Wakas (Part 2)
Hi, this is CL's Wakas (Part 2) hahaha! This is the last update for this book as of now. This is unedited. Hope you enjoyed reading this book!
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Wakas (Part 2)
I'm in love with Crest Veronica Sandejas.
Admitting one's feelings is hard, lalo na kapag isinumpa mo sa sarili mong hindi ka na magmamahal pang muli but maybe that's love, like what Ver told me before...biglaan lang.
When did even started? When we first accidentally kissed? When I saw her in Baguio? When she first smiled at me?
Or maybe while Attorney Sandejas is telling me things about her? Okay, I admit, my heart skips a little when Attorney would come to the precinct because I'm sure he'll tell me things about her.
I don't know, I actually don't know when it started. What or when exactly, my heart skipped a beat for her...hindi ko alam.
Kaya overconfident ako nang aminin ko sa sariling gusto kong ligawan si Crest. I may look stupid everytime Attorney Sandejas tell me things about his daughter, tumatatak iyon sa utak ko and knowing it was him who first introduced me to his daughter secretly, alam kong matatanggap niya ako.
'Yon din 'yong ang akala ko...
Nakasimangot sa akin si Attorney, kunot ang noo at matalim ang tingin kaya tumikhim ako at napahawak sa batok.
"Attorney," I started off, staring at him and Atty. Alchiel when I asked if I could talk to them about Crest.
"Sigurado ka ba riyan?" Attorney Iñigo asked me, his voice is strict and cold I almost shivered.
"Y-yes po..." tikhim ko, pilit siyang tinitignan sa mata para ipakitang sinsero ako kahit nakakatakot ang tingin niya.
"'Di ba, nirereto mo si kambal kay Lieutenant, Dad. What happened?" it was Atty. Alchiel who broke the silence at halos tumango-tango ako sa kanya.
Tama 'yan. That's right, Attorney! Tell him he introduced his daughter to me kaya dapat papayaf siya—
"Nagbago na isip ko," aniya kaya parang nabuhusan ako ng tubig.
"P-po?" I asked, startled at his sudden announcement.
His jaw clenched, umayos siya ng tayo at namulsa, halos taasan ako ng kilay.
"Nagbago na ang Thallia-liit ko, may trabaho na siya at hindi na gastusera—well, medyo, but that's not the point here. My daughter doesn't need a man—"
"Liligawan ko po si Crest Veronica, Attorney." I answered bravely despite the sharp daggers he's throwing me.
"Oh, what a turn of events..." Atty. Chiel smirked at me, "sigurado ka ba, Lt.? My twin's a good woman pero 'yong bibig no'n parang machine gun."
Bigla akong natawa at tumango sa kanya, "you're right, Attorney—"
"Why are you laughing at my Thallia-liit?" Atty. Iñigo then said kaya bigla akong natahimik at natikom ang bibig.
"I'm not...I'm not laughing at her, Atty." I answered like a soldier, "I was agreeing to—"
"Sus, dadahilan ka pa..." he frowned at me. "Tell me, bakit mo liligawan ang prinsesa ko, huh?"
"I like her, Atty." I answered. "Crest Veronica makes me happy, Attorney. I wanted to take care of her, Sir."
He eyed me intently, folding his arms on his chest.
"Tss, parang nagsisi ako biglang pinakilala ko sa'yo ang Thallia-liit ko." Mas lumalim ang gatla sa kanyang noo. "Binabawi ko na 'yong sinabi kong bagay kayo—"
"Gustong-gusto ko po ang anak niyo, Sir." I said, glancing at Alchiel and saw him smirking at me. "Attorneys, I know I'm not the right man for her but...I wanted to try and work it out with her. Gustong-gusto ko po si Crest."
"Kaso hindi ka bet ng anak ko," biglang ngisi ni Attorney Iñigo kaya natahimik na ako. "'Di ba, Chiel—"
"Oh, she did." Alchiel answered. "Crush niya 'yan si laughtrip-ouch!" bigla siyang natahimik at dumaing nang sikuhin siya ni Attorney sa sikmura.
"You—" kumunot ang noo ni Attorney kaya nanlaki ang mata ni Alchiel at tumikhim.
"S-sabi ko nga, wala, binabawi ko na." Aniya, hawak pa rin ang sikmura.
Attorney Iñigo eyed me seriously kaya mas umayos ako ng tayo para ipakita sa kanyang seryoso ako sa sinasabi tungkol sa anak niya.
"Attorney—" his phone suddenly rang kaya natahimik ako, mabilis niyang kinuha iyon sa bulsa bago tinaasan ako ng kilay at sinagot.
"Hello? Yes, Atty. Sandejas speaking..." aniya sa kabilang linya.
"Attorney—"
"Oh? Talaga? Urgent?" aniya at biglang ngumisi sa akin at tumalikod kaya umawang na ang labi ko.
Why is this scene fucking familiar?
"Attorney—"
"Oh? Sige, I'm on my way." He said and jogged, hinila na si Atty. Alchiel kaya nanlaki ang mata ko.
"Attorney!" I called him loudly while they're almost running away. "Attorney, liligawan ko po ang anak niyo! Attorney!" halos lumabas na ang lalamunan ko kakatawag pero naglaho lang ang dalawa.
Is this what you call karma? The fuck?
Crest Veronica is something.
"You're tired, hmm?" I talked to her softly when I saw her napping on her seat with the files in front of her. "Sabi ko kasi sa'yo sa umaga ka lang papasok, why are you even joining us in nightshifts?"
Kumunot ang noo niya nang gumalaw, her lips protruded a bit, nakita kong nahulog ang kanyang buhok sa pisngi kaya lumapit akong lalo.
Dumukwang ako palapit para titigan ang mukha niya at marahang hinawi ang buhok paalis sa pisngi.
"You're overworking for an assistant secretary, Pinga." I said in a low voice.
I lifted my hand to touch his cheek but I immediately hesitated, mabilis ko iyong binaba pero mayamaya'y hindi rin napigilang iangat muli para paraanin ito sa malambot niyang pisngi.
"Lieutenant, nand'yan na 'yong respondent—"
"Shh!" nilingon ko si Adam na biglang natahimik nang makita akong masama ang tingin.
"Why—"
"She's sleeping, don't be noisy." I said and he smirked at me, namulsa siya at naglakad palapit, dumudungaw kay Crest na natutulog kaya kumunot ang noo ko at mabilis na tumayo.
"Ikaw muna ang kumausap," I said, hinaharangan siya.
"Bakit ako? Ikaw na, Lieutenant ka, 'di ba? Baka hindi komportable si Mama, pahigain ko sa sofa—"
"Akin siya." I hissed kaya bigla siyang natigilan at nanlaki ang mata sa akin.
"Susuko na po!" bigla niyang tinaas ang kamay kaya natauhan ako sa sinabi at tumikhim.
"It's not what you're thinking." I hissed, "what I mean is...I'll take her to my office, sa sofa siya hihiga para walang istorbo—"
"Sa presinto ka na magpaliwanag, Padlock." He smirked at me, "sabi ko na nga ba't crush mo talaga si Mama—"
"Gago ka ba? Bakit hindi mo na lang kausapin ang respondent?" I said, annoyed at nginisihan niya lang ako at sa takot kong may sasabihin na naman ay mabilis ko siyang tinulak paalis doon kaya tatawa-tawa siya.
"Hoy, Brent! Ernesto! I have chika!" he exclaimed in a girly tone, kumunot ang noo ko nang nilingon pa niya ako, nang-aasar.
"Tang ina mo." I mouthed at mas humalakhak siya.
"Hoy! Saan kayo, gusto niyo tea?! Mainit pa!" sigaw pa niyang parang tanga at kumunot ang noo ko nang tumakbo pang patagilid na parang penguin, nang-aasar.
Gagong Adamonyong 'to. Yari 'to sa'kin kapag fieldwork. Papabuhatin kitang mabigat.
I glanced back at Crest sleeping peacefully on her seat, nakatagilid ang ulo habang inuunan ang isang braso kaya marahan akong dumukwang ulit sa gilid niya.
"I'll take you to the sofa in my office, you should've gone home. Nahihirapan ka tuloy." Mahinang sabi ko, handa na sanang siyang buhatin papasok sa opisina ko pero muli siyang gumalaw.
I saw her pursed her lips for a pout and my eyes landed on it, tumikhim ako at nag-iwas ng tingin pero mayamaya'y parang tanga na namang nakatitig at umangat ang sulok ng labi.
"You look like a brat when awake, machine gun 'yang bibig mo pero mukha kang bata kapag tulog." I said in a low voice.
Her lips protruded again kaya napatulala ako pero kaagad na umiling.
Damn, man. I know that lips are fucking sweet but don't you dare take advantage.
"Will it be bad?" I asked, "sa...sa pisngi lang? Is it okay?"
She groaned a bit and I blinked.
"Is that a yes?" I asked again kaya tumikhim ako.
I looked around and saw no one is around kaya dali-dali akong nagnakaw ng mabilis na halik sa pisngi niya at satisfied pa ako roon pero kaagad na nanigas sa pagkakadukwang nang makita ang nanlalaki niyang mata habang nakatingin sa akin.
"D-did you just—"
"Bakit ka kasi natutulog diyan? May kukunin ako sa drawer kaso ayaw kitang gisingin kaya nandito ako." Tuloy-tuloy kong sabi, kinakabahan na hindi maintindihan.
"H-huh?" napakurap siya. "W-why..." naguguluhang napaupo siya at tumitig sa akin.
"M-may kukunin lang ako, bakit ka kasi natutulog." I hissed, iritado pang kumuha ng kahit ano sa drawer sa lamesa niya. "Ayan tuloy, tumama 'yong labi ko."
Mabilis kong kinuha ang stapler at nilingon siya at nakitang halos lumuwa na ang mata niya kaya sumimangot ako.
"Tss, don't sleep during office hours." I said strictly and walked pass her, mabilis na naglakad at nang hindi na ako kita ay tinakbo na ang opisina ko at nagkulong.
"Putang ina...putang ina. Gago ka!" I hissed and pulled my hair, halos mahambalos na ang mga gamit sa lamesa sa kahihiyang ginawa.
It's painful saying goodbye to someone you wouldn't want to go but it's painful they would suffer if you won't let go at kahit mahirap, ayokong naiipit siya sa pagmamahal ko.
My Crest suffered enough, despite that smile and giggles, she has something painful within. She almost ended her life, she was assaulted, she was judged by the people she considered her friends...she couldn't even love herself enough pero sobra ang pagbibigay niya ng pagmamahal sa ibang tao at hindi ko gustong masira siya roon.
When she told me maybe we weren't mean to be and decided to finally cut me off, it broke me. Ayaw ko, gusto ko dito lang siya sa akin.
Paano naman ako? Siya...siya ang naging dahilan kaya muli akong naging masaya, siya ang dahilan kaya may dahilan ako para gumising sa umaga? Kapag mawawala siya, paano ako?
But that's just so wrong. Mali pala ako, hindi lang din puro ako, dapat siya rin.
Can you give something you don't have? Can she be able to give love full if she didn't even love herself enough?
Tumatak iyon sa utak ko kaya kalaunan, kahit masakit ay hinayaan ko siyang maging malaya at masaya. This time, I wanted her to pursue the things she missed before, I wanted her to be happy...fully, to heal and I will do the same.
I asked for help, while my Crest is healing, I do my best to do so, too. I scheduled appointments with psychiatrists, I did my best to open up again to those three. I opened myself again into happiness and slowly, I learned to forgive myself about Ver's death.
Visiting the cemetery if I have free time became my hobby, I will just sit there and tell Ver things. I'll tell her about my day, I'll tell her about Crest, I will tell her stories on how she's finally achieving her dreams and it became my therapy and became better.
"Padlock, sigurado ka ba rito?" Earn asked while we're on the crowd, waiting for the public fashion show to start in France.
"Oo, mukha ba tayong hindi sigurado?" I hissed, glancing at the three of them wearing penguin beanies. "Ano ba 'yang nasa ulo niyo, mukha kayong tanga."
"Anong tanga? Supporters 'to ni Mama Crest! Makapagsalita ka, akala mo hindi ka gumawa ng banner kahit parang kahig ng manok 'yang sulat mo!" Brent hissed.
Sumimangot ako at sumulyap sa cartolina na hawak, "excuse me? But I got the best penmanship sa ating apat dito."
"Tss, ikaw nga rin, wala ka ngang beanie na penguin, 'yang shirt mo naman may drawing na penguin!" Earn hissed kaya bumaba ang tingin ko sa suot na itim na shirt na may design.
My forehead creased, tumikhim ako bago isinara ang itim na jacket para 'di makita ang design at bumusangot, tinataasan sila ng kilay.
"At least it's just a shirt, this isn't as corny as the three of you—"
"Anong corny? Hindi kaya!" ani Earn, "supporters kami ni Mama Pinga! Ninja penguins, assemble!" pinagdikit-dikit nila ang likod, they made a gun sign with their fingers while smirking at me.
"Papangit niyo," I hissed at napaatras nang sipain ako ni Earn. "What?!"
"Papaumpisa na ang show, ipakita mo na 'yang shirt mo tapos sisigaw tayo ng malakas kapag rumampa na si Mama." He said pero umiling ako.
Tang ina, ayoko na. Bakit ba ako nag-shirt ng ganito?
"Ayoko na," I said and placed the black cap on my head, wearing a black mask.
"Napaka-arte, hoy! H'wag kang ganyan, mukha kang holdaper!" Adam hissed pero siniko ko siya, iritado na.
"Paki mo? Ikaw nagsusuot?" I hissed pero hindi na kami natuloy sa bangayan nang i-announce ng host na mag-uumpisa na ang show at nang tinawag na si Crest ay para na kaming gago sa audience.
"Mama ko 'yan!" Sigaw ni Ernesto sa pinakamatinis na boses at sumabay pa ang dalawa at halos mabingi na ako pero tinanggal ko ang tape sa cartolina at inangat sa ere, walang pakialam kung natatakpan na ang mga tao sa likod.
"That's my Pinga!" I screamed loudly, walang pakialam kahit hindi na naririnig sa sobrang ingay ng lugar at sigawan.
I almost cried like a proud father when I saw Crest professionally walking on the runway while flexing the dresses she had designed. Seryoso man ang mga mata niya at matapang ay kitang-kita ko roon ang saya niya sa ginagawa and it made me smile and funny as it sounds, halos tumalon na ako, makita niya lang ang banner na hawak ko kahit hindi na ako dahil sa dami ng tao sa crowd.
I saw how her eyes landed on the banner I am holding and the seriousness on her eyes vanished and it was replaced with amusement then suddenly, she lifted her hand, giving our direction a flying kiss before winking.
Fuck...did she just...
"Fuck, she gave me flying kisses, man!" nawala ang ngisi ko nang marinig ang mga lalaki sa likod ko.
"Anong sa inyo?!" I hissed kaya natahimik sila.
"Sorry? We don't understand—"
"Anong sa inyo? Tang ina, akin 'yong halik!" I exclaimed and they looked more confused.
"Sorry, we don't—"
"Sa akin 'yong halik! Hindi sa inyo, mga taran—" I cursed inside my head when Adam covered my mouth pero hindi ako papatalo.
"Mine—"
"Shit, pigilan niyo si Padlock!" sigaw ni Earn at halos magwala lang ako nang hilahin na nila ako paalis sa mga tao para 'di makagawa ng gulo.
But of course, hindi ako papatalo. After the show, some of the designers would go and join the crowd to talk. May mga artista ata sila o kilalang taong kakausapin at ang audience ay p'wedeng naroon sa barricade para makipag-kamay sa kanila kung gusto.
I was there, sa mismong barricade sa may gilid. Hindi nakisiksik ang tatlo dahil inutusan kong humanap ng kainan kaya ako lang mag-isa.
I saw the audience, the fans perhaps waiting for their favorite designers, maingay sila sa bawat pagbati ng mga naroon pero ako'y neutral lang.
Sorry, I'm only Crest Veronica's fanboy.
Nang lumabas na siya ay halos kalampagin ko na ang barricade pero may hiya naman ako kahit papaano kaya kinalma ko ang sarili.
Gago, Lorcan Keith, act normal. You're not a creep, okay?
I noticed a commotion near me, dahil nasa pinakagilid ako ay nakita kong may mga local police roon na may hinahabol at hinahanap. My forehead creased pero hinayaan ko na lang dahil nandiyan na ang Crest ko.
I saw girls, aspiring fashion designers and some boys giggling while saying hi to my baby Pinga when she got passed them. They were greeting her happily and she got her brightest and sweetest smile while saying hi and taking pictures with them.
My heart hammered excitedly when I saw her walking closer to my direction, I just wanna shake her hand or something...I won't even talk, baka makilala ang boses ko.
I fixed my black cap more and my jacket to hide my face and I opened my mouth, lifting my hand to wave at her when I felt a grip on my hand.
"Here!" nangunot ang noo ko at iritadong lumingon, handa na sanang bulyawan ang kung sino pero nakita ko ang mga local police.
"What—"
"Here! I got the thief!" the man exclaimed kaya nagulat ako.
"What? I'm not a fucking thief—"
"Explain yourself in the precinct, Sir!" he exclaimed and my mouth parted.
"The fuck?!" I cursed loudly when he gripped my wrist and later on, I am fucking cuffed like a criminal and they're dragging me to their patrol car.
The crazy things you'd do for love. Insane but worth it.
They apologized for dragging the wrong person in the precinct that night pero hindi ako natutuwa. I just fucking missed a chance to touch Crest's hand! Ilang buwan ko 'yang 'di nakita tapos...tang inang karma 'to. Minamalas ata ako kasi hinuli ko rin siya dati.
I watched her from afar but that doesn't mean I'll sit still like a good boy because I am not. Gulat na gulat ang tatlo nang magpatulong akong maglipat-bahay nang mabalitaan kong nabakante ang katabi ng kanya.
The three didn't even know Crest's my neighbor and why would I tell them? Baka maglagi ang mga 'yong dito at mahuli pa ako. Sayang naman ang effort kong pasulyap-sulyap kung mahuhuli lang 'yong tatlo.
I noticed her jogging every morning in her free time kaya gano'n din ako. I am in my complete disguise while doing it, ni hindi ako nagpapakita kaya kampante pa ako pero naalala ko, Crest will always be Crest.
She's wearing her complete jogging outfit and even in just that simple clothes, she's an eye-catcher. May mga tumatabi pa sa kanyang nagda-jogging madalas at kakausapin siya kahit naka-earphone and she would smile at them at times which is annoying the hell out of me but what could I do? Whine like a kid? Nah, not my thing.
I'm just gonna choke those men inside my head until I'm satisfied.
Unconsciously, I can notice her eyes glancing at people's butts like it's her hobby. Bigla ko tuloy naalala 'yong sinabi niya noon kaya isang umaga ay sinuot ko ang gray sweatpants ko at nagdesisyong lumapit ng bahagya sa kanya.
She was jogging peacefully when a man in black sweatpants went to her side and talked to her. She smiled and answered the man at nakita kong napabaling siya roon sa baba bigla bago ngumuso at nagkibit-balikat, parang wala lang na sinagot ang tanong ng lalaki.
I saw Crest mouthed something to him and when she waved her hand, was about to leave ay dali-dali kong tinakbo ang pwesto nila no'ng lalaki at sumingit sa gitna nila.
"Ano ba?" the man hissed pero parang wala lang na bumaling ako kay Crest na hindi nakatingin sa mukha kong tago.
Her eyes landed on my crotch accidentally kaya umayos pa akong lalo ng tayo at no'ng paiwas na siya ay biglang napasecond-look at bahagyang namilog ang mata.
Oh, she liked it.
Kumurap-kurap siya at umayos ng tayo, nakita ko ang pagsampal niya sa mukha bago umiling, ni hindi na sinulyapan ang mukha ko at nagtatatakbo paalis habang ibinabalik ang earphone sa tainga.
I removed my mask, glancing at the annoyed man beside me at nang nakita niya akong nakatingin sa kanya ng masaya ay kumunot ang noo niya.
"Problema mo?! Kanina ka pa, ah? Bakit ka nangbabangga?" he hissed but instead of fighting back, I smiled at him boastfully.
"Gagong 'to, bakit ka nakangisi? Baliw ka ba?"
And I just smirked, naiiling na tumakbo ako papunta sa tinakbuhan ni Crest Veronica habang nagyayabang.
Fuck you all, she liked my bakat more!
Luckily, after months of watching her and waiting if the right time would come, waiting if God would permit na kami pa rin...things went back to its own places at kung si-swertehin nga naman ay mahal pa rin ako ng Pinga ko.
I was crying my eyes out after that court trial but when she came back to me, cursing before kissing me. I felt like dancing with imaginary songs in the background but I didn't do it.
Hindi pa naman ako masyadong hibang para gawin 'yon...well, I hope so.
Work is hard. Being a policeman is hard. It frustrates us when some case reaches the dead end, it frustrates us if we can't catch criminals and it's sad and maddening knowing crimes happening more frequently, like it was a part of human nature when in fact, it shouldn't be.
Akala ng ibang tao ay madali lang ang ginagawa namin pero mahirap iyon sa totoo lang, well, I know there are a lot of irresponsible cops in this country, there is corruption, but in my station hindi 'yan p'wede sa akin.
As much as I could, I'm bringing them in fieldwork, gusto kong gumagalaw sila kaysa nakaupo lang sa presinto for them to be fit and always be ready. I don't know why but I just couldn't get it why joining the police force has a certain weight requirement tapos sa huli ay wala na silang pakialam.
It's not just for my own good, it's for them. We respond to every crime happening in our area and if they would slack of inside the precinct, walang mangyayari. They would become unhealthy and there are circumstances na baka mahirapan sila sa pag-respond sa mga urgent na kaso and I don't like it.
I want every single police officer inside my station alert and respectful.
And honestly, being a cop is hard. There are misconceptions about us but I couldn't really blame the people dahil sa totoo lang ay may dahilan kaya bakit gano'n ang tingin nila sa amin.
We would chase criminals, snatchers, thieves and all and yes, minsan mautak talaga ang mga 'yon kaya naiisahan kami. I still fucking remember how frustrated I am catching that criminal in this homicide case I'm handling and I saw him checking the crime scene pero tinakbuhan ako at hindi ko naabutan kaya naghagdan ako.
Of course, elevator is fucking faster than running down the stairs so I was annoyed and frustrated, wanting to catch that man and yes, like what movies are showing with people flying around and jumping like nothing happened sa mga matataas na lugar...it's a fucking scam.
Sa sobrang pagmamadali ko ay sinubukan ko ang mga nasa palabas at baka kaya ko pala dahil pulis ako at pulis din naman ang mga nasa palabas.
That day, like an idiot I am, I channeled my inner Cardo inside me.
I skipped stair steps just so I could walk faster but it wasn't enough, humawak ako sa may hawakan sa hagdan, sigurado pang tumayo roon para mas mabilis ang pagbaba pero wala pa atang ilang segundo ay nadulas na ako at plumakda pababa.
I groaned when my forehead bumped on something when I fell, napahawak pa ako sa balakang ko at tumingin sa paligid at kaagad na natigilan nang makita ang CCTV na nakatapat sa pwesto ko.
"Putang ina," I cursed loudly and stood abruptly, pilit kong hinarangan ang camera pero naalala ko ang hinahabol ko kaya paika-ika akong tumakbo pababa, nagmumura sa sakit ng pagkakahulog.
I realized medyo bumilis nga ang pagbaba ko kahit na nahulog kaya medyo effective rin and luckily, it was as if I am in an epic, action-comedy movie, noong mahahaklit ko na ang kriminal ay bigla siyang nadapa kaya sumubsob ang nguso niya sa lupa.
"You..." hinihingal pa akong dumukwang para hulihin ang kamay niya at mapusasan. "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."
I called a back-up after I caught him, takang-taka ang tatlo dahil mukha akong wala sa sarili nang makita nila ako pero hindi ko sinabi ang dahilan.
"Nangyari sa'yo, Padlock? Mukha kang injured na penguin." I immediately glared at Adam's remark.
"Gago," I hissed at mas tumawa siya.
"Ano kasi 'yan sa noo mo, bakit may pula?" Brent pointed, "'tsaka bakit ka nakahawak sa balakang mo? May arthritis ka na ba—"
"Tss, take that asshole in the precinct, I have something to take care off." I said kaya nagtaka sila.
"What? Nahuli na rin naman natin?" Earn asked pero umiling lang ako at nagpaalam bago pumasok pabalik sa area.
I went to the security and asked, "good morning, can I ask if may nanunuod ba sa footage niyo sa hagdan?"
"Po? Wala po, isa lang po ang nandoon, lumang klase na kaya 'di masyadong nagagamit." Aniya kaya tumikhim ako.
"Can I...can I see it?" I asked kaya napatango sila, "this way po."
They took me inside the room where the monitor for the stairs is, iyon lang ang nag-iisa nilang gumagana pero sobrang labo nilang camera sa buong lugar na 'yon.
"Ito po, officer. Ano po bang oras?" aniya at tumikhim ako.
"Ako ng bahala..."
She nodded, pero nanatili roon sa may tabi ko kaya napahawak ako sa batok.
"Can you please leave the room? Medyo...medyo confidential kasi." I explained and her eyes widened.
"Ay, sorry po...sige po." Aniya at nang maglaho siya ay ni-lock ko ang pinto at hinanap ang footage.
Confidential my ass, confidential kamo 'yong pagkabalentong ko sa hagdaan.
Tang ina. Nakakahiya kang gago ka.
I frowned when I saw the footage, I admit I look cool when I did that but when I fell, nevermind...I'll just bury this nightmare inside my head.
Dali-dali kong dinelete ang footage bago pasimpleng lumabas sa opisina para maglaho at magpanggap na hindi ako nag-e-exist sa mundong 'to.
Ironically, in life, they were ups and downs like what everyone is saying. Minsan ay nasa taas ka, palaging masaya at matagumpay at may oras na nasa ibaba ka, there are times you'd fall...sometimes literally like what happened to me but it doesn't end just like that.
There will come a time wherein all the hardships and challenges you've encountered and been through will be replaced with success and happiness...like now.
I placed my hand on my head to support my weight, nakatagilid habang pinagmamasdan siyang malalim na natutulog sa tabi ko.
Waking up the next morning with your loving wife is a blessing, it is both a success and happiness for me.
She's sleeping like a baby, ang mahabang buhok ay nakasabog sa unan pero maganda pa rin. She has thick, long lashes. Her natural pink lips are protruded while sleeping comfortably.
"Tinulugan mo ako, hmm..." I hummed when I lifted my hand and touched her soft cheek.
It was just our wedding yesterday, we had fun at the reception after Judge fainted and fell on his knees and when night came, we were kissing and she just slept on me.
Yes, she left me hanging there but I understand. She's really tired so I just changed her clothes with mine before going for a cold shower to calm myself down.
She looks beautiful even in her sleep and if it's possible to fall for someone deeper and deeper each day, baka gano'n na ako ngayon.
"You sleep like a baby even if we have babies inside," I said gently, touching her cheek with my thumb and leaned in to plant a soft kiss on her lips.
"I love you," I whispered on her lips but she remained unbothered. "Bratty Pinga."
Nailing ako, saglit akong nahiga habang inilalapit ang mukha kay Crest para lang titigan siya pero dumampi ang palad ko sa tiyan niya.
How come I didn't notice she's pregnant? She looked so fit during our wedding yesterday! How is that possible?
Mabilis kong inangat ang comforter, I lowered my body and slowly lifted her large shirt, ipinapasok ang ulo roon para tignan ang tiyan niya.
"Hi, babies...good morning. It's me, your Dad." I said when I got inside and my heart pounded upon seeing it.
Is this really true? I already have twins inside her? Really? May kambal kami kaagad?
I haven't noticed this before but I realized she has a small baby bump. Hindi mapapansin dahil maliit pero...why the hell I didn't even notice?
I lifted my hand, I felt it shaking kaya mabilis kong ibinaba at humugot ng hininga.
Fuck, I'm already a father. I'm a Dad now...I will have my own family soon.
"H'wag niyo pahirapan si Mama Pinga, hmm, twins?" I said in a lowest voice I could even do. "I love you two, love niyo si Mommy Crest, hmm?"
I chuckled after a while, nangilid ang luha ko pero kinalma ko ang sarili, unti-unting niyakap ang baywang ng asawa ko at inilapit ang mukha sa tiyan niya.
I gave it a long kiss, ipinikit ko ang mata at hindi na maipaliwanag ang nararamdaman sa mga oras na 'to.
I'm a father...I'm a father now. We will have babies now.
Fuck! I'm a father!
"Be good kids, hmm?" I planted another kiss on her stomach. "Take care of Mama Crest, I'll do my best to be a good Dad, promise, babies. Ano bang gusto niyo kainin? Daddy would go and buy you two foods—"
"What are you doing there, Pingu?" narinig ko ang boses ng asawa ko at mayamaya'y umangat na ang damit niya at sinilip ako sa loob.
"Why? What are you doing in there?"
"I'm greeting our twins good morning," I answered, looking up at her.
I saw the shock on her eyes pero mayamaya ay napapangiti.
"Aww, what a sweet baby Pingu..." she said sweetly kaya umayos ako ng higa at umangat.
I immediately kissed her when our faces met, I felt her smiling in between our kisses at nang lumayo ako ay tumitig ako sa mata niya.
"Good morning, beautiful. You're amazing, I love you."
I saw her cheeks blushed, napatawa ako nang kinagat niya ang labi at pabiro akong pinalo.
"A-ang aga-aga ang harot-harot mo, pa-kiss nga ako!" she cupped my cheek and pulled me closer at napapangiti akong humalik pabalik sa kanya.
What a great start for this day.
We moved away from each other after a few kisses, mabilis ko siyang hinila palapit sa akin at pinaulanan siya ng halik sa mukha.
Hearing her giggles made me smile and happy, idinantay niya ang paa sa akin habang humahalik ako.
"Binitin moa ko kagabi, Mrs. Dmitrov." I whispered on her neck, teasingly biting it.
"R-really? OMG, I did sleep kaagad?!" she asked kaya lumayo ako at tumango sa kanya.
"But it's okay, I know you're tired." I said and she pouted, umakma siyang uupo kaya tinulungan ko siya at nang mapasandal na siya sa headboard ay basta na lang ako humiga sa hita niya.
"Hala, I'm so sorry, Pingu. I didn't know I slept too early! Maybe I was just so tired yesterday."
"It's okay," I said and smiled. "Mahaba pa naman ang oras, what's important is you, resting enough."
Her brave black eyes softened, she lowered her hand and touched my cheek at kaagad akong napangiti.
"I love you, Pingu ko." She said sweetly and I felt like I could melt just hearing those words from her.
"I'm in love with you too, Pinga." I said, inangat ko ang kamay at inabot ang kanyang pisngi. I saw her closed her eyes when I did that and while staring at her face, I felt peace.
"Thank you," she caught my hand and kissed my palm.
"No, thank you." I squeezed her hand. "But why I am not aware we already have twins?"
She giggled, ibinaba niya ang kamay ko at dahil nakaunan ako sa hita niya ay mabilis akong yumakap sa kanyang tiyan habang pinagmamasdan siya.
"I actually wasn't aware too, Pingu." She pouted. "Gulat din ako!"
"Hmm? Paanong gulat?" I smirked.
"Like this," she covered her mouth and adorably gasped kaya napatawa na ako at humalik sa tiyan niya.
"Care to tell me in details, adorable bratty penguin?" I asked and she nodded, nang sumandal na siya ng tuluyan sa heaboard ay mas umayos ako ng higa sa hita niya habang paunti-unting pumapatak ng halik sa tiyan niya.
"Hmm, the doctor said maliit daw akong magbuntis." She explained kaya napatango ako at hinaplos ang maliit niyang tiyan. "And...you know, I really don't know! I have morning sickness, pero tumakaw ako—"
"Matakaw ka naman talaga, tapos ako uubos ng tira." I teased and she glared at me sideways pero tumango.
"Sa bagay," she chuckled. "Pero ayon nga, Locket. Edi walang signs, as in, alam mo kung paano ko lang nalaman?"
"How?" I asked, ipinasok ko ang kamay ko sa shirt niyang suot para haplusin ang likod niya.
"Ikaw ba, honestly, haven't you noticed anything?" she asked kaya napaisip naman ako roon.
"Well, I noticed you always asleep in the afternoons, you are eating tons too but...I wasn't sure if that's a sign, I thought you're just tired and you're eating a lot always so..." I shrugged.
"'Yon lang? Wala talaga pa?" nanliit ang mata niya.
"And we're making love everyday?" I said, medyo nagdadalawang-isip pa. "These days, you're so into it and who am I to say no? I love it everytime you moan my name while I fill you to the brim—"
"Lorcan Keith, bastos!" she flicked my lips kaya natawa ako.
"Wow, huh? Nagsalita ang walang filter ang bibig." I said, "but I noticed, what about it?"
"Alam mo why palagi kong gusto?" she asked kaya umiling ako.
"Noong nakaraan, huli ko na napansing delay ang period ko." She sighed and touched her stomach, "no'ng una 'di ko pinansin at niyayaya lang kita always kasi paspasan na 'to, Lorcan Keith. As in rush na rush to the highest level."
I laughed, shaking my head. "You're silly but I liked it tho."
"So, that's it, napansin ko I am like...super delay kaya natakot ako bigla baka menopause na ako!"
When I saw her horrible eyes, I ended up laughing hard.
"What? You're too young for menopausal stage, baby." I said pero umiling siya.
"Oo nga, pero imagine the horror!" She gasped, "nag-panic ako paano kapag na-late na ng super tapos hindi na kinaya ng racing ng sperm mo."
"My sperms are fast swimmers, Pinga. See? We got twins." I said proudly.
"Yabang..." she pinched my nose, "pero sa true, huh? Grabe napapatirik na lang mata ko kapag—"
"Crest Veronica..." I warned at ngumisi siya.
"Luh, pa-demure! Akala mo naman! Hoy, mas maharot ka pa nga sa akin! Naalala mo no'ng nakaraang araw? Sabik na sabik ka kaya do'n na tayo sa car nag-jugjugan!"
I frowned, flicking her naughty lips.
"Shh, shut that naughty lips of yours." I placed my finger on her lips pero ang asawa ko'y may kakambal na mapang-asar kaya natigilan ako nang kagatin niya ang daliri ko.
"Officer, I know I slept on you last night but..." she winked, "I got my full energy back now. Let's rock your world."
I was tempted, napalunok pa ako ng marahas nang inilapit niya ang mukha pero hindi ako basta-bastang rumurupok kay Crest Veronica kaya tumikhim ako.
"Hindi ako kaladkarin, Crest." I said seriously at mayamaya'y malakas na ang tawa niya.
"Kaladkarin..." she laughed loudly, "ano ba 'yang term mo, Dmitrov!"
I was seriously staring at her, watching her sharp features softening with her smiles at ilang segundo lang ay nakita ko na lang ang sariling nangingiti sa kanya.
"Brat..." I pinched her cheek. "Come on, h'wag tayo magbastusan muna ngayon—"
"How about mamaya?" she winked playfully.
"Okay, after this talk, I will hear nothing from that naughty mouth of yours but my name and your moans." I said darkly and I saw her eyes widening pero excited na tumango-tango.
"Game na game!" she exclaimed happily, "so, ano nga ulit ang topic?"
"About our twins, how did you find out about them? And I didn't notice it that much. I mean, we're always naked and all but—"
"S'yempre, nakakaakit kasi ako kaya sa akin lang ang focus mo at hindi sa tiyan," yabang pa niya. "Pero kasi ayon nga, noong una pansin ko nan gang delay ang period ko tapos 'di ko pinapansin masyado at niyaya ka lang kasi iniisip ko baka bigla akong mag-menopause wala pang nakakaabot sa finish line."
"Seriously?" I chuckled, "but what can you say now, huh? Kambal agad?"
"Kasi nga ginalingan natin sa position," she flipped her hair. "And Mommy noticed and asked me if I was pregnant, I don't know paano niya na-notice kaya last week lang dumiretso na kami sa OB, tapos ayon...we immediately made an ultrasound after we found out I am pregnant."
"H-how...how many weeks are they again?" hinaplos ko ang tiyan niya, "they're too small for a twin, baby."
"Hmm, nine weeks pa lang kasi, Pingu. 'Tsaka sinadya kong 'di mo mapansin kaya malaging medyo maluwang na dress ang suot ko." She smiled at me before touching my hair. "I wasn't even expecting twins, nagulat lang kami sabi ng doctor she had heard two heartbeats."
While staring at her eyes filled with happiness, my eyes turned teary too.
"W-what's your reaction, then?" I asked and sat to see her face.
"H-happy, s'yempre..." namasa na ang mata niya, "I am crying hard with Mommy and I wanted to tell you that exact time kaso I realized na I wanted to surprise you kaya I told Mom to be silent first and keep it too from Dad because it's obvious Dad won't keep his mouth shut."
I chuckled, natawa rin siya at marahang pinunasan ko ang luha sa kanyang pisngi.
"I wish I heard their heartbeats," I said and she smiled and nodded at me.
"You will, how about we go to the clinic tomorrow?" she said and touched my cheek.
"C-can we?" I asked and she nodded, drying something on my cheek.
"Yes, of course. Now, may ipapakita muna ako sa'yo." She said excitedly kaya pinakawalan ko siya.
She went out of the bed and almost hop towards her back, mabilis din akong tumayo at kumalabog ang dibdib nang makitang may hawak siyang picture.
"Here's our babies, they are like cute beans pa lang but you can see na visual kids too." She teased and my hands are shaking when I took it and when I saw it, tuloy-tuloy na nahulog ang luha ko.
"My babies," I whispered and with my shaking fingers, I caressed it. "T-twins..."
I felt my wife touched my cheek, "y-you...you loved it?"
"Yes..." I nodded again and again, "I-I loved it."
"I love you, Pingu. You deserve to be happy." She tiptoed and kissed my forehead and when our eyes met, sabay na kaming napaiyak.
I immediately knelt in front of her, kaagad kong itinaas ang damit niya at matagal na hinalikan ang tiyan niya bago mabilis na tumayo para yakapin siya.
"You're amazing, I love you so much, mahal ko." I whispered and slowly cupped her cheek. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
I lowered my head and caught her lips, kissing her intently. Kaagad siyang yumakap sa batok ko at niyakap ko ang baywang niya habang umaatras papunta sa kama.
It was deep and heartfelt, I gave everything I am feeling in that kisses, I made her feel the intense and grateful feeling I have for marrying her and having her with me.
I sat on the bed, mabilis kong inilapag ang ultrasound picture sa side table habang kumakandong siya sa akin and I smirked when I saw her blushing cheeks and dilated black eyes staring at me.
"Jugjugan na ba 'to?" she asked and I chuckled, nodding.
"Jugjugan na—"
Sabay kaming napatalong dalawa nang makarinig ng malalakas na tambol at tunog ng torotot at banda sa labas.
Nagmamadali kaming tumayo, hinablot ko ang robe sa gilid para isuot sa asawa ko at nagtataka kaming dumungaw sa terrace at nagulat nang makitang may naka-costume na marching band ata 'yon sa fiesta sa may bakuran ng bahay ko.
When the people saw us ay mas lumakas ang tugtog at mayamaya pa'y may banderitas na na may nakalagay na "Congratulations, may apo na si Judge!".
My jaw dropped, humagalpak ng tawa ang asawa ko at nakita ko kaagad ang mga kamag-anak ng asawa ko na papasok sa bahay.
Hawak-kamay kaming bumaba ng bahay at nasa hagdan pa lang kami ay dinig ko pa rin ang banda na tumutugtog at may ipinapasok na mga gamit sa bahay.
"What's...what's happening?" I asked, confused.
"Our family being a weird Sandejas," she pouted and grinned at natulala ako nang may ipinasok na crib sa loob ng bahay namin, hindi lang isa...apat iyon na iba't-ibang kulay at mayamaya pa'y may mga laruan na rin.
I saw her family going inside like there's a birthday party, I saw Judge Iñigo walking inside the house and then he raised his hand.
"Ipasok na ang letchon!" he exclaimed loudly at mayamaya'y nakita ko na ang baboy na may apple sa bibig na ipinapasok sa bahay.
What the fuck is happening?
I saw Uncle Zeijan, Thorn and Dash walking inside the house, kapit-kapit pa ang braso at sinasabayan ang tono no'ng banda sa labas.
"May apo na si Iñigorang! May apo na si Iñigorang!" they sang in chorus at nakabusangot lang sa kanila si Judge.
"OMG! I want that violet crib! Ayan ba 'yong in-order sa Slovakia?!" Crest then vanished beside me, tinatakbo na ang mga delivery.
A few moments later, I saw my Dad walking behind Mom while entering the house with Mom Thallia on her arms, magkakapit at sige ang usapan at ako'y parang tuod lang, naguguluhan sa nangyayari sa buhay ko.
"Uy, si laughtrip! Tara dito, samahan mo kaming kumanta!" ani Uncle Zeij kaya napapahawak sa batok na naglakad ako roon.
"Good morning po, I'm sorry but...what's happening?" I asked.
"Ah! Celebration kasi nga may apo na si Kuya Raf." Uncle Dash laughed, "masarap 'yong Lechon, pinakatay pa 'yan ni Kuya imported galing Sta. Monica."
"Oh...salamat po." I smiled, realizing how happy they are to celebrate our pregnancy with us. "How about the stuff?" I pointed the unstoppable deliveries I am witnessing, "gifts po ba?"
"Oh, laughtrip." Biglang lumapit sa akin si Judge.
"Good morning, Dad." I greeted and he nodded, he tapped my back and hand me a paper kaya naguguluhang kinuha ko 'yon. "What's this—"
"Resibo sa gastos, padala mo na lang sa bangko." Aniya bago ngumisi at nawala na ang ngiti ko at halos mabuwal sa nangyayari.
Getting married and having a family is fun yet hard at the same time but that's part of life, if you want to keep the marriage and the family happy then you will compromise kahit na kapag buntis ay magulo at moody ang asawa ko.
Late na siya naglihi, ang unang beses ko ay ang pag-gising niya sa akin ng madaling-araw habang umiiyak, nanaginip daw siyang kumakain siya ng dried mangoes kaya alas-tres ng madaling-araw ay lumipad ako sa Cebu para mamili ng mga 'yon.
As much as I could, I am doing my best to attend to her need and give her what she wanted kahit paikot-ikot ako sa iba't-ibang lugar para sa gusto niya. She wanted strawberries freshly plucked by me from Baguio, she wanted bulalo from Batangas and coconut juice from Palawan kaya naging lalaking Dora ako sa mga panahon 'yon.
From: My Lovely Wife
Pinguuuu!!! Diyan ka muna, papalamig lang muna ako.
I blinked when I saw her message for me.
To: My Lovely Wife
Okay, then, sino kasama mo? Take care, sunduin kita mamaya.
From: My Lovely Wife
Mommy Eliza! She accompanied me here, papalamig lang kami rito sa Tagaytay.
Nabitawan ko ang hawak kong folder, bumagsak iyon sa lapag at napamura na ako sa isipan, mabilis na tinatawagan si Daddy na tinawanan lang ako.
"Come on, son. Loosen up. It's okay, nagba-bonding lang naman ang dalawa roon."
"Come on, Dad." I sighed, "my wife's pregnant, malaki na ang tiyan no'n."
"It'll be okay," he laughed, "wala ka bang tiwala sa asawa mo? Mag-iingat 'yon doon."
"I trust Crest, kay Mommy ako walang tiwala..." I explained, almost imagining Mommy bringing my wife in every shop she wanted and buy anything she likes hanggang sa mapagod ang asawa ko at mas lumakas ang tawa niya at sinabi rin sa akin ang location na eksaktong pupuntahan ng dalawa kaya halos liparin ko na.
Pinaghandaan ko talaga ang panganganak ng asawa ko but I realized I still wasn't that ready until she started laboring and kicked me out of the room.
"Kasalanan m-mo...kaya masakit!" Crest cried even after hours of laboring. "A-aray, aray! A-ayaw ko na, masakit na, Padlock kang pigsa ka!" she exclaimed.
"Crest, baby, come on. Calm down, hmm? Hinga ka—"
"Gusto mo, tanggalan kitang hininga?!" she exclaimed and my eyes widened, shaking my head.
"N-no..." I gulped, "I mean—"
"Ayaw kita makita! Doon ka sa labas! Sakit ng tiyan ko! Alis!" she whined at ayaw ko man iwan ay sinabihan ako ng doctor kaya halos mukha na akong natatae sa labas habang pabalik-balik na naglalakad.
"A-ang Thallia-liit ko?!" my eyes landed on the hallway and saw her family almost running towards me, nakapantulog pa ang mag-asawa at sina Chiel at Adi ay gano'n din.
"Ayos naman po—" I was cut off when we heard Crest's loud scream inside kaya sabay-sabay kaming napatingin.
"Tang ina, akala ko ba okay lang?!" he hissed at me at halos mawala ang kulay sa mukha ko roon.
"Magiging ayos daw siya, Judge—"
"Lorcan Keith, puputulin ko 'yang ano mo!" she exclaimed inside and my eyes widened, mabilis na napatingin kay Judge na masama ang tingin at halos sapakin na ako.
"J-Judge, magpapaliwanag ako—"
"Saan na 'yong pamalo ko!" he then took his slippers kaya napaatras ako.
"J-Judge, gano'n daw talaga kasakit kapag nagle-labor—"
"Tara dito!" he exclaimed and raised his slipper and I cursed and ran away in fear pero tumama na sa paa ko kaya natapilok ako at naabutan na niya.
Kung hindi pa nagalit si Mommy Thallia kay Judge ay hindi pa kami matitigil dalawa paikot-ikot sa hallway habang naghahabulan ng tsinelas at nang tinawag na ako para makita ang pamilya ko ay kinabahan ako.
I calmed myself while walking inside the room where my wife had just given birth, kaagad kong nasalubong ang nakangiting doktor at nagsalita siya.
"Congratulations, Mr. Dmitrov, they are healthy baby girls." She said.
I nodded, halos paunti-unti pa ang lakad ko at nang tuluyang makita ang asawa ko ay nahulog na ang luha ko.
She was lying on the bed, sniffing, on her chest are our twin baby girls.
"P-Pinga..."
"P-Pingu...they're beautiful..." she sniffed kaya mas binilisan ko ang lakad para marating ko sila.
Nanlabo ang mga mata ko sa tuloy-tuloy na pagpatak ng luha nang makita ng malapitan ang tatlo sa pinakamahahalagang babae sa buhay ko.
"T-touch them, they're so soft." She said in a small voice at inangat ko ang dalawang kamay, natatakot man no'ng una ay inilapit sa dalawang prinsesa ko and my heart pounded when they gripped it both at the same time.
They're beautiful...Oh, God. They're beautiful.
"I-I'm...I'm a Dad now, right?" my voice broke while saying that and she smiled, nodding.
"Y-yes, you're a Daddy Pingu now, officially." She answered and my heart was filled with indescribable happiness, mabilis akong tumungo para sakupin ang labi ng asawa ko bago dinala sa labi ang kamay ng dalawang prinsesa ko.
"Thank you...thank you, Crest." I stared at her eyes, "m-mahal na mahal ko kayo."
"We love you too," she mouthed and gave me her sweetest smile.
"Hello po, Mr. and Mrs. Dmitrov, ask ko lang po if may napili na kayong names sa girls?" the nurse came and smiled at us kaya sumulyap ako sa asawa ko at ngumiti siya sa akin at tumango.
"Clytemnestra Avery and...Reese Veronica." I said, referring to our princesses' names.
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