17

Dennise's P.O.V.

"Well, tell your little precious boyfriend- that I am taking back what's mine.", I whispered on her ear nang makalapit ako sa kaniya.

I grabbed the back of her head with my right hand and brushed my lips against hers.

What the hell am I doing?

Let's just hope that the alcohol she's consumed tonight washes away the memory of our heavy conversation earlier, of that solid slap that landed on her cheek and- this kiss.

The kiss that I have been longing for all these years.

I looked into her eyes and she's totally gobsmacked. This made me smile while still kissing her.

Alright, I think point has been made. But obviously, not yet taken.

I slowly separated away from her, wiped her lips with my thumb and put a light tap on her cheek bago ko ito iniwan where she was standing.

Gosh, I feel lightheaded.

Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko.

I wonder what she feels right now but won't dare to look back so I headed straight into my room.

"Mom! I've been waiting for you."

"Hey, sweetie. Can't sleep without me? I thought you're gonna sleep with uncle Mosh?"

"Yeah, but he suddenly wants to cuddle with you Michelle. Kaya ayan he kept tossing and turning on your bed. Hey young man, your mom's here, so call it a night already, okay?"

"Okay Pá! Good night!", the kid said to him.

"Alright. I'll sleep downstairs, Michelle."

"Thanks, LA. Doon ka na sa guest room katabi ng room nila Ella."

"Okay. Matulog na kayo at marami ka pang haharapin bukas."

"I know. Agahan mo ang pag akyat rito. We don't want any of them to be asking questions.", paalala ko sa kaniya.

"Sure. I'll leave you two to it. Good night!"

"Night!"

Nang makalabas si Luis ay kinausap ko muna ang aking anak while tucking him to sleep.

"Baby, I'll try to do it tomorrow. Okay?"

"Really mommy?"

"Yes. Would you like to come?"

"No, mommy. I know you want to spend some time alone with her. But make sure you let me join you right after, okay mommy?"

I chuckled at his statement.

"Alright, bud.", pag gaya ko sa tawag sa kaniya ni Alyssa.

"Nooooo, mommy, that's how she calls me. You can't copy herrrrrr."

"Wow, now you have a new favorite."

"Mom, I love you but you know she's always been my favorite. Nooo- I mean, you both are! Okay?"

"Sus, fine. I'll talk to her tomorrow, sweetpea. Go to sleep now. I love you."

"Love you mommy.", he answered with his eyes closed while kissing my cheek and wrapping his tiny arms around my neck.

"I love you, sweetie."

Maya maya pa ay nakatulog na rin ito. I changed my clothes and dumungaw sa bintana to check if nasa baba pa sila Alyssa.

I saw Ella waking Alyssa up.

"Grabe ang lakas lakas uminom, when did she start taking that much alcohol? Tsk, tsk.", komento ko as I watched them na pagtulung-tulungan itayo si Alyssa.

-

"Besh? Dennise? Are you still up?"

I opened the door for Ella habang nakaalalay pa silang dalawa ni Synjin sa magkabilang braso nito.

"Sorry, were you sleeping already?", Ella asked.

"Nope, what happened to her?"

"Broken and got very wasted?", pabirong saad ni Synj.

Umiling lamang ako rito.

"Eh wait, aray Ly! Huwag kang magpabigat."

"What do you need, Ells?", tanong ko rito.

"Her clothes. Can you uhm, help me change her clothes? Basang basa eh. Look. Nabuhos kasi iyong mga drinks na nasa lamesa kanina tapos bigla na lang natulog doon edi napunta lahat sa kaniya. My head's spinning badly and everyone's too wasted to help me out."

"I'm not wasted but ewww I won't change her clothes, like duh.", maarteng sabi ni Synj.

"See? Please? I'm sorry if naistorbo ko kayo ni LA."

Sinara ko agad ang pinto bago pa makasilip si Ella.

"It's o-okay, besh. Come on, let's bring her into her room."

-

Pagkapasok sa room noong isa ay dahan dahan nilang inihiga si Alyssa sa kama nito.

"Damn, ang bigat bigat mo Ly! Tsk. Shit, now pati damit ko basa na. Hay! Paano, kayo na ang bahala riyan, titignan ko pa sila Bea sa baba. Mga lasing na rin iyon eh maaga pa ang alis namin."

"Uuwi na kayo agad, Synj?", I asked him.

"Well, Ella, Jema and Jia will stay. The rest have their prior committment. Kaya ipagmamaneho ko pa ang mga iyon."

"Oh, I see. Alright. Thanks, Synj. I'll catch up with you soon. Okay? Love you. Magpahinga na kayo ha?"

"Love you too, besh. We're glad you're home."

"I know, I am too."

"Okay. Ells, sumunod ka roon ha. Hindi ko kaya lahat iyon."

"You know what, I'll come with you. Den, kaya mo na rito?"

"H-Ha? Ah, oo sure. Sige na. Thanks besh. Take a rest, okay?"

"Okay, we will. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Pahinga ka na rin after diyan. Kaya naman na niyan matulog mag isa, sanay na iyan."

"What?"

"Wala. Sige na. Bababa na kami. Thanks again, Den."

"Y-Yeah."

Ella closed the door behind them pagkalabas ng kwarto, leaving me with a wasted Alyssa Valdez.

"Ly?", tawag ko rito as I tucked her loose hair behind her ear.

"Hmmm."

"Are you awake?"

"Uh-huhmmm.", sagot nito with her eyes closed.

"Look at you, your shirt's soaking wet. Let's get you changed, Ly."

"Hmmm.", ungol naman nitong muli.

I got her some white loose shirt from the closet which she loves to wear kapag matutulog.

"Hey, I'll lift your shirt up, okay? Don't take me for anything. I was asked to do this."

"Hmmm."

Natawa ako dahil wala naman rin itong magagawa dahil sa sobrang kalasingan.

Umupo ako sa tabi nito- pinunasan ang kaniyang mukha at leeg ng isang face towel na nakuha ko sa closet pati na rin ang kaniyang mga braso.

"I'll lift your shirt up now, okay?"

"Hmm."

Napalunok pa ako nang bahagyang maitaas na ang kaniyang damit.

Why am I trembling?

Den, pigilan mo ang sarili mo at maghunos dili ka!

"Shit."

Nang maiangat ko na ang kaniyang damit up to her stomach, parang natigilan ako.

Damn, she still has these abs well maintained.

I bit my lower lip on the thought.

Binilisan ko na lang ang pag alis ng damit nito at agad na isinuot ang bagong damit na kinuha ko para sa kaniya.

Phew! What a sight.

Iniligpit ko na muna ang damit nito at bimpo na pinampunas ko sa kaniya bago muling tumabi rito.

"When I saw him, he immediately tugged my heart and right there and then I felt this urge of protecting him. You and Luis are his family and his world. Why would I even try to take that away from him? Why would I even dare to hurt that wonderful kid?"

Tears started to fall when I remembered what she said about my son.

She said she immediately felt protective of the kid when she first saw him.

"He would love to be nurtured and protected by you too, Ly."

Marahan kong hinaplos ang mukha nito, "Ly, I know you've suffered too much. You've had your fair share with all the pain and suffering I've gone through. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for not being there for you. But, I am here now. I hope it's not too late, I hope I'm just in time."

Hindi ko napigilan at napayakap ako sa natutulog na si Alyssa nang bigla itong nagsalita.

"Den."

Napa upo naman ako nang mabilis at nagpunas ng luha.

"Y-Yes, Ly. I am here."

"P-Please don't take her away, no, no, no.", she said then started sobbing.

It got me worried. Baka nananaginip ito ng masama.

"Ly? Hey. I'm here, I'm here.", hinawakan ko ang kamay nito at inilapat sa pisngi ko.

"Baby, I'm sorry. I'll wait for you, please just come back home. Please.", umiiyak pa ring sambit nito habang nananaginip.

Nagpatuloy naman sa pagtulo ang mga luha ko when I heard those words from her.

"Honey, I'm here, I'm here. I came home for you. I'm home, baby.", tuloy tuloy kong sagot rito habang hinahaplos haplos ang kaniyang mukha at pinupunasan ang mga luha.

"I love you. I-I love you so much, Dennise."

Biglang naging abnormal ang tibok ng puso ko sa aking narinig.

She loves me?

She still loves me?!

Bigla itong tumigil sa pag iyak at mahina na lamang na humhikbi bago dumapa sa kaniyang kama while still facing the side of the bed kung saan ako nakaupo.

I bit my lower lip dahil gusto kong magtititili sa narinig ko galing mismo sa kaniya.

So, may pag asa pa?

May pag asa pa!

Hindi pa huli ang lahat.

And, yes! I will take back what's mine.

It just boosted my confidence na maisasakatuparan ko ang mga planong binuo ko noong nasa Amerika pa kami.

Atleast ngayon, alam kong may laban pa ako.

I looked at her one more time at habang inaayos ang kumot nito, I just wanted to hear it from her again.

"Hey, baby?"

"Hmmm?", she hummed as if asking.

"So- you still love me? You still love your Demi?"

"Uh-hmm, yeash. She my b-babysh.", halos pabulong at antok na antok na sagot nito.

Natawa naman ako sa itsura niya, because she's so cute when she's like this.

She's such a baby.

"Hmm alright hon, better get yourself ready then- because I am so getting you back, I promise.", malambing kong sabi rito as I placed a soft kiss on her temple.

-

"Shocksss, nakakatakot pa naman magalit si ate Ly, pero anything for you ate Den. Tutal si Ella naman ang mananagot doon kung sakali.", natatawang sabi ni Jessica when I asked them a favor.

"Oo nga, kaya mo na iyon, ate Ells. Basta kami ni bebe mo, malinis ang mga kamay namin ha. Kaya mo naman 20 laps eh, maliit lang namang iyong court."

"The fuuu-dgeeee.", magmumura sana ito kaso sinamaan ng tingin ni Jessica.

"Eeww under.", pang aasar ni Julia.

Natawa lang kami sa komento nito.

"Den, sige na. Payag na ako. Hay nakoooo, nakakatakot pa naman si Agua these past few years."

"Why?"

"H-Ha? Wala. Wala. Nakakatakot naman talaga iyon pag nasa training, parang hindi mo naman alam."

"Oo, suking suki iyan siya ng 'hey hey hey' ni ate Ly."

"She's still using that, huh?"

"Oo, kung ano ano kasing tinuturo mo doon eh. Pero Den, just do what you have to do. Okay? We'll stick to the plan, make her believe we are all going to your condo but gonna bail just right before you two drive off? Tama?"

"Yeah."

"Ate, wala na ba talaga?", Julia asked sadly.

Nginitian ko lamang ito.

Nagkatinginan na lang naman silang tatlo.

"Well, whatever your decisions are, as long as you are happy- we will be there for you."

"Thank you, besh, Julia and Jessica. Oh, nga pala, let me know if may problema ka kay Ella at ako mismo ang yayari diyan."

"Wow. Thanks ha.", naiiling na sagot sa akin ni Ella.

"Anyway, we're all set, right? I'm sorry for waking you girls this early, but I know we won't get a chance later to talk about it."

"No problem ate, nagising na rin kami noong nag asikaso sila Beatriz eh."

"Oh, really? But still, I owe you one. I'll let you use my card for a day. Make good use of it, okay?"

"Oh, you really don't have to ate.", Jessica said.

"Oo nga ate, it's okay.", rugtong ni Julia.

"No! We'll take it, Den. Can we use that like today?"

"Oo naman. I'll give it to you bago kami makaalis."

"Yes! Hahaha! Thank you, besh!"

"Si ate Ella talaga."

Nagsitawanan na lang kami nang nagtatatalon sa saya si Ella.

Hopefully this plan turns out okay.

-

Well, that went well.

Ngayon ay nasa byahe na ako at si Alyssa, yes, hindi sumama sina besh and pinagdahilan ko na lang ang mga ito na may urgent matter to attend to.

I know this one right here didn't buy Ella's lame excuse na nagpa-last minute meeting ang management nila, but I'm just really glad she still came.

"Mommy, hi! Where's AV?", masayang bati ni Alyson when I did a video call to his uncle Mosh pero agad agad ring hinanap nito si Alyssa.

"Hi, baby. She's driving, can't give her the phone, hon."

"Is that the kid? Tapat mo saglit rito, Dennise. Traffic pa naman.", singit nitong isa.

So I did.

"AV! You're driving mom's car?"

"Hey, bud! Yes, I am. How is it going there, huh?"

"Well, not much. I hope you guys will come back sooner... but on second thought, just enjoy your time together! As much time as you two need."

Biglang kumunot ang noo ni Alyssa pero binawi rin agad at tinanguan ang bata.

"Okay, buddy. We'll see you later, alright?"

"Yay! See you, AV! Please say 'I love you' to mom for me! Byeee!"

I smiled when I heard what Alyson said then immediately ended the call.

"O? What did he say?", patay malisya kong tanong rito.

"H-Ha? Pinatay eh."

"Ah, I thought he said something before the call drops.", sagot ko at umayos na lang ng pagkakaupo at humarap sa may bintana.

"'I love you'."

I smiled when she decided to still say what Alyson asked her to do.

Kunwari ay hindi ko narinig, pero ang totoo gusto ko lang marinig ulit na sabihin niya ito.

"What did you say?"

Bumuntong hininga pa ito bago inulit ang sinabi niya.

"I love you.", seryosong sagot nito bago pinaandar nang muli ang sasakyan as the traffic light turned green.

Imbis na ngumiti ay nagulat ako dahil- what do you mean parang sa kaniya na mismo galing iyon?

"That's what bud said.", ah, ayon naman pala. Pa intense pa eh.

If I didn't know better, talagang sa kaniya galing iyon. Only if she'd admit to it.

"I love you too.", sagot ko naman rito and it made her raise a brow pero hinayaan ko na ito at hindi na binawi pa.

Tahimik lang ang naging buong byahe.

I am actually occupied ng mga isipin about sa pwedeng mangyari when we get to the condo unit.

I have prepared something for her, it's not too much but just enough for her to know what's going on.

What if she's really moved on with that guy? What are you gonna do about it?

What if she just had a bad dream last night and it keeps on haunting her kaya niya nasabi ang mga iyon on her sleep?

What if you're now just really part of her past?

What if kung ano mang balak mong gawin will just break her even more?

Then I'll pick up all her broken pieces with my bare hands and stick them back together.

"Dennise. We're here."

"Oh, okay.", hindi ko na namalayang narito na pala ako.

I was preparing na bumaba ng sasakyan nang magsalita muli iyong isa.

"Dennise, should I just pick you up? Or have your husband pick you up if kaya niya mamaya? May lakad pala kami ni Ian today.", she asked.

"How about... no?", walang ganang sagot ko rito.

"What? Den, may date kami ni Ian. I can't just bail on him.", wow parang hindi naman kayo nagkita kahapon. Isn't that enough? I mean, duh, whatever.

"So you're just gonna bail on me, gano'n?", mataray kong tanong.

"Yeah? Isn't that what I am supposed to do?", natatawang tanong nito na parang hindi makapaniwala.

Without changing my tone and my expression, I answered, "Just come with me for now, please?".

Huminga pa ito nang malalim bago muling sumagot, "Fine. I'll just give him a call, mauna ka na roon."

Hindi ko naman napigilang mapangiti ng pumayag ito.

"Okay. Don't keep me waiting, Ly.", nakangiti kong sagot sa kaniya.

"You're being too demanding for an ex, Dennise.", biro pa nito pero bigla akong nakaramdam ng sakit sa aking puso.

Mabilis ring nabura ang kanina'y matamis kong ngiti sa kaniya.

"I'm kidding, okay? Didn't you get the humor in it?", biglang pagbabawi nito.

"Well, it offended me."

"I'm sorry, alright? You're not being demanding."

This dumbhead, I wasn't offended by that!

"No, I intend to be demanding. But I didn't get offended by that."

"Huh?", nagtataka nitong sagot.

Tsk!

"You just called me your 'ex', and it offended me more than you could ever imagine.", muli kong sagot rito at dali daling bumaba ng sasakyan at malakas na ibinagsak ang pinto behind me.

Nakakapikon siya!

Eh bakit ba? Eh talaga namang 'ex' ka na niya, matagal na.

Maski na! She just told me that she still loves me, tapos-

Gumising ka nga! She wasn't on her right mind kagabi. LASING NGA, HINDI BA? Masyado ka naman kasing umasa doon sa mga sinabi niya. Girl, binabangungot iyong tao.

But still, sabi niya ay mahal pa rin niya ako. Sa kaniya naman nanggaling iyon ah? Bakit parang kasalanan ko?

Besides, kung ano mang maging desisyon or reaksiyon niya mamaya- eh di ayon na iyon.

Kung wala na talaga...

No!

Hindi pwede. I will get her back no matter what.

Hindi ako bumalik just because.

Bumalik ako para sa kaniya. Para sa aming dalawa. Pero higit sa lahat, para kay Alyson.

I can't hurt my son so I will do everything to get back with Alyssa. No matter what it takes to do so.

-

We're now standing right outside my unit's door.

Napansin kong balisa ito pero sabi niya ay okay lang siya.

I smiled at her pero sa totoo lang, sobrang kinakabahan ako.

I don't know kung anong magiging reaksiyon niya.

What if magalit siya?

What if talagang ayaw na niya?

Anong gagawin ko?

Shit. Bahala na.

"Let's go inside.", ani ko rito habang binubuksan ang pinto.

Here we go. No more turning back. This is make or break, Dennise.

But kahit ano pa mang sabihin niya, always remember that she still loves you.

You just gotta let her admit that to your face.

Okay.

Alright.

I took a deep breath at tumingin rito.

Dang.

She looked like she just got the shock of her life, as expected.

"Ly, come on in.", pag anyaya ko rito at dahil mukhang wala siyang balak na gumalaw sa pinagkakatayuan niya ay marahan ko na rin siyang hinila papasok at isinara ang pinto.

"W-What's all these?"

"What do you mean? It's my birthday gift to you."

Tumayo ako sa tabi niya at pinagmasdan ang paligid na may apat na malalaking litrato naming dalawa habang may table for two na naka setup sa gitna.

(A/N: Oh, para hindi na kayo mahirapan. Lol!)

I know, I know. It's too simple.

But I just want it to be simple, but meaningful.

Nakatingin lamang ako sa kaniya habang hinihintay kung anong magiging reaksiyon nito.

Huminga siya nang malalim bago humarap sa akin.

"Den, I-I have to go. J-Just have your husband pick you up or something.", paalam nito at lumakad papunta ng pinto.

Mabilis ko siyang hinabol at hinila sa kaniyang braso at iniharap sa akin.

"Ly, please. I had these set up for you. Can't you atleast stay for a while and eat with me?", pagsusumamo ko sa kaniya.

Tinignan ako nito na para akong nawawala sa tamang pag iisip.

"Dennise, this is not right. Gosh, I thought I have made myself clear already but look at you. Anong ginagawa mo?", bakas ang pagkadismaya sa boses nito.

Napangisi naman ako dahil akala talaga nito I am suggesting to have an affair with her.

She's so adorable and damn honorable. Why can't she just say yes?

"What? I told you, didn't I? I am getting back what's mine."

"Not that again, Dennise. Dapat talaga umalis na ako when I had a chance. Anyway, make sure you clean all these- these mess up bago mo papuntahin ang asawa mo rito. Ayokong may masirang relasyon at pamilya dahil lang sa akin. I don't know bakit ginagawa mo pa ito, but please nagmamakaawa ako sa'yo. I hope you won't go any further. Don't hurt Alyson, please. I don't want him to be in any pain and ayokong magkaroon ng hinanakit ang anak mo sa'yo.", nag aalalang paalala nito sa akin.

I just nodded my head and binitiwan ang kaniyang brasong hawak hawak ko.

Am I letting her go?

Over my dead body.

When she was about to turn the knob open, I knew right there and then that I would have to let her know what's really happening.

And I decided to start by saying...

"I still love you."

Napatigil ito, ibinaba ang kaniyang kamay at dahan dahang pumaharap muli sa akin.

She's just creasing her forehead so I continued.

"Alyssa, I never, ever, stopped loving you. After all these years- it is still you.", nangingilid na ang aking mga luha as I confessed what I still have for her.

"W-What are you saying? You can't do this, Dennise. You can't just say those things to me when you already made a life with him, w-with your son. This is not right."

Nginitian ko ito at dahan dahang lumapit sa kaniya habang siya namang paghakbang nito paatras hanggang sa mapasandal siya sa pinto.

I carefully caressed her cheek with my right hand and it made her close her eyes.

"If you're that worried about Alyson, why don't you take that seat and listen to everything I have to say? I'll get our food served.", malambing kong sambit rito and placed a soft kiss on her cheek bago siya iniwan at nag tungo sa kusina to get our food ready.

-

Halos mapunit naman ang mukha ko sa pagkakangiti dahil I saw Alyssa standing infront of our pictures.

Well, atleast she stayed.

"Hey, food's served. Take a seat.", sambit ko rito at umupo na rin sa aking pwesto.

"Dennise, I don't want t-"

"Sit or you won't hear anything at all.", seryosong sagot ko rito as I look straight into her eyes.

Again, she took a deep breath bago tuluyang umupo sa upuan sa tapat ko.

Napangisi naman ako dahil no matter how she opposes this idea, she still listened to me and decided to follow what I tell her to do.

"Now what?", mataray nitong tanong nang makaupo siya.

"Eat.", mataray ko ring sagot rito habang nakataas pa ang isang kilay.

"You know what, kung ayaw mong sabihin, aalis na ako."

"Can we please not argue sa harap ng pagkain? Okay? Just eat."

Wala namang nagawa ito kung hindi bumuntong hininga at nagsimula na ring kumain.

We just remained silent as we finished our food.

"How's the food?", I casually asked.

"Food's great. Your company? Not so."

Inirapan ko ito at iniligpit ang mga pinagkainan namin.

Pagbalik ko I poured some wine sa mga baso namin and handed one over to her as she stands by the window watching how the sun sets.

"Thanks.", sagot nito without looking at me.

"You're welcome."

Then there was silence.

I moved closer to her hanggang sa magdikit ang aming mga braso.

This is enough for me- just feeling her warmth and standing this close to her as we both watch the sun set before us.

I drank the last drop from my glass and inilapag ito sa lamesa.

Humarap ako sa katabi ko at mahina siyang tinawag.

"Babe."

Umiling ito at inubos sa isang inom ang kaniyang alak na kanina'y nasa halos kalahati pa ng inilagay ko sa baso nito.

She also placed her wine glass on the table at humarap sa akin.

"Tell me everything, Dennise. Everything that you have to, para matapos na lahat ito."

"I will tell you everything, love."

"And stop calling me that. Okay?"

"Ang suplada mo naman. What am I supposed to call you then?"

"By my name, of course. Anyway, can you please just cut to the chase, Dennise- ano pa bang kailangan mong sabihin sa akin?"

"I already told you. I want you back."

"Here we go again. How many times do I have to tell you? No. May boyfriend na ako at may sarili ka ng pamilya. Nahihibang ka ba?"

"Tell me you love him."

"Ano?"

"Tell me you really love your so-called boyfriend, Alyssa."

"W-Why do I have to tell you that? That's none of your business."

"Then it is also none of your business whether I have a family or not.", pang aasar ko rito.

"You've gone mad, Dennise. That's it. I'm outta here."

"Damn, Ly. How can you be so honorable? I just offered myself to you. Too many times now- but all you did was to decline."

"That's the right thing to do, Dennise."

"Ly. Can you still tell me that after you hear everything I am about to say?"

"Then let's hear it.", paghahamon nito sa akin.

"Alright. Brace yourself, Schmoopy."

Wala siyang reaksiyon at pirming nakatitig sa akin habang naka-cross ang dalawang braso sa harap niya.

"I came back for you.", panimula kong bungad rito.

"I am here to straight things out and get you back. I'm here because of you, Alyssa."

"Funny how you say those words so easily, as if you really could get back with me.", sarkastikong tugon nito.

"That's only if you are willing to do whatever it takes para magkabalikan tayo."

"Yeah? Like what? Be in an affair with you and go behind your precious spouse's back? I'd pass."

"No, silly.", natatawang sagot ko rito.

"What then?"

"Accept me and my son Alyson, to be in your life and just be ours for the rest of time."

Kumunot na namang muli ang noo nito kaya nagpatuloy ako sa sinasabi ko, "Let's get married, Alyssa.".

Parang may kung anong nalusaw sa kaloob looban ni Alyssa as she heard those words and napahawak sa lamesa.

"Hey, are you okay?", alala kong tanong at mabilis ko siyang inalalayan.

Nakayuko lamang ito at hindi kumikibo.

"Ly, hey. Ayos ka lang ba?"

Nagulat ako dahil noong nag angat ito ng ulo upang tumingin sa akin ay pulang pula ang mga mata nito dahil sa tuloy tuloy na pagtulo ng kaniyang mga luha.

I immediately held her face and using my thumb I carefully wiped her tears off.

"Why? What's wrong?"

"I-I don't know what's happening. But- h-how can you tell me these things, Dennise? My heart's breaking dahil sa mga sinasabi mo. Hindi mo ba naiisip si Alyson? Den, please. We've both gone through hell, don't make your son experience that.", umiiyak nitong sambit.

"Alyssa, I am doing this for him."

"What? You're not making any sense at all. How can this be for him, huh? Tell me, Dennise."

"How can you not get a clue, Ly? I thought by now you've realized that he was named after you. That his name was the name we've always wanted if we are about to have a boy."

"And isa pa iyan, how can you name your son with you ex's name? Den, gumising ka. This is not okay. This is not right. May asawa ka na at may anak kayo."

"He's not LA's son.", mahina kong sambit rito.

Parang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig si Alyssa as she looks at me with extreme confusion.

"Don't fucking tell me..."

"What? Oh, no. Shit. No, no sorry Ly. No, oh my gosh. No, hindi ganoon.", bawi ko agad rito dahil with the way she looks at me, akala niya siguro LA's dad did something to me.

Napatakip ito sa kaniyang mukha and let a deep sigh of relief.

"Oh thank goodness! Because fuck me, I swear I'd definitely kill him.", and that- slipped out of her mouth, by accident.

Napangiti ako sa sinabi nito.

Mukhang kumakalma na rin siya from non-stop crying kanina kaya pinunasan ko nalang muli ang mga luha niyang natitira at mas inilapit ang aking sarili sa kaniya.

Kaya ngayon, our faces are three fists away from each other.

Medyo nakatingala ako para magtama ang aming mga mata and dahan dahan kong iniyakap sa kaniyang batok ang dalawa kong braso.

"D-Den, please. Don't do this.", pagsusumamo niya.

"No matter how you fight it, your love for me always finds its way para makarating sa akin. Even now, you just said you're gonna kill him if he ever did that to me."

"I-I was just concerned na baka may ginawa siya sa'yo."

"Yeah, isn't that what love looks like?", I asked her while caressing the back of her head.

I saw her gulping with all her might bago nagsalitang muli, "T-That's b-because I did l-love you, yeah, before.", utal utal na sagot nito sa akin habang nag iiwas ng tingin.

"So, hindi mo na ako mahal?"

She grabbed both my arms at dahan dahan itong inalis sa pagkakayapos sa kaniya.

"Does it still matter? Talo na ako sa labang ito, Dennise. I promised myself na kung ito na talaga ang buhay na para sa'yo, kung buong puso at buong loob mo na ngang niyakap ito at ang pamilyang nabuo niyo- I will let you go. And- And it looks like it, so I decided to let you go."

"You're not looking carefully then."

Kumunot lamang muli ang noo nito.

"Alyson is not LA's son nor is he mine, atleast not biologically."

"W-What are you saying?"

"Ly, it was supposed to be part of the plan. We never intended to keep Alyson with us dahil we have a different plan but after birth, his biological mother disappeared and so I embraced him fully to be my son. But not our son, as in me and LA. He is just my son.", mahabang paliwanag ko rito.

"How could that be possible? Dennise, I know kung gaano kahigpit kayong binantayan ng tatay ni Luis dahil sa buong stay mo sa Amerika tanging dadalwang beses ka lang nakatawag sa pamilya mo. The day you arrived in the US and, and when they announced your pregnancy. Right? Sobrang imposible for you to pull something like that."

"But I did. We did. Luis helped me get everything done, Ly."

Naglakad ito papunta sa kusina at kumuha ng isang baso ng tubig bago uminom at sumandal sa may kitchen counter na tila may malalim na iniisip.

I poured us another glass of wine at sumunod sa kaniya sa may kitchen.

I handed her the glass of wine and helped myself to sit on the top of the counter, halos katabi lang ni Alyssa.

"Give yourself some time to process what's happening, Ly. Because I'm only getting started.", seryosong sabi ko rito and took a sip from my glass.

She clears her throat bago sumagot, "Alright let's say you actually did that. But h-how? And why? Didn't Luis try to stop you? Help me understand, Dennise. I'm lost as fuck, you don't have any idea."

I let out a soft laugh, "I'm sorry. Okay. I'll go as easy as I can para maintindihan mo. Okay?".

"Okay.".

"I'll start from the top, Ly. Are you ready?"

"I-I guess. Yeah, I am."

"Good. Well, this is what happened five years ago..."

"Dennise, I've spoken to mom's sister. She's an OB-GYN and she works in the hospital nearby. Dad doesn't know she is working there and he's cut ties with mom's family since she passed. There's no way for him to know that we'll be working with her. Are you cool with that?", sunod sunod na pagpapaliwanag ni Luis.

Kauuwi lamang nito from work and buti ay nakadaan agad ito sa hospital where I'll be doing my 'check ups'.

"Okay. Yes. I guess that's our only option. Does she know about my situation?"

"Yes. And they know how dad is. Kaya she said she'll do everything to help us out."

I let a sigh of relief out and nodded and head at him, "Good. Okay, so now how do we get someone who's about the same time pregnant as your father expect me to be? How are we gonna play that out?"

"It's okay. I got a Filipino friend from the countryside we're able to get someone who has the same features as you do. The mother seems to be having a hard time dealing with the kid's father kaya she said if it will not harm her or the kid, she will agree with our plans. This plan only goes until she gives birth, okay? Tapos uuwi na tayo ng Pilipinas. You get back with Alyssa, make sure you and your families are all safe then we'll take all the legal actions as soon sa we can para hindi na makapagplano pa ulit si dad ng susunod niyang kalagiman. Okay?"

"Yeah, okay. Are you sure you are with me on this? Luis, he is still your father."

"I know, but he's robbed you out of your life. I'm sure being inside the jail for the rest of his life won't hurt him too badly, I would still be there for him. To make me a lesser evil child towards him.", natatawang sagot ni Luis.

"Loko. But really, I owe you so much. I can't wait to get home. To be with her again."

"I know, so just bear with the process. We will get you through all these."

I gave him a smile and turned to the documents he handed over to me a while ago.

"I'll get through this and I'll get home to you, Ly. Please hold on a little bit longer, love.", bulong ko sa hangin habang tinitingnan muli kung papaano namin isakatutuparan ang nauna na naming napagusapan ni Luis.

What's the plan?

To deceive his father. Not really deceive but to outsmart him. Is that the same thing? I don't know and I don't give a damn.

We just need to make him believe that we are actually going through everything he's asking of us.

And right now, iyon ay ang magkaroon ng apo as soon as possible ika niya.

Of course I won't allow that to happen, but may choice ba talaga ako?

If not for LA, my life would definitely end.

Buti na lamang at likas na mabait ang taong iyon at hindi nakakuha ng katiting na sama ng ugali ng kaniyang ama.

LA despise the idea of forcing me even more to do what his dad wanted, of something that will shred the last piece of freedom I have left or what's even left of it.

I am grateful that it was LA whom I got stuck with in this situation.

He's always been very kind to me. I know I am being unfair because I could never return the love he's been pouring unto me but isn't it more unfair if I would force myself to love him just because he is being good to me? To force myself into loving him kahit alam naman namin pareho na kahit kailanman ay hinding hindi mawawala si Alyssa sa puso ko?

LA knows our situation and kahit sinabi niya noong mahal niya ako, he never tried to take advantage of his dad's wrongdoings para makuha ako or ikulong ako sa pagmamahal niya.

He's such a great person and I hope, I pray na someday, mahanap niya ang taong masusuklian lahat ng kabutihan at pagmamahal na kaya niyang i-offer.

"LA, thank you. For all these. I know this will put you in a tight spot if your dad ever finds out."

"Naku naman, Michelle. Just worry about making yourself look pregnant. I bought those stuff na ginagamit nila to create a baby bump. Meron riyang for three month pregnant, dahil sabi doon raw nagsisimulang maging visible yung bump. Tapos iyong mga susunod na months na kailangan makitang may pagbabago nandiyan na rin. Good thing I have a friend who runs that kind of company. See? Everything is going really well, but again, we must be vigilant dahil sa mga bantay ni dad. And iyong check ups mo, malapit na rin iyon maging frequent. Nga pala, huwag mo na ring isipin iyong sa DNA test. Si tita na ang bahala doon. We just need to provide our samples para may mapapagbasehan sa pag gawa ng papel to make everything looks legit saka hindi basta basta ang hospital nila kaya dad would not suspect a thing. Mabuti na nga lang at nakapagpapalit na si tita ng name niya, she just got remarried so hindi na rin titignan ni dad ang background niyan kasi even her first name got changed. What a great timing for us, right?"

"Everything seems to be working as we hoped for. I could never thank you enough, LA."

"This is the least that I can do para makabawi sa lahat ng pinaggagagawa ni dad sa'yo, pati na rin kay Alyssa. Yeah, sainyong dalawa. Don't worry, Michelle. You'll get back to her in no time."

"But I guess that didn't work? Because you're only coming home after what? Almost after five years."

"Yeah, well, his father suddenly had a change of mind. He originally said he'd allow me to go home after 'giving birth' pero noong naroon na iyong bata, he wanted to make sure that it would be difficult for me to let the kid go- he wanted to make sure that I won't leave the kid and na hindi na ako makakaisip pang bumalik sa'yo."

Nakita kong nakatingin lamang ito sa sahig habang nakikinig sa akin. I took another sip of my wine bago nagpatuloy.

"We never intended to keep the kid of course dahil may magulang naman talaga ito and the deal was up until makabalik lamang kami muli sa Pilipinas but after a day of him being born- his biological mother suddenly went into thin air. LA tried his best to find her pero wala. So we both thought to keep the kid while finding the best resolution for him dahil decided pa rin kaming ituloy ang plano pero his dad tightened the security around the compound- and demanded for us to stay until the kid turns five."

"He hasn't turned five yet, right? Paano kayo nakabalik rito?"

I smiled because she remembers that Alyson is not turning five until December.

"Well, as you've seen, he's a natural charmer."

"Oh yeah, that kid. Wait...", bigla itong humarap sa akin.

"What?"

"The person who gave birth to him, you two have the same eyes or something? Because Alyson is a spitting image of you, he's very beautiful."

Uminit naman ang mukha ko when I heard her saying those words.

I smiled mischievously, "Hmm, if he's a spitting image of me- that must mean that I am, still, very beautiful in your eyes, right?".

Nakatitig lamang ito sa aking mga mata.

"Of course. You are.", maikli niyang sagot bago bumalik sa kaniyang pwesto at nilagok ang natitirang alak sa kaniyang baso.

"I see. That's good to know.", sagot ko rito habang tumatango tango at may malaking ngiti sa aking mga labi.

"Now that you're here, what are your plans?"

"I just wanna get back with you, Ly. That's all that matters to me."

"Den, we already talked about it. Didn't we? I'm not gonna ruin your kid's life. Okay? That will always stand."

"Tell me honestly, are you and that guy together?"

"W-What? O-Oo, oo naman. That's another reason for me not to meddle with your life or you to meddle with mine."

"Or you're only saying these para hindi na kita gambalain? Bakit? Hindi mo na ba ako mahal?", direstong tanong ko rito.

She paused for a while, taps her fingers on the counter and biglang humarap sa akin.

"What if I say yes? Will you stop all these nonsense?"

"Is this just nonsense to you, Alyssa?"

"You gotta get your head straight. Think about your son."

"Damn it, you keep saying that. This isn't just for me, for us. Para rin ito kay Alyson. You're really slow when it comes to these things, Ly. Alyson knows who you are."

"Yeah, that too. It made me curious at first, pero I thought baka nababanggit niyo lang ako sa bata kaya ganoon."

"He knows you're the reason why I need to come home. He knows everything about you. The kid has a huge admiration towards you. He loves you, Ly. He knows that you're the person I am supposed to be with. He's an intelligent kid. He knows my heart belongs to you."

"What are you saying?"

"Simula noong nagkaisip ang bata, you have been introduced as my partner. That you're only here in the Philippines dahil you have work to do. He knows you're a great volleyball player and has been watching your games for a while now. He knows everything about you. From your birthday, your favorite dish, favorite ice cr-"

"Ice cream flavor. He even knows my car."

"See? Ly, the kid knows. He also wanted to be loved and cherished by you."

"Naguguluhan pa rin ako, Dennise."

"He knows that LA is not his biological father. He knows that his biological mother took a different path- well we didn't want him to think differently so we just told him that his mother wasn't ready to embrace the responsibility of being a mother to him yet so his mother decided to entrust him with people who will nurture and raise him with love and passion. The kid was grateful, even for his mother. Sabi niya he is grateful because hindi siya pinabayaan lang basta ng kaniyang ina at ngayon ay may mga nagmamahal sa kaniya nang sobra."

"Paano naman ako pumasok sa buhay ng bata?"

"You weren't listening, Ly. LA took the initiative to introduce you sa bata. Slowly, he made sure the kid understands our situation. He said that he's just with me as a very good friend dahil busy raw ang taong mahal ko and that you're far away. The kid inmediately fell in love with you. And doon ko na rin ikinwento sa kaniya kung paano tayo nagsimula."

"That's too much information for a young kid, Dennise. Baka masyado niyong binigla ang bata."

"We introduced those things to him with outmost care, Ly. We didn't rush it to him. Ly, he just wants to be with you if you'd only allow him to. I-I also want to be with you. So tell me, am I really too late now? Have you really moved on? Wala na ba kaming lugar diyan sa buhay mo?", nanginginig ang aking boses habang tinatanong ang mga ito sa kaniya.

"Paano si Luis?"

"Dang it, Ly! Even the guy's pushing me to be with you. So tell me, don't you love me anymore?"

Dahan dahang lumakad si Alyssa papunta sa harapan ko at inilapag ang baso niya sa counter at tumingin sa aking mga mata.

"Look into my eyes, Dennise. Then you tell me if I don't love you anymore.", seryosong sabi nito.

"I can't. Because I will always hope that you still do."

"Then you already have your answer."

I creased my forehead in confusion.

She said I already have my answer. Which is? Is it a yes or is it a no?

Damn this woman.

"I thought I was the only one who's 'slow' when it comes to these things? Looks like you are too.", kalmadong sambit nito habang may pagkakatamis tamis na ngiti sa kaniyang mga labi.

Napailing ako rito bago muling sumagot, "Ly, just tell me. Do you still love me or n-not?".

Kinakabahan man ay alam kong kailangan ko na ring marinig ang magiging sagot nito.

She just stared at me intently and dahan dahang inilapit ang sarili sa akin.

Now she's standing in front of me and just in between my legs.

She wiped my tears with her thumb and placed a soft kiss on my forehead, awtomatiko namang napapikit ang mga mata ko nang maramdaman ang kaniyang mga labi na dumadampi sa noo ko.

She carefully lifted my chin para magtama ang aming mga mata.

"Dennise, walang araw na hindi ko ipinalanging makasama kang muli. Walang araw na lumipas na hindi ka sumagi sa puso at isipan ko dahil ikaw lang naman ang tanging laman ng mga ito simula pa man noon. I think you are being so silly asking me if I love someone else when you should know better that I could never unlove you. And that I could never love someone else if it is not you. So, yes. I am still very much in love with you and wala ng iba pa. And yes, I accept you and your son- Alyson Michael, into my life and I will never let you both go, ever again.", umiiyak na pahayag ni Alyssa ng totoo nitong nararamdaman.

Hindi ko naman rin napigilang mapahagulgol dahil sa tagal nang panahon, sa wakas ay muli kong narinig ang lahat ng ito galing sa taong pinakamamahal ko.

I pulled her in for a hug. I wrapped both my arms around her nape.

"You don't know how much I've been wanting to hear those words from you again, Ly."

"And I have been dying to tell you those since the first time I saw you again after all these years, Dennise. I've missed you so much, baby."

Walang palya ang aking mga luha habang mahigpit na nakayakap kay Alyssa.

"I love you so much, babe. I love you so much. Please don't let me go. Don't let us go.", pagsusumamo ko rito.

"Shh. Honey, I will never let you go. I will never let you and Alyson go. Okay? Tahan na, mahal. Come let me see your face."

She partly separated herself from my hug and wiped my tears that are consistenly falling.

"I love you so much, Dennise. You're home now. I love you. Thank you for coming home, mahal.", malambing na sambit nito habang hawak hawak ang aking mukha.

She slowly grabbed the back of my head and pulled me closer to her and finally, she closed the gap between us and gave me a kiss of a lifetime.

Habang patuloy pa ring tumutulo ang aming mga luha, sinuklian ko ang init at diin ng kaniyang bawat mga halik.

I wrapped both my arms around her shoulders and also started wrapping both my legs by her waist.

She immediately lifted me up without breaking the kiss and brought me inside my room.

Still not breaking the contact, she carefully laid me down on my bed. I pulled her closer and started lifting her shirt up.

The kiss only got interrupted when I was trying to lift her shirt up to her head and after successfully doing so, she started kissing me down to my neck.

I tilted my head to give her more access.

I let a soft moan out when she started giving open mouth kisses on my neck.

The next thing I know she's already undoing my blouse's button one by one.

"Baby, I've missed you so much.", those words came out sounding like a moan. Shit.

She makes my heart race faster than it could ever go.

My body's heating up rapidly and I feel like having withdrawal right away just with the anticipation of her next actions.

"I've missed you too, Dennise. You don't have a fucking idea, babe. I miss you so bad."

"S-Show me, Ly. Show me how much you do."

And right after I managed to utter those words parang biglang nawala ang kanina'y malumanay na si Alyssa.

She went back up and started giving me hard and deep kiss on my lips. We battled hungrily against each other's mouth as we completely removed each other's upper garments.

Without breaking the kiss, she immediately cupped my right and started kneading it with full of love, passion and lust.

"Ughhhh, babyyyy. Take me, please.", I pleaded.

She broke the kiss and started kissing my neck pababa sa gitna ng dibdib ko.

I held the back of her head and guided her from there as she started sucking on my left while still toying with my right nipple.

"B-Baby, please. I need you.", pagmamakaawa kong muli rito and pagkarinig niya noon ay mabilis itong kumilos upang maalis ng tuluyang ang natitirang damit sa aking katawan.

She carefully unbottoned my denim shorts and kasama nito ay siya niya ring pagbaba sa huling piraso ng tela na nagkukubli sa aking pagkababae.

Napasinghap na lamang ako when she started fondling my wet core.

I arched my back as I felt her slowly going in and out of me.

I clawed my nails into her back and hugged her closer to me while burying my face at the crook of her neck.

We both have labored breathing as we try to find our rhythm.

When I'm about to find my release, Alyssa decided to be a tease.

She pulled herself out and tumingin sa akin.

"L-Ly. W-What are you doing? Come on, baby. I'm almost there."

She smiled mischievously before answering, "Should I let you come in my mouth? Would you love that, hmm?".

Mabilis ko itong hinila at ipinahiga sa aking kama.

I am now sitting on top of her.

"Stop being a tease and just take me."

I positioned myself sa tapat ng mukha nito saka tumuwad para magkaroon siya ng pag kakataon gawin ang gusto niya.

I looked over my shoulder and signal her to continue giving me pleasure. The latter happily complied and so I did the same with her.

I removed her lower garment and ran my tongue into her wetness. I heard her whimper as I continued on getting in and out of her with my tongue while feeling her wetness with my finger.

We both gave the same intensity until I've felt something building up in my stomach and due to the extreme sensation, my body started to tremble so I gave up and pleaded for her to quicken her pace which the latter happily agreed to until I found my release, in her mouth.

Bago pa mawalan ng lakas ang mga braso kong nakasuporta sa aking katawan I felt her arms gently grabbing me upang makahiga sa katawan niya and agad niyang ibinalot ang malaking kumot sa aming mga katawan na walang ni isang saplot.

I hugged her from the side and isiniksik ang mukha sa kaniyang leeg.

I felt her kissing the top of my head.

"I love you, Dennise."

"I love you, Alyssa. Thank you for doing this."

"What do you mean? Making you come?"

I playfully hit her chest, "Tsk. I mean, this. Making love with me. I've always wanted to feel your warmth next to me, Ly. And now, here I am."

"Naked."

"Yeah, naked. Offering my all to you and only you."

"I know, babe. But really, I should be the one thanking you. For trusting me. For letting me make you feel how much I've missed you and how much I love you.", she said lovingly and tightened her hug to me.

"I'm all yours, Schmoops."

"I know, and I am all yours too."

We shared another passionate kiss but were contented with that and decided to just snuggle up some more.

After a few minutes, we both fell asleep with each other's arms. Full of love and yearning for one another.

-Alyssa's P.O.V.

It was a beautiful dream.

Dennise, back into my arms again. We even made love with each other.

Damn.

Pero teka, if it was just a dream... How come I still hear her calling out to me?

I hear her fainted voice as I try to open my eyes up.

"Hon, hey. Sorry, love. You gotta get dressed. Nandiyan sila Ella sa labas. Sumunod ka na lang, okay? I love you.", she said and placed a soft kiss on my cheek.

With my eyes still half opened, I saw her figure slowly fading as she walks towards the door.

Mabilis akong napabalikwas when reality struck me hard.

"Dang it. So it was real?", I massaged my temple to ease the tension I suddenly felt. And true enough, wala nga akong kasaplot saplot sa katawan and the room looks like a mess.

I bit my lower lip dahil hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala that THAT just happened.

I heard a soft knock on the door, "Hey, babe. Wrap it around your head, this one's for real. Ella's dying to see you. Come on out.", natatawang pagtawag pa nito sa akin as if she knew I was still wondering about what's going on.

Wow. Lord, thank You. So this one's real? Oh my gosh!

Mabilis akong nagbihis at inayos ang aking sarili.

Habang may malaking ngiti sa aking mga labi ay nagtungo ako sa may living room kung saan naka set up pa rin ang mga inihanda ni Dennise para sa akin.

"Wow! Potek, himala! Sa loob ng limang taon, limang taon! Ngayon ko na lang ulit nakita ang ngiti ng best friend ko! Oh my gossssh!", nagtatatalong sigaw ni Ella.

"Oh my! So totoo na talaga ito?! Oh my gosh! Ate Ly, ate Dennise! I am so happy for you!", naiiyak namang sambit ni Jema at yumapos sa kaniyang ate Dennise.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh! Oh my goshhhhh! Akala ko tapos na talaga ang lahat! Ateeeeee Denniseeeee! Thank you, thank you for coming back. I thought I would never see you and ate Ly back together again. I thought we will never see her smiling like this again. We love you ate, we love you both so much!", isa pa itong si Julia. She started with a high note then suddenly ay umiiyak na rin kagaya ni Jema. So dalawa na silang umiiyak.

Ay wait, tatlo.

Magpapahuli ba si Jorella Marie?

Siyempre, hindi.

"Besh, tama na kakaiyak. Mamaya masinghot mo pa ako eh. Halika nga rito.", pang aasar ko rito at hinila siya for a hug.

"Shut up! Besh, I'm so so happy for you and Dennise.", umiiyak paring sambit nito.

"I know. Pero we haven't really come back together as in like together again. Just so you know."

"What?!", sabay na sigaw ni Jia at Jema.

Napatulak naman si Ella sa akin at nagpunas ng luha.

"What?! We haven't? We're not yet back together?! What are you saying, Alyssa? So, ano iyon? I-Iyong a-ano. Kanina? Wala lang sa'yo iyon?! Grab your things Valdez at lumabas ka rito, ngayon din!", galit na galit na sigaw naman noong isa.

"Oops.", Jia commented at lumayo sila nang bahagya sa ate Dennise nila na umuusok ang tenga at ilong sa inis.

"The heck? Paiyak iyak pa ako, hindi pa naman pala nagkakabalikan. Ang labo niyo! Tara Julia, bebe, doon muna tayo sa kusina hayaan niyo muna sila riyan. Ang init init ng ulo noong isa palibhasa nag welcome back sex na pero wala pa pa lang label. Tsk, tsk, tsk.", naiiling na pang gagatong ni Ella sa best friend niya.

Sinamaan ko lamang ito ng tingin.

And noong tuluyang makaalis ang tatlo, dahan dahan kong nilapitan si Dennise.

"Hey, baby. I mean no war and I came in peace, okay? Come here.", when I had the opportunity, I grabbed her by the waist and niyakap from her back.

I placed my chin on top of her right shoulder.

"I love you, okay? But isn't it true? We haven't officially came back together again, right? I want to take things slow."

"Slow? After you made me release all over your face? That's what you call 'slow'? Tabi nga riyan.", napapikit ako dahil siniko ako nito sa tiyan at umupo sa may couch.

Sinundan ko naman ito.

"Baby. Slow, I mean, I wanna do this properly. You're technically and legally still tied with Luis. We haven't talked about the rest of your plans and how you wanted to do all of it. I still need to find my place in your current situation. With Luis and the kid and all that. You know what I mean, right?"

Tahimik lamang na nakikinig si Dennise kaya nagpatuloy ako, "Dennise, mahal kita. Mahal na mahal kita and I want to make sure I will get you home all at once. I wanna do things right. I want to put Luis' father behind bars and make him regret for messing up with you and your life. Pero we also need to take things slowly, I don't wanna lose you again. I also want to approach Alyson in the best way I can. Ayokong mabigla ang bata. What if he only loves me dahil sa mga kinukwento niyo sa kaniya about me? What if after a day or two marealize niya na he doesn't want to be a part of my life? To be part of who I am? That he prefers to be with his 'Pá' instead of me? Love, there's too many things to get considered now. Let's have things settled one at a time, together. Okay? Tapos saka natin haharapin iyong sa ating dalawa. How about that?"

"Bakit? May iba ka na ba?"

"What?! Saan naman nanggagaling iyan?"

Tinaasan lamang ako nito ng kilay habang nakahalukipkip ang mga braso sa harap nito.

"You mean Ian?"

"Hah! So meron talagang kayo?! Tapos you-", tumingin pa ito kina Ella bago nagpatuloy sa mas mahinang boses, "- You made love with me?! What the fuck, Ly?! I hate you!".

This made me chuckle, "Baby naman. Okay, I'm sorry. Yes, I just made him as an excuse dahil nagpupumilit ka talagang gawin akong kabit. Like I would?!"

"You wouldn't?"

"Hell, no! Ano ka ba baby, I would sacrifice my own happiness para lang hindi ka makagawa ng pagsisisihan mo lang rin sa huli."

"But you already know my situation now, how come we still couldn't be together?", malungkot na tanong nito.

"Hon, we'll have to talk to your family first. Ganoon rin kina tatay and nanay. Our families and friends are the ones who need to know everything first para makakuha tayo ng tamang suporta sa mga gagawin nating hakbang. We also need our parents' guidance lalo na at may batang involve. Baby, this is the first time we will become 'parents' to an actual kid. Yeah we do have our fur babies, but this one's different. Okay? Kaya please, hindi pa man tayo officially back together, parang ganoon na rin iyon. Right? I'm yours, you and Alyson are mine, it's the same thing. We just need to settle things accordingly, Dennise. Alright? Are you okay with that, honey?", malumanay at malambing kong pagpapaliwanag rito.

Huminga ito nang malalim at yumakap sa akin nang mahigpit.

"Okay. I trust you, love. Thank you for thinking about everything when all I do is to throw some tantrums. I'm sorry, I just really wanna be with you. I don't wanna get separated from you again, Ly. Please, please don't let him take me away again. Please, babe.", umiiyak na pagmamakaawa nito.

"No one's gonna take you and Alyson away from me, Dennise. Not this time.", paninigurado ko rito and hugged her back.

"Nice, bati na agad?", panira ni Ella sa moment namin nitong isa.

"Shut up, Ells. Just admit it, you're happy to see this view."

"Hah! You bet, Agua. I'd trade all the food in the world just for me to see this view for the rest of my life."

"Iba! Grabeng friendship iyan, maipagpapalit ang greatest love para lang sa happiness ng beshies niya. Saludo! Iba ka talaga ate Jorella Marie.", pang aasar ni Jia rito.

"Ako love, I'd trade our relationship if that's what it will take para lang hindi na mawala iyang kina ate Den at ate Ly.", gatong ni Jema.

"Burn!", kantiyaw ni Jia rito.

Natatawa na lang naming pinagmasdang mag asaran ang mga ito.

"I love you, Dennise. I promise this time we will set things right. I love you and Alyson, so much."

"We love you too, AV.", nakatingalang tugon nito habang hawak hawak ang aking isang pisngi.

I smiled as I remembered how she used to call me that during college years and now her son, our son, Alyson started calling me just like that.

Gosh, I so love them.

Gagawin ko ang lahat para hindi na sila muling mawala pa sa akin.

-

"Thank you for coming, LA. Please take a sit.", pagbati ni Dennise rito at sabay naman na rin silang umupo. Si Dennise sa aking tabi while si Luis ay nakaupo sa tapat namin.

Narito lang kami sa loob ng unit ni Dennise. We can't stir things up lalo na at napaka-kritikal ng mga susunod na hakbang na kailangan naming gawin. We need to be very careful sa bawat galaw dahil baka makarating pa ito sa ama ni Luis na kasalukuyang nasa US.

"Hi, Alyssa. Nice to see you again.", bati nito sa akin at iniabot ang kaniyang kamay.

I don't wanna be rude so I reached for his hand for a handshake and gave him a nod, "Sorry for the very short notice.".

"No problem, I'm supposed to come in here anyway."

Napataas ang kilay ko at bahagya akong tumingin kay Dennise na nakangiti lamang sa akin.

"Ah kasi- you know, she would need someone to be here for her kung sakaling hindi gumana itong, well, itong mga pinlano niya para sa'yo. But I'm genuinely glad it seems like it worked. Didn't it, Michelle?".

Nakatitig pa rin si Dennise sa akin habang may malaking ngiti sa kaniyang mga labi.

"Michelle, baka maubos naman iyang si Alyssa."

"H-Ha? You were saying?", parang bigla namang napabalik sa reyalidad itong isa at tila walang narinig ni isa sa mga sinabi ni Luis.

"Sabi ko, your plan seemed to worked. Dahil she wouldn't be here if it didn't, tama ba?", pag uulit ni Luis sa kaniyang tanong.

"Oh, that? Yes, yes I think it worked just fine. Right, babe?"

Para namang umakyat lahat ng dugo ko sa mukha at bigla akong nakaramdan ng hiya.

"Y-Yeah, it w-worked really, really well.", nauutal ko pang sagot.

"My goodness, ang cute niyo mga beshies! Na-miss ko kayo makitang ganito.", ay narito nga pala ang mga ito.

"Ate Ella naman, quiet ka muna. Shh.", pagsasaway ni Julia rito.

"Tsk. Bebe, moment muna nila ito. Okay? Come here, hug na lang kita.", paglalambing ni Jema sa kaniyang butihing jowa.

"See? It worked.", masayang tugon ni Dennise at nag high five pa silang dalawa.

I cleared my throat when I sensed na hindi sila titigil sa pagtatawanan nila.

"So, can we now talk about the plans you have made? How are you going to proceed with them and kung nasilip niyo na ba lahat ng mga risks na pwede nating kaharapin along the way?".

"Yes, of course. We had a lot of time in our hands while in the US so I'm pretty sure na-cover na namin lahat ng possible scenarios. Right, Michelle?".

"Yes. Here, hon. Halos napuno ko na itong planner even after summarizing everything up. You can go through it muna dahil kabisado na namin pareho ni Luis iyan. I'll go order something for us muna.".

"S-Sure, babe. Let me take a look on this one.".

Bago ito tumayo ay may itinanong pa siya kay Luis.

"LA, you still want that Hawaiian Pizza from your fave resto? I'll get you one.".

"Oh, how thoughtful of you. Okay, I'll take that.".

Natawa lamang si Dennise at tumayo papuntang kusina kung nasaan sila Ella.

Wow, alam na alam ah.

Malamang, ang tagal nilang nagsama sa iisang bubong. Imagine how could they not know everything about each other?

"Oh, shoot. Alyssa, okay ka lang ba rito? I'll just ask something kay Michelle ha, Alyson asked me to buy something for him kaso nakalimutan ko. I'm sure his mom knows about it. I'll be back in a bit.", nagmamadaling tanong nito at agad na tumayo papunta kay Dennise when I nodded at him.

Right, of course the kid would ask his 'Pá' to buy him something. He literally raised the boy himself.

Natural lang na sa kaniya mag ask iyong bata, Alyssa. Malamang, wala ka naman all those years. Luis provided lahat ng pangangailangan nilang mag ina.

Lahat?

Lahat lahat?

Pati ba iyo-.

*Glass shattered as it hits the floor*

"Damn it!", I cursed as some part of the glass na natabig ko went straight into my foot.

"Babe! What happened?", mabilis na lumapit sa akin si Dennise as she checks for any wound sa paa ko.

"Michelle! Careful, you'll get yourself hurt too.", alalang sigaw rin ni Luis rito.

Agad kong tinignan kung saan nakapwesto si Dennise. Sa pag aalala nito ay hindi na niya inisip na maaari rin siyang masugatan sa paglapit sa akin.

May kung ano na lang na pumitik sa loob ko and kahit hindi ko sinasadya, I snapped.

"Dennise! Ano ka ba? Hindi ka man lang nag iisip, tignan mo nga iyang inaapakan mo puro bubog. Paano kung pati ikaw nasugatan dahil lang sa pag alala mo sa akin? Mag ingat ka naman!", at padabog akong tumayo sa kinauupuan ko at pumuntang kusina. Kukuha sana ako ng walis at dustpan kaso hawak na ito ni Julia at papunta na rin siya sa pwesto namin kanina.

"Naku. Kung nagseselos, sabihin agad doon sa isa. Hindi iyong pagbubuntungan mo pa ng frustrations mo. Tsk, tsk. May screw driver diyan sa utility box ni Dennise. Higpitan mo muna mga turnilyo mo bago ka makipag usap ulit.", mahinang sambit ni Ella bago nagtungo na rin kung na saan sina Dennise at Luis.

Paglingon ko sa pwesto nila, inaalalayan ito ni Luis na makaupo sa couch.

"See? You gotta be careful next time, okay? Ella? Ikaw na rito? It's not a big cut pero if you can please help her clean it bago lagyan ng bandage. Thank you.", mahinahong pagpapaalala ni Luis doon sa isa at magalang ring pakisuyo niya kay Ella bago tumayong muli at tinulungan sila Jema at Jia na maglinis ng mga bubog.

Fine. Eh 'di siya na. Siya na ang mabait at kalmado. Siya na, sige.

Tsk. Bakit ba kasi kailangan pang papuntahin iyan rito? Kaya ko namang gawin kung ano mang napagplanuhan na nila. Besides, I'm really the one who's supposed to be here for her now.

Sa sobrang inis ay dumiretso na lamang ako sa kwarto.

I need to take a breather. I can't. I'm too jealous of all the thoughts that are running inside my head.

I feel so insecured.

What am I to her? Ano pa ba ako sa kaniya? Bakit gusto pa niyang bumalik if that person's such a nice guy and a gentleman?

Ly, get a grip. Okay? You're being too senstive. Kababalik pa lamang ni Dennise eh parang gusto mo na agad siyang mawala sa'yo dahil diyan sa insecurities mo.

I took a deep breath as I buried my face in the pillow.

"Please, please get over it. She needs you.", paalala ko sa aking sarili.

Sa sobrang occupied ay hindi ko na namalayang may tao na pala sa bandang paanan ko.

"Baby, I'm sorry. Are you still upset? Let me see your foot, please."

Hindi pa rin ako kumikibo. Parang kinain ako nang buong buo ng konsensiya ko.

"Hey, sige na. If you're still mad we can just talk about the plan sa susunod na araw. But first, let me clean your wound. Halika na please, harap ka na rito."

Wala naman akong nagawa, alangan namang magmatigas pa ako.

"Hi.", malambing na bati niya noong nakaharap na ako sa kaniya.

"I'm sorry, Dennise. I shouldn't have acted that way."

"It's okay baby, it was my fault you just got worried. But I am okay, Ly."

And there's that punch in my stomach again.

It's true I was worried she might get hurt, but I didn't snap because of that.

Hay.

"Mas maging mindful na next time. Okay?"

She just nodded like a kid and began checking up on my foot.

"Tignan mo, love. It's still bleeding tapos tutulugan mo lang, ikaw talaga. I'll clean it now ha. This is gonna sting."

I was just staring at her while she attends to my small wound.

"There, didn't it sting?"

I shook my head and pulled her beside me.

"Thank you, doc.", sambit ko rito and kissed her lips.

"Hmm, you're welcome. Hindi ka na inis?"

"Nope. I'm sorry again, babe."

"Forgiven. Anyway, hindi pa ako naka-order ng food natin. Should we just cook something from the kitchen?"

"Huh? Huwag na. Marami tayong kakain, baka magutom na iyon si madam Ells. Ako na lang ang oorder."

"Eh pinaalis ko na sila, baby."

"What???"

"Sabi ko sa isang araw na sila bumalik pag mag uusap na ulit about sa plan."

"Then why did you ask me kung galit pa ako at sa ibang araw na lang natin ulit pag usapan kung napaalis mo na pala sila?"

"Come on, just let that slide. Besides, uuwi pa tayo kina Mom, right? Alyson would be waiting for us."

"Us? Including me? Baka kamo kay Luis."

"Hon. Paano mo malalaman kung hindi mo susubukan? The kid's been waiting for this moment all his life. Give it a try. Spend time with him. Okay? It is you we wanna spend our time with. It is you we have been longing for. Trust me, will you?"

Kinakain ka na naman ng insecurities mo. Umayos ka!

"Alright. Mag drive thru na lang tayo. Do you think he'd like food from Jollibee? I mean every kid loves food from there."

"Anything from you kahit saan pa galing, I'm sure he would love it. Or atleast give it a try. Don't overdo yourself, love. He already loves you."

"Come on, I need to make up for those lost times."

She giggled and hugged me tighter, "I love you, I'm so happy you don't even have any idea how much."

"I am too, Dennise."

"Hmm. Oh by the way hon, let's not drop it kina mom yet ha? We really need to go through the plan first. Let's just remain casual muna sa harap nila."

"Okay."

"Okay. I love you, babe. Mag asikaso na tayo?"

"Yeah, sige."

-

"Okay na ba ito, Den? Do you think magugustuhan niya iyong mga binili kong food for him? How about the toy I got him?", I asked worriedly after naming dumaan sa drive thru.

"Yes, love. He'll love everything you bought for him. Loosen up, Schmoopy. You'll do great.", natatawang sagot niya at kinurot pa ang aking pisngi.

"Alright."

-

"Looks who's back!", masaya kong bati pagpasok namin sa bahay nila Dennise.

Magkakasamang nanonood ng cartoon movie ang buong family ni Dennise kasama si Alyson.

"AV! Mom!".

"Ateeeee!".

"Anak, come on in.".

Sabay sabay nilang pag bati pabalik sa akin.

Kinuha naman nila Mosh and Jus iyong bitbit kong mga pagkain.

"You got that one, right?", nakangiting tanong ni Justine noong nakita niya iyong isang meal na may kasamang laruan na nasa kabilang kamay ko.

"Yes, I got this one. Thank you, princess.".

"AV!", masiglang bati noong bata at agad na nagpabuhat.

"Hey, bud! How's your day?", malambing kong tanong rito.

"It's meaningful. I've spent my day with granddad and grandmom. How about yours and mom's?".

I took a quick glance kay Dennise na nakangiti lamang sa amin ng kaniyang anak at napatingin rin ako kina mom and dad na ngayon ay may bakas ng pagtatanong sa kanilang mga mukha.

Nag iwas na lamang ako ng tingin sa mga ito at binaling muli ang atensyon sa bata.

"Yeah, it was okay. We were able to get your mom's stuff from her condo. By the way bud, I have a little something for you. You wanna check it out?".

"You do?! Oh my! Okay! Okay! I'm sooooo excited! Thank you, AV!", the kid shrieked in excitement at yumakap nang mahigpit sa akin.

"Alright, let's open it by the couch, shall we?".

"Oooookay!".

-

"Wow! Mom, look! AV got me a yum burger and a Jolli-Spaghetti? How did she know I love these? Did you tell her mommy?".

"No, hon. But she also loves those. Maybe she wanted you to try them out because I didn't tell her that you already had those before.", sagot ng kaniyang mommy.

"Really, anak? It's nice to know my apo enjoys Filipino style dishes too. Alyson, grandmom's cooking is better than that. I'll cook some for you tomorrow.", proud na sabi ni mom rito.

Napatingin naman ako kay Dennise.

"Yes, mom. I remember there's one time I craved for it so badly, buti na lang LA got me those. Ayun, nakatikim siya and simula noon naging paborito na rin niya iyan.", natatawa pang paliwanag nito.

Right. The great Luis Revilla.

"AV, are you okay?".

"Huh? Were you saying something, bud? I'm sorry I didn't hear you.".

"Nope, but the fork you're preparing for me is already broken. You're really strong! Can I try that?", manghang sabi ng bata.

"Shoot. I- I'm sorry. Let me get you another one. I'm sure we have an extra somewhere. Wait for me, bud."

Noong patayo na ako ay inabutan ako ni Dennise ng plastic fork.

"Here."

"T-Thanks."

"Nice one, mom! That was fast! I'm really starting to think you both have superpowers, I hope I have inherited some from you.".

"I'm sure you did, bunny. Oh, Ly, you got something else for him 'di ba?"

"What is it? Where is it?".

"Oo nga pala. Buddy, this ain't much but I hope you'll like it.", at ipinakita ko iyong Iron Man toy na binili ko for him on our way home.

"WHAAAAAT?! YOU ALSO GOT ME THIS?!".

"Y-Yeah? Don't you like it?", alalang tanong ko rito.

Sabi ko na nga ba at baka hindi niya magus-.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I LOVE IRON MAN SO MUCH! THANK YOU, AV! YOU DON'T KNOW HOW HAPPY I AM RIGHT NOW! AHHHHHHH! Mommy, mommy! Look! This is the newest collection I told you about! Did you ask AV to buy this for me?".

Or maybe yes? I think he likes it, a lot.

Nice one, Ly!

"You loved it? W-Wow, that's... That's really nice to hear, bud."

"How do we know each other so well, AV? It's like our brains are connected with each other. Right, mom?", nagtaas baba pa ito ng kilay sa kaniyang mommy na parang may gustong ipahiwatig.

Her mom giggled at his words and action, "Yes, love. I'm sure your brains are 'connected' with each other. No doubt.".

"I knew it! Thank you for all these, AV! I supeeeeer loveeeeeee you!", and then he gave me a peck on my cheek bago nagsimulang kumain ng mga dala ko for him which he shared with his uncle and aunt kahit may sarili naman rin silang mga food.

He's a really well mannered kid. Gosh, I love this boy so much.

But... Do I deserve him?

Do I deserve to love him?

Hindi ako ang nagpalaki sa bata. Hindi ako ang kasama niya sa unang limang taon ng buhay niya.

Papaano kung hanap hanapin nito si Luis?

Ano namang laban ko roon?

Bigla akong nagkaroon ng matinding pangamba habang pinapanood si Alyson at ang mga kapatid ni Dennise na masayang nagsasalo sa mga dala naming pagkain.

"Hey, babe.", bulong ni Dennise sa akin.

Tinignan ko lamang ito at naghintay sa sunod niyang sasabihin.

"I love you."

Dahil nabigla ako sa sinabi nito, tanging isang tango lamang ang aking naisagot bago pumunta sa kusina upang ipaghanda rin ng makakain sina mom and dad.

I even heard her softly laughing while I was walking away.

Tsk. Pasabi sabi siya na wag muna sabihin sa pamilya niya pero iyan, paganyan ganyan siya.

Mamaya mahuli siya ni mom.

"Anak."

"Mom!", sa lalim ng iniisip ko ay nagulat ako sa pag tawag ni mom sa akin.

"Whoa, how many cup of coffee did you have?"

"Si mom talaga, I was just thinking of some stuff."

"Like?"

I shook my head, "Work. Yeah, work stuff mommy. Come, take a sit mom. Kumain na rin muna kayo ni dad. Hey, dad! Come on here, I prepared your food."

"Oh, okay. I'm coming right now, boss. Jus, bantayan niyo ang pamangkin ninyo."

"Yes, dad."

"Dennise, iha, come on. Kumain ka na rin muna.", yaya ni dad doon sa isa.

-

"Thank you Lord for this blessing. Anak, salamat sa food na binili mo for us. Kumain na tayo.", pag anyaya ni mom sa amin.

"You're welcome guys. Kain na tayo."

"Ly, you want some spag? Here oh.", tanong ni Dennise at dali daling kumuha ng spaghetti sa pan.

"Den, ako na. Thank you.", pagpipigil ko pa rito pero tila wala siyang narinig.

"Ay, ito pa oh. Kumain ka nang kumain, babe."

Halos mabali naman ang leeg ko sa paglingon rito sa katabi ko.

Pinanlakihan ko ito ng mga mata at sumenyas na narito lang sila mom and dad.

"What?", natatawa nitong tanong.

Umiling lamang ako.

At noong kakain na sana ako hoping her parents didn't hear what she called me- both of them were just staring at me.

"Uhm, mom? Dad? What's with those look?", tinanong ko na ang mga ito para hindi na rin ako mag isip isip pa.

"What's going on between you two?", dad asked.

"Yeah, Alyssa's been so tensed since you came home together."

Para namang namuo ang pawis sa aking noo dahil sa kaba.

That's why I don't want keeping anything from these people, they know me so well.

"W-Wala naman po. Actually I'm not feeling well simula pa kanina and she knows about it kaya she's like that. Right, Dennise?", pagpapalusot ko pa sa mga ito.

"I'm sorry, hon. They already know."

My brows automatically furrowed as I try to process what she just said.

Tumango pa itong muli sa akin, confirming what she just said.

"Y-You told them?"

"Yes, baby."

Tumingin naman ako kina mom and dad.

Malalaking ngiti ang isinukli ng mga ito sa akin at tumayo si mom papunta sa aming dalawa ni Dennise.

"Anak, it's okay. Don't get upset with Dennise. She wanted to make it easy for you. While you were sleeping, she already told us over the phone. I believe at that time your best friend and the other two girls were there also. So yes, alam na namin. And we are so glad to hear about it. I love you anak, we love you so much. Come here.", mom said and niyakap ako nang mahigpit habang umiiyak.

Hindi ko naman rin napigilan ang aking mga luha.

Lumapit rin si dad at niyakap kami ni mom.

"We're still in cloud nine after we learned about what's really happening, iha. We know how much you've endured all these years. Kayong dalawa ni Dennise. Come here, princess.", at isinama ni dad si Dennise sa pagkakayakap sa amin ni mom.

Hindi pa rin ako makapag react dahil labis ang emosyong nararamdaman ko.

"Alyssa, anak. We will set things right, this time. Okay? Hindi na namin kayo hahayaang magkahiwalay pang muli, or should I say, magkahiwa-hiwalay? Alagaan niyong mabuti ang isa't isa pati na rin si Alyson. Okay? Mahaba pa itong lalakbayin niyo pero we'll do everything para mapagtagumpayan niyo lahat ito. Magpakatatag lamang kayo mga anak, makakamit niyo rin ang hustisya para sa lahat ng ginawa ng taong iyon laban sa inyo. We'll all be here for you.", paniniguro ni dad sa aming dalawa ni Dennise.

Mom wiped my tears and placed a kiss on my head at inilapit si Dennise sa akin saka kinuha ang tig isa naming kamay, "Mga anak, this is not just your fight. Kasa-kasama niyo kaming lahat. Pati na ang mga nanay at tatay ninyo. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan. We're all in this together. Okay? We love you so much mga anak.", masayang tugon ni mom at binigyan kaming muli ng isang mahigpit na yakap.

"T-Thank you, mom, dad. Thank you. I promise I won't let anything happen to both your daughter and grandson. I will never let them be taken away again from me, from us.", then I reached for Dennise's hand and pulled her in for a hug.

"I love you, Dennise. Thank you for doing this. I love you and Alyson so much.", nangingilid na naman ang mga luha ko as I told her how much I love her and the kid.

"I know, Ly. And we love you too, so much. We'll get through this together, hand in hand. Okay?", she said while wiping my tears and placing a kiss on my lips.

I nodded my head and sumilip sa may living room kung saan masayang naglalaro si Alyson kasama ng mga tito at tita niya.

"I will never let you both go, ever again.".

---Author's Note:

HELLO! I KNOW I'M SO LATE AGAIN WITH THE UPDATE.

SORRY NA PLEASE, SOBRANG DAMING GANAP LANG SA LIFE.

But, hey! Isn't this a happy update? 😁🤘🏻

I will be writing the next one as soon as I can.

Thank you all for patiently waiting. Mahal ko kayo!

Happy reading, mga kapatid! 🤝🏼💛🥭

P.S.Pag pasensyahan niyo na kung may mga hindi pulido diyan, di ko pa kasi nabalikan ulit gusto ko na kasing i-upload right after matapos isulat haha! ✌🏼