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A/N: ⚈ ̫ ⚈ OY! Magbasa at Mag-vote. ⭐
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Nakayukong lumabi si Isla at tiningnan si Liam na nakaupo sa harapan niya. Tahimik itong kumakain. Bumuntong-hininga siya. 'Ano 'to... parang wala lang nangyari? Nauntog ba ulo nito? Nagka-amnesia?' Nilingon niya ang paligid.
The soft sea breeze sways the trees and the flowers nearby, sending their crisp smell towards them. Huminga ng malalim si Isla at di mapigilan ngumiti. Ang sarap sa katawan ng hangin.. napaka-presko. Malamig pero masarap sa pakiramdam. Her eyes shoot upward. Little stars are starting to show their twinkle. Malayong-malayo sa panahon kaninang tanghali kung saan halos mala-bagyo kung umulan.
.
.
Liam stops eating and gazes at the woman in front of her. Her centipede hair-braid kept her thick red-hair cleanly, showing of her delicate shoulders. Few hairs are left dangling from the side of her face, framing it perfectly. She looks so soft.... and innocent looking up the stars showered by the night sky.
Bumaba ang tingin niya sa naka-lantad nitong leeg. May naiwan pa ring konting bakas ng kissmark sa may collarbone nito. Nung una nilang pagkikita, kayumanggi ang balat ni Isla na sa tingin niya'y normal lang dahil sa trabaho nito: naglalako ng isda sa umaga, barker sa jeep sa tanghali at s-uma-side-line ng kung ano-anong raket sa hapon. She don't have access to any skin or hair care.
When she starts working at him, she changed. Not immediately... but gradually...
Napangiti si Liam. He knew she was not aware of it.
Due to her less exposure to sunlight, with proper nutrition and of course, being surrounded by women like herself: Avery, Hailey, June, July and Claudia; Isla slowly transitions physically. Her skin now looks supple and pink. Her notable red-hair is thick, lively and shining. Her sense of fashion also changed.
Of course, Liam still prefers the companion of the rugged Isla however, he was also happy that Isla finally starts to take care of herself. Her real beauty is showing...
He bit his lower lip and stares at the grilled salmon on his plate.
Noon, pag kasama niya si Isla, di ito masyadong pinapansin ng mga kalalakihan. Ngayong unti-unti na itong namumukadkad na parang bulakalak, the bees (boys) start to hunt her.
And that doesn't sit well with him. No one knows how his fist itches to smash that asshole Alex' face when he touches Isla... smiles at Isla. Pero tama nga naman si Isla, sino ba siya para pigilan ang mga lalakeng magkagusto rito? She's single.. beautiful and...
Binaba nalang niya ang kubyertos sa mesa. Gone is his appetite.
Dumako ang mata niya sa maliit na bowl na may maraming ice cubes.
.
.
"Here."
Bumaba ang tingin ni Isla mula sa pagkatingala sa langit sa kaharap niya. Liam is lending a table napkin with some ice cube in it. "Huh? A-Ano 'to?"
"Place it on the hickeys.. it will reduce the swelling."
"H-Hickeys? Ah... kissmarks?"
He nods.
Tiningnan niya ang puting telang nagsimula nang mabasa dahil sa tubig ng ice cube. Niyuko niya ang isang kissmark sa may collarbone niya. Does she want it gone?
Umiling siya. "Wag na."
"Alex will see it."
Tinitigan niya ito. "Oh? Kung makita ni Alex?"
"Aren't you fixated on finding a boyfriend here in Caribbean?"
Napabuntong-hininga siya. "Nawalan na ako ng gana." Nag-iwas siya ng tingin. "Gusto ko pala maging single. Iiwan ko muna ang mga kissmarks sa katawan ko pampataboy sa mga lalaki."
It somehow made Liam.... glad but still... he owe her an apology. "I'm sorry for hurting you."
She pouts and looks at him. 'Ang alin doon? Yung mariin niyang pagkahawak sa akin nung hinablot niya ako papalayo kay Alex?' "Okay lang yun."
"And..." he twirls the fork on his long fingers. "...for shouting at you."
Umingos si Isla. 'Aba'y dapat lang! Doon ako nasaktan 'ah.' "Bakit ka nga pala nagalit?" Sasagot na sana si Liam nang may dinagdag pa siya. "Rule #3 ko, Isaiah."
> "#3..." Tumingin si Isla sa kaniya. "Ipakita mo sa akin si Isaiah. At hindi si Liam." [A/N: Stage 6: Two Heads are Better Than One where they laid out their conditions for living together.]
Dumaan ang ilang minute bago sumagot si Liam. "Will it be weird.... if I told you I was jealous?"
Her heart starts thumping loudly on her chest. "A-Ano?"
Di ito tumingin sa kaniya at nasa tinidor pa rin na nilalaro nito ang atensiyon. "You heard me."
'Tama ba narinig ko? Di ba nilalaro ng hangin ang pandinig ko? Si Isaiah?? Nagseselos? Si Isaiah Clark Miller?? Nagseselos?' "K-Kanino naman??"
The twirl of the fork is getting faster --- synchronizing Liam's heartbeat. "Of.... Noah?"
"Doc. Dimples? Si Doc. Dimples??? 'Eh crush ko lang naman 'yun."
"Yun nga... dahil crush mo siya." His eyes still on the fork. "Then there's Alex... who obviously is smitten by you." Hininto ni Liam ang paglalaro sa tinidor. "I just don't want anybody.... Any man.... touching you, Isla." He raises his blue eyes to meet hers. "I'm jealous...." He confesses a truth. "But....."
"B-But???" Usig ni Isla.
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> Tiningnan ni Liam ang matabang si Avery malungkot na malungkot na tumalikod matapos niyang itanggi na di niya ito kilala. Kinukutya ito ng mga fans niya dahil nag-i-ilusyon daw ang tabatchoy na kilala nito si Liam. Gusto niyang bumaba sa podium at habulin ito. Bawiin ang ginawa niyang pagtanggi sa relasyon nila. Yet he can't.
Panting, he looks around as his fans laugh at the poor Avery. Nahihirapan siyang huminga. Para kasing may mga mata ang mga camera, video cams at mga cellphones na nakatingin sa lahat ng galaw niya.
On the eyes of the public, he's the perfect Nation's Idol.
Why can't they understand that he's just a man who just denied having connection to the woman he's planning to marry... for real.
Can't he have something real? Just for himself? Without the scrutiny of the people?
No. He can't ever have it. The price of being famous ---- you can never have a quiet life once you entered the spotlight especially when being famous makes you who you are.
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"I'm jealous...." He confesses a truth. "But....."
"B-But???" Usig ni Isla.
"But, I don't know why." Yet he eventually covered it with a lie.
Liam clenches his other hand on his legs. Yes, a lie. Alam na alam ni Liam kung bakit siya nagseselos.
.
.
He has feelings for Isla.
Does he like her? Care for her? He don't know.
He just have feelings for Isla and he wants... needs her all to himself.
But loving her has a huge price to pay. Loving her means changing her.
"I felt bad about what happened last night." Amin uli niya. "I could have handle it properly. Tama ka, ako ang nasa matinong pag-iisip kaya sana'y di kita pinapasok sa kwarto ko. Wish I had never touched you... answered your kisses... but hell, Isla.... I may felt bad but I never regretted that it happened."
She blushes and looks down.
"So, if you're planning on asking me that we should forget last night, I'm sorry I can't do that."
Dama ni Isla ang paghihirap sa boses nito. Sinalubong uli niya ang bughaw nitong mga mata. "D-Di naman ako pumunta rito para hilingin sa'yo yun." Kasi kahit mismo siya ayaw niyang kalimutan iyon. That night, explicit as it gets, made her feel a full-fledged woman.
Yun bang... may kakayahan pala siyang baliwin ang isang lalake sa kaniya.
"Pfft!" Tinakpan ni Isla ang bibig para itago ang ngiti at tawa.
Napikon si Liam. "Really, you're laughing at my misery?"
"O-Oy! Di 'ah!" Tanggi niya. "Di 'ah..... may bigla lang pumasok sa isip ko. Tsaka..." Ngumiti siya. "Ayokong ganito tayo... nag-iilangan.... Oo... meron ngang muntik mangyari sa akin pero pinigilan mo ang sarili mo. Kaya salamat, Isaiah."
"For?"
"For respecting me. Na mas nangibabaw ang paging maginoo mo kesa sa paging lalake mo." She warmly smiles. Tama si July. Di nga madali sa isang lalake ang pigilan ang sarili lalo na kung nasa harap na ang.... pagkain. "Pumunta tayo rito para magsaya. At gusto ko ring umuwi tayo ng masaya."
She's right. They should not ruin the whole trip because of some one drunk night. Tumango nalang si Liam. "Kumain ka na... kanina pa kumukulo tiyan mo."
"Kaya nga.... Dami mo kasing ka-ek-eken..." Tawa ni Isla sabay kuha sa utensils sa mesa para kumain. Still, she can't shake off the question why Liam gets jealous... and protective in a way.
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PHILIPPINES
Hailey/Elaine parks her car infront of a building. Her knuckles turn white as she holds her car's steering wheel tightly.
> "MAAMAAAAAAAA!!!" Sigaw ng isang batang babae.
Napatalon siya sa kinauupuan niya nang may kumatok na security guard sa bintana ng kotse niya. Binaba niya ang salamin. "Y-Yes?"
"Magandang umaga po, Miss." Bati sa kaniya ng lalakeng guard. "May sadya po ba kayo kay Dra. Melanie?"
'U-uh... yes. Yes." Tango niya sabay kuha sa handbag niya sa katabing upuan.
"Ganun po ba? Paki-park nalang po ng kotse niyo doon sa parking lot sa likuran ng building na'to." Turo sa kaniya ng sekyu kung saan papasok.
.
.
When the elevator dings, Elaine steps out from the steel box and into a room painted with green and white. The whole room, overlooking the city, is in white. The furniture, paintings and even curtains are green or has something green in them.
Nilalaro ng nanginginig niyang mga kamay ang strap ng handbag niya. Andito uli siya para sa panibagong therapy session niya. Heto uli siya't kinakabahan kahit pang-ilan beses na niya itong pagpunta rito.
Nilingon niya ang mga naka-paskil na mga certificates sa dingding. She's rendering the service of a psychologist known to be the best in fixing childhood trauma.
"Did I passed your qualifications?"
Niligon niya ang may edad na babaeng doktora. In her 50's, Dra. Melanie still looks young with her imperial white upper shirt and skirt working clothes and the way she handles herself is always with poise. Kaya nga sigurong kampante si Elaine na magagamot nito ang trauma niya. She looks dependable and trust-worthy.
Katawa. Sa panahon ngayon, parang doctor nalang ang pwede mong masabihan ng problema na di ka hinuhusgahan.
"How is your morning?" Hinubad nito ang eye-glass ang pinunasan ng fiber cloth.
She smiles but her deep blue-eyes didn't. "It was good."
She lends her hands towards the living room of her clinic. "Tell me about your dream."
Umupo si Elaine sa parati niyang inuupuang hunter-green na solo sofa. "I-It's about my mom."
"Hmm.." Tango ng doktora. "Go on."
She threaded her fingers on her thick, wavy black hair which she left flowing on both of her shoulders. "S-She asked me... k-kung ano raw gusto k-kong g-gawin niyang hairstyle sa b-buhok ko." A small smile forms on her lip as she remembers a dear memory of her late mother.
"And? What did you answer?"
"I-I want it... un-braided.."
"Why?"
"B-Because I wanted to be like her." Sumandal siya sa upuan. "Beautiful.... The epitome of being feminine..."
"Elaine."
Tiningnan niya ang doktora. "You nearly fainted during our last session."
Nag-iwas ng tingin si Elaine. Dr. Melanie conducted a hypnosis on her last time in where she traveled her sleeping memories on that fateful day. She felt peaceful and by the time she woke up --- she's on her 7-year old body, crying as she searches for her mother on a dirty and smelly warehouse full of dead fishes.
"We stopped when you saw a girl, with blood on her head."
Di pa nga nagsimula'y pinagpawisan na siya. "Yes."
"Shall we start from there? Or do you want to talk something else."
"T-Talk?"
"Elaine, listen..." Dr. Melanie holds her shaking hands. "Hypnosis takes toll on someone's mind. Hindi madaling bisitahin ang mga memoryang mismong katawan na natin ang nagtago. You're shaking and emotionally, you're not ready to know what entirely happen that day ---- "
"BUT I CAN'T GO ON LIKE THIS!!!" Hysterical na sumigaw si Elaine. Tears threatened to fall anytime from her eyes. "I'VE BEEN HAUNTED B-BY THE SAME D-DREAM EV-EVERY NIGHT... FOR SEVENTEEN YEARS, DOCTOR...."
"I understand. But speeding up the process might leave you more scars than answers."
Pumikit si Elaine at pinigilang wag humagulhol. Every night, her dream always starts on a warehouse where she runs towards a door and someone screaming behind her: telling her to run faster. By the time she turns around, she saw her mother with blood staining her dress near her chest. Huminto siya at binalikan ito, pero kahit anong gawin niyang takbo.... Parang lumalayo ang nakahigang katawan ng ina niya sa kaniya. Feels like even her voice can't reach her mother no matter how loud she shouts for her to wake up.
"Elaine..." Basag ng doktora sa pananahimik niya. "You're not here to change the past. You're here to heal for the future. Tama?"
She clutches her fingers hard on her arms --- she wanted to feel pain just as what her mother felt when a bullet hits directly at her heart. Baka sa ganung paraan ay di masyadong mabigat ang guilt na nararamdaman niya sa pagtalikod rito at pinagpatuloy ang pagtakas.
"Kahit ulit-ulitin natin ang pagbisita sa memorya mo, di na natin maibabalik ang nangyari." The psychologist voice soothes her troubled heart. "You can't change what happened, Elaine."
Doon na siya umiyak. Nag-uunahang pumatak ang mga luha sa mata niya. Her mother, Charlotte Smith-Miller, can never rise up from grave.
"You asked me for help." Kumuha ang doktora ng tissue at pinahid sa basang pisngi ni Elaine. "Gumagabay lang ako. Ang tulong ay nagmumula sa sarili mo... I'll ask you again, what do you expect from this process?"
Humihikbi siyang tumingin sa kaharap. Her blue-eyes flooded with tears. "H-Healing..."
"And?"
"I-I just wanted...." Dinaklot niya ang dibdib at paimpit na umiyak. "I-I just wanted... to say sorry.... I just wanted to say sorry to Mom.... F-for leaving her behind."
"And for you to forgive yourself that you're to fragile to do something at your age at that time."
"B-But...."
"Your mother shouted for you to run."
Masakit sa loob niyang tumango.
"She wanted you to run... for you to live. And you need to start living...."
> "Run, Elaine!" Sigaw ni Charlotte.
"Was it w-worthy?" Patuloy pa ring pumapatak ang luha niya.
"If your mother wanted you to live, if the woman who raised you wanted you to live... yes, it is and always worthy."
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17 YEARS AGO
Pumikit ng mariin si Elaine nang hinablot ng isang naka-maskarang lalake ang blindfold na nakapulupot sa mga mata niya. Her eyes adjusted from the light after being blindfolded for what? Almost a day or two?
Kung di dahil sa nakatakip na tela sa bibig niya'y tiyak duduwal siya sa nakakasulasok na amoy sa lugar na iyon. Her hands are tied. Her feet are tied. Nilibot niya ang tingin sa lugar. Para itong warehouse --- o tambakan ng mga isda dahil sa nakikita niyang banye-banyerang mga patay na isda sa may di kalayuan. The floor she was laid on was dirty and wet with brown water.
Mabilis na hinanap ng kaniyang mga mata ang ina niya. 'M-Mom.... W-where's mom?' Mabilis siyang nagtulug-tulugan nang makirinig siya ng mga palapit na yapak.
"Tang*na ka talaga, Pablo!!!" Singhal ng isang lalake.
Elaine opens her eyes a bit to look at the faces of the men. Pero di niya ito halos maaninag kasi nakatayo ang mga ito sa may bukana ng warehouse.
Napakamot sa ulo ang lalakeng tinawag nitong Pablo. "Di ko nga alam na maling bata pala ang nakuha ko!!"
"Bwesit!" Nakita ni Elaine na humithit ito ng sigarilyo.
"B-Boss, anong gagawin natin sa isa?"
'I-Isa?' Mabilis na tumibok ang puso ni Elaine. 'A-Are they talking about m-my mom?' Pero malapit na mahimatay si Elaine nang may binagsak ang isang kasamahan ng mga ito na isang bata sa sahig... sa may di kalayuan sa kaniya. May parang telang-sakong nakatakip sa ulo nito at kitang-kitang may umaagos na dugo mula roon. Her stomach starts to churns again. Kung di siya nagkakamali, batang babae ito sa pananamit palang na suot nito. And if her guess is right, the girl must be around her age as well.
Pumikit uli siya nang makarinig ng yapak na papalapit sa kaniya.
"Kung gusto mong mabuhay, wag kang gumawa ng anong kalokohan."
Nanlamig ang katawan niya. Alam niyang siya ang pinagsabihan ng lalakeng nagbasak ng batang babae sa sahig kanina.
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PRESENT
Dumilat si Elaine mula sa kaniyang hypnosis. Like a fish out of water, she gasps for air.
Ngumiti si Dr. Melanie. "That's good, Elaine."
Tiningnan niya ang doktora pagkatapos ay tumango. "M-May kasama ako d-doon sa warehouse. A-Aside from the three men w-who abducted m-me...." Pinagpawisan siya ng todo. She breathes deeply to calm her heart. Hypnosis always leave her agitated. Sa oras na pumikit ka kasi at pinapakinggan ang boses ng doktora, pagdilat mo'y parang andun ka talaga sa pangyayari. You can control your actions but never the outcome.
"Who are you with during the incident, Elaine? Can you remember?"
Pagod na sumandal sa upuan si Elaine at umiling. "I-I can't remember."
Dr. Melanie. "You can't? or you won't?"
Tiningnan niya ang babae.
"Magkaiba ang hindi sa ayaw."
"I-I'm.... I'm with a girl." Pumikit siya at pilit inaalala ang nakita. "S-Same a-age as me, I think?"
"What else?"
Umiling siya. "Her head was covered. I didn't her face... h-her head rather."
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CARIBBEAN | SEASIDE
Tinaas ni Isla ang kamay para salagin ang sinag ng araw. Ngumiti siya at pinuno ang dibdib niya ng sariwang hangin.
"Isla." Tawag ni Liam sa kaniya. Nilingon niya ang lalake na malayo na pala ang nalakad. He's wearing an open white-shirt, flaunting his rock-hard abs, and a soft, colored brown, pants. The sea breeze plays his golden curls. "Oh.. ayan ka na naman... naglalaway ka na naman sa abs ko."
"Ewww!!" Tumatawang takbo niya papalapit rito. "Ba't ba ang laki ng mga hakbang niyo." Tingin niya sa hakbang ni Liam. Ginaya niya ito. "Tingnan mo."
While walking, Liam looks down on their legs. "At nagtanong ka pa 'ah." They're walking on the shoreline where the waves kissed the white sand wet. Papunta sila sa open-air restaurant para mag-agahan.
"Bakit ba kasi ang tataas ng mga legs niyo?" She pouts.
Niyuko ni Liam ang katabi. Isla looks demure on her yellow, flowing dress. Maayos na naka-ponytail ang pulang buhok nito. He smiles. She looks so tiny and cute especially when she pouts. "Ang tawag doon, genes."
"Genes." She mimics him. "So ibig mong sabihin di ako biniyayaan ng matataas na biyas ng Diyos?"
"Halata naman." Huminto si Liam at m-in-easure kunwari ang height ni Isla. "See? Your height just hit my chest."
"Pare." Tapik ni Isla sa balikat ng lalake. "Baka nakalimutan mo ang Rule #1 ko."
"No height jokes? Why? You being small is not a joke. It's a fact." He winks.
Yumukod si Isla na parang may kinuha sa buhangin.
"Tsaka ---- THE HELL?!!!" Na-estatwa nalang si Liam nang pinaliguan siya ni Isla ng buhangin.
Mala-asong ngumiti ang babae. "Ano uli? Ano meron sa height ko?"
"Alam mo ba...." Pagpag ni Liam sa mga buhangin sa buhok. "...gaano kahirap tanggalin ang buhangin sa buhok?!"
"Oh? Sands on your hair is not a joke...." Pigil tawa ni Isla na inulit ang sinabi ni Liam kanina. "It's a fact."
Ikinasira iyon ng mukha ni Liam. "Ahhhhh.... Gusto mo ng laro sa buhangin?" He bit his lower lip and grins.
Agad na namula si Isla. "Hoy, Isaiah! Yang utak mo 'ha!" Nagsimula na siyang naglakad palayo rito.
"Not so fast...." He grabs her arms. "You want it, right?" Hinablot siya nito.
"ISAAAAAAIIIIAAAAAAHHHH!!" Tili nalang niya.
.
.
Bwesit na bwesit ang mukha ni Isla na nakahiga sa buhangin --- este --- nakabaon sa buhangin.
"There..." Liam claps his hands to clean himself from the white sands.
"HOY! HINDI NA AKO MAKATAYO!!" Angil niya. Binaon kasi siya ni Liam sa buhangin kung saan ulo nalang niya ang nakita. "HAYOP KA, ISAIAH!!!" Pilit siyang gumalaw sa ilalim.
"HAHAHAH!" He heartily laughs. "How's that?"
"TANG*NA KA!!!" Malakas na sigaw niya na ikinalingon ng ilang turista na andoon. Di niya alam kung bakit pero mag-isa lang ginawa ni Isaiah ang paglibing sa kaniya. He overpowers her. Pero... 50% lang ang inis niya dahil binaon siya nito. Ang 50% na inis niya'y sa pag-a-assume na... maghahabulan sila sa buhangin kung saan siya maharot na sisigaw na: "Habulin mo ko~~~"
'Ay bwesit ka, Islanda Mutya! Puro kamunduhan naman 'yang nasa utak mo, letse!' Pinagalitan niya ang sarili.
"Sayonara~" Liam salutes and annoyingly kisses her forehead.
Nakaramdaman siya ng pagkabahala nang naglakad ito palayo "H-Hoy! HOY!" Piglas niya sa ilalim. "HOY, ISAIAH!!! Saan ka pupunta?!!! Bumalik ka rito!!!"
He turns to her, still walking backwards -- towards the resto. "What? I can't hear you." Tuso nitong ngiti.
"IPAPALAPA TALAGA KITA KAY PEASHOOTER, WALANG HIYA KANG SUNFLOWER KA!!!!!!"
"You're wrong." He starts laughing again. "The zombie eats the sunflower on the game, Isla." Patungkol nito sa larong Plants vs. Zombies. Pero iba ang ngiti nito. "YOU eat ME."
Umalsa ang init sa mukha ni Isla lalo na't may humagikhik na mga kababaihan na nag-sa-sun-bathing. "YANG BIBIG MO, ISAIAH!!!! IPAPA-ALBULARYO KO TALAGA YAN!!"
"The last time I knew... you kissed me." He winks and struts away from her.
"ISAAAIIIIIIIAAAAHHH!!" Piglas niya sa ilalim ng buhangin. "MAMAYA KA PAG NAHAWAKAN KO YANG LEEG MO!!! WALA AKONG PAKE KUNG BUGBUGIN MAN AKO NG MGA FANS, ANAK NI SANTANAS KA!!!!!" Humikbi siya kuno. "PEASHOOOOOOOTEEEERRRRRR!!!! TULOOOOOOOOOONGGG!!!" Tawag niya sa alagang pusa.
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PHILIPPINES | ANIMAL SHELTER
"Wow...." Manghang tingin ng isang bata kay Peashooter sa cage nito. "Look, ma! Walang balahibo na pusa!" Turo pa nito.
Chill lang na dinidilaan ni Pea ang kamay niya.
"Oo nga 'no..." Yumukod pa ang ina ng bata. "How much?" Tanong nito sa nagbabantay.
The female assistant vet smiles apologetically. "I'm sorry, ma'am. That Sphynx cat is not for sale. Iniwan lang muna siya sa amin ng amo niya habang nagbabakasyon ang mga ito."
"That's sad.." Lumong lumingon kay Peashooter ang ina ng bata. "Hi, kitty."
Huminto si Peashooter sa pagdila ng kaniyang kamay at matulis na tumingin sa babae. 'Anong kitty? Si Peashooter ako!!! Anak ng pinakasikat na idolo at ng isang hangal na babae!!! Ah.. hindi.... Pareho pala silang hangal kasi iniwan nila ako kasama ang' Napapikit nalang si Pea nang malakas na humambalos sa mukha niya ang isang buntot. Buntot na may kulay-gintong balahibo.
Nakakamatay ang tingin niya na lumingon sa Golden Retriever na aso ni Noah. Nasa katabing cage kasi niya ito kaya pumapasok sa lugar niya ang buntot nito. "Nyyaaaa~" 'At kinukutya mo talaga ako sa buntot mo 'ah...' Nilabas niya ang kuko sa malinis niyang kamay.
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.
Hinihingal na pumasok sa clinic ng senior vet ang babaeng assistant veterinarian. "Doc.!" Tawag niya sa matandang doctor. "Nag-aaway na naman si Peashooter at Kira!!!"
"Ihiwalay mo nga cage nila! Lokong pusa 'yan, may masamang engkanto 'atang sumapi diyan 'eh."
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CARIBBEAN | OPEN-AIR RESTO
"Oh, si Isla?" Tanong ni Noah nang tumabi sa kaniya si Liam.
Pigil ang ngiti ni Liam na kumuha ng isang grapes at sinubo iyon. "Taking her time off in the beach."
"Iniinis mo na naman iyon." Subo ni Noah sa pancake.
They're sitting in a circle shaped-sofa wherein the foods are served infront of them. Napailing nalang si Liam na napatingin sa harapan nila. Santino is laughing as he was telling a story --- as usual, surrounded by girls. He reminds him of Nicolo. Speaking of Nico, naalala niya ang litratong s-in-end nito kagabi sa kakatapos lang na fashion show. Litrato lang naman nito na may dalawang foreigner na babaeng nakahalik sa magkabilang pisngi nito. 'Pinaglihi siguro sa parehong kahoy ang dalawang ito.'
Di niya alam pero biglang pumasok sa isip niya ang manager niya. It was really odd that Hailey never contacted him on the entire duration of his trip. Well, ganun naman talaga ang patakaran niya basta off niya. No messages or calls about work unless emergency. However, something is just bothering him --- Hailey always checks on him but as of now, no Hailey pops up on his phone's screen. "Si Dylan?" Tanong niya sa pinsan.
"You know him... scared a girl might touch him. Kaya ayun, kasama si June at July sa spa."
Susubo na sana siya ng grapes nang mahagilap ng mga mata niya na may iilang babae ang lumilingon sa direksyon niya. "Hey... isn't that Liam?" , "Gosh... pictures did no justice to him. He's so hot in person" , "He' single right?" , "No, he has a girlfriend. That rising actress named Mildred." , "That's too bad... I thought he could use some company."
He uncomfortably clears his throat. 'At least may magandang naitulong ang relasyon namin ni Mildred.'
Santino laughs with some new found friends on their stay at the Caribbean's -- of course, with two girls on each of his arms. "I ate this food once when I was at London.. it was gross!" Nagsitawanan ang mga taong nakapalibot sa kaniya. He's always the laughing and the testosterone source in every gathering.
Sumandal sa upuan si Liam at nagbasa ng article sa .net. He muttered a thanks when Noah lends him a bottle of beer.
Noah picks his own bottle and is about to drink it when he saw a familiar figure hovering behind Santino. "Uh-oh.." Siko niya kay Fire.
Fire, watching a game of chess played by two old men turns to him. "Hmm?" Nakayukong tinuro ni Noah ang likuran ni Santino. Nilingon naman ito ni Finnian Reed. "Oh damn.."
.
.
"Having fun, aren't we, brother?"
Mabilis na nawala ang ngiti ni Santi at tumingala patalikod.
Sofia Ximena, on a head-turning pearl white two piece swimwear with a black sarong artistically wrapped around her small waist to serve as a skirt, smiles sarcastically at him.
Naramdaman ni Liam ang biglang pagtahimik sa mga nagtatawanan. He looked up and saw a woman, with a perfect sun-kissed skin and black hair that touches her bare shoulders, smiles at Santino --- more like a threating smile to Santino. 'A Latina.' Isip niya. '...but she just said... brother.'
Parang nabasa ni Fire ang iniisip niya nang lumingon ito sa kaniya. "She's our adoptive cousin. Sofia Ximena. Santino's adopted sister." [A/N: Ximena is read Jimena -- J as H. Himena]
Swiftly, Santino pulls his arms away from the two girls. "W-What are you doing here?" Tumayo ito at hinarap ang nakakabatang 'kapatid'.
Bumaba ang tingin ni Sofia sa nakalantad na dragon tattoo ni Santi sa dibdib. A sure magnet of vulnerable young girl. Obviously, she was one of them. "Claudia sent me two tickets." She crosses her arms infront of her well-endowed chest. "She told me Isaac and Avery can't come. Tapos na ang bottling season ng mga wine sa plantation natin. I think I could use some getaway with you guys. Pero..." Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Sofia na tiningnan ang mga babaeng nakayakap kay Santi kanina. "..... I guess you're having fun on your own."
"Just Santino." Singit ni Noah.
Sofie's face shines seeing her cousin. "Noah!!!" Tumakbo ito at yumakap sa doctor. "Ohhh.. I miss you!!!" Lumingon rin ang babae kay Fire. "Finnian!!!"
Fire's opens his arms to welcome her. Mabilis namang yumakap rito si Sofia. "Owwww..... I miss you, guys!!" Hinawakan niya ang mukha ni Fire. "I told you to smile more often!"
"Habits." Fire shrugs.
Then Sofia turns to Liam. "Woah~ you're Isaiah?" Di maitago ni Sofie ang pagiging fan-girl niya. Liam is also a big-shot celebrity back in Spain and she happens to be one of his fans. "OMG!! Para akong teenager~!" Kinikilig nitong hinarap si Liam.
Tumayo naman si Liam. "Hi. Sofia?"
Namumulang tumango si Sofia. "Yup." Excited na binalingan nito si Noah. "I have a celebrity cousin?!"
Noah nods and laughs. "WE have a celebrity cousin."
"Can I hug you?" Tanong ni Sofia kay Liam na para bang fan na noon palang nakaharap ang idolo. She can't stop jumping for joy.
"Sure."
"AHHHHHHHH!!!" Tili ni Sofia na yumakap sa kaniya. "I am a super super super big fan of you, Liam! Oh... s-sorry, Isaiah pala." She sweetly smiles.
Santino click his tongue. "Tch." 'So he misses Fire and Noah.... Excited to see Isaiah.' May naalala siya sinabi nito. Claudia gave her two tickets. Lumingon siya sa paligid pagkatapos ay hinarap ito. Dumilim ang mukha niya. "Sofia...."
Kumawala ang babae mula sa pagkayakap kay Isaiah. "What?"
"Who are you with?" Santi's eyebrows creases at the middle.
.
.
Sinalubong ni Sofia ang nagbabagang tingin ng 'kapatid'. "My boyfriend."
Fire and Noah whistle. "Owww... that's a low blow.."
"Who?" Santino's eyes stares at her intently.
"You'll meet him anytime today."
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"Bwesit na Isaiah na yun!" Pagpag ni Isla sa katawan na may nakadikit pang buhangin. "Papatayin ko talaga yun..." Angil niya habang naglalakad papunta sa restaurant.
Mabuti nalang at may mga batang naglalaro ng beach volleyball kung saan tumama sa mukha niya ang bola. Naawa ang mga ito sa kaniya kaya pinagtulungan ng mga ito na hukayin siya sa buhangin.
"Tch! Ang kati na tuloy ng balat ko --- OW!" Sapo niya sa noo nang may nabangga siyang lalakeng nakatayo sa dinadaanan niya. Tiningala niya ito. "S-Sorry po."
"You okay?"
Natigilan siya sa baritone nitong boses. "H-Huh?" Kumurap siya ng ilang beses at tinitigan ito.
The man standing infront of her is wearing an expensive black jacket at white jogging pants. But what Isla drawn into him is his deep voice and.....
Napatitig ng husto si Isla sa mga ito.
.... his deep-set dark eyes which are made more striking by his long-eyelashes and thick eyebrow. His body-built was also athletic .... can come par with the Millers. He is sure is an attractive man. Para itong Italian.
Nasapak niya ang noo. 'Ba't ba ang hilig kong bumangga sa mga foreigner ngayon.' Tiningan niya uli ito. "S-Sorry... Me... not.... You know... push you hard? You not hurt?" 'Bwesit! Mapapasubo ako sa English nito..... baka kasi di rin ito nakaintindi ng English. Nag-thumbs up siya. "Okay? You okay? Not... have.... Pain?"
He looks weirdly at her then laughs. "I can understand English."
Parang nahiya na napakamot sa ulo si Isla. 'Langya! Naisahan ako dun 'ah!' "Hehehehe...."
"It's okay. I was not hurt."
'Ang sarap sa tainga ng boses nito. Ma-i-record ko nga para gawing alarm clock.' "Ohhh. That's good." Tango niya. "Y-You seem lost?"
Charmed by Isla, the man nods. "Y-Yeah. Uhhh...." Lumingon ito sa paligid. "I was with someone earlier then a second s-she just disappeared. But it's okay, I already called a friend for help."
"Ohhh.." Tumango siya. "Okay then. I'll be going ----" Nagulat siya ng nilahad ng lalake ang kamay nito. "E-Eh?"
"May I know your name?"
"P-Pangalan ko?" Turo niya sa sarili. "A-Ah... Islanda. You can call me Isla ---- " Nanlaki ang mata niya nang kinuha nito ang isang kamay niya at hinalikan ito. Parang siyang nilagnat sa pag-init ng tainga niya.
"Isla." From kissing her hand, he looks up to her. "Is it a Scottish name?"
"S-Scottish?" Nagkabuhol-buhol ang dila niya sa kilig. 'Umayos ka, oyyy!!'
"Scottish... a language from Scotland." Umayos ito ng tayo. "Isla in Scottish means an Island. Islanda in Scottish means a beautiful Island."
Napangiti siya. "T-Talaga? Di ko alam yun 'ah?" Ipit niya sa buhok niya sa likod ng tainga niya. [A/N: Marupok rin 'to si Isla ano? May pa-ipit-ipit pa ng buhok na nalalaman 'eh naka-pony tail naman ang buhok, tse!]
Doon palang nahalata ni Isla na parang kakaiba ang kamay nito. Palihim niyang dinama ang magkadaop nilang palad. 'Oo nga.... Malambot ito para sa isang lalake. Di pa ito nagbabanat ng buto.' Tiningnan niya ang katawan nito. 'Matikas naman ang pangangatawan nito ---- '
"Joaquin?"
Napalingon silang dalawa sa bagong dating na si Dylan.
"Dylan!" Agad napangiti ang lalake na tinawag nitong Joaquin. Lumapit ito ang nag-bro hug ang dalawa.
'Teka...' Pinaglipat ni Isla ang tingin sa dalawa. 'Si Dylan ba ang sinabi nitong kaibigan na hiningan niya ng tulong?'
"What was that?" Tabi sa kaniya ni June.
"Huh? Ang alin?"
"You're holding a hand of a royal." July stand on her other side.
"R-Royal? Anong Royal? Yung softdrinks? Yung kulay orange?"
"No, silly!!" Tawa ni June sa pagiging inosente niya.
"That's Joaquin. Dylan's bestfriend." Imporma ni July.
"You're holding the hand of the heir to the Italian throne." Dagdag ni June. "That's Prince Joaquin Salvatore of the House of De Dalla Visconti."
Gulat na napalingon si Isla sa lalake.
Joaquin eyes crinkles as he laughs and talks to Dylan.
"I-Isang prinsipe ng Italy?"
Joaquin turns to her and smiles at her widely.
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ROYAL BURIAL GROUNDS, FROGMORE, ENGLAND
The bodyguard immediately opens an umbrella before pulling the car door open for Queen Mary to step out. Mary, on her cream coat and trouser, nods on the bodyguard; telling him to give her some time alone.
"B-But my Queen... i-it's raining."
"Nonsense." She steps out from the shield of the black umbrella. "It's just a tiny rainshower."
Yumuko ang lalake.
"Wait for me here." Utos niya at mag-isang tinahak ang stoned pathway papunta sa isang libingan.
The royal burial grounds which tombs almost all of the sovereign heads of the country is covered with thin, cold fog. A sign that winter is near. Tanging tunog lang ng takong ng sandalyas niya ang umugong sa tahimik na lugar.
Few steps more, she stops in front of a grave covered with maple leaves from a nearby tree. Huminga siya ng malalim at dahan-dahan na umupo. She removes the satin white gloves covering her hands and starts picking the leaves covering the gravestone. Matapos niyang malinis ang lapida'y dinama niya ang malamig na malapad na bato --- dinama ang pangalan na nakaukit roon.
Princess Helena Augusta Louise of Scotts.
"Hello, my daughter." Buong pangungulila niyang tingin sa lapida. "How's life on the other side?" Her soft hands trails the engraved: 'Helena'. "Helena... did you despised me so much to the point that you're hiding a big secret from me?" Hinanakit niyang sambit. "Have I been a bad mother to you?" Tanong niya na para bang maririnig siya ng yumaong anak. "I just wanted to protect you, Helena."
> "You're not protecting me, mother!" Hiyaw ng umiiyak na si Helena. "Y-You're choking me to death! You're literally imprisoning me here in the castle!"
> Matigas ang mukha ni Mary. She's a Queen and she needs to show firmness in every decision she makes. "Someday, you'll understand."
Pumikit si Mary at dinama ang mahinang samyo ng hangin. "Do you happen to hide a child from me because you're afraid I'll treat her the same as I treat you?" Di niya napigilang tumulo ang isang luha sa mata niya. "Look what happened to you when you rebelled and left the castle.... You were killed." Tumayo siya at huminga ng malalim. "Oras na malaman kong may anak ka.... na may apo ako, sisiguraduhin kong hindi-hindi ko siya pakakawalan kahit anong pagpipilit niya. Ayokong matulad siya sa'yo. You, who freely chooses to follow her dream yet end up getting killed. My grandchild is all I have, Helena. And I won't let anyone... even the Millers... take her away from me... just as they took your life... away from me."
Sinut niya uli ang gloves niya. "If my grandchild happens to hate me, then he/she can hate me forever. She or he will understand the reason that you failed to understand."
Tumalikod siya at naglakad papalayo sa puntod ng nag-iisang anak.
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CARIBBEAN
Tirik na tirik na ang haring araw sa langit ng nagkita silang lahat sa dalampasigan. Well, not all of them. Nilibot ni Isla ang paningin. Wala si Santino at Dylan.
"Looking for me?" Malapad na ngiting salubong sa kaniya ni Liam.
"Naku, Isaiah... wag na wag kang lumapit sa akin ngayon." Nameywang siya. "Konti nalang ang pasensiya ko sa'yo. 'ah Pag di ka umalis sa harapan ko, ipapadumog kita sa mga babae sa likuran natin na kanina pa kating-kating lumapit sa'yo."
Liam ignores her petty threat and wraps his arm on her shoulder. "Awwee~ you angry, little zombie?"
"Kelan mo ba ako seseryusuhin 'ha?"
"Oh, babe. I'm always serious." His blue-eyes turns dark with desire.
"MAGPATALO KA NAMAN MINSAN!! KAINIS KA!!!" Dabog nalang niya.
Fire, standing feet away from them, senses something. May tao na naman nagkukubli sa maraming tao sa dalampasigan na ang mata'y nasa kanila. He didn't bothered turning towards the man's direction --- he just stealthily moves his eyes to glimpse at him. He's wearing a shirt and a Hawaiian short. An old man with head full of silver hairs. Kung tatakbo man ito'y madali lang niya itong mahabol. Why is this man bothers to follow the Millers when most of them are atlethic enough to pin him to the ground. June and July can do it by themselves as well...
Unless....
Nilingon niya ang matanda na agad tumalikod at nagbabasa na kuno ng diyaryo.
Unless... he's not following them.... But...
Tiningnan niya si Isla na pinagsusuntok ang braso ni Liam.
But her.
.
.
"Okay~" Kikay na wagayway ni June sa wide-brimmed hand nito. "You can come aboard na~" Nauna na itong sumakay sa maliit na yacht.
"All right!" Sukbit ni Noah sa traveller's backpack at dahan-dahan sumampa sa yacht sa tulong mga tour guides doon.
Ewan ba't biglang yumanig ang kalamnan ni Isla. Nilingon niya si Liam. "S-Saan pala tayo?"
"Snorkeling." Sagot ni Liam na hinintay na makasampa si July sa yate.
"Ano y-yung snorkeling?"
"Hmm... it's more like an informal diving. We're just going to witness the beauty underneath the water with flippers. Unlike diving which you need proper attire and an oxygen tank --- "
Kada hampas ng alon sa dalampasigan ay unti-unting lumalamig ang kalamnan ni Isla sa di niya malamang rason. "U-Uhh... k-kayo nalang." Humakbang siya patalikod.
"Huh?" Liam looked at her quizzically. "What do you mean?"
"M-Makikisabay nalang ako kina Dylan a-at S-Santino." Gawa niya ng rason. Sa totoo'y wala talaga siyang planong sumakay sa yate at pumalaot sa.....
A cold sweat break out from her body.
"They won't be back sooner. Santi got his hands full and Dylan's with a friend." Singit ni Fire.
"Hellooowww~" Tawag ni June mula sa yate. "Faster, everybody! Come on! We're going to miss the dolphins!"
Napayuko si Isla sa kamay niya na hinawakan ni Liam. "Wag kang matakot... may life jacket ---"
Nanginginig na hinablot niya ang kamay. Nagsimula siyang nanginig. "A-Ayoko.."
Liam smiles as he turns to her. "What? There's no monster on the sea, Isla." Alala ni Liam sa takot nito sa dagat. "Trust me.."
Umiling siya. "Ayoko...."
Noah and Fire saw how her face turns pale as a ghost as she stares at the ocean.
Liam sense raw fear from her. Concerned, he touches her arm but she jerks it away. "Isla ---- "
"Ayoko..." Iling ni Isla. "Ayoko..."
"Hey, Isla---"
Umupo sa buhangin si Isla at niyakap ang tuhod. "Ayoko....." Pumikit siya. Mabilis na dumagundong ang puso niya dahilan para mahirapan siyang huminga. "Ayoko..." Tinakpan niya ang dalawang tainga.
"Isla's having a panic attack, Isaiah." Saad ni Noah na mabilis na bumaba sa yate at dinaluhan ang nanginginig na si Isla.
Nakatitig lang si Fire sa babaeng literal na takot sa katirikan ng katanghalian sa kung anumang kinatatakutan nito.
Halos masugatan ni Isla ang sarili sa higpit na pagkahawak niya sa kaniyang mga tainga.
> "Elle!!!!" Sigaw niya nang makitang unti-unting nilamon ng malalaking alon ang maliit na katawan ng babae. "Elle!!!" Sigaw niya. Yet the lightning and the loud thunder of the storm overpowers her little voice as the bangka they're riding rides the harsh waves --- away from the drowning body of her new-found friend.
.
.
Nagulat nalang si Liam nang biglang humagulhol si Isla at sumisigaw.. Mata'y nakatingin sa dagat na para bang may nakikita itong di nila mahagilap. "Si Elle!!! Si Elle!!!"
Agad siyang lumuhod sa harapan ni Isla at niyakap nang mahigpit ang babae. "Isla... shhh... shhh..." Tahan niya sa babae.
"I-Isaiah....." Mahigpit na dumaklot siya sa likod ni Liam. "Si Elle..... Ellie..... nalulunod si Ellie..... t-tulungan natin siya....."
Liam whispers at her ear. "Isla..... calm down...." He rubs her back. "W-We'll going to save her.... breathe.... I'm here." Tinanguan niya si Noah na may hinandang injection at dahan-dahan tinurok sa likuran ni Isla.
Umiiyak nalang si Isla sa dibdib ni Liam at halatang naghihinagpis sa pagkawala ng tinawag nitong si Ellie.
It pains Liam to see Isla this... scared... and hurt. He kisses his forehead and hugs her, re-assuring her that he won't leave her. "I'm here, Isla. Don't cry."
Kumalma naman ito pero patuloy pa ring umiiyak.
Now things starts to dawn on Liam. Isla's fear of the sea..... Isla's fear of being left alone... has some deep roots that stretches far from simply being left by her mother when she was younger.
.
.
Natigilan si June. "Ellie?" Lingon nito ang kakambal. "That's what we used to call Elaine, right?"
Narinig naman iyon ni Fire. 'Elaine.... Elle... Ellie.... Elaine....' He inwardly curses. 'Grandma Cora sent the Uncle Clive to defend a man who was accused of killing Princess Helena. Princess Helena died the same day as Aunt Charlotte and Elaine... Could it possibly be.... That Princess Helena's death and Princess Margaret's disappearance is connected to the death of Aunt Charlotte and Elaine? But that can't be.... Aunt Lotte and Elaine died in a plane crash... right? Or maybe....... There's a cover up about the real cause of their death. Fuck! What's the hell is going on here, Grandma Cora?! What is it that you really done?!'
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Nakaupo sa dalampasigan si Liam at Isla habang sinundan nila ng tingin ang papalayong yate kung saan sakay sina June, July, Fire at Noah. Liam pulls Isla closer to him as she lays her head on his shoulder. "Isla?"
"Hmm?"
"What happened to you when you were a child that made you fear the ocean?"
Malungkot itong umiling. "D-Di ko maalala." She looks up to him. "Ramdam kong.... alam ko. Pero di ko maalala."
"How about that... 'Elle' you're calling?"
Muli'y umiling ito. "Di ko r-rin alam.... P-parang alam ko lang na d-dapat sisigaw ako..." Tumulo ang luha nito. "I-Isaiah.... T-takot ako.... A-Anong nangyayari sa'kin?"
He kisses her forehead. "No one's going to hurt you, Isla. I promised you that, right?" Tumango ito. He wipes her tears and touches her cheek. "You can trust me on that. I'll always protect you."
Isla hugs Liam's body tightly --- scared that whatever lurks within her might took him away.
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25 YEARS AGO | CASTLE
"You're not protecting me, mother!" Hiyaw ng umiiyak na si Helena. "Y-You're choking me to death! You're literally imprisoning me here in the castle!"
Matigas ang mukha ni Mary na nakaupo sa trono. She's a Queen and she needs to show firmness in every decision she makes. "Someday, you'll understand."
"When?! Tell me a reason that could convince me of all the impossible things you've done to me?!"
Nag-iwas ng tingin si Mary.
"You won't let me walk on my own without a bodyguard?!!! You paid my university to conduct a field trip on the place you choose!!!?? You even stopped my friends from seeing me?!! Now...." Huminga ng malalim si Helena. "Now... you're stopping the love of my life from loving me?!" Duro nito sa sarili. "TELL ME A REASON, MOTHER!!!" Sigaw niya.
"I'm protecting you, Helena." Mahinahon niyang sagot.
"FROM WHAT?!! Alessandro loves me so much, mother.... I know he's not from a royal family.... I know he's n-not rich.... B-but he m-made me feel what freedom feels like..."
Di nagpatinaag si Mary. "You're not marrying that man, Helena."
"NO!" Tumayo si Helena mula sa pagkakaluhod sa harap ng reyna. "I'm going to marry him... with or without your blessing!"
"Helena --- "
Hinablot ni Helena ang korona at malakas na hinambalos iyon sa sahig dahilan para mabasag ito ng iilang parte. Red rubies scatters on the marble floor. "I'm now.... S-stripping myself from the royal title you forcely placed upon me!!"
"It's your birthright!" Di mapigilan ni Queen Mary na tumaas ang boses.
"Not anymore...." Binuhat ni Helena ang saya ng kaniyang royal gown at tumalikod... palabas sa palasyo.
Huminga ng malalim si Mary. Every steps Helena takes pains her. Her daughter turning her back on her mother. "Helena..." Tawag niya. "Helena!! Come back!!!"
Patuloy pa rin itong naglakad.
"ARTHUR MILLER KILLED YOUR FATHER, HELENA!"
Huminto si Helena sa narinig at gulat na nilingon ang reyna.
Umiiyak na si Mary na nakatingin sa anak. "Arthur Miller.... k-killed King Francis... y-your father, Helena. I'm protecting you because we don't know who they will hurt next. Please.... I beg of you..." Lumuhod si Mary. "Stay... Helena. That's the only way I can protect you f-from them."
Umiling si Helena kahit umiiyak. "No, mother. That was your war. N-Not mine." At tuluyan na itong lumabas sa palasyo.
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PRESENT | CASTLE: HALLWAY
Dinama ni Queen Mary ang painting ng coronation ng yumaong asawa niya. "I wasn't able to protect, my love. I wasn't able to protect Helena." Malungkot siyang ngumiti. "Francis, if Nelson's report was true, help me protect our grandchild."
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[STAGE 30 PREVIEW pt.1:]
"Takot kang magmahal?" Tanong ni Avery kay Liam.
Tumango ito.
"Mahal mo ba si Isla?"
"Avery naman----"
"Yes or no?"
"Damn it, yes, Avery. I love Isla!"
[STAGE 30 PREVIEW pt.2:]
Noah lends Isla a business card. "I pretty sure you have a trauma, Isla. I know someone who is good on addressing childhood traumas."
Niyuko ni Isla ang tarhetang hawak. 'Dra. Melanie Gomez. Pyschologist.'
A/N: ⚈ ̫ ⚈ OY! Mag-vote⭐