Here we go again. This is the last part of this book, Heart of Darkness. I hope you enjoyed reading this stories as much as I enjoyed writing them. I hope you loved War's coldness and Win's darkness.
I am hoping that through this story, you can finally find forgiveness, love and in the darkness, may you find the light.
xxx
Wakas
"MALULUSAW na 'yan kakatitig mo." Kumunot ang noo ko nang marinig ang boses ni Kuya sa gilid ko.
I shifted my gaze at him and raised my brow.
"What?" I asked.
He chuckled, raising his wine glass and pointed somewhere.
"Sabi ko, matutunaw na 'yung babae kakatitig mo." He said.
"Who? Wala akong tinititigan." I said, raising my glass to take a sip.
"Sus!" He laughed, binangga n'ya pa ang balikat ko kaya sumimangot ako.
"Wala nga!" I exclaimed.
"E, bakit ka defensive?" Aniya.
"Am I?" I asked, annoyed. "I just don't want you teasing me around girls. They're annoying."
"Oh?" Humagalpak s'ya ng tawa at nagtawag ng kakampi. "Hoy, Lucian, h'wag ko raw s'yang asarin sa babae, bakla ata 'tong kapatid ko!"
"Tangina mo." Sinipa ko ang paa n'ya at nagsitawanan ang mga may saltik kong pinsan.
Napatingin ako sa nakangising si Vioxx at bigla n'yang itinaas ang kamay n'ya.
"Alcantara number two, hindi tayo talo!" He said.
Kumuha ako ng mani at tinapon sa mukha n'ya, humagalpak naman ito ng tawa at hinila pa si Wave para makisama doon kay Kuya at Lucian na parang may sayad.
"Sino bang bet mo, Warrion? Gwapo?" Asar pa ng peste kong kapatid kaya itinaas ko ang daliri ko sa kanila. I showed them my dirty finger and they laughed their ass out.
Muli akong sumulyap sa kabilang table.
The beautiful woman caught my attention since last week, nalaman ko rin ang pattern ng pagpunta nila rito noong isang linggo pa kaya nandito ako ngayon.
No, no way, Alcantara.
You wanted to go here to get drunk. That's it.
Umiling ako, sumimsim sa alak at sumulyap sa babae. I froze when she suddenly shifted her gaze and our eyes met.
Her doe like black eyes shined with the colorful disco lights above, the wild song playing on the stereo suddenly turned softer when our eyes met.
Ibinaba ko ang baso ko, I slowly licked my lip and stared at her and she doesn't seem to be bothered. I saw her staring at me too, sumimsim sa wine na hawak at nakipagtitigan.
"Ang lupit ni ganda a, nakikipagtitigan sa'yo, kung ako nakipagtitigan sa'yo baka nangingisay na ako." Bulong ng lintek kong kapatid kaya nabaling ang atensyon ko rito.
Muli akong napaharap sa babae at nakitang may iba na s'yang kausap kaya mas sumimangot ako at masamang tinignan si Kuya.
"Fuck you," I gritted my teeth and smacked his nape.
Napamura s'ya at binatukan rin ako.
"Inaano kita?" He hissed.
"Hindi na tuloy nakatingin!" I hissed at ang kaninang iritadong kapatid ko ay lumaki ang ngisi at naki-chismis sa mga pinsan ko.
"Inlove na si boy-yelo!" He exclaimed at ang kahit tahimik na si Wave ay napahagalpak.
"Inlove na inlove!" Nasapo ko ang noo nang pumunta sa may gitna ng lamesa si Lucian at kumendeng sa harapan namin. "Inlove na si boy-yelo!"
Sinipa ko ang paa n'ya pero nakaiwas s'ya at nagsitawanan pa.
"Winter ang pangalan," Ani ng nakangising si Vioxx at sumulyap rin sa babae.
The next day, as usual, the woman and her group went to the same club again. Nakita kong nakakapit s'ya sa braso ng isang babaeng halos kamukha na n'ya.
Must be her older sister, huh?
Nabaling ang tingin ko roon kay Winter at walang pang ilang segundo ay nagkakatitigan na kami. Unlike the past few days na nagtitinginan lang kami, this time, she suddenly smiled at me and that's when I know I am doomed.
Ni hindi manlang ako nakangiti pabalik sa gulat, mukha lang ako roong tuod na nakatulala hanggang sa lumagpas na sila.
"Ano? Kita ko 'yun ah!" Biglang lumitaw si Kuya sa gilid ko at tinapik ako, malaki ang ngiti.
Sumulyap ako kay Winter at nangunot ang noo nang makitang may lalaking kumausap sa kanya. She smiled at the man and whispered something, nang magtawanan sila at hawakan ng lalaki ang baywang n'ya ay umigting ang panga ko.
"Kuya, remember the favor you asked me years ago?" I said, looking at my brother.
Napatigil s'ya sa pagsimsim at sumulyap sa akin.
"What favor?" He asked, confused.
I didn't want to bring this up since he might get mad but I need my favor back now, before any other guy make a move on her.
"That favor you asked me when Polaris," I said, stopping him. Nakita kong nawala ang kislap ng mata n'ya at pagod na napasulyap sa akin.
"Nung nagpanggap kang may sakit sa ano, ospital nila." I said, clearing my throat.
He licked his lip, sipping on his beer in one gulp before closing his eyes tightly and opened it, nodding at me.
"Of course, Warrion." He chuckled at tapped my arm. "For my little brother."
"Thank you, Kuya." I said and took a glance at him.
"No worries," He smirked. "Basta ba, kapag nakita ko na ulit si Polaris ko, tulungan mo ako?"
Napangisi na ako 'nun at tumango rin.
"No worries, Kuya." I said.
Gusto ko nang umatras at bawiin nalang ang favor ko pero hindi ko nagawa dahil halos pingutin ako ni Kuya.
"Tama na ang pagkatorpe, War!" He hissed at me.
Napakamot ako ng batok, sumulyap kay Winter sa dancefloor habang nakikipagsayaw at tumingin kay Kuya.
"I'm shy," I murmured.
Sumimangot si Kuya at halos sapakin ako.
"Walang torpe-torpe, Warrion. You go meet that girl bago ka pa maunahan!" Aniya.
Nang akmang hihilahin na n'ya ako sa dancefloor ay umiling ako at lumayo.
"How did you make a move on Polaris?" I asked.
Napailing si Kuya at umiling.
"Hindi ako nagpakatorpe, nagpa-confine ako sa ospital kahit wala akong sakit." He said. "Ginalingan ko sa performance."
My brow raised and he laughed and punched my arm.
"Fuck you, War. Gumalaw ka at kung hindi magha-hire ako ng lalaki at sabihin kong halikan si Winter--" Binatukan ko ang kapatid ko kaya napasinghap s'ya.
"You dimwit!" Binatukan n'ya rin ako kaya nagsamaan kami ng tingin dalawa.
"So, here's the plan." Ani Kuya at tinuro ang dancefloor.
Tumango ako at sumulyap kay Winter na nakikipagsayaw pa sa gitna at mataman na nakinig kay Kuya.
"First, you go there and get her attention." Aniya.
Tumango ako at muling sumulyap sa gitna.
"Then, try to flirt with her, talk to her, agawin mo sa kasama tapos isayaw mo--"
Nawala ang atensyon ko kay Kuya nang makitang may bumulong na kay Winter kaya kumunot ang noo ko. I saw how the man touched her waist and she grinned and danced with him, lifting her arms around his neck.
Mabilis akong magmartsa papuntang gitna, napatigil naman ako nang hilahin ako ni Kuya at sinapok.
"I'm still coaching you, Warrion!" Reklamo ng kapatid ko pero sumimangot ako.
"I don't have time for that, my woman is being touched there in the crowd!" I groaned. Nang humagalpak si Caspian epal ay mas bumusangot ang mukha ko at nakipagsiksikan sa dancefloor.
Someone grabbed me from the dancefloor, sumama ang mood ko lalo nang makita ang isang hindi kilalang babae na gumigiling sa harapan ko at kumapit sa braso ko.
"Hi, handsome. Wanna dance with me?" She danced seductively and smiled pero bahagya akong lumayo na tila napapaso at napasulyap kay Win na ngayon ay malamig nang nakatingin.
My heart thumped, mabilis akong umiwas sa babae na tinawag pa ako at pilit hinila, napunta pa ang atensyon n'ya kay Kuya na mabilis na umiling at takot ring lumayo at sumunod sa akin.
"Fuck, wala dito si Reev pero yari ako kapag may ganito." Iritado pang sabi ni Kuya pero hindi ko na s'ya pinansin.
Nang makalapit kay Winter ay napansin kong nakatagilid s'ya mula sa akin at ang lalaking kasayaw ay malaki ang ngisi. Wala na akong panahon pakinggan ang biruan nilang dalawa sa inis at nang akmang bubulong muli ang lalaki ay umigting ang panga ko sa galit.
"Kuya, itulak mo ako!" I hissed, calling my brother's attention.
"Huh?" Kumurap s'ya sa akin.
Nang magbulungan pa sila ay gusto kong manuntok sa inis kaya sinamaan ko ng tingin si Kuya.
"I said push me towards them!" I hissed quietly.
Mukhang naguluhan si Kuya pero nang matanto n'ya ang balak ko ay hindi manlang nagsabi at biglaan nalang akong itinulak.
I cursed because I wasn't prepared!
Nawalan ako ng balanse sa lakas ng tulak n'ya. Kagaya ng plano ay malakas akong natulak patungo sa lalaking kasayaw ni Winter kaya nawalan ito ng balanse at nabitawan si Win.
I saw her shocked face while in the midst of falling and because I replaced the asshole infront of her, I easily caught her waist and pulled her towards me when she lost her balance.
We both froze when our bodies met, I feel like my heart's gonna explode inside my fucking chest. The music sounded a bit strange, I know how corny it is but I felt like the place and people started slowing down...like a freaking romatic movie!
The fuck, Alcantara?
She raised her head and my mouth parted a bit when her black eyes met my green ones. I saw her mouth parted too, she licked her lip. Humigpit ang hawak sa braso ko at natulala sa akin.
Slowly, I lifted her up. Mas humigpit ang hawak n'ya sa braso ko at nagkatinginan kamin.
"Uhm..." She cleared her throat.
I opened my mouth, was about to talk to her when someone pushed me, napaatras ako roon at kumunot ang noo nang makitang napaupo si Winter sa lapag.
"Fuck," I cursed, made my way towards her when a man pushed me again, stopping me.
Napasulyap ako at malamig itong tinignan, it was the man dancing with Winter! Mukhang galit at iritado sa akin.
"Why the fuck did you pushed me?!" Singhal n'ya at nagkagulo na sa dancefloor.
Hindi ko s'ya pinansin, naglakad patungo kay Winter at inalalayan s'yang patayo pero sumunod ang lalaki at muli akong tinulak.
"Fuck you, man! Answer me!" He groaned.
"Ayos ka lang?" Baling ko kay Winter na mabilis na tumango at kumurap.
"Asshole!" Bahagya akong lumayo kay Win para harapin ang lalaki pero isang sapak kaagad sa pisngi ko ang ibinigay n'ya. I closed my eyes and clenched my jaw, sa pagmulat ko ay akmang susugurin na ang lalaki pabalik pero isang hawak sa braso ko ang nagpatigil sa akin.
"Please, no." She whispered. Napatigil ako at napaharap sa kanya at kaagad na nawala ang galit sa akin.
"Ano, hindi ka lalaban?! Duwag ka pala e! Bakla ka ba?!" He groaned again pero ang pansin ko ay na kay Winter na marahang pinisil ang kamay ko at nagsalita.
"I will take care of this," She said, mabilis na nagtungo sa lalaki at hinila ito palayo kahit halos mag-amok na roon sa gitna.
"That was hell of a drama," Sinimangutan ko si Lucian habang nakaupo kami sa sofa at pilit nila akong pinapainom. Turns out they came and saw my adventure in the middle of the fucking dancefloor.
"Shut up," I hissed.
Kuya smirked at me.
"But atleast, she noticed you." He said.
"Like that? What a worst scenario of getting introduced." I shook my head and took a shot, stood from our seat and looked at them.
"I'm going home." I declared and walked outside the bar.
Pagkalabas ko ay wala ako sa mood at iritado sa lahat ng bagay, I was just staring coldly at everyone who greeted me.
Kaagad kong inabot ang remote ng kotse sa aking bulsa at naglakad para hanapin iyon nang may narinig akong boses.
"Kuya!" I stopped. Hindi sana ako lilingon para tignan ang boses na iyon pero may mabilis na tumakbo sa harapan ko at halos magwala ang lintek kong puso nang makita si Winter sa harapan ko.
"Yes?" I managed to say cooly even if my insides are shaking.
"Uh," She walked closer to me, her black long hair flying with the wind, her black eyes shining like the bright moon above.
I saw her staring at my lips, sa isang angat n'ya ng kamay sa mukha ko ay halos mapaso ako.
"What..." I murmured and took a step back but she slowly pulled me and touched my cheek. "May sugat ka."
One touch of her finger on my lip and I winced in pain.
"It's just a small cut," I murmured.
"Gagamutin ko," She murmured.
"But...it's just a cut." I murmured, staring at her deeply.
"Gagamutin ko pa rin," She insited.
"Okay," I breathe.
Tangina, ang rupok mo naman, Alcantara!
"Do you have a car? May malapit lang na convinience store." Aniya.
"No..." Tinago ko ang remote ko at ngumiti sa kanya.
She looks stunned, kita ko ang tagong ngiti sa labi n'ya at bahagyang kinagat ang labi at tumango.
"So, maybe we can just walk? Malapit lang naman." Aniya.
"Alright," I nodded.
We walked silently, nakapamulsa ako habang naglalakad habang s'ya nama'y nakalagay ang kamay sa braso at tahimik rin.
"What's your name?" She started, looking at me.
"Warrion," I said, glancing at her. "Warrion Adelram Alcantara."
"Ang gwapo naman," She chuckled. "Pakinggan ko palang pangalan mo nanginginig na tuhod ko."
I froze, humagalpak s'ya ng tawa pero maya-maya'y napatakip sa bibig n'ya at nahihiyang sumulyap sa akin.
"Sorry! Uhm, ganito lang kasi talaga ako magsalita." She murmured.
I chuckled and nodded.
"You can talk whatever you like to me, Winter." I chuckled.
I looked at her reaction but her mouth parted and blinked at me.
"You know me?!" She exclaimed.
Natahimik ako.
"No," I murmured, ashamed of my mouth.
"You said my name!" Hagikhik n'ya. "Siguro crush mo ako 'no?"
"Hmm, yes." I said and stared at her. Sa kabila ng dilim ng paligid ay nakita kong namula ang pisngi n'ya at napahawak s'ya roon.
"R-Really?" She murmured.
"Don't panic," I murmured. "I won't do anything bad, I just...I just wanted you to know that."
"No! I am not scared of you." She bit her lip. "Kasi, honestly, crush din kita."
Natigilan na ako, nagkatitigan kami at sabay na natawa sa pinagsasabi namin.
"I'm shy to say this but I've been eyeing you for quite some time now." She said, a bit shy. "Don't find me creepy, huh? Crush na crush lang kita."
I chuckled and nodded at her, my heart pounded inside my chest.
"I like you too," I said and she looks stunned again kaya napangiti na ako at pasimpleng lumipat sa kanang parte dahil may paparating na sasakyan.
Pasimple ko s'yang iginilid sa daan para ilayo sa sasakyan at nakita ko ang paglaki ng ngiti n'ya.
"Uh, War, ayun na ang store!" She pointed the store.
I nodded, marahang hinawakan ko ang braso n'ya habang patawid patungo sa store.
She let me sit on the stool when we got inside.
"Wait, bibili lang ako para malinis ang sugat mo." Aniya.
I nodded and watched as she moved gracefully around the store to buy something for me.
I smiled when she appeared infront of me carrying a plastic bag, inalalayan ko s'ya paupo sa harapan ko at malaki ang ngiti n'ya.
"Tsaran!" She cheered.
"Thank you," I smiled.
"No worries," She winked and chuckled, binuksan ang cotton at sumulyap sa akin.
"Ang gwapo ng ngiti mo, para akong natutunaw." She commented, I chuckled and looked at her.
"And you look like a goddess while smiling too," I said. "I wish to always see your smile, don't lose that, hmm?"
Tahimik lang ako habang hawak n'ya ang pisngi ko at nililinis ang maliit kong sugat. We look crazy there while cleaning my small wound.
I can actually take care of it but it's Winter who's insisting, my goddess, how can a mere mortal like me refuse that?
When she was done fixing me, tinulungan ko s'ya sa paglinis ng kalat namin at napatingin ako sa tahimik na conveniece at napasulyap sa kanya na kinakagat ang labi n'ya.
"What do you want to eat?" I asked. Napasulyap s'ya at nanlaki ang mata.
"No! You really don't have to do that." She shook her head.
"I insist," I said and stood, brushing my hair. "Let me treat you tonight."
She blushed profusely, nakita kong bumagsak ang buhok n'ya sa mukha n'ya at mabilis n'ya iyong hinawi.
"Kahit ano lang," Nahihiya n'yang sabi at natawa ako at tumango.
Nag-ikot ako sa store at bumili ng hairpin, isang box ng donut at kape. Lumapit ako sa kanya at nakita ko ang pagnguso n'ya nang makita ang hawak ko.
"Yehey! Choco butternut ba 'yan?" She exclaimed happily.
"Yes, you like it?" I asked.
She nodded and chuckled, nakita ko ang pagkislap ng mata n'ya.
I opened the box and offered her the food at nanatili lang akong nakangiti habang pinagmamasdan s'yang kumain. When I saw her fixed her hair again, inilabas ko ang hairpin na binili at lumapit sa kanya.
"Look at me," I said.
Lumingon s'ya sa akin habang kagat ang pagkain n'ya kaya napatawa ako at hinawi ang buhok. I slowly pinned her hair to stop it from falling on her face.
"Thank you, War." She said happily and smiled at me.
"Welcome," I said and stared at her.
"If it's alright with you," I cleared my throat. "Can I...see you again some time? Uh, maybe some dinner or lunch?"
"Really?" She murmured and her eyes shined, sumimsim s'ya ng kape at sumulyap sa akin. "I like to know you more too, War."
"Me too," I chuckled. "Fuck, I'm really not fond of pursuing woman. Ngayon lang ako magkainteres ng ganito. I'm sorry if I was too fast."
"Let's date then," Aniya.
My heart almost stopped beating, like a freaking highschool boy, I froze. Nakita kong natawa s'ya ay kinalabit ang ilong ko.
"Can we consider this our first date, then?" I asked, shyly, getting a piece of donut and gave it to her.
She chuckled, opened her mouth and accepted the food and nodded.
"First date, then." She smiled, I moved my seat closer to her and she chuckled, leaned on my shoulder as we both stare at the dark night outside the store.
"PLEASE, just please, take me to her." I begged but they pushed me on the floor again.
I tried standing, even if my body is shaking with the punches and attacks I've received.
"Sino ka ba, huh? Sundalo ka? Ano, bakit ka ba nakikialam dito?" The men asked.
"I won't do anything. J-Just please, let them go." I whispered and coughed when someone kicked my stomach again and grabbed me by my collar inside a dark room.
"Sino? 'Yung dalawang babae?" Nagsitawanan sila pero napuno ng takot ang puso ko para kay Winter at Summer.
"Don't hurt them," I murmured. "Please...Hurt me instead, just don't, please don't hurt them."
"Oh, saktan n'yo raw!" Sigaw ng isang rebelde roon at hindi ako nanlaban nang hawakan nito ang kwelyo ko at sinuntok ako sa pisngi.
A group of men came closer and began punching me again, kicking me but I didn't fought back, hoping they'd let my girlfriend and her sister go safe and unharmed.
Sa pagsilip ng liwanag sa madilim na kwarto ay mas lalo silang dumami at pinagtulungan ako, tila ibinigay sa akin ang lahat ng galit na mayroon sila.
"P-Please, let them go." I murmured when I began coughing blood.
"Yung mga babae?" Tawa 'nung isa. "Nah, paglalaruan pa namin 'yun, mukhang mayayaman e. Hihingi pa kami ng pera sa mga magulang 'nun."
I almost see blood, sinubukang tumayo para kwelyuhan s'ya pero muling bumagsak sa lupa sa panghihina.
"N-No! N-No, please! Don't touch them, please!" I begged, sinubukang gumapang pero hinampas lang ng isa ang ulo ko kaya muli akong napadapa.
"Ano, huh? Lalaban ka pa?" Nagsitawanan sila.
"Sino ba doon ang syota mo nang matikman namin?"
Nagdilim ang paningin ko sa galit, kahit na nanginginig ang katawan ay mabilis na tumayo, kinuwelyuhan ang lalaki ang sinapak sa mukha.
"Fuck you!" I cursed. Muli n'ya akong tinulak kaya napaupo ako sa lapag.
"Tangina! Bugbugin n'yo 'yan!" I tried fighting but they are too many.
Ikinulong nila ako sa kwarto na 'yun na nanghihina, sa bawat pagbukas ng pinto at pagpasok ng liwanag sa kwarto ay wala silang pagdadalawang-isip na pinagtutulungan ako.
Sa sobrang panghihina ay yun nalang ang ginhawa ko nang muli nilang isinarado ang pinto at napuno ng dilim ang kwarto.
I needed to be strong, I have to save Winter and Summer, whatever it takes. Kailangan kong tulungan silang makaalis. Even if they'll take my life, ayos na sa akin, basta ligtas ang mahal ko at ang kapatid n'ya.
When I got the chance to get out, I grabbed it. Sa lakas na natira sa akin ay ginawa ko ang lahat para mailigtas ang sarili para tulungan sina Winter pero mukhang huli na ang lahat.
God knows how I wanted to cry and breakdown, seeing Winter mourning for the death of her sister.
Nahuli ako, tangina, ang hina-hina ko!
Maybe...maybe if I was stronger, nakalaban ako. Sana...sana napuntahan ko sila agad. Sana naisalba ko sila kaagad.
It is my fault. It's my fault why Summer died. It's my fault why Winter was traumatized, kasalan ko!
I closed my eyes and hope filled inside my heart when I saw her going to the restroom alone.
Kanina pa ako nag-aabang ng pagkakataon na makausap s'ya matapos ang aksidente. Nailibing na si Summer at halos ilang buwan na akong walang koneksyon kay Winter.
Of course, at first, I remained calm and composed. Hindi ako namimilit na kausapin s'ya kahit na gustong-gusto ko na. She stayed in the hospital. Her family maintained a high-profile security for her that I coudn't get pass through it.
But it's been months, bakit hindi n'ya ako tawagan? O kausapin manlang? Nag-aantay lang naman ako ng tawag n'ya kasi kailangan ko ring makita s'ya para mapanatag ako.
I am dying to hug her...I wanted to touch her, just want to see her face to keep me sane. To prove myself that she lived and perfectly fine.
I can't call her, ni hindi ako makapunta sa bahay nila.
Is she mad at me? For not helping them?
Sabagay, kasalan ko naman, if I just came in time, kung nailigtas ko sana s'ya kaagad.
You're weak, Alcantara. Pati ang mahal mo, pinahamak mo.
"Win..." Habol ko sa kanya nang makita kong kakalabas n'ya lang ng banyo.
She lifted her head, her once sweet stares and happy smile turned to something cold.
"Yes?" She asked coldly.
I gulped, my feet almost shake when I walked towards her. Nang makita ko kung paano s'ya napaatras sa galaw ko ay natigilan ako.
"Win?"
"Do I know you?" She asked, her forehead creased.
Napangiti ako roon at umiling.
"Don't joke around, Win." I said and smiled.
I tried holding her but she jumped and moved away.
"Who are you?" She murmured again.
"Hey, baby." I murmured. "Let's talk, please."
"I don't know you!" She murmured and when I saw how serious her face is, I know she isn't lying.
"Win..."
"Leave me alone! Magtatawag ako ng security!" She exclaimed and I was stoned in my place when she started walking away from, without looking back.
I watched her from afar in years just to protect her silently. I let her enjoy her life, slowly, until she started overcoming the pain and trauma that ate her.
Maybe...maybe I deserve being treated like this. Just hiding in the dark to keep you safe.
Maybe I don't deserve you at all, Win. Pero pangako, nandito lang ako sa paligid at babantayan ka. I promise to keep you safe no matter what. Mahal na mahal kita.
"NAMOMROBLEMA ako para sa anak ko," I took a glance at Senator Almedarez when I heard him said that.
"Bakit naman?" My Mom asked him, nandito sila ngayon sa living room kasama si Dad at Tita.
"The bodyguard she last had resigned, may problema sa pamilya. Ngayon hindi ko na alam saan kukuha ng bodyguard. Mas madami na ang kalaban dahil nga malapit na ang eleksyon."
I took a sip on my juice and cleared my throat, looking at the Senator.
"Tito," I called.
"Yes, hijo?" He asked.
"I can be her bodyguard." Presenta ko.
"HEY, baby, wake up. We're here." I whispered.
Napangiti ako nang makitang hindi manlang s'ya gumalaw sa pwesto at nanatiling mahimbing na natutulog.
"Did I tire you that much?" I whispered and smiled. Tinanggal ko ang seatbelt ko at marahang lumapit para halikan ang pisngi n'ya.
She stirred a bit, mas humalik ako sa kanyang pisngi at bahagyang humaplos sa tyan n'ya.
"Antukin na talaga ang asawa ko," I chuckled.
I slowly lowered my face and kissed her round stomach before touching it again.
"Hello there, baby." I kissed her stomach again. "What is your craving today? Daddy will buy you more foods again." Kausap ko.
"Hindi ko pa alam kung anong bibilhing gamit sa kwarto mo, anak. Your Mom's still not telling me if you're a boy or a girl."
My smile widen when I felt a kick from her stomach.
"Woah there, come on, baby. Kick for your Dad." I murmured happily and chuckled again when I felt my child kicked again.
"Good job, baby! Just be always good to Mommy, okay? As much as possible, don't tire her that much, hmm?" A kick from my child is what I got as an answer.
"What do you want to eat, baby? You like to eat donuts? Or dumplings again?"
"Hmm, I want to eat the hot daddy." Nag-angat ako ng tingin at napatawa nang makitang gising na si Winter at pinagmamasdan ako.
"We're here, baby." I said. Umangat ako ng upo at hinalikan s'ya.
She closed her eyes when I kissed her that I teasingly bit her lower lip and deepened my kiss.
"I love you," I whispered.
"Love you too," She chuckled and put her hand around my shoulder.
"What do you want to eat, hmm?" I asked, fixing her hair behind her ear.
"You." She winked at me.
"You just did," I said. Natigilan s'ya kaya natawa ako at pinisil ang pisngi n'ya.
"It was your breakfast, right?" I teased when she blushed. Pinalo n'ya ang braso ko kaya natawa ako at muli s'yang ninakawan ng halik.
"Bakit ako lang?" She hissed. "Nauna ka! I woke up because you're eating me!"
Natawa akong lalo at pinugpog ng halik ang mukha n'ya.
"Because you always look delicious!" I winked. "Plus the fact that you're pregnant with my baby."
Napailing s'ya at kinalas ang seatbelt n'ya, she slowly pushed me back on my seat and slowly straddled me.
"Chill, my wild wife." I chuckled and assisted her. "Careful, baby."
Nang makaupo s'ya sa hita ko ay sumandal s'ya sa manibela at pinagmasdan lang ako.
"Baby, am I fat?" Aniya at sumulyap sa tiyan n'ya.
"No," I said and caressed her stomach. "You see, baby, maybe you did gain weight."
"But you said I wasn't fat!" She hissed.
"You aren't," Suyo ko. "It's normal for pregnant woman, hindi nalang kasi ikaw ang kumakain. Our baby is eating too kaya normal lang 'yan. Isa pa, whatever you're weight is, I will still love you." I said and kissed her chin and her chest.
Tinampal n'ya ako nang akmang ibababa ko ang dress n'ya kaya napanguso ako.
"Baby," I whinned.
"Mamaya na, Major! Sa bahay, you can have it all you want again."
"But you have to sleep early, napuyat na kita kagabi." I said.
"Hmm, edi kapag uwi tapos sa shower. Alam mo na." She winked and I chuckled again.
"Ilang buwan akong tuyot, War!" Reklamo n'ya. "Kung hindi pa kita aakitin kagabi, hindi ka bibigay."
"Because you look adorable!" I laughed, imagining her exhibition last night.
"Anong adorable? Dapat hot! Alam mo bang nagpaturo pa ako kay Macarena sa moves na 'yun!" Mas natawa ako sa sinabi n'ya at hinalikan s'ya ulit.
"You looked adorable!" I shook my head. "Who can resist a dancing pregnant woman?"
Binatukan n'ya ako kaya nginisian ko s'ya.
"Imagine what I saw, baby. You, in your red lacey underwear dancing from the bathroom to our bed with a sexy song?" I imagined and laughed heartily again. "Plus, your round stomach!"
"Warrion!" Hinila n'ya ang tenga ko. "Nag-effort ako magpractice 'nung nasa trabaho ka!"
"I know," I smiled and stared at her. "And I appreciate it, I was fucking arouse last night because my wife is so...so adorable and hot."
Nakita ko ang pagtago n'ya ng ngiti, tumikhim pa s'ya para kunwari ay seryoso pero sa huli ay lumaki lang ang ngiti.
"You...like it?" She murmured.
"Superb," I gave her a thumbs-up. "One hundred over ten, baby."
"Sus!" She pinched my cheek. "Nambola pa!"
"Totoo!" I said. "Damn, my self-control faded like a bubble. Tawang-tawa pa ako sa kalokohan mo 'nung una but yeah, as asual, marupok nanaman ang asawa mo sa Winter n'ya."
She grinned at me.
"Really? Ikaw kasi, simula 'nung malaki na 'yung tyan ko, ayaw mo na mag-make love! You always pleasure me but we didn't really do that."
"I'm afraid, baka matusok ko si baby." Humawak ako sa t'yan n'ya.
Bigla s'yang humagalpak ng tawa at hinalikan ang ulo ko.
"Silly! Alam kong malaki, mahaba at malusog ang Lieutenant mo pero hindi naman siguro maaabot si baby."
"Your mouth is..." Iling ko at hinalikan s'ya. "I'm just worried I might hurt you, mas malaki na kasi ang tyan mo ngayon kumpara sa normal."
She just smiled at me.
"I know,"
"What's our baby's gender, anyway? I ordered things with both gender, baby. Para sigurado."
"Go lang," Tawa n'ya at sinuklay ang buhok ko.
"You aren't really gonna tell me?"
"Nah, where's the fun in that?" She asked.
I just pouted and reached for her cheek and caressed it.
"Okay, whatever makes my baby happy." I said softly. "Come on, baby, your sister is waiting. Mamaya na ulit tayo maglambingan, buong gabi kitang lalambingin."
Humagikhik s'ya, humalik sa akin at inalalayan ko s'ya paupo sa kanyang upuan.
I went out of the car and went to her direction to assist her, nang mahawakan ko ang kanyang baywang ay kinuha ko ang pumpon ng bulaklak at mga kandila na binili namin at naglagay patungo sa sementeryo.
I saw how my wife looks excited while walking towards her sister's tomb, nagtungo kami sa museleo ng kanyang pamilya at sa pagpasok palang namin ay kaagad nang may malamig na hanging sumalubong.
My wife made her way towards Summer's tomb, malinis pa rin lapida nito at naroon pa rin ang mga bulaklak na inilagay namin ni Winter 'nung nakaraang linggo.
"Hello, Ate!" My wife cheered happily.
Nang akmang uupo s'ya sa lapag ay hinawakan ko ang braso n'ya. I shook my head at her, removed my jacket and placed it on the floor before letting her sit.
"Thank you, baby." She kissed my cheek.
Bumaling ako sa lapida ni Summer at ngumiti.
"Hi, Summer. It's us again." I said.
Winter chuckled, inayos ko ang bagong bulaklak na dala namin para sa kanya at sinindihan ang puting kandila sa tabi nito.
"Sorry, Ate, are we being nosy? Every week kaming lumalarga dito." Winter chuckled. "Kahapon din, Ate, nandito sina Mom at Dad."
Saglit kaming nanahimik nang masindihan ang kandila at nagdasal bago muling kinausap si Summer.
"Thank you," I whispered again on her tomb. Nang mapansing tahimik na nakatitig si Win na may matamis na ngiti sa labi habang hinahaplos ang lapida ng kapatid ay napangiti ako.
"Thank you for saving her, Summer." I said softly.
Tahimik akong tumitig sa lapida ni Summer at tahimik na kinausap s'ya.
I owe you my life. I don't know what I'll do if I lose her. Thank you so much, Summer. I am really sorry if I was too late to save the both of you, If only I fought harder and went there earlier, maybe I saved you. Pero alam kong hindi ka matutuwa kung sisisihin kong muli ang sarili ko, nakwento sa akin ni Winter ang panaginip n'ya. Thank you for coming in her dream, for making her realize that it's your love that saved her. Na hindi na n'ya kailangang sisihin ang sarili n'ya sa nangyari.
Maraming-maraming salamat, Summer. I promise to always protect her, I promise to love her until my last breath. I promise to treasure the life you gave for her, gagawin ko ang lahat para maging masaya s'ya, I will treasure the family we are now starting to build.
Thank you.
We spent an hour with Summer, this is our tradition usually. Every week kaming bibisita kay Summer at kung busy ay sinusubukan naming makapunta ng isang beses kada dalawang linggo.
Matapos naming pumunta sa sementeryo ay nagtungo kami sa restaurant. My wife is craving for foods so we're here now.
I opened the door for her and placed my hand on her waist, iginaya kami ng waiter sa isang pwesto malapit sa terrace sa open space ng resto kung saan tanaw na tanaw ang dagat ng Casa Amara.
"Here is the menu, Ma'am, Sir Warrion." Mandy greeted with a smile.
"Thanks, Mandy." I smiled. Nakita kong napasulyap ang asawa ko kay Mandy at sa akin na nagtataka kaya sumulyap ako sa asawa ko.
"Baby, this is Mandy, General Manager of this restaurant. This resto is owned by Lars and Kuya."
I saw my wife's mouth parted in shock, napatango s'ya at napasulyap kay Mandy.
"And Mandy, this is Winter, my wife." I said.
"Hello, Ma'am." Mandy smiled politely at my wife. "Nice to meet you."
"Hi," Winter smiled softly at her. "Nice meeting you too, Mandy."
"Naku, Ma'am! Nakakatuwa naman po at na-meet ko kayo, hindi kasi ako nakapunta 'nung kasal n'yo kasi nagkasakit ang husband ko." She said.
"Ganun ba?" Winter asked. "Sayang, but we'll visit here more often, para mag-chikahan tayo." My wife winked and Mandy laughed with her, nag-apir pa ang dalawa kaya nangisi ako, sumandal at pinagmasdan lang ang asawa ko.
My wife...sobrang galing makisama sa mga tao. Kaya ang dami ko kaagaw e. Napasulyap ako sa mga lalaki roon sa kabilang parte ng resto at nangunot ang noo ko nang makitang nakatingin sila sa asawa ko at tila pinag-uusapan.
Can't you see that she's married? And she's pregnant with my child!
I shook my head and smirked when Mandy left, nang makita ako ng asawa ko ay nagtatakang sumulyap s'ya sa akin.
"Why, baby?" She asked.
Umiling lang ako, inabot ang kanyang kamay sa lamesa at marahang hinaplos ang kanyang singsing. I slowly lifted her hand and kissed the back of her palm before smiling.
"I love you," I whispered.
She chuckled, her cheeks flushing.
"Ang ganda naman ng tuyot ko," I murmured. Natawa s'ya sa sinabi ko at hinaplos pabalik ang kamay ko.
"Bolero ka kamo, Major. Kitang buntis ako e, feeling ko ang bloated ko na. Lumaki rin ang cheeks ko." She sighed.
I licked my lip, sumulyap ako sa paligid at napangiti nang may makita sa kanang parte ng pwesto naming dalawa.
"I just saw the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." I murmured.
"Huh?" Kita kong natigilan si Winter at sinamaan ako ng tingin. "Aba't, ipagpapalit mo na ako?!"
I smirked and spoke.
"Gusto mo s'ya makita?"
"Oo, nasaan na 'yan? Nang makalbo ko para ako nalang ang pinakamaganda!" She exclaimed, irritated.
"Look to your right side, baby. Slowly." I said.
Her forehead creased, marahang lumingon sa kanan n'ya and I saw her stunned when she turned and saw her reflection in the mirror on her right side.
"See that woman? That's my baby, the most beautiful." I said slowly. "And I love her so, so much."
She smiled, halos mapuno na ng pula ang mukha kaya napatawa na ako. I pulled my chair towards her direction and sat beside her.
Nang sumandal s'ya sa akin ay niyakap ko ang braso n'ya at humalik sa kanyang sentido.
"WARRION! You have to calm down!" My brother exclaimed when he saw me walking back and forth infront the delivery room.
"I am calm, Kuya." I said but my voice is shaking, kuyom ang kamay ko at kanina pa palakad-lakad.
"Said by someone who looks like he's gonna piss on his pants." Komento ni Wave at namulsa pa.
"As if you weren't like this when Zire gave birth, e halos, patumbahin mo na ang staff." I hissed.
My brother together with Vioxx and Lucian laughed, sumimangot naman si Wave at umiling.
"Atleast I didn't faint!" Ani Wave.
"Aba, ikaw kaya malaman mong triplets ang trophy mo!" Ani Kuya at napanguso.
"Oh, abangan n'yo si Alcantara number two, huh? Baka himatayin rin!" Ani Vioxx kaya umiling ako.
"I won't faint!" I insisted..
"Weh?" Lucian teased and I kicked his feet in annoyance.
He laughed at me.
Sa malayo ay kita kong sabay na naglalakad si Zire at Lars patungo sa amin habang may bitbit na kape. I saw them gave coffee to the boys at nang abutin ako ni Lars ay kaagad ko iyong inabot at tinungga.
"It's hot!" Polaris exclaimed but it was too late, pasong-paso na ang dila ko pero kailangan ko iyon para kumalma.
"It's alright," Napangiwi ako sa sakit.
"You okay?" Biglang litaw ni Kuya sa tabi ni Lars. I nodded, I saw him hugged her wife and looked at me again.
"Umupo ka nga, Warrion. What will Winter do if you are panicking like that?"
"I am calm," I said.
"Weh?" He asked this time pero kinurot lang s'ya ni Lars.
"Shut up, Cas, as if you were calm when I gave birth, you fainted, remember?" I saw my brother froze and smirked.
Sumulyap naman si Lars sa akin kaya umiling ako.
"I'm calm, Polaris. I won't faint." I said.
Nanliit ang mata n'ya at ngumisi.
"I am not weak-hearted like Kuya!" I groaned at nang magtawanan na sila ay ngumuso lang ako at humalukipkip.
"How's my daughter, War?" Napalingon ako at napaayos ng tayo nang makita sina Senator at Tita, sa likuran nila ay naroon rin sina Mommy at Dad.
"She's still in labor, Tito." I sighed.
"What happened ba?" Ani Tita roon kaya nilingon ko s'ya at sinagot.
"I was just cleaning our pool and left her in the living room playing with our cats, siguro wala pang kalahating oras ay nagsilabasan sina piglet. They ran towards me and purred, tapos 'nung tumakbo sila pabalik sa bahay and I followed them, that's when I saw my wife, gulat lang doon and I saw her water bag broke."
"She was shocked, I guess." Ani Senator at sumulyap sa delivery room. "Is it normal delivery?"
"Yes, Tito." I nodded and closed my fist. "I was just nervous since I don't know what I'll do earlier in panic, buti nalang at dumating si Kuya at s'ya ang nagmaneho."
"It's normal, hijo." Senator then smiled and tapped my back. "Calm down, okay? Nanginginig ka."
Napasulyap ako sa kamay ko at napakurap, umayos ako ng tayo at tumikhim.
"I'm calm," I said.
Napatawa s'ya at napabaling kay Dad na nangingisi rin sa akin.
"Arthur, your son's calm." He said and laughed. "Yet he's shaking."
"You okay, War?" Ani Dad at nang tumango ako ay napatawa ito at may binulong kay Mommy.
"Okay," My Mom giggled, "Ready na kami anak na saluhin ka kapag nahimatay ka."
"Mom," I hissed. "I won't faint!" Pero hindi nila ako pinakinggan at mas nagtawanan pa sila.
Time has passed and I still can't sit, kita kong nakatulog na si Lars sa balikat ni Kuya at si Zire ay nakikipagkwentuhan pa sa asawa n'ya.
Si Vioxx at Lucian ay nag-ja-jack en poy pa roon at nagbabatukan kaya napailing ako.
Even our parents is busy talking to each other while I am almost out of my sanity!
The door opened and my heart hammered inside my chest, I almost ran towards the door of the delivery room. Sumunod kaagad ang mga pinsan at magulang ko.
"Hello, sino po ang asawa ni Mrs. Alcantara."
"Ako!" I raised my hand. "Ako, ako ang asawa." I exclaimed.
Napatawa sila at nangiwi ako nang batukan ako ni Lucian.
"Oo na, ikaw na ang asawa. Akala mo aagawin!" Tawanan pa nila roon at napailing lang ako at napahawak sa batok.
"How's my wife and my kid?" I asked the doctor.
"Well," She smiled. "The delivery is a success, your wife's a strong woman, Mr. Alcantara."
I sighed and nodded.
"She is," I nodded and smiled. "How's my kid? What's the gender?"
"Oh..." She smiled at me.
"Congratulations, Mr. Alcantara, it's a boy!" Napapikit ako at napangiti at nagsigawan naman ang nasa likuran ko.
Napamulat ako at medyo nahilo pero umayos ako ng tayo nang marinig ang boses ng Nanay ko.
"Saluhin n'yo! Hihimatayin na 'yan!" Aniya.
"I won't faint," Giit ko at ngumuso.
"The boy's five minutes older than the baby girl, congrats again, Mr. Alcantara! You got twins!" She said.
My mouth parted, mabilis na napakurap at kumalabog ang puso.
"I...got twins?" I whispered, my voice shaking, tila nawalan ng lakas ang paa sa gulat.
Damn! I got twins! Yes!
"Yes," She smiled. "At pinapasabi po pala ni Misis na gawa raw kayo ng set two pag-uwi."
I took a step back and blinked.
"Fuck, I knew it! He's gonna faint! Catch him!" I started feeling dizzy and I heard their screams when I fell on my knees, rendering me unconcious.
Some people have no idea how beautiful the darkness is, especially when you've experience it.
It was quiet, calm yet scary at the same time. Darkness is risky, like how love works. You'll get the light and get eaten up by darkness again.
You love and you get hurt. You love and you sacrifice. You'll try moving on then find yourself loving again.
The darkness she once was scared of has been conquered because of forgiveness and love.
Her heart is once covered in agony, pain and darkness and when I can't find light in the darkness, I became the light, her light.