Kabanata 30
This is Chaining Lockets' last chapter. This book is hard to write but this is the most satisfying book I'd ever writing for years of writing. I know this book is hard to read for some but thank you for making it this far. I hope you learned something from Pingu and Pinga's story because I learned a lot while writing them.
You can join our twitter party by using the hashtag #CLUnchainedFinale and let's celebrate penguin family's healing! The update next to this one will be Wakas with Locket's POV.
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Kabanata 30
I think I had a good night sleep. Magaan ang pakiramdam ko at mukhang mahaba-haba ang tulog ko.
What a good sleep! I feel so refreshed!
I groaned, yawning a bit while flexing my hand while rolling on the bed.
"Ah! I think I'm not bangag anymore." I whispered, may tumama sa katawan ko pagka-ikot ko at nang maisipang unan ko iyon ay mabilis kong tinandayan at niyakap, sumisinghot pa.
"Bango naman, amoy Lorcan Keith." I said, smiling, touching the pillow but then it moved.
"You slept well, huh?" A husky, low voice asked.
"Yeah," I answered nonchalantly.
"Sana all..." the voice answered at doon na napamulat ang mata ko, nanlalaki nang makita si Lorcan Keith.
"L-Locket..." I blinked when I saw his gray eyes staring at me. "W-what happened to you..." unti-unting umangat ang tingin ko sa kamay niya.
"Surprise!" he said sourly kaya napamura na ako, halos mapabalikwas sa gulat at pinagmasdan siyang nakahiga sa kama.
He's wearing nothing on top and his maong pants, ang kanyang kamay ay nakataas, making me see his yummy underarms and muscular arms, his chiseled chest is mouthwatering while cuffed on the headboard.
"Good morning din sa'yo, Bok Joo." He said bitterly kaya sumulyap ako sa mukha niya and to my horror, I saw his tired and sleepy eyes, may eyebags pa ata kaya umawang ang labi ko.
"H-have you even slept?"
He eyed me seriously kaya napalo ko ang bibig, "sabi ko nga, hindi. Nakatulog ba ako? I-I promise I'm not drunk! H-hindi nga ako nahihilo ngayon, eh. May energy ako! Look!" tumayo pa ako sa gilid ng kama at nag-stretching sa harap niya.
"See?" Kumembot pa ako, "hindi ako madaling malasing—"
"My wrist hurts, baby." He said in a low voice.
"Oh, shit!" Doon na ako natauhan sa nangyayari at mabilis na tumalon sa kama. I touched his wrists, narinig ko ang daing niya kaya napamura na ako sa isipan at hinila ulit. "OMG, I can't open this!"
"The keys are on the side drawer," aniya at sa panic ay naupo ako sa may tiyan niya habang inaabot ang susi sa gilid.
"Crest..." he called.
"Sandali, nakita ko na." I said, tumungo pa ng bahagya habang nakaupo sa tiyan niya, humawak ako sa dibdib niya para mas maabot ang susi at napangiti nang maabot iyon.
"Here na!" I cheered at mas umayos ng upo, I think I was seated on his chest while I'm uncuffing him and he's just sighing underneath me.
"Don't sit like that, Crest Veronica." Aniya sa malalim na boses kaya nagulat ako at ibinaba ang tingin sa kanya.
"Huh?"
"Don't..." his eyes darkened. "Don't sit like that."
"What? Why?" I asked, tumingin sa sarili na nakaupo sa may dibdib niya. "I was just uncuffing you, Pingu. What's with the face? Is that a mad penguin I am seeing?"
"Isa..." he warned kaya napasinghap na ako.
"What?!" I exclaimed, nakawala na ang isang kamay niya kaya dali-dali kong tinanggal din ang isa at nang tuluyan siyang makawala ay napanguso na ako. "There, it's gone, let me see your wrist."
Inabot ko ang pulsuhan niya, he remained staring at me while I do that at kaagad akong nahabag nang makita ang namumula niyang wrist.
"I-I'm sorry," I said, iniihipan ang pulsuhan niyang may paikot na pula, mukhang namaga ata dahil sa tagal. "I-I promise I'm not drunk last night!"
"Yeah?" he tilted his head a bit, fixing his head on the pillow.
"Oo!" I explained and touched his wrist with my fingers, "pero shit...I'm so sorry, Pingu. Paano mo ba ako mapapatawad, hmm? I can do anything! Lutuan ba kita ng food na sunog or..."
"Will you be willing to do anything?" he asked at tumango-tango naman ako.
"Yep, anything!" I answered enthusiastically but then I saw his seductive gray eyes staring at me kaya napalunok na ako, "—joke lang!" I exclaimed, akmang aalis sa dibdib niya but he was too quick.
He stopped my other leg from going, ang kamay kong hawak ang kanya kanina ay nakahawak na sa pulsuhan ko ngayon.
"Why..." kinakabahang lumunok ako habang pinagmamasdan siya. "G-gusto mo lutuan kita ng Pâncit dè Cantón?"
"You said you'd be willing to do anything?" he asked again and when I heard that freaking sexy morning voice, muntik na akong mag-twerk bigla.
"O-oo," I gulped, "kaya nga lutuan kita ng Pâncit dè Cantón for breakfast—"
"I want...you for breakfast, baby." He said seriously kaya napanganga na ako.
"H-huh?!" I asked, "b-bakit? Alam kong yummy ako pero h'wag ngayon—"
"Come closer," aniya at medyo hinila ako.
"S-saan?"
"Let me eat you," aniya kaya namilog ang mata ko.
"Gago ka, seriously?!" I exclaimed in shock.
"Yes, you sit on my face and let me have my breakfast." He said boredly at hindi ko na alam ang gagawin, parang gusto kong tumakbo sa hiya pero gusto ko ring maging breakfast.
"A-ayaw ko," nahiya ako bigla. "Conservative kasi ako, Pingu."
"I thought you're in a rush?" he said, stopping me. "May apo na tayo, 'di ba? Pero hindi pa tayo kasal tapos wala pa tayong anak. Payag ka no'n? Naunahan ka ni Chichay?"
"Hindi!" I scoffed, remembering the bratty baby. "Nasalisihan lang ako no'n!"
"Then come here and let's have babies," aniya kaya nakagat ko ang labi ko. "Hindi ka ba natatakot bigla kang mag-menopause?"
I suddenly remembered saying it last night, nag-init ang pisngi ko at narinig ko ang tawa niya at mas inilapit ako.
"Come on, baby. My wrist hurts, I had a fucking blue balls last night, aren't you sad for me?" lambing pa niya at napalunok ako.
"Edi...okay." I brushed my bangs and cleared my throat, hinayaan niya akong humiwalay sa kanya at tumayo sa gilid ng kama para maghubad.
My cheeks are flushing in embarrassment but I'm freaking excited at the same time, nakita ko ang pag-unat niya habang inaantay ako, napapahawak pa siya sa pulsuhan pero umayos ng higa at inilagay ang dalawang kamay sa likod ng ulo.
"Come here," he said, eyeing my body hungrily and I gulped, unti-unti akong lumapit at napatili nang hilahin niya ako palapit. "Sit on my face."
And I did, I felt the heat crept into my system when I felt his breath touching my bare part, his grip tightened on my legs and I glanced at his face and smile.
"Enjoy your breakfast, Sir." I said flirtatiously and he smirked, "I fucking will." He answered.
Umagang kay ganda para kay Crest Veronica "Ganda" Sandejas.
Umagang-umaga ay nadiligan ang rush kong matres kaya para akong bulaklak na nagbo-bloom sa magandang hardin.
He just didn't take me on the bed, he took me to the bathroom after that, bending me on the sink before taking me from behind while kissing my neck and it was...delicioso!
I can actually give chef kisses while I'm cooking Locket's favorite, my very own and special Pâncit dè Cantón fresh from Paris.
Masarap pa 'to kasi hindi lang siya simple, it's Pâncit dè Cantón ala Crest-ganda kaya bongga! May sahog pa 'tong 'yong gulay na mukhang sperm kaya masarap!
Nawala lang ang ngisi ko at napabusangot nang makita si Chichay na tuwang-tuwa habang naghahabulan sila no'ng isang aso, si Chico. Unlike her, Chico's color is a mixture of white and black but he's a long coated Chihuahua, I think? May mga balahibo kasi siyang mahaba.
"Hoy, Chico." I called and the dog stopped from chasing the maharot Chichay. "Panagutan mo ang Chichay natin, ah?"
The cute dog just stared at me and he looked adorable kaya I spoke again, "kung hindi, ipapa-arrange marriage ko kayong dalawa."
Chico just barked, si Chichay naman ay biglang hinarangan si Chico na para bang pinoprotektahan at pinakitaan ako ng pangil niya.
"Aba...attitude ka, girl?" namaywang na ako. "I'm your mother, Chichay!"
"Nagmana sa'yo," napasulyap ako kay Locket na kararating lang sa kusina, he's wearing his office slacks and naked on top. Nakapaa pa ang loko habang may twalya sa balikat at magulo ang basang buhok.
"Excuse me, I'm a good girl, kaya?" I pouted.
"Yeah?" he laughed, tumungo at nakita kong binuhat niya si Chichay at Chico sa magkabilang braso palapit sa akin. "Baby, this is Chico, I got him from the streets. Iniwan ng may-ari tapos nadaanan ko kaya kinuha ko."
"R-really?" my eyes widened, "aww...poor baby." I said and felt sad, reaching for Chico's head and he cutely moved it against my palm, nagpapalambing.
"Yes, he's a good boy. Uh...boyfriend ni Chichay?"
"Asawa na 'yan soon." I pointed out, "sapilitang arrange marriage na ito, Lorcan Keith. 'Di ako papayag na magiging dalagang ina ang maharot na Chihuahua na 'yan."
Chichay barked at me, uma-attitude na naman ata ang loka at pinakitaan ako ng pangil at halos lumiit ang mata sa akin kaya bumusangot ako.
I heard Locket laughed, "Chico will take care of her, close naman 'tong dalawang 'to at palaging naglalaro sa bakuran."
"Speaking of that," namaywang na ako. "Anong nangyayari at kailan pa kita naging kapitbahay?!"
Natigilan siya bigla at ibinaba ang dalawa na parang walang nangyaring nagtakbuhan at harutan paikot sa bahay.
"Uhm...eversince you came here?"
"What?!" my mouth parted, "y-you mean...ikaw 'yong lumipat kong kapitbahay dito no'ng dati?"
"Yeah," he smiled and caught my waist.
"Pero, you have a condo, right?"
"It felt so empty so I searched for neighborhood houses around and saw this, marami kaso no'ng nalaman kong dito ka, um-oo ako kaagad." He answered, staring intently at me, pushing me a bit towards the counter.
"But how come I don't see you?"
"Because I don't like to be seen, I don't want to make you uncomfortable of my presence." He shrugged, "I'm just happy seeing you ranting about things kay Chichay kapag lumalabas kayong dalawa."
My lips protruded while hearing him, inilagay ko ang kamay ko sa kanyang batok at nagsalita, "you could've at least told me you're just here."
"Nah," he touched my waist more, "it's okay just watching you, at least I could hold you right now, that's enough for me."
I smiled gently, tiptoeing so I could kiss his lips.
"I love you, Lorcan Keith."
"I love you too, Pinga." He smiled and kissed me again.
We were busy exchanging deep kisses, our hands are all over each other when we smelled something burning.
"Is that..."
"Oh my God! It's the freaking sinaing!" I exclaimed kaya nagkukumahog siyang tinakbo ang sinaing na kain na nasusunog na.
It was epic but of course, we ate the almost black rice for breakfast. The Pâncit dè Cantón is for the precinct later kaya he cooked na lang ng bacons and eggs for us.
I smiled when he brought Ping-ping from my house, ipinapaupo iyon sa lamesa habang naroon kaming dalawa at sina Chico at Chichay ay nasa lapag.
"First family breakfast," ani Locket na nilalagyan ng pagkain ang plato ko kaya napangiti na ako at kinilig.
It's my off today so I went with Locket to the precinct, Von called and informed me about the urgent things I needed to address.
"Is that it, Von?" I chuckled.
"Yes," tawa niya. "Sobrang busy na si CEO at miski off ay may gagawin, ah?"
I noticed Locket glancing at me kaya bahagyang nilingon ko at nakitang kumunot ang noo niya at tumitig sa daan.
"Gano'n talaga ang life, Von." Ngisi ko, "I will send you the details later. Ikaw na bahala riyan, ah?"
"Okay, miss you. Let's dine some time, okay? Puro ka na lang sa boyfriend mo. Wala ka ng time sa akin, tampo ako." Mas napatawa ako roon.
"Of course, we'll dine if may free na tayo ulit, Von. Miss you too." I chuckled.
Bigla akong napatili nang biglang prumeno, napahawak ako sa seatbelt at halos tumilapon ang phone, mabilis na tumingin kay Locket.
"Opps, may dumaang usa." Hilaw niyang sabi bago kumunot ang noo kaya napakurap-kurap na ako.
May...usa ba sa Maynila?
"Are you okay?" ani Von pagkabalik ko ng phone sa tainga kaya napatango-tango ako.
"Y-yeah, uh...bye na. Gusto ko pa mabuhay, Von." Mabilis kong sabi at pinatay ang phone, pasimpleng bumaling kay Locket na kunot ang noo habang nagmamaneho.
"Ah, Pingu—"
"What?" halos mapatalon ako sa lamig ng boses niya.
"That's just Von—"
"Don't tell me, hindi ako seloso." Aniya pero salubong na ata ang kilay kaya napatango ako.
"Gano'n lang talaga kami, nag-a-I miss you—"
"Hindi nga kasi ako seloso," aniya na mas humigpit ang hawak sa manibela kaya unti-unti akong napalunok at halos lumubog na sa upuan.
Mukha nga...mukhang hindi naman siya seloso.
It was awkward while we're travelling towards the precinct, tahimik si Locket at ako nama'y hindi rin alam ang sasabihin sa kanya.
Nang makarating ay kaagad siyang bumaba at noong una ay akala ko magwo-walk out pero pumunta sa pwesto ko para pagbuksan ako ng pintuan.
I caught his eye while he's assisting me kaya ngumiti ako.
"Are we okay?"
"Aren't we?" he raised his brow. "We're okay, hindi ako seloso."
"O...kay? Ako rin naman hindi selosa." I said and placed my hand on his arm when he took the paper bag where the foods are.
"We're a perfect match then," he said coldly at sabay kaming naglalakad, parehas walang imikan.
"Relationship goals," I said. "Hindi ka seloso tapos hindi rin ako selosa."
"Right." He answered stiffly while we're walking towards the precinct.
My baby penguins are happy upon seeing me, niyakap ko silang lahat pagkarating doon.
"Oh, Lt. Col., anyare sa mukha mo? Puyat?" ani Earn at sumulyap sa eyebags ni Locket.
"Uy, hala...bakit namumula 'yang pulsuhan mo, Padlock?" ani Adam doon, nanlaki ang mata ko nang akmang aabutin nito ang pulsuhan ni Locket pero tumikhim ang huli at mabilis na namulsa.
"Naipit lang pagtulog," aniya. "I'll go to my office first, just knock if you need something."
Tahimik siyang umalis, nakapamulsa at tumatango lang sa mga bumabati sa kanya. Nagkatinginan naman kami ng sabay-sabay at si Earn na ang nagsalita.
"Anong drama ni Papa, Ma?" ani Earn.
"Selos." I said kaya umawang ang labi nilang dalawa.
"Kanino?"
"Von," I said. "Pero okay lang 'yan, lambingin ko na lang mamaya."
"Marupok naman 'yan si Padlock sa'yo, Mama. Okay lang 'yan." Halakhak ni Adam, "but isn't his wrists strange? Hindi naman naipit 'yon, paikot 'yong pula, eh. Parang 'yong mga suspect kapag pinosasan—"
"N-nasaan nga pala si Brent?" pag-iiba ko sa topic.
"And'yan lang sa labas, nakikipag-meet-up sa crush niya." Ngisi ni Adam. "Pero nga 'yong wrist ni Padlock—"
"Uy, hi, Brent!" I exclaimed loudly and lifted my palm, waving at Brent na papasok at nanlaki ang mata ko nang makita ang katabi niya. "Dani!"
"Ma'am!" she jumped in shock when she saw me.
"Ikaw ha..." I smiled maliciously before glancing at the both of them, bumaba ang tingin ko sa pagkahawak nilang kamay na mabilis na naghiwalay.
"B-binigay ko lang po 'yong jacket, naiwan kasi sa...bahay ko." Dani explained at mas nahulog ang panga ko.
"Yes naman, kumalembang na si Dani-gurl!" ani Earn kaya nagkatawanan kaming lahat dahil namula na ang dalawa at nahiya.
"Off mo rin ngayon, Dani, right?" I asked and she nodded at me.
"Opo, uwi na rin po ako—"
"No, dito lang tayo, makikigulo." I smirked, "okay lang naman, 'di ba, babies? Behave lang naman kami ni Dani."
"Okay na okay, Mama!" ani Earn na pinakitaan ako ng thumbs-up kaya natuwa ako.
"Oh, si Brent may love life na. Si Earn may pa-dinner, kumusta naman?" baling ko kay Adam na nanlaki ang mata sa akin pero napabaling sa likod.
"Good morning, Lauren!" he called.
"Walang good sa morning," sagot nito pero ngumiti at sumaludo sa tatlo bago ako tanguan. "Morning, Miss Crest."
"Morning too, Lauren." I greeted back at tahimik siyang umalis kaya unti-unti kaming sumulyap kay Adam na sinusundan ng tingin ang huli.
He froze when he realized we've been watching him.
"Huh? Bakit...bakit kayo nakatingin sa akin?" ngumisi lang ako at bumaling sa malayo.
"'Di ka pa rin nanliligaw?" I asked and we ended up laughing when he covered his face and ran away from us like a cute penguin.
I excused myself first after and walked to the restroom to refresh, pagkapasok ko pa lang ay kaagad kong nakita si Lauren na nagulat pagkakita sa akin.
"Good morning," I greeted with a smile.
"Good morning din, Miss Crest." Aniya at tumikhim, naglalagay ng handwash.
"Crest na lang," I said and opened my pouch. "Hindi ka pumunta sa opening, I sent you an invitation."
"Uh, kasi..." nagkatinginan kami sa salamin. "Nothing, I'm just...I'm still embarrass seing you."
"For?" my eyes widened. "May...may ginawa ba ako?"
"No, it's not you." Iling niya. "N-naalala ko lang 'yong sinabi ko sa'yo...no'ng...crush ako ni Lt. Col."
Bigla ko iyong naalala kaya umawang ang labi ko.
"I mean...nakakahiya, I found out I misheard things and then I told you that confidently tapos—" lumunok siya, "tapos ikaw pala 'yong crush ni Lt. Col., ang yabang ko pa."
"That's nothing," I smiled. "I understand. Okay lang."
"Nakakahiya, Crest, I'm sorry." Pumikit siya ng mariin. "Parang gusto ko na lang palamon sa lupa kapag naaalala 'yong pagsabat ko kay Lt. Col., nakakahiya!"
I laughed, bigla rin siyang natawa roon kaya nagkatinginan kami at napailing.
"I'm sorry again, it's embarrassing." She pouted.
"It's okay," I smiled. "But can we be friends?" I offered my hand and her eyes widened, mabilis niyang tinuyo ang kamay at tinanggap iyon.
"S-sure..." she smiled.
Pumasok ako sa opisina ni Locket pagkaraan, nakita kong nakapikit siya at nakasandal sa swivel pagkarating ko pero nang mapansin niyang may pumasok ay napamulat at napaayos ng upo.
"Pingu, hi!" I said and walked towards him, mabilis naman siyang bumaling sa mga papel sa harapan niya at bumuklat-buklat doon.
"I'm busy," aniya at nagbasa-basa roon kaya ngumisi na ako, sumulyap sa mga binabasa niya bago iyon inabot ng paunti-unti.
"Baligtad, Lt. Col." I smirked when he froze and I slowly fixed it.
"That's...that's my hidden talent." He cleared his throat pero mabilis akong naupo sa hita niya kaya nanigas na siya sa inuupuan.
"Crest Veronica..." he warned.
"Yes, Lorcan Keith?" I smiled cutely while looking at his serious gray eyes.
"I'm busy." Aniya kaya ngumuso ako at tumango, parang wala lang na inabot ang wrist niyang may bakat pa rin ng posas at namumula.
"I know," I said before touching his skin. "Wawa naman ang Pingu ko at nasaktan sa posas. Kiss ko na lang." I slowly kissed his wrists and he sighed.
"It's okay," aniya at hinuli ang kamay ko. "I'm not mad, let me just work—"
"Are you jealous with Von?" I suddenly asked and I saw his eyes sharpened.
"No." Masungit niyang sabi. "Hindi ako seloso."
"Oh?" I smirked, "come on, Pingu. It's just like that. Von is a good man and we're friends, we used to hang out all the time tapos ngayon hindi na masyado kaya sabi ko I missed you."
"Then hang-out with him, ayos lang—"
"Why do you sound so bitter?" I challenged, "tapos sasabihin mo hindi ka nagseselos—"
"I'm jealous, okay?!" his voice rose a bit. "Ayaw kitang pigilan pero 'di ko rin mapagilang mainis! I don't want to be possessive with you!"
"Akala ko ba napag-usapan na natin 'to?" kumunot ang noo ko. "Kapag nagseselos magsasabi sa isa't-isa, I thought we'll compromise—"
"What? It was you who kept on denying your jealous first! Last night!" he spatted.
"Kasi hindi ako selosa!" I hissed.
"See?! You said we'll compromise but you are the first one to deny it—"
"Bakit ka nagagalit? I'm jealous, okay?!" I sighed, "nagseselos ako sa babaeng 'yon! I-I saw you held her hand and smiled! You are talking to her for quite some time! Nakakainis pero ayaw kong magalit kasi para saan?! Malay ko ba kung kaibigan mo 'yon? Bakit kita pagbabawalan kaya tinatago ko!"
"That's what I'm doing too! The fucking Von is your friend kaya hindi ako nagsasabi!" he growled back.
I glared at him, he glared back at me at nagtagisan kami ng tingin na dalawa ng ilang segundo bago siya pumikit ng mariin.
"The fuck? Why are we even fighting in these childish things? We're not teens anymore." He sighed at napapikit din ako.
"I'm sorry," I said, realizing what's happening. "I-I was just jealous." Bumagsak ang balikat ko.
I felt his arms slowly wrapped on my stomach, burying his face on the side of my neck before speaking, "I'm sorry too, I'm just jealous." He kissed my shoulder blades.
I pouted, inilayo ko ang mukha niya sa akin bago ko haplusin ang pisngi niya.
"Sorry, Pingu. I'm just jealous of her, ayaw kong magselos pero kasi..." I sighed. "I'm irritated when you held her hand."
His gray eyes softened, "she's just a friend, we're talking about something and I held her hand kasi may pinakita siya sa akin. I can't tell you now but you'll know soon."
"Okay," I said. "And Von's just a friend, you know naman na I'm close with him, 'di ba? That's just a friendly miss, Pingu." I smiled. "H'wag na jealous, ah? Ikaw lang ang love ko ng super tapos miss na miss na miss kita!" I planted a quick kiss on his lips.
"I love you, I'm sorry." He kissed me again and smirked. "How about a quickie?"
My eyes dramatically widened, napangisi ako at tumango, I moved my legs, straddling him this time.
"Sure," I smiled.
Like we haven't seen each other for years, we kissed deeply. Nakayakap ako sa kanyang batok habang nakikipagtagisan ng halik while his palms are slowly creeping inside my skirt, reaching for the center.
"Did you lock the door, Pinga?" he asked while we're kissing intensely and before I could answer, sabay kaming napatalon sa pagsabog ng pinto.
"Mama! Nainit na namin ang Pâncit dè Cantón—ay sheyt, porn!" marahas kaming napalingon at nakita ang nanlalaking mata no'ng tatlo habang naroon sa pinto.
"Ernesto! Ilabas ang holy water!" Sigaw ni Adam at napapikit na lang ako nang tumakbo si Earn palapit at winisikan kami ng tubig mula sa mineral bottle.
Everything was planned and scheduled but still, I was nervous when the day came and my family would meet Locket's.
"Hey, it's okay, we'll be alright." Ani Locket habang hawak-hawak ang kamay ko at inaantay ang parents niya na makasakay sa sasakyan papunta sa bahay.
"Will they be okay?" I asked nervously, "paano kapag nagkaproblema—" he planted a quick kiss on my lips, stopping me.
"Whatever happens, I'm still here with you, hmm? Kahit ayaw ni Mommy, I'd never let go of you." He said in assurance kaya tumango ako.
"How...how about my dress?" I showed her the formal strapless dress I designed myself. It's a sweetheart navy blue A-line dress with bust cups.
"Beautiful," kinalabit niya ang ilong ko. "Maganda ka kahit anong damit suotin mo...kahit wala." Ngisi niya.
"Enebe!" I smacked him. "You're such a gago, don't make landi nga at bawal tayo mag-jugjugan today, okay?"
"Why not?" tumawa siya at pinisil ang ilong ko. "We can—"
"Hay, nakaka-stress ang Nanay mo, Lorcan Keith." Biglang bumukas ang likod kaya sabay kaming napalingon at nakita si Tito Raymond na papasok, nakasuot ng pormal na itim na dress shirt at slacks.
"Good afternoon po, Tito." I greeted.
"Good afternoon, Crest-hija. Sumama ka pala? 'Tsaka, 'di ba, sabi ko sa'yo, Papa na lang." He smiled.
"U-uh, okay po," I laughed shyly. "—Papa."
He winked playfully and showed me a thumbs-up bago binalingan si Locket na nakatingin sa labas.
"What's happening? Where is she? We'll be late, Dad." Ani Locket.
"Tss, pagod na akong making at manuod sa kanya." Ngiwi ni Papa.
"Why? What happened?"
"She keeps on changing her clothes, nasuot na ata lahat ng designer clothes niya sa loob pero hindi makontento at gusto raw maganda siya." Iling niya.
"Maganda naman po si Tita," I said. "Whatever she wears would suit her."
"That's what I'm saying," mukhang stress na siya. "But she's whining like, paano kung pangit siya, paano raw kung mukha siyang gusgusin?"
"What?!" ani Locket at nagkatawanan kaming tatlo roon.
"Ewan ko riyan kay Eliza, kalat ang buong closet niya kakahanap ng damit. Kagabi pa 'yan, I wasn't sure if she even slept kasi no'ng natulog ako gising tapos pagkagising ko gising na kaya ewan. She even hired stylists to fix her hair."
"Sa bahay lang naman po," I said.
"Oo nga, talo pa ang sa party." He frowned. "She's never like that, ngayon lang."
"Oh, shit! Nand'yan na, act normal! Kunwari wala akong sinabi." Ani Papa Raymond na umayos ng upo na parang mabait na bata.
We saw Tita Eliza walking towards us, she's wearing a bright red sparkling dress and she looks beautiful. Kulot ang kanyang buhok at sa tabi niya ay ang mga maid na may hawak na payong at pouch niya.
"Dad, Mom's going crazy." Tawa ni Locket doon.
"Shh, h'wag ka maingay. Patay tayong dalawa. Normal lang." Ani Papa na biglang ngumisi nang makapasok na si Tita. "There you go, ang ganda naman ng asawa ko!" he greeted his wife.
"Shut up, Raymond. You left me there, you idiot." Ngiwi nito sa asawa at hinagis ang bag niya bago kami nilingon. "Hello, hija."
"Good afternoon po, Tita." I smiled. "You looked gorgeous."
"Really?" her eyes brightened, napapangiti na siya pero biglang tumikhim. "T-thank you...uh, we should go."
Habang nasa biyahe ay nagbabangayan ang mag-asawa sa likod, si Tito Raymond ay may hawak na salamin para ipakita sa asawa na naglalagay ng pulang lipstick.
"H'wag mong kapalan, Eliza. Baka magmukha ka ng payaso." Asar ni Papa Raymond at saktong dumaan kami sa bako sa daan kaya napairit ito.
"Ay, hijo de puta!" she gasped. "Ang salamin, Raymond! Lorcan Keith, drive safely!"
"Sorry..." tikhim ni Locket pero natatawa kaya nakagat ko ang labi para kunwari serious pero natatawa na rin talaga ako sa nangyayari.
"Tell me about your mother, Crest. What is she like?" baling sa akin ni Tita kaya mabilis ko siyang nilingon.
"In terms of what po?"
"Sa...ugali? I mean, what is she like?"
"Mabait naman po si Mommy," I said. "She's easy to talk to po, mukha nga lang maldita minsan pero palangiti naman iyon at masaya kausap."
"Oh..." she nodded, "what is she wearing? Do you know?"
"Uhm, I am not sure po. I designed dresses and gifted her those pero hindi po ako sure kung ayon ang susuotin niya o hindi. I haven't seen her po earlier, galing po kasi akong bahay ko tapos diretso sa inyo."
I can notice Tita Eliza checking her face and hair from time to time while we're traveling, si Papa Raymond ay nakatulog pa dahil sa kung ano-ano ang ginagawa ng asawa kaya napangiti na ako.
I think Locket got his serious side from his Mom and the talkative and joker one from his Dad.
"We're here po," I announced at nakita ko ang paghampas ni Tita kay Tito Raymond.
"Dmitrov!" she hissed.
"W-what?!" bangag na tanong ni Tito.
"We're freaking here! Why are you even sleeping? May muta ka pa ata! Nakakahiya sa mga Sandejas!" she hissed.
When we reached the parking, kaagad na lumabas si Locket. He opened the door for me and take my hand bago kami sabay na naglakad patungo sa may backseat para pagbuksan sina Tita.
"Mom..." Locket offered his hand to his Mom.
"Salamat, hijo." She said and looked back on the car. "Raymond, hold me here! Ano, tutulog ka lang diyan?"
Kakamot-kamot na lumabas si Papa at inilahad na ang kamay kay Tita na pinalo pa muna ang kamay niya bago tinanggap.
"Let's go," she said formally and walked.
Magkahawak-kamay kami ni Locket habang naglalakad, my boyfriend looked dashing on his formal shirt and coat, hindi lang gwapo, mabango pa! Amoy...amoy baby ko.
I giggled silently, "what's the matter, hmm?" he asked when he saw me.
"Wala naman, I love you." I smiled.
"I love you too," he said, slowly he let go of our intertwined fingers before slowly placing it on my waist, slowly pulling me closer to his body before planting a soft kiss on my hair.
When we got in front of our mansion, my eyes widened when I saw the housemaids aligned on the entrance.
"Good afternoon po!" bati nila sa amin at nakita ko ang pagkamangha ni Tita Eliza pagkapasok sa mansion.
I almost laugh when I saw a freaking red carpet in the entrance! Malinis na malinis ang bawat gilid at ang sofa namin ay bago.
What is happening?
"Hello, Ate! Sina Mommy?" I asked.
"Nasa loob po, natawag na po sila."
"Bago ang sofa, ah? Buti hindi nilabas ang mga painting?" I chuckled.
"Ay, naku, Ma'am. Nilabas na." Aniya na may tinuro kaya bumaling ako at nagulat nang makitang ang mga milyong paintings at vases ay naka-display.
"Don't tell me..."
"Si Ma'am Thallia po ang nagpalabas," aniya na natatawa. "Nagpabili rin ng rush na sofa, nahilo nga po bigla sa Prosecutor, bago rin po ang dining table." Aniya kaya nahulog na ang panga ko.
"Seems like Mom isn't the only one who's extra today, huh?" Locket whispered kaya natawa na ako.
"I guess that's what Moms do?" I answered, "malay mo ganito rin ako, baka hindi lang sofa. Baka buong mansion kaagad. Anak na lang kulang, Lorcan Keith. Bagal ng sperm mo."
"Nagkakarera pa sinong pinakamabilis," he whispered back kaya para kaming tangang nagtawanan doon sa gilid.
"This way po," ani ng isa sa house helper namin na itinuro ang daan kina Tita at Papa.
Tita looks like she's in awe, paikot-ikot ang kanyang tingin sa paligid habang si Tito Raymond ay hawak siya.
Wala pang ilang saglit ay kaagad kong nakita ang pamilya ko na kararating lang din.
My twin is wearing a formal dress shirt and my sister's wearing a pretty dress. Ang Dad naman ay nakasuot ng pormal din at coat at sa kanyang tabi ay ang Mommy na prente ang tayo.
She's looking like a model, suot ang simpleng sexy v-shape plain black dress ay hinubog nito ang kanyang katawan. Her hair is straight, nakaparte sa gitna. May pearls ang kanyang leeg at may suot na itim na fishnet hand gloves ang mga kamay.
"I definitely know where you got your fashion sense, baby." Locket whispered.
"Mentor ko 'yan," I smirked at him. "Fetus pa lang ako nagpa-practice na 'yan ng mga outfit combination para sa akin no'ng maliit ako."
"Prosecutor," Papa Raymond greeted my father, "Raymond Dmitrov."
Dad's intimidating blue eyes stared at him back pero mayamaya'y ngumiti at tinanggap ang kamay nito.
"Iñigo Sandejas, let's drop the formality, just call me Iñigo." Dad shook his hand, "these are my children, Alchiel and Adira. I know you met my daughter, Crest, right?"
"Yes, she's a very beautiful kid."
"She is," baling sa akin ni Dad at ngumiti kaya nag-flying kiss ako at natawa siya bago unti-unting hawakan ang baywang ni Mommy.
"And this is my amazing wife, Thallia Sandejas." He introduced.
"Hello, welcome to our house." Mom's small yet elegant smile lit the room, "I hope you like the house, pasensya na at hindi napaghandaan. Galing kasi kaming Sta. Monica ni Iñigo."
Hindi napaghandaan?
Nagkatinginan kami ni Chiel at umiling lang siya sa akin, sinasabing h'wag akong maniwala kaya natawa na ako. Sa bagay, kung napaghandaan ay baka pati tiles namin ay bago na.
"O-oh, the mansion is really elegant, Mrs. Sandejas!" Tita Eliza then exclaimed happily, fixing her hair again. "Maganda! I love the paintings and the color!"
"Oh, I'm glad you love it, Mrs. Dmitrov." Mom smiled.
"Just...just Eliza!" Tita smiled brightly, "you looked gorgeous! I know now where Crest got her amazing fashion sense. Just call me Eliza, Kumare. Tutal naman at magiging mag-balae na tayo!"
I saw Mom's amused smile, sumulyap siya sa akin kaya kumindat na ako at muli siyang bumaling kay Tita Eliza na manghang-mangha sa kanya.
"Oh, of course, Eliza." Mom smiled. "You can just call me Thallia too."
I was amused when our parents are close bago pa lang, magkasabay na naglalakad si Dad at si Papa Raymond at si Tita Eliza ay nakakapit sa braso ni Mommy at pinupuri ang damit nito.
"Wow, Thallia, your gloves are pretty! Is that Gucci?"
"Well, yes." Mom smiled, "but this dress was designed by my amazing daughter."
"Oh, nakakainggit naman. Ako kasi lalaki lang ang anak kaya wala akong kasama sa mga kakikayan sa buhay! I'm your daughter's fan! Oh, I can't wait to have Crest as my daughter too." She said and Mom chuckled.
"Now, they're all close, I thought this will be hard." Locket whispered while touching my waist.
"Mabuti na lang," I whispered back, smiling.
"Pasensya na kayo, ah? Rush kasi talaga ang nagawa namin ng asawa ko kaya ito lang. Welcome sa aming simpleng handaan." Marahang sabi ni Mommy pagkapasok namin sa kusina at biglang naubo si Papa Raymond at natulala si Tita Eliza.
"S-simple?" Tita Eliza asked, halos mabuwal habang tinuturo ang malaking lamesa na puno ng handa, sa gitna ay may lechon pang may kagat na apple.
I was so glad when our parents got along that easy for that dinner, there's no awkward air in the atmosphere dahil nagkasundo sina Papa Raymond at Dad sa usapan. Even Tita Eliza and Mommy is in a good conversation with Tita always praising Mom's outfits and our house.
"Thank you for coming here, hija." I smiled gently when Tita Eliza said that when I came after she asked if she could talk to me.
"Walang anuman po," I answered. "Nagustuhan niyo po ba ang foods? May dessert pa pong darating mamaya."
"Oh, I'm full, hija." Aniya. "The food is great, ang uncle mo ang cook, right?"
"Yes po, Tito Zeijan po and my cousin, Zion. They're good cooks." I smiled.
"Uhm, I enjoyed the dinner." Aniya at inayos ang buhok niya. "Thank you for inviting us here and I'm..." I saw her blushed a bit, nagulat ako nang abutin niya ang kamay ko at pisilin.
"I wanted to apologize to you, hija." She said, startling me. "I know our first meeting was rough, I was rude to you."
I suddenly remembered it and it pained me before but not now, not really.
"Matagal na po iyon, Tita." Marahan kong sabi at ngumiti pero umiling siya sa akin.
"No, I know it's been a while but let me apologize for what I did and the way I acted before. There's no justification for being mean and I realized it now. Wala ka namang ginawa sa akin pero ang sama ng ugali ko sa'yo." She sighed. "Your family's warm welcome to us is something, it made me happy and realized what I did to you before.
"You are a great and a talented woman, sana ay mapatawad mo ako sa pangmamaliit ko noon. I was...I was just so selfish and possessive of my son. Alam mo namang siya lang ang nag-iisa kong unico hijo, 'di ba?"
"Opo." I smiled.
"Lorcan Keith is hard-headed, bata pa lang siya. Kapag gusto niya ay gagawin niya kahit tutol ako. I actually don't like na nagpulis siya kasi natatakot ako sa panganib but he decided it for himself, hindi siya nakikinig sa akin. I apologize for being rude to you before, hija. I just got scared for him when I found out he's seeing a new girl."
Tumango ako ng marahan at nakinig.
"Si Veronica, I know you knew her and my son is in love with her before and they were happy but when she died, my son is never the same. He was deeply hurt, he isolated himself and just work and work. Sinisi niya ang sarili. Wala siyang kinikitang babae at puro trabaho lang and it hurt me seeing my son that broken when she was gone. I...I've been trying to pair my son and Carol but years had passed pero walang nangyayari. Carol said Locket's been treating her like a colleague and that's it kaya no'ng narinig kong may bagong babae sa presinto at kalapit ng anak ko natakot ako."
"Can I ask why po?" I asked.
"I'm just scared seeing my son hurt again when...kung sakaling umalis ka at iwan siya." She said in a lonely voice and squeezed my hand. "I saw the way my son looked at you and it alarmed me. Noon ko lang siya ulit nakitang ngumingiti at nagiging maingay na gano'n kaya paano kapag nawala ka? Will he be broken again? Will my son cry again and I don't like seeing him that way kaya I wanted to apologize dahil pinangunahan ko kayo."
"I was really immature too kasi no'ng nalaman kong nakikialam si Locket sa mga nasa itaas, natakot ako sa kaligtasan niya. I threatened to disown him at wala siyang pakialam. I really thought you were a bad influence to him, na matigas na lalo ang ulo niya, na hindi siya nakikinig kahit noong minsang na-ospital siya kasi may bumaril sa kanya."
"P-po?!" my eyes widened. "H-he's shot?"
Her eyes widened, "y-you didn't know?"
"I..." I shook my head, "I don't. How? I mean..."
"It's not my story to tell," napalunok siya. "I didn't know he never told you, you can just ask him—"
"No, I want to know po, Tita. Please?" I squeezed her hand and she stared at me before nodding.
"It was when they transferred Eugene into a much stricter prison, may humarang sa sasakyan tapos gustong kunin si Yuzon but he didn't allow it. He protected Eugene para hindi makuha no'ng mga lalaki, nakipagbarilan sila roon no'ng tatlo and he was shot, good thing na daplis lang sa may baywang niya pero pinagalitan ko at sinabing bakit hindi na lang niya hayaan. I-I told him sana ibinigay na lang niya or hinayaan na lang niyang mabaril para 'di siya madamay and you know what he answered me?"
I shook my head, nangingilid na ang luha.
"He told me he'd rather die than to let go and free Eugene. S-sabi sa akin ng anak ko na hindi na bale ng siya, h'wag lang ang lalaking 'yon. He said he didn't want him to be free, he didn't want him to just die because he wanted him to suffer for the rest of his life in jail and die there, alone, isolated and lonely. S-sabi niya, kailangan daw mapagbayaran ni Yuzon ang ginawa niya s-sa'yo kahit kapalit ng buhay niya."
My tears fell, napapikit ako ng mariin at mabilis niya akong niyakap.
"H-hindi ko 'yon naisip noon pero natanto ko nito lang na hindi matigas ang ulo ni Lorcan, he's a man with principles. He's a man who stood for what's right, he...he stands for what he believes in. M-my son is an amazing boy but I failed recognizing it because I was such a bitch and instead of helping him, I-I disowned him k-kaya nahihiya akong lumapit." She cried.
"T-Tita..."
"K-kaya hija, sana...sana ay alagaan mo ang anak ko, ah? M-mahal na mahal ka ni Locket. Mahal na mahal ka ng anak ko. I-I wish happiness for the both of you." She moved a bit and cupped my cheek. "I apologize for what I did, anak. I will apologize to my son too kapag h-hindi na ako nahihiya sa pagiging masama kong ina."
"D-don't say that po, mahal kayo ni Locket." I muttered.
"I know but I'm not a good mother..." she sniffed, "I know I am and you, you're an amazing woman, Crest. You are talented and I am a fan. Pa-autograph naman?"
We both laugh after that and she squeezed my hand and took something from her bag, inabot niya iyon sa akin at napakurap ako nang makitang sa kanyang kamay ay may maliit na hugis pusong locket.
"Ano po..."
"My son left it when he moved, nagkasagutan kami no'n at naiwan niya sa bahay. It is for you, I think. Nahirapan siya mag-gupit ng hugis kaya nagpatulong sa Tatay niya." She smiled.
"T-thank you po," I said gently.
"No, thank you, Crest. For being a brave and amazing woman. Thank you for making my son happy, he's genuine and bright when he's with you." She kissed my cheek.
Nagpunta ako sa kwarto nang makitang ang mga Tito ko ay naroon sa may pool at nag-iinuman kasama si Dad at si Papa Raymond at Locket.
"Anak, text your Tito Zeijan. Pakisabi h'wag asarin ang Tatay mo na malalasing at alam mo namang competitive iyon." Bilin ni Mom sa akin kaya kaagad ko siyang tinext at sinabihang h'wag asarin ang Dad but I doubt it.
Pagkatapos ay sumulyap ako sa palad ko at nakita ang locket na naroon, slowly, I opened it and my heart thumped when I saw inside. It's our picture, noong pumunta kaming Batangas para sa bulalo.
It was our selfie, seryoso siya roon at halatang napipilitan pero ako itong pabibo at malaki ang ngiti.
Slowly, a smile rose on my lips. Unti-unti ko iyong dinala sa labi ko para hagkan.
My phone vibrated and I saw his name.
From: Baby Pingu
Where are you, my baby? Kiss kita.
I chuckled, typing back.
To: Baby Pingu
I'm in my room, baby Pingu.
From: Baby Pingu
What are you doing there? Your Dad's competitive, inaasar nila Tito Zeij sila ni Dad sino pinakamaraming uminom and now he's not himself.
Napalakas na ang tawa ko roon.
To: Baby Pingu
What? I already texted Titi about him.
Napa-second look ako bigla nang makita ang na-send ko.
To: Baby Pingu
*Tito!!!! It's a freaking typo!!!
PS: Pero 'yong iyo gusto ko makita. Hihihi!
From: Baby Pingu
I'm fucking going there, Crest Veronica.
I screamed in shock, mabilis akong bumalikwas sa kama at tinakbo ang vanity ko para mag-lipstick at powder para pretty at saktong pagbaba ko no'n ay bumukas ang pintuan at nakita ko ang mga mata ni Lorcan.
"H-h'wag po, Koya..." I slowly hugged my body and he closed the door kaya napalunok na ako at inabot na ang butones ko at saktong pagharap niya ay ngumisi ako.
"Joke, ready na pala ako sa mature role, Lt. Col." Harot ko and he raised his brow, he licked his lower lip and walked closer kaya tumikhim na ako.
"Alam mo, gusto ko na lang maging dinosaur." I said and his forehead creased, "what? What kind of dream is that, Crest?"
"Para Ror! Ror! Ror! lang!" I said and screamed nang madamba niya ako, lumakas ang tawa ko nang mahulog kami sa kama at nasa ibabaw niya ako.
"Ay, ako ang top?" I smirked and he smirked at me too, inikot niya ako at napatawa lang nang mabilis niya akong niyakap at isinubsob ang ulo sa leeg ko.
"I love you," he whispered on my skin.
"Wow, lasing ka na? Amoy alak ka na." I said and he chuckled.
"Your father made me drink, papayag lang daw siyang pakasalan kita kapag natalo ko siya sa inuman." He whispered.
"Ay, gusto na nga talaga akong ipakasal. Urgent na gustong apo." I whispered at natawa siya.
"I love you, Crest ko." He whispered again and kissed my neck kaya mas napangiti na ako.
"Ano 'yan, drunk confessions?" I smiled, "I'm in love with you, Lorcan Keith. Ano 'to?"
Umalis siya sa leeg ko, my hand reached for my necklace near me and lifted it in the air, showing it to him.
"How..."
"Your Mom gave it," I said and his gray eyes met mine and I saw the shock in it. "Naiwan mo raw."
Naupo siya, unti-unti rin akong naupo at inabot niya ang kwintas at binuksan.
"It is for me?" I asked and he nodded, smiling.
"Akala ko hindi ko na makukuha," he said. "Papagawa ako sana ng bago tapos 'yong laman 'yong mga may drawing tayo sa mukha."
I laughed, inabot ko ang kwintas niyang regalo ko dati. It was a silver dog tag like locket, binuksan ko iyon at napangiti nang makita ang mukha ko sa loob. I remembered having a dramatic vintage photoshoot para may mailagay ako sa loob.
"You kept this, hmm?" I smiled.
"Of course, regalo sa akin ng mahal ko." He said. "Come here, let me put this on you."
I moved closer to him and he moved my hair on my shoulder, putting the necklace around my neck.
"Beautiful," he whispered and touched my chin. "I love you."
"I love you too," I said gently and he touched my cheek.
"Do you want me to sing for you?" he said, startling me.
"You can...sing?!"
"I-I think?" he chuckled and touched his nape. "Can I use the guitar there?"
"Sure!" I nodded excitedly. "That was Chiel's! Marunong sila ni Adi mag-guitar kaya nand'yan 'yan. Ako hindi pero cute kasi kaya pinalagay ko."
He stood and went he went back, he sat in front of me and adjusted the sound and he stared at me as he began strumming.
"Dad taught me how to play when I was a kid," he chuckled. "This song is called If you love her. I apologize for my voice but...I wanted to sing for the person who's making me happy and alive."
Take it
If she gives you her heart
Don't you break it
Let your arms be a place
She feels safe in
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
Nangilid ang luha ko habang pinapakinggan ang boses niya habang kinakantahan ako.
She loves love notes and babies
And likes giving gifts
Has a hard time accepting
A good compliment
She loves her whole family
And all of her friends
So if you're the one she lets in...
I pouted and covered my mouth because I'm really in the verge of crying and he winked upon singing the chorus.
Take it
If she gives you her heart
Don't you break it
Let your arms be a place
She feels safe in
She's the best thing that you'll ever have
She'll love you
If you love her...
My tears fell more when his voice almost turned to a whisper and I stared at his eyes.
"I love you," I mouthed and sniffed.
Being in love is different when you're with the right person. It makes you happy, it makes you inspired. It makes you alive.
True love supports you, true love motivates you. It does not drag you down, it gives light in every dark times. True love embraces flaws, it does not judge.
True love stays...no matter how much the world tries to shake and destroy it, it remains standing because it's genuine and true.
"So, ano, Daru? Tanggapin mo na." I smiled at her while seated in the bar's stools.
We're in the bar to have fun tonight, the dancing crowd was wild. Maingay ang nakakaindak na music at sabog ang iba't-ibang kulay mula sa disco lights.
Some of our cousins are dancing in the dance floor.
"Anong mayro'n?" ani Zy na naglalagay ng inumin sa harapan naming dalawa.
"I was recruiting Daru here to model for me sa Crescent Shines." I said, "I am sure patok sa madla, ayaw pa kasi."
"Oh, bakit ayaw mo, Daru?" Zy asked.
"Kasi, you see I have my Cookie na." She pouted, "is it okay if I still model—"
"Why not?" I asked, "you don't look like you're already a Mom, Darsh. You still look like a dalaga! Isa pa, ano ngayon if may Cookie ka na? Mom or not, fashion is for everyone. Sayang naman ang modelling skills mo?"
"Take it, Darsh." Ani Zy na inilalahad ang inumin. "Sayang, madatung 'yan si Crest-ganda, gatasan mo sa TF."
Bumusangot na ako at halos paluin na siya.
"Alam mo, kung wala kang ambag magsapakan na lang tayo."
"Kung sinunod mo kasi 'yong advice ko sa'yong resto edi sana ako na mag-mo-model sa'yo, libre pa!" Zy said.
"Gago, sinong bibili sa sa resto na ang pangalan, Samgyup walang anuman?!" I exclaimed at ang mga pinsan ko'y tawang-tawa roon pero kumindat lang si Zy na proud na proud sa kalokohan niya.
Luckily, my cousin said yes to my offer for her na mag-model para sa clothing line ko. Kinontrata ko na rin kaagad na gusto ko siyang gawing isa sa mga main at face ng Crescent Shines and she looks shocked pero bagay sa kanya at masaya rin siya na pumayag kaya satisfied ako.
"I-ready mo na ang sasakyan mo, Crest." Ani Macky na tawang-tawa habang tinuturo si Chiel na nakabulagta sa counter.
"Nilasing niyo kasi," busangot ko na at nagtawanan lang sila.
"Atty. Alchiel niyo, weak." Ani Dei kaya naiiling na bumaling ako sa exit.
"Okay, I'm gonna prepare the car. Take him out, okay? Saan si Adi? Paki-check naman at baka pinainom ni Sibyl at bulagta na silang dalawa."
"Ako bahala, may bantay naman 'yang dalawa, don't worry." Saludo sa akin ni Zy bago ako umalis.
The guard greeted me when I got out of the bar, naglakad ako sa may parking sa labas para ihanda ang sasakyan ko nang mabitawan ko ang susi ko.
"Shit..." I cursed and lowered my body to get it.
"Hey, stop right there!" I heard a scream kaya bigla akong napatayo para tignan pero may lalaki lang na tumatakbo palapit sa pwesto ko.
"Miss, pahawak!" he screamed and threw me a small black box kaya sa gulat ay nasagip ko iyon at nanlaki ang mata.
"Kuya—"
"Sa'yo na 'yan!" he screamed and ran like a freak kaya nahulog lang ang panga ko.
"Got you!" I almost jumped in shock when I felt a grip on my hand, mabilis akong napalingon at kumunot ang noo.
"Locket?" I called but he took my wrist, nalaglag na ang panga ko nang unti-unti niyang inilagay ang posas sa wrist ko. "What the hell?!"
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you." He said while doing it. "Did you understand what I have just said to you?"
"Ano?" mas naguluhan na ako, "the man just threw this to me! I didn't know—"
"Sa presinto ka na magpaliwanag, Ma'am." Aniya at marahang kinuha ang hawak kong maliit na bag at maliit na black na box.
"What? Is this some prank?" I asked and he didn't say anything, hinawakan niya ang siko ko ng marahan papunta sa isang patrol car kaya mas kumunot ang noo ko.
"Get in," he said and placed his hand on my head para 'di ako tumama sa bubong at tumakbo sa driver's seat para magmaneho.
"What the hell? Locket?" kinatok ko siya mula sa likod. "Anong nangyayari? Nababaliw ka na ba?"
But he didn't answer me, he just glanced at me in the mirror and didn't say anything.
"Lorcan Keith?!" mas kinatok ko siya pero walang reaksyon kaya napapamura na ako.
"Am I dreaming?" I asked myself and blinked. "Kaunti lang ininom ko, ah? A-am I drunk? Am I hallucinating?!" sinampal ko bigla ang mukha.
"Stop hurting yourself, this is not a dream, Ma'am." Sagot niya roon.
"Ma'am? You're calling your girlfriend Ma'am?!" I exclaimed and he shrugged, hindi ako sinagot kaya para akong tanga sa likod na naguguluhan sa nangyayari.
Wala ako sa sarili at lutang pa ata nang makarating kami sa presinto, inalalayan niya ako palabas at mas nagtaka lang ako nang makitang walang ilaw sa presinto.
"Oh? Brownout? 'Di ba kayo nagbabayad ng kuryente?" I asked him pero wala siyang imik. "Locket?"
"Sit here first, Ma'am. An officer will call you." Aniya at pinaupo ako sa isang plastic chair bago nawala sa dilim.
"The fuck is happening?" I asked myself, "nanaginip ba ako?"
"Miss Sandejas?" I heard a voice at paglingon ko ay nakita ko iyong jowa ni Earn kaya napasinghap ako.
"Hello! Nandito ka? Nasaan sila? What's happening?" I asked, "I promised I didn't steal anything."
"This way po, Miss." Aniya at hinawakan ang siko ko ng marahan.
"Anong nangyayari? Nababaliw na ba mga tao? Alien na ba 'to?" I whispered while walking with him and the light almost blinded me when it suddenly opened.
"Ay, pakyu!" I screamed when a song suddenly played and the familiar scent of daffodils filled my nose and I saw petals on the floor and a red carpet filled with it on my feet.
I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
"What..." I gasped in shock when in the middle, I saw Locket standing on his police uniform.
"L-Locket?" I called and then, with a bouquet of my favorite flowers on his hands, he walked closer to me.
That every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
I suddenly saw my family and his sa side, ang baby penguins ko ay naroon din sa kabila at ang mga pinsan ko, Tito at Tita.
"OMG, is this a freaking proposal?!" I exclaimed in shock at sa kabila sa kaseryosohan ay bigla silang nagtawanan.
"Obviously, Bok Joo!" biglang sigaw ni Alchiel kaya naturo ko siya.
"Akala...akala ko lasing ka?"
"Issa prank!" they exclaimed kaya nahulog ang panga ko at napabaling na kay Locket na natatawa pa habang papalapit.
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yes, He did.
"Aba, ikaw..."
"Surprise?" he asked and chuckled, "sa presinto ka na magpaliwanag, Ma'am. If you could only see your face." He smirked.
"Crazy...role playing naman pala ang bet!" I exclaimed kaya natawa siya.
"This is supposed to be emotional, Pinga. Why are we talking like this?" he asked kaya napanguso na ako.
"It's a penguin thing." I wiggled my brows.
"Tagal naman!" biglang sigaw ni Dad kaya natigilan kami at nagtawanan naman sila.
"Sige na, Ganda at rush na rush na itong si Kuya Raf—" naputol si Tito Zeij dahil tinakpan na ni Dad ang bibig niya.
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
Locket and my eyes met and he slowly smiled, showing me the flowers pero biglang kumunot ang noo niya nang lumapit ang bulaklak sa mukha. He immediately looked away and I was startled when he sneezed.
"OMG. Your allergies!" I exclaimed. "Give me the flowers."
Tumikhim siya at inilagay sa braso ko ang bulaklak habang nakaposas pa rin ako.
"I-I'm sorry..." he shook his head and licked his lip. "Teka, Pinga, retouch lang." He teased nang biglang tumakbo ang tatlong anak ko sa kanya at napatawa na ako nang ayusin nito ang buhok niya saglit.
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yeah...
When he came back, I felt the chills on my body, filled with excitement, nervousness and it was an overwhelming feeling for me.
"Chichay, Chico..." he suddenly called and my eyes widened when I saw Chichay running towards us in a white cute dress, sa likod niya ay may bag at nando'n si Ping-ping and Chico's wearing a suit like clothes.
"OMG?" I gasped at natawa siya.
"Best man at Bride's maid." He smirked at kinuha ang nasa bibig ni Chichay na basket at sa loob no'n ay ang pamilyar na itim na maliit na box.
"I-is that..."
"Yes," he said and showed me the small box na hinagis sa akin kanina. "And baby, I'll tell you now but that girl before is a Mielldo, a jewelry company heiress and I asked her to design a ring for you."
"Oh..." napatakip ako ng bibig.
He smiled and sighed, tumikhim siya at lumapit sa akin at ang tunog ng marahang piano ay pumapailanlang sa tainga ko.
"I know...I know we had a rough start, Pinga. We started wrong, we started while we're still hurting and it ended up with us hurting each other." He said and stared at me intently. "I was a cold and strict man like what people are saying but with you, I am smiling, with you I am laughing. With you, I felt like I can join an essay contest."
"Crazy..." nangilid ang luha ko.
"With you, I feel like me. With you, I felt peace. You taught me how to be strong, you taught me that love takes time." He then slowly opened the box and I saw a shining ring inside.
"You taught me how patient love is na ikaw muna bago tayo, na ako muna bago tayo." He then slowly knelt in front of me. "Now, we're done with you and I'm done with me. P'wede na bang tayo?"
My tears fell while staring at his face and I saw the mixture of nervousness and love on his gray eyes while watching me.
"My Pinga, my bratty baby, my Crest Veronica Sandejas. You're my home, my safe haven. You are my answered prayer. Would you be willing to be finally my 3-22-19-4?" he smiled and my tears fell too pero bumaba ang tingin ko sa kamay ko.
"G-gusto kita i-kiss pero naka-posas pa ako." Nguso ko kaya napatawa siya.
"Say yes first, ransom 'yan. Kapag hindi ka um-oo, hindi ko 'yan tatanggalin." He said kaya napuno ng tawanan ang lugar.
"Tarantado," I hissed kaya mas tumawa siya at hinawi niyang lalo ang kanyang luha.
"So...what? Will you be my wife? Say yes to me or I'll handcuff you forever?" he asked me, teasing kaya napatango ako.
"Y-yes, of course! Parang may choice naman ako!" I exclaimed at natawa siya, mas naluluha ay inilagay niya ang singsing sa aking daliri, nanginginig pa ang kamay habang inaalis ang posas ko at pagkatanggal no'n ay mabilis siyang tumayo at hinigit ako para sa yakap.
I heard the cheers and applause around the special place for the both of us, the precinct, but despite it, my heartbeats are louder for it screams his name.
"I love you, Crest Veronica. T-tayo naman ngayon?" he whispered.
"Mahal din kita, tayo naman ngayon." I whispered back and hugged him tightly.
"Ipakasal niyo na 'to! Nasaan ang Judge? Gusto ko na ng apo!" biglang sigaw ni Daddy doon kaya sabay kaming napalingon at nagkatawanan.
We both stared at each other after a while then slowly, he leaned in, claiming my lips for a sensual and loving kiss.
Sabi nga nila, you are not the opinion of someone who doesn't know you. You know yourself better than them. You are more than what they think you are because no one knows you but you.
Ang sabi ng ibang tao, we all are in the same boat but I don't believe in it. I believed lahat tayo'y nasa iisang bagyo at alon pero hindi sa iisang sasakyan.
Some have large ships, some have extravagant yachts, some have canoes, ang iba'y pawang mga papag lang pero mayroon ding kumakapit na lang sa katiting na lubid at mayroong nalulunod na.
We are in the same storm but not in the same boat. Hindi natin alam ang pinagdadaanan ng isa't-isa, may ibang nahihirapan na ipinapakita pero may iba ring nahihirapan na tinatakpan ng mga pekeng ngiti and we might not know what they are going through, what can we do least is to be kind.
No matter how many times people drag you down and tried drowning you, you must not just go with the flow and let them sink you. You should fight the currents and swim for yourself.
People have their own time and you should clap for other people's success while waiting for yours because it will come, kapag alam na ng nasa itaas na para sa iyo na.
We are all capable and beautiful, we are all imperfectly perfect and everything will be better in time. Ang lumang dahon ay mahuhulog pero may papalit na bago at darating ang nakatadhana para sa atin. I believe we will be happy in the right time.
Locket and I are imperfect, we have shared our own flaws, own wrongs and we failed ourselves and other people every time but instead of being just like that. We did our best to be better, hindi para sa ibang tao kung hindi para sa aming sarili and we will still learn more while we're in this relationship.
True love, it does not cage, it does not chain because we believe what was genuine and true puts people in peace...it sets you free.
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