Consunji Series 7 - Stolen by Xxakanexx

Stolen by xxakanexx

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If something got stolen, will you do everything just to take it back? ------------------------------------------******************************************* [1] Stolen ******************************************* Stolen Stolen identity. Stolen family. Stolen empire. Stolen happiness. More importantly, a stolen heart. Stolen...

******************************************* [2] Prologue: And it all begins here... ******************************************* "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." ******************************************* [3] 1. Stolen ******************************************* 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 naïve. Babawiin ko ang lahat ng kinuha sa akin ni Sancho Consunji. Sisiguru hin kong pagsisihan niyang lahat ng ginawa niya. Luluha siya ng dugo sa gagawin ko 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. ******************************************* [4] 2. Never again ******************************************* 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

sa kanya. He la sinabi ni Nikit with the one yo that the feelin

g was indescribable. And maybe Zach is right - I so want to know what kind of in describable feeling Nikita was talking about.

"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 outside the window again. Kumunot ang noo ko nang mapansin ko ang isang  itim na Ford na nasa likuran namin. Alam kong simpleng sasakyan lang iyon pero nakadama ako ng kaba. Lalong kumabog ang dibdib ko nang bigla silang mag-over ta ke. They parked the car in front of Zach's car which made him step on the break.  My eyes 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 u because you're hurting out family!"

think again! She will never love yo

"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... ******************************************* [5] 3. Two ******************************************* 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...." ******************************************* [6] 4. The inner Consunji ******************************************* "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.

******************************************* [7] 5. Without him knowing ******************************************* 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?

******************************************* [8] 6. A past so dark ******************************************* "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. ******************************************* [9] 7. A Consunji never breaks a promise ******************************************* 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?! ******************************************* [10] 8. Stay still ******************************************* "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 ******************************************* [11] 9. Dapat ******************************************* "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?" ******************************************* [12] 10. Fall ******************************************* "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..." ******************************************* [13] 11. Fallen ******************************************* "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 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. ******************************************* [14] 12. Free ******************************************* 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 g my lip. Whatever he ahit na ano pero heto o ang init na dala ni

when I felt his lips on the middle of my core. I was bitin was doing down there felt so good. Ayokong makaramdam ng k ako kahit na anong saway ko sa sarili ko ay nararamdaman k 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." ******************************************* [15] 13. Safe ******************************************* 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... ******************************************* [16] 14. The supposed to be enemy ******************************************* 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... ******************************************* [17] 15. I still do ******************************************* "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. ******************************************* [18] 16. Lucky one ******************************************* "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

ang mga salit sa akin kung mga kamay niy niya ako iiwa

n kahit kailan. 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..." ******************************************* [19] 17. Hindi matanggap ******************************************* 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 fiancé 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 p refers to use it because of me. I gave him that guitar on his fourteenth birthda y. Sa akin galing iyon - kaya kahit gaano kaluma ay hindi niya magawang itago dahil 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. "You're 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 .

******************************************* [20] 18. Let me be the one ******************************************* 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..." ******************************************* [21] 19. Turn myself ******************************************* 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." *******************************************

[22] 20. It will ******************************************* 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. ******************************************* [23] Epilogue: This is who I am ******************************************* 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 Isinakay ko sa kotse kotse ang kambal at saka 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. ******************************************* [24] Stolen - Untold # 1 ******************************************* "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? ******************************************* [25] Stolen - Untold # 2 ******************************************* 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? ******************************************* [26] Stolen - Untold # 3 ******************************************* "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. ******************************************* [27] Stolen - Untold # 4 ******************************************* "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. ******************************************* [28] Stolen - Untold # 5 ******************************************* "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. ******************************************* [29] Stolen - Untold # 6 ******************************************* "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. ******************************************* [30] Stolen - Untold # 7 ******************************************* ªHindi na naman siya umuwi.º

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 h ome. 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 nam an iyon para sa akin dahil kahit na nakilala na niya ang tunay niyang ama ay hin di pa rin nababawasan ang pagmamahal niya sa Papa niya.

ªNasaan na naman ba?º Narinig kong naghikab si Niki sa background. I smiled again. ªYz a, matulog ka na.º Sabi niya pa. ªKung uuwi iyan, uuwi iyan, kung hindi di wag!º

ªKahit ba minsan, hindi ginawa ni Yto sa iyo ito?º Mahinang tanong ko.

ªHindi. Subukan niya lang.º Tumawa pa si Nikita. ªYou know how your brother gets but e very time na may away kami he stays at home ± hindi siya pumapasok sa office, we s it down and we try to fix things ± that's why I love him more each day.º

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 P rague pa kami. I thought it will never happen again but then, it happened now an d it's just so sad. Kaya nga ganoon na lang ang pagpipilit ko na bumalik kami ng P rague para maayos na namin ang lahat pero bakit ganito ± I keep messing things up and I hate myself for it. ªHahanapin ko siya, Nikita.º

ªAt bakit?! Yzang! Hanggang ngayon makulit ka pa rin! Paano ang mga bata?!º Tanong n iya.

ªTatawagan ko si Yna. I'll ask her to come here.º

ªTapos?!º

ªBasta, Niki. I have to find Hector.º Sabi kong muli. I ended the call and dialed Yn a's number. I wasn;t sure if she's still awake but I'll wake her and make her come her e. Kailangan ng mga bata ng kasama. I thanked all the gods of Olympus when Yna a nswered her phone.

ªAte?º She spoke.

ªNasaan ka? Can you come to my unit?º

ªWhy? I mean sure. Kasama ko si ZD. Can I take him?º Wala na akong ibang sinabi. Bas ta ibinilin ko na bilisan niya dahil hindi na talaga ako mapakali. I need to fin

d Hector fast before I lose him again. Nagpalakad-lakad ako sa gitna ng living r oom. Twenty minutes later, narinig kong may kumatok sa pinto. Mabilis ko iyong b inuksan 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 kay Z ach. Parang alam na niya kung anong iniisip ko. Agad niyang itinaas ang kamay ni ya at mabilis na nagsalita.

ªIt's not what you think! Sinundo ko siya doon sa ---ª

ªZach please¼º Yna mumbled.

ªBasta sinundo ko siya doon, Yza. She called me, she was ---ª

ªI wasn't crying! I'm going to hurt you, Laundrize!º I just shook my head. Kinuha ko ang  bag ko at nagpaalam umalis sa kanila.

ªIsama mo si ZD, ate. Kailangan mo ng driver.º Sabi pa ni Yna. Nakita kong umiling s i ZD.

ªDriver na lang talaga ako ngayon.º He smiled at me. ªLet's go, baby?º

ªZach¼º Tiningnan ko siya.

ªI just missed calling you that.º Tugon niya. Napailing na lang muli ako. Tiningnan ko si Yna at sumenyas na aalis. ZD walked with me. PInaglalaruan niya sa mga kam ay niya ang susi ng kotse niya. Tahimik lang naman ako. Hindi ako komportable sa  pinapakita niya sa akin. Hindi naman siya dating ganito.

ªYou've changed.º I whispered.

ªYou did too, Yza. But it's a good thing we're still friends.º Mahinang sabi niya din. S umakay kami sa elevator.

ªSo¼ why are you with Yna?º I asked again. He just smiled.

ªThere are things better left unsaid. Isa pa, si Yna ang tanungin mo.º Ngumuso na la ng 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 fell in  love with ± all that was left is a man ± a man behind those boyish smile and playfu l stares. He matured.

Lumabas kami ng elevator. Ipinagbukas niya pa ako ng pinto at saka dumiretso kam i sa parking lot. ªSaan?º

ªJust drive around. May hahanapin lang ako.º Nakatingin ako sa labas ng bintana. Si Zach naman ay pinaandar na ang sasakyan. Halos paikot-ikot lang kami. I asked hi m to take me to the bar capital dahil baka nandoon si Hector. I didn't see his car , so I asked ZD to take me to the chains of hotels around the Metro. I was hopin g 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 kasam a ni¼

ªStop the car!º Sigaw ko. Kumabog ang dibdib ko nang mahagip ko ng tingin ang isang lalaking hindi ko pwedeng maipagkamali kahit na kanino. Biglang huminto si Zach.  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 around,  I knew it already. It's him with V. They hugged each other, - he even kissed his lips.

ªPutsa!º Sigaw ni Zach. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko nang makita kong tinakbo ni Zach si Hector at saka sinuntok. Napasigaw ako.

ªZD!º Halos mamaos ang tinig ko kakasigaw para lang tumigil siya.

ªAng gago mo!º Sigaw ni ZD. Binalingan niya ako. ªYza! The fuck! Your husband's gay!º

Hindi ako nakakibo. Tumulo ang luha ko nang makita kong dinaluhan ni V si Hector  at pilit itinatayo.

ªYza! Say something!º 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 saka ko siya sinampal.

ªHow dare you ruin my family!º Natigagal siya. He looked at me. V also known as Vict or San Agustin is a shipping magnate. He's name is all over in Prague. Nagkakilala  sila ni Hector noong high school sila. They had been sweethearts since then but  when Hector's family found out about their relationship, nagalit ang daddy ni Hec tor at ipinadala siya sa Prague ± doon naman kami nagkakilala. He married me becau se he needed to prove to his father that he has changed and yet two months 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 tr ied to make things work at noong akala kong maayos na kami ay saka siya muling b abalik sa dati niyang ginagawa.

ªHow dare you too!º It was V's voice. ªYou promised to take care of him, pero wala kang ginawa kundi ang saktan siya!º

ªAt hindi ako nasasaktan sa ginagawa ninyo?!º Sigaw ko. ªYou keep on coming back to hi m when you already promised me that you will never bother my family!º

ªI love him, Yza!º V, said. ªOne thing you can never give him. Love. Ako mahal ko siya . At kaya niyang panghawakan iyon. Ikaw ba, mahal mo siya?º

Hindi. I bit my lower lip. I love Hector as a friend. He's my instant companion ± we'r e better than what we are pero nasasaktan pa rin ako at nasasaktan ko rin siya.

ªYza, umuwi ka na. Ang mga bata.º Napatingin ako kay Hector. Dumudugo ang labi niya.  I looked away when I felt a tear rolling down my left eye. ªMag-uusap tayo bukas,  just please. I need to be alone.º

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?

ªYzang¼º He called me. I faced him.

ªI'm sorry. You didn't have to see that.º I said. He sighed.

ªTatawagan ko si Yto.º Sabi niya. Umiling ako. ªYto doesn't know. My family doesn't know. Please.º

ªBut, Yza! You're a mess! You need someone.º Untag niya pa. He sighed again. ªGustuhin k o man pero hindi ako ang taong pwedeng maging someone para sa'yo ngayon. I wanna e ase your pain away but someone ± another human being in this world, needs me to be  her someone tonight and I really wanna be with her.º Bulong niya pa. ªI have hurt h er so much and right now¼º

ªI know, I understand.º Sabi ko sa kanya. ªJust take me home.º Sabi ko. Zach drove. Tahi mik lang kami sa buong byahe. Hindi siya nagsasalita. Panaka-naka ay nakikita ko  siyang nagtetext. I don't know who it was but I had a feeling it was that someone  he was talking about. I just sat there, thinking about what happened to the par king 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.

ªLagpas na.º Sabi ko pa. He shook his head.

ªHindi pa. Malapit na tayo.º Ngumiti siya sa akin. Kinabahan naman ako. Hindi nagtag al ay huminto ang kotse ni Zach sa tapat ng isang coffee shop. Bumaba siya kaya napilitan akong sumunod at sa labas ng coffee shop, nakita ko ang isang taong ay oko sanang makita ngayong gabi. He was looking at us. Itinapon niya ang hawak ni yang sigarilyo at saka lumapit sa amin.

He's eyes we're piercing right through my sould. I find it hard to breath. Wala pa m an din siyang sinasabi ay nanghihina na ako. Ni hindi niya pa ako nahahawakan.

ªHector¼º Bulong ko. He grinned.

ªAs much as I love the sound of my name on your lips, my love, I don't want you call

ing me by that name. I prefer Helios.º Niluwagan niya pa ang tie niya at saka tini ngnan si Zach.

ªGood thinking, boy.º He was smiling ear to ear. He even tapped ZD's shoulder.

ªTake care of her.º Wika ni Zach at saka tumingin sa akin. ªAlis na ako, Kulet. Bye!º Si nenyasan niya pa si Hector. Sinundan ko siya ng tingin. Hindi ko maintindihan ku ng anong nangyayari.

Nanlaki ang mga mata ko ng biglang kunin ni Hector ang kamay ko. ªWhat are you doi ng outside at a time like this, my love?º He kissed my hand. Nakadama ako ng bolta he ng kuryente. I tried moving away but he caught my waist.

ªI was looking for Hector ---ª

ªWhy would you? I am all the Hector that you need, Yza. Hector Santillan or Helios  Demitri ± whomever you prefer ± you have both our hearts in your hands.º

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 move¼

******************************************* [31] Stolen- Untold # 8 ******************************************* I don't have any idea where Helios is taking me but right now, I really don't care.  All I know is that I have to be away ± I have to be with him. I was sitting on th e passenger's seat. He was driving and he's free hand was over my left hand. 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 ha py. He really does. Kahit na iniwan niya ako noon, alam kong siya lang talaga an g makapagpapasaya sa akin. I was in deep hell ± Hector makes it bearable for me da hil 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. ªEyes on the road, mister.º 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 have t hought 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.

ªDon't you wanna know where we're going?º He asked me out of nowhere. ªNah¼º ªWhat? Why?º His voice was deep. ªI don't really care, Helios. As long as we're together.º 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 c ry 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. ªHelios¼º Nakababa na siya ng sasakyan. Binuksan niya ang pinto para sa akin pagkatapo s ay inilahad niya ang kanyang kamay. May kung anong kabang lumukob sa buong pag katao ko. Naghalo ang nararamdaman ko. I was feeling scared yet excited and happ y. ªHe-helios¼º I looked up at him. ªLet's go home, Yza¼º He said. What came out of his lips calmed me down. I remembered th at I wanted to be happy and my happiness is here ± in front of me. Bakit ipagkakai t ko pa iyon sa sarili ko? I took his hand. He held me close. Sabay kaming humakbang papasok sa masyon. ªAre you scared?º He asked. I shook my head. The warmth o his hand was enough to calm my nerves. His voice, his stare ± everyth ing about him only signals my happiness. Ito na iyon. Sasaya na ako. Bakit pa ak o 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. ªLove¼º He called me. I looked at him. I was biting my lip. ªF-forgive me.º ªI already did.º Mahinang sabi ko. ªThe moment I saw Hyron his eyes ± it reminded me of you. I have forgiven you that day I gave birth to your children Helios. I just ± w e'll I was just mad because you left me.º ªI did that because I wanted your family to forgive me for what I did to you¼º Mahinan g sabi niya sa akin. He sighed again. ªAnong gusto mong gawin ngayon, Yza?º Lumayo siya sa akin. He sat in the couch while  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 l et him go in the first place. I took a deep breath again. Hindi ko na alam kung

ilang beses ko nang ginawa ang bagay na iyon. ªI wanna be with you, Helios.º 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 w ant to let go. I wanna be with him for tonight and the next night and the next n ight till the last night of my life. ªI love you so much¼º 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 sum ama kay Zach ± nang araw na iyon alam kong iba na ang lahat. He had stolen me away  from everything that I thought mattered to me. He made me realize so many thing s ± he made me realize that love isn't always perfect ± that a love story doesn't always  begin with a happy moment ± that no matter how dark it is or how badly I was trea ted 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. ªI have waited so long for t his.º He said. I bit my lower lip. ªNa.. natatakot ako.º I voiced out. He looked at me. ªDon't be my love. I'll be Hector Santillan ± a real man ± not----ª ªSHHH!º Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. Napuno ng halakhak ni Helios ang kabahayan. I missed his laughter. ªI know, my love.º He kissed me again. I let my body go with the flow. His kisses, h is touch, the feel o his burning palm against my skin ± all of it was enough to se nd me to frenzy. Inihiga niya ako sa couch. He looked at me ± there was this ridic ulous look on his face. Iyon na naman na parang hindi siya makapaniwala Hinawaka n 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 para sa mga bata. ªOhhhh..º 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 do n'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 ent.

me straddl waist and were on hi him that mom

ªDon't¼. ahh..º I bit my lower lip again. ªHelios shit!º I took a deep breath. ªDon't leave m ah fuck!º He kissed me again. All my inhibitions faded away.

ªI love you, Yza. We are one now¼º He said before I felt that lovely warm feeling insi de 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.

******************************************* [32] Stolen - Untold # 9 ******************************************* 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 where  my kids were. Hindi ko sila kasama ngayon dahil hindi ako umuwi dahil kay Helio s¼

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 Heli os. 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 today.

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 ± wanting mo re. I'll long for him just like how I longed for him five years ago¼

I reached downstairs ± I was still looking around trying to find any sign of him b ut he's not around. Lalong kumabog ang dibdib ko.

ªHe-helios¼ Helios!º I called him. ªHelios Demitri!º I was standing in the middle of the l iving room. Hindi naman nagtagal ay nakita ko siyang halos patakbo papunta sa ak in. His face was priceless. Para bang takot na takot siya. When he got near me h e held both my hands and looked at me closely.

ªWhat's wrong? Nasaktan ka ba? Are you okay? Are you sore?º

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.

ªI woke up¼º I said in a small voice.

ªAnd?º

ªWe'll you weren't there so I got scared¼º I looked away. Kinakabahan ako. His green eyes were piercing right through my soul. Bakit ba hanggang ngayon ay hindi ako ma-im mune sa mga matang iyon. My kids' eyes has the same effect on me ± lalo na ang mga m ata ni Hyron. Katulad na katulad ng kay Helios ang tingin niya. He seemed to hav e inherited a lot from his father. I had always known that but experiencing it f irst handed gives me a different feeling.

ªI just¼º

ªWhat?º

ªI thought you left again¼º I looked down. Narinig ko siyang nagbuntong hininga. Hindi  ko alam kung tama na sinabi ko iyon. Pero iyon naman ang nararamdaman ko. Gusto  kong iparating sa kanya na ayoko siyang umalis, na hindi na niya ako dapat 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 kasama ko siya at lahat iyon kaya kong tiisin basta hindi niya lang ako iiwan.

It's him and me against the world.

ªI won't leave.º He said in a low voice.

ªIs that a promise?º

ªYou want me to say promise?º He looked at my eyes. ªI was never good in keeping them,  Yza.º Sabi niya. ªBut if it will make you feel better ± I will never leave you.º He smi rked.

ªBakit kayo ng anak mo hindi marunong ngumiti?º Biglang naitanong ko. Kumunot ang no o niya. ªWe'll its true. You and Hyron has the same face expression. Lahat, sa'yo mina na.º

ªThat's a good thing. Kaysa naman magmana siya doon sa bak---ª

ªHelios ha!º Sabi ko na lang. ªHector is a good man.º

ªIf he is, hindi ka niya sasaktan.º Wika niya pa. Tumaas ang kilay ko.

ªYou've hurt me.º

ªThat's the difference, Yza. I'm a bad man. A bad man who's willing to do good just to b e with you.º I made a face. Pinisil ko ang ilong niya. ªAng pangit mo!º I giggled. Masaya ako. Ka gabi 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 sarili ko noon pa lang.

ªPangit ako?º 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. Bi gla akong napasigaw nang hawakan niya ang magkabilang baywang ko. He started tic kling me. Nagpupumiglas ako.

ªHelios! Ayoko na! Damn! Stop it!º I was giggling. Hindi na ako makahinga pero ayaw niya pa ring tumigil. Maya-maya ay hinapit niya akong bigla at saka binuhat ± brid e style.

ªI'm going to feed you, woman, then we'll make love again over and over today until yo u're sore!º

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 .

ªTell me about the kids¼º He said to me. Tumingin ako.

ªWe'll Hyron is as stubborn as you are, si Hyan mainitin ang ulo, parang ikaw din. M adalas silang mag-away but then, si Hyron palagi ang nagbibigay. I thought him t o be like Yto.º Sabi ko. Lumamlam ang mga mata niya.

ªIt's a good thing, Helios.º Sabi ko sa kanya. ªYto loves the kids.º I touched his face. ªWe' l fix the trouble with my family right after this. I'm fighting for us.º

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 naiiya k siya.

ªThree years in jail and you become soft?º Tatawa-tawang tanong ko.

ªYou are my weakness.º He whispered to me. ªKung nandoon pa ako ngayon at nabalitaan k ong bumalik ka, I'll break out, Yza just to see you.º

ªOo na. Alam ko na!º Pinisil ko ang ilong niya. Kinagat naman niya ang kamay ko. ªMasa kit ha!º Biglay ay sumeryoso ang mukha niya.

ªWalang nangyari sa inyo ni Ituralde tama?º

ªWhy do you sound so sure?º I grinned sheepishly.

ªYza, he's gay.º Matiim na sabi niya.

ªSo? It doesn't mean¼º My mouth parted when I felt his grip tighten over my wrist. Napan giwi ako. ªHe-helios¼ aw¼º

ªDid he ever touch you?º His voice was dark and mean.

ªNo¼º Lumuwag ang hawak niya sa akin.

ªGood. Hindi ako makakapatay.º Huminga siya ng malalim. ªKumain ka na.º Hindi ko alam ku ng matatakot ako kay Helios o kung matutuwa ako sa ipinapakita niya sa akin. A p art of me wanted to be scared pero mas malaki iyong nakakaramdam ako ng kasiyaha n.

I have been surrounded by ruthless men all my life and I'm used to the fact that s ome of them would want to break rules just to get what they want. My father is l ike that, my brothers too, even my uncles and also my aunt. Halos lahat pala sil a 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.

ªSi Nanay Bining?º Tanong ko.

ªShe's with Leigh.º He sipped his coffee.

ªYna's with the kids.º Lumipad ang tingin niya sa akin. ªI called her last night, Zach t ook her to me.º

ªZach?º Kunot na kunot ang noo niya. ªThe boy? Your ex ± boyfriend?º

ªYes. They were together last night.º

ªThey were together last night?!º Halos lumuwa ang mata ni Helios sa sinabi ko. Bigl a ay tumayo siya. Buti ay nakahawak ako sa mesa kundi nahulog na din ako. He too k his phone. Nagpatuloy ako sa pagkain. Maya-maya ay naririnig ko siyang sumisig aw. I find it amusing.

ªWhat the hell were you thinking? Why were you with Laundrize?!!!º

ªI don't care Leighton! You're not allowed to date yet!º Tumayo ako at kinuha ang telephonesa kanya.

ªYna? How are my kids?º Tanong ko sa kanya.

ªAte? Oh oh my god! You're with Kuya! Oh my god!º She started yelling at the other lin e. ªThis is so great! Finally! Oh my god! Oh my god! Kuya and Ate! Oh my god¼. Kuya Yto!º Kumunot ang noo ko. I was trying to calm Helios. Magtatanong pa sana ako per o ibinaba na ni Yna ang phone. Binalingan ko si Helios.

ªWhat were you thinking? You don't get to yell at Yna.º

ªShe's dating Zach.º Inis na sabi niya.

ªSinabi niya ba?º

ªHindi.º Nag-iwas siya ng tingin.

ªIyon naman pala. Ang init ng ulo mo.º Hinaplos ko ang pisngi niya. ªCan you just stop  thinking about things and be with me again?º Inilapit ko ang ulo ko sa dibdib niy a. I felt his breathing. Nag-iba ang way ng paghinga niya.

ªYza¼º He sounded so stern. I grinned. I wrapped my arms around his neck.

ªSabi mo we'll make love?º Ngumuso ako. ªKalma na, Helios¼º I planted a kiss on his chest. M y lips travelled up to his neck. I was teasing him. I don't know what came over me  but I wanted to tease him until he couldn't take it anymore. Lalong lumawak ang n giti 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 cou ld slice it with knife. He spread my legs wide. Inililis rin niya ang kumot na n akabalot sa akin.

ªKiss me, Helios¼º I whispered and he did. He crushed his lips on mine. He gave me an honest to goodness French kiss. I have missed his lips. Actually I have missed e verything about him. I wanted to so much to tell him how much I love him but I g uess words weren't enough to justify what I feel for him. His kisses turned fiery.  His hands roamed all over my body. I am again, consumed by the heat coming 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 sighing in delig ht. Naramdaman ko na lang na nahulog na sa kitchen floor ang kumot na tumatakip sa katawan ko. Helios held my left thigh. He wrapped it around him. His mouth fo und its way to my breasts and he started nibbling my taunted mounds.

ªAhhh, fuck.º I heard him mumble. He was giving me pleasure again ± just like what he didn't last night. I didn't know how many times I came down last night ± I wasn't counti ng. I have a feeling that I had counted it ± I will lose track because he kept on giving me that miraculous feeling.

ªYou taste so good.º He muttered. My eyes widened when I felt him entered his magica l fingers in my core. He was giving it to me again. I couldn't breathe. I felt my cheeks turning red. Nakahawak lang ako sa balikat niya. I bit my lower lip.

ªScream my name.º he ordered. I shook my head. He thrust faster this time.

ªAhhh! Helios! Ahhh! Oh god!º I felt my whole body shiver. I was savoring that feeli ng again, I couldn't take it. Mas lalo tumindi ang nararamdaman ko nang maramdaman  ko siya. He's inside of me again. Thrusting slow, feeling me, and stretching my b eing until all I could see were stars and rainbows.

Helios has completed that missing part of me and I will never let him go¼

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

ªSaan ba kita ihahatid?º

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 pero  parang mas gusto kong harapin ang lahat ng problema naming dalawa ngayon.

I looked at him. ªKay Tatay.º

ªAre you sure?º Tanong niya. ªYes. Let's end this now, Helios. Whatever he says, I'm not leaving you. Gusto ko nang  sumaya. Madalas sabihin sa amin noon ni Nanay, happiness is a choice and I'm choo sing you because I want to be happy.º ªWe will be happy, love.º Hinagkan niya ang kaliwang kamay ko. Saglit siyang lan nang mapatingin sa wedding band ko.

natigi

ªShit! I have to deal with Hector pa.º Nasabi ko na lang. Nanlaki ang mga mata ko na ng biglang hatakin ni Helios ang singsing ko at itinapon iyon sa labas ng bintan a.

ªWag ka nang magreklamo. Ibibili kita, mas maganda.º Kinindatan niya ako.

ªKahit naman wala, basta wag mo na akong iiwang mag-isa.º

ªNever, Yza.º 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'll 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 it o kasama si Yvo at si Yllak.

ªYou okay?º Tanong niya matapos kong ibaba ang phone.

ªWe'll, they were all in there. Kinakabahan ako.º Sabi ko sa kanya.

ªBakit? Nandito naman ako. We're in this together. For the kids, Yza. For our happin ess.º

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 open my side of the door. He held my hand as we walk together. Nanginginig ang buong katawan ko.

Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi: I am choosing happiness.

Bumukas ang gate. Hinatak ako ni Helios papasok. ªYza, don't be scared.º

ªEasy for you to say.º Bulong ko. I saw him shaking his head. Nauuna pa siyang lumak as kaysa sa akin. Nang malapit na kami sa pinto ay huminto ako.

ªYza Joan!º Sigaw niya.

ªFine!º I took a deep breath. This time ako na ang naunang pumasok. Nakita ko agad s i Yto na may kausap sa phone. He was smiling ± he only smiles like that when he's ta lking to Nikita on the phone. Napatingin siya sa akin. Nagpaalam siya kay Niki t apos sa akin ngumiti.

ªYza---ª Nagbago ang ekspresyon ng mukha niya nang makita niya si Helios sa likod ko .

ªWhat the hell are you doing here?!º Dumagundong ang boses ni Yto sa buong kabahayan . As if on cue, naglabasan ang lahat. I saw Yvo rushing. Si Yllak naman ay halat ang kagigising lang at pababa pa lang ng hagdan. I was praying na sana wala pa s i Tatay.

ªWhat are you doing here, asshole?! Why are you with my sister?!º Hinatak ako ni Yto  palayo kay Helios.

ªYto, nasasaktan ako!º Hinawakan ako ni Helios sa braso.

ªYou really like stealing things away, Demitri.º Yllak said out of nowhere.

ªI didn't steal anything from this family. I was only claiming what's mine.º

Akmang susuntukin ni Yllak si Helios nang bigla akong sumigaw ± at hindi ako nag-i isa. Yna rushed from the kitchen to our side.

ªDon't you dare hurt my brother, Consunji!º Sigaw niya kay Yllak. Yllak's mouth parted.

Ibinaba ni Yllak ang kamao niya. ªLeave!º He said to Yna. ªTake your brother with you and never comeback!º

ªLeave, Yna¼º Yto said in a cold tone.

ªKung aalis sila, aalis din ako, Yto.º Napasinghap ang lahat. ªIsasama ko ang mga bata , because I'm choosing him. I love him. There, I said it. I love him, Yto, Yvo, Yl lak. Nandito ako para ipaglaban ang nararamdaman ko sa inyong lahat. I don't want to be the weak one anymore. I'm choosing my happiness. Hindi naman pwedeng lahat k ayo masaya tapos ako nakukuntento sa isang bagay na nakakapagpasaya sa inyo.º Humigpit ang hawak ko sa kamay ni Helios.

ªYou heard her.º Malamang wika niya. Lahat sila ay hindi makapagsalita. Tahimik na t ahimik ang buong kabahayan and from that silence ± rose the voice of the man whom I am about to have a talk with. ªYza.º I closed my eyes before facing him. Nasa may hagdan siya. He was on his usual  three piece black suit. Makisig pa rin siyang nakatayo habang titig na titig sa  akin.

ªIn my office now.º He said. He turned away. I looked at Helios. I'm not scared. I hav e him with me. Walang dapat ipag-alala.

I'm choosing happiness. ******************************************* [33] Stolen - Untold # 10 ******************************************* I couldn't breathe¼ ªWhen I grow up, I wanna be a princess.º ªYou really want to?º Tatay held me in his arms. ªBut you're already my princess.º He even  kissed my forehead. ªI am?º Tatay nodded at me. ªOne day, Yza, you'll find someone who'll make you his queen, just like what I did to Nanay and when that time comes, tatay will cry a river.º ªWhy?º ªBecause I love you so much, and I don't think I'll let go of you that easy.º

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.

ªNandito lang ako, Yza.º

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.

ªMama!º I looked at my left and I saw her running towards me. She was wearing that l avender cotton dress I bought for her back in Prague. Kasunod naman niya si Hyro n na nakakunot din ang noo pero nagliwanag ang mukha niya nang makita ang ama ni ya.

ªDaddy!º Tulad ni Hyan ay tumakbo rin siya papalapit sa amin. Sabay silang kinarga n i Helios at iniharap sa akin.

ªMama sabi ni Aunt Yna, magkasama daw kayo ni Daddy.º Wika ng maliit na boses ni Hya n. 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.

ªMama, why are you crying?º Hyron asked. ªDid you make her cry, Daddy?º

ªOf course not, son.º I smiled at him. ªNapuwing lang si Mama. I'll take to Tatay. You s tay here with your dad.º

ªI'll come with you.º Sabi pa niya. Umiling ako. ªBut Yza!º

ªI'll come out alive, Helios. He's my father. Things will be okay. I just have to deal  with him. Remember what I told you last night, whatever happens I'm choosing you.  I love you.º I touched his face and smiled. I kissed my children. Noon, dalawa la ng 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 with my  father today. I'll be dealing with the devil in the corporate suit.

ªHow could you, Yza? What were you thinking?!º His voice boomed.

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

ªKuya, maupo ka nga!º

ªHow can you be so iya ako dito dahil Consunji ± lalo na g tatalikod siguro ya niya ngayon.

calm?º I asked her. I was pacing around her former room. Dinala n hindi siya mapakali sa mga tinging ibinibigay sa akin ng mga ni Yto Consunji. He looked as if he was going to murder me. Kun ako ay sasaksakin na ako ni Yto dahil sa ginagawa ko sa pamil

ªI'm calm because I know Sancho Consunji. Kung sasaktan niya man si Ate, hindi masya do.º

ªWhat?!º I yelled. Napatingin ako kay Hyan na naglalaro ng mga manikang inilabas ni Leighton kanina. ªI'm sorry, baby.º Bumalik siya sa paglalaro habang si Hyron naman ay  nakatulog na sa sofa. Naupo ako at sinapo ang ulo ko.

ªI have to be there.º Sabi ko sa kapatid ko.

ªYou can't. It's Consunji versus Consunji. Ate can take care of herself.º Sabi niya pa. Para bang sigurado siya sa lahat ng lumalabas sa bibig niya. Kumunot ang noo ko. ªJust like Ares and Yllak Consunji. Consunji versus Consuji, eh, Leighton Santilla n?º

Leigh rolled her eyes. ªBahala sila. Basta ako, I'm going to make an empire using yo u Greek name.º She even sighed. ªI wish I have a Greek name, Kuya.º

ªYou do. You're Selene Demitri ± Selene is the goddess of the moon.º I smiled at her.

ªAy bet!º Bigla niyang naiusal. Nagtawanan kami. Although I was laughing with her, I  couldn't take Yza off my mind. I wanted to be with her at this time. I don't want h er 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.

ªYna, can you leave us for a while?º Mahinang wika niya. Tiningnan niya ako. Yna sto od up.

ªCome, baby girl. Let's go play outside.º Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Hyan at pinababa  sa kama. Binalingan naman niya si Hyron. Akmang kakargahin niya ito nang hawaka n ni Yllak ang kamay niya. She stepped back. I watched them. I felt amused with the way Leighton is acting.

ªAko na.º Malamig na wika ni Yllak.

ªWhatever, Consunji.º

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.

ªWhat are you doing, Helios? Nakalimutan mo na ba ang pangako mo sa akin? You're a m an with honor, why are you breaking that promise now?º

ªI made that promise not knowing about the existence of my children. Misis Consunj i.º Malamig na wika ko. I stood up. I felt powerless with her. Hindi ko naman pwed eng saktan o kalabanin ang babaeng nagmahal at nag-aruga sa mga babae sa buhay k o.

ªPero Masaya si Yza kay Hector.º Mahinang wika niya.

ªTalaga bang Masaya siya? Do you even look at her when she's with him? I have only s een her with him twice but I knew that she's unhappy. Ituralde only married Yza be cause he doesn't want his family to know that he's hiding a lover. He's gay, Sheena.º Wi ka ko. Wala na akong pakialam kung may karapatan ba akong sabihin iyon o wala. L ahat gagawin ko makasama lang ang mag-iina ko.

Sheena Consunji's gaze flew to me. ªW-what?º

ªShe married Hector to make this family happy, Sheena. Ipinagpalit niya ang kasiya han niya para sa kasiyahan ng lahat. Now she's suffering. Now she's miserable.º

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

ªHow can you do this to the family?º

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.

ªI gave you everything, Yza! How can you choose that man who violated you?!º

ªBecause of love.º I whispered. I was weakened by the fact that he had slapped me. T hirty years of my life, ngayon lang ako nasaktan ni Tatay ng ganito. Naiintindih an ko kung bakit niya nagawa iyon pero sana intindihin din niya ako.

ªLove?! Aren't you in love with your husband?!º Sigaw pa niya. Bahagya akong napaigik.  Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko. Hindi ko kayang harapin ang galit ni Ta tay pero kapag sumuko ako ngayon, mawawala na naman sa akin ang masayang pamilya ng nais ko.

ªHector's gay, Tatay. We married each other for convenience. I married him to make y ou happy. To assure you that I will never go back to that dark path I took when 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.º

Hindi ko alam kung saan ko nakukuha ang mga salitang lumalabas sa bibig ko. Tini tigan ko ng mataimtim si Tatay.

ªRemember 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 live s ± ganoon ang nararamdaman ko kay Helios, Tatay. I love him. He's the center 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 take a leap a nd be happy, don't you think?º 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.

ªWhere did I go wrong?º He asked himself. ªI had loved you with all my heart, Yza. I h ave 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.º

ªHe 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 chose to be with Helios than be with us. But I think it's for the best. Look at her now, sh e's completely happy. She's happier now that before dahil kompleto na siya at wala n a siyang hinahanap.º

Inilang hakbang ko si Tatay. ªGusto ko ring maramdaman ang kasiyahang nararamdaman  ni Yna, Tatay. I wanan be complete. And¼ and last night, while I was with him, I felt that the pieces of my puzzle were slowly being completed. Nabubuo ako. Hind i lang ako kundi pati ang mga bata. Hector loved them, yes, tatay but it's differe nt with Helios because he is their own flesh and blood. Helios might be a bad ma n, but tatay, he loved me and the kids so much ± there's no question with that.º

I took a deep breath. ªHindi mo lang siguro makita, Tatay but Helios is just like you.º His mouth slowly parted.

ªI never violated your mother.º Mariing sabi niya.

ªYes, you didn't. At oo, iyon siguro ang malaking dahilam mo kung bakit hindi mo siy a 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 la id eyes on Hyron ± just like what nanay felt when he saw us ± she had forgiven you f or 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 a bout it, you can forgive him too. Hindi man ngayon, pero sana sa mga susunod. It  took me years before finally forgiving him. Hindi ko naman hinihingi na agad-ag ad, Tatay, pero sana don't close your heart.º

I wiped my tears. Finally, nakalapit ako sa kanya. I took his hand.

ªIf nanay hadn't forgiven you that night you've hurt her, do you think we'll be here?º Mah inang tanong ko. ªI'm not questioning your love for nanay, or her love for you, but please, put your feet in my shoes and try to understand.º

Tatay fell silent. He looked away and when he finally looked at me, his tears we re falling. He cupped my face.

ªI couldn't let you go that easy, princess.º

ªYou don't have too, because I'm not going anywhere, tatay.º Niyakap ko siya. I wept lik e a little girl. Dama ko ang pag-alog ng balikat ni Tatay. Hindi ko naman agad h inihiling ang pagpapatawad niya sa akin at kay Helios, at mas lalong hindi ko hi nihingi na tanggapin niya kaagad ang lalaking mahal ko, I just want him to under stand my situation.

ªI love you, princess. I don't want anyone hurting you.º

ªHe's not going to hurt me, Tatay. He won't.º

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.

ªHelios Demitri.º He said to him.

ªSancho Consunji.º He spoke. Pinanlakihan ko siya ng mata. ªI mean, Mr. Consunji.º I wan ted to laugh.

ªI still hate you with all your guts. You're still an asshole.º

ªSancho!º Sigaw ni Nanay. ªI still feel the same. But because I love your daughter, I'll try hard not to show it.º

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.

---------------------------------ªI'm glad we came out of the mansion alive.º

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 kami  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.

ªYou looked so tensed. Let me ease your stress away.º Bulong niya. Walang anu-ano'y hi nagkan niya ako sa labi. I gave in. I missed kissing him. Alam kong buong magdam ag na kaming magkasama pero parang kulang pa rin. I made a mental note that when  all of this is over, I'll ask him to take me to an island so we can have each oth er all day and all night. I blushed at my thought. Ano bang nangyayari sa akin?

His kisses became deeper and hotter. He was demanding to be kissed back ± just lik e the way he was kissing me and so I did. I wrapped my arms around him and kisse d him like my life depended on it. His body started roaming around my body. I am  feeling hot and uneasy.

I want him.

ªGod! Helios!º 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 inten sity 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.

ªLagot ka sa akin mamaya.º I even heard him. I don't know why I felt excited hearing t hat 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.

ªOh good! You're here!º He said. He sounded so happy. Yumuko siya at saka kinuha ang i sang long brown folder. Habang naglalakad siya papalapit sa akin ay tinititigan niya si Helios na para bang may kung ano siyang iniisip.

ªHector, let's talk.º I said to him.

ªHindi na kailangan, Yza.º Wika niya per okay Helios pa rin siya nakatitig. ªI'm sober a nd I'm okay. I'm giving you your freedom back.º

My mouth parted. I took the folder and opened it. A tear fell down when I saw th e divorce papers he already signed.

ªIs this for real?º Mahinang tanong ko. Hindi siya sumasagot. Nag-angat ako ng tingi n at nakita kong titig na titig siya kay Helios. ªHector!º

ªWhat?!º He asked.

ªFuck it!º Narinig ko si Helios. Kinuha niya ang folder, hinawakan ang kamay ko at b umunot ng ballpen sa bulsa niya. ªJust sign the goddamn papers Yza!º

ªFine!º I said. I signed the papers. Nang matapos iyon ay ibinalik niya ang folder k ay Hector tapos ay nilagpasan niya ito. Siya na mismo ang naglabas ng mga gamit ni Hector doon at nanlaki pa ang mga mata ko nang halos kaladlakarin niya si Hec tor Ituralde palabas ng unit ko. ªHelios!º Sigaw ko. He shut the door and looked at me.

ªDid you see the way he looked at me? It's so creepy!º

I smiled at him. ªHe likes you.º

ªShut up, Yza!º Nanlalaki ang mga mata niya.

ªWe'll it's true! He's gay. He must've fancy you.º Humagikgik ako. Nagdilim ang mukha ni Hel ios. Tumahimik ako. ªPikon.º

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 naked.  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.

ªHelios!º My voice was shaking.

ªYou're mine now, Yza.º 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 lips inside  my core and I found myself sighing as he gives me that feeling again.

He stopped and looked at me. ªI knew it from the start, when you arrived at my hom e. I have taken the wrong person but I have stolen the right one for me. I'll neve r let you go now, my love. Forever till the end.º

All I could do was nod that moment. I'm too emotional to even speak. In one day, a ll 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. ******************************************* Stolen - Untold - Epilogue ******************************************* 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 s ome 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 who  was very busy looking around him. Ares Consunji is an eligible bachelor ± a very intelligent lawyer ± a renowned one. He could definitely have everything her ever wanted ± be it money, fame, women ± everything ± but he keeps on wanting something he knew he could never have. He knew it so well and yet he couldn't help himself.

ªAw!º Ares looked beside him. He saw Hera raising a brow at him. Hinampas siya nito sa balikat.

ªKung saan-saan ka nakatingin! Umayos ka nga!º

ªThe wedding will start any minute from now, be civil!º Pinanlakihan naman ni Hermes  ng mga mata ang mga kapatid niya. He shook his head. He doesn't have any idea wha t 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 eyes and he s aw the face of that woman who hated him. Wala siyang pakialam but every damn tim e he remembers how much she hates him it feels like he's having a nightmare.

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.

ªHuh?º Apollo looked at him. He kissed her hand. He couldn't believe the amount of lov e he has for this woman. Kulang ang mga bituin sa langit para sukatin ang pagmam ahal na mayroon siya para kay Apollo Consunji.

ªNothing. I just love you so much.º He said to her. Apollo touched his face. ªAt alam kong patay na patay ka talaga sa akin.º

ªAng kapal mo pa rin hanggang ngayon, Luke!º Her laughter filled his ears and till n ow, that sound has the same effect on him ± Thirty years later, he IS still so muc h 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 ± contentment is written all over her face. Gabriel Consunji was looking at them. He was think ing ± hard while watching his parents. Ang daming tanong sa isipan niya. Bakit mas aya 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 work betwee n him and Mara? How can he fall in love with Mara despite the fact that he hates  her?

How? He looked up when he felt someone tapped his shoulder. Kumunot ang noo niya  nang makita niya si Gianna. ªHey, Gab!º His cousin greeted her. ªWhere's your wife?º

ªShut up, Gianna.º Sabi niya dito. Gianna rolled her eyes. ªWhere's Aunt Laide?º

ªWith Ate Yza, inside the hotel.º Gianna sat beside Gabriel. ªI can't believe this is ha ppening. I mean Demitri ± Consunji nuptials. How I wish Uncle Sach is as calm as t he sea in front of us right now¼º ªOh, and Yto.º Gianna giggle. Gabriel just shook his head. It is a good day for everyone but as everyone would say ± there's always an exceptio n. For Sancho Consunji ± it is his most dreaded day ± the day when one of his 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 concent rate. All he could think about was the fact that his first born will be marrying  today. It was hard that first time Yza married Ituralde ± and now she's marrying De mitri ± it's even harder.

ªLet me¼º He tried to calm his nerves when he heard his wife's voice. He faced Sheena. S he was smiling at him ± she was wearing that beautiful lavender dress fitted for t he occasion.

ªIiyak ka na naman¼º Malumanay na wika nito sa kanya. He looked at her. She had this r idiculous smile on her face. ªYou are the most ruthless man I've ever known but when  it comes to your daughters you are very powerless, Sancho.º ªIs it my fault?º He whispered. Tinapos muna ni Sheena ang pag-aayos ng tie niya bag o sumagot.

ªI loved you more for that, honey.º She answered with all her heart. Sheena had only  loved one man since she was sixteen ± si Sancho lang iyon. Kung minsan ay hindi n iya 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 hind i siya nagigising kaya alam niyang hindi lang ito basta panaginip.

This is her reality ± a lifetime with Sancho and their children. ªNay!º

Sancho and Sheena both looked at the door. Yllak came in. He was holding his tie . ªNay, can you fix my tie?º Sheena rolled her eyes. ªMana sa ama, pati ba naman ito?º She was giggling. Idinanta y niya ang kanyang ulo sa balikat ni Sancho.

ªNay! Oh my god!º Yna came running in. Sancho smiled when he saw his youngest daught er. She was wearing that lavender maid of hone dress. ªNay, have you seen ate? She's  so¼º

Leighton stopped speaking when she saw Yllak looking at him like he was seeing a n apparition.

ªAyan na ang kapatid mo. Sa kanya mo na lang paayos iyan.º Bilin ni Sheena kay Yllak .

ªShe's not my sister!º Yllak hissed. Leighton rolled her eyes.

ªYllak! That's impolite!º

ªNay, Tay!º Nikita's voice filled the room. ªOh, nandito pala ang lahat? Where is Yvo? K anina pa siya hinahanap ni Yto ko.º

ªSi Yza?º Sheena asked her daughter ± in ± law.

ªReady na tayo, nay. Si Yvo na lang ang wala! My goodness!º

Sheena faced Sancho.

ªAre you ready,Tatay? You're giving away your daughter to the man she loves?º

Sancho stared at Sheena's face. He took her hand. ªAs long as you're with me, honey.º

--------------------------------------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 hap py ± 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 h im.

Nagkaroon na sila ng pagkakaintindihan ± hindi sila magkaibigan ± pero hindi rin sil a 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 because 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 brou ght 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 you¼

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 ma lapit na ito sa kanya ay bigla na lang itong tumakbo at niyakap siya nang mahigp it. ªI'm so happy , Kuya!º

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 w anted to have all the Consunji's approval. It meant a lot to Yza kaya importante r in 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 Jo an 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 like  his knees shook. He wanted to fast forward the time because he wanted so much f or 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.

ªI'm giving you one of my treasures, Demitri. Take care of her.º

Ngumiti siya. He gave his father ± in ± law a genuine smile. ªI will, Sir.º Tinapik niya  ang balikat nito. Binalingan naman niya si Sheena. Sheena was looking at her da ughter, 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.

ªI love you, little girl.º He even heard him whispered.

ªI love you, Tatay. Thank you.º Yza's voice was shaking. She finally faced him. He too k 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 viol ated this woman ± ngayon niya naisip na napakaswerte niya dahil nagawa siya mahala n, patawarin at tanggapin nito nang paulit-ulit. Hindi na siya makakahanap ng ka tulad pa ni Yza.

Yza Consunji is one of a kind. Wala na siyang katulad ± at wala na rin siyang haha napin pa.

He grew up in a dark world ± his biological father abused him. Hindi niya kilala a ng kasiyaha but that thing changed when this woman beside him entered his life.

ªDearly beloved.º The priest started the ceremony. The wind blew. Hawak niya lamang ang kamay ni Yza. ªWe are gathered here today to join this man ± Hector ªHeliosº Santill an ± Demitri and this woman ± Yza Joan Consunji.º

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 the r ing on her finger.

ªYza Joan Consunji ± Demitri ± what a nice name you have now.º

Nagtawanan ang mga tao sa paligid nila habang nakikinig sa vows niya. ªI don't really know what to say. Leigh told me that vows should be written weeks be fore the actual ceremony ± I didn't write mine. Don't get mad!º Inunahan na niya ito. ªI t old her, that no adjective in this world can even describe the amount of love I have for you. You changed my life, you made me the man I am today and that is en ough for me to stay in love with you till the next eternity. I am just excited t o spend my life with you and the kids and the football team I have in my mind.º

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.

ªHelios, I hated you the first time I ever laid eyes on you.º Everyone fell silent.  ªBut that was the first time and I don't really remember that now, all I could reme mber was that moment I felt I fell for you the first time. I once heard that Con sunjis 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 apple. I took o ne bite and I couldn't get enough. I defied everyone I know ± my family ± just to be w ith you ± and now as we both stand here, I realized that it is all worth it. You a re WORTH it. You have completed my life, my being and I love you so much, it dam n hurts just being away from you kahit segundo pa lang. I love you like a love song, baby.º

Everyone laughed again. Yza continued. ªBut seriously, I love you, Helios. I'll love  you till my last breath. Forever and eternity.º

Madamdamin niyang tininingnan si Yza at saka ngumiti. The priest called their at tention again.

ªBy the power vested in me by the Catholic church of the Philippines ± I know pronou nce you man and wife. You man now---ª

Hindi na niya pinatapos ang sinasabi ng pari. He pulled up er lips. He kissed her like those men kissed their leading ywood film. He kissed her with all his power, with all his like there's no tomorrow and she was kissing her back with tensity.

It is now over.

He had completed the stealing.

Yza's vail ± and ladies in an old might. He kissed the same passion

kissed h Holl her and in

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 s aan ang mga luhang iyon but she's very happy. Happiness was overflowing her system .

ªYna.º

She sighed when she heard Yllak's voice.

ªYllak please, not on my brother's wedding!º She made a face. Hinawakan bigla ni Yllak  ang kamay niya.

ªYllak!º She hissed. Nanlaki lalo ang mga mata niya nang maramdaman niya ang isa pan g kamay na humawak sa kanang kamay niya.

ªLeighton.º

She found Ares Consunji standing beside her ± staring at Yllak intently. The tow C onsunjis were having a stare duel.

ªOh please!º She yelled.

Pilit niyang binawi ang mga kamay niya at lumayo.