Sorry for all the errors!

Merry Christmas to all of you! Hope you enjoy the rest of your holidays. Love lots! ♥️✨

Hope you drop some comments for this chapter. Enjoy reading! And have a blessed day. 😊

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#TCS46: A Moment with You

Amythee Hope's POV

When we were done changing and drying ourselves in the yacht we all went to the deck and waited for everyone to arrive. Law's just sitting on one sun lounger looking at us without saying anything. He's just smiling and looking so relaxed. While the rest of us are tensed and we don't even know what to do or what to react.

How could we? We didn't even have a permission to greet nor to celebrate with him. It's like we are walking on a teeny tiny thread of ice and he's the sunlight. Hindi mo alam kung kailan s'ya magliliyab at pwedeng ikamatay namin ang maaring mangyari.

Damn, how could someone who looked cheerful and godly emit this kind of danger? He's really like the sun. So, bright and gives light, but also a dangerous one. A danger that you'd want to reach, but could not. What an awful situation it is?

After a few moments, the trio who we have been waiting for, arrived. Finally! Harper rolled her eyes the moment she went to our circle while still standing. Nakabilog kasi kaming lahat habang naka-indian sit sa deck. Si Law ang wala sa circle namin. Nakakatakot din kasing tawagin, mamaya tumanggi, o kaya mamaya bigla na lang mawala. Talent pa naman nila 'yon, 'yong maglaho na lang bigla.

"So... what do we have here? Prayer meeting?" Harper stated unbelievably crossing her arms.

We all looked at her with a little surprise. Only Law had the guts to bark a laughter. He stood up from where he's sitting and directly went to Harper. "Could be... who's leading? Pierce?" Bumaling ito kay Pierce na napa-iwas ng tingin. "Thorn?" The other gulped, but Biblee couldn't really help herself and burst out in to a laugh.

"Inaapi n'yo na naman 'yung magkapatid, nako, talaga hindi kayo makakaakyat ng langit ng wala 'yang dalawang 'yan." She commented laughing hysterically almost rolling at her sit. Lumapit si Law sa amin at saka hinayaan maupo si Harper sa inuupuan nila kanina.

While Honoka and Art joined our little circle. Law remained standing beside Harper. The dimples were so evident while he was smiling at peace.

"What did you tell them that they are this dead quiet?" Harper asked in confusion.

"I didn't tell them anything. I was waiting for a warm welcome but I was greeted with this..." He trailed as he pointed our organized circle and uneasy awkward actions. Natawa si Harper at si Law kaya kahit papano nawala 'yung kaba sa buong barkada.

"Woohooo!" Cleon let out a shout and jumped to stand up.

"The triplets are finally complete! Group hug!" He added and Law spread his arms for an embrace. Lahat kami ay tuwang tuwang napatayo na para bang nawala lahat ng commanding at intimidating aura mula sa kan'ya. We were all excited and enthusiastic for the hug, but he suddenly grabbed Harper and...

"Hoy!" Sabay na sigaw ni Biblee at Cleon.

"Hahaha!" We couldn't help but chuckle when instead of welcoming our hug, he pulled Harper and she's the only who got a hug from him. Tatawa tawa sa amin si Law habang nagpupumiglas si Harper. Hindi ko maiwasan hindi masiyahan at sumibol ang napakagaan at napakapayapang pakiramdam sa puso ko.

Home... I am home... Miracle. Slowly and surely... this home will be complete and you'll be the core of it.

"Joke lang!" Law declared, and he opened his arms again for us to be welcomed. Hindi namin pinalampas 'yun at dumiretso kami ng may mga ngiti sa labi papunta sa kan'ya. He felt so... warm and familiar. Parang nakakaiyak na lang...

"Ate, why are you crying?" Natigilan ako at napaharap kay Honoka na katabi ko 'nung bigla n'ya akong tiningnan nang nag-aalala.

"Hoy, Theon!" Pumaibabaw ang boses ni Cleon at Biblee.

"I didn't do anything!" Urgent at natatarantang sabi ni Theon at saka napaatras mula sa group hug ng barkada.

Law's laughter echoed because of what happened, while I slowly touched my cheeks and realized that I am really... crying! Grabe! Nakakaloka naman, hindi ko man lang napansin na naiyak na ako sa sobrang tuwa.

"Kuyugin na nga 'tong si Theon!" Biblee announced, and everyone laughed heartily as they jokingly went to advance to threaten Theon. Even Law played with their little trick and looked at Theon suspiciously.

"Crazy..." I murmured while shaking my head lightly. Dinambahan nilang lahat si Theon at walang katapusang tawanan at sigawan ang narinig ko. Hindi ko rin sila pinigilan... hmm... deserve naman ni Theon nang slight 'yun. Joke, hahaha.

While admiring the mess, and seeing the Sy siblings try to fix the mess, I shed more tears. And I glanced at Law, trying to pull Harper out of the commotion chuckling like a kid, it hit me with so much emotions. This is so... familiar. This is how we were when we were young... ganito kagulo, ganito kasaya, ganito ka-walang problema... when did things started to turn wrong? If I could go back... I'd go again.

"Now who's gonna get Amythee to join this mess?" Akira suddenly voiced out because I was the only one who's not included in their play. Napaatras ako lalo na 'nung sabay sabay silang tumingin sa akin.

"H-Hey?" Natatawang sabi ko habang umiiyak sa saya.

"Let's go!" Law announced happily, and everyone run to get me. Kaya naman kaagad din akong sumubok tumakas! Kaso, palpak! An arm snaked around me, and all I knew was I was already in the middle of laughter because of how chaotic it is.

Hanggang sa napahiga na lang kaming lahat sa deck. Tumatawa. Nakapa-ikot habang pinagmamasdan ang langit na punong-puno ng makikinang at kumikislap na bituin. I tried to stretch my arm to reach those stars... but no use... but it was fun.

"Galing kang bakasyon, Law?" Biglang pumaibabaw ang boses ni Biblee sa katahimikan.

"Wow, bakasyon talaga?" Natatawang sabat naman ni Cleon.

"Ikaw ba naman naka-Hawaiian outfit from top to bottom. With sunglasses and hat kahit walang araw, hindi ka ba galing bakasyon no'n?" I popped in while giggling as I remember how we saw Law earlier. Parang mangingisda lang.

Law's deep laugh made our ears filled with mesmerizing pleasure. "I was actually waiting for all of you." He told us softly.

"And you think we went from a vacation?" Harper asked astonishingly.

"Maybe." Law answered nonchalantly. "Aw!" Mukhang nahampas s'ya ni Harper base sa mahinang tawanan na narinig ko mula sa dako nila. Nanatili lang kaming lahat na nakahiga at nakabilog.

"But we are glad we survived and you are here." Pierce's mellow and sincere deep voice seemed to encourage the wind to blow a little making it more relaxing in the deck.

"Konti na lang..." I could imagine Thorn's little smile while saying that. "Konting na lang kumpleto na rin tayo..." He added with that hopeful tone.

"Who knows." Law's almost inaudible tone made me worried and sad.

"Why?" Maingat na tanong naman ni Art. "Is Ate Miracle... okay?" She added softly.

"We wish..." Law's truthful murmur made my eyes sting again. Hindi ko alam ba't ganito ako kaemosyonal ngayon. Siguro... dahil sa sobrang dami na ring nangyari. Parang kanina lang nasa impiyerno kami... tapos muntik na akong malunod... tapos ngayon kasama na namin si Law. It's just... everything happened so fast and it was overwhelming.

"Pinagtataguan din kayo ni Ate Miracle?" Honoka questioned gently.

"Hmm." I felt like Law nodded while looking at the stars. Hoping to find his precious sister in there. Sobrang hirap pa naman hanapin ni Miracle. Sobrang hirap pa namang makita ni Miracle. I could already feel their longing.

"Why don't you explain things to us?" Theon demanded faintly.

I heard some movements, and saw how Biblee started to sit, and others followed. Ako yata ang pinakahuling umupo para maging magkakaharap kami. Law stood up and focused his gaze on the scenery while the yacht was moving slowly. The view was enthralling... the city lights, the moon, the stars, and the peace.

"The root of the problems was dated even before we were born..." He started whispering to the wind. We all looked at him firmly. No one spoke, we listened. Ito 'yung unang beses na magsasabi silang mga Evans. Maybe Gabby, Rebel and Justice didn't really say anything because of Law. Now that he's here... maybe he could finally enlighten us.

"Our parents were Improbus Ille Imperium, and Apocalypse." We all nodded. We know... but we still couldn't believe it... they were nothing but gentle and good parents to us. Palaging may maliit na boses sa utak ko ang tumatangging hindi gano'n sina Nanay dati. It's just baffling.

"They tried to run from it... in the end... they couldn't." He glanced at us with a little smile on his lips and a shrug. Harper slowly stood up to walk to him. She's the only one who had the guts. Law didn't mind. Instead, he pulled her closer to hold her hand. As if... wanting to be weak for a second, and gain strength from Harper.

My heart hurt like hell. Ang sikip sa dibdib ang hirap huminga. Bakit kasi ganito ang kapalaran sa amin?

"Amythee and Miracle... were kidnapped, and that's when hell started to break loose." Ang mga balahibo ko sa braso ay nagtaasan nang sobra sobra. Bumigat ang paghinga ko. Ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko ay walang kapantay.

Napalunok ako, hanggang sa naramdaman ako ang marahang kamay na hinawakan ang kamay ko. Napalingon ako ro'n at do'n ko nakita si Theon na nakatingin nang sobrang lumanay sa akin. Tila nandyan lang palagi... handang magtiis, handang maghintay kahit pa mawala ako saglit kung sakaling hugutin ako ng masakit na nakaraan.

"Momo... wanted to fight. Momo wanted so bad to make everyone pay for what they've done to both of you... but she couldn't... she was pregnant with Pateh. She couldn't risk our little Pateh... And we suffered so much after that..."

Nagsimulang magpatakan ang mga luha ko mga mata ko.

Tita... Tita Princess was pregnant when they decided to vanish from all of us.

"Dada couldn't afford to lose our family... our Pateh... our Momo... he didn't want to risk your safety. And our Lolos and Lolas safety. So, we went into hiding. That's the only way. Kasi kami ang target. Ayaw nilang madamay kayo."

"Damay na naman kami kung parte ang mga magulang namin sa Improbus at Apocalypse?" Naguguluhang sabi ni Cleon. Umiling lang si Law at saka napatungo. Harper looked at Law with a pained expression. I saw her grip tightened.

"Hindi n'yo pa pwede malaman sa ngayon kung bakit labas kayo sa gulong 'to." Hindi kami nagpumilit lalo na dahil alam naming wala kaming mapapala, pero dahil na rin kahit alam naming lahat na kahit hindi man lahat sabihin n'ya naliliwanagan na kami.

"Momo and Dada did everything they could alone. Conquered all biggest and illegal business. Made enemies turned to allies. They were sacrificing everything... but they hit the wall for the first time in their lives."

"Gano'n kalakas ang kalaban?" Hindi makapaniwalang sambit ko.

"Sadly... yes." Napasinghap kaming lahat dahil sa narinig. I mean... it's already Law and his parents. If they couldn't do it... we are helpless. We are nothing... we are just...

"It wasn't just an organization. It's bigger... scarier... and merciless." Mas lalo kaming napanganga sa nalaman. Walang makapagsalita sa aming lahat. Nanlamig at nabato ako sa kinatatayuan. Parang may sumuntok sa akin at do'n ako nagising sa katotohanang napakalayo ng pangarap naming maging buo.

"And Miracle? She's doing things and looking for solutions. But she keeps everything to herself. Who knows if she found something... who knows if she's fine..." His voice lingered in the air. Sobrang bigat sa pakiramdam. Wala rin kaming magagawa para tulungan sila.

"So you showed up because of this?" Art asked carefully.

"As I've said. The opponents we have, have nothing to do with you. You have your own enemies." He stated while looking sharply at us.

"The Senses." Theon spoke strongly.

"Right." Law replied seriously.

"They are saying that they are the Morbelques." Cleon informed us. We all nodded.

"Why are we even a big deal? Why are we the fallen name?" Art asked confusingly.

And that's when Caerus suddenly arrived out of nowhere. Law smiled when he saw him. Nandito s'ya?! Pa'nong nandito s'ya?! Hindi kami makapaniwalang napatitig sa kan'ya at yumuko lang ito nang kaunti para batiin kami.

"Andito ka?!" Hindi makapaniwalang sambit ni Biblee.

"Who do you think is maneuvering the yacht?" Napanganga kami sa sinabi ni Law. My gosh! S'ya pala nag-papaandar nito! Hindi man lang s'ya namin napansin.

"He knows better than I do about the Mortem." Kaagad lumapit si Cleon kay Caerus. Dahil mukhang kating kati na rin nito malaman ang lahat lahat tungkol sa pamilya nila. Caerus went closer to us and sat down.

"Hey." Bati ni Art. Caerus smiled a little.

"Mortem have been the Empires' enemy since the beginning. Raging wars. Counter attacks. And numerous lives were lost because of the war between the biggest organizations in the past." Titig kaming lahat kay Caerus nang magsimula itong magsalita 'nung senyasan s'ya ni Law na pwede n'yang sabihin ang mga nalalaman n'ya.

"And because of the wars... the Empire lost a lot of people. And important ones at that." Nangilabot ako ng husto nang tumingin si Caerus kay Law... kabado kaming lahat dito, bago tumango at malungkot na nagbuntong hininga si Law.

"I'm not in the place to tell the whole story. But the Empire and the Mortem clashed, big time. Both sides, lost significant people, and families." We all nodded with his voice. Kinikilabutan din ako dahil sa tindi ng emosyon na hatid no'n.

"It turns to an endless bloodshed. Result of that? The Empire almost lost their power. And the Mortem lost the whole main bloodline of their family... except one—leaving Tito Skyler alone in this cruel world," Caerus continued cutting the long story short. Not really telling us what really happened to why it resulted that way, because it wasn't his place to tell.

Nang mapatingin ako sa barkada ay lahat sila umiiyak dahil sa maikling kwento. Hindi alam kung paanong nangyari ang mga iyon at hindi makapaniwala sa tila impiyernong dinaanan ng bawat panig. Lalo naman akong humanga sa parents namin. How did they managed to live through that era?

The era of nothing but mad bloodshed... and revenge.

I'd kill me if it were to happen to us... I couldn't live with it... losing family. And being stuck in the cold dark nights, without certainty that we'd still be able to live because of the ranging war and deaths it brought.

"If Dad's the only Morbelque, how come the Senses are saying that the Mortem is reignited with the real Morbelque? Did Dad assemble them?" Nalilitong tanong ni Theon habang lumuluha nang tahimik.

"They are lying." Law's voice thundered.

"Tito Skyler... never even wanted to use the name Morbelque. He didn't want to give his surname to Tita Annicka, and even you... his children..."

"W-Why?" Halos pumiyok na tanong ni Art dahil sa pag-iyak.

"You should ask him why... it's not our story to tell. If you want to reignite the light of its ashes... you should talk to him," mahinang paliwanag ni Law. "He had deep reasons..." Ang sakit sa lalamunan pigilan ang matinding pag-iyak. Pakiramdam ko kasi baka hindi namin kayanin 'yong dahilan ni Tito Skyler.

Pero kahit gano'n... mukhang determinado pa rin naman sina Theon, Cleon, at Art. Nasa kanila ang desisyon tungkol do'n.

Idagdag mo pa 'yong bigat at sakit sa mga awra nila dahil nalaman na ulilang lubos at napakaagang nawalan ng pamilya ng kanilang ama.

"Momo wanted Tito Skyler to keep his name. Because we also had a share of our sin to what happened. It was a revenge cycle after all. 'Yun lang ang nakapagpabago sa isip ni Tito Skyler. Kaya dala-dala n'yo ngayon ang apelyidong matagal na n'yang gustong ibaon." He continued with a heavy heart. I was a little confused with it.

But probably it was because the Empire and the Mortem were enemies, that was why... even though Tita Princess was part of the Empire, he let Tito Skyler used it even though he was part of the Mortem because for them... the revenge cycle that happened between the two was gone. And they already forgave each side.

"Little did we know... someone was lurking the dark, spreading that Mortem will rise again." Caerus told us. Sinabi n'ya sa amin ang biglang paglabas ng mga taong nagsasabi na mula sila sa Mortem at muli itong babangon dahil nahanap nila ang tunay na Morbelque.

"Kaya gusto nila kayong mahanap na tunay na Morbelque, dahil magiging sagabal kayo sa plano nila." Natahimik kami at tingnan ang bawat isa. We needed to protect them. No one will harm the Morbelques. No one will be sacrified again. No one will destroy this bond we have...

"What will they gain from it? Why are they doing this?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Theon.

"Power." Halos sabay na sabi ni Caerus at Law.

"Mortem is feared and respected. Although long gone... their power is still there. So, if someone rise using that name, and they managed to fool everyone that they are real. They could have different clans and organizations in their hands. They will be strong... and on par with the Empire."

Kinilabutan ako dahil sa sinabi ni Law. Gano'n katindi ang nagagawa ng kapangyarihan.

"And if they managed to rise again... it will be inevitable but the history will repeat itself. Empire against the Mortem. And... it will bring nightmares." Munting sambit ni Caerus habang nakatungo dahil napakalaking problema kung sakaling magtagumpay ang Senses.

"Hinding hindi mangyayari ang bagay na 'yan." Kakaibang pakiramdam ang sumibol sa puso ko nang marinig ang boses ni Theon, Cleon at Art. Ang mga mata nila ay tila umaapoy at pursigidong pursigido.

"Our name will not be used in vain. We will use it... but never in vain." Theon declared with a dark aura... an aura that almost made me kneel down. A power that was only felt when a Morbelque was serious and deadly aware of his power.

"We'll do this together..." I suddenly popped in and put Theon's hand that was holding mine in front of the gang.

"Together..." Pierce repeated with a little smile and teary eyes.

"Always, as one." Thorn added and also joined our hands. Isa isang naglagay ang barkada ng mga kamay nila dahil do'n. Maging si Caerus ay napalagay rin ng kamay nang ilagay 'yon ni Art. At si Harper ay hinila si Law para makisali sa amin.

"Always... together!" We all yelled and smiled at each other.

AFTER that conversation, things have been a little clear to us. It made me realize how dangerous our situation is... and Evans will not be always with us to guide and make us stronger. They are here to make us ready and to make us stand on our own feet. That although they had their own piece of problem, they are still willing to be with us.

Ngayon, alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi na pwedeng paiyak-iyak na lang. Sa dami nang nangyari at pwede pa naming kaharapin. Kailangan naming mas maging matatag. At alam kong hindi lang ako ang naka-realize ng bagay na 'yon dahil paniguradong pagsikat ng araw. Mas malalakas na loob ang baon ng bawat isa sa 'min.

Law also mentioned that he was actually a back-up. That Luna and Justice knew the Senses are going to be present in the auction. For them this is a challenge for us to overcome. Dahil sa'n pa ba kami lalakas? Sa tunay na experience at tunay na panganib.

And sadly... we only got the Sinner's Crown and we lost the Crest of the Dragon. Dahil sa sunog at mga pagsabog kaya 'yun lang korona ang nakuha ni Caerus. Kahit gano'n masaya pa rin kami kasi ligtas ang lahat at nabawi namin ang korona.

The crest though... was lost in the fire. Hindi namin alam kung sino ang nakakuha, pero alam namin na maaring maging mapanganib ang lahat at mga susunod na araw dahil alam namin kung gaano kahalaga ang bagay na 'yon.

"Looks like someone's thinking deep things." I almost jumped from where I am standing because of the voice that surprised me. Tumabi sa akin ang may ari ng boses habang patuloy ang paghangin dahil sa pag-andar ng yacht.

Napalingon ako at napansin na kaming dalawa lang ang nasa upper deck at ang iba hindi ko na alam kung nasaang parte ng yate.

"The sun will rise in a few hours. You should rest." His voice lingered in the air, and I slowly closed my eyes because somehow... after everything and after we had some information... I finally felt some tranquility.

"Amythee..." He called my name delicately when I did not respond.

"I'm sorry." Natawa ako nang mahina. Ilang beses ko na ba narinig ang sorry mula sa kan'ya.

"Theon..." Mahinang sambit ko sa pangalan n'ya at saka s'ya marahang nilingon nang nakangiti. Akala ko magiging awkward ako sa kan'ya dahil sa dami nang nangyari... pero tanging kapayapaan at bilis lang ng tibok ng puso ko ang nararamdaman ko.

Umupo s'ya at nag-indian sit malapit sa railings ng yate para kita pa rin namin ang magandang scenery ng sun rise. He tapped the floor beside him. I smiled as I obeyed and joined him. Ang hangin ay marahang pinalad ang buhok ko.

"Did you manage to find Miracle after?" Mahinang tanong ko. Umiling lang s'ya.

"Ah... Kung mahal mo s'ya, 'wag mo na akong alalahanin, Theon. Dahil handa akong magpaubaya." Payapang sabi ko habang tinitingnan ang paglagaslas ng tubig.

"Ikaw ang gusto ko." Walang paliguy-ligoy na sabi n'ya.

"Weh?"

"Seryoso ako." Napanganga yata ako nang tingnan ko s'ya.

"Ni hindi mo nga ako hinabol eh..." Bulong bulong ko naman kaya umiwas ako ng tingin. Ako? Hindi naman kapani-paniwala? Ang tagal tagal na n'yang gustong makita si Miracle eh. At saka ramdam ko naman na mahalaga sa kan'ya si Miracle.

"Aray!" Alma ko kasi bigla lang s'yang nambatok at saka ako mahinang tinawanan.

"Alam mo assuming ka rin talaga." Nanlalaki ang mga mata ko s'yang tiningnan dahil sa sinabi n'ya habang naka-awang ng kaunti ang mga labi ko habang natatawa s'ya sa naging reaksyon ko.

"You are obvious, Amythee. You like me since we were kids." He mentioned proudly.

"Wow, wow, wow." Napa-paypay ako sa sarili ko dahil sa narinig pero hindi ko itinanggi. Totoo naman eh? Anong magagawa ko? Tss! Nako, Amythee napaka-rupok mo talaga kahit kailan. Patay ka kay Nanay at Tatay.

"But you like Miracle." I rolled my eyes, although I tried to joke, alam kong labas sa butas ng ilong ko 'yun.

"Yeah." Talagang inamin ha!

"Who wouldn't like her? Pretty sure it wasn't just me. Everyone must have liked her." My heart actually felt at peace. That's Miracle... that's how she is... a precious angel. That's why I'm afraid of her... you know... angels could fall... and I saw Miracle's fall that bloody night.

"Oh, 'yun naman pala eh, bakit may pasabi ka pa na 'I meant the kiss'?" I looked at the sky that was slowly turning in to a different colour. "Alam mo? Paasa ka talaga. Tulak kita d'yan para kainin ka ng pating eh." I told him while pouting. I heard his soft chuckle. And I suddenly felt him grabbed my wrist to pull me closer to him until we are face to face.

I gulped... twice. I could feel blood slowly rising to my cheeks.

Damn, that smile! That smile! Ahhh! Amythee! Gising!

"Because I mean it." He told me with sincere eyes.

"I like Miracle because she's our family. The Evans are our family. But that doesn't mean I like her romantically."

"Pero—"

"Listen first?" He put his index finger on my lips with a small smile on his face. Napatango ako nang wala sa oras habang nakatitig sa mga mata n'ya. Sobrang... sobrang gaan tingnan ni Theon... parang lumiliwanag s'ya sa paningin ko. Ang ganda sa pakiramdam.

"What I feel for Miracle is like what you feel for her. The longing, the hope, the care... understand?" I nodded again like I was hypnotized, as my head slowly processed what he's uttering.

"But what I feel for you is different. Takot akong sumugal sa 'yo, Amythee, kaya paminsan minsan iniiwasan kita o kaya naman hindi ko ina-acknowledge ang nararamdaman mo para sa akin."

Nahugot ko ang hininga ko dahil sa sinabi n'ya, naramdaman ko ang marahan n'yang paghaplos sa pisngi ko.

"Gustong gusto kitang protektahan mula sa sarili ko... kasi baka hindi ko mapatawad ang sarili ko kapag nasaktan kita... kaso tangina, nagawa ko pa ring saktan ka dahil sa takot ko." Napapa-iling s'yang nagtungo ng ulo.

"And I'd be forever sorry for causing pain for my little... Hope." Halos ibulong n'ya na sa hangin ang mga salitang 'yun.

"Hinanap din kita nang gabing 'yun... kaso nakita ko kayo ni Kellon. Umiiyak ka. Wala akong lakas ng loob pumagitna. Nakakapanghina kasing makita 'yung luha mo sa mga mata. Para akong kandilang nauupos. Tapos gusto ko ring mahanap si Miracle nang pagkakataong 'yun... not because of your conclusion." Tiningnan n'ya ako nang masinsinan.

"But because I know you'll be so happy to see her again. At least... I wanted the pain I've caused you to subside a little by genuine delight once I find Miracle... but I failed. Another mistake." Napatungo s'ya, marahan kong hinawakan 'yung mga kamay n'ya nasa pisngi ko.

"Karma ko na rin siguro 'yung mabaril ako." Pagak s'yang tumawa at hinanap ang mga mata ko. I beamed softly at him.

"But you were always with Miracle when we were young." Naalala ko pa palagi n'yang hinahanap 'yung kapag nawawala na lang bigla. They were close.

"Do you even know what we are talking about?" Kunot noong sabi n'ya.

"Malay ko sa inyo." Pagtataray ko at saka tinanggal ang kamay n'ya. He flicked my forehead.

"Ah!" Protesta ko sa kan'ya at saka napakagat labi.

"You."

"Ano?" Nalilitong tanong ko.

"Ikaw ang pinag-uusapan namin maladas dati. So, stop being jealous of Miracle, because she's aware of how I feel about you." Shock was an understatement when Theon confessed his thoughts at me. I was in idle for a moment. My mind went completely blank, and I was staring at him with pure surprise.

Say, what?!

"Alam mo alam ko na 'yung talent mo." Iiling-iling na sabi nito. Tinatanaw ang kalangitan na marahang binibigyan ng kulay ng araw.

"What?" I snapped.

"Jumping to conclusions. Congrats, Amythee you won with the highest score." He laughed while mocking me. Hinampas ko s'ya ng malakas sa balikat kaya naman tatawa tawang nag-inarte na akala mo nasaktan talaga.

"Seriously?" Hindi pa rin makapaniwalang sabi ko kahit nakapag-explain na s'ya. It's just... I find it hard to believe...

When he saw how I am still doubting him, pain crossed in his eyes for a moment, but then, I was flabbergasted when he suddenly closed the gap between us and without any hesitation ... he planted a soft peck on my lips.

"I lost, Amythee. I lost the game I created to stop myself from being so... into you." Tulala pa rin ako sa kan'ya at nagulat ako nang bigla n'ya akong hapitin sa baiwang. Nanatili akong nakatitig lang hindi maiproseso ng ayos ang nangyayari.

"And I'm glad I surrendered." He spoke weakly... the last word seemed like a whisper.

"Theon—"

Bago ko pa man masabi ang gusto kong sabihin, nablanko na naman ako dahil sa matinding pagkabog ng puso nang marahan n'yang itagilid ang ulo n'ya at saka marahan, mahinahon, at maamo n'yang halikan ang mga labi ko.

His embraced on me tightened as I felt his lips slowly move. Nasa tainga ko na yata ang puso ko dahil sa matindi at mabilis na pagtibok nito ro'n. Para akong nanaginip, hindi maintindihan ang kakaibang saya, ngunit kabang nadarama. Every emotion that's left in my body was tingling. But... despite of all... my eyes closed as I realized all the things he said to me...

When I was about to respond to his tender kiss, he broke off. And stared at me with pure candor. And hugged me so tight. Napayakap na rin ako. Sobrang saya. Sobrang gaan sa pakiramdam. Habang marahang sumisikat ang haring araw.

"Hope." He called my name like it was healing all the pain in his wounded heart.

"Hmm?"

"I love you."

I smiled with my heart as I tightened my embrace. If this is a dream... please don't ever wake me up.

* * *

Solstice Snow's POV

"Hoy, Biblee, tara sama ka sa 'min ni Thorn at Akira hahanap tayong love life." Napalingon ako nang matalim kay Cleon nang bigla na lang n'ya akong sabihan ng gano'n habang tahimik akong nanunuod ng TV sa bahay ni Luna. Minsan na nga lang matahimik, bubulabugin pa ako nang isang 'to. Tsk!

"For your information, ikaw lang ang walang love life dito!" Asar na sabi ko at saka ko binato sa kan'ya 'yung remote na nasalo n'ya naman. Pierce, Thorn and Akira went to the sofa while shaking their head chuckling. As if telling me that I am speaking nonsense! Ay wow, grabe naman! Nahiya naman ako sa kanila.

"Ba't ikaw tamang noud lang? Na saan si Honoka, Harper, Art, Amythee at Theon?" Akira teased while giggling! Eh, pa'no nga kasi ako magkakalove life 'di ba? Eh, 'yung letseng dapat partner ko, ayon lakas mang-asar ng ganito sa akin.

"Wow, nagsalita 'yung naiwan din dito sa bahay, 'no?" Balik sagot ko naman sa kan'ya.

Kainis! Wala si Luna at Justice. For sure, kung hindi mission or kung ano man sa school ang inaasikaso 'nung dalawang 'yun magkadate 'yun. Tapos si Ate Amythee at Kuya Theon! Jusko! 'Di mapaghiwalay! Bumigay na 'yung marupok kong Ate! Kapag talaga ngumawa 'yung isang 'yon sa akin. Babaliktarin ko na talaga 'yang si Theon at gagawing punching bag.

"Kawawa ka naman, ikaw na lang sa girls walang partner." Pang-aasar pa ni Cleon. Binato ko s'ya ng maliit na pillow. While Pierce and Thorn were laughing at me. Psh. Bakit ba kasi 'tong mga 'to naiwan dito?

"Kawawa ka naman, ikaw na lang walang love life sa inyong magkakapatid." Dinilaan ko s'ya kaya nagkatawanan sila maliban kay Cleon.

"Naunahan ka pa ni Art." Sira talaga bumanat 'to si Akira! Hahaha. Nabato tuloy s'ya ni Cleon 'nung binato ko sa kan'ya.

"Itong dalawang santo, ihanap na lang natin ng mga bad girls." Halakhak ko naman.

"Wala ka na namang magawa, Biblee." Pierce retorted while shaking his head on me.

"Don't worry, Biblee. Baka ikaw gusto mong hanapan ka rin namin?" Thorn asked innocently.

Jusko, hahanapan pa ba? I-match na lang ako sa isa d'yan, matutuwa pa ako. Everybody happy na talaga kapag gano'n. Manhid kasi to the highest level eh. Kung banatan ko na kaya? I-prank text ko kaya? My gosh! I need the know-how of being the one who moves first! Tatanda akong dalaga kapag 'di ko 'yun ginawa. Sayang beauty!

"Ewan ko sa inyo." Irap ko.

"Nahanap nga natin 'yung triplets, pero nasa iba naman ang atensyon." Cleon commented while looking at the ceiling, loudly sighing. We all laughed, because it was true! Si Rebel, patay na patay pa rin kay Honoka.

Si Law napakabilis itakas si Harper.

Si Justice, hindi mo naman mahihiwalay kay Luna 'yon. Minsan iisipin ko na talaga si Luna 'yung bumubuhay kay Justice eh. So, whipped.

"Tara labas na tayo boring dito." Akira suggested.

"Yeah, let's go?" Pierce seconded and stood up from his seat.

"You wanna go with us, Biblee?" Thorn questioned, although I was already decided when Akira mentioned he wanted to go out, I still played like I was not interested. I shook my head at Thorn.

"Arte!" Cleon jested.

"Ito na, ito na, ayaw n'yo lang ako maiwan dito sa bahay eh. Mahal na mahal n'yo talaga ako 'no?" Kunwari napipilitan kong sabi. Syempre, joke lang. Para 'di halata. Mahirap na mabilis pa naman mag-conclude 'to si Cleon.

"Not really, baka delubyo datnan namin dito kapag naiwan kang mag-isa." Akira told me straightforwardly with a little smirk on his face. I grimaced at him and looked at him like I was fuming mad and he laughed with success.

"Bwisit talaga kayo! Intayin n'yo ko, magbibihis lang ako." I declared as I marched to the stairs.

"Cool." Pierce answered, because Cleon and Akira were busy teasing me. While Thorn just nodded at me.

THE five of us went to the field to play Frisbee.

Dahil ako ang kaliitan, syempre hirap na hirap ako! Bwisit talaga! Pati 'yung santo eh nakisali sa kasamaan ng ugali ni Akira at Cleon kaya napagod ako nang sobra kahahabol sa disc! Mga bwisit!

Kaya naman nang mapagod napahiga na lang ako sa tela na dala namin na nilatag namin sa field sa may lilong malapit sa isang puno. They continued playing while I was resting and I could hear their laughters and happy remarks. Kaya naman umupo ako para panuorin sila.

Hanggang sa...

"Ay tipaklong!" Napahawak ako sa dibdib ko dahil sa sobrang gulat 'nung may mukhang lumututang na nakabaliktad ang biglang nakipagface to face sa akin!

Muntik ko nang masampal kung sino man 'yon, kaso naka-alis s'ya kaagad at saka humahalakhak akong tiningnan dahil sa reaksyon ko.

"You look so funny." Wow ha, talagang pinagkatuwaan 'yung gulat ko! Muntik na akong atakihin sa puso dahil sa paglambitin n'ya sa puno at mukha n'ya sumalubong sa view ko na sanay ang medyo pawisan pero hot pa rin na si Akira. Gosh, suits his name Blaze.

"Gabby!" I pouted at her, as she sat in front of me.

"Hello, Biblee!" She greeted with that purest smile like she's the most angelic person I know. As if! Punong puno kaya ng kalokohan isip ng isang 'to. She's almost like me, besides the authoritative aura.

"Gabby!" Napalingon s'ya nang tawagin din s'ya 'nung mga lalaki at kawayan. The guys went to us to join our little break. Masayang silang binati at sinalubong ni Gabby. They all looked tired nevertheless they enjoyed it.

"Hi! Bought something for all of you!" Gabby added joyfully and went to the backside of the tree to get a basket.

"Wow!" They guys exclaimed, expect Pierce who just smirked.

"Thank you Gabby!" Masayang sabi nila at saka nagsimula si Gabby na ibigay ang laman no'n. Mga balot ng sandwhich. I also gigged happily when Gabby gave me one. She clapped her hands when we started to eat.

Napapakunot-noo naman ako 'nung marahang malasahan ang sandwhich. Taste weird...

Mukhang hindi lang ako kasi pati sina Akira iba na ang timpla ng mukha.

"Anong palaman Gabby?" Cleon asked with a knotted forehead.

"Iba-iba!" Enthusuastic na sabi ni Gabby.

"Ito kamaru!" Masayang sabi ni Gabby habang labas ang cute na cute na dimples sabay turo sa kinakain ni Thorn. Natigil si Thorn sa pagnguya dahil sa sinabi ni Gabby. Kinilabutan naman ako dahil do'n lalo na nang ibaba ni Thorn ang sandwhich.

"Hmm, ito salagubang!" Gabby mentioned Cleon's sandwhich with applause. Halos biglang maduwal si Cleon sa narinig, pero tuwang-tuwa lang si Gabby. Hindi n'ya pinansin na natigil kaming lahat sa pagkain at hindi makapaniwalang nakatingin sa kan'ya.

"'Yung kay Kuya Akira, uok! Larvae!" Proud na proud na sabi n'ya with thumbs up pa sa parehas na kamay. Akira almost disgorged the food. I laughed in my mind, but knowing that I'll get something too made me almost chocked up.

"And kay Biblee earthworm!" Nabitawan ko ang hawak ko at saka nagkunwaring nahimatay.

Aaahhh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! May earthworm sa tyan ko! Kailangan kong magpapurga! Aaahhhh!

"Biblee!" Sabay sabay na tawag nila sa akin at saka ako marahang tinapik tapik sa pisngi. Kaya naman napaupo ulit ako sa matinding gulat.

"Ahh! Huhuhu! Ipapapurga na yata ako!" Nagpapanic na sabi ko kaya naman nagkatawanan sila. Nakatanggap din ako ng kutos kay Akira at Cleon. Tapos sira ulo talaga 'tong si Gabby! Aba'y nakigaya rin! Ang sakit pa naman 'nung kan'ya pinong pino! Mygash!

"Aray ko! Ipapurga hindi kutusan." Reklamo ko.

"Ano 'tong kay Kuya Pierce?" Tanong naman ni Thorn.

"Ah... milk cheese!" Masayang sabi ni Gabby.

"Ang duga! Bakit hindi weird?" Cleon objected. Pierce laughed heartily and gave Gabby thumbs up and Pierce continued eating the sandwhich. Ang duga naman no'n! Swerte naman nitong si Pierce at 'yun ang binigay sa kan'ya.

"May favoritism 'tong si Gabby." Sabi ko naman.

"Pinaka-gwapo kasi si Kuya Pierce." Napanganga naman kami sa dahilan nito at napansin ko na biglang naubo si Pierce kaya naman biglang inabutan ng kapatid ng bottled water.

"Well, true." Akira barked a laughter.

And we all agreed. Oh, well, Pierce... s'ya naman kasi pinaka-gwapo, idagdag mo na rin ang kapatid n'yang si Thorn.

Only Pierce could eat what Gabby prepared. And Gabby was just jolly telling us stories and pranks. Enjoy na enjoy naman kaming lahat dahil sa kakulitan at kakaibang trip nito sa buhay. No dull stories and moments! Gabby's the best!

Hanggang sa hindi ko na alam pa'no napunta ang usapan namin sa pagtatanong ni Gabby kung may girlfriend na ang apat na 'to.

"Ako?" Proud na turo ni Cleon sa sarili at saka humalakhak. "Marami na akong naging girlfriend. Wala eh, napaka-gwapo ko talaga!"

"Shut up, idiot, you are waiting for Miracle." Napanganga kaming lahat nang biglang sabihin ni Akira 'yon nang diretsahan.

"WHAT THE HELL? MIRACLE?" Hindi makapaniwalang bulaslas ko.

"Si Ate ko?" Turo naman ni Gabby sa sarili.

Nabatukan naman nang pagkalakas lakas ni Cleon si Akira.

"Sira ako! Ilalaglag mo pa ako!" Reklamo nito na nagkumpirma sa lahat. Natigilan kami ni Gabby at titig na titig kay Cleon! Oh my gosh! My life is a lie! It is a big lie!

"SERYOSO?!" Sigaw ko.

"Move on ka na, Kuya. Hindi kita bet kay Ate." Gabby told Cleon directly which made us guffawed loudly. Halos gumulong na ako katatawa dahil sa biglang banat ni Gabby! Jusko! Walang preno rin ang bibig nito eh!

"Grabe sila! Crush lang naman 'nung bata pa kami." Tawa-tawang sabi ni Cleon. Mukha naman joke lang pero parang meron pa eh... umaasa pa eh...

"Akala ko si Theon may gusto kay Ate Miracle?" Litong tanong ko naman.

"Alam mo magkapatid nga kayo ni Amythee. Parehas kayong magaling mag-assume." Iiling iling naman na sabi ni Akira kaya nanlaki ang mga mata ko! Jusko! My life is a lie, part two! Ano na! Bakit parang late na late ako sa mga balitang pasabog!?

"Eh, ikaw Kuya Akira?" Tanong naman ni Gabby. Syempre napa-all ears ako pero tawa pa rin nang tawa para hindi halata.

"Broken hearted 'yan eh." Natatawang sabi naman ni Cleon.

Huh? Pa'no magiging broken 'yan eh, hindi ko naman binasted at saka wala naman akong balak bastedin 'yan.

"Nareject ka?" Hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Gabby. Wow. Si Akira? Ma-reject? Hindi 'no! Teka nga! Sino ba?! Kinakabahan na ako na parang gusto ko na ilibing saan mang earth ang babaeng 'yon ha?! Bakit hindi na lang ako?!

"No. I had one girlfriend." Achkkk. Sound 'yan ng puso kong marahang nawawasak?! Sa'n ako nagkulang?! Emote ko sa isip ko. Bakit ka tumigin sa iba?! Nako, kailangan ko na talaga mag-first move! Jusko! I need to heal his broken heart! Joke. Nang slight? Hehehe.

"Hindi naman seryoso. It's just... I was curious." Kibit balikat na sabi nito. "The girl was head over heels for me. It made me irritated." Tamad na kwento nito. Woohoo! Makakahinga tayo ng maluwag.

Ayaw ng clingy. NOTED.

Come on, come on, more information please.

"So, I broke up with her." Wow ha! Napaka-talaga nito! Walang awa eh.

"That's it?" Gabby asked with curiousity.

"Sa'n broken hearted do'n?" I added.

"'Yung babae ang nabroken hearted hindi ako. Mali kasi magkwento 'tong letseng 'to." Turo ni Akira kay Cleon at saka gumanti ng batok, kaya natawa kaming lahat. Samantalang ako parang nakahinga ng maluwag.

Ano ba 'yan! Walang ibang info. Kainis!

"Eh ikaw, Pierce?" Tanong ko naman, gwapong lalaki nito. Dami na siguro naging girlfriend.

"Laptrip 'yung jowa nan 'di n'ya kilala, ni pangalan hindi alam!" Unang una nang humalakhak si Cleon sa tanong ko. Halos magpagulong-gulo na 'to sa field dahil sa sinabi. Kahit hindi ko alam bakit nakakatawa, natawa na rin ako! Bwisit! Nakakadala kasing tumawa!

While we are all laughing, Gabby was looking keenly at Pierce who was also chuckling because of Cleon's laugh. Ehem, katakot naman tumingin si Gabby. Gwapong gwapo siguro kay Pierce.

"What the heck? Hindi kilala? Hindi alam pangalan? Tapos naging jowa?" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ko dahil kay Cleon.

Imbis na si Pierce magkwento, si Cleon na ang nagkwento. At ang sarap batukan kasi mas naintindihan ko pa 'yung tawa n'ya kaysa 'yung mismong kwento! Letse! Basta dahil sa cheater boyfriend 'nung girl kaya pinakilala n'ya si Pierce as a boyfriend. At syempre dakilang mabait, kinonsider n'ya 'yon as a relationship! Heck! This is soooo funny! Jusko! Sino ba naman magconsider na relationship 'yon!?

"Tapos si Thorn?" I asked when I calmed down, wiping tears of joy. Sheez!

"Like Kuya." Thorn chuckled. "A girl confessed that she likes me. I couldn't reject her. She looked like she's going to breakdown." He shook his head lightly as if remembering his embarrassing moment.

"Cleon helped them break up." Pierce added after Thorn told the story.

We all laughed at their crazy relationships. If you can even call them relationships.

"Ikaw, Gabby?" Tanong naman ni Thorn kay Gabby na halos mangiyak-ngiyak na rin katatawa. She's soooo cute! Sarap yakapin. 'Yung dimples kasi eh!

She pouted while thinking, we all listened. "Hmmm. Basta gwapo crush ko!" Masayang palakpak n'ya kaya naman nauwi na naman kami sa tawanan. Gosh! It's so crazy!

NANG mapagod kaming lahat do'n nag-aya si Gabby na pumunta kami sa Food Alley o kaya sa mall dito sa school para kumain. Jusko! Agad agad akong umagree kasi gutom na ako. Hindi ko kinain 'yung exotic food nitong si Gabby. My gosh!

When we arrived, sumegway na ako para katabi si Akira na maglakad.

"Nuod tayong movie after?" Tanong ko sa kanila.

"Tara!" Gabby agreed. "Yeah? Yeah?" Masayang tanong nito sa mga lalaking kasama namin. Ang likot likot! Nagtatalon pa habang nalakad kami.

"Sure." Pierce smiled and placed his palm on the top of Gabby's head to make her stand still. The latter shyly stopped being so active, and walked beside the foremost.

"Hoy, Akira." Tawag ko rito.

"Ano?" Kunot noong sabi n'ya.

"Tara dito!" Hindi na naituloy ang itatanong ko nang biglang umimik si Thorn at saka kami pumasok sa isang restaurant. Napatampal naman ako sa noo ko nang palihim dahil do'n! My gash! Pa'no ko makakadamoves!

We were guided to a table and we all sat together. Katabi ko s'yempre si Akira. Tapos sa kabilang side si Thorn. Tapos si Gabby ang pinaggitnaan ni Pierce at Cleon. Namili kami ng order namin at saka nagkwentuhan habang naghihintay.

"You know..." Gabby started with a smile.

"I remember Ate saying that she met him in a restaurant."

"Him?" Sabay sabay na tanong namin. Gabby nodded.

"Yeah, him who makes Ate visible like normal."

"What the hell? Miracle? Visible?" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ni Cleon. Gabby nodded quickly. While playing with her hands. "I've never seen Ate so at ease and happy before. Her eyes only sparkle when it comes to him."

"Sinong him?" Hindi mapigilang tanong ko.

"Ah... Kuya Alas." Mahinang sambit nito.

"Alas?" We all questioned.

"Yeah. He's a charmer... but there's something about him."

Mas lalo kaming naging kuryoso sa sinasabi ni Gabby. Kaya naman halos ilapit na namin ang mukha namin sa kan'ya.

"I don't know... Ate don't even notice but his presence is overwhelming. It screams power and danger." Napalunok ako sa munting kwento nito habang kunot-noo. "But when he smiles, you'll only look at him and stare thinking how could a human be so pure?"

Nalilito kaming napatingin kay Gabby.

"Weird naman no'n." Akira shrugged.

"Yeah, weird. But you'll know when you meet him."

Bago pa namin matanong si Gabby ng mas detalyado tungkol kay Alas, dumating na 'yung pagkain namin kaya naman naputol ang usapan at mukhang ayaw na rin ipagpatuloy ni Gabby ang sinasabi n'ya kaya naman kumain na lang kami.

Hanggang sa...

"PAK!"

"What the fuck?"

Napatulala na lang kaming lahat 'nung biglang may babaeng lumapit sa table namin at biglang sinampal ng pagkalakas-lakas si Cleon sa mukha. Nalaglag sa bibig ko 'yung noodles sana kakainin ko at nabilaukan ang ibang kasama ko sa table dahil sa matinding gulat namin.

"Hoy! Sloane! Gaga ka, bakit mo sinampal?!" Napanganga ulit kami dahil biglang may babaeng lumapit para pigilan 'yung sumampal kay Cleon. Hinarangan na rin kasi ako ni Akira do'n sa babae, kasi naka-alis na 'yung rubber shoes n'ya at susungal-ngalin na si Cleon!

My gosh! Isa ba 'to sa babaeng niloko ni Cleon?! Pa'no nakarating dito sa school?!

"Eh, niloko ka nito eh!" Sigaw 'nung Sloane do'n sa babaeng kakarating lang para pigilan s'ya.

"Boba! Hindi 'yan! Ke-gwapo gwapo n'yan!" Hirit 'nung babaeng kaibigan at saka lumingon sa kabilang table na katalikuran lang halos ni Cleon 'yung lalaking nakatungo at naka-upo do'n.

"Ito! Itong letseng 'to, hindi 'yang sinapak mo." Nanlaki ang mga mata 'nung Sloane at saka marahang ibinababa ang sapatos na hawak n'ya at saka biglang tumungo kay Cleon na mukhang hindi pa rin makapaniwala sa mga nangyayari.

"Hala, sorry! Sorry! Hindi pala ikaw!" She kept bowing down to say sorry.

"Yah! Bakit kasi 'di malinaw turo mo?" Asik nito sa kaibigan.

"Malay ko bang susugod ka na lang bigla? Hinay hinay kasi gurl? Walang kalaban?" I almost chuckled at their bickering scene, but supressed it when I saw Cleon slowly realizing what just happened.

That Sloane girl turned to the supposed to be target at sinapatos ang lalaki. I couldn't help but giggle when she freaking did that! Pinagpapalo n'ya sa ulo ng sapatos 'yung lalaki! Nakakaloka!

Tumayo si Cleon at saka hinawakan sa pulsuhan 'yung sumampal sa kan'ya. Kunot-noo itong nakipatitigan. The other girl kept saying sorry towards us and Cleon. While the amazon like girl just stared at Cleon.

"Manners." Madiing sambit ni Cleon.

"Huh?" Sloane was so clueless. As she brings down her shoes and counted one to ten to calm herself down. What a lady.

"Sorry talaga." The other girl stepped in and grabbed Sloane.

The Sloane girl spoke in a different language. And they both walked out of the place, leaving us jaw dropped and puzzled about what happened. Padabog na napa-upo si Cleon sa upuan n'ya. Umalis na rin 'yung lalaking target sana.

"What the hell was that?" Cleon murmured unbelievably.

While Gabby laughed softly. Tumago kasi 'to nang slight pababa sa lamesa habang nandito 'yung Sloane at 'yung kaibigan n'ya.

"Kilala mo?" Pierce asked quietly.

Gabby nodded. "Yeah, the Fourth Crown."

WHAT THE HECK!

"And the other one with her was her friend. Not a Crown. Just a Royal."

"Tumatanggap ang school na 'to ng gano'ng crown?!" Hindi makapaniwalang sabi ko. I mean... I just didn't expect that.

I mean... look at Kalix, Katniss, and Caerus.

Gabby shrugged. "That's Sloane. She's a daughter of a military general. She's the most unpredictable Crown. She can be a sexy lady, a nerdy one, and even a tomboy."

"Seryoso?" I asked, Gabby nodded.

"She's the only one who never really hangs out with the other Crowns and never really follow any kind of rules within the Crowns. She does her own thing but still if one duty is assigned to her... 100 percent it'll succeed."

Wow... this school and the Crowns... they are... just going to make you speechless.

WE decided to go back to Luna's house to end the day. Gabby's still with us, cause she's planning to sleep there tonight. When we arrived, we saw Honoka and Rebel watching a movie together, while Law and Harper at the kitchen.

"Si Art?" Tanong ni Cleon.

"Padating pa lang. Galing daw tower kasama si Caerus." Honoka answered and greeted us.

"Sa'n kayo galing? Ba't ka nandito Gabby?" Rebel questioned with creased forehead.

"Bawal na ako dito, Kuya Himagsik?"

I went to the sofa and lazily sat there while their conversation followed more queries and responses. Napapikit na lang ako kasi pakiramdam ko nawalan ako ng energy! Hindi man lang ako naka-chansing. Na lowbatt tuloy ako. Hays.

"Hoy, 'wag ka rito. Sa taas ka matulog." Napamulat ako nang marinig ko boses ni Theon!

Ayon! Kadadating lang nila ni Ate. Psh!

Hindi ko sila pinansin at saka nahiga sa sofa. Inaantok na rin kasi ako. Kaso naramdaman ko na lang na lumutang ako kaya naman mag-aalma na sana ako! Pero muntik na akong mahulog 'nung makita kung sino bumuhat sa akin.

"Akira!" I exclaimed.

"Shut up." Syempre napa-shut up nga ako.

He carried me up until we arrived at our room. Este room namin ni Ate Hopie. Jusko! Nakakablanko kasi! Tingnan mo nga naman! Wahahahaha! Sa akin talaga babagsak 'tong si Akira, sisiguraduhin ko!

"Bigat mo." Sabi n'ya 'nung maibaba ako sa kama. Kaagad ko s'yang hinampas gamit ang unan.

"Anong naisipan mo at ginawa mo 'yon ha?" Kunot-noong tanong ko.

"Nothin', kawawa ka naman eh." His soft chuckle was music to my ears. Ahhh heaven!

"Hoy, Akira." Napalunok ako dahil sa mismong naiisip kong gawin.

"Ano?"

"May balak kang mag-girlfriend?" Jusko! Lakas ng loob mo Solstice Snow! Isa kang palaban! Pero pakiramdam ko bigla akong nahiya para sa sarili ko! Pero laban lang!

"Wala."

"Aw, kawawa ka naman."

"Bakit naman?"

"Tatanda kang solo." Irap ko sa kan'ya.

"Weh?" Natawa ako sa sinabi nito.

"Oo nga, tamo ayaw maniwala."

"Hindi rin." He mentioned nonchalantly.

"Pa'no mo nasabi?"

"Ikaw? Hahayaan akong tumanda ng solo? Nakikipaglokohan ka yata Solstice Snow."

What. The. Heck.

WHAT THE HECK?!

"ANO?" Sigaw ko sa kan'ya tumawa naman s'ya na para bang napakalaking joke 'nung reaksyon ko.

"Matulog ka na." Bigla n'yang inilagay sa noo ko ang index finger n'ya at saka ako itinulak pahiga sa kama gamit 'yon habang natatawa s'ya.

"Hoy! Sinong makakatulog sa sinasabi mo?" Bumalik ako sa pagkaka-upo.

"Sleep. You are still young. You are not even at a legal age."

"Hoy! Pero kapag legal na, pwede na?"

"Sira!"

"Hoy! 'Yun 'yung pinaparating mo kanina? Graduate na ako sa pagiging kapatid na turing mo sa akin?" Natutuwang sabi ko! Jusko, hindi naman ako slow! Nagets ko naman 'yon!

"Not really."

"Tatanggi ka pa eh."

"Matulog ka na nga, kulit."

"Pero seryoso nga kasi?" Pangungulit ko kaya tawa lang s'ya nang tawa.

"Snow... just please."

"Pero graduate na nga ako sa kapatid zone?"

"Hindi."

"Sus, kinikilig ka rin sa mga banat ko eh."

"Ewan ko sa 'yo."

"Pabebe ka, Akira."

"Oh, come on." He mocked with that boyish smile. "You sleep now. Patangkad ka muna, tsaka tayo mag-uusap ulit." Tapos ay tumayo na s'ya at saka ako nginitiang muli bago lumabas ng kwarto at ako naman ay halos magpagulong-gulong na sa kama dahil sa matinding sayang nararamdaman.

Kulang na lang talaga sumayaw na ako ng happy dance! Sheez! Ganito pala kasaya 'yon! Graduate na ako! Partyyyy!

* * *

To be continued...

-END OF SEASON ONE-

26.27