EPILOGUE - The Dream
Third Person's PoV
Dearest Anastasia Shane,
I sincerely hope you would read this letter. These are you father's final words filled with honesty and, believe it or not, love.
I found out yesterday that I've been diagnosed with coronary heart disease. Which is why I am writing this letter to you, my only daughter. As I hold this pen, I am currently on death's door.
You would never want to hear my story anyway. You would never want to talk to me anymore because of how terrible I have treated you all these years. You are right, I did abandon you. I have no excuses for that. But believe me when I say I have always watched you grow into the woman that you are now.
You bring pride to my name and joy to my heart. You've always aimed for something higher. You made a name for yourself ever since you were little.
I am so sorry that I let you down, giving you away to another family. I will never forget your disappointed face when I forced you to become someone's bride. Even if it is to save you from my ex-wife's wrath, I abandoned you anyway.
Look at you now, Anastasia Shane. You never liked how I forced you to take law, but you've become a legend. You became an unstoppable force, fighting for your beloved family.
How proud I am of you for choosing what your heart desires. You never gave up reaching your dream.
I know it is impossible for me to meet the family you made for yourself. I will never get to meet your son. Keenan, was it? I know that boy will make you proud. No matter where I go, I promise to look after him for you too.
My biggest regret in life was not spending all these years with you. I have to confess. My most cherished memory I have of you was on that beach. Japan, 19xx. How you held my hand tightly 'cause you got scared of the waves. I carried you in my arms, calling your name softly.
I still have your photo with your Mom inside my office. If you want to keep it, along with everything I worked hard for, it's yours.
Love,
Anton De Vera.
'Di inaalis ni Kieran ang tingin niya sa lapida. Hindi niya maibigkas ng mabuti yung pangalang nakasulat doon.
Anastasia Shan D.V. Ramos
December 12, 19xx - March 15, 20xx
Hawak niya ang kanilang anak na mahimbing na natutulog. Bumuntong hininga siya't 'di pa rin makapaniwala sa nangyari.
"Why the hell would you do this, Shane?" Naiinis niyang tanong saka mariing pumikit.
Hindi pa rin niya matanggap.
Dalawang linggo na ang lumipas simula nang maipanganak ni Shane si Keenan. Buhay at malusog ang baby nila at palangiti gaya ni Kieran. Naghalo ang kaniyang mukha pero mas nangingibabaw yung pagkahawig niya sa kaniyang ama.
Unfortunately for Shane, she flatlined inside that emergency room.
"Shane, nangaasar ka ba?" Naiinis ng sambit ni Kieran nang pinaniningkitan ng mata yung lapida. "I didn't think you would actually go this far to drive me crazy."
Lumingon siya sa katabi niyang nakakrus mga bisig at binabasa ring mabuti yung pangalan sa lapida. Maski siya hindi niya rin matanggap.
"Bloody hell, they spelled my name wrong." Inis niyang sambit saka tinuro yung second name niya. "They forgot to put an 'e'! It's Shane! Not Shan!" Reklamo niya't sunod na tinuro si Andy. "You are bloody useless, you know that? You had one job!"
"Ikaw na nga ginawhan ng lapida!" Sagot din ni Andy sa kaniya. "Gago neto, nagpagawa ba naman ng lapida. Siraulo amp."
Yes, Anastasia Shane came back alive and breathing. The doctors knew they had to do everything to revive Doctor Kieran's wife otherwise there would be hell to pay.
"Ano na namang kabalastugan ito, Shane?" Naiinis lalo si Kieran sa asawa nang tumawa ito. "You didn't die, damn it! Bakit need mo ng lapida?!"
"Technically, I did die for three minutes. At this point, nagsasawa na ata Kamatayan sa akin kaya binalik din ako agad." Biro niya ngunit 'di nawala yung inis ng asawa. "At least I'm alive, right? Plus, this grave marker is a token for surviving death and Divine's wrath. The old Anastasia Shane is dead. Long live the new me."
Gigil siyang lumapit kay Keenan na karga ni Kieran. "Isn't that right you sweet little baby?" Her baby cooed at her touch. Shane talked in her baby voice, "Mommy loves piss off your daddy. Yeees, she dooeesss."
Pang-limang beses ng bumuntong hininga si Kieran saka umiling-iling.
"Your mommy loves to be dramatic as always." Kumento naman nito. "Pumayag ka naman, Andy."
"E' siyempre naman, pare. Gagawin niya raw akong ninong nung bata." Masayang sagot ng kaibigan nila saka pinagpagan yung pinagawa niyang lapida. Nasa loob sila ng garden dome ni Shane at pwinesto yung marbe slab sa may fountain. "Papalitan ko na lang ito."
"You better." Shane replied sharply. Naalerto siya nang umiyak si Keenan, kaya nama'y agad niya itong kinuha para ihele. "Sshh, I know, I know. Andy doesn't know how to spell. It's sad, I know."
"Tanginang 'yan. Nalimutan ko lang yung letter E!" Sagot ni Andy at kinuha yung lapida. "Papalitan ko na nga!"
"I think he's hungry." Obserba ni Shane at walang pasabing tinaas damit niya kahit na kasama pa rin nila si Hiro, Vincent, Gary at Andy. Inimbitahan sila para ipakita yung lapida.
Lumaki mga mata ng mga kalalakihan nung akmang ibababa sana ni Shane yung bra niya.
"Shane!" Hinarangan ni Kieran ang katawan nito para walang makita yung iba. Hinubad niya rin agad ang suot niyang jacket para takpan siyang nagpapadede kay Keenan. "You really have to stop doing that!"
"Doing what? Our baby's hungry. It's up to them if they want to look. Sisilip ba kayo?" Masungit niyang tanong apat. Sabay-sabay silang tumingin sa iba't ibang direksyon. "See? Sila nag-adjust."
"Maybe this is our cue to leave." Sabi ni Gary kay Vincent. "Thanks again for inviting us."
"No, I should be the one thanking you for coming to my funeral!" Masayang responde ni Shane bago napadaing sa sakit. Yumuko siya para tignan anak niya. "You're just like your father, Keenan. Calm down jeez."
Nagkatinginan yung apat na mga bisita nila. Namula naman sa hiya si Kieran sa tabi ni Shane.
"I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that and just walk out of here." Ika ni Hiro't 'di na nagdalawang isip pang iwan sila doon. Sumunod sa kaniya si Andy na nagtakip pa ng mga tengang lumabas.
Natatawa lang si Shane sa mga reaksyon nila samantalang si Kieran ay napapakamot na lang ng ulo. Her vulgarity knows no bounds.
"Congratulations again, Shane. I'm so happy for you." Sabi ni Vincent.
Matamis na ngumiti si Shane, "Thank you. What about you and your fiancé? Any plans of having kids?"
Namumulang nagkatinginan yung dalawa. Inakbayan ni Vincent si Gary at hinalikan siya sa pisngi.
"When we move back sa States, we'll find a surrogate mother. Kahit isa lang na anak ayos na kami." Sagot ni Vincent nang hindi inaalis ang tingin sa kasintahan niya. "After my mom's house arrest, we decided to permanently live in New York. Nagsisimula na kaming magimpake para sa flight namin next month."
Shane felt a pang on her chest. But she felt happy for him. He could also start over his new life with the man he loves. Living their lives the way they want to freely.
"I'll have my kids meet your kids when they grow up someday." Namumuo mga luha ni Shane dahilan ng pagtawa ng marahan ni Vincent. "We really did it, didn't we?"
"That we did, Shane..." naluluha ring sagot ng lalaki. "That we did."
-
"You better make sure to call us when you get there, okay? No ifs or buts. When the plane lands, call. Okay?" Bilin ni Shane kay Natasha habang yakap niya siya.
Lilipad na pabalik ng Australia si Natasha matapos ang tatlong dekadang hindi niya nakita pamilya niya. Nahanap ni Hiro mga natitira niyang kamaganak at nakumpirmang doon pa rin sila nakatira. Pagkatatlong buwan ni Keenan, napagpasyahan ni Natasha na umuwi na muna sa kanila.
"Ingat kayo ha?" Hinalikan niya sa pisngi si Shane at yinakap isa-isa mga apo niya. Huli niyang hinaplos sa ulo si Keenan na natutulog sa stroller niya. "Bibisita ako 'pag may time."
"Bumisita ka lang anytime, 'Ma." Aniya ni Kieran na nakahawak sa stroller. "Naka-reserve lang yung kwarto mo sa bahay."
"Sa bagong bahay?"
"Opo. 'Pag natapos na po."
"Thank you, Kieran." Yinakap niya rin si Kieran sa may bewang. May katangkaran kasi ang kaniyang manugang kaya 'di niya maabot balikat nito. "Thank you sa lahat ginawa mo kay Shane. Thank you."
"Always po, 'Ma. Magiingat ka po doon ha? Sundin niyo po bilin ng anak niyo at baka ako pa po maging punching bag sa pag-aalala niya sa inyo-aray!" Tumawa siya matapos mahampas ni Shane sa likod. "Tignan mo ito, 'Ma oh. Tignan mo anak mong brutal."
"Tsk. Shane..." sita ni Natasha.
Inirapan sila ni Shane saka umiwas ng tingin. Ayaw niyang ipakita na naiiyak na naman siya. Tipid na ngumiti ang kaniyang nanay saka siya yinakap ulit.
"I love you, anak." Pinunasan niya yung tumakas na luha ni Shane. "Enjoy mo life mo ha? Okay?"
Tumango si Shane bilang sagot. Pinanood nilang pumasok na sa loob ng airport si Natasha at kumaway sa kaniya.
Natasha Stanley reunited with her family at last.
-
A/n: Reader discretion is advised -///-
Kasalukuyang nagbubuhat ng mga boxes sina Shane at Kieran at ipinapasok ito sa loob ng bago nilang tirahan. Kailangan nila ng mas malaking bahay para sa lumalaking pamilya nila.
Lumipat sila sa dating bahay ni Kieran.
Tinupad niya ang pangako niyang babalikan niya ito noon para ayusin. Binili yung lote sa paligid nito't pinarenovate ang dating halos pagiba ng bahay.
Umakyat si Shane dala ang box na naglalaman ng mga sapatos niya't tumungo sa magiging master's bedroom. Nandoon na si Kieran, ina-assemble niya na yung kama nilang mag-asawa. Sa sobrang init ng panahon, tanging gray sweatpants lang ang kaniyang suot. Kitang-kita ang kaniyang batak na katawan na kinaaaliwan ng husto ni Shane.
"You know," binaba ni Shane yung box sa sahig, "this is where we first did it."
Mahinang tumawa si Kieran habang hinihigpitan yung screw ng kama nila. "Kaya nga ito yung napili kong magiging kwarto natin."
This was Kieran's bedroom before. The same room where they made love for the first time after Shane fired him as her butler twelve years ago.
Now it's theirs.
Yinakap siya ni Shane mula sa likuran at hinalikan ang pawisang batok nito.
"Is the bed ready? I can think of some ways to test its strength." Shane purred against his ear, lightly biting it. Her hands roamed all over his chest and chiseled abs eventually making its way inside his pants.
Kieran chuckled lowly before facing her, capturing her lips with one swift move. He hoisted her legs up and made them wrap around his waist as he walked towards the newly assembled bed, still not breaking away from their passionate kiss.
Gently, he laid her down on their newly bought mattress. Her arms still locked around his head, deepening their kiss while their tongues sloppily battled each other. Heat flushed through their bodies. Hotter than the burning temperature of May's weather.
Kieran lifted Shane's tanktop, tossing it off the bed as he dove straight to her freed breasts. She moaned softly, placing a hand on his hair to lightly pull it.
There was still some milk residue on her nipples from breastfeeding Keenan. He licked it clean, moving his tongue in circles before flicking the middle part roughly. Shane clamped her mouth to suppress a loud moan. Their windows are open to allow some summer breeze in. The last thing they want to happen would be their neighbors getting used to their lovemaking harmony.
"Mabuti na lang na kay Priscilla na muna yung mga bata." Natatawang bulong ni Kieran bago binaba ang shorts at panty ni Shane. "I can have you all to myself for the entire afternoon."
"Just until 5 o'clock." She corrected. "I don't want to be away from our babies for too long."
Tinignan ni Kieran ang orasan, "We have a couple of hours to ourselves then." Binaba niya ang sweatpants niya't tumambad ang buhay na buhay niyang kahabaan. "Let's make the most of it. Madami pa tayong aayusin."
Kinagat ni Shane ang pang-ibabang labi niya't kumapit sa leeg ni Kieran. He gently buried himself inside her, moaning softly as he thrusted. Their lips found it each other again while laughter erupted in between. Hearts pounding loudly against their chests, louder than Kieran's voice chanting her name repeatedly like a sacred prayer.
The room burned with raging love and desire for a whole hour. Like it did the first time they slept together. Still in love after eleven years since that night.
-
"This is a really good decision, Attorney Shane. You gained immense popularity since the Stanley Case and other major cases after that. Everyone already knows how ruthless you can be. You would certainly win the job." Puri ni Mayor Rivera kay Shane saka sumipsip sa kaniyang kape.
Nasa loob sila ng opisina ni Shane sa Medusa Law. Pinaguusapan nila ang desisyon ni Shane na tumakbo bilang alkalde ng lungsod.
"I find that it is easier to eradicate power hungry people by being on the inside. Easier to get rid of the corruption going on too." Sumipsip din si Shane sa tsaa niya. "I get to oversee everything and I get to be the people's voice. Seeing how happy you are, I assume I have your support for my candidacy?"
"I have to admit I had some doubts when you told me about your plans because of your past. But I think you are a prime example that a person's history does not define them." Linahad niya ang kaniyang palad kay Shane. "I will back you up in this campaign. It'll be nice to have a female leader for a change."
Kumibit balikat si Shane, "Say that again when I decide to run for president." Kumindat siya. "Which, of course, is not anytime soon. I'm still deciding. Truth be told, I thought my passion would be a law enforcer, which is why I wanted to become a detective. I realized that my true passion was to defend people's rights to choose how they live and protect them. I want to become the people's voice. It's easier to do that when I become a leader. Don't you think?"
Lalong lumawak ang ngiti ng matanda.
"A ruthless leader with a good heart. Unafraid and wise." The current mayor nodded in approval. "You'll be a perfect fit for the position. Aside from your impressive credentials, of course. If you don't mind me asking, what made you change your mind?"
Shane devilishly smiled at Mr. Rivera as she shrugged.
Biglang bumukas ang pinto at may dalawang bata na tumakbo paloob.
"Mommyyyy!! Kuya Max ate my cotton candy!!" Sumbong ni Keenan saka kumapit sa palda ni Shane. Tumutulo pa ang sipon niya kakaiyak. "Mommyyyy!! Cotton candyyy!!"
Max flushed red, "No, I didn't! Ate Dee gave it to me! It was mine!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"I did not!"
Umiyak lalo nang malakas si Keenan at inakyat yung palda ni Shane. "Mommyyyy!!!"
"Bloody hell." Bulong ng babae't binuhat yung limang taon niyang anak at kinalong. "Excuse my sons, Mayor. They really love their cotton candy."
"No, no. It's fine." Marahang natawa pa ang alkalde. "Your boys are so big na."
"Tell me about it. They're growing up too fast!" Hinahagod ni Shane likod ni Keenan. Tinignan niya ng masama si Max na ngayo'y eight years old na. "What did your father tell you about sharing with your brother?"
Max stomped his foot, "But it was my cotton candy! Bigay ni ate Dee sa akin 'yon, Mommy!"
"Max, I told you to share your food always. Do you enjoy eating your food without sharing it to your brother?" Malumanay na kinausap ni Shane si Max. Pinupunasan yung naghalong sipon at luha sa mukha naman ni Keenan.
Ngumuso si Max na naiiyak din, "No po, Mommy." Lumapit siya sa mommy niya't yinakap siya. "Sorry po." Kiniss niya rin ang kaniyang kapatid para patahanin niya. "Sorry na, Keenan. Bati tayo ha?"
"Ayaw." Sinubsob ni Keenan mukha niya sa dibdib ni Shane.
Bumuntong hininga ng malakas si Shane at natawa sa mga anak niya. "If you don't make up right now, I will call your father and tell him." Banta niya sa dalawa.
Mas takot sila kay Kieran kesa kay Shane.
Sakto namang pumasok si Kieran sa loob na nakasuot pa rin ng doctor's coat. Naniningkit mga mata nitong nakatingin sa mga anak niya.
"Boys," mariing tawag niya, "didn't I tell you two to not disturb your mommy?" Lumingon siya sa bisita ng asawa. "Good to see you again, Mayor. Pagpasensyahan niyo na yung mga anak ko. Napaaga uwi nila galing school kaya nandito."
"No, no. I don't mind. It's nice seeing your two little boys." Ngiting saad ng matanda't natutuwang panoorin kung paano magbangayan yung magkapatid. Naaalala niya ang kaniyang anak. "Anyway, when are you giving birth, Attorney Shane? Is the gender confirmed yet if you don't mind me asking?"
"Well..." binigay ni Shane si Keenan kay Kieran para makatayo siya. Hinawakan niya ang kaniyang five-month old pregnant belly saka dumako sa may file cabinet niya't may kinuhang photo. "I'll be giving birth around July, or so what Doctor Fabi told us. Her name's Annika Jade."
Pinakita ni Shane yung 3D ultrasound image ng pangalawang anak nila ni Kieran. Namangha ang alkalde.
"She looks just like you, Attorney." Kumento nito't marahang tumawa. Tumango siya't binalik 'yon sa kanila, "The next generation version of you. You two must be so happy."
Kieran placed his free arm around his pregnant wife, planting a kiss on her temple. His other arm carried Keenan who's leaning against his chest, sucking his thumb. Shane hooked an arm around Max's small body as well.
"Just living the dream." Sabi ni Kieran at nginitian si Shane. "Always the dream."
-
Nagmamadaling bumaba si Shane sa hagdan habang sinusuot yung pearl earrings niya.
Shit! We're late!
"Max! Keenan! Hurry up we're late!" Sigaw niya't dumiretso sa kusina para ihanda yung baon ng mga bata. Kumuha siya ng malaking bag at linagay doon yung isang case ng juiceboxes at biskwit. "Fuck, where's the doll?"
Pumunta naman siya sa may sala nila para hanapin yung paboritong laruan ng bunso niya. Napamura siya ulit nung 'di niya ito makita.
"Kieran! Bobby is missing!" Tawag niya sa asawa niya't binalikan yung hinahanda niyang baon nila. Hindi pwedeng ma-late sila sa event. Masyado iyon importante sa kanila. Ngunit mas importante rin si Bobby dahil iiyak ng sobra ang anak nila kapag wala iyon. "Kieran!"
"Coming." Bumaba ng hagdan si Kieran na karga si Annika. Gigil na gigil siya sa suot nitong pink na dress. Si Shane ang nag-bihis at nag-ayos sa kaniya at tila ba para siyang naging manika sa itsura nito. "Do you know where Bobby is, sweetheart?"
Umiling si Annika't yinakap leeg niya. Humihikab-hikab pa ito gawa ng kakagising niya lang. Mainam ng inaantok pa siya dahil hindi niya pa alam na nawawala si Bobby.
"Ah. There it is." Nahanap ni Shane si Bobby, yung tinahing teddy bear ni Natasha, sa may high chair. "Kieran, catch."
Nasalo agad ni Kieran si Bobby. "Here you go, sweetheart. Don't lose him ha?"
Nagkakamot pa ng mata si Annika nung yinakap niya 'yon. Lumambot sobra puso ni Kieran sa sobrang kacutean niya.
Zinip up ni Shane yung bag at namewang. "Where are the boys? We're late!"
"Naglalaro pa ata sa taas. I'll go start the car." Kinuha na rin ni Kieran yung inihandang bag ni Shane saka lumabas na kasama si Annika na tulog na.
Klinaro ni Shane lalamunan niya, "Max, Keenan, if you two don't come down here right now, I swear to God, I will-"
"Coming, Mommy!"
Kumaripas ng takbo pababa yung dalawa't dinaanan si Shane na nagpipigil ng tawa. Ayaw nilang parehong makita ang kabagsikan ni Shane, lalong lalo na kay Kieran. Nagmadali silang nagsuot ng sapatos at nagunahan sa sasakyan.
Shane stood back and watched them in awe. Time went by so fast. Max is already a teenager and Keenan's already eleven. She's blessed that they get to grow up healthily in a loving family. Malayo sa pinagdaanan niyang trauma.
Max and Keenan bonded really well. They're inseparable. They do everything together. Sports, academics, and even just reading books leisurely. They also love spending time with Kieran especially when they're playing outside.
Hindi rin naranasan ni Kieran na makasama tatay niya. Kaya gayon na lamang ang paglaan niya ng oras para sa kaniyang mga anak upang lumaki silang maayos. Lumaking gentlemen din.
Before closing the door, Shane glanced at the photo hanging on their wall. It's a photo of when she was with her biological parents on the beach in Japan.
"Please look out for my children." Sabi niya sa litrato. "Then we can call it even."
She closed the door.
-
"Dito po ang designated seats niyo, Congresswoman Ramos." Tumingin din yung event organizer sa gawi ni Kieran. "Doctor Ramos."
"Thank you." Matamis siyang nginitian ni Shane.
Masayang umalis ang babae't ipinagmalaki sa mga kasamahan niyang nginitian siya ng isa sa mga pinakamalakas at pinakaminamahal na politiko sa bansa. The whole city-province rather- loves Congresswoman Anastasia Shane Ramos. Her brutal honesty and her battles for equality and justice won the hearts of thousands of citizens residing in their local province. She became a mother to her people. A symbol of hope and inspiration.
Most of those who looks up to her are young women.
Even with her immense power and fame, she remained humble. Despite how busy she is handling political matters, attending back and forth meetings and events, she still made time for her family.
"Look at you, my little princess." Ngiting aniya ni Shane at pinisil-pisil mga pisngi ni Annika na bagong gising. Kinalong niya bunso niya't hinalik-halikan ito. "My adorable little baby."
Annika is six years old and is always quiet. Kamukha ni Shane yung bata pero nakuha niya ugali ni Kieran na tahimik lang.
"Mommy...Bobby..." Annika is threatening to cry loudly when her bear got missing. Again. "Mommy..."
"Uh oh." Nagkatinginan silang mag-asawa. "Nabitawan niya ata sa sasakyan." Alalang sabi ni Kieran at tumayo agad.
"Daddy..." nagsisimula ng umiyak ng malakas si Annika. "Daddy, Bobbyyy!! DADDDYYYYY!!! WAAAAHH!!!"
Nagsitinginan mga tao sa kanila sa sobrang lakas ng iyak ni Annika. Agad silang liningon ni Shane para samaan ng titig upang wala silang maireklamo. Tumahimik sila.
"MOMMYYYYYY!! BOBBYYYYY!!!!"
Bloody hell, who knew she could scream like that?! Kieran 2.0 nga!
Napatingin silang mag-asawa sa direksyon nina Max at Keenan na tinatawanan si Annika. Hawak nila si Bobby at sinasadyang ilayo sa kaniya. Umiyak lalo si Annika.
"Tsk." Inis na lumapit sa kanila si daddy Kieran at inakbayan silang dalawa. Nawala yung tawa nila. Hindi marinig ni Shane kung anong sinabi ni Kieran gawa ng tuloy-tuloy pa ring pag-wala ni Annika.
"Annika, baby..." pagpapakalma ni Shane at hinaplos buhok ng bunso niya, "stop crying na. Your daddy will get Bobby for you, okay? Calm down na ang baby. There you go..." tumigil naman kahit papaano si Annika. Yumakap siya kay Shane at sinubsob mukha niya sa leeg nito. "There you go, sweetheart. Calm down na."
Bumalik si Kieran na hawak si Bobby.
"I grounded them both for a week. Sabihin ba namang bakit daw kasi iyakin kapatid nila. Tsk." Liningon niya ulit yung dalawa. "Sinasabi ko sa inyo, last na yan ah. 'Pag pinaiyak niyo siya ulit, yari kayo sa aking dalawa. Intindi niyo?" Pabulong niya silang pinagsasabihan para 'di sila mapahiya sa mga nanonood sa kanila.
"Opo, Daddy. Sorry po." Nakayukong paghingi ng tawad ni Max. Hindi na lang umimik si Max sa tabi niya.
Binigay ni Kieran si Bobby kay Annika't hinalikan ito sa noo. "Ikaw naman. Be a tough girl like your mommy. Have you seen your mommy cry?"
Mabagal na umiling si Annika.
"Do you want to be tough like Mommy?" Tanong naman ni Shane. Tumango-tango bunso nila. "Be a bad bish like mommy?"
"Shane."
"Sabi ko nga." Hinalikan ulit ni Shane pisngi ni Annika. "Don't worry, sweetheart. You're already tough like mommy. And it's okay if there are some days where you don't feel like being tough. Being vulnerable is okay too."
Kieran nodded in agreement.
The lights dimmed as the show started. Na-excite silang mag-asawa't 'di mapakali sa upuan nila. Maski na sila Max at Keenan ay nae-excite ding makita Ate Dee nilang rumampa sa stage. Si Annika naman ay mas natutuwa sa mga ilaw habang akap si Bobby.
Nagsimula ng magpatugtog yung DJ at may mga nagsilabasan ng mga models. Isa-isa silang rumampa sa entablado suot ang mamahaling brand na dinisenyo ng sikat na local fashion designer.
"There she is!" Tinuro ni Shane yung dalagang lumabas from backstage at fierce na rumampa sa catwalk.
Dylan Christelle wore her brown leather dress with pride and with sass. She dominated the runway with her intimidating presence. Jaws hang open with every sway of her hips. Several young men watching her praised her beauty. And their hearts stopped beating when she showed them the signature devilish smile Shane taught her.
She took over the fashion show without even trying. Even the designer swooned at her presence, thanking her for gracing the runway.
Kieran never missed any of his daughter's shows. And so did Shane. Even if their daughter is already a massive star at 24 years of age.
Pagkadaan ni Dylan sa harapan ng pamilya niya, kumaway siya sa mga kapatid niya. Lalo na kay Annika na manghang-mangha sa suot niya.
Annika bashfully hid her face on her mommy's chest when Dylan sent her a flying kiss.
Every single time Dylan walks on the runway, it made Shane emotional. The three-year-old girl that she left all those years ago is now a grown woman taking after her. Dylan idolized Shane so much that she became her second version. Tough, fierce, and a bad bitch. Shane watched in her awe as she and Kieran raised her.
In this moment, Shane realized she did her life right. She became a mother to four loving children. Married the love of her life. And choosing a job she felt passionate about. She also did her life right by raising her children properly.
Dylan Christelle is a testimony to that.
"I can't believe you guys came!" Masayang sabi ni Dylan at sinalubong si Shane ng yakap. "I thought you're busy, Mommy?"
"Never too busy for you." Sagot naman ni Shane. "Of course, I'd come. I always look forward seeing you take over the show."
"You were amazing up there as always." Kumento rin ni Kieran at tinapik sa balikat anak niya. Hindi niya magawang mayakap si Dylan dahil karga niya si Annika na tulog na.
"Ate Dee," kinalabit ni Keenan si Dylan. "Someone's looking for you."
Pinisil ni Dylan magkabilaang pisngi ni Keenan at pinanggigilan. "Ha? Sino?"
"'Yon oh, ate." Tinuro ni Max yung lalaking nakatayo sa 'di kalayuan na may hawak na bulaklak. "Kanina ka pa niya sinusundan."
"Ha? Nasaan?-oh. Bloody hell." Sumimangot si Dylan nang mamukhaan niya kung sino 'yon. Tinakpan niya yung mata ng mga kapatid niya para iwasan nilang titigan yung lalaki. "Hayaan niyo. Papansin 'yan."
Shane tipped her head sideways, curiously wondering who that man is, "Who's that?"
"Someone completely irrelevant in my life." Mabilisang sagot ni Dylan.
"Irrelevant pero dinalhan ka ng bulaklak? Parehas kayo ng mommy mo 'di marunong magsinungaling." Nakipagtitigan din si Kieran sa binata para takutin ito. Pero umawang labi niya nang makitang pamilyar mukha niya. "Hindi ba iyon yung-"
"Max. Keenan. Tara na." Pagpuputol ni Dylan sa papa niya't inakbayan yung dalawa. "Mauuna na po kami. Akin na po si Annika."
Binigay nila sa kaniya si Annika't nauna na sa parking lot. Nagkatinginan sina Shane at Kieran at marahang natawa.
"Whoops. Looks like Dylan is already breaking hearts. Yikes." Humawak siya sa bewang ni Kieran. "Good luck."
"Good luck kanino?"
"Sa iyo."
"What for? Okay lang naman sa akin kung makipagrelasyon anak natin. Dalaga na siya. Kahit sino pa 'yan." Even Kieran himself knows that is a lie. Tinaasan siya ng kilay ni Shane.
"Even if that means Dylan dates Hiro's son? Ayos lang sa iyo 'yon?" Tumango si Kieran. "Alright, sabi mo e'. We didn't even know he had a son until Keenan turned one. I won't even be surprised if he has more children. I heard he was a fuck boy."
Naglakad na sila palabas ng event hall.
"Halata naman. Kaya nga ayoko sa anak niya." Masungit na sabi ni Kieran.
"Hindi naman ikaw makikipagrelasyon sa anak niya."
"Honey, you know what I mean."
Tumawa ng malakas si Shane gawa ng pagiging overprotective ni Kieran. She couldn't blame him though. Even if Dylan is 3 or 30, she will always be her little princess. That Nakahara boy better be treating her like a queen.
"Alright, alright." Shane laughed some more. "She'll be fine, honey. Besides, she has your wits. She knows how to choose for herself. Trust her."
Kieran nodded, conceding to the idea that Dylan is now a grown woman. But no matter, she will be alright. After all, it's Shane who raised her.
-
"Good night sweetheart. Mommy loves you." Hinalikan ni Shane si Annika na kayakap si Bobby. Nacu-cutean siya sobra sa bunso niya. Her mini version.
"I love you, Mommy..." bulong ng bata. "I love you, Bobby..." sabi niya rin sa kaniyang laruan at hinalikan din ito. "Shleep tayo shleep."
Pinatay na ni Shane yung ilaw ng kwarto niya't pumunta naman sa kwarto ni Max. Tanging nightlight niya na lang ang nakabukas at nagbabasa siya ng comic book.
"Hey there, buddy." Tinabihan siya ni Shane at natuwa dahil may anggulo si Max na kahawig si Fatima. She hopes she's happy in heaven seeing how his son grew up well. "Just wanna say good night."
"Good night, Mommy." Bumababa na ang boses ni Max gawa ng pagbibinata nito. Nahihiya pa siyang humalik sa pisngi ni Shane. "Love you po."
Mas pinagtuunan niya ng pansin yung binabasa niyang comic book. Hindi siya ganoon ka-open sa pagpapakita ng panlalambing. Gayonpaman, mahal na mahal niya parents niya. Ginulo na lang ni Shane buhok ni Max at iniwan na siya doon.
Sunod naman niyang pinuntahan si Keenan na nakatalukbong ng kumot. Marahang tumawa si Shane at bahagyang binaba ito.
"I'm sleeping, I promise." Sabi nito't nagkunwari pang humilik. Alam naman ni Shane na 'di siya marunong magsinungaling at namana 'yon ng anak niya. Pero 'di naman siya ganito kapalpak. Natatawa na lang siya.
Ipinailalim ni Shane kamay niya sa unan ni Keenan at kinuha yung cellphone. Nagpupuyat kasi ang bata para lang manood.
"Wake up early to watch anime. It's time for you to sleep, baby." Shane tucked him in his blankets.
Keenan folded his arms over his chest and pouted. Kamukhang kamukha niya si Kieran nung ginawa niya 'yon.
"Stop pouting." Pinitik ni Shane bibig nito't hinila mukha ng anak para ulanan ng halik pisngi niya.
"Mommy, stop! I'm not a baby anymore!" Reklamo ni Keenan pero 'di pa rin siya binitawan ni Shane. Nakikiliti pa siya. "Mommy, hahaha! Stop! Hahaha!"
"I can't help it, I'm sorry!" Lumayo na si Shane at pinisil ulit pisngi ni Keenan. "I love you, baby."
"I love you too, Mommy."
Pinatay na ni Shane yung ilaw sa kwarto niya.
Natawagan niya na rin si Dylan para mag-good night din sa kaniya. Nakatira na kasi ang panganay nila sa sarili niyang dorm dahil mas malapit ito sa Valerian International Academy.
Pagkapasok ni Shane sa loob ng kwarto nila ni Kieran, walang tao sa loob. May note doon sa may bintana na nagsasabing:
Meet me in the garden. May hinanda akong hagdan para sa iyo.
- Kieran
Shane scoffed. This reminded her of her college days back when she was sneaking out of her house to go to the nightclub. Time really did go by fast. One minute she was out drinking alone at night, sleeping with random men and come home drunken and wasted. The next minute, she was happily married and now a mother.
The old Anastasia Shane would never think she'd have the life she has now. She would be surprised on how things turned out for her. From rebelling against her father, picking fights with people, being the school serpentine to being one of the most successful women in the country and married to the love of her life.
Dumaan si Shane sa may bintana't ginamit yung hagdaan para makababa. Naka-paa siyang pumunta sa bago niyang garden dome na pinatayo ni Kieran para sa kaniya. Madilim sa loob nung siya'y pumasok.
"Kieran...?"
May nag-play na music na nanggagaling sa dulo ng garden. Napamilyaran agad ni Shane kung ano yung kanta.
It's their wedding song.
And you got me like, oh
What you want from me? (What you want from me?)
And I tried to buy your pretty heart, but the price too high
Baby you got me like, oh, mm
You love when I fall apart (fall apart)
So you can put me together
And throw me against the wall
"Anastasia Shane," Kieran's hands found solace on her waist as he grabbed her closer to him in the dark, "how many times have I told you I love you?"
Shane laughed heartily, hooking both her arms on his neck, "Not enough."
"Tsk. Now that's a problem." Sabi ni Kieran bago sinapo ng isa niyang kamay pisngi ng asawa niya. "I hope I said 'I love you' as many as these petals around us, if not more."
Kumunot noo si Shane. "What petals?"
Kieran smirked as he flipped the switch to turn the lights on.
"This."
Shane's mouth hung open as the light illuminated the garden filled with pink carnation flowers. Everywhere she turns, all of them are her favourite flowers. Hundreds of them huddled together inside this dome.
"Happy birthday." Kieran said with a huge grin. "Linevel up ko yung tradition natin. I just thought a jar wouldn't be enough to symbolize my heart's honesty."
Shane didn't know what to say. Her heart is too full just by looking at the view. It's perfect. Heavenly, even.
"I love you crazy, Anastasia Shane." Kieran spoke softly in her ear, leaning in closer to kiss her. "My carnation flower. The goddess of my life. I told you before that I'll love you until all your petals have fallen and wilted. And even then, I'll love you harder. Until my last dying breath, I will still call your name. And even in heaven, I will come look for you. I love you, and only you, Anastasia Shane."
And the bad bitch of a villainess finally got a happy ending for herself. As she should.
Shane pulled away from their kiss, and showed her world how her signature devilish smirk melted into an angelic, heavenly smile when she replied, "I love you."
THE END
End of Season 2.
THE BAD BITCH AND THE DOCTOR
February 20, 2024.