Song: A Safe Place to Land- Sara Bareilles ft. John Legend 

Engaged

"Did you buy everything you need?" bahagya akong nagulat nang sumulpot si Timothy sa likuran ko.

I was silently sitting at the sofa while staring at nothing when he arrived. Ni hindi ko na nga napansin na dumating na pala siya dahil sa dami ng iniisip ko.

Pinatakan niya ako ng halik sa aking pisngi. Sinundan ko naman siya ng tingin habang umikot siya sa may sofa upang tumabi sa akin.

"What did you buy?" tanong niya at tsaka tinuro ang paper bag na nasa hita ko.

Napatingin ako sa paper bag na nasa hita ko at tsaka ko lang narealize na hindi ko pa pala nagagalaw ito simula nang dumating ako. My brain's slightly frozen after I went to Zach's.

I couldn't... I couldn't process everything. It was hard for me to believe... It was hard because ever since I woke up from coma I always have this doubt if what they're telling me is real.

Nahihirapan akong magtiwala lalo na't wala naman akong naaalala.

"Oh... These are the books I find interesting." Binuksan ko naman ang paper bag at pinakita sakanya iyong mga librong binili ko.

"To Kill a Mockingbird? I didn't know you're into classics."

"Someone suggested it to me. I'd like to give it a try."

"Who suggested?" umayos siya ng upo upang linungin ako nang mas maayos. 

"A regular at the bookstore. I was having a hard time looking for some books. Thank goodness she was there to help me." I lied. Timothy nods his head.

"Oh... She..."

Ramdam ko na guminhawa ang pakiramdam niya nang sinabi ko na babae iyong tumulong sa akin. He wouldn't like it if I told him it's a he.

I'm sure he'll start thinking that it's Zach. Which in fact is right. But I wanna know why he feels so threatened whenever Zach comes into the picture.

He must really be someone that they never want me to cross paths with. Mainly because he knows what's up.

"So," I started after a moment of silence. "I'll read this now. Just call me when Ate Isabella arrives."

"Okay..."

Agad naman akong nagtungo sa taas. I was lying when I told him that I'm going to read. Ang totoo talaga ay hahanapin ko kung saan nila itinago ang mga gamit ko dati.

I look to my left and right before I enter the storage room. There are lots of boxes everywhere.

It would take so much time if I will check them out one by one. At isa pa, baka mahuli ako ni Timothy na nandidito ako. Ate Isabella will arrive anytime by now.

Lumapit ako sa kahon na mukhang mas bago kumpara sa mga ibang kahon na nandidito. I sighed in relief when I saw that it isn't taped. Dahil kung sakali, wala akong gagamitin para tanggalin ang pagkakatape ng kahon na iyon.

Mga lumang damit ang nasa loob ng kahon. I tried to dig deeper but everything is just full of clothes. So, I went to the next box.

I was grateful that I found this box, because if I didn't, I wouldn't know that they're hiding something like this here.

The box was full of someone's belongings. May nakita rin akong isang lumang libro. Tiningnan ko ang libro at nakitang may nakaipit na bookmark dito. I turn to that page.

A polaroid picture serves as the book's bookmark. My breathing hitched when I saw that it's a polaroid picture of me and Zach at the beach.

Halos mabitawan ko ang libro nang marinig kong tinatawag ang pangalan ko sa baba. I grab the things that would hopefully make me remember something about my past.

Tumayo ako at tinago ang mga kinuha kong gamit at inilagay iyon sa paper bag na dala ko kanina.

"Savannah..." I heard the voice coming nearer.

I went out of the room at agad naman akong sinalubong ni Timothy. Kinunotan niya ako ng noo.

"What are you doing in that room?"

I tried to come up with an excuse.

"I'm just wondering if you have some classic novels in there. I just finished reading the first three chapters of To Kill a Mockingbird and I was already so hooked into it. So, I just want to try other classic novels if you have one?"

Timothy eyed me weirdly. Tiningnan niya ang kamay kong nakahawak parin sa paper bag na dala ko kanina.

"And you didn't let go of that?"

"Oh! I couldn't put it down! I'm just so happy to buy these books!"

Napipilitang tumango si Timothy. He rest his hand on the small of my back to lead me to our room.

"Isabella's here now. Come on and get ready."

"Okay..." I said and I looked back on the storage room again.

Habang nasa banyo si Timothy at nag-aayos ay itinago ko ang mga gamit na nakuha ko kanina sa aking cabinet. I made sure that Timothy won't notice that I'm trying to hide something here, I was acting like I was having a hard time looking for a dress to wear.

"What's taking you so long?" he asked.

"Uhm... I can't find a dress to wear tonight."

He sighed heavily and went straight to me. Siya na mismo ang naghanap ng pupwede kong isuot ngayong gabi.

"This... It will look good on you." aniya sabay inilahad sa akin ang dress na kanyang napili.

I smiled and thanked him.

After I got ready, I went down the stairs with him to welcome Ate Isabella. She smiled at me.

"It's been a while."

"How are you?" I asked.

"I'm doing well. How about you?"

"Great! I just bought some books a while ago and I was just so happy about it."

"I'm surprised Timothy lets you come out of this house."

Nagtungo naman kami sa dining table.

"Well, she badly needed a new book. Plus, malapit lang naman iyong bookstore." paliwanag ni Timothy.

Ate Isabella shrugged her shoulders. She immediately found a place for herself at the dining table. Pumwesto naman ako sa harap niya habang si Timothy naman ang nakapwesto sa may kabisera.

Timothy initiated the conversation and that went on until Ate Isabella slid her phone towards Timothy. I was watching their every move. I saw how careful they are trying so that I won't notice what they're doing.

Nakuha pang ngumiti sa akin ni Ate Isabella matapos niyang itulak ang kanyang telepono kay Timothy. I smiled back.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Timothy reading something from her phone. Ate Isabella started a conversation with me. She keeps on asking about the books I've been reading. I tried to answer all her questions but at the same time, I tried to watch out for Timothy's reaction.

Ano ba iyong binabasa niya at bakit bigla nalang siyang naging seryoso?

Timothy cleared his throat after reading what's on the phone. He sat up straight and he began to look at me. He smiled a little.

"Would you like some champagne?"

"Sure." I answered.

Timothy raised his finger to instruct what he needs. He looks at me again and smiled.

Something's bothering him. I can see that.

He lets out an exaggerated sigh. Kung hindi pa nagsalita si Ate Isabella ay malamang, balot na balot na kami ng katahimikan ngayon.

"I heard there's a formal party coming up this weekend. Are you going?" she asks Timothy.

"Of course. I'm bringing Sav with me. Are you going?"

"Yes. A dear friend invited me. It's good that she'll be able to mingle with other people. I heard she's getting bored here." Ate Isabella chuckled.

I scoff. "Hmm... maybe a little. But I enjoyed reading so boredom doesn't really bother me sometimes."

We decided to finish our dinner when it's already getting late. We already did a lot of catching up so I think that's enough. Nauna akong tumayo. I can feel the both of them following me from behind. When we reached the stairs, Timothy spoke.

"Mauna ka na at may pag-uusapan lang kami ng Ate mo." ani Timothy. Tumango naman ako at tsaka lumapit sa aking kapatid.

"Bye. It was nice seeing you again." I said then I press a kiss on both of her cheeks.

She smiled a little. "Sleep well, Savannah."

Ramdam ko ang pag-sunod nila ng tingin sa akin habang paakyat ako. Nang makaakyat na ako ng tuluyan ay doon ko sila narinig na nag-uusap. I hid myself on the corner so I could listen to their conversation.

"I think I should push through with the engagement." I heard Timothy spoke.

"You should. Do it on the night of the formal party. I'm sure that will shock everyone." Si Ate Isabella.

"Is he going to be there?"

"Of course he will. That's why it's the best time for you to propose to Sam."

She addressed me as Sam. Fucking hell. Zach was telling me the truth all along.

I clenched my fist. Hindi ko sisirain ang plano nila. Sa halip, sasabayan ko sila. They've been feeding my head up with lies ever since I woke up from coma. Bilang lang sa daliri ko ang mga katotohanan na sinabi nila tungkol sa akin.

I jumped a little when I heard them saying their goodbyes to each other. Mabilis akong pumasok ng kwarto namin at dumiretso ng banyo.

Enough playing games with me, Timothy and Isabella. I won't let you tell me another lie anymore.

Come formal party night, Timothy hired some people to help me get ready for the event. He even bought me an expensive looking dress.

Prepared much huh?

Timothy hugged me from behind when he saw me looking at myself in the mirror. He bought me a emerald long satin dress.

I chuckled a little when he pressed a kiss on my neck.

"You are so beautiful..." he whispered. 

I don't know what to feel about a liar hugging me from behind. All I did was to believe everything he says. I did nothing but to follow all his rules even though it doesn't make sense sometimes.

Masyado kasi akong nakatuon ang pagpilit na pag-alala sa lahat na hindi ko na napapansin na nagsisinungaling na sa akin ang mga taong pinagkatiwalaan ko simula nang magising ako.

Sa oras na maalala ko ang lahat, magbabayad sila sa lahat ng kasinungalingan na ginawa nila sa akin.

My mouth gaped open when I saw a lot of photographers waiting outside the formal party venue. Timothy rest his hand on my thigh.

"It's okay. You'll get used to it."

Oh, of course. I got used to it before, I'll get used to it again now.

The chauffeur opened the door for us. Unang lumabas si Timothy sa akin. When he was already outside, he escorted me to go out of the car. Ramdam ko ang pagsunod ng mga camera sa gawi namin.

Nang lumabas ako ay sunod-sunod na click ng camera ang sumalubong sa akin. I keep on hearing gasp when Timothy slid his hand on my waist.

"Samantha Enriquez and... Timothy Sandoval?" I heard one of the press said.

Agad kaming dinumog ng mga media. They keep on throwing us questions, especially to me. All of them are asking about my relationship with Zach.

To be honest, I really don't know the answer to that. Because that part, is still unclear to me.

Mabilis akong iginiya ni Timothy papasok ng venue.

"What was that? And why do they keep on asking me about Zach? What is my relationship with him?" I asked. Ramdam ko ang pagkabigla ni Timothy sa tanong ko.

"Don't mind them. Baka nagkakamali lang sila." he answered, he feels a little uneasy. He awkwardly fixed his tie.

"But I keep on hearing that even from before-"

"I said don't mind them, Sav. Those are non-sense!" Natahimik ako sa biglaang pagtaas niya ng kanyang boses. 

Kahit siya ay mukhang nagulat rin nang dahil sa kanyang reaksyon. He gently held my elbow.

"You know... Let's just... Let's just get inside."

Bumuka ang bibig ko at tumango nalang. He offered his arm to me to escort me towards the ballroom.

All eyes are towards us as we entered the hall. Ang iba nagbubulungan pa habang ang iba naman ay mukhang gulat na gulat sa kanilang nakikita.

An usherette immediately welcomed us and guided us towards our table. A group of people went to us as we occupy our places.

"I was surprised that you're with her instead of..." the lady uneasily pointed her finger towards Zach's table. Timothy raised his brow.

"Expect the unexpected." he answered simply.

"Anyways, this just brought up a lot of confusion to people. But I'm happy for the both of you." the lady then turned to me and smiled. I awkwardly smiled back.

Pagkatapos noon ay ipinakilala naman ako ni Timothy sa iba niyang business partners. I wonder if these people knew that I have an amnesia?

We were busy talking to one another when Timothy whispered something in my ear.

"Excuse me for a while please," aniya sabay binitawan ang baywang ko.

Tumango ako at hinayaan na siyang kumawala sa tabi ko.

"So, when did you and Timothy started dating?" a middle aged lady asked.

"I don't exactly remember when. I'm bad with dates." I used that lame excuse.

If these people knew that I have an amnesia, they will understand. But if they don't, it would only be hard for me to explain.

For now, things are getting a little bit messier. Especially now that I can remember some parts of my memory.

"But you just confirmed your relationship with Zachary Dela Merced a few days back." Ani ng isa pang babae sa grupo namin.

Umangat ang kilay ko. "Oh, I did?"

She laughs awkwardly. "Yes. It's all over the internet! There have been a lot of speculations about you two breaking up. Guess it's confirmed now."

I pursed my lips. Sa halip na sumagot ay nginitian ko na lamang sila.

Maybe that's the reason why Ate Isabella and Timothy didn't give an access to the internet. Alam nilang may mga bagay na nandoon na makakapagkumpirma sa totoong pagkatao ko. 

We all focused our attention to Timothy when he started speaking in front of everyone.

"Good evening, everyone. I would like to welcome you all here. First, I would like to introduce myself to everyone. I'm Timothy Sandoval and I'm a dear friend to the person behind this formal party. I was lucky enough to have the opening remarks for this party and also I am grateful because he allowed me to have this special moment with my girlfriend."

Nagulat naman ako nang may biglang tumawag sa akin na isa sa mga organizers ng event na ito. He asked me to be in front together with Timothy. I immediately obliged.

When I reached the center, Timothy snaked his arms around my waist and introduced me to everyone. People started to clap their hands but at the same time, they all have a questioning look on their faces.

Siguro ang iba sakanila nagtataka kung bakit iba ang pagpapakilala ni Timothy sa akin. I feel like everyone in this party knows me as Sam.

"Sav, I am always grateful for the days that I get to spend with you. That's why it would be such an achievement for me if you're willing to spend your everyday with me." my brows rose as he kneeled in front of me.

"Will you marry me?"

Tila ba naging tahimik ang paligid. There were some gasp and therr are some who are probably waiting for my answer.

But as I've said, hindi ko sisirain ang plano nila. I have other plan in mind.

I smiled at Timothy and fake cried.

"Yes!" I answered. Everyone clapped their hands and shouted as Timothy inserted the ring on my finger.

Timothy stood up and aimed to press a kiss on my lips but that didn't happen because instead of letting him kiss me, I quickly enveloped him in a hug.

And at that moment, I saw Zach storming out of the ballroom.

Nawala lang ang tingin ko sakanya nang alisin na ni Timothy ang sarili niya mula sa pagkakayakap sa akin.

"Thank you."

I smiled instead of answering him. Hinarap niya kami sa lahat at tsaka itinaas niya ang kamay ko na para bang nagwagi siya sa isang patimpalak.