Kabanata 29 (Part Two)
The next chapter will be the last one! Hope you loved Solace Escape! This update is for my lovely admin, Gela! Happy birthday! <3
This is unedited. Please expect errors.
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Kabanata 29 (Part Two)
Another day, another habulan na naman ni Zeijan Ruais at ang manliligaw—este asawa ng anak niya.
Mommy sighed while waiting for for Kuya Zy to go out of our house. Nagpapatintero na ang asawa ko at si Daddy, dinuduro si Sol.
"Hayop ka, pareng Solomon!" he hissed loudly. "You betrayed me!"
"Sorry, pare," my idiot of a husband even answered back like they're best friends.
"Pare?" Dad hissed, "h'wag mo 'kong ma-pare-pare ditong tungak ka! Lumapit ka rito at tutuktukan kita!"
Dad ran closer to where Sol was and almost tripped. Nagmura si Sol.
"Ayos ka lang, pare—"
"Tang ina mo," he hissed, "Zion Schauffer, bilisan mo!"
"Zeijan," Mom called patiently, he didn't answer her and continued pacing back and forth.
Nang lumabas si Kuya ay kinabahan na ako, lalo na nang makita ko ang dala niya. Shotgun.
Hindi 'yan ang fake gun niya!
I panicked. I caught how helplessly Solomon glanced my way and maybe, just by looking at me with terror on my eyes, he knew his destiny.
"I love you," he mouthed sadly then touched his chest dramatically.
"No!" singhap ko na sabay sulyap kay Mommy na nangungunot na rin ang noo.
"Zeijan Ruais..." she called. Dad caught the shotgun from Kuya Zy's grasp and clicked his neck, pointing it to my husband.
Gusto ko ng instant! Pero 'di ko sinabing pangarap ko maging instant biyuda!
I glanced at my uncles and they were just watching the scene unfolding, kulang na nga lang ay popcorn. Si Tito Dash ay nakapahalumbaba pa habang tinataas ang daliri niya.
"Rest in peace, pareng Sol," Tito Dash smiled widely.
Oh, come on! What's with this family?!
"Ano? Ano? Jinowa mo ang pretty ghourl ko sa likod kong gago ka?! Ang sabi ko, bantayan mo! Hindi ko sinabing landiin mo!" he exclaimed.
"Pare—" Sol paused, "mahal ko si Sibyl—"
"Oo! At mahal din ang kabaong ngayong tungaw ka!" they ran around with the shotgun on Dad's hand while my husband was gasping for air while running around.
"Go, Dad!" Kuya Zy even cheered.
"Kailan pa naging kayo, ah?!"
"Matagal na, pare. Shotgun—"
"Anong shotgun?! Baka gusto mong shotgun-in ko 'yang pagmumukha mo?!" he raised the gun on Sol's face I definitely saw how his soul went out of his body.
No one was reacting aside from Mommy who's cursing under her breath. I glanced at Papa Jer for help and he only smirked at me.
"Don't worry, princess, the shotgun was fake." He announced kaya napahawak ako sa dibdib. Nakahinga nang maluwag.
"Saan nakuha ni Dad 'yon..."
"It's the shotgun from the kitchen display," ani Papa na nagkibit-balikat, "the one used for that hunting portrait I had."
"It's fake?" kumurap-kurap ako sa kanya. He only winked when a palm suddenly flew, swinging on Papa's nape.
"Hon!" singhap niya nang makita si Mama Lena sa likod niya.
"He only posed like that in that hunting portrait para kunwari cool siya," Mama answered then sneered. "Anong ginagawa mo, Ejercito? Bakit nag-aamok ang anak mo?"
"Let him," Papa answered coolly, "he just found out Sol and Sibyl are together."
"Oh..." Mom whistled then frowned, smacking him again. "Eh, anong ginagawa mo riyan? Tayo! Pigilan mo ang anak mo! Pinalaki ko ba 'yang basagulero?!"
"Honey—"
"Wala akong pakialam kung may arthritis ka! Pipigilan mo 'yang kakambal mo o sa labas ka matutulog?" she threatened.
Papa froze.
Mama Lena shot her brow up, crossing her arms on his chest and that's when Papa stood, sighing.
"Alright, honey," nguso niya sabay nakaw ng halik kay Mama at baling kina Tito. "Hoy, kayong mga lalaki, tayo! Tutulungan natin si Zeijan!"
"Papa?!"
"Ejercito Carlton!" halos magpanabay naming tawag ni Mama sa kanya na tinaas ang kamay sa gulat.
"J-Joke lang..." he cleared his throat then walked closer towards them to maybe separate them. But knowing them? I doubt.
Muli akong napabaling kina Daddy at Sol, napapapikit nang matamaan ng suntok ang pisngi ng asawa ko.
"Not the face!" reklamo ko na sabay martsa sa kanila.
"Hindi ka ba natatakot sa shotgun ko?!" he threatened.
"No, Sir," umiling ang matapang na tao. "Handa po akong mamatay para sa pagmamahal kay Sibyl."
"Aba't tamang maghanda ka't sa ataul ka matutulog mamaya!" singhal niya. "Walang-hiya ka, akala ko best friends kayo! Tapos nagpresinta ka pang ikaw magbabantay dito tapos kinalantari mo pala ang prinsesa ko? Jinowa mo—"
"Kasal na kami, pare," matapang na sabat ni Sol kahit plakda na sa lapag. Nasapo ko ang mukha.
"Anak ng putang..." Dad stiffened and cursed again, "Putang ina, Zion Schauffer, ilabas mo ang itak ko!"
"Dad!" I exclaimed, "enough na! Ako rin naman gusto—"
"Quiet, child!" he faced me, I froze. "Mamaya tayo mag-uusap. Pumunta ka ro'n sa gilid! Humarap ka sa puno!"
"What?!" I whined. "No!"
"No?" kumunot ang noo niya, "susunod ka o iuuwi kina ngayon agad sa Maynila—"
"Hmp!" simangot ko na, iritadong naglakad patungo sa puno sa gilid sabay sipa doon. "Tabi-tabi po!" I hissed to not disturb the entities.
The commotion only worsened. It wasn't really new having things like this at mukhang tradisyon na ng pamilyang may initiation kapag may bagong manliligaw o ano pa man sa pamilya.
It started with Tita Zidney, when Tito Thorn came into our life then Zire and Wave... tapos ako.
Oh, my poor husband. Mas sumimangot ako sa puno sabay kuha ng salagubang na nakita ko sa katawan nito.
Muli akong dumungaw sa kanila. They are stopping Dad from attacking Sol again but he's no agent if he's easy to tame. Nakapagnakaw pa siya ng isang sapak sa asawa ko. I pinched the bridge of my nose.
"I said enough, Zeijan Ruais!" Mom's voice filled the place. It became eerily quiet.
"Misis," Dad called, "papatikman ko lang 'tong tungaw na 'to! You heard it? He's married to our daughter! Tapos 'di man lang ako invited!"
"Enough and let's talk inside," Mommy sighed. "Magigising ang mga bata—"
"Paisa lang, misis," he gasped, "isang sapak lang, promise—"
"Tatahimik ka o..." she threatened. Ngumuso na ako sabay lakad na patungo sa kanila, nilalaro ang salagubang sa kamay ko.
Sumilip ako kay Sol at napapikit nang makitang may dugo ang labi niya, magulo ang buhok at gusot ang damit. Kung iba 'to baka nahimatay na sa takot.
Well, my husband is a good fighter. Not just in life but in bed, too. Kapag may labanan kami sa kama, susuko kaagad ang dalagang Filipina na ito at ang vagina ko.
"O?" laban ni Dad, I snapped out of my dirty thoughts. "I'm not scared, Alyx."
"Oh? Alright," she smirked. She nodded her head at Tito Iñigo.
Tito suddenly appeared with a bunch of papers. Dad's forehead creased.
"Ano 'yan, Kuya Raf?" takang tanong niya.
Tito just shrugged.
"Thanks, Kuya," Mommy smiled at my uncle then took the papers.
"Misis..." Dad called, definitely on alert mode now. "What's that?"
"Annulment papers, mister," she smiled wickedly, a pen appearing suddenly on her finger. "I'm gonna sign here first and then you..."
"What?!" he whined, "suntok lang, eh! Isa lang, misis ko! Tuturuan ko lang ng leksyon—"
"Hmm... go," Mom encouraged, "ipapahanda ko na rin ang suitcase namin ng mga anak mo."
Then she turned her back, even wiggling her hips away.
"M-Misis..." Dad called, boses ng sawi ang tunog. "Baka p'wedeng—"
"Let the kid go or annulment," she even said in a sing-song, "you choose, mister."
"I-I..." he glanced at Sol in the verge of fainting to my Mommy again and then, he cursed and pulled his hair.
"Baby ko! Sandali!" he exclaimed then ran after my mom in instant, leaving the crowd watching with amusement, with Sol in the middle.
"And that's how it works," Tito Iñigo grinned.
"You prepared annulment papers in advance?" Tita Thallia asked.
"Hmm, nah, baby." He smirked, "it's just some draft documents. Pakitaan mo lang ng papel 'yang si Zeijan, tapos galing kay Alyx? Manginginig na tumbong niyan."
My jaw dropped.
"Crazy, Kuya," Tito Dash shook his head. "Paano pala kapag ikaw na pinakitaan ng papel? Baka mamaya mangatog ka rin—"
"Ako?!" Tito Iñigo laughed, "no way in hell my baby would annul me. Ako ang magpa-process at s'yempre, 'di ko ipa-file—"
"H'wag magsalita ng tapos, Iñigo Rafael," Tita Thallia whistled then pulled his shirt, "hindi ka sure."
"M-Mawalang-galang na po..." biglang napaayos kaming lahat nang maubo si Sol, "gusto ko 'yong kwento pero mamamatay na ata ako—"
Then suddenly, the cute salagubang flew from my palm to his face and when he saw it right in front of his eyes, he fainted.
Holy hell.
It was chaotic. Tulong-tulong ang mga lalaking dalhin si Solomon papasok sa mansyon habang si Daddy ay nag-e-emo sa gilid.
Third stage of grief: Bargaining
He was rocking his feet back and forth, his eyes are pinned on the wall. Si Tito Thorn ay nakadukwang at nagbibiro pang nagka-counsel kunwari pero sinalubong lang siya ng hampas ng tsinelas ni Daddy.
I closed my eyes and fanned my husband's face more.
I'm so sorry, baby, my family is chaotic but I know they will love you.
Nagsitulugan na sila dahil may part two pa ng kainan bukas. Mommy took my weeping father inside the room while I'm waiting for my husband to get his consciousness back.
I can't believe he fainted because of the cute salagubang and not from my father's punches.
"At least, gwapo pa rin si Kuya Sol," Zire noted while I was mending to his wound and bruises.
"Tignan mo nga 'yang Kuya mo, namumula ang pisngi. May cut ang labi. Panigurado may pasa na 'yan bukas."
She chuckled, "at least handa siyang masusuntok tonight, si Wavy ko no'ng nakaraan muntik nang mangisay kasi 'di ready."
"I'm not, Zire," ngumiti na ako nang naupo sa tabi niya si Wave at iniabot sa akin ang baso ng tubig. "Sibyl..."
"Thank you," I answered, watching his face. Wala na ang pasa at sugat niya no'ng nag-wrestling sila ni Daddy, malinis na malinis na ngayon.
Wave's a model. Dirty blonde hair. Tall and very, very handsome. His eyes are very fascinating, blue and brown. His condition's heterochromia if I'm correct.
"I'm sure Tito Zeijan would accept Sol," ani Wave sabay sulyap sa asawa ko. "He's just that way, you know, but I admire it since you can see and feel how protective he is with his daughters."
"I'm sure, too," tumango ako. "Kaso, mukhang nabigla ko ata si Daddy sa kasal. Biglaan din kasi. It was a sudden urge, kaya kahapon, sumabay kami sa kasalang bayan."
"Love knows no time," Wave glanced at my sister who was busy putting an ointment on her Kuya Sol's wound kaya 'di niya nakita ang tingin na ibinigay ni Wave sa kanya. "It just happens, mostly when you least expected it."
I nodded, "kahit 'di mo in-expect darating." I smiled back at him.
The warmth and comfort I felt on this man indicated and proved how great he is with my sister. The glint on his eyes reminded me of how my husband looked at me.
Filled with love, comfort and freedom.
He deserved my baby Zirena. They deserved each other.
Mom checked on us after taking Dad to their room. She instructed me what to do with my husband and I followed.
When Sol woke up, dali-dali kong sinapo ang kanyang mukha at napatitig siya sa akin.
"Are you okay?" I asked, seeing his drowsy eyes.
"Nasa heaven na ba ako?" he mumbled while looking at me, like I'm an apparition.
"Sol..." I called.
"Bakit may anghel?" sabay nakaw niya ng halik sa akin.
I groaned. I smacked his arm and he cradled me.
"Fuck, baby. I thought I'm gonna die." Humalik siya sa balikat ko sabay ungol nang tumama ang labi niyang may sugat.
"Aba, talagang mamatay ka sa pinanggagawa mo," singhal ko sabay sapo muli sa kanyang mukha para tignan pa kung may ibang sugat siya. "Kung bakit ba naman kasi mas inasar mo pa si Daddy? Alam mo namang..."
"I'm willing to die for you," he said. I glared and pinched him again. He chuckled. "I love you, angel."
"I love you, too, idiot," suminghap ako. I hugged him closer and touched his back. "You're so good at pissing my father off, huh?"
"Gano'n talaga kapag magkumpare," aniya, "pero mukhang tatanggalin na ako sa samahan ng pinakagwapo sa balat ng Sta. Monica sa sapak niya. Ang sakit ng kamao, angel, parang mababasag ata ngipin ko."
I snorted, imagining a toothless Solomon. So weird.
Kumunot ang noo niya sabay ngiwi at napahawak sa panga, "saan na si Pare?"
"Nag-e-emo sa kwarto," I answered. "'Di ko pa nakakausap at baka mapalo ako ng tsinelas."
"Let's talk to him, then," sabay hawak niya sa kamay ko pero hinila ko lang pabalik.
"No," I shook my head, "you should rest. May sugat ka. Dad's also hot-headed right now, it's better to talk to him when he's recovered."
"No," umiling siya, "you can rest, kahit ako na lang ang kakausap."
"Sol..." I warned, "you won't like my Dad—"
"Gusto kong malaman niyang sinsero ako sa 'yo, Sibyl," I stopped upon hearing that. "Ayokong ipagpabukas pa ang pag-iisip niya. I know how stressing it was to think about your love one's welfare. I don't care if he'd punch me again. Or kill me on the spot this time. I wanted to assure your father my love for you is real. That you are in good hands."
I sighed, biting my lip.
"But..."
"Trust me," sinapo niya ang mukha ko. "I wanted to assure him about my intention. Mahal na mahal kayo ni Pareng Zeijan, at gano'n lang ang reaksyon niya dahil gusto niya kayong protektahan. Kahit kilala niya ako, iba pa rin ang proteksyon niya sa inyong mga anak niya. I—we have a child, too, angel. I want you to get ready because I might get ballistic too, maybe worst than your father when Fritzy gets a suitor."
I chuckled, nodding. I understood his point.
"Alright... just, let's not provoke him more, hmm?" hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya. "I can't bear seeing your bruised face."
"Hmm," inabot niya ang kamay ko at dinala iyon sa labi niya. "If I die, I'll die loving you, my angel."
"Idiot," I flicked his lips. "Ano? Gagawin mo 'kong instant biyuda, Alejo?! Ni hindi pa nga tayo..."
He narrowed me with his malicious gaze. I flashed a wicked grin.
"It's late, kids," napatalon kami't napahiwalay nang marinig ang boses ni Mama Lena. Papasok na sila ni Papa galing sa labas.
"Ma, Pa..." I greeted.
"Go up," ani Papa na ngumisi pa sa amin. "Ikaw, Solomon, may guest room na walang tao sa third floor."
"Alright, Sir," tumango si Sol, "kakausapin lang po namin muna si Sir Zeijan."
"Hmm..." he nodded, placing his palm on Mama's waist, "you really should. Good thinking. H'wag mo nang ipagpabukas, baka magulat na lang tayo may hukay na sa may garden para sa 'yo bukas."
I snorted. Mama Lena shook her head at him.
"You know your father," Papa pointed out, "narinig ko nga ata parang pinapahanap na ang pala—"
"Let's sleep," putol ni Mama sa sasabihin pa niya at sabay silang umakyat nang nilingon nila kami. "And Sol, hijo?"
"Yes, Ma'am?" he asked formally.
"Call us Mama and Papa," she smiled sweetly, "you and Fritzy have always been a part of our family. Don't be too formal, hmm? Sa susunod niyan maglulunuran na kayo sa pool ng mga pinsan nitong apo ako."
I smiled warmly upon seeing the glint on Sol's eyes and until they left, gano'n pa rin siya kaya nang makarating kami sa kwarto ay sinapo ko ang pisngi at tumitig.
"We can do this!" I cheered.
Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko, ginagap at dinala sa labi niya.
"We will," he smiled at me. "I'll do everything for you. Anything."
I knocked on the door. It opened and we saw Mom's face.
"Sib..." she called, confused.
"I-I..." kinagat ko ang labi ko.
"Gusto ko po sanang makausap kayo ni Sir Zeijan, Ma'am," pagsasagip sa akin ni Solomon.
"O-Oh..." she nodded, opening the door. "Come in."
Hawak-kamay kami ni Sol papasok nang matanto kong may pumapailanlang na kanta sa loob ng kwarto. It was a dramatic song, like those songs I'm listening before when I'm in the mood to be on my emo state.
I glanced at the stereo, nasalubong ko si Kuya Zy na ngumisi pa sa akin.
"What's with the song, Kuya?" busangot ko na.
"Nag-e-emo si Daddy Pogi," sagot niya sa akin. "Nilagyan ko theme song para mas madrama."
Nasapo ko ang noo. Solomon watched Zion like their broken CDs on sync and smirked at each other, nag-apir pa.
"Goodluck, pare," ani Kuya.
"Thank you, pare," sabat niya rin.
Umiling na lang ako. Tuluyan na kaming pumasok sa kwarto at nakita si Daddy na nakapikit at nakahalukipkip habang nakasandal ang ulo sa sandalan ng sofa.
Fourth stage of grief: Depression
Alam kong alam ni Dad na nandito kami. I saw the quick twitch on his brow but didn't dare opening his eyes to look at us.
Mom gave us her go signal before sitting beside Dad on the sofa. Lumapit ako. I tiptoed closer to where my father was, sat on the empty space on the other side and kissed his cheek.
"Daddy, sorry," bulong ko sabay yakap sa baywang niya at siksik sa leeg niya.
He didn't bulge nor move. I was afraid he's really mad at us this time, dumagdag pa ang dramatic song sa background na pinatugtog ni Zion Schauffer.
Parang tanga talaga to si Zion.
Nanatiling nakatayo si Sol sa harapan nang nakapikit na si Daddy.
"Zeij," Mommy called, "kakausapin ka raw ng mga bata."
But he remained still, with his eyes still closed.
"Daddy..." lambing ko na, muling humalik sa pisngi niya. "Angry ka? Sorry na, I love you."
He moved. I was afraid he'll pull away from me because of his sudden arm movement but to my shock, he opened his arm and placed it on my shoulder, cuddling me.
He sighed audibly, his blue eyes opening until our eyes met halfway. His blue orbs glistened.
"Alam mong hindi kita matitiis, ano?" bulong niya at nangilid na ang luha ko nang halikan niya ang noo ko. "'Di ako aware na paladesisyon ka na rin pala ngayon, pretty ghourl."
"Duh? I learned from the expert!" Tukoy ko sa kanya. I laughed and hugged him.
Mommy smiled when she saw us and offered a seat for Sol. Kita ko ang pagsayaw ng saya sa mga mata ng asawa ko nang makita ang nangyayari.
"That's love," I mumbled, "ikaw nga rin, Dad, nag-shotgun wedding kayo ni Mommy."
"Iba kasi 'yon," bumusangot na siya sabay hawi ng buhok ko. "Patay na patay sa akin si misis kaya pinilit niya 'ko magpakasal first meeting pa lang."
"Kapal ng mukha mo, Sandejas," umiling si Mommy at humalukipkip. Dad smiled lazily at her.
"All this time I thought you're simply staying here to relax tapos may asungot..." sabay sulyap niya kay Sol at ngiwi.
"Gusto ko sanang mag-sorry, Sir, kaso hindi ako nagsisising napunta rito si Sibyl," laban niya. I closed my eyes tightly.
"Ikaw—"
"Zeij..." Mommy called, he sighed and calmed down.
Umayos siya ng upo kaya ginaya ko rin at hinayaan siyang mag-isip, tinuturo pa si Sol habang umiiling.
"Sabi ko pa sa sarili ko best friends kayo! I think I'm overreacting and reading on your actions too much! Akala n'yo ba 'di ko pansin 'yong pasimple n'yong titigan kahapon pa?! Huh! Muntik na kitang tusukin ng stick ng barbeque kanina kakatitig mo sa prinsesa ko tapos..." he grimaced. "Kaya siguro nagtagal dito ang prinsesa ko, ayaw mo pauwiin?!"
"No, Dad," I answered. "I decided to stay here before, not because Sol stopped me."
"Bakit..." ngumuso si Dad, "ayaw mo na ba umuwi kay Daddy Pogi?" ungot niya.
"You're super OA," I shook my head, chuckling. "Of course, I wanna go home. I just felt refreshed here in the province. Away from the judgmental eyes of the crowd, from haters. Just being... me."
His eyes softened, "mahal mo talaga 'tong bantay-salakay na 'to?" tinuro niya si Sol na nanlaki pa ang mata.
"Grabe ka naman sa bantay-salakay, pare—"
"May sinasabi ka?" he spat. Sol shook his head, clearing his throat.
"Wala naman, pare," iling-iling niya.
"Tss," he spat, "kulang pa 'yang pasa mo sa mukha, Solomon. Sinasabi ko sa 'yo. Kapag 'di lang ako pinigilan ng misis ko basag 'yang bungo mo—"
"I did not stop you, you did," Mom answered, "takot sa annulment."
"I'm not—" suminghap siya at ginulo ang buhok niya. "Alright, what's with you two? How long have you been seeing each other? Anong kasal? Agad-agad? Ni hindi ko alam na nagjowaan na kayo rito? 'Di ko pinapansin 'yong iniisip ko na baka naghaharutan kayo sa likod ko tapos..." he glared my way.
I smiled a little.
"You betrayed me, pretty ghourl! Akala ko ba pinalaki kitang dalagang Filipina? Anong nangyari sa walang marupok sa pamilyang 'to?"
I pouted, "the dalagang Filipina committee kicked me out a long time ago."
"Tang ina..." inihilamos niya ang mukha sabay iling-iling. "Na-i-stress ako. Tumataas ata ang blood pressure ko."
I panicked when he rested his nape on the couch again. Tatayo na sana ako para kumuha ng tubig pero inunahan na ako ni Mommy.
"Drink this," she said. "Sinabi ko na kasi sa 'yong magpa-check-up ka at baka high blood ka na! Ang kulit-kulit!"
Dad opened his eyes and grinned, "charot lang, misis ko. 'Di ako high blood. Kunwari lang para pang-drama-rama sa hapon. 'Di ba gano'n kapag may revelation na may relasyon sila? Tapos maghihiwalay 'yong mga bida para 'di na maospital 'yong Tatay? Panira naman 'to ng acting." Sabay abot niya sa baso at inom.
Mom and I face palmed. Solomon chuckled.
"Nice acting, pare,"
"'Di ba?!" Dad asked, "itong misis ko ayaw maniwala—" then his smile faded upon realizing he's friends again with Sol. "Manahimik ka, gago. Close ba tayo?"
Solomon chuckled, nodding his head.
"Ang pagkakaalam ko mag-pare tayo," aniya. "Binantayan ko naman talaga si Sibyl, Sir, kaso gustong-gusto ko talaga si Sibyl. Hindi ko po ipagkakailang natuwa ako no'ng may gusto rin siya sa akin kasi matagal ko na ring pangarap na mapansin niya."
Dad stopped, "you liked my princess even before?"
Solomon's cheeks reddened but nodded, "simula po no'ng nakita ko siyang kasama n'yo sa ancestral habang nagtatrabaho ako para kina Sir Jer, nakuha na po ng anak n'yo ang atensyon ko. Kaso medyo mailap," he glanced my way, smiling. "Kaya nakuntento na lang akong tumingin sa malayo."
Dad stared at him intently, tilting his head.
"Alam kong maganda talaga ang Sibyl ko—actually lahat kami sa pamilya perfect, hindi naman sa pagmamayabang..."
Mom sighed loudly. Dad grinned knowingly.
"But don't tell me you only fell in love with her face? It wasn't enough reason for me to give you my daughter, Alejo. I checked and hindi pa filed ang kasal n'yo ng pormal dahil wala pa kayong requirements. If I like, I could waive it."
I tensed up, "Dad..."
"Yes, Sir, your daughter is really really beautiful but getting to know her here, I realized she's more than her pretty face. Her heart's always been beautiful and genuine, too. She's doing her best to look fine in the exterior, trying showing people she's alright and wasn't affected with anything but the truth was, she's broken." Tumitig sa akin si Solomon. "She's scarred and needed someone to take her down from above from pleasing people, she needed someone to take her broken pieces with him, to bleed with her."
My palms trembled, hinawi ko ang luha ko habang nakatitig kay Sol na sinsero iyong sinasabi.
"She's genuinely amazing, Sir, Ma'am." He glanced at my parents, "ang ganda-ganda ng anak n'yo kahit ano mang aspeto at oo, hindi perpekto, pero hindi ko kailangan ng gano'n. I'm broken myself, too. Nasaktan ko rin po ang anak n'yo, n-no'ng..."
He lowered his face, brushing his hair.
"Nagalit po ako at inaamin kong nasaktan ko ang anak n'yo no'ng nalaman ko 'yong pustahan at 'yong tungkol sa pagkakaibigan nila ni Mila. Napagsalitaan ko po ang anak n'yo ng masama na habang buhay kong pagsisisihan." He inhaled and glanced my way, startling me upon seeing his bloodshot eyes.
"N-No'ng panahong kailangang-kailangan ako ng a-anak n'yo, wala ako, 'yon po ang isa sa pinagsisisihan ko. No'ng natanggap ko 'yong email niya no'ng gabing nagtangka siyang..."
"Y-You..." suminghap ako, gulat na gulat. "You received it?"
How?! Hindi pa naka-schedule sa kanya hanggang umaga!
He nodded. I covered my mouth in shock and cried.
"W-Wala ako no'n, angel," he cried and I didn't expect it when he knelt on the floor, in front of me. "G-Gustong-gusto kong puntahan k-ka kaso ang layo ko, nagagalit ako sa sarili ko. P-Paano kapag hindi ka naabutan ng Daddy mo? 'Di ko kaya, S-Sib..." umiling siya, "'di ko a-alam kung anong gagawin ko. B-Baka mamatay na rin ako..."
I covered my mouth, crying when he lowered his face and buried it on my leg. Sinulyapan ko si Daddy na iniwas ang tingin niya at pasimpleng hinawi ang luha kaya nilingon ko si Mommy na tumango sa akin.
She talked to him.
"M-Mahal na mahal kita..." he whispered, "I-I tried acting not knowing anything para 'di ka na mag-alala p-pero kapag naiisip ko, galit na galit ako sa sarili. Na wala ako no'ng k-kailangan mo ng karamay at oo. S-Siguro nga hindi kita deserve p-pero handa ako..." his bloodshot eyes stared at my father mirroring his gaze, too.
He moved a bit away from me to look at my parents.
"S-Sir, Ma'am, handa po akong pahirapan n'yo. Handa a-akong tanggapin lahat ng ipapagawa n'yo sa akin. Kung gusto n'yo akong barilin, tatanggapin ko po. Pero isang bagay lang po ang maipapangako ko sa inyo, k-kapag pinagbigyan n'yo po akong maging parte ng buhay ni Sibyl, buong buhay ko siyang mamahalin. Buong buhay ko siyang pagsisilbihan."
His voice trembled.
"A-Alam ko pong hindi ako mayaman, na hindi pa po sapat ang naipundar ko. Na galing po ako sa ordinaryong pamilya at may mga lalaking mas mabibigyan ng magandang buhay si Sibyl pero magtatrabaho po ako," he said with conviction. "Magsisikap po ako ng husto p-para hindi po makaramdam ang anak n'yo ng hirap sa piling ko."
"Sol..." I called, "it doesn't matter. I love you, not the wealth or..."
"Can you still say you love my daughter even if I kill you?" Dad's gun appeared from nowhere and pointed it at Sol.
"Daddy!" singhal ko na kahit napansing pamilyar iyon. It's his infamous fake gun!
"Zeijan," Mom called.
"Tell me, young man," he said coldly, his jaw clenching. "Even if you're at gun point, can you still say you love my daughter? One hesitation from you and I won't think twice but blow your head off."
I waited for Sol's fear but instead, he knelt closer to where Dad's gun was until it's pressed on his forehead.
"Solomon!" singhal ko na.
"Yes, Sir," he answered. I noticed his trembling but he said that with conviction. "I'm willing to die for your daughter, I'm not saying this just because a gun was pointed on me. I'm saying this because I meant it. Mahal na mahal ko po ang anak n'yo."
Dad tilted his head, his jaw still clenching. He pushed the gun more on Sol's forehead but he remained kneeling with conviction, willing to die in a battle. For me.
"Naks, atapang a tao! Patayuan ba kitang monumento?" Dad suddenly smirked, humor filling his eyes. He removed the gun sabay kuha ng tsinelas niya at palo kay Sol. "Tang ina nito, 'di ka man lang ako invited sa kasal!"
I breathed heavily, relaxed, chuckling. Napaupo si Sol sa lapag at lumunok nang marahas, natatawa rin.
"Kinabahan ako, pareng Zeijan!"
"Ayos lang 'yan, tanga," binato ni Dad ng tsinelas ang asawa kong mabilis na nakaiwas. "Tang ina ka pa rin, pareng Solomon. Para kang others! Kung dati mo pa sinabing bet mo ang pretty ghourl ko edi sana pinayagan pa kitang makipag-blind date sa kanya! Hindi 'yong bantay-salakay kang tungaw ka!"
I clutched my chest, chuckling.
"So, you're fine with Sol, then?" I inquired.
"Hmm, p'wede na," Dad touched his chest, "may itsura naman 'tong bantay-salakay na 'to."
Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ni Sol.
"Pero h'wag kang papakampante!" singhal niya sabay turo rito, "habang hindi pa naka-file ang kasal n'yo, hindi pa rin kayo kasal sa paningin ko! Ibig sabihin, walang maglalandian sa harapan ko! Sibyl, sa bahay ka matutulog—"
"Dad?!" I whined.
"Dad..." he mimicked me, "no, you listen, little brat. You're still under my care hanggang 'di pa naaayos 'yang shotgun-shotgun n'yo—" umamba siya ng sapak kay Sol. "Gago, shotgun-in kita, eh, h'wag mo 'kong mangisihan d'yan!"
"Sorry, pare," Sol chuckled and dried his cheek.
"No way," reklamo ko na sabay sulyap kay Sol, humihingi sana ng tulong sa nangyayari pero tumango lang siya sa akin.
"I understand, Sir, aasikasuhin po namin kaagad ang papeles."
I stomped my feet at that. Dad glared my way.
"Gusto mo paluhurin kita sa asin, Sibyl Timothea?" I folded my arms on my chest, pouting.
Mom shook her head, giving me a funny look.
"Hmp!" inarte ko pa nang tumikhim si Sol at nasa lapag pa rin.
"Tungkol po pala sa anak ko," aniya kaya miski ako ay natigilan, "sana po ay ayos lang sa inyo—"
"It doesn't matter, Alejo," umiling si Dad sa kanya, "Fritzy is a good kid, nothing is wrong with having a child. Walang problema sa akin 'yon kung walang problema ang anak ko. Mas magagalit ako kung pinabayaan mo ang anak mo't tumakbo ka sa responsibilidad. Ang tunay na lalaki, hinaharap ang responsibilidad. Walang masama maging single parent."
Sol's eyes softened, "salamat, Sir."
"Hindi naman na single parent ang asawa ko—" Dad glared my way, "I mean si Sol. Kasi I'm here, I accept Fritzy. She's my daughter, too. Kaya hindi na siya single parent kasi ako na ang Mama—"
"Anyway, hindi 'yon ang concern ko," putol sa akin ni Daddy sabay baling kay Sol. "How is my daughter around Fritzy?"
Nagtatakang sumulyap sa akin si Sol, "ayos naman po, Sir. Malapit po sila sa isa't-isa at gusto siya ni Fritzy. Siya po ang naging inspirasyon ng anak ko para ipagpatuloy ang ballet."
"Ohh..." Dad nodded as a matter-of-fact sabay sulyap kay Mommy na natatawa. "Good to hear that, kasi alam mo ba, pare? Hindi naman sa sinisiraan ko si pretty ghourl pero mas magaling siya magpaiyak ng mga bata kaysa mag-alaga—"
"Daddy!" I whined loudly, earning a laugh from them.
Last stage of grief: Acceptance
Freaking finally! Magdiwang! 'Di ako nabiyuda!
The night was pretty chaotic but it was good Sol urged me to talk to my father and it ended in good terms. Mas naging bantay-sarado sa akin si Daddy at kaunting lapit lang namin ni Sol ay pasimple na siyang nagpapakita ng baril kay Solomon kaya napapadabog na lang ako.
Wala man lang kiss?! Gusto ko kiss!
I was whining and asking my loving husband for a quick MOMOL and kisses but he's dedicated in pleasing my parents he's refusing me. Great patience comes with great reward, sabi pa niya.
Napalabi ako habang pinapanuod si Sol na nakikipagtawanan kina Kuya, close na close sa mga pinsan ko.
They really knew him, huh? Kung pinansin ko lang 'to siguro noon...
"Anong nangyari?" humihikab na napakamot si Adira pagkalabas para sa breakfast pero sa halip na sagutin siya ay na-stress lang ako nang maalalang sa balbon sa braso niya ginamit ang nose strip para sa black heads.
Akala ko pa naman happy na ang vagina ko ngayong kasal na kami pero mas lalo lang siyang nalungkot kasi kahit kisses, bawal. No'ng nakauwi kami sa Maynila ay sa bahay ako nina Daddy sa halip na sa condo ko at baka raw pumuslit ako kay Solomon.
Sol has a place in Manila, too. Doon na kasi siya mag-stay madalas para sa branch ng company na pinagtatrabahuhan niya at nakakalungkot man, si Liza ay nanatili sa Sta. Monica para sa eleksyon ni Nash at doon sila titira.
We visited Nanay's grave before we left to Manila. Kasama namin ni Sol ang family ko rin para magbigay ng respeto sa nagpalaki at naging ina ng asawa ko.
Dinala namin si Pookie ko and the piglets sa bahay ni Sol na mas malawak kumpara sa bahay nila sa Sta. Monica. Dalawang palapag lang pero ang alam ko'y balak pa ni Sol na palakihan at i-extend kapag nakaipon muli.
Not that it matters, I'm good. Kahit nga bahay-kubo lang, basta kasama ko si Sol at Fritzy, masaya na ako.
"Wieee! Go, Pookie!" napatawa ako nang makita si Twinkle na nakasakay sa likod ni Pookie at ginagawang kabayo niya ang baboy na game na game din.
The whole family was there for our house blessing, miski sina Liza at Nash ay pumunta para sa event. Marami ang handa at maingay ang lahat. Kita ko ang saya sa mata ng asawa ko habang kausap sina Dad.
"I would like to offer my services if you plan to extend the house," ani Architect Scira habang ini-inspect ang bahay namin. "The house's beautiful, by the way! I like the interior designing but I can see, sa lawak ng lote na mas marami ka pang madadagdag para mas gumanda."
"Noted, Architect, I'll keep this in mind." Tinanggap ni Sol ang calling card, "I'll give you a call."
Sol and I are officially married now kaya wala nang nagawa si Daddy na umiyak pa. He demanded a second wedding na invited na raw siya. We assured him we will pero s'yempre, gusto kong may ambag sa second wedding namin ni Sol.
Siya na alone ang sa bahay na ilang taon niya ring pinatayo kaya nangako ako sa sariling mag-aambag. That's what married life is, helping each other. Ako ang nagpresinta sa mga furnitures at napag-usapang sa next na kasal ay sa malaking simbahan kami, invited ang mga pamilya.
I'm exchanging stories with Adira while seated on Sol's lap about random things. Ini-interview ng pinsan ko ang asawa ko—more like prosecuting him, actually.
"Katakot, angel," tumawa si Sol, "pakiramdam ko nasa korte ako!"
We were on the living room, watching a horror movie recommended by Ate Crest and as usual, they're causing such ruckus on our newly polished floor.
My brother was trying not to look but Kuya Macky's been forcing him to. Si Dad ay naka-focus na lang sa pagkain niya kahit napapatalon kapag may biglaang sound effects.
Twinkle and Fritzy are sitting beside each other, eating popcorn. Ang bunso ay ibang-iba sa mga kapatid. If they're screaming to jumpscares, Twinkle is enjoying it. Nakangiti pa siya kapag naghahabulan na ang multo at ang mga bida, I only saw a switch of emotion on her face the moment the poor dog died.
She cried, "wawa dog..." reklamo niya.
When it's time to go home, my father was hesitant. I know he can't let me go.
"Bisita ka ulit sa bahay, ah, pretty ghourl?" malungkot niyang sabi.
"Opo," I smiled, "oh come on, Dad. Don't be sad. I'm just living here but I'm not leaving you. Same lang naman kasi kapag nasa Sta. Monica ako or sa condo."
He sighed, "wala lang... sad lang ako. Nabawasan na naman ng perfection ang bahay natin."
"H'wag kang mag-alala, pare," ani Sol sa tabi ko, "promise, palagi kaming pupunta."
Dad sneered, "pare ka d'yan, siguraduhin mo! Bantayan mo itong prinsesa ko, wala 'tong galos no'ng pinalaki ko kaya dapat dito rin."
"I promise, Sir," Sol smiled, "I'll take care of her."
Nagpalitan ang tingin sa amin ni Dad, tumatango.
"Ano pa bang magagawa ko?" he stopped, "ay may guest rooms kayo, 'di ba, p'wede makitulog—"
"Mister, let the kids," natatawang yumakap si Mommy sa likod niya sabay halik sa leeg niya. Dad blushed. "They're adults, married couple, too. Hindi ka naman iiwan ng anak mo."
"Lungkot lang ako," sagot niya sabay tungo, at naglakad na ako palapit nang makitang hinawi niya ang luha.
I hugged him. My heart melted when Dad cried and caged me on his arms.
"S-Sorry, pretty ghourl," he cried. "I-I don't wanna sound like a whining and immature father b-but I'm just sad... kasi kasal ka na. Ikakasal na rin siguro sa sunod si Zirena-ganda ko. Tapos 'yong Kuya mo, ewan ko ba do'n, mukhang may gusto tapos—wala lang, sakit lang sa heart na unti-unti na kayong humihiwalay kasi... kasi sanay akong baby ko lang kayo."
"I love you, Dy," I smiled and kissed his cheek, "always remember I am and always will be your pretty ghourl, your little ballerina princess."
I cried. Hinayaan kami nina Mommy na gano'n at sila ang huling umalis sa bahay.
Sol was with Fritzy who's been playing with Twinkle. Kasama ni Zire si Wave. Si Mommy ay nakangiti lang, kumikislap ang mata habang si Kuya ay nakasandal sa may pader at tumutungo, hinahawi ang luha niya.
I hugged my siblings, too, sniffing.
"Always remember I'm one call away, hmm?" Kuya reminded me, removing my tears. "If you needed Kuya's help, I'm just here, babarilin ko mang-away sa 'yo."
"Me too," suminghot si Zire na kanina pa ako yakap, "just let us know, Ate, we will come running to you."
Nang balikan ko sina Daddy ay kausap na niya si Fritzy. My heart softened when Mom nodded at Twinkle and she appeared with a paper bag on her palm.
"For you pow, Ate Fwitzy," she cheered.
"Thank you, baby Twinkle!" Fritzy smiled gently, opening the paper back, unwrapped a present and cried upon seeing a customized and beautiful ballet flats for her.
"Oh my gahd..." she cried, "t-thank you p-po, Mama Alyx, Papa Zeijan..."
"No worries, anak," Daddy pinched his cheek, "nagpatulong kami kay Mama mo kung anong klaseng flats ang para sa 'yo at ayan, sana magustuhan mo. Promise, kapag sa sunod mong recital, manunuod kaming lahat."
"Really?" she sniffed, hugging the ballet flats on her chest, "t-thank you po, Mama, Papa. Ang ganda po s-sobra. S-Salamat din po kasi po you all accepted me po sa family n'yo..."
"Your father and you are always a part of our family, noon pa, anak." Mommy smiled at her, "official nga lang ngayon. Welcome to the family, Fritzy, ikaw ang una naming apo ni Papa Zeijan mo."
They hugged and my heart swelled.
"Grabe, kahit pamangkin ang ganda!" Kuya Zy smiled and messed with Fritzy's hair, "anong gusto mong pasalubong, Fritzy? Bibilhan ka ni Tito Zy!"
"This is your Tito Wave. I'm Tita Zire, too!" Zire giggled, "ang pinakamagandang Tita sa balat ng earth!"
"T-Tita?" Twinkle asked, "how po? Tita Twinkle me? Nye? A-Am just a beybi..." sabay inarte ni Twinkle, nagkatawanan na kami.
Our Fritzy was filled with love, and we have never seen her this happy before. Inantay naming makatulog si Fritzy sa bagong kwarto niyang punong-puno ng regalo galing sa bago at malaki niyang pamilya. Her lolos and lolas, uncles and aunties gifted not just us but her, too, welcoming her to our family.
Now, we're alone, inside the kitchen where I requested a late night iced coffee courtesy by my husband at ano nga ba ang housewarming party sa bagong bahay kung 'di namin bibinyagan?
Inosente lang naman akong umiinom ng kape at nagpapapak ng whip cream habang nakaupo sa stool nang pinirmi niya ako.
"Masarap?" he asked.
"Hmm?" I asked, stopping midway while tasting the whipped cream when he moved closer and kissed me, licking the whipped cream of my lips.
My stomach churned.
"Sol..." nanginig pa ang boses ko nang walang sali-salitang humalik siya sa akin habang ibinababa ang strap ng night gown kong suot bago lumayo.
He watched my exposed chest with his blazing black eyes when he took the silver can and opened it, putting an ample amount of whipped cream on my nipples.
"What the hell..." singhap ko na at napaungol nang basta na lang siyang tumungo at subo sa dibdib ko. He licked the cream off my erect nipples.
I moaned, gasping. I pulled his hair and pushed him further, feeling the familiar pool of heat gushing in between my legs.
I'm fucking horny.
"Masarap nga," bulong niya sabay hila pababa ng night dress ko hanggang sa ang underwear na lang ang natira.
I placed my finger on my lips, watching as he sexily stripped of his shirt off by pulling it from his back, leaving me with only his hardened chest and white pajamas.
"Sinong masarap, baby?" I asked seductively, "whipped cream o ako?"
He tilted his head, caging me in between his arms, on the counter.
"Let's see, angel?"
"What?" nagsalubong ang kilay ko, "don't tell me na nag-iisip ka pa? Are you saying na hindi ako ang mas masarap?!"
He kissed me hardly on the lips, stopping me from speaking.
"You don't get me, don't you, angel?" kumislap ang mata niya sabay tingin sa likod ko.
Pagkatapos no'n ay walang salita niya akong iniangat sa counter paupo, pinapalitan ang pwesto ko sa stool kanina, nakaharap sa akin.
Confused, I watched him. He put his palms on my leg and squeezed it sensually, making me gasp.
"Solomon," I called, "answer me. What's better, whipped cream or me—"
"Whipped cream on you sounds delicious, angel," he wickedly said.
My cheeks heated. Iniawang ko ang labi para sana magsalita nang iangat niya ang paa ko papatong sa hita niya, hinahawi pabukas.
He kissed my thigh and breathed, "you're soaking wet, wife,"
"Sino bang hindi?" sikmat ko, "ilang linggo na tayong kasal wala pang nangyayaring himala? Malungkot na vagina ko, Sol."
He laughed, "what?"
"Malungkot," I repeated, "'yong vagina ko. Sad na. Lonely kasi siya, eh."
"Uh-hmm," naaaliw na tumitig siya sa akin, "what can I do to make you and this pussy happy, then?"
"Eat me," I answered with no hesitation. "I want your tongue and cock buried inside me."
Mas nagdilim lang ang mata niya, nagtatago ang pilyong ngisi sa labi. Bagsak ang buhok sa kanyang noo dahil bago kaming shower na dalawa.
"You dirty, naughty angel," he slapped my core. I gasped loudly. "You want me inside you? That bad?"
"Uh-huh," I nodded, "I don't like make out and masturbation anymore, husband. It's time to consummate this marriage."
"Alright," I froze when I heard a loud tear off my panties.
"What the hell!" sumimangot ako, "that's a Victoria Secret T-back, Alejo!"
"Don't worry, Victoria's secret will be safe with me," he licked his finger and rubbed me. That, alone, was enough to shut me up.
Kinagat ko ang labi at unti-unting napahiga sa counter habang hinahaplos niya ako roon. He rubbed me with his fingers, inserting his middle finger while watching me writhing and twitching.
"You like this?" I nodded. "More..."
But he only moved away from me. Gulong-gulo ako nang mapansing may inaabot siya pero parang gusto ko na lang pa lang umatras sa takot na 'di na abutin nang makita ang balak niyang gawin.
He took the whipped cream's can, putting the cream on my bare pussy and spread it with his fingers, massaging my clit.
"Fuck you, Sol," I cursed under my breath, my toe's straightening.
"That's just the start, angel, suko ka na kaagad?" inangat niya ang hita ko paakyat sa balikat niya sabay lapit ng mukha sa pagitan ng hita ko.
He lowered his head, licking me down there like a predator munching on his prey and this prey? She won't just die, she will die with pleasure.
He licked me there, fucked me with his tongue and finger combined. He cleaned and tasted the whipped cream on my pussy, making sure I'm looking at him doing that.
Rest in peace sa vagina ko.
I convulsed and he took it all, licking my juices and letting me taste the fingers he used to fuck me.
"Taste yourself," utos niya, I licked it off his fingers, my eyes trained on him. "Taste good?"
Tumango ako at humawak sa pulsuhan niya.
"Hmm..." I moaned.
"Told you," he proudly answered, "whipped cream on you tasted better."
Kung inaaakala niyang tapos na dahil nagyaya siyang papaliguan na ako at paniguradong malagkit ay nagkakamali siya. Tinulak ko siya pasandal sa counter at hinila ang pajama niya pababa.
"Sibyl," he called, "later, angel. Papaliguan muna kita at malagkit—"
"Shh..." I caressed his angry bulge, "you can't starve this naughty angel, baby. Nangangain."
He stiffened when I cupped his cock in between my palm and pumped him, sucking him fully until he's fisting my hair and fucking my mouth.
I took the whipped cream, too, spread it on his cock with my finger and licked it clean with my tongue. He came on my mouth, pulled me up and slammed me on the counter.
Half of my body's on the kitchen counter, grinding against his cock behind me, teasing.
"Fuck," mura niya kaya nilingon ko na siya.
"Why?"
"I forgot the condom," reklamo niya, "I was too busy and forgot."
My heart fell when he gently helped me down the counter, "let me buy on the pharmacy nearby—"
"I'm on pills!" I answered. Nagtataka niya akong tinitigan. "You see, to regulate my menstruation. That would help to..."
Lumambot ang mata niya at hinawakan ang pisngi ko, "are you sure?" he asked, "I could swing by to the pharmacy, it would take a brief time only. Don't worry, I'd still fuck you good."
Napatawa ako at hinalikan siya, "come on, we're married, it's okay. I'm on pills and you could spill it on my ass or something."
Mukha pa siyang nag-aalangan. I know he's thinking about that talk we had a long time ago. About me, not wanting to have kids.
"Come on, baby," hinalikan ko siyang muli at umupo sa stool, ibinubuka ang hita ko. "Have a feast, husband."
"Alright," he smiled sexily and touched my waist up and down, squeezing it. "Move a bit, let me fuck you nice and sweet."
And hell, he did. I was stopping my best not to scream and moan so much to not wake up Fritzy at ang kasama namin sa bahay kahit nasa second floor naman sila.
My breast moved up and down in his intense thrusts. Tinakpan pa nga niya ang bibig ko sa lakas ng boses ko.
After my first orgasm, he turned me back on the counter and entered me from behind while fisting my hair. Him inside me feels perfect. I felt so full and missed it so much.
It was years ago when I last felt this intense pleasure and only him could give it to me.
He filled me to the brim and when I convulsed, lupaypay akong napahiga sa counter. He cleaned his spill on my ass before carrying me back to the shower inside our room at kung akala ng vagina ko na tapos na, nagkakamali siya.
Ang sabunan ay nauwi sa ibang klase. He fucked me under the shower and I rode him on our very bed with our body still drenched with water.
"Shit, Sol! Ah!" I called and touched his chest for support.
He supported my waist, helping me thrust above him, meeting my every move. Damang-dama ko siya sa loob ko.
Sol had memorized how to pleasure me and I loved it so much.
"Angel," tawag niya, ang dibdib ay namumula na at madilim ang mata. "Angel, I'm fucking cumming..."
"M-Me too," hinihingal kong sagot.
"Let me..." humawak siya sa baywang ko pero hindi ko magawa dahil may inaabot din ako kagaya niya. "Angel, I'm about to—fuck!" he came inside me the same time I reached mine.
He filled me to the brim, it was so warm and good. Bumagsak ako sa kanyang dibdib at sinalo niya ako.
"I came inside you," he worriedly said, "is it okay?"
I smiled, "I'm on pills," I lazily kissed his lips. "Stop worrying, baby. I love you."
His eyes softened, sinuklay niya ang buhok ko bago humalik sa noo ko.
"I love you, too," he whispered. "Thank you for giving me this family."
We slept soundly that night and the next days and weeks were great to us. Fritzy started going to class, pabalik-balik ako sa kay Tito Thorn para sa psychiatric evaluation ko at tuwang-tuwa ako nang malamang mas nagiging maayos na ang lagay ko.
The dose of my antidepressants was adjusted into lower doses and I feel happier. All because of the support of my family, Fritzy and Sol.
My wedding with Sol was a secret because I wanted to keep things in private until we finished shooting the drama I'm starring. Wala namang sinasabi na si Teresa pero nahuhuli ko ang pairap-irap niya sa akin. She was curiously watching Sol and me together, 'di ko na lang pinapansin at ayaw ko ng stress.
When the shooting ended, sinamahan ako ni Sol sa check-up at trainings ko. Naroon si Fritzy noong unang linggo pero dahil sa pasok ay kinailangang umuwi. Nagpresinta si Mommy at Daddy na sila muna ang bahala sa apo at alam ko namang tuwang-tuwa si Fritzy sa kanyang malaking pamilya at walang pagdadalawang-isip na pumayag.
Maingat akong humawak sa barre at tumingkayad para sa hindi mabilang na subok muli sa pagsasayaw. Slowly, I let go of the support and walked gently in tiptoe.
I grinned.
Oh my God. I can slowly do it again!
Sol and Fritzy watched me from the distance, clapping.
"That's my wife!"
"Go, Mama ko!" Fritzy giggled.
"Come here, anak," tawag ko at nakangiting sumama sa practice ko si Fritzy habang binabantayan kami ni Sol at siya ang kausap nina Uncle Roux sa therapy ko at progress.
Fritzy jumped and did a flawless twirl, my eyes glistened.
"Wow, look at that talent!" I exclaimed happily, "manang-mana kay Mama Sib, galing, ah?"
"Of course, Mama!" she giggled, "mana ata si Fritzy sa 'yo!"
Unti-unti ay mas nagiging komportable na ako. I have trained before but I stopped because of my weak knees. Sumabak din ako sa showbiz kaya ngayon lang nakabalik. So far so good.
I was doing a flawless twirl when I lost my balance and fell. I gasped.
"Mama!" tumakbo si Fritzy palapit sa akin at humawak, "ayos ka lang? Where's Papa? Pa—"
"I'm okay, sweety," pinisil ko ang palad niya, ngumingiti kahit na kumirot ang paa. "I'm just..." suminghap ako at kumirot ang dibdib.
Can I really dance again like before? Or am I just forcing myself?
"You can do it, Mama ko," I glanced at Fritzy when she said that. "H'wag na ikaw po iyak..."
I froze, dali-dali kong hinawakan ang pisngi at natantong basa nga iyon.
"No, I-I'm not crying," I chuckled softly, "napuwing lang si Mama, anak."
"I used to cry din po before kasi sabi po ng classmates ko, 'di ako po galing daw sumayaw." She started, "kasi po I'm sick. Na I'm falling on the ground and convulsing, sabi nila po wala akong future sa ballet kasi weak ako."
"Fritzy..."
"Sabi ko rin po sa utak ko noon na baka 'di naman po ako talaga magaling, Mama. Na I'd end up watching them and wishing I could dance, too, but you know, I met a very... very amazing and beautiful woman."
Kumunot ang noo ko at pinakinggan siya.
"Idol ko po siya kasi magaling siyang sumayaw. Idol ko siya po sa ballet. Tapos po no'ng susuko na po ako, nag-kwento siya sa akin na no'ng bata pa siya po, hindi rin siya magaling. Na nadadapa siya tapos may sugat, na natatalisod po tapos nahuhulog."
My eyes watered.
"What happened?" I heard Sol sprinting and placed the foods on the ground, kneeling to check on my feet. "Are you okay? Sibyl—"
"Hmm..." I squeezed his arm. Kumunot ang noo niya pero unti-unting bumaling sa anak na hinahaplos ang isang palad ko.
"But you know what that amazing lady told me po, Mama? She told me na normal lang daw po na nadadapa, na part po siya ng life pero po kapag po nadadapa, will you stay on the ground and just cry?"
I bit my lip and shook my head at her, "n-no..."
"Okay lang po na iiyak ka, kasi masakit po. Pero po kapag nadapa? Iiyak po pero?" she gently stood and offered her palm. "Tatayo."
A sob left my lips. Humawak ako sa kamay ni Fritzy pero sa iyak ay 'di ako makakuha ng lakas.
"Baby steps, angel," Sol continued, "nag-uumpisa ka ulit kaya tama ang anak natin, madadapa at mahuhulog ka talaga sa umpisa. But those steps?" he touched my cheek. "Those steps are the starting point until you learn how to twirl again. But remember, in your first try until your highest tiptoe, nandito kami para sa 'yo."
He kissed my head and stood, too, offering me his other palm. Humawak din ako roon.
"That amazing lady is my Mama," Fritzy smiled cutely, "tara po, Mama. Tayo tayo, tapos madadapa man, sasayaw ulit."
Tinungan ako ng mag-ama ko patayo sa sarili kong mga paa.
The nutcracker song ended and was replaced by something else. I froze. Nagkatinginan kami ni Solomon nang tumugtog ang Runaway Baby ni Bruno Mars.
He grinned, "let's runaway, baby?"
Unti-unti siyang lumayo sa amin at napatakip ako sa bibig, hindi alam kung maiiyak lalo o kikiligin nang pakitaan niya kami ng mabilis na galaw niya sa pagsasayaw sabay lahad ng kamay sa aming dalawa ng anak namin.
"Can I ask these gorgeous girls to dance with me?"
We did. It was one of my happiest. To dance with the two of them again.
Therapies continued, my surgeon gave me a positive response according to my latest x-ray. The tear on my knees were healed and after a few more practices, trainings and rehabilitation, I will be good as new in dancing.
But I wasn't expecting the next turn of events.
Mula sa pag-e-ensayo ko ay tumakbo ako sa banyo para magsuka. My stomach has been churning and this day, wala ako sa mood at iritado.
Naupo ako sa labas ng studio ng ospital at uminom ng tubig. My husband had an urgent meeting kaya nandoon siya at naiwan sa bahay; gustong samahan ako pero kaya ko namang mag-isa.
"Sibyl, anak, kumain ka na?" tawag ni Uncle Roux.
"Ayos lang po, Uncle," I smiled, "thank you."
Tumango siya at nagpaalam paalis kaya sumandal ako at iniikot ang tingin sa pasilyo ng ospital nang mapatitig sa couple na naglalakad.
"It's a girl," the lady exclaimed happily and touched her round stomach.
"I hope she'll look like you!" the couple kissed as they walked in front of me but my eyes remained on her pregnant stomach.
I immediately fished my phone out and checked my calendar, realizing I'm fucking delayed.
"No..." umiling ako at natawa, "I'm being paranoid. It's just stress." Tumayo ako at pumasok sa loob ng studio para muling mag-practice.
When the technician called me for lunch and the smell of their food reached my nose, my stomach churned.
I ran to the bathroom and vomited again.
"Miss Sibyl? Are you fine—"
"I'm good, thank you," pinunasan ko ng tissue ang bibig. "I will eat later, thank you."
When she left, I closed the door and rested my back on the door, breathing nervously.
Muli kong tinignan ang calendar ko at dapat mayro'n ako kahapon pero hindi ako dinatnan. I've vomited and irritated. If this isn't stress then am I...
My eyes watered.
"No..." umiling ako at napaupo sa lapag, napapahawak sa tiyan. "I can't get pregnant, I can't... not now. I-I've just started dancing again. I-I can't..." I cried.
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