Fall
“What’s her name?” tanong ni Veronica habang pinagmamasdan ang anak kong payapang natutulog sa aking tabi.
“Eira..” I mumbled softly, caressing her tiny hands. “We’ll call her Eira Celeste and Xander..” I lifted my gaze and glanced at Chaz who’s carrying my little boy.
"Eira and Xandy, what a beauty!" Veronica giggled.
Nangingiti rin akong pinagmasdan ang mukha ni Eira. She got almost all of her features from her father. Though, her skin is fare, which I though she inherited from me. Other than that, wala na. Maging si Xander ay manang mana sa ama. Even their eyes..
“I can’t imagine myself giving birth, like argh! That will be a disaster!" She lamented.
I chuckled and continued to stare at my daughter. Kung ganito ang sukli ng paghihirap at pagod ko..sa lahat ng desisyong ginawa ko sa buhay, masasabi kong ang pagiging ina ng dalawang biyayang anghel ang hindi ko pagsisihan sa lahat.
"Gano'n talaga, hija. Sino ba ang nanganak na hindi nahirapan?" segunda ni Mommy Salvacion.
Then I remember the pain I’ve gone through in delivering the twins. Chaz brought me here immediately. Nasa hospital na kami nang magawa niyang tawagan sila Mommy. Sila na ang kumuha nang mga gamit na naiwan sa bahay dahi sa pagmamadali. Also because, Chaz was unfocused. Hindi makausap ng matino at halos pagmumura na lang ang naririnig ko sa kaniya.
It was for me, a life and death situation. Mommy Salvacion even offered to undergo a cesarean but I firmly declined. Kahit sobrang sakot at hirap. Kinaya ko para sa kanila. After hour's of labor, my babies finally decided to see the world.
“Pia!”
On the third day, we had an unexpected visitor. Humahangos si Jenny na pumasok sa silid na inuukupahan namin at base sa suot, mukhang galing pang opisina. Hapon na rin. Pinauwi ko na muna ang mga magulang at ang tanging naiwan ay si Veronica at Chaz. The elders can't stay up late.
“Hi!” malaki ang ngiti kong kinawayan siya.
“Di mo sinabi sa aking nanganak ka na. Nakakatampo, ha..”
Natawa ako. Hinayaan niyang bukas ang pinto saka siya basta na lang lumapit sa akin. Hindi siya nag-iisa..
“Kung hindi pa dahil kay Ryan boy, hindi ko malalamang nakaraos ka na pala! May favoritism ka na ngayon. Nagagalit na ako!" aniya pa, pero ang paningin ay nasa kambal.
I didn’t mind her sentiments and gazed at Ryan, tagging her. Nagulat pa ako makita siya dahil.. wala akong ideya na sinabi ko sa kaniya ang balitang nanganak na nga ako.
“Congratulations, Sofia..” anito, may bitbit na bulaklak at prutas.
“Thank you." I uttered and smiled. "How did you know I gave birth? I don’t remember informing you.”
“Ah, ano.. narinig ko lang, sa tabi-tabi..” Ryan looked away, his cheeks reddening.
I chortled and nodded afterwards.
“Hala, Pia! Ang ku-cute! Ano name nito?”
Naagaw ni Jenny ang atensyon ko. I peered at her and saw that she’s already carrying Xander. Napalunok ako, ginapangan ng kaba.
"Careful please. Baka mabalian ng buto ang anak ko, tatamaan ka sa akin.”
Tumawa lang ang babae.
“OA naman, parang karga lang eh. Ka offend ka.”
Napanguso na lang ako habang pinagmamasdan siyang maigi. Lumapit din si Ryan at si Eira naman ang pinagmasdan.
“Uy, green eyes. Ganda bhie, inggit si ninang. Pero dapat iyan lang ang manahin mo sa magaling mong ama, ha?" She said in a whisper, but it still reached my ears. "Speaking of, nasaan ang tarantadong ‘yon, Pia? Talagang iniwan kang mag-isa?”
Nanlaki ang mata ko sa ginamit na salita ni Jenny. “Hoy Jenny ‘yang bibig mo. May mga bata.” suway ko rito.
“Hayaan mo na, wala pa namang musmos ang mga ito. Hindi pa nila naintindihan ang sinabi ko, saka hello? Nagsasabi lang ako nang totoo.”
Tinignan ko si Ryan at mukhang wala lang naman sa kaniya ang sinabing iyon ni Jenny.
“Nasa labas si Chaz, bumibili ng pagkain.” sagot ko.
“And he really left you here alone huh? To think na kakapangak mo pa lang at may dalawa kang sanggol na kasama!"
“I was with my cousin earlier. She just excused herself to use the bathroom.” I explained.
"Barado siguro ang inodoro mo dito at talagang lumabas pa 'yong kasama mo. Paano kung sabay itong umiyak, hahatiin mo katawan mo gano'n?" saad niya, naiinis na.
Nagkibit balikat lang ako.
“They’ll be back. Besides, you two are here with me. I am not alone.”
Umirap lang si Jenny at tinuon ang atensyon sa sanggol na nasa bisig. Bahagya akong napangiti sa inasta ng kaibigan. Si Ryan ay hindi nakatiis at kinarga na rin si Eira. Pinagmasdan ko lang silang dalawa hanggang sa marinig ko ang muling pagbukas ng pinto
Pumasok si Chaz at kasunod nito si Veronica. Napahinto ang lalaki nang makita ang kasama ko sa loob ng kwarto. His eyes directly flew to Ryan who seemed oblivious of the appearance of the two. Nakatitig ito kay Eira at bahagyang sinasayaw ang anak ko. I even heard him muttering a soft lullaby.
“I’ll prepare Sofi’s dinner, Theo. Pahinga ka na muna.” narinig kong sabi ni Veronica.
Pero sa halip na sundin ito, basta na lang nilapag ni Chaz ang pagkaing binili saka lumapit kay Ryan.
“Give me my daughter.” Chaz commanded.
Ryan on the other hand was taken aback by his sudden appearance. Hindi ito nakagalaw ng ilang sandali, kumurap-kurap. I exhaled a large amount of breath as I remember Chaz bad mouthing him, and the latter was unaware of it.
“I appreciate you visiting my wife, but there’s a limit. I don’t let just a stranger to touch even just the strands of their hair, that’s unnecessary for a mere visitor.” dugtong nito sa matigas na boses.
“Ano ka ba naman, Mister. Parang karga lang pinagdadamot mo, mga kaibigan kami ni Pia!” Jenny rebutted
"I know, but they're still infants. Nag-iingat lang.." he said idly.
Umirap si Jenny habang si Ryan ay tila nahiya. "Pasensya Ibaba ko na..” agad na segunda niya.
Chaz was serious. Agad nitong kinuha si Eira saka siya na mismo ang nagkarga. Napabuntonghinga na lang ako. Well, Chaz being Chaz is protective of them. Sa dalawang araw na nakakalipas, ganoon na talaga siya lalo pa kung lalaki ang bibisita. Our father and Zayd doesn’t count as from what I’ve observed.
Marami-rami na rin ang dumalaw para makita ang kambal. Ang mga kaibigan niya, sila Samuel at dalawa pang lalaki nakalimutan ko ang pangalan. His reaction is just the same, particularly if it is Eira they are trying to carry or touch.
Jenny and Ryan stayed for hours until they decided to leave. Kasama namin sa kwarto si Veronica na kahit anong pilit kong umuwi siya ay hindi tumatalima.
Nanatili kami sa hospital ng halos dalawang linggo at sa mga araw na iyon, ay hindi nawawalan ng tao ang silid na inuukupahan namin tuwing umaga. Both of our families are visiting us every other day. Kahit ako na mismong ina ay sa gabi lang nagkakaroon ng maraming oras na malaro ang sariling anak.
“Mabuti at sagana ka sa gatas. Your milk is better than formula. Keep drinking soup and continue breast feeding my grandchildren.” Mommy Regina.
“I will, Mom. Thank you..” I smiled at her.
Ngumiti siya pabalik saka hinaplos ang buhok ko.
“I’m proud of you, anak. We are so proud of you..”
This life, will not possible without them. Walang Eira at Xander kung hindi dahil sa kanila. Her saying how proud they are for me, touched my heart. Kasi hindi lahat, nabibigyan ng ganitong pagkakataon marinig mula sa sariling magulang ang mga katagang iyon.
Some children, suffers due to lack of support from their own parents. There are unfortunate ones, those in the street, homeless and even those living with their parents but still felt like they aren't. My heart goes to them. For being brave and a fighter of facing the hurdles of life.
I am just so lucky to be born being one of their children. And if another life do exist, I wish to still be their daughter.
“Grace,”
We are already packing our things when Chaz called my name. Ngayong araw ang uwi namin. Maayos na ang pakiramdam ko habang ang kambal ay hindi na kailangan pang imonitor ng kanilang doctor.
“Hmm?” I hummed.
Lumapit siya sa akin hanggang sa naramdaman ko ang paghawak niya sa aking balikat mula sa likod.
“Is it okay if..” tumigil siya, tila nag aalangan pero kalaunan ay nagpatuloy. “We’ll go to our home this time? Gusto ko sanang sa bahay na tayo umuwi ngayon at hindi.. sa mansyon ng mga magulang mo.”
Doon ay natigilan ako. Tinanggal ko ang pagkakahawak niya sa aking balikat saka siya nilingon. Hindi pa man ako nakakapagsalita nang may idagdag siya roon.
"On second thought, I’m cool with everything you’ll say. Anywhere, Grace...”
Pinagmasdan ko siyang hindi magawang masalubong ang tingin ko. tumalikod ito at nagkalkal sa mga gamit ng kambal. Hindi siya mapakali. Ilalabas ang ilan sa lalagyan at muling ibabalik.
“Okay. Sa bahay tayo pagkatapos dito.”
Chaz shifted his weight, facing me fully. He didn’t even bother to hide his bewildered expression.
“I am not mishearing it, right Grace?” he asked, blinking his eyes.
“Hmm, we’ll bring Veronica with us. Mom is keen on reminding me to take Veronica wherever I’ll go. I’m also certain she will not like the idea of being away with the twins.”
His lips parted. Maya-maya ay may sinupil na ngiti ang labi niya bago hinagilap ang kamay ko saka iyon hinaplos.
"Thank you, wife.." he said softly. "We'll work this out, Grace. I promise..."
Once again.. I gave him another chance. Forgiveness. Growing up, I've engraved the idea that revenge has no class. We must treat others like how we hoped to be treated.
Nasaktan ako sa ginawa ni Chaz. He is treating me like nothing. I was always the last choice for him. There's a part of me that hated him for that. He made me feel insecure. And all that shitty feelings just because of his previous relationship. I was hard on him. Because who wouldn't?
However, as days.. weeks and months past, Chaz.. is changing per se. Sa loob ng ilang buwan pagkatapos naming makalabas ng hospital, he become hands on with our children. Kahit pagod din sa trabaho, pagkauwi ay sa kanila ang palagi nitong atensyon.
“Sssh, my love.. your Mom’s sleeping. We don’t want to disturb her deep slumber, hmm?”
Inaantok man, ay pilit kong minulat ang mata para lang makita si Chaz. He’s swaying his body while Eira's on his arms. She was crying. Si Chaz ay pinapatahan ito sa pamamagitan ng pagkanta at pagsayaw sa kaniya.
Sa kanilang dalawa ni Xande, siya talaga ang madalas umiyak lalo na tuwing dis oras ng gabi.
"Calm down, princess. Daddy's here," Chaz mellow voice continued.
Kahit anong kumbensi kong umupo at puntahan sila ay hinila ng antok ang katawan ko. Kahit narito naman sila Manang Remmy at Veronica para tulungan ako, hindi nakakaligtas ang pagod na naramdaman ko sa kanilang dalawa. Hindi rin naman naiiwasang maiwan akong mag-isa dahil ang dalawang kasama namin ay may sarili ring buhay.
Si Manang Remmy ay may ibang ginagawa sa bahay, katulad ng paglilinis, pagluluto at pamamalengke. Habang si Veronica ay pa minsan-minsan ang pag-alis na hindi ko alam kung saan nagpupunta.
We were again, happy. Chaz, even without proper talk, I appreciate his efforts making the twins safe and secured. Wala rin akong napapansing kaduda-duda simula nang bumalik kami. Hindi na siya umaalis ng gabi at parating maaga kung umuuwi galing trabaho.
Pero ang akala kong simula nang sa wakas ay tahimik na buhay, muling nasira dahil din sa kaniya..
“Ang bobo ng asawa mo.” Jenny started when I answered her call.
My forehead creased.
“What?"
I was patting Eira's leg to sleep when she called. Kasama ko si Veron na nakikipaglaro kay Xander.
“Sino bang matinong asawa ang mag fa-file ng petition for custody sa anak na hindi pa nga nakakalakad? Kung hindi bobo ang tawag do’n, ewan ko na lang!” she laughed again.
“Alam kong galit ka sa kaniya pero pwede ba huwag mo naman siyang basta na lang pagsalitaan ng masama? He’s still my husband.” pakiusap ko.
“Yan tayo eh. Kaya ka inaabuso dahil diyan sa kabaitan mo! You’re defending him when he isn’t worthy at all!” she said, emphasizing every word. “Kung ipagtatanggol mo pa rin ang lalaking ‘yon, pagkatapos nito ewan ko sa’yo! Friendship over na tayo.”
I can already imagine Jenny, rolling her eyes at this point. Iniwan ko si Eira saka lumapit kina Xander at Veron. She looked at me, and smiled.
“Looks like Xandy is sleepy too. His eyes were puffy, aww my baby..” Veronica said and kissed my son’s cheeks.
I smiled watching them.
“Okay, tell me about it first.” narinig ko ang pagbuntonghininga niya.
“He filed a petition for custody. Dra. Ramirez told me to inform you with your sessions, because guess what? Your husband is implying you’re insane!”
I felt like everything around me cease to move, and her words reverberated in my mind like a recorder tape.
“Huh, kapal talaga ng apog niya! Siya na nga itong nagluko, siya pa ang may ganang kunin ang mga inaanak ko sa’yo? Alam niyang sa’yo mapupunta ang kustodiya ng kambal, kaya pinapalabas niyang may sakit ka. I’ve warned you about him, Pia. Ikaw lang itong paulit-ulit na pinapatawad ang tarantadong iyon, at paulit-ulit ka ring niloloko!”
Natulala ako. Patuloy ang pagsasalita ni Jenny sa kabilang linya pero ako ay hindi makakilos. Tila natulos sa kinatatayuan.
My heart ached. Custody..
Why will he do that?
He doesn’t love me. I am slowly accepting it, and I am staying for the sake of our children. Kasi nga gusto ko silang lumaki na kompleto ang pamilya..ngunit ang marinig na nag apela siya ng petition para kunin ang mga anak ko..
“Sofi, are you alright? What happened?” Veronica’s voice snapped me out of my reverie. “You’re spacing out. What’s wrong?”
Kinurap ko ang mga mata. Tinignan ko ang dalang telepono at nakitang patay na ang tawag, at may text mula sa kaniya.
“Veron, puwede ko bang maiwan na muna sa’yo ang mga bata?” I calmly asked, even though my insides are shaking. “Narito naman si Manang Remmy para magbantay din.”
“Of course! Why? Going somewhere?”
I nodded my head.
“Mabilis lang ‘to,”
Lumapit ako sa kaniya na ngayon ay karga na si Xander. My chest constricted more seeing his green eyes that they inherited from his father.
Baby, bakit ang sama ng daddy mo?
Kahit siguro ilang beses akong sinaktan ng taong may kasing kulay ng iyong mata, ang sa inyo ng kapatid ko ang magiging kahinaan ko.
Hindi tayong tatlo magkakahiwalay. You two are my life, and I will go to hell if I needed just so we won’t break up apart. I will bargain everything that I have, for us.
I kissed his forehead, and his innocent eyes watches me. “I love you, son..” I murmured against his skin.
Like what I did to Xander, I also kissed my sleeping princess before I left the room. Sakay ng sariling kotse, mabilis kong linisan ang bahay para magtungo sa kompanya ni Chaz.
“Where’s your boss?” I promptly asked Chaz’ secretary when I reached the right floor.
The woman stood and plastered a smile.
“Good afternoon, Ma’am! Kakaalis lang po ni Sir.”
Natigilan ako sa narinig mula sa kaniya. I craned my neck and watched her intently, figuring if she’s saying the truth or just..
“Where will he be? Does he have any scheduled meeting?”
Humakbang ako patungo sa nakasaradong pinto ng opisina niya. I felt her moved, and took a steps until I felt her presence behind me.
“Uh, mayroon nga po. Pero si Sir ay umalis, hindi ko rin po alam kung saan.”
Binuksan ko ang pinto at wala namang angal akong narinig mula sa kaniya. I quickly scanned the whole room and he wasn’t there. I sighed heavily.
“Kapag bumalik siya, sabihiin mong nagpunta ako rito at na gusto ko siyang makausap. Importante.” Mataman kong sinabi.
“Makakarating, Ma’am..”
I didn't stay long and left the office.
I gritted my teeth as I waits for the elevator to stop. Naiinis na may pinaghalong galit. Saan na naman ang isang ‘yon?
May plano siyang kunin ang anak ko, na hindi pa nga nag tatatlong buwan? Kung tutuusin, nagsasayang lang siya ng pera at panahon sa ginawa. The judge will favor me, being their mother. I can’t believe he indeed stoop that low.. acusing me of insanity just for what? To get my children?
“I know where they are,”
I was opening my car’s door, when Miss Navarro suddenly appeared out of nowhere. I glanced at her, face is void of emoton.
“You were looking for Theo, correct? Well, I know where he’s right now.” Her menacing eyes peered at me with a ghost of smirk. “Kung gusto mo sasamahan kita patungo sa kaniya.”
“I can find him alone. Thank you.” tinalikuran ko siya at akma ng papasok sa kotse nang muli siyang magsalita.
“I see, still the arrogant you. Will it really hurt your pride to asked for help? Nagmamagandang loob na ako rito.”
“I am not being arrogant. Nagsasabi lang ako na kaya ko siyang hanapin kahit wala ang tulong mo dahil ‘yon ang totoo.” mataman kong sinabi.
She flipped her hair to the side and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Seems like Harry indeed proceeded with his plans, huh.” bulong iyon, pero dahil magkalapit kami hindi ‘yon nakatakas sa pandinig ko.
Her next words picked my interest, and Harry was mentioned. Does it mean..
“What plan are you talking about?”
Miss Navarro arched a brow, amusemet is etched on her face.
“You think I don’t know a thing, Sofia?” she asked, smirking.
I gritted my teeth. Getting impatient as I have to look for my husband, and here she is clearly distracting me.
“What’s new, Miss Navarro? You always act like you know everything. Laging nagmamarunong.”
Nawala ang ngisi sa labi nito. Magkasulobong na ang kilay at tila hindi nagustuhan ang sinabi ko.
“Huh, ang hambog mo talaga!” she hissed, irritated. “I admit, I loathed you. I hate you for several reasons, but I am telling you now.. I want to help. I want to stop my cousin’s madness! Pero wala ka namang pakialam. Ako pa ang lumalabas na masama.”
Mariin ko siyang tinitigan, sinusuri ang dahilan kung bakit bigla-bigla ay nag kakaganito siya. Why all of a sudden, her who clearly has a grudge on me will tell me these things.
“I am offering to tell you where they’re probably are. Pero dahil ayaw mo naman, sa tingin mo nag mamarunong lang ako. Fine! I won’t force you.”
“Believing you is hard. Who knows if this is just a ploy, to get me? I know your connection with Harry, and from the previous incident, it’s enough for me to doubt you.”
“Kaya nga hindi na! Hindi na kita pipiliting sumama sa akin para puntahan ang lugar na sinasabi kong kinaroroonan ng dalawa. Wala ka namang pakialam.” Umirap ito saka ako tumalikod.
I clenched my jaw as I watched her retreating back. This means, she know something. Or probably not just something..
“Nasaan sila?” isang tanong mula sa akin ang nagpapigil sa akma niyang pagpasok sa loob ng kotse.
Miss Navarro shifted her body and gaze at me.
“Sumama ka sa akin. Doon din naman ang punta ko.”
“I’ll tail your car. I don’t need to ride with you.” I said.
She laughed, mockery is audible.
“Then don’t. Hanapin mo siyang mag-isa.”
I glared at her, clenching my jaw.
What are the odds of going in the same car with her? We’re not friends. She’s treating me as a competitor. And we aren’t cool with each other. I badly wanted to refuse and look for him in my own. However, I don’t even know where to start. As the clocks continue to move, anticipation and my mind won’t do me any justice.
“Don’t try anything, silly. You know me, Miss Navarro.”
Muli siyang humalakhak.
“Funny mo, huh. Tirik na tirik ang araw, ayaw kong makulong.”
Sa huli, ay natagpuan ko pa rin ang sariling kasama siyang binabaybay ang daan patungo sa dapat na puntahan. Alerto ako. Patingin-tingin sa labas at sa kaniya na kampanteng nagmamaneho.
“If you don’t mind me asking, are you really Theo’s wife?” she asked out of context.
“You tell me,” I said nonchalantly, gazing at the side view mirror.
“It’s just too shady. I know him because of Harry, and I actually liked him at first glance. Because, duh? He’s so gwapo, and kind! Got the nice body, and the attitude. Kaya nang malaman kong kinasal kayong dalawa..”
Hindi ko siya pinansin. Kumunot ang noo ko nang makitang may dalawang naka motor ang naka sunod sa amin. Tinignan ko si Miss Navarro, nasa daan ang mata at mukhang walang alam sa dalawang nakasunod sa amin.
“I hate you more because of it! You always got everything that I want, without putting damn effort! Magaling din naman ako, ah? I am more beautiful than you, too. Pero lately, I realized I am wrong. Comparing myself to others isn’t pretty.”
Miss Navarro continued with her litany while I was eyeing the people meters from us. Nang lumipas ang ilang sandali at gano’n pa rin doon na ako kinutuban.
"Harry too! Sinabihan ko na siyang itigil na niya dahil may—"
“Miss Navarro, I think someone’s following us.”
I detached my gaze away from the side view mirror and meet hers.
“I’ve been eyeing that two motorcycle. Masama ang kutob ko, subukan mo kayang iwala muna sila?”
Kumunot ang kaniyang noo saka nilingon ang bintana.
“Nasaan? Wala naman!”
I looked at the mirror again and to my surprised, they disappeared.
“You’re being paranoid. Don’t worry, I am changed woman now. I won’t harm you.”
Nang makitang wala na roon ang mga nakamotor ay saka lang ako natahimik. Hindi maipagkakailang nabawasan ang kaba ko.
Huminto ang sasakyan ni Miss Navarro sa isang matayog na building.
Dahil kasama ko siys, naging madali ang pagpasok ko sa loob. Tuloy-tuloy ang lakad namin hanggang sa makarating kami sa tamang palapag kung nasaan ang opisina ng kaniyang pinsan.
My chest thudded. I pressed my lips together as both of us strides to where a woman dressed in a corporate attire, stood. Sa malayong parte ng palapag ay may pintong kulay bughaw.
“Miss, pasensya na pero hindi kayo maaring pumasok. May kausap si Sir ngayon.” Pigil sa amin ng babaeng sa tingin ko ay sekretarya ni Harry.
“Alam ko, kaya nga kami narito Gwen.” sabi ng kasama ko.
"Pasensya na po talaga Ma’am Cristelle, hindi talaga maari. Mahigpit na bilin ni Sir ang hindi pagtanggap ng bisita kapag—"
“Do you know who I am with? Kasama ko ang asawa ng lalaking nasa loob. Ngayon kung ayaw mong pati ikaw madamay sa isasampang kaso nito, hayaan mo kami.”
I stilled when Miss Navarro looked at me and pulled me. I was then face to face with the woman. I swallowed hard. Ramdam ko ang panginginig. So he’s here huh. Nagkikita pa rin silang dalawa..
“The legal wife is here to get what she owned. Huwag kang pabida at maupo ka na lang diyan sa sulok. That’s where your place is.” supladong dagdag ni Cristele.
I didn’t talked and just watched the woman in front of me. The look on her face tells me that there is no way she will let us intervene in her boss current business..
“Isang amo lang ang sinusunod ko at kahit na magpinsan kayo, siya pa rin po ang may hawak sa akin. Muli, pasensya na pero hindi kayo pwedeng pumasok. Mabuti pa kung aalis na lang po kayo.”
Narinig kong magmura si Miss Navarro pero wala roon ang atensyon ko nang biglang may malakas na tunog ang pumaibabaw sa palapag. I quickly drifted my gaze towards the door where the sound probably came from.
Nasundan iyon ng sigaw, at tilay tunog ng pag-iyak..
“Go inside, now!” utos ni Miss Navarro sabay tulak sa akin.
“Ma’am, hindi nga po pwede! Tatawag ako ng guards ‘pag magpumilit kayo!” she blocked my way using her body, but Miss Navarro was fast enough to nudge her shoulder.
“Bitch, get off! Go now, Sofia. Ako na ang bahala rito.”
I was torn. Umiiling ang nag ngangalang Gwen habang si Miss Navarro ay patuloy ang pagtulak sa akin.
“Tatawag ako ng guards, tumigil kayo sabi!” sumigaw na si Gwen.
“Kahit ipatawag mo pa mama mo, wala akong paki!” Miss Navarro replied and push me again. “I said go! Huwag kang magpadala sa babaeng ‘to.”
When I tried to move forward, Gwen once again blocked me but Miss Navarro hold her shoulder and Gwen’s attention drowned to her. That was my cue to walk. Dahil hawak ni Miss Navarro ang babae, nag tuloy-tuloy na ang lakad ko.
“Babe.. Theo.. please, I’m sorry! Ginawa ko lang ‘yon kasi.. kasi iyon ang plano natin, diba? Theo that was our plan! Na pagkatapos manganak ng engratang ‘yon, babalik ka sa akin. kukunin mo ang bata at tayo ang mag-aalaga!"
Bahagyang nakaawang ang pinto, sanhi para makarinig ako ng boses mula sa loob. I hold the door knob and slowly pushed it. My lips parted when I saw Harry on his knees. Nakayapos sa hita ni Chaz at rinig na rinig ang paghikbi.
“Nagkamali ako, Theo. Sorry. Sorry. Nadala lang ako ng emosyon, babe!” hikbi niya. “Nasaktan lang ako, Theo. Hindi mo na ako pinapansin, k-kaya..”
Harry stopped when Chaz moved his leg. Pilit tinatangal ang pagkakahawak ng kamay ni Harry ngunit ang huli ay hindi nagpatinag. Doon ay napansin ko ang duguang kamao ni Chaz. My eyes widen. I surveyed the place and that’s when I notice a broken table.
“Babe, huwag namang ganito. I’m so sorry!” palahaw na iyak ni Harry.
“Stop. You’re fucking, gross. I can’t fucking believed I’ve fall into your schemes!” Chaz shouted. “I am doing my best to make up with my wife, because of you!”
Huminto si Chaz nang hinigit siyang lalo ni Harry. Samantalang ako ay tigalgal na nakanganga sa kanilang dalawa.
“Putang ina, Harry. Umaayos na kami, eh. Nagkakaayos na kami.. kami ng asawa ko, kaya bakit mo pa kailangan sirain ulit ‘yon?” rinig ko ang pait sa boses ni Chaz.
"Babe, tayo ang para sa isa't-isa—"
“I already told you we’re fucking done!” Chaz stopped him from talking more.
Hindi sumagot si Harry sa halip ay mas lumakas ang iyak. Naawa ako dahil para siyang hirap na hirap. His whims are all around the room. Ramdam ko ang paglapit ng tao sa likod ko, pero nanatili ang mata ko sa kanilang dalawa.
“My wife.. my wife is suffering because of me.. because of you. I was a fool for trusting you, huh. You aren’t true to your words.”
“Kasi iyon ang nararapat! Iyon ang dapat mangyari, at iyon ang napagkasunduan natin noon!” Harry said in between his sobs. “Babe, I love you! Gagawin ko ang lahat para sa’yo. Kaya nga.. ako na ang gumawa sa dapat mong gawin kasi..”
Tumayo si Harry at mabilis na hinawakan ang magkabilang pisngi ni Chaz. I took a step forward and was about to call their attention when Chaz slapped Harry’s hand, detaching it from his cheeks.
“Huwag mo akong hahawakan! Nakakadiri ka! I fucking regret loving you in the past, how the fuck did I even fall for you?” Chaz snapped.
I saw his jaw clenched at his hands were balled. Muli, umawang ang labi ko roon. Napuno ng kaguluhaan ang isip ko sa mga naririnig mula kay Chaz.
“Do you think because of what you did, I'll leave my wife and go back to you? Sa ginawa mo mas pinatunayan mong tama ang desisyon kong hiwalayan ka!”
Umabante ako, doon ay nagtagpo ang paningin namin ni Harry. Basa ang mukha dahil sa luha. Namumula ang nanlalaki nitong mata.
“Cha—"
Hindi ko natapos ang sasabihin ng biglang tumawa si Harry nang malakas.
“Asawa? Nababaliw ka na, Theo!” he laughed without humor.
Kumunot ang noo ko. Muling nagtagpo ang tingin naming ni Harry at wala na bakas ng sakit doon, nakangisi na ang lalaki
“You call that bitch a wife, nakakatawa ka!"
"She is. She's my damn wife and pray that Grace didn’t receive this piece of shit, or this will be your end Harry. I’ll fucking skin you alive.”
Tumaas ang kilay ko. Hindi pa rin maintindihan ang nagaganap sa kanilang dalawa. Nilingon ko si Cristelle na ngayon ay nakatingin na rin pala sa dalawa.
Sa halip na madala sa sinabi ni Chaz, muling tumawa si Harry.
“I am being considerate because I love you. I did everything because of my love for you, but you’ll still dump me? For that pathetic bitch you call as wife, when the truth is she was never your wife!”
I cocked my head to the side. What?
“Nahihibang ka na kung hanggang ngayon naniniwala kang asawa mo ang punyetang babaeng ‘yon, dahil una sa lahat wala kang asawa! Walang kasal na naganap sa inyong dalawa at alam mo iyon! You—"
Nanlaki ang mata ko nang sa isang iglap ay humandusay sa sahig si Harry, putok ang labi. I gasped and Cristelle squealed making Chaz turned his head to our direction.
He was livid. His eyes were bloodshot and his jaw were clenched. Mahigpit na nakakuyom ang dalawang kamao at mabilis ang pagtaas baba ng dibdib. Ngunit nang makita ako ay napalitan ng gulat ang galit niyang ekspresyon.
“Grace..” he mouthed, lips parted. His face is now pale.
While I don’t know now what my expression is. From my peripheral vision, I saw Harry stood and the laughed.
“Tang ina, Theo. Kung hindi ka mapapasakin, walang babaeng makikinabang sa’yo lalo na ang malanding ‘yan!”
“Harry, tumigil ka na! Hindi na tama itong ginagawa mo.” si Cristelle.
Hindi siya nito pinansin at muling nagsalita. “You heard it loud and clear, you are not his wife. Kung makaasta kang parang asawa, ang tanong asawa ka nga ba talaga?” he laughed again.
"You shut your damn fucking mouth!” the controlled voice of Chaz didn’t make him halt.
“Kunwari papakasalan ka niya, bubuntisin at pagkatapos manganak, kukunin ang anak sa’yo at kaming dalawa ang mag-aalaga. Iyon ang plano, pero isa kang higad na hindi nakunt—“
“I said shut the fuck up, Harry!” Chaz voice thundered.
“What? You are mine, and I won’t let this fake wife of yours have you! Akin ka lang!”
My chest constricted as I totally understand what he’s trying to say. I glanced at Chaz who look tormented. Probably torn between crossing our distance or go to Harry to land a punch. His hardened expression and closed fits makes me think he really want it.
“Nagpapakasaya kang maging asawa niya, ha! Bitch you are not really a Fuentes. Kahit saang munisipyo, wala kang mahahanap na patunay na kasal kayong dalawa. Your marriage is void!"
My heart ached. I glanced at Chaz and our gaze locked. I saw pain on his eyes. Right then and there.. I know I was played. He deceived me.
“You’re a fool to believe that someone like Theo will really marry a trash like you. Ang tanga-tanga mo, Miss Perez.” Humalakhak siya. “You are not his wife! He fooled you!”
Umiling si Chaz. He walked fast and I felt him holding my hand.
“Baby no.. you’re my wife.” he said, voice is strained.
Pagod ko siyang tinignan. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya saka iyon pilit na tinanggal.
"This is enough." pagod kong tinuran.
"Grace, please.." He swallowed hard.
"You win Chaz Theo... you always do." I said, bitterness dripping in my voice.
He tried to go after me.. he called my name.. he begged..but all of it were unanswered as I was determined to leave that suffocating place.
Hurt is understatement.
All this time.. he made me for a fool. Pinaglaruan niya ako, nilang dalawa. Pinaikot, pinaasa.. dinurog. He played with my feelings.. he put my life in his palm, controlling and luring to fall in his trap.
I wonder if his parents knew about this stunts too?
The next event become a blur to me. Dahil sa pagiging wala sa sarili, may nabangga pa akong lalaki. Saka lang ako natauhan nang nasa loob na ako ng kotse ni Miss Navarro at pabalik. Nagsasalita siya pero kahit isa ay wala akong maintindihan. Hanggang sa bigla ay may narinig akong putok ng baril.
"Oh my god! Oh my god!" Miss Navarro shouted.
Para akong binuhusan ng malamig na tubig nang mula sa normal na bilis na pagpapatakbo niya ay kaniya itong pinaharurot. Another gunshot was heard, this time I was sure someone is firing us!
“Shit! Shit!” Miss Navarro cursed. “Mga hayop na ‘to, hindi talaga ako tatantanan.”
My heartbeat quickened. Nilingon ko ang side-view mirror at nakita ang pamilyar na dalawang nakamotorsiklo. Naalala kong sila ang nakita ko kanina. Panic rose up in my chest. Nasundan ang putok ng bala at tumama iyon sa likod ng kotse.
“Who are they? B-Bakit nila tayo sinusundan, Miss Navarro?”
“Mayor Lavigne’s men. Gago, kasi hindi matanggap na nakulong ang rapist nitong pamangkin, ako ang sinisisi.”
“What? Aren’t that case already done?” umawang ang labi ko.
Naalala ko ang kapatid ni Mayor. Iyong lalaking nagpunta sa opisina ko para kumbinsihin akong ipaglaban ang anak nito sa korte.
“Yes. And I failed again. Hindi naman kasi ako kagaya mong magaling! Besides, that asshole is indeed a rapist. He tried to molest me, that moron! He deserves to be in jail!”
Napasigaw ako ng muling magpaputok ang tao sa likod.
"C-Call anyone! We need some help, don't just sit or we'll die here!
I was already in the state of panic as I searched for my phone. Nanginginig ang kamay ko at ramdam ang pamamawis sa noo. My hands were trembling as I looked for the person to call.
She take a turn and I was already praying for all the saints to save us. Kahit kinakabahan ay sinubukan ko pa ring tumawag ng tulong, pero sa kasamaang palad muling nagpaputok ang tao sa likod natamaan ang gulong. The sudden disturbance made the phone in my grip fall.
"Damn it!" she cursed again.
Sinubukan kong abutin ang telepono sa paanan. Pero mas nangingibabaw ang kaba ko na hindi ko ito maabot. Isama pang hindi na maayos ang takbo ng sasakyan.
"I'll kill these assholes! Damn them!"
I gave up on trying to get the phone and sat up properly. I stilled when I saw where we are. It's a precipice. The one Chaz used to brought me before..
"Itigil mo 'yong kotse, Miss Navarro! Delikado kung—"
She cuts me off. “Now is not the time to boss around, just call help! Kita mong hindi tayo tinatantanan ng mga gagong ‘yon?”
I saw the familiar rocky road and I know it’s the edge. Kung magtuloy-tuloy itong mabilis niyang pagpapatakbo, maari kaming maaksidente!
“Please, just stop it. M-Makinig ka muna..”
I swallowed hard as I felt my eyes become misty with tears. Hindi na ako makapag-isip ng tama at palipat-lipat ang tingin sa daan at likod. Naroon pa rin ang dalawang nakamotor.
I looked at Miss Navarro who looked conflicted. Namamawis na rin ang buong mukha at panay ang pagmumura. She can’t focus on the road as she was gazing at the side view mirror and in front, vice versa.
“May bangin.. mahuhulog ang kotse kung mag papatuloy tayo." I tried to explain but It was too late.
Another shot from them shattered the window beside me. I shouted as I felt a pang in my face. Miss Navarro loss her control of the steering wheel and the car moved profusely. I then felt my head hit the dashboard, making my head dizzy.
Right at this moment.. I feared for my life. I feared for what I’ll loss. I remember the faces of my angels. Iyong munting tawa nila.. their smile.. the touch of their hands.
Tears flowed in my cheeks. My babies need me. I can't die. Kailangan ako ng mga anak ko. Hindi ko sila pwedeng iwan.
"No, no.. no.." She cried.
Despite the throbbing of my head, I lifted my gaze only to realized that we're falling..
Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top