Kabanata 30
Aww, the saddest part. We're in the last chapter of TBV, Archers! Maraming salamat sa pakiki-Let it go ninyo kina Elsa at Miss Piglet! Ang Hari at Reyna ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro HAHAHA! I hope you liked the new book cover. Summary na 'yan ng TBV HAHAHA.
Join us in our twitter party! #TheBrokenVow I hope you enjoyed this story and learned from it.
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Kabanata 30
Hindi ako kaagad nakagalaw, nakita ko ang paglapit ng mga tao sa komosyon sa gitna.
"No...no." I shook my head and in my wobbling legs, walked towards the road and saw him on the ground.
"G-Gelo..." my voice broke as I ran towards his direction. Hinawi ko na ang mga tao para makalayo sa kanya. "Angelo..."
His eyes are still open when he saw me, medyo nakatagilid siya roon at nanginig ang kamay ko nang makita ang dugo mula sa kanyang kamay. I took out my handkerchief and placed it there to help him stop the bleeding.
"A-are you okay?" he asked that even in his weakest state and I nodded, sniffing. "Don't...don't cry, I'm o-okay."
"N-no..." I shook my head again.
I was panicking, almost breaking down seeing him on this state but I took a deep breath and looked around.
"P-please, call an ambulance." I told the people around who did not hesitate to do so when I told them.
"Calm down, Philie." I whispered to myself and held my stomach as I carefully knelt on the ground.
"Miss, h'wag ka lalapit—"
"I'm a doctor." I explained kaya napatango-tango sila at humugot ako ng malalim na hininga at mabilis na sinilip ang ulo ng asawa ko.
"Is your head aching?" mabilis kong tanong at saglit siyang umungol ng mahina bago sumagot.
"I...I don't know." The pain etched on his face, "I'm n-numb."
"You can understand me, right?" I cleared out and he hummed again, pain is still on his face.
Hindi ko siya kaagad ginalaw. I was shaking and sniffing but I know I have to do my job as a doctor right now that my husband is here.
Checking his position, I noticed the impact was centered on his lower leg but still, remembering the way he tried dodging the car, it lessened the impact. The position looked awkward and risky kaya kaagad akong bumalik sa may ulo ng asawa ko para tignan kung tumama iyon.
To my relief, walang dugo roon pero hindi ibig sabihin ay ligtas na siya. Kapag may namuong clot sa ulo niya ay mas mapanganib kaya kumalabog ang puso ko.
Every passing minute, the patient's condition can worsen.
"Did you call the ambulance, Sir?" tanong ko at nang tumango-tango siya ay sinuklay ko ang buhok ko at muling lumuhod sa gilid ng asawa na napapapikit na.
"D-don't sleep on me, babe." I called, "t-the ambulance is coming, o-okay? They're coming."
"H-hmm..." he hummed, mas sumikip ang dibdib ko nang makita ang dugo sa gilid ng kanyang noo. "A-are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine," my voice broke, "d-don't ask about me, a-ayos lang ako, okay? Ikaw...ikaw ang nasa panganib n-ngayon. D-don't sleep on me, okay?"
He hummed again pero nahuhulog na ang talukap na ang mata kaya mas nanginig ako.
"O-our baby..."
"A-ayos lang kami, ayos lang." I assured him again, "d-don't sleep on me, Dean Angelo. Look at me, look at me."
His jet black eyes met mine and he even flashed a weak smile.
"D-don't...cry." Halos bulong na sabi niya, sumusubok pang abutin ako.
"Don't move, Angelo." I reminded, "don't move."
"I-I'm sorry...I'm sorry!" from my husband, my eyes shifted from the voice's direction at tumiim ang bagang ko nang makita kung sino 'yon.
"P-Philie, I'm sorry..." Samantha cried more when she saw my husband's state. "I-I blacked out and I-I lost it—"
Napatayo ako, namuo ang galit sa dibdib.
"How dare you?" mariing tanong ko, tumaas-baba ang balikat ko sa bilis at kaba sa nangyari. "H-how dare you do that—"
"P-Philie..." Angelo's voice filled my ears again, "d-don't..."
I squinted my eyes closed and closed my fist.
"P-please, call the police." Baling ko sa enforcer na malapit sa amin, "don't let this woman go." Turo kay Samantha na halos nakaluhod na at umiiyak.
"S-sorry, Philie." She cried loudly, "D-Dean, I'm sorry...I'm sorry..."
"Yes, Ma'am." Tumango siya, "malapit na raw po, ang ambulansya rin."
I nodded and brushed my hair again. Mabilisan kong hinawi ang luha ko at muling lumapit sa asawa.
"No..." he whispered.
"I-I won't," I shook my head, "I'm fine, hmm? D-don't sleep on me, babe. Look at me."
Our eyes locked and his weak eyes gave me assurance he's fine but I still can't calm down. Not a moment later, the ambulance came. The police too at kinuha nila ang umiiyak na si Samantha.
"S-sorry, please, I'm so sorry..." paumanhin niya, hindi na nagpumiglas sa mga pulis nang kunin siya.
I was crying while inside of the ambulance. My husband lost consciousness when the medic took him from the ground, the reason I was stressed out.
"Dra. Suarez," the medic gave me a bottle of water, "magiging ayos lang po si Doc, h'wag ka na po umiyak, ang anak n'yo po."
"T-thank you..." I whispered and stared at my husband, "h-he'll be alright, right?"
"Opo..." he smiled reassuringly, "nasabihan na po namin ang ospital. Nandoon na po sina Mrs. Samaniego."
They did their best to stop the bleeding on his arm and when we reached the hospital, nakaabang na ang emergency room para sa kanya.
"P-Philie..." muling bumuhos ang luha ko nang makita si Tita Natalie na umiiyak nang makita ako.
"T-Tita," I called and sobbed more when she hugged me tight and touched my back.
"H-he'll be alright," she assured me. "T-Terrence's already there with Greg, they'll make sure h-he's safe."
No assurance is enough to calm me down while waiting for them to tell us what's happening. I couldn't get inside the operating room and Tita Nat's with me together with Amber.
"Ate, kain ka muna." Amber's soft voice filled my ear as she extended the sandwich she had in her hand.
"Salamat, Amber." Mahinang sabi ko at sumandal sa kanya, niyakap naman niya ang braso ko at bumulong.
"Magiging ayos din si Kuya," she whispered. "He's strong, ilang beses na nga 'yang naganyan pero tignan mo, alive and kicking."
"It's the second time," I mumbled and glanced at her but she shook her head and smiled.
"I'm gonna tell you a secret," she smiled at me, "this is actually the third time."
"What?!" my voice raised kaya tinakpan ko ang labi, napapasulyap kay Tita Natalie na kausap si Tito Terrence sa may pintuan.
"When Mommy's pregnant with Kuya, she got into an accident too." She pouted, "that cold man's strong, sabi ko nga sa 'yo, Ate. Mr. Yelo 'yan kasi sing-tigas ng yelo ang ulo niya kahit anong umpog mo."
Natulala ako at napaisip, "r-really?"
"Hmm," she smiled at me, "so, I know he'll be alright. Besides, you told me nakakausap mo siya kanina?"
I gave her a small nod and that's when she tapped my shoulder.
"Kuya will be alright, you'll see." She smiled reassuringly.
When Tita Nat walked towards us, I was nervous. Napatayo ako roon at gano'n din si Amber na hinawakan ang braso ko para alalalayan.
"Come on, Greg will come out in a while." She said gently and held my hand before pulling me towards the room.
My heart's pounding harshly inside my chest while waiting for Tito Greg, his neurologist, to come out of the room kaya no'ng lumabas siya at tila lalabas na rin ang puso ko sa kaba.
"Nat, Philie..." he called when he saw us.
"H-how's my husband, Tito?" I asked, "i-is he okay?"
Kinakabahan ako na hindi ko maipaliwanag. Kumuyom ang kamay ko at pinagmasdan siya pero sa awa ng Diyos ay ngumiti siya at tumango.
"He is," sagot niya at doon na ako nagpakawala ng buntonghininga. "He has no bleeding externally, pwera na lang sa braso niyang nasugutan, napilayan siya but thankfully, his position when he was hit helped in lessening the impact. Wala namang tama o sugat ang ulo niya pero hindi pa rin tayo p'wede pakampante. We will conduct CT scan to check and to make sure he's safe."
Napapikit ako sa paghulog ng mga luha sa pisngi kaya kaagad ko iyong pinunasan.
"Thank you..." I whispered, "s-salamat po, Doc."
"No worries, we'll do everything to make sure he's fine." He smiled, "Angelo's a tough one, right, Nat?"
"Thankfully, he is." Tita laughed a little, "that kid has gone through a lot, nasa sinapupunan ko pa lang 'yan noon, nalamog na ata."
Tito Terrence went out of the room too with a small smile pero nawala nang makita si Tita Natalie na mariin na ang tingin sa kanya.
"Kasalanan mo 'to, Terrence." She hissed and it made my heart felt lighter when Tito laughed and caught her for a hug.
"He's fine, babe. He actually woke up earlier and asked where his wife is." Sumulyap sa akin si Tito.
"Can I talk to him po?" marahang tanong ko.
"Yes but he's sleeping now, maybe you should rest first, anak. For the baby too." His eyes softened when he glanced at my stomach.
I nodded, hindi ko na pinilit pang makita si Gelo dahil nakakaramdam na rin ako ng hilo. Amber held my hand, nakita ko na rin ang pagdating nina Phoebe papalapit sa aking pwesto.
"Cai..." I called but stopped when I realized my head's now spinning.
Medyo nanlabo ang paningin ko. Pakiramdam ko ay lumiit sila sa aking paningin kaya napapikit ako at napakapit lalo kay Amber.
"A-ate?" she called and I closed my eyes and gripped her arm more.
"A-Amber," I called weakly, "I think I'm..." my voice faded when my head spinned more and I didn't know what happened next.
When I opened my eyes, the familiar white four-sided wall welcomed me. Basing from the smell of an antiseptic, I know I'm in the hospital.
"Thallia, hello." Tita Nat's voice filled my ear kaya medyo iginalaw ko ang ulo at sinulyapan siya at nakitang nasa gilid siya at nakatayo.
We're alone in the room and basing on her voice, she's worried and enraged at the same time.
"I'm sorry to call you this late," she mumbled, "b-but I need some help, is it okay?" hope is laced on her tone.
"My son got hit by a car, we're in the hospital now." She sighed, "the thing here is, I think this is an attempted murder. She's currently in the station, is it okay if you'll come with me? Is your husband there? Can I ask for help?"
She listened for a while until her face lit up.
"Really?!" she smiled, her dimples deepened. "Thank you so much, Thallia! Thank you, thank you. I missed you, see you later."
When she cut the phone call, she was smiling. Magaan ang kanyang ekspresyon pero napanganga siya nang makita ako.
"Philie!" she exclaimed and ran towards me, helping me up.
"Tita,"
"You fainted, anak!" she gasped, "are you okay now? Terrence said you're just stressed and starving. Okay lang ang apo ko, okay ka lang din, don't worry."
"Si Gelo po?" mahinang tanong ko.
"Oh, he's fine now." She smiled reassuringly, "he's resting, like you. You can visit him tomorrow, magpahinga muna kayo ng apo ko ngayon, hmm? Nagpaluto ako ng pagkain para sa inyo ni baby, Philie. It'll be here soon. Amber and your friends will be here to accompany you, aalis muna kami ng asawa ko papuntang presinto."
Samantha came across my mind again kaya bumigat na naman ang pakiramdam ko.
"You know my sister, right?" she asked and I nodded. "Thallia's husband is a prosecutor and her son's a lawyer, they're gonna help us press charges against the conniving woman."
"Can I come?" I asked.
"Oh, no, it's okay, anak." She squeezed my hand, "you should rest—"
"Gusto ko pong sumama, Tita, please?" I pleaded and closed my eyes tightly, "Please."
Hindi siya nagsalita kaagad. Nang magmulat ako at 'tsaka ko lang nakita ang lambing ng kanyang titig habang nakatingin sa akin.
"Alright," she nodded, "but before we go, you should eat first, okay?"
After eating and checking my husband's condition, we went to the precinct where Samantha is.
Magkahawak-kamay kami ni Tita habang papasok sa presinto. Tito Terrence is busy calling someone on the phone and a handsome police officer welcomed us when we got inside.
"Mrs. Samaniego?" the man with gray eyes asked.
"Yes, nand'yan na ba sila?" Tita Nat asked.
"Yes, Ma'am. Atty. Alchiel is on the way." He checked his wrist watch, "Lt. Col. Dmitrov." He introduced.
I smiled at him and nodded, nakipagkamay ako at gano'n din si Tita.
"Thank you, Sir." Tita smiled.
"This way, Ma'am." He motioned the way kaya sumunod kami roon. Tito Terrence followed us, kaagad siyang humawak kay Tita noong papasok na kami sa isang private room sa loob ng presinto.
My blood immediately boiled when I saw Samantha sitting with a man beside her with her swollen eyes. She looked like a lost child and yet, I couldn't give her mercy.
"Nat," Tita Thallia, Tita Natalie's sister stood to greet us. "Philie..."
"Hello po," marahang sabi ko.
She smiled and nodded, hinawakan niya ang braso ko bago lumapit sa may upuan doon kung nasaan ang asawa niya.
"This is my husband, Iñigo." She introduced, "this is Philie, baby. Angelo's wife."
The strict looking blue-eyed man glanced my way before offering me a small smile, "nice meeting you, Miss Philie."
"Nice meeting you too, Prosecutor." Marahang sabi ko at nakipagkamay sa kanya.
My eyes landed in front of me and Sam's eyes avoided mine. She lowered her head more and gulped harshly.
"Atty. Melo Alejez," the man beside her introduced, "I'm Samantha's lawyer and father."
I was stunned by it. Didn't know why would she do this to us? Knowing her father's a man of law?
"I'm very sorry I'm late," a familiar man went inside the room. "Atty. Alchiel Sandejas, Angelo's lawyer." He introduced and sat beside me.
He greeted me kaya ngumiti ako at tumango, mahinang nagpasalamat na pumunta siya para tulungan kami.
"Magandang gabi." He greeted everyone and took the folders out of his case, "Miss Samantha Alejez, correct? I guess we knew each other well, Miss."
The sounded professional but why does it give me the creeps?
Nahuli ko ang pagsulyap ni Sam sa abogado bago nahihiyang nag-iwas ng tingin.
"A hit and run incident a year ago, tampering of evidence and another one this time." He read his file, "also, it wasn't on the case file but it was reported before that you threatened Mr. Samaniego with a knife? Correct?"
"That is right," Tita Nat said, "my son got injured and had a stab wound on his arm that night."
Samantha's father and the same time, his lawyer, looked tired and weak too. Nakita ko pa ang pagpikit niya ng mariin habang naririnig iyon.
"After that hit and ran accident, you tampered the evidences by paying the establishments to wiped it out." He explained, "after that, you are seen approaching the victim like you did nothing and brainwashed him to cover what you did."
"That...that isn't true." His lawyer said, "my daughter would never do that—"
"Turns out, she can." Prosecutor Sandejas said coldly and showed us something from his laptop. "No records are seen from the CCTV footages around the establishments where the accident happened but we obtained a copy from a black box in a nearby car near the area.
He played the video and a car was seen accelerating towards Angelo's direction that morning after that marriage until it hit him. The car stopped for a while but then proceeded into speeding away from the scene.
"Dad," Chiel called and Prosecutor stopped the video. "As you can see, this plate number is registered under a rental car wherein, Miss Alejez is the registered client."
"It must be a mistake," Atty. Alejez explained, "my daughter isn't like that—"
"What don't we ask your daughter, Atty.?" Atty. Chiel asked coldly, "Miss Samantha, it was you who did that, am I correct?"
"My client has the right to remain silent—"
"I-I do," Samantha murmured, stopping his father.
"Samantha!" he exclaimed, "the hell are you doing—"
"I did that, Dad, okay?!" she exclaimed, "kasalanan ko! I-I was so mad because he rejected me! I told him I'm in love with him! T-that he should get back to me but you know what he told me? He said he's in love with his wife! I am hurt, o-okay?! Kasi ako...ako 'yong dapat asawa niya. N-na dapat ako but he did not choose me!"
Kumuyom lalo ang kamay ko at humugot ng hininga para kalmahin ang sarili.
"No...you don't." He shook his head, stunned too upon hearing it from his daughter. "Don't say that, Samantha. Did they threaten you, hmm? I'll do anything, what do you like? Travel? Just tell me you did not do that. You can't possibly do that!"
"Well, news flash, Dad! I did!" her eyes turned slits. Sa kabila ng tapang no'n ay ang luha sa gilid ng kanyang mata.
"N-no..." his father shook his head and laughed blankly, "you are all lying, you just wanted to frame my daughter. She could not do that—"
"I did, Dad. You can't be blind this time." She answered blankly, "you did not know? Oh, of course you didn't because you don't give attention!"
"Samantha!"
"Bakit? Bakit, totoo naman?!" she exclaimed, "puro ka kliyente! Puro ka trabaho! Lahat kayo! Lahat kayo walang pakialam sa akin! Lahat kayo walang alam kasi wala kayong balak alamin! Si Angelo! Si Angelo lang ang mayro'n ako noon pero..." her voice weakened.
"No..." he shook his head and we caught how a tear fell from his father's eyes. "Y-you can't..."
"I did," Samantha smiled blankly, "I did hit him. Why are you crying, Dad, huh? Finally? You realized I needed you and you were nowhere? Did you realize how alone I am, huh? I was caged in that damn hospital and yet no one!" She cried loudly, "no one visited mo! W-wala...walang may pakialam sa akin!"
Bumigat ang pakiramdam ko kaya tumitig ako sa kamay. Maging sina Prosecutor at Tita ay tahimik, hindi nagsasalita habang gano'n ang mag-ama.
I remembered what I told her just earlier. Being an adopted child is hard but what's harder is knowing your biological parents and yet, it felt like you never had a family.
"I hit Angelo," she glanced at us. "Attorney Sandejas, I admit to all my crimes. Philie, I was even planning to get rid of you and the baby para sa akin na ang asawa mo. Hulihin niyo na ako." Malamig niyang sabi pero ang namuo na lang sa akin ay awa.
She might have become better if her family showed her their support. Maybe, may pag-asa pa sana siyang umayos.
Wala nang umimik doon. Atty. Alejez is staring at nowhere, in the side of his eyes are tears.
"Miss Alejez clearly confessed to the crimes." Atty. Alchiel started off, "this information was revealed to us months ago but we could not press charges against her because of her mental state that time. However, she was recently released and did this and we could not turn blind eye in this one for it almost cost Mr. Samaniego's life."
He cleared his throat and showed her the file, "the defendant admits to her crimes. However, if there are further petitions, you could call us and we'll see you in court." He put a card in front of them.
Tumayo na kami, Atty. Alchiel nodded and the police officer silently watching walked closer to us and took a handcuff from his jeans.
"Miss Samantha Alejez, you are under arrest for attempted murder." He said and took her hand and caged it in a handcuff. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you."
Atty. Alejez remained staring at his daughter, looking confused and lost too. Tulala lang siya habang kinukuha ang kanyang anak na nakatungo lang, ni hindi na lumaban at sumama kay Lt. Col. Dmitrov nang ilabas siya nito sa private room.
"We'll get going, Atty. Alejez." Prosecutor Sandejas said before nodding and held his wife's hand as they made their way out. Sumunod naman sina Tita Nat at Tito Terrence kaya nahuli kami ni Atty. Alchiel.
"Salamat po, Attorney." I greeted with a smile.
"Anything for you and my cousin," he nodded, "who would expect this, hmm? Ang huling balita ko'y nag-divorce kayo? If I'm correct, Adira's your lawyer?"
"Oo," I answered. "We're actually divorced but...we're having a baby." I touched my stomach kaya sumulyap siya roon at ngumisi.
"Lakas naman ni Angelo," he laughed, "we'll visit him tomorrow, ako ang Ninong, ah?"
"Sure, Attorney." I nodded and he assisted me to get out of the room but we're halfway towards the exit when I felt a soft grip on my wrist.
I was stunned and looked back and was met by Atty. Alejez's teary eyes.
"Miss Suarez..." he murmured and I was shock when he knelt in front of me.
"Attorney—" muntik na akong kunin palayo ni Alchiel pero umiling ako kaya suminghap siya at tumango.
"W-what are you doing, Attorney?" marahang tanong ko sa kanya. "Bakit ka lumuluhod—"
"A-ako na lang," he lowered his head, "j-jail me instead, not my daughter, please. A-ako na lang ikulong ninyo, h'wag na 'y-yong anak ko. K-kasalanan ko, kasalanan ko kung bakit nagkagano'n siya."
I closed my eyes and sighed.
"Attorney..."
"P-please, ako...aakuin ko na lahat, h-h'wag 'yong anak ko. Kasalanan ko, ako na lang." he cried violently, "h-hindi ako naging mabuting ama, ako ang dahilan kaya gano'n siya. I-if only...if only I checked on her. Ako ang ikulong ninyo, parang awa ninyo na. Ako na lang."
"Philie," Alchiel called kaya tinanguan ko siya bago sumulyap kay Atty. Alejez.
"Attorney, alam kong wala akong karapatang manghimasok sa pamilya ninyo kasi hindi ako kasama roon pero naiintindihan ko po kung saan nanggagaling ang anak ninyo. Masaya ang makasama ang totoong pamilya pero hindi ba masakit kapag hindi mo naramdaman na mayro'n ka no'n?" he cried more while hearing me, "Samantha is wounded, I understand it but also, I would not tolerate what she did wrong just because she's hurt.
"You hurting does not mean you'd inflict pain in others too, Attorney. I understand your desire to take her place because you knew what you lacked but letting her get off this incident without punishment? No, Attorney. Pamilyado na po akong tao. May anak ako, kami ni Angelo. Alam ninyo na po ngayon ang hirap ng ganyang sitwasyon para kay Sam dahil sa nangyayari sa pamilya ninyo kaya sana po ay maisip n'yo ang akin. What would my child feel if my husband died because of what your daughter did?"
"S-sorry..." he sobbed, "I-I'm so sorry..."
"People should be punished if they did something wrong. I understand where is this coming but it does not mean I'll forgive and let this go. Angelo almost died, my child almost lost a father, I almost lost a husband, Attorney." Mahinang sabi ko.
"Samantha should be punished for what she did and Sir, I hope you'd make it up to her and help her become better. I hope this would teach her a lesson. And you too. It may be hard but lessons are always learned the hard way, it was never spoon-fed, Sir."
I sighed and closed my eyes tightly before turning my back at him and walked out of the room with Alchiel assisting me.
"What happened, are you okay, Philie?!" a small smile left my lips when I saw my husband's cousin and my gown designer for our wedding before, Crest. Nasa labas siya at kausap ang pulis na kasama namin kanina.
"Hello, Crest." I greeted with a smile.
"I hope you are doing fine," she mumbled before pulling me for a hug. "This is my husband, Locket."
"Hello, Lt. Col." I greeted, "salamat pala."
"No worries, Miss Suarez." He nodded and excused himself to talked to the lawyers in the station about the case.
Tita Nat took me to our condo unit to rest first and as much as I wanted to check on my husband, iniisip ko naman ang anak namin kaya nagpahinga na lang ako sa bahay. The next morning, our friends called and informed me Angelo's awake kaya mabilis kong inilagay sa lunch box ang pagkaing niluto ko para sa kanya.
Luckily, Blaze fetched me. Ngising-ngisi pa siya nang makita akong hawak-hawak ang tiyan ko at ginaya pa ang lakad ko.
"Loko ka," I hissed, earning a laugh from him.
"Cute kaya ng tiyan mo, feeling ko malusog si baby. Mag-i-eight pa lang, 'no?"
"Oo," natawa ako, "malaki ata 'ko magbuntis at mukhang pakwan na ang nalunok ko."
"Bakit? Cute naman, ah?" he grinned and touched my stomach, "excited na 'ko makita si pamangkin. Dapat kasing ganda mo, ah?"
"Oo naman!" I exclaimed and flipped my hair, "duh? Reyna kaya—"
"—Ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro, oo." He laughed, "maganda 'yan for sure, lalo na at pinagyayabang ni Kuya na siya raw ang Hari."
He assisted me in his car and he started the engine and glanced my way, "pasensya na nga pala kagabi, ah? Late ko na nalaman ang nangyari kay Kuya kaya 'di ako nakauwi kaagad."
"Ayos lang," I smiled, "saan ka pala kagabi?"
"Sa may malapit lang," he smiled at sighed, "I heard someone saw her."
"'Yong hinahanap mo ba 'yan?" I asked and he nodded, taking his phone and showed me a picture.
"Here, beautiful, right?" he said sadly, "I'm still looking for her."
I took his phone and checked the photo, only to get stunned when I saw it.
"I think..." I murmured and gasped, "Blaze, I think I know her."
Doon na niya natulos.
When we got into the hospital, I am almost running towards Gelo's private room.
"Dahan-dahan, buntis!" Phoebe gasped when she caught me almost hopping.
"Ayos lang ako," tawa ko.
"Anong ayos?" she asked, "mamaya makalog 'yang anak sa tiyan mo, naku! H'wag mo igaya sa Tatay niyang yupi na!"
It made me laugh, "grabe ka sa yupi. Nasaan na si Gelo?"
"Nasa kwarto," she explained, "kasama no'ng mga lalaki. He's okay, don't worry. May sugat at pilay lang."
Kapit-kamay kaming naglakad papasok sa kwarto at kaagad na sinalubong ng tawanan sa loob.
"Feeling ko nga lubog na 'yong bungo ni Elsa," Chance's voice said kaya nailing akong natatawa.
"Mayro'n na 'yan, for sure!" Castiel laughed, "imagine mo? Nasa tiyan ka pa lang ni Tita Nat naalog ka na, tapos dalawang beses ulit paglaki?"
"Gago," Gelo hissed. "Kapag ako nakalakad pag-uumpugin ko ulo niyo mga hunghang."
"Ay, scary!" I caught Chance shivered, "katakot baka gawin akong yelo."
"Gago ka—"
I cleared my throat, stopping them.
"H'wag n'yo na asarin si Elsa." I told the boys, "bahala kayo, isang galaw lang ng kamay niyan maging yelo kayong lahat."
"Babe..." he whined, "can't I have a hug first?"
"Tss," I shook my head and walked closer to him, may benda ang paa niya, miski ang kanyang kamay na nasugatan ay gano'n din. "Oh, siya, tara."
Napuno ng init ang puso ko nang pagkaupo ko pa lang sa kanyang tabi ay niyakap na ako ng isang kamay niya. He even tried raising his other hand but I stopped him.
"Okay na 'yan," I said and kissed his cheek, closing my eyes. "Don't force yourself, okay ka na ba?"
"Yes, babe." He whispered and sighed, burying his head on my shoulder, "palabasin mo na muna sila, babe time muna."
The side of my lips rose kaya sinulyapan ko sila.
"Thank you, guys. Alis daw muna kayo sabi ni Gelo, maglalampungan lang kami." I explained, earning a laugh from them.
"Oo na, sige! Tara na." Chance waved at us.
"Tss, divorced ba talaga kayo? Baka mamaya joke lang 'yan, ah?" Castiel asked and glanced at Phoebe before taking her hand, "let's go, Phoebe. Tayo na lang maglampungan."
"Gago?" Phoebe hissed and I watched them bickering again while going out of the room.
"Wala na sila," bulong niya, "lampungan na tayo."
"Jerk..." I whispered and smacked him, earning a groan.
"What?" he whined, "I'm injured, babe. How can you smack me—"
"Ikaw talaga, napaka-careless mo tumawid!" I hissed and pulled his hair.
"Ouch, babe!" reklamo niya at ngumiwi, "hindi ka ba naaawa sa akin? Pilay ako, I'm weak and scared—ouch! Aww! I'm kidding!"
I let go of his ear and cupped his cheek, his jet black eyes meeting mine in instant.
"Ayos ka lang ba talaga?" I asked seriously, "saan masakit? Ang ulo mo? Buo pa ba? Intact pa ba ang skull? Kung oo ako na uumpog sa 'yo."
"Aww..." he frowned teasingly, "are you so worried of me?"
"Oo, tanga ka ba?" reklamo ko. "You made me so nervous of you! Hindi ka tumitingin sa dinadaanan mo! I know naka-on ang sign na p'wede kang tumawid pero sana bago ka tumakbo, tingin sa kaliwa't-kanan! How can I not be worried, Dean Angelo? My husband almost died!" I hissed.
I got no answer from him. Lumabas na ata ang usok sa ilong ko pero seryoso lang siya sa aking nakatitig.
"I'm still your husband?" maliit niyang sabi, ang ngisi ay unti-unting lumitaw.
"Anak ng..." I rolled my eyes, "sa dami ng sinabi ko, 'yon lang ang narinig mo?"
"I'm still your husband," he murmured and laughed, ang isang kamay niya ay hinuli ang baba ko at basta na lang iniangat iyon kaya nagdikit ang labi namin. "I'm still my babe's husband."
My stomach churned, nahulog ang talukap ng mata ko nang muli siyang humalik sa labi ko. It was supposed to be a smack one pero ginalaw ko na ang labi at nilaplap siya.
"P-Philie..." he called and laughed, "okay, okay, I missed you too."
"Ih..." I pouted, "hingi lang kiss, eh."
"Alright," he smirked teasingly and moistened his lower lip. "Open your mouth, hmm? Let me enter."
I moved closer again, kissing him briefly and opened my mouth to kiss him. Para siyang hindi injured nang sapuin pa ang batok ko para mas lumalim ang halikan.
I parted my mouth more, moaning a little when he sucked my tongue. He massaged my nape and deepened the kiss.
I clutched his clothes, moaning and feeling hotter with the every touch of his lips. I pulled his hair, may sumapo sa baywang ko pero naiwan lang sa ere ang nguso ko nang lumayo si Angelo.
"Aww, fuck." He cursed.
"Hay naku!" I exclaimed, "ang kamay mo, Dean Angelo!" I warned and took his injured hand to put it back to its place.
"Sorry, babe. Nadala lang." He laughed.
"Naku talaga, Elsa. Basta talaga landian hindi ka papakabog, 'no?"
"The pain never bothered me, anyway." He whispered playfully. I glared at him.
Thankfully, the CT scan results are great. Bukod sa kanyang sugat at pilay ay wala naman nang naging komplikasyon sa kanya bukod sa naging mas clingy lang siya at pa-baby na.
"Subo," he opened his mouth. I rolled my eyes but then proceeded into feeding him his dinner.
"Marunong ka naman sumubo na, ah?" I asked, "magaling na 'yang isang kamay mo. Medyo nakakalakad ka na rin."
"Ahh..." he didn't answer me and opened his mouth again kaya naiiling na akong sinubuan siya.
"May baby ka na tapos baby ka rin?" I asked and he nodded, smiling. He even extended his hand and caressed my stomach gently, as if he's afraid he'll break it.
"Dalawa kami baby ni Mommy Philie," he whispered. "Babe Angelo and baby girl, dalawa tayong baby ni Mommy, 'di ba, 'nak?"
I felt a kick. Nagkatinginan kami ni Gelo at napatawa.
"She kicked," he whispered and touched it more. "I can't wait to see you, baby. Once Dad is fine, we'll hear your heartbeats again."
After eating, I fixed Angelo's bandage. Nakakalakad naman na siya pero paunti-unti pa nga lang sa ngayon at dahan-dahan. He didn't want me out of his sight, me either kaya dito kami naglalagi sa ospital ma magkasama.
The bed in his presidential suit is large enough for the both of us kaya hindi kami mapaghiwalay.
"Careful, Angelo." I warned when he abruptly laid on my lap when I sat on the bed.
"I'm fine," he chuckled. "I just wanna talk to our baby."
I smiled and nodded, hinaplos ko ang buhok niya habang humahalik siya sa tiyan ko at idinidikit ang tainga niya roon.
"I wanna hear her heartbeats again," he whispered, "baby, gusto na ulit pakinggan ni Daddy ang heart mo."
No doubt, he'll be a great father for our baby. He's such a great doctor to other kids but he is the best for ours. Every day, kahit injured siya, mas inuuna niya kung nakakain na ako. He didn't want me to sleep late and even asking his brother to buy fruits and veggies for me.
Our baby's kicks are more evident now kaya bumabakat ang paa niya sa tiyan ko at kung saan sisipa ay doon hahalik si Gelo.
"Aba-aba? Gustong-gusto mong sinisipa ang nguso mo?" silip ko sa kanyang hinabol ang paa ng anak para pumatak ng halik.
"She's beautiful," he chuckled lowly, "but you're pretty awake in this time of the night, baby. You should sleep so, Mommy Philie could rest too."
"Kantahan mo raw siya ng lullaby, Daddy." I answered.
"Lullaby?" he glanced my way, "she likes one?"
"Opo, Daddy." I said in a little voice, imitating a baby one. "Kanta ka po lullaby, Daddy Gelo."
"Are you imitating our baby?" he asked, looking amused kaya tumango ako.
"Oo—"
"Bakit pang-horror 'yong boses—" I glared at him. Namilog ang mata niya kasabay ng pag-ubo at tango. "Alright, what song would you like Daddy to sing? I'm not really familiar with lullabies so, tell me one. I can try—"
"Let it go," I said, definitely stopping him.
"What?" halos lumuwa na ang mata niya kaya ngumisi ako.
"Ayaw mo? Sige, okay lang. Masasaktan si baby—"
"The snow glows white on the mountain tonight. Not a footprint to be seen..." he started off with his wide eyes, making me laugh kaya natakpan ko ang bibig.
"A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I'm the queen." He murmured kaya naipikit ko na ang mata at kinagat-kagat ang labi sa takot na humagalpak.
"C-conceal, don't feel, don't let them know. Well, now they know!" pumiyok siya ng kaunti kaya mas dumiin ang pikit ko.
Shit. OMG. Nakakahiya siya.
"Baby, this is for you." He cleared his throat, "ang Daddy mo ang Hari ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San isidro."
Iminulat ko ang mata at nagbo-vocalization na siya.
"Let it go, let it go! Can't hold it back anymore!" his husky and full voice sounded like choking at halos hampas-hampasin ko na ang kama sa tawa.
"Let it go, let it go! Turn away and slam the door!" he sat abruptly and moved his hand like the familiar step he made during the pageant. "I don't care what they're going to say! Let the storm rage on..."
He raised his hand and pulled it down sabay tingin sa akin.
"The cold never bothered me, anyway." He sang playfully and winked at me.
"Pu...pucha?" we both stopped when we heard a voice kaya mabilis kaming napalingon at napanganga si Gelo nang makita ang pamilya niya sa may pintuan.
"W-what are you doing..."
"Ang anak ko..." Tita Natalie covered her mouth, "ang anak ko si Elsa na!" she screamed and I burst out laughing when she ran towards her flustered son.
The embarrassment is too much Angelo kept on whining behind me while we're on his bed and resting.
"Sana pinatay mo na lang ako, Philomena."
I laughed, "okay lang 'yan, pamilya mo naman 'yon—"
"My Mom would tease me 'till I die, babe! I knew it!" he sighed, "and my siblings...fuck Blaze, he's taking a damn video and for sure, he's gonna show it to Chance and Castiel!"
"Okay lang 'yan," I laughed more and looked at him sideways, "nag-trending ka nga nitong nakaraan, 'di ba? Wala lang 'yong ngayon sa dati."
"Wala talaga." He heaved a sigh, "I am wearing a damn skinny costume that time. I find it hard to breathe, you know? But I am doing a lip sync before, Philie. Now, it's my damn ugly voice! That song is supposed to be yours and our baby to hear."
"At least, talo sila sa 'yo." I reached for his cheek sideways. "Ang mahalaga, ikaw ang Hari ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro."
He stopped and cocked his head on the side, "oo nga 'no?"
"Uh-hmm..." I tapped his cheek and grinned at him.
"Hayaan mo sila, ang mahalaga gwapo ka tapos macho." I looked at him, "doktor na, talented pa...tapos malaki..."
He smirked at me, despite the dim lights, his eyes glistened for a playful look.
"Malaki ang?" he asked teasingly, his arms snaking on my waist.
"Malaki...ang puso mo." I grinned back.
"Talaga ba?" he moved his head closer to mine and kissed me briefly on the cheek. "Puso lang ang malaki?"
I swallowed hard, biting my lower lip, I moved my face so I could give him a kiss and he fought back.
"Malaki rin..." I whispered on his lips, "ang hotdog mo."
He laughed, ako rin ay napatawa nang paulanan niya ng halik ang mukha ko at mas niyakap ako. Napatalikod tuloy ako sa pwesto niya.
He moved my hair to the side. Nahulog ang talukap ng mata ko sa antisipasyon nang bigyan niya ng mapanuya at maliliit na halik ang batok ko.
Years had passed since we became together. Nagsimula pa iyon no'ng convention ko, tamang painggit ko lang kay Nanay na 'di na diploma ang kayakap ko sa gabi at kaka-manifest ko ay naging totoo nga!
Right now, the hot, sexy and handsome doctor Dean Angelo Samaniego is hugging me at this time of the night. Pero hindi lang yakap ang ginagawa, may pasipsip pa sa leeg si Gelo.
"A-ano 'yan, bampira?" I asked in a low voice, trying to stop my moans when I felt his hand lifting my dress and inserting his hand on my undies.
"Hmm..." he hummed, "you like this vampire to suck you, babe?"
"H-hindi," I puffed a breath and parted my legs more so he could move his hand. "P-pero kung ikaw...why not? P'wede naman nating pag-usapan 'yan?"
"There, babe." He whispered and licked my skin, "I missed you."
"Hmm, ako rin. M-miss kita." Bulong ko pabalik.
A moment later, I felt how his hand lowered on my feminity. I let out a soft moan when he started moving his hand on my bare skin, touching my bud.
"Open up for me," he whispered against my ear before licking it. "Let me fuck you with my finger, babe."
At s'yempre? Hindi man ako ganito ka-excited talaga dapat but I think I am feeling this hot because of my pregnancy and not seeing him for a few months kaya madali akong kausap.
I opened my legs wider, nakatalikod ako sa kanya pero hindi iyon hadlang para gawin namin ito. From my behind, I can feel him hardening. One move from his waist and I am catching my breath.
"Delicious, hmm..." he hummed on my ear, "lift you dress, babe. Let me touch your boobs."
"H-hindi ba..." I sighed heavenly while feeling his fingers still fingers still doing wonders inside me. "M-may makakita sa atin dito?"
"It's late," he whispered. "No one would disturb us, babe."
I nodded, lost with the heat, I let him fondled my breast with his rough and calloused palm. He molded it sensually and teasingly.
"A-ah...Gelo!" I called and squinted my eyes closed.
He moved my leg on top of his leg and gently pushed me more towards him, slamming my back against his hardened chest.
"You liked it?" he asked while kissing my nape.
"Y-yeah...hmm..." I nodded and grasped the bedsheet, "f-faster, babe."
He inserted his digit inside me, pumping his finger slowly and carefully.
"Ah..." I moaned, "Gelo, please..."
"Please what, hmm? Philomena?" he asked cockily and caught my lips.
"Fuck me..." hinahapong sagot ko sa labi niya, "I-I missed you, please."
"You're one horny pregnant," he chuckled and caressed my body more. "I'll make love to you, babe. Do you miss me?"
"Oo," tango ko at muling humalik sa kanya, "sobra, please? Please, take me?"
"My babe's wish is my command," he whispered back on my lips and gently fixed my body. "Is it okay if I enter you from here?"
"Huh?" naguguluhang tanong ko.
"I wanted so bad to bend you over and fuck you from behind but our baby will be hurt," malambing niyang bulong sabay hawak sa tiyan ko.
"O-oh..." I nodded, "you mean...you're gonna take me from behind in the position?"
"Yes," he whispered, "if you're comfortable. If not then we'll make ways."
"Ayos na 'to," nilingon ko siya at nahihiyang ngumisi. "I'm kinda shy but...it's okay, I guess?"
His black eyes softened, the dim lights made the twinkle in his orbs brightened more.
"Okay, babe. Let me know if you weren't, hmm? Your comfort first before my libido." He gave me a peck.
"Alright, I love you, Gelo." Ngiti ko at mas kumislap lang ang mata niya.
"I love you too," he whispered back, the genuine tone made me feel the warmth and love he has. "So much. You and our baby, I love you to the bones."
"Asus..." I giggled happily, "pa-bones-bones ka pang nalalaman, ramdam ko na boner mo, hoy!"
"Oh, fuck." He cursed and laughed sensually, "let me enter this boner to you, then?" he whispered languidly and moved his hand.
A moment later, our moans filled the presidential suite we are in. Nakakahiya sigurong mag-jugjugan kami ng ganito kung regular room at baka may nurse bigla na pumasok. Buti na lang nandito kaya kahit papaano'y nabawasan ang kaba ko.
"So damn tight," he whispered in my ear and thrusted his hips more against mine. I can feel his body crashing against my back.
He's big, like always. I can feel his every move inside me, making me reached the clouds every move in and leaving me empty and hanging each time he'll pull out.
He made love to me gently because of my stomach and yet, the pleasure is still there, building inside me.
"Fuck..." he cursed and touched my waist, mas pinaghiwalay ko ang hita kaya hinawakan niya iyon at mas gumalaw sa loob ko.
He filled me to the brim. I kept on calling his name every time I am feeling the intense pleasure and when was it? Almost. Every. Second.
Ang ingay-ingay ko nga ata. Natatawang tinakpan ni Angelo ang bibig ko nang marinig namin ang andar ng cart sa labas ng hallway ng suite, parehong natatakot na baka magbukas at mahuli kami.
Despite the nervousness, it gave us more thrill. I felt like my libido reached the highest peak that I teased him too so he'd move inside me again.
"Smells and tasted like vanilla," bulong niya sa leeg ko. Sinapo niya ang dibdib ko at mayamaya'y pigil na ungol na naman ang lumabas sa labi ko sa bawat galaw niya sa loob ko.
I can't believe we made that two times. After a few moments of kissing after the first round, we felt horny again and it's nonstop, until we're both spent and staring at the ceiling like idiots.
"That was hot, babe." Bulong ni Angelo habang nakahiga ako sa braso niya.
"Yeah..." I mumbled, "but risky. You jerk." Hampas ko sa dibdib niya pero hinuli niya lang iyon at hinalikan.
"Your fingers looked pretty," he murmured and kissed my fingers one by one, "but I think it'll be prettier if I'll put a ring here." Turo niya sa isa.
I was fluttered. Isinandal ko ang ulo sa braso niya bago humalik sa pisngi niya.
"Edi lagyan mo," bulong ko balik at lumambing lang lalo ang tingin niya nang magkatinginan kaming dalawa.
I would never wish for anything with him by my side. Ang Nanay at Tatay ay pumunta sa Maynila galing San Isidro para sa panganganak kong malapit na.
They said, it'll be better if they are here. Gusto raw makita ang kanila apo kaya nakakatuwa at nakaka-excite.
Our baby girl is a healthy one. Angelo loves hearing baby's heartbeats but with ours? He's definitely obsessed.
I still remember that time when he finally got out of the room and he took me to his ultrasound room just to check our baby again and hear her heart beating. He even recorded it on his phone and used it as his ringtone kaya tawang-tawa ako kapag biglang makakarinig ng tibok ng puso.
"What does our baby want?" Angelo started baby talking again while kneeling on the ground and pressing his face on my stomach.
"Food." I answered back with my small voice.
"Food, huh? Who wanted the food? Baby or Mommy Philie?"
"Baby." I answered back and brushed his hair.
"Oh? If that's you, baby, why did the voice sounded like a horror one?" he teased. Nawala ang ngisi ko.
"Wow, huh? Nakakahiya naman po sa 'yo, Doc Samaniego?" I hissed and he looked at my way and gave me a sly smile. "Akala mo siya ang ganda ng boses, baka gusto mong ipaalala ko sa 'yo 'yong Let it go mo?"
That's when he stopped from teasing. Umawang ang labi niya at ngumuso.
"Wala namang ungkatan ng past, Philomena." He whined. "Let's forget about that—"
"Gelo?" I called seriously.
"What?"
"Do you wanna build a snowman?" I asked. His shoulder fell.
"Philomena!" he pouted more and looked at my stomach, "baby, Mommy's teasing me. I'm hurt." He clutched his chest like a kid before resting his face on my stomach. Nanghihingi ng kakampi.
"Wala kang kakampi," I told him when our baby kicked on my stomach. "Team Mommy Philie ang baby natin. 'Di ba, baby?"
"I'm hurt..." he sighed, "but I still love you, of course." He smiled and pressed a kiss on the part where our baby kicked.
Mas naging malambot ang tingin ko. I really can't explain how much I am in love with this man. Looking how much he cared and loved our baby too, ang saya-saya ng puso ko.
"What's your wish, babe?" biglang baling sa akin ni Gelo habang hawak ang ang tiyan ko.
"Huh?"
"Your wish?" he touched my stomach, "idadasal ko lang sa bolang kristal." Sabay ikot ng kamay niya sa tiyan ko at tawa.
"Aba't..." umawang na ang labi ko, "ginawa ba namang bolang kristal ang tiyan ko?!" I exclaimed and took a pillow to push it on his amused face.
After eating, we made our way towards the place we've been wanting to visit together for months. Hawak ni Gelo ang baywang ko habang naglalakad papasok sa sementeryo.
I am holding pieces of white candles while he's holding a bouquet of sunflowers for our wonderful angel, Stacy.
I told myself I won't cry much when I visit her again. Sabi ko nga'y dapat masaya lang pero ngayong nandito kami ni Gelo ay 'di ko na naman maiwasang maging emosyonal.
"Here," Gelo removed his coat and placed it on the ground of the mausoleum where Stacy is resting.
"Thank you, babe." I smiled gently and touched my stomach. Unti-unti ay inalalayan niya akong paupo sa lapag at kinuha sa akin ang bulaklak.
"Hello, anak." Angelo greeted her at napatungo na ako para kagatin ang labi at pigilin ang paambang luha. "Sorry, ngayon lang ulit nakabisita si Mama Philie at Papa Dean but here are your flowers, baby." He placed the sunflowers on her tomb.
Slowly, I glanced at it and immediately saw the photos on the top of her tomb. It was her photos, the photos with her friends in the hospital and the staff and the photo of her with me and Gelo.
Kalong-kalong siya ni Gelo roon. My head is placed in his shoulder while I am holding Stacy's hand and we're widely smiling in the camera.
I helped Gelo lit the white candles and removed the tears from my cheek while whispering a prayer for her.
"H-hi, Stacy. How are you, baby?" I whispered and touched her tomb. "M-mama Philie and Papa Dean misses you so much. Are you happy up there? Kami ni Papa Dean mo, nahirapan kami dati pero happy na kami ngayon, 'di ba? Babe?"
"Hmm..." he nodded and brushed the tears on his cheek while staring at her tomb, reaching for my hand. "It was hard when you left us, Stacy, but we're fighting to be happy, baby."
I closed my eyes and felt Angelo's warmth when he pulled me gently towards his body until I am resting on his shoulders.
"Anak, may good news kami ni Mama Philie sa 'yo." He said and looked at me kaya tumango ako at ngumiti sa kanya.
I took the photo of the most recent ultrasound of our baby and lifted it in the air, "here, Stacy. You will be having a baby sister!" I cheerily said.
"Here, anak." I moved the ultrasound photo closer to her tomb. "Pretty, isn't she? Your Papa and I are sure she'll be pretty like you. Stacy, this is our new baby, your sister."
I touched my stomach and glanced back at the tomb.
"Baby, this is your older sister. Say hi to Ate Stacy." Malambing kong sabi sa anak at napasinghap nang maramdaman ko ang pagsipa niya.
"She kicked?!" Angelo asked happily kaya tumango-tango ako napatawa.
"Yes, oh my God..." I caressed my stomach more. "Stacy, your baby sister is happy to meet you!"
The cold air entered the mausoleum, making me smile more.
"I hope you're watching us, baby." Mahinang sabi ko at ngumiti, "mahal na mahal ka namin. We missed you everyday."
"I actually have a surprise for you, babe." Angelo whispered after a while kaya nilingon ko siya.
"Hmm? What?" I asked and smiled.
He smiled, may kinuha siya sa paper bag na hawak at inabot sa akin kaya nagtaka ako.
"What is this?" I asked.
"Check it," he answered with a small smile kaya tumango-tango ako at binuksan iyon.
I was curious about the content but the first word I saw in the top of the paper is enough to stopped me.
Nagitla ako, mabilis kong kinuha ang lamang papeles doon at napasinghap.
"You..."
"Yes, I still pushed through it." He whispered back with a smile.
My heart is racing. Binasa ko ang nasa itaas at nakita ang nakalagay.
Certificate of Adoption
"O-oh my..." I covered my mouth, "you did..."
"Hmm," he nodded, tears fell on his cheek. "We adopted Stacy. She's our daughter." He smiled.
"Oh my God..." I cried and pulled him for a hug. Crying, he hugged me back and buried his face on my neck. "S-Stacy's our legal daughter?"
"She is," he whispered. "S-she's our baby's sister. Panganay natin siya."
I looked at the documents he gave me.
Mother: Philomena Dianne Suarez
Father: Dean Angelo Samaniego
My eyes found her name, the reason why it swelled more.
Name: Stacy Suarez Samaniego
"T-thank you, Gelo." Bulong ko sa kanya at mas napaiyak, "t-thank you...I love you. Thank you."
"Anything for you and our children. Anything for our family." He whispered and hugged me more while kissing my hair.
However, despite the tears, my heart is filled with glee while staring at the approved adoption papers in my hand. We prepared this before during Stacy's chemotherapy but when she died, I forgot about this for mourning too much and I can't believe he processed it.
"I didn't know, Gelo." Baling ko sa kanya na nakatitig sa puntod ni Stacy.
"I finished processing it when you're gone," he explained, "I knew you'd be glad knowing Stacy's our daughter now."
"I am." I nodded happily, "really, really happy."
"She deserved a family." He said, "she's our daughter no matter what, Philie. Stacy will always be our baby's older sister."
"Thank you..." I whispered and smiled at the tomb, "hello, baby Stacy. Papa Dean made our promise happen, you are our real daughter now. You are officially our baby."
Angelo placed his hand on my waist and kissed my head.
"We should document this." I gasped when I realized I have a camera. "I have a polaroid!" I giggled and checked my bag.
Gelo watched me take the camera, smiling. Inalalayan niya pa ako sa paglapit lalo sa puntod ni Stacy.
"Hawakan mo si baby," I said and gave him the ultrasound picture.
Pumwesto siya sa kabilang gilid habang ako'y sa kabila at may hawak na camera. In the middle is Stacy's tomb.
"Okay, family picture!" I exclaimed happily and Gelo raised the ultrasound picture and we both smiled in the camera before I clicked it to capture the wonderful moment.
I was excited while waiting for the film to be develop at napangisi ako nang makitang maganda ang kinalabas noon. I took my marker and wrote on the lower part of the photo.
Team Samaniego
Pagkatapos ay inabot ni Gelo ang frame namin kasama si Stacy at nilagay namin sa gilid no'n ang polaroid picture na kinuhaan namin ngayon.
"Beautiful," he whispered and kissed the frame. "We love you, Stacy."
"We love you so much!" I spread my arms, "you'll be having a baby sister soon enough, baby! Don't worry, bibisitahin ka namin ulit kapag p'wede na ilabas ang baby natin."
We stayed more in her tomb and just stared at it, talking about our plans of changing her tombstone with her new surname.
A kiss on my hair stopped me from talking. Iniangat ko ang tingin kay Angelo at sinalubong ako ng kanyang malambing na mga mata.
"Hmm?"
"I love you..." he murmured.
"I love you too, babe." I answered back and touched his chin. "So...so much."
He stared at me intently. Nagtaka lang ako nang lumunok siya at suminghap.
"Why?" I asked.
"I'm just..." he chuckled nervously and slowly moved away from me. Pinagmasdan ko lang siya sa gagawin at napanganga nang unti-unting iniluhod niya ang isang tuhod sa lapag habang nakatitig sa akin.
"OMG!" nasapo ko ang bibig, "magpo-propose ka?!"
"Well...yeah?" he chuckled nervously again and brushed his hair. "I'm sorry I looked ugly right now for crying but I can't think of any occasion or right time to ask you this question...again."
He took a velvet box from the paper bag he's been carrying and showed it to me and inside it are two rings. The first one is our wedding ring.
"I love you, Philomena Dianne Suarez." He started and gulped harsher to contain his tears, "y-you know I'm not good with words, right?"
"Oo..." I answered back and laughed with him. "Corny ka magpakilig."
He touched his nape and moistened his lips, blushing.
"I know, babe. I know." He shook his head, "so, right now, I wanted to say sorry if I'll be corny again. I love you. You are the only person who could make me feel this way, you're the only one I'll love this much, Philie. Ikaw, at ang mga anak natin ang nagpapasaya sa akin. Ikaw ang tahanan ko, Philie."
"G-Gelo..." my voice broke, "a-ano ka ba..."
"I am sorry we had to break our vows before. I am sorry the promises and vows we made for each other ended up being broken. I am so sorry because you felt the pain I promised not to make you feel." He lowered his face and took my hand, "Philomena Suarez, my babe, my piglet...isang oink-oink naman diyan?"
"Angelo, gago..." I hissed and that's when he laughed and kissed the back of my palm.
"I love you, my piglet." He grinned, "you are my wife, always and forever. You are mine, Philie. Always. Ang Reyna ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro ay para sa Hari lang. P'wede na ba 'kong ma-promote bilang hari ng puso mo?"
"Gago, ang corny! Ano ba, Dean Angelo! Parang kang ano talaga!" tili ko sabay hampas sa kanya kaya tawang-tawa na naman siya.
"For you, I'll be an Elsa." He winked, "for you I'll embarrass myself. For you. Kaya promote mo na 'ko."
"Pinilit mo muna ako!" inarte ko sabay lagay ng buhok sa likod ng tainga.
"Please?" he smirked and kissed my hand again, "pretty please, babe? You're the most beautiful Queen, can I be your King? Bagay na tayo kasi pareho tayong royalty."
"Ang corny na talaga ng Mr. Yelo ko..." I touched his chin. "Sige na nga, tanungin mo na 'ko. Bilis!"
"Well..." he cleared his throat and knelt more. "Stacy asked us before if she could watch our wedding and we did before but we both know it didn't end up what she hoped it'll be, right?"
I nodded and stared in the most beautiful canvass I've ever seen. His jet black eyes.
"Right now, let me ask you again to marry me. In front of our Stacy and our baby girl." He said, "this time, I would ask you and marry you without hesitations, without doubts, without the bad memories before." He sighed and glanced at Stacy's tomb.
"Philomena Dianne Suarez, will you be my Samaniego...again?" he asked with tears in his eyes.
"A-akin ka lang ba?" tanong ko. "S-si Gelo ba ay kay Philie lang?"
"Si Gelo ay kay Philie lang," he announced with tears falling down his cheek, "at si Philomena ay kay Angelo lang. Palagi."
"Sige na nga!" I sniffed and dried my tears. "Ang Hari ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro ay sa Reyna lang, okay? Isuot mo na ang singsing! Pronto! Promoted ka na! 'Di ka na batang palaboy na hamog! P'wede ka na umuwi sa bahay!"
We both laughed, nanginginig pa ang kamay niya nang isuot sa akin ang mga singsing bago hagkan ang picture ni Stacy at ang tiyan ko at inatake ako ng yakap.
"Thank you, my wife." He whispered and cupped my cheek, staring intently into my eyes. His tears still falling down his cheek.
"I will forever love you. I will do my best to take care of this family." He planted a deep kiss on my lips. "This...I vow to you."
Some things may be gone in the blink of an eye no matter how much you cherished it. May mga bagay na kahit anong hawak mo'y mawawala nang hindi mo inaasahan. May mga pusong nababasag, mga pangakong napapako.
Broken vows are like that of shattered glasses. Some have big chunks of glass and it can be seen by other people but what's more painful is the tiny pieces. The unseen one. Those pieces other people could not see, the pieces they thought was nothing.
You'll never know the pain of those tiny shattered pieces, unless you stepped on it.
But like what I kept on saying, like what I am always believing—kapag may dilim, may liwanag. Sa bawat paglubog ay sisibol muli ang araw. Tomorrow will be better. Hindi man bukas kaagad pero may darating na isang umaga na magiging ayos at ngayon? Ito ang umagang iyon.
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