Paper Hearts

(MAD LOVE) X: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A/N: You can check my Facebook Group, Marple Dame Stories, to read MAD LOVE free (even with no data)

⚈ ̫ ⚈ OY! Magbasa at Mag-vote. ⭐

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Leaning against his hand, Dylan's steel gray eyes were looking outside the window of the private plane he's on. It is around three or four o'clock in the wee hours of the morning that time but he can't seem to fall asleep.

The moon is shining brightly that time but all he can see is endless dark abyss and thin strips of cloud.

Tanging ugong lang ng eroplano ang maririnig nang mga oras na iyon.

Dylan Ross Al-Rahji Miller is currently en-route to Philippines.

The overhead lamp softly basking him with its warm light.

The Prince closed his eyes.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

MILLER MANSION

"Why aren't you outside with them, Dylan?" Tumabi ang anim na taong gulang na si Elaine sa pinsang prinsipe.

Wearing a crisp-white cotton long-sleeve shirt and brown knee-length short, Dylan shook his head. "You know I can't, El."

Bitbit ang manika nito'y sumilip na rin ang batang babae sa bintana. Sa hardin ay malakas na nagsitawananan ang mga kaedad rin lang nilang mga bata. Aside from their cousins, children of the Miller Mansion's employee are there too.

Nakikipaghabulan sina Santino at Fire.

Sa ilalim ng lilim ng puno nama'y ang ayaw na magpawis na si Isaac, ang masakiting si Noah at ang isang batang babae na kausap ng huli.

"Because you're scared of girls?"

Namula sa galit si Dylan at binalingan ito. "I'm not—" He stopped midway at lashing on his cousin when he was met with her round, shining blue eyes. Namula siya. "I-I'm not scared of girls..." Nag-iwas siya ng tingin pero binalik rin iyon sa katabi. "You, why are you here? Shouldn't you be outside playing with them?" Doon palang niya napansin na namumula ang ilong nito. "Are you sick?"

Tumango ito. "That's why I can't go outside with them." Kinusot nito ang ilong. "Are you scared of me?"

"I said I'm not scare of—"

"Because I'm sick?"

Natigilan muna siya bago umiling. "I-I'm not."

Elaine gave her cousin a sweet smile. "Then... will you play with me?"

Niyuko niya ang manika nito.

"Well, if you don't want too—"

Dylan held Elaine's hand.

Nagulat ito at niyuko ang magkahawak nilang mga kamay.

Of course, as a kid, Dylan felt envious of the fun his cousins got outside. He wanted it too.

Elaine then pulled him and they ran upstairs.

Tumatawang nilingon ng batang babae ang prinsipe. Her bouncing, wavy hair framed her angelic face. Dylan blushed then smiled at her.

.

.

"Hey! Guys! Look!"

Noo'y kakapasok lang ng mga magpipinsang lalake sa mansion. Tiningala nila si Santino sa ikalawang palapag. Sumenyas ito na lumapit sila. Nang marating nila ang second-floor ay sinundan nila ang pinsang huminto sa tapat ng pintuan ng playroom.

They peeked inside.

Elaine and Dylan are having a tea party with her dolls and stuffed toys.

Nakaupo lang ang prinsipe habang pinagsisilbihan ito ni Ellie ng laruang cake, tasa at mga kubyertos.

Kumunot ang noo ni Fire. "And... what are we looking at exactly?"

Inayos ni Noah ang suot nitong glasses. "They're playing."

Umingos si Santino. "Yeah! They're playing a tea party! It's girly!"

"Well..." Nagkibit-balikat si Isaac. "Dylan won't play outside. Elaine can't play outside. So, they're obviously playing to not get bored."

Umiling ang masakiting si Noah. "Santi is just making a big deal out of this."

Sa hiya at inis na hindi na-we-weirduhan ang ibang pinsan sa pambabaeng laro na sinalihan ni Dylan ay sumigaw ito na ikinagulat ng dalawang bata sa loob ng kwarto. "AHHHH! DYLAN IS A GAY! HE'S PLAYING A TEA PARTY WITH A GIRL—"

Mabibigat ang mga paa ni Elaine na nagmartsa papunta sa pinsan.

In one motion...

"Ow!" Sabay na napapikit si Noah, Fire at Isaac nang malakas na pinalo ni Elaine ng plastic plate sa ulo si Santino.

Natigilan ito sabay hinawakan ang tuktok ng ulo.

Namumula sa galit na nameywang si Elaine. "...and I rather play with Dylan than a bad boy like you Santino! Hmp!" Lantaran itong umirap.

"What's going on?" Ten-year old Claudia approached her younger cousins while wearing an apron, obviously having a baking session with her Aunt Charlotte, Isaac and Elaine's mother.

"Nag-aaway po si Elaine at Santino," sumbong ni Noah.

Tiningnan ng dalaga ang dalawang bata. "Santino..."

"What?!" Lumabi ang mangiyak-ngiyak na batang lalake. "Siya itong namalo ng plato sa ulo!!"

Claudia looked at Elaine.

She pointed at Santino. "He called Dylan gay!"

Nanlaki ang nakakatandang Miller at binalingan uli ang salarin. "Santi!"

Nag-iwas ito ng tingin.

Lumapit si Claudia rito sabay lumuhod. "Hey..."

Yumuko ito.

"Listen, Santi. I know you are still young but that is not an excuse to let this pass. As early as possible, I need to break this cycle of using the word gay as an insult." She looked at her younger cousins. "Gay is a sexuality, okay? Like a boy and girl.... there is also a gay."

Tahimik na nakikinig ang mga ito.

"It is not a word to hurl on people just because they don't fit the standards you are used to seeing." Binalingan ni Claudia si Dylan sa loob na noo'y nakaupo pa rin at nakatingin sa kanila. "A girl can ride a bike. A boy can cook. A girl can play a ball. A boy can play... tea party. There is no gender when it comes to doing things you love." She looked at them again. "Playing tea party will not make you a bad boy or a bad girl."

Dylan looked at the toy cake on his plate. "I love it, Claudia." They all looked at the young prince. "I love playing with Elaine."

Elaine smiled widely. "You do?!" Tatakbo na sana ito palapit sa kalaro pero tumikhim si Claudia.

"We're not done yet."

Agad yumuko si Elaine.

"Defending someone doesn't mean you should always resort to violence, Elaine Rosé."

"S-Sorry."

"I wasn't the one you slammed with a plate."

Hinarap nito si Santino. "Sorry, Santino."

"Santino?" si Claudia.

Santino looked at Dylan inside the room. "Sorry for calling you gay, Dylan."

But Dylan is too proud to accept Santino's apology. "If I am indeed gay, Santi, you're the last guy I'd like to be friends with."

"You—"

Bago pa ito sumugod sa loob ay agad na itong piningot ni Claudia sa tainga at hinila pababa nang hagdan. "Ang amoy araw mo, Santi! Go change clothes!"

Nakasunod naman rito ang ibang pinsan.

Elaine then ran inside. Tumayo si Dylan at nagulat nang mainit siyang niyakap nang pinsang babae.

"I love playing with too, Dylan!"

Slowly, Dylan smiled. He wrapped his arm around her.

Elaine is the first girl he hugged after the incident that caused him to be repulsive with the female population and she did it with no pretense and no ridicule. Niyakap siya ng pinsan hindi dahil sa naawa ito o gusto siyang piliting maging maayos na sa karamdaman niya.

Elaine hugged him because she's just happy.

Since then, Dylan's body seems to be had this exception when it comes to holding or touching female relatives.

He can now exchange high-fives with Claudia.

He can now hug his own mother.

His little twin cousins – June and July can kiss him on the cheeks.

And just when he's slowly opening up....

.

.

Dalawa sila ni Isaaac na nakatayo sa harap ng nakasarang columbarium ng mga Miller. It was raining hard that day – on the burial of Charlotte and...

Hindi alam ni Dylan kung ang pinunasan ba niya sa pisngi'y luha ba o tubig-ulan.

...and of Elaine Rosé.

Jared Miller, Dylan's father and Isaac's uncle, approached the two young boys. The three of them are all wearing black. "Boys. Everyone's leaving." Nilahad nito ang gamit na payong para isilong sa dalawang basang bata. "Come on."

Yet they remained still.

Isaac just lost a mother and a sister.

Dylan lost a bestfriend

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

PRESENT

Sitting few seats from the Prince is his trusted servant, Grayson. Noo'y kakatapos lang nitong magbasa ng libro. He closed the book and as what have he been doing all the time, he turned around to check Dylan.

He saw the prince wide awake, looking outside.

Naalala ni Grayson ang pangyayari kanina lang.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

KINGDOM OF PEIRUN | UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Inside the Prince's room, Grayson is standing beside the door while Dylan was signing paper on his table using a quill*. [A quill is a writing tool made from a moulted flight feather of a large bird]

Pinag-krus ng katiwala ang malalaking nitong braso na burdado ng mga tattoo.

Naglakad siya sa palapit sa bintana. Winakli niya ang makapal na pulang kurtina para silipin ang mga taga-linis na nag-ma-mop sa makukulay na tiles sa labas.

Mula taga-linis hanggang sa tagahugas sa opisyal na tirahan ng prinsipe'y pawang mga lalake. Kahit nga ang taga-laba ng mga sapatos nito'y lalake rin.

"Grayson?"

"Yes, Emir (Prince)."

Tumayo ito na ang tingin ay nasa hawak pa ring papel. "It says here that—" A chime from his phone cut him off. Makasalubong ang kilay nitong kinuha iyon sa bulsa sabay binasa ang mensahe.

Dumaan ang ilang minuto'y nanatiling lang itong nakayuko sa cellphone nito.

"Emir? Is there—"

Sa gulat niya'y bigla itong nagmartsa palabas ng kwarto.

Dali-dali niya itong sinundan. "Emir!"

He pushed the door open, slamming the leaves on each side of the wall which startled the servants cleaning the stained glass of the windows.

"Book me a flight to Philippines!" Prince Dylan turned to him. "Now!"

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

PRESENT

Tumayo siya para lapitan ito. "Emir?"

Hindi ito sumagot. Nakatingin pa rin ito sa labas.

"Emir..." tawag niya uli.

He looked at him.

"Do you need something? Pillow, a blanket perhaps?"

Umiling ito at muling bumaling sa labas. "I just want to go to Philippines quickly, Grayson."

Tumango siya. "I'll ask the captain for the estimated day and time of arrival, Emir."

-✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

MILLER MANSION

Althea Suzette's giggle filled the room that morning.

Nakaupo sa kama si Elaine habang nakaupo naman paharap sa kandungan niya ang babaeng anak ng Kuya Isaac niya.

"Who's the pretty baby?" She asked the little one.

"Me~!" Thea answered.

"Ohh... you!" She cutely attacked her niece with kisses on her neck. Humagikhik ang bata nang napakalakas. Hawak niya ang mga kamay nito para hindi matumba patalikod. "Who's the pretty baby?"

"Me~ Kyaaaaahhhhh!!!" tawa ni Thea uli.

Dala nang saya ay pinahid ni Yaya Mona ang namumuong luha sa gilid ng mga mata nito habang nakatanaw sa dalawang henerasyon ng Miller sa nursery room ng mansion.

Hindi nito namalayang tumabi sa kaniya si Isaac. "How are you feeling, Yaya Mona?"

"May kirot rito, anak." Tinuro ni Yaya Mona ang dibdib nito. "I-Iyong masayang kirot?"

Isaac gave a small but warm smile. He nodded.

"K-Kasi hindi ko talaga inaasahan ito— ang buhay siya. Ang asahang makita ang ganitong... tanawin." Binalik nito ang tingin sa loob. 'A-Ang saya-saya ko, Isaac. Kung sana'y andito ang mama mo'y tatlong henerasyon talaga ng babaeng Miller ang maaabutan ko."

Hearing Yaya Mona mentioning their mother, he looked at Elaine.

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FEW NIGHTS AGO

Isaac was sitting on the bed with half of his body underneath the sheets. The overhead lamp was shining above his head while he's reading a book to make himself sleepy.

"You've been restless, love." Mula sa pagkahiga'y inabot ni Avery ang kamay niya. "What's the matter?"

Dinama niya ang pisngi nito. "Nothing."

"We've been married for years now, Isaac." She yawned. "Ngayon ka pa ba magsisinungaling sa akin?"

Sinara niya ang libro at hinubad ang suot na eyeglasses. Malalim ang ginawa niyang buntong-hininga bago sumandal sa headboard. "I wasn't a religious person, Avery."

"Hmm..."

"I stopped believing in God o-or in any saints when my mother and my sister died." His eyes stared into nothingness. "I stopped praying u-until the doctor asked me to choose whether to let you live or to let the twins live," patungkol niya sa dagok na pinagdaanan nilang mag-asawa nang pinagbuntis ni Avery sina Thea at Basti kung saan nalagay sa bingit ang buhay nito. "I went into the hospital chapel that day and prayed – after such a long time."

Avery laid flat on her stomach and placed her chin on Isaac's leg.

"I talked to Him and asked... that would it be selfish... if I pray to let you and the babies survive?"

A sleepy smiled formed on Ava's lips. "Yet here we are... with you, Isaac." She closed her eyes.

"Right now... I've been asking myself the same thing, too."

Nagmulat ito ng mata.

"E-Elaine is alive. S-So would it be selfish i-if I wish that Mommy is alive, too?"

Bumangon at umupo sa Avery sa kama paharap sa kaniya. "Ow, love..."

"I mean..." Mapait itong ngumiti. "...after Elaine shared to be about what happened that night during the kidnapping incident, I doubt Mom is still alive. But I have this... at least, five percent of benefit of the doubt that maybe Mom did survive."

Hindi pa nagawang pigilan ni Avery ang asawa. Sadyang nangungulila lang si Isaac sa ina nitong biglang binawi ng kapalaran mula magkakapatid.

"What if..." He groaned looking up to the ceiling. Frustration is building inside him. "...what if that jar of ashes in the columbarium wasn't hers?

"Isaac..."

"D-Did Dad... conduct a DNA testing if that was really Mom?"

"Isaac please..."

"Because if h-he did..."

Nasasaktan ang babae sa nakikitang pag-asa sa mga mata ng kabiyak. She wanted to support him but she doesn't want to give false hopes either. They needed to move one but it won't definitely happen overnight. Not with Charlotte's children.

"...dad would have known that the burnt body of the child wasn't Elaine. He cremated them, so he didn't do any investigation, right?"

"Isaac." This time, Avery's voice was firm.

Natahimik siya.

Umiling ang asawa.

Dahan-dahang sumilay ang mapait na ngiti sa labi niya. "You think I'm crazy, right?" Naisuklay niya ang mga daliri sa buhok. "Y-yeah, I think I'm crazy."

"You're not."

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

"Hindi kita masisisi, Isaac, kung mag-isip ka at simulang kuwestiyunin ang lahat mula no'ng malaman nating buhay ang kapatid mo. Of course, I understand you. But..." Avery touched his cheek. Upon feeling the warmth it brought to him, he closed his eyes. "...but whether your mother is with us or not, she wanted you to move forward and be happy. I know that is what she wants for you both to happen."

Tumango siya.

Tinawid ni Avery ang pagitan nila ng asawa niya at niyakap ito.

Isaac closed his eyes and placed his head against her chest.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

PRESENT

Sensing their presence, Elaine looked at Yaya Mona and Isaac at the entrance.

She smiled.

Doon palang natauhan si Isaac mula sa kaniyang pagmumuni-muni. Nginitian niya ito pabalik. "Thea is already fond of you, I see."

"Oo." Niyakap niya ang pamangkin. "Sabi nila pahirapan raw ang pagpapakain rito. Hindi naman, a." She looked down at Thea and pouted. "Thea's a good girl, right?"

"Yes!" Showing of three small teeth, she touched both Elaine's cheeks.

Nakita ni Yaya Mona ang walang lamang cereal bowl sa lamesa. "Aba'y naubos nga, hijo. Himala."

Just like their mother, her warm aura is charming people of all ages. At hindi naiiba ang mga anak niya. Sebastian Jacob is not the type of kid to trust someone easily. Matagal pa nga bago ito nasanay sa bagong nanny nito. But with Elaine, Basti would bring over his storybook to her and wanted her to read it to him during bedtime.

> Standing at the doorway, Isaac looked at his cousins and his sister jumping excitedly when Charlotte, his mother, pulled out a book from the bookshelf. "Now, now... settle down kids," nakangiting saad ng butihing babae. "Santi, did you brush your teeth already?" Umupo ito sa kalapit na silya. "I won't start the story if one of you did not brush their teeth."

Upon remembering that fond memory, Isaac eyes went dreamy looking at his daughter and Elaine giggling at each other.

> Sinapak ni Fire si Santino. "Ow!" angal ng huli at binalingan ang pinsan na nasa likod. "Anong problema mo, ha, Fire!" Umingos si Fire sabay sumagot. "Mag-toothbrush ka na kasi!" Nagrambulan na ang dalawa. "Enough," Charlotte said it with gentleness but at the same time, with authority making the two cousins sit properly.

Napalingon si Yaya Mona sa katabi nang makarinig nang pagsinghot.

Agad tumalikod si Isaac. "I-I'm going to work, Yaya Mona."

Sinundan ng matanda ito ng tingin. Kahit nakatalikod ang alaga'y nakita ni Mona na hinubad nito ang suot na eyeglasses at lihim na pinunasan ang mga luha.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

CASA DE SILVA | BRAZIL

Juancho climbed the stairs towards the mansion's entrance with muddy boots. Agad siyang sinalubong ng dalawang katulong na may dalang bimpo at plangganang may tubig. Hinubad niya ang mga suot na bota na siyang kinuha agad ng isa pang lalakeng katulong.

"Did you call the veterinarian, Castro?" tanong niya sa mayordomo ng Casa De Silva.

"Sim, Senhor," sagot nito. "I sent one of our drivers to fetch Dra. Saddie. She expresses her apologies that she wasn't able to come here as scheduled due to the heavy rain earlier."

Tumango lang siya bilang pagtugon.

He spent his whole afternoon at the ranch. Two mares just gave birth and since the veterinarian was unavailable, Juancho delivered the foals* by himself. When one is into horse business, a new, young stud means gold.

Currently, the De Silvas hav five prized horses.

Using the damp towel, he wiped the blood and dirt on his hands.

"Should I prepare her a room?" tanong ng mayordomo.

He looked at the horizon. Kakatila lang ng ulan pero may namumuong makakapal na ulap na naman sa himpapawid.

"Yes," matipid niyang tugon. Tiyak mahihirapang umuwi ang doktora mamaya. Within seventy-two hours, the newborn horses should be monitored closely for any abnormalities and sign of hypothermia. On average, three out of five foals die because of hypothermia because their skin can't immediately regulate body their body temperature.

Then he saw a female nurse walking out of the mansion carrying a small oxygen cylinder. "Where are you taking that?"

Nagitla ito at napatingin sa mga taong nakapaligid kay Juancho. "T-This is for S-Señorito Mateo, Señor."

"I'm asking, where are you taking that?"

"H-He is at the wooden dock by the lake, Señor."

Jasper turned to look at large lake visible from where he is standing.

.

.

"You shouldn't be outside, Mateo."

Nagmulat ng mga mata ang bintana na noo'y nakaupo sa wheelchair sa may dulo ng wooden dock.

Juancho approached his son with the cylinder on hand.

Both of the De Silva stared at the peaceful lake.

Mapait na ngumiti ang binata. "I was just praying that the nurse will trip on her foot on her way back here so I could h-have at least few seconds to breath without my oxygen mask."

Niyuko ni Juancho ang oxygen mask sa kandungan ng anak. Moist are still forming on its hole – in short, the cylinder tied behind Mateo's wheelchair is still full. Nagsinungaling lang ito para magnakaw ng ilang sandali upang makahinga ng natural na hangin mula sa kalikasan.

"The doctor prohibited you to —"

"I'll die anyway, Papa. What difference does it make whether to wear the mask or not?"

Pumagitna ang katahimikan sa kanilang dalawa. Jasper looked at the ripples the stray raindrops made on the lake's surface.

"Death is inevitable."

Niyuko niya uli ang anak.

Mateo's eyes don't have fear on them. Just like Nikolaj's eyes that fateful day of The Great Raid. They are ready to accept their ending.

"Death is part of the process of life, Papa. All of us will eventually experience death." Tumingala ito. "Mine just came too early." His pale lips formed a smile.

> With blood dripping down the corner of his lips, Nikolaj smiled.

Iniwas niya ang tingin.

"I heard that The Registry was tackled on the last assembly."

Tumango siya.

"And?"

"I decided to postpone it again."

"You know that postponing it again will cause an uproar within the organization, Papa. Our members will start to question."

"I am the Supremo. My words will be the absolute rule."

"Hmm..." Mateo looked at the lake. Dumaan muna ang ilang minuto bago ito nagsalita. "What's stopping you from doing The Registry?"

"You know what will happen. If I officially register you as my next heir, they will immediately vote you out as the next Supremo because you are physically unfit."

"Then so be it."

Nanlaki ang mata na binalingan niya ito.

"What's stopping you from giving up the Supremacy, Papa. You and I both know you detested being Supremo. You and I both know I don't want that position either."

"I-I can't." Mariin siyang umiling. "...and I must not."

Pinakatitigan ni Mateo ang ama. Umiigting ang panga nito na para bang may gusto itong sabihin.

Binalik ni Mateo ang tingin sa lawa. "You're waiting for Nicolo to return to Brazil, right?"

"Because he's the only way—"

"STOP DRAGGING HIM BACK TO THE PLACE HE HATED THE MOST, PAPA!!!" His voice disturbed the stillness of the place.

Pumikit si Juancho. Bumaha ang takot sa mga mata nito.

"If only I had the strength, Papa." Mateo gritted his teeth. Hating the fact that he's too weak that he can't even walk back to the mansion without dropping down on his knees. "... I would do everything to protect Nicolo., and let him experience things that Varia stole from him in the beginning. Didn't you sent him to Philippines because you wanted to protect him?"

> Mateo went down the stairs that Christmas Eve and saw Nicolo sleeping near the Christmas Tree. He knew his little brother is waiting for Santa Claus to wish he could have a whole, loving family.

"Tio Jasper also said he will to protect him."

> Mateo holding Ellie's hand infront of the governor turned around and look at Nicolo. He was walking out of the hall, hurting and crying.

"When in the end, all of us did nothing but to hurt him."

"Don't you understand, Mateo, he'll be safe with us?"

"When is being with part of the Varia safe, Papa? Umiling siya. "You'd rather want him to be safe and sad? I know Nicolo. He'd rather live dangerously but happy."

Hindi umimik ang ama.

"Por favor..." Doon na parang nararamdaman ni Mateo ang kahinaan. "Let the kid go... he deserves a life out of this hellhole."

"But our f-family..."

"Won't it be tempting to let go all of these, Papa?"

Juancho lips trembled with fear as he looked down on his son.

"Letting go of these sins? Isn't it nice to just live on a countryside, peaceful and quiet?"

"But Anton will annihilate our family just like what he did—"

"Then voluntarily surrender the Supremacy to him."

Natigilan siya. "W-What? Are you out of your mind?! You know having a peaceful life after Varia is not impossible, Mateo."

"It will. Like I said, if you surrender voluntarily."

"Then you don't know Antonio Larrazabal, niño."

Napabuga nalang ng hangin si Mateo. "But I won't let you do what you want either." Umiling siya. "I won't let you bring back Nicolo here. Over my dead body, Papa."

"THEN TELL ME WHAT TO DO?!"

"OFFICIALY NAME ME AS YOUR SUCCESSOR!"

Napatingala nalang sa dumidilim na kalangitan si Juancho. "Oh, niño..." Like a bird trapped in a cage, Juancho also wanted to fly away from here – away from the dark clouds surrounding him and his family. Alam niya kung anong gustong gawin ng anak. Sa oras na pangalanan niya itong susunod na Supremo'y tiyak kusang ibibigay ni Mateo ang posisyon rin iyong sa kahit na sino sa tatlong famiglia ng Varia. There won't be a voting process anymore.

But if Mateo will do that, he'll be also signing the De Silvas' death sentence.

Kilala niya si Anton. Walang isang salita ang tusong iyon.

Akala siguro ng anak niya'y sa oras na bitawan ng De Silva ang paging Supremo'y pwede na silang mamuhay nang matiwasay.

Death is the only way out of Varia.

And the only person who gets out alive in exchange for a greater price... is his younger brother.

Jasper De Silva.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

LA CASA CARLOTA | ROMBLON

Halos hindi pa nasara ni Carmen ang butones ng kaniyang uniporme na pumasok sa puting-batong mansion. "Shit! Shit!" Mabilisan niyang sinuklay ang buhok gamit ang mga daliri sabay nilingon ang wall clock. Alas-nuwebe nan ang umaga.

Napuyat siya kagabi sa pagtuturo ng takdang-aralin sa kaniyang mga batang kapatid. Idagdag pa na nakalimutan siyang gisingin ng nanay niya kaya heto't siya natagalan ng gising.

Nagtatataon siyang inayos ang suot na stocking sa binti. Sana'y hindi kinalimutan ng señor ang pag-inom ng maintenance nitong gamot. Nakita niya ang isang kasambahay na si Rowena na nag-pupunas ng muebles. "Aling R-Rowena, gising na po ba si Señor Jasper?"

"Huh?"

"S-Si Señor. Gising na ba siya?"

"O-Oo kanina pa," nagdadalawang-isip nitong sagot.

"Kumain na ba siya ng agahan? Uminom ba siya ng gamot? Nakuuu... papagalitan talaga ako nito ni Señorito Nico—"

"You're scared of my nephew and not me?" ani ng malalim na boses.

Napatalon siya at napalingon sa likod.

Jasper dragged down the newspaper he's reading.

"S-Señor!" Kaya pala nagdadalawang-isip na sumagot si Aling Rowena sa tanong niya kanina kasi nasa likod lang pala niya ang amo nila.

"Why don't you ask me the question you asked Rowena?"

Pumikit siya at naiinis na na kinagat ang mga labi. "Tsk." Kinalma muna niya ang sarili. "K-Kumain na po ba kayo ng agahan, S-Señor—" Nahigit niya ang hininga nang nakatayo na pala sa harap niya ito. Napatingala siya.

Jasper stared down at her with his soft, hazelnut eyes. "I did, Carmen."

Hindi niya magawang ilayo ang tingin rito. "U-Uminom na po ba k-kayo ng gamot?"

"I did, Carmen."

Ngumiti siya.

Jasper stared down at the young woman's lips.

"Salamat naman k-kung gano'n." Sinapo niya ang dibdib. "P-Pasensiya na po kayo, Señor. Hindi ko talaga namalayan ang oras." Nagulat siya nang lumuhod sa harap niya ang amo. "S-Señor?"

On one-knee, Jasper pulled up Carmen's other stocking up her leg. His knuckles brushed the inside of her leg, sending unfamiliar heat on the woman's body.

Muling nahigit ni Carmen ang hininga nang muling tumayo ang amo niya. Hindi na niya sinubukan pang salubungin ang titig nito. Baka ano pang mabasa nito sa mga mata niya.

"Halata ngang nagmamadali ka." Jasper can't help himself but be amused of how red Carmen's ears are. Pero kung gaano kadali niyang ngumiti'y gano'n rin kadali napawi iyon nang may naalala.

> "No!" Natatawang tili ni Charlotte nang pingutin ni Jasper ang namumulang tainga nito. "Bully!" Lumukot ang ilong nito sa inis.

His recluse demeanor returned.

> He smiled as he kept annoying her. "You're a bad liar, Lotte!"

Nang tumahan ang dumagundong na puso'y doon pa tumingala si Carmen. "Nga pala, Señor—" Natigilan siya nang makita ang pagkawala ng kinang ng mga mata nito. "S-Señor?"

Tumalikod na ito. "Today's my fifth day of medication. I remember I'll be taking a lesser dosage of my medicines?"

Natauhan siya. "A-Ah, o-opo. Opo. Kunin ko po muna ang binigay na resita ng doctor." Dali-dali siyang tumkabo papuntang kusina kung saan niya dinikit sa pinto ng refrigerator ang papel.

Jasper raised his gaze.

He saw Geronimo staring from the entrance of the mansion.

Nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

Inip na inip nang umagang iyon si Zoey sa loob ng isang malaking mall. Kanina pa ito naghihintay sa pinsan nito.

The pixie-haired woman looked at her expensive watch to check the time. "I'm going to kill that—"

Nang maramdamang may tumayo sa likod niya'y agad niyang winasiwas ang signature bag papuntang sikmura ng lalake. "That's what you get for making me wait!"

Napasapo sa tiyan ang umuubong salesboy.

"Ha!" Horror painted on her face. "Oh my God!" malakas niyang tili.

The newly-arrived Nico, standing few feet away from the two, saw what happened. "What the hell, Zoey?!"

Mangiyak-ngiyak na dinaluhan ng babae ang salesboy. "O-Oh my God! Oh my God! I am so sorry! I am so, so, so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you! Oh my God!"

Pilit na ngumiti ang lalake. "O-Okay lang po a-ako, M-Madam..."

"A-Are you okay? P-Please be honest. I-I can take you to the hospital."

"Hehe. Di naman po masyadong napuruhan. Mabuti nga sa tiyan lang. Mahirap kung a-ang ibaba ang natamaan."

Natatawang lumapit si Nico sa natataranta niyang pinsan. "No, man. Tell her that you are hurt. Ask money for damages. If she won't give you a million, threaten her that you'll sue her."

Matalim ang tingin na pinukol sa kaniya ni Zoey. "This is all your fault!"

Tinaas niya ang kamay. "You swung the bag, Z."

"Ahhhhhhh!!" tumili ito at sinugod siya.

Nico gave a hearty laugh as he stopped her fingernails from landing on his cheek by holding her wrists. Pero hindi niya namalayan ang pag-angat ng tuhod nito na diretsong tumama sa sikmura niya.

"Ugh!" Diretso siyang napaluhod. Napapangiwi siyang tumingala. "You witch..."

"Hmp!" Umingos lang itong sinukbit uli ang bag sa balikat nito. "That's' what you get from making me wait!"

.

.

Wearing a beanie hat and a blue-tinted shades, Nico was sipping an iced lemonade while following Zoey. Dangling on both of his arms are shopping bags – Zoey's shopping bag.

Mabuti nalang at nakapreno siya kung hindi'y tatama talaga siya sa pinsan na bigla lang huminto. Ang liit pa naman nito.

"Oh my God~ look!" She squealed with delight pointing a jewelry store. "Look at that crystal, Dos~"

Uninterested, he turned to look at the sparkling jewel on a black bust behind the glass. "Oh."

"Come~ come~ let's check it out! Zoey literally drag her huge cousin. "Bilis!"

"May pagpipilian pa ba ako?" tanging sambit niya. "Why are interested that when you already bought a pearl set of jewelry?"

"Baka lang kasi bumagay sa damit na isusuot ko."

"As if it matters? It is not your welcoming party, may I remind you, Zoey Inna Hsiao—"

Huminto at tinapunan uli siya ng masamang tingin

Tinaas niya ang mga kamay at napaismid nalang nang tumama ang isang shopping bag sa mukha niya. "Okay, okay." Sinundan niya ito. "I thought you're done buying a dress for the party?" Naalala niya kasi no'ng isang araw na nakausap niya ito sa cellphone na bumibili ito ng damit para sa pagtitipon. "So, what's all of these?" He looked at the paper bags.

"I should choose the best outfit, Nico. Duh. Naturingan kang modelo pero hindi mo alam ang The Absolute Rule of Having Options when it comes to fashion."

He smirked. "Kahit anong damit kasi bagay sa akin."

Huminto ito at binalingan siya.

"Oh." Lumapad ang ngiti niya. "Alam mong tama ang sinabi ko. I won't be Nation's Idol if I look bad in a skirt."

Nagkibit-balikat ito at pumasok na sa jewelry store. "Well, tama ka nga naman."

Mentioning about being the Nation's Idol, Nico realized that he needs to Zoey as soon as possible about his resignation.... or should he say, retirement.

Resignation will connote that he'll be jus transferring companies. The best word would be retirement, like ceasing all his activities as a model for good.

Tiningnan niya ang pinsan na kausap ang staff. "Uhhh... Z?"

Lumingon ito sa kaniya na nakangiti. "Yes?" Halatang excited na subukang isuot ang alahas. Her smile made him hesitant to open the topic.

Hihintayin nalang siguro niya na matapos ang selebrasyon bago kausapin ito. He doesn't want to rain on Zoey's parade*. Alam niya kasi na malaking problema iyon sa pinsan niya dahil tiyak dito mahuhulog ang responsibilidad nang paghahanap ng bagong mukha ng Prima Nova kung sakali. [*Rain on someone's parade – an idiomatic expression that means preventing someone from enjoying an occasion or event; spoil someone's plans.]

Umiling siya. "N-Nothing. Just wanted to ask when can I go home, my feet are killing me."

"Oh! May dadaanan pa tayong dalawang dress shop."

Napakurap siya nang wala sa oras. "D-Dalawa?"

"Yup." Hinarap na nito ang staff nang nilabas na ang mga alahas.

Two dress shops. One dress shop is equivalent to one hour of fitting and endless repetition of the question: 'what do you think?

Two dress shops. That's two hours, too.

"Z, you already bought... what? Six dresses? Just for one party? You're going to change dresses with every people you shake hands with? The heck? Why can't you fix your mind on one dress?"

Nakataas na ang isang kilay nitong lumingon sa kaniya. "Yeah, that's the problem, Dos. I can't fix my mind on one dress. They are all stunning."

Umiling nalang siya. "Women." He had no choice but to wait for her. Pasalampak siyang umupo sa kalapit na single settee. "Why did you call me, anyway?"

"Oh..." Humarap ito sa kaniya habang inayos ng staff ang lock ng kwintas sa likod ng leeg nito. "Aren't you going to buy a suit?"

"Suit for what?"

"Paulit-ulit ba tayo, Nicolo?"

"For the party?" He leaned back. "I got suits to choose from. Why would I need one?"

She rolled her eyes. "Men."

"...and I am not going there to impress anyone. Heck, I don't even know Isaac has a sister."

"I bet she's pretty."

"You've met her?"

She shook her head while locking an earring on her left ear. "Nope."

"Weren't you and Isaac old flames? Four... five years, if I am not mistaken?"

"Isaac wasn't really an open book when it comes to his family, Dos." She clipped the other earring on her right ear. "...and I never bother asking, too. We were young back then and all we think about is love."

Zoey last words resonates something within him.

'We were young back then...'

> Their lips never left each other as they took off their clothes. Ellie cupped his face as Nico lift her off the ground and carry her towards the bed.

'And all we think about is love.'

> Nico was about to throw another stone on Ellie's window when the woman hurriedly peeked outside. Her thick, black hair fell beside her heart-shaped face like a mantle of stars – shining against the bright moon above her. Then on her lips formed the sweetest smile the Gods ever gifted to a human. He left stunned by the beauty presented in front of him.

He looked outside the store. How he wishes he'll meet an accident that will leave him amnesiac so he could forget those memories. That's the only way he could think of to get rid of those.

Tumikhim siya at iniba ang paksa. "So, where is this sister all the time? Never saw her on Isaac* wedding nor Isaiah's." Muli siyang uminom sa lemonade niya.

[A/N: Hello! Some of the #10RTLW readers might be wondering on this part. You might have skipped the new Author's Note I put at the start of the story. ^^ I didn't plan to write after #10RTLW, but changed mind and eventually wrote LTNI and now, PH. Thus, leaving some inconsistencies and loose ends which I am aware of. As much as I wanted to temporarily unpublish the story, I can't since I am seeing new readers who are starting their "Miller adventure" by reading Isaac x Ava's story. Don't worry, I am addressing those by editing #10RTLW one chapter at a time.]

"I heard from Vladimir that she was in States studying ballet at Juilliard."

He remembered Jotham studying at the same music school. "But should she be really staying abroad when her brothers are getting married? I mean, if my sibling will get married, I won't miss it for the world." When Mateo crossed his mind, he immediately dismisses the thought.

"Bakit hindi nalang si Elaine ang tanungin mo kapag nagkita na kayo?"

"Her name is Elaine?"

"Yup." She checked the teardrop jewel adorning her neck at the mirror. "Her name already speaks beauty, isn't it?"

He smirked. "You are all praises. Baka kapag nakita na natin siya, mukhang si Isaac lang na pinasuotan ng wig."

"Oh! Why are you so mean!" Pero pati ito'y natawa na rin sa tinuran niya. "At kung kamukha man ni Isaac ay maganda pa rin! Isaac is handsome." She winked.

"Yeah, yeah. Because he is your ex."

"Not just because he is my ex. Nicolo. Nakalimutan mo na ba?"

"Na ano?"

"Hindi ako nag-jo-jowa ng pangit."

He scoffed and laugh. Pati ang staff ay nakitawa na rin.

"Because I am beautiful, right?" Binalingan nito ang staff na malugod na tumango. "So, dapat din lang na gwapo ang boyfriend ko."

"Aanhin mo naman ang kagwapuhan kong walang pera?"

"At bakit hahabulin ko ang pera? Mayaman naman ako?"

"What if he's irresponsible?"

"Then I'll end our relationship right there and then. God, dear cousin, I know my worth. Unlike you who beds different women. Eww."

He licked his lip before biting it. "You're starting to piss me off."

"Did I hit a sore spot, Dos?" Para itong bruhang tumawa.

Natatawang napailing nalang siya. "You know, you have a really weird taste in men, Z.

Umarko ang isang kilay nito na binaba ang sarili para tanggalin ng staff ang sinukat niyang kwintas. "Ow?"

"You are into men of few words - the quiet, recluse, mysterious type." He shrugged. "Like Isaac."

"Because I like the thrill their air of mysteriousness gives me. It's exciting kaya?" Sunod na tinanggal ng babae ang mga hikaw. "Why do you care? I never mingle with whoever you sleep with so..." She motioned her dainty fingers as if shooing her cousin away. "...back-off."

"Oh yeah... I remember. Back in high school, you and Jotham were a thing—"

Halos sumampal ang kamay ni Zoey nang takpan nito ang bibig niya. Naningkit ang mata ng babae. "Didn't your parents teach you not to speak bad words?!"

Nakangiti siyang nilayo ang mukha rito. "Too bad, my parents never taught me anything."

She shook her head and scoffed. "Your audacity to mention that name!"

"Did I hit a sore spot, Z?" Pagbabalik niya sa tukso nito kanina. "Ngayon ko palang napagtanto... medyo may similarities nga si Isaac at —"

Tinaas nito ang kwintas na may malaking brilyanteng pendant. "Gusto mo ipakain ko ito sa'yo?"

"You don't have to be so angry!" he teased.

"Alam mo, wala kang kwentang kausap. Nagsisisi na tuloy ako bakit ikaw ang sinama ko."

"Too late, honey." He bit the straw of his drink and grinned.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

ROMBLON

Nang tanghaling iyo'y si Kiko ang nakatokang magluto ng pananghalian nila habang nagtutupi naman ng mga bagong labang damit sa sala si Titang.

"Anong masasabi mo sa pamilya ni Ellie, Titang?"

Binalingan niya ang asawa na na noo'y naglalapag ng mga plato sa hapag-kainan. "Mga mabubuting tao." Ngumiti siya. Walang kiyeme ang mga Miller sa katawan. Game na game na mag-igib ng tubig sa balon si Isaiah. Hindi rin nagpapahuli si Isaac na tinuruan niya paano magluto sa kalan gamit ang kahoy o uling.

Noong una'y nagdadalawang-isip pa si Titang kay Isaac. Mukha kasi itong masungit at hindi palaimik. Pero sa kalaunan nama'y nagbago ang pananaw niya rito. Sadyang huwag ngang husgahan ang tao sa panlabas nitong anyo.

Sa ilang araw na pananatili ng mga bisita rito sa kanila'y kitang-kita ng mag-asawa ang pagmamahal ng dalawang lalake sa bunso nitong kapatid kaya'y hindi nag-alala si Titang at Kiko na iuwi pansamantala nina Isaiah at Isaac si Ellie o Elaine pabalik sa totoo nitong pamilya. Panigurado nilang maging masaya ang anak nila doon, kapiling ang totoo nitong pamilya.

Sa kalagitnaan ng kaniyang pagtutupi ay may nahagilip ang mata niya sa ilalim ng lamesa.

Isang pirasong papel.

Nang kinuha niya iyon ay napag-alaman niyang takdang aralin pala iyon ni Miguel na nakalimutang dalhin ng bata sa eskwelahan. "Hala..."

"May problema?" tanong ni Kiko mula sa kusina.

"Naiwan ni Miggy, o." Tinaas niya ang papel. "Ihahabol ko ito sa eskwelahan ngayon. Baka tanggapin pa ng guro niya. Tatlumpong puntos pa naman ito."

Tiningnan ng lalake ang orasan sa dingding. "Mag-a-alas onse pa naman. Sige, ihatid mo muna iyan at hintayin kitang bumalik ng sa gayon ay sabay na tayong kumain."

"Teka't magbibihis muna ako." Tumayo si Titang at inakyat ang hagdan.

Makalipas ng ilang minuto'y humalik ang babae sa pisngi ng asawa. "Babalik ako kaagad."

Tumango lang si Kiko habang naghihiwa ng kamatis.

.

.

Saktong pagbaba ni Titang sa tricycle ay nagsilabasan ang mga estudyante sa kani-kanilang classroom hudyat ng lunch break ng mga ito. Lumapit siya sa guwardiyang nagbabantay sa gate. "Magandang tanghali, Sir. Ako po si Titang." Pinakita niyang Senior Citizen I.D. niya. "Andito po ako para ihatid itong assignment ng apo ko."

"Sino po at anong baitang?"

"Ah, si Miguel Andrei Serrano po. Grade 3 po, Section Matapang."

Tumango ito matapos nitong sinulat ang detalye niya sa logbook nito. "Alam niyo naman po ba ang daan papuntang classroom nila?"

"O-Opo."

"Sige po. Pasok po kayo."

Nang makapasok sa eskwelahan ay hindi agad makalakad-lakad si Titang dahil bigla nalang may tatawid na bata sa harapan niya. "Diyos ko..." Sinapo niya ang dibdib. "H-Hindi naman g-ganito kadami ang bata noong hinahatid ko pa si Ellie at Jace dito, a."

Pero agad naman niyang natunton ang silid-aralan ng apo. Sumilip siya sa loob at nakitang iilang mga bata lang ang andoon. Ang iba'y nagpadulas-dulas sa makintab na sahig na halatang bagong floorwax. Ang ilan nama'y kumakain ng kanilang tanghalian sa mga lunchbox nito.

"Sino po hinahanap nila?"

Napayuko siya sa batang babaeng nakatingala sa kaniya. "H-Hello. Uhhh..." Muli niyang sinuyod ng tingin ang loon ng classroom. "A-Andito po ba si Miguel? M-Miggy?"

"Miggy?" Lumapit naman ang isang batang lalake. "Lola ka po ni Miggy?"

"Oo, hijo."

"Ako po pala si Jumbo, kaibigan ni Miguel. Lumabas po siya kanina."

"Lumabas? S-Sinabi ba niyang saan siya pupunta?"

.

.

May kagat na tabako na si Kiko nang umupo siya sa isang bangkito sa labas ng bahay nila. Dahan-dahan ay sinibak niya ang mga kahoy bilang panggatong habang hinihintay ang pagbabalik ng asawa.

Masarap pa namang ang pananghalian nila.

Inihaw na relyenong bangus.

Paborito ni Miguelito.

...

Tanghali...

Miguelito...

Huminto si Kiko at nagbuga ng usok. Parang may nakalimutan 'ata siya? Pinilig niya ang ulo at nagpatuloy sa ginagawa.

> "Lolo... psst... Lolo," mahinang tawag ng bagong ligong si Miguel sa kaniya.

Muling natigilan si Kiko.

> "I know I promised you that I won't go to Carlota Resort during lunchtime but can I have an exception today?"

Nahulog mula sa labi niya ang tabako.

> "Señor Jasper is going to show me that huge yacht again! Please? Please?" Pinagsalikop ng munting bata ang mga kamay nito. Hindi bato ang puso ni Kiko para hindi bumigay sa inosente at bilugang mga mata nito.

Natumba ang bangkito nang biglang siyang tumayo. "Si Miguel—"

"Anong meron kay Miguel?"

Nawalan ng kulay bigla si Kiko nang may nagsalita sa likod niya.

"Ha, Kiko?"

Dahan-dahan niyang binalingan ang asawa.

Naka-krus na sa may dibdib ang mga braso ni Titang. Magkasalubong na rin ang mga kilay nito. Halatang naabutang wala sa eskwelahan ang apo nila.

"May alam ka bang hindi mo sinasabi sa akin, Kiko?"

Napalunok siya ng buo.

"Huwag kang masinungaling. Pareho kayo ni Miguel na malilintikan sa akin."

Binaba nalang niya ang tingin.

"Alam mo ba kung saan pumupunta si Miguel tuwing tanghali? Isang tanong, isang sagot lang, Kiko."

Napakamot nalang sa batok si Kiko.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

LA CASA CARLOTA

Ngumiti si Jasper nang makita ang pagbaha nang kasiyahan sa kulay-tsokolateng mata ng bata nang muling nasilayan nito ang yate sa loob ng warehouse.

"Ang ganda talaga niya!" Miguel ran towards the unfinished yacht and hugged the hull* section of the boat. [*Hull – the lower part of the boat that gradually curves upward giving that v-shape it has.] "Hindi talaga nakakasawang tingnan!"

Staring at the kid jumping up and down to touch every part of the yacht, someone crossed Jasper's mind.

> Nico's brown eyes glimmered with happiness, excitement and intrigue upon seeing the boat underneath the dusty sheet. "W-Wow..." He turned to his uncle. "What a beauty."

Naputol ang pagmumuni-muni niya nang magsalita ang katabi niyang si Carmen. "K-Kanino po ang yateng ito, Señor." Sinamahan kasi nila ang bata sa abandonadong warehouse na ito sa likod ng Casa Carlota.

"Depende ko kanino ka magtatanong..." He looked at the huge yacht again. "If you'll ask me, it's mine. If you'll ask Nico, it's his." Tinitigan niya ang sirang bahagi ng sasakyang-pandagat sa may harapan.

That hole was inflicted by no other than Nicolo himself.

Flashes of that day replayed on Jasper's mind.

> That night, after Mateo and Ellie's wedding, the housemaid reported to Jasper that they have been hearing a haunting sound by the farthest side of the Casa Carlota. He knew nothing is there but the warehouse only. And for that sound to reach the mansion, it must be so loud. Carrying a gas lamp, Jasper treaded the damp grass fields towards the warehouse. Hindi pa nga siya tuluyang nakalapit ay rinig na rinig na niya ang sigaw ng nagdadalamhating puso. Kasabayan niyon ay ingay na parang may sinisira ito sa loob. Agad siyang kinutuban.

Jasper looked at the sledgehammer inside a ripped hole on the front side of the yacht.

> Mula sa puwang ng pinto ay nakita ni Jasper ang pamangkin sa loob. Half-naked, Nico's muscle rippled against the moonlight passing through the holes at the roof as he slammed the large hammer on the front hull of the yacht. His nephew's back may be against Jasper but he can see the agony Nicolo is feeling. The force of every slam is getting heavier. The tremor shook the whole place. Just like how his heart experienced when everybody betrayed him earlier.

He closed his eyes while re-living that scene.

> Nicolo wrecked any part of the yacht he saw. Parang doon nito nilalabas ang pighanting nararamdaman. With every hit, he shouted. With every hit, he cried. Tears shrouded his vision, but it didn't stop him from wrecking the very thing that reminded him of his love and his eventual downfall.

Nagmulat siya nang mata at napatingin sa sahig malapit sa yate.

> Jasper didn't know how long he was standing here, watching his nephew. But he went still hearing when all sounds came into silence. Nico threw the sledgehammer inside the yacht breaking everything on its path. His figure just stood there under the moonlight. His whole body rises and falls with every heavy breath he makes. And slowly... he fell backward. His back slammed on the hard, cold, dusty floor full of wooden debris. Lalapitan na sana ni Jasper ito nang makarinig siya nang mahinang hikbi.

Along with the wild grass sprouting inside the dilapidated warehouse, the wooden debris that night are still on the ground.

> Nico covered his face with his bruised and calloused hands as he cried silently. A cry of a broken-hearted man.

It dawned on Jasper how bad the emotional pain he inflicted on the Nicolo.

"Señor!"

Napatingala siya at awtomatikong napangiti nang makita sa taas ng yate ang bata. "Careful, Miggy!"

Napahiyaw si Carmen nang lumambitin ito sa nakatumbang flagpole. But Miguel just laughed it off and ignored the fact of how tall the height is if he falls. "Just imagine how cool the view is if this yacht is sailing on the sea!"

Tumango si Jasper. An idea crossed his mind. "Say, Miguel..."

"Hmm?"

Si Carmen ay hindi pa rin mapakali. "M-Miguel, please, bumaba ka muna diyan."

"You wanted to finish this yacht?" tanong ni Jasper.

> "I bet you're excited to finish the yacht," saad niya sa pamangkin.

Dahan-dahang tumango si Miguel.

> Makalipas ang ilang segundo ay tumango si Nicolo.

Jasper smiled. Tinaas niya ang susi ng warehouse. "But you need to focus on your studies first before I can you give you this..." He looked at his wristwatch. "...and lunchtime is almost over—"

Dali-dali pero maingat na bumaba ang bata sa yate. Pagkarating sa ibaba'y mabilis itong kumaripas nang takbo palabas. "I'll be going, Señor."

Malakas siyang tumawa.

"I'm going to earn that key!!!" pahabol nitong sigaw.

"Uté nos encontrarmos novamente, Miguelito!" pasigaw rin niyang sagot sa kumakaway na bata.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

MILLER MANSION

"Okay lang po ba kayo rito, Miss Elaine?" tanong ng kasambahay na si Jinkie sa kaniya matapos buksan nila ang malaking storage room ng mansion. It is where things with significant or sentimental value were stored – things that were too precious to dispose.

She looked around and saw a lot of painting on the wall draped with white cloth. So are the old grand piano her mother used to play and antique candle holders and vintage book collections her father loved to boast to his friends.

Nilapitan niya ang maliit na wooden rocking horse ng Kuya Isaac niya na puno ng alikabok. She poked its forehead and it starts rocking.

Muli niyang nilibot ang paningin sa loob.

"May hinahanap po ba kayo, Miss Elaine?"

Umiling siya. "None, Jinkie." She dragged a finger on an old hourglass by the dusty bookshelf. "I wasn't looking for anything. I just wanted to feel the nostalgia upon seeing these things that remind me of my younger days." Inalog niya iyon. Everything her blue eyes laid upon on are full of memories as if they were trapped. Like this hourglass where time stood still.

She toppled it upside down, making the sand drop very slowly into the empty lower part of the glass.

Ngumiti ang katiwala. "Ganiyan din po ako, Miss Elaine. Sa tuwing uuwi ako sa probinsya namin, gustong-gusto ko po talagang sariwain ang mga alaala ng kahapon."

Everything Elaine's blue eyes laid upon on are full of memories.

She saw an old tableware ivory set and a human-size teddy bear wrapped in plastic. "You never disposed anything?" Niyuko niya ang isang kahon na puno ng mga maliit na angel figurines. Naalala niya ang mga ito. Yaya Mona used to display these angels by the door every Christmas.

"Kung walang pahintulot ni Sir Isaac, wala po kaming gagalawin dito sa loob."

"I see." Then she remembered something. "Uhhh... Jinkie, where are my old stuffs stored?"

"Ah! Baka andito po..." May nilapitan itong malaking tokador. Elaine stepped back when Jinkie opened the closet revealing stacks of boxes inside with labels.

Madame Charlotte Shoes

Madame Charlotte Hats

Isaac and Elaine's baby clothes.

May hinilang may kalakihang baul palabas ng closet si Jinkie. "Ito po."

Elaine's Stuffs

Nang buksan nila iyon ay tumambad sa kanila ang mga maliliit na bestida. "Ang cute!" ani Jinkie sabay tinaas ang maliit na pink ballet dress.

Ngumiti siya nang dinama niya ang laces sa may balikat niyon. "I wore this during my first ballet recital."

"Ay, iyon nga po ang sabi ni Yaya Mona sa amin. Hilig mo raw nga pong sumayaw." Pinulot nito ang kapares na ballet shoes na may burdang mga paru-paro.

Pero hindi iyon ang gusto niyang mahanap. Kneeling beside the chest, she pulled out pillows, stash of hairpins and old dolls. Sa tuwing may makita siyang maliliit na kahon ay binubuksan niya ang mga iyon.

> Charlotte placed the jade necklace on around her neck – the pendant warm against little Elle's chest.

That jade necklace is her mother's prized possession. Naalala niya na suot niya iyon no'ng gabi ng trahedya. Pero gaya nga ng sabi ni Dra. Melanie.

> "The mind of a person who went experienced trauma can distort some memories." Dra. Melanie placed a steaming cup of tea on the table. "For example, in your case, you might have memories that you have boarded the plane when in fact, you and your mother did not. Our brain has coping mechanisms to protect us from hurting ourselves even further. Therefore, they make up these fake memories to appease the pain."

So, may tsansang hindi nga niya suot ang kwintas na iyon nang gabing iyon?

> "Mommy..." Elaine shivered in the darkness as she snuggled herself closer to her mother while holding the pendant of the necklace.

Is that a fake memory as well?

If it was indeed fake, the necklace should be kept with her little jewelry box.

Sa paghahalughog ay wala siyang nakita ni golden lace man lang nito.

Bagkus, nakita niya ang lumang storybook na siyang palaging binabasa ng ina nila sa kanilang magkakapatid tuwing gabi.

Due to wear and tear, the cover almost fell of when she lifts it.

Then... a faded photo slipped out of its pages. Nahulog iyon sa kandungan niya.

Nang pupulutin na sana niya iyon ay narinig niyang may sumigaw sa labas.

"Elaine!" It was a male voice.

Nagkatinginan sila ni Jinkie.

"Elaine!" another male voice. But this time, Elaine recognized it. It's Noah's!

Dali-dali siyang tumayo at tumakbo palabas.

The storybook fell on the floor. The faded photo of Jasper, Charlotte and Juancho slipped back inside the pages.

Sa labas ay dali-daling tumakbo pababa ng hagdan si Elaine and when she saw Noah Benjamin, she smiled and threw herself in the air. "Noah!!"

Noah Benjamin caught her in his strong arms and twirled her around before burying his face on her neck. "Elaine..." He hugged her tight, closing his eyes while remembering the small girl who kept on following him around when they were young. "I-It's you... Oh, i-it's really you."

Elaine cupped her cousin's face and smiled. Napapaiyak na siya. "H-Hello, Noah."

> Tahimik na kumakain ang walong taong gulang na si Noah. Nakaupo naman si Elaine sa tabi nito na sinusundot-sundot ang isang dimple ng lalake. "I've been a good girl the whole year. I'll wish to Santa to give me dimples like yours, Noh. It's pretty."

Despite her tears, she laughed poking both his dimples with her finger. "I am still wishing to w-wake up one day with dimples, N-Noh." Her thumbs find their way behind his eyeglasses and wipe the tears streaming down his cheeks. "When did you grow up so tall and huge, Noah?!" Pinasadahan niya ang matikas na pigura nito. Wearing a gray-long sleeves and white trouser, the doctor is far cry from the sickly boy he was once.

"Because you kept teasing me that I am shorter, weaker than you!" Natatawang umiyak na rin ito.

She tiptoed to hug the man again. "Oh, how I miss you, Noah..." Natigilan siya nang may nakitang nakatayo sa likod ng lalake.

Both of them turned around to look at Finnian Reed.

Wide-eyed, Fire was staring at Elaine.

Kumalas siya mula sa pagkayakap niya kay Noah sabay ngumiti sa isa pang pinsan. "H-Hey, F-Finnian..."

> "Fire..." pagmamaktol ni Elaine habang nakasunod sa kapatid at sa mga pinsang lalake nang mag-hiking sila sa isang natural eco park kasama ang Uncle Clive nila. They've been walking for an hour know and all they can see are endless rows of trees. Tinamaan na nang pagod at pagkabagot ang pinakabatang Miller sa grupo. "Fire...."

Elaine opened her arms for him.

> Binalingan ni Fire ang batang babae sa likuran niya. "What?"

He walked towards her.

> "Piggy-back ride, please?" She pouted. "I'm tired... sooo tired, Fire."

Si Elaine na ang tumakbo at yumakap rito.

> Fire lowered himself so that his little cousin could climb up on his back.

Fire slowly wrapped his arms around her small frame, just as he remembers her to be. "Elaine."

Elaine smiled as she leaned her cheek on his chest. "Oh, Finnian..."

Hinalikan siya ng pinsan sa noo bago hinigpitan ang yakap nito sa kaniya. Fire can be likened to Isaac. They might not be good with words, but their expressions and gestures give away their feelings.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

ROMBLON

Masaya at patalon-talon pang naglakad sa dalampasigan si Miguel pauwi. The thought of having that key – that yacht to himself is making him all giddy the whole afternoon. Hinubad niya ang tsinelas pagkapasok ng bahay. "Lola! Lolo! I'm home." Lumapit siya sa rebulto ni Sto. Niño. The boy said a little prayer, thanking his safe journey home. Aakyat na sana siya sa hagdan nang may tumikhim sa may kusina.

Paglingon ng bata ay nakita niyang seryosong-seryosong nakatingin sa kaniya ang lola niya.

"Y-Yes, Lola Titang?"

And on one of the dining chairs is his grandfather, looking down as if caught lying.

Naglakad siya papasok ng kusina.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

MILLER MANSION

That night, the Millers had dinner at the garden. Though the place is still in a mess due to the ongoing construction for the upcoming welcoming party, it didn't stop them from having a mini celebration. After dinner, they laid a picnic blanket on the grass underneath a tree. Their spot was lighted with tiny little bulbs on wire.

Avery took a photo of Elaine, Fire and Basti's position. "So cute..."

Elaine was sitting on a small chair while braiding Fire's shoulder-length light-blonde hair. With his back against his cousin, Fire is sitting between Elaine's knees and sitting between Fire's legs is Sebastian Jacob. The little boy was leaning on Fire's chest while poking two golden rings on his uncle's ring finger.

Standing behind Avery is Margaret, currently rocking her tiny daughter on her arms. "Forward that photo to me, Ava."

Sa kabilang banda naman ng picnic blanket ay sina Isaac, Isaiah at Noah.

Screaming happily, Althea Suzette ran towards her Uncle Isaiah. He immediately kissed the girl's forehead. "Look at this kid. Obviously happy to be awake past her bedtime."

With a bottle of beer on hand, Noah turned to Isaac. "Everyone was really shocked, Ice. Who would have thought that she's alive and she's literally walking and breathing with us as Isaiah's former manager?"

Tinukod ni Isaac ang braso patalikod. "Just imagine how much self-constraint Elaine did in order to not reveal her identity to us."

Tumango ang doctor. "Yeah." They looked at the female Miller who is happy with the outcome of her braid on Fire's hair. "I can see that she's been through a lot. I mean, back then... she's this little girl always calling out to us for help in every little thing she did. From opening a jar to eating her leftovers. But now, there's spirit and fire within her."

Elaine's eyes must be glimmering with happiness but they all knew... that there's a part of her that is still holding back a story that only she knows.

'Is it Miguel?' Isaac thought.

Noong nasa Romblon sila'y may nahahalata si Isaac sa paraan nang pagku-kuwento ni Elaine tungkol sa buhay nito sa Romblon. She's skipping timelines and there are instances that she paused for a second when she's about to mention some names.

Is it related to Miguel's father then?

"Oh, Santi chatted." Nakayuko si Noah sa cellphone nito. "Medyo na-delay ang connecting flight nila ni Sofia. Baka raw bukas nang umaga sila darating."

"June and July?"

"They don't know what to react." The doctor smiled, showing off his dimples. "They were so young back then to remember Elaine but they are excited to see her." He scrolled through his messages. "They kept on sending selfies as an update. Baka sabay silang darating bukas nina Santi at Sofie."

"How about Dylan?"

Noah check Dylan's chatbox in his phone. "Hmm... he read my chat and he was active ten minutes ago, but he did not respond."

"Nagbibiyahe pa siguro."

"How about Claudia? I called her —"

Avery looked around when she heard something. "Naririnig niyo ba ang naririnig ko?"

Natahimik sila.

They heard a female sob.

Margaret looked around. No one is crying among them. "Wala namang umiiyak sa atin."

Palapit na palapit sa kanila ang hagulhol.

Avery turned to her husband. "Isaac, nagpa-house blessing ba kayo ng mansion noon?"

Pumikit si Marga. "Mahina ang loob ko sa mga usaping kakatakutan, Avery."

"'Di nga. Seryoso ako. Baka may ligaw na kaluluwa dito sa hardin. Baka dating sementeryo ang lupaing ito."

Isaac shook his head and drank his beer. "Ungol mo lang ang naririnig ko, Ava —" Tumama sa mukha ng lalake ang mainit-init pang nirolyong diaper ni Basti na binato ng asawa.

Elaine looked around to find out where the cry is coming from. Then she saw someone standing near the tree. "Hi, Claudia."

Napalingon silang lahat sa direksyon tinitingnan ni Elaine.

Standing beside the tree is Claudia Yvette Miller-Cheon is bawling her eyes out with tissue roll on hand. Parang ilang araw na itong umiiyak. Her nose is red and her whole face is swollen. She kept on crying and sneezing on a tissue sheet.

Hindi naman magkamayaw ang personal assistant nito sa pagpapatahan ng amo.

Elaine stood up. "Clau."

Mas lalong lumakas ang hagulhol nito.

> Being the eldest, Claudia oversees her younger cousins. She acted as the babysitter when they are all together. Sa tuwing naglalaro ang mga pinsang lalake'y naiiwang mag-isa si Elaine. So, she's always around Claudia preparing snacks or doing cross stitch.

The braid Elaine did on Fire's hair was taught to her by no other than, Claudia.

> Aside from Charlotte, Elaine has always been looking up to her big sister, Claudia — of how patient, graceful and humble she is. She wanted to be like her when she grows up.

Niyakap niya ang nakakatandang pinsan.

Claudia immediately embraced her long-lost cousin.

> Biting her lips, Claudia tried not to break down in tears as the priest blessed the jars containing her Aunt Charlotte and Elaine's ashes. Pumikit siya nang malakas na nagsiiyakan ang mga pinsang lalake niya. She must the stable figure of her younger cousins. Lumuhod siya at niyakap si Santino at Noah.

This time, Claudia cried to her heart's content. Siya na naman ngayon ang iiyak.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

ROMBLON

"Titang..." Naglakad palapit si Kiko sa asawa na noo'y nakatayo sa labas at nakatanaw sa karagatan.

Yakap-yakap ang sarili'y pumikit si Titang. Matapos ang siguro'y pinakatahimik nilang hapunan ay lumabas ito para magpahangin. Sobrang naninikip ang dibdib nito sa nalaman.

"Titang, mag-usap tayo."

Winakli nito ang kamay ng asawa nang abutin ni Kiko ang braso nito. "Huwag ngayon, Kiko. Utang na loob. Wala ako sa tamang kapasidad na makipag-usap nang maayos sa'yo."

Nilingon ni Kiko si Miguel na noo'y nag-aalalang nakatanaw sa kanila mula sa may kusina. Sinenyasan niya ang bata na umakyat na sa kwarto. Binalingan niya uli ang kabiyak. "Alam kong nagkamali ako, Titang. Inaamin ko at tinatanggap ko ang galit mo. Pero huwag mong ibunton iyon sa bata. Wala siyang alam."

Nanlilisik ang mata nitong binalingan siya. "May alam o saw ala, Kiko, naglihim pa rin kayo sa akin! At hindi bastang lihim lang!" Pilit binaba ni Titang ang boses nito kahit gusto na nitong magsisigaw sa galit. Tama nga naman si Kiko, walang muwang si Miguel pero hindi pa rin maiwasang makaramdam siya ng sakit at galit. "Kung hindi ba ako pumunta sa eskwelahan ni Miggy at mapag-alaman ang ginagawa niya'y wala kayong planong sabihin sa akin ito? Hanggang kailan ninyo itatago ito sa akin?!"

"T-Titang... sana'y maintindihan mo—"

"Gaano na katagal, ha?"

"A-Ang alin?"

"Gaano katagal na siyang nagpupunta kina Jasper?!" pabulong nitong sambit sa pangalan ng dating amo.

Hindi agad siya nakasagot. Iyon ang hindi pa niya naitatanong sa bata.

"Higpit na binilin sa atin ni Ellie na ilayo siya sa pamilyang iyon

"Titang, pamilya pa rin iyon ni Miguel.

"Na pinabayaan siya at si Ellie!" asik ni Titang. "Anong karapatan nila kay Miguel? Wala!"

"Hindi ba't napakasarili naman natin kung ipagkait natin siya sa kanila?"

Malalalim pa rin ang paghingang ginawa nito na tumingin sa malayo.

"Oo, galit ako sa kanila at naiintindihan kita. Pero sana'y hanggang sa atin nalang ang galit na iyon, Titang. Huwag natin ipasa ang pagkamuhi natin sa mga De Silva kay Miguel."

Marahas na pinunasan nito ang luha sa mga mata.

"Kasalanan ba ng bata kung gusto niya ang kung anong hilig ng ama niya?"

Pumikit ito at umuling. "Hindi. Hindi ko ibibigay ang apo ko sa kanila."

"Wala naman kasing kumukuha kay Miguel sa'tin, Titang."

Humikbi na ang asawa niya.

"Ang sa akin lang, kahit hindi alam ni Miguel... kahit hindi alam ng mga De Silva ang koneksyon nila sa isa't-isa ay huwag natin ipagkait ang relasyong namumuo sa pagitan nila. Kahit bilang estrangherong naging magkaibigan man lang." Hinawakan niya ang kamay nito. "Alam mo ba bakit hindi ko pinigilan si Miguel na pumunta roon?"

Tumingin ito sa kaniya.

"Masaya ang apo ko doon, Titang. Kahit galit na galit ako sa kanila'y kaya kong isantabi iyon makita ko lang ang matamis na ngiti ni Miguel. Kahit sa ganoong paraan man lang, mapunan ang puwang sa puso ng bata... na nangungulila nang pagkalinga ng isang ama."

"Paano kapag malaman ni Jasper na apo niya si Miguel?"

"Si Ellie ang magdedesiyon kapag dumating ang oras na iyon." Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang balikat nito. "Pabayaan natin ang kapalaran, Titang. Kung nakatadhana talagang magkita ang mag-ama'y magkikita talaga sila kahit anong pagpipigil na'tin."

Hindi umimik ito.

Niyakap niya ang asawa.

Pumikit si Titang. "Ayaw kong mawala si Miguel sa akin, K-Kiko."

"Hinding-hindi mangyayari iyon."

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

MILLER'S MANSION

Elaine was at the second floor's terrace that morning, overlooking the set-up of the welcoming party organized by her sister-in-law, Avery. Kasalukyan niyang kausap ang anak sa kabilang linya. "Have you been a good boy to Lolo and Lola?"

📱Miguel: "Yes, Mama. Last night, Lola asked me if I can sleep with them?"

She smiled. "And?"

📱Miguel: "I said yes. Masarap kasi ang tulog ko kapag nilalagyan ni Lola ng Efficascent ang likod ko."

"Inayos mo naman ba ang kama bago ka bumaba at kumain ng agahan?"

📱Miguel: "You don't have to tell me that, Mama. I know that by heart."

Nakita niya si Fire and Noah sa hardin na karga-karga sa mga balikat nito ang mga tumatawang pamangkin na sina Thea at Basti.

"I can't wait to bring you over, baby. You'll surely love it here."

📱Miguel: "Is it beautiful there?"

"Yes. Very much." Nilibot niya ang asul na mga mata sa paligid. Natigilan siya nang marinig ang boses ng ama niya sa kabilang linya na tinatawag na ang bata dahil ma-le-late na ito sa eskwelahan. "Lolo's calling you—"

📱Miguel: "I need to go, Mama. I love you."

Sasagot na sana siya nang pinutol na nito ang tawag.

Muling umalingawngaw ang masayang tili ni Thea na nakasakay sa mga balika ni Noah.

Pumasok siya sa loob.

.

.

Buong hapon ang ginugol nila Claudia, Margaret, Avery at Elaine sa food taste test para sa mga pagkaing ihahain sa buffet ng party.

Claudia winced tasting the foie gras. "Oh! What a strong taste!" Pinasa nito ang tinidor na may hiwa ng duck liver sa katabing si Avery.

Tinikman naman nito iyon. "I like it though..."

Si Margaret nama'y dessert ang puntirya. "El, El. Come here!"

Nakangiti si Elaine na lumapit rito. "Sweet tooth as ever, huh?"

"I hate their chocolate fountain. Not sweet enough."

"Really?" She dipped a cracker and took a bite. "Ugh!" Napaubo siya. "A-Anong hindi matamis?! Magkaka-diabetes ako sa isang kagat lang!"

"Ow? Ba't gano'n, parang tubig lang sa akin?"

Looking at the women at the kitchen, Isaiah and Isaac were standing by the living room. "When are you going to tell them about Elaine's son?" Isaiah asked his brother.

Pinupunasan nito ang eyeglasses nito. "That's not my call, Isaiah. I can't just drop the bomb without Elaine's consent. Just as we observed back in Romblon, she's very protective of Miguel. I know she's not keeping her son as a secret from her family but she trusted us to keep that knowledge to ourselves. So, I'm going to respect that. I won't break her trust."

Tumango si Isaiah. May punto naman ito.

"Good morning!!!" sabay na bati ng dalawang magkaparehong boses.

They looked at the entrance and saw the twin Juniper Vera and Julianne Vera. Behind them is Sofia Ximena who peeked and waved at them. Servants are bringing in their luggage.

"They're here! They're here!" exclaimed Claudia. "They're here, Elaine!"

June, July and Sofia inwardly gasped as Elaine walked towards them. "Oh... wow..." They were speechless seeing Elaine face-to-face. The photos Isaac sent made no justice of how... ethereal the beauty of the Miller's Rose.

"Hi." Unang naglahad ng kamay ang morenang si Sofia Ximena. "I-I'm Sofia. I know we've never met b-but..."

Elaine hugged the woman then smiled at her. "So, you're the famous Not-Miller-But-Very-Much-A-Miller."

Namula ang babae. "I-I guess so?"

"Nice finally meeting you, Sofie. I hope you did not regret being part of our family."

Namuo ang luha sa mga mata ng babae. "Not a second..."

Binalingan ni Elaine ang mag-kambal. "So, who is July and June— Oh!" Napangiti siyang suminghap nang agad siyang sinugod ng mainit na yakap ng dalawa.

July cupped her face and tilt her side-to-side. "God! You're soooooo gorgeous! Mind the many o's of my sooooooooo," kikay nitong saad.

'So, this must be Julianne Vera.' Elaine thought.

Malapad naman ang ngiti ni June na sumang-ayon. "I just saw Aunt Charlotte in photos but I thought for a second you are her when you walked towards us."

'And this is Juniper Vera.' She held both of their hands. "And you're equally beautiful as well."

Napalingon sila sa kusina nang makarinig ng ingay.

"Hoy! Santino!" si Marga.

"Tinopak ka na naman!" si Avery.

"Saan mo dadalhin ang platong iyan, Santino?!" si Yaya Mona.

Nagulat si Elaine nang biglang sumulpot sa harapan niya si Santino na may dalang plato.

Their faces were inches away from each other. Santi stared into her blue eyes. Napakurap siya. "Y-Yes?"

Nilahad nito ang plato sa kaniya.

Niyuko niya iyon. "G-Gutom ka ba?"

"H-Hit me with that plate."

Nanlaki lahat ng mga mata na naroon.

Isaiah shook his head. "What? Are you into S&M* now, Santi?" [*S&M - Sadism and Masochism]

"Here." Tinuro ni Santino ang tuktok ng ulo nito.

"W-Why?"

"J-Just do it."

Kinuha naman ni Elaine ang plato at sa halip na ipalo iyon ay parang dinikit lang niya iyon sa ulo nito. Then she remembered something.

> Mabibigat ang paa ni Elaine na nagmartsa palapit sa pinsan na tinawag na bakla si Dylan. In one move, she hit Santino with a plastic plate atop his head. Sa lakas niyo'y napapikit sila Noah, Isaac at Fire.

Slowly, a knowing smile formed on her lips. "Ohh... I remember Ahhhh!!" She screamed while laughing as Santino suddenly lift her up in the air and hugged her tightly. "Ow, I miss you too, bad boy."

Nakangiting may luha sa gilid ng mga mata si Santino Uji.

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

Lying on his bed half-naked, Nicolo kept throwing his car keys up in the air.

The contractor from Hawaii called to update him about the progress of the house they're building. He sent pictures too.

The crystal blue ocean surrounding the island Nico bought serves as a good backdrop of the two-storey house made of hundred percent wood. Litrato pa lang ang nakakamangha na.

Muli niyang tinapon ang susi sa ere at sinalo rin.

Whenever one wants to make a major decision in life, he or she must spend at least two weeks to ponder on what to do or what to choose.

Hindi na niya kailangan pa ng dalawang linggo para pag-isapan pa ang plano niyang pag-re-retiro.

He will retire.

He will leave the limelight for good.

> "Ano ba ang gusto mo sa buhay?" tanong ni Ellie.

His eyes kept staring at the key he's been throwing up the air.

> "If you are not an idol, what will you do for a living?" Hailey asked.

Same intense eyes... probing his soul. Both women seeing past his façade.

> "Yup. Her name is Elaine." Zoey looked at him while trying the accessories. "Her name alone speaks beauty, doesn't it?"

"El...aine—" Napalingon siya sa pinto ng kwarto nang may kumatok. "Yes— fuck!" Malutong niyang mura nang nakalimutan niyang saluhin ang susi kaya diretso itong tumama sa mukha niya. "Mierda..." sapo ang ilong ay sumilip siya sa peep hole bago pinagbuksan ang bisita.

Pumasok si Zoey na may bitbit na maraming paper bag.

"What the... hell?" Sinundan niya ito ng tingin na binagsak ang mga dala sa kama niya. "Hindi ka pa tapos mag-shopping? Iyong totoo, para lang ba sa party ang mga binili mong damit o wala ka na talagang damit?"

Zoey sat on his bed and crossed her long legs. "These are not mine, Dos."

He looked at the brand on every bag. Umiling siya.

Those are men apparel brands.

"I told you—"

"Start fitting these, hmm? Let's get you prepped up for tomorrow night's event."

"Are you insane?"

She checked her freshly-painted pink nails. "I am not. But, Dos, I am not going into that party with a lousy date, okay?" Tumaas ang kilay nito. "I will enjoy that night and you are not ruining it by wearing an old suit."

"Old suit? Hindi pa naka-isang taon ang mga damit ko."

"One week-old is old. Hmm?" Ngumiti ito pagkatapos ang sumimangot. "Oh, baka gusto mong sunugin ko ang mga damit mo para tumalima ka?"

"Ngayon, alam ko na bakit ka single."

"Ha!" Tumawa ito at sinundan siya ng tingin na pumasok sa banyo. "Ngayon, alam ko na bakit ka iniiwan ng mga babae!"

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

MILLER MANSION

"Dylan never responded to you, too?" Noah asked Santino. Nakalublob sa pool ang kanilang mga paa.

Umiling ito. "Hindi naman talaga iyon sumasagot sa mga chat ko."

"Kasi tumatawag ka lang naman sa kaniya kapag hihiram ka ng pera," natatawang saad ni Isaiah. Nakahiga ito sa beach bed.

Nasa swimming pool ang lahat ng mga lalakeng Miller nang gabing iyon habang abala ang mga babaeng Miller sa loob ng mansion sa paghahanda ng mga isusuot nito bukas sa party.

"Have you tried calling him?" Fire asked Santi.

Umiling uli ito. "Block ako sa kaniya."

Sinabuyan ni Isaac ito ng tubig sa mukha. "Kaya pala walang siyang chat sa iyo dahil block ka sa kaniya."

"Kasalanan ko ba kung wala akong pera at siya lang matatakbuhan ko?"

"Oo," sabay na sagot nilang lahat.

.

.

Inside her quiet room, Elaine was sitting in front of her vanity mirror. It's the same mirror she had when she was younger. In fact...

Kahit tanging buwan lang ang nagbibigay liwanag sa kwarto niya'y nilibot niyang paningin sa paligid.

...her room is carefully maintained by her brother, Isaac. It's as if not one year has passed at all.

Muli niyang binalik ang tingin sa salaming kaharap.

Napangiti siya nang marinig ang tawanan na naririnig niya mula sa kabilang kwarto kung saan sinusukat ng mga pinsan niyang mga babae ang mga damit nito. Avery and Marga joined them as well.

Elaine is happy.

Very happy.

But she can't help but get overwhelmed by the immense joy she's experiencing.

And the last time she felt that joy, she also experienced her greatest downfall.

Nakakatakot nang maging masaya.

Baka kasi may kapalit na naman.

Tiningnan niya ang kwintas na nakalatag sa harapan niya.

The Heart of The Ocean, as her brother Isaac named this piece of her mother's jewelry. It's a 56-carat blue diamond. It was irregular in shape but when seen in certain angles, it looks like a heart. The color was deep blue... like a deep ocean. Its thin necklace is studded with tiny white diamonds which estimated to reach 170 carats in total.

Living all her life with humility, Elaine is kind of hesitant to wear this kind of jewelry. This type of pieces are usual seen in museums rather than on someone's neck.

In the end, she decided not to try it.

Maybe tomorrow, on the night of the event—

Natigilan siya nang may pares ng mga braso ang pumulupot sa kaniya mula sa likuran. She looked down and smiled when she saw a sleeve made of expensive silk and embroidered with gold threads. She leaned her head back. "Hi, Dylan."

Dylan buried his face on her shoulder. "Elaine..."

Pumikit siya nang makaramdam ng mainit na likido sa balikat niya. She reached for his head and buried her fingers among his soft, dark hair.

"I-I miss y-you, Elaine..." The prince sobs.

Hinawakan niya ang mga braso into. "I miss you too, Dylan. I miss all of you." She whispered. "Thank you... f-for having me back."

✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖ - ✖

ROMBLON

Nang sumunod na araw ay hindi talaga napigilan ni Titang ang sarili. Umaga palang ay pasikreto na siyang nagmanman sa eskwelahan ni Miguel. At nang sumapit ang tanghalian ay nakita niya ang apong magiliw na nagpaalam sa guwardiya ng eskwelahan.

Sinundan niya ito ng ilang metro ang layo. Tumatago siya sa likod ng mga poste o sa mga nakaparadang tricycle kung hihinto ito para bumili o kung may babatiing kilala.

Nahigit niya ang hininga nang makita niya itong pumasok sa Carlota Resort.

Kitang-kita niya kung gaano kainit itong sinalubong ng mga tauhan roon na para bang sanay na ang mga itong makita ang bata.

May malapad ng ngiti sa mukha ng apo niya.

> "Masaya ang apo ko doon, Titang. Kahit galit na galit ako sa kanila'y kaya kong isantabi iyon makita ko lang ang matamis na ngiti ni Miguel."

Tumago siya sa likod ng halaman nang may kinawayan ito.

Nakita niyang naglalakad palapit sa bata si Jasper.

Biglang umalsa ang galit niya sa puso. Napahigpit ang hawak niya sa pitaka niya.

> "Pero sana'y hanggang sa atin nalang ang galit na iyon, Titang. Huwag natin ipasa ang pagkamuhi natin sa mga De Silva kay Miguel."

Lumuwag ang pagkahawak niya sa pitaka.

> "Huwag nating ipagkait ang namumuong relasyon ni Miguel sa mga De Silva. Kahit bilang estranghero man lang na naging magkaibigan."

Nakita niya paano tapikin ni Jasper ang ulo ng bata.

> "Pabayaan natin ang kapalaran, Titang."

Huminga siya nang malalim bago tumalikod at umalis.

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Nakapalumbaba lang si Elaine sa may bintana niya habang nakatanaw sa napaka-gandang set-up ng hardin ng mga Miller. It was in color of peach, soft pink and white.

The whole morning, everyone is in frenzy mode.

Paglabas niya sa kwarto kanina'y halos banggain siya ng mga kasambahay na may bitbit na mga tela. When she was about to go downstairs, the noise was too overwhelming so she retreated back to her room.

For her, the welcoming party is unnecessary. Ang makita lang ang buong pamilya niya'y masaya na siya.

But she doesn't have the heart to decline Avery's idea of having a celebration. Plus, her Kuya Isaac was into it too. He wanted to introduce her to their closest friends as well.

She heard the Queen Dowager of Scotland will be here.

And her... maternal grandfather too, Arthur Fredrick Miller. She never met him so she doesn't know how to react for sure.

Some executive from Prima Nova is invited as well.

Avery's family will be here, too.

Lumalaki ngang talaga ang pamily nila.

"You're wishing Miguel is here to experience this as well?"

She turned around and saw Isaac. "Good morning, Kuya." Hinalikan siya nito sa noo. "Yeah, I wish Miggy is here."

"Soon..." He looked outside the window. "Speaking of Miguel..."

Tiningala niya ito at tumango. "I'm planning to have a small family meeting in order to introduce my son to them. I wanted it to be... private and intimate. Only for us."

"I understand." Isaac looked at the necklace on her table. "Have you tried it on?"

Umiling siya. "Mamaya na siguro. Takot ako baka biglang masira iyan kung hawakan ko."

"I've kept it for you. Surely, Mom would love you to have it."

Muling naalalani Elaine ang jade necklace. "Kuya, did you remember Mom's jade necklace?"

"Yeah. What about it—"

Avery peeked inside the room. "Isaac? Love, a little help. Please?" Tinaas nito ang isang cookie jar. "Thea is having her tantrums."

Binalingan siya ng kuya niya. Pilit siyang ngumiti. "S-Sure. Sure, you go ahead. Dito lang ako."

Dali-daling lumabas ang lalake para tulungan ang asawa.

Muling napaisip si Elaine. May kutob talaga siyang hindi iyon nawala. Subukan kaya niyang tanungin ang inang at itang niya baka may suot siyang kwintas no'ng nakuha siya ng mga ito mula sa dagat.

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Later that evening, Zoey's silver peep-toe Louboutins made a sound on the marble floor of the hotel where Nicolo is staying.

Wearing a Vera Wang light-orange dress that hugged her petite figure paired with elbow-length white gloves and a faux fur shawl, she kept walking to and fro at the lobby. "That man!" She checked her time on her phone. "We'll be late if Kulang nalang bumagsak ang panga niya nang makitang lumabas ang pinsan niya sa elevator. "WHAT THE HELL, DOS?!" Her voice vibrated the whole place.

Wearing an all-black suit, Nicolo looked down to check himself. "What?" The black shirt inside his coat was also open by the collar. His hair tied in a man-bun. A silver earring gleamed on his left ear.

"Ang tagal mong bumaba tapos iyan lang pala ang suot mo?! Ba't puro itim?! Hindi lamay ang pupuntahan natin?!"

"Do you know why I went down late? The leopard-printed trousers you bought made me look a like a big fucking joke! I'd rather go to a party looking like a grieving person, than going to a party looking like an animal out of zoo." Naglakad na siya papunta sa naghihintay na limo sa labas. Well, he's not in a festive mood either. His suit... suits him well.

"God..." Sinapo ni Zoey ang noo. "You are the lousiest date I ever had!"

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MILLER MANSION

Guests are pouring in at the garden that night.

Margaret on her semi-royal red attire and Avery on her silver long gown welcomed them.

Chichi, Marga/Isla's gay friend from Brgy. Tagpi approached the Millers at their table. With his blonde-dyed hair, he fluttered his fake lashes at the men.

Seeing her, Santino, Noah and Isaiah greeted her in sync. "Hi, Chichi!"

"Hmp!" Inirapan niya ang mga ito sabay umupo sa katabi ni Fire na noo'y naglalaro ng mobile games. "Hi, Mr. Masungit~ rawr!" sabay hilig sa balikat nito na kilig na kilig.

.

.

Claudia knocked on her Elaine's room. "Baby girl?"

"Come in!"

"You ready?" She peeked inside and immediately went speechless seeing her. "Wow..."

Elaine smiled at her cousin by the mirror.

Nakatingin pa rin si Claudia sa kaniya nang lumapit ito. "Did someone tell you that you're the most beautiful Miller among all of us female?" She held her shoulder and crouched down to look at her in the mirror.

Elaine did the make-up and hairdo herself. She didn't use sharp tones of colors and blushes. Just a pink blush on the apples of her cheeks and peach lipstick on her lips. Though her lashes are thick, she applied mascara to give it more volume as it curved upwards. She also dab a soft orange hue on her eyelid to finish the natural look.

Her deep-blue eyes complement her entire make-up.

Claudia poked at Elaine's heart-shaped birthmark near her cleavage. "Still there, huh?"

She nodded. "Yup." She came to love the birthmark she once wanted to remove. It somehow connects her to her childhood days.

"We'll wait for you outside?"

"Yes. Thanks, Clau." Nang makalabas na ang pinsan ay binalingan niya ang damit na isusuot sa kama.

.

.

"Fuckboy!" salubong ni Marga sa bagong dating.

Nico winced hearing it. "Umayos ka nga, tomboy. Naka-prinsesang damit ka pa naman."

The princess stuck a tongue out. "I'm not in Scotland."

"If only your people knew how unruly you are here in Philippines."

Zoey kissed Avery on each cheek. Nahalata ni Ava ang malalalim nitong buntong-hininga. "That's deep."

The female guest threw a sharp glance at Nico. "I hate my date tonight."

Nico then saw Isaac and Santino walking towards their direction. Hindi nagbitaw ng tingin ang isa't-isa nang magtama ang mga mata nila.

Santino raised a fist to Nico. "Dude."

"Dude." He bumped his fist against Santino's and nodded briefly at Isaac. "Isaac."

Tumabi si Isaac sa asawa at pabulong na nagsalita. "What's this, Avery? Why is Nicolo here?"

Avery forced a smile as she kept welcoming guests. "Not now, love. Not now."

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Already wearing her gown, Elaine slowly placed the heavy necklace on her chest.

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Nico sipping a cocktail drink by the mini-bar, scanned the whole place. Since the mini-bar is a little bit elevated, he had a good look of everyone at the garden.

Whoever decorated the whole place, he'll give her or him a credit for making this place heavenly. The soft fabric of peach and white served as a ceiling. Crystal curtains served as walls surrounding the place. Little bulbs are giving a soft yellow light, basking the set-up with warmth.

'Now... where's this Elaine lady everyone is having a fuss about?' Halos kilala niya ang mga naroroon.

No one peeked his interests.

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Wearing an ivory white gown that spreads like a mermaids tail down her knees, Elaine slowly walked down the stairs of the empty mansion.

The blue diamond, oddly enough, goes well with her bare shoulder of her off-shoulder collar. Her long-white sleeves hugged her arms comfortably.

Her jet-black hair is kept in a low-pony tail behind her.

Upon reaching the ground floor, she walked towards the middle of the wide living room. Elaine then looked up at the huge portrait of her mother, Charlotte.

"Hi, Mommy." She twirled around, spreading the mermaid skirt she had. "Here's your little girl. All grown-up now."

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From the rim of the glass he's drinking, Nico's brown eyes kept searching the crowd for a new face. Then a small pair of feet jumped on his foot, throwing some of his drink on his shirt. "Shit!" Pagyuko niya'y isang batang lalake na may bilugang mga bata.

"Luciano!" Chesca immediately grabbed her son away from him. "N-Nico! Sorry!"

"N-No... no, it's okay." Niyuko niya ang basang damit. "Kids." He forced a smile as he turned to the bartender. "Do you have damp cloth?" He needs to clean it off or the stench of the drink will stick to the fabric of a long time.

"T-Tissue lang po, Sir. Ah, t-teka... kukuha po ako sa kusina."

He waved a hand as dismissal. "Nah, I'll get it. I know the way."

Nilahad ni Chesca ang panyo. "Here."

"No, really... it's okay. I need to wash this anyway." Inis na bumaba siya sa mini-bar.

What a great way to start his night.

So much for searching the lady.

He's out.

.

.

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok niya sa mansion ay unang niyang nakita ang nakatalikod na pigura ng babae na nakatingala sa isang malaking painting. He ignored her and walked towards the kitchen. The mansion was so quiet that time since the event was held outside.

> Tahimik na tahimik ang La Casa Carlota ng gabing iyon. Nasa labas kasi lahat para sa ginanap na bbq party ng uncle niya. Inis na napakamot sa batok ang bagong ahit na si Nicolo sa kwarto niya. Everyone should stop making a big deal out of him saving Boboy's ass from his bullies.

Pulling a towel from the refrigerator's handle, Nico drenched the cloth in a basin of water at the sink.

> Nakapamulsang siyang naglakad papunta ng hagdanan pababa.

Lumabas siya sa kusina na kinukuskos ang bimpo sa damit.

> Nico stopped when he saw someone dancing at La Casa Carlota's wide hall.

He slowly lifts his chocolate-brown gaze on the lady at the spacious living room.

> The woman kept dancing like no one is watching.

Nicolo find himself... walking towards her.

> Ellie smiled and danced with her eyes closed.

Elaine twirled around happily.

> Nico stopped a few feet away from the fairy that he's been searching for high and low.

Nico stopped a few feet away from Elaine. His heart seemed to be thumping right out of his chest. "N-No way..." He muttered underneath his breath.

That smooth shoulders his fingers love to trail after every making love they made.

That swan-like neck his tongue trailed.

...and that heart-shaped birthmark on her cleavage that his lips loved to kiss.

> Napasinghap si Ellie nang may yumakap sa likuran niya at sinasabayan siya sa pagsayaw.

Napasinghap si Elaine nang may humablot sa braso niya.

> Ellie closed her eyes as she leaned back on the stranger's chest.

Halos humambalos ang katawan ni Elaine sa malapad na dibdib ng mapanghas na lalake.

> She turned around and slowly lift her blue eyes to meet the stranger's gaze.

Her blue-eyes sharply looked up to know his identity.

> Nahigit ni Ellie ang hininga nang tingalain niya ang estranghero. Sa mga namumungay na mga asul na mga mata'y sinalubong niya ang kulay-tsokolate nitong titig.

She was met with the angriest chocolate-brown eyes she ever saw in her entire life. Blood immediately drained from Elaine's face upon recognizing him. "N-Nico?"

Umiigting ang panga ni Nico nang matiiim siya nitong titigan sa mata. "Y-You..." he gritted his teeth as his grip on her arm tightened.

She winced in pain. Sinubukan niyang hilahin ang braso. "B-Bitawan mo ako, Nico."

His nails burying their way on her skin. His intense gaze still on her. "Why are you here—"

"NASASAKTAN AKO, ANO BA?!" umalingawngaw ang malakas niyang sigaw.

"What's going on here?"

Napalingon sila sa bukana ng mansion.

Isaac is standing there with a grim expression.

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-END-

A/N: I'd love to read your thoughts of this chapter! 😉