#TCS52: A True Love from Long Ago

"Nyska!" I stood up from fanning the fire outside the house for the food I was cooking when I heard a jolly laugh and energetic voice. I automatically smiled, and ran a little to go at the front of the house, to welcome him home.

"Surprise!" Natigilan ako sa pagsalubong sa kanya nang makita s'yang hawak-hawak ang halos iba't ibang bulaklak sa mga braso. I chuckled heartily because he slowly peeked from the flower with eyes almost gone, and lips stretching so wide. My heartbeat hammered with so much bliss. I hurriedly crossed the distance between us, and hugged him tightly.

Never minding if I destroyed some of the flowers. "'Yung bulaklak, masisira!" reklamo n'ya sa akin, kaya naman pagtawa ko ang halos narinig sa buong lugar. I broke the hug, and helped him with the flowers.

"Ikaw yata ang adik sa bulaklak sa ating dalawa," I commented, smelling the flowers. I heard his soft chuckle and he nodded quickly like a little kid. Araw-araw yata palagi s'yang may pasalubong na bulaklak sa akin, kapag hindi bulaklak mga bato naman na pwedeng gawing bracelet o kung ano-ano pang accessories.

We placed the flowers to the front mini garden I created because he kept bringing flowers. His smile just widened more when I was fixing it delicately, he was just watching me like a little kid who saw someone so precious. I avoided his gaze. Kung dati wala akong hiya kasi may takip ako sa mukha, ngayon naiilang ako kasi wala na akong takip sa mukha.

I let him see my whole face. I let him entered my life. I let myself fall in love with him. And it only gets deeper and deeper each day. I didn't know you could possible fall in love with a person every day. But with Laurentius it was more than possible.

I was making the garden that was already so colourful and beautiful more organized when Laurentius suddenly sniffed, and looked around. Napakunot-noo naman ako sa kanya. Ginaya ko ang ginagawa n'ya at nanlaki na lang ang mga mata ko.

Napatayo ako at nagulat s'ya nang sumabog ang mga bulaklak na nasa kandungan ko at mga hawak ko. "Patay!" I shrieked, and I hurriedly went to the side part outside of our small nipa house, and found a lot of smoke from where I was cooking our supposed to be meal.

Narinig kong sumunod sa akin si Laurentius, at hindi ko man lingunin alam kong nakanganga na 'to sa nadatnan. I rapidly sat down on my feet and tried to touch the hot pot. Muntik na akong mapaso sa pagkataranta, kung hindi lang ako pinigilan ni Laurentius. He held my hand full of worry. His eyes examining if I really did get hurt from it.

"Okay ka lang?!" Natatarantang sabi nito. I cackled at him, and nodded. I patted his head when he slowly sat down beside me. The atmosphere was just full of smoke, but even in disaster, I was happy and contented.

"Okay lang. Sorry." Nakahibi kong sabi. Instead of having a good cooked meal, after a long day of hunting and providing for us, he'd get this. Palpak ko talaga parati. I couldn't help it, my lips just curled downwards sadly.

Napaupo si Laurentius sa lupa, tatawa-tawa. Amused was the sound of his laughter. I pushed his shoulder while pouting. Lalo s'yang natawa sa akin, tapos biglang natumba sa kinauupuan dahil sa ginawa ko.

He tousled my hair, and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes, feeling his soft touch with all my heart. Tapos itinayo n'ya ako at pinaupo sa may parang bench na ginawa n'ya mula sa mga kahoy at trunk ng puno.

"H'wag kang mag-alala, aayusin natin." Malungkot pa rin ang tingin ko, pero inilagay lang ni Laurentius ang magkabilang thumb sa dulo ng labi ko, tapos unti-unti itinaas n'ya 'yun para magmukha akong nakangiti. "Ayan, mas maganda si Nyska, kapag nakangiti."

Ngumuso ako sa kanya at itinulak s'ya sa noo. He giggled at me then kissed my hand. He went to fix the mess, I made. Like it was his usual thing. Well, it was really his accustomed task with me. To take care of my clumsy mess. Marunong at magaling naman akong magluto, minsan lang talaga sablay kapag malalim ang iniisip at natutulala sa mga iniisip.

He got other ingredients inside the house, and he was the one who continued cooking, while I was watching his movements. My heart was just at peace looking at him. I could watch him all day, and never get bored.

"Sorry..." I mumbled, he looked back at me, and only smiled.

My mind slowly went back to what happened, before having this peaceful and contented life with him. I'd never regret the choice I made, because this made me happy.

Nang imulat ko ang mga mata ko matapos kong mawalan ng malay sa digmaan, nasa isang gubat na ako, sa may parang kweba. May apoy malapit sa akin, at nakakarinig akong lagaslas ng tubig, na para bang may malapit sa ilog at falls sa lugar.

My body was aching especially on my abdomen part. I slowly got up, gritting the unbelievable pain. And saw that there were already herbal medicine leaves on there, and a piece of clothing wrapping it around. I held it and moaned because it was aching badly.

I checked the surrounding and no one was there. I stared at the fire that was keeping me warm. Then my eyes widened. Kinapkapan ko kaagad ang mukha ko at parang nakahinga nang maluwag nang malamang nando'n pa rin ang tabing na tela.

Gusto ko sanang tumindig sa sobrang pag-aalala at pag-iisip pero hindi ko magawa, kaya napabalik ako sa pagkakahiga. At matapos ang ilang sandali, bigla na lang akong nakarinig na parang may papalapit. Biglang kumabog ang puso ko sa kaba.

I gulped, and slowly got up. Kinapa ko ang suot ko at ang ilang gamit na nasa tabi para kumuha ng patalim. I was ready to fight and stab whoever, it was but when he entered the cave looking so worried, and shocked at the same time looking at me, I slowly brought the blade down.

"Laurentius..." I murmured, and he immediately went to me, and checked my wounds, and body. Natataranta s'ya at napangiwi ako kasi masakit talaga 'yung katawan ko, lalong-lalo na 'yung tama ko.

"Maayos ka lang? Gusto mong kumain?" he asked worriedly. I chuckled at him weakly.

"I'm good..." I tried to reach for his face, but I failed when he moved back and bowed a little. Instead of talking to me, he turned his back at saka nag-ihaw ng makakain, at naghanda rin ng pwedeng sabaw.

I sighed, and went back to laying down because I just feel so exhausted.

"Iniligtas mo ako..." I glanced at him, when I heard his voice. Although he still had his back on me.

"Bakit hindi? Iniligtas mo rin ako dati." Nakangiting sabi ko habang inaalala ang munting bata noon na walang iba kung hindi s'ya. He was confused with what I stated, and I gave him the short version of the story. He was surprised and couldn't believe that it was me.

Since I was really weak that night. I ended up sleeping while we were talking. When I wake up the next day. He was fixing my wound, and he was preparing for food, and travel. Biglang may pumihit sa puso ko nang pagkakataong 'yun.

I told him I didn't want to go back. He was against the idea. But I was firm. I was still weak that time, and he thought I'd change my mind after a week. Inalagaan n'ya ako nang sobrang ingat at hindi pinabayaan.

Bawat araw na lumipas no'n, mas lalo lang akong naging determinado na takasan ang tadhana na para sa akin, at gumawa ng panibagong bukas kasama s'ya. When I got better, we travelled together. Laughing, smiling, having the time of our lives in nature. We just... slowly fell in love with each other.

Then I told him again that I wanted to be with him, and I wanted to have a simple life with him. I thought he'd return me to where I belong no matter what I tell him, but he nodded at me, teary eyes.

We build a life together in the mountains. We created our own house built with woods, trees, leaves, and flowers. We learned how to live simply and contentedly. Madalas umaalis si Laurentius para mangaso, at maghanap buhay. Samantalang ako ay nanatili sa bahay, at masayang nag-aantay sa pagbabalik n'ya.

Madalas naglalakbay-lakbay rin ako sa gubat, para may makuhang mga gamot, at iba pang bagay. Almost a year passed by, and we continued living like that. Kahit gano'n, parehas kaming masaya at wala nang hihilingin pa.

The day I showed my face to him, was the day we promised that our strings would be connected forever. We got married in the mountain, with the animals, and birds, and flowers, and the nature as our witness. In front of the magnificent falls, standing on one huge rock together. We promised to be together for the rest of our lives.

That was the happiest day of my life. I regretted nothing. It only gave me bliss. And I was finally free from my fate of being the High Priestess.

To become a High Priestess, you shouldn't get your strings become connected to someone, because your strings should only be with the godly beings, because you serve them. Now, that I have Laurentius, no one could break the string I have with him, and no one could ever separate us again.

Kahit mahanap pa ako ni Lola, hindi n'ya na rin ako mapipilit maging High Priestess.

Ito 'yung pangarap ko. Ang maging malaya sa lahat, at magkaro'n ng sariling desisyon, at sariling buhay. And my life was complete, with Laurentius by my side, by the one I love the most, by my side. I could never wish for more.

"Nyska? Kakain na." Nawala ako sa mga iniisip nang bigla na lang may humawak sa kamay ko at hilahin ako patindig mula sa kinauupuan. I saw Laurentius face that was peaceful and with a smile plastered on his face. He made me sit down on our dining table, and prepared the food.

"Salamat," bulong ko. Tapos napangiti nang sobrang saya, at excited, dahil ang bango at ang ganda kaagad tingnan ng mga hinanda n'ya para sakin. We ate while laughing and telling stories about our day, and our plans.

And when I stared at his face that was so pure, I stood up from my seat and kissed his lips. Natigilan s'ya sa pagkwekwento, at natulala sa akin. But I felt him titled his head, and returned my kiss softly. I smiled, and stood up with breaking the kiss, to go near him.

His hand automatically snaked around my waist, and he made me sit down on his lap while kissing me delicately. Nang mawalan ng hangin, humiwalay ako, at idinikit ang noo ko sa noo n'ya. I saw his gaze on my lips.

"Mahal kita..." I whispered sincerely. With all my heart. There was no one that could make me feel this way but him. Kahit ano'ng mangyari. S'ya at s'ya ang pipiliin ko sa huli. Dahil s'ya ang buhay ko ngayon.

"Mahal..." He slowly caressed my cheeks that he was so afraid to even touch before. "Mahal na mahal kita..." Halos namamaos na sambit nito, bago tawirin ang natitirang puwang sa pag-itan naming dalawa.

NANG magising at imulat ang mga mata, nasilaw ako sa liwanag na sumisilip sa munting bintana namin mula sa kwarto. Isiniksik ko lang ang mukha sa bisig at dibdib ni Laurentius na nakayakap sa akin dahil inaantok pa ako.

"Magandang umaga..." I heard him greeted, and I felt him kissed my forehead. Inaantok lang akong yumakap lalo sa kanya at narinig ko ang mahinang tawa n'ya at hinayaan ako sa ginawa.

Nakatulog yata ako ulit, kaya naman nang imulat ang mga mata, wala na s'ya sa tabi ko. Nagbihis na lang ako ng damit ko, bago lumabas tapos hinananap s'ya. I automatically beamed when I saw him with his flowers.

Dinidiligan n'ya 'yung mga bulaklak. I walked to him slowly, and hugged him from the back. Nagulat s'ya saglit sa ginawa ko, pero tumuwa at hinawakan ang mga kamay kong nasa tyan n'ya. He tapped it gently, and we spend the morning, having a good time and playing around.

When the night came, we were at the falls together. Watching the fireflies light the beautiful nature, and I was just inside his arms, while looking at the moon, and the beauty of the falls. It was so magical and peaceful.

I reached my hand to the sky, and the stars sparkled as if winking at me. Laurentius warmth was so comforting. Mas isiniksik ko ang sarili sa pagkakasandal sa dibdib n'ya habang nakaupo, at nakayakap s'ya mula sa likod ko.

A firefly went near us, and I tried to catch and ended up giggling when it escaped my hand. "Masama 'yan," biro ni Laurentius bago ako halikan sa pisngi. Natawa ako nang marahan at mahinahon sa kanya.

I fell asleep his in arms with so much peace in my heart.

Everything was going so fine and nothing was happening bad. Laurentius would still come home to me like it was the first day we fell in love with each other. We'd play like children and bathe on the falls together, and we'd also fix our little flower garden. Every day was magical for the two of us.

Pero kagaya nga ng sabi nila, kapag masaya ka, lalong-lalo na kapag sobrang masaya ka. Maaaring mabawiin 'yun ano mang oras.

Laurentius was out to hunt, and I was just at the garden, watering the flowers we have, when I heard footsteps and heavy breathing. I put down the small container that was made of leaves and woods, and went inside our house.

Nagsuot kaagad ako ng tela na nakatabing sa mukha at sinarhan ang buong bahay. I only peeked at the small whole to see who was around. Then I saw some familiar clothing and haggard hair, looking at the forest behind him.

His shoulder was heaving up and down heavily. Like he was trying to escape from death. My forehead knotted, almost hid in shock, when he went to the direction of our house. Ilang saglit pa bigla na lang may sumigaw na nanghihingi ng tulong.

"Tulong! Tulong! Tulong!" he cried.

I was alarmed, and debated whether to let him in or not. But... I was sure Laurentius would welcome anyone who was in need. I breathed out, and went to open our door. Nagmamadali 'tong pumasok takot na takot. Isinara ko rin kaagad ang pinto.

"Salamat!" sigaw nito na para bang tinakasan ng kaluluwa at nakahinga nang maluwag dahil ligtas na s'ya.

"Sino ka—?" Natigilan ako sa itinanong nang mas mamukhaan ko kung sino 'yun.

Napatayo s'ya at nanginginig na napaturo sa akin. He collapsed on the floor, shaking so bad, afraid for his life again. "Agnyska?! Agnyska?!" Hindi makapaniwalang hiyaw nito sa akin.

"Bastien?" I queried, and his eyes widened more.

"Ikaw nga, Agnyska!" Napatayo s'ya at halos magtatalon nang makita ako. Lumuhod din s'ya kaagad at nag-bow para magbigay galang sa akin. Napaatras ako sa kinatatayuan. Napaiwas ng tingin.

Sa pangin nila ako pa rin ang hahalili kay Lola. To those who were in our village. I was their future High Priestess. No one from them knew about the ties I tied with Laurentius. I was still the purest and the holy chosen one for them.

"Ano'ng ginagawa mo rito?" Pag-iiba ko ng paksa, tapos tumayo si Bastien, para mas tingnan pa ako, umikot s'ya sa akin, at mas lalong natuwa nang makumpirmang akong-ako nga 'to. He went in front of me, clapping his hands in joy and relief.

"Akala namin, hindi ka na makikita pa Agnyska!" balita nito sa akin. My forehead knotted, and I blinked several times in confusion. Bago pa man ako makapagsalita bigla na lang 'tong nagdagdag sa sinasabi.

"Kailangan mong sumama pabalik sa akin! Isa 'tong napakagandang balita!" he screeched.

Napaatras ako sa kinatatayuan. Walang balak sumama. Walang balak bumalik. I shook my head at him, and he showed me a confused expression. I smiled sadly, but it was hidden beneath the cloth covering my face.

"Pasensya na... hindi ko magagawa 'yan." I declined as politely as possible. I also bowed my head at him. When I took a glance at him. He was rooted on his spot, and was jaw dropped. He looked like someone who just witnessed death by my words.

"Agnyska! Kailangan! Hindi pwedeng hindi!" Halos maiyak 'to, at nagpabalik-balik ng lakad habang napapasabunot sa buhok sa matinding pagkalito.

"Hindi rin pwedeng sumama ako. May sarili na akong buhay..." Halos ibulong ko ang mga salitang 'yun, at hindi makapaniwalang tumingin si Bastien sa akin. Mukhang hindi matanggap ang sagot ko. He wanted to say something, but was having a hard time forming the words.

"Ano'ng meron?" I asked softly.

"Nangnganib ang buong nayon natin." He almost cried when he knelt down. I saw how tears slowly dropped from his eyes. Nagulat ako at nataranta. Hindi alam ang gagawin at sasabihin. Napaupo ako sa mga paa.

"Bakit?" Naguguluhang tanong ko.

"Ang kasalukuyang nakatataas na babaylan ay malubha ang sakit at kalagayan." Napaupo ako sa sahig sa sobrang gulat at halos bumilis ang paghinga dahil sa narinig na balita. Si Lola... ang Lola... bigla akong nakaramdam ng kakaibang sakit sa puso ko.

"Noong nakaraang taon pa kami naghahanap ng papalit sa 'yo. Nawalan na rin kasi kami nang pag-asa na makita ka pa. Ang akala ng lahat, namatay ka na. Ginawa ng Punong Babaylan ang lahat para humanap ng kapalit mo. Pero wala... wala... wala ni isa, Agnyska." Nanlulumong saad nito.

Napasighap ako at mas nahirapan sa paghinga. I shook my head aggressively. They need to find someone to replace me! Kailangan! Hindi pwedeng hindi! Dahil pupunta ang Domain sa lugar namin, at siguradong, pababagsakin ang buong angkan at naninirahan do'n para wala na silang kahati sa kapangyarihan!

They would put the blame on us, and tell the people that we committed a grave sin, that was why there was no chosen one! They would make people believe that we would bring curses and more wars, and that our blessings ran out!

"Hindi pwede... maghanap kayo... magaling ang Lola... makakahanap kayo." Halos putol-putol na sabi ko, gulong-gulo at hindi makapaniwala.

Bastien got down on his two knees, and lowered his upper body on the floor to give the utmost respect, but to also beg on me. "Parang awa mo na Agnyska... bumalik ka. Kailangan ka ng Punong Babaylan... kailangan ka ng buong nayon..."

His words struck my heart like it was a sword with a poison. Nagpatakan ang mga luha sa mata ko. Mas humagulhol si Bastien sa pagmamakaawa, his words nothing but true and pure beseech. Para akong mababaliw nang pagkakataong 'yun.

"Hinahabol ako kanina ng mabangis na hayop, pero nailigtas dahil nandito ka. Ikaw ang napiling maging pinaka-makangyarihan Agnyska. Pakinggan mo ang mga taong walang hinangad kung hindi ang maniwala at umasa sa 'yo..." Hindi pa rin s'ya umaangat mula sa posisyon n'ya.

"Iligtas mo kami Agnyska... marami kaming pumunta sa iba't ibang lugar sa lumipas na buwan para hanapin ka... kaya parang awa mo na... bumalik ka na..." I shook my head while shedding painful tears.

I couldn't go back. I couldn't do it. I have my ties with Laurentius. There was no going back.

"Hindi pwede..." Halos bulong ko.

Napaangat ng tingin sa akin si Bastien. Ang mga luha walang tigil sa pagbagsak ang mga mata pulang-pula sa pagmamakaawa. He wanted to hold me in begging but couldn't because it was forbidden.

"Agnyska... our people needs you." Halos ibulong n'ya 'yun sa akin nang punong-puno ng pait, sakit, at pagsusumamo.

I cried harder. I bowed my head while trying to wipe tears. "I tied..." I inhaled a huge amount of air because I was losing it with what was happening. "I tied my strings with someone I love so much..." I confessed.

Kitang-kita ko ang pagbasak ng balikat, at halos ng katawan ni Bastien sa sahig. Para s'yang nawalan ng hangin sa narinig. Iniling-iling ang ulo para itanggi ang sarili sa narinig. "Kasal na ako, Bastien. Hindi na ako pwede." I wept.

A long silence engulfed the two of us, while his sobs were getting louder and louder.

"H-Hindi..." he stammered, staring in the air. Couldn't think properly like me. He shook his head aggressively. "Hindi!" he shouted in anguish.

"Patawad..." 'Yun na lang ang tanging nasabi ko.

Hindi ako makatingin sa kanya. Tatayo na sana ako, dahil ang sakit sa puso nang mga nangyayari. Nanganganib ang buong mamamayan namin na mamatay dahil walang papalit sa akin. Kamatayan ang kakaharapin nilang lahat. At dahil 'yun sa pagtakas na ginawa ko. Ang bigat. Sobrang bigat sa dibdib.

Halos hingalin ako sa matinding pag-iyak. Halos hindi kayanin ng puso ko 'yung sakit.

Sa unang pagkakataon... nagsisi ako sa lahat ng mga bagay na ginawa at pinili ko... Ang sakim ko. Sobrang sakim ko. I only thought about my path, my happiness, and my love. I didn't even think of those people who grew up with me, of those lives that were carried by me from before...

I grabbed the piece of my dress from the chest part. Halos makuyumos ko 'yun sa tindi ng pagkakahawak sa matinding sakit na nararamdaman.

"Agnyska! Hindi!" Bastien howled. It was breaking every piece in me.

Umupo ako sa may isang banda ng bahay namin, at umiyak nang umiyak. Hanggang sa bigla na lang lumuhod si Bastien sa harap ko.

"Hindi nila alam..." bulong n'ya. Sobrang hina ng boses. "Walang may alam... walang nakakaalam na kasal ka..."

"Bastien!" I shouted devastatingly. He shook his head rapidly.

"Wala silang alam na kasal ka. Walang makakapansin. Wala tayong pagsasabihan. Malalaman man ng Punong Babaylan, makakapagsinungaling s'ya tungkol do'n. Kahit isang araw lang Agnyska..." pagsusumamo nito.

"Kahit isang araw lang na nando'n ka. Kahit 'yun lang. Sumama ka. Magpanggap ka lang. Kailangan ka ng lahat... maraming dugo ang dadanak kapag wala ka..."

Para akong pinagbagsakan ng langit at lupa sa narinig. Hindi alam ang iisipin at gagawin.

"Parang awa mo na, Agnyska. Isang hiling na lang. Ito na lang. Mag-iintay ako hanggang sumilay ang buwan." Mas mahinahon pero nasasaktang usal nito, bago ako tuluyang iwan sa loob ng bahay.

That moment, I broke down like a child. I yelled inaudibly because of my cries, my heart ache, and the burden that was suddenly becoming heavier as seconds passed.

Nakatulala ako ro'n at hindi namalayan ang oras. Wala pa ring tigil ang mga luha. Natauhan lang ako nang mapagtanto na malapit nang maghapon at bumalik si Laurentius. I wiped my tears, and removed my face cloth.

I went to the bedroom to get another cloth that was coloured sky blue. I changed my dress to a sky blue one, too. I pretended everything was fine. I smiled at myself. Trying to fool myself, so when Laurentius arrives, he wouldn't worry about me.

Binuksan ang mga binata ng bahay. Tapos lumabas ako sa unahan. I saw Bastien from afar, watching from a tree. I could only sigh.

Ilang saglit pa, kagaya ng inaasahan. Narinig ko na ang boses ni Laurentius.

"Nyska!" He sounded so happy, it broke my heart. My eyes automatically watered.

Patakbo s'yang dumating at itinago ang mukha sa mga bulaklak na dala n'ya. I chuckled shaking my head lightly at me. "Surprise!" he uttered with a huge smile, showing me his face.

May pumatak na luha sa mga mata ko. Hindi ko napigilan.

"May masakit ba sa 'yo?" Halos ibaba n'ya ang bulaklak at mabitawan sa pag-aalala. I smiled. He also looked confused why I have the face cloth that I haven't really wore in a while because we were the only ones in here.

I shook my head and enclosed him in a hug. "Mahal na mahal kita..." Suminghot pa ako matapos sabihin 'yun kasi ang sakit sakit. Hindi ko alam kung sasaya pa ako kung wala s'ya. Pero paano naman ang mga taong naiwan ko? Ang mga buhay na mawawala kung wala ako?

"Mas mahal kita..." Laurentius answered, and hugged me tighter.

If I could stay in his embrace forever... I would.

"May mali. May mali sa 'yo. May sakit ka ba? Masama ba ang pakiramdam mo? May gusto kang ipagawa sa akin? Sabihin mo lang, isang hiling mo lang." His soft and pure voice was breaking my heart.

I slowly looked at his face. He looked so worried and alarmed with my actions. I touched his face delicately, tracing his nose, and his lips. I smiled at him, with tears continuously falling down my face. It hurts... why does it hurt so bad?

Imbis na sagutin ang tanong n'ya. Naghanda ako ng maluluto para sa kanya. Nag-ayos din s'ya at binalikan sa may puno 'yung ilang dala n'ya bago s'ya tumakbo sa akin na may mga dalang bulaklak. He helped me in preparing and cooking for food.

Natatawa ako na naiiyak. Kasi kakaiba talaga 'yung saya at sarap sa pakiramdam kapag nasa tabi ko si Laurentius. Paano ko s'ya iiwan?

We ate the food, and he placed a kiss on my forehead.

I held his hand. We walked through the path going to the magical and wondrous falls. It was getting darker, and the moon was starting to rise with the stars on the dark sky. The fireflies also started to appear, while we were walking.

Nang makarating do'n, umupo kami sa lugar kung saan madalas kaming mamalagi.

I was standing feeling the air, and hearing the flow of the water. Laurentius stood from my back, and hugged me tightly from there. I reached for his side face, and smiled a little. Tears started to form again.

"May tao sa isang banda kanina, dahil ba ro'n kaya ka umiiyak?" tanong nito sa akin. Hinawakan ko ang mga kamay n'ya.

"Paano kapag may kakilala kang patuloy na tumatakbo mula sa lupit ng tadhana, tapos nang magawa n'ya, naging masaya naman s'ya, pero biglang may dumating na masamang balita..." I paused, and breathed. It was too much for my breakable heart. He remained listening to my every word.

"Kailangan n'yang iwan 'yung pinakamamahal n'ya, 'yung tanging kasiyahan n'ya, 'yung buhay n'ya... para isalba ang buhay ng mas nakararami." My lips trembled while saying it, tears cascaded, and I wiped it without a sound.

"Ano'ng pipiliin mo?" I almost lost my own air. It was so hard to say.

"'Yung mahal mo, o 'yung kailangan ng tulong mo?" Pumipiyok na sambit ko. I bit my lip to prevent a sob from escaping. It was a good thing he was hugging me from the back, he wouldn't see me crumbling and shattering down to pieces.

"Puntahan mo sila, Agnyska... kailangan ka nila..."

Hindi ko na nagawang itago sa kanya 'yung mga hikbi at sakit na nararamdaman ko. I cried hard, and he gently turned me to face him. His eyes were glowing because of unshed tears. Napailing ako kaagad. Hindi ko kaya... paano ko s'ya iiwan?

"Mahal na mahal kita, at ang pagmamahal ko sa 'yo, walang katapusan... kahit wala ka man sa piling ko." My quivering hands reached for his face, and when I did his tears fell like beads of crystals.

"Maghihintay ako hanggang bumalik ka sa akin..." he whispered with so much love.

"Papalayain kita, kasi mahal na mahal kita... Gano'n naman 'yun hindi ba?" He smiled at me warmly. I hugged him and cried in his chest. I heard his undying love for me in rhythm of beats. I closed my eyes tightly.

"Handa ako maghintay kahit gaano katagal. H'wag mo akong alalahanin, kaya ko. Susuportahan kita hanggang dulo." He kissed the top of my head. The glow of the fireflies around us, became brighter and they almost all circled in our place.

"Ikaw lang ang mamahalin ko habang buhay, kaya tahan na aking mahal..."

"Babalik ako. Babalik ako sa 'yo. Pangako 'yan. Ikaw lang hanggang dulo. Mahal na mahal kita." Then he removed the cloth on my face, and kissed me delicately, like it was the last one, like it was the end of us...

We cried that night in each other's embrace of love, and the moon was the witnessed of how true, how pure, and how giving his love was for me, and how strong, how lasting, and how intense my love for him was...

INIWAN ko si Laurentius do'n at naglakbay kami ni Bastien gamit ang mga kabayo, para bumalik sa lugar kung saan ako nagmula. Kahit ano'ng bilis namin sa pagpapatakbo ng mga kabayo, ilang araw at gabi rin ang tinahak naming daan, bago tuluyang makarating sa patutunguhan.

Nang makarating kaagad akong bumababa ng kabayong sinasakyan ko at mabilis na tumakbo papunta sa tinitirahan ng Lola. Marami kaagad ang nag-aabang sa akin, at lumuhod silang lahat nang makita kung sino ako, pero hindi ko sila nagawang pansinin sa pagmamadali.

I ran inside the house, and saw Lola on the bed. Her eyes widened when she saw me. She cried the moment, she confirmed it was really me. I thanked all the beings, and cried again. I hugged her tightly.

Sobrang sakit sa akin na makita na ang laki ng pinagkaiba ni Lola sa dati. She looked thinner and lonelier. She looked like she had given up life. Iyak s'ya nang iyak dahil akala n'ya magiging dahil sa kanya kaya dadanak ang dugo ng lahat lahat sa aming angkan.

Even when she fell asleep, she didn't let go of my hand, afraid that I'd disappear tomorrow. I just cried quietly beside her. Sobrang laking dagok pala talaga sa kanila no'ng pagkawala ko.

Nang huminahon, I went out, and greeted the people—our people. They all looked devastated too, but now, their eyes were shinning like a light shone upon them. They were also worried that I'd disappear and leave them again.

I shed tears of sadness.

"Patawad... hindi ako aalis," sambit ko sa kanila.

They all cried tears of joy. Halos magpasalamat nang sobra-sobra sa langit. Hindi makapaniwala na nandito na ulit ako.

They all prayed solemnly for my return. And I went back to the house to change my clothes, and to clean myself. I was crying when doing all of it. I remember Laurentius. It broke me more. Hindi ko na alam. Kaya umiyak ako nang umiyak.

Lumipas ang mga araw at naging masaya sa nayon. Nagkaro'n pa ng isang piging para sa pagbabalik ko. They celebrated my return, and they prayed sincerely to thank all the beings. Even Lola was getting better, she was gaining strength, and could now go out to help and pray.

It was supposed to be happy, but there was something missing in my heart.

Every day and every night passed by. Hoping that the longing would end. But it didn't instead... it grew stronger.

Every night when the wind blows, I'd go out and stare at the moon. I'd softly close my eyes, and feel the breeze, then I'd think that he was beside me. It feels like he's with me, hugging me, smiling at me and just... right next to me. Then I'd walk and follow his steps quietly, like tracing every memory that we shared. I'd feel lighter that way... but in the end, I'd be seeing the reality that he wasn't with me.

Kasi kahit ano'ng sunod at lapit ko sa mga yakap n'ya, mas lumalayo lang s'ya. And that path? It blackens with pain, and tears.

Kaya minsan ginagawa ko na lang abala ang sarili ko para sa darating na araw. Araw ng koronasyon ko biglang High Priestess. I smiled bitterly at the sun, no matter how much I avoided its light, I only ended up returning helplessly.

Walang araw at gabi na hindi ko inisip si Laurentius. Pero hindi ko magawa-gawang bumalik sa kanya.

Hanggang dumating ang araw na pinakahihintay ng lahat. The Domain was present. It was a huge day. But for me... it was nothing but an ordinary day. Or maybe a day that all the hopes of me, finally escaping my fate, disappeared into ashes.

I walked through the white cloth path prepared for me, and I danced with the rhythm that had been embedded in my head since I was young. People were all quiet, solemnly watching my every move, in awe of what was happening in front of their eyes.

People who were near the path, threw white flower petals on my way. The sound of the peace, and the strings were united, as I walked through the path laid upon me... the path to become the High Priestess, and my death.

Lola met me in the middle of the path, and joined me in dancing our rituals. Then we both knelt down silently, as the gong echoed through the whole place. We continued praying, and when it was over, Lola stood up and brought the heirloom that was a pin of the sun and moon.

She placed it on my head. It was a crown of sun and moon. It was powerfully created from our rich history. And when I stood up with that crown in my head, everyone rejoiced, for now that they have a new High Priestess.

When the ceremony finished, I felt like my head was light. Kakaiba rin ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko. Para akong magkakasakit. Kaya naman dumiretso kami ni Lola sa Domain. We met the current Emperor Beaumore Marquis, and his son the crowned Prince, the next Emperor, Abelard Marquis.

I blessed the royal family with their Empress.

When I finished, I was taken aback, and Lola almost put her blades out because of the crowned Prince's action. He almost... almost held my hand without my permission! If he wasn't the Prince, he'd be dead by now.

He smirked at me. "You could have wed me, instead of being stuck in here." Kakaibang kilabot ang naramdaman ko nang bigla 'tong lumapit sa tainga ko para ibulong 'yun. I looked at him in the eyes with full power.

He was jaw dropped, and I could feel terror from him. He put his arms in surrender, and went back to his seat. Kami naman ni Lola ay pumunta sa ibang mga taong nandito para batiin ako sa pagiging High Priestess.

Nang aalis na ang mga taga-Domain. Lumapit kami ni Lola para magpaalam. Pero biglang humigi si Prince Abelard ng oras na kaming dalawa lang.

I didn't want it, but I didn't want badblood with the royal family when I just got crowned.

"Agnyska?" Natatawang sambit nito habang naglalakad kami. I maintained a huge space in between of us.

"High Priestess," I corrected firmly. He chuckled amusingly.

"Really? You don't even deserve to be one." Napanganga ako nang kaunti sa sinabi n'ya. Handa na sana ako magsalita para ipagtanggol ang sarili, o iwan na lang s'ya, pero kaagad akong natigil sa kasunod na binanggit nito.

"You can fool my family, but not me. I'm gonna severe your tie, and I'll come back for you." Hindi ko naintindihan ang sinabi n'ya pero kaagad n'ya akong iniwan nang magsolo ro'n at umalis na ang mga taga-Domain kasama s'ya.

I went to Lola with a nervous heart. Ano'ng ibig sabihin no'n?

Alam n'ya bang kasal ako?

Lola and I went home to rest, and the rest of the people in our town continued to celebrate. I sighed and removed the crown on me. I wasn't even worthy for this title. Why did it have to be me?

"Your ties... one day, it will be revealed, we can't fool everyone. Find your successor as soon as possible, Agnyska. For your safety." Lola warned, and I nodded weakly at her. I went to sit on the bed and sighed again heavily.

Lola knew that I was tied, the moment she saw me. Kinausap n'ya ako tungkol do'n. Hindi malalaman kaagad ng iba, pero hindi magtatagal at malalaman din nila 'yun. At malaking kasalanan 'yun. Hindi pwedeng kasal ang High Priestess.

Kaya sa lalong madaling panahon, hahanap ako ng kapalit, at babalik kay Laurentius.

Days continued fast as I was searching for someone to replace me, and performing my duty as the High Priestess. No day passed, that I hadn't wish to be with Laurentius side. One day... I hope to be with him again. I miss him so much.

Hanggang isang gabi... bigla na lang akong nanaginip.

I heard a cry. Then... a star fell on me.

When I woke up, I was breathing heavily. Kaagad akong dinaluhan ni Lola. Then when our eyes met... we were both shocked. Tears continued to fall down my eyes, as I slowly held my stomach.

"Lola..." Kinakabahang sambit ko.

"A-Agnyska..." Nahihirapan at halos mawalan ng boses na sambit nito.

Nayakap ako ni Lola nang sobrang higpit dahil sa biglaang nangyari. She held me so close and I cried on her shoulders.

I'm... bearing a blessing. I'm pregnant. With Laurentius's child.

Para akong mababaliw. Hindi pwede. Hindi pwede. Ipapapatay nila ang anak namin. Hindi pwedeng mangyari 'yun. I cried and begged Lola. I needed to go as soon as possible. I would never let my child die.

Bakit sunod-sunod ang problema? Bakit hindi tumitigil?

Para akong mawawalan ng lakas. Inalagaan ako ni Lola habang nagdadalang-tao at patuloy na humahanap ng kapalit. Maliit pa ang tyan ko at bago pa lang, kaya may ilang buwan pa bago mahalata. Pero hindi ko 'to maitatago ng matagal... kailangan na naming magmadali...

"Aalis ka kapag lumaki ang tyan mo, at malapit ka nang manganak," Lola mentioned to me one night. "Then after you give birth, you'll return. Kailagan dahil dadanak ang dugo kung hindi." Wala akong masabi, tumango na lang ako, kahit hindi ko alam kung magagawa ko.

Hindi ko makakayang iwan ang anak namin ni Laurentius.

I didn't know how many nights I'd been crying to sleep because of how things were slowly turning out. I was almost... losing all hope. I was losing my own mind. I didn't know what to do. Akala ko 'yun na lang ang magiging kamalasan ko. Pero hindi pa pala... may mas malala pa palang dadating.

Lola and I were praying one night, when suddenly... a vision was showed to me.

Laurentius.

Warriors hurting him.

Warriors dragging him away from our home and from waiting for me.

He was begging, crying, and he told them he was waiting for me, na hindi pweng umalis s'ya kasi paano kapag dumating ako?

Dinakip s'ya. Binugbog. Walang awang sinaktan.

Hanggang magsuka ng dugo. Mawalan ng malay... at halos ng buhay.

They brought him to a prison. Prison for... runaway warriors.

"Hindi!" I yelled, and Lola was startled. Nagmamadali akong tumayo mula sa pagdadasal. Gulong-gulo si Lola sa nangyari, pero patuloy ako sa pag-iyak. Dinala n'ya ako sa bahay, para patahanin, dahil maaring makasama sa bata.

"Lola... Laurent... kailangan n'ya ako... Lola..." Umiiyak na sambit ko.

Niyakap ako ni Lola, hanggang makatulog ako sa lungkot at pag-aalala.

Pero hindi n'ya alam. Nagising ako nang hating gabi. At wala akong pag-aalinlangan na bumababa ng syudad gamit ang kabayo, patungo kay Laurentius, para isalba s'ya. Hindi ako papayag na may mangyaring masama sa kanya.

I became the High Priestess, I sacrified my love. But I wouldn't accept his death. No. Hindi pwede. Kahit ligtas lang s'ya... kahit 'yun na lang. Kahit habang buhay na akong maging High Priestess. Hinding-hindi ko na tatakasan ang pagiging High Priestess at ang kapalaran ko, para sa kaligtasan n'ya.

Nang dumating sa kulungan, dadalawa lang ang bantay. Kaya hindi ako nahirapan. Kaagad ko silang pinatumba. I knew how to fight. I still haven't forgotten all the trainings I had. Mabilis kong nagawa 'yun at pinuntahan ang lugar kung nasaan si Laurentius.

When I saw him, he looked so... lost, almost like death and sadness was eating him.

"Mahal ko..." I cried, and slowly dropped on the floor. Marahan n'yang itinaas ang ulo at nanlalaki ang mga mata nang makit ako. Halos takbuhin n'ya ang pag-itan naming dalawa. He hugged me even with metals dividing us.

"Agnyska..." he called my name with full longing.

I opened his cell, and he went out proceeding to hug me tightly. Niyakap ko rin s'ya kaagad, at umiyak ako sa dibdib n'ya. He kissed the top of my head endlessly. He didn't want to let go of me. I held his hand, and we quietly evaded the place. Hoping that no one had seen us.

I brought Laurentius to the village. He didn't want it. But I needed him near. Paano kung may mangyari na namang masama at dalhin s'ya sa iba pang malayong kulungan? Hindi pwede. Nang makarating, hindi pa tumataas ang araw, kaya naman kaagad akong kumuha ng damit na kagaya ng mga lalaki sa lugar namin, para makapagtago s'ya.

"Hindi mo, kailangang gawin 'to..." he whispered at me, kissing my forehead.

I shook my head at him sadly. "Please?" I begged. He looked conflicted. Then I reached for his hand... and I placed it on my stomach.

His eyes flew wide open. I smiled at him, and tiptoed to kiss his lips delicately.

"Mahal kita, at mahal na mahal ko rin ang magiging anak natin..." bulong ko sa kanya. I saw how his eyes started to water, and he hugged me without the will of letting me go again.

When morning came, I explained everything to Lola. Wala s'yang nagawa kung hindi payagan si Laurentius na dumito muna. Hindi n'ya alam ang gagawin sa mga problema naming walang tigil. Pakiramdam ko mawawalan ako ng lakas sa mga nangyayari.

But with Laurentius beside me... I know someday... we would be able to live happily with our child. That's my only wish.

To be happy with my family. With Laurentius... and our little Laurentius.

Ilang linggo rin ang lumipas at wala namang nangyayari o nakakahalata kay Laurentius. Kaya patuloy kami ni Lola sa paghahanap ng kapalit ko at ng mga gawain ko biglang High Priestess. Kapag uuwi sa bahay, masaya ako kasi mayayakap ko si Laurentius do'n. Masaya na ako kahit 'yun lang.

Pero isang araw... naabutan ko na nag-uusap nang masinsinan si Lola at Laurentius.

"Maayos naman po ba ang lagay ni Agnyska?" Magalang na tanong ni Laurentius.

Lola bowed, and shook her head. I remained hidden, listening to them. "Hindi..." Napabuntonghininga ako sa pagiging totoo ni Lola kay Laurentius.

"Bawal ang kasal sa High Priestess, ang kalabangang 'yun, kamatayan ang parusa at maaring madamay ang buong angkan. Maaring maraming buhay ang mawala." Nakita ko kung paano natigilan si Laurentius. His eyes showed that he wanted to change it. That he was sorry for what he caused.

I was to blame. Ako ang nagpumilit, kasi akala ko matatakasan ko ang lahat. Akala ko magiging maganda ang takbo ng lahat. Puro akala. Ako ang may kasalanan kung bakit nandito kami sa ganitong sitwasyon. Kaya't gagawin ko ang lahat para maituwid ang lahat, nang walang buhay na maisasakripisyo.

"Patawad po..." Nakatungong sambit nito kay Lola.

"Kung hindi Punong Babaylan si Agnyska, sa 'yo ko lang ipagkakatiwala ang batang 'yun..." Lola told him truthfully. "Ang pagmamahalan n'yong dalawa ay napakatibay. Napakapuro. Totoong-totoo. Kaso... tadhana ang kalaban n'yo..." Malungkot na dugtong nito.

"May magagawa po ba ako para protektahan si Agnyska? Gagawin ko po ang lahat..." he whispered, heartbreaking. I covered my mouth, I felt like breaking down, and crying again. Palagi na lang ba akong iiyak?

Lola shook her head. "Ako ang gagawa ng paraan."

"Pero..." Laurentius said with hesitation. "Sabihin n'yo po. Hahanap din po ako ng paraan. Hindi ko po kakayanin kung may mangyari sa pinakamamahal..."

Lola sighed. Like it was against her heart to say something but still did. However, I didn't hear it fully. All I heard was... it was about our tie. On how to cut our tie. Napakunot-noo ako. Hindi naman basta-basta mawawala 'yun. Pangako naming dalawa 'yun eh. Tunay 'yun eh.

Napabuntonghininga na lang ako. At sinalubong ako ni Laurentius nang matapos silang mag-usap ni Lola.

"Kamusta?" he asked with a forced smile.

"Ikaw ang kamusta? Ano'ng pinag-usapan n'yo ni Lola?" I asked him. He only shook his head, he didn't answer. Probably, didn't want to lie. He had always been like that... pure, honest, kind and strong.

Days and nights passed, and I was happy with Laurentius near me. Kahit paano, sa problema namin, masaya ako kasi nasa tabi kami nang isa't isa. Pinag-uusapan na rin namin ang kinabukasan ng magiging anak namin.

In the days where it was the hardest, I was able to move on and keep going forward for them.

"Ano'ng gusto mong pangalan n'ya?" I asked him, while laying on his chest. Nasa loob kami ng bahay sa kwarto ko. Kinuha ko ang kamay n'ya at inilagay 'yun sa tyan ko.

"Hmm... ano ba'ng maganda?" I chuckled at him.

"Kapag babae, dapat... Atarah," banggit ko sa kanya.

"Atarah?" he asked. "Ang ganda..." Tapos ay naramdaman kong hinawakan n'ya ang kamay ko.

"Kapag lalaki?" Biglang tanong n'ya.

"Ikaw mag-isip?" Nilalaro ko ang kamay n'ya habang sinasabi ko 'yun. Tumawa s'ya ng marahan.

"Akakios," sambit n'ya sa napakaseryoso at nakapamahinahon na boses. Like he had been thinking that name since he found out about our child.

Umupo ako at humarap sa kanya. He brushed my hair with his hand. "Bakit Akakios?" tanong ko naman.

"Like you... it means pure," he whispered, and kissed my forehead. I closed my eyes to feel it. Ang gaan sa pakiramdam. I just solely at peace.

"Pure? Me?" natatawang sambit ko. He nodded seriously.

"You are the High Priestess... and you'll always be one..." bulong nito na nakapagpalito sa akin. Pinangunutan ko s'ya ng noo pero hindi n'ya inulit ulit ang sinabi at iniba pa n'ya ang usapan namin, kaya wala akong nagawa.

Humiga ako sa dibdib n'ya at niyakap s'ya nang sobrang higpit. Then I slowly, traced his lips, and I levelled my face on him. I kissed him, and he returned it.

"Mga taksil!" Napabitaw ako kay Laurentius, at nanlalaki ang mga mata na napatingin sa pinto.

Kaagad akong napatayo. Laurentius gave me my cover, and I wore it hurriedly. Pero biglang nagkagulo ang lahat. Biglang dumami ang mga tao. Nagsimulang magkagulo. I went to them, to quiet them down, but they suddenly looked at me with full of disgust.

"Isa kang kahihiyan sa angkan!" yelled one voice in full of power.

Biglang may dumating na mga guwardya at mga mandirigma. At nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang bigla nilang puntahan si Laurentius para bugbugin at napasigaw na ako. "H'wag! H'wag! H'wag!" But they didn't listen, they trampled on him, they punched him, they made him bleed in front of my eyes.

I cried and begged them not to do it.

At nagulat ako nang bigla akong hawakan ng isa sa mga kawal. "Suwail!" I yelled at him, and was about to slap him, but another caught my arms.

"Bitiwan n'yo ako! Hindi pwede ang ginagawa n'yo!" Galit na galit na hiway ko habang umiiyak. I looked at my poor Laurentius, and he was not fighting them. Ang dami n'yang galos at dumudugo ang ilang parte ng katawan n'ya.

Everything was in chaos. Everything were blurry. Everything was happening so fast!

They dragged the two of us outside. All the people in the village, looked at us with fire torch in their hands. I was crying hysterically begging them to stop hurting Laurentius.

"Tigilan n'yo 'yan!" I shouted that my throat almost went hoarse.

Para akong 'yung binubugbog nila habang pinagtutulungan ng napakaraming kawal si Laurentius na hindi man lang nanalaban.

"Ako na lang! Parang awa n'yo na!" I beseeched, almost on the land, kneeling on two knees, kung hindi lang ako hawak ng mga kawal.

"Bugbugin n'yo rin 'to! S'ya ang nagkunsiti sa lahat nang mga kataksilan dito!" Kaagad akong napatigil sa pagwawala at pagmamakaawa, nang tumingin sa isang dako. Namilog ang mga mata ko, at halos muntik na akong mamatay sa nakita.

It was Lola. Bloody. Almost lifeless. Being dragged in the middle where Laurentius and I was.

Nagbulong-bulungan ang mga tao sa paligid. Iyak ako nang iyak lalong lalo na nang simulan nilang hampasin si Lola ng mga hawak nilang kahoy.

"H'wag! Parang awa n'yo na! H'wag!" I cried helplessly. Nanlaban ako. Ginawa ko ang lahat para makawala sila. Pero biglang sumakit ang tyan ko, kaya kakaibang kaba ang naramamdaman ko. Nahirapan ang manlaban at gawin ang karaniwang nagagawa ko.

"Itigil n'yo!" Natigilan ang lahat nang biglang may dumating na lalaki.

With full of tears, I looked at who. And I clenched my fists and teeth when I saw him.

Lahat nang nandito lumuhod para magbigay galang sa kanya. I didn't do it. Instead, I spatted to where he was standing. "Hayop ka!" I bellowed loudly.

But he only laughed like an evil being.

"Ano ba kasing sabi ko sa 'yo? Wala kang ibang maloloko rito. You are married to that man. And you are the High Priestess? Bullshit!" he decalred powerfully, and everyone gasped, the started throwing us hurtful words.

As if... I didn't try my best to save them. As if... Laurentius didn't show them kindness.

"Bugbugin n'yo pa ang pangahas na 'yan! Pati ang matandang 'yan!" sigaw ng Prinsipe. Sigaw ni Abelard.

"Itigil n'yo!" I almost went ballistic with wanting them to stop torturing Lola and Laurentius. "Ako ang parusahan n'yo, h'wag sila!" Halos lumuhod ako kahit maraming nakahawak sa akin.

I cried my eyes out. "Parang awa n'yo na! H'wag ang Lola! H'wag ang mahal ko..." Halos naghihingalong sambit ko.

Abelard laughed like a mad maniac.

"Mahal?" he mocked. "Pwede ka palang magmahal?" He went to me and he cupped my face forecully. I winced in pain.

"You have no power now. You are not allowed to be the High Priestess. You are married," he stated it word per word in full emphasis. Kakaibang galit ang namuos sa dibdib ko.

"Ah, pero naging High Priestess ka ng kasal hindi ba? Ibig sabihin, lumabag ka sa batas. Alam mo ang kapalit no'n?" Inilapit n'ya ang mukha sa gilid ko, sa tainga ko. "Kamatayan..." he whispered, and I felt goosebumps all over my body.

"Hindi! H'wag n'yong sasaktan si Agnyska!" Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang magsalita si Laurentius.

"Nakakapagsalita pa?! Bugbugin n'yo pa 'yan!" sigaw ni Abelard.

Then they tortured my Laurentius more. I begged, I wailed, I almost died with the torment I was seeing. My heart couldn't take it.

"Pagkatapos... ito naman ang patayin n'yo." Kakaibang kilabot ang naramdaman ko nang bigla akong tingnan ni Abelard at biglang lumapit ang mga kawal sa akin.

"Huwag!" Laurentius yelled, almost out of breath.

"She's not married to me! She's the High Priestess!" Nalilito akong napatingin sa kanya habang umiiyak at sumisigaw na h'wag silang saktan ni Lola.

"Really? I have someone who can guarantee that you two are married." Bale-walang sambit ni Abelard. At nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita si Bastien.

Para ang nabaliw at matindi ang naging galit sa nakita. Bastien was blessed to know about marriage. Kaya nang makita kami no'n alam n'yang nagsasabi ako ng totoo! He knew the bond between Laurentius and I!

"Hayop ka!" I screamed intensely. Abelard laughed like he was having all the fun.

"Hindi... hindi kami kasal..." Nanghihinang tumayo si Laurentius sa kinatatayuan. Nagmamakaawa akong tumingin sa kanya. Baka patayin s'ya ni Abelard sa ginawa, sa pagsisinungaling...

"Laurentius... please..." I begged, nawawalan na ng lakas at boses.

Naglakad si Laurentius papalapit sa akin. Kukunin s'ya ng mga kawal, pero sinenyasan ni Abelard na hayaan 'to habang tuwang-tuwa sa pinapanuod.

Halos gumapang si Laurentius papalapit sa akin. Pilit akong kumawala sa mga nakahawak sa akin. At pinakawalan nila ako. I ran to him. I hugged him, and I cried so hard. Hindi na alam ang gagawin. Hindi na alam ang mararamdaman.

Not him... not my Laurentius. Ako na lang. Ako na lang ang kunan nila ng buhay.

"She's the High Priestess... and we are not married..." stated Laurentius seriously. I shook my head, I gently cupped his face. Then he smiled sadly at me.

Lumapit ang isang kawal sa amin para paghiwalayin kaming dalawa. Napaupo ako sa lupa dahil sa pwersa. Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Laurentius sa gulat.

Abelard went to me with Bastien to confirm it. However, before they could do it. Laurentius blocked me from them, and he took out a knife. My eyes widened... no... no... no...

He looked at me from the side who was looking at him in worry. Tumayo ako para lapitan sila, kaso kakaibang sakit ang naramdaman ko sa tyan. Para akong mamatay sa sakit. I bit my lower lip and still stood up to walk near Laurentius.

Laurentius glanced at me full of tears, bruises, and blood. But I could clearly see his sincerity, his love, and his protection.

"Mahal kita... sobra."

"Laurentius!"

I cried so hard, and was left breathless, when the sound of silence, stillness, and emptiness covered me.

Laurentius... stabbed his heart in front of Abelard, while smiling at me, telling me how much he loves me...

"Nooooo!" That night I cried... the moon and the sun also cried with me.

***