KALISZ WAS glad that after four days since she woke up she's being discharged. She's been waiting for this day because she really hates staying in the hospital.
Hindi naman siya na boring habang narito siya dahil araw-araw ay dinadalaw siya ng pamilya ni Kronack at ng mga kaibigan nito. Kronack too has been staying beside her, sa tabi niya na nga rin ito natutulog. Habang sina Auri at kuya Rage naman ay sa guest room na konektado sa silid niya.
Katatapos lang palitan ni Leaf ang benda sa ulo niya, ngayon naman ay ang kambal ni Kronack ang narito para alalayan siya, na hindi naman na kailangan.
"Pandak, pangkuin na kita para ilipat sa wheelchair. Baka mabinat ka pa," Ruckus spoke.
"Kaya ko na Ruckus," aniya sa binata.
Pero hindi ito nakinig at pinangko pa rin siya. Busangot na tinignan niya tuloy ito. Mula ng dumating ito hindi pa ito nakinig sa kanya.
"Nakakainis ka na Ruckus," hindi niya napigilang sabihin.
Ngumisi ito. "That's what twinie always say," umiling ito. "Bagay talaga kayo."
Hindi niya ito pinansin at iikutin sana niya ang wheelchair para pumunta sa sofa kung saan nakalapag ang bag niya nang itinulak ito ni Ruckus.
"Ruckus kaya ko na," naiinis na ulit niya sa lalaki.
Pero hindi pa rin ito nakinig. Ugh! Kanina pa ang isang 'to. Para siyang imbalido kung tulungan.
"Nah save your energy for my pamangkin," sagot nito.
Kalisz rolled her eyes. "Nasaan ba si cuddlebear? Hindi niya man lang ako dinalaw ngayon araw," tanong niya na lang dito habang inaabot ang bag niya.
"Busy," tipid na sagot nito.
Tumango si Kalisz at hindi na nagtanong pa.
"Hindi ka ba magtatanong kung bakit busy si twinie?" He asked.
Sinulyapan niya ito at nginitian. "I can ask him myself."
Napatango ito at napalingon sa pintuan ng bumukas iyon at pumasok ang isang nurse.
"Good morning, sir. Here is the list of prenatal vitamins that ma'am will have to take," saad ng nurse kay Ruckus na seryoso na ngayon at masungit tingnan.
"Thanks," malamig na saad nito at inabot ang papel na hawak ng nurse.
Tinignan ni Kalisz ang babae. Malawak itong ngumiti kay Ruckus bago napalabi. "Anytime sir. You can call me-"
"Get lost," Ruckus surly cuts off the woman with his intense cold eyes.
"S-sorry sir," nagmamadaling naglakad ang babae palabas ng silid niya habang napaawang na lang ang bibig ni Kalisz.
"B-tch," narinig niyang bulong ni Ruckus bago siya binalingan. "Let's go, pandak," anito na bumalik na ang ekspresyon na magaan at approachable.
"That was rude, Ruckus," hindi niya mapigilang sabihin.
Ruckus tapped her head like a child kaya kinunutan niya ito ng noo pero hindi nito iyon pinansin.
"People who flirts to a family man or woman should never be treated with respect pandak. And that applies to married people too who flirts around like they're single," tapos ay tinuro nito ang linabasan ng nurse. "That woman is flirting with me despite the fact that I could be the father of your unborn child. If Kronack was here with you he would do the same. Such people ruins family pandak. Leaving their kids heartbroken and lost, some are torn in between. And often when both parents have both found a new partner, kids are left in between feeling unloved and incomplete. And look she didn't even acknowledge you, when you're the one that needs these," pinakita nito ang hawak na papel. "And that's very disrespectful."
Napaisip siya pero hindi alam ang sasabihin kaya't tumango na lang siya.
"Look pandak, alam kong kahit may harap-harapan lumandi kay twinie-"
"I trust cuddlebear," putol niya dito.
"I know. And my brother will never entertain them either but, you still have to do something and put those women who would try to flirt with your man in their position," anito at umikot na sa likod niya at inumpisahang itulak ang wheelchair.
"Marami bang lumalandi kay cuddlebear?" Naitanong ni Kalisz.
"Yup. He's handsome and wealthy so..." Sagot nito.
Napanguso siya sa isinagot nito at mukhang napansin ito ng binata.
"Don't worry, pandak. Twinie will shun them away himself. Baka nga mas malala pa ang pagtataboy no'n sa maglalandi sa kanya kesa sayo," saad nito na nagpangiti kay Kalisz.
Nagpatuloy pa ang pag-uusap nila hanggang marating ang parking lot at naroon ang nakabukas na SUV.
Her brother Rage was leaning against the SUV while she could see Grant inside the vehicle at the back of the wheel.
Napangiti siya nang lumingon ang kapatid niya habang palapit sila ni Ruckus.
"How are you, Kale?" Tanong agad sa kanya ng kapatid.
"Okay lang kuya. Nakukulitan lang kay Ruckus," nakangiti niyang sumbong sa kapatid na nagpaingos kay Ruckus.
"Pandak-"
"Pwede ba Ruckus tigilan mo kakatawag ng pandak kay Kale. Hindi siya pandak," sita ni kuya kay Ruckus.
"Bro, si pandak nga hindi nagrereklamo ikaw pa," Ruckus replied.
"Tama na 'yan," saway niya sa dalawa at tinignan ang kapatid. "Ayos lang sa akin kuya. I take the way Ruckus calls me as his endearment. Don't worry, nag-iisip na ako kung ano itatawag sa kanya."
"Hmm... gusto ko yan pandak. May naisip ka na ba?" Nakangiting tanong sa kanya ni Ruckus.
Matamis niya itong nginitian at tumango. "Baluga sana, kaya lang naisip kong ang cute ng baluga. Kaya kapre na na lang."
Ruckus's jaw dropped while her brother burst into laughter.
"Pandak naman," reklamo sa kanya ni Ruckus.
"That was gold Kale," natatawa habang naiiling na turan ni Rage bago siya pinangko at inilipat sa loob ng SUV.
"Thanks, kuya."
Hinalikan siya ng kapatid sa noo bago nito isinara ang pinto.
"How's your head, Kalisz?" Grant asked.
"Okay lang, Grant."
Tumango ito at binuhay na ang sasakyan nang makapasok na sina Rage at Ruckus.
"Pandak think of another endearment you could use for me. I don't like kapre," pangungulit sa kanya ni Ruckus na katabi niya.
"I'll think about it," sagot niya lang sa binata bago ipinikit ang mga mata.
She heard him groan but didn't speak again.
Nagmulat si Kalisz ng mata nang tumigil ang sasakyan. Pinagbuksan siya ng kapatid niya ng pinto pero natigilan siya ng makitang wala sila sa tapat ng bahay ni Kronack.
"Welcome to the Crown's manor Kale," Rage spoke, smiling.
"Why are we here?" Naguguluhan niyang tanong.
Nagkibit-balikat lang ang kapatid bago siya muling pinangko at inilipat sa wheelchair na inihanda ni Ruckus.
"We have a surprise, pandak," ani Ruckus at tinulak na ang wheelchair papasok sa manor at sumunod naman sina Rage at Grant.
Kalisz's heart was beating faster than usual with the anticipation of what could be their surprise.
When they reached the main door two guards immediately pushed the huge door open when they saw us coming.
Napaawang si Kalisz ng makita ang nasa loob. The foyer's floor is covered in pink and white petals and standing there was Kronack in his tailored dark blue suit while holding a bouquet of white flowers.
"Cuddlebear..." She whispered as she stared at him.
But her stares at Kronack were shortened when Ruckus held his hand in front of her. Nang tinganan niya ito ay tinagilid nito ang ulo upang sumenyas na abutin niya ang kamay nito.
And Kalisz did just that.
Ruckus then led her to Kronack that was looking at her lovingly and softly.
"Sweet babe..." Bulong nito sa kanya ng makalapit sila.
Inabot nito ang isang kamay niya bago siya binitawan ni Ruckus. Hindi na ni Kalisz napansin ang paglayo ni Ruckus dahil na kay Kronack na ang buong atensyon niya. Kaninang madaling araw niya ito huling nakita pero ang laki ng ipinagbago nito.
He has been in the barber and his facial hair is now gone. Leaving his face looking smoothly well shaved. Making Kronack looks more handsome and gentler.
Hindi napigilan ni Kalisz na abutin ang panga nito at haplusin, na siyang ikinapikit ni Kronack, na para bang tinatamasa nito ang haplos niya.
"You look very handsome cuddlebear," Kalisz sweetly told him, smiling.
Nagmulat ito ng mata at tumaas ang gilid ng labi nito. "And you're very beautiful, sweet babe."
Inabot nito sa kanya ang isang bouquet. "Flowers to the most beautiful woman who has captured my heart in just a night," kumindat ito. "Remember your first night in my villa?" Tanong nito na may pilyong ngiti.
Umawang ang labi ni Kalisz at nag-init ang pisngi niya ng maalala ang gabing iyon.
"Don't remind-"
Kalisz's words were stopped when Kronack shushed her with his warm lips and when he let go of her lips, Kronack slowly dropped down in his right knee, making Kalisz's heart beat wildly.
"You look like a goddess in my eyes that night and has since been my goddess. But... I did fall for you-- hands down, with your beauty but it was your strength, sweetness, innocence, care and love that had me drowned into you. You aren't just beautiful, sweet babe. You are everything, and now in front of my family and friends, I will ask you... will you let me keep you?"
Tumingin ng deretso sa mga mata niya si Kronack.
"Will you let me?" he asked with his hand holding her left hand and the other holding a white small box that has a ring on it.
After that question, Kalisz was already crying. Hindi niya akalain na mamahalin siya ng lalake ng ganito. Na mamahalin siya ni Kronack, to the extent of wanting her to stay by his side for a lifetime. To the extent of marrying her.
"Babe please..." Kalisz heard him beg, worries lacing his voice as he wait for her answer.
Sinungaban niya ng yakap ang binata habang umiiyak.
"I-I love y-you, cuddlebear," sumisinok niyang bulong sa binata.
Niyakap siya nito ng mahigpit. "I love you too babe, but answer me please, I need it. I can't take another minute without your yes," he said.
Mahina siyang natawa at kinalas ang yakap sa binata at hinawakan niya ang mukha nito at buong pusong pinakatitigan, minememorya ang mukha nito na sa unang beses pa lang nilang pagkikita ay bumihag na sa kanya. With her tears flowing but in joy, heart beating in love, mind thinking about him and soul wanting only him, Kalisz spoke.
"You can keep me cuddlebear."
With that answer, Kronack grabbed her nape and kissed her lovingly and gently. And as they both savour the moment she heard the crowd around them shout in congratulations.
HINDI MATANGGAL ni Kronack ang tingin kay Kalisz na masayang nakikipag-usap kay Auri at Sierra.
Hanggang ngayon, halos dalawang oras na ang nakakalipas mula ng sagutin siya ng babae ay naroon parin ang mabilis na tibok ng puso niya, ang saya, at ang pasasalamat dahil sa pagtanggap nito sa kanya.
Kalisz really has his heart. No doubt about it.
"Twinie kausapin mo naman si pandak na palitan yung palayaw niya sa akin." Kausap sa kanya ng kambal.
Kanina pa ito nangungulit. Tsk.
"Bakit ba ayaw mo sa kapre? Kung napapandakan ka kay Kalisz eh di bagay lang sayo ang kapre," sagot dito ni Dusk.
"Ikaw kaya tawagin kong kapre Dusk kung gusto mo!" Angil nito kay Dusk.
"Kala mo naman ang ganda ng pandak na palayaw," Rosh butted in.
"It's cute," Ruckus reasoned out.
Nailing na lang siya sa rason ni Ruckus. Kahit siya ayaw niya na tinatawag na twinie ng kambal pero wala siyang magawa. Kaya't nunkang kausapin niya si Kalisz na palitan ang palayaw nitong kapre para sa kapatid.
Napataas siya ng tingin sa kuya nila nang maglapag ito ng ilang bote ng beer sa harapan nilang magkakapatid bago ito naupo sa pwesto nito.
"So... Time to cheer for our brother's newfound happiness and family," anito habang nakangiti sa kanya.
Isa-isa nilang kinuha ang beer na at sabay-sabay na nag cheers. Matapos ay muli siyang binati ng mga ito.
"Pakabait ka, bro. Kami bubogbog sayo pagsinaktan mo si Kalisz," saad sa kanya ni Grant.
Umiling siya sa mga kapatid at ngumiti. "Not a chance. I love her and I will never hurt her in purpose," then he shudder in his seat. "I can't even stand seeing her cry, what else hurt?" Naiiling na saad niya habang nakatingin kay Kalisz.
"Good to hear that," Rage spoke.
Nagpatuloy ang pag-uusap nilang magkakapatid. Paminsan-minsan ay napapag-uusapan din nila ang mga dapat pang ihanda para sa kasal nila ni Kalisz na gusto niyang mangyari sa lalong madaling panahon.
Hindi pa niya nauubos ang bote ng beer na bigay ng kapatid niya nang makita niyang humikab si Kalisz kaya nagpaalam siya sa mga kapatid na pupuntahan ang fiancé niya.
Dahil sa busy ito sa pakikipag-usap kina Auri, Sierra, Dessert at sa ina niya ay hindi nito napansin ang paglapit niya.
"Babe..." Bulong niya dito at niyakap ito mula sa likuran at isinubsob ang mukha niya sa gilid ng leeg nito.
Naramdaman niya ang paghaplos nito ng buhok niya. "Ano 'yon cuddlebear?"
"Time to rest," sinulayapan ni Kronack ang mga kaibigan nito at ina niya. "Sorry ladies, Kalisz has to rest," paalam niya sa mga ito.
Ikinaway ng ina niya ang kamay na parang nagtataboy. "Take her. We've been telling her to rest already but she's been thinking about you, still enjoying the party."
Kumunot ang noo niya at binalingan si Kalisz. "Babe?" He asked wanting her to explain.
Napalabi ito. "I didn't want to interrupt your happy conversation with your brothers. And you're still enjoying the party. Alam ko naman na pagnagpahinga ako susunod ka rin at hindi magpapaiwan para ipagpatuloy ang kasayahan kasama sila."
Damn. Kanina pa pala ito mukhang gustong magpahinga pero hindi nagsabi dahil sa kanya. Gusto niyang mainis, but her reason is just so heart-warming he couldn't bring himself to get frustrated.
"You should have told me," nasabi niya na lang at hinalikan ang gilid ng noo nito na nababalutan parin ng benda.
Tumingin siya sa tatlong babae at sa ina.
"I'm taking her ladies," paalam niya ulit bago iginiya si Kalisz sa isang pasilyo na kung saan ang elevator.
While heading towards the lift Kalisz leaned her head on his side and covers her mouth to hide her yawn.
Nailing si Kronack at hindi maiwasang mainis sa sarili. He should have known better that she still needs long rest. And pregnant women tend to be sleepy.
Kronack stopped and carried Kalisz on his arm.
"Cuddlebear kaya ko-"
"No babe. I'm unhappy that you didn't tell me you wanted rest. So let me just carry you to our room."
Ngumuso ito pero hindi na nagsalita at isiniksik na lang ang mukha nito sa leeg niya.
Kronack carried Kalisz while on the lift and into his bedroom in the manor.
Ibinaba niya ito sa higaan at tinanggal ang sapatos nito.
"Thanks, cuddlebear," Kalisz murmured in a sleepy voice that made Kronack smile.
Hinaplos niya ang pisngi nito at pinatakan ng magaang halik.
"Sleep sweet babe. I'll just take a bath," paalam niya at tinungo ang bathroom.
Matapos maligo ay lumipat siya sa walk-in-closet at naghanap ng masusuot. Choosing only a boxer short Kronack went back to his bed when he stopped in front of a mirror.
A smile cut through his lips when he saw his new tattoo on his chest.
Kalisz's name is tattooed on his left chest, decorated with a crown just above the letter K. He had it marked two days ago. Courtesy of his brother, Riot, who can do the job.
Smiling happily, Kronack exits from his walk-in closet and off to his sweet babe. Looking very beautiful on his bed while sleeping soundly.
Maingat siyang umupo sa tabi nito at tinitigan ang dalaga. There is still a light streak of bruising on her face but it's better than how it was a week ago. And it made him calmer now seeing that her bruises are getting lighter already. Doesn't like that in the early days after the attack every time he would see her bruised face he would always get furious.
Hinaplos niya ang mukha nito habang may ngiti sa labi. Kronack can't have enough of her. He could watch her all day given a chance. She's just beautiful inside-out. Never had he imagined he'll love her so much it hurts to even think not having her.
Nang makaramdam na ng antok ay do'n lang siya tumigil sa pagtitig kay Kalisz. Nahiga siya at maingat itong niyakap. Napangiti na lang siya ng nagsumiksik ito sa katawan niya bago siya ginupo ng antok.
Nang magising siya ay inaantok niya pang kinapa ang kinahihigaan niya at napaupo ng hindi niya mahawakan si Kalisz. Agad na nagising ang diwa niya nang hindi makita sa kama si Kalisz.
Nagmamadali siyang bumaba ng kama at tinungo ang bathroom, nang hindi makita si Kalisz doon ay sa walk-in-closet naman pero wala rin ito doon. Nagmamadali naman niyang tinungo ang pintuan palabas at marahas itong binuksan. And there she is looking at him incredulously while she was about to hold the doorknob.
"F-ck! Babe!" Niyakap niya ito ng mahigpit habang pinapakalma ang tibok ng puso niya.
"Okay ka lang, cuddlebear?" Bulong nito sa kanya habang hinahaplos ang likod niya.
"Yeah... I was just worried when I wake-up without you beside me," sagot niya sa mas kalmadong boses.
Kumawala sa yakap niya si Kalisz at pinakatitigan siya tapos ay napabuntong-hininga ito. Inabot nito ang pisngi niya at marahang hinaplos.
"I'm fine Kronack. No one can hurt me already. You have to remove that fear you have. I'm here. Breathing and loving you," Kalisz said, smiling.
Umiling si Kronack sa sinabi ni Kalisz. "It will take time, sweet babe," tapos ay ngumiti siya. "I love you too babe."
Hinila niya ito papasok ng silid at isinara ang pinto, bago niya ito pinangko at naupo sa loveseat na nasa paanan ng kama habang kandong ito.
"Where have you been? It's early in the morning," tanong niya habang hinahalik-halikan ang pisngi nito.
"Kitchen. I was hungry," sagot nito habang hinahaplos ang dibdib niyang may marka ng pangalan nito.
"You should have woke me up."
Umiling ito. "You were sleeping. I didn't have the heart to wake you up."
Kronack tsked. "Just wake me up and tell me when you need something than leaving me in the bed alone."
"Oo na cuddlebear," Kalisz leaned and kissed him.
Mabilis niya itong tinugon at mas lalong pinalalim ang halik. Kronack sucked her tongue that tastes like mango juice.
"Hmm..." Narinig niyang ungol ni Kalisz.
After kissing her torridly, they were both panting, catching for breath while looking at each other with so much love.
"I'm... So hard, sweet babe," anas niya kay Kalisz.
Napalabi ito. "I would love to make love to you, but..."
Kronack nodded before nibbling and sucking Kalisz's skin on the side of her neck, making sure it will leave a mark.
"I'll wait until you're hundred percent healed and when your Ob-gyn can assures us it's already safe."
F-CK! It will be torturous days ahead. Not making love with Kalisz is hard but for her safety and their child, he'll endure it. Looks like I'll have to work with my hands to calm his hard buddy.
But as he thought about it Kalisz's soft fingers were already travelling, touching his abs not stopping until her fingers reached his pelvis.
"Babe... You're killing me," he groaned.
Tumingin ito sa mga mata niya bago kinagat ang pang-ibabang labi.
"I can lend you my hand if that will help you," Kalisz whispered that made Kronack cussing.
Kronack can't help but kiss Kalisz deeply before he spoke. His eyes were dark and his voice seductive.
"Let me feel it then..."
Clfern