This is the end! Thank you for letting me share my faith with you, whatever status, place, age, and religion we belong to.
***
EPILOGUE
Half a year later...
I WAS holding on to my seat tightly. Last minute and my son has the ball. One strong kick and he can goal--that will result their first championship.
This is just a children soccer tournament, but I know how much this means to my little champ.
"Goal, Kuya Rain!" sigaw ni Riana at napatayo na sa upuan niya.
"Kick the ball, Kuya! Kick!!!" sigaw rin ni Adam at tumalon-talon na.
Rainiel kept running, kicking the ball towards the goal. May humarang sa kanyang malaking bata.
Napatiimbagang ako nang bumagsak sa lupa ang anak ko nang malakas itong natulak. Pumito ang referee. Sumenyas ng foul. The parents of the other team groaned.
The inner me smiled. Rainiel can have a free kick. If he'll be able to shoot it, his team will win. Sa ngayon ay tie ang score ng dalawang team. 1-1.
"Daddy, Kuya Rain will kick!" turo ni Adam.
Naka-puwesto na ang goaler. Ang bola ay nasa tapat na ni Rainiel. All he needs to do is kick the soccer ball straight to the goal.
Ngunit nakatingin lang siya sa bola. From here, I can feel the great pressure bestowed upon my son. If he won't be able to goal, my shoot out pang mangyayari.
"Kick,Kuyaaaaa! Kick!!!" sigaw ni Adam. He's three years old now and since he began to learn to construct sentences, all he did was shout. Kind of adorable for his age now.
Rainiel kicked the ball.
Nanatili akong kalmado nang na-block ang bola. Hindi siya naka-goal. Nakita ko ang pagsimangot ng anak ko.
The game ended with a draw. Kailangan nang mag-shoot out.
Three kickers from each team will have the chance to kick the ball to goal. Kung sinong team ang nakaraming goal, iyon ang mananalo.
Napatingin ako sa relos. Hindi naman kami male-late sa musical play ngayon ng asawa ko kung aalis agad kami right after the awarding.
Kahit sinong team ang manalo ay champion na. At first runner up naman ang matatalo. Para sa'kin, I'm proud of my boy for he got this far. But of course, we prayed together that his team will bag the championship because they represent their school.
The shoot-out began. Huli si Rainiel na kicker sa team niya. Kaya tumaas ang pressure nang pagkatapos ng tig-dalawang kickers sa dalawang team ay 1-1 na naman ang scores.
The last kicker of the other team was not able to goal.
Now, it's Rainiel's turn. The pressure is on my son, again. If he'll shoot this, they will be hailed as champions.
"Daddy, Kuya Rain will be able to goal, right?" Riana asked me.
"Of course, he will."
Tumayo ako sa bleacher. I can't just sit here. I have to admit I feel tense for him. This is his first soccer tournament outside school.
"Riana, darling, stay here with Adam. I'll be right back." Malalaking hakbang na nakalapit ako sa gilid ng field.
Naghihintay na lang ng pagpito ng referee bago sumipa si Rainiel. But I can feel the uneasiness of my child. Umalis sandali ang referee dahil tinawag ito ng organizers.
"Hey, champ," tawag ko sa anak ko. May bakod kaya't hanggang sa labas lang ako ng field.
Lumingon siya sa'kin. Nakita ko na agad sa mga mata niya ang pagdududa sa kakayanan niyang maka-goal ngayon. He lost the confidence because he missed the goal earlier.
I smiled at him. "You can do this. After, we'll go to Mommy and watch her play in church."
Lumabi siya. "What if I won't be able to goal katulad kanina?"
"It doesn't matter. You still made me proud, anak. And look, Riana and Adam's cheering for you. We all are. Mommy texted her cheers, too."
Napalunok siya at tumingin sa referee na pabalik na.
"Is it okay if our team won't win?" he even asked.
"Yes. Because no matter what happens, you're already a winner to me, anak. You will always be." That's true to all of my children.
He blinked, and his black eyes were full of determination once again.
Nakabalik na ang referee. "Alright, boys. If Rain will be able to goal, they'll win. If not, this will be another draw and we need to add another kicker."
Nagtanguan ang mga bata. Halatang pagod na ang lahat. But I saw how Rainiel would definitely finish this game.
Anak, I know how much we wanted to bring glory to the people we represent. I know the feeling too well. That passion, that fire is good. But what really matters most is that we were able to bring out our best potential. Whether we win first or fall the last, the true value of playing a good game is to finish well.
Pumito na ang referee. Rainiel inhaled and exhaled. Lumayo siya ng kaunti sa bola. B-ume-buwelo. Then he ran and swung his right foot with all his strength.
The ball flew right into the...
"Yes! Yes!" Rainiel's team jumped and cheered.
I sighed in relief. In life, as we finish well, winning with recognition is a very special bonus.
Niyakap si Rainiel ng teammates niya. Even their coach was jumping and throwing punches in the air. They shook hands with the other players.
Tumakbo palapit sa'kin si Rainiel. Ang ngiti ay abot sa magkabilang tainga.
"Thank you, Daddy..." he said. "Can you help me wear my medal?"
I smiled, my heart secretly bursting with pride and joy.
A lot of painful things happened since Agatha's accident and disappearance. I became emotionally unstable when I thought I could have lost her forever.
Nang matagpuan naman siya, it was a very big relief. And I thought we're okay. Amidst her amnesia, we tried talking and making love in Iddu. I thought we're going to be fine. Smooth, like before. Pero doon pa pala magsisimula ang mas malalaki pang pagsubok.
They say, there's a big turning point in your life that will bring the drastic need to change yourself, 360 degrees.
Mula sa mga prinsipyo, paniniwala, at pananampalataya. Lahat-lahat nagbababago hanggang sa hindi mo na magawang pigilan ang mabilis na pag-iiba ng mga bagay sa paligid mo.
The moment Agatha told me she fell out of love amidst all my efforts to win back her forgiveness, trust and memories, it was the biggest turning point of our once intimate and very passionate love and relationship.
Kung mailalarawan ko lang ng mabuti kung paanong habang pinapatay ng sakit ang buong sistema ko, ay unti-unti ko ring binuksan ang mga palad ko-para palayain ang mga bagay na hindi ko na kontrolado.
Sa huling pagkabasag ng kung ano pang natitira sa puso ko, isinuko ko na sa Panginoon ang lahat ng inaasam ko-maging ang kapatawaran at muling pag-ibig ng asawa ko. Pati si Rainiel na noon ay galit sa'kin.
At ang basag-basag ko nang puso, dinikdik pa nang dinikdik hanggang sa maging katulad na lang iyon sa pulbo. The man I looked up to my whole life, my father, got comatose and could never wake up, again.
Ngunit kahit tila pinulbos na ang buo kong puso, tumitibok pa rin iyon. Umaasang matatapos din lahat-lahat ng ito. Na hindi ako magtatagal sa sakit na iyon. Makakabangon ako ulit. Ibabangon akong muli.
Tama pala sila noon nang sinabi nilang ang pinagdaanan kong sakit noon kay Mama, Lana, at Prince ay hindi pa ang pinakamasakit na puwedeng dumurog sa'kin.
As someone grows older, his struggles and problems grow bigger, as well. The consequence of every actions bounces greater.
At napakatotoo niyon. Para sa'kin. Para sa'ming dalawa ni Agatha.
Isinuot ko ang medal kay Rainiel. We just took a couple of photographs. Pagkatapos ay nagmamadali na kaming umalis.
"Galing mo, Kuya Rain!" sabi ni Adam nang nasa sasakyan na kaming lahat.
"Thank you, Adam."
"Mommy will be happy! Sana hindi tayo ma-late. Right, Daddy?" Riana said.
"We'll arrive on time," I said, hoping we really would.
"Kuya, you kicked the ball and then, goal! Amazing!!!" sigaw ni Adam.
Riana giggled. "Do you want to play soccer like Kuya?"
"No," sagot ni Adam. Umiiling pa siya pagsulyap ko sa rearview mirror.
"What do you want to be when you grow up?" tanong dito ni Rainiel.
"I want to be... Tall."
We laughed. Adam giggled playfully. Moments like this are irreplaceable.
Kalahating taon na nang tuluyan ko nang binitawan ang pagiging CEO para mas masubaybayan pa ang paglaki ng mga anak ko. I'm glad I made the right choice. I'm not really closing any doors to work full time in the future. But for now, I enjoy this simple and memorable moments with my children.
I got to know them more personally. I can see right through their actions. Kahit hindi sila magsalita, nakukuha ko sila. Because of that, I was able to attend to the specific needs of my four children who has far different personalities from each other.
Pagpasok namin sa function hall ng CCF ay nakaupo na si Rade sa row na nakareserba para sa pamilya namin.
"Daddy!" He ran towards me.
I carried him in my arms and kissed him on the cheeks. Rainiel, Riana, and Adam settled in their seats.
Pagkaupo ko ay eksaktong sumara ang mga ilaw at ang spotlight ay tumutok sa stage.
Agatha finally found the place of her dreams.
Tatanggapin niya na dapat ang trabaho noon kasama si Trisha. But since Agatha started to rebuild her faith again, she became active in Dgroups and retreats. Sa mga conferences ay magkasama kaming um-attend. We were able to attend parenting workshops and a marriage retreat, too.
Slowly, Agatha was able to pull herself back together. Natapos na ang therapies niya, although she never recovered hundred percent of her memories. Still, she remembered enough to keep going in life.
Sadly, a big part of our memories together never came back. Mostly the happy memories of me, she was not able to recall. Hanggang sa natapos na ang therapies niya at ang pag-inom niya ng gamot.
Prince and Trisha suggested that we go to US and have Agatha hypnotized by experts. Para mas mahukay pa ng mabuti ang mga alaala niya. Pero hindi na namin itinuloy ni Agatha. Kontento naman kaming dalawa sa kung paano na siyang napabuti pagkatapos ng mga therapies niya. Pagod na rin ang asawa ko sa pagpapagamot. Ang mahalaga ay maayos na ang disposisyon niya.
She started to get interested going to church, joining spiritual classes and activities. She tried to join the music ministry. She met and earned new friends. She goes and talks to people, again.
"That's Mommy!" turo ni Adam sa stage.
Nasa likod si Agatha ng piano habang may mga batang sumasayaw sa gitna ng stage. Behind the piano, she's smiling. Happily playing a worship song while the children dance and sing in the center.
Rade is singing the song, too. Kahit bulol pa ang ilang salita. He's clapping his hands and swaying his head left and right. He's the most musically inclined in the family. I love that he took it from Agatha.
Nagtagal ng dalawang oras ang production. It was a successful and heartwarming one. The cast and crew bowed down together.
Then, Agatha bowed in solo because the whole worship musical production was her idea. I witnessed how she worked hard for this.
Again, it's a moment I wouldn't trade for anything. I was there staying up all night while she shared her concepts and thoughts. Hatid-sundo ko siya mula sa planning stage hanggang sa rehearsals.
I was the first person to hear the songs she wrote to play. The way her eyes twinkle and lights up every time we talked about her plans, I knew right away, my angel's preparing to fly and go bless everyone, once again.
Kung paano kong nasaksihan ang pagkawala ng ilaw niya, ay napanood ko rin ang muling pagbabalik niyon sa kanya.
And it was not the same light before, because now as I look at my wife who started from the very bottom of her faith, she's still getting up gently, and with her heart wide open.
Katulad sa isang relasyong nanlamig, Agatha was working out to be able to achieve her once intimate relationship with Christ, again.
I also joined Prince in his dgroup for husbands. In there, Johann always discusses how can we lead our wives to a happy life-not that life without problems and arguments, but that life with Jesus.
I can't say that I have the biggest faith now. But compared from my old self; my old self that always seek the approval of my board members, working real hard to get recognitions and achievements, trying to prove I was the perfect leader... compared to me before, I have seen and understood that life is not always about that.
It's not always success but meaning. It is never the validation from other people, but self-worth. And being a Christian does not require perfection, but authenticity.
The consequences of my actions before taught me a hard lesson. And those painful times shed a whole new light, opening my eyes wider, teaching my heart to surrender.
I was crashed hard as a proud man. So that the Lord God can rebuild a humble and persevering heart for a whole new man in me.
Agatha was introduced as the pianist and concept director for the children's worship musical.
Sa amin ang may pinakamalakas na palakpak; from Rainiel, Riana, Adam, Rade, and me. Lumingon si Agatha sa puwesto namin. She smiled and blew a kiss.
"Daddy, catch Mommy's kiss!!" sigaw ni Adam.
The people around who heard him laughed. I playfully messed his hair and continued clapping.
"Congratulations, Mommy!" sabay-sabay na sigaw ng mga anak namin habang tumatakbo palapit sa kanya.
We were given a pass in the backstage. I took my time walking as I watched my wife and children share a big hug.
"Mommy, Kuya Rain's team won today too," kuwento agad ni Riana.
Agatha gasped and kissed Rainiel on his cheeks. "Congratulations, baby. Told you, your prayers are powerful. Mommy's so proud of you. Sorry I wasn't able to come because we need to prepare the set."
"It's okay, Mommy! Daddy, Riana, and Adam were there to cheer me on. It was a great game! You had a great play, too, Mommy."
"Thank you! Buti at hindi kayo na-late. Nasimulan niyo sa pinaka-umpisa."
"Daddy drove very fast!" Adam said. "We were like flying!"
Lihim akong napangiwi. Damn. Agatha does not like me driving fast when the children are on board. Hindi naman ako nagmamaneho ng mabilis, pero gusto ko lang ding hindi mahuli para sa play kanina.
"Daddy did what?" Nag-iba ang tono ni Agatha.
I knew I'm screwed later.
"Hey, sweetheart," lapit ko at ibinigay sa kanya ang isang bungkos ng mga bulaklak. "Congratulations!"
I was uttering a silent prayer in my head, hoping she won't be mad. Madalas kaming magtalo sa mga maliliit na bagay. But I can say that we had healthy arguments.
We listened to each other. We rebuttal. But at the end, we learn from each other. We compromise.
Ngumiti naman siya sa'kin at tinanggap ang mga bulaklak. Kung hindi pa siya nagka-amnesia, hindi ko pa malalaman na gustong-gusto ni Agatha na nabibigyan ng mga bulaklak. From the moment she asked me to court her, I never stopped giving her flowers of any kind-whether it was real flowers, or foods that can be shaped or carved as a flower.
Agatha is like everyone else, she just wanted to feel appreciated. And she deserved to be.
"Magpapapaalam lang ako sa crew at kukunin ang mga gamit ko. And then we can all go out for dinner."
"Sure. I'll help you with your things. Rainiel, Riana, you take charge of your brothers."
"Yes, Daddy."
Sumunod ako kay Agatha hanggang sa dressing room. I gathered her things while she talks with the staff and crew.
I can hear her laughing and talking with glee. My heart is full every time I can hear Agatha back in her joyful self. Siya mismo nagsabi sa'kin na nahihirapan pa rin siya minsang makabalik sa dating mga paniniwala niya. But at least now, she was surrounded with people of the same faith, encouraging her to keep on pursuing Jesus.
"Before I go, let's pray," narinig kong aya niya sa mga taong nandoon. "Reeve, join us, please."
Eksaktong naayos ko na ang dala niyang mga gamit. I stepped to them closer as we formed a big circle.
She held my hand. Naghawak-kamay ang mga tao doon. Agatha lead the prayer.
I close my eyes and held her hand tighter. I love this woman very much.
If I could have your heart again, sweetheart, I promise I'll take care of it the way God wanted me to.
Pagkatapos magdasal ay binuhat ko na ang isang duffel bag at maliit na maleta na dala ng asawa ko. Binalikan namin ang mga bata at sabay-sabay na kaming naglakad pabalik sa parking lot.
During dinner, we went to one of our hotels and we dined in one of its restaurants. We were accommodated greatly with the staff. Dito lang kami nakakain ng buong pamilya para naman kahit saan magtakbuhan at maglaro ang mga anak namin ay panatag kami ni Agatha na hindi mawawala ang mga ito.
Anderson-Monteverde Hotels' new CEOs are Dylan and Ramses for the Andersons, and guess who stepped up to represent the Monteverde? Sapphire did.
The three of them divided the tasks. Dahil may kanya-kanya rin silang trabaho at pamilya para balansehin. Dylan is for attending meetings and business functions. Ramses is for reviewing, approval, and signing of important documents. Sapphire plans for the future endeavors and projects of the hotels.
I work part time as the management consultant, though. Hindi naman ako araw-araw kailangan. They knew I have to focus on another thing, besides being a full-time father and husband.
Napatingin ako kay Agatha nang maalalang pagkatapos ng dinner ay iiwan namin ang mga bata saglit sa bahay nina Mama. I asked Agatha out for a post-dinner date. She agreed. Babalikan na lang namin ang mga bata bago sumapit ang bed time ng mga ito.
By the way, Papa woke up after five weeks in coma. But half of his body was paralyzed. He can still speak a little bit. Mama's taking care of him. She lives with him now.
Hindi sinasabi ni Mama sa'min kung anong nararamdaman niya para kay Papa ngayon. Pero may mga salitang hindi na kailangang sambitin pa. When she chose to take care of Papa amidst his health condition, that's when we understand her love for him most.
"Saan pala tayo pupunta?" Agatha asked after we dropped the kids at Papa and Mama's house.
"I just want to show you something," I answered, casually. I'm trying to hide my excitement. Sana magustuhan niya kung saan ko siya dadalhin ngayon. Matagal ko ring itinago ang isa rin sa mga rason kung bakit dati ay wala na 'kong oras na naibibigay sa kanila. Kung bakit lagi akong nasa trabaho.
We stopped by a full height fifteen-storey building. The interior and exterior, as well as the landscaping are all done.
By next week, it will be opened for the public.
I parked the car and guided her inside.
"Wow! Is this a new Anderson-Monteverde hotel? Pero parang iba ang dating nito. Iba ang kulay at design sa loob at labas..."
Agatha's looking around as I choose to watch her every reaction. I toured her around with some staff assisting us.
I showed her the rooms and other family-friendly facilities.
"What do you feel about the whole place?" tanong ko sa kanya habang umiinom kami ng kape sa outdoor garden area ng seventh floor.
"Honestly, ibang-iba 'to sa mga hotels natin. I mean, hindi na siya uniformed. Hindi siya sobrang taas. It has its own style," sagot naman niya. "But this one's more real. You know, reachable. Sa AA at Monteverde Hotels, guests would always feel they belong to the cream of the crop. You always feel elegant and rich. Pero itong bagong pinatayo, parang..."
I felt nervous waiting her every word.
"It feels like... home." She shrugged. "It's a hotel where kids would enjoy staying in with their parents. For the guests, you will feel like you belong to a family. Nagre-rebranding ba ang mga hotel ng pamilya natin?"
Napangiti ako at bahagyang umiling. "This is not an Anderson-Monteverde Hotel."
Napatuwid siya ng tayo at napatingin sa'kin. "Ha? Our family doesn't own this?"
"Not from the families we came from, perhaps."
Napakunot-noo siya. "What do you mean...?" Napakurap siya. "Reeve, don't tell me..."
Hinila ko siya patayo. "Look up the hotel's name."
Tumingala nga siya. Sumenyas ako sa isang staff at tumango ito.
The hotel's name lights up.
Agatha's Home.
She gasped and turned to me. "Reeve!"
"Sorry it took four years, a miscommunication, an accident, and an amnesia for the construction to finish and to fully operate."
She's still in great awe. She blinked a couple of times. She looked around, and then looks up again to the hotels' name.
"Four years ago, I came up with this idea of building our own legacy. Hindi galing sa mga pamilya natin, pero magsisimula mismo sa'ting dalawa, Agatha. Sorry I hid it," kuwento ko sa kanya. "This is also one of the reasons why I lost time for you and the children before. Masyado ako naging focused sa pagpapatayo nito at pag-aasikaso sa iba pang hotels. The board members before didn't approve of the construction. Because I have a different plan for this one."
"Reeve..."
"I don't want this hotel to be famous like the Anderson-Monteverde Hotels. I just want this to be a very peaceful place for people who looks for a family, and for families who seek for peace in this loud city. I named it after you because you give me that kind of feeling, sweetheart." Huminga ako nang malalim. "With you, I always feel home. In your arms, I can rest."
"Are you saying that so we won't discuss your fast driving with the kids?" biro niya.
I grimaced. "Kind of. I'm sorry about that, too. I won't do it, again. Gusto lang naming huwag mahuli kanina."
A soft smile curved in her lips. "You're forgiven."
Oh, sweetheart. "Happy tenth anniversary, Agatha."
She stepped closer and embraced me.
Hindi pa namin ulit napag-uusapan ang tungkol sa nararamdaman niya sa'kin. Hindi ko na rin tinanong pa dahil ipinaubaya ko na sa Diyos ang lahat ng hindi ko kahit kailan mako-kontrol pa.
All I know is that we stay together for our children, we help build each other's faith, we respect the decisions and personal space of one another. We fight for this marriage to stand the coming test of times.
Agatha and I... We were two passionate lovers before. I thought that's our kind of love-always on fire, steamy, and very intense.
Ngunit kaya pa pala naming lumago sa isa pang klase ng pag-ibig-iyong kalmado, nagbibigay oras at espasyo...
At kahit pa hindi na maging kasing-init nang katulad dati ang pag-ibig na handang ibigay ng asawa ko sa'kin, hindi na mahalaga. Ang pag-ibig ay pag-ibig pa rin, ano man ang lebel, intensidad, at uri iyon.
And I'm gratified in whatever kind of love Agatha can offer me. Because it's not the love we receive, rather it's the love we give that matters.
I love you beyond heaven and earth, Agatha. I cannot undo the things I did that hurt and scarred you before. The tragedy that happened have opened my eyes to a much clearer view in life, love, marriage, and family. We learned and got through all of that together.
This time and the rest of my life, I'll cherish you until it's time to send you back to Jesus. I'll keep you safe and sound in the darkest nights.
I'll hold you just right.
"Thank you so much, Reeve. Happy tenth anniversary."
I gently kissed the top of her head. Sapat na 'ko sa mga pagkakataong ganito.
Some days, I still craved making love with her. Yet, when we are alone, sitting side by side, telling each other stories and jokes, sipping my coffee and she, drinking her tea... When we watch a family movie with the kids, when we hold hands to share prayers...
Whenever I watch her from afar doing the things she loved most, I can't help but feel the same joy I feel whenever we make love before. My heart is already full.
May mga araw, nakaupo lang kami ng magkatabi. We're talking about our children and their antics, discussing about issues and how to fix it. She smiles, I smile. We laugh, and we'll talk some more. A nudge in the shoulder, a simple stroke on the arms, an occasional exchange of embraces... I knew our souls found a way to connect back to each other.
My heart is calm. My mind at peace.
"What's your plan for this hotel?" she asked.
Ipinaliwanag ko sa kanya ang mga nakahandang plano sa pagpapatakbo ng Agatha's Home. And she's also giving some suggestions and ideas on how we can promote this new hotel together.
We passed beyond being just lovers. We are best friends. Great partners. We make a good team in raising our children.
This is contentment.
Hindi namin namalayan ang oras dahil sa pagkukuwentuhan tungkol sa management team na kinuha ko sa Agatha's Home. Kaya naman nagmamadali kaming masundo ang mga bata.
Nasundo naman namin sila sa oras na ipinangako namin. The trip going home caught us in traffic, though. Gising na gising pa rin sila maliban kay Rainiel na nakatulog na dahil siguro sa pagod.
I opened the car stereo to listen to some music.
And, oh, can't you see? That no matter what happens life goes on and on...
"Mommy's favorite song!" Riana recognized.
So, baby, just smile... 'Coz I'm always around you. And I'll make you see how beautiful life is for you and me...
"Rainbow!!!" Adam squealed.
"Sing, Mommy..." Rade said.
Agatha smiled. Kandong niya si Rade kaya niyakap niya ito.
Her ever warm and angelic voice joined the stereo. "Take a little time, baby. See the butterflies' colors. Listen to the birds that were sent to sing for me and you... Can you feel me? This is such a wonderful place to be. "
Indeed, I'm in the most wonderful place a man could ever be--with his own family.
Riana sang with her. "Even if there is pain now, everything will be alright. For as long as the world still turns, there will be night and day... Can you hear me?"
Thank God for the rain, for we are given the chance to see the rainbows after it.
Praise God for trials, for we bounce back stronger with wisdom. We grow with purpose.
I glanced at my wife and children, happily singing our hope song. Agatha smiled with glow, her eyes shimmering with adoration.
Lord, I see the evil and unfairness in this world, but I also see You.
And when me and my family faces challenges and injustices again, remind us that You are our refuge. And You work all things together for good for those who loves You.
***
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Twenty-years later...
Tinignan ko ang sarili ko harap ng salamin. No matter how beautiful my wedding dress is, I cannot get myself to even fake a happy bride smile.
Pero kailangan kong gawin 'to. Kung hindi ay ipakukulong ni Tito Reeve si Itay. At haharangin niya ang parole ni Mama Ganda.
"Excited for our wedding, Sunsenrae?"
Nilingon ni Sasa ang pintuan. "Mukha ba 'kong excited sa'yo, Rainiel?"
Ngumisi siya at sumandal sa hamba ng pintuan. "You can still run. I won't mind."
"At ano? Makukulong si Itay? Hindi na makakalaya si Mama?" Tumayo ako at hinampas ang bouquet sa kanya. "Hindi ko kahit kailan naisip na iipitin ako ng ganito ni Tito Reeve. Kayo, magkaugali kayo!"
He looked at her lazily. "Sa tingin mo ay gusto ko rin 'to? And don't act as if you were the victim here. Your father and stepmother did something horrible to Mommy many years ago."
Natahimik ako.
"And Sasa, if you just locked the door, my parents wouldn't caught us having sex."
Napasinghap ako. "Ikaw ang hindi nag-lock ng pinto! Your hands were all over me!" Napakakapal ng mukha nito! Isang beses lang siya pumayag sa isang casual sex, nahuli pa sila!
Sa gulat ko ay nakuha pang tumawa ni Rainiel. Puno ng pang-uuyam. "Oh, sweetheart."
"Ayokong magpakasal sa'yo!" sikmat ko. "Rainiel, gawan mo ng paraan 'to. Hindi alam ni Inay na magpapakasal tayo dahil sa kondisyon ni Tito Reeve. Ang alam lang niya pumayag akong magpakasal dahil-"
"Nagmamahalan tayo at gusto kitang panagutan," tuya niya. Napailing at saka ngumisi na naman nang nakakaloko. "What a crap. Sorry but I won' t be able to be the CEO if I don't marry you. That old man is manipulating us both."
Abot-abot langit pa naman ang paghanga ko kay Tito Reeve dahil siya ang nagbigay sa'kin ng scholarship para makapag-aral sa Maynila ng senior year at college. He even gave me a nice apartment to stay and a car to use. May kapalit pala ang lahat ng iyon sa huli! Gusto ko nang maiyak.
Pero kapag tumakas ako at nagtago, makukulong ang Itay. Hindi makakalaya si Mama Ganda. Baka mamorblema din ang kapatid ko dahil ito ang maiiwan sa kahihiyan.
Habang nag-iisip ay hindi ko mapigilan na suriin ng tingin ang lalaking mula yata pagkabata ay ramdam kong ayaw sa'kin.
Rainiel Aaron Monteverde looks meticulously dashing and splendid in his crisp black tuxedo. His short jet-black hair perfectly waxed and combed.
It's unfair to see that he can appear like a happy groom while I look like crap.
"Look, we'll be just married in papers. Alright? After this, go your way. I'll go mine. I'll get my hotels, mabubuo na ang pamilya mo. We'll both get what we want."
Hindi ba ito naturuan ni Inay kung paanong hindi basta-basta ang pagpapakasal? Hindi na ako aasa kay Tito Reeve. Tunaw na lahat ang respeto ko sa kanya. He emotionally blackmailed me. Oo, alam ko naman ang kasalanan ng Itay at madrasta ko. Pero bakit pagkatapos ng napakahabang panahon ay ngayon lang ito naniningil?
Bakit ang kondisyon ay ang pagpapakasal namin ni Rainiel?
"Kuya Rain, why are you there?" Rebekah popped out from somewhere. "You can't see the bride!"
She's Rainiel's youngest sister. Sumunod kay Rade. I'm close to her because I used to babysit her. Isa rin siya sa mga bridesmaid ko.
"Ate Sasa, you look so beautiful!" puri niya sa'kin at niyakap ako.
"S-Salamat..."
"Kuya Rain, labas ka na. The car's waiting for us outside. I won't tell Mommy and Daddy that you sneaked in to see Ate Sasa."
"Yeah, whatever." Tumuwid na ng tayo si Rainiel. "See you at the altar, sweetheart," nakangising paalam niya pa sa'kin bago tumalikod.
"See you later, Ate!" kaway ni Rebekah at saka sumunod sa kuya nito.
At wala na nga akong nagawa nang nakarating na kaming dalawa sa altar... magsisinungaling sa harap ng Diyos, mangangako ng walang laman.
I glanced at Tito Reeve who kept a straight face. Ngunit kung titignang mabuti ay tila nakangiti ang mga mata niya.
Gusto kong sumigaw at magwala. Sabihin sa lahat kung paano niya kaming minamanipula ni Rainiel. Pero nakita ko sa tabi niya si Inay...
Mahal ko si Inay. Mahal niya si Tito Reeve. Kami ang may kasalanan sa pamilya nila...
Bumaling na lang ako kay Rainiel. And he was looking at me, too!
"What?" bulong ko sa kanya.
Kumurba muli ang nakaasar niyang ngisi. Pero hindi siya nagsalita. Binalik niya ang tingin sa harap namin.
After the vows and all, nilunok ko na lang ang pride ko. Tinanggap ko na'ng kalayaan at puso ko ang kabayaran para sa kasalanan ng mga magulang ko.
Si Rainiel ang parusa... dahil alam ni Tito Reeve na mahal ko ang anak niya.
But Rainiel won't ever feel the same way. Para sa kanya, ako ang batang nakiki-apid sa pagmamahal ni Inay. Naiirita daw siya sa tuwing nakikita ako. Kahit wala akong gawin, kumukulo ang dugo niya sa'kin. He wanted to bed me for fun. That's how he hates my existence.
And marrying him just added salt to injury. Impyerno sa lupa ang magpakasal sa taong simula't sapul kinamumuhian ka na.
But here we are.
Itinaas ng pastor ang kamay nito sa'ming dalawa ni Rainiel pagkatapos namin magpalitan ng vows.
"By the power given to me by the church; Sasa and Rainiel, I now pronounce you, man and wife."
W A K A S
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"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
- Hebrews 10:23
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