CHAPTER 29

KANINA PA SILA nakauwi ni Blaze pero wala pa rin si Happy sa sarili habang malalim na nag-iisip. Malalim na ang gabi at tulog na si Blaze, pero siya hindi makatulog. Paulit-ulit na nagtatanong ang isip niya kung paanong nabuhay ang kanyang ina. Mula nang magising siya sa coma, hindi nila napag-usapan ng ama ang kanyang ina.

Her father only told her that her mom passed away and that he had no picture because he had burned them all. And she didn't ask questions because for some reason, she was not interested to know.

Odd as it was, she really didn't ask about her mother at all.

And now... her mother was here. And she was not buying it. Hangga't hindi kino-confirm ng ama niya na nanay niya si Helena, hindi siya maniniwala. It had been nearly a decade since she woke up from coma. Why just now? Kung kailan magulo ang sitwasyon, saka ito magpapakita?

Inabot niya ang cell phone na nasa bedside table at tinawagan ang ama pero tulad noong mga naunang pagkakataon, hindi nito sinagot ang tawag niya.

Napasabunot siya sa sariling buhok, saka maingat na lumabas ng kuwarto para hindi magising si Blaze at tinungo ang kuwarto ni King.

Kumatok siya sa pinto at agad naman iyong bumukas.

"Young Miss." Parang nagulat si King na nakita siya sa labas ng pinto nito.

"Can we talk?" she asked.

"Of course."

Lumabas si King sa kuwarto at natagpuan nila ang sarili sa kusina, nakaupo sa hapagkainan.

"Something bothering you, Young Miss?" tanong agad ni King.

Tumango siya. "I met a woman today, King, and she told me that she's my mother. She felt familiar but I don't know what to believe anymore. I'm not buying It. She won't even explain to me how she is alive. She just keeps on saying that she's running out of time. I feel like my whole life is mess. Slowly, I'm realizing things and it's confusing. I know that Daddy loves me but... where is he when I need him?"

"Master Dominick only wants what's best for you and no worries, I stopped reporting to him when you asked me to," sabi ni King na nakatingin sa kanya. "Master Dominick, he, ahm, he wouldn't have done this if he has a choice. He always tells me that he doesn't want your life to be like his. That you deserve better. But there are times that you don't get to choose what life you want to live because there are instances that life will choose for you and you have to live with it."

"Life is a choice you make," she said.

King nodded. "Yes, it is. But I believe in both. Life is a choice but sometimes life chooses for us. It depends on the situation and someone's perspective. And since we're all different, we all have different understanding in things. That's just my opinion, Young Miss. And I will not impose my opinion on you. All I want to say is Master Dominick did everything to keep you away from harm. But life has a very twisted sense of humor."

Huminga si Happy nang malalim. "Why is Dad keeping secrets from me, King? I know you know."

"He's just trying to protect you."

"From what exactly?"

"From bad people who will shred you to pieces if they get the chance." King smiled at her. "You should sleep, Young Miss. You just had a fever yesterday."

Tumango lang si Happy at hinayaan si King na makaalis ng hapagkainan. Nang mag-isa na lang siya, sa dami ng gumugulo sa isip niya, para mawala iyon ay nagluto siya kahit disoras na ng gabi at kahit medyo masakit pa rin ang pagkababae niya.

And when she finished cooking and turned around, she jumped a little when she saw Blaze leaning on the kitchen's frame, his hands on the pocket of his sweatpants, he had no shirt, while looking at her.

"Blazey..."

"My baby can't sleep?" Blaze asked.

Tumango siya. "Sorry, there's just so much going on in my head right now. Can't sleep. Pagkatapos ng nalaman ko I called Dad but no answer. It's like he abandoned me or something. Pero siguro may reason si Daddy kung bakit wala siya. I know that he loves me but I don't even know why I'm feeling like this."

"It's okay." Umalis ito sa pagkakahilig sa hamba ng pinto, saka naglakad palapit sa kanya at yumakap sa baywang niya. "Pero sana ginising mo ako para nasamahan kita."

Umiling siya. "You need sleep. Binantayan mo ako kagabi because I had a fever so ngayon dapat you're resting."

"I'm fine, baby." He kissed her lips and slowly pulled away. "But you, you need to rest. Hindi ka pa masyadong magaling."

Nilingon niya ang niluto. "Sayang ang niluto ko."

"Kakainin ko para hindi masayang, 'tapos matutulog na tayo," sabi nito at bumitaw sa pagkakayakap sa kanya. Kumuha ito ng pinggan, naglagay ng kanin at ulam na niluto niya, saka umupo sa harap ng mesa.

Siya naman ay ikinuha ng maiinom na tubig si Blaze sa ref, saka sinalinan ito sa baso.

"Masarap ba?" tanong niya.

"Kasinsarap mo," sagot ng loko, sabay kindat sa kanya.

Napailing si Happy, saka umupo sa tabi ng kasintahan. Tahimik lang siya habang kumakain ito.

Pagkatapos kumain ni Blaze, iniligpit nito ang pinagkainan at humarap sa kanya.

"Let's go sleep?"

Tumango siya. "Sige."

He sighed as he looked at her. "Mukha pa ring ang bigat ng dinadala mo," obserba nito.

Nagkibit-balikat lang siya. "Marami lang akong iniisip."

Blaze tsked before walking to the fridge. Nang isara nito pinto ng ref, may hawak na itong solo pack na pistachio and cashew ice cream.

"Will this make you feel better?" tanong ni Blaze sa kanya habang ipinapakita ang ice cream na hawak.

Napangiti siya. "Ice cream, really? I'm not brokenhearted, Blazey."

"I know but you look bothered, and I hope this ice cream can sweeten and lift your spirit up." He smiled at her. "I don't like seeing you like this. I want my happy baby back. I miss your smile and laughter. Please?"

Bumuga siya ng marahas na hininga, saka nilapitan si Blaze at kinuha rito ang ice cream na hawak. "Grab some spoon."

"Yes!" Nasisiyahang napasuntok pa ito sa hangin bago kumuha ng dalawang kutsara at sabay silang bumalik sa kuwarto nito.

Pero sa halip na kainin lang 'yon, binuksan nila ang TV at nanood ng comedy film habang nakaupo sa carpet, sa may paanan ng kama.

Sabay silang tumatawa ni Blaze sa mga nakakatawang scene ng pelikula at kumakain ng ice cream hanggang sa ihilig niya ang ulo sa balikat ng kasintahan.

"Sleepy?" Blaze asked in a whisper.

She yawned. "Thank you for making me feel better."

He kissed her forehead. "Anything for my baby."

She smiled and closed her eyes while still leaning on Blaze's shoulder until she fell asleep.

MAINGAT NA PINANGKO ni Blaze ang kasintahan at dahan-dahan itong ihiniga sa kama, saka agad na kinumutan. Hinalikan niya muna ito sa noo bago iniligpit ang kalat nila at bumalik sa tabi nito.

At sa pagkakataong 'yon, siya naman ang hindi nakatulog kaya tumagilid siya ng higa at pinakatitigan si Happy. Mahimbing itong natutulog at mahinang humihilik na ikinangiti niya.

He never thought that he would feel this kind of happiness again. And that he would be afraid to lose someone again besides his family.

Happy was his salvation and he loved her even more for that. For being a light to his darkness.

Naputol ang pagtitig niya kay Happy nang tumunog ang cell phone niya na nasa gilid ng kama sa tabi ng unan niya. Mabilis niya iyong sinagot baka magising si Happy. At nang tingnan niya kung sino ang tumatawag, natigilan siya nang makitang hindi iyon naka-save sa contacts niya.

Inilapit niya ang cell phone sa tainga. "Who's this?"

"Blaze Vitale?"

He frowned. "Who's this?"

"It's me. Dominick Quinn."

Napabangon siya bigla sa pangalang ibinigay ng nasa kabilang linya. "Say that again?"

"Dominick Quinn."

Umalis siya sa kama at pumasok sa banyo, saka isinara ang pinto. "Sir, Happy has been calling you—"

"I know."

Nahilot niya ang sentido. "Then why call me and not your daughter? I didn't mean to disrespect you, Sir, but Happy, she thinks that you abandoned her."

"I know. Pero abala ako sa paghahanap ng magagaling na doktor para kay Lucky. At nandiyan ka naman, kaya mo na 'yan."

Nagulat siya sa sinabi ng nasa kabilang linya. "What?"

"You're a Vitale. Kaya mong alagaan ang anak ko."

"What does that suppose to mean?" he asked, confused.

"What I mean is, protect my daughter at all costs, Blaze Vitale. I know your relationship with her." Dominick Quinn said in a very threatening voice. "And I also know who you are and I know who your father is. Even just a small scratch on my daughter, I will destroy your family. Royalty or not, you won't stand a chance."

Nagtagis ang mga bagang niya. "I don't do well on threats, Sir."

"I don't care. Keep my daughter safe, that's your job."

Napailing si Blaze. "I thought that's King Zabat's job. Isn't that the reason why he's with Happy?"

"King Zabat is a butler... an adviser. He can fight but not as good as you. Keep my daughter safe. I don't care how you do it, just keep her safe for the next four weeks and after that, she will be the one keeping you safe."

Malakas siyang napabuntong-hininga. "Happy misses you, Sir."

"I miss her too so keep my daughter safe. I want to see her again after all this."

Tumiim ang mga bagang niya. "I will keep her safe, Sir, not because you asked me to but because I love her and I can't lose her. "

"Zíto."

Blaze stilled when he heard that very familiar language that meant "long live" in English. It had been a long time since he heard that. And the last man whom he heard it from was a member of the Organization!

Fuck!

Wala na sa kabilang linya ang ama ni Happy pero nasa loob pa rin siya ng banyo. Naguguluhan na rin siya sa mga nangyayari, lalo na sa misteryong bumabalot kay Happy, pero lalo siyang naguluhan ngayon.

When Dominick Quinn said "you're a Vitale" it was like he was commanding him to do something without question and hesitation because he was a Vitale.

Like being a Vitale was an obligation and that his surname answered to Dominick Quinn.

Mabilis niyang tinawagan ang ama na tanging tao na alam niya na masasagot ang katanungan sa isip niya.

"Dad."

"Blaze." His father's voice was sleepy. "What it is, son?"

"Do you remember Dominick Quinn? Lucky's father? He called me and I wanna ask something—"

"He called you?" Parang biglang nawala ang antok sa boses nito. "What did he say to you?"

"Nothing—"

"Don't lie to me, Blaze!" matigas ang boses na sabi ng ama niya, wala na ang magiliw na amang nakilala niya nitong mga nakaraan na buwan. "Dominick Quinn is not the kind of person who would say nothing when he calls. It's always important. So, what did he say?"

"Tell me first why he sounds entitled to give me orders," matigas din ang boses niyang tugon. "Just because I have your surname."

"Because he is."

Umaawang ang mga labi ni Blaze sa gulat sa narinig. "What do you mean? You're a royalty, Dad. That means I am too. Not that I'm boasting but Dominick Quinn is a businessman. Yes, he came from a long line of aristocrat family but you are a duke, Dad. He doesn't have the right to order a royalty."

"Dominick Quinn is more superior that I am, son," sabi ng ama niya, saka bumuntong-hininga at bumalik na sa kalmado ang boses. "Don't worry about it. I'll call him to check what he wants."

Tumaas ang dalawa niyang kilay. "You have Dominick Quinn's number? Did you two became close on Blake and Lucky's wedding or something?"

"Dominick Quinn is an old friend of mine. I already knew him before the wedding. We just pretended that we didn't know each other."

"You pretended?" He was shocked.

"His idea," sabi ng ama niya.

Napailing siya. "I'm dating his daughter, Dad," imporma niya sa ama.

"Happy Aravena Quinn?"

"Yes."

His father let out a shaky nervous laugh. "You know how to pick a woman, son. Does Dominick Quinn know?"

"Yes."

"And he hasn't killed you yet?"

"He hates me."

"Oh. That's normal. I hate Shun Kim too, until he married your sister."

Mahina siyang natawa. "Yes. Shun told us how strict you were."

"Still am but I'm trying to tune it down with you and Blake. You're already old enough for me to be strict. And you don't have vaginas so we're all good."

Napailing siya. "Bye, Dad. Take care."

"Bye, son."

Nang mawala ang ama sa kabilang linya, lumabas siya ng banyo at napatitig kay Happy na mahimbing pa ring natutulog.

Happy Aravena Quinn

Nasisiguro niyang may koneksiyon ang ama niya at ang ama ni Happy. They were not just old friends like his father said. Narinig niya ang kakaibang kaba sa boses ng ama nang sabihin niyang tumawag sa kanya si Dominick Quinn.

It was like he feared what Dominick Quinn was capable of.

Or he was just imagining things.

Bumalik si Blaze sa kama at maingat na tumabi ng higa kay Happy. Pumailalim siya sa kumot at yumakap sa baywang ng kasintahan.

He couldn't help but to bury his face on Happy's neck because she smelled good. A mixture of a body wash and her natural scent as a woman.

He liked smelling her... but he'd rather taste her.

Pero hindi pa puwede. Happy had to recover first.

Bahagyang nagising si Happy sa ginawa niya dahil gumalaw ito at itinulak siya patihaya dahil nakatagilid siya. Basta na lang itong pumatong sa ibabaw niya, habang ang ulo ay nasa dibdib niya. Narinig niya ang mahina nitong paghilik.

Blaze couldn't breathe properly! He was having a hard on! For fuck's sake! And she was sleeping like a baby!

Maingat siyang nagpakawala ng malalim na hininga bago iniyakap ang mga mga braso sa baywang ng kasintahan.

At kahit hirap na hirap siya dahil tigas na tigas na ang pagkalalaki niya, pinilit niya ang makatulog.

An hour later, he was still awake.

But another hour later, he was falling asleep.

Thank God!

AGAD NA ININAT ni Happy ang mga braso nang magising at papikit-pikit na bumangon. Kinusot niya ang mga mata, saka tuluyang iminulat iyon na nauwi sa pamimilog nang makita kung ano ang ginagawa ni Blaze.

He was hanging upside down in the bathroom's door frame and he was bending his body up and down like he was exercising, with his eyes closed.

Nakaawang ang mga labi na napakurap-kurap siya sa ginagawa ng kasintahan.

Blaze made it look like it was easy hanging upside down while bending your body up and down.

So this is why he is fit, with muscles in the right places.

Napangiti si Happy, saka umalis ng kama at dahan-dahang nilapitan si Blaze. Umuklo siya para hulihin ang pagbaba ng ulo nito at mabilis niya itong hinalikan sa mga labi.

Agad na bumukas ang nakapikit na mga mata ni Blaze at ngumiti. "Good morning, baby."

"Good morning," sagot niya, saka bumalik sa pagkakahiga sa kama.

While Blaze finished his exercise and used a towel to dry his sweat. "How are you feeling today?"

Natawa siya sa tanong nito. "You're say it like pasyente mo ako at binibisita mo ako kuwarto para alamin if I'm okay or not."

"Let me rephrase that." Namaywang si Blaze, nakahubad baro ito at naka-sweatpants lang. "Is baby feeling better today?"

And that made her smile. "Yes, Doc. Your baby is feeling better. Why?"

Blaze grinned. "Let's have a date."

It made her grin as well. "Where are we going on our date? Have a place in mind?"

Natigilan si Blaze na parang nag-iisip, kapagkuwan ay bumagsak ang mga balikat nito at napailing. "I... ahm... movie?"

"We can do that here," sabi niya.

"Dine together."

"I can just cook for you. You like it more."

"True." Blaze sighed. "Let's go to amusement park?"

Umiling siya, saka napangiwi. "I had enough visit to amusement park. My dad used to bring me there when I woke up from coma because he said I missed a lot of things as a kid. So no, not going there again."

Blaze frowned as he was thinking deeper. "Park? Picnic?"

Umiling siya.

"Beach maybe, with a resort?"

She liked that idea but she shook her head. "Blaze, my vagina is still in a little pain and if pumunta tayo sa beach na may resort, I am sure you will have me in bed in more ways than one because it's just us there. So, no."

Blaze tsked. "So judgemental..."

Nagtatanong ang mga matang tumingin siya rito. "So hindi mo ako aangkinin doon? Tell me na mali ang sinabi ko."

Natigilan si Blaze, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "Fine. It will happen. But... I can't think of anything to do."

Happy grinned. "Let's go shopping."

Blaze grimaced. "I hate shopping."

Itinuro niya ang closet. "Kaunti lang ang clothes na dinala ko. I need more if I'm going to stay here. And some of my personal stuff is nauubos na rin so... let's go shopping?"

Blaze face fell. "That's not a date, baby. That's a torture for me."

Happy gave him a cheeky smile. "Give and take, remember?"

Hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Blaze. "So, this is me giving." He sighed heavily. "When are we going to switch places? 'Yon ako naman ang tatanggap?"

Pilya niya itong nginitian. "Kapag okay na ako, two days in the resort. I'm all yours."

"Hell, yeah!" Sumuntok pa si Blaze sa hangin. "You are so generous, baby. I like this give and take."

Malakas siyang natawa. "You're such a horny man, Doc."

"Only to you." Iniluhod nito ang isang binti sa kama para ilapit ang mukha sa mukha niya. Hinalikan siya nito nang masuyo sa mga labi na agad naman niyang tinugon.

Nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila, umalis ito sa pagkakaluhod sa kama at naglakad papasok ng banyo.

"Ako muna ang maliligo," sabi ni Blaze bago niya narinig ang lagaslas ng tubig.

Habang naliligo si Blaze, naghanap naman ng susuotin si Happy. She picked a simple apricot colored loose dress with slits on the side, just above her knees and her red shoes.

Nang matapos si Blaze, agad siyang pumasok sa banyo para maligo at doon na rin nagbihis. And when Blaze saw her, he smiled.

"Someone looks colorful today."

Ngumiti lang siya, saka sinuklay ang buhok na katatapos lang niyang i-blowdry. Isinuot ang pulang sapatos pero hindi niya itinali ang sintas. Umupo siya sa harap ng vanity mirror na binili pa talaga ni Blaze para sa kanya at naglagay ng kaunting kolorete sa mukha. She put on a little foundation, pressed powder, and blush on. Then she worked with her eyebrows.

"Stretch your legs to the side," sabi ni Blaze sa kanya.

"Bakit?" Abala pa rin siya sa pagkikilay.

"Gawin mo na lang."

Hindi niya alam kung ano ang gagawin nito pero sinunod na lang niya.

Agad siyang natigilan nang maramdaman ang ginagawa ni Blaze. He was tying her shoelace for her.

Happy smiled at Blaze's thoughtfulness.

After she was done with her eyebrows, Blaze was done tying both her shoelaces.

"That better be kiss proof," sabi ni Blaze habang naglalagay siya ng lipstick.

Tumawa lang siya nang mahina, saka tinapos ang ginagawa at tumayo para humarap kay Blaze. "How do I look?"

"Pretty. As always."

Natawa siya, saka nilapitan ang kasintahan at hinalikan ito sa mga labi. At nang pinakawalan niya ang mga labi nito, agad siyang ngumiti nang makitang walang lumipat na lipstick niya sa mga labi nito.

"Looks like it's kiss proof."

Blaze chuckled before holding her hands as they walked towards the room's door. Nang makalabas sila at nakababa ng hagdan, sumalubong sa kanila si Tita Beth.

"Breakfast?"

"We're going on a date," nakangiting sabi ni Blaze. "Sa labas na lang kami mag-aagahan, Mom. Thank you."

Tumingin naman siya kay King na natigilan nang makita siya.

"Young Miss."

"I'm going on a date. No need for bodyguard."

King nodded. "Of course, Young Miss."

Pagkatapos nilang magpaalam sa lahat, lumabas sila ng bahay. Iginiya siya ni Blaze pasakay sa kotse nito bago ito sumakay sa driver's seat.

They had breakfast first and stayed at the restaurant for two hours, just talking and laughing at each other's stories before they went to the mall.

"So... nabili mo 'yong gold key chain na may diamonds sa isang auction?" tanong ni Blaze, nakayakap ang isang braso nito sa likod ng baywang niya habang naglalakad sila sa loob ng mall.

"Yes. Auction ng mommy ni Reigo."

Agad na sumama ang mukha ni Blaze. "Don't mention his name."

"He's a good friend, Blaze."

"Don't care."

Napailing na lang siya.

"Magkano ang bili mo?" tanong ni Blaze kapagkuwan. "I used it to open a bottle once and Dad saw it and he told me it costs five to eight mil."

"It's ten million actually."

"For a key chain slash bottle opener? The fuck?!"

Napatingin ang mga taong nakakasalubong nila kay Blaze sa lakas ng boses nito.

"That was worth ten million?" Hindi pa rin ito makapaniwala, saka humarang sa harap niya para tumigil siya sa paglakad. "What? Are you proposing to me or something?"

Happy smiled. "No, it's a gift. And proposing, well, I'll leave that to you."

Blaze sighed before returning to her side while murmuring to himself.

"I have to buy a more expensive engagement ring than that key chain slash bottle opener. Fuck. I have to work my ass harder."

Napangiti si Happy bago hinila si Blaze papasok sa isang store na kilala ang brand name sa buong mundo.

Blaze was patient with her while shopping. He stayed by her side, suggested colors that would look better on her. And as she tried clothes after clothes, Blaze was there to comment if it was a thumbs-up or not.

Happy appreciated that Blaze openly told her that he hated shopping but here he was, never leaving her side and never looking grumpy even how much clothes she tried on.

And after shopping for clothes and shoes, Happy stilled when she saw a famous cosmetic store.

"Oh..." Bumaling siya kay Blaze. "Can I?"

Kinuha nito ang paper bag na dala niya bago sumagot. "Go on. Buy your stuff."

Happy clapped in glee before running towards the store.

After picking out a moisturizer for her hand, she went into the lipsticks to see if she would like one. That was when she saw Blaze entered the store and a woman immediately neared him while smiling prettily.

Nakaramdam siya ng selos nang ngumiti rin si Blaze at nakipag-usap sa babae.

Naningkit ang mga mata niya at nagseselos na talaga siya hanggang sa nakita niyang itinuro siya ni Blaze at naglakad palapit sa kanya.

"This is my girlfriend," sabi ni Blaze na nakangiti pa rin. "Thank you for offering to help me shop but I'm sure my baby can manage."

Tipid na ngumiti ang babae at tumango, hindi na tulad kanina na hanggang sa tainga ang ngiti.

Siya naman ngayon ang nakangiti. Ngiting tagumpay.

Tumaas ang kilay niya nang makaalis ang babae. "She was flirting with you."

"Alam ko, kaya nga itinuro kita."

Napangiti uli siya, saka ibinalik ang atensiyon sa mga lipstick.

"I think this color will suite you better," sabi ni Blaze, sabay abot sa kanya ng napili nitong kulay.

"Agree," sabi niya, saka sa mga lotion naman lumapit.

Every time she would smell the tester, Blaze would lean in too, from behind her and smell it.

"I don't like that," sabi nito.

Napailing siya, saka ibang tester naman ang inamoy nila.

"Too strong," komento ni Blaze.

They smelled another one.

"Still strong," sabi ni Blaze.

Then they smelled the last one.

"Perfect," sabi ni Blaze, saka hinalikan siya sa leeg.

Natawa siya, saka inikot pa ang cosmetic store kasama si Blaze bago binayaran ang mga pinamili.

And the best thing about shopping with Blaze, he never once offered to pay. Alam niyang may pera ito. He was a royalty after all. She met his father on Lucky's wedding. Siguro dahil alam nitong ayaw niyang may nagbabayad ng iba para sa mga gamit at kinakain niya.

But she did let him pay their breakfast.

Ipinalibot niya ang mga braso sa braso ni Blaze. "Saan mo gustong mag-lunch? Treat ko. Kanina pa kita pinagbubuhat ng mga pinamili ko. Ayaw mo namang ibigay sa akin."

"Magaan lang naman," sabi nito.

"Saan mo gustong kumain?"

"Kahit saan basta treat mo," biro nito.

Happy chuckled. "Okay lang talaga sa iyo na treat ko?"

"Oo naman. Hindi pa ako sumasahod, saka hindi ko pa nasasangla 'yong gold with diamond key chain slash bottle opener na regalo mo. Wala pa akong pera."

Her chuckle turned into laughter. Blaze was such a drama king. Alam naman niya kung bakit ito pumayag, nagdrama pa ito.

"But dinner is on me, okay?" sabi nito nang hindi makatiis. "And snacks also."

She smiled. "Okay. Deal."

"That's my baby. Now, treat me in a very expensive restaurant. Dapat mahal kasi mahal mo ako."

"Sino'ng nagsabi na mahal kita?"

Kinindatan siya nito. "Ako."

Natawa na lang si Happy, saka naghanap sa Google ng pinakamahal na restaurant na nasa loob ng mall at nang mahanap iyon, hinila niya si Blaze patungo roon.

They had a very enjoyable lunch. Her treat. Masaya silang nag-usap ng kung ano-ano. Mula sa personal nilang buhay hanggang sa pamilya nila. Mga karanasan nila sa buhay at mga pagkakamali rin nila. At habang nag-uusap sila ni Blaze, lalo niyang nakikilala ang lalaki.

It was like talking about their past and experiences and just life in general made them grew closer than ever before.

Yes, making love to Blaze was very intimate but this, talking to Blaze and being bare and letting a person in fully in her life... this was more intimate.

She liked it.

After lunch, it was like they were in a food trip because after going back to the car to deposit her shopping bags on the back compartment, Blaze pulled her to a café.

Coffee and talking. Just the two of them. And it felt great.

Halos inabot sila ng gabi sa coffee shop na 'yon at hindi man lang nila namalayan ang paglipas ng oras. Siguro dahil masaya silang nag-uusap at wala silang pakialam sa palagid.

Time flew past when you were having fun.

At hindi na natuloy ang dinner nila kasi pareho na silang busog ni Blaze. Nakailang iced americano ba naman siya at ilang slice ng cake. Ganoon din si Blaze na nakailang kape at tinapay habang nag-uusap sila.

Nang makauwi sila, inaya silang maghapunan pero sabay silang umiling ni Blaze. Sabay nilang tinungo ang kuwarto.

Pabagsak na nahiga sa kama si Happy. "Hindi ko alam kung bakit napagod ako, wala naman tayong ginawa masyado," sabi niya, saka bumuga ng marahas na hininga. "Siguro dahil medyo masakit pa rin ang pagkababae ko."

Ipinatong ni Blaze ang mga shopping bags niya sa sofa, saka tinungo ang kama hindi para mahiga kundi para hubarin ang sapatos niya.

"Thanks, baby," sabi niya, saka naghikab.

"Hindi ka ba magpapalit ng damit?" tanong sa kanya ni Blaze.

"Mamaya... tinatamad pa ako."

Napailing si Blaze, saka kumuha ng damit sa closet. Pumasok ito sa banyo at naligo. Nang lumabas, naka-sweatpants na at nakahubad baro.

Then he picked up the clothes he dropped on the bed earlier—her sleeping clothes—and changed her.

"Ayokong mag-half bath. Tinatamad akong mag-move ng body."

"Then stay on the bed. Mabango ka pa naman."

Natawa siya. "Thanks, Blazey."

"Yeah, yeah."

Habang nakahiga, pinagmamasdan niya si Blaze na isa-isang inilabas ang mga pinamili niya sa mga shopping bags at inilipat iyon lahat sa closet. Ang cosmetics naman na pinamili niya ay inilagay nito sa ibabaw ng vanity mirror, pagkatapos ay itinabi ang mga shopping bags bago nahiga sa tabi niya.

"Ang sipag ng boyfriend ko, ah," sabi niya, saka iniyakap sa baywang ni Blaze ang braso niya, saka patagilid na humarap dito. "Thank you."

"I may not be good at cooking and other stuff but I'm pretty good at cleaning. 'Yon lang ang kaya kong gawin, magligpit ng mga kalat at gamit."

Napangiti siya nang masuyo. "Ang suwerte ko naman."

"Not really. I'm keeping something from you." Hinalikan siya nito sa noo. "Nag-iisip ako kanina pa kung sasabihin ko o hindi. At napagdesisyunan kong sabihin sa iyo."

Isiniksik niya ang katawan sa katawan ng lalaki. "Ano ba 'yon?"

"Your dad called me."

She froze. "What?"

"Last night."

Bahagya niyang binigyan ng distansiya ang katawan nila ni Blaze para tingnan ito. "What did he say?"

"He asked me to protect you—no, more like threatened me to protect you."

Napaawang ang mga labi niya. "Daddy..."

"I told him you missed him and he said he missed you too and that he will see you again after all this—whatever that is he was talking about. Though he said he was busy looking for best doctors for Lucky."

Happy took a deep breath. "May sinabi pa ba siyang iba?"

Umiling ito. "Your dad and mine know each other before Blake and Lucky's wedding and I don't think they're just old friends." He sighed. "Kung ano man 'tong misteryong bumabalot sa iyo o sa pamilya mo, mukhang may koneksiyon doon ang dad ko. I need to know what it is. It's confusing me."

"That makes two of us."

Sabay silang bumuntong-hininga ni Blaze. Isinubsob nito ang mukha sa leeg niya.

Hinagod niya ang buhok at likod ng kasintahan. Ilang minuto ring ganoon ang posisyon nila hanggang sa may tumawag dito at sinagot nito ang tawag.

"Track, what is it?" Paused. "What?!"

Napabangon siya sa biglang pagalit na sigaw ni Blaze.

"Wala akong pakialam kung paano mo gagawin basta hanapin mo," sabi ni Blaze, saka pinatay ang tawag.

"What did he say?" tanong niya.

Nilingon siya ni Blaze. "Pinasok daw ang bahay ni Track at binaril siya, saka kinuha ang cell phone ni Midnight at laptop niya."

Happy's body went cold.

"Don't worry. Track is already tracking it. Nilagyan niya ng tracker ang laptop niya at ang cell phone mismo kaya tina-track na niya ngayon."

Pabagsak siyang nahiga sa kama, saka naguguluhang napatitig sa kisame.

Someone really doesn't want me to see that file!

CECELIB | C.C.