Wakas
Hi, Archers! Thank you so much for making this far! It was a long journey with Zy, Bullet, Twila and the Sandejas Family! I was happy yet a bit sad since this book will be the last book to feature Zeijan and Alyx's family in this series but don't worry! More books from the series will have a lot of pabida moments from our fam! Thank you so much for the love and support! Will forever be grateful to write with you! Let's toast for more stories to come!!! I love you all from me and Sandejas Fam!💞
PS: See you in the next book!🫢
—
Wakas
.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.
His Shattered Bullets
"Kunin at tanggapin ang alay na ito..." the music from the television from the mass echoed the living room where the family are.
Today is Sunday, one of our monthly get togethers at umaga pa lang ay nandito na kami para at nasaktuhang manuod ng misa.
Naabutan ko si Mama Lena at Papa Jer na nag-aayos ng upuan kaya tumulong ako pagkarating ko no'ng umagang 'yon.
"Morning, Mama!" I greeted, kissing her forehead.
"Good morning, anak! Nasaan na ang Dad mo?"
"Nasa labas po nagpa-park pa, may dala kaming p'wedeng ihawin. After mass kain tayo."
She smiled sweetly, kissing my cheek. Binuhat ko ang upuan galing sa kamay niya bago ngumisi kay Papa Jer na pinanliliitan ako ng mata.
"Ano na naman, Zion Schauffer?"
"Na-miss mo ba ang pinakagwapo mong apo, Pa?" I grinned.
Naghalakhakan sila, ginagawang biro ang sinabi kong katotohanan pero sanay naman na ako. Ayaw lang nila aminin na ako talaga raw at baka lumaki ang ulo.
'Di nila alam humble naman ako...
Inakbayan ako ni Papa at ginulo ang buhok ko.
"How was school, Zy?"
"Ito, Pa. Perfect pa rin."
"Perfect? Eh, nakipagbasag-ulo 'yan no'ng nakaraan, Dad!" My lips protruded when my Mom entered and said that.
"Kasalanan naman nila, My!" Reklamo ko.
"What happened?" Nagtatakang tanong ni Papa Jer. "Bakit ka nakipagbasag-ulo?"
"He started a fight," ani Mom na humalik kay Mama Lena bago kay Papa na yumakap pa sa kanya. "Napa-detention, may warning na galing sa university."
"Started a fight because...?"
"Of a girl," Mom explained.
Natigilan si Papa. Napansin ko ang pagsulyap niya kay Mama Lena sabay taas ng kilay. Napatawa si Mama at umiling.
"Why not?" I asked, "they were making fun of my girl! Tinatawag siyang Sadako! Naiinis ako. Muntik na nga siya patirin no'ng nakaraan kung 'di ku pa nakita kaya nabwiset na ako. Sinapak ko na."
Papa laughed loudly.
"Good job!" He exclaimed and tapped my back.
I grinned widely.
My mother just blinked. Mama Lena rolled her eyes, stifling a laugh.
"Mag-lolo nga kayo," Mama mumbled. "It runs in the blood, huh, Alyx?"
"Hmm..." naupo si Mom sa tabi ni Mama. "Don't tell me Dad did that before, too?"
"Countless times, Alyx," Mama smiled. "Ginagawang kwarto ang detention n'yan dati. Regular customer, masyadong nag-enjoy sa aircon."
Papa frowned, "grabe ka naman sa 'kin, Harriet! H'wag ka, Alyx, alam mo bang nagpa-detention din 'yan siya para makausap ako kasi magkagalit kami?"
Nanlaki ang mata ko at napahagalpak ng tawa ang Mommy.
"Really?!"
"Yup! Ganyan ang epekto ng kagwapuhang 'to..." Sabay kindat ni Papa at lahad ng mukha niya.
"Mana-mana kasi iyan, misis!" Ang isang kampon ni Jer. Ang pinakapoging anak—s'yempre Daddy ko 'yan kaya ako ang pinaka sa apo—Zeijan Sandejas, ay lumitaw din na may malaking ngiti.
"Alam mo bang nakikipagsapakan din ako para sa 'yo?" Sabay hila niya kay Mommy na napatili nang pugpugin ng halik ng Dad ko.
I just watched them, fascinated and amazed.
To have such a love like this? Such a dream.
I hope I could give this kind to the woman I'd marry.
Hopefully, it would be Theia.
She was something else. Quiet but beautiful.
We met and ended up sharing lunch because I noticed she was only eating that sandwich with an egg and mayo. Paborito ata niya.
As much as I am glad she was eating her favorites, I can't help but notice her only eating that almost everyday. Minsan nga ay wala pa. Ang tubig niya ay kinukuha lang niya sa water dispenser sa cafeteria gamit ang plastik na bote ng tubig galing sa cafeteria.
Tahimik. Palaging mag-isa at iwas na iwas sa mga tao.
She was often hiding that beautiful face I had the chance to see a couple of times now because I'm nosy. Atsaka 'di rin naman niya matitiis ang kagwapuhan ko kaya wala siyang kawala.
I grinned when she gave me a look.
"Pinupuri mo na naman ang sarili mo sa utak mo, ano?" She asked boredly.
Umawang ang labi ko.
"Paano mo nalaman?!"
"It's obvious," tinuro niya ang mukha ko. "Kapag nangingiti ka nang parang tanga, nag-i-imagine ka na kung gaano ako gwapong-gwapo sa 'yo."
Mas nahulog ang panga ko at napatakip pa sa bibig.
"Grabe, Theia! Kilalang-kilala mo 'ko?!"
"Mukha mo," bumusangot siya.
"...gwapo?" Hirit ko.
Inabot niya ang notebook at hinagis sa pwesto ko. Laughing, I caught it mid-air before opening her notes, noting her pretty penmanship.
Tinignan ko ang mga sagot niya sa activity kanina. I took out my pen to point out what she did wrong with the mistakes.
"Akin na nga..." inabot niya ang notebook pero 'di ako pumayag.
"Wait, hun," bulong ko at inilipat ang papel para i-point out pa ang iba.
I heard her sigh, "anong mali?"
I glanced at her before biting the pen. I smiled.
"Come 'er," I tapped my lap.
Sumimangot siya.
"No,"
My lips protruded.
"Okay, damot naman," inarte ko pero ngumiti at tinapik ang tabi ko.
Tumayo siya. I waited for her to sit beside me before continuing when she pulled my hand away and sat on my lap.
Nagulat ako at tinitigan siya.
I swallowed.
Did she just...
"W-what?" Namula ang mukha niya at kinamot ang pisngi. "Tell me!" Sabay baling niya sa notebook.
Fuck...
Nag-iinit man ang mukha ko sa halong kilig at gulat ay 'di na ako umimik. I was given a blessing today. Minsan lang 'to kaya dapat sinusulit!
Inilusot ko ang braso sa tagiliran niya para hawakan ang tiyan niya ng palad. I pressed my chest on her back, kissed her nape briefly before playing with the pen.
"Here, honey," tinuro ko ang notebook at ipinaliwanag sa kanya saan siya nagkamali sa subject. She missed something in deriving the formula kaya mas mababa ang sagot niya.
She listened intently, her black eyes determined and focused.
This is one of the million reasons I love about her. Her enthusiasm and determination to learn.
Pansin ko iyon na medyo alangan siya sa ibang subject na magkasama kami. Minsan ay tititig siya ng matagal sa calculator niya o 'di kaya'y sa notebook kaya para tulungan siya ay nagkukunwari akong nang-aasar at kukunin ang notebook niya.
When she was pissed atsaka ko kunwari papansinin ang notebook niya at ipapakita ang sagot ko. She copies my answers but I don't let her just do that, I'm explaining how it happened so she won't depend on me.
Luckily, I can see a lot of progress but there are still some she couldn't get and I made it a hobby to steal her notebook to check. Para mang-asar, pinapaupo ko sa hita ko para kunwari bayad sa tutor.
Madalas wala sa mood kaya nahahampas ako ng libro sa braso pero minsan ay swerte, nasa mood kaya ito, feel na feel ko namang nakaupo sa hita ko.
"Oh...alright," she nodded. "Iyon lang pala?"
"Yup, hun," I agreed and took the calculator. "Also, don't forget to press shift, mode and clear to reset your calculator."
"Ah, okay, so ganito?" She followed my instructions, showing me the calculator. She recalculated her answers and I grinned, proud, when she finally got it right.
Halos kalahating oras ko siya tinuruan, tinagalan ko pa ng ilang minuto at masyado akong nag-e-enjoy sa pag-upo niya sa hita ko.
I felt like a giant with her tiny body on my lap, thrilled because she fits just right.
I caressed her stomach and kissed her cheek when she repeated the questions again.
"You only have thirty minutes left until your next class, honey," paalala ko. "Kain ka na."
"Hmm..." she hummed, "in a bit. I have my sandwich—"
"Akin na 'yong sandwich, may lunch ako," sinabi ko na.
Nilingon niya ako.
"Sinasadya mo, ano?" aniya.
"Sinasadya?"
"Na kunin ang sandwich ko?"
I laughed, nodding my head.
"How did you know? Ang sarap, eh, gawa mo 'yon kaya paborito ko na rin." I beamed.
"Kaninong lunch na naman kinulimbat mo?" Tanong niya habang pinapanuod akong inaabot ang paper bag para ilabas ang Tupperware na dala ko.
"H'wag ka, niluto ko 'to," pagbibida ko. "Pinatikim ko kay Dad, masarap daw kaya...pero s'yempre para sa 'yo, mas masarap pa rin ako."
She made faces. Ang ganda-ganda talaga kaya hinalikan ko ulit ang pisngi sabay huli sa panga niya at pugpog ng halik.
She squealed and laughed, slapping my arm away. 'Di ko pinakawalan at mas niyakap lang, nagpapaulan ng halik sa mukha at buhok.
She pushed me a bit away. Pinakawalan ko ng bahagya at mas lumaki ang ngiti nang tumayo siya at sumampa sa akin.
She rested her back on the wooden table, watching me with her black eyes and the majestic brownish-red rims around it. Sinuklay ko ang itim niyang buhok at inipit sa likod ng kanyang tainga.
How I love this woman...she just didn't know it yet but I'd give her everything. If she lets me.
Inilagay ko ang palad sa likod niya para umalalay. Nahulog ng tingin ko sa skirt niyang umangat sa pagsampa sa akin at umigting ang panga.
I cautiously look around, checking if there are any asshole ogling over my woman. After verifying we're alone, mas bumilis ang paghinga ko.
She began humping. Mas umigting ang panga ko.
"Theia..." I warned.
That delicious and seductive grin was back again. Ipinatong niya ang palad sa balikat ko at iginalaw ang balak.
I fucking moaned and buried my fingers on her waist.
"Stop it, Theia," I whispered. "We're in school premises, baby."
"When do I care?" She whispered hoarsely, biting her lower lip.
She humped on me again that my curses turned into desperate pleas that I couldn't do anything but be her slave when she went down on me.
"Fuck, honey," I fisted my palms, gasping for air.
I looked down at her in between my knees, kneeling. My cock inside her tiny mouth.
I caressed her hair before fisting it with palm. She let out a small moan, it vibrated on my skin.
"Shit..." I cursed and thrusted inside her mouth.
The evil glint on her black eyes intensified when she saw me losing control.
"Take it," I commanded and fucked her mouth right there and then. She liked it so much that after I came and she swallowed me all, inangat niya ang daliri.
"Open," utos niya.
Confused, I parted my mouth and she let me taste her fingers. Tasting her juices, I sucked on it, maintaining eye contact.
"I fucked myself while sucking you," she smirked.
Nakaka-stress si Theia Dominguez.
Nakapamaywang ako habang pinapanuod siya sa salamin habang nagsesepilyo. She winked at me in the reflection.
"Ang sabi ko, kumain ka, Theia." Pagalit ko.
"What? I ate..." she looked back at me, down to my crotch.
"N-no...not that...fuck..." I adjusted my pants. "I meant food, Miss Dominguez. Not my cock."
"Oohhh..." she whistled and rinsed her mouth. "I like that dick better, though."
Nagpamaywang na akong lalo, nakukonsumi na. She laughed.
"Calm down, mother," she walked closer to me and tapped my cheek. "I'm fine."
"Pero 'di ka pa kumakain..." inarte ko, "you have a straight three-hour class. I'm not joking around, woman."
Humaba ang nguso niya at yumakap sa leeg ko.
"I'm fine, Zy. I promise." She soothed. I melted right through with it.
Ipinaikot ko ang braso sa baywang niya at hinila siya papalapit sa akin. I kissed her head.
"Promise me you'll eat if you had the chance," I whispered.
"I promise," mas yumakap siya sa akin. "Wala naman atang gagawin sa klase ngayon. I promise I'd eat right away, I'll even show you the empty container after class."
Hindi ako umimik. Mas niyakap ko lang siya at ipinikit ang mata.
"Zy?"
"I bought a tumbler for you," I whispered. "Kulay pink, sa akin blue para matchy-matchy."
She laughed.
"Alright, Mr. Romantic."
"'Di ka ba kinikilig?" Tanong ko, "tinawanan nga ako ni Sibyl no'ng nakita akong nakikisali sa mga mag-jowa para lang bumili. Corny ko raw."
"Corny naman talaga,"
Napalayo ako.
"W-weh? Corny ba?"
Her eyes softened. Smiling with amusement, she cupped my cheek.
"You're corny, yes, but you're my corny." She kissed my lips briefly. "Ikaw lang ang corny na gusto ko."
My heart skipped a beat.
"G-gusto mo 'ko?" I blurted.
Her eyes widened and blushing, she pushed me away and ran towards the paper bag.
"Theia?! Saan ka? Gusto mo 'ko?!"
"I-I have a class!" She screamed.
"Theia—"
"Bye!" Before I could ask again, she was running away from me.
Nakagat ko ang labi at napahawak sa dibdib. My heart was fucking racing like it was in adrenaline.
Fuck, man. I loved that girl so much.
Our relationship—or not, we're not officially together but we flirt and make out everytime we had the chance so para sa akin, mag-jowa na kami. It went on for a long time, I even convinced her to meet my family but she wasn't yet ready.
I respected it.
Kung 'di pa siya handa, ayos lang. Basta ba 'di siya lalayo sa akin. I think my family would understand though, I just couldn't keep a secret. I can't help but tell my father I had my eyes to a wonderful woman.
Pumunta siya ng university no'ng araw na 'yon para manuod ng rehearsal ni Sibyl sa dance class. Mom wanted to go but she had taping so she couldn't.
"Dad," inabot ko kay Dad ang binili kong pagkain at naupo kami sa may bench kung saan kita namin ang malawak na field kung nasaan ang mga estudyanteng nagpa-practice ng sports at ang iba'y nag-aaral sa mga bench kalapit.
"Thanks, 'nak," he smiled at me. "So, nasaan ang crush mo?"
Natahimik ako at tumikhim.
"Secret," sagot ko sabay bukas ng burger at kagat.
"Secret?" Sumimangot siya. "Nagse-secret ka na sa Daddy Pogi mo? Paano na kita niyan matuturuan ng pogi tips paano makapaghumaling ng babae? Marami ako matutulong sa 'yo, kita mo naman kung paano ko nabingwit ang Mommy Ganda mo."
"Nabingwit?" Humagalpak ako, "yari ka kay mom kapag narinig ka no'n ginawa mo siyang isda."
He winced, "joke lang, ito naman. Ayaw kong matulog sa labas."
Nagkatawanan kami.
"Tell me, do you like this girl?" He asked.
"So much," I smiled with the thought of her.
Mamaya pa ang pasok no'n. I sighed. I can't wait to see her. I missed her so much.
"She's beautiful. A bit shy and grumpy but..."
"Bakit ang hilig natin sa mga masungit, anak?" He noticed. "Sinusungitan ako ng mommy mo dati pero sa halip na lumayo mas na in love lang ako.
"They're adorable," I pointed out. "And it's fulfilling seeing them pissed at our dry sense of humor, I guess? Also, it's fun to think they're only smiling at us?"
"Maybe," ani Dad na nagdekwatro. "They're fun and adorable. Your mom was like that, she's extra hot when angry and—"
"TMI!" I exclaimed. Mas tumawa siya.
"Sorry na," ngumisi siya. "Nami-miss ko lang ang mommy mo, subukan lang talaga ng mga gago do'n na harutin siya makakatikim sila sa 'kin ng sapak."
"Possessive," I teased. "Kakakita mo pa lang kay mommy two hours ago, makapagsalita 'to akala mo isang buwan 'di nagkita."
"Bakit? Kapag ba 'di mo nakikita kahit saglit 'yong crush mo 'di mo nami-miss?"
I stopped.
"I do," I realized it. "I do missed her miserably...kahit kakakita ko lang sa kanya kahapon."
"If you love someone, my handsome child, time is a big thing. Hours not seeing that person seems like weeks, kapag magkasama naman kayo parang ang bilis ng oras."
Napatango ako.
He's right.
"If you don't search for that one person in the crowd most of the times then it wasn't love, son," aniya. "But if you did then, welcome sa marupok club."
Napahagalpak ako.
"Akala ko ba, Dad, kapag Sandejas 'di marupok?" I asked.
"Charot-charot lang iyon, gwapo, para 'di masabihang patay na patay." Kumagat siya ng burger. "Para may pride pa rin."
"Pride? Pride who? 'Di naman tayo sabon." I answered.
Kahit walang kwenta ay nagtawanan kaming dalawang parang tanga, nagtutulakan pa sa bench. Napalakas pa nga ang tulak ko sa kanya kaya bumalentong siya sa lapag at muntik na akong masakal at nahulog ang burger niyang inuunti-unti niya sana kasi masarap daw.
We're weird I guess. Nothing new.
Sa sobrang corny, kami na lang nagkakaintindihan.
I was in the middle of laughing with my father when my eyes caught someone familiar in the distance.
My Theia.
Nakatungo siya, natatabunan ng buhok ang mukha habang naglalakad at may binabasa sa notebook. My smile widened when she sat in the bench right across from mine, engrossed with studying.
"Tapos..."
"Huh, Dad?" Nilingon ko si Dad na nabitin sa pagkikwento.
"Ang sabi ko may bago akong recipe, turo ko sa 'yo sa susunod."
I watched her more, smiling like a fool when she scratched her cheek.
What stresses you out, honey?
"Ayan ba 'yong crush mo?" Napatalon ako at nilingon ang dad na nakangisi sa akin.
"H-huh?"
"Crush mo," aniya. "'Yan ba?" Tinuro niya si Theia.
I lowered his hand down, "h'wag mo ituro, dad!"
"So...ayan nga? 'Di ko makita ang mukha pero paniguradong maganda. Ayan 'yon, 'no?"
"Yes—no!" I panicked more.
Shit, should I say yes? I want to but will it pressure Theia? Or...
"Miss, crush ka raw ng anak ko—" tinalon ko ang Dad at tinakpan ang bibig niya.
"Dad!" I hissed.
He pulled my hand away, "bakit? Tulungan lang kita dumiskarte, ang bagal-bagal mo—"
My eyes and Theia's met. Napatayo siya pagkakitang kasama ko ang dad.
Umiling ako at kumaway bago hinila ang dad papaalis.
"Patingin—"
"No!" Inakbayan ko ang dad, "ipapakilala ko sa inyo next time!"
Ngumuso siya.
"Okay fine..." he sang, muntik ko nang masapo ang mukha.
Naging matunog sa university ang pagsama-sama ko kay Theia. They think I was just messing around. The boys in the basketball team we joined just for fun with my cousins even introduced me to cheerleaders and girls.
Wala akong interes kapag hindi si Theia.
"Hi, Zy, wanna join later? We're going to the club!" Jackie offered. Naging kaklase ko ito sa sa isang subject.
It was obvious she's into me, nasabi na rin sa akin ng mga lalaki kaya ngumiti ako.
"No, I have a date. Thanks for the invitation." I formally said.
Nawala ang ngiti niya, "date...with who?"
"With me," a strict, familiar voice answered.
Mas lumawak ang ngiti ko.
"Hun!" I beamed and hopped closer to her like a kid.
Habang nakikipagtitigan si Theia kay Jackie ay humalik ako sa pisngi niya bago kinuha ang bag niya at sinukbit sa balikat ko, sinasakop sa braso ang iilang libro. Inagaw ang paperbag niya para silipin ang baunan.
Ubos.
Good girl.
"How's the food? Masarap, hun?" I asked.
She shifted her attention to me.
"Yup, gusto ko 'yong palaman ng lumpia, ikaw may gawa?"
"Yup! Eh, 'yong sawsawan kumusta?"
"Great," she answered. "I like the spicy one more."
Tumango ako, hinahagilap ang palad niya para sana makipag-holding hands pero ang tingin niya'y nasa iba.
I followed her gaze and remembered she's here.
"Ah, thanks for the invitation again, Jackie." I smiled. "We gotta go."
"O-oh, sure," ngumiti siyang maliit pero ang tingin ay napansin kong nagdilim. My Theia raised her brow at her, lips firming.
Hinuli ko na ang daliri niya at dinala sa labi ko.
"Tara na, honey," tawag ko at hinila na siya papaalis.
She was quiet while we're walking together. I noticed the usual stares the students are giving us whenever we get past them.
Mas tumungo si Theia.
"Honey..." I called.
"Hmm?"
"What's the matter?" I asked.
Umiling pa siyang lalo.
"He's really dating her?"
"Si Zion papatol sa weird? Hindi! Flavor of the month niya lang 'yan—"
"Flavor of the month, ang dami namang months kung gano'n?" I decided to speak up.
The hush tones silenced. Tumiim ang panga ko, iritado na.
"Zion..." Theia called.
Umawang ang labi ko para magsalitang muli pero hinila na niya ako papalayo. I decided to follow, frowning when she faced me when we got out of the university.
"Stop it," she hissed.
"Stop what?"
"Stop defending me," she sighed. "I'm fine, alright? I don't mind what those people are saying. It doesn't bother me."
"It doesn't? Then in my case, it bothers the hell out of me, Theia."
"You shouldn't! Not when what they're saying are true, Zion!" she exclaimed.
Natahimik ako.
"What do you mean?"
"That...that...maybe I'm your flavor of what? Months? That I should just wait for you to get tired chasing after me!"
Hindi ako nakapagsalita nang hilahin niya ang kamay paalis sa hawak ko.
I watched it happen and it pierced a piece of my heart.
She took her hand away...
My jaw clenched.
"Kailan ba?" Bumilis ang paghinga niya, "kailan ka mapapagod sa 'kin? When are you going to drop me, Zion? Why waste your damn time with me—"
"Because I love you!" I exclaimed.
Natigalgal siya.
"I love you so fucking much, Theia! Sa lahat ng 'to...sa lahat...iniisip mo pa rin na pinaglalaruan kita? Na hindi ako seryoso sa 'yo?"
She just watched me, wide-eyed.
"You think I was doing this for fun? Because I was bored, well, news flash! I wasn't! I like you! I want you! I'm in love with you, okay?!"
I gritted my teeth.
"They are saying—"
"Mas nakakasama mo ako! Mas nakakausap mo ako! Mas kilala mo ako pero mas pinipili mo pa ring maniwala sa sinasabi nila!" I exclaimed. "Did they know what I really felt? No, but you do! And now...you think I was just doing this for fun, huh, Theia?"
Nagbaba siya ng tingin, umiiwas.
"You think...all of this...because I just want to play with you?" Acid dripped on my voice.
I couldn't believe this. All this time I thought I am doing a good job making my intentions clear but I guess...
She scratched her cheek and wiped something off her cheek.
That shattered my heart.
Closing my eyes, I brushed my hair to calm down.
I breathed heavily before walking to reach for her cheek.
Inangat ko ang mukha niya at nakita ang pagkislap ng mga mata niya. My eyes softened.
"Shh..." in the end, I was the first one to stepped down and brushed her tears away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice. Come on, sorry..." I hushed.
She sniffed, closed her eyes before resting her cheek on my palm.
"S-sorry...I...I'm sorry, Zy." She cried.
Oh, fuck. I made her cry.
Fuck, Zion. What have you done?
Hinila ko siya ng marahan at binalot ng mahigpit na yakap.
"S-sorry..."
"No, it wasn't your fault. I'm sorry, too." I whispered.
"Natatakot lang ako," bulong niya at humigpit ang hawak sa uniporme ko. "I-I didn't know what love is I...I'm sorry, Zy."
Tumango ako.
"I understand," hinaplos ko ang likod niya. "I am not forcing and pressuring you to reciprocate my feelings for you."
"W-what can I do, then?" She asked, "p-palagi na lang ikaw ang mas nagmamahal sa atin."
"There's no such thing as that, Theia. Feelings don't just come, it develops. I am not asking anything from you, just let me love you, okay?"
She fisted my uniform.
"O-okay..." she sniffed, "I'm sorry again. My head's j-just a mess these days and..."
"I understand," mas hinigpitan ko ang yakap sa kanya. "It's okay, I promise."
It prompt me to somehow decide a public grand gesture for hair which obviously, in the end was fucked up. I ended up watching her running away from me.
Luckily after eating what I've said, in short: I don't beg because to beg is water. I got the chance to see her again.
However, I found out more about her. How she was trying to protect me. She made me promise not to look at her background or she will leave for real now. That if I tried, I won't see her again so I obliged.
It was better to see her with secrets than not see her at all.
I could only compromise. It's my only way to meet her everyday.
She wasn't attending school anymore because of my shitty decisions of doing that public gestures so I attended school for her.
I took notes about our lessons, making recordings of our lecture in that class where we were classmates. Nakiusap din ako sa mga kakilala kong galing sa ibang klase niya kung p'wedeng makahingi ako ng notes.
I took pictures of it and write some during my break. Kapag tapos ng klase, umuuwi ako sa bahay para kumuha ng bagong damit kung naubos na ang spare ko.
With my overnight bag and home cooked meals, I'd knock on her door to see her.
"Again, Zy?" Nakangiting bungad niya pagkakita sa 'kin. "Ginagawang bahay mo na 'to, ah? Baka pabayarin na kita ng renta, ah?"
I grinned, "sure! Tamang-tamang mag-stay pa ko ng mas matagal." Sabay pakita ko ng overnight bag ko at pasalubong.
She laughed and jumped on me. I caught her midair and kissed her.
"I love you," I whispered. "I took notes for you, mahal."
Her eyes brightened.
"Really?!"
Tumango ako at dinala siya sa upuan. I sat and made her sit on my lap.
I brushed her cheek and kissed her beauty mark.
"Yup, I'll prepare our foods first. Open my bag and check the notes there."
"Okay, thank youuu!" She beamed, gave me a wet kiss with a warm embrace before standing and skipping to take my bag.
That was our rotation, I would cook and take notes for her in class. Ang kapalit no'n ay s'yempre, p'wede ako makitulog sa bahay niya.
Pero dahilan niya lang 'yon, alam ko namang patay na patay iyon sa 'kin at kitang-kita ang pagliliwanag ng mukha niya tuwing nakikita ako.
We had our lazy mornings after a night of nonstop sex. Minsan makakatulog kaming nagkikwentuhan, minsan ay nakakatulog pagkatapos magtuhugan...
And mostly, I love spending time with her for no reasons at all.
Lazy evenings. Lazy afternoons with random topics.
"Honey, payag ka may special powers ka pero walang kwenta," I said randomly.
She stopped brushing my hair.
"Huh? Paanong special powers na walang kwenta?"
"Payag ka no'n, nababasa mo utak ng kaklase mo sa exam tapos mali lahat ng sagot niya?"
Kinaltukan niya ako. Ngumisi ako at hinuli ang palad niya.
"Ikaw ba, mahal, kung may special powers na walang kwenta na para sa 'kin...anong babagay?"
Kumunot ang noo niya.
"You are so random, you know that?"
"Uh-hmm!" I grinned, "patulan mo na, dali! Anong p'wede sa 'kin?"
Natahimik siya, nag-iisip. I waited patiently.
"Ang tagal naman—"
"Payag ka no'n ikaw pinakagwapo sa buong mundo?" She asked.
My eyes brightened. Why not?!
"Sure—"
"—pero bulag lahat ng tao," she finished.
When my face fell. Tawang-tawa siya sa sariling joke niya na natulak na ako paalis sa hita niya kaya plakda ako sa lapag. Naka-lips-to-lips pa ang sementong bagong floor wax.
Ang tamis.
Lasang aray.
My family have noticed me leaving but didn't take it as a big deal. I'm a grown up and could make my own decisions.
There are times where she'd fell asleep on my lap while reviewing my notes. Binubuhat ko siya sa kwarto bago tatabi sa kanya and vice versa. Sometimes, while studying for an exam, I'm falling asleep on her lap pero s'yempre 'di niya ako binubuhat.
Imagining her with that tiny body in big muscles are not really for my brain to process. Basta nagigising na lang ako na tulog siyang nakaupo at hawak-hawak ang kamay ko.
Sulit na sulit na ako roon pero alam ko sa sariling hindi iyon sapat na buhay na ibigay para sa kanya.
It's not the life I have dreamed for us—for her. I want to introduce her to my family, to go on dates with her publicly...to give her a home.
I asked her a lot of times to live with me in my condo but she declined. She wanted to stay lowkey, to keep us a secret. I am not even allowed to discuss this blooming relationship with my family.
If she didn't want to go to my house, I'd go to her house.
Kahit ano, basta makasama lang siya.
I was sad but I understand. She was living a double life.
She works for someone I didn't know. She knew well how to use knives, guns and weapons like me. I didn't question it.
She'll leave if I do.
Pero 'di naman p'wedeng ganito na lang, hindi ba? Kailangan kong kumilos, hindi ako papayag na sikreto kami sa mahabang panahon.
Just as I was starting to dig, a tragedy happened in my family. Theia warned me about it but still, I was too late.
I failed my family.
It was a stressful and exhausting. How she found out about Wyatt Anderson, I didn't ask but I didn't promise I'd dig about it.
Pagod na pagod ang pamilya. My family was traumatized, my Dad was nearly silent, my mother was shot, my sisters were traumatized. I am hurt.
Pagod na pagod ako pero si Theia ang naging pahinga ko. One time, while I was walking my way out of the hospital and saw her waiting, I lost it all.
I cried and embraced her, that's when I realized I wanted to marry her and so I asked. Right that instant, with the clothes we bought in the mall, in a small chapel and a priest, we got married.
It was a dream come true, to see her walking towards me with her white dress and shy smile. It made me imagine the life we will have if we get through this but those images faded when I fell on the stairs and felt the excruciating pain piercing through my skull.
All those memories and pictures of us and the future got washed away and it was because of Wyatt Anderson Jr.
He fooled my sister and hurt our family in the process. He was the reason why I had to smile through the pain, the reason why I seek for something—for someone I didn't know.
How it felt...to lose something I didn't know I had.
Sibyl watched me. Her eyes filled with sadness and apology for the things I didn't know what for.
I smiled at her, extending my hand to give her the comfort drink, iced coffee.
"Kuya..."
"It's not your fault," I repeated, countless times now. "Don't worry about it."
Mas nahulog lang ang kanyang balikat.
"W-won't you even ask what you lost?" She asked.
Natahimik ako.
Of course, I was dying so bad to know what it was. I felt that something nagging on chest but I was afraid it would break me.
I can't afford to get weak. Kailangan malakas ako para sa pamilya ko. Para sa mga mahal ko sa buhay.
"Doesn't matter," I shrugged. "Why, do you think it was something important? If I asked you, will you tell me?"
She sipped on her coffee.
"You didn't tell me exactly but..." she bit her lip. "But I saw your happiness before the accident, Kuya. I just can't tell you what or who because..." umiling siya.
I smiled.
"It's okay," I cheered up. "The doctors said I shouldn't force my memories or I might end up losing it all. It's better to remember naturally, right?"
I reassured her but it was more like I'm doing it for myself because admit it or not? It still nags me.
I was training with the military during that time, traveling back and forth to the States for work to help my father find more Wyatt Anderson and going to Sta. Monica for my sister.
Then, I met that wonderful lady.
The pretty thief.
We had an amazing night together and I have never felt alive than that day. Nagising nga lang ako sa panaginip nang magising ako kinabukasan na wala siya.
As much as I wanted to look for her, I assumed I may be just her one night stand.
I let it go, didn't even try to look for her which I didn't know I'll regret in the future...
Mas nalugmok ang pamilya sa aksidente ni Sibyl sa ballet. When she attempted to end her life, it was also almost the end of us.
Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko kung nawala ang kapatid. Hindi ko alam kung paano pa mabubuhay habang iniisip ang pagkukulang ko bilang kuya nila.
Like mom and dad, I should be my sisters' shield. I should be their protector pero palagi na lang akong walang nagagawa. Walang kwenta.
"Kuya, cheer up!" Zirena beamed, "nalulungkot ako kapag malungkot ka."
I kissed her cheek, resting my head on her shoulder while squeezing her palm.
"Sorry, Zire. Ako ang kuya, it should be me protecting you both but..."
"Kuya," she sighed, "we're grown ups, we can protect ourselves. Also...please, don't blame yourself to the trauma you didn't cause. Don't blame yourself for the things you couldn't control. A-ayos na ako, I don't know if in the future I'd get over my phobia but...it's a process, right?"
"Sorry..."
"Wala kang kasalanan," malambing niyang sinabi. Na kahit siya ang bunso namin, sa ngayon ay parang siya ang ate ko. "All of these...it was that jerk's fault. You, dad, mom, and Ate Sib did everything to protect me. You did everything to protect our family, Kuya."
Ipinikit ko ang mata at niyakap ang kapatid.
"I-I'll be better, Zire," I whispered. "I promise, K-kuya will be better."
"Y-you don't have to be better, Kuya. You're already the best."
"Nasaan ang mangga—o-oh, my babies!" Sabay kaming nag-angat ng tingin ng kapatid at mas nagtubig ang mga mata ko pagkakita kay Mommy.
"Mom,"
"C-come on, my babies..." tumayo kaming magkapatid at walang salitang tinakbo ang mommy, mahigpit na yumayakap sa kanya.
"O-oh," she sniffed. "I-I'm sorry, Zy, Zire...it was my fault—"
"It wasn't," Zire and me answered in unison.
Dinala niya kami sa loob ng hospital room pagkatapos at walang salitang inangat ni Sib ang braso niya kaya hawak kamay kami ni Zire na tinakbo siya para yakapin.
I wailed, kissing her head, telling her how much I love her. I thanked her for being so strong, that I will always be here no matter what.
When my parents joined us, it comforted me.
Someday...we will be alright.
I stared at the dark night, thinking of something—of someone I didn't know who.
The skies are dark right now, are there people staring at the skies now and noticed how empty it was? How it lost its shine? How the stars vanished?
Marahil ay dito lang, sa lalaki ng mga buildings at mga ilaw sa kalangitan? Napakaimpossible nang makakita ng langit na punong-puno ng maliliit na bituin.
Sa ibang lugar, panigurado'y maraming bituin sa langit.
Wala naman sigurong masama kung maghahangad na balang araw ay makakita ulit ako ng liwanag sa dilim, ano? No one will judge...no one would know, anyway.
Kaya ako lang ang aasa.
Who knows that, that same night, everything will change?
We were called in the hospital and there was a baby.
"Dad?"
"Look at her," bulong niya kaya sinundan ko siya ng tingin at tila may humaplos sa puso ko pagkakita sa bata.
Just one look and I already fell in love.
She was so tiny. Like a small bean. Her eyes are tightly closed, her hands in a tight fist.
May humalukay sa t'yan ko habang pinagmamasdan siyang nasa incubator, ang mga nurse at doktor ay nakatayo sa gilid para tignan ang sitwasyon niya.
"H-how...why..."
"I rescued her in an Italian HQ," he said, his expressions in a mixture of awe and anger.
"Italian HQ? Wyatt?"
Tumango siya.
"I got her there and..." words seems to disappear from his mouth, umiling siya at tinapik ang braso ko. "We are keeping her."
Tumango ako, wala nang sinabi pa.
I would like...to keep her, too.
"Zeijan!" My mother, along with my siblings came and like me, when they first saw that little angel, they fell in love.
"We are keeping her," my mother announced.
I smiled, I couldn't seem to look away from her.
"Hello, Ma'am? Sir?" The nurse called. "P'wede na pong pumasok sa loob."
We wore protective gears: a mask, suit and hairnet before going inside.
The doctor moved her attention to us. Tumitig ako sa incubator at sa anghel sa loob.
Her eyelids are moving. It was long for her tiny face but for sure would make her more beautiful if she grows up.
"Hello, I'm Dra. Suarez," the doctor introduced herself.
"Hi, Dra. Suarez. I'm Zeijan Sandejas, this my wife Alyx and my children." We nodded at her. "How's the kid?" My father asked.
"Well, she's a preemie," she answered. "Underweight and malnourished."
Bumigat ang puso ko habang nakatitig sa anghel sa loob ng maliit na lagayan niya.
She looks so fragile, so...soft. I'm afraid to touch her.
Nararamdaman ko ang pagsikip ng puso, ang kagustuhang abutin siya at kunin lahat ng paghihirap niya. It was heartbreaking to see such an angel inside an incubator, parang magkamali ka lang ay mababasag mo.
"Will she be okay?" Mom asked.
"As of the moment, we are monitoring her so we couldn't be certain. She's probably born around twenty-eight or twenty nine weeks. Medyo risky po iyon sa sanggol at dahil malnourished ang bata, kailangan pa po nating maobserbahan."
I fisted my palms, enraged at the thought of this little kid in a warehouse with fucking assholes and criminals.
How is her mother? Where was she? Did she leave the kid alone?
"I will be monitoring the kid twenty-four to forty-eight for any progress. For now, it will be better for the baby to stay in NICU for further observations."
"Is it..." I swallowed before glancing her way, "is it possible she'll survive?"
Her eyes glistened. Glancing at the baby and to us, she folded her fingers. My heart raced.
"The baby's situation is delicate as of the moment. I didn't think she was born in a hospital. Most probably a home birth. I didn't want to give you false hopes but we will do our best for her."
"Thank you, Doc." My father's eye watered, staring at the little angel.
My heart fell. I closed my eyes and swallowed the lump on my throat. Ang hirap-hirap huminga.
I couldn't fathom to think what the kid went through. If it was home birth, baka hindi inaasahan ang pagkapanganak sa kanya. Did someone even helped the mother gave birth?
Sino ang Nanay niya? Did she abandoned here? Where was she?
"Can I touch her hand?" I couldn't help but ask the doctor.
"Sure," tumango siya. "But be careful and quick."
Tumango ako bago inilusot ang kamay sa butas para maabot ang kamay ng anghel. I touched her balled tiny fist, gasping when she opened her tiny palm and caged my finger for a tight grip.
"Oh..." the doctor cooed, smiling. "She likes you."
"Is she?" Nangingilid ang luha ay binalingan ko ang doktor.
"She is,"
Hinawi ko ang luha nang maramdaman ang basa sa pisngi bago marahang hinaplos ang maliit niyang kamay na nakahawak sa akin.
"Fight, princess," I whispered. "I—we will take care of you."
"Twila Klein," my father said kaya binalingan ko siya.
"Her name is Twila Klein," sumulyap siya sa incubator. "Twinkle would be your new little sister."
"Yay! Ate na ako!" Zire beamed happily, nagkatawanan kami.
In the darkest nights, she became the light. She became the star in the empty skies and again, we have witnessed hope.
Twila Klein was a little and brave survivor. She was a fighter. After fighting an infection and weeks with antibiotics, she became well.
When Sibyl had to go back to the States for her therapy, kasama niya ang mga magulang. Zire was working and I was the only one with a lot of free time these days kaya ako ang nagpresintang magbantay kay Twinkle.
She's an adorable kid. I still remembered the day I first held her on my arms.
I couldn't help myself and cried, as if she was my child. Well, she's family ever since we first laid our eyes on her.
Anak ko man o kapatid, it doesn't really matter. Pinangako ko na sa sarili na aalagaan at mamahalin ko ang anghel na 'to.
She became our light in the darkest times of our lives. A ball of sunshine.
Literally this time because she keeps me up late at night and morning. I have eye bags now, nabawasan na ng 0.01% ang kagwapuhan kong taglay.
She wailed. Pikit pa ang mata ay tumayo ako ng diretso, ang paa ay kabisado na ang pwesto ng gatas sa kwarto. I opened my one eye, checking if I was making the right formula.
Yawning, I walked towards her crib to carry her up on my arms, sitting on the couch with her.
"Shhh, princess," I murmured, "here..."
Pinanuod ko siyang iniinom ang kanyang gatas. Her tiny hands gripped the bottle like her life depended on it and when she locked gazes with me, her amber eyes twinkled. Inilayo niya bigla ang bote at ngumiti sa akin, nakikipaglaro.
Simply like that, all the exhaustion faded.
"I know, I know..." I cooed. "Ngiti-ngiti ka d'yan, alam na alam mo kung paano ako kunin, ano?"
She giggled. I chuckled, kissing her forehead.
"Da-da!" She mumbled.
My eyes widened. Did she just say her first word?
"W-what? Say it again?"
"Da...da!" Lumobo ang laway niya.
I laughed.
"Oh, good girl!" I chirped, wanting so bad to call someone but she's in my care alone. Nasa ibang bansa ang pamilya kaya walang mapagsabihan.
"But I'm not Dada, Twinkle," I touched her cheek when she started drinking milk again. "I'm Kuya. Say...Ku-ya."
She pulled her bottle away.
"Da-da!" She repeated.
Naramdaman ko ang pangingilid ng luha ko sa narinig na 'yon mula sa kanya.
I'm not her father but her first words touched something inside me I couldn't explain what. There's this invisible pride inside me screaming it was me who heard her first words.
Moving her gently closer against my chest, I inhaled her soft scent, kissing her head.
"Very good, princess," I whispered. "Kuya is so proud of you, little fighter."
Inabot niya lang ang buhok ko.
"Aww, gusto mo ang hair ni Kuya?" Tanong ko na nauwi lang sa singhap nang bigla niyang hatakin ang buhok ko.
"Really, Twila? Really?" I asked.
She only giggled.
I watched her growing up into the tiny little bean to a healthy little girl. She was so full of life, palangiti at mahilig makisabay sa pang-aasar.
However, taking care of her is extra since she was always sick as a kid. Madalas kaming nasa pedia para sa weekly or monthly check up niya. Hindi sa kanya p'wede ang basta-bastang pagkain na binibili sa labas dahil sensitive.
Salitan kami ni Sibyl sa pagbabantay sa kanya. Kapag nasa shooting ang Mommy kasama si Dad o 'di kaya'y may therapy o exhibit si Sibyl ay ako ang nagbabantay sa kanya. Kapag ako naman ang abala sa mga misyon sa DEA o trabaho sa military ay sila naman ang magbabantay sa kanya.
My father told us she will need a tight security and couldn't be seen in public. Tanging ang pamilya lang ang may alam na mayro'n kaming bunso sa pamilya. Some of my workmates knew of her existence because I have to take her to office kapag kailangan ako ni Papa Alejandro.
"Kuya...lumpia!"
But one thing I've noticed about her was her fascination with that food.
"Oh, gusto mo pa ring lumpia, Twila?" I asked, carrying her to my lap.
She nodded at me.
Kalahing-kalahi namin, ah? Paborito ko kasi sa handaan ang lumpia, kapag gano'n may baon ako palaging plastic para may take home. Nahuhuli nga lang ako palagi kaya ngayon, nag-iisip pa ako ng panibagong strategy para makalusot.
"Uh-huh, I love that, too. Gusto mo bili tayo mamaya sa grocery?"
"Opow!" She chirped, moving her tiny hand in the air. "Lumpia! Lumpia! Lumpia!"
Inipitan ko ang buhok niya habang nanunuod siya sa T.V. ng Totally Spies. Halos makabisado ko na nga ang palabas dahil sa paulit-ulit niyang pinapanuod. Paborito niya 'yong character na green ang body suit at tuwang-tuwa siya kapag nakikita.
She was even mimicking their moves. Nahuli ko nga siya isang beses no'ng sinundo ko siya kina Ate Zire niya na iniihipan ang powder ng ate niya at gumulong sa lapag na parang may laser.
It looks cool to her, sa akin mukha siyang burrito na binabalot.
Napabughalit na lang ako ng tawa. She was caught off guard. She glared at me and took her small bunny slipper, hinahagis sa akin.
"Pangit!" She screamed and slammed the door closed.
It started that day, sa ngayon, hindi pa rin ata niya nakakalimutan iyon kaya kapag nang-aasar siya sa akin, pangit ang tawag niya.
Sinuotan ko siya ng kulay pink na sumbrero na may tali sa may ilalim ng baba. Terno iyon sa pink niyang jumper at shoes, may bag pack pang may design na Disney princess kung saan nakalagay ang mga jelly ace niya, iilang candy at laruan.
"Ready, buchog?" I called.
I knew she glared at me kahit nakatagilid ako sa kanya. Umatras ako at biglang napatakbo nang naramdaman kong sisipain niya ako mula sa gilid.
"Bawd ikaw! Pangit!"
"Okay lang, at least, 'di bundat." Turo ko sa t'yan niya at bago pa ako makurot ay tinangay ko na siya at pinaupo sa batok ko.
After checking the perimeter ay bumaba na kami sa condo papunta sa mini grocery store sa tapat lang ng building. Ibinaba ko siya at hinawakan ang palad. Pagkapasok pa lang namin ay tumakbo na siya, tangay ako papunta roon sa refrigerator ng frozen foods.
She memorized it, huh?
Natigil ako sa pagsunod nang matanggal ang sintas ng sneakers.
"Mauna ka na, bundat," I said. "Sintas lang si Kuya."
I watched her run to the fridge at saglit akong tumungo para magsintas. Tumayo ako pagkatapos papunta sa kanya nang mapansing may kausap siyang babae.
My forehead creased, alert.
Hinawakan ko ang baril sa likod ng pants at walang ingay na lumapit.
"How many?" The woman asked.
"Hmm..." Twila touched her chin, "two...thwee!" She showed four fingers.
The lady chuckled.
"It's not three, kid. It's four, ganito ang three." Dumukwang siya at ibinaba ang isang daliri ng kapatid.
Tinanggal ko ang hawak sa baril at tahimik na lumapit.
The lady has a brownish-black hair, mahaba iyon. Balingkinitan ang kanyang katawan. Naka-shirt, pants at boots.
I tilted my head and tried staring at her face pero 'di ko makita dahil medyo nakatungo siya at nahaharangan ng buhok ang mukha.
The lady pinched her cheek before standing and opening the fridge. Kumuha siya ng tatlo roon at ipinahawak sa kapatid na niyakap ang malamig na pagkain.
"Wait, let me get you some cart—"
"It's fine, thank you," I said. Kinuha ko ang lumpia sa braso ng kapatid at bumaling sa babae para sana magpasalamat pero mabilis na siyang naglalakad palayo.
I realized our gaze were following the lady until she disappeared. Nagkatinginan kami ng kapatid at sabay na nagkibit-balikat.
"Mabait?" I asked.
"Opow," she mumbled. "Pwetty..."
Oh? Sayang, 'di ko nakita.
Inilagay ko ang lumpia sa cart na dala namin bago siya pinantayan. Hinuli ko ang tingin niya na nando'n pa rin sa daan kung saan nawala ang babae.
"Twinkle," I called.
Her amber eyes glanced at me.
"Basa mo ito," turo ko sa label ng lumpia. "Anong letter 'to?"
"M!" She answered.
I grinned. Great! I began introducing letters to her weeks ago, araw-araw kapag may oras ako ay matiyaga kong inuulit-ulit sa kanya para kapag may private tutor na siya ay 'di mahirapan.
She's really smart. Intelligent at her young age.
"Okay, next...anong letters?"
"A-G-N-O..." tumitig siyang lalo. "L-I-A!"
"Very good! Anong basa?"
"Lumpia!" She cheered.
My shoulders fell. She grinned at me, showing her little teeth, proud of her answer.
Napakamot na lang ako sa kilay at pinugpog siya ng halik.
Ang cute talaga, ang sarap gawing keychain.
Nag-grocery kami para sa supplies namin this week sa condo. Halos pink ang mga nasa cart ko at marami siyang tinuturo na mga gusto niya kaya pinagbigyan ko at nagwawala sa sahig kapag hindi pinayagan.
Carrying the grocery bag in one hand and her little palm in the other, naglakad kami papunta sa kabilang store para sa ice cream niya.
The bell rang when we entered. Kaunti lang ang tao sa store kaya dumiretso kami kaagad sa counter sa tabi ng nakatalikod na babaeng customer.
With my sister on my other hand, I waved at the cashier and told her our orders.
Sa akin ay chocolate. Kay Twila ay vanilla.
"Yes, please. One galloon of vanilla." Mula sa cashier ay napabaling ako sa tabi, sa babaeng kasabayan mag-order.
She has brownish black hair covering a part of her face. Bumaling ako sa damit niya.
Oh, was this the lady—nawala ang pansin ko nang mahulog ang tingin sa kapatid at napaawang ang bibig sa nakita.
The lady was holding a new vanilla ice cream in a cone and my sister...my little sister reached for her ice cream to give it a lick.
"Twila!" I called.
Nabitin siya sa pagdila at nanlalaki akong tinignan. Napabaling sa pwesto ko ang babae kaya dali-dali akong tumungo.
"I'm sorry, Miss. Sorry, my sister's just...."
"It's fine," she answered and knelt in front of my sister. "Do you want this?" Marahang tanong niya.
My sister blinked, shyly glancing my way. Wala naman kaming choice at dinilaan na niya.
Tumango ako.
Shyly, she nodded at the lady who handed her the cone of ice cream instead.
Sinubukan kong pagmasdan ang babae pero ang hirap makita ng kabuuan ng kanyang mukha. I don't want to be a creep so I didn't lower myself to see.
That will be weird.
Hinawakan ng dalawang maliit na kamay ni Twila ang ice cream. I touched her head.
"What will you say?" I asked gently.
"Thank you pow..." she bit her lip. "And sowry pooo if didila ako..." she even showed her little tongue.
The lady chuckled. My heart made a slight flinch.
Mas nangunot ang noo ko pero ipinikit ang mata at napailing sa sarili.
"Oh, it's fine. Eat well." She tapped her cheek and before I could even see her entirety and say my thanks, inabot na niya ang binigay sa kanyang paper bag sa cashier at walang paalam na umalis.
I have never forgotten that day. Feeling bad I hadn't have the chance to see her face, know her name and thank her for helping out and her kindness for my little sister that day.
But fate has ways. Literal na malaki ang mundo pero sa tadhana? Napakaliit lang nito.
My secretary, Nelia, gave birth earlier today. I have met the woman I couldn't seem to get off my head today since I first saw her at the bar where we, you know. MOMOL lang.
Kaso nasapok ako. Sa ulo lang talaga, pero 'di naman ako na-inform na pati sa puso rin.
It was lust at first sight, sabi ni Macky. Pero bahala sila, ako, naniniwala sa love at first sight at no'ng gabing iyon sa bar? Nakita ko na si Miss Right.
Pero 'di sapat na Miss Right lang kaya ayon, ginawa kong misis.
I was tucking my sister in the bed that night when I noticed her thinking deeply. Inabot ko ang chin niya bago humalik sa pisngi.
"Anong iniisip mo, bundat? Lumpia na naman?"
Ngumuso siya bago umiling.
"Tummy full pa..." she tapped her stomach, "think ako pow na...ice cweam."
Nagsalubong ang kilay ko.
"Ice cream? It's late, princess. Atsaka nag-tootbrush na ikaw. Bukas na lang ang ice cream."
"No, no..." she shook her head. "Pwetty, ice cweam."
Mas naguluhan ako.
"Alala mo po, pangit, 'yong dila ako sa ice cweam?"
Naalala ko kaagad ang tinutukoy niya. It's not like it will be easily forgotten. Kapag kinikwento ko 'yon sa pamilya tawang-tawa pa rin sila.
"Yes, hmm...what about it?"
"Ice cweam...pwetty...Ate Bullet." She explained, mas namilog ang mata ko.
It was mine and Twila's spy secret, as she calls it.
Our lives changed when she came to our lives, Tish. Bevurleigh. Leticia. Bullet. Whatever her name was, whatever names I call her.
She added stars into my dark skies and together, with our daughter, they lit my world.
I fucked up a lot of times. May mga naging desisyon akong hindi naging maganda ang resulta sa amin. I have blamed myself for the things happened when I knew for a fact I could've done something to prevent it.
The truth from the past still haunts me but I am seeking help to be better pero hindi naman iyon gano'n kadaling gawin, hindi ba?
Healing is a process. It takes a long walk in a messy and bumpy road.
Until now, it still amazes me seeing her lovely face in the morning na napapaisip ako kung panaginip iyon, parte ng imahinasyon o katotohanan.
Everytime when she sees me watching her sleep, she would smile, reach for my face to give me a gentle kiss.
"Good morning, mister," malambing niyang bati sabay halik. "I'm here..."
It would let me go back to reality, that she was really here, with us.
My wife and child were so strong and all I could do and promise was to be better for them, to deserve them. To give them the life I've dreamt of ever since I met Tish.
Even back we were young, mga oras na puro pangarap lang at walang kasiguraduhan—isang tahanan.
I warm home where I could shower my little family with love and support. A home where I could provide the things I failed to do before.
Ang hirap isipin ng pinagdaanan ng asawa at hindi ko alam kung magkakaroon ako ng tiyansa na punan lahat ng oras na wala ako sa tabi niya pero wala namang masama sumubok nang sumubok, hindi ba?
The memories from our first wedding still runs in my head like it only happened yesterday.
She was beaming with a bright smile, her eyes teary with her simple white dress we bought in the mall for our impromptu wedding.
She deserved the world but you know what she told me?
"Ayos lang, kahit simple. Ang mahalaga ay tayo."
"You deserved the world, Theia." Hinaplos ko ang daliri niya.
"You are my whole world, Zy," she flashed a sweet smile. "You are enough."
Kahit kaming dalawa lang at ang pari no'ng gabing iyon sa maliit na chapel ay pinakasalan ko siya, nangangako ng habang-buhay na pagmamahal, pag-aalaga at tahanan.
I promised her, in front of the altar with the skies listening I'd be there for better or for worse only that I failed.
I was only there for the better but forgotten her for the worse.
"Kalma, darating 'yan," tinapik ni Dad ang balikat ko na hindi matigil sa kakalakad kanina pa.
"Where is she?"
"She's in the car now with her siblings and Twila, don't worry," he tapped my back.
"Saan na, Dad? Malapit na?" I asked.
"Oo," ngumisi siya. "Sa gwapo mong 'yan sinong aatras sa 'yo?"
Natigilan ako.
"Oo nga 'no?" I answered.
Parang tanga kaming nagkatawanan.
"Sir Zeijan! Sir Zy! Smile po sa camera!" Natigil kami ni Dad at walang salitang biglang nag-pose na parang model.
Nagsitawanan lalo ang mga pinsan pero 'di ko pinansin. This is my time to shine.
Baka ibenta nila ito sa paparazzi dapat worth it ang pera sa mga bibili. Hindi naman sa pangit ako, wala ata akong gano'ng angle.
Perfect in every side. Up and down. Left and right.
Walang tapon. Kakainin!
...ni Tish, s'yempre.
"Tara dito, kayong dalawa, dali!" Tawag ni Dad sa mga kumakalaban ng kagwapuhan naming dalawa sa pamilya.
Gwapo naman si Solomon at Wave pero ano nga 'yon? Walang tatalo sa original.
"Ayan! Tamang-tama, kanina pa ako uma-angle sa mga pictures na patago! Zy, suggest ko lang, mas i-highlight mo panga mo para mas gwapo sa picture." Solomon suggested.
I grinned.
"Kaya 'yan gusto ko sa 'yo, eh!" nag-apir kami, nagtatawanan pa.
"Alam mo na, para naman hindi lugi ang bibili ng behind the scene photos dito," dagdag pa niya.
"Oh, come on. Mahiya naman kayo sa totoong model, oh!" ani Sibyl sabay turo kay Wave na nakamasid lang at nangingiti sa amin.
"Ay, nand'yan pala si Alon! Sa sobrang tahimik akala ko multo na!" ani Dad na inakbayan si Alon. "Tara dito, 'nak! Turuan mo nga kami paano ang pangmalakasang pose!"
Humagikhik si Zire habang tumatawa si Wave at mukhang nahihiya pa. We cheered him up. Nakikipagsabayan 'to minsan sa kalokohan pero mas lamang na tahimik lang siya.
He was obviously shy at first but when he got into the mood, naturuan na kami ng angle at mukha tuloy kaming mga gwapong model sa Vogue magazine nito.
Nakapamaywang ang mommy nang maabutan kaming nagkakalat na sa altar, pinagalitan at malapit na raw ang bride kaya nag-panic ulit ako.
I brushed my hair again, fixing my white suit.
"Calm down, Zy," natatawang sinabi ni Macky sa tabi ko.
"He won't calm down, saan na ang panyo? Punasan n'yo noo niya at namumutla na." Dei commented.
Ngumuso ako. Pumunta si Macky sa harapan ko para punasan ang pawis ko. Feel na feel ko naman.
"Grabe naman ang illegal wife ko," nag-ngising aso ako.
"Tang ina ka," tinampal niya ang mukha ko.
"Yari ka kay Lord, Tito! Bad iyan!" ani Coraline, anak ni Zire at Wave na lumitaw pagkarinig sa sinabi ni Macky.
"Sorry...sorry..." namula ang pinsan at ngumiti sa pamangkin, "sorry, Coraline. That's bad, h'wag mo gagayahin 'yon, ah?"
My niece beamed, pulling her brother, Aiden closer para mag-bless at bumalik sa kanilang upuan.
Ang perfect talaga ng pamilya ko.
While I was waiting for my wife, Varsha went closer to fix Marcus' suit. Kasama niya si Ivy na inabot ni Deion para makipagbulungan.
Tagal naman ng misis ko...
"Wow, ano ako rito, props?" We halted with Chiel's voice, laughing.
Inakbayan ko na ang pinsan para mang-asar sana at pagaanin ang loob niya pero ninerbyos na naman ako kaya napawi ang pang-aasar at namawis ng malamig.
"Told you, dapat pinag-diaper n'yo 'to at baka maihi sa salawal kapag nakita si Bullet." Tumawa si Chiel sa tabi ko.
Nawala tuloy ang ngiti ko.
"Baka ikaw kamo ang naihi sa salawal pagkakita sa kanya," I commented. "Did you tell them already?" Bumaling ako kay Crest na inaayos isa-isa ang mga damit ng flower girls at abay na mga pinsan.
Kasama pa niya si Locket na may hawak na pins at kung ano pa para tulungan siya at ang laki na ng t'yan sa kambal nila.
Natahimik siya.
"Not yet," he shook his head. "Not when I'm not sure yet."
"Are you really sure it was her?" ani Macky, "hindi ka ba namalikmata o ano?"
He shook his head.
"I'm sure I'm not," he sighed. "I just didn't know where to start searching again."
"Start where you first saw her," I said. "I'll help in any way I could, Chiel." I reassured and tapped his back.
"Will you be joining us in the reception?" I asked.
Tumango siya, "yes, but I might leave early."
When my mom went closer to inform us they're here, nablangko ang utak ko.
When my daughter, Twinkle, appeared with a small basket in her hand, my heart swelled. Hinawi ko ang luha at suminghot.
"A-anak ko 'yan," yabang ko sa mga pinsan habang pinapanuod ang anak na malaki ang ngiti at sinasaboy ang petals.
She was wearing a baby emerald green gown complementing her amber eyes. Nakapusod ang buhok niya at may flower crown pa.
Nang maubos ang petals niya nasa gitna pa lang ay basket na ang hinagis. Umugong ang sunod-sunod na tawanan sa lugar.
I laughed and dried my tears, nagtatakbo ang anak ko nang makita ako.
"Daddy ko!" She beamed and ran closer to me kaya sinalubong ko siya at mabilis na binuhat.
"Ang ganda naman ng bundat ko," I mumbled, kissing her cheek.
She giggled.
"Gwapo naman ikaw po, pangit—ay daddy gwapo pala! Pero now lang!"
My cousins who overheard it chuckled with her remarks.
"Daddy, daddy, si Meow-meow po na kay Ate Zire! May...may tie siya po sa neck! Ang cute! P'wede ako po mag-picture-picture?"
I watched her in fascination, still in awe that she was ours.
I raised our daughter. I raised her for Tish. I am glad I did. I am glad I was able to take care of her, kahit 'di ko pa alam na akin siya.
We made her. We made this wonderful angel.
"Ohh...why ikaw po nag-stare sa akin? Because I'm so pretty gorgeous cute spy princess?" She asked.
"Hay, walang duda. Anak mo nga, Zion Schauffer." Macky gave up.
Mas lumakas ang tawa ko at pinaulanan ng halik ang mukha ng anak.
"Yes, bundat. Super pretty gorgeous cute spy princess." I repeated her every words. "And I promise to give you the world."
"Wow...kaya mo 'yon, Daddy? May magic ka ba?" She asked innocently.
Anak ko nga ito. Halatang-halata ang dugong nananalaytay sa ugat.
I can already imagine how she would be if she grows up. Parang dapat akong maglagi sa salon para 'di kaagad makita ang mamumuting buhok.
Ngayon pa nga lang nagdesisyon na siyang gusto niya daw maging spy paglaki niya. Gusto daw maging kagaya namin ng mommy niya. Gusto niyang tumulong sa mga bata na makauwi sa mommy at daddy nila.
She had a nice dream but it was still risky and dangerous. I'm not really sure if I'm up to that yet.
Maybe I'll know in the future.
"Twila, come here muna, anak. Punasan natin ang likod mo." My mother called kaya nagpababa ang anak at tumakbo kay mom para magpapunas.
The noise faded. Everything turned blurry as the church's doors opened and I saw my wife walking.
Tila nawala ang mga tao sa paligid. As the soft song played, we went back to the small chapel where we first got married.
Her, in that white dress. Hawak ang bulaklak at nakatitig sa akin sa naluluhang mga mata. The young her with black hair and eyes.
Hinawi ko ang basang naramdaman sa pisngi at humugot ng malalim na hininga.
It was just the two of us.
I shut my eyes closed, extending my hand and as I felt the grip on it and open my eyelids—I saw her.
In a white, flowing white dress but instead of the past, I saw the present her. Her blonde hair in curls, her amber eyes gleaming with delight.
"H-hi, misis," I whispered.
"Hello, m-mister," nagtubig ang kanyang mata.
Kukunin ko na sana nang tuluyan ang kamay ng asawa nang ilayo sa akin 'yon ni Kuya Levi.
"Kuya..." I whined.
"Tara dito, may sasabihin lang kami ni Jay." He said in a strict voice.
Lumunok ako sabay balik kay Jay na may tinatagong ngiti. Pero 'di ko gusto ang ngiting 'yon at mukhang may masamang balak.
"Kuya, no," Tish shook her head.
"Tss, let us. Saglit lang."
"Ayos lang ako, misis." Tawag ko sa asawa, "kaya ko 'to, ako pa ba?"
Sumama ako kay Kuya at Jay nang akbayan ako ng Kuya.
"Hoy, kita mo 'to?" Sabay bukas niya ng suit at pakita sa akin ng baril niya.
My father laughed.
"Pasensya na, gwapo, naturuan ko ng tips si Levi!" Aniya.
"Dad!" Reklamo ko bago sana haharapin ang dad pero may naramdaman akong matulis sa kabilang tagiliran ko.
I glanced at Jay helplessly while he's pointing the bread knife on my waist. Natawa siya.
"Do we have to explain?" Kuya Levi asked.
"You don't have to," umiling na ako, lumulunok. "Gets ko na. Promise." Alanganin akong ngumisi.
They both chuckled, "take care of our sister and niece, Zion. You're our brother now."
Hinatid nila ako pabalik sa asawa na malambing na nakangiti habang hawak-hawak ang kamay ni Twila na wala pa ngang reception ay may nginunguya na.
"Seriously, bundat?" I teased.
"We stopped by the reception area, nag-request ng take out na lumpia." My wife informed kaya mas lumakas ang tawa ko, binuhat ang anak para hagkan naming mag-asawa.
"Princess, can I marry Mommy Tish, anak?" I asked.
Naglipat-lipat ang tingin niya sa aming dalawa bago tumango at niyakap ang batok naming mag-asawa.
"Yes na yes po! Para happy perfect spy family!"
I blinked back my tears as I stare at the most important people in my life in one place. Lumuhod ako, ibinaba si Twila, bago inilapit ang bibig sa medyo may kalakihan nang t'yan ng asawa.
"Can I marry your mom, son?" I asked our little boy.
"Yes, daddy," ang pinaliit na boses ni Tish ang sumagot kasabay ng marahang haplos niya sa buhok ko.
"Thank you," I whispered as I kissed her stomach and rose to kiss my daughter and take her hand—for the third time in front of God and promise to be here not just for the better—but for the best.
"Thank you for taking care of our daughter, Zy. For being the best brother. The best father to her." Her voice broke in the microphone. "Thank you for giving her a warm home, a family while I was still not there for the both you."
"Tish..."
"M-mahal na mahal ko kayo. I am not good with words so I didn't know how to tell you every tiny thing I feel but the pained part of my heart was gone. You and our daughter, our whole family rebuilt the parts that still loves...and Zy, every shattered pieces of mine are yours."
"Iiyak na 'yan! Iiyak na 'yan!" Everyone teased kaya ayon, mas lalo tuloy akong naiyak.
Kasalanan n'yo 'to! I glared at the crowd making fun of me.
Sigurado ang chaka ko d'yan sa same day video nila mamaya!
"Shh..." my wife was still laughing as she reach for my face and dry my tears. "N-nababawasan ang kagwapuhan mo, tama na."
Hindi ako matigil kakasinghot pero nasinghot ko lahat sa sinabi niya.
"T-talaga? Okay," umayos ako at kumurap.
Madali lang naman ako kausap.
"Walang papangit sa pamilyang 'to!" Dad cheered.
Mas nag-ingay sila.
The priest smiled, nodding at me kaya kinuha ko ang microphone, inayos pa ang buhok ko sabay sulyap sa pinsan.
"Oh, best man! Ipa-freshen up mo 'yan!" Tatlo silang best man pero si Macky ang tinulak nila palapit sa akin.
Bakit hindi? Siya ang illegal wife ko.
My wife was laughing while Macky was pretending to fix my hair. Nahampas pa tuloy ang braso ko!
"Ayan na, Bullet. H'wag mo na ibalik sa akin 'yan, ayaw ko na." Tinulak ako ng kabit sa legal wife ko.
Tumikhim ako at tumitig kay Tish bago nagsalita.
"Baligtarin mo ang yehey," I started. Napaisip siya bago tumango.
"Oh, 'di ba, walang pinagbago? Ikaw pa rin ang mahal ko." I told her.
She blushed profusely. Napuno ng ingay ang simbahan. Miski si father na dapat seryoso at 'di napigilan ang tawa niya.
I'm very funny Talaga.
Gwapo na, funny pa? Saan ka makakakita ng ganyang lalaki?!
"Maybe you can reconsider, Bullet," ani Jayden.
"Hala? H'wag! Joke lang!" Kumapit ako kay Tish.
"Corny mo," bulong niya pero may ngiti pa rin sa labi.
"So what? At least corny para lang sa 'yo...ayieee!" Tinusok ko ang pisngi niya at sa kahihiyan sa sobrang pamumula ay muntik pa akong ma-Karate sa simbahan.
Buti na lang walang dalang kutsilyo 'to ngayon.
"Well, how to start? Hindi kasi ako sanay na masyadong serious, misis, parang umiikot ang t'yan ko." I confessed.
"I know," she mouthed.
I stayed silent for a while, rummaging the thought I had in my head. Trying to find the courage to say the words without breaking down.
"I just want to start off by saying thank you. Thank you for accepting me in your life again. Simula noon hanggang ngayon. You made walls around your heart but whenever I knock, you'll always welcome me in. Thank you f-for being so brave. For considering me and my family to give love and take care of our d-daughter..."
Bumaling ako sa anak na nakatakip na ang palad sa mukha at umiiyak. My mother was hugging her, trying to calm her.
"Thank you for trusting me. F-for giving me the chance to raise our bubbly angel. Our star, the light in the darkest night." Pumikit ako nang abutin ni Tish ang pisngi ko. "And most of all, thank you for l-loving me."
"Zy..."
"M-mahal na mahal kita, Tish. Kahit saang buhay, k-kahit anong ala-ala, alam ko dito..." I pointed my chest. "Alam ko na ikaw lang. You are my first and last love, misis."
She nodded, sobbing.
"H-hindi ko alam kung sapat. Kung magkakaroon ng tiyansang makabawi ako sa lahat ng pagkukulang ko sa 'yo—sa inyo ng anak natin pero hindi pa naman huli ang lahat, 'di ba? We have a lifetime, Tish. And I will spend every seconds of it making it up to you. I will spend every day loving you and building a home for our Twinkle and our son..." hinaplos ko ang t'yan niya.
"I p-promise to comply to all your requests..."
Kuya Levi whistled, "ayan, gusto ko 'yan!"
Ngumuso ako sabay taas ng kamay kay Kuya Levi at kaway kina Solomon.
"Shout out nga pala kay Solomon atsaka kay pretty ghourl na pinalimos ako no'ng itlog no'ng bagong panganak na manok nila." Pagpapasalamat ko.
Tumayo si Sol at nag-bow. Sumakit din ang bibig ko kakapigil ng tawa.
"Sa kanila mo nakuha?" My wife asked, amazed.
"Oo, misis. May poultry 'yan sila do'n sa bahay nila. Nahabol pa nga ako ni Pookie no'ng itatakas ko sana 'yong isang biik niya." I told her.
"Pero serious na ulit," tumikhim ako. "Thank you, misis. For marrying me again. For the third time. Naku ha, mahihirapan ka nito sa annulment?" I grinned.
"Akala ko ba serious na?" Tumawa siya.
"Kidding aside, honey. Thank you and I love you. I will spend this lifetime loving and building a family with you. Together, we will build a warm home for our Twila, our baby boy and ten others..."
"Ten others?!" She gasped.
We exchanged wedding rings and for the third time, I kissed my bride. It always felt like the first time.
"Hayyy! Sarap talaga sa feeling kapag invited ka sa kasal ng mga anak mo!" My father sang, dancing the giggling Twinkle in his arms.
"'Di pa rin talaga siya maka-move on, pagpasensyahan mo na." Bulong ko kay Tish.
"Narinig ko 'yon, Zion Scahuffer!" Tawag niya.
Nakagat ko ang labi sabay iling.
"Okay, picture!" Tawag ng photographer kaya kumuha kami ng litrato ni Tish na kaming dalawa lang no'ng una. Mayro'n din na kasama namin si Twila na pabida sa gitna at nakapamaywang pang akala mo model sa brochure ng Natasha.
Tawang-tawa si Tish.
"Buhatin mo na nga 'yang anak mo, Zion at malapit na siya magpa-photoshoot."
Chuckling, I carried my daughter in my arms before placing a palm on my wife's waist, pulling her closer to me.
"Okay, one, two, three! Smile!" I smiled, the sincerest I could ever be.
Habang ipinapakita sa amin ng photographer ang ilang mga litrato ay nakita ko ang saya sa mata ng asawa.
"What's the matter, hun?" I whispered, kissing her ear.
"Nothing, I-I'm just happy because..." she dried her tears. "W-we only had one photo before, from our wedding in the chapel tapos ngayon...sobrang dami na."
I kissed away her tears, taking her hands on mine.
"Sibyl will help us in compiling, hun. Tumitingin na kami ng magandang design sa photo albums and then the best ones? Ilalagay natin sa frame at papalakihin."
"R-really?"
"U-uh-hmm..." I promised. "So if we have visitors or kapag pumunta sa bahay ang classmates ni Twinkle, makikita nila ang napakarami nating pictures. We will buy more photo albums and compile every memories. We will start now."
Tumango siya at umiiyak na niyakap ako kaya nang may picture na with the bride's family ay namamaga ang mata namin. Mukha raw akong nasapak ng misis ko, pang-aasar nina Kuya.
We took photos with her friends, her brothers, our family as a whole. Napuno ng ingay, tawanan at pagmamahal ang simbahan kung saan hindi lang kami ni Tish ang pinagbuklod. Pati na rin ang pamilya naming pinagtibay ng panahon ang samahan.
I watched my cousins, my uncles and aunties. Nieces and nephews.
"Okay, ang pamilyang gwapo at maganda naman!" ani dad na nagbibida na ulit, tinutulak ang mga kapatid niya na sanay na sanay na sa kanya.
"Pagpasensyahan n'yo na, muntik kasi 'tong mahulog sa matris ni Mom noon." Tito Iñigo apologized to the event coordinators.
"Okay, lahat ng gwapo at magaganda rito..." ako ang humablot sa mga pamangkin at brother-in-laws papunta sa gitna.
Nginisian ko si Macky pagkakita sa kanya sabay kindat.
"Break na tayo," yabang ko sa kanya.
"Ayan naman nakainom ng expired na gatas no'ng maliit," tinuro na ako ni Mommy.
Napawi ang ngiti ko.
Grabe, pinagkakaisahan talaga kami dito, ah?
Tumayo kami sa may altar. Kami ni Tish ang nasa gitna habang buhat ko si Twila. Si Mommy at Dad ay nasa kabilang gilid ko at katabi nila si Solomon at Sibyl kasama si Fritzy. Sa kabilang parte naman ay si Zire kasama si Wave, Coraline at Aiden.
"Ready?" Senyas ng photographer.
"Ready! Say perfect!" Dad exclaimed.
"Perfect!" We all exclaimed with the brightest smiles in the camera.
"Anong perfect, hindi 'yan kapag wala kami!" Crest exclaimed at nagkagulo ng pwesto nang ang buong pamilya ay nagsitakbuhan na para makisingit sa picture na ang photographer na ang umatras para masama kaming lahat.
The cold and calm wind blew...
"I wish Clyte's here," Crest whispered but I heard it and I know everyone felt it, they knew. Unknowingly, they placed an empty space in the middle just for her.
I know for sure mag-iinarte iyon na 'di siya kasama kaya ang magiging ending, ipo-photoshop namin siya sa gitna kapag balik niya.
"Dad, Mom! Tignan mo naman ang perfect na family n'yo, oh!" Dad exclaimed happily, forever thankful to our grandma and grandpa for honing this family to be like this.
"Are you ready?" Senyas ng photographer.
"To the perfect family?" Dad started.
"To the perfect family!" We all exclaimed, grinning at the camera flashing right in front of our faces.
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