kung wala ang iyong kooperasyon." I said, smiling at him. "If there is someone you should be thankful for, that’d be yourself Mr. Ryan, and not us.”

He stared at me for a while, a ghost of smile was plastered in his face.

“Hindi ka pa rin talaga nagbabago Miss Prosecutor, ang humble at bait niyo pa rin. Napaka swerte ko at nakilala kayo."

Jenny immediately cleared her throat. “Ryan, I’ve said Misis na ‘yan, soon to be Mommy na nga.” ani Jenny, natatawa.

Mr. Ryan laughed and nodded. While I just shook my head at her.

Agad ding nagpaalam si Mr. Ryan dahil may trabaho pa raw ito, habang kami’y tinuloy ang pagtanghalian. Pagkatapos kumain, bumalik kami sa firm at pinagpatuloy ang pag tatrabaho. Tumigil lang ako saglit nang makatanggap ng tawag kay Mommy bandang alas-dos ng hapon.

“Anak, nanganak na ang ate mo!”

Hindi pa man ako nakapagsasalita ay iyon agad ang binalita niya. Napatayo ako, awang ang labi.

“Talaga po? How’s she? Did she deliver her baby safely? Wala naman pong komplikasyon?” sunod-sunod kong tanong.

“Yes anak, normal ang panganganak niya sa awa ng Diyos."  

“Pupunta ako ngayon, Mom. Saang hospital po ba kayo?”

She mentioned the name of the hospital.

“Alright, Mom. I’ll hang up now,”

Hinagilap ko ang sariling bag saka nagmamadaling lumabas ng opisina.
Napatayo si Jenny nang marinig ang pagbukas ng pinto.

"You take care, okay? Huwag magmadali."

I nodded my head understandingly.
Nang matapos ang tawag ay bumaling ako kay Jenny.

“May pupuntahan lang ako. I'll be back as soon as possible.” paalam ko sa kaniya.

Jenny smiled before nodding. “Ako na ang bahala rito,”

Isang tango ang pinakawalan ko bago tinahak ang daan patungo sa elevator. 
Habang nasa loob ng lift ay hindi ako mapakali. When it landed in the lobby, I was half running trying to reach the exit.

Unfortunately, I lost my balance when a man, wearing a black ball cap bumped into me. Nahawakan ako sa braso ng lalaki saka ako mabilis na hinigit papalapit sa katawan niya para hindi ako tuluyang bumagsak.

My bag hit the floor but I didn’t payed attention to it as I felt something aches on a certain part of my body. Umayos ako nang tayo habang ang lalaking nakabunggo sa akin ay yumuko para kunin ang bag ko.

“Pasensya na po, Ma’am..” the man said as he leaned in and get my shoulder bag.

Nakasuot siya ng itim na sombrero at hindi ko maaninag ang kabuuan ng kaniyang mukha bukod sa labi niya. Nakayuko niyang binigay sa akin pabalik ang bag. He was holding it with his left hand as the other were on his back.

Kunot noo kong tinanggap ‘yon.
“It’s fine, be careful next time.” I said coldly.

"Kayo rin po.. mag-ingat sa susunod..” huli niyang sinabi bago ako mabilis na iniwan.

Bumuntonghininga ako. I started walking again like nothing happened, pero hindi pa man ako nakakatatlong hakbang nang makarinig ako ng sigaw. Two woman in a corporate attire shouted. Magkakasalubong dapat kami ngunit kusang huminto ang mga paa ko sa biglaan nilang pagsigaw.

“Ma’am may dugo po kayo!” the lady with ID yields again.

I wrinkled my forehead. Lumingon ako sa likod sa pag-aakalang may tao roon.

“Prosecutor Sofia!” someone shouted.

Naagaw niya ang atensyon ng ilan sanhi para mapunta sa gawi ko ang tingin ng mga ito. Muli akong lumingon sa gawi nila. Tumatakbo na ang dalawa patungo sa akin. I stood frozen in place as I couldn’t decipher what they’re saying.

“What?” I asked cluelessly.

“You’re bleeding, Ma’am! May dugo!” the one without ID exclaimed.

I heard their gasped and it was too late for me to realize what she meant. I felt a searing pain from my stomach. Kinapa ko ang parting iyon at gano’n na lang ang pamimilog ng mga mata ko nang maramdaman ang malagkit na likidong bumalatay sa  palad ko.
I gasped in horror when I saw red on my palm. Fear creep into me as I saw the blood.

“Ma’am, iyong lalaki! Sinaksak po kayo, nakita ko!” my employee said as she went near me.

Balisa, dinumog na rin kami ng ilan pa sa mga taong nasa lobby.

“Tumawag kayo ng ambulansya!” someone from the crowd shouted.

“Habulin niyo ‘yong lalaki, hindi pa nakakalayo ang hudyong ‘yon!”

“Ma’am!”

Hindi ko na nasundan ang mga pangyayari dahil para akong natulala sa kulay pulang likodo na nakalapat sa palad ko.

I began feeling dizzy. Para akong masusuka anumang oras habang pinagmamasdan ang dugo sa aking palad. Hindi ko rin magawang ihakbang ang mga paa dahil tila ako’y nabato sa kinatatayuan.

Biglang umikot ang paningin ko kasabay ng pagsidhi ng sakit na nararamdaman. I couldn’t feel my body. My stomach hurts and I felt like throwing up, until I could no longer take it.. darkness engulfed my vision.

Puting kisame ang nabungaran ko nang sandaling magmulat ako ng mga mata. Muli kong pinikit ang mga ito nang masilaw sa liwanag na nagmumula sa buong silid.

Huminga ako nang malalim. Ilang saglit pa bago ko nagawang magmulat muli ng mata. Kumunot ang noo ko sa estrangherong silid na nabungaran.

I look around the area and that’s when I noticed that I am in a hospital room. Purong puti ang mga kagamitan and I was alone in the room. Sinubukan kong maupo ngunit napangiwi lamang ako sa sakit na bumalatay sa aking tagiliran. Sapo ang bandang ‘yon ng aking katawan, biglang bumukas ang pinto’t niluwa nito si Chaz.

My heart clobbered as I met his gaze. He looked stunned for a moment. Tila nagulat pa siyang makita akong gising na. Maya-maya pa’y nagpakawala siya nang malalim na buntonghininga bago ako linapitan.

His steps towards me is heavy. His jaw was also clamped and his eyes were dark like a moonless night. I bite my lips in nervousness seeing his livid face. Dumiretso siya sa aking gilid at may pinindot doon. Nakasunod lang ako sa kaniyang mga galaw.

“Doctor’s will be here in a few,” Chaz started coldly.

He stared at me, still standing at the left side of the hospital’s bed.

“How are you feeling? My masakit ba?” walang emosyong tanong niya ulit.

Napapalunok akong tiningala siya. My nape shuddered at how cold his eyes are.

“T-Tubig.. gusto ko ng tubig,” namamos kong bulong.

My throat feels dry. Parang isang linggo akong uhaw at walang tubig na nainom kahit isang patak.

Chaz sighed heavily before attending my request. Lumapit siya sa pabilog na lamesa sa isang sulok. The room were spacious. May sariling flat screen tv, ilang sofa at lamesa na rin.

“Here,” bumalik siya sa gawi ko, inalaaya niya akong mainom ang tubig na nasa baso.

He put his left hand under my chin while the other one was holding the glass. Tahimik akong sumunod sa nais niyang mangyari at habang ginagawa iyon ay hindi ko siya linubayan ng tingin.

“Do you want some more?” tanong niya nang maubos ko ang laman ng baso.

Tipid akong umiling bilang sagot. He then turn around to return the glass on the table. Nang bumalik siya’y pinili nitong tumayo sa paanan ng kama. His arms were crossed while staring at me deeply.

“Can I go home now, Chaz?” mahinang tanong ko.

Maayos naman na ang pakiramdam ko. Although, may kaunting kirot lamang sa tuwing pwersa ang ginagawa kong paggalaw.

“No, Grace. We are to stay here until you’re fully healed and recovered.” he said verily.

“Pero may—" hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ko nang biglang may kumatok.

“Come in.” Chaz said without breaking our eye contact.

Hindi man lang niya nilingon ang pinto o tiningnan kung sino ‘yon. The door then opened revealing a lady with her white lab coat. A stethoscope were hanging around her neck. Nakangiti itong lumapit sa amin.

“Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Fuentes.” panimula niya.

Tumango lang si Chaz.

“It’s a relief seeing you awake now, Mrs. Fuenetes. I’m Dra. Katrina Sabalbarino." she smiled. "Let me check your vitals first,” she added with a light of voice.

The doctor then went to me and did a series of check-up. Habang ginagawa niya iyon ay hindi ako nilibuyan ng tingin ni Chaz. Malalim kung tumitig na tila ako’y mawawala kung kukurap siya kahit isang beses lang.

“Your vitals are stable. The stab wasn’t that deep but just for assurance, we’ll check it every now and then. It would be better to refrain yourself from excessive movemi. Baka bumukas ang tahi dahil hindi pa ito hilom.” aniya pagkatapos ng ginagawa.

“Mga ilang araw naman po akong dapat manatili rito?” tanong ko sa mababang boses.

Drs. Katrina smiled at me again. Nasa bulsa na ng kaniyang lab coat and dalawang kamay na binalingan ako.

“Two to three days will do. If you want to go home on the second day, pwede naman. Just make sure you’ll clean your wound's at home at the given time.”

I nodded my head understandingly. So I have to be here for three days. Dahil alam kong hindi papayag si Chaz na uuwi kami na hindi pa tapos ang binigay na araw ng doctor.

“Oh right, before I forgot. From now on, you have to be extra careful, Misis. As much as possible, you must be out of harm always. Kasi sa susunod na mangyari ulit ito, I’m afraid the baby living inside your tummy will be affected.”

Her next words made my eyes broadened in bewilderment. I craned my head to her with an obvious surprise expression on the face. Anong sabi niya?

Baby?

“You heard it right. You’re four weeks pregnant. Congratulations!” she beamed happily.

Napasinghap ako. Bumilis ang pintig ng puso ko habang hindi makapaniwalang nakatingin sa kaniya. I drifted my gaze from her and glanced at Chaz who looked calm.

“I told your husband the dos and don’ts. Nagresita na rin ako ng mga vitamins na kailangan mong inumin araw-araw. It is also a must to avoid stress, iyan ang pangunahing komplikasyon ng ilan sa mga buntis…”

Marami pa siyang sinabi, pero tila ako ay nabingi sa lahat ng ‘yon. The only thing that stayed on my mind was the fact that I am pregnant. We only did it once, isang beses lang pero ito agad ang naging kinahinantna.

Buntis ako..

Nag-init ang magkabilang sulok ng aking mata sa emosyong nararamdaman. I’m really pregnant, with Chaz’ child.

Tiningala ko siya na ngayon ay malamlam na ang matang nakatingin na rin sa akin. I sniffed my tears as he strides towards me and sat in the right side of the bed. His hand cupped my face to wipe my tears.

“Chaz,” I cried his name.

His jaw clenched for unknown reason. His eyes darkened as well. “Stop crying.” he demanded but tears
purred more.

Umiling ako na naiiyak. “Chaz b-buntis daw ako,” I said like a child.

Nagtiim bagang siya. “Is that why you’re crying now, Grace? Nagsisisi ka?”

My stomach churned hearing the coldness on his voice. I can’t believe he’s thinking like that! Kahit hindi ko ito pinaghandaan ay hinding-hindi ko pagsisihang nabuo ang anghel na ito ng gabing iyon.

“Of course not, Chaz! Umiiyak ako dahil sa tuwa, ano bang pagsisi ang sinasabi mo riyan?!” anas ko bago tinabig ang kamay niya.

Ako na mismo ang nagpahid ng luha ko sa pisngi. Napahinga siya nang malalim. 

“That’s just right. I thought you’re regretting bearing my child,” he licked his lower lip.

“Anak ko rin ‘to, Chaz. Baka ikaw ang nagsisi?” matalim ko siyang tiningnan.

Mahina ang ginawa niyang pag-iling.
“Katulad mo’y kahit kailan hindi ko ‘yan pagsisihan,”

“You don’t mean it. Aayaw mong magkaanak sa akin diba? Ikaw mismo ang nagsabi noon!”

Naalala kong sinabi niya sa akin iyon  nang minsang hingan siya ni mommy ng apo. He’s not even remorseful at that.

Chaz leaned closer before holding my elbow. He caressed it in a gentle manner. Hinayaan ko siyang hawakan ako.

“I want a child with you, Grace.” he said huskily. “You have no idea how pleased I am when the doctor told me ‘bout your situation earlier. I was fucking over the moon. So tell me, why should I be regretful when you having my own flesh and blood is an answered prayer?”

I swallowed hard as I stared at his face with nothing but purity. The tranquility on his voice is making my heart pounded. Para akong aatakihin sa mabilis na pagtibok ng sarili kong dibdib.

“H-How about, Harry?” nauutal kong tanong.

He seemed to be taken aback with my question that his lips parted. My lips pursed. I want an assurance first that they’re done. From what happened at the party last Sunday, I can tell that Harry is still into him. I don’t want to face conflicts on the following months. Mabuti na kung magkakalinawan kami ngayon habang maaga pa.

“The thing between us ended months ago, wife. Stop thinking about him, hmm?” he said, looking at me with gentleness.

I gnaw on my lower lip to suppress the smile. Tumikhim ako bago umiwas ng tingin. I heard him chuckled before leaning in and kissed my temple.

“Instead of having only two days rest, why not make it until you deliver our baby in the world successfully, wife?” he asked again before distancing himself from me.

Nanatili siyang nakaupo sa gilid ko, ngayon ay hawak na ang kamay ko. He was playing with my fingers as our gaze crossed. I shook my head and his brow furrowed with it.

“I can’t leave my work for that long span of time, Chaz.” mahinang ani ko.

“Grace you have to rest, remember that you’re pregnant.”

“Hindi ko ‘yan makakalimutan, Chaz. But I need to continue working. You know how I love my job. Hindi pwedeng basta-basta na lang ako aalis.”

Mas lalong nagtagpo ang dalawa niyang kilay sa gitna. “You have a valid reason. See what happened just now? You got stab—"

“This is an accident!” I hissed, cutting him.

“This is not a fucking normal accident, Grace! They intentionally hurt you. Paano naging aksidente iyon?” 

Huminga ako nang malalim, pilit  pinapakalma ang sarili. Nang dahil sa sinabi niya'y naalala ko ang taong may kagagawan nito.

“Did you catch the culprit?” wala sa sariling tanong ko.

Chaz closed his tightly and when he open it again, it was already bloodshot.

“Not yet, but I have men to do it. I’m fucking mad, Grace.”

His hands balled into fist that is resting in the hospital bed between us.

“Lucky for them you’re both safe. Kasi kung hindi..”

Ginagap ko ang nakakuyom niyang kamao saka iyon hinawakan. I shook my head.

“Don’t stain this hands. Let the authority handled them. Huwag ka nang mangialam, Chaz Theo.”

Sayang nga at hindi ko nakita ng buo ang lalaking iyon. Pero kahit gano'n pa man, tiwala akong mahuhuli rin ang may sala. Ayaw kong mangialam pa siya.

Chaz exhaled a large amount of breath. “I’ll still check the updates and I’ll make sure they’ll root in jail. For the meantime, refrain yourself from working until you give birth.” pag-uulit niya sa gustong mangyari.

Bumagsak ang balikat ko. “Mag-iingat na ako sa susunod. Hindi na ito mauulit pa."

"No, Grace. I won't let you." he said sternly.

“Don’t worry to much, hindi ko hahaayang mapahamak ulit ang anak ko—"

“Anak natin, Grace.” pagputol niya sa akin.

His brows furrowed, may bakas ng pagkairita sa mukha. Ngumuso ako’t pinagkrus ang mga braso sa ilalim ng dibdib. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam ang marinig sa mula sa kaniya ang katagang iyon.

“I know, pero Chaz hindi ko pwedeng iwang ng gano’n na lang ang trabaho ko. Now that I am pregnant, I’ll be more cautious and attentive. Relax ka lang diyan at huwag OA.” lumabi ako.

His red lips separated. I bite my lower lip as I continue to observe his facial expression. It’s honestly entertaining to watch. At the same time I felt myself reacting to every emotion of his face. Pakiramdam ko’y matutunaw ako sa bawat segundong pinagmamasdan niya ang sarili ko.

“OA?” he laughed without humor. “I’m not just overreacting here, Grace, I’m damn worried. How can I relax knowing the possibility that my family would be in danger?” mariin ang bawat salitang lumalabas sa kaniyang bibig.

I pressed my lips together. Hindi niya maintindihan ang punto ko. Of course mag-iingat na ako lagi. Ito lang din naman ang unang beses na may nagtangka sa akin ng gano’n. I have a hunch about the man. It’s only disappointing I failed to see his face clearly. Tanging bibig lang ang nakita ko dahil sa suot nitong sombrero.

“I understand your point here, I clearly do Chaz Theo..”

Pero kahit anong kumbensi kong magagawa ko ang gusto niya na iwanan ang trabaho sa ganito kaaga, parang napakaimposible. Nag-aalala siya, ngunit ang isipin pa lang na isang taon ako sa loob ng bahay, walang ginagawa o pinagkakaabalahan? Baka masiraan lang ako ng bait n’on!

Beside, it’s still too early to take a paternity leave. Wala pa ngang umbok sa tiyan ko.

“Babalik ka rin agad pagkatapos manganak. Sa ngayon ay mas mainam kung hindi ka muna mag ta-trabaho at manatili na lang muna sa bahay.”

“Diba parang, masyado pang maaga pa roon? We can negotiate on this matter,” pagbabakasakali ko.

“Negotiate,” bulong niya sa sarili, para pang matatawa. “What are we?  Business partners?" tumaas ang kilay niya.

"Grace may I remind you, mag-asawa tayo hindi magkasosyo sa negosyo. I am only up for negotiation if it is business related. We’re talking about our son here, wife. Screw negotiation.” the authority is lace on his voice.

“Hear me out, first.." bulong ko, nakasimangot. "After five months, I’ll stop working na. Sa bahay na lang ako lagi, katulad ng gusto mo.”

“Titigil ka rin naman, bakit mo pa patatagalin?" Chaz asked, arching a brow. "Why are you working anyway? I'm the man in the house, and clearly even without working for a year, we can still survive.”

Napairap ako sa narinig. "I love what I am doing, Chaz Theo. Money is not a thing here, it’s my passion to help and be of service.”

Kahit wala rin ang pera niya’y hindi pa rin ako mamumulubi. I’ve save enough money and even without working, like what he proclaims it won’t make me starve.

"My decision will be firm. Kung ayaw mo sa kondisyon ko, hindi mo makikita ang magiging anak mo."

Chaz groaned frustratedly. Tinago ko ang ngisi sa pamamagitan ng pagkagat sa ibabang labi. It was a lie. I'm not that evil to deprived him of his rights.

“Fine, I’ll give you one month, not five.” pagsuko niya.

“I said five, Chaz.” I replied instantly.

His jaw clenched. He was already glaring at me. Parang anumang oras ay mapipigtas ang pasensyang niya sa akin. He doesn’t looked cool with it. Ako rin naman, one month lang? Ang bilis naman no’n!

“Will you stop being stubborn and listen to me? Para rin naman sa anak natin ang hiniling ko sa’yo." mataman nitong sabi. "Didn’t you hear what the doctor just said? Avoid stress and with the background of your work, sa tingin mo maiiwasan mo talaga ang ma-stress? Hindi, kaya tamang tigilan mo ang pag tatrabaho pansamantala!” tumaas ang boses niya.

Kunot na kunot ang noo at mariing nakaigting ang panga. Nabura ang ngisi sa labi ko. I can taste something metallic in my mouth. This is not good.

Mag-aaway ba kami dahil lang dito? Can’t he understand that I need this?

This is my passion, at alam kong kaakibat ng trabaho ko ang stress o anupaman ngunit kaunting panahon lang ang hinihingi ko sa kaniya! Anak ko rin naman ‘to, hindi ko hahayaang mapahamak kaming dalawa.

I bowed my head and sighed heavily.

“Susubukan ko naman, e. Ang tagal ng hiningi mong panahon, Chaz. Intindihin mo naman na kailangan kong gawin ‘to. Mahalag ang trab—”

Tumigil ako sa pagsasalita ng marinig ko siyang marahas na suminghap. My chest hammered when I saw his closed fist.

“How about our child? Wala ba siyang halaga sa’yo at talagang pipiliin mo pa ‘yang trabaho mo? Is that it, Sofia Grace?”

I lifted my head and glanced at him painfully. Ang sakit na kinakailangan ko pang mamili. Hindi naman kailangan ng gano'n. I felt my eyes moist with unshed tears as his words pierced through me like sharp knives.

Chaz chuckled dryly. “Alright then, If you think it is safe for the both of you, hahayaan na kita. What more could I do if you’re that dedicated to your job, right?”

Gusto kong mag protesta sa sinabi niya. Subalit sa puntong ito, tila ako ay napipi. My mind failed to construct a rebuttal, that all I can do is breath heavily.

Naputol lang ang usapan namin nang muling bumukas ang pinto at niluwa  si Mommy at Daddy. Zayd was there too. Bakas ang pag-alala sa mukha nila, lalo si Mommy. Tumayo si Chaz at agad na binigyan daan si Mommy patungo sa akin.

Her eyes were puffy. The corner of it were red, indicating that she have wept. Hindi na kailangan itanong kung bakit, dahil obviously ako na naman ang dahilan.

“I’m okay, Mom.. ssshh,” panimula ko.

Similar to Chaz, she also sat next to me. She suddenly cried making my heart throbbed in pain. Seeing her in torment is a torture for me too. Her tears are my weakness.

“I’m sorry, anak. I’m sorry,” she sobbed.

Nanikip ang dibdib ko habang pinagmamasdan siyang lumuluha. I wanna hold her for embrace but I can’t just move my body, sinubukan ko pero agad na kumirot ang sugat ko.

“Mom it’s not your fault, don’t blame yourself. Walang may gusto sa nangyari,”

I hold her hand instead and patted it. Dumapo ang tingin ko sa tatlong mahahalagang lalaki sa buhay ko na taimtim lang na nanunuod sa amin.
Nagtagal ang tingin ko kay Chaz. His brow were creased while looking at me directly.

“K-Kung hindi sana ako tumawag sa’yo, hindi na sana mangyayari ‘to.”

Umiling ako nang umiling bilang pagtutol sa sinabi niya. Muli kong naalala ang dahilan kung bakit ako dapat umalis sa firm.

“It was my choice, Mom. Hindi ko rin naman alam na may nag-aabang pala sa akin sa lobby,” I chuckled lightly.

“Why don’t you resign, ate? Tama na ang ilang taong pagsusugal ng buhay mo, it’s damn time to think about yourself now. Your enemies are going overbroad, this isn’t entertaining at all.” si Zayd sa seryosong tinig.

I froze on my place as my eyes rounded in fraction. I felt everyone’s eyes on me especially that of Chaz.

“Tama ang kapatid mo anak. Sa ngayon ay magpahinga ka muna, ha? I can’t take seeing my daughter laying in this type of bed. Years of serving the country is already enough. Tama na ‘yon, pamilya mo naman ang isipin mo at huwag ang kapakanan ng ibang tao. Can you give that to mommy?”

Natahimik ako habang pinagmamasdan siya.

“Sa ngayon kami naman ang piliin mo, lalo pa ngayon na magkakaanak ka na. Ikamamatay ko kung dalawa kayong mapapahamak.” Mommy emotionally added, holding my hand tightly.

Nakagat ko ang labi nang husto. Bumibigat ang paghinga ko sa bawat segundong lumipas. Muli kong nilingon si Chaz na ngayon ay namumungay ang matang nakadungaw pabalik sa akin.

Katulad din niya’y nag-aalala lang din si Mommy. All of them are just thinking of our welfare. Pero bakit napakahirap? Sobrang daling gawin pero ang hirap panindigan.

Masiyado akong na attach sa sariling propesyon at ang iwanan ito ng ganoong katagal ay tila sakit sa akin. I love solving cases. I love helping those in need. It makes me alive. The feeling of seeing my client face filled with joy as I win their case is always worth the risk.

How about now, Sofia?

“Mas makakabuti na rin sa’yo dahil alam ko, sigurado akong mahihirapan ka sa mga susunod pang mga buwan. I was like that back in time, and even your ate Giselle. You can’t do your work well. You’ll lose your focus, believe me. Kaya tama lang kung hindi ka muna mag tatrabaho pansamantala.” si Mommy ulit.

Pumikit ako nang mariin. Ang hirap pala ng ganito. Ang hirap iwanan ang bagay na lagi mong nakasanayan. Ang hirap ipagsawalang bahala ang bagay na mahal mo.

“We have agreed about this, Mom..” I trailed off.

I lifted my gaze and as if in cue, Chaz was eyeing me already making our gaze locked. I swallowed hard as I gave him my smile.

“I will leave the firm to Drake and be back after a year..."

The talk I had with my mother lifted the mood between Chaz and I. Parang iyon ang naging daan para mabura ang posibleng inis at galit na nararamdaman niya sa akin. Sino ba ang hindi gayong pinagbigyan ko sila.. siya?

I agreed that I’ll leave my work. They actually have a point but at first, I didn’t realize it due to the dedication I have with my job. Later that night, I’ve come to realize that they’re all right. I am carrying a baby—our baby. Mas kinakailangan kong mag-ingat. Walang sinasanto ang mga taong may galit sa akin. Gaganti at gaganti sila.

According to mommy and from the research I had, the first trimester of pregnancy will be a struggle for every pregnant Mommy’s. Mahirap daw ang unang tatlong buwan ng pagbubuntis at kung mananatili ako sa firm at ipagpatuloy ang trabaho, kung pagkagayunman ay wala rin akong magagawang matino.

For now, I have to focus on my child first. I have to make sure the baby is going healthy to avoid further problems.

I caressed my tummy tenderly. Patag pa ‘yon at walang bakat ng sanggol sa loob. It’s still early, but I know in time.. this particular part of me will grow because my angel is living on it.

Now I realized the sudden changes I felt in my body. The weird cravings, mood swings at pag-iinarte ko kay Chaz sa bagay-bagay na kahit ang salitang pretty ay ginawa kong big deal!

All down to the fact that I am pregnant.

“Chaz she’s so cute, ang taba-taba ng pisngi.” I chuckled while glancing at baby Lauren.

Luckily, I’m on the same hospital where ate Giselle was admitted. Dalawang araw na ang nakalilipas at nanatili pa rin kami sa hospital. I can now walk but in a slow manner.

I personally asked if we could see the baby. Pumayag naman si ate Giselle at pinahatid dito sa room namin. Baby Lauren is in the arms of her nurse. Takot pa akong kargahin siya dahil pakiramdam ko'y masasaktan ko siya. She's too small!

“Hmm,” he nodded. “But, ours will be cuter than her. We'll have the mini Aphrodite version of you, gorgeous, e.” Chaz answered, teasing me. Tumawa ang nurse sa sinabi niya.

Nuzzling the hallow of my neck. He’s standing behind me, both of his arms were wrapped around my waist while his palm rest on my stomach. Kanina pa niya hinihimas ang tiyan ko at kung hindi lang ako komportable ay malamang sininghalan ko na siya.

Hindi ko ‘yon pinansin at pinagmasdan ang natutulog na mahimbing na bata.

“Ang taba ng pisngi niya, siguro dahil ang takaw-takaw ni ate nang buntis pa. She even looked like a whale!”

Natigilan ako nang maalala ang sinabi ni ate Giselle. Hinarap ko si Chaz sanhi para matigil ang ginagawa niya sa leeg ko. He lifted his head and god heaven, he looked dangerously sexy! Namumungay ang mata niya na tila kakagising lang, magulo rin ang buhok at wala sa ayos.

Pogi si Chaz.

Yes I admit. He’s handsome that he could pass as a model or even an artist. Though, mabuti na lang at hindi niya naisipang pumasok sa industriya.

“Paano pala pag maging balyena rin ako? Tataba ako at mawawala ang hubog ng katawan ko. Iitim din ang kili-kili ko—"

Nahinto ako sa sinasabi ng bigla siyang dumukwang saka patakan ng halik ang gilid ng labi ko. My breathing hitched. Ramdam ko ang pag-iinit ng muka maging ng katawan sa bigla niyang ginawa.

He almost kissed my lips. Nahiya pa siya, sinagad na niya sana at hindi lang sa gilid!

Mariin akong napapikit. Mahiya ka, Sofia. May nurse kayong kasama!

“Skinny or fat, white armpit or not, you’ll remain as the mother of my child," he whispered. "I will cherish you even more because of it. That only proves you’re carrying my heir, the woman I envisioned myself to spend the rest of my life with."