Song: Sino- Unique 

Future

We won the case.

Parang nabunutan ako ng tinik nang marinig ko ang sinabi ng jury spokesman.

"Case number 52735. People of the Philippines versus Isabella Enriquez and Timothy Sandoval for the crime of kidnapping. Considering the testimonies of the witnesses of both parties, and after a thorough examination of the facts and circumstances for the crime of kidnapping, the accused, Isabella Enriquez and Timothy Sandoval... are found guilty beyond reasonable doubt."

Zach who's sitting beside me immediately grabbed my hand. Napatayo sila Ryan at Alisha. Lumapit sila sa akin upang yumakap.

Sa kabilang banda naman ay narinig namin ang pag-sigaw ni Calliope. She cried in agony knowing that her daughter is going to jail because of the crime that she did.

Habang ako, hindi parin makapaniwala. Ang tagal naming pinaglabanan itong kaso. Ang tagal namin silang hinintay na umattend ng hearing.

I was confident that we're going to win the case. After all, we've got Josefine Velasquez and the person behind the editing of the CCTV video, as our witnesses. Kaya naman ay wala rin kaming nakikitang rason para hindi namin maipanalo ito.

We've found out that they paid millions to these two. Sinagot pa nila ang tirahan sa bansang pinuntahan nila para lang makapagtago. Buti nalang at magaling iyong tauhan ni Zach kaya nalaman namin kung nasaan sila.

"Sam..." kung hindi pa ako tinawag ni Zach ay hindi na ako gagalaw sa pwesto ko. "Are you okay?"

Tumango ako at binalingan ang pwesto nila Isabella at Timothy. Isabella is silently crying on her seat while Timothy's head is down.

Nalugi iyong kompanya niya simula noong ibinunyag ko sa lahat ang ginawa niya. A lot of his business partners withdrawed their shares on his company. Kaya rin siguro nalugi ng husto ang kompanya niya.

Their parents didn't attend the hearing. Ayaw na rin daw kasi nila makisali sa gulo. Sa kagustuhan man nilang ipagtanggol ang anak ay hindi nila magawa. Kahit sila ay aminado na mali ang ginawa ni Timothy. Humingi pa sila ng tawad sa akin dahil sa ginawa nito sa akin.

"The accused, Isabella Enriquez and Timothy Sandoval are sentenced to a lifetime imprisonment."

"No!" Sigaw ni Calliope. "No!"

Tumakbo siya patungo kay Isabella at tsaka niyakap ito. Isabella broke down in tears. Hindi niya magawang mayakap pabalik ng kanyang ina dahil nakaposas siya.

Masakit rin para sa akin na makita siyang mahatulan ng pang habang buhay na pagkakabilanggo. Pero nararapat lang sakanya 'to.

Mas masakit parin iyong ginawa niya sa akin. She's my family! I treated her with love and respect. But what did I get in return? Sinira niya ako.

She treated me like I wasn't a part of her family. Oo, anak ako sa labas pero bakit hindi niya ako magawang tanggapin? Bakit sa akin niya ibinubuhos ang galit niya?

Nakita kong lumapit na ang mga pulis sa pwesto nila. The other officer forced Calliope to let go of Isabella. Nang makawala ito ay ibinaling niya ang tingin sa akin.

She walked towards me. Agad namang pumwesto si Zach sa harap ko at ipwinesto ako sa likod niya. It's like he's shielding me if ever Calliope decided to attack me.

But what happens next surprises me the most. Sa halip na umatake siya ay nagulat nalang ako nang bigla siyang lumuhod sa harap ko habang humahagulhol.

"I'm sorry... We're sorry! Please don't do this, Sam... Maawa ka sa Ate mo. Kapatid mo siya, Sam. Kapatid mo siya."

I clenched my jaw. I tried to hold back my tears. Kinuyom ko ang kamao ko at malamig na tiningnan si Calliope sa mata.

"And now you're begging me just because she's going to jail. You are still cruel. Sana hindi mo kinunsinti ang anak mo. Sana narealize mo na dito hahantong ang lahat ng plano niya. It's only right to get her imprisoned."

"I'm sorry, Sam... I'm sorry..."

"Don't," I pointed my shaking finger at her. I felt my lips tremble. "Ever say sorry. I know you don't mean it."

Bumuka ang bibig niya. Inilayo naman ako ni Zach doon. Agad na dumalo sa akin si Caitlyn na umiiyak na rin ngayon. Niyakap ko siya.

"I'm sorry." I whispered in her ear.

It's sad that she's in between all of these. Kita ko sa mga mata niya na nasasaktan siya para sa nangyayari sa kapatid namin.

"It's okay, Ate Sam... Dapat lang 'to. Tama lang ang ginawa mo."

Tumango ako at hinayaan nang tumulo ang luha ko. I hugged her tight.

Nang dadalhin na sila Isabella at Timothy pabalik ng selda ay doon na nag-wala si Calliope. She keeps on begging everyone—even the judge—to hold back her decision.

Kinailangan pa siyang pigilan ng ibang pulis para lang matigil siya sa pag-wawala.

"I'll visit you, anak! Lagi kitang bibisitahin." Ani Calliope kay Isabella habang hawak nito ang magkabila niyang pisngi.

Tumango si Isabella at yumuko upang ilabas na ang kanyang mga luha.

Nang dumaan sila sa harap ko ay tumama ang tingin ni Isabella sa akin. She's crying.

"I'm sorry." she mumbled. Hindi ako kumibo.

Ngayon niya pa talaga sinabi 'yan. Ngayon pa siya humingi ng tawad kung kailan napakarami na niyang ginawa sa akin.

Nakahinga nalang ako muli ng maluwag nang tuluyan nang nawala sa paningin ko si Isabella at Timothy.

Nagtungo ako kay Alisha para yakapin siya. Hindi ko siya nakitaan ng kahit anumang lungkot habang nakikita ang kapatid niya na makukulong.

Alisha smiled at me once we finished hugging. Nilingon niya si Zach at pabirong siniko ito.

"So, ano na? Wala nang manggagambala. Baka naman may proposal na diyan?"

I jokingly glared at her. Si Zach naman ay natawa nalang sa sinabi niya. Habang si Tony at Ryan naman ay ginatungan pa ang kaibigan ko.

"Oonga, Zach. Baka naghihintay na 'yung isa dyan!" Si Ryan.

"It looks like she's been expecting for quite some time now!" Bumuka ang bibig ko nang dahil sa sinabi ni Tony. Pabiro ko siyang pinalo.

"What?! I wasn't!" I said in my defense.

Tumawa nalang sila nang dahil sa naging reaksyon ko.

Pagkapatos naming magpunta sa court room ay dumiretso kami sa isang restaurant para magkaroon ng salu-salo.

I wrapped my arms around Caitlyn. Bakas parin sa mukha niya ang lungkot that's why I'm willing to do anything to make her smile again.

Caitlyn and I reunited the day after I came back to Zach. Apparently, hindi na pala niya number iyong numero na ilang beses ko nang tinatawagan.

Agad siyang sumugod sa bahay nang sinabi ko sakanya na nakakaalala na ako. We did a lot of catching up. Siya na rin ang nagkwento sa akin tungkol sa pagkamatay ni Daddy.

Sobrang bigat sa pakiramdam na namatay si Daddy habang nasa coma ako. She told me that my father always look out for me. Halos nasa tabi ko na nga lang daw lagi.

My father was really serious when he told me that he wanted to compensate the time that we lost. Gustong-gusto niya talagang makabawi sa akin.

I'm happy that he's with my mother now. They're back in each other's arms and I hope that they're happy together as they watch me get my life back on track again.

I felt someone's presence behind me as I stare blanky outside the balcony. Hindi ko na kailangan pang lumingon para alamin kung sino ito. I immediately know who it is.

Ang mga bumabagabag sa aking isipan ay agad na nawala nang ipinulupot niya ang kanyang mga braso sa aking baywang. He pressed a soft kiss on my temple. Inihilig ko naman ang aking ulo sa kanyang dibdib.

"What's bothering you hmm?" he asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I just can't believe that everything's over now. I'm finally going to have the life that I've always wanted. Wala nang manggugulo. No one's going to try and break us apart again."

I felt him nod his head behind me. "Hindi ko hahayaang mangyari pa ulit iyon."

"Thank you for always saving me," hinarap ko siya. I smiled at him while I stare deeply into his eyes. "Thank you for not giving up."

"Well, I almost-"

"But still, you didn't. Kung tutuusin, pupwede mo na akong iwan nung mga oras na na-comatose ako. You could've easily give up on me and just go on with your life. You could've found another girl and... b-build your own family with her." my voice broke.

"Shh... don't say that. You know that I won't give up on you, right?"

I nod my head. May luhang lumandas sa aking mga mata at mabilis niya namang pinalis iyon.

"Hindi ako nagsikap na mapasaakin ka ulit para iwan kita nang ganon-ganon lang. No matter how many catastrophes enter our life, I still won't give up on you. I promised, Sam. Hindi lang ako sa'yo nangako, nangako rin ako sa tatay mo."

Napaayos ako ng tayo nang dahil sa sinabi niya. My forehead creased in curiosity.

"I promised your father that I'll be the one to take care of you. I promised to him that I will love you with all that I am—with all that I've got. Kaya kung iiwan kita, parang sinira ko na rin ang tiwala ni Tito Anthony sa akin."

I pressed my lips into a thin line. Kahit na saglit lang kami nagkasama ni Daddy noon, hindi niya parin ako nakalimutang ihabilin.

I smiled genuinely at the man who gave me so much happiness ever since I found him. I grab his cheeks and pulled him closer to me. Napangiti pa siya nang marealize niya kung ano ang gagawin ko.

He opened his mouth. Magsasalita pa sana siya pero hindi ko na siya hinayaan pang dumaldal pa dahil agad ko nang inilapat ang aking labi sakanya. I kissed him deeply and passionately.

Nang sumunod na araw ay inimbitahan kami ni Tita Carmel sa kanilang bahay. They are going to have their annual family gathering. Everyone's going to be there and I'm so excited to see everyone again. Tony and Ryan are invited, too, so it's going to be really fun!

Sabay sabay kaming nagtungo papunta sa bahay nila. Ryan can't shut his mouth about how excited he is. He told us that he's been looking forward to this day ever since he got the invite from Tita Carmel.

Nang makarating kami sakanila ay agad akong sinalubong ni Tita Carmel. Di namin naiwasan na maging emosyonal sa muli naming pagkikita. I missed her so much!

I never had the chance to visit them since we were all busy with the case. Gusto ko sanang magpunta kahit sandali lang kaso sobrang abala lang talaga namin.

"It's okay, hija! I understand! Ang importante nakapunta kayo ngayon! I missed you!" sambit niya nang ipaliwanag ko sakanya kung bakit hindi kami nakadalaw ni Zach.

Sinalubong naman ni Tito Patrick ang kanyang anak at tsaka mahigpit na niyakap ito. I can still remember the look that he gave me when Zach walked out of the party. He felt sorry, not only for me, but also for his son.

I can still clearly remember the hurt in his eyes... the begging... oh, I don't think I could ever erase that in my mind. I felt terrible!

Nang matapos silang magyakapan ay sa akin naman siya bumaling. I gave him an apologetic look.

"Tito, I'm so sor-"

"Don't worry about it... it's okay..." ngumiti siya sa akin at tsaka ako niyakap. I smiled.

Now I felt relieved.

Matapos noon ay sinalubong ako ni Katarina, Peter, at John. Ang dami naming pinag-usapan. All of them are on their last year in college already! Hindi pa nga nakakagraduate ay iniimbitahan na nila agad ako sa magiging graduation party nila. They promised that the celebration is going to be big!

"Well, congratulations in advance!" I said excitedly. Nag-group hug kami at tsaka nagtawanan.

Si Zach naman ay nasa gilid lang at nakangising pinapanood kami. I smiled at him.

"I missed you so much, Ate Sam. Ang daming nagbago simula nung nawala ka. Buti nalang talaga ay hinila ka ulit ng tadhana pabalik sa kuya ko." ani Katarina. Ngumuso ako at tsaka kinuha ang kanyang kamay.

"And it's been really tough for him." dagdag ni Peter sabay turo kay Zach.

"Geez! Yeah, right! I couldn't stand the sad look in his eyes to be honest. It makes me emotional." Si John.

Inalis naman ni Zach ang pagkakasandal sa pader upang magtungo sa mga pinsan niyang kanina pa siya inaasar. Inakbayan niya ang mga ito. Knowing that he's massive, walang laban sakanya ang dalawa lalo na noong kinunotan niya ito ng sabay.

"Talagang pinapahiya niyo pa ako sa harap niya ha?" anito. Natawa naman kami ni Katarina.

Siguro kung hindi pa kami tatawagin nila Tita Carmel ay hindi na titigil ang mga 'yun sa pag-aasaran. Kinuha ni Zach ang kamay ko at tsaka sabay kaming pumasok ng back garden.

Inilibot ko naman ang tingin ko sa buong paligid para hanapin si Kelly. Hindi ko na siya gaanong nakakausap. I lost connection with her. Wala na rin akong update sa buhay niya. I'm curious if she's still with Ian!

"Looking for me?"

Agad akong napalingon sa pinanggalingan ng boses na iyon. My jaw dropped when I finally saw Kelly. And guess what?! She's still with Ian!

Nagbatian ang dalawang magkaibigan habang kami naman ni Kelly ay masayang nagyakapan.

"How are you?" tanong niya.

"I'm doing really great even after all the things that we've been through! How about you? You're still with Ian huh?"

"Couldn't let go of the guy. He's a good company." Ngumisi siya.

Akalain mo 'yun... inaasar lang sila dati tapos ngayon mukhang sila pa ata ang magkakatuluyan hanggang dulo.

"I'm really happy that you're back! Buti at naayos niyo pa!"

"We have to, Kelly. Zach and I couldn't just end like that. There has to be a way."

"There's always a way for two people who love each other deeply. I'm glad that you both found that way."

We immediately seated on our respective seats when the maids started to serve our foods. Tito Antonio did the honors of welcoming everyone. Winelcome rin nila si Tony at Ryan na mukhang belong na belong na rin sa pamilyang ito.

When it's already time for Tito Antonio to welcome me, he raised his glass. Ngumiti siya sa akin.

"Welcome back, Sam. It's good to see you again."

Napangiti rin si Zach sa ginawa ng kanyang tito. He wrapped his left arm on my waist. Nilingon niya ako at nginitian. He pressed his head against mine then he returned his gaze to his uncle.

We remained in that position while everyone's catching up. Sometimes I'll feel his thumb gently brushing my waist. I keep on trying to hide my smile every time he does that sweet gesture.

Naputol lang ang pag-uusap namin ng ibang kamanganak ni Zach nang magsalita si Lolo Eduardo.

"I believe that Ian has something to say." Anito. Napabaling ang tingin ko kay Ian na mukhang gulat na gulat rin sa sinabi ni Lolo Eduardo.

Kanina pa sila magkausap at mukha ring seryoso iyong pinag-uusapan nila. Ian whispered something to him which made him chuckled a little.

"Do that now, son." Utos nito.

Ian hesitated for a while but when Lolo Eduardo gave him the look, he had no choice but to stand up and face everyone.

"Right," he started awkwardly. Bahagya naman natawa si Zach. "So, hi guys."

"Come on, Ian, keep yourself together!" Zach shouted to tease his best friend.

Nagtawanan naman ang iba at hinintay na ipagpatuloy muli ni Ian ang kanyang sasabihin. He bit his lower lip. Kanina niya pa pinaglalaruan ang kanyang mga daliri at mukhang kinakabahan.

Ian inhaled and exhaled deeply before he continued.

"So, I had it all planned out. These past few days I've realized that I'm on the right age to settle down. It also made me realize that I only want to spend the rest of my life with someone that I've been with for like three or more years now."

Nakita ko namang itinutulak na nila Peter at John si Kelly patungo sa harap. Kahit siya ay mukhang nagugulohan din.

"Honestly, I don't plan to propose today. But Sir Eduardo-"

"Lolo for you, Son."

"Y-Yeah... Lolo Eduardo forced me to do it now. Don't worry I already asked her parents for her hand and gladly... they agreed."

Hinarap ni Ian si Kelly na mangiyak ngiyak ngayon. I covered my mouth with my palm. This is so unexpected!

Tiningala ko naman si Zach na mukhang inaasahan nang mangyari ito.

"You knew about this?" I asked. Nilingon niya ako at hindi agad sinagot. Tinitigan niya lang ako. There's a ghost smile on his lips.

Tinaasan ko siya ng kilay. What's keeping him from asking my question? He looks really weird!

"Of course," he whispered. Ngumuso naman ako. He tucked my hair behind my ear.

Of course lang pala ang isasagot. Bakit mukhang pinag-isipan pa? Weirdo.

Umiling ako at ngumisi. Binalik ko ang tingin sakanila Ian at Kelly. Ian is on his knees now. Kelly already broke down in tears.

"Will you spend the rest of your life with me, love? Will you marry me?"

Humagulhol si Kelly. Imbis na sumagot ay kinuha niya nalang ang magkabilang pisngi ni Ian. Without a second, she pressed her lips against his.

It was such a lovely sight to see. We cheered for them and congratulated them for their engagement.

"It's performance time!" sigaw ni John at tsaka nagtungo sa entablado.

Sabay silang pumunta ni Peter sa harap. Peter is playing the violin while John is going to play the guitar. I guess the both of them are going to sing.

Lumapit sa akin si Kelly at ipinakita sa akin ang singsing na ibinigay ni Ian sakanya. Ang magkaibigan naman ay nagyakapan at nagtawanan sa likod. I hugged Kelly.

"I'm so, so happy for you!"

"Thank you! I wasn't expecting this at all! Akala ko wala siyang balak!"

"That's impossible! He looks so in love! Tingnan mo nga, hanggang ngayon ata kinakabahan parin."

Sabay naming nilingon ang dalawa at nakita si Ian na ipinapakita kay Zach ang nanginginig niyang kamay. Nagtawanan ang dalawa.

"You're next, Sam."

My forehead creased. "Huh?"

"Never mind. Come on! Let's listen to Peter and John!"

She pulled me with her. Pumalakpak muna kami bago magsimula si Peter at John sa pagpapakitang gilas.

Sino ang mag-aakalang mahal kita?
Sino ang maglalahad ng nadarama?
Bakit hindi alam kung bakit?
Laging sa akin lumalapit
Kahit minsan ako'y nagkulang

We started swaying with the music. This looks so rehearsed! Mukhang pinaghandaan talaga nila ang performance na 'to ah?

Patuloy kong hahanapin
Kahulugan ng pag-ibig
At habang-buhay na mag-iisa

Tayong dalwa'y magkasama
Sa iisang panaginip
At habang-buhay na mag-iisa

We were in the middle of enjoying the music when I saw Ian pulled Kelly away from me. Wala akong nagawa dahil mukhang gusto nilang icherish ang oras na ito. Niyakap ni Ian patalikod ang kanyang fiancé at tsaka sabay silang sumabay sa kanta.

Inilibot ko naman ang tingin ko sa buong paligid. Everyone's with their partners. Ang iba ay nagslo-slow dance pa.

Meanwhile, I am here. All alone! Nasaan kaya 'yung akin?

Napangiti nalang ako. Baka busy 'yun. Binalik ko nalang ang tingin kay Peter at John. I swayed and clapped my hands to feel their song.

I jumped a little when someone grabbed my waist. Nilingon ko ito at sumalubong sa akin ang nakangiti nang si Zach. Patalikod niya rin akong niyakap. We started swaying.

"I've been watching you and you look out of place." Pang-aasar niya.

"Tss... you're late. Tsaka ko lang narealize na ako nalang pala ang walang kapartner dito."

Mas hinigpitan niya ang pagkakayakap sa akin. Ipinatong niya ang kanyang baba sa aking balikat.

"But still," he said. He pressed a kiss on my shoulder. "I couldn't let my girl dance alone."

I rolled my eyes. Asus! Hihirit pa!

"I love you, Sam."

I smiled and leaned my head against his. Now I'm excited for what the future has in stored for us.