"No, I'm not leaving Hayes! Not without you! If we leave this place, you should too!"
Umiling iling ako. Hinawakan ko ang magkabila niyang pisngi.
Everything is in chaos. Everything happened so fast. We were happy a while ago. The wedding went well. We had it all planned. Kaya hindi ko alam kung bakit may nakalusot. Na kung bakit nakarating kay Antonio ang lahat.
He is here. And my father is still inside the venue. I don't even know if Antonio had him. Eubert kept calling the fraternity. As far as I know, they are busy preparing the guns that we will use for the wedding. They are working with the Valenciano. But I guess that wedding will never happen because everything will be over tonight. It's either we lose or captivate Antonio. Those were the only choices.
She held my hand tighter. "I can't bear to lose you again! Not again! Please! Lets just go!"
"I want you to to come with Abes. He will take you away from here. Do you hear me?"
"Hayes ayoko! Ayoko nga! Hindi na kita iiwan mag-isa! Kung gusto mong magpa-iwan dito, magpapaiwan din ako!"
Akmang lalabas na siya sa sasakyan pero pinigilan ko siya.
"Layana...listen..."
I don't know what awaits for me inside the venue. Hindi ko alam kung ilan sila. Sa putukan pa lang ng baril, alam kong marami sila. Some men of the Valenciano were here and they are fighting inside. But they need help. I know that they can't hold Antonio's men for long.
"This feud...this is a long standing feud of our family with Monte de Ramos. I can't bear to risk your life."
"I am not even an Espinoza!"
"I am going to make you one, after this."
She stop wailing. I reached for her hand and slide a ring on her finger. Mas lalo pa siyang naiyak nang ilagay inilagay ko sa palad niya ang bracelette na ginawa niya noon.
This was Anthony. I know...I know that he will keep her safe. He will protect her from any danger. He always do.
"That is why I want to finish it all here. Right now. So...we can live comfortably...and peacefully...Keep these. You can be assured that I will keep my promise. Hmmm?"
"Hayes, I don't want to lose you." She mumbled, almost entreating.
My lips stretched a small smile. "You wont. I promise. So, focus and be alert. Okay? Let's see each other after this. Alright?"
Hindi siya sumagot pero nakita ko ang nagdadalawang isip niyang mahinang pagtango.
"Go," saad ko kay Abes.
Hinigpitan ni Layana ang hawak sa kamay ko. I helt it tight too. Her eyes are pleading—Pleading me to stay alive—To not get hurt.
Kaya nang magsimulang buhayin ni Abes ang makina ng sasakyan, halos magwala siyang muli.
"No! No! I am not leaving without you! Hayes!"
I smiled and kissed her. It was full of love, full of sincerity...and assurance that I will come back for her. I always do.
Palagi naman akong bumabalik sa kaniya. Parang alon. Na kahit ano pang suong ang kaharapin ko, kahit gaano klakas na storms, gaano man kalaki ang mga alon, makikita ko pa rin ang sarili kong sa kaniya naglalakabay pauwi. Sa kaniyang daan lang ang daan na kabisado ko.
"I'll see you after this." I promised.
I have undergone through hell. I know I can survive this, too. Hindi na pwedeng takbuhan dahil ilang taon na dapat tapos ang laban ng pamilya namin. We had no other choice but to face it. Prepared or not. Scared or not.
The parking lot was empty except for me. I glanced down at the lone rifle I was gripping. The gunfire continued. And I'm being sought by the cries of defenseless people.
I went to the back of the building and climb the steel ladder. Nang makarating ako sa bubong ay maingat akong gumapang. Tatsulok ang disenyo nun kaya mas malakas ang hatak pababa. Kita ko sa hindi kalayuan ang tatlong snipper na nakadapa rin sa kanilang bahagi ng bubong. Bumabaril sa ibaba.
They are Antonio's men. How did they managed to corner us this fast?
Kinuha ko ang baril sa bulsa ko at kinabitan ng silencer. Walang anlinlangan kong pinutok iyon. Sa bawat putok, muli akong dadapa para maitago ang sarili.
Isa...Dalawa...Tatlo...lahat iyon ay tumama sa ulo nila.
"Shit!" I cursed.
I nearly fell as I noticed the last sniper's gun aimed at me just as I was ready to shoot him. Dumausdos ako sa bubong pababa. Nagawa kong makakapit sa dulo ng bubong gamit ang isang kamay bago tuluyang mahulog. I was on the roof top of a four storey building. If ever I fell her, I am sure that my bones will broke into pieces!
Sinilid ko ulit sa bulsa ko ang baril bago kinapit ang isa ko pang kamay sa bubong. My adrenaline is pushing me to the edge because anytime now, the remaining snipper will come for me. Or worst, he already called for a back up.
Nagawa kong tawirin ang kadikit na building habang buong tapang na nakakapit sa bubong. Nang makita na may balcony sa sumunod na palabag ay bumitaw na ako.
"Fuck!" I groaned when I fell.
I stood up immediately and get my gun. Nakaopen ang sliding door. Nagtago ako doon at muling hinawakan ang baril ko. Agad ko iyong tinutok sa harapan ko nang humarap ako sa pinto. I survey the whole place. Everything is in mess. May mga marka rin ng barilan sa dingding. Ang mga gamit ay basag. This must be the guestroom.
Muli akong sumandal sa pader malapit sa pinto. Binuksan ko iyon nang maigi gamit ang paa ko. Katulad kanina, alerto ko iyong tinutok sa magkabilang side ng hallway.
I rolled down immediately when someone almost shoot me. It came from the other side of the building. Agad akong bumangon at pinaulanan din iyon ng baril. Tumakbo ako, minsan ay nagtatago sa mga poste bago bumaril. Isa-isa silang nagtumbahan. I aim for their head. It only takes one bullet to kill one of them.
Umalis ako sa pinagsasandalan ko. Hinarap ko sila. Walang tigil na binabaril ang bawat isa habang naglalakad sa mahabang corridor. Nga lang, sa huling tauhan na nandoon, nadaplisan ako sa braso. Kung akala ko'y huling pwersa na nila iyon, nagkamali ako.
I catch my breathe. I am not just fighting for one! Hindi na ako halos makabaril pa dahil sa tingin ko'y halos sampung baril ang bumabaril sa gawi ko ngayon.I don't have choice but to crawl and went inside a room swiftly without them noticing. Nagtagumpay naman ako dahil hindi sila tumigil kakabaril sa lugar na pinagtaguan ko kanina.
Humahangos akong tumingin sa bintana. May ilang tauhan ni Antonio akong nakita, hawak hawak ang ilang empleyado. Umiiyak ang mga iyon at nakataas ang kamay na sumusunod sa mga tauhan ni Antonio. Hinap ng mata ko ang tatay ko.
"Where the hell are you?" I whispered.
Tinignan ko ang natitirang bala sa baril ko. Lima na lang iyon. Naglipat ang tingin ko sa pinto nang huminto ang barilan doon. Shit.
Naghanda ako sa pagtalon. Third floor...hindi naman siguro ako mamatay pa kung tatalunin ko ito.
I stalled time. Naghintay ako ng tamang pagkakataon para tumalon nang hindi nila napapansin. I took a deep breathe before I jumped. Nagpagulong gulong ako at hindi ininda ang sakit. Dahil pagkabangon ko, agad na sumilip ang tauhan ni Antonio sa bintana. He was about to shot me but someone did it first. Blood burst from his head. Ang iba ay tumalsik pa sa mukha ko.
Habol ko ang hininga ko dahil sa nangyari. Nanginig kong tinutok ang baril doon. Incase na may sumunod pa. Pero hindi ko inaasahan na imbis na tauhan ni Antonio ang sumilip, si Nathan ang nakita ko!
Walang kahirap hirap na tinalon niya ang palapag. He landed perfectly. He helped me to stand but I refused to held his hand.
"Roger. This is Salvador. I am with Hayes Espinoza." Sabi niya sa kaniyang earpiece.
May sumilip ulit doon sa bintana. Namukhaan ko iyon. Iyong si Tanchengco at Deogracias.
"Copy."
Naglipat ako ulit ng tingin kay Nathan.
"Get up. You are not dead yet." He said.
This was just the only time I get to see him again. I am aware of his relationship with Layana before but I never knew that he was also part of the organization. Wala siya sa pagpupulong namin noong nakaraan.
He assemble his gun. Nagpapalit ng bala. Sa kilos niya pa lang, mahahalata mo agad na may kasanayan siya sa paggamit nun. It's so fast and accurate!
"Your father is in the right wing of this building together with the other hostages. Pancho and Sandra is making their way there."
"Sandra is here?"
I think I will faint. Why is she doing here? Akala ko ay nakaalis na sila kanina? Bakit nandito pa rin siya!?
Kinuha niya sa akin ang baril ko. Agad niya iyong nilagyan ng panibagong bala. Sa bilis ng galaw niya, hindi na ako magtataka na kabilang nga siya sa organisasyon.
"She's one of the marksman of that organization. What do you expect?" He asked and handed me my new fully loaded gun.
I cleared the lump of my throat before I accept it. Parang sandaling nawala ako sa ulirat dahil sa nalaman. Sa tagal naming magkaibigan, ngayon ko lang nalaman ang patungkol dito! Ang akala ko'y nandoon lamang siya sa meeting noong nakaraan dahil kay Abes at Alliana! Wala akong kaalam alam na magkakakilala sila nung Tenchengco at Deogracias!
Top marksman? That spoiled brat woman!? Oh, come on you are fucking kidding me!
"And you?"
He licked his lips and curled his brows. "Ex member of Antonio's?"
My jaw clenched. "How did you get here?"
He shrugged. "Alessandra called me. Kabisado ko ang taktika ng grupong kalaban niyo ngayon. Pati ang mga baril na gamit ay alam ko rin. She asked for my helped just today."
"And you agreed right away?" Duda kong tanong.
There is a mole. Antonio can't move fast like this if someone did not tip him off. I can't trust anybody now.
"I don't have any plans to involve myself in this mess anymore but Layana is so important to me I want this to be over."
He said those words without a pause. Without taking his eyes off me.
"Come on." Pagyaya niya sa akin at naunang maglakad patungo sa kinaroroonan nila Sandra.
Tama bang magtiwala sa kaniya? Nandito si Sandra kanina pero wala naman siyang nabanggit sa akin na sumama sa pwersa si Nathan. Imposibleng hindi iyon mabanggit sa akin ng kaibigan ko. O baka...sinadya niyang hindi sabihin sa akin dahil alam niyang pagdududahan ko si Nathan?
Lumingon sa akin ang lalaki nang hindi ako sumunod. "Come on, Hayes. Move or your head will fall to the ground. Save your doubts for later. I am not your enemy here."
He easily read my mind. He knows what I am thinking about him. Is it their natural skills?
"You can point your gun at my back if you want." He said cooly and walked again.
Sumunod na ako sa kaniya. Alerto pa rin. Gaya ng sinabi ko, hindi na ako basta basta magtiwala pa sa pagkakataong ito.
Natigil ako saglit sa paglalakad at napatingin sa likuran ko nang makarinig ng pagsabog sa hindi kalayuan. Hindi ko alam pero mas lalong dumoble ang kaba ko dahil doon. Nagkatinginan pa kami saglit ng lalaki bago tinanaw ang pinanggalingan ng pagsabog.
'They move so fast. Come on!" He ordered me.
I followed Nathan again. Shit! Why am I following him?
Unconsciously, I look him over. I can't help but notice our little distinction. I feel insecure because of the way he presents himself, how he dresses, how he fights, and the length of time he spent with Layana.
Hindi ito ang tamang panahon para dito pero hindi ko mapigilan. Parang...ang daya. Ang daya daya naman ng mundo sa akin. Kasi...Ano bang...meron ako? Ano pa bang natitira sa akin?
"Where is she?" He asked.
Alerto kami sa pagtutok sa kaniya kaniyang baril sa bawat direksiyon. Bahagyang kumunot ang noo ko dahil sa tinanong nito.
"Is she...okay?" Nag-aalangan niyang tanong.
"She's okay. She's with Abes." I told him honestly.
There's no harm in his question. And...I know they spent time together. I wasn't. He was with her for almost ten years, I wasn't. So...why would I deprived him a little information about Layana?
"I heard you two got back together?"
Natuluyan ko nang naibaba ang baril na hawak ko. Napansin niya ata ang nagtataka kong mukha kaya naman napahinto rin siya sa pagsuri sa palikid.
"What? Is it odd to ask those kind of questions in this odd situation?"
"Yes." Diin ko.
Nathan shrugged and put his gun down too. "Well, if you are the girl I like, I might propose."
Natawa pa siya sa sinabi kahit wala namang nakakatawa. Hindi ko alam kung bakit hindi ko nagustuhan ang sinabi niyang iyon.
Humupa ang ngisi ni Nathan t sumeryosong muli. "Come on, matured hooman."
Isa lang naman ang babaeng alam kong nagustuhan niya...si Layana lang. Hindi ko rin iyon nagustuhan. Pero mas lalong hindi ko gusto ay talagang iniisip niya na magpropose kung magkasama silang dalawa sa lugar na ito. Ang bobo niya. Bakit niya kaya isasama dito si Layana e alam niyang delikado? Tanga.
Hindi nagtagal ay nagkitaan kami nila Sandra at ni Dad. Agad ko silang niyapos at sinuri kung may sugat ba sila o wala. Mabuti ay maayos silang lahat.
"Ang mga kapatid mo?" si Dad.
"Ligtas sila. Nakaalis na."
"Ang nobya mo?"
"She's with Abes."
Nahugot ni Dad ang hininga niya. Inalalayan ko siyang makaupo sa isang silya doon sa kwarto. Iilan lamang kaming nandoon. Hindi lalampas sa sampu. Ang iba ay look out sa pinto at bintana.
"Surprise!" Alessandra said playfully when I glared at her. 'Well, Tito Nicholas is also shocked. Can't blame you, Hayes."
"You didn't tell me."
"I have no plans."
Hindi na ako sumagot pa nang magsimulang magdiscuss ng taktika iyong si Pancho. Ayon sa kaniya ay naitawag na nila ang kaso sa headquarters. Wala rin silang kaalam alam sa kung paano nakarating ang lahat ng ito kay Antonio. For sure, there is a mole.
"Nasisigurado mo ba na walang nakakaalam ng misyon na 'to bukod sa mga nakakataas na rango sa organisasyon, Pancho?" Usisa ni Sandra.
Umiling iyong lalaki. "Wala na. Mariin ding ipinaalala nila Sylvio na huwag na ipaalam ito sa mga nasa ibaba dahil wala pa silang karanasan sa mga ganitong on-field mission. At isa pa, mas pribado ito...at mas personal."
"Maswerte na lang talaga tayo na nakakakilos tayo dahil may kapit ang Valenciano sa orgnisasyon."
Ang mga Valenciano...hanggang ngayon ay palaisipan pa rin sa akin kung ano ang makukuha nila sa laban na 'to. Fame? Recognition? Power? I don't know. But their help is our big asset right now.
"Punyeta talaga! Malaman laman ko lang kung sinong miyembro ang nagtip kay Antonio, papatayin ko siya!" Gigil na sabi ni Sandra at sinipa pa ang ilang basurahan sa gilid.
"You called for him?" Tanong ko kay Sandra at bahagyang ginalaw ang ulo ko papunta sa gawi ni Nathan.
Nathan chuckled. My jaw clenched.
Sandra exhaled a more stressful sigh. "Well, I don't have a choice. He knew what our enemy is like."
"Hindi mo sa akin sinabi-"
"Pinagkamalan niya pa akong traydor." Nathan cut me off. I glared at him. He raised his both hands on the air.
"I don't have enough time to tell you, Hayes. Nakikipagbarilan ako! Ano ba ang gusto mo? Hawak ko ang baril sa kanan, at sa kaliwa ay ang cellphone ko?"
"It's not my point-"
"Basta! Nathan is...okay! Okay? Trust me if you can't trust him-"
Sandra couldn't even finish her sentence anymore when someone from outside threw something inside the room. It went under the cabinet. We all looked at each other when we realized what it was mot especially when it started to produce some smoke.
"Putang ina! Sino naghagis ng granada dito!?" Si Sandra at tinulungan akong akayin si Dad papalabas ng silid.
The gunshots were heard again. More footsteps were heard too coming to our way. We decided to part ways. I was with Nathan, Sandra and my Dad. The other special forces went the other side of the hallway. But before we could even get father from each other, an explosion almolst blew our mind.
I feel a screeching sound. I weakly held my ear to stop it but it was so loud. I can't hear anything! I couldn't even move freely because of a heavy thing above me. I couldn't open my eyes. Every bit of my bid ache. It not took too long for me to lost my conciousness.
I woke up from a deep pain when someone pour me some ice. I catch my breath.
Nakita kong natawa si Antonio habang bitbit bitbit ang isang maliit na timba. Binigay niya iyon sa tauhan niya. Ginamit ko ang pagkakataong iyon para pagmasdan ang paligid. Nakatali ang magkabila kong kamay sa magkabilang poste. Nakatayo lang ako pero dahil sa lupaypay na ang katawan ay hindi ko na halos maituwid nang maayos ang paa ko. Ganoon din ang ayos ng aking ama sa aking gilid. Sinubukan kong gumalaw dahil sa kahabag habag na ayos ng ama ko pero maging ako ay nahihirapan.
Nasaan na ang kaibigan ko? si Nathan ay nasaan?
"Who's family is helping you?"
That was the first thing he asked me. But I didn't answer him. Aside from the fact that I no longer have an energy to do that, I won't spill anything too.
Antonio held my jaw. I winced when I felt the pain. He wants to crash it, I can feel it.
"The whole clans is going against me now. How come you manage to unite them, huh?"
I did not talk. Dad remained silent too.
"Is it because of the Sy Salazar? You used Beatrice and Ares death to gain their sympathy?
That is why even the elite frat is after me?"
Beatrice and Ares Sy Salazar ambush case...Antonio is also behind of that?
"You're just a devil. Is it too hard to comprehend why families are turning you down?" I shot back. I even spit my saliva to his face. I saw my own blood too mixed with it.
Antonio is fuming mad.
"Still have a nerve, huh? Nicolas! Your son still had your arrogance! Like father like son!"
"I doubt that. Hugo is not like you." I still managed to say.
Hugo is innocent!
"That bastard. He is quite a pain in the ass. Where is he?"
"You don't know where your son is? Why? Did he finally turned his back to you?"
"He will never turn his back to me." Delikado niyang sabi.
Hindi ko alam kung bakit nabakas ko pa ang pagdududa doon. Na para bang sa sarili niya iyon sinasabi.
"He betrayed almost everyone." I taunt him more.
Hugo is just being used as a puppet of his own father. Antonio are up to something against Hugo. Anong pinuntahan ni Hugo sa ibang bansa? ang tagal niyang nanatili doon. May hinahanap ba siya? Naprotektahan niya ba ang dapat niyang protektahan?
"Paano ka nasisigurado na hindi magagawa sa'yo iyon ng anak mo?"
"He will not betray me! He won't dare to do that!" He shouted hysterically.
"Then where is he?" I pushed him to his limits more.
His men didn't waste any chance to punch me again. They even used a baseball bat to hit my abdomen. I puke my own blood.
"Enough this war, Antonio. This obsession of yours with power—"
Antonio shot my father's leg without any hesitation. My father groaned in pain. I tried to escape but it was no used.
"I'm gonna kill you!" I shouted. I tasted my own blood. "Fuck you! Papatayin kita! Papatayin kita!"
My voice echoed the whole place. They hit my leg too. Tears escaped my eyes because of too much pain. I felt like my bones crushed.
"You still didn't learn your lesson, Nic? If no one's asking about your principle, then better shut your mouth."
He shifted his gaze to me.
"And you? How are you gonna kill me? You're tied here together with your father who can't even move, your friends we're all tied up too. So how?"
Fuck! I can't do anything! Why am I this weak!
"Who's family is helping you! Can't show themselves?" Tumawa siya. "Where are they!?"
I cough. My blood flowed down from my mouth. I can't even see him clearly because of the bruises I got from their punches.
"Tell me their name!"
I laughed. He was taken a back by that. He seems confused...and scared.
"Why are you so scared? You have a name in your mind, don't you?"
His eyes widened. This time, I got him.
"You fear them, too." Hinang hina kong sabi. "And you are afraid that they joined in this feud."
His breathing became rugged. I knew it. He also fear the Valenciano. Sa dami ng nangyari, ngayon ko lang nakitaan ng takot si Antonio. What a sight to see how nervousness and fear spread in his face.
Umiling sila. "I don't fear anyone. And it was impossible. You can't bring them out."
I smirked.
"Why? Because you always missed, Hayes. You're no like your twin."
My smirk faded. The table turned. He is now smirking at me. Those eyes...those smirks...it was the same sight I saw when he once visited me in the prison after my verdict.
It can't be right? He has...nothing to do with Anthony's death...right!?
"You missed something again, Hayes...Guess what? Your girlfriend is even here!"
My eyes widened. My breathing almost stop. Fear dominated my system. I felt like I lost my hearing for a while and all I could here is my breathing. It was like time stopped. Because I knew...I knew that this will be a defeat...because I am defenseless now and Antonio have her.
Kinalas ng mga tauhan niya ang tali sa amin at kinaladkad kami ng mga ito. Ganoon din si Dad. Nadaanan ko pa ang mga miyembro ng organization at maging si Sandra at Nathan na nakatali ng lubid sa isang poste. May tape ang bibig. Gaya ko, nagsimula rin silang kumawala pero sa huli ay wala ring magawa.
Bakit ganito? Magagaling ang mga nasa grupong kinabibilangan ni Sandra. Ano ang nangyari? Bakit bigla sila nanghina ng ganito? Were there a spy? Is the mole belong in their group?
Binalibag ako ng taong may hawak sa akin. Tumulo muli ang dugo ko sa sahig. Lupaypay man ang katawan ay nakaya ko pa ring humawak sa railings doon. Mula sa kinauupuan ay nakita ko ang unang palapag. May malaking swimming pool doon. Patuloy ang pagragasa ng tubig. At sa pinakagitna nun...ay ang nakataling si Layana.
I desperately hold the railings. I wanted to jump right away to join her but those armed men held me.
"Oh, our mighty lover boy!" Sigaw ni Tito Antonio at pumalakpak pa ito. "Look how handsome he is, Layana!"
"Let her go!" My desperate voice cracked.
Kahit pagod ang lahat ng sa akin ay sinubukan ko pa ring magpumiglas sa mga tauhan ni Antonio.
I screamed. I wailed.
Am I cursed? Why are we in this mess again? Is it because I forced myself again to become part of her life? Is that it?
She was doing well while I was inside the prison. She become the person she dreamed of. She reached her dreams. She was healing. She was trying to live and not just to survive. But after meeting me again...why is she hurting again?
Antonio suddenly pointed a gun to my helpless father. He is unconscious now.
"Choose Hayes. Choose Wisely."
"Tang ina! Papatayin kita Antonio!" I shouted like it's my own preamble.
Antonio just chuckled.
I prayed. I prayed so hard. I couldn't do anything. I was beaten. They held me captive. I couldn't move anymore. I felt so weak. I don't know what to do anymore. I can't lose people again. Not again!
Even from a distance, our eyes met. I saw how fear consumed her. She can see it coming. But no. This isn't the end! This can't be the end!
Where are the Valenciano? Napatumba na rin ba sila nang gano'n gano'n lang? They are the best in their profession! Imposibleng napatumba sila ni Antonio nang gano'n gano'n lang!
"I'm okay," nauutal niyang sabi. "I have a swimming class before in college, right?"
I saw my father moved from my peripheral vision but I am afraid to break off my eye contact with Layana.
Puro sugat siya...puro dugo...
Tears started to dwelled up in my eyes.
"Let them go, Antonio!" Dad shouted.
"Sa akin ka may galit hindi ba? Bakit mo dinadamay ang mga inosenteng tao!"
"Tumahimik ka!"
Pumaimbabaw ang tunog ng sampal sa kabuuan ng lugar. Dumiin ang pagkakapikit ko sa aking mata lalo pa ngayo'y nakita kong nasa dibdib na ni Layana na ang tubig.
"What now, Hayes!? Choose! If you won't choose I'm gonna fucking kill them all!"
My tears fell. I stopped wailing too.
It feels like everything that happened to me has led me to her. Everything. My decision, my fears, my failures, my regrets, my guilt, my love.
At first, I was afraid to fall in love and get hurt in the end. But right now, I fear of not being able to fall for him at all. I'm glad that I took that chance to be with him. I didn't know that it will change my life forever.
And I can't lose her for the second time. Not like this. There was so much more in this lifetime. She deserves it. To see it. To experience all of it.
"I'm gonna be alright, I promise."
"I will save you both Layana! Stop saying some shits! We'll have our wedding!" Desperado kong sigaw kahit hindi ko rin alam paano iyon gagawin.
Living this life won't be possible without her! I can't go on without knowing that I won't be seeing her the next day! If she die...I know, that in this life, in this world, nothing could ever hurt me more than this.
I looked at her painfully while she is in tears. Inangat niya na ang ulo nang umabot na sa leeg na niya ang tubig. Nagwawala pa ako lalo pero wala na akong halos marinig. Ang gusto ko lang ay makalapit ako sa kaniya. Ang gusto ko ay iligtas niya. Ang gusto ko...kung ito na ang huli, gusto kong hawak ko siya. Gusto kong nasa tabi niya!
"Layana!" I shouted for the last time when water consumed her.
Kasabay ng pagsigaw ko ay ang pag-ulan ng mga putok ng baril. I panicked because I thought it came from Antonio and shot my father but I was wrong. Nanlalaki at lumuluha ang mata kong inilibot ang tingin sa paligid.
Natumba na ang lahat ng tauhan ni Antonio. Sa bilis ng pangyayari, hindi ko alam kung saan at kanino pa nanggaling ang mga putok.
Isang pigura ng tao ang nagpakita sa dilim sa kabilang banda ng palapag. Nang maliwanagan ang kabuuan niya, nakita ko ang mumunting usok na nagmula sa mga baril na hawak nito.
It came from Hugo. He is standing dangerously, holding a gun. Sa likod niya ay ang pwersa ng pamilya Valenciano. They are all clothed in black. They move skillfully and quickly to check if there are some fatalities.
When our eyes met, Hugo never hesitated to shot those men I was with. He shot them without a blink and without a mercy. He seems like a different person. His eyes are bloodshot too. He's been gone for almost two years. And he showed himself on the the exact time we needed him.
Nanghihina kong inilibot ulit ang paningin sa kabuuan ng lugar. Halos lahat ay nakahandusay na maging si Antonio. Hugo went to his father but he just look down to him. I didn't notice my father's presence beside me, he is untying me.
"Are you okay?" Humahangos niyang tanong.
I didn't answer. I helped him to untie me as I keep looking in the pool below us.
The moment he untied me, I took that opportunity to jump in the pool. My heart is racing so fast. I am so afraid for the thought that I might lose Layana if I wasted another time. I cursed multiple times when I couldn't untied the rope around her.
After few seconds, I saw Hugo. Lumalangoy ito papunta sa gawi namin. Tinulungan niya ako na kalasin ang mga nakatali kay Layana. Agaran ko itong iniahon sa pool.
I performed a CPR but she is not responding! I pumped her chest multiple times but still, no pulse. My hands are trembling as I tried to cupped her face but I am so scared. She has no pulse! She is not breathing!
"Baby, please...Come back. Come back to me please."
I caressed her face. It is so pale. I kissed every bruised in her hands, arms and ankles. I hugged her so tight and cried my heart out.
"Please." I begged. "Layana, please!"
I heard some footsteps and noise from the police and ambulance outside but I didn't stop reviving her. I felt like my world suddenly crumbled down. My hands are trembling. My lips quivered. And tears just won't stop from falling.
Umiling iling ako, hindi matanggap ang nangyari.
"No...No..."
I performed another CPR but still, she's not moving.
"Layana, please..." I begged. "Come back... Come back to me...I love you. Baby, I love you." I whispered to her multiple times.
I hugged her so tight. I don't care if her blood is almost bathing me. Whatever bad happens to her, my soul will be taken away from me too. Her life is my salvation. Her blood is my blood. And bathing my body with hers only means that if ever she dies...then I will join her. I will make sure that our blood will mix altogether. We will be together until the end.
"Come back to me please...Please..." I whispered and kissed her temple.
I prayed. I prayed desperately to give me again an another chance to be with her. I didn't hesistate to bargain my life in exchange of hers.
Sa'yong sa'yo na ako, iligtas mo lang siya. Ilalaan ko ang buong buhay ko sa'yo, bigyan mo lang siya ng isa pang pagkakataon!
She deserve to live! She deserve to experience life without any of these pain. Please! Let her experience the love without danger. The peace with love. And love with peace. Those every little things in life, my Layana still deserve that.
She still want to have her own wedding! Her own family! Away from this chaos! Away from betrayal!
"Please...let her live..."
Naalimpungatan ako nang may pumasok sa kwarto. Agad na hinanap ng mata ko si Layana, pero, ganoon pa rin ang ayos niya. Walang malay.
"Take a proper rest, Hayes. Ako na ang magbabantay sa kaniya." Saad sa akin ni Tita Alani.
Pumasok siya sa loob, may dalang plastic ng prutas at ilang bag. Agad ko siyang tinulungan.
"Hindi niyo ho ako ginising. Hindi ko kayo natulungan."
"Ayos lang, Hijo. Mukhang puyat at pagod ka kababantay sa anak ko." Pinaupo niya akong muli. Nasa kanan ako at siya ay nasa kabilang banda ni Layana.
Umayos ako ng upo at marahang pinisil ang kamay ni Layana.
"Love, it's me. You have to wake up. Hmm?" I said to her softly.
I suppressed my emotions while looking at her.
She almost slipped on my hands. It was so close. I almost lost her. And I was ready, too. This life won't make sense if she is not here anymore. So I bargain with God. I begged. Truly, He moves in mysterious ways. When everything feels impossible and hopeless, He is there. Waiting for you to just call Him and asked for Him. And everything will be possible.
"It's been days...She hasn't regain her consciousness." Tita Alani uttered.
She is also holding Layana's hand on the other side.
"My daughter is such a fighter. Don't you think?" Tanong nito sa akin, na kay Layana pa rin ang tingin.
I nodded. "She is the strongest woman I know."
"And you are the strongest man I know, Hayes."
My jaw clenched. I felt like, a deep burden is lifted from my shoulders. It hits different because it came from one of those people I hurt the most.
"Life isn't fair with both of you. And I am sending my condolences for your old self who died from the injustices of this world."
Tita Alani is looking at me using her sympathetic and pitiful eyes.
"And I am sorry for being part of that war, Hayes."
Umiling ako dahil wala naman siyang kasalanan. We were all victims.
"Naging mabuti kang anak sa amin ng Tito Fonso mo. At kapatid na rin kay Lailana. Sa saglit na napabilang ka sa aming pamilya...hindi ko maipagkakaila na naging masaya at magaan ang aming buhay."
Nakagat ko ang ibabang labi ko dahil sa emosyon na namumuo sa akin dahil sa naririnig. Hindi ko kailanman naisip na ganito ang iniisip sa akin ng pamilya Anonuevo.
"Kagaya ng anak ko, Hayes, hindi ako agad naniwala na ikaw ang salarin sa...pagkamatay nila."
Nahugot ko ang hininga ko.
"Dahil alam ko...alam namin...na hindi ka ganoong tao."
Iyong bigat na halos sampung taon kong dinala...tila nawala ang bigat sa balikat ko ngayon. Lahat ng pagod at sakit, parang natagpuan ko ang kapahingahaan sa salita ng isa sa mga taong alam kong nasaktan ko ng lubos.
"Kaya anak..."
Umiwas ako ng tingin at pinalis ang luhang tumakas sa mata ko.
"Patawarin mo kami. Patawarin mo ako kung naging malupit ang tingin ko sa'yo. Kung nabuhay ako nitong ilang taon sa galit para sa'yo."
"N-naiintindihan ko po. Wala ho kayong kasalanan."
"Naibuntong namin sa iyo ang galit namin, Hayes...Kahit na...wala ka rin namang kasalanan."
Sinalubong ko ng tingin si Tita Alani.
"Hindi ko lubos maisip na magagawa sa amin ito ni Antonio. Naging malapit siyang kaibigan ni Alfonso noon. Nagsisimula pa lang kami sa bukiran noon nang mag-offer ng tulong puhunan si Antonio. Hanggang sa namunga ang tiyaga at sipag naming mag-asawa, hindi naman namin siya nakalimutan."
Hearing this, would always break my heart. I just can't believe that Antonio Monte de Ramos ruined this precious family so much. And it was all because of our feud.
"Hindi ko alam na may namamagitan na init sa pagitan ng pamilya niyo. Kung alam ko lang sana Hayes na ganito ang mangyayari...sana ay naagapan ko ang lahat...Na kahit mahal na mahal ka ng anak ko...hindi ko hahayaan na madawit siya sa gulong ito."
"Naiintindihan ko po." Ulit ko.
"Ang daming nawala. Ang daming nadamay." Malungkot niyang mutawi. "Si Alfonso...si Lailanan...sina Beatrice at Aries...ang apo ko...maging ang mga kaibigan ni Layana ay watak watak na...at ngayon ay si Abes."
Abes' body have not yet found but a burned body was found in the crime scene. I solemnly believed that maybe, maybe he was still alive and he is not the person the authority found, but months passed, there is no progress in the investigation. They can't also get some DNA in the burned body since it was...it was clearly burned.
He died.
Abes died.
Abes left us.
"Hayes...hindi ko kayang pati ang anak ko ay mawala pa sa akin...Hindi ko na kaya." Ang mga mata nito ay napuno ng pag-asa.
Ang mukhang iyon ni Tita Alani ang sumakop sa isip ko. Kaya sa mga nagdaang araw ay hindi ko nagawang bumisita kay Layana. Nakikipag-ugnayan lang ako sa kaniyang ina sa cellphone. Nagplano lang ako sa mga susunod kong hakbang ng mga araw na iyon. Nagdasal din na sana, tama itong gagawin ko at ito ang makakabuti para sa lahat.
Gabi gabi ay binabangungot ako ng insidente. Sa lahat ng pagkakataong iyon, hindi ko naililigtas si Layana. Lagi siyang dumudulas sa kamay ko. Paulit ulit siyang...namamatay sa bisig ko. Kaya hindi ko rin nagawa siyang bisitahin. Dahil alam ko...alam kong ako na naman ang may dahilan bakit siya nahihirapan ngayon.
Kaya nang alam kong handa na ako, bumisita ako sa hospital. Nilabas ko si Layana sa garden ng hospital. Tinulak ko ang wheelchair niya papunta doon para makapagpahanginn man lang siya. Ilang araw na rin simula nang matapos ang insidente.
Nakakulong si Hugo dahil sa pamamaril sa kaniyang ama. Samantalang si Antonio ay nakabed arrest. Gayunpaman, hindi ko pa rin magawang makampante. Lalo pa't alam ko kung gaano kumilos si Antonio. Kahit na nasa panig namin ang Valenciano, hindi pa rin naging hadlang iyon para mabawasan kami ng isang pamilya—ang Sy Salazar.
I squatted in front of her. My eyes roamed around her face and body. It still hurt everytime I see her wounds.
"How are you feeling?"
She smiled gently. "I am fine now."
The wind blew our hair. Some strands of her hair landed on her face. I fixed it.
"How about...the last few days?" Mahinahon kong tanong.
Her lips protruded and she sighed. "Well...it was hard. My whole body is aching. But I am fine now."
Tumango ako.
"How about your meds? Nagpapasaway ka ba sa nurse at doctor mo?"
"No! Good girl kaya ako. Iniinom ko sa tamang oras ang gamot ko. Ang sabi kasi ay saka lang kita pwedeng makita kapag maayos na ako!"
The truth is, I was the one who told Tita Alani about that. I want Layana to focus on her medications. I want her to be feel okay. For all those time, I never...tried to see her. There's this cowardice in my heart. I don't want to see her hurting. Those bruises and wounds...its making my heart torn to pieces.
"Nagtampo nga ako dahil hindi mo raw...ako binisita. Pero noong tumawag ka at kinalma ako, naintindihan ko ang lahat. Alam kong...ayaw mong nakita akong nasasaktan."
I heaved a deep sigh. This conversation...is killing me.
"Pero nandito ka na! Look, I'm magaling na!"
My lips stretched into a small smile.
"Ikaw ba, Hayes?"
I did not answer.
God, I want her. In some primal, wild way the waves reach for the moon. Untamed. Wild. It was her.. the one I saw in my dream I refused to wake up
Sometimes I lay at night wondering what went wrong and if things could have been different or if this ending had already been written in the stars.
"Kumain ka palagi sa tamang oras. Magpahinga ka. Hindi mo rin kailangang isubsob ang sarili mo sa pag-t-trabaho. Hmm?"
Her smile slowly fades.
I reached for her hand and gently rub my thumb. Her eyes started to show some familiar emotions.
"Magkabakasyon ka paminsan minsan. Sa dagat. You like that, right?" Magaan ko pa ring tanong.
"Hmm." She nodded a little.
"And flower arrangements. God, I missed that!"
Nagtatalo ang pagkalito at takot sa mga mata niya. Kaya hinigpitan ko ang kapit sa mga kamay nito.
Pwede naman na e. Pwede na kami ulit. Napaayos ko na ang mga sira sa akin. Hindi pa naman lubos na naghilom pero alam ko, at nasisigurado ko na hindi ako magdudugo sa kaniya. Hindi ko idudugo kay Layana. Ayaw ko nun.
Pero kadikit ng pangalan ko ang tangka sa kaligtasan niya. My name is a threat to her life. As much as I love her, I would do anything not to touch her hand the needles of death again.
"Pwedeng...ikaw ang kasama kong gumawa nun, Hayes." Mahina niyang sabi, nawala na ang sigla. "Magkasama tayong nag-aayos ng orders dati...pwede naman na ulit...Tayo ulit ang pipitas at...mag-aayos nun."
Ngumiti ako pero hindi nakaabot sa aking mata.
Nagpatuloy ako sa paghaplos ng kamay niya.
"I am sorry." I stated.
I took a deep sigh. I tried to divert my thoughts from everything that happened. But her lifeless body is always hunting. It was the most darkest and silent times in my life. I spent years inside the prison but I never felt that scared. That was the first time...and I don't want to risk it to happen again.
"I am sorry for everything that happened...for leaving you...for lying to you...and for Tito Alfonso and Lailana."
Umiling siya. "Hayes, wala kang kasalanan. Naiintindihan ko na ang lahat ngayon. Na ginawa mo lang ang bagay na iyon, ang...ang pag-iwan sa akin dahil ayaw mong madawit kami sa gulo."
"Pero hindi pa rin kita naprotektahan." Sukong suko kong sabi. "At naulit na naman iyon ngayon..."
Ginawa ko ang lahat para mailayo siya sa gulo...Tinaya ko ang lahat ng meron ako. Sinugal ko ang buhay ko para maprotektahan siya...Pero bakit hindi ko pa rin magawa nang maayos? Bakit...bakit kapag nasa akin siya ay pilit siyang inilalayo sa akin? Bakit parang bawal siyang maging akin? Bakit hindi pwede na angkinin ko siya nang buo?
"Hindi naman kailangan na akin ka...para mahalin kita...Diba?" Nasasaktan koong tanong.
Dahan dahan siyang umiling.
"Nagawa ko naman iyon ng halos labing dalawang taon...kakayanin ko naman ng ilan pang taon. Hindi ba?" Umaasa kong tanong. Tila sa kaniya humihingi ng lakas at pag-asa sa desisyong gagawin ko.
Agad na namuo ang luha sa mga mata niya habang nakatingin sa akin. Punong puno iyon ng sakit, pagtataka...at takot.
I held her hand again. She is too weak that is why it was easy for me to bring it to my lips and kiss her knuckles. That's when I started to hear her stifle cries.
I closed my eyes. My tears fell.
For a brief moment, I thought I had her. We fixed ourselves. We came back to each other. For the slightest moment, I thought I had her. But, our love isn't enough anymore to keep us together.
Love, sometimes, work in own separate ways. Love is sometimes found in...letting go.
"Hindi na ba talaga kaya?" Nasasaktan niyang tanong.
Mas lalong piniga ang puso ko. Gusto kong magsalita pero alam kong walang lalabas sa bibig ko dahil sa sakit.
"Hindi na ba...hindi na ba talaga tayo p-pwede?" She asked me again, struggling to talk.
Unti-unti akong dumilat. Lakas loob kong sinalubong ang mga mata nito.
"Remember what I told you? That the only thing that will have me...is you and my death?"
She nodded.
"Layana...It's still the same... No one will have me. I can promise you that. No one can replace you in my heart...in my life."
"I know...I know how much you love me, Hayes." She sobs. "Kahit hindi mo nasabi sa akin, naramdaman kong mahal mo ako. Kaya kita hinabol noong mga panahon na gusto mong makipaghiwalay. Dahil alam ko...alam kong mahal mo ako! Mahal na mahal mo ako!"
Tumulo ang luha sa pisngi ko. Huminga ako ng malalim at binanggit ang mga salitang gustong gusto kong sabihin.
"Mahal na mahal kita, Layana."
Natigilan siya...dahil sa unang pagkakataon ay narinig niya iyon sa akin.
"Mahal kita noon pa. Buong buo. Sobra sobra. Patuloy kitang minahal kahit hindi tayo pwede. Kahit na galit ka...kahit na malayo ka. Kahit na nasa kulungan ako...Kahit hindi mo ako patawarin...At ngayon...mahal na mahal pa rin kita."
Unti-unti niyang ipinikit ang mga mata na tila ba dinama niya ang mga salitang narinig.
Mahal ko siya e. Mahal na mahal ko siya. Tangina mahal na mahal ko 'tong babae na 'to. Siya lang ang mahal ko! Siya lang ang minahal ko nang ganito. Sa kaniya lang ako magmamahal ng ganito!
"I just...I just couldn't say it out loud because I don't want to tainted the love I have for you of my decievednes. I don't want you to think that I lied...that I only love you because I need you."
She opened her eyes. It became more weak. It mirrors mine.
"Your name is permanently carved into my soul and I will carry it to my grave. Our love will forever be found everywhere. In the crowds... empty fields,...soaring clouds. " I probed. "The city lights...passing cars...and winding roads."
I saw how her lips trembled.
"You will always have me, Layana...but baby, your absence is the only thing I am allowed to have." I whispered. It was almost inaudible.
I looked down to our hands and caressed her ring finger.
At some point in my life, I had it all figured out. I was a fan of a wedding. Because of her. The wedding bells, church venue, flowers, wedding clothes, rings, kisses and...promises.
"I want you to be my bride...to be my wife...to be the mother of our children. I want to grow old with you. I want to take care of you if you get sick. I want to celebrate our anniversaries together. I want to attend our children's parent meetings with you. I want to work hard to provide everything you need. I want to lay beside you. I want to wake up in the morning and your face would be the first thing I will see...Layana, I only want you." I managed to tell her in between my sobs—almost begging to make her believe me.
She nodded weakly.
I catched my breathe when she believed what I just said. That she recognized my heart—she believed the kind of love I have for her...for us.
"I want you to be my husband, Hayes."
This time, I felt like I am going to faint because of so much pain. This conversation is quenching my heart. It sounds like a farewell.
"I want to have a family with you...I want to name our child after us...I just want to live in a simple house with you...Doesn't matter if it's not big. As long as I am with you...I am fine. A simple coffee with you is priceless...I would trade everything just so I can experience a grocery shopping with you...and with our kids...I also want to cook for our family. We will wait for you in the sala...and hug you as soon as you came back from work...Hayes, I just want you here beside me. To build our future...together."
Tangina. Kasama ako sa mga plano niya sa buhay! Parte ako ng pinapangarap niyang hinaharap!
"A part of us is made by each other. And I know, that we want the best for each other, too. You care for me as much as I care for you. We can go great lengths just to protect each other...And I-I would understand i-if...if...this was the only choice we have right now."
Bakit ganito? Bakit hindi kami pwede? Bakit hanggang dito lang kami?
"Do you hate me?" Nanghihina kong tanong.
Umiling siya at mapait na ngumiti.
"Alam mo kung para kanino 'to?"
Tumango siya. Kasabay nun ay pagtulo ulit ng kaniyang mga luha.
"We tried...right?"
I exhaled deep breathe. I nodded. Accepting the fact that everything we had...will end here. Right here.
"We tried." I mumble.
Sapat na siguro iyong halos labindalawang taon. Sa mga taong iyon, isang taon lang siyang naging akin. Pero ako, nanatili akong naging kaniya.
Sa loob ng isang taon na iyon, hindi ko kailanman nakita ang likod niya dahil palagi siyang nasa tabi ko. Lagi niya akong sinasabayan sa paglakad, sa pagtakbo at paghinto. Kaya nang ako ang unang tumalikod, unang lingon ko pabalik, nakita ko kung gaano kasakit na makitang hindi na siya lumingon. Hindi na siya huminto sa paglakad papalayo sa akin.
"I would say I hate my life...but then, there's you." I told her, pouring all my emptions into it.
She's the most utterly beautiful ray of light that shone in the many spectrum of colours amidst of my storm.
"I wish I had met you earlier. That way...you won't deal with the broken version of me...Maybe," I croaked. "If I had met you earlier, we won't be this lonely...Sometimes, I wish I had met you earlier. Para mas mahabang oras ko naiparamdam sa'yo kung gaano kita kamahal."
Her cries gets louder. My heart aches. I can't help but to join her pain. I joined her as we grieved for the love we had lost.
"I wish, we had more time in another life."
"Hayes!" She called for me.
I closed my eyes when I felt the desperation and pain in her voice.
Her voice...God, please don't let me forget her voice.
Slowly, I opened my eyes again. I cupped her face. Hindi matigil ang luha naming dalawa. Ginamit ko ang pagkakataong iyon para pagmasdan ang mukha niya. Kahit nanlalabo ang paningin, pinagbigyan ko ang sarili na kabisaduhin ang bawat detalye ng kaniyang mukha. Dahil alam ko...ito na ang huling beses na magagawa ko ito.
For the first time in my life...I give up. I give up on us. I give up on her. I just want us to be happy. I just need one of us to be happy.
"Gusto kong...mapunta sa kamay na aalagaan ka. Iyong kaya kang protektahan at mahalin ng walang pagpipigil."
Huminga ako ng malalim.
"Magpaalaga ka ha?" Pumiyok ang boses ko.
"Ikaw lang ang gusto kong mag-alaga sa akin, Hayes."
"Gusto ko rin nun, Layana. Gusto kong ako lang ang aangkin sa'yo...ang mag-aalaga sa'yo. Gusto ko ako lang!"
Himigpit ang kapit niya sa akin.
"Gusto kong akin ka lang e..." Sukong suko kong sabi.
Hinaplos niya ang pisngi ko. Maingat niyang pinunasan ang luha ko pero maging ang akin ay hindi na mahinto.
We cried for each other...We mourned for our lost future. We cried for the what ifs and what could have beens. Why we end up here again? Why!?
"Gusto ko ring sa'yo lang ako, Layana. Ang hirap hirap mong pakawalan. Hindi ko makita ang sarili ko na magmahal ng iba. Pero mas lalong hindi ko makakaya na makitang may ibang nagmamahal sa'yo. Na may ibang para sa'yo at hindi ako!"
Huminga ako nang malalim upang makausap siya nang maayos.
"Pero alam kong may mas higit na makakapagbigay sa'yo ng pagmamahal na bubuo sa'yo. Iyong pagmamahal na bubuhayin at poprotektahan ka."
Mas lumakas ang pag-iyak niya.
"Kung matagpuan mo ulit ang sarili mong magmahal ng iba...sisiguraduhin kong nandoon ako. Dahil gusto ko...masigurado kong naipaubaya kita sa mas mabuting kamay."
"Paano ang plano nating dalawa?"
Nanginig ang labi ko nang maalala ang mumunting pangako na pinagsaluhan namin noon.
"Ang sabi mo magpapakasal tayo. Pakakasalan mo ako. Sa beach. Diba? Hayes? Tapos...tapos ako ang mag-aayos ng mga bulaklak. Iimbitahan natin ang mga kaibigan at pamilya natin. Hmm?"
Mula noon, iyon pa rin naman ang gusto ko. Walang araw na hindi ko hinangad na mangyari iyon. Walang araw na hindi ko nakalimutan ang bawat detalye ng araw na iyon.
"Wala, mahal e." Pumiyok ako."Hindi na kaya ipaglaban. Ang magagawa ko lang ay ilaban ang buhay na naghihintay sa'yo...na wala ako."
Umahon ako at pinatakan ng halik ang ulunan niya. Agad niya akong niyakap nang mahigpit kaya sinuklian ko iyon.
"Be happy. Hmm? Live well lest you remember the pain. Iwan mo sa'kin lahat ng sakit. Iwan mo. Ngayon. Dito. Para gumaan ang iyo."
Umiling siya.
"Ayoko. Hindi ko hahayaan na ikaw na naman ang bubuhat mag-isa. Kung uutusan mo akong iwan ang lahat ngayon, gusto ko ay ganoon ka rin."
Humigpit ang yakap ko.
"Hilingin mo sa akin ang lahat ngayon, Hayes huwag lang ang pagtalikod sa nararamdaman ko. Hindi ko na kaya. "
I nodded profusely. "I won't. Because I can't do it, too."
"Hayes..."
"Hmm?"
"Hindi ko na matatagpuan ang sarili ko na magmamahal ng iba." Deklara niya.
Nakinig ako. Dahil pakiramdam ko pa nga...iyon ang panghahawakan ko. Kahit mali. Dahil may parte sa akin na sana nga...hindi siya magmahal ng iba. Pero makasarili ako sa parteng iyon.
"Kung lalagay man ako sa tahimik, gusto kong malaman mo na gagawin ko iyon hindi dahil tinalikuran ako ang atin...na binaon ko nang tuluyan ang pagmamahalan natin."
"Pwede kang magmahal ulit, Layana..." I told her wholeheartedly even if it hurts me.
"Kaya mo rin bang magmahal ng iba?"
Dahan dahan akong umiling.
"Ganoon din ako sa'yo...Kaya...kahit na hindi tayo nagkatagpo ngayon sa dulo...pinapangako ko, lagi kitang dala dala saan man ako magpunta."
"Ako rin."
"Mahal na mahal kita, Hayes."
Ngumiti ako at pinatahan muli ng halik ang kaniyang ulunan. Sa pagkakataong iyon, nawala na ang bigat.