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<center><h1>Stolen</h1></center>

<hr>
Stolen
Stolen identity.
Stolen family.
Stolen empire.
Stolen happiness.
More importantly, a stolen heart.
Stolen...

<center><h1>Prologue: And it all begins here...</h1></center>


<hr>
"You will be spending your summer vacation in Greece, Hector."

My face went blank as I stared at my mother who was sitting at the other side of
the table beside my step father who was playing with my baby sister Leighton th
an time. I wished that she didn't say those words. I don't want to spend my summ
er vacation at Greece with my real father.

"I don't want too, Mom. I want to stay here and play with my baby sister." I smi
led at Dad. Wilfredo Santillan is only my step father but he treats me like his
own flesh and blood. My mother married him when I was four years old. Theirs was
a whirlwind romance. They met, they dated and after three weeks they fell in lo
ve.

Instantly, I loved my step


ike I am his real son. For
with that but one day, the
r, we we're blessed with a
e were very happy upon her
.

father, he was as good to me as my mom. He loves me l


eight years, I am his only son and I think he's okay
good news came. Mom got pregnant and nine months late
healthy bouncing baby girl. Mom named her Leighton. W
arrival. Dad called her the lucky charm of the family

When I saw her for the first time, my heart fell for her. I felt responsible for
her every move. I vowed to protect my sister. I will do everything for her and
no one can ever take her away from the family. No one will ever hurt her.

"You have to; your Baba wants to see you." Mom looked at me. "Don't you want to
get to know him?"

"He had abandon me, Mom. He just needed an heir that's why he wants me now."

"You are twelve years old and yet you talk like you dad. Wilfredo ano bang itinu
ro mo sa anak ko?" Mom rolled her eyes. Dad smiled at me and winked.

"If he doesn't want to go then let him stay here."

"Oo nga, Mom. Mas gusto kong alagaan si Leigh. Kapag nasa Santorini ako, mami-mi
ss ko lang siya."

"I'm still your mother. Anak, two months ka lang naman sa Baba mo. Isa pa, kaila
ngan mo rin siyang kilalanin."
I didn't say anything. I continued eating. It's not that I hate my real father
but the fact that he left mom while she was pregnant with me bugs the hell out o
f me.

Hindi rin naman ako nanalo kay Mommy. She sent me to Greece three days after. I
wasn't really having the time of my life although Santorini is a very beautiful
place, I still prefer my view of the Metro in my room and the voice of my step f
ather. I also missed little Leigh. I miss her baby laughter and I missed my moth
er's food.

I sighed. I can't believe that I have to stay here the whole summer. My real fat
her's name is Hyperion Demitri - he told me that his English name is John Doe he had also asked about my English name and I told him that It's Hector Santilla
n. He shook his head and smiled knowingly, he tapped my shoulder.

"You're in Greece, son. You are Helios, the son of Hyperion and this..." He moti
oned his vast land. "Is all yours. You are my only heir. You're even richer than
that man your mother married."

I stared at him. I don't know what I should feel about this but I'm kinda glad t
hat he's trying to get to know me.

The days went by so fast. Baba was training me on handling his business. He's a
firearm tycoon. He sells guns - legally - and other war weapons to the arm force
of the tiger countries like The U.S.A. Russia, China and the Philippines.

"Baba, why don't you have a wife?" I asked him one night while having dinner. He
stared at me.

"I don't need that, Helios. Love is a weakness. If you love you're weak." He sai
d. He was serious. I just shrugged that off. We ate dinner in silence. I don't k
now why he said those words but with what I saw between my parents - I know that
love isn't a bad thing.

Dumating ang araw nang pagbalik ko sa Pilipinas. Baba was with me that moment. H
e wanted to personally return me to my mom and ask permission to borrow me again
next summer.

When we got to the house, I was so excited. Makikita ko na ulit si Leighton. Mar
ami akong pasalubong sa kanya. I excitedly entered the mansion but the silence s
truck me.

"Mom?" I called out. I was only gone for two months but I felt like something ha
s changed. "Mom!?! Dad?!"

I heard some footsteps. I looked around and I saw my nanny walking towards me. S
he was holding a bag on her hand. Her eyes were shallow and watery. Parang kaiiy
ak niya lang.

"Nanny?" I called her. "Where is mom? Nasa office ba si Dad?" I was excited agai
n. "Si Leigh?"

To my surprise my nany hugged me. She sobbed hard. I could feel her shoulders sh
aking.

"H-ector," She sobbed so hard she was almost out of breath. "Wala na ang mommy a
t daddy mo. Inatake sa puso ang daddy mo, namatay naman sa car crash ang mommy m
o. Wala na sila, Hector..."

Gumuho ang mundo ko.

I was only twelve years old, too young to realize how cruel life is.

Tiningnan ko siya.

"S-si Leigh?"

My nanny shook her head.

"They took her away too, Hector."


<center><h1>1. Stolen</h1></center>
<hr>
Santorini, Greece

"How was your sister, Helios?"

Baba asked me the question I have been avoiding to hear all week. I got back fro
m the Philippines almost six months and I have been avoiding Baba since then. It
was a good thing Baba was busy with his work for the last six months. I don't w
ant him to know that I fail on getting Leighton back. I don't want him to know t
hat the Consunji's have defeated his mighty son Helios Demitri - the son of the
armor god of Greece - Hyperion Demitri.

"You promised me that when you get back, she'll be with you. Where is she, Helio
s? I wanna see her."

I didn't answer. I just sat there thinking of the right words to use. How am I s
upposed to tell my father that his son failed? I should've listened to him.

"I'll get her soon, Baba." I said to him. He sighed.

"You failed, Demitri?" He asked me. I didn't know what to say to him. Yes, I hav
e failed and it's all because of the Consunjis. They didn't want to give Leighto
n back to me. May karapatan ako sa kanya, kapatid ko siya but the Consunjis have
erased every bit of Santillan on her. She's now a full grown Consunji and I hat
ed the family that took her away from me more than anything else.

My plan was perfect. I'm on the verge of taking everything away from them. I hav
e placed myself on the Consunji hotels. I have defeated Yto Consunji - it was a
sure win but Sandejas ruined my plan.

I have underestimated Yto Consunji - he's just like his father and because of th
at I failed. Dapat pinag-aralan kong maigi ang laro niya. He plays dirty - I was
n't ready for him. I wasn't even thinking about his plans. I was so focused on g
etting Leighton back to me.
Nanghina ako at dahil iyon sa pagmamahal ko para sa kapatid ko. Baba was right love makes people weak.

"Son..."

"I know, Baba. I'm planning of a comeback and it will be explosive this time." I
grinned. The Consunjis don't have any idea what they were getting themselves in
to. They have no idea who Helios Demitri is and what I can do. I am a powerful m
an - even more powerful than Sancho Consunji himself - back in the days. Kung an
ong kaya nilang gawin kaya ko rin at mas higit pa doon.

Baba and I finished eating breakfast. Nagpaalam siyang aalis at iikutan ang armo
ry niya. I stayed in the mansion reading the papers that need signing after that
, I got talked to some people about my comeback to the Philippines.

I spent half of my day working and plotting on a plan - a plan that would send t
he Consunjis to the ground - I will break them apart like what they did to my fa
mily. I will make their lives a living hell until I get what I want.

The night came. I was inside my room lying naked on the bed waiting for Cassiope
ia - my personal goddess - she's the woman I fuck every time I feel like fucking
. When she came inside, I told her to take her clothes off. She started pleasuri
ng me.

Sex calms me down every time I am stressed or uneasy. Mas nakakapag-isip ako dur
ing the act. And that night was not different at all. While I was thrusting insi
de of her, the plan I was plotting became more vivid and clearer. Before Cassiop
eia came - the plan in my head was plotted neatly.

I love it when women scream my name out of pain and pleasure.

After I came on her, I stood up. She was well spent. Bago siya tuluyang makatulo
g ay pinaalis ko siya sa silid ko.

I was looking at the vast darkness on my window - I was thinking about the life
I have right now and the life that I should have lived kung hindi nakialam ang m

ga Consunji sa pamilya ko.

Napangisi na lang ako. Hindi na rin naman magtatagal at makukuha ko na kung anon
g gusto ko. Alam na alam ko na ang gagawin ko at sisimulan ko ang paghihiganti s
a pagbalik ko. Hindi na ako makapaghintay.

Maghihiganti ako at sisimulan ko iyon kay Sheena Consunji.

-----------Two months later...

"Welcome back, Demitri."

I eyed my driver and my Filipina assistant. They are all useless to me. I wasn't
even thrilled about seeing them after I got out of the airport. It was just an
ordinary day. Hindi naman sila ang gusto kong makita. I have asked my people to
get my plan in motion. Masyado nang matagal ang walong buwan na pagbabakasyon at
pamamahinga ko sa Santorini. Kailangan ko namang gumawa ng ingay ngayon.

Ngayong araw ko sisimulan ang plano. My plan - unlike the first - wasn't prematu
re at all. It is just right. I was sure that after today, the Consunjis will be
crawling back to me at sila pa mismo ang magbabalik sa akin kay Leighton. I woul
dn't even have to beg to them. Sila ang magmamakaawa sa akin.

I got to my car. Agad namang inabot sa akin ni Kathryna - my assistant - ang I-p
hone ko. I instantly made a call.

"Dominguez, how was the plan?" I asked him. I didn't even bother asking how he i
s. Why would I? I am Helios Demitri - and I don't give a damn about anything.

"We're following them, Sir."

"Good." I said. Bigla ay may naalala ako. "How was that boy - the one who got sh
ot? Is he still alive?" I asked. Hindi naman ako concern. I just wanted to know.

"He's well, Sir. Kasama siya ngayon sa sinusundan namin."

"Good. Siguraduhin ninyong malinis ang trabaho ninyo." Tinapos ko ang tawag at t
umahimik na lang. I'm sure that by tonight - all my plans will fall in their pro
per places. The Consunjis world will be doomed. Leighton will be with me - end o
f story. I will be able to live the life I have been wanted since I was very you
ng and nave. Babawiin ko ang lahat ng kinuha sa akin ni Sancho Consunji. Sisiguruh
in kong pagsisihan niyang lahat ng ginawa niya. Luluha siya ng dugo sa gagawin k
o sa asawa niya.

It's like hitting two birds in one stone. Hindi lang si Sancho ang masisira kund
i pati na rin si Yto Consunji. He will be as devastated as his father. I couldn'
t wait for that day to happen.

We reached my home. My house is located on the top of a hill overlooking the met
ro. People like to call my home the Glasshouse on the hill.

"Welcome Sir." Bati sa akin ng mga katulong sa bahay ko. Hindi ko sila pinansin.
I went inside my room. Lie on my bed and tried sleeping. Kailangan ko ng lakas
para sa pagdating ng bisita ko mamaya.

It was almost midnight when I woke up. I guess I was just on time because when I
looked out my window - I saw a car entering my lot. I grinned. Nandito na ang b
isita ko.

Sinalubong ko sila sa labas. I was actually excited about this. Kasabay ng pagla
bas nila ay may hawak rin silang isang babaeng nakatakip ng sako ang ulo. Pumapa
lag siya. Nakangisi lang ako. I was actually enjoying this. Kababalik ko pa at a
ng ganda ng pasalubong ko sa mga Consunji.

"Sir, heto na siya." Sabi sa akin nang tauhan ko. Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa k
anya. I took the sack away from her face. Handa na ako sa makikita ko. I was exp
ecting Sheena Consunji but as I take the sack away from her - it revealed her fa
ce I gasped.

"What the fuck is this?!" I looked at all of them.


<center><h1>2. Never again</h1></center>
<hr>
It was happening again. I was seeing it again. I could hear the deafening sound
of that gunshot that took the best of him that morning of the twenty-third of Ju
ly. It was almost nine months ago but still the memory of the horror I experienc
ed after seeing him lying on the cold pavement - unconscious and barely breathin
g haunted me like a monster under my bed every night.

I knew that I was only dreaming but the dream was so real. In my dream, I have l
ost him and no matter how hard I try or cry he just won't come back. In my dream
, there was the monster standing outside his room holding the gun that was used
to shoot him. In my dream he was evilly laughing - celebrating the victory he ha
d.

It was all a dream but it seemed so real.

I opened my eyes as I catch my breath. I tried forgetting the memory in my head.


Was I thinking about it again that I actually dreamed of it? Nasapo ko ang dibd
ib ko. Hindi ako makahinga. I could feel my body shaking with so much fear. Hang
gang ngayon natatakot ako sa kanya. Those piercing devilish green eyes, his demo
nic grin, and his monster-like laughter - everything about him just makes me sha
ke...

"Yza?"

The voice I heard behind me is enough to take me back to reality. I felt his arm
s wrapped around me, his lips touched my temple as he took a deep long sigh. Nap
aiyak ako sa takot.

"Babe, what's wrong?" No matter how comforting his voice was - the horror I was
feeling inside just won't stop.

"Yza Joan..." Tawag niya muli sa akin. Napilitan akong harapin siya.

"I had a bad dream." I sobbed. Zachary Drew sighed as he pulled


tled my head on his bare chest. His skin was hot - but it's not
way all the bad things in my memory. I could see him as if he's
ill hear the gunshot, I could feel the pain, everything. I just
so much.

me closer. I set
enough to take a
here. I could st
loathe that day

"Yza, tapos na diba?" Tanong niya sa akin. "Gising na ako. I'm a live, we're tog
ether, and we're on my bed. I'm here. I'm never going to leave you so why be sca
red?" He was kissing the side of my head as he says all those comforting words.
Pumikit ako. Pilit kong kinakalma ang sarili ko. Tama naman si Zach - there's no
thing to be worried about. Nandito siya. We've been together for two and a half
years. He's alive, he's in love with me and he will never leave me. Iyon lang na
man ang mahalaga - iyong akin siya at walang ibang makikihati sa kanya sa akin.

"Akin ka diba?" Tanong ko pa. Humagikgik siya at saka tiningnan ako. Kumunot nam
an ang noo ko. Inis na nagsalita ako. "Bakit ka tumatawa? Anong nakakatawa?"

"Last night, I heard Yto say that to Nikita. He said in a very authoritative ton
e: Akin ka. Tapos ang usapan. I was just wondering, motto ninyo bang magkapatid
iyan?" Tanong pa niya na para bang inaasar lang ako. I made a face. Kasalanan ko
ba kung ayaw ko ng kahati sa kanya?

"Matulog ka na nga." Sabi ko na lang. I lay on my side of his bed again. Naramda
man kong pumalupot sa baywang ko ang kamay niya at saka siya nagsalita.

"Sa'yo lang ako, babe. Wala namang nagbago." He assured me. I just sighed. Pumik
it ako na may ngiti sa labi. Pilit kong kinakalimutan ang takot na dala ng araw
na iyon. Ayoko nang maalala ang bagay na iyon. Kung meron man akong nararamdaman
g kahit na ano para sa araw na iyon ay galit - galit para sa taong gumawa noon k
ay Zach. Galit at panibugho.

Hindi ko alam kung anong oras na akong nakatulog nang gabing iyon. Kinabukasan a
y halos magtatanghali na rin nang bumangon kaming dalawa. Zach was still naked
- we'll not fully naked. He had his boxers on while I was wearing his shirt and
his boxer shorts. Wala naman kasi sa plano na doon ako magpapalipas ng gabi. We
just decided on that after watching a movie - well after making out - I blushed
on that thought.

I cleared my throat. Nahihiya ako sa takbo ng isipan ko. I was actually thinking
of Zach's lips and the way it feels on my skin. Wala namang masama sa ginagawa
namin. We're two people under the spell of love. Eventually - we are going to ma
ke love then we'll get married and we're going to do that every waking moment of
our lives pero kapag naiisip ko kasi nahihiya ako.

I'm a virgin and I told him that. Siguro nga yata dapat ay hindi ko sinabi sa ka
nya. Naisip ko nab aka kaya niya gustong i-take slow ang lahat ay dahil natatako
t siya na masaktan lang ako. Hindi naman ako masasaktan because I know that he l
oves me at isa pa wala na akong ibang lalaking nakikita na pagbibigyan noon.

"Huy!" Pinindot niya ang ilong ko. "Anong iniisip mo, babe?" He asked me. Umilin
g ako. Ayokong sabihin sa kanya kasi aasarin na naman niya ako. "Magbihis ka na,
ihahatid kita sa inyo. May pasok ka sa university ngayon. Finals mo na." Ngumis
i siya sa akin.

I went back to school again but this time I took up the course I wanted. After t
hree more months, I am going to graduate with a degree in Education. I will pass
the board exams and I will be a full blown teacher - just like what I dream abo
ut.

"Ihahatid mo ako?" Tudyo ko sa kanya.

"Oo." Bigla ay napangiwi siya. "Shit, fuck! Patay na naman ako kay Tito Sancho!"
Bigla siyang napasabunot.

"It's not like it's the first time we spent a night together." Casual na sabi ko
.

"Oo nga pero kahit na. Baka isipin noon may ginawa tayo." Bulong niya sa akin. N
amula ang mukha ako.

"Meron naman. Wala lang main event..." bulong ko rin. Biglang tumawa ng malakas
si Zach. Niyakap niya ako at sabay na naman kaming bumagsak sa kama.

"Impatient ka, babe. Sabi ko sa'yo let's take things slow." Komento niya. Tiniti
gan ko ang mukha ni Zachary Drew. Mula noong nabaril siya ay marami nang nagbago
sa kanya. He's not the type of guy na maghihintay na lang - he's different. He
became daring and aggressive.

He once told me that he wanted to live life without boundaries anymore. Ang akal
a ko noon nagbibiro siya pero nang nakita ko ang pagbabago sa mga kilos niya ay
naniwala ako. Madali na siyang mainis ngayon. Kung noon sobrang bait niya na wil
ling siyang mag-give way sa iba, ngayon hindi na. Mabait pa rin naman siya pero
somehow, I knew that something inside him changed and I really don't know if it'
s for the better but seeing him that way only made him more irresistible to me.

"Paano kung kaka-take things slow natin, mambabae ka?" Tanong ko


ughed sexily. Napalunok ako. I really want him. Naalala ko iyong
a sa akin dati. The feeling you feel whenever you're making love
u love - napabuntong hininga na lang siya noon. She once told me
g was indescribable. And maybe Zach is right - I so want to know
describable feeling Nikita was talking about.

sa kanya. He la
sinabi ni Nikit
with the one yo
that the feelin
what kind of in

"Bihis ka na..." Sabi niya ulit. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. He was asking me to ge
t dressed but he's not letting me go. He started pulling me closer and not a mom
ent later he was on top of me, kissing my lips while his hands were reaching for
the hem of his shirt. Moments later, I was half naked beneath him. I closed my
eyes when I felt his glorious mouth on the mounds of my breasts. I wrapped my ar
ms around him - encouraging him to keep doing what he was doing.

"Za-ch..." I moaned when his lips reached my abdomen. He's moving with too much
urgency. I bit my lower lip when I felt like moaning again. Ayokong marinig ang
sarili ko. Nakakahiya kasi pero hindi ko naman mapigilan.

"Zach...hmnn...." I bit my lower lip. Bigla siyang tumigil. He took a deep breat
h.

"Seryoso na, babe. Bihis ka na. I love you." Hinagkan niya ako sa labi. We ended
up staring at each other.

"ZD ka talaga." Nasabi ko habang tawa ako nang tawa. Maya-maya ay nagbihis na di
n ako. I wore the dress I was wearing last night when we went out. Lumabas ako n
g kwarto at nakita ko siyang nakatayo sa may sala - he was still half naked. Lum
apit ako sa kanya. Hinaplos ko ang malaking pilat niya sa likod. I felt him stif
fened.

"Babe... tama na." Sabi niya sa akin sabay harap. "Iiyak ka na naman."

"Hindi." Sabi ko pero sa totoo lang ay namumuo na nga ang mga luha sa mga mata k
o. He shook his head tapos ay nagmamadali siyang nagsuot ng t-shirt. Matapos iyo
n ay hinawakan na niya ang kamay ko at sabay na kaming lumabas ng bahay niya. We
went to his car; he opened the door for me - siya pa mismo ang nagkabit ng seat
belt ko tapos ay umikot siya pagkasara ng pinto.

He drove away. Hindi ako nagsasalita. Naaalala ko na naman ang panaginip ko. Buo
ng-buo sa alaala ko iyong mukha ng halimaw na iyon. Napukaw ang pag-iisip ko nan
g biglang mag-ring ang phone ko. I looked at Zach before answering it. He smiled
at me.

"Hello?" I asked the other line. It was my twin brother calling.

"Nasaan ka?" He asked. Kalmado naman ang boses niya kaya hindi ako masyadong kin
akabahan.

"With ZD. Ikaw? Pinaiyak mo na naman si Nikita. Naku! Demonyto ka talaga!"

"Yza nga." Bigla siyang tumawa. Pakisundo si Nanay sa office ni Tatay. Nasiraan
kami ni Nikita dito sa hi-way hindi ko siya masusundo."

Tumango ako kahit hindi ako nakikita ni Yto. "Okay, ingat kayo ha?" Sabi ko. Tin
apos ko ang tawag.

"Si Yto?" Tanong ni Zach sa akin.

"Oo. Babe, pwede ba nating daanan si Nanay sa office ni Tatay? Nasira iyong sasa
kyan ni Yto kaya hindi niya masusundo si Nanay."

"Okay..." Bigla naman siyang ngumiwi. "Shit! Nandoon si Tito Sancho! Patay na na
man ako!" Natatawang sabi niya. Napangiti ako. Hindi ko maintindihan sa boyfrien
d ko kung bakit hanggang ngayon uneasy pa rin siya kay Tatay. Nagawa nga niyang
harapin si Tatay noong araw na hiningi niya ng pormal ang kamay ko tapos ngayon
na halos dalawang taon na ang nakaraan parang may kaba pa rin siya sa dibdib. Th
at was the only thing that didn't change in him.

After fifteen minutes, dumating kami sa office ni Tatay. Nanay was at the lobby
waiting. Wala si Tatay. Nilapitan ko siya.

"Nay, saan si Tatay?" I asked. Tumayo siya at hinalikan ako sa pisngi. Inayos ri
n niya ang buhok ko at hinaplos ang mukha.

"Hindi ka umuwi kagabi. Hinahanap ka ng tatay mo." Nakangiting sabi niya. Namula
ang mukha ko. "Mukhang kailangan ko nang sanayin si Tatay na wala ang panganay
niya sa bahay ha." Natatawa siya pero namumula talaga ang mukha ko. Huminga siya
nang napakalalim.

"Ang Yza at ang Yto ko, malalaki na talaga."

"Nanay naman..." Sabi ko na lang. "Ano... nasaan po ba si Tatay?"

"May meeting." Sabi niya. "Mamaya pa siya uuwi kasama niya si Adam. Nasaan si Za
ch?" Tanong niya ulit.

"Nasa sasakyan po. Lika na." Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya. I was staring at Nanay
while we were walking. Nagagandahan pa rin ako sa kanya hanggang ngayon. I reme
mber when I was a kid, I used to think that Nanay is a princess because she is s
o pretty and then tatay came and I realized that nanay isn't a princess, she is
a queen. Tatay made her a queen.

Narating namin ni Nanay ang kotse. Nandoon si Zachary Drew. Nakangiti agad siya
kay Nanay. Pinagbuksan niya pa ng pinto si Nanay at inalalayang pumasok. Sumunod
kaming dalawa.

"Nanay..." Tawag niya sa Nanay ko. Nanay na rin ang tawag niya pero kapag kay Ta
tay, kundi Tito Sancho, Mr Consunji o kaya man Sir. Natatawa ako sa kanya kapag
kausap niya si Tatay tapos natataranta siya. "Kumain na po ba kayo? Gusto ninyo
pong mag late breakfast?" He even asked. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya.

"Hindi na, Zach. Sa bahay na lang tayo, ipagluluto ko kayo." Sagot ni Nanay. Ngu
miti siya. "Nasaan nga pala si Yto?"

Ipinaliwanag ko na lang kay Nana yang nangyari sa sasakyan ni Yto. Nag-alala siy
a pero sinabi kong okay lang naman sila Yto doon. Kasalukuyan naming tinatahak a
ng hi-way pauwi sa mansyon. Nagha-hum pa ng kanta si Zach habang nagmamaneho.

We reached the spot na wala masyadong sasakyan. Tahimik na tahimik ang paligid.
Nag-uusap kami ni Nanay tungkol kay Yllak. Kinuwento niya sa akin na si Yllak na
man ang nag-uwi ng babae sa bahay. Galit na galit si Yvo dahil hanggang ngayon a
y iisa sila ng kwarto. Hindi nakapasok si Yvo sa loob dahil sa dalang babae ni Y
llak.

"Isa lang ang alam ko." Patuloy ni Nanay. "Malaki na kayong lahat. Si Yna na lan
g talaga ang baby." Natatawang wika niya. Napangiti rin ako. Talagang mahal na m
ahal ng mga magulang ko si Yna kahit na hindi talaga namin siya kadugo. Losing h
er will break the family apart. Kahit adopted lang si Yna ay mahal na mahal nami
n siya. Siya iyong regalo ni Tatay sa akin - sa buong pamilya. Gustong-gusto ko
kasi ng kapatid na babae noon pero hindi na pwedeng magka-baby si Nanay kaya sig
uro nang makita ni Tatay si Yna noon ay iniuwi niya ito sa amin.

Instantly, we all fell in love with her. She had us around her fingers when she
first smiled at us. Mahal na mahal namin si Yna na kahit delubyo ang dala niya s
a amin nitong mga nakaraang buwan ay hindi alintana ng pamilya.

We will never give her up.

I looked
itim na
nakadama
ke. They
My eyes

outside the window again. Kumunot ang noo ko nang mapansin ko ang isang
Ford na nasa likuran namin. Alam kong simpleng sasakyan lang iyon pero
ako ng kaba. Lalong kumabog ang dibdib ko nang bigla silang mag-over ta
parked the car in front of Zach's car which made him step on the break.
widened with fear when two armed men got out of the car. Walang sabi-sa

bing binuksan nila ang pinto ng sasakyan ni Zach. Pinalabas nila kaming pilit.

"Nay!" I screamed. Tumakbo ako kay Nanay na hawak ng isang lalaki sa braso. "Get
your hands off my mother!" I hissed. Niyakap ko si Nanay. Nakita kong tinutukan
si Zach ng baril noong isa pang lalaki.

"Zach!"

"Diyan ka lang, Yza!" Sabi niya sa akin. I gasped when Zach held on the gun tapo
s ay sinipa niya iyong lalaki sa crotch area nito. Siya na ngayon ang may hawak
ng baril. Tinutok niya iyon sa lalaki sa likod namin. Sinenyasan niya akong magp
unta malapit sa kanya. Akay ko si Nanay na nanginginig ang katawan.

Wala akong ibang maisip. I wanted to cry. But crying only means that I'm weak. I
don't want to be the weak one again. Sawa na akong laging ipinagtatanggol.

"Zach..."

"Diyan ka lang." He said again. I nodded.

"Ibaba mo iyong baril." Sabi noong lalaki. Zach grinned.

"At ano? Ako naman ang tutukan mo? Dream on dude. I can pull the trigger if I wa
nt to." He said in a very dangerous tone.

"You wouldn't do that." The man said. Para bang sigurado siya. Zach grinned. Iti
nutok niya iyong baril sa paanan noong lalaki tapos ay bigla niyang pinaputok. N
apasigaw si Nanay.

"Aalis ka, aalis kayo at hahayaan ninyo kami o sa'yo ko na itututok ito." Walang
abog na sabi niya. Napasinghap ako. Ang tapang ni Zach. Maybe it was his instin
ct. Maybe he really wanted to protect me.

Unti-unting ibinaba noong lalaki ang baril niya. Itinaas niya ang mga kamay niya
tapos ay tumakbo palayo.

Iyon na iyon? Tapos na? Napatingin ako kay Nanay.

"Nay, okay ka lang ba?"

"Yza ayos lang ba kayo?" Puno ng pag-aalala ang tinig niya. Napatango na lang ak
o. Lumapit si Zach kay Nanay tapos ay inalalayan niya ulit itong makasakay sa ko
tse. Naiwan ako sa gitna ng daan na tinitingnan sila. Hindi ako makagalaw. Nangh
ihina ang tuhod ko. Takot na takot ako.

"Yza..." Tawag niya. Palapit na siya sa akin nang bigla naming marinig ang isan
g nakakabinging busina. I saw a red van approaching us. Tatabi na sana ako dahil
malapit na sila pero bago ako makatakbo ay bumukas ang pinto noon. Three guys w
ith guns took me. My eyes widened.
Everything was so fast that I didn't even have the chance to scream. I saw ZD r
unning after the car. He was pointing the gun, he shot but it wasn't enough.

"Pakawalan ninyo ako!" Sigaw ko habang papalayo kami. Napapalibutan ako ng walon
g lalaking naglalakihan ang mga katawan. Lahat sila ay armado. "Pakawalan ninyo
ako!" Sigaw ko ulit.

"Tumahimik ka!" Sigaw sa akin ng isa pa. Sa inis ko ay inuntog ko ang nook o sa
ulo niya - malakas iyon. Napasigaw siya.

"Busalan iyan! Talian!" Sigaw niya pa. Palag ako nang palag pero mas lakas silan
g lahat sa akin. Wala akong nagawa. Kumakabog ang dibdib ko sa sobrang kaba. Hin
di ko na alam kung anong iisipin o gagawin ko.

Makakaalis pa ba ako dito?

Bakit nila ako kinuha? Ano bang kailangan nila sa akin? My heart was beating so
fast. Nagpapalag pa rin ako. Hindi naman nagtagal ay naramdaman kong may tumusok
sa braso ko na kung ano. Nakadama ako ng panghihina at pagkahilo. Not a moment
later, everything went blank.

--------------

I woke up. I don't know how long I was asleep but when I opened my eyes, I reali
zed that it was night time already and that I'm in somewhere I don't know. Nakah

iga ako sa isang kama sa loob ng isang kwarto. The room looks expensive. Everyth
ing inside looked like it was from some showroom that I see on magazines.

Dahan-dahan akong tumayo. The room was dark. Napansin kong nakaawang ang pinto n
oon at dinig ko mula sa labas ang dalawnag boses na nag-uusap. Kahit na nahihilo
pa ako ay pinilit kong tumayo. Iniisip ko kung nasaan ako. Iniisip ko kung anon
g nangyari. Tumulo ang mga luha ko nang maisip ko na kinuha nga pala ako ng mga
kalalakihan at dinala kung saan. Naiwan si nanay at si Zach sa hi-way. Ano na ka
yang nangyari sa kanila?

"I need Sheena Consunji not her!?!" Narinig ko ang boses ng isang lalaking galit
na galit. Sumilip ako sa may pinto at nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makilala ko
ang lalaking nakatayo sa labas lang. It was the monster - Helios Demitri standin
g just outside the room.

"Sir, sorry po. Pero namaril kasi iyong lalaking kasama nila. Nataranta kami." P
aliwanag ng isang lalaki.
"Bobo!" He even yelled. Huminga siya nang malalim. "Kung sabagay pareho lang ng
epekto. I'll start with her, I'll still break their family apart. Makukuha ko si
Leigh. Babalika ko ng Santorini na kasama siya and we'll never comeback." He sa
id. Nahintakutan ako. Kukunin niya si Yna? Napasinghap ako.

"Sancho will do everything in his will just to get his daughter back ang problem
a saan niya hahanapin?" Ngumisi siya. Malademonyo na naman ang hitsura niya.

"Sir..." Tinawag siya noong lalaki. Nanlaki lalo ang mga mata ko nang
ng buksan ang pinto. Napaatras ako. He turned the lights on and there
m - all of him standing in front of me. He was wearing a casual jeans
Naniningkit ang mga mata niya, nakangisi na naman siya and his green
piercing at my soul again. Naikuyom ko ang mga palad ko.

bigla niya
- I saw hi
and shirt.
eyes were

"Walang hiya ka!" Sigaw ko. Sinugod ko siya at pinagbabayo ang dibdib. Hindi nam
an ako nakatagal dahil bigla niya akong tinabig. Tumama ang likod ko sa dulo ng
kama.

"Ama mo ang walang hiya, Consunji. Ikaw at ang buong pamilya mo!" Sigaw niya sa
akin. Tiningnan ko siya.

"If you're doing this to get Yna back, then think again! She will never love yo
u because you're hurting out family!"

"I'm her family. Kailangan niyang malaman iyon. I'm going to do everything in my
will just to get her back." He hissed. Tinalikuran niya ako at lumabas ng pinto
. I watched as they leave. That moment - isa lang ang pumasok sa isip ko - kaila
ngan kong makatakas dito.

Naghintay ako ng pagkakataon. I checked the door - naka-lock iyon. Huminga ako n
g malalim. Hindi naman sila tanga para iwan nilang bukas iyon. Maghihintay na la
ng ako. I looked around. There's a big window in that room pero naka-lock din iy
on. Habang palakad-lakad ako ay hindi ako mapakali ng tunay. I need to think. Ma
ya-maya ay bumukas ang pinto. Pumasok ang isang babae - may dala siyang pagkain.
Wala siyang susi. Iniwan niya lang ang pagkain sa lapag at muling umalis. Ini-l
ock na naman niya ang pinto. Napaupo ako. Paano ako makakatakas dito?

I thought of a plan pero dahil naka-lock ang lahat ng pinto at bintana at wala n
a yata akong pag-asa. I walked around the room checking everything. I even opene
d the closet pero wala talaga. Kumunot naman ang noo ko nang mapansin ko ang isa
ng maliit na pinto sa gilid ng closet. Bukas iyon. Pinihit ko ang iyon at napang
anga ako nang makita ko kung ano ang nasaa loob. It is a secret passage.

Tumingin muna ako sa likod ko bago ako pumasok doon. Madilim. Kinakapa ko lang a
ng nadadaanan ko. Narating ko ang dulo, may pinto doon - bukas ulit iyon. Muli k
ong pinihit ang door knob, I pushed the door opened and get out. Naglakad ako pa
labas. Nasa sala ako. Walang tao. Madilim ang paligid. Ilaw lang galing sa labas
ang nagpapaliwanag sa bahay.

The house I am in was full of glass windows and glass doors. Pati front door ay
glass din. One sided siguro iyon. Dali-dali kong tinahak ang front door pero bag
o ako makarating ay may humawak sa braso ko.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?!"

I gasped hard when I recognize the monster's voice. Hinarap ko siya. "Bitiwan mo
ako! Pakawalan mo ako dito?!"

"You are staying here until I have Leighton!"

"You will never have Yna! Yna will never love you because you are a monster! You
're heartless! You don't know how to love so don't expect Yna to love you back!"

Sa lahat ng sinabi ko ay isang matunog na sampal sa kaliwang pisngi ko ang isin


agot niya sa akin. Nakaramdam na naman ako ng pagkahilo. I felt blood gushing ou

t of my lip.

"Love makes people weak." He hissed. Hinatak niya ang braso ko tapos ay pilit ak
ong inaakyat sa hagdan. I fought hard. Kinalmot ko siya sa mukha. I wanted to ge
t out of here. I needed to get out of here. Kailangan kong makauwi sa bahay. Hin
ihintay ako ni Nanay at ni Tatay.

"Demonyo ka!" Sigaw ko. Itinulak ko siya. Pababa ako ng hagdan nang bigla niyang
hatakin ang buhok ko. He slapped me again.

"You will never leave this house!" He yelled at me. I fought the tears. Hindi ak
o iiyak. Kailangan kong maging malakas. Halos gumapang ako makalayo lang sa kany
a. Hinatak niya ang paa ko. He pushed me down. Napahiga ako sa mga baiting ng ha
gdan.

He pinned me down. His hands were tightly holding my wrist. I was still fighting
. He was on top of mne, grinning devilishly. "Let me go!" I screamed. Dinuraan k
o siya sa mukha.

"Fuck!" He hissed. When he looked at me again, his green eyes were darker. He lo
oked more monsterous. "You will never leave, Consunji and just to make sure. I w
ill give you a reason to stay."

He let go of my hands. I thought that he would stand up but he didn't instead, h


e torn my dress apart. I gasped.

"No!" I screamed when he bent his head down to take my nipples inside his mouth.
I tried getting him off. "No! Please no!" I was crying. Hindi dapat nangyayari
ito. I feel disgusted. His lips were moving along my body like he was marking me
.

"Wag! Parang awa mo na!" Iyak ako nang iyak. Sinubukan kong itulak siya. He stop
ped for a while just to hit my face again.

"You asked for this." He said in a dark tone. He was looking at me. I screamed l
oud when I felt him roughly entering my core. I felt - I swear I felt something
inside me ripped apart.
"Wag! Wag!" Wala akong nagawa. He thrust inside of me. He was oblivious of my sc
reams and pleads. I feel so violated. I wanted him to stop but he just kept on g
oing.

"W-wag! Please s-stop!" I said in between sobs.

Slowly things are slipping away. Like it was never meant to be mine. It was as i
f holding on is not a choice anymre and letting go isn't in the option. He had t
ook away something that was never meant for him and no matter how I tried fighti
ng, I ended up just crying as he invades and conquers my whole being.

"Ahhh fuck!" He said. "How does it feel? I have deafeat a Consunji again." He gr
inned as he thrusts deeper. Hinang-hina ako. Wala na akong magawa kundi ang umiy
ak. Bigla na lang siyang huminto. He stood up and looked at me.

"Now, you will never leave, Yza Consunji."

I closed my eyes and let the tears fall. Wala na. I have lost something very imp
ortant and I will never get it back. Never...
<center><h1>3. Two</h1></center>
<hr>
I woke up that morning feeling good about myself. I have accomplished something
last night. Hindi man iyon parte ng plano ko but as it turns out, it is for the
better. I stood up from my bed, took a bath, fixed myself and went out of my roo
m. Sinalubong ako ni Kath - my secretary. Hawak na niya ang kape ko habang sa ka
bilang kamay naman niya ay nandoon ang schedule ko para sa araw na ito.

"Good morning, Sir. You have an eight o'clock meeting with the board members. Na
ghihintay na sila sa inyo ngayon sa office. Kailangan na nating magpunta doon. A
t one in the afternoon, pupunta ka sa Consunji Hotels. Ibinilin mo sa akin iyon
kagabi so I squeezed it in your schedule."

"Where is she?" I asked Kathryna. Tumigil siya sa pagsasalita.

"You mean the hostage, sir? She's in her room."

Tinalikuran ko siya at tinungo ang daan papunta sa kwarto kung saan makikita ko
si Yza Consunji. Bukas ang pintuan ng silid na iyon kaya agad akong pumasok. She
's not in the bed. Hindi naman ako naligalig dahil alam ko at sigurado ako na hi
ndi siya aalis. I turned to the bathroom. May narinig akong ingay doon. I went t
here and I saw Manang Bining cleaning Yza while she sat on the bath tub. Ni hind
i siya gumagalaw. Tinitigan kong maigi ang mukha niya.

"Hector..." Tawag sa akin ni Manang. "ano bang ginawa mo sa kanya?" Halos garalg
al na ang tinig niya. "Alam mong masamang manakit ng babae. Anong ginawa mo? Tin
gnan mo, puro siya pasa."

"Manang, just do your goddamn job and don't ask questions." Inis na sabi ko. Lum
akad ako palapit kay Yza Consunji. Tulala lang siya. Maybe she had experienced t
rauma after what I did to her last night. Wala akong nararamdamang pagsisisi sa
nangyaro kagabi.

I raped her. I'm a bad man. Ni hindi ako nakakaramdam ng awa para sa kanya ngayo
n. I certainly believe that she deserves everything I do with her habang nandito
siya sa poder ko. Kung anong kinuha sa akin ni Sancho Consunji, kukunin ko rin
sa kanya iyon.

They took Leigh away from me and now I'm taking Yza away from them. I will make
sure that she will pay for every pain and every tears I shed when her father tor
n my family apart.

"Pero, Hector. Mali ito." Sabi niya. "Alam kong ginalaw mo siya. Puro dugo ang--"

"Hindi ko tinatanong ang opinyon mo. Just do your fucking job!" I yelled. Walang
sabi-sabing lumabas ako ng silid na iyon. Nakita kong hinihintay ako ni Kath sa
labas ng pinto. We both walked towards the stairs. Bago ako umalis, nagbilin ak
o sa mga tao ko na huwag na huwag hahayaang makalabas si Yza sa bahay na iyon ku
ng hindi lahat sila ay mananagot sa akin.

Ang buong akala ko, palpak ang plano ko dahil sa nangyaring pagkakamali ng mga t
auhan ko pero hindi pala. It's actually great. It's something I'm not expecting
to happen and yet it did. Mas may mapapala ako sa mga Consunji ngayon na nasa ak
in si Yza. Mas mababaliw si Sancho, mas masasaktan si Yto mas maagang masisira a
ng pamilya nila at mas maagang mababalik sa akin si Leigh.

I arrived at my office thirty minutes later. Ginagawa ko ang daily routine ko. M
asaya ako ngayong araw na ito at sa tingin ko lalo akong sasaya sa mga susunod n
a araw habang pinapanood ko kung paano sasabog na parang bomba ang buong pamilya
ni Sancho Consunji. It's like taking his daughter away from him will lead to th
eir self destruction.

"Anong oras ang punta ko sa Consunji Hotels?" Tanong ko kay Kath.

"After lunch, Sir." Sagot niya. I just grinned. Pakiramdam ko, bumalik ako sa pa
gkabata, maagang pamasko sa akin ang nagaganap. Hindi na nga ako makapaghintay n
a makita muli ang mga taong naging dahilan ng pagkasira ng buhay ko.

At exactly, one in the afternoon, dumating ako sa Consunji Hotels. Hinanap ko ag


ad si Yto Consunji pero ang sabi ng assistant niya ay hindin ito pumasok ngayong
araw dahil sa isang problema. Somehow I know what problem that is. Binalingan k
o si Kath at sinabi sa kanya na kailangan naming puntahan ang mga Consunji sa ba
hay ng mga ito.

"Pero sir, baka magkagulo lang tulad noon." Sabi niya pa. Tumaas ang kilay ko. I
touched her face.

"Do you wanna keep your job, Kathryna?" I asked her.

"Yes, sir..."

"Then do what I say!" I hissed at her. Wala siyang nagawa kundi tawagin ang driv
er. We got in the car and she told the driver kung saan kami pupunta.

Excitement is enveloping my whole being. Hindi na ako makapaghintay sa reaksyon


ng mga Consunji ngayon na nawawala si Yza Consunji. Pupunta ako doon. Titingnan
ko sila pero hinding-hindi ko sasabihin na nasa akin ang hinahanap nila.

A little pain and agony won't kill them.

I grinned.

------------------------"I have my sources, Yto! Hindi ako papayag na hindi natin makita si Yza ngayong
araw na ito!"

Taas baba ang dibdib ko habang nakikipag-usap ako kay Yto Consunji. Nasa loob ka
mi ng private office ni Tito Sancho. Kaming tatlo lang ang nandoon at kanina ko
pa sinasabi na kailangan na naming simulan ang paghahanap kay Yza bago pa siya t
uluyang mapahamak.

"Zach, we have to wait for the kidnapper's call." Mahinahong pahayag ni Yto.

"How can you be so calm about this? God knows where she is! Baka kung ano nang g
inawa niila kay Yza!"

"Natatakot din kami, Zach." Sancho Consunji's


fucking scared. I never imagined that I will
mo gagawin ko din ang lahat mahanap lang siya
er life is on the line, Zachary Drew. We have
edeng tuluyan na siyang mawala sa atin."

voice echoed in my brain. "I'm so


lose my daughter like this. Tulad
pero kailangan nating mag-ingat. H
to be careful, isang mali lang, pw

Marahan ngunit mariing wika ni Tito Sancho sa akin. Napaupo na lang ako. I cover
ed my face with my hands. I feel so frustrated. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin
ko. Bakit ba dami ng masamang tao sa mundo, sa akin pa, kay Yza pa nangyari ang
bagay na ito?

Kung kailan magkasama na kami, saka pa siya mawawala. Hindi ako makakapayag na m
awala siya basta. Kailangan ko siyang mahanap. Kailangan kong iligtas mula sa ka
may ng kung sino man ang babaeng mahal na mahal ko.

"Zach." Yto said. "Kung ikaw ganyan ang nararamdaman mo, paano pa kami? We need
to follow the police. Kung hindi baka...."

"Ang bagal ng pulis Yto!" Sigaw ko. "Paano kung habang naghihintay tayo nahihira
pan na pala siya? Paano kung pinagsasamantalahan na nila si Yza doon?! The mere
thought of her crying out of pain and fear kills me, Yto! You don't expect me to
just stay here and wait until the police receive that call!"

"Okay!" Yto said. "Take it easy." Lumakad si Yto palapit sa akin. "We will find
her."
"Kailan?" Tanong ko. "Kung hindi ka magsisimula ngayon, hahanapin ko na siya. I
have my sources. I can do the searching on my own."

"Zach." Tinawag ako ni Tito Sancho pero hindi ko na siya pinakinggan. I stood up
and left his office. Bumaba ako ng hagdan at doon nakita ko si Nanay na katabi
si Yna at si Nikita. Yvo and Yllka were in there too. Nanay Sheena is crying. La
lo akong nakadama ng guilt.

Kasalanan ko naman, kung agad kong nakuha si Yza, di sana siya nakuha ng mga lal
aking iyon. Kung binilisan ko ang kilos, kasama pa rin namin siya hanggang ngayo
n. Gusto kong manakit. Gusto kong patayin ang mga lalaking kumuha sa kanya pero
hindi ko naman alam kung saan ko sila hahanapin.

Binalikan ng mga pulis ang pinangyarihan kahapon ng hapon. They searched everywh
ere. Ang nakita lang nila ay iyong van na ginamit ng mga kidnappers. They had ab
andoned it five kilometers away from the area where they got her. Lalo akong nan
gigigil sa inis. Bakit sa lahat ng tao, si Yza pa ang kukunin nila?

"Zach..." Tinawag ako ni Nanay. Lumapit ako sa kanya.

"Nanay, I will find her and I will bring her home. I promise you that." Sabi ko
sa kanya. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at saka huminga nang napakalalim. Nanay Sh
eena just smiled at me. Kahit nakangiti siya ay dama ko pa rin ang lungkot na na
sa puso niya dahil sa pagkawala ni Yza.

Nalulungkot din ako pero mas nangingibabaw sa akin ang galit at panibugho. Kaila
ngan ko talaga siyang mahanap. Hindi ko na hihintayin si Yto o si Tito Sancho o
ang mga pulis. Hahanapin ko si Yza sa paraang alam ko.

Nagpaalam na ako kay Nanay Sheena, on my way out, I started making calls. I call
ed Yana to inform her that I'm canceling the tour. Noong una ay ayaw niya pero w
ala din siyang nagawa dahil buo na ang desisyon ko. Mas kailangan kong hanapin s
i Yza kaysa sa tour na iyon. Pagkatpos ng tawag kay Yana ay tinawagan ko naman a
ng kaibigan ko sa FBI. He was a retired FBI agent and he happens to be in the Ph
ilippines. I scheduled a meeting with him tonight. Manggagaling siya sa Cebu kay
a gabi na ang pagkikita namin.

Paalis na ako nang biglang may pumaradang silver na SUV sa harapan ko. Kunot na
kunot ang noo ko. Maliban sa pamilya at sa mga pulis wala nang iba pang pwedeng
pumasok sa masyon ng mga Consunji. Iniisip ko kung bisita ba ito, o kung sinuman
. Pwedeng isa sa mga pinsan nila o kamag-anak pero hindi - nagkamali ako. Mula s
a loob ay lumabas ang isang taong buong pusong kinamumuhian ni Yto at ni Tito Sa
ncho.

Helios Demitri. He looked at my direction and grinned. He was the same man who g
ot me shot that day almost nine months ago.

"You are alive and well, Mr. Laundrize." He said in a very friendly tone. Naikuy
om ko ang mga palad ko.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" I hissed at him. He shrugged.

"I wanted to see, Yto Consunji. I went to his office but he's not there so I cam
e here. I just want him to know that I am back."

Kumunot ang noo ko. Wala akong alam sa ayaw niya at ni Yto pero ang alam ko kaya
siya nandito at kaya niya ginagawa ang lahat ng pagpapahirap sa mga Consunji ay
dahil gusto niyang mabawi si Yna. Yna is the adopted child of Sancho and Nanay
Sheena. Siya ang tunay na kapamilya ni Yna pero kahit anong gawin niya ay hindi
niya mababawi si Yna dahil hindi ibibigay si Yna ng mga Consunji ng ganoon lang.

"They're busy at the moment." Mariing sabi ko. Lalong lumawak ang pagkakangiti n
iya.

"I see. Kung ganoon, aalis na ako." Akmang tatalikod na siya nang bigla siyang t
umigil ay muli akong hinarap.

"By the way, how is your girlfriend Yza?"

I stared at him. There was something in his eyes and the way he talks that made
me feel like he knew something about Yza's disappearance. Kumabog nang napakabi
lis ang puso ko. Gusto kong magwala, gusto ko siyang saktan.

"Nasaan si Yza?!" Mariing tanong ko sa kanya. Tumaas ang kilay niya at saka siya
tumawa.

"Ewan ko. Nagtatanong nga ako sa'yo, hindi ba? Isa pa ikaw ang boyfriend niya ba
kit sa akin mo siya hinahanap?"

Inilang hakbang ko siya. Halos magkapantay lang kami ni Helios Demitri. Abot na
abot ko siya. Hinatak ko ang kwelyo niya papalapit sa akin at nakipagtitigan ako
sa kanya - mata sa mata.

"The moment I find out that you have her, Demitri, I will fucking kill you with
my bare hands and I won't even blink."

Something in his green eyes changed. Pilit niya akong tinitulak palayo. Hindi ak
o bumitaw.

"Wala kang ebidensya." He said in a low tone.

"Sa ngayon. Pero ipinapangako ko sa'yo makakahanap ako ng butas at kapag nangyar
i iyon, magtago ka na. Hindi ako titigil hangga't hindi bumabalik si Yza sa akin
."

I let him go. Nakipagsukatan siya sa akin ng tingin. Sa huli, ngumisi siya.

"That is, if she's ever going to come back to you."

Napatiim ako ng bagang. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin habang papalayo ang sasakyan
niya sa akin. My gut was telling me that I should go and have him checked. I hav
e a feeling that he knows something about this mess we're in right now. Hindi na
man siya pupunta dito kung wala talaga siyang alam.

Nasa kanya si Yza. Sigurado ako doon. Ang kailangan ko na lang ay ebidensya para
tuluyan na siyang mawala sa buhay namin at para mabawi ko na ang babaeng mahal
ko.

--------------------

"Hija, kumain ka. Kailangan mo nang lakas."

Naririnig ko siya. Nakikita ko siya. Alam ko kung anong nangyayari pero ayokong
gumalaw. Paulit-ulit kong tinatanong sa sarili ko kung totoo bang nangyari ang n
angyari kagabi. Ilang beses kong pinakiramdam ang sarili ko at dama ko sa sakit
na dulot nang pagpilit niya sa akin ng kanyang sarili noong nakaraang gabi.

I just feel so violated. Ilang beses akong umiyak pero wala na ang mga luha sa m
ga mata ko. Para bang pati iyon ay kinuha niya sa akin.

"Iwan ninyo na lang ako." Sinabi ko sa matandang babaeng nasa harapan ko. Kagabi
ko pa siya kasama. Siya ang nakakita sa akin s amay hagdan matapos akong iwan n
g halimaw na iyon. Siya ang tumulong sa aking bumalik sa silid. Ginamot niya ang
mga pasa ko, nilinis niya ang katawan ko pero pakiramdam ko kahit na anong gawi

n niya ay hindi na mawawala ang bakas ng maduming labi ni Helios Demitri sa buon
g katawan ko.

Nakadama ako ng panibugho para sa lalaking iyon. Hindi pa sapat na sinusubukan n


iyang sirain ang pamilya ko. Kailangan niya rin bang sirain ang buhay ko?

"Hija, kung gusto mong makatakas dito, kailangan mong kumain. Kailangan mong mag
ing matatag."

Tiningnan ko ang babae. Ang pagiging matatag lang talaga ang magagawa ko ngayon.
Walang ibang tutulong sa akin kundi ang sarili ko. Kailangan kong makabalik sa
pamilya ko at kay Zachary Drew kahit na hindi na ako buo.

Hindi na ako buo. Nakadama ako ng galit at panghihinayang sa dibdib ko. I have b
een reserving myself for the man I love and that is Zachary Drew and never in my
life have I imagined that a monster would take it away from him.

I loathe him. I hate him so much that I wanted to kill him for robbing my virtue
. I swallowed hard. Tuwing pumipikit ako ay naaalala ko ang ginawa niya sa akin.
It was as if he's on top of me again, forcing himself inside my core until he f
elt that muscle ripped apart inside of me.

I could still feel the warmth of his body, his touch. I could feel every inch of
him inside of me and it makes me vomit. I disgust him.

"Kumain ka." Tiningnan ko ang babae sa harapan ko. Kinuha ako ang platong hawak
niya at nagsimulang kumain. Tama siya. Kung gusto kong umalis sa lugar na ito at
makabalik sa pamilya ko kailangan ko ng lakas.

Walang ibang tutulong sa akin. Ako lang. Kung manghihina ako, lalong hindi ako m
akakabalik. Hindi ako susuko, hindi ako dapat makaramdam ng pandidiri sa sarili
ko. Hindi ko kasalanan at hindi ko kagustuhan ang nangyari kagabi.

Nang matapos ko ang pagkain ay lumabas na ang babaeng tumulong sa akin. Naiwan a
kong mag-isa sa silid. Tumayo ako at sinubukan kong lumakad pero muli akong napa
upo nang maramdaman ko ang pagkirot sa pagitan ng aking mga hita.

"I hate him." I mumbled. I tried getting up again. This time I walked slowly. Pu
munta ako sa may pinto. I turned the door knob and I realized that they didn't l
ock the door. Ganoon na ba sila katanga? Lumabas ako ng silid at naglakad ako pa

baba ng hagdan.

The view outside was remarkable. Nasa gitna yata ng isang burol ang bahay na ito
. I have a beautiful view of the metro. Habang nakatitig ako sa labas ay lalo ak
ong nakaramdam ng kagustuhang makabalik.

Tumingin ako sa paligid - walang tao. Walang bantay. Kahit masakit ang buong kat
awan ko ay sinubukan kong tumakbo palabas ng bahay na iyon. Nasa garden na ako n
ang mapansin kong bumukas ang malaking gate at pumasok ang isang silver na SUV.
Mula doon ay lumabas ang halimaw. Titig na titig siya sa akin. Inilang hakbang n
iya ang pagitan naming dalawa at hinablot ang braso ko. Madiin ang hawak niya. B
umabaon sa mga buto ko.

"Where the hell are you going, Consunji?" He asked me.

"Bitawan mo ako?!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. Nakatuon ang mga mata ko sa gate na hangga
ng ngayon ay bukas pa rin. Kung tatakbo ako nang napakabilis, makakawala ako sa
kanya. Makakalabas ako at makakahingi ng tulong. Makakabalik ako sa pamilya ko a
t kay Zach.

Sinubukan kong kumawala pero kinaladkad niya ako papasok sa loob ng bahay.

"Bitiwan mo ako!" Nanaig ang boses ko sa loob. "Bitiwan mo sabi ako! Ano pa bang
gusto mo?! You violated me already! Whatever you do right now might hurt pero h
indi na ganoon kasakit!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. "You raped me! Nakuha mo na ako, pak
awalan mo na ako!"

"Tumahimik ka!" Ibinalya niya ako sa sahig. Tumama ang baywang ko sa mga sofa na
nandoon. Narinig kong sumisigaw ang isang babae.

"Hector tama na!" Sigaw niya. Tumingin ako. Iyong babaeng tumulong sa akin ang u
maawat ng pilit kay Helios pero bakit niya tinatawag na Hector si Helios Demitri
?

"Wag kang makialam, Manang Bining!" He yelled.

"Hindi ka aalis dito! Kapag umalis ka dito, sasaktan ko isa-isa ang mga kapatid
mo. Kanino mo ba ako gustong magsimula? Kay Yto, kay Yvo o kay Yllak? Or would i
t be more dramatic if I hurt your mother first?" He flashed his devilish grin at
me.

"Huwag mong sasaktan ang pamilya ko!"

"Oo nga. Ikaw na lang ang sasaktan ko!" Bigla ay hinaltak niya akong muli. Halos
kaladkarin niya ako paakyat sa hagdan, papasok sa silid na pinanggalingan ko ka
nina. He pushed me to the bed. Napatingin ako sa kanya.

My eyes widened when I saw him taking off his belt. He was also unbuttoning his
shirt. Lahat ng luhang ayaw lumabas sa mga mata ko kanina ay naguunahang umalpas
ngayon.
"H-uwag.... Please t-tama na..." Mahinang wika ko. He took his shirt off and thr
ew it away. Pati iyong pants niya. He got naked in front of me. Alam ko na kung
anong gagawin niya. He will punish me again for trying to leave by molesting me.

He climbed the bed.

"Tama na!" Sigaw ko.

Hinatak niya ang paa ko. He hiked my skirt up and spread my legs. He ripped my u
nderwear apart. Napahagugol ako. Bakit ba sa akin nangyayari ito?

Again, I felt him forcing and entry. I screamed so loud. "Ahhhhhh, please stop!"
I was crying. He started moving again. Hilam na hilam na ang mga mata ko ng luh
a. Paos na ang boses ko sa kakasigaw. Nagmamaka-awa ako sa kanya na itigil na ni
ya ito.

Hindi pa siya nakuntento. He wrapped his left hand around my neck. He was chokin
g me. Lalong hindi ako makahinga. I could feel the pain down there whenever he's
moving in and out I find it so hard to breath. Pilit kong inaalis ang kamay niy
a sa leeg ko pero masyado siyang malakas.

Finally, he stopped. I felt something warm inside of me. Inalis niya ang kamay n
iya sa leeg ko at saka ngumisi.

"Remember this, Consunji. Sa tuwing tatakas ka, hahablutin kita at dadalhin sa k


ama. So don't try running away or else..." He grinned. He touched my abdomen. Al
am ko na ang ibig niyang sabihin.

"What do you think your father would say if you bear my child? Matutuwa ba siya?
"

"Demonyo ka!" I hissed.

"I have been called names, Yza and you calling me that doesn't really affect me.
"

Tumalikod siya. Isa-isa niyang kinuha ang mga damit niya. Bago siya lumabas ng s
ilid ay binalingan niya ako.

"Fix yourself. We'll have dinner."

Umiling ako. Niyakap ko ang sarili ko at saka umiyak nang umiyak...

"Zach...."
<center><h1>4. The inner Consunji</h1></center>
<hr>
"How are the Consunjis? Are they losing their minds yet?"

I grinned at Johnny Dupree - he's the head security of the Consunji family. Litt
le did they know that he's working for me too. Madali lang namang sumuhol ng tao
. Dupree used to be a loyal security officer of the family but when I offered hi
m money, when I promised him things that I know he wouldn't get if he keeps on w
orking for them, the tables have turned. Siya ang mata at tainga ko sa loob ng m
ansyon. Tiningnan niya ako. We were inside my car. Nasa loob lang din kami ng ex
clusive village kung saan nakatira ang mga kaaway ko. I called him that afternoo
n because I wanted to hear some news.

"They're losing their minds, yes, Sir but I'm telling you. Mas lalo ninyong pina
tatagal, mas lalong nagagalit ang mga Consunji. Nakakatunog na si Sancho, may mg
a bagay na siyang ginagawa na hindi niya ipinapaalam sa akin."

"How can you say that?" Bigla akong napaisip.

"Ipinatawag niya ang dating head of security ng pamilya, Sir. Hindi na rin nila
ako masyadong isinasama sa paghahanap nila kay Yza."

Napatiim ako ng bagang. Tumanaw ako sa labas ng bintana at saka bumuntong hining
a. Hindi pwedeng matalo na naman ako sa larong ito. Ako na ang nagsimula ngayon,
ako ang dapat manalo, ako lang. Hindi pwedeng mauungusan na naman ako ng mga Co
nsunji.

"Sir, I'm not being negative, but you don't know who you're dealing with here. H
indi ninyo pa nakikita kung paano magalit ang isang Sancho Consunji, isama mo pa
ang mga kapatid niya. He's very angry right now. I have a feeling that they alr
eady knew who took Yza. They're not really counting in the police anymore. They
are actually doing their own investigation. Isama ninyo pa ang boyfriend ni Yza.
He's moving too. Sir, huwag ninyo nang hintayin na masukol nila kayo. I hate to
think about this, but if and when they find out that you have her, you will be
dealing with the devils and I'm not exaggerating."

I looked at him. Am I really hearing all of this from him? I grinned. He's chick
ening out. Isang bagay na pinaka-ayoko sa lahat. Hinablot ko ang kwelyo niya at
inilapit siya sa akin.

"Natatakot ka na ba?" Tanong ko sa kanya. "Kanino ka mas natatakot, sa akin o sa


mga Consunji? Hawak ko ang pamilya mo." I gritted my teeth. He took a deep brea
th as he looks at me.

"Pinapaalalahanan ko lang po kayo, Sir." Mabilis niya sagot.

"Kung pinaalalahanan mo ako, at gusto mo talagang maging maayos ang lahat ng pla
no ko, gawin mo ang lahat para hindi nila ako matunton! You're with them 24/7, d
o something! Hurt them! Basta siguraduhin mong hindi masasaktan si Leigh!"

Lalo siyang namutla. Binitiwan ko siya at huminga ako nang malalim. Hindi ko kai
langan ng isa na namang kapalpakan lalo na ngayon kung kailan nasa akin na ang a
las na magpapabagsak sa kanilang lahat.

"Leave." I ordered him. Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro na lumabas ng sasakyan ko si D


upree. Napailing ako. Mahinang klase pa rin ng tao ang nakuha ko. Simpleng utos
lang hindi pa niya magawa. Mukhang kailangan ko na namang mag-isip ng panibagong
plano. Kung tama ang sinabi niya na alam na ng mga Consunji na ako ang kumuha k
ay Yza, hindi malayong pinamamanmanan na nila ang bahay ko ngayon. Malaki ang po
sibilidad na makita nila si Yza kung matutunton nila ang bahay ko sa burol.

"Take me to St. Rose." I told my driver. We drove off. Lumiko siya. Malalim akon
g nag-iisip. It's a good thing I took Yza to at the hill, kung sa town house ko
lang siya itinago malamang nakuha na siya sa akin ngayon.

I was thinking deep when I noticed a familiar figure walking at the sidewalk. Si
Leigh. "Stop the car." Paghinto ng sasakyan ay lumabas ako. Sinalubong ko si Le
igh na naglalakad patungo sa direksyon ko. Hindi siya sa akin nakatingin. She wa
s looking down the pavement. Bakas sa mukha niya ang kalungkutan. She was even w
iping her tears. Natigil siya sa paglalakad nang mapansin ako. Dahan-dahan siyan
g nag-angat ng mukha.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" She gasped loudly after asking me that. I know that lo
ve makes people weak just like what Baba taught me while growing up pero hindi k
o naman pwedeng itanggi ang pagmamahal na nararamdaman ko para sa kapatid ko. Na
pahikbi pa siya.

"Sabi ni Kuya -"

"I am your Kuya."

"Hindi..." Mariing sabi niya. "Si Kuya Yto ang kuya ko. Kahit kailan hindi niya
sinaktan ang kahit na sino sa pamilya ko."

"I am your family."

"If you are my family then you shouldn't have taken my sister away from us." Mah
ina ngunit mariin ang bawat katagang binitiwan niya sa akin. Parang kutsilyo ang
mga salita niya. Pilit na sinusugatan ang puso kong matagal nang nagdurugo dahi
l s apangungulila sa isang masayang pamilya.

"You have her. You took her away. It's not a question, Helios. I heard Tatay tol
d Kuya Yto."

Umiling ako. Lumapit ako sa kanya at hinablot siya sa braso. Pilit ko siyang isi
nakay sa kotse.

"Bitawan mo ako! Hindi ako sasama sa'yo!"


"Shut up, Leigh!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Hindi ako si Leigh! Ako si Yna Johanna Ybarra - Consunji!"

"You are Leighton Santillan!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. Binalingan ko ang driver. "Sa S
t. Rose. And make it fast!"

Halos paliparin ng driver ko ang sasakyan. Leigh sat there; she's quiet now alth
ough she's still crying. Wala siyang sinasabi. Hindi siya nagsasalita at kahit y
ata subukan kong hawakan siya ay hindi ko rin magagawa. Alam kong papalag siya.
Dumating kami sa St. Rose Memorial Shrine, fifteen minutes later. Ayaw niya bum
aba ng sasakyan. I had to carry her just so she would get out. Hinatak ko siya p
apasok sa loob ng mausoleum kung nasaan ang mga magulang namin.
"Let me go, you monster!" Itinulak niya ako. Humahagulgol siya habang pilit na k
umakawala sa akin. Pilit ko siyang hinarap sa puntod ng tunay niyang mga magulan
g.

"Do you see them?" I asked her. We were both looking at the tombs in front of us
. Umiiyak pa rin siya. Umaalog - alog ang mga balikat. "They are your real paren
ts, Leigh. This is what Sancho Consunji did to our family. He killed Mom and Dad
."

"Tatay didn't kill them!" Sigaw niya.


"Kailan mo ba makikita na ang mga taong minamahal mo ay ang mga taong sumira ng
buhay mo!" Singhal ko sa kanya. She slapped me. My eyes widened.

"Kung may naninira ng buhay dito, ikaw iyon! You are trying to torn my family ap
art! Kung kapatid nga kita tulad ng sinabi mo, hindi mo sasaktan ang mga taong n
agmahal at nag-alaga sa akin! They didn't do anything bad to me! They loved me,
they treated me as their own!" Iyak siya nang iyak habang sinasabi niya ang mga
katagang iyon na tumatatak sa puso ko.

Sinasabi niya sa akin na ang mga taong sumira ng pamilya namin ang mas nagmahal
sa kanya. Kung hindi naman sinira ni Sancho Consunji ang buhay ng pamilya ko, ma
raramdaman rin ni Leigh ang pagmamahal ng mga tunay naming magulang. Hindi niya
kailangan makiamot sa ibang tao ng pagmamahal dahil alam ko at sigurado akong ma
mahalin siya ni Mama at ni Daddy

"Paano naman ako?" I asked. She gasped hard. Hinawakan ko siya sa magkabilang br

aso. My hands were shaking. "Paano ako, Leigh? Ako iyong mag-isang naiwan, ako i
yong nasaktan, ako iyong nangulila, paano ako?"

"Paano rin ako?" She looked at me. "Paano si Yza? Hindi mo man aminin, alam kong
totoo iyong sinasabi nila. You took her."

"I didn't." I lie. She shook her head again. "I didn't, Leigh! I didn't take her
."
"Uuwi na ako." Wika niya pa sa akin. Pinahid niya ang mga luha niya at saka tin
alikuran ako. Gusto ko siyang pigilan. Gusto ko na siyang iuwi sa bahay. Iyon na
man ang plano. Nandito na siya, bakit ko pa siya pakakawalan? Pero hindi ko gina
wa. Mas lalo niya akong kamumuhian kung pipilitin ko siya. Gagawin ko na lang a
ng plano ko. If I do that, hindi ko na kailangan mamilit, kusa siyang sasama sa
akin.

I watched her as she leaves. Before she could even get out of the mausoleum, she
stopped and faced me again.

"If you hurt, Yza. I will never forgive you."


Her words marked my skin. Pakiramdam ko nagkapeklat ako dahil sinabi niya. Hinay
aan ko na siyang umalis. Ni hindi na siya nagpaalam sa akin. Hindi na niya ako t
iningnan.

----------------------

"Bakit hindi po naka-lock iyong pinto?"

Iyon ang unang tanong k okay Manang Bining nang makalabas ako ng silid kung saan
ako ikinukulong nang halimaw na iyon. Manang Bining looked at me. May hawak siy
ang tray ng pagkain. Siguro, dadalhin niya iyon sa kwarto ko.

"Ang sabi ni Hector, hindi ka naman na daw tatakas." Nakangiting sabi niya. Tuma
as ang sulok ng bibig ko. Akala yata ng lalaking iyon ay natatakot ako sa kanya.
Halos isang linggo na niya akong kinukulong sa bahay na ito. Nagpapasalamat na
lang ako sa itaas dahil matapos ang gabing iyon na sinubukan kong tumakas muli a
y hindi na niya ako sinaktan o nilapitan kahit na tiningnan.

"Bakit ba tinatawag ninyong Hector ang halimaw na iyon?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Hector ang tunay niyang pangalan. Alaga ko na siya noon pa, Yza. Mabait siya. N
atatapunan lang ng galit ang puso niya."

"Mabait?" I was sarcastic. "Alam ninyo naman siguro kung anong ginawa sa akin ng
halimaw na iyon." Galit na sabi ko. "He... He..." Bumangon ang galit sa dibdib
ko.

"Anak, hindi niya sinasadya iyon."

Tiningnan ko siya. "Hindi sinasadya?!" Sigaw ko. Humakbang ako palapit kay Manan
g Bining. Sa galit ko, tinabig ko ang hawak niyang tray. Sumabog ang lahat ng la
man noon sa sahig. "Kailan pa hindi naging sadya ang rape, Manang?! The only rea
son why I'm still alive right now is my love for Zachary Drew and my family!"

"Hija, humanahon ka." Mahinang sabi niya. Tinulak ko siya.

"Hinahon?! You want me to calm down while that son of a bitch molests me?! How c
an I come down! Kung kayo ang pagsamantalahan ng halimaw na iyon, hihinahon kayo
?!" Halos mamaos ako sa kakasigaw. Manang Bining is now on the floor looking up
at me. Hindi ko na maintindihan ang sarili ko. I'm not like this. I used to be c
alm and compose but right now, I don't want to be calm and compose. I want to hu
rt that monster; I want to kill him with my bare hands.

"Manang Bining!"

I looked up and I saw the monster's secretary. Tinulungan niyang tumayo si Manan
g Bining habang. Kitang-kita sa mukha niya ang pag-aalala.

"Ano bang ginawa mo?!" She yelled at me.

"Anong karapatan mong sigawan ako?!" I yelled back. "You don't have the rights t
o raise your voice at me, bitch! You're nobody!"
"What the hell is this?"

My body shook with fear when I heard his demonic voice. Nakatayo siya sa likod n
g babaeng iyon at ni Manang Bining. Kunot na kunot ang noo niya. Madilim ang muk

ha at tiim ang bagang. My initial reaction is that I would be scared of him beca
use he did bad things to me but right now, I don't want to be scared. I looked a
t him. Nakipagsukatan siya ng tingin sa akin.

"Iwan ninyo kami. Kathryna, dalhin mo si Manang sa quarters. I'll deal with her.
"

Umalis ang babae at si Manang Bining. He looked around us and he saw the spilled
food. Lumapit siya sa akin. Hindi ako tuminag. Hindi ko kailangan matakot sa ka
nya. Demonyo siya. Ang mga tulad niya ay dapat nasa impyerno.

"What did you do?" He asked me.

"I did what I had to." I said in a strained voice.

"You scared Manang---"

I don't know what happened. Bigla ko na lang siyang sinampal sa kaliwang pisngi.
Bumiling ang mukha niya pakanan at nanlalaki ang mga mata niya. Iyon na yata an
g pinakamalakas na sampal na ibinigay ko sa isang tao. When he looked at me agai
n, his eyes were dark and he seemed really mad. He grabbed my arm and pulled me
closer.
"No one ever gets to slap me and gets away with it!" He hissed.

Hindi ko na maintindihan ang sarili ko. I should be scared at him pero hindi nam
an iyon ang nararadaman ko. Kung may nararamdaman man ako sa kanya - iyon ay pan
didiri at galit. Hindi ako natatakot sa kanya. I've been dealing with ruthless m
en all my life and somehow that made me not scared of him. Mas pa siya sa Tatay
at sa mga tiyuhin ko - isama na rin ang kakambal ko pero alam ko na hindi ko kai
langan matakot sa kanya.

Kung paiiralin ko ang takot at panginginig sa tuwing malapit siya sa akin, mamam
atay ako dito at hindi na makakabalik sa pamilya ko. Kailangan ko ng solidong pl
ano para makalaya ako mula sa demonyong ito. Wala pa akong naiisip. Sa ngayon, I
just have to deal with his evilness.

"No one ever messes with a Consunji and gets away with it." I said to him. I did
n't even blink. Suddenly, my reflexes and my instincts took over my being. Gumal
aw ang mga braso ko, inilapat ko iyon sa dibdib niya and then, I pushed him - ha
rd. He lost his balance. The next thing I knew, I was watching him as he fell do

wn the stairs. Ni hindi ako kumurap. Pinanood ko lang kung paano mahulog sa dala
wampu't tatlong hagdan na iyon.

I found myself smiling as I looked at him. I loved the expression on his face na
para bang nasasaktan siya. Siguro kung hindi siya kumapit sa railing sa gilid,
nagtuloy na siya hanggang sa ibaba - and maybe if that happens, mas malaki ang i
njury na matatamo niya. Kung tutuusin, kahit na mamatay pa siya ngayon sa harapa
n ko, kulang pa rin iyon sa ginagawa niya sa akin at sa pamilya ko.

"You!" He hissed. Nakangiwi siya. Siya habang nakatingin sa akin.

"Kulang pa iyon, Demonyo ka." Sabi ko. I flashed him my evilest grin. I turned a
way. I went inside the room and closed the door - I even locked it. Hindi ko ala
m kung ano talagang nangyayari but I guess the Demon outside just released my in
ner Consunji.

The next day, I woke up. I was disappointed to know that I was still in the same
room, inside the same house where the monster lives. Pakiramdam ko na-trap ako
sa isang morbid fairytale. Iyong tipo ng fairytale ni Cinderella - iyong totoong
sinulat ng Grimm Brothers - the one with the morbidity and pain - the one where
happily ever after doesn't really exists.

I got up and I saw some paper bags on the sofa in front of my bed. Kunot noong l
umapit ako doon at binuksan iyon isa-isa. Damit ang nasa loob. Bigla ay kinuyom
ko ang mga palad ko. Kinuha ko ang mga paper bags at lumabas ng kwarto. I was re
lieved nang mabuksan ko ang pinto. Ang buong akala ko kasi, kinandado na naman n
iya mula sa labas. I went downstairs; I looked for the monster who's keeping me
inside this beautiful mansion. I found him the dining room. He's being fed by hi
s secretary because his right arm is casted.

"Sir..." Itinuro ako ng assistant niya. He looked at me.

"Disappointed ka ba na napilayan lang ako?" Mariing tanong niya.

"Oo. Kahit mamatay ka, disappointed pa rin ako." Wika ko sa kanya. Pagkasabi niy
on ay ibinato ko sa kanya ang mga damit na iniwan niya sa kwarto. "Kung inaakala
mo na maibabalik ng mga suhol mo ang kinuha mo sa akin pwes nagkakamali ka! Kah
it magsuot na lang ako ng basahan, hinding-hindi ako tatanggap ng kahit na ano g
aling sa'yo! Demonyo ka!"

Bigla siyang tumayo. Napansin kong hirap siyang gumalaw pero kahit ganoon ay sin
ubukan niya pa ring tumayo.

"Why can't you just be thankful that you now have clothes to wear?!" He asked me
.

"Should I be thankful to the demon who molested me?!"

I heard his assistant gasped loud. Tiningnan ko siya. "Don't act so surprised mi
ss! I'm sure this man is also doing to you what he did to me!"

"I'm not that kind of person!" He hissed at me. I grinned.


"Hah! Siguro dahil hindi ka naman tao! Hayop ka!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. "Kahit mama
tay ka ngayon at tamaan ng kidlat hindi pa rin sapat iyon dahil sa ginawa mo sa
akin!"

Hindi siya sumagot. He just stared at me after a while he walked away. Iika-ika
siyang maglakad. Usually, maaawa ako sa tao lalo na kung alam kong ako ang may k
asalanan ng nangyari sa kanya pero kay Helios Demitri - imbes na makadama ako ng
awa, natutuwa pa ako dahil nahihirapan siya.

"I am going to make his life a living hell." I whispered as I watched him.

<center><h1>5. Without him knowing</h1></center>


<hr>
I don't know why that monster named Helios Demitri lets me roam around his four
hectares piece of land but he is letting so I am taking advantage of it. Mas mab
uti na rin ito kaysa ang buong maghapon akong magkulong sa silid na iyon habang
siya nagpaplano kung paano niya sisirain ang pamilya ko.

Hindi ko pa alam sa ngayon kung paano ko siya lalabanan but I'm getting there. I
remember what Tita Laide once told me - I had to embrace the blood in my veins.
I have to be a Consunji because no matter how I try to turn it down - babalik a
t babalik pa din sa akin ang dugong nananalatay sa ugat ko.

Iyon ang mantra ko tuwing pagkagising ko at matatagpuan ko sa sarili ko sa loob


ng silid na iyon sa piling ng demonyong halimaw na si Helios Demitri. Galit na g
alit ako sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung paano nawala ang takot ko sa kanya. Hindi
na rin nangingnig ang buong katawan ko tuwing nasa paligid siya. Galit at panibu
gho na lang ang nararamdaman ko.

Minsan, iniisip kong bigla na lang siyang saksakin habang tulog but that would b
e too easy for him. Gusto kong pagbyaran niya ang ginawa niya sa akin. Gusto kon
g gumapang siya sa hirap.

I am a nice person but being nice right now isn't going to be effective. Hindi k
ailangan ng isang halimaw ng kabaitan. Dapat sa halimaw, pinupuksa, pinahihirapa
n at saka itatapon sa pinakamalalim na parte ng karagatan at ganoon ang dapat ga
win sa kanya.

"Yza."

Dahan-dahan akong lumingon nang marinig ko ang pangalan ko. Nakita ko ang assist
ant ni Demitri - si Kathryna. In my head I have labeled her bitch - a bitch who
likes to suck power from that demonic monster that does nothing but ruin the liv
es of the people around him.

"Anong kailangan mo?" Nakataas ang kilay na tanong ko.

"Tinatawag ka niya." Mabilis niyang sagot. Lalong tumaas ang kilay ko. I crossed
my arms and looked at her from head to toe.

"Siya ang may kailangan, siya ang lumapit." I turned around after that. Nagpatul
oy ako sa paglakad. Nang tingnan kong muli ang assistant niya, nakita kong papas
ok siya sa bahay. Napailing na lang ako. Paano kaya nakakatagal ang mga taong iy
on sa lalaking sagad sa buto ang kaitiman ng budhi?

Nagpatulog ako sa paglakad. I'm missing my family so much. I really want to go h


ome. I would give everything just to get my freedom back but right now, I'm havi
ng second thoughts. Yes, I wanna go home but I also want to make Demitri pay for
what he did to me. Gusto ko siyang gumapang sa sakit, sa hirap. Gusto ko siyang
lumuha ng dugo. Ayoko siyang mamatay basta because that would be too easy for h
im. A monster like him deserves to be punished. Hindi kinakaawan ang mga tulad n
iya. I took a deep breath.

Iniisip ko si Zach. Bigla na namang tumulo ang mga luhang ilang araw ko nang iti
natago. Sa tuwing naiisip ko siya, nanghihina ako. Palagi kong tinatanong sa sar
ili ko kung pagkatapos ng lahat ng ito ay matatanggap pa rin niya ako. Nanghihin
a ang buong katawan ko, pati na ang kaluluwa ko sa tuwing naiisip kong malaki pa
rin ang posibilidad na makabalik ako sa pamilya ko, sa kanya pero hindi na ako
buo.

I love Zach and I know that he loves me too but this thing that happened to me i
s just too overwhelming - so big that I'm actually scared that he won't be able
to stomach the fact that I was ruined by some monster.

Bumalik ako sa bahay matapos kong maglakad-lakad. Hanggang ngayon wala pa rin ak
ong solidong plano kung paano ko siya mapapantayan. Ang alam ko lang hindi ako m
agpapatalo sa lalaking iyon.

When I got inside, wala na sa kahit saang lugar si Kathryna at si Demitri. I jus
t shrugged. Maybe they're fucking now, I don't care. They can actually die doing
each other and I won't even give a damn.

Pumunta ako sa kusina para kumuha ng maiinom. I was about to get a glass of wate
r when I notice a phone near the sink. Matagal kong tinitigan iyon. I swallowed
hard. I wanted the phone. I need that to be able to make a call. My heart beat f
ast. I looked around and when I saw that no one is around, I took the phone and
dialed Zach's number.

Alam kong dapat pamilya muna ang tawagan ko pero mas gusto kong marinig ang bose
s ni Zach. I would feel better if I hear his voice, if I talk to him. My whole b
ody shook as I waited for his answer. My tears started falling when I heard the
other line ringing. I waited anxiously for him to answer.

"Come on, babe, pick it up!" I gasped. I thanked all the angels above when he an
swered after six rings.

"Hello?" Something inside me leaped after hearing his voice.

"Z-zach..." I mumble his name.

"Yza?" He exclaimed. "Yza, nasaan ka? Yza! Yza! Yza nasaan ka? Oh god! Nasaan ka
?!"

I could imagine him jolting up after hearing my voice. I covered my mouth with m
y hand.

"Are you okay, Yza?" Tanong niya pa. "Tell me where you are, baby! Yza! Yza mags
alita ka, mahal na mahal kita." Sabi niya pa.

For the first time in two weeks, I felt an overwhelming wave of happiness inside
my chest. Gusto kong sabihin sa kanya ang lahat ng nangyari sa akin, ang ginawa
ni Demitri, ang sakit na nararamdaman ko tuwing maiisip kong hindi na niya ako
matatanggap, ang lakas na nararamdaman ko kapag naiisip ko siya. Ang dami-dami k
ong gustong sabihin sa kanya pero sa dami ng tumatakbo sa isipan ko, isa lang an
g namutawi sa labi ko at sa tingin ko ay iyon ang pinakamahalaga.

"I love you, ZD." I told him. He sighed.

"Baby, where are you? I know Helios took you. Nasaan ka?" Halos naiiyak na rin s
iya. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang biglang may humablot ng telepono sa kamay ko.
I turned around and I saw the monster staring at me.

He's half naked. He was only wearing his Muai Thai shorts. He's sweating; he loo
ked as if he just got out of the gym. Ang dilim ng ekspresyon ng mukha niya. Gal
it na galit ang mga mata niya pero hindi ako natatakot sa kanya.
"Sinong tinawagan mo?" He asked in a murderous voice.

"Wala kang pakialam."

"You can't just use the phone, Yza! I kidnapped you! You'll be staying here or e
lse---!"

"You'll rape me again!" Tinaasan ko ang boses ko. "Akala mo ba natatakot pa ako?
You can have my body again and again, Demitri but that won't make me feel any l
ess of a woman! Oo, kinuha mo ako, pero hindi ako magpapakababa dahil lang doon!
I will keep on fighting you until the moment I get out of here - alive and I wi
ll make sure that you will regret the day you ever hurt me!"

Biglang umigkas ang kamay niya. He is going to hit me. I didn't blink. I didn't
even bother avoiding him. Instead, I looked at him - eye to eye.

"You're going to hit me?" I asked him. "Sige lang! Dagdagan mo ang dahilan ko pa
ra pahirapin ang buhay mo, demonyo ka! Tandaan mo, the more you hurt me, the mor
e that Yna will hate you." Sagad ang pagkamuhi ko sa lalaking nakatayo sa harapa
n ko ngayon.

Bigla niyang ibinaba ang kamay niya.

"Go to your room!" He hissed. I smirked.

"You don't get to tell me what to do, Demitri!" Kinuha ko ang baso ng tubig na k
anina ay hawak ko at saka isinaboy iyon sa mukha niya. Hindi na siya nakahuma. N
agmartsa ako paalis sa lugar na iyon. I went up to the room I was using. I locke
d the door and I started pacing.

Narinig ko ang boses ni Zach. Ang sabi niya mahal niya ako. Ang tagal ko nang gu
stong marinig ng boses niya at ngayon na nagawa ko, hindi naman ako mapakali. I
found myself crying again. I want to go back but how? I don't even have a solid
plan in mind. I gasped hard. I wanna be with my Zachary again.

I sat on the bed. I really need to think of a plan. Something that will hit Heli
os at his weakest point - like Achilles in the Trojan war, like Aeneas in the Od
yssey. Kailangan kong malaman ang kahinaan niya.

I was biting my lip when I remembered something - something that he said.

Love makes people weak.

"Love..."

--------------

"AH Fuck!"

Nasabunutan ko ang aking sarili habang pilit na tinatawag muli ang numerong gina
mit ni Yza. I have to know where she is. Alam na ng mga tao ko na kinuha siya ng
gagong iyon - ang kulang na lang ay ang location kung nasaan siya. Hindi na ako
makapaghintay ng susunod na araw pa, kailangan ko nang makita si Yza.

I closed my eyes. Hearing he voice only added fuel to the fire I feel inside of
me. Mas lalo ko siyang kailangan mabawi ngayon. I missed her so much. Isa pa, na
g-aalala ako sa mga bagay na pwedeng gawin sa kanya ng lalaking iyon. Its good t
o know that she is okay, alive and still very much in love with me.

I took my keys and headed out paglabas ko ng unit ko ay nasalubong ko naman ang
kapatid ko. She was looking at me with that ridiculous expression on her face.

"Kuya, saan ka na naman pupunta?" She asked with that tiring tone. I have to sto
p and talk to her for a while.

"I have to go and find Yza." Sabi ko sa kanya. Napailing na lang siya.

"Kuya." Pinigilan niya ako. "Umuwi ka muna sa bahay. Hinahanap ka na ni Mommy."


She said in a low voice. I took a deep breath. I know that my family is worried
about me, about Yza and the Consunijis. Nagpapasalamat naman ako dahil dinadamay
an nila ako but right now, I don't need any distractions. I have to find Yza bef
ore its too late.

"Audrey, I have to go." Sabi ko sa kanya. She let me go. I ran and headed out of
the building. I got to my car. I have to go and see Yto. I need to speak with h
im. Thirty minutes later - thanks to the traffic - I was inside their mansion, t
alking to him and his dad.

"She called me."

Tito Sancho's eyes widened with surprised. Tumayo siya. "Did she tell you where
she is?"

"Hindi, bago niya pa masabi, naputol ang tawag. I tried calling her again but it
's unattended, Sir." Nagulat ako nang biglang suntukin ni Tito Sancho ang table
niya. Nabasag iyong salami. Yto seemed to be shocked to.
"Tay..."

"I am going to kill that son of bitch with my bare hands!" He hissed. Galit na g
alit ang mga mata niya. Tiningnan ko si Yto - this is actually the first time I
saw my best friend speechless. Namumutla siya habang nakatitig siya sa Tatay niy
a.

"Tay, sa dami ng papatay kay Demitri, I doubt kung pati kaluluwa niya mase-save
pa." He was trying to lighten up the mood but when Tito Sancho looked at him wit
h those deadly dark eyes, natahimik si Yto. Napakamot siya ng ulo.

"I'll call Jun, Tay." Sabi na lang ni Yto.

"Better do that, Yto Jose."

Yto turned away and left the room. Naiwan ako doon. Binalingan ako ni Tito Sanch
o.

"Kapag nakita
e her because
d who took my
gang galit na

ang pinagtataguan niya kay Yza, sumama ka. I need you there to tak
I don't know if I can control myself if and when I see that bastar
daughter." He gritted his teeth. Mukang sa mga oras na ito ay tala
siya.

Makalipas ang ilang sandal ay bumalik si Yto sa private office kasama si Jun at
si Yvo. Yvo is holding a Mac while smiling ear to ear.
"What's that?" I asked him. Inilapag niya ang Mac sa table ni Tito Sancho.

"Kuya, Tay, I have found a way on how to infiltrate Demitri's armory without him
knowing."

Ipinakita niya ang database systems ng AlphaDelta Armory - Demitri's company. He


started explaining the things he had discovered. Lahat ng negosyo ni Demitri ay
legal pero kahit ganoon, nakahanap si Yvo ng gusot.

"I will infiltrate their database, tay. Alter their stock, I can even take money
from them without them knowing. Malalaman lang nila if they do a background che
ck but it's too early for that so, this thing might work. Kaya kong kunin ang co
mpany niya little by little. Ganti sa ginagawa niya sa pamilya natin ngayon."

Yvo's plan is brilliant. Tinapik ni Tito Sancho ang balikat niya. Yto is also lo
oking at his brother with so much pride in his eyes. Nakangiti rin ako.

"Now, all we have to do is find Yza and we'll take Helios Demitri down." I comme
nted.

---------------

"Hector..."

Huminga ako nang malalim matapos kong marinig ang boses ni Manang Bining. I was
standing on the balcony, smoking a cigarette. I'm rying to think of a way on how
to get Leigh again. Sa tingin ko mahihirapan akong makipag-deal sa pamilya nila
. I was thinking of taking Yza back but I want Leigh in exchange for her.

"Herctor..." Tawag niyang muli sa akin. Bumaling ako sa kanya. Si Manang Bining
ang kasama ko habang lumalaki. She's the closest thing I have to a family. I me
et her in Greece. My father hired her to take care of me - a nanny - pero kahit
nanny lang siya, siya lang ang nagpapakita sa akin ng malasakit.

Even my own father lacks of that.

"Hector, ibalik mo na lang siya. Nasasaktan siya sa mga ginagawa mo." Sinubukan
niya akong hawakan pero umilag ako.

"Ngayon pa ba kung kalian malapit ko nang makuha ang kapatid ko?" I asked her.
Itinapon ko ang sigarilyo sa kung saan. "I'll take her back but as long as Leigh
isn't with me, she'll be staying here."

Tumalikod ako. Narinig kong napasinghap si Manang Bining. Alam ko kung bakit. I
was half naked and my back was against her. Nakikita na naman niya ang mahahaban
g pilat sa likuran ko.

"Hector, ayaw mo bang ipaalis iyan?" Nag-aalalang tanong niya sa akin. I took my
shirt and wore it. I took a deep breathe and faced her again.

"The scars remind me of what I had to go through before getting where I am right
now, Manang. Hindi ko ipapaalis iyon kahit kailan." Tinalikuran ko siya. I foun
d myself walking around the house again.

I just feel so empty, so cold. Iyong lamig na nanunuoot hanggang sa mga buto ko.
Lamig na hindi maiibsan ng kumot o ng kung ano pa man. I sighed. I went upstair
s. Hindi ako makatulog. Kailangan ko nang ipahinga ang isip ko. Bukas na lang ul
it ako iisip ng plano. I was about to go in my room when I looked back at her ro
om.

I wondered if she's asleep right now, or if she is not, anong ginagawa niya. She

intrigues me. Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari. I thought that she is weak, a
nobody, but after what she did to me, I realized that she is far different from
what I have in my mind. I took a step towards her room. Hindi naka-lock ang pint
o niya. I went inside. Binuksan ko ang ilaw. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita
kong wala siya sa kama.

"What the! AWWW!" Napadaing ako nang maramdam kong may kung anong pumalo sa liku
ran ko. I looked back and I saw her - Yza Consunji - holding a baseball bat and
she's aiming at me again.

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.


"What the fuck are you doing here?!" She hissed. "You're going to molest me agai
n, asshole?!" Halos mamaos ang boses niya. Hindi agad ako nakasagot. I noticed t
hat her body is shaking. Bigla akong ngumisi.

"You're scared. Still scared of me." I said. I walked towards her. Umurong siya.
Wrong move. She is now trapped between my body and the wall behind her. I look
ed in her eyes. She had a pair of almond shaped brown eyes - very much like her
brother's but hers is more expressive. I could actually see fear and her need to
fight me. Inilagay ko ang kamay ko sa baywang niya she stiffened.

"Whether you like it or not, Yza Consunji, I am your first. Forced or not, I am
the first man in your life and you will forever remember me." I said those words
while looking at her eyes.

Natigilan ako nang makita kong nag-iba ang tingin niya sa akin. I don't know wha
t's with her eyes that made me think of something happy - I suddenly remembered
my parents - their love for each other - my mom, holding Leighton in her arms all of those things flashed in my mind just because I looked at her eyes.

Lumipat ang tingin ko sa mga labi niya. Her lips were pale pink and quivering maybe out of fear. She looked silly still holding on to her baseball bat. I knew
I have to walk away right now, but something's telling me to stay and keep my d
istance.

"You are a demonic monster and I loathe you."

I was looking at her lips while she said those words. She blinked, her lips quiv
ered, she licked her lower lip and something got to me. I held her closer, tilte
d her head and kissed her.

Of course, she fought hard to push me away but I was bigger than her, stronger s
o in the end, she stopped fidgeting as I kiss her savagely. I was actually savor
ing the moment something I wasn't supposed to do. Why would I savor it? Galit a
ko sa pamilya niya and yet here I am kissing her like my life depended on it.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang bigla niyang kagatin nang madiin ang labi ko. Bigla
akong lumayo sa kanya. Pinadapo niya ang mga kamay niya sa mukha ko.

"Ang kapal ng mukha mo!" Sigaw niya sa akin. "You don't have any rights of touch
ing me or even looking at me! You're a fucking demonic monstrous asshole who rui
ned my life!" Sinampal niyang muli ako. "You don't get to touch me! You don't ge
t to kiss me! You don't deserve the Consunji Mark you, fucking asshole!"

Kumunot ang noo ko. What is the Consunji Mark?


<center><h1>6. A past so dark</h1></center>
<hr>
"What are you doing here?"

Galit na galit ako kay Helios Demitri dahil sa ginawa niyang paghalik sa akin na
ng nakaraang gabi. He doesn't have the right to kiss me! He's a friggin' asshole
and I really want to kill him for that. Ang kapal pa ng mukha niyang pasukin na
naman ang silid ko kung saan niya ako inilalagak. Ang kapal ng mukha niyang ngi
sihan ako na para bang normal lang sa amin ang lahat. Ang kapal ng mukha niya!

"Get up, we'll have breakfast." He said to me. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. I stared
at him. Does her really think that I want to eat with him? Kinamumuhian ko siya
at ayoko siyang makita hangga't maaari tapos aayain niya akong kumain kasama si
ya?

Kahit baliktarin ko ang buong mundo pati na rin ang baluktot na niyang ugali,. T
he fact that he forced me will never change. Sa tuwing naaalala ko ang kalapasta
nganang ginawa niya sa akin noong gabing iyon ay tumutulo ang luha ko na para ba
ng wala nang bukas. The only thing that I would ever give to the man I love was
taken away from me by this monster and I really loathe him for that. Kulang ang
salitang "hate" para ilarawan ang pagkamuhing nararamdaman ko sa kanya.

He had broken my apart and now he had the balls to stand in front of me and smil
e at me like that? How thick could he get?

"I don't have all day, princess. Get up and eat with me!"

"Kung makautos ka akala mo pag-aari mo ako! Anong pakiramdam mo sa sarili mo? Ha


ri?!" Halos lumitaw na ang litid ko sa leeg. He grinned again.

"Yes, baby, I am the King. Now, get up and eat with me or else." Tumigil siya sa
pagsasalita at tinitigan ako. Something crept inside of me as he stares at me l
ike that. Bigla ay parang kinabahan ako pero hindi ko ipinakita sa kanya. His gr
een eyes were piercing through my skin. Pakiramdam ko hinuhubaran ako ng mga tit
ig na iyon.

"Stop looking at me like that." I hissed at him. He grinned again. He climbed my


bed and moved closer to me. Napuno ako ng kaba. Biglang nanumbalik sa akin ang
araw na iyon. Naluluha na naman ako.

"Don't budge." His voice is deep and clear. "I'm not going to hurt you, Consunji
." He said. Bigla ay hinawakan niya ako sa baywang at saka inihiga sa kama. Hind
i magkada-abot-abot ang hininga ko. Pakiramdam ko hihikain ako. To my surprise,
bigla niya akong inangat. He carried me, bride style then we went out of the roo
m.

Alam kong kailangan kong magprotesta. He's holding me like he owns me. Hindi niy
a ako pag-aari. Si Zach lang ang nagmamay-ari sa akin at sa buong pagkatao ko an
d yet I couldn't do anything to push him away.

My heart... my heart is beating so fast - hindi ko alam kung dahil sa natatakot


ako sa kanya o dahil malapit na malapit siya sa akin. We reached the breakfast n
ook, he made me sit on the chair. Tapos ay siya naman ang naupo sa tabi ko lang.
I couldn't concentrate.

I kept on thinking about that night when he robbed my virtue. Paulit-ulit kong s
inasabi sa sarili ko na galit ako sa kanya. Na hindi tama na nakakadama ako ng k
ahit na ano para sa kanya maliban lang sa galit. Hindi magbabago ng halik na iyo
n ang nararamdaman kong galit sa kanya.

Si Zach pa rin at walang iba. Si Zachary Drew pa rin. I took a deep breath as I
remember the mornings I used to spend with him. He's so sweet. He's the perfect
gentleman and he loves me damn too much. Mahal na mahal ko rin naman siya. Boses
niya ang dahilan kung bakit patuloy kong nilalabanan nang lalaking ito.

Mula nang marinig ko ang boses niya noong patago akong tumagawa noong nakaraang
araw, lalong lumakas ang loob ko. Gusto ko na siyang makita. Hearing him say tha
t he loves me makes up for every pain that I have been through these past few we
eks. Pinalalakas ng mga alaala ni Zach ang loob ko. Siya ang dahilan kung bakit

hindi ako sumusuko.

"Eat." He ordered me. Tiningnan ko lang siya tapos ay nag-iwas ako ng tingin. I
saw him shook his head tapos ay ngumisi. "You are such a princess. I wonder if L
eigh is as bratty as you are." There was amusement on his voice. Tiningnan ko si
ya. For the first time since he took me, I saw him smile - kung ngiti ngang mata
tawag iyong nakataas lang iyong dulo ng labi niya.

"Kung si Yna lang pala, why bother do all of these?" I found myself asking him.
He took one piece of toasted bread and spread some cream cheese on it. He took a
bite and chewed it slowly. Para bang dinadama niya ang bawat nguya. Nakadama tu
loy ako ng gutom.

He grinned. "It's not just about Leighton, Yza. Although she's the main point of
all these, it's just not about her."

"Tungkol ba saan ang lahat ng ito, Demitri?" I asked him. I wanted to cry. "You
ruined my life! You... you..." Ni hindi ko masabi ng buo ang mga bagay na ginawa
niya sa akin. I just sat there clenching my jaw while I look at him.

"Kapag natapos ang plano ko, ibabalik kita sa boyfriend mo." He smirked. "That i
s, kung siya pa rin ang pipiliin mo."

Napatuon ang mga mata ko sa kanya. Talagang si Zach pa rin ang pipilliin ko. The
re's no question about that. Anong inaasahan niya? I'll fall in love with him ha
bang tinatago niya ako dito sa hellhole na ito? He must be losing his mind.

Hindi ko kahit kailan ipagpapalit si Zachary Drew sa kung sinong demonyo lang. I
have him - Zach and he's the best for me. He loves me, I owe him my brother's l
ife and I love him deeply. Ang sakit-sakit isipin na hindi ko siya nakakasama sa
araw-araw at iyon ay dahil lang sa demonyong nasa harapan ko ngayon.

"What the hell are you even thinking?" I asked him. Gusto ko na naman siyang sak
tan. I was about to hit him when one of his bodyguards entered the nook and call
ed his attention.

"Sir, nandito sila. Natunton na nila ang babae."

My eyes widened after hearing what the man had just said. Nandito sila? Ibig niy
a bang sabihin may mga taong nagpunta dito para kunin ako? Napatayo ako. I was a

bout to run but thn Demitri grabbe my arm. Mahigpit ang hawak niya sa akin.

"Bitiwan mo ako?!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.

"Get the chopper ready, aalis tayo." Utos niya sa lalaki. Hindi. Nanlalaki ang m
ga mata ko. Hindi kami pwedeng umalis. Nandito na sila. Makakauwi na ako. Makaka
sama ko na ang pamilya ko. Makikita ko na si Zach.

Napasinghap ako nang makarinig ako ng putok ng baril.

"Oh! Fuck!" I heard Helios Demitri said. Hinatak niya ako, patakbo kaming umalis
. Pilit akong kumakawala sa kanya.

"Bitiwan mo ako!!!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. "Pakawalan mo na ako!"

"Tumahimik ka! Hindi ka aalis dito sa tabi ko. Dito ka lang!" Sigaw niya.

"Yza!" Natigil kami nang marinig namin ang sigaw na iyon. I looked back and I sa
w him. Bumukal ang mga luha ko.

"Zach!" Sigaw ko. Pilit kong hinahatak ang sarili ko paalis kay Demitri. "Zach!
Zach nandito ako!" Sigaw ko nang ubod nang lakas. Nakatayo siya sa may nook kung
saan kami kanina. Itinulak ko si Helios. Napamura siya nang makakawala ako. Ag
ad akong tumakbo patungo kay Zach. Puro putok ng baril ang naririnig ko. The gun
shots were coming from Helios' guys. I really don't care as long as I could see
Zachary Drew, okay ako.

"Zach!" Sigaw ko. Naiiyak ako. Gusto kong hatakin ang lupa makalapit lang ako sa
kanya. He looked at my direction and smiled when he saw me.

"Yza..." He mouthed my name. Tumakbo na rin siya papunta sa akin but as I'm abou
t to take his hand bigla na lang may humapit sa akin palayo. I was, again around
Helios Demitri's arms and he's taking me away from the love of my life.

"Yza!" Zach yelled. I gasped hard. Pilit akong kumakawala mula kay Helios pero a
yaw niya akong bitiwan. He ran away. I was crying.

"Bitiwan mo ako! Zach!" Sigaw ako nang sigaw. Hinahabol kami ni Zach pero nahara
ngan siya noong mga guards ni Helios.

"Yza! Yza!"

Iyon ang pinakahuli kong narinig. Ipinasok ako ni Demitri sa loob ng chopper. Hi
lam na hilam ng luha ang mga mata ko. Sumakay na rin siya at inutusan ang piloto
na ilipad na kami. I was crying. Sinusubukan ko pa ring kumawala. Tatalon ako.
Wala akong pakialam kung mamatay ako kaysa naman mamatay ako na kasama ang halim
aw na sumira sa akin.

"Shut up, Yza!" He hissed. "Magpapakamatay ka ba?!"

"Mas gugustuhin kong mamatay na lang kaysa ang makasama ka pa!" Sigaw niya sa ak
in. He stared at me.

"All of these because of that boy?" He asked in disbelief. "He's not even man en
ough, Yza. Hindi siya bagay sa'yo."

Hindi ko alam kung bakit naumid ang dila ko. Pinaghahampas ko siya sa balikat. "
How dare you!" I yelled at him. Paulit-ulit kong ginawa iyon. Hindi siya nagsasa
lita. Nakangiwi lang siya. Muli ko siyang hinampas, may naramdaman akong kung an
o sa aking palad. Tiningnan ko iyon, nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita ko ang
dugo sa palad ko.

Nasugatan ba ako? Iyon agad ang tanong ko sa aking sarili. Wala naman akong kaka
ibang nararamdaman. I looked at Helios and I saw his shoulder bleeding. My eyes
widened. Kitang-kita ko iyong kulay ginto na nakapasak sa balikat niya.

He was shot.

Iyon ang rason kung bakit siya nakangiwi.

"Oh my god!" I exclaimed.

"Just shut up!" Sigaw niya sa akin. Nanginig ako - hindi dahil sa takot sa kanya
kundi dahil sa nangyari sa kanya. He was shot for crying out loud!

-----------------------

Hindi ko na naman alam kung nasaan kami. All I could see is a huge part of the o
cean. Nasa gitna kami ng dagat, isang isla na sa tingin ko ay pag-aari ni Helios
. Noong una, akala ko ay kaming dalawa lang ang naroon pero hindi naman nagtagal
ay dumating si Manang Bining at ang assistant niyang si Kathryna na dala yata a
ng buong opisina ni Demitri.

Nagkakagulo sila dahil sa nangyaring pagsugod sa bahay nito. Sa narinig ko, naro
on si Yto at si Tatay, sila ang mga kasama ni Zach. Kukunin na nila ako pero hin
di nila nagawa dahil naitakas na naman ang ng demonyong iyon. Nakadama ako ng pa
g-aalala. Ano na kaya ang nangyari kay Zach? Kay Tatay at Yto? Nasaktan din kaya
sila?

"AHHHH!!!" Nagulat ako nang marinig ko ang isang malakas na sigaw. Agad kong tin
ungo ang lugar kung saan nanggaling ang boses na iyon. Nakita ko si Helios sa ku
sina, nakaupo sa silya habang si Manang Bining ay may hawak na kung ano at may i
nilagay siya sa plangganang naroon sa mesa.

Blood started gushing out if his shoulder. Nakangiwi siya. May kagat siyang puti
ng twalya sa bibig. Namumula ang buong katawan niya.

"Anak, bakit ba ayaw mong pumunta sa ospital? Baka kung anong mangyari sa'yo..."

"If I go to the hospital, they will take her and I will lose my chance." He said
. "Fuck that bastard who shot me." He even hissed. "May araw din sa akin si Cons
unji."

Sinong Consunji? Si Tatay ba?

Natigilan ako nang makita kong nakatitig siya sa akin. "Happy now?"

"Si-sinong bumaril sayo?" Tanong ko. Napalabi siya.

"Iyong kapatid mo." Sabi niya. "He was there at the attic and he shot me. Daplis

lang pero sinisiguro kong magsisisi siya."

"Kailan ka ba titigil?!" Sigaw ko. "You shot Zach!"

"I didn't." He said. "I didn't shot your boyfriend."

"Hindi?!" I exclaimed. "You were there! Yto saw you! Isa sa mga tauhan mo ang bu
maril sa kanya!"

"I was there. I saw everything. Iyong tao ko, may dala siyang baril because he w
as trying to shoot the man who did that to your boyfriend. We chased him around
but we lost him. Hindi ako ang nagpabaril sa boyfriend mo. I may be a lot of thi
ngs but I'm not a murderer."

Hindi ko alam kung anong magiging reaksyon ko sa sinasabi niya. Should I believe
him? Kung hindi siya ang nagpabaril kay Zach, sino? Sinasabi lang niya iyon dah
il niloloko niya ako.

But then... I looked at Manang Bining and I saw her wiping her tears.

"Hector, mahiga ka na..." Sabi ni Manang Bining. Dahan-dahan siyang tumayo. He w


as half naked that time, he turned his back on me and my eyes widened with so mu
ch horror.

"What?"I gasped hard. Mukang naintindihan naman niya ang nais kong itanong. He i
mmediately wear his shirt and left the kitchen. Naiwan kami ni Manang Bining doo
n.

She wiped her tears. "Hija, sana maniwala ka na hindi niya magagawa ang mga baga
y na iyon, Yza. Napakabait ni Hector."

Napakabait? PInagsamantalahan niya ako tapos sasabihin niyang mabait? Umiling ak


o. Umakyat ako sa silid na pinaghatiran ni Manang Bining sa akin kanina. Naupo a
ko sa kama at saka hinayaang lumabas ang lahat ng luhang itinatago ko. Sinusubuk
an ko lang namang maging malakas pero ang totoo, mahina ako. Nanghina ako nang m
akita ko si Zach. Gustong-gusto kong sumama sa kanya.

Hindi ako nakatulog nang gabing iyon. Hating gabi nang punuin ng isang malakas n

a tinig ang buong kabahayan.

"AHhhhh!!!!! Stop!!!"

Tumayo ako at lumabas ng silid. The voice was coming from Helios' room. Nang dum
ating ako doon ay nakita ko si Manang Bining. Humahagulgol siya habang tinitingn
an si Helios na nakahiga sa kama at nagwawala. I thought he's awake but I realiz
ed that he was sleeping when I moved closer to him.

He's having a nightmare.

"Baba! Baba tama na!" He kept on saying. Sinusubukan siyang yakapin ni Manang pe
ro masyado siyang malakas.

"Manang anong nangyayari?" Tanong ko sa kanya. She just looked at me.

"Hector, gumising ka..." Sabi ni Manang pero nagwawala pa rin siya. Naawa ako ka
y Manang Bining. I climbed on his bed and slapped him - hard until he wakes up.

Tumigil siya. He opened his eyes and when he saw me, bigla na lang siyang napahi
ga.

"Nightmares again, huh." I knew he was talking to Manang Bining. I bit my lower
lip while I was looking at him, I realized that Helios Demitri had gone through
something bad...

A past so dark he finds it hard to forget.


<center><h1>7. A Consunji never breaks a promise</h1></center>
<hr>
Hindi ko na alam kung anong araw na. Kung sabagay, I have forgotten to count the
days ever since that monster took me to this island. I was again, sitting on th
e big rock adjacent the vast ocean thinking again. Hindi ko alam kung nasaan ako
o kung parte pa ban g Pilipinas ang pinagdalhan sa akin. Ang alam ko lang malay
o ako sa mga taong mahal ko at sa araw-araw na dumaraan, lalo lang lumalakas ang
kagustuhan kong makaalis sa lugar na ito.

I don't even know what time is it now. I was just looking at the ocean reminisci
ng the moments I have spent with my family. I missed being a kid. Noon kasi mada

li lang ang problema. Madadapa lang ako, iiyak tapos darating si Nanay, patataha
nin ako sa pamamagitan ng yakap at halik. Sana ganoon na lang kadali ang lahat.
Sa tingin ko, hindi kaya ng yakap at halik lang ang mga nangyayari sa akin.

I wiped the tear that escaped my eye. I missed my family so much. Iniisip ko han
ggang ngayon kung anong nangyari kay Yto at Tatay. I want to know if they're oka
y, kung may nasugatan ba sa kanila tulad noong nangyari kay Demitri.

I sighed. Ilang araw din siyang nilagnat nitong huli. Sa tingin ko ay epekto iyo
n noong tama ng baril niya. He didn't want to be rushed to the hospital. He kept
on thinking that if he's rushed to the hospital, aalis ako o tatakas. Gagawin k
o talaga iyon. Kapag nakahanap ako ng pagkakataon, tatakas talaga ako at hindi n
a babalik sa kanya.

Again, a tear escaped from my eye. I remembered Zach's face when he tried saving
me. Napangiti ako nang maalala ko iyong happiness na nakita ko sa mga mata niya
noong magtama ang mga tingin namin. I knew that moment that he really loves me.
Iyon naman talaga ang totoo, mahal ako ni Zach at mahal na mahal ko siya kaya n
ga gusto kong makaalis dito, gusto ko nang bumalik but the monster is making it
hard for me to comeback.

I took a deep breath as I climbed down the rock. Tapos na ang sunset, gabi na na
man pero hindi ko pa rin alam kung anong araw ngayon. Naglakad ako papasok sa lo
ob ng bahay na iyon. Napansin ko lang na napakahilig ni Demitri sa salamin. The
house on the top of the hill was designed with glasses and revolving doors, iton
g bahay na tinutuluyan namin ngayon ay ganoon din. Halos walang ipinagkaiba. The
only difference between the two is the view and the furniture inside of it.

Umakyat ako sa itaas para magkulong sa silid. Ayokong makipag-usap kahit na kani
no. Habang naglalakad ay narinig ko si Manang Bining na kausap ang assistant ni
Demitri. They were - I think - talking about him. Puno ng pag-aalala ang boses n
i Manang.

"Hindi ko na alam, Kathryna. Kapag hindi pa siya nagpadala sa ospital baka kung
anong mangyari sa kanya."

"Okay na yata siya, Manang. Nagtatrabaho na kami kanina. Although nilalagnat pa


rin."

They were outside his room. Nakadama ako ng kaba. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa ri
n siya okay? Sa tingin ko naman ay hindi malala ang tama ng bala sa balikat niya
.

"Ayokong mag-isip. " Sabi ni Manang Bining. "Kailangan madala ni Hector sa ospit
al, Kathryna, kung hindi..."

Natigil sila sa pag-uusap nang mapatingin sa direksyon ko. "Nandyan ka pala. May
kailangan ka ba?" Tanong niya sa akin. Umiling ako. Tumalikod akong muli para p
umasok sa silid ko. Naupo ako sa kama at saka napabuntong hininga. Habang tumata
gal ay lalo akong natatakot na baka hindi na ako makabalik.

I sighed again. Lahat ng plano ko habang nandoon ako sa bahay niya sa burol ay n
agback-fire. Hindi ako makatakas. Tuwing gabi kasi ay may mga guards na umaaligi
d sa buong kabahayan. May mga hawak silang baril. Sa labas naman ng silid ko ay
may isnag lalaki rin na hindi umaalis doon hangga't hindi nag-uumaga. Paano pa a
ko makakatakas?

I only have one plan left but I really don't want to do it. It involves my heart
and my feelings. Hindi ko kayang magkunwari ng ganoon. Namumuhi ako sa kanya at
kahit kailan hindi ko makita ang sarili ko na sinusubukan siyang paibigin.

That's my last resort. To make him fall in love with me, pero ayoko. I can never
fake my feelings. I hate Demitri for taking advantage of me. Napaluha ako. Ever
y damn time I remember those two nights, pakiramdam ko dahan-dahan akong namamat
ay. Iniisip ko kung paano si Zach kapag bumalik na ako. Kung naaawa ako sa saril
i ko mas naaawa ako sa kanya.

He took care of me, he respected me, he lift me high - kulang na lang ay sambahi
n niya ako pero anong nangyari sa akin? Sa amin? Every night I pray that he will
find the strength to accept me again after what happened to me. Hindi ko naman
ginusto iyon. Hindi ko kasalanan. I tried fighting but I just lost the will. He'
s too strong. Wala akong nagawa. Hindi ko man lang naipaglaban ang para kay Zach
.

Bigla ay nayakap ko ang sarili ko. I was crying again. I wanted to scream becaus
e of too much frustration. I wanted to hurt Demitri. Gusto ko siyang magdusa. Gu
sto kong maramdaman niya ang lahat ng sakit na naramdaman ko.
"Hector!"

Napatingin ako sa may pinto nang marinig ko ang sigaw ni Manang Bining. Agad ako
ng tumayo para lumabas ng silid. Tinakbo ko ang distansya ng silid ko at ng sili
d niya. In there, I saw Manang Bining trying to embrace Demitri. Nanginginig ang
buong katawan nito. Namumula ang mukha at halos parang hindi na makahinga.

"Manang kailangan na nating dalhin si Sir sa ospital!" Sigaw ni Kathryna. Nakata


yo siya sa tabi ng kama kung nasaan si Demitri.

"A-ayoko." He said in a low voice. I gasped. Parang hirap na hirap na ang tinig
niya. "D-dito lang ako."

"Pero Sir!" Sigaw ni Kathryna. "Sir, your life is on the rocks. Iisipin ninyo pa
ba si Yza? Sir, paano ninyo mababawi si Leigh kung nanghihina naman kayo?"

So this is all about me again. Ayaw niya talaga sa ospital dahil tatakas ako.

"Anak, makinig ka naman sa amin." Nagmamaka-awa na si Manang Bining. Naglandas n


a ang mga luha sa mga mata niya habang pilit na kinukumutan si Demitri. He shook
his head and closed his eyes again. I bit my lower lip. I wanted to cry too. Mu
khang hirap na hirap na siya. Kung tutuusin, dapat lang na maghirap siya. Dapat
kong isipin na tama lang sa kanya iyon, na dapat na siyang mamatay pero kahit na
anong gawin kong pangungumbinsi sa sarili ko, hindi ko magawa.

Kahit sagad sa buto ang galit ko sa kanya, umiiral pa rin sa akin ang pagpapalak
i ni Nanay. Nanay raised me to be a kind-hearted person - isang taong may awa s
a lahat. Naaawa ako sa kanya. Kaya ko siyang labanan, iniisip ko na iyon pero hi
ndi sa ganito. Hindi ko gustong makita siyang nahihirapan.

Pumasok ako sa loob ng silid niya, Natahimik si Kathryna. Tiningnan niya lang ak
o. "How can you take him to the hospital? We're in the middle of an island."

"Sa chopper, pero ayaw niya."

"Get it ready. Baka mamatay siya." Sabi ko sa assistant niya. Nanlaki ang mga ma
ta niya sa akin. "Ano? Hindi mo ako narinig?! Get it ready!"

Nag-atubili siyang umalis. I sat on the bed next to him. He's really weak. Maput
la na ang mukha niya pati na rin ang labi niya. My head was telling me to let hi
m suffer but my heart is telling a different story.

Kusang gumalaw ang kamay ko at hinaplos ang pisngi niya. He's so hot. "Kailan pa
po siya nilalagnat, manang?" Tanong ko sa kanya. She looked at me.

"Dalawang araw na. Noong gabing binangungot siya, hanggang noong madaling araw.
Malakas lang talaga ang resistensya niyang alaga ko kaya lang ayaw niya talaga s
a ospital." Maluha-luhang pahayag niya. Tumango na lang ako. I looked at Demitri
.

"Gumising ka diyan. Dadalin ka namin sa ospital." Simpleng sabi ko sa kanya. "Tu


mayo ka kasi hindi ka namin kaya."

Hindi siya kumibo. He opened his eyes and again, I was able to see those darkene
d green eyes. My mouth parted.

"I'll stay here. I'd rather stay ill than seeing you run away from me." He said.
Napalunok ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ganoon na lang ang lakas at ang bilis n
g tibok ng puso ko. I was just looking at him. Alam kong seryoso siya. Hindi siy
a magpapadala sa ospital dahil alam niyang tatakas ako.

I just stared at him. His green eyes hunting me, getting the best of me. I sighe
d.

"I won't leave. Just let me take you to the hospital."

He didn't say a word. I took that as a yes. Maya-maya ay pumasok ang ilan sa mga
tauhan ni Demitri sa loob. Dahan-dahan nilang inalalayan si Demitri. Itinayo ni
la siya, nalaglag ang kumot na itinakip ni Manang Bining sa katawan niya. He was
half naked again - the only piece of clothe he's wearing is that pair for jeans
. Napasinghap ako nang makita ko ang mahahaba at malalaking pilit sa likod niya
at sa likod ng mga braso niya. I bit my lower lip.

I never thought I'd see the man who ruined me this hopeless and weak. He couldn'
t even walk straight. Sumunod kami ni Manang Bining sa kanila. They took him to
the chopper, sumakay na rin ako. I sat beside him, tapos si Manang sa kabilang s
ide. Nasa gitna namin siya. He seemed so weak and my conscience just couldn't ta
ke this anymore. I looked out the window.

Tinatanong ko ang sarili ko kung bakit ako naaawa sa kanya. Suddenly, I felt his
head on my shoulder. Napatingin ako sa balikat ko. He's right there, his eyes w
ere closed and his mouth was a little bit parted. I closed my eyes. I fought the
urge of pushing him away. Iniisip ko na ibang tao siya - oo siya si Helios Demi
tri - pero sa ngayon hindi siya iyong nanira sa akin. Siya si Helios with a litt
le spark of the boy Manang Bining calls Hector.
He's Hector.

-----------------------

I watched Hector as he lies on the hospital bed. Nakabenda ang parte ng balikat
niya na natamaan ng bala. Tumupad ako sa pangako ko. Iyong kahit may pagkakataon
akong tumakas at umalis dahil nasa kabayanan na kami ay hindi ko pa rin ginawa.
No matter how bad he is of a man, I think I have to stay true to my words. A pr
omise is a promise and a Consunji never breaks a promise - so I stayed.

He's still asleep. The doctor said that he was suffering from an aftermath. Dapa
t kasi noong nabaril siya ay dinala na agad siya sa ospital. May nabulok na mga
tissues sa braso niya and that started the infection. Hindi nga rin ako makapani
wala na ang isang tulad niya ay tinatablan din ng sakit.

"Here..." I looked up at Kathryna. She was handing me her phone. Napaawang ang l
abi ko. "It's the least thing I could do. I can lose my job for this." She sighe
d. "Just promise me you won't tell anybody where you are and please don't tell h
im that I gave you the phone."

Tumango ako sa kanya at kinuha ang I-phone niya. Lumabas ako ng silid. Itinago k
o ang telepono sa bulsa ko. Tiningnan ako ng masama ng isa s amga guards ni Hect
or pero hindi ko naman iyon pinansin. Nagpunta ako sa ladies room at doon tinawa
gan ko si Tatay. I don't know why, I just really need to hear his voice.

Unknown ang number na gamit ko kaya hindi ko inaasahan na sasagutin niya agad an
g tawag ko but when he did, tears started falling down again.

"Hello?"

I closed my eyes when I heard his voice. Napaigik ako. "T-tatay..." I said the w
ords like a kid lost in the darkness.

"Yza!" He called my name. Lalo akong napaiyak.

"Tatay, okay ka lang ba?" Tanong ko. "Si Yto? Si Z-zach?" I was crying now. Oo m
ahina talaga ako. Wala akong lakas ng loob kaya heto ako ngayon, nakasandal sa p
ader habang nanginginig ang buong katawan. Gustong-gusto ko nang umuwi.

"Yza, calm down, princess. Nasaan ka? Sabihin mo kay Tatay kung saan ka dinala n
g hayop na iyon."

Lalo akong napaiyak. Kahit sinusubukan niyang maging kalmado, alam kong galit na
galit na siya. He is Sancho fucking Consunji and he's a monster too. I know him
, he will do everything just to get me back even if that means killing Hector.

"Tatay, okay, okay ka ba?" Tanong kong muli. Bumuntong hininga siya.

"I'm okay, baby. But where are you?"

Gusto kong sabihin. Pero nangako ako. I kept my mouth shut. Iyak ako nang iyak.
Tama na muna sa akin ang marinig ang boses niya sa ngayon. I covered my mouth.

"Tatay, please tell Nanay I love her. Mahal na mahal ko kayo, si Yto si Yvo si Y
llak at lalo na si Yna."

"Yza, ano bang sinasabi mo?! Nasan----"

I ended the call. I let my tears fall. Hinayaan ko ring humagulgol ang sarili ko
. Kung ako lang naman ang tatanungin, gusto ko na talagang umuwi, pero nangako a
ko. Mabigat na salita ang isang pangako. Kung hindi man ako sa ngayon uuwi, alam
kong darating ang panahon na makakaalis ako dito at makababalik sa pamilya ko.
Sa ngayon kailangan ko munang tuparin ang ipinangako k okay Hector.

Pinahid ko ang mga luha ko at lumabas ng ladies room. Bumalik ako sa silid niya.
Nasa pinto pa lang ako naririning ko na siyang sumisigaw. Nagmadali ako sa pagp
asok. Nadatnan ko siyang nakaupo sa kama habang sinsigawan si Kathryna.

"I told you to keep an eye on her! Paano kung hindi na siya bumalik!"

"Nandito ako." Nilakasan ko ang boses ko para tumigil siya. He immediately stopp
ed and looked at me.

"Where have you been?" He asked me. I just shrugged.

"The ladies room." Kaswal na sabi ko. Naupo ako sa sofa at nagkunwaring nagbabas
a ng magazine. I could feel his eyes piercing through me. Ano bang meron sa titi
g niya at sa tuwing titingnan niya ako pakiramdam ko hinahalukay niya ang buong
pagkatao ko?

Inilipat ko ang pahina ng magazine. I gasped hard when I saw Zach face. He;s hal
f naked on the picture. Alam ko itong ad na ito. This is his denim jeans campaig
n na he really looked good on it. Dahan-dahan kong hinaplos ang mukha niya sa ma
gazine na iyon. I really missed him.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang biglang hablutin ni Kathryna ang magazine sa akin.
She threw that away.

"What?!" I exclaimed. She looked apologetic.

"Sorry, sabi kasi niya."

Nang muli kong tingnan si Hector ay nakatitig pa rin siya sa akin. Kunot na kuno
t ang noo niya.

"You're not allowed to look at any other men, Consunji." Nakipagsukatan siya ng
tingin sa akin. "Except for me. I'm all you have right now."

Tumaas ang kilay ko.

What the hell is wrong with this man?!


<center><h1>8. Stay still</h1></center>
<hr>
"Wala bang paraan para matunton kung saan itinago si Yza?"

Magkaharap kami ni Yto nang araw na iyon. Kasama namin si Jun at ang FBI connect
ion ko. I was really saddened by the fact that we didn't succeed on getting Yza
Joan out of that monster's claws. Naikuyom ko ang mga palad ko. Every time I rem
ember her face that day, nasasaktan ako, pakiramdam ko nabigo ko siya. Hindi ko
siya nailigtas. I knew that she's counting on me and yet I failed her. I wanted
so much to save her. But how can I do the saving if the monster kept on taking h
er away from me.

Nandoon na. Kaunting hakbang na lang.

"Sa ngayon wala. We need to find the place where Demitri hid her." Seryosong sab
i ng tao ko. I took a deep breath again. Yto looked so mad right now. Dama ko sa
paligid ang tensyon niya. He was shaking his head while playing with the pencil
on his hand.

"I should've killed him." Seryosong sabi niya. He clenched his jaw. "I'm about t
o shoot him pero kinuha niya si Yza. I'll kill him next time." Sabi pa niya.

"Not if I get him first." Seryosong sagot ko. Tahimik na tahimik ang buong confe
rence room ng Consunji Hotels. Lahat kami doon ay nag-iisip ng paraan kung paano
mahahanap si Yza. Nag-aalala na ako sa kanya at lalo akong namumuhi kay Demitri
.

"Can't we just give him Yna?" Biglang tanong ko kay Yto. Yto glared at me. Bigla
niya akong hinigit.

"Are you crazy?! Yna is our sister! Demitri will never have her!"

"Anong mas gusto mo, Yto? Iyong lahat tayo hindi makatulog just because you don'
t want to give him what he wants? Yza's life is in danger and yet you choose to
be selfish! Ano lang ba iyong kaunting sakripisyo para lang sa kanya?!"

Tumayo si Yto. Kinuwelyuhan niya ako at saka sinuntok sa mukha. I gritted my tee
th. I punched his face too. I don't know how he can be so calm about this. Kaun
ting sakripisyo lang naman ang hinihingi ko sa kanya pero hindi niya magawa! Hah
ayaan na lang namin si Yza sa lalaking iyon?! God knows kung ano na ang ginawa n
i Helios kay Yza at sa oras na malaman kong meron nga siyang ginawa, papatayin k
o siya!

"It's just a little sacrifice Yto. Hindi mo naman talaga kaptid si Yna." Mariing
sabi ko. Yto shook his head and punched me again. Noon biglang bumukas ang pint
o. Sinundan iyon ng malakas na pagtawag ni Niki kay Yto.

"Yto ko!" She exclaimed. Agad siyang pumagitna sa aming dalawa.

"Sa tingin mo ba gusto ni Yza na ibigay si Yna sa lalaking iyon!"

"Ewan ko Yto! Pero gagawin ko ang lahat makuha lang ulit si Yza!"

"Hindi si Yna ang sagot sa problema mo!" Sigaw niya sa akin. Umiling ako. Ano pa
ng sagot? Iyon na nga iyon. He took Yza because he needed Yna. Kung ibibigay si
Yna ibabalik niya si Yza. Hindi ba pwedeng ganoon na lang ang gawin namin kaysa
nahihirapan kaming lahat? It's just one person in exchange for the other.

Alam kong hindi sasaktan nI Demitri si Yna dahil kapatid niya ito pero si Yza galit siya kay Yza because she's a Consunji and he believes that Yza's family is
the reason why he doesn't have his own family now.

Mas masisikmura kong ibigay si Yna sa kanya kaysa ang habambuhay na mawala si Yz
a sa akin.

"Yto ko tama na..." Wika pa ni Niki. I looked at her. She was touching Yto's fac
e as if trying to calm him down. Yto slid his arm on the side of her waist and p
ulled her closer. Lahat iyon ginagawa niya habang nakikipagsukatan ng tingin sa
akin.

"Hindi mo kasi ako naiintindihan, Yto. Hindi ka naman nawalan, diba?" Sarkastiko
ng sabi ko. Before he could react, tinalikuran ko na siya. Kung hindi talaga siy
a gagawa ng paraan para maibalik si Yza, ako na lang ang gagawa noon. Hindi nama
n kasi nararamdaman ni Yto kung anong nararamdaman ko.

I just feel so worthless. Gusto kong lumaban, gusto kong ipaglaban si Yza pero p
aano ko gagawin iyon kung hindi ko naman alam kung saan magsisimula? Pakiramdam
ko wala akong kwenta, na ang tanga-tanga ko. I should be her knight in shining a
rmor pero hindi ko naman siya nailigtas.

Wala akong nagawa para kay Yza at ngayon inis na inis ako sa sarili ko.

Habang naglalakad ako papunta sa elevator ay nakita ko si Yna na nakaupo sa wait


ing area sa gilid ng conference room. Tulala siya. Siguro ay napansin niya ako k
aya tiningnan niya ang direksyon ko. She was biting her lip.

"Kuya..." Tawag niya sa akin. "A-ano bang pwede kong gawin?"

I stared at her.

"He's your brother, Yna. Figure it out."

I turned away and left.

I miss Yza. I wonder how she is right now, what she's doing and where she is. I
just really need her back - so bad.

---------------

Nailabas na si Hector sa ospital pero naka-cast pa rin ang kamay niya. Hindi ko
alam kung anong naisip ko at hindi ako tumakas sa kanya. Somehow, I wanted to ke
ep my word. I don't know why but I just can't see myself leaving him yet. I have
a feeling - I don't know where I got that feeling - that he needed someone to b
e with.

Wala pa rin namang nagbabago. Namumuhi pa rin ako sa kanya pero nakakaramdam din
ako ng awa. Nahahabag ako kapag nakikita ko iyong mga pilat niya sa likod. Gust
o kong malaman kung anong nangyari doon, kung bakit siya meron noon? Naaksidente
kaya siya dati?

"Yza, nandyan ka pala..."

Nginitian ko si Manang Bining habang nakatayo siya sa kusina. She was preparing
Hector's lunch - I guess. Mukhang masayang-masaya siyang ginagawa iyon. Sabi niy
a sa akin dati mula noon pa ay alaga na niya si Hector at mukhang hindi rin siya
natatakot dito. What amazes her more is the fact that Hector seems to listen to
Manang Bining.

"Para sa kanya ba iyan?" Tanong ko. Ngumiti si Manang.

"Oo. Iinom pa siya ng gamot." Ngumiti siyang lalo. "Natutuwa ako, Yza. Ngayon ko
na lang kasi naalalagaan iyang si Hector. Mula nang hawakan niya ang kompanya n
g Baba niya, hindi ko na siya naalagaan. Mainam rin na nagkasakit siya at nang m
apahinga."

Hindi ako sumagot. Pinanood ko lang siya. I could see that she loves Hector very
much. She cares for her. The only question is, does he care for Manang Bining?
Selfish kasi ang dating sa akin ni Hector.

Kinuha ni Manang Bining ang tray ng pagkain at inaya akong sumama sa kanya. We w
ent to the balcony. I saw him there sitting on the recliner, looking at the ocea
n while sighing. Tahimik siyang tao, sa tingin ko nag-iisip siya ng malalim.

"Hector, anak, kumain ka na." Tinawag siya ni Manang Bining. Inilapag ni Manang
ang tray sa mesa. Tiningnan niya ang tray at saka huminga na naman ng malalim. H
e looked at me tapos ay lumabi siya.

"Iiwan ko muna kayong dalawa." Sabi ni Manang sa amin. Sinundan ko lang siya ng
tingin tapos ay lumapit ako sa mesa kung saan nakita ko si Hector na sinusubukan
g sumubo ng kanin.

Hirap na hirap siya. Kanang kamay kasi ang naka-cast sa kanya. Kaliwa ang kamay
na hindi injured at sa tingin ko, hirap siyang gamitin ito.

"Fuck!" He hissed. Nalaglag ang tinidor sa sahig. Kunot na kunot naman ang noo n
iya habang pilit na kinukuha ang tinidor sa sahig. Nakahalukipkip ako habang tin
itingnan ko siya. He seemed so frustrated. I found myself smiling evily. Natutuw
a ako kapag nahihirapan siya.

"What are you smiling about? Nahihirapan na nga ako natutuwa ka pa?!" He hissed.

"Kulang pa kasi iyan sa ginawa mo sa akin." Malamig na sabi ko. Nginisihan niya
ako.

"Kulang pa rin iyon kumpara sa ginawa ni Sancho sa mga magulang ko." Mas malamig
ang boses niya. He tried getting the fork again. Napabuntong hininga ako. Anak
talaga ako ni Sheena Consunji dahil kahit na anong subok ko ay hindi ko magawang
hindi mahabag sa sitwasyon niya.

Pwede ko naman sigurong ipagbaliban ang paglaban sa kanya. Hihintayin ko na lang


siyang gumaling. I sighed. Ako na ang pumulot ng tinidor niya. Itinabi ko iyon
tapos ay kinuha ang kutsara para subuan siya.

"Ahhh." Sabi ko. He looked at me like he was seeing a ghost. Hinawakan ko ang ba

ba niya at saka pinanlakihan siya ng mga mata. "Sabi ko ah!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.
Wala sa loob na ibinuka niya ang bibig niya at isinubo ang kutsarang hawak ko.

"Why are you being nice to me?" He said while chewing.

"Don't talk while your mouth is full. Wala ka bang manners?" Inis na sabi ko sa
kanya.

"Manners?" He grinned again.

"Ah!" Sabi ko ulit. He shook his head. Nakita ko na naman siyang ngumiti. Kung n
giti ba talaga iyong tumaas lang iyong dulo ng bibig niya. I kept on feeding him
. Maya-maya ay binigyan ko siya ng tubig. Pati iyon ako na ang humawak. I took a
napkin and wiped his mouth and fed him again. Twenty minutes later, he's done e
ating.

Inayos ko iyong pinakainan niya. I knew that he was watching me but I don't real
ly care.

"Manang," Sigaw ko. "Iyong gamot po. Salamat." Sabi ko na lang. Maya-maya ay nan
doon na si Manang. Dala na niya iyong gamot ni Hector. Akala ko siya iyong magpa
painom pero iniwan niya ulit ako. Napapailing na binasa ko na lang iyong instruc
tions tapos ay isa-isa kong ibinigay sa kanya iyong mga gamot niya.

Napakagat labi ako nang mabasa kong kailangan na may i-inject sa braso niya para
sa mga tissues. Kinuha ko iyong syringe tapos ay humarap ako sa kanya.

"Saan ito tutusok? Sa puso mo?" Nang-iinis na tanong ko.

"Very funny." He said. "It will take more than that to kill me."

"Saan nga ito? Sa lalalamunan mo?" Tanong ko ulit. He shook his head.

"Dito." Itinuro niya iyong braso niya. Lumapit ako sa kanya at saka sinubukang k
ong iturok iyon sa kanya nang hindi siya hinahawakan pero hindi ko kaya. Ayoko s
ana siyang hawakan. Kahit naman baliktarin ko ang mundo, siya pa rin ang sumira
sa akin. If I touch him, it might trigger the memory of a month ago.

"Damn it!" Sigaw ko. "Fuck you! Hector, stay still!" Inis na inis na sabi ko. Ti
ningnan niya ako. I could feel my cheeks were turning red. "Stop looking at me,
you monster!" I hissed. "Isasaksak ko ito sa gilagid mo!"
"Hawakan mo kasi." He said to me. He took my hand and put it on his shoulder. My
eyes widened. Bigla akong inatake ng kaba at pangingnig at hindi ko alam kung d
ahil ba iyon sa takot ko sa kanya o kung anuman.

"Touch me, Yza." He said. "Mas madali kapag nakahawak ka sa akin."

Nanginginig man ang kamay ko. I tried so hard to do what I had to. Mas mapapadal
i ang lahat kung matatapos na ako. I was biting my lip while I was vaccinating h
is shoulder.

"Damn." He said. Hindi ko alam kung bakit. Siguro dahil sa karayom na tumusok sa
kanya. Binilisan ko ang kilos at nang mawalan ng laman ang syringe ay agad akon
g lumayo sa kanya. Sa pagmamadali ay nawalan pa ako ng balanse.

"Shit!" I said. Akala ko babagsak ako sa sahig but then Hector got me. He wrappe
d his arm around me and pulled me closer to him. Napakabilis ng mga pangyari. On
e moment, I was trying to get away from him, a moment later, I was on top of him
and my head was resting on his chest. I could literally feel his heartbeat.

My eyes widened when I realized our positions. Agad akong lumayo pero kasabay ng
pagtayo ko ay ang pagsama ng recliner sa akin. The next thing I knew, my back w
as on the floor and Hector was on top of me.

My eyes widened. Lalong tumibok nang malakas ang puso ko. "G-get off me!" I hiss
ed. Natatakot na naman ako sa kanya. Paano kung... I bit my lower lip. I wanted
to cry. Paano kung gawin niya ulit sa akin iyon.

"Please..." Sabi ko. Ayokong ipakitang natatakot at naliligalig ako sa kanya per
o napaka-imposibleng gawin iyon. He's on top of me again and he might think of t
hat bad thing again.

He spoke. I was shocked when I heard the sincerity on his voice. "I won't hurt y
ou." Parang na-magnet ang mga mata ko sa kanya. His green fiery eyes were search
ing my soul again.

I find it heart to breath. "Y-you have a heart." Bigla kong nasabi dahil naalala
kong narinig ko ang tibok ng puso niya kanina. I just couldn't believe that a b
ad man like him has a heart.

"How do you think I live, Yza?" He asked. Napalunok ako. He grinned at me. Hindi
ko alam kung bakit pero kailangan na talaga niyang tumayo. Hindi ako komportabl
e na nararamdaman ang buong katawan niya sa ibabaw ko. I want him gone.

Suddenly he traced my lips with his thumb. Slowly, his head is coming down on mi
ne. I know what he's going to do.

"W-wag..." Sabi ko. I tried avoiding him. I pushed him away but he caught my arm
with his free hand.

"Stay still, Yza." Sabi niya sa akin. My eyes widened when I felt his hot lips o
n mine. I don't know what to think anymore. His kisses were shallow and slow. It
's just pure lips - no tongue - unlike the first time he kissed me. I found lost
somewhere in space while he was kissing me.

I tried so hard not to kiss him back. Hindi tama. Ang lahat ng parte ng katawan
ko ay pag-aari ni Zach.

Hindi naman nagtagal ay tumigil din siya. He looked at me. Slowly, he stood up.
Inalalayan niya rin akong tumayo. Tatalikod n asana ako nang bigla niyang hataki
n ang kamay ko. He pulled me closer again and looked me in the eyes. He grinned.

"One day, Yza, you'll kiss me back."

I shook my head.

"My heart, body and soul belong to Zach." I said confidently. "He owns me, Hecto
r. I am his."

Binitiwan niya ako. I walked away. Nang makalayo ako sa kanya, noon ko lang nara
mdaman na hindi pala ao humihinga.

My knees were shaking and now I'm sure that this isn't about me being scared at

him.

"I'm playing a game and this doesn't involve you. So stay still." I said while m
y hand is in my chest
<center><h1>9. Dapat</h1></center>
<hr>
"What with this place? You're always here."

I let threw the shells I have in my hand after hearing Hector's voice. Pahapon n
a noon at nakaupo na naman ako sa malaking bato sa may dalampasigan. Tinatanaw k
ong pilit ang papalubog na araw. Napapangiti ako tuwing naiisip ko na iisang him
papawid lang ang tinitingnan naming dalawa ni Zachary Drew.

"Why do you care so much, Hector?" I asked him. He sat beside me. Marami na akon
g hindi naiintindihan sa mga nangyayari ngayong sa pagitan namin. Sometimes I th
ink that he's actually putting a distance between us. Isang bagay na pinagpapasa
lamat ko dahil hindi ko kailangan maging malapit sa kanya. Pero kung minsan ay h
inahanap ko naman siya. Kinakabahan ako kapag hindi ko siya nakikita.

He looked at me. "Anong course ng kapatid mo?" Tanong niya sa akin. Kumunot ang
noo ko. "Si Yvo."

"Management. Just like Yto and Tatay. Next year he'll fly to Germany to have his
masters." I told him. Napabuntong-hininga ako. Na-miss ko bigla si Yvo. Noong h
indi pa kami nIi Zach at nasa London pa si Yto, si Yvo ang instant driver ko. I
sighed again.

"He robbed millions from my company." Biglang sabi niya sa akin. Napanganga ako.

"What?!"

He grinned. "I admire your brother for doing that. I lost two hundred million be
cause of him. He's a smart ass."

"He won't do that, Hector."

"He already did, Yza. Because of what he did, kailangan kong bumalik ng siyudad
to fix the mess that he started."

Kumabog ang dibdib ko. Babalik? Sa Metro? Ibig sabihin. "Kasama ka pero hindi pa
rin kita ibabalik. I will never give you back hanggang nasa akin na ang gusto k
o." Muli niya akong nginisihan . Hindi ko maintindihan. Mula nang dalhin niya ak
o dito, marami na akong hindi maintindihan.

Iba-iba kasi ang pinakikita niya sa akin. Right now, the person I'm talking is H
elios - not Hectorbut most of the times, si naman si Hector. Ilang beses na bang
ganoon ang nangyayari? Na nalilito ako kung mamumuhi ba ako sa kanya o hindi. D
apat lang na makadama ako ng galit sa kanya pero sa tuwing titingnan ko siya hab
ang kausap niya si Manang Bining o si Kathryna nakikita ko na hindi siya masama
at hindi ko alam kung bakit.

"Bakit ba hindi mo na lang ako ibalik? Hindi mo rin naman makukuha si Yna kung n
andito lang tayo." Sabi ko sa kanya. Umiling siya.

"Makukuha ko siya, Yza. Maghintay ka lang." He said knowingly. Hindi ko alam kun
g bakit pero kinabahan ako lalo. Kung babalik kami sa siyudad malaki ang posibil
idad na makatakas ako. Mas madali dahil mas gamay ko ang lugar at mas alam ko ku
ng saan ako pupunta kaysa naman dito na hindi ko alam kung nasaang lupalop kami
ng Pilipinas.

Hindi na siya nagsalita matapos iyon. Tahimik lang siyang nakaupo sa tabi ko. Da
ma kong bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko pero sinaway ko ang sarili ko. Mali iyon.
Nararamdaman ko lang ang mga bagay na iyon tuwing nasa tabi ko si Zach. Natutuw
a ako kapag naiisip kong magkikita kami - every time he calls me, may butterfly
na umiikot sa tyan ko. Iyong kaalaman na malapit na siya, enough na iyon para hu
minto ang mundo ko.

"You're thinking about him." He said to me. Napatingin ako sa kanya. "Gaano ka k
asigurado na mahal ka pa rin niya pagbalik mo?"

Tumaas ang sulok ng bibig ko. "Hinahanap niya ako. Hindi niya gagawin iyon kung
hindi niya ako mahal."

"May nangyari sa atin." Namuo ang galit sa dibdib ko. Hinarap ko siya.

"Binaboy mo ako." Mariing wika ko.

"Kasama iyon sa plano." Nakangising sabi niya. Itinaas ko ang palad ko at isinam
pal iyon sa kanya. Naluluhang tumayo ako at iniwan siya. My tears are falling ag
ain. Ilan beses kong ipinangako sa sarili ko na hinding-hindi na ako iiyak dahil
lang sa nawala sa akin.

"Hindi pa tayo tapos, Consunji!" Hinatak niya ang braso ko. I pushed him away.

"You ruined my life because it's a part of your plan?! Naiintindihan kong galit
ka sa pamilya ko! Yes my father took Yna away from your family but that didn't g
ive you the right to torn my family apart! Hindi ba ang selfish mo lang?!" Halos
hindi na ako makahinga. "My parents took good care of Yna!"

"That doesn't change the fact that they took her away from me?!" He hissed. Lalo
akong napaiyak. I run away from him. Pumasok ako sa bahay at nagkulong sa silid
. Maghapon akong hindi lumabas. Ayoko siyang makita. Nasasaktan ako. Nang sabihi
n niya sa akin na parte ng plano ang ginawa niya sa akin ay gumuho ang mundo ko.
Tama ang hinala ko, masamang tao si Helios. Wala siyang puso. Bakit ba naisip k
o pa na mabait siya?

Hindi siya mabait. May puso man siya pero para lang iyon mag-pump ng dugo. He's
a heartless monster and I hate him - really hate him.

Hindi nagtagal ay may narinig akong kumatok sa pinto. Bumukas iyon at nakita ko
si Kathryna.

"Halika na. Babalik na tayo ng Metro." She told me. My heart beat fast again. Tu
mayo ako at kinuha ang iilang mga gamit kong galing kay Kathryna. Siya ang nagpa
hiram sa akin ng mga damit dahil ayokong tanggapin ang bigay ni Helios sa akin.

Yes, I'm back on calling him Helios again. He's a monster, and his name fits him
. Nang bumaba kami nI Kathryna ay nandoon na ang chopper sa garden. Napakaingay
noon. Nakita ko na si Manang Bining at si Helios na nakaupo sa loob, parang ako
na lang talaga ang hinihintay nila.

Sumakay ako doon. I feel so bad right now. Ayoko siyang tingnan. Pinili ko na la
ng ipikit ang mga mata ko at ihilig ang sarili ko kay Manang Bining. Tahimik ako
ng umiyak. Nandidiri ako sa kanya at naiinis ako sa sarili ko for trying to give
him the benefit of the doubt.

Wala naman kasing duda, he is a bad person.

He ruined my life and he won't stop ruining my family until he gets what he want
s. All of these because of Yna.

I just hope that Yto is taking a good care of her...

-----------------

"How big is the damage of my company?"

That was the first thing I asked my people that morning after coming back from m
y long vacation. I couldn't believe that in just two months, the Consunjis have
taken over my date base without my people knowing about it.

Hindi pa man nagsisimula ay mainit na ang ulo ko. I want to puch them one by one
because of what the carelessness they showed while I was away.

"Sir, we didn't see it coming." Paliwanag sa akin ng isa. Tumaas ang dulo ng lab
i ko.

"It's because you all are impotent!" Ibinato ko ang folder na ibinigay sa akin n
i Kathryna kanina. Pati siya ay nagulat. "I was away for two months and suddenly
my company started falling apart?! Mga pabaya kayo! Walang silbi! Mga inutil!"

"Fix this mess or else all of you are fired!" I walked out. Dapat may board meet
ing na magaganap pero dahil hindi nila maipaliwanag sa akin kung paano na-infilt
rate ni Yvo Consunji ang database ng company, nag-init ang ulo ko. Marami pa ako
ng papales na kailangan tingnan. I'd rather be in my office than be in that boar
droom. Maiinis lang ako.

"Tell everyone I'm busy, Kathryna."

I told her. Pumasok ako sa office ko at doon tumayo ako sa glass window. I have
a good view of the Metro. From here, I could see everything - it's like I own th
e world and I'm their master. Down there, they are all working, living and servi
ng for me. I'm their lord. I own everyone but the sad truth is, I just wanted to

own one thing - and that it my sister's trust and love.

I grew up not having her beside me. Leighton is the light that sheds my dark lif
e. Life in Greece isn't easy especially if you have a father who hits you and tr
eats you like a slave.

I clenched my jaw with the memory of him whipping my back as I was tied up. He d
oes that every time I defy or do something wrong. My father doesn't have room fo
r mistakes or disappointments or whatsoever. I hated him and he loathed me. He o
nly needed me because I'm the sole heir pero sinuguro niya nab ago niya ibigay s
a akin ang lahat ay mahihirapan ako at gagapang sa lupa bago ko makuha ang para
sa akin.

Naranasan kong matulog sa ulanan dahil lang sa hindi agad ako nakasagot sa tanon
g niya. I was thirteen and abused. Only Manang Bining was there to show me some
mercy. On my twenty-first birthday, my father shot me with a customized gun. He
shot my leg. He said the gun was for me and for good luck, the first ever bullet
should be shot to the owner - so he shot me.

I thought I was going to die that moment. Good thing Manang Bining took me to th
e hospital. Right after that incident, my father told me that he had found Leigh
ton. Two weeks later, I went home to the Philippines to look for her.

I saw her with a family. I knew that they had taken a good care of her. I should
be thanking them but when I found out that the man who adopted her is the same
man who bought my step father's company which caused his heart attack - I loathe
d him. Naisip ko na kaya niya inalagaan si Leighton ay dahil nakokonsensya siya
sa ginawa niya sa pamilya ko.

I went back to Greece and worked hard to get my father's trust and when I did, I
formulated a revenge plan to get Leighton back.

Hindi pwedeng nagdusa ako buong buhay ko dahil nawala si Leigh sa akin tapos ang
pamilya ng taong gumawa ng masama sa pamilya ko ay masaya. Hindi patas ang laba
n.

"Sir."

"WHAT KATHRYNA! I TOLD YOU NOT TO DISTURB ME!"

"Sir, sorry, may naghahanap sa inyo at alam kong gusto ninyo siyang makita."

Kumunot ang noo ko. I faced Kathryna. Niluwagan niya ang bukas ng pinto at mula
doon ay pumasok ang isang taong matagal ko nang gustong makausap.

"Leigh..." Hindi ako makapaniwala.

"Anong kailangan kong gawin para lang ibalik mo si Ate?" Tanong niya agad sa aki
n. I stared at her. I don't have the time to deny the fact that Yza is with me.
Ano pang kwenta noon? Alam na niya, alam na ng buong Consunji.

"Kung sasama ako sa'yo..." A tear escaped her eye. "Ibabalik mo ba si Ate?"

"She's not your sister. You're no one of them." Lumapit ako sa kanya. I tried ho
lding her but she took a step back. I sighed. Kung sasama siya sa akin dahil lan
g gusto niyang ibalik ko si Yza, hindi ko magagawa iyon. Ayokong sumama siya sa
akin na napipilitan lang. I want her to come with me because she wants to know m
e not because she just wants to trade herself for Yza.

"Do you wanna see her?" I asked. Napatingin siya sa akin. Biglang nagkaroon ng k
ulay ang mukha niya. Siya pa mismo ang humawak sa braso ko.

"Pwede? Please..."

"Pero hindi mo pwedeng sabihin kahit na kanino."

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya. "P-pero..."

"Fine. Forget what I said." Sabi ko.

"No! Promise, hindi ko sasabihin." She even raised her left hand. Ngumisi ako.

Hindi naglipat ang sandali ay hinatak ko ang kamay niya. We went down to the par
king lot and got in my car. Kasama ko na ring umalis si Kathryna. Fifteen minute
s later, nasa loob na kami ng mansyon.

Sinalubong kami ni Manang Bining.

"Hector..."

"Sino si Hector?" Biglang tanong ni Leigh sa akin.

"I am." I took a deep breath. "Si Yza?"

"Nasa kwarto niya." Sagot sa akin ni Manang. Agad kong isinama si Leigh sa silid
ni Yza. Hindi naka-lock ang pinto kaya pumasok na lang ako. I saw her sitting o
n the bed looking out the window. Tinabig ako ni Leigh at pumasok na siya sa loo
b.

"Ate!"

Yza seemed to be alarmed when she heard her voice. Tumayo siya at humarap. Nanla
laki ang mga mata niya nang makita niya si Leigh.

"Y-yna! Anong ginagawa mo dito?!" She exclaimed. Yumakap si Leigh sa kanya. Ang
akala ko, matumba sila. Yza's gaze met mine.

"You monster!" Saglit siyang lumayo kay Leigh para lapitan ako. Pinagbabayo niya
ang dibdib ko. "You monster! You kidnapped her too! Sasaktan mo rin siya! Hindi
ka pa nakuntento na nahihirapan ako! You just had to take her too!"

Iyak na naman siya nang iyak.

"Ate, tama na! Sumama ako sa kanya dahil gusto kitang makita!" Pinigilan siya ni
Leighton. Natigilan naman siya at saka binalingan ang kapatid ko.

"B-bakit?"

"Ako iyong kailangan niya diba? Ako na lang ang papalit sa'yo. I'll make him pro
mise to let you go. I'll stay here."

What Leigh was saying sounds music to my ear. She'll be staying with me. She had
finally chosen me.

"Nababaliw ka na ba? What do you think Tatay will do if you stay here then I'll
come back?! The damage has been done, Yna Johanna! Dapat hindi ka nagpunta dito!
"

"Pero..."

Binalingan ako ni Yza. "Ano pa bang gusto mo?"

"Wala akong hiningi sa kanya. Siya ang kusang nagpunta sa akin." I told her off.
Napakamot ng ulo si Yza.

"Stay here." She told my sister. Lumakad siya papalapit sa akin at saka hinatak
ako palabas ng pinto.

"What?!" I groaned.

"Pauwiin mo si Yna." Utos niya sa akin. Tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.

"Why would I do that?" I asked her. "Nandito na siya, bakit ko pa siya pauuwiin?
She's my sister, Yza. MAs may karapatan ako sa kanya."

"My mother will be heartbroken if Yna doesn't come home tonight, so please just
let her leave." Naiiyak na naman siya. Sa dalawang buwang kasama ko si Yza Consu
nji, alam na alam ko na kung kailan siya iiyak at kung kailan hindi. Right now,
her nose is turning red, her lips are quivering and she's gasping for air. I kno
w that any moment from now, her tears will fall and there's this nagging feeling
inside of me that tells me not to make her cry.

"Please, Helios..."

Kumunot ang noo ko.

"I'll do anything." She said in a low voice.

"You will?" I asked. Her gaze met my eyes. I was grinning.

"Y-yes..."

Tumango ako. I snaked my free arm around her waist and pulled her closer. I coul
d feel the softness of her body, I could smell her natural woman scent. I nuzzle
d her neck and licked it up to her earlobe.

I felt her stiffened. Alam kong pinpigil niya lang ang sarili niyang itulak ako.

"I am going to kiss you, Consunji and I want you to kiss me back. If you do that
, I'll send Yna home."

Gumapang ang mga labi ko patungo sa mga labi niya. I kissed her. She didn't kiss
me. I took a deep breath.

"Manang, pakiayos iyong guest room. Yna---"

Hindi ko naituloy ang sinabi ko. Hinatak niya ako pabalik at siya na mismo ang h
umalik sa akin. I grinned hard. I kissed her back. I dominated her lips. Yza's l
ips were sweet and warm and very sinful. I couldn't get enough of it. I darted m
y tongue inside her mouth, she gasped hard but she didn't turn away.

My free hand started roaming around her body. I pulled away.

"Push me away and Yna will stay here."

Napakagat labi siya. I know that she's going to cry. Bago pa mangyari iyon ay mu
li ko siyang hinalikan. Ibinalik ko ang kamay ko sa baywang niya and I just focu
sed on kissing here again.

She was kissing me back again and I found myself lost in space.

"Ay! Juicemio! Hector! Baka mamaga ang labi ni Yza!"

Itinulak niya ako nang malakas nang marinig namin ang boses ni Manang Bining. We
both looked at her. Nag-sign of the cross pa siya.

"Ang mga kabataan talaga! Dapat sa kwarto ninyo iyan ginagawa!"

Bago pa ako makasagot ay tumakbo na si Yza papasok sa silid niya. Binalingan kon
g muli si Manang.

"Istorbo ka, Manang. Alam mo iyon?"


<center><h1>10. Fall</h1></center>
<hr>
"Ate can you please stop phasing? Sabi naman ni Kuya Hector, uuwi ako ngayon."
Hindi ako mapakali sa mga nangyayari. May mali kasi. Alam ko naman na hindi sasa
ktan ni Helios si Yna, kapatid niya si Yna, mahal niya si Yna pero ang pinagtata
ka ko lang ay kung bakit tuwing ikawalang araw ay nandito siya. The first time s
he came here - it was enough for me. Masaya na ako na makita siya at marinig mul
a sa kanya na okay ang buong pamilya namin kahit na hinahanap pa rin ako nila Yt
o. Helios made her promise not to tell anybody where I am or else, hindi na siya
makakapunta dito. I don't know if I should be thankful for that. Iyon ang dahil
an kung bakita kinakabahan ako.
He's up to no good.
Kunsabagay, kahit naman kailan, wala na siyang ginawang mabuti - lalo na sa akin
. Wala akong balita kung maayos na ba ang kompanya niya. Ilang linggo na mula na
ng sinabi niya sa akin na nawalan siya ng two hundred million dahil kay Yvo. Hin
di pa rin ako makapaniwala hanggang ngayon.
"Ate, sa tingin mo kailan matatapos ang lahat ng ito?" She asked me. "Kuya Zach
said that if I come with Kuya Hector, he'll take you back."
Nanliit ang mga mata ko. "Hindi ka sasama kay Helios. Sa bahay ka lang! Dapat ng
a wala ka dito! Why do you keep on coming back ba?!" I yelled at her. Nag-blink
si Yna ng tatlong beses tapos ay tumingin sa labas.
"Hindi ka naman ganyan sa akin dati. Bakit mo ako sinisigawan?" Tanong niya. I s
ighed again.
"Hindi mo kasi naiintindihan ang point ko! One visit is enough! Paano kung mapah
amak ka? Paano kung umiral na naman ang kademonyohan niyang Helios na iyan at hi
ndi ka niya ibalik?!"

"I may be
l keep my
ft and in
evilishly

a lot of things, Yza. But I make sure that when I say something. I wil
word." Natigilan ako nang marinig ko ang boses niya. I looked at my le
there I saw him with his signature Versace black ensemble. He looked d
good. His green eyes piercing through my soul again.

"Yna, leave us." Sabi ko sa kapatid ko. She reluctantly left the gazebo. Tiningn
an pa siya ni Helios tapos ay nakita kong tumaas na naman ang dulon ng bibig niy
a. Minsan gusto ko na siyang tanungin kung para sa kanya ay ngiti iyon.

"What the hell are you doing, you monster?!" I screamed at him. Nilapitan ko siy
a at pinagbabayo sa dibdib. "Why are you allowing Yna here? Ganyan ka na ba kasa
ma? Why can't you just let my family be?!"
"I want her to see that I'm not a bad person."
"But you are! You raped me!" Tumulo na naman ang mga luha ko. He grinned.
"That can be arrange, Yza. I am a very good lover. I can make you scream." He sa
id with that cold voice. Nahigit ko ang hininga ko. Bigla akong bumitiw sa kanya
at lumayo. "I can turn your traumatic experience to a good memory and I can mak
e you want for more."
"Tumigil ka!" Sigaw ko. I closed my eyes and thought of that one thing that make
s my heart leap and makes me keep my sanity - si Zachary Drew.
"I can make you forget that boy." He even said. I opened my eyes again.
"He's not a boy. He's my man."
"I can be your man." He pulled me closer to him. Kinilabutan ako. Ano bang pinag
sasabi niya? Is he really doing this to me? He's making me want him. Kahit kaila
n hindi ko gugustuhing makasama ang isang tulad niya sa buhay ko o kahit na saan
pa - lalo na sa kama. Hindi pa ba sapat para sa kanya ang ginawa niya sa akin?
Pilit ko siyang itinulak pero lalo niya akong ikinukulong.
"Stop fighting, Yza!" He hissed at me. I glared at him.
"I won't!" Hindi ko man gusto ay napasinghap ako. "I won't stop fighting you unt
il you get tired of me!"
"I will never get tired of you, baby." He said in a low voice. Halos napasinghap
na ako. Kung anu-anong ginagawa niya sa akin. Ano bang gusto niyang mangyari?
"Ate - ay!" Bigla akong binitiwan ni Helios nang marinig namin ang boses ni Yna.
Hindi ko na namalayan na lumabas na pala siya sa silid kung saan ako tumutuloy.
Nginisihan lang ako ni Helios tapos ay binalingan niya si Yna.

"How's your day, Leighton?" He asked her. Ligh beamed in happiness. Nagulat ako
nang bigla niyang yakapin si Helios at hinalikan sa pisngi.
"Okay lang kuya. Ikaw?" Akmang sasagot si Helios nang hatakin ko si Yna papasok
muli sa silid. I looked at her.

"Anong ginagawa mo?! You're dealing with the devil!" My eyes widened when she ro
lled her eyes at me.
"Ate, like what Ate Hera said, behind every man's fall is a woman. I'm just appl
ying the principle, Ate. Kung hindi ako magiging mabait kay Helios, hindi kita m
akikita."
Tinitigan ko siya. Kung iisipin kong maigi, may punto siya sa sinasabi niya. Kah
it anong sabihin ng kahit na sino at kahit baliktarin ko ang mundo, mahal ni Hel
ios si Yna dahil kapatid niya ito. He will do everything just to please her and
one of those things is letting Yna see me.
"Ate, think like a Consunji. You can make him do the things you want him to do.
Sabi nga ni Tita Laide, every man's weakness is a woman. Just like Tatay when it
comes to Nanay."
I stared at her. Yna might not
rt and by mind. Pareho sila ni
bit my lower lip. I know what
ause every damn time he's near
tama iyon.

be a Consunji by blood by she's a Consunji by hea


Yto ng way ng pag-iisip. She just smiled at me. I
to do, I actually started it but I got scared bec
me, may nararamdaman akong iba at alam kong hindi

"Ate, set ZD aside. Mas mahalaga iyong mapasunod mo siya. Akala mo ba gusto ko s
iya? Kahit na sinasabi niyang kapatid ko siya, ayoko pa rin sa kanya. He's tryin
g to ruin the family. I will never forgive him for that." Tiim ang bagang na sab
i niya sa akin. Ngumiti lang ako.
Paulit-ulit sa isip ko ang sinabi niya sa akin.
Set ZD aside...

------------I was standing outside the Consunji mansion, smoking myself to death, when I sud
denly got a glimpse of a white SUV. Nag-park iyon two blocks away from the house
. Kunot na kunot ang noo ko habang nakatingin sa sasakyang iyon. I don't know wh
y but something inside me is telling me that the car is up to no good.

My eyes widened when I saw Yna got out of the car pero mas lalong nanlaki ang mg
a mata ko nang makita kong lumabas sa kabilang side si Helios Demitri. Nakadama
ako ng galit. Ngumiti si Yna sa kanya tapos ay niyakap pa nila ang isa't-isa.

Agad na pumasok si Helios sa kotse at umalis. Si Yna naman ay naglakad palapit s


a direksyon ko. May ngiti sa kanyang mga labi. Itinapon ko ang upos ng sigarilyo
tapos ay nilapitan ko siya. Hinigit ko ang braso niya.
"K-kuya Zach..." Mukhang nagulat siya nang makita ko. I looked at her from head
to toe. Suot niya pa rin ang uniform ng university. Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya
habang titig na titig sa akin. She even swallowed hard.
"Where is she?" Tanong ko. Pilit siyang kumakawala sa akin.
"Hindi ko alam, kuya." Sabi niya.

"Alam kong alam mo! You're with Helios! Alam mo kung nasaan si Yza! Hindi ka ba
naaawa sa lahat ng tao dito? We're losing our minds cause she's not here! Ikaw a
lam ko kung nasaan siya pero ayaw mong sabihin!"
"Hindi ko nga alam! Why can't you just accept the fact that Ate is gone! Babalik
siya - oo - maghintay ka na lang!" Naiiyak na sigaw niya. Nasabunutan ko ang sa
rili ko.
Bakit ba lahat sula gusto na maghintay lang ako? Kung bawat araw na wala si Yza
sa tabi ko ay kutsilyo na tumutusok sa puso ko, siguro matagal na akong patay. N
apaluha ako. I need Yza to go on with my life. I love her.
Napaupo ako sa pavement. I know Yna is there and she's looking at me. Kaaawa - a
wa siguro ang hitsura ko pero wala na akong pakialam. Ano pa bang mawawala sa ak
in? Wala na si Yza. Siya ang lahat sa akin.
Tumayo ako at saka lumakad palayo.
"Z-zach! Saan ka pupunta?" Narinig kong tanong ni Yna sa akin. "Zach?!"
"Wala kang pakialam!" Sigaw ko pabalik. Tumalikod akong muli. Wala akong pakiala
m kung sinusundan niya ako o hindi. Wala akong pakialam talaga. Gusto ko nang ma
tapos ang lahat. I feel so desperate.
"Zach!" Tawag niyang muli sa akin. I stopped walking and faced her. Nasa tapat k
ami ng park. She was approaching me. Tear were falling in her eyes.
"Mahal ka ni Ate, bakit ba hindi mo kayang panghawakan iyon?"
"Hindi sapat na mahal niya lang ako. Gusto kong kasama ko siya. Kung wala si Yza
, walang Zach, Yna. Mahal na mahal ko si Yza at kahit anong mangyari, siya pa ri
n. I promised your father. If ever anything bad will happen to her, I'll take he
r back, I'll love her. She's my life and everything." I gasped. "So please, tell
me where she is..."
Yna looked at me. Matagal niya akong tinitigan. Humakbang siya palapit sa akin.
Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. I know that she's going to comfort me, pero akala k
o lang iyon. Bigla na lang niya akong hinatak papalapit. She placed her lips ove
r mine and kissed me - passionately.
My eyes widened. Bigla ko siyang naitulak.
"Ano bang ginagawa mo?!"

"Zach, gusto kita..."


<center><h1>11. Fallen</h1></center>
<hr>
"Set ZD aside."

I looked in the mirror that morning - still thinking about what Yna have said. K
ayak o ba? Can I really zet Zach aside para sa kalayaan ko? I know I can really
make Helios do whatever I say kung sakaling gagawin ko rin ang gusto niya pero k
aya ko ba? Masisikmura ko ba siya? I hate the man for what he did to me so can I
really do the things in my mind?

Napasinghap ako nang may marinig akong pagkatok sa pintuan. Agad akong lumabas n
g bathroom at binuksan ang pinto. I saw Helios standing outside my door. He was
wearing that silky blue bathrobe again while holding a cup of coffee. He looked
as if he just got out of bed. His hair was disheveled; tapos may five o'clock sh
adow pa siya. His eyes still look sleepy, tumingin siya sa akin.

"Good morning, baby." His voice was husky and sexy. Gusto kong ngumiwi. Gusto ko
ng isara ang pinto. Ayokong tinatawag niya ako ng ganoon.

Set ZD, aside.

Behind every man's fall is a woman.

Hindi ko alam kung bakit naririnig ko pa rin ang boses ni Yna sa isipan ko. Para
bang sinasabi ng isip ko na gawin ko ang dapat kong gawin pero paano?

Ngumisi siya sa akin. "Get dressed, we'll go out today. Masyado ka nang maputla.
"

Napaawang ang labi ko. Bigla ko siyang himapas sa dibdib. "Sinong may kasalanan?
Ako?" Inis na inis na tanong ko. He grinned again. Iyong kamay kong nakalapat s
a dibdib niya, hinawakan niya at bigla niya akong hinapit papalapit. Nanlaki ang
mga mata ko. I got scared for the coffee spill. Mainit iyon, baka mapaso ako pe
ro parang mas napapaso ako sa tingin ni Helios as akin. He put his thumb on my l
ips and traced it slowly. Lalong napaawang ang bibig ko.

"If I have other choice, Yza. I will lock you up inside this room and make you w
ant me all day."

"You can't." Mariing sabi ko. "I belong to someone else." He just grinned again.
Inilapit niya pa ang mukha niya sa akin - our faces were only an inch away - al
am kong hahalikan na naman niya ako. Alam kong ilalapat niya ang labi niya sa ak
in at alam ko ring mali pero natagpuan ko ang sarili kong naghihintay para sa k
anya.

"Hmnn, if I kiss you, I want you to kiss me back, baby." He said. I shook my hea
d. I closed my eyes. I started thinking about Zach. Mahal ko siya pero heto ako
at natutukso - oo natutukso ako sa taong sumira sa akin. Hindi ito tama.

Dapat siya ang tinutukso ko. Tama naman si Yna. Kaya kong paikutin si Helios kun
g gugustuhin ko. I have my ways. I'm the freaking daughter of Sancho Consunji his blood runs in my veins all I have to do is to just let it out.

"I can make you forget him, Yza. He's a boy and you don't need a boy. You need a
man. I can be your man..."

He placed his hand on my waist. Para akong napaso. Dama ko ang init ng palad niy
a sa ilalim ng manipis na dress na iyon. I reluctantly put my arms around his ne
ck and opened my eyes. I saw him just looking at me. Walang kahit na ano sa mga
mata niya. He was just looking at me with those piercing and fiery green eyes.

"You are such a tease..." He whispered before finally kissing me. I let myself b
e kissed by him. In my head I was telling myself that this is all a part of the
plan - totoo naman iyon. He said that love makes people weak and if I make him f
all, he'll weaken and I can do everything I want with him.

Lalong lumalim ang halik na ibinibigay niya sa akin. His lips were like hot choc
olate on mine - it's sweet yet very hot - smoking hot. How can a monster like hi
m have such sweet lips? I ran my fingers on his hair. He moaned.

"Fuck!" He whispered. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang bigla niya akong buhatin. He
closed the door using his feet. Inilapag niya ako sa kama at muling hinagkan. I
closed my eyes again - I closed my eyes not because I like what he was doing to
me but because I need to fight the urge of pushing him away.

I felt his lips went down to my neck. He ripped my dress apart. Napadilat ako.

"He-hector!" I called him. He looked at me.

"Just stay still." He said. Walang kahit na anong galit o pagmamadali sa tinig n
iya. He just asked me to stay still but I can't. I really can't. Itinulak ko siy
a.

"What the hell, Yza?!" He groaned. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. I was fighting the te
ars. Ayokong umiyak. Kinagat ko ang labi ko. Hindi ko kaya - hindi ko talaga kay
ang ibigay ang sarili ko sa kanya matapos ng ginawa niya sa akin.

I may not be as pure as I used to be but I still believe that my everything belo
ngs to one man only and that is the love of my life.

"Si Z-zach..." Mahinang wika ko. Napamulagat ako nang bigla siyang magmura.

"Why can't you see, Yza? Hindi kayo bagay!"

"At ikaw ang para sa akin?!" Nang-uuyam na tanong ko. "After all you did to me?
Gusto mong tanggapin kita para sa sarili ko?!" Halos mamaos na ako kakasigaw. He
just stood there. Napapailing siya.

"Magbihis ka. Aalis tayo."

Iyon lang at iniwan na niya ako. I was left alone inside that room. Nayakap ko a
ng sarili ko. I really want to go back to my family and to Zach. Sila ang dahila
n kung bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin bumibitiw ang katinuan ko at ang pa
g-asa kong isang araw, makakauwi ako sa kanila.

Inayos ko ang sarili ko. Hindi naman nagtagal ay muling may kumatok sa silid ko.
Agad kong binuksan iyon sa pag-aakalang si Hector ang makikita ko pero hindi.

"Yza, aalis na kayo. Hinihintay ka na ni Sir sa baba." Nakangiting wika sa akin


ni Kathryna. I just nodded. Lumabas ang ng silid at bumaba sa hagdan. Natagpuan
ko si Hector na nakaupo na sa loob ng kotse. Tumabi ako sa kanya.

He was wearing a black shirt and a pair of faded semi fitted jeans. May raybans
siyang suot. I couldn't really see his eyes because of his glasses but there's n
o doubt about it, he looks hot.

"S-saan t-tayo pupunta?" Tanong ko sa kanya. He slowly turned his head on me.

"Gusto mo na bang bumalik sa inyo?" He even asked me. Napaawang ang labi ko. Iba
balik na niya ako?

"Huh?"

"Sleep with me, Yza. After that, I'll take you back."

--------------------

I couldn't believe what happened last night. Things were so fast I had forgotten
to breath. Nakaupo ako sa sofa sa tapat ng kama habang tinititigan si Yna Johan
na na nakahiga sa kama ko. She was still asleep. Hindi ko masyadong matandaan ku
ng bakit ko siya inuwi dito. Ang alam ko lang, galit ako sa kanya for hiding the
fact that she knows where Yza is.

Napakamot ako ng ulo. Pakiramdma ko lalong naging complicated ang buhay ko dahil
sa sinabi niya sa akin. She said she likes me, hindi ko alam kung totoo iyon or
she's just saying that to divert my attention.

She stirred. Napatuwid ako ng upo. Maya-maya ay pupungas-pungas siyang bumangon


at saka tumingin sa paligid. Her gaze caught Yza's portrait - which was hanging
in the middle of my wall. Napaawang ang mga labi niya.

In the picture, Yza was smiling very wide. I remember that photo, I took that th
e first morning that we woke up together. She was wearing my shirt. He hair was
all over the place - she just woke up but she managed to still be pretty.

"Anong nangyari?" Tanong niya sa akin.


"Wala." Mabilis kong sagot. "Ayaw mong umuwi. Iyak ka nang iyak. Sunod ka pa nan
g sunod. Inuwi kita dito. Pero walang nangyari at kahit kailan walang mangyayari
. Tumayo ka diyan at ihahatid na kita." Sabi ko sa kanya. I stood up. I was abou
t to leave the room when I felt her hug me from behind.

"Zach totoo lahat ng sinabi ko kagabi. Gusto kita." Sabi niya ulit. "Gusto kita
noon pa. Bago ka pa man mahalin ni Ate. Hindi naman siya dapat para sa'yo. Diba
si Xander ang unang gusto niya."

Kinalag ko ang kamay niyang nakapalupot sa akin. "It doesn't matter, Yna. Si Yza
ang mahal ko." Mariing sabi ko. Tears started falling in her eyes again. Napapa
iling na lang akong lumabas ng silid. I went to my other room and took some clot
hes. I took a shower - still thinking about Yza.

I feel so helpless. Kailangan ko na siyang mabawi dahil kung hindi baka mapatay
ko si Demitri sa oras na magkita kami. Maski wala akong ebidensyang pwedeng magp
atunay na hawak niya si Yza, baka mapatay ko siya at wala akong pakialam kung an

ong mangyari - I just need to save her from that monster.

After taking a shower, I started fixing myself. Iniisip ko na rin kung anong dah
ilan ang ibibigay ko kay Yto at lalo naman kay Tito Sancho sa oras na tanungin n
ila ako kung bakit nasa akin si Yna.

Paglabas ko ng bathroom ay parang nanlaki naman ang ulo ko. I found Yna on the b
ed - totally naked while waiting for me. She looked at me with that ridiculous l
ook on her eyes.

"I can give you everything, Zach." Mahinang wika niya. Kulang ang sabihing napan
ganga at nagulat ako. It's way more than that.

"A-ano bang ginagawa mo?!" Singhal ko sa kanya. "Magbihis ka nga!" Tumalikod ako
. "God, Yna! What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Natigilan ako ng muli niya akong yakapin. I can feel her nakedness on my back an
d it's creeping me out!

"Yna, let go! This is wrong in so many ways!"

"Bakit ba si Yza ang gusto mo? Wala naman siyang ginawa! She hurt you! She almos
t chose Xander! Second choice ka lang naman ni Ate, nandito ako, ikaw para sa ak
in ang first choice ko sa lahat ng bagay. Zach, akin ka na lang!"

How can she be so desperate about this? Muli kong inaalis ang mga kamay niya. Ma
dilim ang mukhang tiningnan ko siya.

"Magbihis ka!"

Bahagya ko siyang itinulak. I left the room - as if on cue, may narinig naman ak
ong mahinang pagkatok sa pinto ng unit ko. Doon ako tumuloy. I opened the door a
nd Yngrid Katigbak entered.

"Zachy, Yana is wondering what is happening with your buhay. Like Oh my gosh! We
know you're nahihirapan because Yza isn't around but baby---- Why is there a na
ked woman in your living room?"

"Shit!" I said. Bumaling ako at nakita ko nga si Yna na hindi naman magkamayaw s
a pag-alis sa living room. Hindi siguro niya inaakalang may darating na ibang ta
o.

"Are you cheating on Yza?!" She growled.

"Hindi?! Argh! Yngrid! This is not a good time! Leave!"

"Ayokong mag-leave! I'll make sabunot the naked girl! Oh my gosh! Yza is so kawa
wa, she's like na-kidnap and you're making her loko! I'll make you sampal after
I'm done in making ngudngod that malanding girl!"

"Just leave, Yngrid! Kakausapin na lang kita kapag okay na!" Pilit ko siyang tin
utulak palabas. Hindi naman nagtagal ay umalis na siya. Binalikan ko si Yna sa k
warto, bihis na siya pero namumugto ang mga mata.

"Niloloko mo ba si Ate?" Tanong niya sa akin. "Kasi kung oo, I will hate you." H
umihikbing sabi niya.

I just shook my head. "I'll just take you home, Yna. Let's go."

And we did. I took her home that morning. Hindi na ako bumaba para makipagkita k
ina Yto. I drove away the moment she got out of the car. Habang nasa byahe ay ma
y narinig akong kung anong tumunog. I looked around and I found Yna's phone on t
he side of the driver's seat. There's a message for her. I took the liberty of r
eading it kahit mali.

From: Hector Demitri.

Message: I'll take her to Sylvana Heights. If you wanna see her come tonight. Sp
end the night with her. Love you, Leigh. - Kuya Hector.
<center><h1>12. Free</h1></center>
<hr>
We arrived at a certain Sylvana Heights. Hindi ko alam kung saan eksakto ang lug
ar na iyon but the place is beautiful. Hindi iyon tulad ng mga pangkaraniwang ho
using village. Sylvana Heights is a little bit of everything - may mga puno, may
mga bahay, and from where we are - tanaw na tanaw ko ang dagat. Gusto ko sanang
i-appreciate pa ang buong paligid kung hindi lang paulit-ulit kong naiisip ang
sinabi ni Helios sa akin kanina.

I looked at him. He was sitting beside me - we were still in the car. Tahimik la
ng siya sa buong byahe at hindi naman ako nag-abalang magtanong o magsimula ng u
sap sa kanya. Ayoko siyang makausap. Namumuhi ako sa kanya - galit ako sa mga ba
gay na gusto niyang gawin at mga bagay na alam kong pinapalano pa lang niya. Nai
iyak ako sa katotohanan na baka hindi ko matanggihan ang gusto niya dahil gusto
ko na talagang makalaya.

He turned to me. "Are you thinking about my offer?"

"Gaano ako kasigurado na tutupad ka sa usapan?" Mahinang tanong ko. Tumaas ang d
ulo ng bibig niya.

"You are actually thinking about it." He said to me. Oo pinag-iisipan ko talaga.
Alam kong mali pero ano pa ba ang mawawala? Nakuha na niya. Kung anong mangyaya
ri pagkatapos noon, hindi ko alam at walang kasiguraduhan - heto na siya at ipin
apangako sa akin ang kalayaang ilang buwan ko na ring gustong makamtan - tatangi
pa ba ako?

I looked out of the window again and just sighed. Am I really thinking about it?
I wanted to cry. Tuwing naiisip kong pumayag, naiisip ko rin si Zach - if I agr
eed, I will cheat on him. Iyong naunang dalawang pagkakataon na may nangyari sa
amin ni Hector, hindi counted dahil pinilit niya ako, but this time, he's giving
me a choice.

It's him, versus my freedom and I'm choosing my freedom pero paano si Zach? Mapa
patawad niya pa kaya ako? Matatanggap? Hindi ko alam. I feel pressured right now
.

Nag-angat ako ng tingin nang biglang huminto ang sasakyan sa tapat ng isang mala
king bahay. I knew the house is Hector's. Napansin kong mahilig siya sa glass wi
ndows. Iyon ang pagkakapareho ng lahat ng bahay niya.

Nauna siyang bumaba sa akin. Sumunod ako. Kasabay ng pagbaba ko ay nakita kong b
umaba na rin sa van sina Manang at Kathryna. Ngumiti sila sa akin. Tumango lang
ako.

"Yza. Come." I looked at Hector. He was offering me his hand. I reluctantly took
it. Lumakad kami papasok sa mansyon niya and my eyes widened. Everything inside
look expensive. My eyes widened with awe. Ang daming antique pieces sa loob. Th
e one that caught my attention was the Greek Painting hanging on the wall. It is
a painting of a Hero. I looked at him.

"Si Achilles." Sabi ko sa kanya. He just nodded. "Why?"

"He's strong."

"He's weak." Sabi ko. "Sa ankle. Nanghina siya for trying to save a woman." Sabi
ko sa kanya. "In every man's fall lies a woman, Hector. Even Hercules fell for
Minerva and he weakened. Superman has Louise Lane and he---"

"What are you trying to imply, Yza?" He walked towards me. His hand settled on m
y cheeks. Sinubukan kong titigan siya nang mata sa mata. "Are you trying to tell
me something?"

"If..." I said in a weak voice. "If you fall for me, you'll be weak." Finally I
was able to say that. Helios smiled at me.

"We'll... baby, that the risk I'm ready to take anytime." Walang sabi-sabing bum
aba ang bibig niya para hagkan ako. Mainit ang mga halik ni Helios - mas mainit
pa kaysa sa kanina. Para bang may nais siyang patunayan sa akin sa pamamagitan n
g mga halik na iyon at kahit na anong gawin ko, hindi ko siya maitulak palayo.

Suddenly he stopped. Inayos niya ang kanyang sarili at saka ngumisi. "Let's go.
Ipapasyal kita."

Muli niya akong hinatak. Hindi ko alam kung saan niya ako daldalhin. Hinayaan ko
na lang na tangayin niya ako. Sa ngayon wala na akong naiintindihan. I'm torn b
etween my freedom and my hatred for him. Ano bang dapat kong unahin? Gusto ko na
ng makaalis and if he's offering me that option already, kaya ko nga bang tumang
gi?

I found myself standing inside a nipa hut in the middle of a lake. Naroon din si
Helios. He was holding a fishing rod. Nakaupo lang ako doon habang pinagmamasda
n siya. He doesn't look like a monster at all. Siguro may mga times na nagiging
halimaw siya tuwing ipinapakita niya sa akin kung gaano siya ka-ruthless, but ri
ght now, he's Hector.

Napailing ako. "Bakit Helios Demitri?" Biglaang tanong ko. He cleared his throat
before looking at me.

"It's my Greek name." He said. Napangiti ako bigla. Tumayo ako at tumabi sa kany
a. Now were sitting side by side. I tried to watch what he's doing closely. "And
you like fishing?"

"It clears my mind." There's a hint of smile on his face. "Why do you want to kn
ow?" He even asked me.

"Wala lang." I sighed. "What is it like growing up in Greece?"

"Fine."

"Just fine?" Tanong ko.

"What is it like growing up and having a complete and happy family?" Biglaang ta
nong niya. Nagka-ideya ako na baka hindi masaya ang nangyari sa kanya noon. He l
ooked as if he was waiting for an answer. I took a deep breath.

"Happy." Bigla akong ngumiti. "I was seven when I met my dad." Sabi ko sa kanya.
"Yto and I grew up with just Nanay by our sides. She's a very loving mom, tapos
mas sumaya noong dumating si Tatay, then a year later, si Yvo, then si Yllak an
d everything became perfect when Tatay came home one night with Yna."

I smiled at the memory. "He still took everything away from me."

"Yes he did, but we treated her well. Can't you see? Mahal na mahal si Yna ng mg
a magulang ko. Hindi nga makatulog si Nanay kapag hindi siya nahahalikan. Mas ma
hal pa siya ni Nanay kaysa sa amin ni Yto."

"And that is a bad thing?"

"Hindi." I smiled again. "It's never a bad thing. We love her very much. Alam mo
? Kung makikipag-usap ka lang kay Tatay. Sigurado akong makikinig siya sa'yo."

It's my good side talking again. "Why would I do that?" He said. "I have you. I
bet Sancho Consunji is going crazy now."

Hinampas ko ang bibig niya. "Ang sama mo." Bulong ko.

"Oo, Yza. Masama ako. Demonyo, halimaw, pero anong magagawa ko? This is me, hate
me or love me, this is me." Tiim ang bagang na sabi niya. Tumango na lang ako a
t nanahimik. Maya-maya ay napansin kong gumalaw ang fishing rod na hawak niya.

"I got something." Sabi niya. Pilit niya iyong hinatak niya ang rod pataas at na
kita kong may nahuli siyang tilapia. Napasigaw ako.

"What?" He asked.

"Gumagalaw!"

"Natural gagalaw yan, Yza! Buhay pa eh!"

Napanganga ako nang bigla siyang humalakhak. Napatitig ako sa mukha niya. He's f
ace definitely lit up as he laughed out loud. Para bang nag-iba ang hitsura niya
. What I'm seeing is a genuine smile from the monster - and he doesn't really lo
ok like a monster.

He looks like a human being.


"What?" Nakangiti pa ring tanong niya. Nakangiti siya ngayon - hindi iyong basta
lang niya itinaas ang dulo ng bibig niya. He's smiling, labas pa lahat ng ngipi
n.

"Wala lang." Sabi ko. Kinagat ko ang labi ko at saka nag-iwan ng tingin. I swear
tumibok ng mabilis ang puso ko. Maya-maya ay umupo siya sa tabi ko. Hawak niya
sa kamay niya ang tilapia, pinakawalan niya iyon.

"Why did you do that?" I asked him.

"Because, I need to let it go for it to realize what it really wants."

Hindi ko naintidihan ang sinabi niya pero alam kong may iba siyang gustong sabih
in. Matapos ang insidenteng iyon ay muli na namang bumalik iyong halimaw. Cold n
a naman siya at distant. Sayang, mas gusto ko talaga kapag nakikita ko si Hector
- iyong alaga ni Manang at hindi iyong malademonyong version niya.

"Saan tayo pupunta?" Tanong ko ulit nang hawakan niya ang kamay ko.

"Wala lang. Let's go." He said again. We spent the whole afternoon walking aroun
d his vast land. Maganda ang lugar, malamig kahit na may araw. Tahimik lang siya
habang magkasama kami - ni wala akong nakikitang kahit na anong reaksyon sa muk
ha niya. Basta tahimik lang siya. He was just holding my hand and we're walking
around.

Maya-maya ay tumigil siya.

"Yza, about my offer---"

"Yes." Biglang sabi ko. His green eyes fixed at me. "You told me that you always
keep your word. Payag ako, Hector. Basta pagkatapos nito, palalayain mo na ako
at hindi mo na guguluhin ang buongh pamilya ko. It's like I'm sacrificing someth
ing for the family. Isa pa, ano pa bang mawawala? Nakuha mo na diba? So it's not
really a big deal anymore."

Tahimik na lang akong nagpasalamat dahil hindi pumiyok ang boses ko. Naiiyak tal
aga ako. Biglaang dumilim ang mga mata niya. Binitiwan niya ang kamay ko.

"Fine. I'll be at your room at six pm. Wait for me."

Walang sabi-sabing tinalikuran niya ako. My knees were shaking.

Para sa kalayaan ko...

--------------------------------

Sylvana Heights.

Kanina pa ako paikot-ikot pero hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin nakikita ang baha
y ni Helios Demitri sa lugar na iyon. Ang tanga-tanga ko. Dapat bago ako sumugod

, inalam ko muna ang eksaktong lugar kung nasaan siya at nang mabawi ko si Yza.

Huminto ako sa tapat ng park at naiinis na pinaghahampas ko ang manibela. I hate


it! Kinuha ko ang phone ko at tinawagan si Jarvis. Whether I like it or not, I
need his expertise. Kailangan kong mahanap ngayon na ngayon si Helios at babawii
n ko si Yza no matter what happen.

"Hello, Jarvis. I need you to find the exact location of Helios Demitri's house
in Sylvana Heights. I need it now."

Iyon lang at tinapos ko ang tawag. Wala akong pakialam kung masyado na akong dem
anding, o kung anuman. I just really need to see her. Wala akong dalang kahit na
ano kundi ang sarili ko lang. Ni wala akong dalang depense. Kung sakali man na
mapahamak ako ngayon, wala akong magagawa, ipagdadasal ko na lang n asana bago m
angyari iyon ay kasama ko na siya.

Sana ako pa rin ang mahal niya.

Napaluha ako bigla. I shook my head. Why the fuck was I thinking that? Yza loves
me no matter what. I believe and I trust our love for each other. Things will n
ever falter between us. She loves me at kahit na anong mangyari mamahalin ko siy
a.

I sighed again. Tumunog ang phone ko. I looked at the screen - it's an unknown n
umber. Kahit naiinis ay sinagot ko iyon.

"Hello?" I asked the other line.

"Zach it's me." I sighed hard when I heard Yna's voice. "Wala ka sa unit mo. Pin
untahan kita. Nag-aalala ako sa'yo."

"Wala kang pakialam sa akin so back off Yna!" Sigaw ko. This is so frustrating.
Hindi ko alam kung anong problema ni Yna at kung bakit niya ito ginagawa. Alam n
iyang si Yza ang mahal ko kaya alam rin niya na kahit ilang beses pa siyang magh
ubad sa harapan ko, walang mangyayari because my heart belongs to Yza and that w
ill never change no matter what happens.

Tinapos ko ang tawag nang marinig ko ang mahinang hikbi sa kabilang linya. Ipina
tong ko sa dashboard ng sasakyan ang phone at muling nag-ikot. Maraming bahay sa
Sylvana - alam kong isa doon ay pag-aari ng demonyong iyon.

I'm worried about Yza. Baka kung paano lang siya tinatrato ng lalaking iyon. Kap
ag sinaktan niya ang Yza ko, magkakamatayan kami.

Tumunog muli ang phone ko. I saw Jarvis' name so I answered.

"Sir, 410, Dolloar Street, Sylvana Heights."

"Got it, Jarvis. Thanks."

----------------

"Ready?"

I had goose bumps when I heard Helios' voice. Ni hindi ko naramdamang bumukas an
g pinto ng silid ko. I looked at him. He's wearing a silk gray robe. His green e
yes were dark and cold.

Nakaupo lang ako sa kama. Ni hindi ko pa nahuhubad ang damit na suot ko kaninang
umaga. Mula nang bumalik ako sa silid na ito, hindi na ako nakatayo o gumalaw m
ula sa kinalalagyan ko. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. Kanina, umiiyak ako, tahim
ik akong humihingi ng tawad kay Zachary Drew. Paulit-ulit kong sinasabing ginaga
wa ko ito para sa kalayaan ko para mawala ang guilt pero hindi pa rin. Naiiyak a
ko. Gusto kong magback-out pero kapag nangyari iyon, lalong hindi ako makakaalis
.

"What are you still doing there, Yza?" He asked in a sensual tone. Lalo akong ki
nabaha. What the hell is he doing to me? Natatakot ako. Will it be just like the
first time he touched me? Will he force me again? Just thinking about that make
s my body shake with so much fear. Natatakot na naman ako. Naiiyak.

He sat beside me. He put his hand over my shoulder. Bigla akong lumayo.

"Remember our deal." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"I will." Ngumisi siya. Hinawi niya ang strap ng dress ko. I gasped. His palm wa

s warm against my cold skin. Hinapit niya ako papalapit sa kanya at saka sinimul
ang hagkan. I was shocked by the way he's kissing me. It's hot and yet he's very
gentle - his hands around my body feels good. I know I shouldn't be feeling goo
d, I shouldn't be feeling anything at all and yet I couldn't help it.

"Helios..." Tinawag ko siya. He looked at me. He caressed my hair and smirked.

"It's Hector, Yza." He kissed my lips after that. Para bang ninanamnam niya ang
aking mga labi at natatangay ako. Unti-unti ay sinasagot ko ang bawat hagod ng k
anyang labi sa labi ko. Naging malikot ang kamay niya sa katawan ko. Ibinaba niy
a ang zipper ng suot kong dress. Hindi ko na nga alam kung paano niya iyon naali
s sa katawan ko pero naramdaman ko na lang na wala na akong suot.

I'm almost naked - almost because my undies are still in my body. He made me lie
on the bed and smiled again.

"I will make this night the unforgettable for you, Yza. I will ruin every man in
the world, especially that boy." He told me.

"It will always be him, Hector." Nangangatal ang mga labi ko habang sinasabi ko
iyon sa kanya. Ngumisi lang siya at muli akong hinagkan. He unclasped my bra. Hi
s put his palms over my breasts and started kneading it. His lips were against m
ine, making me feel the things I never really thought existed.

Bumaba ang halik niya sa leeg ko, it went down again to the sides of my breasts,
down to my abdomen. He licked the mid part of my stomach, up to my cleavage to
my already hardened mounds. I was biting my lower lip to keep myself from callin
g out his name.

I just closed my eyes. I could feel him down there. "Stop fighting, Yza. I know
you want me too." He, then licked my earlobe which made me moan.

"Ahhhh...hmmn.. Stop..."

"It's your freedom, Yza. You really want me to stop?" He sucked my left nipple.
I had to clutch the sheets to keep myself from moaning again. His tongue travell
ed down there. I felt his fingers around my panties. My mouth parted when I felt
him bit my panty garter and pulled it down using his mouth.

"Oh god!" I exclaimed when I felt his lips on the middle of my core. I was bitin

g my lip. Whatever he was doing down there felt so good. Ayokong makaramdam ng k
ahit na ano pero heto ako kahit na anong saway ko sa sarili ko ay nararamdaman k
o ang init na dala ni Hector sa buong katawan ko.

"Ahhh, Hector... Oh shit!" I screamed when I felt his thumb inside of me. "Hecto
r... Hector, wag, please... ahhh. Oh my... ahhh!"

My moans couldn't be contained anymore and I guess he knew that because he kept
doing what he's doing. He's using his mouth, his tongue and his finger on me and
all I could do is moan in delight.

I wasn't really thinking anymore. I was just lying there while he pleasures me tama - that's what I'm feeling right now, he's pleasuring me and I didn't know
that being pleasured like this would feel so so good.

He stopped. I moaned in disapproval. He kissed my lips again. I could taste my e


ssence from his hot mouth and that only added fuel to the fire.

"I'm going to put it in, baby." He said hoarsely. Hindi ako nagmulat ng mga mata
. I waited for it. "I'll be gentle. Wrap your legs around me, baby." He said and
I did. I wrapped my legs around him and that was when I felt him entered my bei
ng. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko.

"Ma-masakit..." Sabi ko sa kanya. He bent down and sucked my breasts alternately


. Kahit paano ay naiibasan na iyong sakit. He moved slowly in and out. My mouth
was a bit parted, I could feel every inch of him inside of me, filling me up, st
retching me, making me feel hot.

"H-hector... ah..." I bit my lower lips again. Para bang nahihiya ako sa sarili
ko dahil tinatawag ko siya pero hindi ko naman mapigilan. His phase changed, dah
an-dahan ay bumilis ang kanyang paggalaw. Napayakap ako ng maghigpit sa kanya. H
is lips were against mine, his tongue on my tongue, taunting it, making sure tha
t the pleasure I feel will be doubled.

Suddenly I felt something wonderful inside me exploded. I could see rainbows and
fireworks.

"Damn girl." He said. He moved faster and faster until he said:

"Baby, I'm coming!"

And he did. I felt something warm gushing inside of me. The feeling is very diff
erent from the other times that he claimed me. It was something else, something
beautiful and although I knew that it is wrong, I just couldn't help it. It damn
feels good.

------------------

I woke up in the middle of the night still with Hector on the side of the bed. H
is eyes were closed and his arms were wrapped around my waist. I could still fee
l the soreness in the middle of my legs. I bit my lower lip when the memory of w
hat happened earlier hit me. I couldn't believe that I was able to give myself t
o him over and over in exchange for my freedom.

I did all of these because of my freedom. I want it back and I want it soon.

I sighed as I take his arm off my waist. Dahan-dahan akong bumaba ng kama para p
umasok sa bathroom at mag-shower habang nasa ilalim ako ng dutsa ay paulit-ulit
kong naiisip si Hector at ang mga mata niyang nakatitig lang sa akin habang gina
gawa namin iyon. There was something different in his eyes - something I haven't
seen before and it only appeared now. Para bang nagkakaroon ng emosyon ang mga
mata niya - isag bagay na bago sa akin.

Matapos iyon ay inayos ko ang aking sarili. Suot ang isa pang dress na ipinahira
m sa akin ni Kathryna ay lumabas ako ng bathroom. Tulog pa rin siya. Hindi ko al
am kung anong gagawin ko. Ayokong tumabi sa kanya. Naisip kong maglakad muna sa
labas. Bahala na mamaya, ang alam ko tutuparin niya ang pangako niya sa akin.

I found myself roaming around the garden - thinking about what I did. Suddenly t
ears started falling down. Naiinis ako sa sarili ko. I thought about Zach and gu
ilt washed over my whole being.

Napaupo ako sa isang bench doon. I wiped my tears. I hated myself. How can I giv
e myself to a demon over and over while the man I love was out there looking for
me. I bit my lower lip. Wala na akong excuse ngayon sa sarili ko dahil hindi na
man ako pinilit ni Hector. He gave me a choice. And I chose to be free. I gasped
hard.
I silently prayed for Zach to still accept me no matter what happens. Sanan gano
on iyon, naniniwala ako sa kung anong meron kaming dalawa. No matter how crucial
the situation is alam ko at naniniwala akong siya pa rin ang para sa akin.

I walked around again. Nakarating ako sa may gate. I stared outside thinking abo
ut leaving while he's still asleep. Nakatingin ako sa kawalan nang matigilan ako
dahil unti-unting nag-materialize sa harapan ko ang lalaking nasa isipan ko.

"Z-zach..." Tawag ko sa kanya. My heart beat fast. "Zach..."

He's here. I swear he's here.

"Zach." Napaiyak na naman ako. He was looking at me. There were tears in his eye
s too. Pilit niyang binubuksan iyong gate.

"Yza, open the gate. I'll take you out."

Lumapit ako sa gate. Kinakabahan ako. Paano niya nalaman kung nasaan ako? Bakit
siya nandito? Makakalaya na ba ako? Sasama ako sa kanya pero makakaalis ba kami?

I tried opening the gate but it's locked. Ang alam ko remote controlled ang gate
na iyon. Lalo akong napahagulgol.

"ZD..." Tinawag ako siya. He took my hand.

"Iuuwi kita, Yza. Just hold on. I love you." He said I nodded.

"I love you still." Sabi ko. Hindi ko alam kung bakit bigla kong naalala si Heli
os nang sabihin ko ang mga salitang iyon. I looked back. I was afraid that he mi
ght see us pero wala.

"Yza, can you climb?" Tanong niya sa akin. Can I? For my freedom, I will do ever
ything.

I was about to climb up when suddenly the gates opened. Nanlaki ang mga mga mata
ko but then I didn't care because finally, I was in Zach's arms.

He hugged me so tight I found it hard to breathe but I didn't care. Umiiyak ako.
Umiiyak din siya.

"Let's go, baby." He kissed my temple. Napapaikit ako. He called me baby... He c


alled me baby. I am his baby. I'll be his baby forever.

Habang paalis kami ni Zach, tumingin ako pabalik sa bahay. I thought I saw Hecto
r, standing in the balcony looking at us pero alam kongt pinaglalaruan lang ako
ng imahinasyon ko.

Kung nandoon siya gagawa siya ng paraan para makuha ako.

"Baby, are you okay?" I looked at Zach. "Don't be scared. Nandito na ako."

"I'm not scared." I said. Muli akong lumingon. He's still there. I can see him b
ecause of the lights around the house. He's really there but why isn't he doing
anything to stop me.

Isinakay ako ni Zach sa kotse. Hindi ko alam kung bakit naluluha ako. Masaya ako
ng makaalis pero bakit nakakaramdam ako ng lungkot.

"I love you, Yza." He kissed my hand. I looked at him.

"I love you, still. Zach."


<center><h1>13. Safe</h1></center>
<hr>
I opened my eyes and felt a sudden urge to scream when I found myself in an unfa
miliar room. I was about to scream when a figure sat beside me. I looked at my l
eft and I found Zach sitting beside me, looking concerned. Bumangon ako at agad
siyang niyakap. He was caressing my back, making me feel as if I am safe. I know
I'm safe. He's with me, isa lang ang ibig sabihin noon.

Malaya na ako.

"I'm here. Don't be scared." He said to me. I nod my head as he touches me.

"Zach, gusto ko nang umuwi." Sabi ko sa kanya. I want to see my family. I want t
o hug my parents. I wanna see my brothers and my twin brother. I want the life I
used to have back kahit na alam kong may isang bagay nang hindi maibabalik sa a

kin.

"Kakain muna, baby." He said. I nodded. Lumayo ako nang bahagya sa kanya at ngum
iti. Naluluha pa rin ako. Hindi ako makapaniwala na nandito na siya sa tabi ko.
Pagkatapos ng halos dalawang buwan naming pagkakalayo, nandito na siya. Napahikb
i ako nang maalala ko kung anong ginawa ko kapalit ng paglaya.

"Zach..." Tawag ko sa kanya. "Zach, I'm sorry."

"For what?" He asked. He held my hand. "I should be apologizing. Hindi kita nail
igtas agad." Mahinang wika niya. Napakagat labi ako. Iniisip ko pa lang na sasab
ihin ko sa kanya ang totoo ay nanginginig na ang tuhod ko sa takot. Hinaplos niy
a ang mukha ko.

"Gusto kitang iuwi sa inyo kagabi pero nagbago ang isip ko. I want you here by m
y side kahit isang gabi lang. Sa oras na ibalik kita, mahihirapan na akong makuh
a ang atensyon mo."

"Zach..." Gusto kong sabihin sa kanya ang nangyari sa akin. Para isnag bagsakan
na lang. Alam kong masasaktan siya pero kailangan kong sabihin dahil iyon ang ta
ma. He cupped my face and kissed me again.

I kissed him back. I never realized how much I missed him until I have felt his
lips against mine. I pulled him closer. My tears started falling again. How? How
could I? I did that for him, for us, para magkasama kami, pero bakit kapag naii
sip ko na ginawa ko iyon - kahit alam kong kaya iyon nangyari ay dahil lang sa k
agustuhan kong makalaya ay nasasaktan ako.

His lips travelled to my cheeks up to my forehead down to my nose. Pinagdikit ni


ya ang mga noo namin tinitigan akong mabuti.

"Mahal na mahal kita." Sabi ko sa kanya. Ngumiti ako. OO, mahal ko si Zach. Mula
noon hanggang ngayon, siya pa rin. Kahit na ano pa man ang nangyari sa akin, ka
y Hector, sa aming dalawa, si Zach pa rin. He owns my heart, and that will never
change. Ngumiti lang siya sa akin at saka pumikit.

"Ang sarap marinig." He inhaled my morning scent. "Iuuwi na kita. I know how mu
ch Tito Sancho misses you."

Tumango lang ako. Bago kami tuluyang umalis ay insikaso muna ako ni Zach. He mad

e sure that I will eat that morning. He even waited for me as I get dresses. Aft
er that, we walked hand in hand to his car. He's very attentive to me.

Habang nagbabyahe pauwi ay hindi mawala ang kaba ko pero kahit paano ay naiibsan
iyon nang panaka-nakang paghaplos ni Zach sa kamay ko. It was as if he's tellin
g me that everything will be okay and I hope that it will be. Alam kong hindi sa
paglaya ko natatapos ang lahat.

Matapos ang ilang minuto ay nasa labas na kami ng masyon. Lalong tumindi ang kab
a ko. Alam kong matutuwa ang mga magulang ko sa oras na makita nila ako pero ano
ng sasabihin nila? Alam ko ring tatanungin nila ako, kayak o bang sagutin ang la
hat ng iyon.

"Baby come..." He called me. He took my hand and pulled me pero hindi ako gumala
w.

"ZD, natatakot ako." Sabi ko sa kanya. He sighed. He faced me and cupped my face
.

"I'm here. You don't have to be scared." He said. Kahit paano ay naibsan ng mga
salita niya ang kaba ko. Nagpatianod ako sa paghatak niya sa akin papasok sa loo
b. When we entered, I saw a lot of men in uniforms with guns on their side. Tini
ngnan nila si ZD. Tinanguan niya ang mga ito tapos ay nilagpasan. Wala pa man ay
umiiyak na naman ako.

"Yza, calm down." Natatawang sabi niya. I nodded my head.

Binuksan ni Zach ang front door ng bahay at sabay kaming pumasok. Tahimik na tah
imik ang kabahayan na tila ba nakikiisa ito sa pagkawala ko.

"You're home, Yza." He said to me. I smiled at him.

"Si Nanay..." Sabi ko. Bumitiw ako sa kamay niya at saka umakyat sa itaas. Alam
kong kasunod ko pa rin siya. Hinahayaan niya lang akong sugurin ang kabahayan. A
ng una kong pinuntahan an gang silid ni Nanay at Tatay. They never lock the room
so it was easy for me to get in. I found them still on bed. Tatay's arms were w
rapped around Nanay Nanay was resting her head on his chest.

My tears flowed. Hindi ko na napigilan ang sarili ko. Lumundag ako sa kama at gi
nigising sila just like how I sed to wake them up when I was still little.

"Nay! Nay! Nay! Nanay!" Sabi ko. Iyak ako nang iyak. Nanay stirred. She slowly o
pened her eyes. Her gaze darted on me and I just lost it. Yumuko ako at niyakap
siya. Humiga ako sa gitna nila ni Tatay.

"Nay! Nay!"

Para bang hindi siya makapaniwala na nasa tabi na niya ako. I looked at Tatay. N
akakunot ang noo niya pero nakangiti.

"I-I'm home po..." Sabi ko. Nanay hugged me so tight I find it hard to breath. N
anay gave me butterfly kisses while Tatay tapped my back. Bumaling ako sa kanya.

"My princess is back." He whispered. He kissed my cheeks and touched my face. Na


iiyak ako.

"Pero paano? Hindi ka ba nila sinaktan?" Nagtatanong ang mga mata ni Nanay. Hina
nap ko si Zach.

"Zach saved me..." I whispered. I was still in tears. Tatay kissed my temple. Ma
ya-maya nakita kong nakatayo na si Yto sa likod ni Zach. Taas - taas ang buhok n
iya tapos ay pupungas-pungas. Mukhang hindi niya pa ako nakikita.

Tumayo ako at tumakbo papunta sa kanya. I don't have favorites but I love Yto so
much because he's my twin brother and we have a connection that only the two of
us can understand. Halos bumalya kami sa pader nang yakapin ko siya.

There are no words to say. He just hugged me. I knew that like me he was crying
too. I could feel it. What made me cry the most is when I heard nanay said to ta
tay:

"Kambal na ulit sila, Sancho."

I smiled. I am back with my family and it feels so good. So good.

--------------

I had been back for two days pero kita ko na talaga iyong nagbago. Sa lahat ng i
yon, pinaka-napansin ko si Yna. Hindi na siya bubbly tulad ng dati sa akin. Kina
kausap niya ako pero matipid, kung hindi tango ay ngiti lang ang isasagot niya s
a akin. Hindi ko alam kung nakikipagkita pa rin siya kay...

I sighed.

I couldn't even say his name in my brain and I don't know why. It's as if my who
le being is trying to forget what happened while I was with him - parang gusto n
g puso at isipan ko na kalimutan siya - lahat ng ginawa niya sa akin lalo na iyo
ng nangyari noong gabi bago ako makalaya.

"Yza, I need to talk to you."

I bit my lower lip after hearing Tatay's voice. Sinenyasan niya akong sumunod sa
kanya sa loob ng office niya. Nang makarating doon ay pinaupo niya ako sa sofa,
tumabi siya sa akin. Akala ko ay kami lang pero hindi nagtagal ay pumasok na ri
n si Nanay sa loob. She has this worried expression on her face. Para bang hindi
siya mapakali.

"Ano poi yon? Kinakabahan po ako."

"Anak, may itatanong lang si Tatay." Ngumiti si Nanay. Tila ba pilit niya akong
kinakalma. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ko at ngumiti muli. Tiningnan niya si Tatay.
He sighed.

"What happened, Yza?" He asked in a cool voice. "Helios Demitri took you. We all
knew that. Ipakukulong ko siya. Kailangan lang sabihin mo sa akin ang totoo."

"Yza, if that man hurt you."He said. "We will do everything to make him suffer."
Hindi ako nakasagot. Sasabihin ko ba kung anong ginawa niya sa akin? Gusto kong
sabihin. Gusto kong malaman nila na binaboy ako, na nahirapan ako na kahit na n
akabalik ako ay hindi naman na ako buo pero sa kabila ng lahat nang iyon, naiisi
p ko si Hector. Hindi si Helios kundi si Hector.

Masyado akong mabait o kung tanga man ako hindi ko alam. Ang ayoko lang masaktan
dito ay si Yna. Kahit anong gawin ko, o ng mga magulang namin hindi naman magba
bago ang katotohanan na magkapatid pa rin sila.

"Yza..."

"Nay, pwede wag muna ngayon?" Tanong ko sa kanila. I saw the disappointment on T
atay's face. "Yes, he took me, he hurt me, tay." Bigla akong napasinghap nang ma
kita ko ang galit ni Tatay.

"Fuck!"

"Sancho!" Nanay hissed at him.

"At ano? Uupo na lang ako matapos kong malaman na sinaktan niya ang anak ko?! Sh
eenalyn!"

"Sancho, we can take this in a calm way."

I shook my head. "Umupo ka." Sabi ni Nanay. Tatay sat beside me again and faced
me.

"Did he do anything else?" He asked me. I bit my lower lip. "Yza Joan."

"W-wala po..." Sagot ko. Hinawakan ni Nana yang kamay ko. "Wala po, Tatay..."

Tatay nodded. "Sige, magpahinga ka na."

Tumango na lang ako at umalis. I stood by the corridor and let the tears fall. G
usto kong sabihin pero natatakot ako, natatakot ako para sa isang bagay na hindi
ko naman alam kung ano...

"Yna, saan ka pupunta? Gabi na!"

Natigil ako sa pagluha nang marinig ko ang boses ni Yllak sa kabilang hall. Luma
kad ako papunta sa kanila. I saw Yllak wearing his most comfy shorts and shirt h
abang nakapamaywang siya sa tapat ng silid ni Yna.

"May research kami ng classmates ko. Just get off my back!"

"Aba!" Yllak said. Lumabas si Yna sa silid niya. May dala siyang overnight bag.
Napatingin siya sa direksyon ko. Kumunot ang noo ko ng makakita ako ng guilt sa
mga mata niya.

"Ate, bawalan mo nga ito. Gabi na eh!" Reklamo pa ni Yllak.

"Nagpaalam ka ba kay Nanay?" I asked her.

"O-oo. Uhm, sa classmate ko lang ako. May study kami." Sabi niya sa akin. Magtat
anong pa sana ako nang bumaba na siya sa hagdan.

"Yna!" Halos magkapanabay naming tawag ni Yllak.

"Damn! Ang tigas ng ulo niya, Ate."

"Mana sa'yo." Sabi ko. "Sundan natin."

Inabutan naming si Yna na nakatayo sa main door ng bahay. May kausap siya sa pho
ne. Tinawag siya ni Yllak pero hindi siya lumingon, sa halip, binuksan niya ang
pinto para lang matigilan.

A smile formed on my face when I saw my prince charming standing outside the doo
r, looking so dashingly charming.

"OH, Yna, bakit para kang natanga diyan?!" Sigaw ni Yllak.

"Ha?"

I swear I saw her tear up.

"A-aalis na ako."

"Yna!" Sigaw ko. Bigla ay hinapit ni Zach ang bewang ko.

"I missed you." Bulong niya sa akin.

"Naku!" Sabi ni Yllak. "Nanadiri ang mga tao dito. In love lahat. Patis si Yvo.
Ewan ko sa inyo!"

Nagkatawanan kami ni Zach habang pinagmamasdan si Yllak na umakyat na naman sa i


taas. He looked at me.

"What is wrong with your brother?" He asked. I shrugged. I kissed his cheeks.

"Bakir nagpapapogi ka? May babae ka?" Tanong ko. He grinned.

"Yup. She's in my arms right now and I missed her so much."

My heart melted. "Labas tayo. I have a surprise for you."

Tumango ako. We walked together. Nasa baywang ko pa rin ang mga kamay niya. Luma
bas kami para sumakay sa kotse niya. Zach opened the door for me. I was about to
get in when my eyes caught a glimpse of a silver Bentley parked two houses away
from ours.

Nakababa ang bubong noon at kahit madilim, damang dama ko ang mabibigat na titig
na na nangaggaling sa taong nasa sasakyan na iyon. My heart beat fast. Nanuyo r
in ang lalamunan ko.

"Baby?" I looked at Zach. "Let's go..."

"Oo nga. Let's go..." Sabi ko sa kanya. I got in the car and settled myself. We
droves passed by the silver Bentley. I couldn't help but look. Napasinghap ako n
ang malakas nang makita ko kung sinong nandoon.

Si Hector...
<center><h1>14. The supposed to be enemy</h1></center>
<hr>
I couldn't help but think about Hector that night while I was with Zachary Drew.
I knew that I shouldn't be really thinking about him. Kailangan ko na siyang ka
limutan - iyon ang pinakatamang gawin sa buhay ko. He had done bad things to me,
he abused me, he took advantage of the fact that I wanted to be free - I should
condemn him for that and yet here I am thinking about him again.

I sighed. I looked at Zach who was very busy with his food that moment. Napapang
iti ako. Gustong-gusto ko siyang pinapanood kumain. Akala ko kanina kung saan ka
mi pupunta. He took me to a very expensive restaurant; he had rented the roof to
p. He wanted to surprise me and I was very surprised. Pagdating naming, sinalubo
ng ako ng violin and the floor was full of rose petals. He is such a romantic bo
yfriend.

"Hmn, ayaw mo ng food, baby?" He asked me. Umiling ako.

"I just...." I sighed. "I missed you." He smiled at me. Inabot niya ang kamay ko
.

"I missed you too." He grinned. Natawa naman ako. "Bakit ba kanina ka pa tawa na
ng tawa?" Nagkibit balikat siya pagkatapos. "Kung sabagay, okay iyon. I talked t
o Xander's dad at sabi niya, iyong pagiging masaya mo ay isang bagay na dapat ik
atuwa ko. Iyong ibang kidnap victims kasi, takot silangt makipag-mingle o lumaba
s. Ikaw, I guess you're fine, baby."

Ngumiti lang ako. Hindi ko rin alam kung bakit pero pakiramdam ko talaga wala ak
ong dapat ikatakot sa paligid. Hector isn't around. Walang mananakit sa akin. Za
ch is here and he will protect me. I'm very thankful that he had come that night
and took me away. Kung hindi siya dumating hindi ko alam kung anong mangyayari.

I bit my lower lip. I remembered what happened that night. I got scared. I'm hav
ing doubts now. Kailangan kong sabihin kay Zach ang totoo, pero kung sasabihin k
o anong magiging reaksyon niya? Tatanggapin niya pa ba ako?

"Baby, what's wrong?" He asked again. Umiling ako. Tumayo ako tapos kumandong ak
o sa kanya. I put my arms around his neck and stared at his eyes.

"Gaano mo ako kamahal, ZD?" I asked him. He held my waist and pulled me closer.

He rested his chin on my shoulder.

"Mahal na mahal, Yza." He looked at me. I nodded. Sa akin sapat na iyon. Alam ko
ng kailangan ko na talagang sabihin ang totoo. Sasabihin ko naman pero hindi pa
sa ngayon. Ayokong masira ang gabi naming dalawa.

We continued eating. I have missed him so much. Hinayaan ko siyang magkwento nan
g magkwento. Marami akong hindi nasaksihan sa buhay niya nitong nakaraang dalawa
ng buwan. I want him to update me.

"Kamusta si Yngrid?" Biglang tanong ko. Ngumisi si Zach.

"Miss ka na niya. She likes you, hindi nga lang niya pinapahalata. You know how
she gets. Even Yana misses you. She was worried about you, baby."

I swallowed. Sa tuwing tatawagin akong baby ni Zach, may iba akong nakikita. I c
ould see a pair of piercing green eyes and a devilish grin in my head. Ipinilig
ko ang ulo ko. Hindi ko siya pwedeng alalahanin. Kailangan ko siyang kalimutan n
gayon.

Our date ended. Magkahawak kamay kaming umalis ni Zach ng restaurant. He opened
the car door for me bago ako sumakay ay nagpalinga-linga pa ako sa paligid. I wa
s looking for a silver SUV pero wala akong nakita. Hindi ko alam talaga but I ju
st couldn't shake the feeling of being followed.

"Baby?" Zach called

"Yeah, I'm going in." Sabi ko pa. He smiled. Sumakay ako sa kotse niya and we dr
ove. He was just holding my hand.

"Masaya ka ba?" He asked me.

"Yes, Zach... Thank you."

"I love you, baby." He even said. I just took a deep breath.

"Ca...can you...uhm..." I sighed. I paused for a while and looked at him. "Can y
ou not all me baby?"

Kumunot ang noo niya. "May problema ba?"

"Wala... I just..." I looked at him. "Zach please, call me something else but do
n't call me that..."

Hindi siya kumibo. I saw him clenching the stirring wheel. Bigla siyang pumreno.

"Zach!"

He turned to me. His eyes were as cold as eyes.

"Bakit? Iyon ba ang tawag ni Helios Demitri sa'yo, Yza Joan?"

----------------------------

"Why, Yna?"

I looked at Leighton while she was standing beside me at the balcony of my home.
She texted me earlier that morning saying that she wanted to spend the night in
my home. Binalingan ko siya. Nagkibit-balikat siya.

"Wala na si Yza dito. Why did you come back?" I asked her again. She just sighed
.

"Bakit? Akala mo ba the only reason I'm here is because of that?" She asked me b
ack. Her brown eyes were piercing through my soul. "At first oo, nandito ako dah
il kay Ate kasi mahal ko siya, kasi nag-aalala ako sa kanya but along the way I
realized that I'm also here for you. Tama ka, ikaw ang kapatid ko. I love my Con
sunji siblings but I have also learned to love you..."

Nagyuko siya ng ulo. Napapikit naman ako. Ngayong naririnig ko mula sa kanya ang
mga salitang noon ay ipinaglalaban ko, hindi naman ako makaramdam ng saya. Masa
ya ako dahil nandito siya at nakuha ko na ang loob niya. I have made her realize
that behind all the evil things I have done in my life, I have a heart that lov
es her dearly.

She wiped her tears. "Bakit ka umiiyak, Leigh?" I asked her.

"Wala lang, Kuya." Sagot niya. "Masaya na sa bahay. Nandoon na si Ate. Nanay is
happy." She looked at me. "Nanay is a very loving person, Kuya. Si Tatay ganoon
din, if only you would talk to them, sigurado naman ako na magkakaintindihan kay
o. Kuya Yto is a good person. Sa una lang naman matigas iyon."

Ngumiti lang ako. Napansin kong natulala siya pero saglit lang iyon. She smiled
too and shook her head.

"I can't believe that a devil can smile so charmingly. Nginitian mo ba ng ganyan
si Ate habang nandito siya?"

Hindi ako sumagot. Ginulo ko ang buhok niya at saka nagpaalam na. I wanted to be
alone for a while. I wanted to drown myself in the loneliness and emptiness I h
ave in my heart. I went inside my empty room. All I could see is that empty bed
in the middle of the room. I took a bottle of scotch from my private bar and pou
red it in my glass. I have been like this since she left and I don't know why.

I shouldn't be missing her but I am. I shouldn't be following her around I am. I
sang linggo pa lang siyang wala sa tabi ko, hinahanap ko siya na para bang noon
pa lang ay kasama ko na siya.

Last night, I found myself lurking inside the room she occupied. Pagpasok ko pa
lang, sinalubong na ako ng amoy niya. Mas lalo akong nangulila. Hindi ko alam ku
ng anong meron kay Yza na hinahanap-hanap ko. Noong nandito siya, hindi naman ak
o ganito , pero noong umalis siya, nagsimula ang mga anxiety ko.

I thought it was just normal. Matagal ko rin naman siyang kasama, pero nang mais
ipan ko siyang silipin sa kanila, alam kong hindi na normal ang lahat. Mas lalon
g umigting ang pakiramdam na iyon noong gabing makita ko siyang kasama ang lalak
ing iyon.

Alam kong mas may karapatan siya kay Yza but I keep on asking myself why is she
with that boy. He is just a boy. Merely a man, hindi siya nararapat para kay Yza
. Yza needs a man who can take care of her.

I can take care of her. Sinaktan ko siya noon, pinilit pero hinding-hindi ko na
gagawin iyon. I can be the man for her.

I grinned. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko iniisip ang mga bagay na iyon. I won't ac
cept defeat. Alam ko kung bakit ako nagkakaganito pero hindi ko matatanggap.

I don't want to be weak.

That night, I stayed up until dawn just thinking about her. I was asking myself
if there's a possibility that she is indeed thinking about me and if she is, ano
ng mga naaalala niya?

"Kuya!"

"Sir, sinabi kong huwag siyang pumasok sa room ninyo!" Sigaw ni Kathryna nang um
agang iyon. Pumasok si Leighton sa silid ko. Her sunny smile is all over her fac
e. Ngumuso siya.

"Naku ha. Ako iyong kapatid kaya okay la na nandito ako, eh ikaw?"

Tumaas ang dulo ng labi ko. Yna is very much like YZa. Ganoon din siya kay Kathr
yna noon. I just sighed.

"Kuya, hatid mo na ako sa bahay. I have to be there before Tatay goes to his off
ice." Tumango lang ako. I didn't even bother changing clothes. Suot ko pa rin iy
ong office attire ko yesterday. Sumunod ako sa kanya palabas ng silid. I told Ka
thryna to clear my schedule for this day. I don't feel like going to work today.
I just wanted to stay home.

"When are you going back to Greece, Kuya?" Leigh asked me. Her calling me "Kuya"
is like music to my ears. Ngumiti ako. "Napapadalas iyang ngiti mo. I wonder ku
ng dahil ba yan sa akin o kay Ate." Bigla niya akong hinawakan sa balikat. Pasak
ay na kami sa kotse noon.

"Alam mo ba na may magic si Ate?" Biglang sabi niya. Pumasok siya sa sasakyan. U
mikot naman ako para maupo sa driver's seat. Ihahatid ko siya sa bahay but I'll
park two blocks away from the house para walang gulo at walang makakita sa akin.

"What magic?"

"She has the power to melt the ice on someone's heart - just like what she did w
ith yours. If it weren't for her, hindi ko makikita iyong totoong ikaw. You're a
good person."

"Sinabi niya ba iyon sa'yo?" Umiling si Leigh. May kung ano akong naramdaman sa
puso ko. I shook my head. I shouldn't be feeling like this. Ano naman sa akin ku
ng hindi sinabi ni Yza kay Leigh na mabuti akong tao? Alam ko sa sarili ko na hi
ndi ako mabuti - I am a bad person. I'm a devil, I'm no good. Lahat ng taong hah
arang sa daan ko, kaya kong alisin magawa ko lang ang gusto ko. I'm a criminal.
I'm a bad man and Yza have seen the worse. Hindi ko siya masisisi kung kakalimut
an na niya ang bangungot na dinanas niya sa akin.

Pero ako, alam kong hindi ko siya makakalimutanj and I have no idea how long I w
ill be like this.

"I really should be seeing a shrink." Napapailing na sabi ko.

"Why? Is there something wrong?" She asked me.

"Wala lang." I took a deep breath. After twenty minutes, narating na namin ang v
illage nila. Leigh was still talking about her childhood and how much the Consun
jis loved her. She had a great childhood - unlike me, I had a nightmare while I
was still in Greece pero hindi na niya kailangan malaman iyon.

I parked the car in front of the park. Malapit na iyon sa bahay nila. Kaunting l
akad na lang. Bumaba ako ng sasakyan. Sumunod si Leigh.

"Dito na lang ako. Ayokong magkagulo. Baka makita ka ni Tatay. Mainit iyon ngayo
n kasi nga nakabalik si Ate. I have no idea if she had told them about you."

"She will." I said to her.

"I don't think so." Ngumiti siya. "Malay mo umiral ang pagiging mother Theresa n
oon." Humagikgik siya pagkatapos. Sumandal ako sa kotse.

"Uuwi na po ako." Masayang pagpapaalam niya. Tumango ako. Nabigla ako nang yakap
in niya ako. "Thank you, Kuya."

"Yna!"

Bigla siyang kumalas sa akin nang may sumigaw ng pangalan niya. I saw one of San
cho Consunji's son walking towards me. Galit na galit ang ekspresyon ng mukha ni
to.

"Kuya Yvo..." Bulong niya. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang hatakin niya si Leigh. "
K-kuya! Nasasaktan ako!"

"Masasaktan ka talaga! You spent the night with this asshole! How could you!"

"Hey!" I said. "She's my sister."

"She's my sister! Wala kang karapatan sa kanya, not after what you did to my fam
ily!"

"You took away two hundred million dollars from my company, I should have you ar
rested, Yvo Consunji." I grinned. He just shook his head.

"After what you did to my sister? I should have you arrested. You will rot in he
ll, Demitri."

"Ang tapang mo." Itinulak ko siya.

"Kuya no!" Leigh said.

"Huwag kang makialam!" Halos magkapanabay naming sigaw.

"Yvo!"

Something inside me melted right after hearing that voice. Natigilan ako. Nagaga
lit ako kanina pero nang marinig ko ang boses na iyon, kumalma ako maski ayoko.
I looked passed right at Yvo's shoulder and I saw Yza approaching. She was weari
ng a sweat pants, a sleeveless top and a cardigan, her hair was freely falling o
n her shoulders.
"Yvo..."

"Ate no!" Agad na dinaluhan ni Yvo ang kapatid niya. Mas matangakad si Yvo kaysa
kay Yza but no matter how he tried to hide her from me, huli na, dahil nagtama
nba ang aming mga mata.

"Ate let's go! Yna!"

"No..." Sabi niya. "Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Her voice broke. "May usapan tayo!
Yna bakit ka sumasama sa kanya?!"

Frantic na ang mga sigaw niya. "Yna umuwi na tayo!" A little while later, Yza br
oke down on her knees. She looked so scared. "Umalis ka na!"

I wanted to calm her down. I wanted to comfort her pero wala akong magawa kundi
ang tingnan lang siya. For the first time since I became Helios Demitri - I had
no idea what to do, or feel. I am lost again and it is all because of a woman na
med Yza Consunji - the supposed to be enemy...
<center><h1>15. I still do</h1></center>
<hr>
"I told you to stay home! Umalis ka rin pala!"

Umaalingangaw ang boses ni Yvo habang papasok kami sa bahay. He was holding my h
and. I couldn't really react that moment. I was shaking, I was so scared but mor
e importantly, I was really overwhelmed by seeing Hector.

Hindi ko alam kung anong meron sa kanila ni Yna. I know for a fact na hindi nama
n talaga siya pwedeng mawala sa buhay ni Yna dahil ito ang kadugo niya. Kaya lan
g, sa ngayon, ayoko talaga siyang makita. Hindi ko siya gustong makita at ayokon
g maging parte siya ng buhay ko.

Tama na iyong panahon at oras na nasayang noong magkasama kami. Tama na iyon. Hi
ndi naman para sa kanya ang mga oras na iyon pero kahit ayoko, sa kanya ko pa ri
n ito nasayang at hindi ko na maibabalik iyon.

I have to avoid him - not just avoid but bury him to the back of my mind where I
couldn't and wouldn't dare to think about him again. Ayoko na siyang isipin - a
yoko na talaga.

"Ate, okay ka lang? Hindi ka naman dapat lumabas doon." Yvo said to me. "Fuck! M
apapatay ko talaga iyong lalaking iyon!"

"Huwag mong siyang saktan, Kuya..." I heard Yna. "K-kapatid ko siya."

"Ano? Sasama ka na sa halimaw na iyon! He hurt Ate! He took her away from us! Ba
kit napakadali para sa'yo ang tanggapin na kapatid mo siya samantalang ngayon mo
lang naman siya nakilala!"

"Yvo tama na." Hinatak ko ang balikat ni Yvo pero iwinaksi niya ang kamay ko.

"Ang problema sa'yo, Yna masyado kang madaling magtiwala! Ano ipagpapalit mo na
kami sa kanya?! Masamang tao si Demitri!"

"Yvo ano ba?!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. Tiningnan niya lang ako.

"Iyan eh! Ang tigas ng ulo!"

"Yvo, please." Sabi ko na lang. Huminga siya nang malalim at saka iniwan kami ni
Yna na nakatayo sa sala. She was crying. I know that I have to comfort her but
seeing her with him makes me feel irritated. Nagsinungaling siya. Ang sabi niya
kagabi ay pupuntahan niya ang kaklase niya tapos ngayon makikita ko siyang kasam
a ang taong dahilan ng lahat ng kaguluhan sa pamilya ko.

"Bakit ka umiyak kanina ate? Hindi mo ba gusto si Kuya?" She asked me. Nanlaki a
ng mga mata ko.
"Ano bang sinasabi mo?" I asked her.

"You kissed him while you were still with him. That means you like him. Mas maha

l mo nab a siya kaysa kay Zach?" Tuloy-tuloy na tanong niya. Napasinghap ako. "T
ell me, may nangyari sa inyo, diba? Are you breaking up with Zachary? Tell me at
e... I need to know..."

Hindi ako makasagot. Bigla na lang bumalik sa akin ang lahat at para bang hindi
na ako makahinga. Hindi ko alam kung para saan ang mga tanong niya sa akin. Hind
i malinaw, hindi ko makita ang katuturan niyon - ang alam ko lang, hinuhusgahan
niya ang nararamdaman ko.

"Bakit ka pa kasi bumalik?" Biglang tanong niya. "Demitri can take care---"

Hindi ko napigilan ang sarili ko. I slapped her. I know that she is going to tel
l me that Demitri can take care of me and that appalled me. Anong karapatan niya
ng sabihin ang bagay na iyon? Hindi niya alam kung anong nangyari sa akin doon.

"How can you talk to me like that, Yna?" I whispered.

"Totoo naman! You had sex with him!"

"He raped me!" My voice is shaky, automatically my tears feel down. Remembering
the horror of that night made me feel the things I thought I have forgotten. "He
raped me, Yna! I just didn't go to bed with him! He raped me! He took advantage
of me! He ruined me, Yna! How can you say something like that to me?"

My knees were shaking again. Suddenly, I remembered the conversation I had with
Zach last night. I have told him everything and his reaction - I understood wher
e he was coming from and I wasn't really hoping that he would accept me after ev
erything I have told him.

"Now tell me, Yna. Do you really think he can take care of me?" I asked her agai
n. She shook her head. Natigilan ako nang mapadako ang mga mata ko sa hagdan in there I saw Nanay standing - she was looking at me with tears in her eyes. I
gasped hard.

"N-nay..."

Bigla na lang siyang tumakbo paakyat. Hinabol ko siya. Ayokong isipin ang mga su
sunod na mangyayari. Pumasok siya sa office ni Tatay, hindi pa man ako nakakalap
it ay narinig ko na ang boses ni Yto at ni Tatay, they were talking.

"Sancho!" Nanay's voice broke. She was crying. Nakita kong tumakbo siya kay Tata
y. Yumakap siya dito.

"Nay, anong nangyari?" Yto asked.

"Sheena?"

"Sancho si Yza..." She gasped. Tatay's eyes flew to mine.

"What happened?" His voice is cold. "Yza, anong nangyari..."

Naikuyom ko ang mga palad ko. Nanginginig ang mga tuhod ko. Hindi ako makahinga.
Nakita ko si Nanay na hinawakan ang kwelyo ni Tatay.

"Yza..." Yto called me. I looked at him. My tears fell down as I stood there. I
knew that I had to tell them. Hindi ko naman dapat ipagtanggol ang lalaking nana
kit sa akin.

"I was..." I gasped. Not a moment later, Yto is beside me. "ra-raped..."

--------------------------------

"Zach I'm sorry..."

"What are you saying sorry for? Tinatanong lang kita kung iyon ang tawag niya sa
'yo!"

I don't know what came over me that night but it really felt like something has
changed. Yza isn't the same anymore. When did I realize that the woman who used
to love me with all her heart has changed? Hindi ko rin alam - ang malinaw lang
sa ngayon ay ang katotohanan na may kulang na sa aming dalawa.

Something is missing.

I know that she loves me but why do I feel like she doesn't love me the way she
used to love me?

"Zach, please..." She took my hand. I looked at her.

"Where is my
gin rin siya
g kamay niya
make her cry
o.

ring Yza?" I asked her. Bigla siyang natigilan. Tulad ko ay napatin


sa kamay niya. She bit her lower lip. Dahan-dahan niyang inialis an
sa braso ko. Nakita kong umiiyak na siya ngayon. I never wanted to
of hurt her in any way pero kung nasasaktan siya, mas nasasaktan ak

Oo, magkasama kaming dalawa pero pakiramdam ko malayo pa rin siya sa akin. Hindi
ko alam kung paano nagsimula iyong pangamba ko na nabawasan na ang pagmamahal n
iya sa akin. Pakiramdam ko ay dahan-dahan at unti-unti na siyang nawawala sa aki
n. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko pipigilan ang bagay na iyon. Hindi ko kayang mawa
la si Yza. Siya ang buhay ko.

Hindi ko makita ang sarili ko na may kasamang iba. "Zach, sorry..."

"Putang ina, Yza Joan!" Sigaw ko sa kanya. "Kanina ka pa sorry nang sorry! What
the fuck are you saying sorry for?!" Gigil na gigil ako. Humagulgol siya. Kahit
na gustong-gusto ko siyang yakapin at suyuin tulad nang palagian kong ginagawa n
oon ay hindi ko magawa. I feel like she's hiding something from me. I feel like
there's something - a detail that I should know but she refuses to let me know.

"Zach...." She called me again. Napailing ako. I got out of the car. Pilit kong
kinakalma ang sarili ko. Hindi ko alam kung para saan ang galit na nararamdaman
ko para sa kanya. OO, sa ngayon, galit na galit ako kay Yza. May iba akong narar
amdaman.

Sa dalawang taon naming magkarelasyon ay ngayon ko lang naramdaman ito. Para ban
g wala nang kasiguraduhan ang mga bagay sa pagitan naming dalawa.

"Zach!" Bigla na lang niya akong niyakap mula sa likuran. I gasped. I wanted her
to do that pero hindi ko hinayaan. I pushed her away.

"Sasabihin mo ba o hindi?" Tiim ang bagang na tanong ko. "What the fuck is wrong
Yza?!" Sigaw ko. "Hindi tayo matatapos kung iiyakan mo lang ako!" Hilam na hila
m na sa luha ang mga mata niya. She looked away. Then she looked at me again.

"I...." She took a deep breath. "I.. He... he raped me, Zach."

Halos bulong nang lumabas iyon mula sa bibig niya. Nagulantang ang buong mundo k
o. Hindi ako makahinga. Here was the woman I have taken cared of for years telli
ng me that her abductor raped her.

The woman I love...

She was standing in front of me, crying her heart out.

"Ilang beses?" Tanong ko.

"Zac...Zach please tama na..."

Inilang hakbang ko siya at hinawakan sa braso. "Ilang beses, Yza! Tinatanong kit
a!"

"Dalawa!" Sigaw niya sa akin habang iyak siya nang iyak.

"Putang ina!" Binitiwan ko siya. Sinabunutan ko ang sarili ko.

"Zach, sorry...." Bulong niya. Muli ko siyang hinarap.

"Why are you saying sorry? Bakit nagustuhan mo ba iyong ginawa niya?" I was hopi
ng that she will say no... I was praying so hard for her to shake her head and t
ell me that she disgusted everything that Demitri did to her.

"No...no..." She said. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag.

"Then why are you saying sorry?"

"Because..." She gasped again. "I slept with him for the third time in exchange

of my freedom..."

That was when my world starting to fall apart.

She slept with him in exchange for her freedom. Did she lose her faith on me? Hi
ndi na ba siya nakapaghintay sa akin kaya niya biglang naisip na gawin ang bagay
na iyon? Lumakad siya papalapit sa akin. She was still crying. Hinawakan niya a
ng kamay ko.

"Sorry, Zach..."

"You slept with him..." I whispered. "Is that the reason why you dislike me call
ing you baby? Iyon ba ang tawag niya sa'yo habang ginagawa ninyo iyon?!" Sigaw k
o. Napahagulgol siya. Hinawakan ko ang magkabilang balikat niya. "Sabihin mo sa
akin, Yza! Masarap ba?!"

Sinampal niya ako. Maybe I deserve that. Maybe I have gone too far, mali ba iyon
? Nasasaktan ako. Iba iyong usapan ng rape at iyong usapan na ginawa niya iyon w
ith Helios Demitri na may consent!

Magkaiba.

"Zach, intindihin mo naman ako."

"Sa relasyong ito, Yza, ako ang palaging umiintindi dahil ayaw kitang masaktan!
Ayaw kitang ma-disappoint! Taps sasabihin mo sa akin na intindihin kita?! Kailan
ba kita hindi inintindi?!"

Lalo siyang humagulgol. I know that she's hurting right now. I am too. But the p
ain I am feeling is far more painful than her pain.

Hindi ko alam kung anong naisip ko. Hinatak ko si Yza papasok sa sasakyan. I dro
ve fast. Wala na akong pakialam sa kahit na ano ngayon. I am a man in pain. I to
ok Yza home.

Bumaba ako sa kotse at pilit siyang hinatak palabas. Hindi naman siya kumibo o p
umalag man lang. We went inside my house, diretso sa kwarto. I pushed her to bed
. Her tears were still falling.

I started taking my clothes off. Wala na. I lost it. I lost the will to think. A
ll I know is that I want to erase Demitri's mark on her body. I want her to real
ize that she's still mine.

"Zach please no..." She begged. I climbed the bed. I pinned her arms over her he
ad and started kissing her. I kissed her lips, down to her neck, to the mid-part
of her breasts. I started unbuttoning her dress - I even took off her bra. Now,
she's almost naked in front of me.

"Zach...." There was panic in her voice pero hindi ko pa rin pinansin. I bent my
head down and sucked her breast. I played with the other one using my hand. I w
ant her to moan for me. It may seem desperate but I want to take away Helios Dem
itri's mark on her.

I pulled her panties down and touched her core.

"Zach!" She screamed. I looked at her face. Gone was the panic on her voice, I c
ouldn't even see the uncertainties in her eyes, but still, the tears were there.
I played with her core. I am turned on, I want her badly but as I kissed her al
l over, I suddenly thought of her lying on bed while Demitri was doing her.

I stopped. I sat on the edge of the bed. Sapo ko ang ulo ko. Hindi ako makahinga
.

"Zach.... I'm sorry..." Muling wika niya. Tumayo ako. Ni hindi ko siya tiningnan
.

"Magbihis ka. Ihahatid na kita."

I was looking at the ceiling, lying on the bed, still thinking about Yza and wha
t happened that night. Alam kong dapat akong magalit sa kanya. She had lost her
faith on me, pero sa kabila nang lahat ng nangyari, hindi ko maitanggi sa sarili
ko na mahal na mahal ko pa rin siya. Na kahit ganoon ang nangyari, ako pa rin a
ng gagapang pabalik sa kanya dahil hindi ko talaga kaya na wala siya sa tabi ko.

"Zachy!"

It was Yngrid's voice. I was sure of that.

"O my god!"

I looked at the woman beside me. Mabilis pa sa alas kwatro na tumayo siya hatak
ang kumot na tumatakip sa katawan niya. She ran to the bathroom.

"O my god! You slept with someone else?!" Nakakairitang sigaw ni Yngrid. Hindi k
o alam kung kailan siya matuto. I just looked at her. I'm naked but I don't care
and Yngrid doesn't seem to mind. Bakit pa ba? She had seen me naked a couple of
time while we were still in New York.

"What are you doing here?" I asked in a dark tone.

"Get dress, Zach!" She screamed. Ngumisi lang ako.

"Bakit pa? Nakita mo naman na ito dati? You even gave me a head. You wanna do it
again?" I asked using my husky voice. Her mouth fell.

"O my god! I'm so gonna make sabi this to Ate Yana!" Sigaw pa niya. Lumabas ang
babaeng hindi ko na matandaan ang pangalan. All I know is that I met her last ni
ght at the bar and we ended up in bed together.

"And you!" Yngrid looked at the girl. "I will make you sabunot until you are kal
bo na, bitch! Nakita kong nilapitan niya ang babaeng iyon. Sinabunutan nga siya
ni Yngrid. I just looked at them, I stood up, took my robe and left the room.

I went to the living room and took my phone. I dialed Yza's number, but she wasn
't answering. I just sighed. I called her again but still she wasn't answering s
o instead of calling her, I sent her a message.

"I'm sorry, Yza. Can we talk. I love you."

I love her, I still do and I will love her forever.


<center><h1>16. Lucky one</h1></center>
<hr>

"Love will make you weak, Helios. You're my son, you should be strong, cold and
heartless!"
I had that dream again - iyong panaginip na kahit ilang taon na ang lumipas ay h
indi ko pa rin malimutan at pilit pa rin akong hinahabol. Iyong bagay na pilit k
ong kinakalimutan, bumabalik sa akin na para bang multo ng kahapon. I stood up a
nd went out of my room. The house is very quiet. Silence filled the entire mansi
on and here I am, awake in the middle of the night looking for something I know
I will never have.
I never thought I'd want something I had been declining all my life. Lumaki ako
sa Santorini nang nag-iisa. Kasama ko si Baba pero kahit kailan hindi ko naramda
man na pamilya ko siya. He only wanted me because he needs an heir, kung wala ak
o, walang magmamana ng lahat. Anak niya ako pero hindi ko naramdaman iyon. All I
needed and wanted all my life is a family of my own. A group of people who will
love me and accept me for who I am and will never leave me, pero saan ko pa sil
a hahanapin? I have a sister pero ko siya pwedeng makasama. Hindi ko siya pweden
g kunin.
Iyon ang plano - ang kuhanin si Leigh pero hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari. Si
guro tama si Baba. Naduwag ako. Bumahag ang buntot ko dahil lang...
"Hector, bakit gising ka pa?" Narinig ko ang boses ni Manang Bining. Hindi ko na
malayan na nakatayo na siya sa likuran ko. I was standing on the balcony feeling
the wind on my face, wanting freedom so much. I want to break free from the dar
kness.
Masama akong tao pero sa ngayon, ayokong maging masama - isa lang ang gusto ko p
ero hindi ko rin pwedeng makasama.
"Hector..."
"Iwan ninyo ako." Utos ko sa kanya. Gusto kong mapag-isa. Gusto kong maramdaman
ang kalungkutang ako rin ang gumawa. Kung wala akong isang salita, sana hindi ko
na lang siya pinaalis. The house seemed to be emptier now that she's gone. Aami
nin ko na sa sarili ko, nangungulila ako sa presensiya ng kaaway. Hindi dapat pe
ro iyon ang nararamdaman ko. Alam ko kung bakit pero ayokong pangalanan dahil ka
pag ginawa ko iyon, ako ang matatalo sa huli, ako ang manghihina.
Hindi pa tapos ang laban. Hindi ako dapat manghina dahil hindi ko
Leigh pero sa tuwing iisipin ko si Yza at ang kanyang mga mata ukha niya noong kasama niya si Zachary Drew - iyong ngiting gusto
kanya pero hindi ko nakita - nanghihina ako. Nasasaktan. I could
throbbing in my heart like there's no tomorrow.

pa nakukuha si
ang ngiti sa m
kong makita sa
feel the pain

And I know the reason why I'm feeling like that I just don't want to admit it be
cause I don't want to be weak.
I spent the next couple of hours standing on the balcony waiting for the sunrise
. I was thinking about her. I thought a lot about that last night I was with her
. Hindi ko naman na itutuloy iyon pero pumayag siya. Nasaktan ako dahil ipinakit
a niya sa akin na gusto na talaga niyang umalis. I just made the most out of tho
se last moments with her. Ipinangako ko sa sarili ko na hindi ko na siya guguluh
in matapos ang gabing iyon. Hindi ko na siya lalapitan at pakakawalan ko na siya
pero nang mawala naman siya sa landas ko, hinahanap-hanap ko siya.
I started following the boy around. Hindi naman kasi siya halos lumalabas ng bah
ay. I was thinking that maybe she was still scared. Marahil ay iniisip niya na k
ukunin kong muli siya at hindi na ibabalik. Kung pwede lang gawin iyon - kung tu
tuusin ay kaya kong kuhanin siyang muli - pero pinipili kong panindigan ang sina

bi ko sa kanya noon na kahit kailan ay hindi ko na siya guguluhin.


But I really couldn't help it. There's a force that keep on pulling me to her. S
a ayaw at sa gusto ko may koneksyon na kami ni Yza Consunji at kahit kailan ay h
indi na mawawala iyon.
I was
her.
rd to
buhay

staring at the sunrise. I smiled a bit. The sunrays somehow reminded me of


She was like a breath of fresh air - the ray of sunshine which tried so ha
peek inside my life. Kahit sa sandaling panahon, nagkaroon ng liwanag ang
ko - isang bagay na kapag nalaman ni Baba ay ikagagalit niya.

At exactly seven in the morning, I fixed myself. Tuloy ang buhay kahit pakiramda
m ko ay may nawalang kung ano sa akin.
"Good morning, Sir!" Kathryna greeted me. Hindi ko siya pinansin. I went straigh
t to my car and told the driver to take me to the office. Kathryna was at the ot
her car. Convoy kami araw-araw pagpasok sa opisina.
"Sir, dadaan pa po ba tayo sa mga Consunji?" Biglang tanong niya. Napatingin ako
sa kanya. I shook my head. Ilang beses ko pa lang naman ginawa ang maghintay sa
labas ng bahay nila para makita siya - tama ana ang mga pagkakataong iyon. Kail
angan ko nang kalimutan ang lahat ng bagay na nangyari dahil alam kong ganoon di
n siya - sinisimulan na niya akong kalimutan.
I was busy reading some of the papers Kathryna left at my car last night nang bi
gla na lang huminto ang sasakyan ko. Kumunot ang noo ko nang makita ko ang isang
itim na ford na nakaharang sa tapat ng SUV ko. Bumaba ang driver ko. Nakita kon
g nakahawak kaagad siya sa baril na nakasabit sa baywang niya. Bahagya kong binu
ksan ang bintana. Kinapa ko ang baril sa gilid ng upuan at inihanda iyon. Masama
ang kutob ko sa mga nagaganap.
"Shit!" I cursed when I saw three men emerging from the car. They were
their guns to my driver. Hindi nagtagal ay gumalaw na rin ang iba pang
ng mga lalaking iyon. Bumaba siya sa kotse at pinalibutan ako. Ang isa
an ang pinto ng sasakyan ko para pilitin akong bumaba. Nanlaban ako. I
he gun at him but he shot my leg.

pointing
kasamhan
ay binuks
pointed t

"Sir!"
"Fuck!" Wala sa loob na daing ko. Tinutukan ko ng baril ang lalaki. I shoot him.
Tinamaan siya sa balikat. Lalayo na sana ako nang bigla akong makaramdam ng kun
g anong tumama sa batok ko. I lost everything, I have forgotten what I should be
thinking about. I lost it.
-------"Hi..."
Hindi ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko habang nakatayo sa harapan ko si Zachar
y Drew. May dala siyang bouquet of red roses habang ngiting-ngiti sa akin. Hindi
ko alam kung kayak o pa siyang pakiharapan. Sa tuwing naaalala ko iyong nangyar
i noong gabing iyon.
"Hello..." I sighed. He took a deep breath too. I don't know why but I feel like
something in him have changed - hindi ko lang mapin-point kung ano. Sigurado la
ng ako na may nagbago sa kanya. He smiled again. Pilit niyang inaabot sa akin iy
ong mga bulaklak na dala niya. Hindi pa rin ako gumagalaw. Hindi kasi ako makapa
niwala na nandito siya sa harapan ko ngayon.
"Yza..." Tawag niya sa akin.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. Parang bulong lang ang lumabas sa bibig ko.
Napakagat-labi pa ako. Zach took my left hand.
"Apologizing." He whispered. Nag-unahan ang mga luha ko. Bigla akong yumakap sa
kanya. Nabitiwan niya ang mga bulaklak. He hugged me tightly.
"Bakit ka nag-a-apologize? Ako iyong mali. Ako iyong may kasalanan. I cheated on
you. I...I..."
"It doesn't matter. I love you, Yza. Iyon lang iyong mahalaga. Kahit ilan beses
ka pang magkamali, tatanggapin kita. Oo, magagalit ako. Hindi naman ako perpekto
, pero I'll find away to forgive you and accept you because that's how much I lo
ve you. Yza mahal na mahal kita."
Tumango na lang ako. Wala akong masabi dahil nauunahan ng paghikbi
ang gusto ko sanang sabihin sa kanya. Paulit-ulit sinasabi ni Zach
gaano niya ako kamahal. Hinahaplos niya ang buhok ko. Mahigpit ang
ang nakapaulpot sa akin na para bang sinasabi niyang hinding-hindi
n kahit kailan.

ang mga salit


sa akin kung
mga kamay niy
niya ako iiwa

I looked at him. I finally had the guts to just face him and say: I love you, Za
ch. You, just you. It will always be you. No matter what happens, it will always
be you."
He smiled and nodded. Muli ko siyang niyakap. I will never let him go. He's my o
ne and only, my heart belongs to him. I am his and he is mine. Walang in between
. Wala nang kahit na ano pang mamamagitan sa aming dalawa dahil siya lang talaga
at wala nang iba.
Siya lang talaga dapat.
"Kumain ka na ba?" I asked him after all the tears.
"Yza..." Pinisil niya ang kamay ko. "Mag-usap muna tayo, pwede?" Tumango ako. Ka
ilangan naman talaga naming mag-usap. Pinapasok ko siya sa loob ng bahay at hina
tak sa gazebo. Doon naupo kami nang magkaharap at saka nagsimulang mag-usap.
Alam kong may nagbago na pero kahit na ano pa iyon ay tatanggapin ko. Ibibigay k
o ang lahat kay Zach. Dapat lang naman dahil mabuti siya sa akin at mahal ko siy
a. He took my hand again.
"I'm sorry for trying to force you to do that. I was just blinded by anger, Yza.
You have to understand---"
"Naiintindihan ko, Zach." Agaw ko sa sasabihin niya. "And I'm sorry. I never los
t faith in you. I just really wanted to be free so that I could come back to you
- kahit hindi na ako buo - kahit na may nawala. I was scared of telling you bec
ause I don't want to lose you...."
"You will never lose me, Yza." He assured me. "But..." He paused. "Have you told
..." Nakita kong nagkuyom ang isa niyang palad. Tumango ako.
"Tatay and Yto knew. Sinabi ko na." Napahikbi ako. "I'm sorry."
"You don't have to be. Hindi mo naman gusto iyon." Mariing sabi niya. Saglit ako
ng natigilan at tinitigan siya. His eyes were clouded, his face is dark and yet
I could feel the intensity of his love for me. Nakadama ako ng kaba dahil ngayon
ko lang nakikitang nagkakaganito siya sa akin. Hindi ko rin naman siya masisi alam kong may nagbago na.

"Ah..." Sabi niya bigla. "I have something."


Nakita kong mula sa bulsa niya ay may inlabas siyang guitar pick. Napakunot ang
noo ko. Nakangisi siya sa akin.
"Naaalala mo
abi ko. "Ano
yong dog tag
at bumaling

pa ba si Zanyjao?" Tanong niya. Ayoko man ay gumuhit ang ngiti sa l


kaya iyon? Ngingiti tapos iiyak." He wiped my tears. Hinubad niya i
niya. Pinanood ko siya habang inilalagay niya iyong pick sa dog tag
sa akin.

"This is for you. A sign of our new beginning." He put the dog tag around my nec
k and kissed my cheek. Hinawakan ko iyong pick at tiningnan iyon. Noon ko lang n
a-realize na may nakasalat na mga salita doon.
It says: Mine alone.
Tumingin ako sa kanya.
"You are mine, Yza. Mine alone."
I
t
o
o

stared at ZD. I silently asked myself if I like this change and I realized tha
I do. He had always been vocal about his feelings for me, walang bago doon per
itong ginagawa niya sa akin ngayon, iba, kakaiba at hindi ko alam kung bakit k
nagugustuhan iyon.

Kinuha niyang muli ang kamay ko para hagkan iyon.


"Date tayo?" Tanong niya ulit.
"Sige... I missed dating you." Tudyo ko sa kanya.
"Sus... nang-uuto." Nagtawanan kami. Lumipat na siya sa tabi ko. Inihilig ko nam
an ang kalahati ng katawan ko sa kanya para muling damahin ang tibok ng puso niy
a. He was playing with my hair while I was listening to his heartbeat. Ganito la
ng naman kaming dalawa. Kuntento na ako na magkasama kami at ang saya-saya ko da
hil sa kabila ng lahat ay tinanggap niya ako.
Muli kong tinanong ang sarili ko - alam kong mahal ko si Zach. Iyon ang nararamd
aman ko. Gusto kong magalit sa puso ko at sa utak ko for doubting my feelings.
"Saan mo gustong magpakasal, Yza?" Tanong niya bigla. Napabalikwas ako ng bangon
. Ilang beses ba akong papaiyakin ng lalaking ito?
"Sis-sigurado ka ba?"
"Bakit hindi?" Malumanay na tanong niya. "Ilang beses ko bang kailangan patunaya
n sa'yo na mahal kita? Haharap ulit ako kay Tito Sancho, Yza. Remember what I to
ld him? I'll make you fall harder than the first time. Alam kong may doubts ka n
gayon para sa nararamdaman mo at sa kung anong meron sa atin at sa nangyari sa i
nyo ng demonyong iyon, pero sa tingin mo susuko ako basta? Akin ka, habambuhay a
ng ipinangako ko sa'yo at iyon ang ibibigay ko. Mahal na mahal kita."
Wala akong nasabi. Niyakap ko na lang siyang muli. I silently thank the heavens
and the gods above for giving me Zach.

"I love you, ZD..."


<center><h1>17. Hindi matanggap</h1></center>

<hr>
I woke up in a very dark room. I wasn't tied up and all but I could feel the gun
shot in my leg aching like there's no tomorrow. I don't know if I should be than
kful for still being alive or if I have to regret that I'm still alive. Alam ko,
kung sinuman ang gumawa nito sa akin hindi siya titigil hangga't humihinga ako.
I heard some footsteps. Hindi nagtagal ay bumukas ang pinto ng silid na iyon at
lumiwanag ang buong paligid. I was sitting on a chair in the middle of the aband
oned gray room. I looked up and there I saw three Consunjis in a three piece sui
t - both devils, both looking at me like they wanted to skinned me alive.
Sancho, Lukas and Adam Consunji.
"So glad you're awake." Said Lukas. May hawak siyang baril at titig na titig sa
akin. Adam Consunji had a very dark expression. Alam ko na lahat sila ay isa lan
g ang gustong mangyari - ang mawala ako sa mundo.
"Sancho, we'll leave you with him." Adam Consunji said. Sancho Consunji looked a
t his brothers. Lukas gave Sancho the gun he was holding and the two left the ro
om. Naiwan ako sa loob ng silid na iyon na kasama si Sancho Consunji, nakatali s
a silya at dumudugo ang sugat.
"I had been dreaming about his moment,. Demitri." He said like he was about to p
ull the trigger of the gun he was holding. Hindi ako natatakot, kung mamamatay a
ko ngayon, so be it. Mas gusto ko pang mawala na lang basta kaysa ang makita ang
taong nagturo sa aking magmahal na kasama ng iba.
"Are you going to kill me?" I asked. I was catching my breath.
"For what you did to my little girl, yes I will!" Bigla na lang niya akong sinun
tok sa pisngi. Pumutok ang labi ko. I wanted to stand up and fight him. I was tr
ained by my father. I am a Greek soldier by blood and by beliefs.
"Ang kapal ng mukha mo!" Sigaw pa ni Sancho sa akin. "Galit ka sa pamilya ko the
n you should've come to me! But why did you have to hurt Yza?!" He was very mad.
Hindi ako nagsasalita. It was never my intention to hurt her. I did that - I ra
ped her because that moment all I had in my mind was to get even. His father too
k something away from me and I wanted to take something away from her - baluktot
na paniniwala, oo pero ang gusto ko lang ay gumanti at ang makasama ang isang t
aong alam kong kaya akong mahalin at tanggapin.
Pero hindi ko nagawa. Instead of winning the war I started - I ended up losing j
ust because I fell. My baba was right - love can make a person weak. Hindi nama
n mangyayari sa akin ito kung hindi ako nahulog.
I sighed. Muli akong sinuntok ni Sancho sa mukha. The next thing I knew he point
ed the gun at me.
"I could kill you with my own hands, Demitri. For hurting my little girl, for tr
ying to kidnap my wife and for trying to break my family apart." He said in grit
ted teeth. I sighed. I closed my eyes waiting for him to pull the trigger - I wa
s waiting for my end and as I wait for my demise - a face flashed in my brain.
It was hers.
In my mind she was smiling. In my mind she was slowly materializing. Suddenly, I
can hear her voice. She was calling me.
Hector...

I've always like the sound of my name from her lips. Kapah siya ang tumatawag sa
pangalan ko, iba ang epekto sa akin. Para bang nasa tabi ko lang siya. Tuwing n
aaalala ko ang mukha niya - at ang mga ngiti niya - isang bagay na kahit kailan
ay hindi niya naibigay sa akin ay gumagaan ang loob ko. With her in my mind I'm
able to remember the things I thought I have forgotten already.
With her, I realized that I am a human being capable of feeling. I'm not some co
ld hearted animal. I'm not a demon. I maybe one - people thinks that I am a demo
n, that I should go to hell and just live there and be the king but I'm not. Kah
it gaano ako kasama - I was able to realize that I am a human being because of h
er.
Ang nakakatawa lang sa mga pangyayari, I realized those thing because of a Consu
nji - a person I should be hating but instead - I fell.
Right now as I was standing in front of Sancho Consunji - I am giving a name and
accepting the fact that I have feelings for her - not just feelings - I am in l
ove with Yza Consunji. I loved her and I don't know why. I just fell - it's not
because she stayed with me and endured all my cruelness, it's not because she ma
de me realized that I'm still human. I guess it's just a simple case of falling
in love. I have fallen deeply in love with the daughter of my enemy. I still hat
e the Consunji's for taking Leigh away from me but I love Yza - I love all of he
r even the fact that she's one of them.
"Pull it." Mahinang sabi ko. "Pull it. Para matapos na." Mas gusto ko pang mamat
ay ngayon kaysa harapin ang katotohanan na kahit kailan ay hindi ako mamahalin n
i Yza. She's in love with that boy. At kahit kaya kong gumawa ng paraan para mab
awi siya at para paibigin siya - alam kong hindi ko gagawin dahil may isang sali
ta ako. I maybe a lot of things but I have my dignity. I'm staying true to my wo
rd.
"I won't." Ibinaba ni Sancho ang baril. "Akla mo ganoong kadali? I will make sur
e you suffer first before killing you. Just like what you did to my daughter."
Sancho Consunji walked away. I was just watching him. I don't know if I have to
be thankful because he didn't kill me. I closed my eyes again. My mind and my he
art travelled to a faraway place, a place where I can be with her - and that is
in my imagination...
Only in my imagination.

---------------------Sitting here wide awake


Thinking about when I last saw you
I know you're not far away
I close my eyes and I still see you
Lying here next to me
Wearing nothing but a smile

I was smiling as I watch Zach sing on the stage. Nag-iiba talaga ang vibes ng bo
yfriend ko - I mean fianc pala kapag nasa stage siya. He's eyes were closed as he
plays his guitar and sing. Napapangiti ako habang hawak ko iyong guitar pick ni
ZayJoan - iyon ang gitara na gamit niya ngayon. The guitar was old and yet he pr
efers to use it because of me. I gave him that guitar on his fourteenth birthday
. Sa akin galing iyon - kaya kahit gaano kaluma ay hindi niya magawang itago - d

ahil sa akin.
Naisip ko na kung nagawa ni Zach na ingatan ang isang bagay na galing sa akin ay
kailangan ko ring gawin iyon para sa kanya. Kailangan kong ingatan ang pagmamah
al na ibinibigay niya sa akin. He knows already what I did - what Helios did to
me - and yet he's here with me. Sometimes when I think about it, parang hindi ko
desrve lahat ng pagmamahal na mula sa kanya dahil sa ginawa ko. I regret that
night I spent with Helios - pero kung hindi ko naman ginawa iyon hindi ko naman
makakasama si Zach.
"Yza! Oh my gee you're nandito pala! My gosh! I'm so maligaya you're here!"
Napangiti ako nang yakapin ako ni Yngrid. Yngrid is one of Zach's best friends.
Matagal na silang magkasama. Yngrid knows Zach like the back of her hand.
"Kamusta na you?! My gosh! Yana and I are so stressed because of Zach when you w
ere gone. He was like nagwawala. Hindi siya ma-reach! One time I found a naked w
oman on his apartment, then seven nights ago, I caught him sleeping---"
Kumunot ang nook o. I know Yngrid was about to tell me that she caught Zach slee
ping with some girl. Bigla ay para akong kinabahan. Tumingin ako kay Zach. Nakit
a akong kunot na kunot ang noo niya habang nakikipag-usap ako kay Yngrid. Tinapo
s niya agad ang set tapos ay bumaba siya mula sa stage. Lumapit siya sa amin at
hinawakan ako sa balikat.
"What are you two talking about?" Kunot noong tanoong niya.
"Wala lang." Mabilis kong sagot. "Yngrid here was just entertaining me." Sabi ko
na lang. Kitang-kita kong nagbago ang hitsura ni Zach. Binalingan niya si Yngri
d.
"Mag-usap tayo." Sabi niya. Kinabahan ako sa tono ng pananalita ni Zach. Kakaiba
. Parang may tinatagong galit. Hindi tulad noon na malumanay lang ang pangungusa
p niya. He's mad. He grabbed Yngrid's arm tapos ay bumaling sa akin.
"I'll be back, baby." He said. Ngumiti siya - isang pilit na ngiti. Pinanood ko
sila habang papalayo sila sa akin. Hindi ako nakatiis, sumunod rin ako. I saw th
em standing outside of Zach's dressing room.
"Anong sinabi mo kay, Yza?" Tanong niya pa. Namaywang si Yngrid.
"I just told--- oh! I just realized. Sister ni Yza iyong first girl na nakita ko
sa apartment mo na naked! Oh my goodness, Zach! I'm going to sampal you and mak
e sipa iyong eggs!"
Sister ni Yza...
Si Yna? Yngrid saw her naked on his apartment? My whole body shook with pain. Hi
ndi ako nakaramdam ng galit. Sadyangt nasaktan lang ako. May nangyayari ba sa ka
nila ni Yna habang wala ako? Did he really looked for me? Did it took him that l
ong to find me kasi nahihirapan siya o dahil ayaw niya na lang talaga akong maki
ta?
Alam kong wala akong karapatang magalit. He slept with someone else - matatangga
p ko iyon. Hindi niya ako niloko noon - ginawa niya siguro iyong after finding o
ut what happened to Hector and I. I wanted to cry. Ganoon siya kagalit sa akin d
ahil sa nangyari?
"Yza..." Tawag niya. Pinilit kong ngumiti kahit na gusto ko nang magwala.

"Okay lang ako. Just take your time." I smiled at him. Tumalikod ako. Hindi ko a
lam kung hinahabol niya ako o hindi. Wala akong naririnig na kahit na ano nang m
ga oras na iyon. Ang gusto ko lang ay makalayo. Iniisip kong gusto kong magalit
sa kanya pero sinasampal ako ng katotohanan na wala akong karapatang magalit dah
il ako naman ang naunang gumawa ng kalokohan. I slept with Helios kahit na commi
ted ako kay Zach. I did that despite the fact that we're together. I wanted to b
reak down and cry.
I took my phone out and called Nikita. Hindi ko kayang makausap si Zach ngayon.
"Hello?" I heard Niki's voice on the other line.
"Are you with, Yto?" Iyon ang una kong tanong. Ayokong makita ng kapatid ko ang
pag-iyak ko.
"Yes, Yza. He's asleep. Why?"
"Niki, I need my best friend." I told her. Nikita sighed.
"Where are you? I'll pick you up right now, Yza. Don't move!" She exclaimed.
"I'm outside Skyland, Nikita. Please be fast."
I ended the call and stood outside. Fifteen minutes later, Nikita's pink hello k
itty car parked in front of me. Walang tanong, sumakay ako. I sat on the passeng
er's seat and looked at her. Her hair was a mess and she's wearing Yto's shirt a
nd boxer's.
"God, Nikita!"
"What?" Pinanlakihan niya ako ng mata. "Hello? Sabi ko diba as fast as I could,
alangan naman na mag-as fast as I could ako tapos magde-dress! Siyempre hinablot
ko na lang sa sahig iyong damit ni Yto ko! Here oh, smell mo pa! Ang bango tala
ga ng Yto ko!"
"Too much information!" Sigaw ko. Natawa si Nikita. Napangiti naman ako. Kahit p
aano ay gumaan ang pakiramdam ko. Seeing Nikita and being with her makes me forg
et the thought of Zach and Yna. She drove fast again. Dumaan kami sa isang conve
nience store. Bumili siya ng isang gallon ng cookies and cream at muling bumalik
sa sasakyan. We drove again. I realized that Nikita will take me to our place a
gain.
May secret place kami. The hill overlooking the city. Nang makarating kami doon
ay bumaba si Nikita dala ang ice cream.
"Ice cream is always good after sex." Walang habas na sabi niya.
"You do realize that it's my twin brother we're talking about so please, Nikita,
stop." Wika ko. Natawa siya sa akin. Binuksan niya ang ice cream at binigyan ak
o ng kutsara.
"Spill, Yza. What with you and ZD." She sighed. "He's looking a bit sinister the
past few days and he made you cry. Magsisisi nab a ako at siya ang naging manok
ko noon?" Tanong niya sa akin. "Dapat ba si Xander?" She asked again. I sighed.
"He slept with another woman and I think he's having an affair with Yna." Mahina
ng wika ko. Nikita stopped whatever she is doing. She looked at me.
"Hatakin ko kaya iyong ngalangala ni Zachary Drew! Yza!" She called. Bigla akong
napahagulgol. Niyakap niya ako. "Yza, wag kang maging weak! Ang problema sa'yo
masyado kang mabait! Awayin mo si Zach!"

"Hindi pwede." Humahagulgol na sabi ko. "Niki, hindi pwede."


"Ate bakit hindi? Ano iyon? Fiesta?! Kung si Yto kapag tumitingin sa ibang babae
at ngumingisi nanginginig ang kalamnan ko, si Zach pa kaya! Tatakan sa noon g C
onsunji Mark! Shit! Nangigil ako! Wag ka ngang umiyak! Kakalbuhin ko si ZD!"
"Hindi pwede, Nikita." Sabi kong muli. Lumayo ako sa kanya. "Ako naman ang nauna
."
"Anong ikaw ang nauna?" Her eyes widened. "You slept with someone else?!" Sigaw
niya.
"It's wasn't like that." I held back the sobs. "He..." I took a deep breath. "I
was raped, Nikita."
Nikita gasped. Napaiyak din siya tulad ko. "Alam ba ni Yto?" Tanong niya. Tumang
o ako. "Hindi niya sinabi! Yza..." She tried hugging me but I distanced myself.
"But the third time - I gave him myself because I wanted to be free. I slept wit
h him in exchange of my freedom. Zach knew that. He said he forgave me but still
..." Tumingin ako sa kanya. "Niki ang sakit."
Niyakap niya ako. Hinayaan niya akong umiyak lang nang umiyak. Wala akong karapa
tang magalit kay Zach dahil ako ang unang nagkamali. Kahit masakit, hindi ko siy
a tatanungin, kahit na anong gawin niya ngayon hindi siguro ako pwedeng magalit.
Ako ang may kasalanan kung bakit nagbago si Zach.
"Kakausapin ko si ZD."
"Huwag." Umiiyak pa rina ko.
"Anong wag! Dammit, Yza! Ano iyan? Papanoorin kitang masaktan? Kaibigan mo ako!
If you could stand up for me in front of your own twin brother - I will stand up
for you in front of him and I will fucking kill him - or rather - ask Yto to ki
ll him for me. Masisira ang mga nails ko."
Umiling ako. "Don't ever tell, Yto."
As if on cue biglang tumunog ang cellphone ni Nikita. Nahagip ng mata ko ang pan
galan ni Yto. She put him on speaker.
"Nasaan ka? Sabi ko ayokong nagigising ng wala ka." Galit si Yto. Napangiti ako.
Nikita shook his head.
"Ang hard mo, Yto ko. I just needed some ice cream. Uuwian kita, matulog ka na u
lit, okay?" Hindi na pinatagal ni Nikita ang phone call. She ended the call and
looked at me.
"Yza, what will I do to you. Come here..." She hugged me again. Hinayaan lang ak
o ni Niki na umiyak sa balikat niya. I was so scared. Ayokong mawala si Zach. I
was biting my lip. Ngayon pa lang, alam na alam ko na - our relationship is on t
he rocks and I wanted to save it. I want him to be with me...
Ilang sandali ay tumigil na rin ako. I asked Nikita to take me home. Nang mai-pa
rk niya ang kotse niya sa tapat ng mansyon ay binalingan niya ako.
"It'll be better." Ngumiti siya. I kissed her cheek tapos ay bumaba ako. Nikita
drove away. Papasok na ako ng bahay nang marinig ko ang pangalan ko. I saw Kathr
yna standing near the tree.

"Anong ginawa mo dito?" I asked her. Lumapit siya sa akin. Humahangos at mukhang
alalang-alala.
"Yza. Kinuha nila si Sir."
My mind raced. Kinuha? Sinong kinuha?
"Si Hect-Helios..." Sabi ko. Kath's tears fell.
"Your father took him. Binaril ng mga tao ng tatay mo si Sir."
My world crashed and I know why - just like that - I know why...

Mahal ko na si Hector - mahal ko siya at iyon ang totoo. Pero hindi ko matanggap
.
<center><h1>18. Let me be the one</h1></center>
<hr>
I couldn't get over my realization. I lie awake that night still thinking about
my feeling for Zach and Hector - I couldn't even call him Helios anymore. Para b
ang hindi na kayang tanggapin ng puso at ng isipan ko na siya si Helios - the ma
n who violated me. I love him pero hindi ko matanggap. Ilang beses kong tinanong
ang sarili ko kung bakit ko nagawang mahalin ang taong lumapastangan sa akin. P
ero kahit anong isip ko, wala na. I have fallen in love with him. And I couldn't
do anything about it but cry and let my feelings hurt me.
Mahal ko si Hector pero nasasaktan ako dahil ayoko siyang mahalin. Ayoko. Hindi
tama. Nandidiri ako sa sarili ko dahil sa pagmamahal na nararamdaman ko sa kanya
. Ayoko. Ayoko.
Pero kasabay ng pandidiri ko ay ang hindi maipaliwanag na pag-aalalang nararamda
man ko. The moment Kathryna left I let my tears fell. Kanina pa ako iyak nang iy
ak at hindi na ako makahinga. Iniisip ko kung paano nawala na lang basta ang pag
mamahal ko para kay Zach? Wala namang ipinakitang mabuti sa akin si Hector pero
bakit mahal ko siya? I wiped my tears. I heard some footsteps. Agad akong tumayo
. Malakas ang pakiramdam ko na si Tata yang dumating nang oras na iyon. Lumabas
ako ng kwarto at nakita ko siyang papasok pa lang sa room nila ni Nanay.
"Tatay!" I called him. He stopped and faced me. His expression softened. Tiningn
an niya ako nang may ngiti sa labi. He walked towards me and kissed my forehead.
"Bakit gising ka pa, dalaga?" He asked me. I just smiled. Paano ko tatanungin ku
ng nasaan si Hector? Alam kong may ginawa si Tatay sa kanya. Knowing him and him
knowing what really happened while I was with Hector somehow tells me that I sh
ouldn't ask questions pero nag-aalala ako.
"Tatay..." I bit my lower lip. Magsasalita pa sana ako nang bigla kong narinig a
ng boses ni Yna. She's frantic.
"Bakit mo iyon ginawa?!" Sigaw niya. We both looked at her. She was crying. Naka
sunod sa kanya si Yllak at si Yvo - galit si Yvo habang si Yllak ay mukhang nagaalala. Nilapitan ni Yna si Tatay. "Bakit mo iyon ginawa?!"
"Yna!" Sigaw ko.
"Sinaktan mo si Kuya! Bakit? Wala ka ba talagang puso! Kapatid ko siya!" Sigaw n
i Yna kay Tatay. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko. Hinatak ni Yvo ang braso ni Yna.
"Wala ka sa lugar! Wag mong sisigawan si Tatay!" Sabi pa ni Yvo. Pilit kumawala

si Yna sa hawak ni Yvo.


"Wala naman nakakaintindi! Kapatid ko si Hector! Mahal ko siya pero sinasaktan n
inyo siya para lang sa babaeng iyan! Ano bang ginawa ni Kuya? He raped her? Iyon
lang! Paano kayo nakaksiguro na hindi gusto ni Yza iyon!"
Lahat kami ay nagulat nang biglang sampalin ni Tatay si Yna. Natigagal siya.
"Sancho!" I looked at Nanay. Kalalabas niya lang ng silid. Dinaluhan niya si Yna
na iyak nang iyak nang mga sandaling iyon.
"Totoo naman!" Sigaw pa rin niya. "Kahit kailan si ate lang ang pinapaboran sa b
ahay na ito! Noon tahimik lang ako, iniisip ko na kapatid ko siya pero noong nal
aman kong ampon ako, everything became clear. I'm crap. Kapag nandyan siya, wala
ako. Kahit ba kailan may nakaisip sa inyo na tanungin ako kung anong gusto ko?"
"We have given you everything, Yna. Isn't that enough?" Malungkot na tanong ni N
anay. Yna just looked at her.
"Material things aren't e enough. Kahit na anong gawin ko hindi ko naman makukuh
a ng buo ang pagmamahal ni Tatay, Nanay. He never looked at me the way he looked
at ate." Naluluhang sabi niya.
"Yna..." Tawag ko.
"Yna tumahimik ka na!" Sigaw ni Yllak. Umiling si Yna.
"Aalis naman na dapat kami ni Kuya Hector. Uuwi na kami sa Greece. Doon kaming
dalawa. Mabait naman siya tatay, sana pakawalan ninyo na ang kapatid ko. Aalis k
aming dalawa at hindi na manggugulo pa."
Humahagulgol na sabi niya. Napaiyak na
sa loob ng silid. Sinundan ko siya. I
rs. Nilapitan ko siya at saka niyakap.
pinaka-ayoko sa lahat. Mahal na mahal
stuhan ang pag-iyak niya.

rin si Nanay. Tumalikod siya para pumasok


saw her sitting on the bed wiping her tea
Humagulgol si Nanay - isa sa mga bagay na
ko si Nanay at kahit kailan hindi ko nagu

"May mali ba, Yza?" She asked me. "I loved Yna with all my heart. Mahal rin siya
ng Tatay mo pero bakit nangyayari sa pamilya natin ito?" She was asking me. I'm
sure she was questioning her faith again. I caressed her back. I wanted to comf
ort her but I just wasn't sure how.
"I- I just don't want to lose her..."
Ako din. Ayokong mawala si Yna. Hinayaan kong umiyak si Nanay. Hindi nagtagal ay
pumasok si Yvo sa silid at tinawag ako. Siya naman ang tumabi kay Nanay. Sabi n
i Yvo, gusto akong makausap ni Tatay. I went to his private office and in there
- I saw him puffing a cigarette. I cleared my throat to get his attention. Ngumi
ti siya sa akin.
"Tay..." Tinawag ko siya. He took a deep breath.
"It was my idea to take him Yza." Panimula niya. "Hindi ako papayag na basta na
lang siya makulong - I can do that - you know how ruthless I am. I can have him
behind the bars in just a nick of time pero ayoko. Gusto ko siyang maghirap hang
gang sa siya na mismo ang humiling sa akin na patayin ko na lang siya." Tatay pa
used. Bigla siyang umupo. I gasped when I saw a tear escaped from his eye. I bit
my lower lip.
Tatay never cried. Ito iyong unang pagkakataon na nakita ko siyang umiyak. Ang t

ahimik na paghikbi ni Tatay ay napalitan ng paghagulgol. Napaiyak na rin ako.


"I just... I just couldn't accept the fact that I couldn't do anything for my li
ttle girl." He was sobbing hard. Nanuyo ang lalamunan ko.
Isa ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit hindi ko magawang tanggapin ang pagmamahal ko
para kay Hector. Hindi na lang naman ako ang nasasaktan ngayon kundi pati na rin
ang mga magulang ko.
Dahan-dahan kong nilapitan si Tatay at niyakap. He just kept on apologizing to m
e and I just stood there. My whole body was shaking.
"Tay!" Tatay wiped his tears when he the door on his office flung open. Iniluwan
niyon si Yllak. "Tay, si Yna. She left."
My mouth parted. Hindi ko alam kung ilang beses kong kailangan masaktan sa loob
ng araw na iyon. I had three heart aches today - first is when I found out that
Zach slept with another girl, second is when I realized that I'm in love with He
ctor and the third one is, seeing my parents cry.
I actually don't care about Yna right now - I'm worried but I'm more worried abo
ut Nanay. She'll her heart broken and she'll be sad.
Tatay didn't say anything. I just heard him sigh, minutes later, I heard him tal
king to his phone.
"Release him."
I bit my lower lip.
Isa lang ang ibig sabihin nito.
Malaya na si Hector pero wala na sa amin pati si Yna.

--------------------------"Zach, don't you even remember my name?"


I wasn't really paying attention to the woman who was giving me
biting her lip. I was looking at her but I'm seeing Yza. Si Yza
her but things just can't fall into places right now. The woman
my legs opened her mouth again and put my length inside of her
ook my head. I tried to concentrate. Sex used to calm me down it just doesn't work.

a head. She was


- I really love
in the middle of
wet mouthy. I sh
but right now -

I wanted to see Yza. Gusto ko siyang habulin kanina pero hindi ko nagawa. Yngrid
kissed me and things got messy. Dumating iyong asawa niya at nasapak ako. I was
really pissed dahil hindi ko nasundan si Yza at hindi ko alam kung anong nangya
ri sa kanya.
"Stop." I ordered her. Tumigil siya. She looked at me. I stood up and pulled my
pants up. I looked at my watch - it's two thirty in the morning and I'm still wo
ndering where the hell is my girlfriend. Umuwi ako na siya ang nasa isip. Hindi
ako nagsasalita. Hindi ko rin alam kung anong iisipin ko. Gusto kong tanungin ku
ng anong iniisip niya at kung bakit siya umalis. Ano ba kasing sinabi ni Yngrid
sa kanya? I sighed when I realized that there was a big possibility that Yngrid
told Yza what she saw - maybe she told Yza that she saw Yna and knowing Yza, bak
a kung ano na ang inisip noon.

I stopped dead when I saw a figure standing in front of my door. It's two thirty
in the morning and I never realized that she'll be here.
"Zach..." Tawag niya sa akin. She walked towards me and hugged me tightly. I clo
sed my eyes and hugged her back. Yza - my Yza - my life - my happiness. I don't
ever want to lose her again.
"Baby, I'm sorry." I whispered to her. Yza nodded. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya a
t pumasok kami sa loob ng unit ko. She was still holding my hand. Naupo kami sa
sofa at saka siya muling humilig sa akin.
"Ayoko sa bahay." She said. "Ayoko talaga." She was crying again. I just sat wit
h her and played with her hair.
"I never slept with Yna." Bigla kong sinabi. Hindi siya nagsalita. "Naghubad siy
a sa harapan ko, Yza. Yngrid saw her but nothing ever happened to me and her. Pa
ra ko na siyang kapatid."
"Hindi... hindi naman ako nagtatanong." Mahinang wika niya. Hindi na ako nagsali
ta. We just sat with each other and waited for something to happen. Masaya na ak
o sa ganito. Iyong magkasama kami - iyong katabi ko siya at tahimik kami. Kahit
ilang beses siyang magkamali ay tatanggapin ko siya - kahit ilang beses siyang m
agduda sa pagmamahal ko para sa kanya, tatanggapin ko siya dahil siya ang buhay
ko at mahal na mahal ko siya.
"I love you, Yza..." Sabi ko sa kanya. What she said next shocked me.
"Zach, make love to me."
Slowly, I tilted my head to her. She was looking at me with so much intensity in
her eyes. Naghahanap ako ng pagdududa sa mga mata niya pero wala akong nakita.
She slowly bent her head forward.
"You heard me. Make love to me, Zach." Naiiyak na sabi niya. "Take me..."
My mouth parted. I didn't even need to think. I just had to move. I pulled her c
loser to kiss her and she kissed me back with the same passion. Her hands went s
traight to my buttons and started unbuttoning my shirt. Yza's kisses were fiery
hot - I just missed how she kissed me like she was actually afraid of losing me.
I missed her being like this to me - aggressive and demanding - iyon ang Yza ko.
I held her waist. I made her lie on her back and started undressing her. Bawat
haplos ng kamay ko ay sinusundan ko ng halik. In my head - I wanted to erase Hel
ios' mark on her body. I wanted her to know that she's mine and no matter what h
appens - we'll be together - no matter how fucked up our relationship will be.
A moan escaped from her lips as I took one of her nipples in my mouth. My hand t
ravelled down her. Her mouth parted a bit when she felt me caressing her sacred
part. I was just looking at her as I do all those things to her. I want her mine
.
I want her so much.
"Zach, ohhh..." She was moaning. I was really happy. She was moaning and groanin
g my name. Mine alone. Walang ibang lalaki. Ako lang. Akin siya at kahit kailan
ay hindi na mababago iyon.
I pulled my pants down and positioned myself in the middle of her. I held her wa
ist.

"Baby, I love you." I told her as I entered her. She gasped a bit. "I love you,
Yza. So much. I love you, baby."
"Baby..." She whispered. I saw tears coming down on her eyes. She bit her lower
lip. Hinanap kong muli ang intensidad na nakita ko kanina sa kanyang mga mata pe
ro wala na iyon, napalitan na iyon ng iba at ayokong bigyan ng pangalan.
I kept on moving. I was really happy. Finally, I'm doing this with the woman I l
ove with all my heart. She's no virgin but for me it's still the same. Her virgi
nity won't ever define the way I love her. I love her and that was all that matt
ers.
I love her. I really do.
I felt her release. I wanted to keep still but I just couldn't anymore. I thrust
hard and let myself come inside her. After that, I kissed her passionately. She
kissed me back but I felt like it lacked emotion.
I looked at her.

"Please, Yza... Let me be the one..."


<center><h1>19. Turn myself</h1></center>
<hr>
I woke up. Yes I did. It wasn't a dream. I woke up and I'm still alive. The men
who abducted me left me in the middle of nowhere with my wounds still bleeding.
Maybe I really deserve this - I am a demon and being hurt like this suits me. Al
am kong hindi ako mapapatawad ng mga Consunji lalo na ng ama ni Yza dahil sa gin
awa ko sa kanya. I know for a fact that he wanted so much to kill me at hindi ko
alam kung ikatutuwa ko ba ang katotohanan na binuhay at pinakawalan ko kahit na
hindi ko alam kung nasaan ako.
Lumiko ako at paglabas ko ay napansin ko ang pagdami-daming sasakyan. I am in th
e city again. I know I look like a creep but I don't care. I needed to get back.
I needed tro call someone but I don't have anything with me right now. I have m
yself but that wasn;t enough. I kept on walking, I was losing my breath. Pakiram
dam ko sa bawat hakbang na kukunin ko ay mamamatay ako. Napasandal ako sa pader.
I closed my eyes and tried to catch my breath. As if on cue - I closed my eyes
and I saw her face again - Yza's face and the way she looks at the boy - it hurt
s so much - more than the fact that I have been held captive by her father and h
er uncles for days. Mas kaya ko pang tanggapin na lang ang kamatayan kaysa ang k
atotohanan na kahit na gaano ko siya kamahal - yes I do love her. If I were a wi
zard of Oz character - I'd be the tin man - the one without the heart - and I gr
ew my heart not because of the witch but because of Yza Consunji and no matter h
ow comforting that thought is: it's just not enough.
I love her and the most painful part of loving someone is seeing them happy with
the person they love.
"Kuya!"
Wala na akong maintindihan. Naririnig ko ang mga boses na iyon - boses ng mga ba
tang hindi ko alam kung saan nagmula pero alam kong nilapitan nila ako. Nakaupo
na ako ngayon sa sidewalk at pilit humihinga kahit pakiramdam ko ay unti-unti na
ng kinakapos ng hangin ang puso ko.
"Mama, okay ka lang?!"

"Tulong! Tulong!"
Iyon ang mga salitang naririnig ko. Unti-unti ay humihina ang tunog sa paligid.
Para bang nakakatulog ako. Para bang hindi ko na alam kung saan ako pupunta o ku
ng anong mangyayari sa kinabukasan. Hindi ko na talaga alam - ang tanging malina
w lang sa akin ay ang katotohanan na ang mukha niya at ang pagmamahal ko sa kany
a ang tanging bagay na maaaring maging dahilan ng susunod kong buhay pero ang pa
gmamahal na nararamdaman ko sa kanya at ang pagmamahal na nararamdaman niya para
sa iba ang papatay sa akin sa buhay ko ngayon.
I just wished I could go back and changed the way I treated her. I should've bee
n more careful. I should've been more respectful. I should've been a much better
person - siguro kung ganoon nga ang nangyari o kung ganoon ang ginawa ko p- mas
may tsansa ako sa kanya - para sa kanya - para sa aming dalawa pero wala.
I can never change the way I treated her. I have violated her and I don't know w
hat to do to make the wrong things right again.
I know but I don't know how to or where to start...
If only I could.
----------------------I woke up that morning and I realized that it wasn't a dream. She's with me - by
my side sleeping like a little kid while I look at her. Masaya ako dahil siya a
ng kasama ko. Masaya ako dahil alam kong ako ang pinili niya - masaya ako. I kis
sed her forehead, I kissed her cheeks. I wanted to wake her up - I want her to s
ee me - I want her to realize that I am the one for her - the only one - walang
ibang choice - walang ibang tao - ako lang.
Gusto kong ma-realize niya na si Yza Joan ay para lamang kay Zachary Drew - that
first love lasts - that no matter what she did or what happened - she will alwa
ys be my dear Yza - the one who made me feel the things I never though existed b
efore. My first love and my last.
She stirred a bit. Dahan-dahan niyang ibinukas ang kanyang mga mata. Ngumiti ako
. "Good morning, baby." I told her. Yza gave me a weak smile. She looked around
the room and sighed.
"I need to go home, Zach." Mahinang sabi niya. Napangiti na lang ako. Gusto ko p
a sanang mag-usap kaming dalawa. Gusto kong magkalinawan kaming dalawa pero kung
hindi pa siya handa - hindi ko siya pipilitan. I will be patiently waiting for
her to get ready. Alam kong nakakaramdam siya ng inhibitions pero gusto kong ipa
ramdam sa kanya na ang nangyari sa amin ay walang kaso - what happened last nigh
t was very special. I loved every moment of it.
I have slept with other women before but I never felt what I felt last night. It
was as if a big hole in my heart had been closed and that is all because of her
.
Dali-dali siyang tumayo. Pinulot niya ang kanyang mga damit at saka pumasok sa b
athroom. Nagbihis na rin naman ako. Naghintay ako sa kanya. Hindi nagtagal ay lu
mabas na siya ng bathroom. She's good as new .
I smiled. "Let's go..." Nakangiting sabi ko. Nakatungo si Yza na inabot ang kama
y ko. Malamig iyon - marahil Kinakabahan siya. Lumabas kami ng unit ko. Hawak ko
pa rin ang kamay niya. Gusto ko siyang kausapin pero dahil hindi siya nagsasali
ta ay hindi na rin ako nagsabi.

Sumakay kami sa kotse. Napakatahimik ng buong byahe. Alam ko - nararamdaman ko n


a hindi na siya ang Yza ko. Hindi na siya sa akin at alam kong malalim ang iniis
ip niya. Gusto kong malaman kung anong nasa utak niya. Iiwan na ba niya ako? Kun
g iiwan na niya ako bakit? Hindi pa ba ako sapat para sa kanya? Mahal ko siya. A
lam kong mahal niya ako. May mga bagay lang na nangyari na naging dahlia ng pagk
alito niya pero alam kong mahal niya ako. Mahal pa ako ni Yza.
"Mahal kita." Mahinang sabi ko. Inihinto ko ang kotse sa tapat ng bahay nila. Sh
e didn't say a word. I looked back at her. Nakita kong nakakuyom ang mga palad n
iya at mula sa kanyang mga mata ay may tumulong mga luha.
"Yza..." Tawag ko. Dahan-dahan siyang lumingon sa akin. She was biting her lip.
Hilam na ng luha ang kanyang mga mata.
"Z-zach..." She started. Kabang-kaba ako. "Zach I'm sorry." Noon ay nagtuloy ang
pag-iyak niya. Natulala ako. Parang isang libong punyal ang tumusok sa dibdib k
o. Three words pa lang ang nasasabi niya ay gumuho na ang buong mundo ko.
"Zach, I'm sorry.,"Napahikbi siya. Napahawak ako sa manibela - mahigpit. Damangdama ko sa dibdib ko ang sakit.
Paanong ang babaeng minahal ko ng buong puso ko ay hindi na ako ang mahal ngayon
?
"I tried... I did... I promised I tried but I just couldn't anymore..." Muli na
namang siyang humikbi. "Mahal kita...."
"Pero hindi na sapat para makalimutan mo siya?" Malamig na tanong ko.
"Hindi na sapat..." She said. I don't know if her honesty is making things hard
or easy - I just couldn't think straight anymore.
"Putang ina, Yza." I whispered. "BINABOY KA NIYA! BINABOY KA NIYA pero nagawa mo
siyang mahalin! PAANO MO MAMAHALIN ANG ISANG TAONG NANAKIT SA'YO AT SA PAMILYA
MO?!"
"Hindi ko alam! Maybe because I have seen his good side! I have seen him with Yn
a! He's a good brother! He's a good man for loving Manang Bining and the people
around him!"
"He is cruel!"
"I know..."
"Yza bakit?" Mahinang tanong ko.
"Gustuhin ko mang sagutin pero hindi ko kaya." Mahinang wika niya. "Maybe we're
just not meant to be..." Suminghap siya.
"Hindi." Matigas na sabi ko. "Ibig sabihin lang noon, mababaw ang pagmamahal mo
sa akin."
"Kung mababaw, bakit ko ibinigay ang sarili ko sa'yo?" Tiningnan niya ako. "I di
d that because I wanted to make sure that I still love you pero---"
"Tang ina! Wag mo nang ituloy!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.
"Mahal kita, Zach--------"

"Kung mahal mo ako, mahal mo ako, walang tanong, walang duda, ako ang pipiliin m
o kahit na gaano karaming beses ninyo pa ginawa ni Helios ang bagay na iyon! She
fucking raped you!"
"He did! Akala mo ba tanggap ko?! Hindi ko matanggap!" Paos na sabi niya. "Pero
ayokong masaktan ka. Tama na iyon. Mahal mo ako at ito na lang ang tanging magag
awa ko para sa'yo... ang palayain ka. I owe that to you, Zachary. I'm sorry."
Yza opened the door and left. Naiwan ako sa loob ng sasakyan. I was watching her
- my life as she leaves. Unti-unti akong namamatay.
---------------------------------Hindi ko alam. Pero ang pagpapalaya kay Zachary Drew ang pinakatamang gawin sa m
ga oras na iyon. Ayoko nang makasakit. Ayoko na siyang masaktan. Alam kong hindi
na tama ang pagmamahal ko para sa kanya kaya kahit alam kong makakasakit sa kan
ya ay ginawa ko - pinalaya ko siya - dahil iyon ang tama at dahil gusto ko siyan
g masaya.
I don't deserve him or Hector. I don't deserve Zach because I fell out of love w
ith him. I don't deserve Hector because he violated me - I realized that I don't
deserve any man at all. I just wanted to be happy now. Kung paano ako magiging
masaya ay hindi ko alam pero isang paraan doon ang pagpapalaya kay Zach.
"Yza..." Bumukas ang pinto ng aking silid at mula doon ay pumasok sa silid ko. S
he was wearing a pink dress and a matching light pink shoes. Lumapit siya sa aki
n at hinagkan ako sa pisngi.
Ilang araw na rin ang nakalipas nang mangyari ang nangyari kay Zach at hanggang
ngayon ay wala akong lakas ng loob para harapin ang lahat. Gusto ko munang mapag
-isa.
"Yza..." Tawag ni Niki. She sighed. "Yza magsalita ka naman."
"Paano ko nagawang mahalin si Hector, Nikita?" Tanong ko sa kanya. She sighed. H
inawakan niya ang kamay ko.
"You lived in an artificial world, Yza. Siya lang at ikaw - kahit na gaano siya
kasama - hindi pa rin mapipigilan ang attachment na mararamdaman mo sa kanya. Yo
u are attached to him - you're not in love."
"I am attached to him." Sabi ko. "And I'm also in love with him."
"You're not."
"Yes I am." Napahagulgol ako. Ilang araw na akong iyak nang iyak dahil lang sa k
atotohanan na mahal ko si Hector at kahit anong gawin ko ay parang hindi mawawal
a iyon.
"Yza..."
"I slept with Zach, Niki, para malaman ko kung mahal ko pa siya pero wala." Umiy
ak ako. "Ni wala akong naramdaman." I put my hands over my mouth. "I wanted to f
eel something but it's empty. Nothing's in there anymore and I wanted so much to
have something pero wala. Anong gagawin ko?
"Yza..."
Nikita hugged me. "Anong gagawin ko?"

"Kung mahal mo si Demitri, then you know what to do. You have to forget him."
I looked at Nikita. She was crying too. I looked at her eyes and I know that she
's right. I have to forget Hector. Wala siyang maidudulot na maganda.
-------------------------------------"Kuya, kailan tayo aalis at pupunta sa Greece? I have never been in there."
Ngumiti ako habang nakatingin kay Leigh. She was peeling the apple off. Hindi ko
masyadong matandaan ang kwento kung paano nila ako nakita sa ospital. Leigh kne
w about the abduction - Kathryna told her. Hinanap daw nila ako sa lahat ng ospi
tal ang luckily, she found me.
Sa akin na siya nakatira. I got what I wanted anyway - my sister and she loves m
e now. Kung noon nangyari ito - siguro nagtatalon ako sa tuwa pero sa ngayon kah
it na nandito si Leigh sa tabi ko - isa lang ang naiisip ko - si Yza pa rin.
Halos ilang araw na ang nakalipas pero ni hindi ko sinusubukang makibalita sa ka
nila. Leigh didn't want to talk about her foster family - sabi niya ay galit siy
a sa mga ito. Hindi ako kumibo. Wala akong karapatan para dagdagan pa ang galit
na nararamdaman niya para sa mga ito.
The Consunji's treated her well. I know that. Yza never forgot to remind me. And
seeing her now, I know that she is a good person. Her parents did well in rais
ing her.
"Kuya..." Tawag niya sa akin. "Hmp, iniisip mo si Yza no? Wag mong isipin iyon.
Masaya iyon kay Zach." Sabi niya sa akin. Ngumisi lang ako. Hindi ko alam kung t
ama pa bang masaktan ako. Mahal ko naman si Yza pero wala akong karapatan para m
anghingi o umasa. Kahit kailan ay hindi ako aasa.
"Kuya!"
"Leigh, aalis muna ako." Paalam ko sa kanya. Tinaasan niya ako ng kilay. Kinuha
ko ang baston ko - masakit pa rin kasi ang binti ko hanggang ngayon dahil sa bal
ing tumama sa akin noong kunin ako ng mga Consunji.
"Saan ka pupunta? Anong oras ka babalik?" Sunod - sunod na tanong niya. I just s
miled. Tumayo ako at humarap sa kanya. Ginulo ko ang buhok niya.
"While I'm gone si Manang muna ang bahala sa'yo. Aalagaan ka noon." Sabi ko. Ngu
muso siya sa akin.
"Kung magsalita akala mo aalis nang matagal. Bumalik ka agad ha? Magluluto ako p
ara sa'yo, Kuya!" Masayang sabi niya. Tumango ako. Tuwing tinatawag niya akong k
uya ay ganoon na lamang ang paglukso ng puso ko.
Hindi na ako kumibo. Tumalikod ako at lumabas ng silid. Naiwan si Leigh doon. Si
nalubong ako ni Kath na lumuluha pati na rin ni Manang Bining. I just smiled at
them. Manang Bining hugged me.
"Take care of her, Manang, please." Sabi ko.
Iniwan ko silang lumuluha. Kasunod ko ang dalawa kong tauhan.
"Sir?"
"Doon muna." Mahinang utos ko. Tiningnan ko ang orasan ko. It's two thirty in th
e afternoon - traffic pero hindi naman ganoon katagal Lumipas ang ilang sandal a

y nakarating na kami sa village kung nasaan ang mga Consunji. Gusto ko lang nama
n siyang makita bago ako tuluyang umalis.
At mukhang umaayon sa akin ang tadhana dahil nakita ko kaagad siya sa village pa
rk, nakaupo at tila nag-iisip. Ipinahinto ko ang sasakyan. Dahan-dahan akong bum
aba. Gusto ko siyang makita ng malapitan.
Hindi pa man ako nakakalapit ay tumingin siya sa direksyon ko. Hindi ko alam kun
g nakita ba niya ang pangungulila sa mga mata ko. Kung halata ba niya ang paghah
anap ko sa kanya.
Tears started falling in her eyes. "Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Tanong niya sa akin
. Ano pa nga bang sasabihin ko?
"Yza..." Tinawag ko siya. Nabigla ako nang tumakbo siya sa akin at yumakap. Iyak
siya nang iyak. Nanginginig ang buo niyang katawan.
"Take me away, Hector. Just for once, please..." Halos nagmamakaawa ang boses ni
ya. Hindi na ako nag-isip. Isinakay ko siya sa kotse at mabilis na inutusan ang
driver ko. Hindi ko alam kung anong balak ni Yza o kung anong tumatakbo sa isipa
n niya pero kung nais niyang kunin ko siya ay talagang gagawin ko - makasama lan
g siyang muli.
Natagpuan ko ang aming mga sarili sa loob ng isang silid sa isang five star hote
l. The need to be with her and the urge to be inside her again just like the las
t time we were together enveloped my whole being. I missed her and the taste of
her lips, I missed her and the warmth of her skin. I missed her and her moans an
d the way she calls me:
"Hector..." She was biting her lips as I thrust inside of her. I was just watchi
ng her. Her eyes are on mine and she was smiling. My heart melted. She finally g
ave me a smile - a smile that is for my eyes only. A smile that I will take as o
ne of my good memories.
I felt her release and mine came after that. We lied on the bed. Not talking to
each other - just feeling the warmth of our nakedness - just being contented wit
h what we have.
"I love you..." I finally had the courage to say. I looked at her.
"Mali ito." Sabi niya.
"Alam ko." Mabilis kong sagot. We just eyed each other. I hugged her closer. I w
as just eyeing her as she falls asleep. I stared at her face - memorizing everyt
hing for I know that this will be the last time I'll ever see her.
Nang masiguro kong tulog na si Yza ay saka ako tumayo para magbihis. Muli akong
lumabas ng silid.
Nakita ko ang driver at body guard ko sa labas na naghihintay sa akin. "It's tim
e." I told them. Tumango sila parehas at inalalayan ko. Sumakay muli ako sa kots
e.
"Pagkatapos nito, balikan ninyo siya at ihatid sa kanila. Make sure that she's s
afe."
Iyon ang unang sinabi ko matapos huminto ng sasakyan. Hindi sila kumibo. Ngumiti
na lang ako.
"It's nice working with you."

Bumaba ako ng kotse at dahan-dahang lumakas papasok sa isang lugar na kahit kail
an ay hindi ko iniisip na pupuntahan ko.
"Good afternoon, sir." Bati sa akin ng lalaking naka-kulay asul na uniporme. Ngu
miti siya sa akin. Tumango ako.

I took a deep breath. "I'm here to turn myself in." Malinaw na sabi ko. "I commi
ted a crime, officer, at nandito ako para sumuko."
<center><h1>20. It will</h1></center>
<hr>
Three months later.
My heart is throbbing so fast. I couldn't even find the air I need to breath. Na
kaupo lang ako sa isang mahabang bangkito habang naghihintay . Dama ko ang tingi
n sa akin ng ibang tao sa loob ng lugar na iyon. Hindi ko alam kung dahil kakaib
a ako o kung dahil nakilala nila ako. I stood up right after seeing him walking
towards me. Nakasuot siya ng kulay dalandang damit - those shirts the prisoners
wear. Nakakunot ang noo niya habang papalapit siya sa akin. Naikuyom ko naman an
g mga palad ko.
In front of me is the man who has stolen everything away from me.
"Zachary Drew." Binanggit niya ang pangalan ko na para bang may galit na namuo s
a kanyang lalamunan. Napangisi ako. Bakit siya magagalit? Kung tutuusin ako ang
may galit sa kanya. Kinuha niya sa akin ang pinakaimportanteng bagay sa buhay ko
- ang dahilan kung bakit ako humihinga.
"Bakit ka nagpunta? Are you enjoying the fact that I am behind bars?" Sarkastiko
ng wika niya. Huminga ako ng malalim. Hector Santillan or Helios Demitri or what
ever he wanted to call himself - but for me he's just the devil who stole the lo
ve of my life - was found guilty without reasonable doubt. Habambuhay ang sentes
ya sa kanya. Masaya ako sa kaalamang iyon pero ang totoo - parang pareho lang ka
ming nahatulan - sa kanya pagkakakulong, sa akin ay kamatayan dahil hindi ko na
maibabalik pa si Yza.
"Yes I am." Mahinang wika ko.
"Take a picture, it will last longer." Wika pa niya. Umiling ako.
"Kulang pa ito sa ginawa mo, Helios." Inis na sabi ko. "Ninakaw mo ang lahat sa
akin. SI Yza, ang pagmamahal niya at ang buhay ko. Hindi pa sapat ang habambuhay
na pagkakakulong sa'yo."
"Oo, ninakaw ko si Yza. Pero kung matalino ka at kung mahal mo siyang talaga, ga
gawan mo ng paraan ang lahat. If something got stolen, will you do everything ju
st to take it back?"
He said those words as if he was challenging me. I stood up. Kinuwelyuhan ko siy
a. Napatingin sa amin ang mga pulis at ang ibang naroon na dumadalaw lang sa pam
ilya nila.
"Ang kapal ng mukha mo, demonyo ka!" Sigaw ko sa kanya.
"Make her fall in love again, Zach." He said while gritting his teeth. Naramdama
n ko ang mga kamay ng isang pulis sa balikat ko. May humawak na rink ay Helios.
Pinaglayo kaming dalawa. Hindi pa rin ako tumigil.

"Even if you didn't say those words. I'll do it! I'll make her fall for me! Just
like what I promised to her father!" Gigil na gigil na sabi ko. I looked at him
. Walang ekspresyon ang mababanaag sa mukha niya. "Hindi mo alam kung anong paki
ramdam ng nawalan!"
"Do you hear yourself, Zach?" He started. "I could've been happy living in Greec
e by now. I could've done something to take Yza with me pero nasaan ba ako? I'm
in jail paying for what I did to her. My father once said that love makes a pers
on weak - and he's right. Love makes a person weak. Yza is my weakness but she i
s also my strength. She made me who I am. She made me remember who I was and she
made me realize who I want to be. Kaya kung sinasabi mo na nawalan ka, mas mala
ki ang nawala sa akin. I lost my chance with her that night I violated her. You
have your chance, Zach - you never lost it - all you have to do is wait - kahit
gaano ka katagal maghintay, nandyan siya. Samantalang ako, kahit na gaano ako ka
tagal maghintay wala na. She will never be with me. She'll never be mine."
Hindi ako nakakibo. He looked at the police officer behind him. "Pakibalik na ak
o. If ever he visits again, wag ninyo na lang akong palabasin."
Tinalikuran niya ako. Gustong-gusto ko siyang saktan pero naisip ko na wala na r
in namang kwenta dahil lahat ng sinabi niya ay tama. He will never have Yza, he
lost his chance at him at ako, malaki ang pag-asa ko. Mahal ko si Yza at kahit g
aano ako katagal maghintay - maghihintay ako para lang makasama siya.
Umalis ako sa kulungan at dumiretso sa sasakyan. Halos paliparin ko iyon patungo
sa mansyon ng mga Consunji. Doon, hinanap ko si Yza. Gusto ko siyang makausap.
It's been three months since I last talked to her. Huli ko siyang nakausap noong
araw na bumaba ang hatol kay Helios. Everyone was shocked because he was found
guilty. I guess the statement of Manang Bining helped a lot. Marami akong nariri
nig noon - bakit daw nag-witness si Manang Bining samantalang halos anak-anakan
na nito si Helios.
I found Yza sitting inside the gazebo - para bang malalim ang iniisip niya. "Yza
."
She looked back at me. She smiled. Her eyes were the same as before. Wala na iyo
ng kalungkutan, wala na iyong emptiness. My Yza is back.
"Hello, Zach." She greeted me. I took a deep breath and sat beside her. Inabot k
o ang kamay niya. Walang nagbago, mahal ko pa rin siya. Siya pa rin noon, ngayon
at alam kong siya pa rin sa hinaharap. Hindi na iyon mababago, nakasulat na kam
ing dalawa sa tadhana.
"I love you." Iyon agad ang lumabas sa bibig ko. She took a deep breath. Binawi
niya ang kamay niya sa akin.
"Zach..." Her voice was a bit shaky. "What I told you before, hindi nagbabago iy
on."
My heart broke again. "I set you free. I owe that to you and I won't even ask yo
u to be friends with me. Just go on with your life, Zach. You don't deserve me.
I don't deserve you. May ibang tao pang mas nakakahigit sa akin - iyong taong ma
mahalin ka ng hindi nalilito." Ngumiti siya. Nakita kong nag-unahan na naman ang
mga luha sa kanyang mga mata.
"Pinipili mo pa rin siya kahit na binaboy ka niya." Inis na inis na sabi ko. "Ho
w can you love someone like him!"
"I do love him, Zach. But after all that happened, sa tingin mo pipiliin ko pa r
in siya?" Mariing wika niya. "I'm setting you free. That is enough. I'm sorry."

Mahinang wika niya sa akin. Natulala ako. How can one person break my heart over
and over again?
Tumayo ako. I left the mansion. I never even bothered looking back at her. Right
now my heart is breaking at hindi ko alam kung kailan titigil iyon.
----------------------"So hanggang kailan ka sa Prague?"
Nginitian ko si Nikita. Inaayos namin ang mga gamit na dadalhin ko sa Prague. I'
ll be leaving tonight. I'll start from there. Kailangan ko na kasing gumalaw. Ka
ilangan ko nang kalimutan ang lahat ng bagay na nangyari sa akin dito. Hindi mag
iging madali ang paggalaw kung dito lang ako. I needed a change of scenery.
"Hindi ko alam, Niki. Baka magtagal ako. Doon ko na tatapusin iyong degree ko."
Malumanay na sabi ko sa kanya. Tinigilan niya ang pag-eempake ng damit ko at hum
arap sa akin.
"Wala na ba talagang Yza at Zach?" Tanong niya sa akin. Tumigil rin ako. I swall
owed hard tapos ay ngumiti.
"Wala na." I took a deep breath. "I love him pero kailangan ko na siyang palayai
n. I owe it to him. Kung para sa kanya unfair, para sa akin hindi. This is the r
ight thing to do."
"Paano si Helios? Sabi mo mahal mo siya." Mahinang wika niya. Alam kong hindi ta
nggap ni Nikita ang nararamdaman ko para kay Hector. "Paano mo ba minahal iyon,
Yza? Ang sama ng ugali noon!"
"I don't know, Niki." I just said. "Maybe I fell in love with him unconsciously
that moment when I saw the boy Manang Bining calls Hector. Iyong moment na mahin
a siya, nag-iisa at napaka-vulnerable. I loved him that moment - I realized that
he's a human being - that he just wanted to be loved. He loves Yna too - he's a
good person."
"May third eye ka ba? Bakit nakikita mo ang mga bagay na iyan samantalang ako, h
indi?" Hindi na lang ako kumibo. Kinuha ko ang cardigan ko at inilagay iyon sa
maleta. Nikita spoke again.
"Yza, buntis ako."
Nanginig ang buong katawan ko. I looked at her. She was smiling. Nakahawak siya
sa abdomen niya. She was even biting her lower lip. "Hindi ko pa nasasabi kay Yt
o, gusto ko kasi ikaw ang unang makaalam. So, ayun nga, buntis ako, two months."
She was smiling. Masayang-masaya rin naman ako para sa kanya. Niyakap ko siya a
t saka hinalikan sa pisngi.
"Kailan mo sasabihin?" Tanong ko.
"Balak ko, the night before the wedding pero may honeymoon pa kasi so the day af
ter the honeymoon na lang!" Humahagikgik na sabi ni Nikita. Napailing na lang di
n ako. Kitang-kita ko naman kung gaano niya kamahal si Yto at kung gaano siya ka
mahal ni Yto.
Minsan naiisip ko na gusto ko rin ng ganoong klase ng pagmamahal. Iyong pagkatap
os ng lahat ng hirap at sakit ay may happy ending na naghihintay. I want somethi
ng like that but I know, deep inside of me, hindi ako handa. Hindi pa ako handa.
Pagkatapos ng lahat ng nangyari sa akin, hindi ko alam kung kailan ako magiging
handa. I guess I have to find myself again.

Iyong sarili kong palaging nakangiti - iyong sarili kong masaya lang. I want to
meet the seven year old girl who believed that her teeth was just caught in traf
fic. Gusto ko ulit maging si Yza Joan at hindi si Yza lang. Gusto kong maging da
ting ako at magagawa ko lang iyon sa oras na malayo na ako sa lahat.
Biglang bumukas ang pinto ng silid ko. Iniluwa niyon si Yto. He was obviously lo
oking for Nikita. Nakakatuwa silang tingnan, they're wearing a pair of matching
red v-neck shirts.
"Yto ko!" Nakangiting bati ni Niki. She stood up and kissed Yto. Yto wrapped his
arms around her.
"I missed you." Yto said.
"PDA much?" Nang-aasar na sabi ko. Inirapan ako ni Yto. Yto just shook his head.
"May gustong kumausap sa'yo." Sabi niya sa akin. Tumaas ang kilay ko. He looked
back and I saw Yna standing outside my door. She was wearing a blue knee-length
dress. Umalis si Yto at si Nikita. Nikita winked at me as if telling me that thi
ngs will be fine.
"Yza..." Tinawag niya ako. Nahigit ko ang aking hininga. Hindi na niya ako tinat
awa na ate. Hindi ako nagsalita. Isinara niya ang pinto at saka huminga ng malal
im.
"Aalis na ako." Wika niya. "Nagpunta lang ako para magpaalam kay Nanay at Tatay
. Para huming nga tawad kay Tatay at sa'yo." Pahina nang pahina ang boses niya.
"Saan ka pupunta?" Tanong ko.
"Sa Greece. Sabi ni Kuya, doon na ako. Ibinilin niya ako kay Manang Bining. He o
wns a piece of land in there - a winery. Doon na ako titira."
"Kaya mong iwan siya?" Tanong ko. Yna shook her head.
"I want to stay but every time I visit him, sinasabi niyang umalis ako. He want
s me to start a new, pero gusto ko siyang makasama pero hindi naman pwede."
Iyak nang iyak si Yna habang nakatayo sa harapan ko. Gusto ko siyang yakapin per
o binawalan ko ang sarili ko. I want her to realize something.
"Ate, I'm sorry." Biglang niyang nasabi. Huminga ako ng malalim. Tuwing iiyak si
Yna ay nasasaktan ako. I grew up with her. I took care of her most of the times
. Mahal na mahal ko siya at sa tuwing iiyak siya ay parang gumuguho ang buong mu
ndo ko.
"For everything. For the words I said, for trying to take Zach away from you." S
he gasped. I didn't take my eyes off her. Nagpatuloy siya. "Mahal ko si Zach, at
e pero mahal ka niya. I think you did a pretty messed up decision by picking Kuy
a Hector. How can you pick Kuya over ZD?"
"I didn't choose Hector." Sabi ko. She looked at me.
"He loves you, that's why he's in jail."
Napalunok ako. "It's his decision, not mine." Ngumiti ako sa kanya. "Sumuko siya
. Pero ayokong isipin na para sa akin. Ginawa niya iyon para sa sarili niya dahi
l alam niyang nagkamali siya. I didn't ask him to turn himself. He did because h
e realized something."

Malumanay na sabi ko. "Kung hindi siya sumuko, idedemanda mo siya?" Humihikbi si
Yna. Ngumiti ako. Matagal ko nang pinag-isipan ang bagay na iyon.
"Oo." I looked away. "No matter how much I love him, gusto ko pa rin ng hustisya
, Yna. "
Hindi siya nakakibo. Sa tingin ko ay ayaw na rin niyang magtanong. Tumango na la
ng siya at umalis. Huminga ako ng malalim. Muli akong nag-ayos ng gamit. Pilit k
ong iwinawaglit sa isipan ko ang mukha ni Hector noong araw na sinabi niya sa ak
ing mahal niya ako.
Sinabi niya rin sa akin iyon noong araw na bumaba ang hatol sa kanya. He came to
me and he said:
"I love you, Yza..." There was hope in his eyes. I shook my head. "Look me in th
e eye and tell me you love me, because I know. I can feel it."
I looked at him pero hindi iyon ang mga salitang binitiwan ko.
"I don't love you, Helios. I never did and I never will. It's all a part of the
plan. I won, I'm free, I got the justice I want and you are going behind bars that's all I wanted."
Kitang-kita ko ang disappointment sa mga mata niya. I wanted to tell him somethi
ng else, pero hindi ko nagawa. Sa tingin ko, mas mabuti na rin iyong ganito - i
yong hindi niya alam kung anong totoo kong nararamdaman.
Nang maayos ko ang mga gamit ko ay bumaba ako. Nakita ko si Nanay na naghahanda
ng hapunan para sa lahat. Tatay was talking to Yllak and Yvo while Yto and Nikit
a were helping nanay at the dining table. This is the last family dinner I'll ha
ve with them, starting tomorrow, wala na ako sa bahay na ito at magsisimula na a
ko ng panibago - na ako lang mag-isa at walang ibang tao.
"Let's eat!" Sabi ko. Tumawa si Tatay. Isa-isa kaming nagsiupuan sa mesa at doon
nagkwentuhan at kumain. Ibang-iba ito sa mga naunang family dinner - wala si Yn
a, wala si Zach pero kahit ganoon ay masaya ako dahil unti-unti, nararamdaman ko
nang bumabalik ang dati kong sarili - ang Yza na masayahin, ang Yza na walang b
akas ng kalungkutan. Unti-unti nabubuo ko ang aking sarili.
Natapos ang hapunan. Tulad nang dati ay tinulungan naming ni Yto si Nanay. Yto w
ashed the dishes while I dry the plates. Si nanay naman ay isa-isang inililigpit
ang mga platong natuyo na. Binitiwan ko ang hawak kong basahan at saka siya niy
akap. Natatakot akong mapalayo pero hindi ako papatalo sa kaisipang iyon.
"I love you, nanay." Sabi ko. Nanay hugged me back.
"I love you, too, kulet." She said. Yto hugged us both.
"Just like before." Mahinang sabi niya. I kissed nanay and Yto. Tama si Yto, tul
ad lang noong dati - noong kaming tatlo pa lang.
Matapos ang tagpong iyon ay naghanda na ako. Alas - nuebe ang flight ko, kailang
an nasa airport na ako bago mag-alas nuebe.
"Yza, let's go!" Narinig kong kumatok si Yto sa pintuan ko. I sighed. Nakaharap
pa ako sa salamin habang hawak ko sa aking kamay ang isang bagay na alam kong ma
giging simula ng pagbabago ng lahat.
I looked at it again.

Two lines.
Positive.
I sighed.
"Yza!"
"Nandyan na! Impatient ka masyado." Sabi ko na lang. Inilagay ko sa bulsa ko ang
bagay na iyon at saka lumabas ng bathroom. I took my luggage and opened my door
. Nakita ko si Yto na naghihintay sa akin. He was smiling pretty wide.
"Niki's pregnant!" Sabi niya bigla.
"Akala ko di niya pa sasabihin." Natatawa ako. He made a face.
"Kahit di niya sabihin, alam ko iyon. Peak niya noon eh, di hindi ko tinanggal."
Nakangising sabi niya. I rolled my eyes.
"Too much information, Yto!"
He kissed my forehead.
"A baby will change everything, Yza. I'm so happy."
A baby will change everything...
Napangiti ako. He's right. He's definitely right because right at this moment, I
knew that my life had changed and it's all because of thos two pink lines.
I never thought that finding me will end this soon. I caressed my belly.
"It will change everything... It will.
Hector changed everything.
<center><h1>Epilogue: This is who I am</h1></center>
<hr>
Five years later...
"I, Gabriel Consunji, take you, Maria Clara Crisostomo as my wife. I promised to
love you and take care of you through good times and bad, in sickness and in he
alth - only death can take us apart."
I was silently watching Gabriel as he puts on the ring on his wife's hand. Nakak
atuwa dahil matapos ang roller coaster ride nilang dalawa ay sa simbahan din pal
a ang tuloy nila. I was actually surprised after receiving an invitation na sina
sabing magpapakasal na si Gabriel. Tinawagan ko kaagad noon si Nikita - who was
very much married to my twin brother and very much in love with their five year
old little girl - si Hyacinth. Tiningnan ko silang dalawa. Yto carried Hya inm h
is arms, he even kissed her cheeks habang si Hya naman ay pilit inaabot ang buho
k ng mommy niya. Yto kissed Nikita too.
It's just heartwarming to see them and their happy family. Umikot muli ang mga m
ata ko at nakita ko si Nanay at Tatay, they were holding hands. Kung may epitome
ng lasting love masasabi ko na iyong ang mga magulang ko iyon. Nakakatuwa kung
iisipin na hanggang ngayon ay parang hindi nababawasan ang pagmamahal nila sa is
a't-isa.
"By the power vested in me by the Catholic Church of the Philippines, I know pro

nounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Everyone stood up after seeing Gab and Mara kissed each other. Napangiwi ako. Th
e kiss lacked something - parang walang spark. Parang walang pagmamahal. I rolle
d my eyes. Humarap silang dalawa sa aming lahat. Gab was smiling habang si Mara
ay nakatungo lang.
"Bakit ganoon, Yzang?" Nilapitan ako ni Niki pagkatapos ng kasal. "Parang kulang
. When Yto and I got married, when he kissed me, everything around became happy
and colorful, pero iyong kay Gab and Mara it something else."
"Girl talk at its best." Napangiti ako nang marinig ko si Yto. Karga niya pa rin
si Hya.
"Tita Yza..." Tinawag ako ni Hya. She wanted to come to me pero natigil kaming l
ahat nang may marinig akong tumawag sa akin.
"Mama! Mama!"
A wide smile formed on my face. I stared at my kids while running towards me. Ki
ds - I had twins - a boy and a girl. Kasunod nilang naglalakad papalapit sa amin
si Yvo. Nakapamulsa siya habang ngiting-ngiting nakatitig sa kambal ko.
"Ang kukulit ate. Si Hyron, palaging inaayaw si Hyan." Natawa ako. I know, my ki
ds names are mouthful but I loved it. Hyron and Hyan - those are their names. Si
Hyron ang lalaki - hes two minutes older than Hyan. Hyan walked towards me and
hugged my leg.
"Mama, Hyron said he doesn't love me." She said. She was very sad. Her green eye
s were about to tear up. Nakita kong nilapitan ni Yto si Hyron.
"You said that?" Ginulo niya ang buhok nito.
"I was just kidding! Of course I love her! She's my sister!" Hyron's mischievous
green eyes met her sister's gaze. "I love you, okay? Nibibiro lang kita." Ngumu
so pa siya.
I smiled. Maya-maya ay tinawag na ang lahat para sa picture taking. I watched Ma
ra as she takes pictures with Gab. Hindi siya masaya. Her eyes were telling anot
her story.
"Congrats, Gab!" Bati ko sa kanya. He just grinned. Napailing ako. Parang hindi
ko rin gusto ang reaksyon ni Gab dito.
Matapos ang picture taking ay isa-isa nang umalis ang mga bisita para sa recepti
on. I took my kids hands and we started walking outside the church.
"Mama, kailan darating si Papa? Ang tagal naman niya." Tanong sa akin ni Hyan. S
he was long up at me.
"Baka nadelay lang ang flight. He'll be here. He promised, remember?" Hinagkan k
o sa ulo si Hyan.
"Papa said, we'll go track racing with Unlce Yto when he comes back. Sana bago t
ayo bumalik sa Prague mama."
"When Papa, promised, ginagawa naman niya, so you don't have to worry." Nakangit
ing sabi ko. Habang papalabas kami ng simbahan ay may naaninag akong isang pamil
yar na bulto ng isang lalaking nakatayo sa may gilid. He was wearing a blue polo
shirt. He's hair was a bit messy but I knew that smile.

"Zach!" Tawag ko sa kanya. Lumapit siya sa akin at saka niyakap ako. I missed hi
m. I have forgotten the last time I saw him pero iyong huling pagkakataong iyon
ang masasabi kong naayos ang lahat sa aming dalawa. We're friends and we managed
to set aside everything that ever happened to us.
"I missed you!" Sabi ko. Natawa siya. Ginulo niya ang buhok ni Hyron at saka ngi
nitian si Hyan.
"Ang laki na ng mga anak mo. Nasaan si Hector? Hindi ba siya darating?" Nakangit
ing tanong niya.
"Darating. Baka na-delay lang ang flight. Pupunta ka nab a sa reception?" Tanong
ko.
"Yup. Convoy na lang tayo." Sabi niya sa akin. Tumango ako at saka naghiwalay na
kami. Isinakay ko sa kotse ang kambal at saka umikot para sumakay na rin.
Life in Prague did me good things. Doon ko mas lalong naintindihan ang sarili ko
, doon ko natanggap ang mga bagay na nangyari sa akin at doon ko isinilang ang d
alawang regalong iniwan sa akin ng taong bumago ng buong buhay ko.
Hyron took Hyan's hand. Palagi niyang ginagawa iyon kapag nagba-byahe kami. I'm
trying to be a good mother to them. Gusto ko silang palakihin sa paraan kung paa
no kami pinalaki ni Nanay noon. Hindi naman mahirap dahil nandyan si Hector para
tulungan ako. He's a good man and I love him so much. I'm sure that he feels th
e same. He's a good father to our children and a good husband to me.
Narating ko ang reception venue. Bumaba ako ng sasakyan at inalalayan ang dalawa
ng makababa na rin. Zach helped me get the kids down.
"Masaya ka ba, ZD?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang pababa ang dalawa. He looked at me
.
"I still love you pero hindi na pwede. Kasal ka na." Nakatawang sabi niya. "Tang
gap na tanggap ko na. Masaya ka kay Hector, mahal ka niya at nakikita ko kung pa
ano ka niya alagaan. Iyon lang naman ang gusto kong mangyari, Yza." He even took
a deep breath. "Kahit hindi ako ang nakapagbigay ng happy ending mo, at least n
akuha mo iyon sa iba at masaya akong masaya ka."
Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. Zach had proven to me so many times that he love
s me pero hindi na kasi pwede. Ayoko naman siyang umasa. I still believe that se
tting him free that day is the best decision I ever made.
"Mama, una na kami sa loob. Nitatawag kami ni Tatay Sancho!" Sigaw ni Hyron. Nat
awa na lang ako. My kids doesn't call Tatay Lolo. Nakasanayan na kasi nila na Ta
tay din ang itawag sa kanya - hindi ko na rin naman naitama. Nakita ko si Tatay
na kinakawayan kaming lahat.
I loved my father for loving my children despite the fact kung paano sila nabuo.
Tumakbo ang kambal sa kanila ni Nanay. Kinarga ni Tatay si Hyan at saka pumasok
sa loob. Binalingan ko si Zach.
"Thank you, Zach."
"You're welcome, Yza. Pasok na ako." Sabi niya sa akin. Nakangiting sinundan ko
siya ng tingin. Nang mawala na siya ay saka lang ako gumalaw. Isinara ko ang sas
akyan at saka naglakad papasok sa venue nang saglit akong matigilan.
My heart throbbed faster. My body shook with I don't know what. I stopped walkin

g and looked at the man standing near the silver SUV. He was wearing an all whit
e ensemble, his green eyes full of longing while looking at me.
Hindi ako makahinga.
It's Hector.
Ngumiti siya sa akin at lumakad papalapit. Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko.
Dama ko sa puso ko ang kaba.
"Mama!"
He was a meter away from me when he stopped. Napatingin siya kay Hyron. He was s
miling at me.
"Mama, nandyan na si Papa!" Masayang sabi niya. "Kausap na siya ni Uncle Yto!" S
igaw niya sa akin. Hyron loves his father so much kaya alam kong masayang-masaya
siya ngayon na nandito na ang Papa niya. Bumaling si Hyron sa aming harapan. Ne
xt moment, nakikipagtitigan na siya kay Hector. Their green eyes met each other.
Hector's eyes were full of confusion. He looked at me, then back to Hyron, then
back to me. I managed to stay expressionless and emotionless.
"Come baby, your father is waiting." Ngumiti ako.
"Mama, the man
o. Tinalikuran
e, my husband.
who manage to

has the same eyes as mine." Sabi niyang bigla. Tumango na lang ak
ko si Hector at pumasok sa loob. Doon nakita ko si Hector Iturald
The man who helped me fix my broken self back in Prague - the man
break the ice I built around me - the man who made me fall.

"Love..." Ngumiti siya sa akin. I hugged him back.


"How was your flight?" I looked at him. His blue eyes were beaming as he looks a
t me. Naramdaman ko iyong goosebumps na palagi kong nararamdaman kapag magkasama
kami.
"Wag kang ganyan at kinikilig ako." Natatawang sabi ko. He kissed my cheeks agai
n.
"I just missed my wife." Natatawa ring wika niya. "The flight is excruciating. W
ala ka saka iyong mga bata. Dapat sumabay na ako noong isang araw. Damn work, lo
ve." His hands snaked around my waist. Bumulong siya sa akin. "I missed you so m
uch..."
"Hector..." I blushed.
"Ay naku! PDA much?!" Narinig kong sumigaw si Nikita. Nagkatawanan kaming tatlo.
Hector just winked at me tapos ay kinuha na niya si Hyan at si Hyron. I watched
them as they mingle with my family.
I am truly happy right now. Seeing him with the kids makes me feel that I really
did a great job picking up the pieces of my life. I've met him, he loved me, I
loved him back and he loves my excess baggage. He made me realized the things I
thought I will never feel. He made me a whole again. He made me who I am today.
And as for the Hector standing outside the venue - I just don't know. I just hop
ed that he had a good life. I somehow know that Yna is taking a pretty good care
of him - and maybe that was the reason why he's here. Nandito si Yna - maybe he
's waiting for her.
I sighed. I remembered the way he looked at Hyron. I knew that he already knew.

Pero hanggang doon na lang iyon.


"Yza, come here, let's take a picture." Nakangiting tinawag ako ng asawa ko. I s
miled pretty wide. Lumapit ako sa kanya.
"Ready, love?"
"Ready."

I posed for the camera and smiled. This is who I am now. Yza Joan Consunji - Itu
ralde. A changed woman, a much stronger one and even though I hate to admit it,
I owe it all to him - to Helios Demitri -the one who have stolen my everything.
<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 1</h1></center>
<hr>
"How's the boy?"
There was a hint of smile on my face while I ask that question to my sister Leig
h. Just like what she usually does every Sunday, she visits me and has lunch wit
h me. She says she misses me and I miss her too - every waking moment of my life
that I'm not by her side - I miss her.
She looked at me and shook her head. "You know, you don't owe him anything. It's
her choice - not yours. She was the one who decided to break things off with hi
m, hindi ikaw, Kuya kaya wala kang dapat ipag-alala kay Zach." Ngumiti siya sa a
kin. Umiling na lang ako.
I've been inside the prison I put myself into. Leigh - my only sister - looked a
t me with amusement in her eyes.
"What?" I asked. I gave her a hint of smile.
"Effective iyong magic ni Yza. Tao ka na." May lungkot sa mga salitang binitiwan
niya. Nag-iwas ako ng tingin. Ayokong tanungin siya ng kahit na anong tungkol k
ay Yza Joan. It's been a year and a half and I haven't heard anything - ni hindi
niya ako nagawang puntahan at bisitahin. She never even told me how she really
feels. I have put my heart on my sleeve for her and yet - I got nothing.
Kung sabagay ay hindi naman ako umaasa. After what I did to her - loving me is t
oo much. I deserve the hate she feels for me. Up until now, I don't know if she
can ever forgive me. Hindi ko alam kung sapat na ipakulong ko ang sarili ko mapa
tawad niya lang ako.
"Kuya, alam mo ba na---"
"How was school?" Pag-iiba ko ng usap. Leigh sighed. She looked at me and smiled
again.
"Good. Kath is helping with everything. In-orient na rin niya ako para sa compan
y mo. Pinapabasa niya sa akin lahat bago ko pirmahan. Ipinakilala niya na ako sa
board." Ngumiti na lang akong ulit. I tried focusing on the fact that I am inte
rested on her school. Interesado naman ako pero hindi ko itatanggi na iniiwasan
kong pag-usapan ang nag-iisang babaeng minahal ko.
Leigh and I talked for another hour. She was as enthusiastic as ever. Ngumingiti
ako sa tuwing may sasabihin siyang masaya pero sa loob ko, naaalala ko ang ngit
i ng babaeng umiwan sa akin. I wonder how she is now, is she even thinking about
me? Naka-move on ba siya? Masaya ba siya?

I want her to be happy - she deserves all the happiness in the world. After what
I did to her - all I want for her is happiness.
"Santillan."
Lumingon ako nang marinig ko ang pangalan ko. I got used to using my real surnam
e - I'm not Helios Demitri anymore - I am Hector Santillan - a human being - a m
an with a broken heart.
"May dalaw ka pa." Sabi ng bantay. Kumunot ang noo ko. Binalingan ko ng tingin s
i Leigh. Tulad ko ay nagtataka rin siya. Nakita ko ang panlalaki ng kanyang mga
mata nang pumasok ang isang lalaki sa visiting area. The man was wearing a signa
ture Armani coat and tie. Leigh's mouth parted. I saw that their eyes met and I
saw longing on my sister's eyes.
"T-tatay..." She even whispered. She stood up. I remained on my seat while eyein
g the mini-reunion of my sister with her foster father. I know that she was abou
t to cry.
"Leigh Santillan." Sancho Consunji spoke her name like it was the dirtiest word
in history. I saw the hurt on her eyes, Nagyuko siya ng ulo.
"K-kuya, aalis na ako." She bid her goodbye at nagmamadaling umalis doon. I just
took a deep breath. I don't want to lose my cool. No matter what I do - Sancho
Consunji will always be the father of the two women I love the most.
"Hector Santillan." Naupos siya sa harapan ko. I eyed him. Sancho Consunji will
always be the devil in the corporate suit. No matter how old he is or how old he
gets - he will always have that certain power I can never understand.
"Why are you here?" I asked him. Ayokong magmukhang kaawa-awa sa harapan niya. H
e grinned at me.
"Gusto kong makita kung paano ka sumadalak sa lupa." He smiled so wide. "Nakuha
mo si Leigh pero hindi ka naman malaya. How was that?"
"You waited for a year before coming here just to tell me that?" I couldn't help
but be sarcastic. I grinned at him. Lumiit ang mga mata ni Sancho Consunji. He
grinned too. He seemed to like the fact that I am talking back.
"No matter what you do, you're still worthless, Santillan." He told me without e
ven blinking. I didn't say anything. I just sat there thinking of the reason why
he's here. He took a deep breath and faced me again.
"I have said this before, no man is ever good enough for my little girl. You hav
e taken her away but this time I'll make sure you won't have her. She's a Consun
ji."
Out of nowhere, he said those words. Lalong hindi ako nakakibo. Anong sasabihin
ko? Bigla kong naalala iyong araw na dinalaw ako ni Sheena Consunji dito sa loob
. She had a very different approach with me. She was kind and warm. She gave me
a smile that made me regret what I did to her family. Yza was just like her - no
ong nakausap ko siya noong araw na iyon pakiramdam ko nasilip ko ang kahit kaunt
ing meron si Yza.
I remember exactly what she told me.
"She gave birth."

My mouth fell. "She's married, Hector. Hindi ako nagpunta dito para saktan ka pe
ro gusto kong malaman mo ang mga bagay-bagay na nangyari sa loob ng isa't kalaha
ting tao."

"Hindi ko po alam ang sasabihin ko." I said truthfully. Sheena Consunji reached
for my hand.
"Do you love my daughter?" Hindi ako lalong nakapagsalita. How can she be so str
aight with me? Yes I do. I love Yza with all my heart. For others, it must be th
e shallow kind of love but it's not. When Yza came to my life - I was blinded by
revenge, but slowly, she gave me light and I saw things - LIFE in a different p
erspective. What's not to love about her?
"Be honest, Hector."
"Yes I do." I finally answered. Humigpit ang hawak niya sa akin. Ngumiti siya.
"I don't like you for my daughter. You have hurt her. You took her away from us.
" Malumanay ang pagsasalita niya. "So if you really love her, please, promise me
that you will never run after her."
What she's asking me is too much. Gusto niyang mangako ako na hindi ko lalapitan
si Yza kahit na anong mangyari, katumbas na rin noon ang pagbawi niya sa buhay
ko. Alaala na lang ni Yza ang meron ako, babawiin pa ba niya iyon?
"She deserves a life, Hector - a life away from you." Wika niya pa. Natitigilan
ako. Hindi ko namalayan ang pagbagsak ng mga luha ko. Sheena Consunji gasped.
"If you really love her, please let her be happy."
"Kaya ko siyang pasiyahin."
"How?" she asked again. "How can she be happy kung makikita ka niya? You violate
d her. Inilayo niya ang sarili niya para makalimot."
Ang sakit. Ganito kaya iyong sakit na naramdaman ni Zach noong panahong kapiling
ko si Yza at ako ang nasa isip niya? Ganito ba kasakit ang mawalan? Minsan na a
kong nawalan pero hindi naman ganito kasakit pero ang isipin na habambuhay nang
mawawala sa akin si Yza, hindi ko kaya.
"Mangako ka..." Sheena Consunji said again.
I looked at her and despite all the pain and the tears - I didn't think was poss
ible - I found myself nodding ate her.
"Promise..."
I took a deep breath as Sancho looked at me. I shook my head. I maybe a lot of t
hings but I always stay true to my words.
"If this is about surnames, Sir, then you were right. I'm not good enough for he
r. And I'm staying true to my words - the words I told your wife. I'll never run
after Yza.
Mukhang nagulat siya ngunit sandali lang iyon. I stood up and turned my back on
him. I have to leave again. Ayokong makita niya ang sakita na dulot ng mga sinab
i niya sa akinb. Leigh was right - dahil kay Yza naging tao ako. Dahil sa kanya
mas madali para sa akin ngayon ang masaktan at umiyak - isang bagay na hindi ko

naman gusto pero hindi ko naman mapigilan. I was always crying when it comes to
her - she's my weakness.
Baba was right - Love can make people weak.
-----------------Five years later
"Mama, the man with the green eyes on Uncle Gab's wedding, he's my father right?
"
I was caressing Hyron's face as I watch him sleep. I sighed. Hindi ko alam kung
ituturing kong blessing ang pagiging matalino niya. The kids - the twins knew th
at Hector - isn't their real father. Sinabi ko sa kanila iyon dahil iyon naman a
ng totoo - kahit naman alam nila na hindi si Hector ang ama nila ay walang pagba
bago. Hector loves my kids like their his own and the kids love him unconditiona
lly but right now, I wasn't sure about anything else.
I kissed Hyron's forehead and left his room. Pumasok ako sa kwarto naming mag-as
awa and in there I found Hector sitting on the bed with only his robe on while r
eading a book.
"Hey," He greeted me. He put his book down and faced me. Naupo ako sa tabi niya.
"When are we going back to Prague?" He asked me. Umiling ako. Ayoko pa sana per
o dahil sa nangyari kanina sa reception, parang gusto ko nang bumalik sa lalong
madaling panahon.
"Soon..." Humilig ako sa balikat niya. He kissed my cheeks.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"Wala naman." Matamlay na sagot ko. I tried smiling. "I'm just tired, Hector..."
Tumingin ako sa kanya. Alam kong namamalik-mata lang ako pero nang bigla ko siy
ang lingunin ay parang si Helios ang nakita ko at hindi si Hector Ituralde - ang
asawa ko. I just sighed again.
"Goodnight, hon." I told him. Humiga ako at saka tumagilid. Hindi ko alam kung m
akakatulog ako tulad ng dati sa tuwing katabi ko si Hector - ibang Hector ang na
sa isip ko ngayon - iyong Hector na hindi ko dapat mahal - iyong hector na dapat
kamuhian ko pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko kayang kamuhian.
I don't know how long I was up. I just found myself walking around the kitchen t
hinking of things to do - just to shrug off the feeling of emptiness in my chest
. Naupo ako sa counter at saka pumangalumbaba. I found myself smiling with the t
hought of Hyron and Hector Santillan together.
I was always dreaming of the day when my kids will be with their father pero hin
di ko pa alam kung anong magiging reaksyon ng lahat kapag nangyari iyon. Iniisip
ko si Tatay. Ayoko siyang masaktan. I knew how disappointed he was when I told
him that I was pregnant with Helio's children - he was hurt - at matagal bago ko
napatawad ang sarili ko dahil doon. I don't want to hurt my family again.
I sighed. I don't really know what to do.
"Mama."
Napatuwid ako ng upo nang marinig ko ang maliit na boses ni Hyan. I turned to he
r and smiled. Kinukusot pa niya ang kanyang mga mata habang naglalakad papunta s
a akin. I carried her and kissed her cheeks.

"Bakit gising ka pa?" Tanong ko.


"I'm hungry, Mama." She told me. Napangiti lalo ako. Iniupo ko siya sa counter t
op at saka sinabing huwag siyang magulo. I got her some oreos and a glass of mil
k. Pinanood ko siyang kumain. Napapabuntong-hininga ako tuwing naaalala ko si He
lios sa mata ng kambal ko. Of all the things na makukuha nila sa kanya ay ang mg
a mata niya pa. Walang araw na hindi ko siya naaalala dahil sa mga bata.
"Mama, sabi ni Hyron may man daw sa wedding that has the same eyes as ours. Is h
e our father?" Walang abog na tanong niya. Hinaplos ko ang mukha niya.
"Yes." What's the use of hiding the truth? Hindi naman nila makikita si Helios a
t hindi naman siya mangugulo kaya bakit ko pa kailangan itago ang katotohanan?
"Then why didn't he talk to us?" Her wide eyes were full of questions.
"It's because he didn't know you two existed."
"Kailan niya malalaman, Mama?" Tanong niya sa akin. Parang sinasaksak ang puso k
o.
"Sa tamang panahon, baby girl." Mahinang sagot ko.
"Sana malapit na kasi gusto ko siya ma-hug."

Tango lang ang nasagot ko sa kanya. I sighed. Why are my kids so intelligent?
<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 2</h1></center>
<hr>
I took a deep breath as I smile at my husband and kids that morning while having
breakfast in our temporary home. My heart is always melted by the fact that Hec
tor loves my kids so much that he actually treats them like his own. I love him
more for that. We've been married for almost six years and the love he feels for
my children is enough to make me stay.
"Mama is looking at Papa in a very funny way." Hyron spoke before putting a spoo
nful of cereal inside his mouth. Hector smiled at me.
"You okay, love?" He asked me. I nodded. Nagpaalam akong mag-aayos ng gamit sa s
ilid naming mag-asawa. I need to put his dirty things away. Dadalhin ko pa iyon
sa laundry shop. As I was cleaning our room, I exorcise the thoughts of Hector S
antillan and Hyron together. Hindin tama - hindi ko pwedeng sabihin sa kanya ang
totoo. I know being selfish is wrong but I want to be selfish. I want to keep t
he kids away from him for I know that it's a bad thing to do but I can never fac
e the fact that my father will get hurt again.
I sighed. Pinulot ko ang coat ni Hector, napatingin ako sa sahig nang may mahulo
g doon. Kumunot ang noo ko at saka pinulot ang papel na nalaglag. It was a note.
I got curious so I read it. It says: Thank you for last night - although you'r
e not mine anymore. -V
My hands shook.
"Hon - Yza!"
I turned to him. I saw guilt in his face. "Nakikipagkita ka na naman sa kanya?"
My voice was deep and mean. I felt that nagging pain in my chest while I look at
him. Naisuklay niya ang kamay niya sa kanyang buhok at saka nagpalakad-lakad sa

aking harapan. I was still holding his coat and the note on my hand while he co
uldn't even look at me.
"I can explain."
"Ilang beses na, Hector?" Tanong ko sa kanya. My voice is strain and dark. Hecto
r avoided my eyes. "How long have you been cheating on me again?!" I couldn't he
lp but yell.
"Yza, I can explain."
Binato ko sa kanya ang damit niya pati ang sulat. "Four years, Hector! Hanggang
ngayon ba?!" Galit na galit ako.
"Yza, please listen." He tried holding me but I pushed him away. The feeling of
being unworthy envelope my whole being. Nangyayari na naman iyong nangyari noon.
I hate it. He's cheating again. I did everything just to keep this family toget
her tapos sisirain na naman niya.
"Yza..." Muling tawag niya.
"Huwag muna ngayon, Hector. Kailangan kong mag-isip!" Sigaw ko. Nang magpunta ak
o sa kusina ay nakita ko doon ang kambal ko. Hyron was looking at me - his eyes
were wide with so many questions. He looked worried.
"Mama, did you and Papa had a fight? I heard you yelling."
"Mama, don't you love Papa anymore?" Hyan asked me. I took a deep breath.
"Let's go see Nanay and Tatay. I'm sure they miss you." Ngiti na lang ang naisag
ot ko sa kanilang dalawa. I took the two of them by the hand and we walked towar
ds the door. I saw Hector standing near our door looking at the three of us. I s
hook my head with so much disappointment. I wanted to yell at him again and yet
I couldn't - not while the kids are here.
I drove my car to our old home. It was always nice being home with my parents an
d my brother Yllak. Si Yllak na lang ang nasa bahay ngayon, Yvo is in Germany wi
th his girlfriend Fauna. Matagal ko na rin siyang hindi nakikita. Huling kita ko
sa kanya noong kasal ni Gab - that night umalis din siya dahil tinawagan siya n
i Fauna saying she needs him home.
Napailing na lang ako. How can the bitch call Germany Yvo's home? I shook my hea
d again.
"Nanay!" Hyan screamed when she saw Nanay walking down the stairs. Nakangiti kaa
gad siya nang makita ang mga bata. Nanay was always warm with my children. Agad
na yumakap ang dalawa sa kanya.
"Hi, Nay." I smiled at her.
"Nasaan ang asawa mo?" She asked me. Ngumiti na lang ako. Ayokong pag-usapan nga
yon si Hector at kung ano ang ginawa niya kagabi o noong mga nakaraan araw. I do
n't know how long he's been seeing someone else. Sabi sa sulat V - I have a fee
ling that it's still the same person - iyong lover niya pa rin six months after
naming ikasal noon.
"He's busy. Ang tatay po?" Tanong ko. Nanay smiled at me.
"Kasama niya si Lukas at si Adam, nag-golf sila. Sana isinama mo si Hector. Kahi
t naman busy iyon, alam kong sasama siya dito. Kumain na ba kayo?"

Ngumiti lang ako kay Nanay. Inutusan niya ang kambal na maglaro muna sa labas. N
aiwan kami ni Nanay sa sala. Pinakatitigan niya ako.
"What's wrong?" She asked. I shook my head. Kailan ba ako matututong magtago ng
problema kay Nanay? All my life she had always been there for me. Kahit na noong
mga panahon na sinusubukan kong tumayo mag-isa - at nagawa ko naman - palagi ni
yang ipinapaalala sa akin na nandyan siya at kung kailangan ko siya isang tawag
lang ang layo niya sa akin - pero ako mismong ang tumatanggi.
"Yza... si Hector ba? May nangyayari na naman ba?"
"W-wala, Nay. It's just that he's very busy." Ngumiti ako sa kanya.
"Madalas ding busy ang tatay mo noon but he always makes time for the family esp
ecially for you and your brothers. He was always there."
"Hector is always with us."
"But is that enough, Yza Joan?"
I cleared my throat. I can never tell my mother my problems with Hector. Noon pa
lang naman ay sinabi na niya sa akin na 'wag kong gawin, na huwag akong magpaka
sal kay Hector just because I want to give my children a family. My mother had a
lways told me that my children had their own father - and that no matter how bad
of a man Hector Santillan is or was - he's still the father of my kids and that
he should know about their existence - pero hindi ko kaya. Hindi ko kayang sabi
hin sa kanya ang totoo. Maraming masasaktan - si Tatay, si Yto, ang buong pamily
a ko ang nakasalalay sa desisyon kong sabihin sa kanya ang katotohanan.
I can never bear the fact that I'm going to put my family in pain again. I can't
. It will always be my family before anything else.
----------------"Isn't Papa home, Mama? The unit is so quiet."
I just smiled at Hyan. Kakauwi lang naming galing sa mansyon. Idinaan ko ang mga
bata sa ice cream shop para kahit paano ay malimutan nila ang narinig nila kani
nang umaga. I knew that I should've never yelled at Hector. Madalas naman kaming
mag-away na dalawa lalo na kapag nababanggit niya ang taong iyon - ours was a m
arriage of convenience - but I did everything to make things work. Mahal ko ang
pamilya naming - mahal ko siya, mahal ko ang mga bata pero hindi ko alam kung ha
nggang saan ko kayang tiisin ang ginagawa ni Hector. Hindi naman ako martir, pwe
de ko siyang iwan at lumayo na lang ng tuluyan pero masyadong maraming masasakta
n kapag nangyari iyon.
"Mama can I ask?" Hyron spoke. I smiled at him. I fixed his little bow tie and k
issed his cheeks. Naupo ako sa sofa at kinandong si Hyan habang umupo naman siya
sa aking tabi.
"Mama, is it true? Our real father is a bad man?" Lumabas ang tanong na iyon sa
bibig niya na para bang iyon ang pinakanatural na sabihin sa lahat. Napasinghap
ako. I eyed Hyan. She was just looking at me - as if she was waiting for the ans
wer. I couldn't even look at my children.
"Tito Yllak said that our dad is a bad man - that's why you never want to tell h
im the truth about us - that's exactly what he said. Is it true, Mama?"
I swallowed hard. Hinaplos ko ang mukha ni Hyron. "No, baby. He's not a bad man.

.." Hindi ko alam kung paano lumabas ang mga salitang iyon sa bibig ko. Remember
ing what he tried to do with my family and what he did to me - still I think tha
t he's not a bad man - oo masama siya - minsan - but the latter part of our - wh
at was the word I was looking for...
Relationship - kung pwede ko ngang tawaging relationship iyon. He's not so bad i fell for him because he's a good man, he has dignity, he stays true to his wo
rd, he's cruel and yet he's very loving - I saw how much he cares for the people
around him - somehow - in a very twisted way - I felt that he cares for me too
- and maybe that was the reason why I fell for him.
I once opened up to Nikki about that and he told me that I'm weak. Kung ang pagm
amahal ko noon ay Hector Santillan ang nakakapagpahina sa akin, ibig bang sabihi
n noon kailangan ko siyang bitiwan ngayon?
Saglit akong natigilan. Why am I thinking of holding on - of STILL holding on? W
ala naman akong dapat maramdaman sa kanya. I shook my head to exorcise those tho
ughts.
"Your real father is not a bad man. Don't ever think about that, kids." I kissed
the both of them.
"Then when am I going to hug him, Mama?" Hyan asked me. I dreaded that question.
"Soon, baby. Now let's wash up and we'll go to bed."
"Are we not going to wait for Papa?" Hyron looked at the door as if any moment a
y papasok si Hector.
"He's busy at the moment - I guess. Let's go!"
Inasikaso ko ang mga bata, pinakain, binihisan at pagkatapos ay pinatulog. I was
the one who styed up so late waiting for Hector, muntik na akong madukdok sa co
ffee table nang marinig ko ang pagbukas ng pinto ng unit. I saw him come in. He
was looking straight at my eyes.
"Where have you been?" I asked him. "Nakipagkita ka ba sa kanya?"
"Yza, wag ngayon please."
"At kailan?" Tanong ko sa kanya. "Kapag nasasaktan na ulit ako?" I hissed at him
. He tried getting a hold of me. "Bitiwan mo ako."
"Yza sinusubukan ko naman. Di pa ba sapat iyon?"
I took a deep breath. I wanted to cry out of frustration.
"I'm going to tell him about the kids." I start off. His eyes widened. He stared
at me.
"Why? Ganti mo ba ito for what I did with V?" Hinawakan niya ang braso ko. "Yza,
wag naman. Paano ang family ko? Alam nila na ako ang ama ng kambal."
"Kahit kailan hindi ko pwedeng ipagkait sa mga bata ang totoo."
"Paano ako, Yza?" Tanong niya sa akin. I shook my head.
"I'm trying my best to make this work, Hector but if you're just going to bounce
back every damn time we're happy, then I don't know how to answer that, Hector.
I'm doing this for my children not because I'm mad for what you did."

I turned my back on him. Tumuloy ako sa silid ng kambal ko. I lie beside Hyan an
d hugged her closer. I took a deep breath. I let the tears fall - for the nth ti
me - I don't know how many times but I crying over this marriage and Hector and
the life we have. How am I going to make this work?

How?
<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 3</h1></center>
<hr>
"What? Are you freaking kidding me?!"
Yto's voice boomed. I was facing him. His expression is priceless - galit siya,
frustrated at higit sa lahat para bang hindi siya makapaniwala matapos niyang ma
rinig ang lahat ng sinabi ko. I looked at him - straight in his eyes - I didn't
even blink. I stood there, motionless and emotionless.
"You heard me, Yto. Ipakikilala ko ang kambal sa ama nila."
"At bakit? Nasisiraan ka na ba ng bait?! Helios Demitri is a bad man! He took aw
ay Yna from the family!"
Tumayo na rin ako para pantayan siya. Kung noon natatakot ako sa oras na sumigaw
si Yto ngayon hindi na. It's my decision, it's my children involved and just li
ke what my mother had done before - I am going to do everything to make my child
ren happy.
"News flash, Yto. Desisyon ni Yna ang sumama kay Helios at hindi sa akin o sa ka
hit na kanino. Kung anuman ang nangyari noon - labas ang mga bata. Hindi ko kail
angan ng opinyon mo o ng permiso ng kahit na sino. I'm in the right age. I can d
o what I want. Now if you will hate me after this, I don't care. I care more abo
ut my children's happiness not what other people will think."
I turned my back on him. Hindi ko na hinintay ang sasabihin pa ni Yto. Alam kong
mamaya ay sasabihin din niya kay Tata yang totoo - ang desisyon ko pero hindi a
ko natatakot. Gusto kong gawin ito, I owe it to my children. I wanna make them h
appy. I wanna see Hyan hug Hector Santillan, I wanna see Hyron looking at his da
d's eyes again.
I want my kids to have a moment with their dad.
Kung mali iyon, we'll hindi ko na alam kung anong tama. I walked in the middle o
f the corridor. I wasn't really paying attention to the people around me. Alam k
ong narinig ng mga empleyado ang sigawan naming ng kakambal ko, pero wala naman
silang pakialam. I made my decision. I really want to do this.
Narating ko ang parking lot. Bago ako sumakay sa kotse ay kinuha ko ang phone ko
at saka tinawagan si Yna. I still keep in touch with her - she's still my siste
r after all. Hindi man madalas pero sinisiguro ko na palagi ko siyang nakakamust
a sa tuwing may oras ako.
"Ate, kamusta?" She greeted me on the other line. I couldn't help but smile.
"Bukas. Kailangan ko siyang makita bukas." Alam kong alam ni Yna kung anong sina
sabi ko. Natahimik siya sa kabilang linya. Naghintay naman ako at maya-maya ay k
aagad siyang nagsalita.
"Agad, ate? Pwede ko ba siyang i-ready?" Tanong niya sa akin. Gusto kong matawa.
Sinong hindi handa? Si Hector Santillan? I have always known that he's ready -

he will always be the man who stole my everything kaya hindi ako naniniwala na h
indi siya handa.
"Ikaw ang bahala." Sabi ko sa kanya. "But I need to see him tomorrow, Yna. Good
luck." I ended the call and get inside the car. I took a deep breath before driv
ing away.
Bahala na bukas. Gagawin ko ito dahil ito ang tama. Para sa mga bata.
--------------------"Good morning, Kuya! It's a good day today, isn't it?!"
Kumunot ang noo ko habang pababa ng hagdan nang umagang iyon. Sinalubong agad ak
o ni Leigh ng isang ngiti. Nagtataka ako dahil hindi siya nakabihis ngayong araw
. I know that she has to go to work. Tumaas ang kilay ko.
"Why are you still here?" I asked her. Tumabi siya sa akin at saka ipinalupot an
g kamay niya sa braso ko.
"I didn't go to work today, Kuya because I wanna be with you!" She said in an en
ergized tone. Natawa ako. Naglalambing na naman ang kapatid ko.
"What do you want? You have all my money. Go waste it. Go shopping." I teased he
r. We walk side by side to the gazebo where Manang Bining and Kath were. Kath wa
s reading something while talking on her headset while Manang Bining was fixing
my coffee.
"Morning, Manang. Ate Kath!" Leigh is too happy today. Kinakabahan ako, baka mam
aya may sasabihin siya sa akin. Baka mamaya sabihin niya sa akin na mag-aasawa n
a siya - that is my biggest fear right at this moment.
"What is it, Leighton?" Hindi makatiis na tanong ko. She took a deep breath befo
re sitting beside me.
"We have to go somewhere today, Kuya pero don't worry. I know you'll be happy. L
et's just say ipapasyal kita kasi alam kong na-miss mo ang labas habang nandoon
ka. I'll make you happy today."
Napailing na lang ako. "Fine, whatever you want, Leighton. Kumain ka na." Sabi k
o na lang sa kanya. Habang nag-aalmusal ay iba ang pakiramdam ko habang nakating
in ako sa kapatid ko. I feel like she knows something that I don't and that make
s me feel uneasy. I want to ask but I also have a feeling that she will never te
ll me that something she knows so I just decided let it slip away and wait until
she decided to tell me.
After breakfast, she told me to take a bath and get ready. I still have no idea
what I will happen after this but I'm kinda excited. Pakiramdam ko may mag-iiba
mamaya - may magbabago pero anong pagbabago?
"Kuya, let's go!" I heard her scream. I took one last look in the mirror. I was
wearing a blue shirt and a pair of jeans. I look okay. I didn't want to be extra
- ordinary because the extra-ordinary man is Helios Demitri - I don't want to b
e him anymore. I wanna be Hector Santillan - the ordinary human being - iyong hi
ndi mahirap mahalin. Iyong TAO kung tawagin ni Leighton.
"I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!"
Leighton keeps on singing that song inside the car while we're travelling. "Exci
ted ka ba, Kuya? Kasi ako super!" Tawa siya nang tawa. Umiling na lang ako. I ha

ve a feeling that she will be introducing to me the guy that she's dating. I rea
died myself. Iniisip ko pa lang gusto ko nang sapakin iyong taong ipapakilala ni
ya.
"Stop na kuya!" Utos ni Leighton sa driver. I looked outside the window. We were
in a park. Tumingin ako sa kanya.
"Why are we here?" Tanong ko. She just smiled.
"I wanna make you happy, Kuya. And today marks the day of your genuine happiness
." Makahulugang sabi niya sa akin. Bumaba siya ng kotse. Sumunod naman ako. Nags
imula kaming maglakas ni Leighton. Sinusundan ko lang siya - hindi ko alam kung
saan kami pupunta pero habang tumatagal lalong bumibilis ang tibok ng puso ko. H
anggang ngayon kapag nararamdaman ko ang tibok ng puso ko, nagugulat pa rin ako
- may puso ako - hindi ako bato.
"Leighton -"
"Mama, look the kite is flying!"
I was about to ask Leighton something when a little voice caught my attention. M
y eyes flew to my right - inside the cottage was a little girl in a blue dress a
nd with pigtails. She was looking up the kite, but what caught my attention the
most were her eyes - her piercing green eyes - just like the boy I saw with Yza
that afternoon at her cousin's wedding.
"Mama, can you teach me how to?"
My eyes followed the eyes of the little girl. She was looking at a woman beside
her. I caught my breath for the woman beside her is none other than my Yza - I w
anna call her that. She was never mine and yet I want her to be.
She was wearing a pink lacey dress, her hair was freely falling on her shoulders
. She was smiling - iyong ngiting kahit kailan ay hindi niya naibigay sa akin.
"Kuya..." Untag ni Leighton. "Halika na, kanina pa nila tayo hinihintay." Sabi s
a akin ni Leigh. Noon ko lang naintindihan kung anong nangyayari.
Slowly, Yza's eyes turned to our direction. Wala akong makuhang reaksyon mula sa
kanya. Nakatingin lang siya sa akin.
"Ate!" Leighton greeted her. She finally smiled. Leighton kissed her cheeks. Kin
akabahan ako. Ako lang ba ang nakakaramdam ng ganito? She doesn't seem to be aff
ected by my presence - hindi katulad noon.
"Hector." She said my name. I caught my breath again. The way she spoke - the wa
y she calls my name - it still has the same effect - iba pa rin.
"Iiwan ko muna kayo." Paalam ni Leighton sa amin. She tapped my shoulder. Naiwan
ako doong mag-isa. She was still sitting on the long chair inside the cottage eyeing me. I felt so bare and vulnerable under her gaze. I was actually feeling
scared.
"Kamusta ka na?" She asked me afterwards. I couldn't find the right words to say
. I'm just... So in love with her - after five years - I'm still right where she
left me - in prison and I don't have any idea when is she going to set me free?
"Maupo ka." Sabi niyang muli. Sumunod ako. She took a deep breath. I looked at h
er left finger - there's no ring. But Leigh told me that she's married to a cert
ain H. Ituralde.

"Where's your ring?" I couldn't help but ask.


"I left it." She answered me. "You don't get to ask questions, Santillan." Bigla
niyang sinabi. "You are here to listen. I will do all the talking."
"S-sure." I wasn't certain. She again took a deep breath.
"I have two beautiful kids." Panimula niya. Gusto kong umalis. Ano bang dahilan
at nandito kami? Ipamumukha niya ba sa akin na masaya siya? Hindi ko kayang maki
ta na masaya siya sa piling ng iba. Gusto ko sa akin siya masaya because no matt
er how bad I treated her - the fact that I still wanna be with her after all tha
t happened doesn't change.
I love her so much. I wanna make her the center of my universe.
"I know that." I looked at the little girl playing beside her. I saw her looking
at me with a certain smile on her face. "H-hello..."
Bigla siyang tumakbo kay Yza. "Mama, he has the same eyes as mine! Are you going
to tell him? I wanna hug him!" The little tiny voice bugs my being. Why is she
asking Yza those questions? Anong ibig sabihin nito.
"Mama, did you see the kite I flew?! It got stuck on the tree---"
There was the little boy again - the one I saw in the party with her.
"Oh hey there..." The boy greeted me. "Mama?" Nagtatanong ang mga mata niyang tu
mingin kay Yza.
"Hector." Tawag niya sa akin. Inakbayan niya ang batang lalaki. She looked as if
she was about to cry. "Hector, meet Hyron and Hyan, my kids," she took a deep b
reath.
"Your kids."
My world stopped revolving. My body shook. Mas malakas pa ang yanig nang sinabi
niya sa akin kaysa sa lindol na naganap sa Bohol noong nakaraan.
"Your kids."
I saw the little girl walked towards me.
"I told mama that if she finally tells you, I'm going to hug you. Can I please h
ug you?" She asked me. I looked at Yza. This is all too much - although I had a
hunch - I never realized that this all will be true.
"Go on, Hyron. Hug your real father." She even said to the boy. Just like what t
he little girl did, Hyron walked towards me and hugged me - sabay silang dalawa.
Hindi ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko.

I just feel... COMPLETE.


<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 4</h1></center>
<hr>
"Hindi mo ba siya pupuntahan?"

I looked at the policeman standing beside me as I look at Hector Santillan behin


d bars. Oo, nandito ako sa kulungan kung saan siya nakalagak. I came home - nobo
dy in my family knew - not even my husband - that I came home from Prague just t
o look at Hector Santillan. Hindi ko alam kung anong pumasok sa isip ko. Nakalay
o na ako. Nakabangon pero ako pa rin mismo ang bumabalik.

I just wanna see him and I don't know why...

Maybe because of the kids.

Just because of the kids.

I was smiling - I don't know why - pero habang tumatagal at tinitingnan ko ang m
ga bata at si Hector ay para bang gumagaan ang pakiramdam ko. They were in the m
iddle of the park playing. Tumatawa si Hyron habang takbo nang takbo si Hyan nam
an ay nasa balikat ni Hector. Hindi lang ito ang unang pagakataon na nagkita an
g mag-aama na kasama ko. I never let them out of my sight - alam kong sa mata ng
pamilya ko ay hindi tama but right now I want the kids to be happy - hindi ko m
una iisipin ang pamilya ko - ang mga bata lang ang iniisip ko. Gusto ko silang m
aging masaya.

"Ate..." I looked behind me and I saw Yna approaching me. She was wearing a red
corporate dress habang tumatagal ay lalo siyang gumaganda. Lumilipas ang araw la
long nagiging kamukha ni Yna si Hector - no doubt - sila ang magkapatid. Yna has
the same eyes as Helios Demitri.

"Kanina pa kayo?" She asked me. I shook my head.

"Kararating ko lang din. Hector took the kids. Buti hindi sila nag-abot ni Hecto
r sa unit." Malumanay na wika ko. Yna took a deep breath.

"How is your husband?" Biglang tanong niya. I just sighed. I don't know if Yna k
new what is really happening between me and Hector.

"We're good." I answered. I sighed again. Tumabi sa akin si Yna at tulad ko ay t


inanaw niya ang mag-aama. She was smiling ear to ear.

"Kuya's happy." Sabi niya bigla. Napangiti naman ako.

"My kids are too." Huminga na naman ako nang napakalalim. "Hindi ko alam kung ba
kit, Yna pero mas nagging masaya ang mga bata ngayon na nakilala nila si Hector.
Mabait sa kanila si Hector - he treated them as their own but somehow - they ar
e more alive right now."

"Kahit naman si Kuya." Yna said. "There are nights when I'd wake up tapos makiki
ta ko sa balcony or sa garden. Nakatayo lang siya, ate, nag-iisip. It seems like
he's thinking a lot." She looked at me. "He's thinking of you. He loves you, yo
u know."

Hindi ako nakakibo. I just looked at my kids.

"Ate, mahal ka ni kuya."

"I just want my kids to be happy, Yna." Wika ko. Narinig ko siyang nagbuntong hi
ninga.

"Ikaw, masaya ka ba?" She asked me again. Bigla akong sinalakay ng mga doubts sa
puso at isipan ko - doubts sa sarili, sa kung anong meron kami ni Hector Itural
de at sa kung anong meron sa amin ni Hector Santillan. I asked myself again, why
am I with Hector Ituralde. Isa lang ang sagot - mahal ko siya - minahal ko siya
noon - hindi lang basta bilang kaibigan kundi bilang siya. I loved him, I reall
y did. He saved me from the misery I was in. We started out as friends. Siya ang
kasama ko noong inilabas ko ang kambal sa mundong ibabaw - siya ang karamay ko
sa lahat. Siya ang nandoon noong unang hinawakan ni Tatay ang mga anak ko - desp
ite the fact that Helios Demitri is their father.

Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa kanya. Hindi niya ako hinayaan basta. He was my b
est friend. Kaya noong siya naman ang nangailangan ng tulong - hindi ako nagdala
wang isip. I gave in. I needed to return what he did for me.

"Masaya ako. The kids are with me, Yna. Masaya ako." I looked at my sister again
. She was eyeing me. Parang may gusto siyang sabihin pero naudlot iyon nang mags
alita si Hyan.

"Mama! We're so pagod na!" Natatawang sabi niya. Ibinigay siya nI Hector sa akin
. Kinuha ko si Hyan - our hands touched. Nakita kong natigilan siya at saka mabi
lis na lumayo. He took a deep breath pagkatapos ay ginulo niya ang buhok ni Hyro
n.

"When are we going to fly the kites again, Dad?" Hyron asked him. Iyon kasi ang

ginawa nila buong araw - nagpalipad lang sila ng saronggola.

"Kapag pumayag ulit si Mama ninyo na maglaro tayo."

Hyron's gray eyes looked at me. There's pleading in his eyes as he was eyeing me
. "Mama, can we do it again next week?"

"But next week, we're going back to Prague." Mahinang sabi ko. Nakita kong tumin
gin sa akin si Hector. He was dumbfounded.

"I thought we're going to stay here for a long time?" Dismayadong tanong ni Hyan
. I just smiled.

"Mama and Papa need to work, baby. So next week we're going back. But I'll let y
ou spend another day with your f-father again." Ngumiti ako. Tango na lang ang s
inagot ng magkapatid sa akin.

"Punta na sa kotse. Uuwi na muna tayo. Say goodbye to your f-father." Hindi ko a
lam kung bakit sa tuwing sasabihin ko ang mga salitang iyon ay kumakabog ang dib
dib ko. Parang hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin ma-digest ng buong pagkatao ko na
si Hector Santillan ay ang ama ng mga anak ko.

Sinundan ko ng tingin ang kambal. Hyron took Hyan's hand as they walk together.
Minsan napapangiti ako dahil parang nakikita ko kaming dalawa ni Yto sa mga anak
ko.

"I'll go now." Paalam ko sa kanila. I took one last glimpse at the two. Nakahawa
k si Yna sa kamay ni Hector na para bang kinakalma niyang pilit ang kapatid.

"Kuya, wag muna." She said. Kumunot ang noo ko.

"Iwam mo muna kami." He said. Malamig ang boses niya. My body shook with fear pe
ro hindi ako nagpahalata. Bakit ako matatakot sa kanya?

I am a Consunji and a Consuji never gets intimidated by anyone.

Humarap ako sa kanya. This is the first time we're ever going to talk alone and
yes, my body is shaking but I made sure na hindi niya makikita iyon.

"You're going back to Prague." He said to me. He sounded so disappointed. I look


ed at him.

"May problema ba?"

"Ilalayo mo na naman sa akin ang mga bata?"

"Shouldn't you just be thankful that I did this? Magpasalamat ka na lang Helios.
" Matapang kong sabi. He took a deep breath.

"Nagpapasalamat ako, Yza pero sana hayaan mo akong maging ama sa mga anak ko kah
it saglit na panahon pa."

"Meron ka hanggang sa susunod na linggo. We're going back to Prague and this is
final." I flipped my hair as I turned my back on him. Nakita kong naikuyom niya
ang kanyang palad pero hindi ko na iyon pinansin. Tumalilis ako papunta sa sasak
yan at doon ko inilabas ang hiningang kanina ko pa pinipigil.

"Mama, are you okay?" Hyan asked.

"Yes, baby."

"I'm sad, Mama. I can't believe we have to go back. Paano si Daddy?" Hyron spoke
. Hindi ako makasagot. Kung minsan ay hindi ko maiwasan na namana niya kay Helio
s ang ugali niyang iyon. I know the Consunji men are ruthless and strict but Hyr
on - I'm sure - is more difficult than the Consunji men combined - he got that f
rom his father.

"Let's just go home."

--------------------------------------------

"Hyan, what are you doing in there?"

It was a very rainy Wednesday afternoon. Nakita kong nakatayo si Hyan malapit sa
balcony. Nasa loob lang kami ng unit maghapon dahil maulan at ayokong palabasin
ang kambal. Wala si Hector. I don't know kung nasaan siya o kung saan siya pumu
punta nitong mga nakaraang araw. He just seemed so lost. Alam kong iniisip niya
ang ginawa kong desisyon sa pagpapasok kay Helios sa buhay naming pamilya.

"Mama, hindi ko ba pwedeng makita si Daddy? Two days ko na siyang hindi nakikita
. Gusto ko siyang makita." Naiiyak na sabi niya sa akin. Napakagat labi naman ak
o. Paano ko ba sasabihin na hindi ganoon kadali. I am aware that my kids are mis
sing his presence. Hindi ko nga maintindihan - kapag kasama ni Hector ang mga ba
ta - hindi ko maaninag ang Hector na nakilala ko noong una.

"Mama, di ba talaga pwede? Gusto naming siya makita ni Hyron." Nakangusong sabi
niya. "Di ba siya pwede magpunta dito? Mama, please..."

I took a deep breath. Paano ko matatanggihan ang ganito? My heart melted right a
way. I kissed her forehead and took my phone out. I texted Yna just to say that
the kids needed to see their father. Agad naman siyang nagreply para sabihin na
pupunta si Hector.

The thought that he will come here tonight makes me want to hide myself. Hanggan
g ngayon ay nakakaramdam pa rin ako ng takot - hindi dahil sa ginawa niya sa aki
n noon - I have moved on - but I'm still scared. Natatakot ako sa sarili ko - na
tatakot ako sa disappointment na mararamdaman ng pamilya ko, ni Tatay, ni Yto. A
yoko nanang makasakit.

"Pupunta ang Daddy ninyo. Mag-wait ka lang." Nakangiting wika ko. Agad na lumiwa
nag ang mukha ni Hyan. Tumakbo siya papasok at sinigaw ang pangalan ni Hyron.

"Hyron! Darating si Daddy!"

"What?" Agad na lumabas si Hyron mula sa silid nila. Mukhang napasaya din siya n
g balita. I sighed. I really want them to be happy. I want them to feel what I f
elt when I met Tatay. I want them to be complete - just like what I felt back th
em. Ayokong magkaroon sila ng tanong kaya pilit kong inaayos ang lahat sa ngayon
.

I was in the kitchen preparing for dinner when I heard a knock on the door. Auto
matically, my heart beat faster. Dahan-dahan akong lumapit sa pinto. Nanginginig
ang mga kamay ko nang buksan ko iyon. Not a moment later, I saw a pair of green
eye staring back at me. My breathing became irregular. Ayoko ng ganitong pakira

mdam.

"Hi." Iyon lang ang nasabi ko. I looked at him from head to toe. He was wearing
a three piece gray suit. Nahigit ko ang aking hininga. Pakiramdam ko hindi si He
ctor Santillan ang kaharap ko kundi si Helios Demitri - he was looking more tena
cious than ever.

"Can I come in? Where are my kids?" Binigyan diin niya ang salitang MY.

"They are mine, Hector." Sabi ko.

"We'll, they're mine too - it means we have to share, Consunji." His voice was c
old and scary. My body shook again. Umiling ako. "And by the way, I want to chan
ge their surnames. From Ituralde to Santillan or better, Demitri."

Walang sabi-sabing nilagpasan niya ako. Nakadama ako ng takot. Ano bang sinasabi
niya? Nagsisimula na ba siyang kunin sa akin ang mga anak ko?

Kinabahan ako. I know what he was capable of doing. Kapag ginusto niya, makukuha
niya. Wala siyang bagay na hindi ginusto na hindi niya nakuha. Baka... baka...

"He-c-hector!" I mumbled. Tumakbo ako papasok sa silid ng mga bata. Natagpuan ko


siya doon na nakikipaglaro sa mga anak namin. He looked at me.

"Hector mag-usap tayo." Sabi ko sa kanya. Binalingan niya ang mga bata at nagpaa
lam saglit. Muli niya akong nilagpasan.

"Anong sinasabi mo?" I asked again. "I'm not letting you take my kids away from
me."

"Wala akong ginusto na hindi ko nakuha."

"Nakakalimutan mo ba na ginusto mo ako?" Tanong ko sa kanya. Hindi ko alam kung


saan nanggagaling ang lakas ng loob ko para sagutin ang bawat ibinabato niya sa
akin. Ang alam ko lang ay kailangan kong ipaglaban ang karapatan ko. Mas may kar
apatan ako sa kanya sa mga bata.

"Sinabi ko ba na tapos na ang laban? I'm not through with you yet. I haven't giv
en up, Yza. I can still take you away - steal you - just like what I did almost
six years ago."

Tumayo ang lahat ng balahibo ko sa katawan. His eyes were piercing through my so
ul. Kinilabutan ako. Sinasabi niya ba na hindi pa rin tapos ang lahat?

"Anong ginagawa ng lalaking iyan dito?" Kulang na lang sabihing natakasan ako ng
kulay nang marinig ko ang boses ni Hector. Nakita kong nakatayo siya sa may pin
to at galit na galit ang mga mata na nakatitig kay Helios at sa akin.

"Hindi ka pa ba masaya na inaagaw mo ang mga bata sa akin, pati ba naman si Yza?
What are you doing here you fucking asshole!"
"Hector!" Sigaw ko. "The kids can hear you!"

"What a lovely mouth your husband have, Yza. Siya ba ang nagpalaki sa mga anak k
o?" Galit na tanong ni Helios sa akin.

"Iwan mo muna kami, please." Sabi ko sa kanya. Mukhang ayaw niya pang umalis per
o wala rin siyang nagawa. He went inside the kids' room. Nang kaming dalawa na l
ang ni Hector ay saka ko siya binalingan.

"What are you doing?! Bakit ganoon?"

"Dinala mo pa talaga ang lalaking iyon dito!" He hissed at me.

"The kids wanted to see him." Malamig na sabi ko.

"Mga bata lang ba, Yza? O baka naman pati ikaw? Baka nakalimutan mo na kung anon
g ginawa niya sa'yo! He raped you! Gusto mo bang ipaalala ko----"

I slapped him - hard. Tumaas baba ang dibdib niya. Natigilan kami pareho. He sta
red at me.

"Never ever give that to me again, Hector. Alam mong ayaw kong pag-usapan iyon!"

Naiiyak kong sabi. Kinagat ko ang ibabang labi ko at saka tinitigan siya. "All
I want is for this marriage to work and yet you keep on breaking us apart!"

"Ako ba?!" Sigaw niya. "Hindi ba't ikaw rin!"

"I never slept with Hector or any men while we're married! Ikaw ilang beses mong
ginawa iyon! I thought you loved me!"

Naging maamo ang mukha niya. Parang hindi niya alam kung anong sasabihin niya ng
ayon.

"Yza, I'm sorry." Bumaba ang kanyang tinig. "Alam mong ayaw kong nagkakaganito t
ayo. Yza, please..."

"Isa lang naman ang gusto ko, Hector. I wanna make this marriage work, but for u
s to work, kailangan mo ring gumawa ng paraan."

Natigilan kami parehas nang bumukas ang pinto ng kwarto ng kambal. Mula roon ay
lumabas si Hector Santillan. He eyed the two of us.

"Ako, isa lang din ang gusto ko." He said to me. Sa akin lang siya nakatingin. H
is green eyes were fiery and confident. "I wanna make you mine again, Yza Consun
ji."

"Helios please..." Pilit kong pinuputol ang sinasabi niya.

"He was never yours to begin with, Santillan." My husband said.

"Still, I'll make her mine, by hook or by crook, I'm going to make you mine. Eve
n if it means that I have to steal you away from your husband or family. I'll ma
ke you mine - even if you put me back to jail again, Yza. I'll make you mine.
<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 5</h1></center>
<hr>
"I won't give you up just like that, Yza Consunji."
I kept on thinking that while sitting inside my SUV looking at Yza who was at th
e parking lot of their temporary home. She was holding two grocery bags. Nakita
kong bumaba mula sa sasakyan si Hyron - agad akong napangiti nang makita kong pi

lit niyang inaabot ang dala ni Yza. Hyron loves his mom so much - kapag magkasam
a kami, si Yza ang palagi niyang ikinukwento sa akin. Isang bagay na gusto ko ri
n naman dahil gusto kong makaalam ng mga bagay na naganap sa kanya nitong huling
limang taon.
I am interested in everything. I wanna know what happened to her back in Prague.
I wanna know why she married Hector Ituralde. I wanna know everything because I
'm really determined in taking her away again - this time - I'll make her fall.
Itatama ko ang lahat ng mali - para sa pamilyang matagal ko nang pinapangarap.
"Sir, hindi po ba kayo bababa?"
Lumipad
ing the
sunji king my

ang mga mata ko


door. Mula noon
lalo na ni Yza.
hands as I took

sa driver na kasama ko. I took a deep breath before open


hanggang ngayon iba pa rin ang epekto sa akin ng mga Con
She just makes everything around me slow down. I was sha
steps towards her and Hyron.

"Mama si Daddy!"
I grinned right after hearing my son. Nakita agad niya ako. His green eyes lit u
p as he runs towards me. Napahinto naman si Yza at humarap sa aking direksyon. S
he was wearing a white lacey knee-length dress. Her hair was freely falling down
her shoulders and her lips - I missed kissing those lovely lips of hers - poute
d a bit as she stares me down.
"Anong ginagawa mo ditto?" She asked me. Her voice was stern and cold. Malamang
ay galit pa rin siya hanggang ngayon dahil sa nangyari noong isang gabi. Pero wa
la akong pakialam.
I say what I say because I want too and because I am Helios Demitri and I can do
whatever I want. I never thought I'd be like this again. Akala ko nawala na ang
Demitri sa akin but Yza managed to bring my dark side back. I guess this is me
dealing with the fact that she's about to take away my kids. Hindi ako papayag.
Kung wala sigurong Hyron at Hyan - hahayaan ko siya at tutuparin ko ang pangako
ko kay Sheena Consunji pero dahil may mga bata at dahil gusto kong lumaki sila n
a buo ang pamilya at masaya gagawin ko ang lahat makuha lang ang mag-iina ko.
"I'm here to see the kids." Malamig ding sabi ko. She sighed. She looked away. "
What? Are you scared of me?" Tanong ko.
"Masyado kang arogante. Kailan ba ako natakot sa'yo?" She asked me back. Hindi k
o mapigilan ang mapangisi.
"Kung hindi ka takot sa akin, then you'll let me in your unit again so that I ca
n play with my kids and eat lunch." Ngising-ngisi ako habang titig na titig sa k
unot na kunot na noo ni Yza.
"Yes, mama! Please, let dad eat with us. I'm sure, Hyan will be happy to see him
! She's missing Daddy, Mama. Let him play with us! Papa doesn't play with us any
more. He's always busy."
Yza gasped. Lumipad naman ang tingin ko kay Hyron na nakahawak sa kamay ko. Hect
or Ituralde never plays with them anymore and I wonder why. Does it have somethi
ng to do with me? Malulungkot ba ako? But then - that would be my advantage.
Malaki naman talaga ang lamang ko sa taong iyon - I am the father of the twins.
No matter what he does - he could never ever change that fact.
"Please, Mama!" Hyron pleaded again. Yza bit her lower lip. Naikuyom ko naman an
g palad ko. What the hell is she doing?

"Fine." She finally gave in. "But you have to leave before my husband comes home
." I know that I should do what she said but I don't know what came to me. I jus
t really wanted to be with her and my kids. Lumapit ako sa kanya para kunin ang
mga pinamili niya. Nauna siyang pumasok sa loob ng building kaysa sa akin. Kasun
od niya si Hyron. I was just looking at her - thinking about the lost years that
passed by between us. I was wondering if she ever - kahit sandaling pagkakaton
lang - did she ever loved me?
The last day we had together - that moment in the hotel, five years ago - I wann
a know what she was thinking. I wanna know what she thought when I told her I lo
ve her. I wanna know what she felt when she woke up alone and I wanna know what
went through her mind when she found out that I turned myself in.
Ang dami kong gusting itanong sa kanya - mga bagay na akala kong hindi na kailan
gan ng kasagutan pero heto ako at nag-iisip pa rin.
This isn't me. Being Helios Demitri doesn't include being vulnerable. I'm a stro
ng man, a ruthless business tycoon, an ex-convict but here I am and my heart is
almost out of my chest.
"Daddy, what do you wanna eat? Mama will make some chicken pasta. It's my favori
te!" Hyron spoke. I just smiled at him. Nakita kong binubuksan na ni Yza ang pin
to ng unit na tinutuluyan nila. Nilakihan niya ang awing ng pinto para makapasok
ako. Hyron came in running. Tinatawa niya ang kakambal niya.
"Hyan! Nandito si Daddy!"
Mula sa silid ay lumabas ang babae ko. She was smiling from ear to ear.
"Daddy!" Tumakbo siya papalapit sa akin at dahil hawak ko ang mga grocery bags n
i Yza ay hindi ko siya nayakap agad.
"Manang..." Narinig kong wika ni Yza. "Pakidala na po sa kusina iyong groceries
ko. Salamat."
Maya-maya ay may lumapit sa aking babae. She was in her fifty's, I guess. Kinuha
niya sa akin ang mga pinamili at saka tumalikod na. Naiwan kami apat sa sala. Y
za remained standing while I sat on the couch with the kids. Hinalikan ako ni Hy
an sa pisngi at saka ngumiti nang malaki.
"Daddy hindi na tayo nagpalipad ng kite..." Matamlay na sabi ni Hyan sa akin. I
put my arm around her and pulled her closer. Tuwing titingnan ko si Hyan at si H
yron ay hindi ako makapaniwala na galling sila sa akin.
How can a monster like me create something as beautiful as them?
"Sa kitchen lang ako." Napatingin ako kay Yza. She turned her back on me. I felt
the urge of calling her name but I stayed silent. Instead of calling her back,
I contented myself with the kids. I played with them but no matter what I do - I
just can't get Yza of my head.
"Where's the kitchen, son?" I know that it was the dumbest question ever asked.
Hyron smiled at me and pointed me to the kitchen. I stood up and walked to the k
itchen. In there, I saw Yza - she was busy cooking - ni hindi niya ako napansin.
Nakatuon ang buong atensyon niya sa kanyang ginagawa. Nakatayo lang ako doon at
pinagmamasdan siya.
I could feel my heart slowly melting down. How can a woman like her melt away th
en ice around my heart? Ni wala siyang ginagawa. Pero nagawa niya akong baguhin.

Because of her, I grew a heart - a heart that is now my weakness.


I cleared my throat. She looked back. Agad na kumunot ang noo niya nang makita n
iya ako.
"Anong ginagawa mo diyan? Do you need anything?" She asked me. Of all the words
in the dictionary - all I could say was this:
"I missed you."
Her mouth parted, she, then shook her head. Tumawa siya - sarkastikong halakhak
na nagpasakit sa puso ko.
"How dare you, Helios." She said. Her voice was as cold as ice. Tumarak sa dibdi
b ko ang malayelong tinig niya. Ako lang ba ang nakakaramdam ng pangungulila.
"How dare I?" I couldn't help but ask.
"After what you did to my family, you have the guts to say that you missed me."
Bakas ang galit sa tinig niya. Hindi ako agad nakakibo. Ang gusto ko lang naman
sa ngayon ay ang maging akin siya, masama bang isipin iyon? Tinitigan niya ako n
g mariin. "Wala kang karapatan sa akin, Demitri. The only reason why you're here
is because of the kids."
I looked at her eyes. There was something in there - something that she didn't w
ant me to see - something I know would benefit my side.
"I hate you, Helios."
"You do?" I asked her. I took one step towards her. She took a step back. I move
d closer. Paulit-ulit lang hanggang sa lumapat ang baywang niya sa kitchen count
er. Wala na siyang pupuntahan.
I know how wrong this is but for Yza Consunji - I am ready and I am willing to d
o every wrong move just to make her mine.
Umangat ang kamay ko. I touched her face. Nanlaki ang mga mata niya pero hindi n
aman siya lumayo. She stood there staring at my eyes. I could see something on t
hose hazel brown eyes but then - I don't want to hope. All I know is that I want
ed to be with her now.
"I did miss you." I whispered again. Iniwas niya ang mukha niya sa kamay ko.
"Kung makapagsalita ka akala mo may pinagsamahan tayo."
"Do you want me to make you remember that last night we were together? Aren't th
e twins enough to remind you what I can do to you?" I gritted my teeth. She trie
d pushing me away.
"Helios please!" She whimpered. Hindi ako nakinig. I wrapped my left arm around
her waist and pulled her closer. I could smell her sweet scent. I closed my eyes
and buried my head on her neck. I inhaled her scent. I could feel her hands on
my shoulders she was trying her best to push me away but I just couldn't let her
go - not like this and not right now - not ever.
"Helios, ano ba..."
"Wag, Yza..." I spoke. "Kahit ngayon lang." I looked at her. Her mouth was a bit

parted. I touched her lower lip. I moved closer and just a moment later, my lip
s were against her and we're in deep, deep paradise - or I was in paradise.
Kissing her and holding her like this was enough to make me feel complete again.
There and then I realized that Yza is the missing piece of my life puzzle and I
am willing to do everything just to have her back in my life.
Everything.
"Yza!"
Yza pushed me away right after hearing that voice. We both turned around and I s
aw Hector Ituralde standing in the kitchen. Galit na galit ang ekspresyon ng muk
ha niya.
"What the fuck are you doing, Yza!" He yelled. Inilang hakbang niya si Yza at hi
natak niya ito palayo sa akin. All I could do was watch but before he could take
my Yza away from me, hinawakan ko ang isa niyang kamay ay saka pilit na inilala
pit sa akin.
"Bitawan mo si Yza." I said. I wanted to murder this guy.
"She's my wife. She's mine. I have all the rights."
"We'll I love her. That's enough reason for me to make her mine."
"Ang gago mo pala!"
Binitiwan ni Hector si Yza at saka lumapit sa akin. He was about to punch my fac
e pero inunahan ko siya. I punched him. Dumugo ang ilong niya.
"Helios, ano ba?!" Frantic na sigaw ni Yza. Umiling ako.
"Kung may isang walang karapatan kay isa dito - ikaw iyon Ituralde! I own her si
nce that moment she kissed me back. I own her everything - even her soul - she d
oesn't know it yet but she's mine - everything about her is mine."
"Helios, tama na!" Sigaw muli ni Yza. I looked at her. "Leave, okay! Just let us
be!"
"Tandaan mo ito." I said to her. "I'll claim you, again and again until you have
no choice but to surrender."

-------------------------"Why are you here?"


Agad akong bumaba ng sasakyan nang makita ko si Yllak Consunji na nakatayo sa la
bas ng gate ng mansyon. He looked frustrated but that faded away right after see
ing me. Napalitan ng galit ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya.
"Demitri." He said my name like it's the dirtiest word he had ever learned. Inil
ang hakbang niya ako at saka kinuwelyuhan.
"You took everything away from my family!" He hissed at me. Nanlalaki ang mga ma
ta niya sa galit. "Ang gago mo! Sinira mo ang pamilya ko!" I felt his fist on my
left cheek - kasabay noon ang pagbukas ng gate at ang pagsigaw ni Leighton.

"Y-yllak! Kuya! Shit! Ano bang ginagawa mo!"


Agad siyang pumagitna sa amin. Leighton held my hand and looked at me. "Are you
okay? Dammit, Kuya! You're bleeding." Pagkasabi noon ay hinarap niya si Yllak.
"Diba sabi ko umuwi ka na! Why do you keep on bothering me?! Kahit anong gawin m
o hindi na ako babalik! I'm Leighton Santillan now, Yllak. So just please let me
be!"
"Ganoon na lang kadali iyon para sa'yo?" Yllak sounded so desperate. Leighton si
ghed.
"Pumasok na tayo, Kuya Hector. Gagamutin ko ang sugat mo."
"Mas pinipili mo siya kaysa sa amin nila Yvo? Kaysa sa akin?"
I looked back. "What the hell is going on, Leigh?"
"Don't mind him." She sighed. Isinara niya ang gate at muli akong dinaluhan. Dam
a ko ang kalungkutan ni Leighton. Habang naglalakad papasok ng bahay ay tahimik
siya. Nang makarating naman kami sa loob ay agad niyang inutusan ang isang kasam
bahay na kumuha ng yelo para ilapat sa pasa ko.
"What happened?" I asked her.
"Wala iyon. Gust-to lang niya akong bumalik kay Nanay."
I know how much Leigh loved Sheena Consunji. Ngumisi ako. "Gusto mo ba? You can
go home to them, Leigh basta babalik ka ditto every once in a while."
"Ayoko. Okay na tayo, kuya. We're happy. I'm happy here. Isa pa, I can always se
e Nanay if I want to or Kuya Yto -we'll galit pa rin siya sa akin but I know he
cares for me." Nakangiti siya habang sinasabi ang bagay na iyon.
"Kamusta iyong mga pamangkin ko?" She asked again.
"They're okay." Matipid kong sabi. Tinitigan ako ni Yna.
"Ang ate ko, kamusta?"
I just sighed. How can I tell my little sister that I have failed upon claiming
the woman I love again? Alam ko naman kung gaano kamali ang ginagawa ko. Yza's m
arried but I just can't settle with that. I want her and the kids in my life.
"Kuya, may asawa na ang ate." Sabi pa ni Leigh sa akin. "Move on kuya. Maging ku
ntento ka na lang na kilala mo na ang kambal."
"Gusto kong maging masaya, Leigh. I can never be fully happy kung wala si Yza sa
tabi ko. Siya ang bubuo sa buhay ko. I know how wrong I was five years ago kaya
nga pipilitin kong itama ang lahat sa ngayon."
"Paano? Kasal na si Ate."
I looked at Leigh. "Yes, she is married. But is she happy?"
"Kuya..."
Kumunot ang noo ko. I realized that Leigh knows something. Probably about Yza an
d Ituralde.

"What is it, Leighton?" I asked her. She shook her head.


"Wala akong karapatang magsabi kuya." Mahinang wika niya. Tumayo siya at saka tu
malikod. I shook my head. Pareho lang kami ni Leighton, matigas din ang ulo niya
.
I couldn't sleep that night again. Tulad noong mga nakaraang gabi ay si Yza na n
aman ang laman ng isip ko. I was thinking of ways of making her mine. I sighed a
gain. How can I ever make her mine? Alam kom kung gaano kaimposible ang iniisip
ko. Tama si Leigh, kasal si Yza pero kahit ganoon hindi maalis ang iniisip ko na
hindi siya masaya.
Hindi siya masaya - I could see it in her eyes. Dalawang beses ko pa lang siyang
nakikita kasama si Ituralde pero alam ko na hindi siya masaya. There was someth
ing wrong in the way he looks at her - para bang kailangan niya lang si Yza dahi
l sa isang bagay na hindi ko maintindihan.
I decided to go out that night. Bago umalis ay sinilip ko muna si Leigh sa kwart
o niya - she was sleeping like a little kid. I kissed her forehead before finall
y leaving her room.
I drove around the city - exorcising my thoughts of Yza Consunji pero kahit anon
g gawin ko ay balik pa rin siya ng balik. It's like she's a virus inflicting my
whole being. I couldn't breathe without her. I spent the last five years of my l
ife in jail thinking about her - she's a virus and my strength and my weakness a
ll at the same time.
Huminto ako sa parking lot ng isang hotel. I don't know why I stopped there, but
I did. Maybe I could use a drink or anything just to get her off my mind. I got
out of the car. I was walking towards the hotel entrance. I was oblivious of ev
erything oo so I thought.
Dumako ang mga mata ko sa elevator na nakabukas sa kaliwang bahagi ng lobby -in
there I saw Ituralde - hindi ako magkakamali dahil alam na alam ko ang hitsura n
g taong umagaw ng lahat sa akin. He's holding hands with someone. He looked frus
trated. Napangisi ako. Sumara ang elevator. Agad naman akong pumunta sa receptio
nist ng hotel.
"Good evening sir." She greeted me.
"Can I have Mr. Hector Ituralde's suite number?" I asked. Nagbabakasakali lang a
ko kung pwede nga ba niyang ibigay sa akin kung hindi gagawa ako ng paraan - I'm
good at making things possible for my own good.
"Are you one of his guests?"
My forehead knotted. Ituralde is having a party. "Sure."
"Okay, sir. Suite number 4976. Enjoy the party, Sir. Be safe." Kinindatan ako ng
receptionist. Agad naman akong sumakay sa elevator para hanapin ang suite ni It
uralde.
Moments later, I saw the suite number. I thought that it would be locked but the
door is open. Para bang nakikiayon ang tadhana sa akin. Tumayo ako sa harap ng
pinto. Slowly, I pushed the door opened and inside I saw something I thought I w
ould never ever see in my life.

I saw two men, kissing passionately - naked. They were touching each other. And

one of them is Hector Ituralde.


<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 6</h1></center>
<hr>
"Why are you smiling like that, Kuya Hector?"

I gave Leigh my happiest smile ever. We were at the gazebo that morning having c
offee. Hindi ko maipaliwanag ang sayang nararamdaman ko nang araw na iyon. Alam
kong dahilan niyon ay ang nalaman ko nang nakaraang gabi - hanggang ngayon ay hi
ndi ako makapaniwala. Naniniwala ako sa nakita ko pero sa pagkakataon at sa tadh
ana ay hindi ko magawang maniwala. Pakiramdam ko ay umaayon sa akin ang buong mu
ndo. It's as if the universe wanted me to be with the woman I love.

Iyon ang dahilan kung bakita nakita ko ang nakita ko nang araw na iyon.

Now, I have all the reasons to fight for Yza.

"I'm just happy, baby. Are you happy? This is such a good day."

I saw Leigh shaking her head while looking at me. Para bang hindi niya ako maint
indihan. Para bang iniisip niya kung nasa katinuan ba ako o hindi. I just winked
at her. As long as I know the truth about Ituralde - Yza is mine. Hindi na mati
tinag iyon.

"How's the company, Leigh? I heard you were building an empire. Are you tryong t
o beat the Consunjis?" I joked. Leighton just shrugged.

"We're fine, Kuya. Don't worry about it. I can handle it na. Plus si Kuya Yto la
ng naman ang kalaban ko. He's not a pain in the neck." Ngumisi rin siya sa akin.
Napailing na lang ako. I gave everything to Leigh. I made sure she knows every
single thing about the ins and outs of my armory before finally letting her hand
le everything. Right now, nakikipagsabayan siya sa mga kapatid niya sa pagpapaba
gsak at pagkuha ng maliliit na kompanya sa Metro para idagdag sa imperyong binub
uo niya. I have no idea why she was doing that - but as long as she's having fun
- hindi ako makikialam.

All I could say is that: Sancho Consunji trained my sister well. She's as ruthle
ss as the Consunji men and I am proud.

"Anyway, Kuya." She looked at me. "I have this thing on Friday. A dinner party.
Wanna be my escort?"

Umiling ako. I can't be with her on Friday. I want to spend my Friday with my ki
ds and with Yza - I'll try making her mine again and this time I'll give my two
hundred percent.

"May date with the kids?" Leigh playfully asked me.

"Sure, you can say that." I grinned. Just thinking about Yza and my chance iof b
eing with her is enough to make my day. Nagkwentuhan pa kami ni Leigh. We talked
about her work, the company and her friends. I wanted to ask her about Yllak Co
nsunji but I had a feeling she doesn't want me to ask her about that so I just l
et it slip away.

I didn't have anything to do that morning but I really wanted to dig deeper on H
ector Ituralde so I called in one of my trusted people and asked him to dig deep
er. That morning, I drove around the city again - nauwi ako sa tapat ng condo bu
ilding nina Yza. I parked my car in front of the building and did what I have be
en doing for the past weeks.

I waited for her to get out. Just the sight of her is enough to make me contente
d with what I have with her now. But right at that moment, hindi ako kuntento na
naroon lang ako at nakatungo. I want to be with her so I got out of my car and
went up to her unit.

After ten minutes - I reached the door. Huminga muna ako


atok. After three knocks, the door opened and next thing
a pair of hazel brown eyes - they were staring right at
ed. Kitang-kita ko ang galit sa mga mata niya. As usual,
me - but I don't care.

ng malalim bago ako kum


I knew I was looking at
me. I smiled. Yza frown
she's not happy to see

This is me fighting for her.

"The kids are with my parents. Bumalik ka na lang bukas." She was about to close
the door but I stopped her. Tumingin siya sa akin. "Huwag mong ipagpilitan ang
sarili mo, Hector. Alam mong hindi maganda ang resulta niya."

"This is me fighting for us."

"Walang us, Hector." Sabi niya sa akin. I shook my head.

"I want you to call me Helios, Yza. Para alam ko na ako nga ang tinatawag mo hin
di ang lalaking tinatawag mong asawa."

Kumunot ang noo niya. "Baliktarin mo man ang mundo, I'll always choose Hector It
uralde. He's a better man than you are ever to me!"

"He's gay!" I hissed. Hinablot ko ang braso ni Yza. Hinatak ko siya papasok sa l
oob ng unit nila. "He's gay, Yza! Alam ko na! Tapos sasabihin mo sa akin na mas
pipiliin mo siya kaysa sa akin?! He's not even man enough to man up for you tapo
s siya pa rin ang pipiliin mo?!"

"He's man enough to stay with me!" Yza screamed. Natigilan ako. "At least Hector
had the decency to stay with me habang ikaw, you chose to leave!"

"I left so I can have your family's forgiveness for what I did to you. I did tha
t - I turned myself in because I want to give you the justice you deserve. I did
that for you."

"We'll I didn't ask you too. Iniwan mo ako." She told me. "Alam mo ba kung gaano
kasakit iyon?! I chose you!"

"You never told me you loved me!" I yelled back.

"I'm glad I didn't because if I did - mas masakit ang pag-iwan mo!"

I saw tears running down her eyes. Tumalikod siya. I was dumbfounded. I didn't r
ealize she was thinking this way. I wanted so much to comfort her but how? I was
n't aware of that - akala ko ginawa ko ang tama but then...

"Yza... what are you trying to tell me?" I already have a hunch but I just wante
d to be sure.

"Just leave, Helios." She spoke with that cold and stern voice again. "Hindi kit
a kailangan. You can have the kids but you can never ever have me."

Muli niya akong tinalukuran pero sa ngayon binuksan niya ang pinto. Pareho kamin
g natigilan nang makita ang nakatayo sa kabila noon.

Si Sancho Consunji.

---------------------

"Tay..."

"Anong nangyayari dito, Yza?"

Mariin ang tingin ni Tatay kay Helios. Kumakabog naman ang dibdib ko at hindi ko
alam kung anong gagawin. I looked at him - wala ang kambal - hindi niya kasama
ang mga bata. Anong ginagawa ni Tatay dito? I took a deep breath. Tatay looked a
t Helios from head to toe. Hindi talaga ako makahinga. I was silently praying fo
r Helios to just disappear.

"He's about to leave." I finally found my voice. Tiningnan ako ni Tatay. Tumaas
ang kilay niya. Helios smirked.

"Hanggang ngayon, ganito pa rin. Fine." He said. "I'll leave but I'll be back to
claim my kids and the woman I love, Mr. Consunji."

Nakahinga ako nang maluwag nang umalis nang tuluyan si Helios. Pumasok sa loob n
g unit ko si Tatay at saka tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa.

"Anong nangyayari, Yza? Why is he here? Akala ko ba mga bata lang ang kailangan
niya, bakit nandito siya ngayon?"

"Tay, I didn't know he'll be here. I'm so sorry." Mahinang wika ko. Huminga siy
a nang malalim at saka tinitigan ako.
"Kaya kong tanggapin ang mga anak mo, pero kahit kalian hindi ko matatanggap si
Helios, Yza." Hindi na ako nagsalita. Ilang beses nang sinabi sa akin ni Tata ya
ng bagay na iyon at naiintindihan ko siya kaya nga kahit na anong mangyari o nan
gyari o kahit na ano pang nararamdaman ko hindi ko pinaglalaban dahil alam ko an
g mararamdaman ng buong pamilya ko.

I only wanted a peaceful life and if I listen to whatever my heart is telling me


- I will never have that. Ayos na ako sa ganito. Kuntento na ako sa kung anong
meron sa amin ni Hector Ituralde. Paulit - ulit kong ipaglalaban ang kasal namin

g kahit na paulit- ulit niya rin akong ipagpalit kay V. I will never let Iturald
e go because that's what's best for my family.

Kaya kong talikuran ang lahat para sa pamilya ko kahit na sarili kong puso kaya
kong kalimutan.

I sighed. I looked at Tatay again. "I'm so sorry, Tay."

"It's okay, Yza. Ayoko nang mauulit ito. PInagbigyan na kita, pero alam mong ayo
kong maging parte ng buhay nating lahat ang lalaking iyon. He had stolen many th
ings from our family and I will not let him steal my grandchildren away."

I nodded. I looked away. I guess this - what I am feeling for Helios Demitri wil
l forever be hidden - because up until now - many years may have passed by - no
matter how much he had hurt me I couldn't deny the fact that I love him - only h
im and no one else.

I'm in love with the demon who stole my away from my family and from everything
else.

I'm in love with him.


<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 7</h1></center>
<hr>
"Hindi na naman siya umuwi."

I bit my lower lip as I smiled at myself. I was on the phone with Nikita that ni
ght. Naghihintay ako kay Hector habang pasilip-silip sa silid ng mga bata. It wa
s already one in the morning and I'm still awake, waiting for my husband to come
home. I'm already worried. Kanina pa siya hinahanap ng mga bata. Nakatulugan na
nga ni Hyan ang paghihinta sa Papa niya. She missed her Papa Hector. Nakakatuwa
naman iyon para sa akin dahil kahit na nakilala na niya ang tunay niyang ama ay
hindi pa rin nababawasan ang pagmamahal niya sa Papa niya.

"Nasaan na naman ba?" Narinig kong naghikab si Niki sa background. I smiled agai
n. "Yza, matulog ka na." Sabi niya pa. "Kung uuwi iyan, uuwi iyan, kung hindi di
wag!"

"Kahit ba minsan, hindi ginawa ni Yto sa iyo ito?" Mahinang tanong ko.

"Hindi. Subukan niya lang." Tumawa pa si Nikita. "You know how your brother gets
but every time na may away kami he stays at home - hindi siya pumapasok sa offi
ce, we sit down and we try to fix things - that's why I love him more each day."

Tumango lang ako. I really want my marriage to work. I want my marriage to be li


ke my parents and Nikita. I want it to be happy. Masaya naman kami noon, nagsimu
la lang naman muli ang problema nang umuwi kami ng Pilipinas para sa kasal ni Ga
briel. Doon nagsimula. Sa tingin ko ay kasalanan ko rin dahil mula nang malaman
ni Hector na nagkita kami ni Demitri ay saka nagging komplikado ang lahat.

He started the change. Bumalik na naman kami sa dati - iyong nangyari noong nasa
Prague pa kami. I thought it will never happen again but then, it happened now
and it's just so sad. Kaya nga ganoon na lang ang pagpipilit ko na bumalik kami
ng Prague para maayos na namin ang lahat pero bakit ganito - I keep messing thin
gs up and I hate myself for it.
"Hahanapin ko siya, Nikita."

"At bakit?! Yzang! Hanggang ngayon makulit ka pa rin! Paano ang mga bata?!" Tano
ng niya.

"Tatawagan ko si Yna. I'll ask her to come here."

"Tapos?!"

"Basta, Niki. I have to find Hector." Sabi kong muli. I ended the call and diale
d Yna's number. I wasn;t sure if she's still awake but I'll wake her and make he
r come here. Kailangan ng mga bata ng kasama. I thanked all the gods of Olympus
when Yna answered her phone.

"Ate?" She spoke.

"Nasaan ka? Can you come to my unit?"

"Why? I mean sure. Kasama ko si ZD. Can I take him?" Wala na akong ibang sinabi.
Basta ibinilin ko na bilisan niya dahil hindi na talaga ako mapakali. I need to
find Hector fast before I lose him again. Nagpalakad-lakad ako sa gitna ng livi
ng room. Twenty minutes later, narinig kong may kumatok sa pinto. Mabilis ko iyo
ng binuksan at nakita ko nga si Yna. Ikinakunot ng noo ko ang hitsura niya.

She was wearing one of Zach's shirts - I was sure of it. Lumipad ang tingin ko k
ay Zach. Parang alam na niya kung anong iniisip ko. Agad niyang itinaas ang kama
y niya at mabilis na nagsalita.

"It's not what you think! Sinundo ko siya doon sa ---"

"Zach please..." Yna mumbled.

"Basta sinundo ko siya doon, Yza. She called me, she was ---"

"I wasn't crying! I'm going to hurt you, Laundrize!" I just shook my head. Kinuh
a ko ang bag ko at nagpaalam umalis sa kanila.

"Isama mo si ZD, ate. Kailangan mo ng driver." Sabi pa ni Yna. Nakita kong umili
ng si ZD.

"Driver na lang talaga ako ngayon." He smiled at me. "Let's go, baby?"

"Zach..." Tiningnan ko siya.

"I just missed calling you that." Tugon niya. Napailing na lang muli ako. Tining
nan ko si Yna at sumenyas na aalis. ZD walked with me. PInaglalaruan niya sa mga
kamay niya ang susi ng kotse niya. Tahimik lang naman ako. Hindi ako komportabl
e sa pinapakita niya sa akin. Hindi naman siya dating ganito.

"You've changed." I whispered.

"You did too, Yza. But it's a good thing we're still friends." Mahinang sabi niy
a din. Sumakay kami sa elevator.

"So... why are you with Yna?" I asked again. He just smiled.

"There are things better left unsaid. Isa pa, si Yna ang tanungin mo." Ngumuso n
a lang ako. Napapailing lang talaga ako ngayon kapag naririnig kong magsalita si
ZD. He sounds very differen and he looks different - gone was the boy I first f

ell in love with - all that was left is a man - a man behind those boyish smile
and playful stares. He matured.

Lumabas kami ng elevator. Ipinagbukas niya pa ako ng pinto at saka dumiretso kam
i sa parking lot. "Saan?"

"Just drive around. May hahanapin lang ako." Nakatingin ako sa labas ng bintana.
Si Zach naman ay pinaandar na ang sasakyan. Halos paikot-ikot lang kami. I aske
d him to take me to the bar capital dahil baka nandoon si Hector. I didn't see h
is car, so I asked ZD to take me to the chains of hotels around the Metro. I was
hoping to NOT see him there. Kahit saan ko na lang sana siya makita, huwag sana
doon at kung makita ko sana siya, sana siya lang mag-isa. Ayokong makita siyang
kasama ni...

"Stop the car!" Sigaw ko. Kumabog ang dibdib ko nang mahagip ko ng tingin ang is
ang lalaking hindi ko pwedeng maipagkamali kahit na kanino. Biglang huminto si Z
ach. Napapreno siya. Walang sabi-sabing lumabas ako ng sasakyan at saka tinahak
ang daan patungo sa entrance ng five star hotel na iyon.

I was hoping that I'm wrong - na hindi siya ang nakita ko but when he turned aro
und, I knew it already. It's him with V. They hugged each other, - he even kisse
d his lips.

"Putsa!" Sigaw ni Zach. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita kong tinakbo ni Zach
si Hector at saka sinuntok. Napasigaw ako.

"ZD!" Halos mamaos ang tinig ko kakasigaw para lang tumigil siya.

"Ang gago mo!" Sigaw ni ZD. Binalingan niya ako. "Yza! The fuck! Your husband's
gay!"

Hindi ako nakakibo. Tumulo ang luha ko nang makita kong dinaluhan ni V si Hector
at pilit itinatayo.

"Yza! Say something!" Ulit ni Zach. Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari. Nakita ko
na lang ang sarili ko na lumalakad papunta kay V. Nang magkapantay na kami ay s
aka ko siya sinampal.

"How dare you ruin my family!" Natigagal siya. He looked at me. V also known as
Victor San Agustin is a shipping magnate. He's name is all over in Prague. Nagka

kilala sila ni Hector noong high school sila. They had been sweethearts since th
en but when Hector's family found out about their relationship, nagalit ang dadd
y ni Hector at ipinadala siya sa Prague - doon naman kami nagkakilala. He marrie
d me because he needed to prove to his father that he has changed and yet two mo
nths after our wedding, I caught him sleeping with V - in our own bed.

He never touched me - I was okay with that but still! I caught him cheating. We
tried to make things work at noong akala kong maayos na kami ay saka siya muling
babalik sa dati niyang ginagawa.

"How dare you too!" It was V's voice. "You promised to take care of him, pero wa
la kang ginawa kundi ang saktan siya!"

"At hindi ako nasasaktan sa ginagawa ninyo?!" Sigaw ko. "You keep on coming back
to him when you already promised me that you will never bother my family!"

"I love him, Yza!" V, said. "One thing you can never give him. Love. Ako mahal k
o siya. At kaya niyang panghawakan iyon. Ikaw ba, mahal mo siya?"

Hindi. I bit my lower lip. I love Hector as a friend. He's my instant companion
- we're better than what we are pero nasasaktan pa rin ako at nasasaktan ko rin
siya.

"Yza, umuwi ka na. Ang mga bata." Napatingin ako kay Hector. Dumudugo ang labi n
iya. I looked away when I felt a tear rolling down my left eye. "Mag-uusap tayo
bukas, just please. I need to be alone."

Hindi na ako kumibo. I walked out. Narinig kong tinawag ako ni Zach. Sumakay ako
sa kotse niya at doon inilabas ko lahat ng luhang kanina pa gusting kumawala.

Bakit ba hindi ako maging Masaya? Ito ba iyong karma ko for leaving Zach years a
go?

"Yzang..." He called me. I faced him.

"I'm sorry. You didn't have to see that." I said. He sighed.

"Tatawagan ko si Yto." Sabi niya. Umiling ako.

"Yto doesn't know. My family doesn't know. Please."

"But, Yza! You're a mess! You need someone." Untag niya pa. He sighed again. "Gu
stuhin ko man pero hindi ako ang taong pwedeng maging someone para sa'yo ngayon.
I wanna ease your pain away but someone - another human being in this world, ne
eds me to be her someone tonight and I really wanna be with her." Bulong niya pa
. "I have hurt her so much and right now..."

"I know, I understand." Sabi ko sa kanya. "Just take me home." Sabi ko. Zach dro
ve. Tahimik lang kami sa buong byahe. Hindi siya nagsasalita. Panaka-naka ay nak
ikita ko siyang nagtetext. I don't know who it was but I had a feeling it was th
at someone he was talking about. I just sat there, thinking about what happened
to the parking lot.

Napaluha na naman ako, mas pinili pa ng asawa ko na umuwi kasama ang kabit niya
kaysa sa akin. I wiped my tears. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin kasi ang pagtulo ng luha ko.
Hindi ko makalimutan ang sakit. Damang-dama ko iyon sa puso ko. Nasasaktan ako
dahil ganito pala ang nararamdaman ng ipinagpalit.

Ganoon din kaya ang naramdaman ni Zach noon? I sighed again.

Napakunot ang noo ko nang mapansin kong lumagpas kami sa condo building na tinut
uluyan ko. I looked at Zach.

"Lagpas na." Sabi ko pa. He shook his head.

"Hindi pa. Malapit na tayo." Ngumiti siya sa akin. Kinabahan naman ako. Hindi na
gtagal ay huminto ang kotse ni Zach sa tapat ng isang coffee shop. Bumaba siya k
aya napilitan akong sumunod at sa labas ng coffee shop, nakita ko ang isang taon
g ayoko sanang makita ngayong gabi. He was looking at us. Itinapon niya ang hawa
k niyang sigarilyo at saka lumapit sa amin.

He's eyes we're piercing right through my sould. I find it hard to breath. Wala
pa man din siyang sinasabi ay nanghihina na ako. Ni hindi niya pa ako nahahawaka
n.

"Hector..." Bulong ko. He grinned.

"As much as I love the sound of my name on your lips, my love, I don't want you
calling me by that name. I prefer Helios." Niluwagan niya pa ang tie niya at sak
a tiningnan si Zach.

"Good thinking, boy." He was smiling ear to ear. He even tapped ZD's shoulder.

"Take care of her." Wika ni Zach at saka tumingin sa akin. "Alis na ako, Kulet.
Bye!" Sinenyasan niya pa si Hector. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin. Hindi ko maintin
dihan kung anong nangyayari.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko ng biglang kunin ni Hector ang kamay ko. "What are you d
oing outside at a time like this, my love?" He kissed my hand. Nakadama ako ng b
oltahe ng kuryente. I tried moving away but he caught my waist.

"I was looking for Hector ---"

"Why would you? I am all the Hector that you need, Yza. Hector Santillan or Heli
os Demitri - whomever you prefer - you have both our hearts in your hands."

And just like that, his lips met mine and for the second time in five years, I f
elt my heart beating - not just to pump blood - but to make my whole world move.
..
<center><h1>Stolen- Untold # 8</h1></center>
<hr>
I don't have any idea where Helios is taking me but right now, I really don't c
are. All I know is that I have to be away - I have to be with him. I was sitting
on the passenger's seat. He was driving and he's free hand was over my left han
d. He was playing with my fingers. Panaka-naka akong tumitingin sa kanya. I know
how wrong this is but I don't want to think about that right now.
No matter how dark our past is, I couldn't change the fact that Helios makes me
hapy. He really does. Kahit na iniwan niya ako noon, alam kong siya lang talaga
ang makapagpapasaya sa akin. I was in deep hell - Hector makes it bearable for m
e dahil friends kami but right now, I don't know kung anong itatawag sa amin. We
're not a couple, we're not even friends now so I'm not really sure.
Naramdaman kong dumampi ang labi ni Helios sa palad ko. "Eyes on the road, miste
r." I said to him. He grinned at me and suddenly I felt the urge of kissing him.
Ang tagal kong tiniis ang sarili kong kaligayahan. For the last five years I ha
ve thought nothing but my family's happiness. Isinantabi ko iyong kaligayahan ko
para sa pamilya ko. But right now - being with Helios - all I want to do is be
happy and be with him.

I wanna be with him.


"Don't you wanna know where we're going?" He asked me out of nowhere.
"Nah..."
"What? Why?" His voice was deep.
"I don't really care, Helios. As long as we're together."
I was staring at him. Hindi ako pwedeng magkamali. I saw tears coming down from
his eyes. He looked away. I didn't know what to say. He was crying - no - I made
him cry and I don't know what to do.
Magsasalita pa sana ako nang mapansin kong bigla na lang niyang inihinto ang sas
akyan. I was surprised when I saw where he took me.
He took me to the glass house where he held me as captive five years ago.
"Helios..." Nakababa na siya ng sasakyan. Binuksan niya ang pinto para sa akin p
agkatapos ay inilahad niya ang kanyang kamay. May kung anong kabang lumukob sa b
uong pagkatao ko. Naghalo ang nararamdaman ko. I was feeling scared yet excited
and happy.
"He-helios..." I looked up at him.
"Let's go home, Yza..." He said. What came out of his lips calmed me down. I rem
embered that I wanted to be happy and my happiness is here - in front of me. Bak
it ipagkakait ko pa iyon sa sarili ko?
I took his hand. He held me close. Sabay kaming humakbang papasok sa masyon. "Ar
e you scared?" He asked. I shook my head.
The warmth o his hand was enough to calm my nerves. His voice, his stare - every
thing about him only signals my happiness. Ito na iyon. Sasaya na ako. Bakit pa
ako tatanggi? I took a deep breath again.
Helios opened the door. Pumasok kaming dalawa. Saglit akong natigilan nang mapat
ingin ako sa hagdan sa kaliwa ko. My whole body shook. Humigpit ang hawak ko sa
kamay niya. I suddenly remembered what happened there that night when he took me
. My tears fell.
"Love..." He called me. I looked at him. I was biting my lip. "F-forgive me."
"I already did." Mahinang sabi ko. "The moment I saw Hyron his eyes - it reminde
d me of you. I have forgiven you that day I gave birth to your children Helios.
I just - we'll I was just mad because you left me."
"I did that because I wanted your family to forgive me for what I did to you..."
Mahinang sabi niya sa akin. He sighed again.
"Anong gusto mong gawin ngayon, Yza?" Lumayo siya sa akin. He sat in the couch w
hile looking at me He's eyes were a bit darker. He looked so sad and unsure.
Paulit-ulit ko na ring tinatanong
lagi ko na lang sinasabi na gusto
sa akin ang kasiyahang hinahanap
y with my kids and with the man I
life with him.

iyon sa sarili ko. Ano nga ba ang gusto ko? Pa


kong maging masaya pero sa tuwing lumalapit na
ko ako pa mismo ang tumatakbo. I wanna be happ
love. I wanna be with Helios. I wanna start a

Helios Demitri is my happiness and I will never let him go - I should have never
let him go in the first place. I took a deep breath again. Hindi ko na alam kun
g ilang beses ko nang ginawa ang bagay na iyon.
"I wanna be with you, Helios."
Biglang lumiwanag ang mukha niya. Inilang hakbang niya ako at saka hinapit palap
it sa kantawan niya. I melted against his body. His lips crushed mine. He kept o
n kissing me like his life depended on it. I wrapped my arms around him. I don't
want to let go. I wanna be with him for tonight and the next night and the next
night till the last night of my life.
"I love you so much..." He whispered against my ear. Gusto kong sabihin na mahal
ko siya - na mula noong araw na iyon - nang pakawalan niya ako - nang hinayaan
niya akong sumama kay Zach - nang araw na iyon alam kong iba na ang lahat. He ha
d stolen me away from everything that I thought mattered to me. He made me reali
ze so many things - he made me realize that love isn't always perfect - that a l
ove story doesn't always begin with a happy moment - that no matter how dark it
is or how badly I was treated at that time - forgiving is the key to falling in
love with him.
I have forgiven him and that was the start of my heart falling for him.
My eyes widened when I felt him unbuttoning my dress. "I have waited so long for
this." He said. I bit my lower lip.
"Na.. natatakot ako." I voiced out. He looked at me.
"Don't be my love. I'll be Hector Santillan - a real man - not----"
"SHHH!" Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. Napuno ng halakhak ni Helios ang kabahayan
. I missed his laughter.
"I know, my love." He kissed me again. I let my body go with the flow. His kisse
s, his touch, the feel o his burning palm against my skin - all of it was enough
to send me to frenzy. Inihiga niya ako sa couch. He looked at me - there was th
is ridiculous look on his face. Iyon na naman na parang hindi siya makapaniwala
Hinawakan niya ang dulo ng dress ko pagkatapos ay hinila niya iyon pababa.
I was naked underneath him. I was only wearing my silk panties. Helios started u
nbuttoning his shirt - moments later he's naked too.
He started kissing me again. Wala akong ibang iniisip kundi ang nangyayari ngayo
n at ang kaming dalawa lang. Right now, I know what I really want now.
I'm fighting or Helios and my happiness. Hindi lang naman para sa akin kundi par
a sa mga bata.
"Ohhhh.." I moaned loud when I felt his lips down there. I opened my eyes and I
saw what I thought I will only see on movies or read on books. He was giving me
too much pleasure. I guess he's making up for the lost years. I bit my lower lip
. I don't want to scream pero wala rin - I ended up screaming his name loudly.
Suddenly he stopped. He sat up then he took both of my hands and made
e him. That was the moment when I felt him enter my being. He held my
helped me move. I noticed that he was looking at me. Fire and passion
s eyes - his staring at me like I was the only thing that mattered to
oment.

me straddl
waist and
were on hi
him that m

"Don't.... ahh.." I bit my lower lip again. "Helios shit!" I took a deep breath.

"Don't leave me, ah fuck!"


He kissed me again. All my inhibitions faded away.
"I love you, Yza. We are one now..." He said before I felt that lovely warm feel
ing inside of me..
It' just so beautiful - I found myself crying out o happiness.
It's good to be with the man you love with all your heart.

I am fighting for him. No matter what.


<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 9</h1></center>
<hr>
I opened my eyes when I felt a warm something on my face. I was greeted by the s
unshine coming from the window near the bed I was in. Disoriented pa ako. Hindi
ko alam kung nasaan ako. The fisrt thought that came in my mind were my kids. I
wonder if they're awake already - and that was when I realized where I was and w
here my kids were. Hindi ko sila kasama ngayon dahil hindi ako umuwi dahil kay H
elios...

I looked around the room - how the hell did I got in here? Sa pagod ko ay hindi
ko na alam kung anong nangyari nang gabing iyon - ang alam ko lang kasama ko si
Helios. He completed my life and my happiness but where is he now?

I stood up. I realized that I was still naked. Kinuha ko iyong kumot at ibinalot
iyon sa sarili ko pagkatapos ay lumabas ako ng silid ni Helios. I took a deep l
ong sigh as I walk in the middle of the hall. The place just brings back so many
memories - good and bad - both unforgettable - both memories made me who I am t
oday.

I went downstairs. Kinakabahan ako. What if Helios left again? Paano kung ginawa
na naman niya ang ginawa niya sa akin noon? What am I going to do? Hindi ko ala
m kung kaya kong magalit muli sa kanya. I love him to death. My blood sings for
him and I know that if he leaves again - I'll only end up waiting for him - want
ing more. I'll long for him just like how I longed for him five years ago...

I reached downstairs - I was still looking around trying to find any sign of him
but he's not around. Lalong kumabog ang dibdib ko.

"He-helios... Helios!" I called him. "Helios Demitri!" I was standing in the mid
dle of the living room. Hindi naman nagtagal ay nakita ko siyang halos patakbo p
apunta sa akin. His face was priceless. Para bang takot na takot siya. When he g
ot near me he held both my hands and looked at me closely.

"What's wrong? Nasaktan ka ba? Are you okay? Are you sore?"

My eyes widened with his last question. Hinampas ko siya sa dibdib. He was only
wearing his boxer shorts. I could very well see his body - a body of a Greek god
.

"I woke up..." I said in a small voice.

"And?"

"We'll you weren't there so I got scared..." I looked away. Kinakabahan ako. His
green eyes were piercing right through my soul. Bakit ba hanggang ngayon ay hin
di ako ma-immune sa mga matang iyon. My kids' eyes has the same effect on me - l
alo na ang mga mata ni Hyron. Katulad na katulad ng kay Helios ang tingin niya.
He seemed to have inherited a lot from his father. I had always known that but e
xperiencing it first handed gives me a different feeling.

"I just..."

"What?"

"I thought you left again..." I looked down. Narinig ko siyang nagbuntong hining
a. Hindi ko alam kung tama na sinabi ko iyon. Pero iyon naman ang nararamdaman k
o. Gusto kong iparating sa kanya na ayoko siyang umalis, na hindi na niya ako da
pat iwan kasi ako hindi ko na siya iiwang mag-isa.

We're in this together.

I am fighting for him.

I'm willing to face my father just to be with him. Alam ko kung anong ginawa ko
at alam ko kung anong mangyayari sa oras na humarap ako sa pamilya ko nang kasam
a ko siya at lahat iyon kaya kong tiisin basta hindi niya lang ako iiwan.

It's him and me against the world.

"I won't leave." He said in a low voice.

"Is that a promise?"

"You want me to say promise?" He looked at my eyes. "I was never good in keeping
them, Yza." Sabi niya. "But if it will make you feel better - I will never leav
e you." He smirked.

"Bakit kayo ng anak mo hindi marunong ngumiti?" Biglang naitanong ko. Kumunot an
g noo niya. "We'll its true. You and Hyron has the same face expression. Lahat,
sa'yo minana."

"That's a good thing. Kaysa naman magmana siya doon sa bak---"

"Helios ha!" Sabi ko na lang. "Hector is a good man."

"If he is, hindi ka niya sasaktan." Wika niya pa. Tumaas ang kilay ko.

"You've hurt me."

"That's the difference, Yza. I'm a bad man. A bad man who's willing to do good j
ust to be with you."

I made a face. Pinisil ko ang ilong niya. "Ang pangit mo!" I giggled. Masaya ako
. Kagabi pa ako Masaya dahil kasama ko siya. I feel so alive. If I knew that it
will be like this, sana noon pa lang ginawa ko na - pinalaya ko n asana ang sari
li ko noon pa lang.

"Pangit ako?" Pinagalaw niya ang mga kilay niya. I found myself laughing - this
is the side of Helios that I never got to know - bago pa lang kasi ay umalis na
siya. Bigla akong napasigaw nang hawakan niya ang magkabilang baywang ko. He sta
rted tickling me. Nagpupumiglas ako.

"Helios! Ayoko na! Damn! Stop it!" I was giggling. Hindi na ako makahinga pero a
yaw niya pa ring tumigil. Maya-maya ay hinapit niya akong bigla at saka binuhat
- bride style.

"I'm going to feed you, woman, then we'll make love again over and over today un
til you're sore!"

Tumakbo siya habang karga ako. We went to his kitchen. I saw pancakes and bacons
in there. Mukhang kaya siya umalis ay dahil nagluto muna siya. He sat on a chai
r. I was still on his arms. He made me sit on his lap, the he started feeding me
.

"Tell me about the kids..." He said to me. Tumingin ako.

"We'll Hyron is as stubborn as you are, si Hyan mainitin ang ulo, parang ikaw di
n. Madalas silang mag-away but then, si Hyron palagi ang nagbibigay. I thought h
im to be like Yto." Sabi ko. Lumamlam ang mga mata niya.

"It's a good thing, Helios." Sabi ko sa kanya. "Yto loves the kids." I touched h
is face. "We'll fix the trouble with my family right after this. I'm fighting fo
r us."

Napatingin siya sa akin. Hindi ko na naman mabasa ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya.
Mukhang hindi naman siya galit pero hindi rin naman siya masaya - para bang naii
yak siya.

"Three years in jail and you become soft?" Tatawa-tawang tanong ko.

"You are my weakness." He whispered to me. "Kung nandoon pa ako ngayon at nabali
taan kong bumalik ka, I'll break out, Yza just to see you."

"Oo na. Alam ko na!" Pinisil ko ang ilong niya. Kinagat naman niya ang kamay ko.
"Masakit ha!" Biglay ay sumeryoso ang mukha niya.

"Walang nangyari sa inyo ni Ituralde tama?"

"Why do you sound so sure?" I grinned sheepishly.

"Yza, he's gay." Matiim na sabi niya.

"So? It doesn't mean..." My mouth parted when I felt his grip tighten over my wr
ist. Napangiwi ako. "He-helios... aw..."

"Did he ever touch you?" His voice was dark and mean.

"No..." Lumuwag ang hawak niya sa akin.

"Good. Hindi ako makakapatay." Huminga siya ng malalim. "Kumain ka na." Hindi ko
alam kung matatakot ako kay Helios o kung matutuwa ako sa ipinapakita niya sa a
kin. A part of me wanted to be scared pero mas malaki iyong nakakaramdam ako ng
kasiyahan.

I have been surrounded by ruthless men all my life and I'm used to the fact that
some of them would want to break rules just to get what they want. My father is
like that, my brothers too, even my uncles and also my aunt. Halos lahat pala s
ila ay ganoon - even Hera. Kahit na si Nanay ay may parteng ganoon. Iyon siguro
ang dahilan kung bakit hindi ako natatakot kay Helios - kahit na noon pa man.

"Si Nanay Bining?" Tanong ko.

"She's with Leigh." He sipped his coffee.

"Yna's with the kids." Lumipad ang tingin niya sa akin. "I called her last night
, Zach took her to me."

"Zach?" Kunot na kunot ang noo niya. "The boy? Your ex - boyfriend?"

"Yes. They were together last night."

"They were together last night?!" Halos lumuwa ang mata ni Helios sa sinabi ko.
Bigla ay tumayo siya. Buti ay nakahawak ako sa mesa kundi nahulog na din ako. He
took his phone. Nagpatuloy ako sa pagkain. Maya-maya ay naririnig ko siyang sum
isigaw. I find it amusing.

"What the hell were you thinking? Why were you with Laundrize?!!!"

"I don't care Leighton! You're not allowed to date yet!"

Tumayo ako at kinuha ang telephonesa kanya.

"Yna? How are my kids?" Tanong ko sa kanya.

"Ate? Oh oh my god! You're with Kuya! Oh my god!" She started yelling at the oth
er line. "This is so great! Finally! Oh my god! Oh my god! Kuya and Ate! Oh my g
od.... Kuya Yto!" Kumunot ang noo ko. I was trying to calm Helios. Magtatanong p
a sana ako pero ibinaba na ni Yna ang phone. Binalingan ko si Helios.

"What were you thinking? You don't get to yell at Yna."

"She's dating Zach." Inis na sabi niya.

"Sinabi niya ba?"

"Hindi." Nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

"Iyon naman pala. Ang init ng ulo mo." Hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya. "Can you jus
t stop thinking about things and be with me again?" Inilapit ko ang ulo ko sa di
bdib niya. I felt his breathing. Nag-iba ang way ng paghinga niya.

"Yza..." He sounded so stern. I grinned. I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Sabi mo we'll make love?" Ngumuso ako. "Kalma na, Helios..." I planted a kiss o
n his chest. My lips travelled up to his neck. I was teasing him. I don't know w
hat came over me but I wanted to tease him until he couldn't take it anymore. La
long lumawak ang ngiti ko nang hapitin niya ang baywang ko. He carried me again
and made me sit on the counter top. I was biting my lip. The tension between us
is too thick I could slice it with knife. He spread my legs wide. Inililis rin n
iya ang kumot na nakabalot sa akin.

"Kiss me, Helios..." I whispered and he did. He crushed his lips on mine. He gav
e me an honest to goodness French kiss. I have missed his lips. Actually I have
missed everything about him. I wanted to so much to tell him how much I love him
but I guess words weren't enough to justify what I feel for him. His kisses tur
ned fiery. His hands roamed all over my body. I am again, consumed by the heat c

oming from his body. His lips travelled down my neck, he nibbled that sensitive
part again and a moan came out of my lips. I imitated what he's hands were doing
to my body. I kept on caressing his back. My mouth was a bit parted. I was sigh
ing in delight. Naramdaman ko na lang na nahulog na sa kitchen floor ang kumot n
a tumatakip sa katawan ko. Helios held my left thigh. He wrapped it around him.
His mouth found its way to my breasts and he started nibbling my taunted mounds.

"Ahhh, fuck." I heard him mumble. He was giving me pleasure again - just like wh
at he didn't last night. I didn't know how many times I came down last night - I
wasn't counting. I have a feeling that I had counted it - I will lose track bec
ause he kept on giving me that miraculous feeling.

"You taste so good." He muttered. My eyes widened when I felt him entered his ma
gical fingers in my core. He was giving it to me again. I couldn't breathe. I fe
lt my cheeks turning red. Nakahawak lang ako sa balikat niya. I bit my lower lip
.

"Scream my name." he ordered. I shook my head. He thrust faster this time.

"Ahhh!
eeling
mdaman
ing my

Helios! Ahhh! Oh god!" I felt my whole body shiver. I was savoring that f
again, I couldn't take it. Mas lalo tumindi ang nararamdaman ko nang mara
ko siya. He's inside of me again. Thrusting slow, feeling me, and stretch
being until all I could see were stars and rainbows.

Helios has completed that missing part of me and I will never let him go...

----------------------

"Saan ba kita ihahatid?"

All good things must come to an end. Iyan ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. We were ab
out to leave his hill home. Nakasakay na ako sa kotse niya habang nag-iisip kung
saan nga ba ako papahatid. I wanted to go home and hug my kids. I wanted to tel
l them that we're okay. That I could finally give them the family they wanted pe
ro parang mas gusto kong harapin ang lahat ng problema naming dalawa ngayon.

I looked at him. "Kay Tatay."

"Are you sure?" Tanong niya.

"Yes. Let's end this now, Helios. Whatever he says, I'm not leaving you. Gusto k
o nang sumaya. Madalas sabihin sa amin noon ni Nanay, happiness is a choice and
I'm choosing you because I want to be happy."

"We will be happy, love." Hinagkan niya ang kaliwang kamay ko. Saglit siyang na
tigilan nang mapatingin sa wedding band ko.

"Shit! I have to deal with Hector pa." Nasabi ko na lang. Nanlaki ang mga mata k
o nang biglang hatakin ni Helios ang singsing ko at itinapon iyon sa labas ng bi
ntana.

"Wag ka nang magreklamo. Ibibili kita, mas maganda." Kinindatan niya ako.

"Kahit naman wala, basta wag mo na akong iiwang mag-isa."

"Never, Yza." He kissed my forehead.

Nagsimula na siyang magmaneho. Nakakaramdama ko ng kaba. Iniisip ko pa lang na h


aharapin na namin si Tatay, kasama ang buong pamilya ko ay kinakabahan na ako. A
lam ko kung anong magiging reaksyon ni Tatay. Isama pa si Yto. I was just prayin
g n asana wala si Uncle Adam at si Tito Luke sa bahay sa mga oras na ito. They'l
l give me a hard time.

I took my phone out and called Yna. I asked her to bring the kids to the mansion
. Marami siyang tanong pero hindi naman na siya nagreklamo pa. I also called Nik
ita - I asked her kung nasaan si Yto. Sinabi naman niya na nasa mansion nga daw
ito kasama si Yvo at si Yllak.

"You okay?" Tanong niya matapos kong ibaba ang phone.

"We'll, they were all in there. Kinakabahan ako." Sabi ko sa kanya.

"Bakit? Nandito naman ako. We're in this together. For the kids, Yza. For our ha
ppiness."

Tumango ako sa kanya. Hindi naman nagtagal ay narrating na naming ang mansyon. I
saw Yna's car outside. Natatakot akong bumaba. Helios got out of the car to ope
n my side of the door. He held my hand as we walk together. Nanginginig ang buon

g katawan ko.

Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi: I am choosing happiness.

Bumukas ang gate. Hinatak ako ni Helios papasok. "Yza, don't be scared."
"Easy for you to say." Bulong ko. I saw him shaking his head. Nauuna pa siyang l
umakas kaysa sa akin. Nang malapit na kami sa pinto ay huminto ako.

"Yza Joan!" Sigaw niya.

"Fine!" I took a deep breath. This time ako na ang naunang pumasok. Nakita ko ag
ad si Yto na may kausap sa phone. He was smiling - he only smiles like that when
he's talking to Nikita on the phone. Napatingin siya sa akin. Nagpaalam siya ka
y Niki tapos sa akin ngumiti.

"Yza---" Nagbago ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya nang makita niya si Helios sa liko
d ko.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Dumagundong ang boses ni Yto sa buong kabah
ayan. As if on cue, naglabasan ang lahat. I saw Yvo rushing. Si Yllak naman ay h
alatang kagigising lang at pababa pa lang ng hagdan. I was praying na sana wala
pa si Tatay.

"What are you doing here, asshole?! Why are you with my sister?!" Hinatak ako ni
Yto palayo kay Helios.

"Yto, nasasaktan ako!" Hinawakan ako ni Helios sa braso.

"You really like stealing things away, Demitri." Yllak said out of nowhere.

"I didn't steal anything from this family. I was only claiming what's mine."

Akmang susuntukin ni Yllak si Helios nang bigla akong sumigaw - at hindi ako nag
-iisa. Yna rushed from the kitchen to our side.

"Don't you dare hurt my brother, Consunji!" Sigaw niya kay Yllak. Yllak's mouth
parted.

Ibinaba ni Yllak ang kamao niya. "Leave!" He said to Yna. "Take your brother wit
h you and never comeback!"

"Leave, Yna..." Yto said in a cold tone.

"Kung aalis sila, aalis din ako, Yto." Napasinghap ang lahat. "Isasama ko ang mg
a bata, because I'm choosing him. I love him. There, I said it. I love him, Yto,
Yvo, Yllak. Nandito ako para ipaglaban ang nararamdaman ko sa inyong lahat. I d
on't want to be the weak one anymore. I'm choosing my happiness. Hindi naman pwe
deng lahat kayo masaya tapos ako nakukuntento sa isang bagay na nakakapagpasaya
sa inyo."
Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Helios.

"You heard her." Malamang wika niya. Lahat sila ay hindi makapagsalita. Tahimik
na tahimik ang buong kabahayan and from that silence - rose the voice of the man
whom I am about to have a talk with.

"Yza." I closed my eyes before facing him. Nasa may hagdan siya. He was on his u
sual three piece black suit. Makisig pa rin siyang nakatayo habang titig na titi
g sa akin.

"In my office now." He said. He turned away. I looked at Helios. I'm not scared.
I have him with me. Walang dapat ipag-alala.

I'm choosing happiness.


<center><h1>Stolen - Untold # 10</h1></center>
<hr>
I couldn't breathe...
"When I grow up, I wanna be a princess."
"You really want to?" Tatay held me in his arms. "But you're already my princess
." He even kissed my forehead.
"I am?" Tatay nodded at me.
"One day, Yza, you'll find someone who'll make you his queen, just like what I d
id to Nanay and when that time comes, tatay will cry a river."
"Why?"

"Because I love you so much, and I don't think I'll let go of you that easy."

I was already crying. Hindi ko kayang pumasok sa loob ng private office ni Tatay
nang ganito ang sitwasyon ko. Hindi ko siya kayang harapin. Hindi pa ako tapos
sa mga kapatid ko, now I have to deal with Tatay. Bahagya akong nagulat nang mar
amdaman ko ang pagdampi ng labi ni Helios sa aking noo. He hugged me and he whis
pered to my ear.

"Nandito lang ako, Yza."

Napangiti ako. Kahit paano ay nawawala ang kaba ko. I took a deep breath. He wip
ed my tears as he looked at me intently. Dahan-dahan kong inabot ang doorknob up
ang pumasok na sana nang bigla kong marinig ang boses ni Hyan.

"Mama!" I looked at my left and I saw her running towards me. She was wearing th
at lavender cotton dress I bought for her back in Prague. Kasunod naman niya si
Hyron na nakakunot din ang noo pero nagliwanag ang mukha niya nang makita ang am
a niya.

"Daddy!" Tulad ni Hyan ay tumakbo rin siya papalapit sa amin. Sabay silang kinar
ga ni Helios at iniharap sa akin.

"Mama sabi ni Aunt Yna, magkasama daw kayo ni Daddy." Wika ng maliit na boses ni
Hyan. I was just looking at them and I couldn't help but to remember that same
scene where I ran towards my own father, the he picked me up - he picked us up Yto and I - and carried us to his arms. Lalo akong napaluha.

"Mama, why are you crying?" Hyron asked. "Did you make her cry, Daddy?"

"Of course not, son." I smiled at him. "Napuwing lang si Mama. I'll take to Tata
y. You stay here with your dad."

"I'll come with you." Sabi pa niya. Umiling ako. "But Yza!"

"I'll come out alive, Helios. He's my father. Things will be okay. I just have t
o deal with him. Remember what I told you last night, whatever happens I'm choos
ing you. I love you." I touched his face and smiled. I kissed my children. Noon,
dalawa lang ang source of energy ko, ngayon tatlo na sila. It's easier now.

I got inside and I saw my father sitting on his chair looking outside the window
. Dumako ang tingin niya sa akin at saka pinakatitigan ako. Bigla siyang tumayo
tapos ay inilang hakbang ako. I got the biggest shock of my life when I felt his
palm over my face.

He slapped me. I gasped. Agad na tumulo ang luha ko. Nasapo ko ang pisngi kong n
asampal ni Tatay. I couldn't stop crying. I realized that I won't be dealing wit
h my father today. I'll be dealing with the devil in the corporate suit.

"How could you, Yza? What were you thinking?!" His voice boomed.

----------------

"Kuya, maupo ka nga!"

"How can you be so calm?" I asked her. I was pacing around her former room. Dina
la niya ako dito dahil hindi siya mapakali sa mga tinging ibinibigay sa akin ng
mga Consunji - lalo na ni Yto Consunji. He looked as if he was going to murder m
e. Kung tatalikod siguro ako ay sasaksakin na ako ni Yto dahil sa ginagawa ko sa
pamilya niya ngayon.

"I'm calm because I know Sancho Consunji. Kung sasaktan niya man si Ate, hindi m
asyado."

"What?!" I yelled. Napatingin ako kay Hyan na naglalaro ng mga manikang inilabas
ni Leighton kanina. "I'm sorry, baby." Bumalik siya sa paglalaro habang si Hyro
n naman ay nakatulog na sa sofa. Naupo ako at sinapo ang ulo ko.

"I have to be there." Sabi ko sa kapatid ko.

"You can't. It's Consunji versus Consunji. Ate can take care of herself." Sabi n
iya pa. Para bang sigurado siya sa lahat ng lumalabas sa bibig niya. Kumunot ang
noo ko.

"Just like Ares and Yllak Consunji. Consunji versus Consuji, eh, Leighton Santil
lan?"

Leigh rolled her eyes. "Bahala sila. Basta ako, I'm going to make an empire usin
g you Greek name." She even sighed. "I wish I have a Greek name, Kuya."

"You do. You're Selene Demitri - Selene is the goddess of the moon." I smiled at
her.

"Ay bet!" Bigla niyang naiusal. Nagtawanan kami. Although I was laughing with he
r, I couldn't take Yza off my mind. I wanted to be with her at this time. I don'
t want her facing her father alone. Ang gusto ko lang naman ay makita ni Sancho
Consunji na mahal ko si Yza at malinis ang intension ko sa kanya. No matter how
dark we started, my intentions for her are as pure as the angels in heaven.

Natigil ako sa pagtawa nang bumukas ang pinto. Mula doon ay pumasok si Sheena Co
nsunji. Kasama niya si Yllak. Ngumisi ako nang makita kong iniirapan na naman ni
ya si Leighton.

"Yna, can you leave us for a while?" Mahinang wika niya. Tiningnan niya ako. Yna
stood up.

"Come, baby girl. Let's go play outside." Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Hyan at pi
nababa sa kama. Binalingan naman niya si Hyron. Akmang kakargahin niya ito nang
hawakan ni Yllak ang kamay niya. She stepped back. I watched them. I felt amused
with the way Leighton is acting.

"Ako na." Malamig na wika ni Yllak.

"Whatever, Consunji."

They both left the room. I was left alone with Sheena Consunji. She was as calm
as ever. I took a deep breath. I was waiting for her to talk.

"What are you doing, Helios? Nakalimutan mo na ba ang pangako mo sa akin? You're
a man with honor, why are you breaking that promise now?"

"I made that promise not knowing about the existence of my children. Misis Consu
nji." Malamig na wika ko. I stood up. I felt powerless with her. Hindi ko naman
pwedeng saktan o kalabanin ang babaeng nagmahal at nag-aruga sa mga babae sa buh
ay ko.

"Pero Masaya si Yza kay Hector." Mahinang wika niya.

"Talaga bang Masaya siya? Do you even look at her when she's with him? I have on
ly seen her with him twice but I knew that she's unhappy. Ituralde only married
Yza because he doesn't want his family to know that he's hiding a lover. He's ga
y, Sheena." Wika ko. Wala na akong pakialam kung may karapatan ba akong sabihin
iyon o wala. Lahat gagawin ko makasama lang ang mag-iina ko.

Sheena Consunji's gaze flew to me. "W-what?"

"She married Hector to make this family happy, Sheena. Ipinagpalit niya ang kasi
yahan niya para sa kasiyahan ng lahat. Now she's suffering. Now she's miserable.
"

-----------------------------

"How can you do this to the family?"

Tatay asked me over and over. Kanina pa kami nakatayong dalawa at kanina pa rin
ako hindi makapagsalita. I keep asking myself if this is what I get for wanting
my happiness. I was biting my lower lip.

"I gave you everything, Yza! How can you choose that man who violated you?!"

"Because of love." I whispered. I was weakened by the fact that he had slapped m
e. Thirty years of my life, ngayon lang ako nasaktan ni Tatay ng ganito. Naiinti
ndihan ko kung bakit niya nagawa iyon pero sana intindihin din niya ako.

"Love?! Aren't you in love with your husband?!" Sigaw pa niya. Bahagya akong nap
aigik. Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko. Hindi ko kayang harapin ang galit
ni Tatay pero kapag sumuko ako ngayon, mawawala na naman sa akin ang masayang p
amilyang nais ko.

"Hector's gay, Tatay. We married each other for convenience. I married him to ma
ke you happy. To assure you that I will never go back to that dark path I took w
hen I fell for Helios. But no matter what I do, I keep on coming back to where I

was. I love him Tatay. Just like how you love Nanay."

Hindi ko alam kung saan ko nakukuha ang mga salitang lumalabas sa bibig ko. Tini
tigan ko ng mataimtim si Tatay.

"Remember what you told me? When a Consunji loves, we love with all our being not just with our hearts. We love because that person becomes the center of our
lives - ganoon ang nararamdaman ko kay Helios, Tatay. I love him. He's the cente
r of my life - him and the kids and if I lose him now, hindi ko na alam. Matagal
na akong nagtitiis sa kalungkutan, Tatay. I guess now is the time for me to tak
e a leap and be happy, don't you think?"

My father leaned on his table. He was still looking at me. I was still crying. H
injdi maampat ang mga luha ko. Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin sa oras na sa
bihin ni Tatay na hindi niya matatanggap si Helios para sa amin ng mga bata.

"Where did I go wrong?" He asked himself. "I had loved you with all my heart, Yz
a. I have showered you with everything I own. But why do you keep on escaping my
turf. Una si Yna, pagkatapos ikaw. I hate Demitri for taking away my girls. My
little girls."

"He didn't take anyone away from you, Tatay. Yna might have left but she's still
here. You just keep on pushing her away because you hated the fact that she cho
se to be with Helios than be with us. But I think it's for the best. Look at her
now, she's completely happy. She's happier now that before dahil kompleto na si
ya at wala na siyang hinahanap."

Inilang hakbang ko si Tatay. "Gusto ko ring maramdaman ang kasiyahang nararamdam


an ni Yna, Tatay. I wanan be complete. And... and last night, while I was with h
im, I felt that the pieces of my puzzle were slowly being completed. Nabubuo ako
. Hindi lang ako kundi pati ang mga bata. Hector loved them, yes, tatay but it's
different with Helios because he is their own flesh and blood. Helios might be
a bad man, but tatay, he loved me and the kids so much - there's no question wit
h that."

I took a deep breath. "Hindi mo lang siguro makita, Tatay but Helios is just lik
e you." His mouth slowly parted.

"I never violated your mother." Mariing sabi niya.

"Yes, you didn't. At oo, iyon siguro ang malaking dahilam mo kung bakit hindi mo
siya mapatawad pero tatay, I have forgiven him. If It weren't for him, I won't

have two little green eyed monsters with me. I have forgiven Helios the moment I
have laid eyes on Hyron - just like what nanay felt when he saw us - she had fo
rgiven you for what you did to her - although she wasn't really that angry - she
was just, we'll she can explain that to you but the point is - I have forgiven
him. So if you think about it, you can forgive him too. Hindi man ngayon, pero s
ana sa mga susunod. It took me years before finally forgiving him. Hindi ko nama
n hinihingi na agad-agad, Tatay, pero sana don't close your heart."

I wiped my tears. Finally, nakalapit ako sa kanya. I took his hand.

"If nanay hadn't forgiven you that night you've hurt her, do you think we'll be
here?" Mahinang tanong ko. "I'm not questioning your love for nanay, or her love
for you, but please, put your feet in my shoes and try to understand."

Tatay fell silent. He looked away and when he finally looked at me, his tears we
re falling. He cupped my face.

"I couldn't let you go that easy, princess."

"You don't have too, because I'm not going anywhere, tatay." Niyakap ko siya. I
wept like a little girl. Dama ko ang pag-alog ng balikat ni Tatay. Hindi ko nama
n agad hinihiling ang pagpapatawad niya sa akin at kay Helios, at mas lalong hin
di ko hinihingi na tanggapin niya kaagad ang lalaking mahal ko, I just want him
to understand my situation.

"I love you, princess. I don't want anyone hurting you."

"He's not going to hurt me, Tatay. He won't."

I heard a knock on the door. Kumalas ako sa pagkakayakap kay Tatay. Nakita kong
bumukas ang pinto at iniluwa niyon si Nanay. She was teary eyed. Sa likod niya a
y nakita ko si Helios. He's expressionless. Mukhang inip na inip siya.

"Helios Demitri." He said to him.

"Sancho Consunji." He spoke. Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. "I mean, Mr. Consunji
." I wanted to laugh.

"I still hate you with all your guts. You're still an asshole."

"Sancho!" Sigaw ni Nanay.

"I still feel the same. But because I love your daughter, I'll try hard not to s
how it."

I rolled my eyes. Kahit na ganito, Masaya na ako. At least naiintindihan na ako


ni Tatay at wala na akong pangamba. I held Nanay's hand. She smiled at me. Puno
ng kasiyahan ang mga mata niya.

I sighed. I only have to deal with one thing and that's Hector Ituralde.

---------------------------------"I'm glad we came out of the mansion alive."

Narinig kong wika ni Helios. We were in his car


p kay Tatay ay kaagad din kaming umalis. I left
th Nanay. Bukas ko na lang sila kukunin sa oras
r. Hindi ko alam kung anong mangyayari sa aming
i pero buo na ang desisyon kong iwan siya.

again. Matapos ang pakikipag-usa


Hyan and Hyron at the mansion wi
na maayos na ang gusto kay Hecto
dalawa sa oras na magkaharap kam

Gustong-gusto ko nang matapos lahat ng ito ngayon. Gusto ko nang magsimula ng pa


nibago kasama si Helios at ang mga bata. Gusto ko nang bumawi sa kanya. I wanna
make up to him - iyong panahon na magkalayo kami noon, iyong mga gabing hindi ka
mi nagkasama, lahat iyon balak kong bawiin sa kanya.

He parked the car in front of our building. Pagbaba ko ng sasakyan ay kaagad na


gumala ang mga mata ko para hanapin ang kotse ni Hector at hindi naman ako nabig
o. I saw his car parked in there. Nagmamadali akong pumasok sa loob. Nasa likod
ko si Helios. Nang makapasok kami sa elevator ay hinaplos niya ang balikat ko.

"You looked so tensed. Let me ease your stress away." Bulong niya. Walang anu-an
o'y hinagkan niya ako sa labi. I gave in. I missed kissing him. Alam kong buong
magdamag na kaming magkasama pero parang kulang pa rin. I made a mental note tha
t when all of this is over, I'll ask him to take me to an island so we can have
each other all day and all night. I blushed at my thought. Ano bang nangyayari s
a akin?

His kisses became deeper and hotter. He was demanding to be kissed back - just l
ike the way he was kissing me and so I did. I wrapped my arms around him and kis
sed him like my life depended on it. His body started roaming around my body. I
am feeling hot and uneasy.

I want him.

"God! Helios!" Those words came out of my lips when his mouth travelled down my
neck. His left hand caught my right breast and he fondled it. I could feel the i
ntensity in his every touch and brush of his lips.

Ting!

Natigil kaming dalawa nang bumukas ang elevator. Helios cursed. Inayos niya ang
damit ko at saka kinuha ang kamay ko palabas. I grinned sheepishly.

"Lagot ka sa akin mamaya." I even heard him. I don't know why I felt excited hea
ring that but I did.

We reached my unit. Nanginginig na naman ang mga kamay kong binuksan ang pinto.
Hindi ko alam kung anong madadatnan ko kaya napanganga ako nang makita ko ang mg
a suit cases ni Hector sa sala. He was sitting on the couch na para bang kanina
niya pa ako hinihintay. Nang makita ako ay tumayo siya.

"Oh good! You're here!" He said. He sounded so happy. Yumuko siya at saka kinuha
ang isang long brown folder. Habang naglalakad siya papalapit sa akin ay tiniti
tigan niya si Helios na para bang may kung ano siyang iniisip.

"Hector, let's talk." I said to him.

"Hindi na kailangan, Yza." Wika niya per okay Helios pa rin siya nakatitig. "I'm
sober and I'm okay. I'm giving you your freedom back."

My mouth parted. I took the folder and opened it. A tear fell down when I saw th
e divorce papers he already signed.

"Is this for real?" Mahinang tanong ko. Hindi siya sumasagot. Nag-angat ako ng t
ingin at nakita kong titig na titig siya kay Helios. "Hector!"

"What?!" He asked.

"Fuck it!" Narinig ko si Helios. Kinuha niya ang folder, hinawakan ang kamay ko
at bumunot ng ballpen sa bulsa niya. "Just sign the goddamn papers Yza!"

"Fine!" I said. I signed the papers. Nang matapos iyon ay ibinalik niya ang fold
er kay Hector tapos ay nilagpasan niya ito. Siya na mismo ang naglabas ng mga ga
mit ni Hector doon at nanlaki pa ang mga mata ko nang halos kaladlakarin niya si
Hector Ituralde palabas ng unit ko.

"Helios!" Sigaw ko. He shut the door and looked at me.

"Did you see the way he looked at me? It's so creepy!"

I smiled at him. "He likes you."

"Shut up, Yza!" Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya.

"We'll it's true! He's gay. He must've fancy you." Humagikgik ako. Nagdilim ang
mukha ni Helios. Tumahimik ako. "Pikon."

Hindi siya nagsalita. I was standing in the middle of my living room. Helios was
near the door. He slowly walked towards me. His expression was unreadable. My e
yes widened when he started unbuckling his belt. Palapit siya nang papalapit. He
threw his belt away, the he unbuttoned his shirt, threw it away just like the b
elt. From where I was standing, I could see his glorious Greek body. Moments lat
er, he was walking towards me, naked and proud.

I swallowed hard when I saw his huge member. I haven't really seen him this nake
d. I have felt him, yes, but seeing him like this is different.

Finally he reached me. Ni hindi ako gumalaw. Hinawakan niya ang dress ko, tapos
ay hinatak iyon. He wreck my dress, my panties and my bra.

"Helios!" My voice was shaking.

"You're mine now, Yza." He said. Itinulak niya ako paupo sa sofa. He kneeled in
front of me, and spread my legs - wide. Not a moment later I felt his lovely lip
s inside my core and I found myself sighing as he gives me that feeling again.

He stopped and looked at me. "I knew it from the start, when you arrived at my h
ome. I have taken the wrong person but I have stolen the right one for me. I'll
never let you go now, my love. Forever till the end."

All I could do was nod that moment. I'm too emotional to even speak. In one day,
all our troubles were settled and we just have to wait till the end of eternity
.

We have all our live to spend with each other.

A lifetime with him.


<center><h1>Stolen - Untold - Epilogue</h1></center>
<hr>
It is a good day for the Consunjis. Another year has passed by and everything in
their life were slowly falling into places. Nothing had changed - if there were
some changes, it is definitely for the better.

Lukas Consunji was sitting in the middle of the first line beside his ever witty
wife Apollo Consunji - beside them were their children, Hera, Hermes and Ares w
ho was very busy looking around him. Ares Consunji is an eligible bachelor - a v
ery intelligent lawyer - a renowned one. He could definitely have everything her
ever wanted - be it money, fame, women - everything - but he keeps on wanting s
omething he knew he could never have.
He knew it so well and yet he couldn't help himself.

"Aw!" Ares looked beside him. He saw Hera raising a brow at him. Hinampas siya n
ito sa balikat.

"Kung saan-saan ka nakatingin! Umayos ka nga!"

"The wedding will start any minute from now, be civil!" Pinanlakihan naman ni He
rmes ng mga mata ang mga kapatid niya. He shook his head. He doesn't have any id
ea what was happening to his brother - he doesn't really care because right now
he has to deal with issues in his life. He took a deep breath. He closed his eye
s and he saw the face of that woman who hated him. Wala siyang pakialam but ever
y damn time he remembers how much she hates him it feels like he's having a nigh
tmare.

Lukas looked at his children. He shook his head as he watches his flesh and bloo
d sitting beside them. Binalingan niya ang asawa niya at saka kinuha ang kamay n
ito.

"Huh?" Apollo looked at him. He kissed her hand. He couldn't believe the amount
of love he has for this woman. Kulang ang mga bituin sa langit para sukatin ang
pagmamahal na mayroon siya para kay Apollo Consunji.

"Nothing. I just love you so much." He said to her. Apollo touched his face. "At
alam kong patay na patay ka talaga sa akin."

"Ang kapal mo pa rin hanggang ngayon, Luke!" Her laughter filled his ears and ti
ll now, that sound has the same effect on him - Thirty years later, he IS still
so much in love with the woman who tried to take away his inheritance.

At the other side of the line, Adam Consunji was there with her beloved Aura. Th
ey were holding hands - Aura's head was resting on her husband's shoulder - cont
entment is written all over her face. Gabriel Consunji was looking at them. He w
as thinking - hard while watching his parents. Ang daming tanong sa isipan niya.
Bakit masaya ang mga magulang niya? How did they keep their marriage work like
that? How his father could love his mother like that? How could he make things w
ork between him and Mara? How can he fall in love with Mara despite the fact tha
t he hates her?

How? He looked up when he felt someone tapped his shoulder. Kumunot ang noo niya
nang makita niya si Gianna. "Hey, Gab!" His cousin greeted her. "Where's your w
ife?"

"Shut up, Gianna." Sabi niya dito. Gianna rolled her eyes. "Where's Aunt Laide?"

"With Ate Yza, inside the hotel." Gianna sat beside Gabriel. "I can't believe th
is is happening. I mean Demitri - Consunji nuptials. How I wish Uncle Sach is as
calm as the sea in front of us right now..."
"Oh, and Yto." Gianna giggle. Gabriel just shook his head.

It is a good day for everyone but as everyone would say - there's always an exce
ption. For Sancho Consunji - it is his most dreaded day - the day when one of hi
s little girls will be taken away from him again.
He was inside the hotel suite - trying to fix his tie but he couldn't really con
centrate. All he could think about was the fact that his first born will be marr
ying today. It was hard that first time Yza married Ituralde - and now she's mar
rying Demitri - it's even harder.

"Let me..." He tried to calm his nerves when he heard his wife's voice. He faced
Sheena. She was smiling at him - she was wearing that beautiful lavender dress
fitted for the occasion.

"Iiyak ka na naman..." Malumanay na wika nito sa kanya. He looked at her. She ha


d this ridiculous smile on her face. "You are the most ruthless man I've ever kn
own but when it comes to your daughters you are very powerless, Sancho."

"Is it my fault?" He whispered. Tinapos muna ni Sheena ang pag-aayos ng tie niya
bago sumagot.

"I loved you more for that, honey." She answered with all her heart. Sheena had
only loved one man since she was sixteen - si Sancho lang iyon. Kung minsan ay h
indi niya maisip na totoo ang lahat ng ito. She sometimes think that she's only
dreaming and the moment she wakes up - everything will go back to the way it was
pero hindi siya nagigising kaya alam niyang hindi lang ito basta panaginip.

This is her reality - a lifetime with Sancho and their children.


"Nay!"

Sancho and Sheena both looked at the door. Yllak came in. He was holding his tie
. "Nay, can you fix my tie?"
Sheena rolled her eyes. "Mana sa ama, pati ba naman ito?" She was giggling. Idin
antay niya ang kanyang ulo sa balikat ni Sancho.

"Nay! Oh my god!" Yna came running in. Sancho smiled when he saw his youngest da
ughter. She was wearing that lavender maid of hone dress. "Nay, have you seen at
e? She's so..."

Leighton stopped speaking when she saw Yllak looking at him like he was seeing a
n apparition.

"Ayan na ang kapatid mo. Sa kanya mo na lang paayos iyan." Bilin ni Sheena kay Y
llak.

"She's not my sister!" Yllak hissed. Leighton rolled her eyes.

"Yllak! That's impolite!"

"Nay, Tay!" Nikita's voice filled the room. "Oh, nandito pala ang lahat? Where i
s Yvo? Kanina pa siya hinahanap ni Yto ko."

"Si Yza?" Sheena asked her daughter - in - law.

"Ready na tayo, nay. Si Yvo na lang ang wala! My goodness!"

Sheena faced Sancho.

"Are you ready,Tatay? You're giving away your daughter to the man she loves?"

Sancho stared at Sheena's face. He took her hand. "As long as you're with me, ho
ney."

--------------------------------------What would I do without your smart mouth


Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright

Helios Demitri was standing at the other side of the aisle. He was wearing an al
l white suite - though his tie is black - it doesn't mean anything at all. He's
very happy - finally - the best day of his life came.

The day when everything between him and the love of his life will become officia
l - his wedding day.

He looked over his right and he saw the boy - Zachary Drew singing. He nodded at
him.

Nagkaroon na sila ng pagkakaintindihan - hindi sila magkaibigan - pero hindi rin


sila magkaaway. They had this thing - tanggap niya na minsang nagging parte si
Zach ng buhay ni Yza at hindi niya mababago iyon. He should just be thankful be
cause in the end of everything Zach was the one who brought Yza back to him.

It's funny because he once stole her away from Zach, but Zach was the one who br
ought her back. He calls that destiny.

Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you


You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, of you...

He took a deep breath. He smiled when he saw his children walking down the aisle
. Hyron looked like a little business magnate in his suit while Hyan look like a
little queen. He suddenly wondered what Yza will look like.

Tumaas ang kilay niya nang makita niya si Leighton na naglalakas. Leigh is one o
f Yza's maids of honor. She looked so pretty while walking down the aisle. Nang
malapit na ito sa kanya ay bigla na lang itong tumakbo at niyakap siya nang mahi
gpit.

"I'm so happy , Kuya!"

Natawa siya habang tinitingnan ang kapatid na bumalik sa pila. He caught a glimp
se of Yllak Consunji looking at him and Leigh. He knew already what was going on
his mind and his heart. Hindi niya lang alam kung alam ba ni Leighton ang mga n
angyayari.

Next in line were Yto and Nikita Consunji. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin niya
nakukuha ang approval ng kakambal ni Yza - but that doesn't mean he isn't trying
. He wanted to have all the Consunji's approval. It meant a lot to Yza kaya impo
rtante rin iyon sa kanya.

Suddenly, everyone stood up. The song changed and his breathing became hard.

Am I giving enough?
Is it all that should be?
When water gets rough
Will you still swim with me?
So afraid to come close

And maybe too soon


And maybe too much
For you to consume
Then, he saw the most beautiful thing that he ever laid his eyes on in this worl
d. The love of his life - the woman who completed his happiness - his life - si
Yza Joan Ybarra Consunji - Demitri.

A tear rolled down his eyes when he saw her coming down. Natatakpan ng vail ang
mukha nito. Beside her were her parents - Sancho and Sheena Consunji. He felt li
ke his knees shook. He wanted to fast forward the time because he wanted so much
for them to start their eternity together.

And I wanna know if I


Can live inside your world
And I wanna know if I
Can give it to you girl
You know that I want you say it
You know that I need you say it
You know that I love you say it
Our love just goes on and on and on
You know that I want you say it
You know that I need you say it
You know that I love you say it
My love just goes on and on and on
Finally, Yza stopped in front of him. He took a deep breath. Inabot niya ang kam
ay nito. Sancho Consunji took his hand. Napilitan siyang tumingin dito.

"I'm giving you one of my treasures, Demitri. Take care of her."

Ngumiti siya. He gave his father - in - law a genuine smile. "I will, Sir." Tina
pik niya ang balikat nito. Binalingan naman niya si Sheena. Sheena was looking a
t her daughter, her tears were falling as she hugs her and gives her away.

Not a moment later, yumakap naman si Yza sa kanyang Tatay. Matagal, mahigpit and
he just stood there, patiently waiting for her. Finally, Sancho let go.

"I love you, little girl." He even heard him whispered.

"I love you, Tatay. Thank you." Yza's voice was shaking. She finally faced him.
He took her hand. Iniharap na niya ang nag-iisa - oo nag-iisang babaeng minahal
niya sa altar.

Of all the bad things he had done in his life - he stole, he avenged, he even vi
olated this woman - ngayon niya naisip na napakaswerte niya dahil nagawa siya ma
halan, patawarin at tanggapin nito nang paulit-ulit. Hindi na siya makakahanap n
g katulad pa ni Yza.

Yza Consunji is one of a kind. Wala na siyang katulad - at wala na rin siyang ha
hanapin pa.

He grew up in a dark world - his biological father abused him. Hindi niya kilala
ang kasiyaha but that thing changed when this woman beside him entered his life
.

"Dearly beloved." The priest started the ceremony. The wind blew. Hawak niya lam
ang ang kamay ni Yza. "We are gathered here today to join this man - Hector "Hel
ios" Santillan - Demitri and this woman - Yza Joan Consunji."

He couldn't really understand any of the words coming out of the priest's mouth.
He was just standing there, waiting. Naiinip na siya, bakit ang tangal matapos
nito?

Finally - the rings came in. They faced each other. He took Yza's hand and put t
he ring on her finger.

"Yza Joan Consunji - Demitri - what a nice name you have now."

Nagtawanan ang mga tao sa paligid nila habang nakikinig sa vows niya.

"I don't really know what to say. Leigh told me that vows should be written week
s before the actual ceremony - I didn't write mine. Don't get mad!" Inunahan na
niya ito. "I told her, that no adjective in this world can even describe the amo
unt of love I have for you. You changed my life, you made me the man I am today
and that is enough for me to stay in love with you till the next eternity. I am
just excited to spend my life with you and the kids and the football team I have
in my mind."

Hinamapas ni Yza ang balikat niya. Natatawang hinuli niya ang kamay nito at hina
gkan. It was now Yza's turn. Her hands were shaking.

"Helios, I hated you the first time I ever laid eyes on you." Everyone fell sil
ent. "But that was the first time and I don't really remember that now, all I co

uld remember was that moment I felt I fell for you the first time. I once heard
that Consunjis always fall for the forbidden one - and you're the forbidden one,
Demitri. I fell for you like how Eve fell for that sinful apple. Ikaw iyong app
le. I took one bite and I couldn't get enough. I defied everyone I know - my fam
ily - just to be with you - and now as we both stand here, I realized that it is
all worth it. You are WORTH it. You have completed my life, my being and I love
you so much, it damn hurts just being away from you kahit segundo pa lang. I l
ove you like a love song, baby."

Everyone laughed again. Yza continued. "But seriously, I love you, Helios. I'll
love you till my last breath. Forever and eternity."

Madamdamin niyang tininingnan si Yza at saka ngumiti. The priest called their at
tention again.

"By the power vested in me by the Catholic church of the Philippines - I know pr
onounce you man and wife. You man now---"

Hindi na niya pinatapos ang sinasabi ng pari. He pulled up Yza's vail - and kiss
ed her lips. He kissed her like those men kissed their leading ladies in an old
Hollywood film. He kissed her with all his power, with all his might. He kissed
her like there's no tomorrow and she was kissing her back with the same passion
and intensity.

It is now over.

He had completed the stealing.

He had stolen not just his flesh and blood but also the heart of Yza Consunji.

It is now the beginning of a new life for her and him.

Just the beginning of their lifetime with each other.

Everyone clapped their hands together. Sancho was wiping his tears while Sheena
was calming him down. Laide Dela Monte stood beside his older brother feeling so
amused. She looked at Julian - his husband and held his hand.

Leighton on the other hand was also wiping her tears - hindi niya alam kung para
saan ang mga luhang iyon but she's very happy. Happiness was overflowing her sy
stem.

"Yna."

She sighed when she heard Yllak's voice.

"Yllak please, not on my brother's wedding!" She made a face. Hinawakan bigla ni
Yllak ang kamay niya.

"Yllak!" She hissed. Nanlaki lalo ang mga mata niya nang maramdaman niya ang isa
pang kamay na humawak sa kanang kamay niya.

"Leighton."

She found Ares Consunji standing beside her - staring at Yllak intently. The tow
Consunjis were having a stare duel.

"Oh please!" She yelled.

Pilit niyang binawi ang mga kamay niya at lumayo.

For everyone, it is just an ordinary day with a special occasion - but for Leigh
ton Santillan - Demitri - it is HELL.

=========
*Songs used
All of me - John Legend
Say it - Voices of Theory

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