a/n: quick lang! add/follow me on facebook, instagram & twitter: peachyangelus wp
let's interact there!

***

Archie: hindi ako matutuloy, pareng zian

Ako: Why?

Archie: babantayan ko alaga ko e

Ako: Kailan ka pa nahilig mag-alaga ng hayop, Archie?

Archie: hahahahahahhahahahaa tanga tao tong alaga ko

Hindi agad ako nakapagreply sa inaakalang may alagang hayop siya.

Minsan talaga ang tanga ko, literal.

Ako: Okay, next time na lang.

Archie: copy. pwede naman kayo punta rito

Ako: Huwag na, alagaan mo muna kung sino iyan.

Bumalik ako sa sa kama at humilata. Sinubukan ko ulit umidlip, pero hindi pa man ako tuluyang nakakatulog ay may gumulo na naman sa 'kin.

"Zian!"

I glanced at the door when it opened, revealing Kent.

"Kumatok ka naman!"

"'Sus, parang others! Tara na, akala ko ba gagala tayo?" Umupo siya sa dulo ng kama at hinampas ako sa binti, mahina ko naman siyang sinipa.

"Hindi sasama si Archie sa susunod na lang."

"E, 'di tayo na lang!"

Umiling ako at ginawang unan ang dalawang kamay sa ilalim ng ulo at tiningnan siya. "Huwag na baka magtampo iyon dahil hindi nakasama."

Binagsak niya ang cell phone niya sa kama. "E, 'di sa kanila tayo pumunta!" padabog na aniya.

I rolled my eyes. "Kayo na lang, dito lang ako."

"E, 'di ikaw na naman iyong hindi makakasama? Paano tayo magiging kumpleto niyan?"

"At least hindi ako madaling magtampo. Labas na, inaantok pa ako." Ikinalas ko ang kamay at umayos ng higa.

"Sige, ganiyanan na pala, ha? Kapag ikaw nga, sinasamahan ka naman—"

"Oo, magbibihis na ako! Iyan ka na naman sa panggi-guilt trip mo."

Ngumisi siya at hinampas ulit ako bago tumayo. "Epektibo, bilisan mo."

Sabay-sabay kaming pumunta sa bahay nina Archie, ni wala akong ideya kung ano ang gagawin namin doon.

Basta pagkapasok pa lang namin ay rinig na ang sigawan galing sa isa sa mga area sa loob.

"I told you, I don't know how to wash these bullshits!"

Ang ingay.

"Tara, nasa kusina yata."

Kaya dumiretso kami sa kusina, at sa pintuan pa lang ay tumambad na sa amin ang isang babae.

My forehead creased.

Sino 'to?

"I didn't know that there are handsome thieves nowadays... Archie, call 911!"

I licked my lower lip, amused at her. She really looked nervous at the sight of us.

Unang tingin pa lang nakakatakot na tapos bigla kaming bibigyan ng ganoong impresyon.

Maya-maya ay parang gusto na lang niyang lumubog sa kinatatayuan hanggang sa nagmadali siyang lumabas at pumunta sa kung saan.

"Sino iyon?" tanong ko.

"Pinsan ko," sagot niya pagkatapos magtapon ng bubog sa basurahan.

I arched a brow. "Nagbasagan kayo?"

Umiling siya. "Pinahugas ko, e, mukhang babasagin niya lang lahat."

Tumango na lang ako.

"Si Audrey, pinabakasyon iyan dito. Maldita, 'di marunong maglinis ni maghugas ng plato, minsan nakakainis siya, bossy, brutal, basta nakakainis talaga!"

We were listening to Archie's rants while we're in their living room, watching TV and eating snacks.

"Wala talaga siyang pake sa kapuwa niya, ni hindi siya palakaibigan! Para bang laging naghahamon ng away iyong mukha niya, atsaka playgirl ang isang 'yon, mahilig din magparty—"

"You talked too much, she might think you're backstabbing her... kahit totoo naman," pahayag ko. 

Nagkibit-balikat lang siya at nagpatuloy.

I was just playing with my phone when I heard a feminine voice.

"I'll just catch some fresh air outside. Just enjoy with your friends here," she said.

I tilted my head and examined her from head to foot.

Mukhang maarte.

Nanliit ang mata ko nang hatakin siya ni Archie hanggang sa mawala siya sa paningin namin.

Nagkatinginan kaming lahat na nasa living room.

"Ganda no'ng pinsan niya, Kuya," puri ni Ari.

I shrugged.

Bumalik na ulit silang dalawa. Isa-isang nagpakilala ang mga babaeng kasama namin.

She's a bit rude or should I say... not a friendly at all. 

I noticed it when she didn't accept a hand for a handshake.

Mukhang ayaw niya naman sa 'min, para bang naiirita siya na nandito kami sa bahay nina Archie kaya naman nang ipakilala ang pangalan ko ay pinasadahan ko lang siya ng tingin.

Unang tingin pa lang, suplada at maarte na tingnan para bang nandidiri siya sa 'min.

Kung ayaw niya sa 'min, ayaw ko rin sa kaniya.

"May single pa naman kami rito baka interesado ka," pang-i-entertain ni Ari sa babae na mukhang tigang na na makawala rito.

"Iyang tatlo, single iyan—"

"Pass, Ella. May hinihintay ako," putol ni Sam.

"Ako rin baka bumalik pa 'yon," dagdag ni Kent.

When their gazes fixed at me, I arched a brow. "Me? Well, I'm not interested."

Looked like I just hit a button when she rolled her eyes heavenwards.

When she left, my phone vibrated.

Mama: ‘Nak, uwi ka muna may ipabibili lang ako.

Ako: Otw, Ma.

Mama's pregnant with my second princess, so I have to take extra care as well.

"Sa'n ka, Zian?"

I looked over my shoulder when Sam asked me.

"Uwi muna ako, tawag ako ni Mama."

Nagpatuloy na ako sa paglabas nang hindi napansing may nakabangga ako. And as an automatic response I apologized. "Sorry."

"Uh, it's okay, though," she replied with her small voice.

My lips rose when I noticed how her mood changed. Kanina parang gustong pumatay tapos parang ngayon ang bait ng boses?

Hindi ko na lang siya pinansin at dadaan na sana sa kabila nang hawakan niya ako sa braso.

"Can I have a favor?" she asked, smirking.

I fought the urge not to gulp because of that smirk on her face.

I guess... no, I am sure she'll look pretty when she smiles.

"You've got the perfect features, huh?"

I stared at her before I let out a chuckle. Didn't know she's checking me out while I was busy watching her smirk too. "Pinahinto mo lang ba ako para sabihin iyan? Well, thanks then."

"You must be Zian."

I nodded.

"I'm Persian Audrey."

Is she trying me? "Okay. So, if you won't mind, may I go now?"

But she just couldn't stop. She talked too much that it seemed out of her character.

"Excuse you, you're not even my type," aniya nang sabihan ko siyang nagpapalusot lang para makasabay sa akin.

"Same feelings. You're not my type either."

"HAY, buhay." Wala akong nagawa kun' 'di pumasok na lang sa sasakyan ko at nagmaneho para sundan ang babaeng iyon.

Baka mamaya may mangyari roon dahil lang sa pinagdamutan ko siyang ihatid sa kung saan dapat siya. Ayaw ko namang kainin ng guilt.

Nang napansin ko nang huminto ang taxi na sinasakyan niya ay bumaba na rin ako, mukhang nagkaproblema o talagang wala siyang pamasahe dahil hinalungkat niya iyong bag na dala niya.

Ang ganda-ganda ng suot tapos wala pa lang pera pamasahe.

I shook my head and walked towards to pay for her fare, pagkatapos ay hinanap siya ng mata ko at mukhang mambuburaot pa siya sa makitang lalaki kaya bago pa siya makalapit doon ay hinila ko na siya. "I already paid it. You don't have to seduce that guy for your fare."

Her dark brown upturned eyes widened. "Did you follow me?"

I shook my head.

But then she could know I was lying.

I was just outside of a club, nakahilig sa sasakyan habang nakatanaw lang. Nandoon na sa loob iyong babae, ayaw ko namang umalis lalo na't wala naman akong ibang gagawin kaya siguro hintayin ko na lang siya.

I don't really like the idea of a club, so I never attempted to enter and find that girl.

Hanggang sa tanaw-tanaw ko na siya. Alam kong nakaputing bandage dress siya kaya noong may nakita ako, naalarma kaagad ako kasi akay-akay na siya ng isang lalaki at mukhang binabastos na siya.

Napapikit ako dahil baka makagawa ako ng gulo kapag lumapit ako sa kanila, pero kasi... baka lasing na siya, e, kawawa naman.

"Leave her alone," pabida ko, bahala na baka kapag wala akong gawin mapahamak pa siya.

But then... I didn't expect she's capable of defending her own, I thought she's fragile, but... she's a strong fierce one.

She kicked the guy's balls.

At least, I was relieved. Kung hindi ko man siya maprotektahan, siya ang poprotekta sa sarili niya. 

"Whoever you are, you did a great job," she murmured while closed eyes.

My lips rose at the sight of her inside my car. "You did amazing," I replied back.

Amazing mo mukha mo, Zian. Pinahirapan ka nga ng babaeng 'to pag-uwi!

"Let's go, tinawag ko na si Archie," sabi ko at sinubukan siyang alalayan pababa ng sasakyan, pero mukhang wala siyang balak bumaba at pinanliitan lang ako ng mata. 

"Nasa langit na ba 'ko?" tanong niya at bumungisngis.

"What?" naguguluhang tanong ko.

I tried to guide her, but she immediately threw her arms around my neck.

Hindi agad ako nakagalaw sa gulat hanggang sa pati binti niya ay ipulupot niya na rin sa katawan ko.

I was eager to get rid of her, but she's drunk so I just let it slide and entered the house.

Naabutan ko pa si Archie na nakangisi sa akin. "Career na career, ah? Magkasama kayo kanina?"

I shook my head. "Sa'n ko 'to dadalhin?"

This girl slept again, she's breathing just fine on my neck that made me feel goosebumps.

"Sa basurahan mo idiretso iyan."

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Hindi ako nakikipagbiruan, Archie."

"Biro lang, 'tol. Tara, tour guide ako ngayon," aniya at nagpatiunang maglakad papaakyat.

Binuksan niya iyong isang pintuan at tumambad sa aking ang malinis at spacious na kuwarto.

Hindi na sana ako magdadalawang isip na ilapag ang babaeng karga nang nagsalita siya, bahagya pa ngang dumikit ang labi niya sa leeg ko.

Huminga ako nang malalim, naiilang na.

"Damn," I uttered when she vomit on my neck.

I shut my eyes tightly and tried not to burst out. "What the hell. Archie, tanggalin mo nga 'tong pinsan mo!"

"Ha?" inosenteng tanong niya bago ibalik ulit ang tingin sa cell phone niya.

"Archie, sabing tanggalin mo 'to! Mamaya na iyan, babasagin ko iyan tingnan mo lang!"

Kaagad niya namang binaba ang cell phone bago lumapit sa 'kin.

Natigil pa siya nang nakita ang kalagayan ko bago humagalpak ng tawa. "Kadiri, potek!"

Siya na mismo ang nag-ayos sa pinsan niya habang ako ay dumiretso sa kuwarto niya para linisan ang katawan na sinukahan ng magaling niyang pinsan.

Umuwi ako na masama ang loob.

Parang ako na nga iyong nagmagandang loob, ako pa iyong napurwisyo.

Ewan, bigla na lang talaga uminit ang dugo ko kaya kapag kinakausap niya ako ay binabara ko siya. 

"Sinukahan ako ng babaeng 'yon, sarap pigain," pagsusumbong ko kay Kent.

He laughed. "Galit na galit ka na niyan, ha?"

Bukod kasi sa inis ko nang sukahan niya ako ay hindi ko rin maatim ang ugali niya.

Ang taas ng tingin sa sarili.

Major turn-off ang ugali niya.

Maganda naman siya, sa totoo lang, pero nang malaman ko ang ugali... unti-unti kong pinagsisihan iyong mga iniisip ko.

She's tall, has a nice legs, a sexy body that can be passed as a model. With her jet black hair, she looked classy. On the other hand, her prominent jaw, small lips, pointed nose, rosy cheeks. Above all, her eyes is one of her assets.

Minsan kapag nakatitig siya sa 'yo, nakakatakot. Para kasing laging masama ang tingin niya kahit naman hindi, sadyang ganoon lang talaga siya tumingin.

But if you'll stare deeply, masyadong maganda at makahulugan iyong mata niya. It seems like her eyes have many stories to be told.

"Tanga, iyang pinsan mo may hickey galing kay Zian!"

Nang narinig ko iyon lalo na iyong sunod-sunod na pangungutya nila ay parang gusto ko na lang lumubog o kunin na ni Kamatayan.

Ba't ko naman bibigyan iyang babaeng iyon ng kiss mark?! Baka kapag namatay pa iyon, ako pa ang may kasalanan?

Takot ako sa mga ganoon kaya kung sakaling magka-girlfriend ko hindi ko lalagyan ng kiss mark, isa pa dumi lang iyon sa katawan.

I mouthed a curse at her, couldn't help it anymore.

"What the hell..."

"Talagang what the hell," sagot ko at hinatak siya sa braso para humarap sa akin.

Mukhang ako pa ang sinisisi ng isang 'to, e, siya nga ang nagpakalat na sa 'kin ang galing iyong kiss mark na iyon!

I've never been this pissed.

I am sure I won't last an hour with her.

Pero s'yempre medyo humupa naman iyong inis ko sa kaniya lalo na nang nakamit ko na rin ang hustisya, at least the credit went back to its original owner.

Gulat pa ako nang sapakin niya sa mukha iyong lalaki na naglagay naman talaga ng kiss mark sa kaniya noong nasa bar siya, pero mas lalo akong nagulat no'ng ako naman iyong sapakin.

Wala na ba talagang magandang mangyayari sa 'kin kapag kasama ko 'tong babaeng 'to?

Sa madalas na nakakasama namin siya lalo lang kumukulo ang dugo ko. She's bad for me, baka mamaya atakihin na lang ako ng high blood dahil sa kaniya.

I don't know why it's big deal for me, pero gusto ko lang naman makatanggap kahit isang thanks o sorry sa kaniya, pero mukhang ikamamatay niya yata kapag babanggit no'n.

"Why did you miss me that much?" I heard her say with her sneering voice.

Nangunot ang noo ko.

May boyfriend siya?

Sinubukan ko na lang na huwag makinig sa pinag-uusapan nila ng katawag niya, pero dahil nasa sasakyan kami ay hindi naman maiiwasan iyon.

I licked my lower lip when I felt her eyes on me.

Nagda-drive lang ako parang may nagawa na naman akong kasalanan sa kaniya?

Minsan talaga ang hirap niyang basahin at intindihin.

When we went back, we had a little fun in the rooftop. Madalas napapatingin ako sa puwesto niya, wala lang.

Masyadong masama ang ugali, mukhang madalas gumawa ng kasalanan kaya naman no'ng nakita kong tinaas niya ang gitnang daliri ay napairap ako.

Hindi naman ako malinis, nagkakasala rin, pero kahit naman ganoon ay tinuturuan kami lalo na ni Lolo na maging mabuti. Ayaw niya na nagmumura kami, kaya hindi kami nagmumura. Minsan siguro kapag 'di makapagpigil, pero s'yempre kapag wala si Lolo sa paligid, si Kent lang naman iyong hindi siniseryoso ang mga turo ni Lolo minsan.

Things that I've learned from Lolo are; don't look down on people, don't judge without knowing the view of the both sides, give kindness without asking for a return, and respect people around you whether this someone's deserving or not.

Unknown number: Send this to at least 10 persons or else I‘ll kill you.

Tamad akong nagreply.

Me: weh

Wala na nga tayo sa mood, sesendan pa ako ng ganito.

Unknown number: I‘ll kill you.

Me: You unknown, I do not have a time for such things. Don’t text me, will you?

I wonder who's this? I am pretty sure nasa circle lang namin 'to, sila lang naman may alam ng number ko bukod sa kanila Mama.

I changed its name to Chainmailer.

Chainmailer: Get ready for my vengeance, I‘ll cut your head off, you punk.

Me: wala akong pake, get lost.

Nagpatuloy si Chainmailer sa pagtext hanggang sa kinabukasan ay nagtext siya habang nasa park kami.

May kutob na ako, pero ayaw ko namang mag-conclude agad lalo na't wala naman kong matibay na ebidensya.

Chainmailer: What’s your favorite color?

Me: Ba’t ko sasabihin? I don’t even know you.

Habang nakikipagtext sa kaniya ay dumapo ang tingin ko sa babae na ayaw kong banggitin ang pangalan na nakatuon din sa cell phone niya.

Nang natunugan kong papalingon siya ay kaagad akong nagbaba ng tingin.

At para makumpirma ay tumayo na ako at tinanong na sila baka kasi mamaya mali lang talaga ako, nakakahiya mangbintang.

Pinatagal ko muna iyong usapan tungkol sa ka-text ko para hulihin siya kaya noong natapos ay bumaling ako sa kaniya. "Ikaw."

"Me?" She pointed herself in disbelief. "What about me?"

What about me, neknek mo.

Mukhang magaling siya magtago kasi 'di ko rin mabasa kung nagsasabi ba siya ng totoo kaya naman bumalik na ako sa lilim ng puno at nagtext ulit habang nakatanaw sa kaniya sa bench.

I chuckled when I saw how shock she was after that text. Tumayo ako at lumapit sa kaniya na mukhang balisa na.

"I caught you, brat."

Todo tanggi pa siya, ang taray-taray pa. Siguro ako na sa pagtataray niya ay may madalas siyang itago. Iyon kung hindi ko siya mahuli.

Mababasa ko rin itong babaeng 'to.

Oo, may balak na akong kilalanin 'to. Bakit kaya ganito siya makitungo sa mga tao?

Pero parang gusto ko na lang din bawiin ulit nang sampalin niya ako pagkatapos ko siyang pagsabihan. 

"Let's say you're beautiful, but do you think all guys out there only like pretty faces? If you think so, you're definitely wrong. You just can't use your pretty face to attract boys, you're a woman yourself so you should know better. Kasi kung hindi mo alam iyon? Maybe you're still immature and hasn't grown up yet."

Maybe I just hit a button. Natamaan siya kasi totoo naman, pero may parte sa 'kin na... nasaktan ko ba siya o nabastos?

Guilt was eating me up when weeks had passed without seeing her again. Alam ko na galit siya sa 'kin, ni ayaw na raw lumabas sabi ni Archie.

Paulit-ulit kong sinisi iyong sarili. Ayaw ko pa namang may taong galit sa 'kin.

Binago ko muna iyong pangalan niya bago ulit nagtext sa kaniya pagkaraan ng ilang linggo.

Me: Audrey, can we talk? -Zian

Nasa bahay na ako nina Archie para kausapin siya. Ganoon ba talaga siya magalit? Guilty na talaga ako.

"Ayaw ka raw kausapin," sambit ni Archie pagkababa niya.

Tumango na lang ako at nagtext ulit sa kaniya.

Me: Get yourself out or I‘ll storm in?

Me: brat...

"Bakit ka pa kasi pumunta rito? Hayaan mo na iyon si Audrey, nag-iinarte lang 'yon!" si Archie maya-maya.

I shook my head. "No, I really think I offended her. 'Di mo ba talaga mapalabas?"

"What do you need?"

Awtomatiko akong napatayo at humarap sa kaniya nang makita ko siya.

I fought the urge to smile. I finally saw her again, medyo namiss ko iyong pagiging inis sa kaniya. "Let's talk."

"We're already talking if you're not aware." Bumaling naman siya kay Archie na nakikiusisa. "Ano? 'Di ka ba aalis? We're talking as you can see."

Mas natakot tuloy ako lalo, tumaray yata siya lalo baka mamaya 'di na sampal iyong abutin ko.

Lord, gusto ko lang magsorry kaya sana huwag ako suklian ng pasa.

I couldn't help but to examine her body. "I see you're about to go in bed?" She's wearing a lingerie for goodness' sake.

We headed outside until we reached the garden. "I am sorry if I kinda offended you that time—"

"Kinda? You really did offended me! No excuses."

"Sorry for what I've said last month. I know it's too late, but I still wanted to say sorry..."

"Why are you sorry?"

"Ayaw mo magsorry sa akin kaya ako na lang ang magso-sorry sa 'yo," I joked.

But honestly, I just wanna lift up the mood. It's too hot outside, masyado akong distracted sa suot niya.

Kinabukasan no'n ay may outing kami, nasa loob na kami ng SUV at katabi ko si Audrey. Sa gitna ng biyahe ay nakatulog ako at nagising na lang din nang naramdaman kong may nakasandal sa balikat ko.

I craned my neck and saw her sleeping soundly, hinayaan ko na lang siya hanggang sa makarating kami sa isang hotel na pagmamay-ari ni Lolo. He wants to be lowkey, so be it.

Lumabas na silang lahat habang ako ay nanatiling hindi gumagalaw dahil baka magising ko siya.

"Gentle naman ng Zian na iyan," Trisha sneered.

Sinamaan ko siya ng tingin. "Mamaya ka sa 'kin," I warned as she stuck her tongue out and left.

Medyo nanatili pa ako ng ilang minuto sa loob hanggang sa napagdesisyunan ko na gisingin na siya para makapagsettle na kami nang maayos sa loob.

But being a brat she is, I had reasons again to be harsh on her. Akala ko ayos na kami tapos umiral na naman iyong ugali niyang mapride at mapagmataas.

Nakakainit siya ng dugo sa totoo lang.

Sinabi kong kung hindi siya marunong manghingi ng tawad ay huwag na huwag niya na ulit akong kausapin. Nakikipagtalo pa kasi siya sa 'kin at ayaw niya talagang magpatalo.

"Hey, Zian. Galit ka pa rin ba sa 'kin? Uhm... p'wede bang patawarin mo na lang ako?"

I glanced at her. "Patawarin? Ang kapal mo naman kung patatawarin kita, e, hindi ka pa nga nanghihingi ng —"

"I apologize."

I scoffed. Nagbibiruan ba kaming dalawa rito?

"Apologize? Iyon lang?"

"E, ang arte mo naman. Ano ba gusto mong marinig sa 'kin? Gusto mo ba magsulat ako ng apology letter para patawarin mo?"

"Iyong sorry ang gusto kong marinig, at hindi ang apologize," pagdidiin ko sa mga salita.

"Pero same lang 'yon!"

I let out a frustrated sigh. "Magkaiba ang sorry sa apologize, okay? Ang apologize ay verb, ang sorry ay adjective. Kung mag-a-apologize ka sabihin mong sorry."

"Okay, but in one condition."

Hindi talaga ako makapaniwala sa babaeng 'to.

"Wow, ikaw may kasalanan, ikaw pa may kondisyon? Alam mo, bumalik ka na lang sa loob at matulog."

"Hmm, Zian. Ba't mo 'ko kinakausap ngayon? Sabi mo huwag na kitang kausapin kahit kailan..."

Napapikit ako. Ba't ba ang kulit niya?

I heard her chuckle kaya napabaling agad ako sa kaniya. Of course, it's rare seeing her in other emotion other than her poker face.

Nagsorry siya. As in she apologized!

It was a small thing, but it made me smile.

ARCHIE texted me.

Archie: may gagawin ka mamaya?

Me: bakit?

Archie: bday ni audrey, sasamahan ko siya sa club

Me: bakit sa club?

Archie: busy magulang niya di natuloy celebration, wawi nga e

Me: okay

Maya-maya siya na naman iyong nagtext.

Brat: Zian, are you free tonight? It‘s my birthday.

Yeah, I changed her name again on my phone.

Me: di e busy ako

Me: hbd pala

Sinadya ko iyon para inisin lang siya, successful naman yata dahil hindi na siya nagreply pa.

Pero hindi ko akalain na ako pala ang mas maiinis. Alam ko namang wala akong karapatan, sino nga ba ako? E, lagi ka nga kaming nagbabangayan.

She's freaking made out with someone.

And that's gross.

Habang pababa ako ay nakatitig lang ako sa mukha niya na may smudge ng lipstick.

Kinain ba no'ng lalaki iyong mukha niya?

"Halika nga, punasan natin." Sa sobrang pagkainit ng ulo ko sa nakita kanina tapos kalat pa ang lipstick sa mukha niya ay diniinan ko sa pagpunas.

Ganito ba talaga 'tong babaeng 'to?

Kaagad naman din siyang bumawi.

Ewan ko ba laging bumabawi agad ang babaeng 'to pagkatapos ako inisin.

That night, on her birthday. I unlocked another part of herself again. I realized... she's good to be taken care of. And I know, I am not the one who should give it.

She changed a bit. She thanked and apologized several times like it's just normal for her. It's good, though.

Masarap pala siya kilalanin, mapagtatanto mo na lang minsan na kahit ganoon ang ugali niya ay mamahalin mo pa rin siya, despite with her attitude... she has a kind heart.

And since then, I slowly accepted her imperfections and flaws until I learned to love it more.

Nothing's wrong with her, I thought.

Just like me, she has a weaknesses to. Ang kaibahan lang ay mas matapang siya at magaling magtago.

And I admire her for being like that.

She doesn't need someone, and if I ever we become a thing and I did something wrong... it's game over for me.

'Coz I know she's brave and can stand alone on her own without caring around.

While me, I'm not yet ready to be hurt though. One thing why I don't want to enter a relationship is... I'm afraid of getting hurt.

Coward, isn't it? But that's me.

She's ideal.

As the time passes by, I admire her more and more. She has these things I didn't know I'm interested in.

Iyong pagiging maldita niya? Pagiging maarte? Unti-unti iyong nawawala, na hinahanap-hanap ko naman.

She learned to open up herself to me... and it just felt... great. She trusted me, and I am beyond happy.

But the time I didn't expect would be that last didn't go well.

May nakaaway siya sa bathroom at talagang hindi ako makapaniwala sa nakita. On how she easily threw the girl on the floor. I couldn't help but to feel bad at the latter. And it made me mad, but I calmed myself... until she pushed my buttons again.

Halos humiwalay iyong ulo ko sa katawan nang ilang beses niya akong pagsasampalin sa mukha.

Naisip ko tuloy... kapag sa babae ayos lang na nananampal sila ng lalaki? Pero kapag lalaki naman ang nanampal ng babae,  kakasuhan ng physical abuse at babatuhin ng kung ano-anong mga salita?

Hindi sa gusto ko siyang sampalin para gumanti, pero... may mga lalaki rin namang inaabuso, ah? Pero wala lang iyong sa iilan.

Parehong tao, parehong nasasaktan.

Saan ang gender equality roon?

I wasn't really in favor with the idea of men abusing women, but I was just thinking about the men getting abuse by the women. Of course, not all men were strong enough. Stereotyping shouldn't be normalized.

"Ba't ba Fernando 'tong tawag sa 'kin ng pinsan mo?" I asked Archie out of the blue.

Tumingin siya sa akin at hindi na napigilang humalakhak. "Nagtanong kasi iyon tapos niloko ko."

"Na Fernando ang totoong pangalan ko?"

"Fernando Zian Magsaysay Jr.."

Natawa na lang din ako at napatitig nang matagal sa cell phone ko.

Bahala na nga.

Me: miss you, brat

Isang linggo bago ulit ako nakatanggap ng text galing sa kaniya.

At imbes na magtampo ay napangisi na lang ako sa text niya.

Brat: Fernando, miss na kita

I shook my head in amusement. "T*ng ina, ba't ako kinikilig?" bulong ko sa sarili.

Normal naman yatang kiligin dahil may feelings din naman ako. At kahit hindi ako si Fernando ay kinikilig ako.

She just hit different.

"Zirdy Ivan Reistre! Get out of my class!"

Napalabas pa tuloy ako.

"'Yan cell phone pa more," Ari mouthed.

I made a face and walked out of the room, at doon ako sa labas nagpatuloy makipag-text sa kaniya.

Hindi ko naman siguro ikababagsak 'to, 'di ba? Saglit lang naman, ngayong araw lang.

Brat: Love, sige na, please? I‘ll wait outside your house!

I clicked my tongue and licked my lower lip.

Me: mukha mo love

S'yempre hindi dapat halata na apektado ako, 'di pa ako handa masaktan baka mamaya ji-no-joke time lang ako nito.

"Oh, Kuya! Sa'n ka na naman?"

I pouted and messed with Ari's hair. "Sa kabilang bahay, Ari."

"At napapadalas ka yata roon, Kuya?"

"Wala naman..." I denied, I still don't have the courage to be teased by anyone.

"YOU don't have to like me back. Ayaw ko kasi baka mawalan ng thrill."

What she said... hit me.

It was when I jokingly asked her if I should like her back since she likes me.

Gusto ko lang din namang klaruhin kasi baka mamaya binibiro niya nga lang ako kaya kailangan ko ng assurance.

Ayaw ko makipagrelasyon, wala sa isip ko ang bagay na iyon. Bukod sa kuntento ako sa pagmamahal ng pamilya ay layunin ko rin na mag-aral nang maayos at makakuha ng mataas na karangalan.

That's my goal in life and I am happy beyond contented with it.

But when I started to discover my feelings for her... it slowly changed. It started when she often go in Rizal, in our house to be exact.

I actually didn't like the idea of her going here and making the move. Because it's supposed to be me.

But... I thought of something. Na p'wede namang gawin ng babae iyon, so I just let her, and to test her if... she won't be a heartbreaker.

Ah, so this was what it feels like, huh? I thought.

I finally got jealous.

Normal na tao na rin ako sa wakas. 

I wasn't a jealous and manipulative type of a person, but when I saw the guy named Kurt, it triggered me more.

Hindi ako nakikipagcompete... but to be honest, there's a bit fear inside me.

What if they happened?

How 'bout me? I am now discovering my feelings, tapos biglang may susulpot?

I was afraid as fuck.

And that's just me, being me sucks.

I was afraid of the idea Audrey's no longer near me, I'm slowly being attached with her... that fears me more.

I'm afraid of getting hurt, but I slowly realized... it was okay... it was fine to get hurt. We'll learn from it. Magiging mas malakas tayo kapag nasasaktan, dahil natututo tayo, e.

But seeing her hurt... it hurt me too.

I saw jealousy passed her eyes the time when we're with Lorraine.

I followed her in the powder room, I was waiting outside when she went out.

With a slight puffy eyes.

"What... happened?" I asked carefully.

She shook her head and looked away.

I caught her hand and gently squeezed it. "I am sorry..."

She shook her head. "This was nothing..."

I sighed. 

"APO, sumama ka sa 'kin para naman sa karanasan na rin, at may maidagdag kang kaalaman sa kolehiyo."

Kaya simula noon ay sumasama na ako sa kaniya kapag may bakanteng oras. Interesado ako at gusto ko ang ginagawa kaya napapadalas iyon.

Until one time...

"Daddy, tama na ang pangloloko sa mga tao..."

"Stay out of this, Lorraine."

"Pero, Daddy—"

My lips parted as I saw Mr. Famorca slapped his own daughter across the face. 

I wasn't able to move until his eyes landed on me, he didn't look shock, though and just turned his back.

Since then, mas naging mas malapit kaming dalawa. She has no friends, and then she have me now.

Inabutan ko siya ng tubig habang umiiyak siya. Mommy niya na naman kasi iyong sinaktan ng ama niya, gusto ko magsumbong kaso wala ako sa posisyon para gawin iyon... at isa pa ayaw rin niya.

Kaya wala akong ibang magawa kun' 'di manatili na lang muna sa tabi niya bilang kaibigan.

Nang mga sumunod na araw ay kasama ko si Lolo, tunog nang tunog iyong cell phone kaya diretso ko lang iyong kinuha at sinagot. "Hello?"

"Pare, sa'n ka? Miss na kita," sagot sa kabilang linya  na alam kong si Archie.

I excused myself in the midst of discussion before answering him. "I'm quite busy, ano ba kailangan mo?" iritado kong sambit.

"'Di mo ba natanggap texts ni Audrey? Sabi niya tawagan daw kita kasi 'di ka nagre-reply..."

Shit, nakaligtaan ko. "Sige, I'll check it first, thanks."

"No problem, pare, basta hati tayo sa yaman, hehe."

Hindi ko na siya sinagot at nagmadaling basahin ang messages ni Audrey.

Pero may nagsend din sa akin ng email.

And when I saw what's on the photo.

I clenched my jaw and sighed.

It was clearly a photo of Audrey kissing a guy.

I don't know who sent it, and how did it happen, but... why?

I sighed and set my feelings aside to read Audrey's messages.

Brat: Zian, where are you?
Brat: Answer me.
Brat: Can we talk?
Brat: Hey, need u rn.
Brat: Zian???

I licked my lower lip and sighed. Bumalik ako sa loob para magpaalam kanila Lolo, at nagmadaling umalis at sinubukang tawagan ang cell phone niya.

But it's not her who answered the phone.

"Hello, Zian? Si Rhiane 'to, friend ni Audrey. Nandito kami sa isang club, nagwawala na siya. Punta ka naman dito, may balak pa yatang magconcert 'to, e."

I pursed my lips. "Okay, I'll be there. Thank you, Rhiane."

"Welcome po."

I ended the call and diverted my gaze on the road.

I love seeing her having fun, but this kind of fun isn't what I mean. She's wasted and didn't know what she's doing anymore.

She's having fun, but her eyes telling me the opposite plus her swollen cheek. 

Her mom slapped her.

Her parents didn't show enough love and care towards her. And it's kinda disappointing.

If her parents couldn't afford to give her the love she deserves, maybe it's time for me to step forward and love her the way I can.

After she saw me with Lorraine entering our house, my heart started pounding loudly.

It's true, makikiinom lang talaga si Lorraine, sinabi ko rin naman na sa labas na lang bumili pero nagpumilit siya.

Nagalit tuloy siya.

"Nakakatakot iyong girlfriend mo," she commented.

"She's mad," I answered, not minding when she said girlfriend even though we're still not in a relationship.

"Don't worry, Zian. Hindi naman ikaw iyong type ko..."

I arched a brow.

"Bi ako, at mas gusto ko iyong si Audrey..."

My lips parted.

She laughed. "Pero sa 'yo naman siya, 'no. Bet ko lang talaga, ideal niya kaya. S'werte mo kahit masungit iyon mukhang mabait pa rin naman."

After a week, we had no communications with each other. Persian blocked my number, and I was afraid to go in their house too. Being a coward and not having an enough courage is a struggle.

"Hello?" I answered in a low voice when one time her number called.

God, how I miss her.

"Zian... can I stay with you tonight?"

Something caught my hearing. She's sounded sad.

"Persian... what's wrong?"

I was bothered by her gloomy voice until she's now beside me.

"I'm engaged," she announced as she showed me her hand with a ring slid on her finger.

My lips parted.

I looked intently onto it.

And when reality hit me... I nervously chuckled.

Ito na ba 'yon?

But I wasn't still ready to be left alone.

I looked at her, but her eyes were not glistening because of happiness.

"Are you happy?" I asked, her feelings were more important than mine.

I don't care if I get hurt, I just wanna know if she's alright with this.

"No."

I gulped, but somehow in ease. "Come here." I hugged her tight.

She let out her frustration that night, and tomorrow morning was the worse.

She only left a freaking note.

Thank you for everything, Zian. I know this isn't a farewell message yet, but I just wanna thank you for everything. I learned a lot from you, so I just wanna explore and be independent from now on. I won't hide so don't look for me.

Huwag mo akong mamiss baka mabaliw ka, ayaw kong mapunta ka ng mental hospital, love. -PAV

The next days, Archie started asking me about Persian's whereabouts, but I really don't know a thing.

I was currently in Archie's house, Persian's parents were there too.

"Hijo, sino ba ang huling kasama ni Audrey?" tanong ni Tita Nadya.

"Ako po," I answered.

That's why Persian's father talked to me.

"Are you close with my daughter?"

I merely nodded. "I guess po."

He nodded. "I think I really have an idea... ikaw ba ang dahilan sa madalas na pagpunta ng anak ko rito?"

Hindi kaagad ako nakasagot.

"Just as I thought. Well, thanks for that, hijo."

"Sorry?" ani ko.

"Audrey seemed happy everytime she's going here. She's thankful I sent her over here last vacation, if it weren't because of me she'd not meet a person like you."

My heart softened.

"Marami kaming pagkukulang bilang magulang niya, at alam ko na iyon noong una pa. At siguro ngayon ko lang natanto lahat kung kailan wala na ang anak ko rito..."

He looked down. "Can... can you inform us if ever you find her?"

I nodded. After that, I gave him the ring Persian left. "It was from Audrey, she took it off that night."

"Thank you," he said.

I just gave a nod.

I'm still not pleased with them. They're the reasons why Persian's having a hard time.

"MAY pinsan ka pala?"

Archie nodded as a response to Jace's question.

"I wasn't sure about it, but... I guess, I know where she is..." Jace trailed off.

"What do you mean?" I butt in.

"Arblivan, Marikina branch."

And there, nalaman kong nagtatrabaho pala siya sa isang business namin at saktong ako rin iyong pinapatingin ni Lolo.

Arblivan. Ari's second name, Kent, and mine were just combined.

Since Ariane and Arianndy—my little sister—have the same first two letters, inisa na lang tapos Bli sa Blint, at Van sa Ivan.

Just a simple name.

She changed a lot.

And I couldn't even recognize her personality, but she's still the beauty who caught my attention.

"I want you mine, Persian Audrey."

She didn't answer that made me take it back.

"Joke lang."

I was still a coward. Nagbago na lahat-lahat habang ako ay nananatiling duwag pa rin.

I saw how she works her ass off during the whole time while I was sitting there and minding my own business since she doesn't want me to talk to her during work hours.

I love her even more, I thought.

Before, I hated her... especially her attitude, but when I slowly knew things about her... my perceptions started to change.

Umuwi ako at nagsumbong kay Kent dahil hindi naman talaga ako maalam sa mga ganitong bagay.

"Sinabi ko na gusto ko siya tapos sabi ko rin agad joke... kabado ako."

Humagalpak siya ng tawa at sinapak ako sa balikat.

I glared at him. "You can laugh without hurting me physically."

He shook his head in amusement. "Torpe mo wala sa dugo natin 'yan," aniya.

"Natakot ako sa reaksyon niya baka mamaya basted agad ako kaya inunahan ko na..." I reasoned out.

"Bobo, natural lang iyong ganiyan. How would you grow if you're afraid to take risks? Sometimes, if you're really sincere and really into something... 'di mo na iniisip iyong kapakanan mo, e."

"Dami mong alam, oo na. Salamat."

This independent woman right over there just prove that I could love someone even more.

It was true when I said I was staying in a nearby hotel, at talagang naiwan ko iyong wallet ko sa pagkasabik.

I looked at her when my phone rang because of Lorraine's call.

"Uy, congrats pala, Zian. Sorry, 'di kita nabati nang maayos!"

"Nah, that was still yesterday but thanks. Same to you, congrats."

"Salamat! Anyway, gusto mo ba same tayo ng university? Kung gusto mo lang."

What? Why was she even asking me that?

"Huh, kung gusto ko? Nah, it's up to you kung saan mo gusto mag-aral, hindi naman ako magpapa-aral sa 'yo." I laughed. It was ridiculous of her to even ask me that.

"SIR, I just wanna personally ask for your permission about..." Shit naman, kabado ako.

"What is it, hijo?" Persian's father asked.

"Uhm..." I wandered around his office baka may makuha akong sagot sa sulok.

I was actually came here to personally ask a permission if I can bring Persian to Palawan. Hindi naman p'wedeng basta-basta ko lang siya isama without her parents consent.

"Can I bring Persian to Palawan one of these days?"

He looked at me in fraction before resting on the backrest of the swivel chair.

I swallowed hard.

Oh, heaven, dapat pala nagpasama na lang ako kay Kent baka mamaya murdered na ako ng ama ni Persian.

"Who will you be with?"

Ah, this is what I'm talking about. "It was just supposed to be us since she doesn't want with many people around her... but we can bring our friends if you don't want the idea of it..."

He nodded. "You can do that, but I trust you. Please, just take care with my daughter and thank you for asking a permission even there's no need to since Audrey's not really like that... you're great."

I breathed. "Thank you, Sir."

"Are you two in a relationship?"

I shook my head. "Uh, not... yet. Can I ask her to be?"

He chuckled. "Such an innocent boy. My daughter needs someone who can take care, love, and respect her. And her happiness is that all matters. Can you give that?"

I let out an reassuring smile. "Of course."

So, that what was happened during our stay in Palawan. And swear, that night was the longest yet the best night ever.

We're now officially in a relationship. 

But happiness didn't last.

We both at least knew that's just an obstacle we needed to pass through.

But things got into worse.

I know why she's in a club again.

And I am one-hundred percent sure that I was the reason.

"Where is she?" I asked her two friends the moment I stepped in this club.

"Umalis, e. Huwag daw namin sundan."

I nodded and rang her phone up. "Where exactly are you? Already found your friends."

"Hmm, on the hallway... I'm wearing a red dress... I'm with Jollibee."

I heard a noise from here background. "Please, don't give me a secondhand smoke."

I gritted my teeth. Who the hell is she with?

Pinatayan pa ako.

Dali-dali akong lumiko sa hallway na nakita hanggang sa tanaw ko na nga siya.

And she's not really alone.

"What the hell?" I exclaimed as I saw how he grabbed my girlfriend's arm.

I tried to calm myself down. I don't wanna burst out that could lead into something bad.

Hanggang sa nakalabas kami ay hawak-hawak niya pa rin ang stick ng sigarilyo.

I breathed. Isn't she aware to its bad effects?

"Throw that away," utos ko.

She drunkly looked at me. "Oh, this?" Sabay pakita niya sa stick, humithit pa siya bago itapon iyon.

What a fucking fuck when she inhaled it in my face. I almost choked to death.

Talagang ayaw ko ng sigarilyo, usok pa lang!

We argued a bit. And she's begging me to leave Lorraine alone. 

But I know I can't for the time being.

I didn't follow her as what she said. I guess, I should think deeply about it.

Her friends knocked on my car's door and invited me for a drink.

"Problemado si Audrey kanina. Ano ba ginawa mo sa kaniya?" naiinis na sabi noong Marga.

I remained silent.

"Are you cheating?" segunda naman noong isa. 

"Of course not."

"Ayus-ayusin mo iyang kaibigan namin kung ayaw mo mabaldado..."

"Hindi kami ang mananakit sa 'yo, ha? Si Audrey pa rin, kaya ka naman niyang huwag palakarin ng isang taon."

They warned and reminded me things I should and shouldn't do, and I put it in my heart. They know Persian more than I do.

"KUYA, I heard things somewhere. Ano'ng ginawa mo kay Audrey?"

I closed my eyes before turning my heel on to face my sister.

"Nothing..."

"Nothing? Hindi ako natutuwa, Kuya."

"Princess, if you're thinking I'm cheating... definitely not. I don't and won't cheat. That's against my principles."

"E, ano iyang tungkol sa Lorraine na 'yan?

"I was just... helping her out, Ari."

"Helping out? Kailan ka pa naging care taker, Kuya?" she sarcastically yet seriously blurted out.

I sighed. "You don't know a thing, princess."

"I can't believe you, Kuya. I'm disappointed," maanghang aniya.

My lips parted.

"Why..."

"I thought you're different, ideal ka pa naman sana kaso sinasaktan mo rin si Audrey, akala ko s'werte iyong magiging girlfriend mo... pero you proved me wrong.  I'm starting to hate you," she said and turned her back.

"Ari," I called but she didn't look back until she's now gone in my sight.

"HIJO... can I have a favor?" nanghihinang tanong ni Mrs. Famorca.

I bit the inside of my cheeks and hesitantly nodded.

She's now laying on a hospital bed after her husband beat her.

Her situation scared me. Seemed like she's already in the brink of death.

"Kung sakaling... sakaling may mangyari ulit, can you look after my daughter until I get healed?" A tear fell from her eyes, there's a hint of hope in it and I don't want it gone.

"Makakaasa ho kayo..."

She fell in coma after days. Lorraine hid. She has a heart disease and needed to take an immediate care to prevent getting her situation worse.

But her father found her and slapped her several times that I had to step in.

Nasapak din tuloy ako.

"Masyado ka nang nangingialam sa problema namin, hijo. Baka kapag 'di ako nakapagtimpi, ipapapatay ko kayong lahat."

My heart sank.

Habang nasa biyahe papunta kung saan pagkatapos sa nangyari ay inatake ng hika si Lorraine.

I immediately panicked that I had to stop the car on the road to go out. I gave her a paperbag where she could breathe in.

We stayed up night on the road, I was just watching her calming herself down until she felt okay.

"Just send me to a hotel, Zian. Sorry, ha, nasaktan ka pa tuloy ni Daddy. Hayaan mo kapag gising na si Mama ipagpapatuloy na namin iyong kaso."

And that was the reason why I didn't have the time to check my phone as well as the time, umuwi ako at mag-uumaga na.

And my heart broke even more when I saw my girlfriend sleeping on the couch.

And I realized she's waiting for me to come home.

I covered her with a duvet and kissed her on forehead, nose, and lips.

I have failed again.

I hurt her again.

And I hated myself for doing that.

But can you blame me? Hindi ko naman ginusto na maipit sa sitwasyon na ito, but I need to. Mrs. Famorca looked at me that time like I was the only hope she has.

When things got settled... finally, I can now promise to her.

"Kuya, sorry sa mga pinagsasabi ko noon, ha... ikaw kasi, e." Ari looked guilty when she sat beside me on the sidepool.

I shook my head and guided her head to rest on my shoulder. "It was fine, princess. I am sorry too."

"Sorry talaga, nasaktan ba kita?"

I jokingly nodded.

"Kuya!"

"Oh? I was just telling the truth. I was feel bad because I disappointed you, but it was fine now. I understood."

"Thank you, Kuya. I love you so much."

"I love you more, Ari."

"SURE ka na sa girlfriend mo ngayon? She should be your first and last, apo. At kung may doubt ka, you're not meant to each other."

I chuckled when Persian's frowning face popped on my mind. "I've never been this sure, Lolo. Sure, at first I was hesitant but it's because I don't wanna get hurt. Sigurado na ako sa babaeng iyon. Trust me."

He nodded. "It's settled then. I can work on my papers for inheritance sooner."

I frowned. "Lolo, you're too advanced."

He smiled. "Just wanna be ready. I just want all of you to live your life simple but happy."

"Thank you po, Lolo."

"Take care of your woman for the rest of your life, protect her at all cost, Zirdy."

"I will."

18 YEARS AFTER...

"Mommy, Daddy! They're already downstairs, wake up!"

I slowly opened my eyes and squinted when my eyes hit by the ray of the sun from our window.

"Son, why would you open the window's curtains? We're still sleeping," I murmured and hugged my wife beside me who's still sleeping soundly.

"Daddy, it's already 9 AM! I told you last night you should sleep early, so we won't be late on our trip!"

I frowned. "Yes, boss. Now, entertain your visitors downstairs. Mom and Dad will just prepare, okay?"

"Opo... and please, no more lambingan. Time is gold, Dad." He walked towards me and kissed me on the cheek. "Good morning, Dad. AJ loves you."

I smiled and messed with his hair. "Daddy loves you more."

He wrinkled his nose. "I know..."

He now went on her mom's side that I had to fix the comforter to hide her naked body.

"Mommy looked tired... should I tell Tita Andy to postpone it?" he asked and carressed her mom's head.

I shook my head. "No, mom's just fine. Go and talk with your cousins."

"We always talk and bond, Dad. Nasasawa na ako sa mga mukha nina Jai at kambal."

I laughed. "That's bad."

He shrugged and kissed her mom's cheek. "Wake up, Mom. We need to hurry, love you," he softly whispered and left.

I smiled when my eight-year old son left. He's kinda strict with his rules, namana sa 'kin, pero ang ugali ay sa Mommy niya.

I looked down on my wife. "Love, wake up..." I carressed her cheek and kissed her shoulder.

"Fix yourself, susunod na lang ako..." she mumbled.

I frowned. "Iyang sunod mo pa naman ay inaabot ng isang oras," I said.

She opened her eyes and rolled over to face me. "This was your fault, Zirdy Ivan!"

"Why was it my fault now?"

Bumangon siya at yumakap sa 'kin. "I was exhausted from our activity last night, dimwit. Good thing, this room's sound proof. Arhys won't hear my screams!"

I bit my lower lip before letting out a series of laughter. "Goodness, your filthy mouth..."

"Why? We had—"

"The hell, Persian! Get off from the bed, they're waiting for us!"

She laughed. "But last night was amazing—"

"Shut it, Persian, please."

She laughed again and kissed my jaw. "Yes, Daddy."

"GOOD morning, princess. How are you?" tanong ko kay Andy pagkababa.

She gave me a faint smile. "Not good, Kuya."

I tilted my head and brought her on the side. "Why? What's wrong? You can tell Kuya if something's bothering you."

She swallowed hard, but nodded eventually. "Thank you, Kuya. Alis na lang tayo para makalimutan ko saglit..."

But then I didn't move and strictly looked at her. "Andy, tell me."

"Kuya, I still couldn't tell you. Sa susunod na lang, p'wede?"

I sighed in defeat. "But you should promise me you're going to tell me that very soon. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Kuya."

I smiled and kissed her forehead. "Don't hesitate to talk to me about it, Andy. Your brother would be sad if his sisters are not feeling good. So, tell me, okay?"

"Opo, promise. Love you, Kuya."

"I love you more."

WE WENT to a beach to unwind. We're watching our kids played with the sand with their cute summer outfits.

Our wives were busy to prepare our food in the cottage while the boys were looking after the kids.

"'Tong anak mo Archie kanina pa ginugulo si Clinton!" puna ni Kent at itinuro ang dalawang bata na nasa gilid.

Natawa naman ako nang nakitang sinabuyan ng buhangin ni Astrid, anak ni Archie— sa likod si Clinton na isa naman sa kambal ni Kent.

"You're so bad, Astrid!" Arhys, my son, exclaimed and helped Fritz, Sam's son— to remove the sand on Clinton's body.

"Mama mo, bad!" Astrid shot back in her cute voice.

We laughed.

"May pinagmanahan talaga," sabi ko. 

On the other side, nakita ko si Andy na nakikipaglaro sa ibang pamangkin.

I saw Jairus and Carlisle kissed the both of her cheeks. "Yehey, happy na si Tita!"

I narrowed my eyes. I know something's bothering my sister so I walked towards their direction.

"Hey, two little girls. Why don't you kiss Tita Andy's cheeks too so she'll smile?" I asked the only two little girls in our family. Avril and Acee, anak ni Kent si Avril at ni Jace naman si Acee.

"Yes, Tito!" they replied in unison before leaving their toys to kiss Andy.

I smiled at her. "Whatever's bothering you, princess. We're here, we are all here. I got you in this."

She smiled back at me.

We stayed up until the sun set. I glanced at my wife who's now busy dressing up Arhys.

"Mommy, AJ's already big. I can handle on my own."

I chuckled. "Just let Mommy pamper you, Arhys Jael. Mom's happy doing it."

He nodded. "Okay, if that makes Mom happy... I'll let her dress me up forever."

Persian softly chuckled. "I'll take note of that, big boy."

"Yes, Mommy. I love you po."

I smiled once again at the sight of my own family before looking at the sun that has now set. Ocean made it more breathtaking.

Before, I was contented with my family... but now that I'm already 37, it's fulfilling and happiest to have your own.

"I love you, our father," Persian teased together with Arhys.

I laughed. "I'm not God for heaven's sake!"

"Mom, Daddy's right. It should be our dad and not father. He'll sound like a mighty God."

"Because he is," Persian added.

I shrugged. "Come here," I obeyed them and they gladly obliged.

Arhys was on her Mom's lap, while my arm wrapped around her shoulder.

We're watching the waves come and go, the sun set in the afternoon and will rise tomorrow morning.

I looked at the love of my life and kissed their foreheads.

My wife smiled at me.

And when I looked into her eyes, I knew it from the very start that... I own something good. And that's her, she's for me, she's destined to me. I guarantee that for the rest of my life and even in the other dimension that no one deserves her but me.

She used to be the least person I like, I hated her, her existence before I admit it, but the day we happened up until we already created our own family... I saw her different. She's the most person I love and like.

The spoiled-brat I used to know is now an amazing wife and a mother.

Her glare, frown, smirk, smile, chuckle and laugh are my new favorite things in this planet.

THE END.