Filipino Sex Stories
Enslaved Mind (Chapters 27 - Epilogue)
By shobe.sheen
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AUTHOR'S NOTE
Below are the final chapters of my novel Enslaved Mind. This serves as closure to Monique and Raffy's love story, hence, no erotic content involved.
CHAPTER 27
Doubt
"MOM!" Sigaw ni Eon habang patakbo itong lumapit sa kanya. Kararating lang nila ni Raffy mula sa Tagaytay. Nasa garahe pa ito ngayon at ibinababa ang kanilang gamit.
"Oh, my God! What happened to your skin?" Bulalas niya. 'Di hamak na umitim kasi ito.
Pilyong ngumiti si Eon saka humalik sa kanyang pisngi. Napasulyap siya kay Raffy na ngayon ay naglalakad na patungo sa kanilang kinaroroonan.
"Yeah, my bad. I forgot to put sunblock on him," he said. Tilting his head in a boyish manner.
Napapalatak siya sabay iling. Pero wala na siyang magagawa. Eon would eventually regain his true complexion. Ginusot niya ang buhok nito at pumasok na sila sa loob ng bahay.
"Stay for awhile, dito ka na mag-lunch," anyaya niya kay Raffy. Alam niyang nakasunod ito sa kanila ni Eon.
He casually rested his hand at the small of her back. Ginawa niya ang lahat ng kanyang makakaya para lamang iwasan na mapapitlag.
"Ya?" Tawag niya kay Yaya Mercy. Hindi niya alam kung bakit pero bigla siyang nailang. Why would she behave like this. Nagka-anak na sila't lahat, pero heto siya, nilulukob na naman ng kaba at agam-agam ang sistema.
Laking pasasalamat niya nang pumasok sa dining area si Yaya Mercy na may bitbit na tray ng ulam.
"Mabuti naman at nakauwi na kayo, hija," anito habang inilalapag ang bawat putahe sa mesa. Nang tulungan niya ito ay napako ang tingin nito sa suot niyang engagement ring. Nagpalipat lipat ang tingin nito sa kanilang dala ni Raffy. Ginagap naman ng lalaki ang kanyang kamay at dinala iyon sa mga labi nito upang halikan.
"Salamat sa Diyos!" Bulalas ni Yaya Mercy. Maluha-luha pa ito habang yumayakap sa kanila ni Raffy.
Napaiyak na rin siya.
"O, s'ya, kumain na kayo, kanina pa kayo hinihintay ni Eon," wika ng kanyang yaya habang pinupunasan ang mga luha sa pisngi.
Pumwesto si Raffy sa tabi niya sa kabila ng pag-aakalang uupo ito sa tabi ng anak. Si Eon naman ay nagsimula nang kumain. Aabutin niya na sana ang bowl ng kanin nang kunin iyon ni Raffy at ito na ang naglagay niyon sa kanyang plato.
"Dad, when are we going back to Subic?" Eon asked while munching on a chicken leg.
Raffy looked at her and held her hand.
"We'll see, buddy. Do you wanna go back there or you want to go out of the country? Japan, perhaps?" Lumiwanag naman ang mukha ni Eon sa sinabing iyon ng ama. She sighed. He's really spoiling their kid.
"But we still have to ask mom though. Where do you wanna go, babe?"
She just smiled. Napakaaga pa para magplano ng kung ano mang bakasyon.
"About Eon's schooling," untag ni Raffy. "I guess we can transfer him to an international school here in Manila. Either Brent or Reedley," he added matter-of-factly.
She took a deep breath. Alam niyang may karapatan ito kay Eon pero parang naasiwa lang siya pinangungunahan siya nito sa ganoong bagay.
"We're moving here for good?" Eon exclaimed.
She felt cornered and she doesn't like it. Ano'ng sasabihin niya? Alangan namang tumanggi siya? Nakakainis lang na pinangungunahan siya ni Raffy. Oo, masasabing okay na sila. Pero napakabilis ng lahat.
She's overthinking again. Over analyzing things. But she can't help it. That's how she is.
Tumikhim si Raffy at nagsalita.
"Your mom and I will discuss that first, son. For now, just finish your food," anito sabay ngiti.
Matapos kumain ay dumiretso siya sa veranda. Nagkakasayahan ang mag ama sa living room at naglalaro ng PS4 Pro.
She took a deep breath. Ano bang nangyayari sa kanya? Bakit siya nagkakaganito? Kung kailan nagiging maayos na ang lahat, saka naman siya nagdadalawang isip.
Doubts filled her head. Perhaps she's just anxious. Anxious of what lies ahead. Anxious of the idea that this is all just temporary. That, eventually, they'd end up like before.
"Hija, andito na sina Ma'am Consuelo." Her yaya's voice snapped her back from her deep thoughts.
Dali dali siyang bumaba upang salubungin ang kanyang mga magulang. Walang pagsidlan ang tuwa sa kanyang puso nang makitang masigla na ang kanyang ama. Agad siyang lumapit sa mga ito.
"I'm so glad you're okay now, dad!" Aniya kapagkuwa'y niyakap ito nang mahigpit.
"And I'm so happy you're finally home, anak."
Napalingon naman ang kanyang ama kay Raffy nang lumapit ito at magmano. Ang akala niya talaga ay hindi magiging maganda ang reaksyon ng kanyang ama. Ngunit magiliw na inilahad nito ang kamay at saka ginulo ang buhok ni Eon.
After a few moments, her parents excused themselves. Magpapahinga raw muna ang mga ito. Lumapit naman sa kanya si Raffy. Tahimik lang itong nakaupo sa tabi niya.
"I'm sorry. I overstepped, I know, " he said in a low voice.
Hindi siya umimik.
"Galit ka ba?" Tanong nito.
She bit her lip. Galit nga ba siya?
"YOU'RE playing with your food, babe." Untag sa kanya ni Raffy.
She straightened her back. It was as if she was awoken from a dreading trance. She's feeling nauseated. Her hands are cold and clammy and she can't even move her feet.
Dahan dahan niyang inilapag ang kanyang hawak na tinidor. They're having an intimate dinner at The Peninsula Manila. Pagsapit ng gabi ay sinundo siya nito. According to him, they'll be spending the night together.
Mainam na rin siguro iyon. Mas makabubuti kung ngayon pa lang ay ayusin niya na ang lahat at masabi niya na rito ang lahat ng gumugulo sa kanyang isipan.
"Nique?"
She heaved a sigh.
"Is there something wrong?"
Take a deep breath, Monique... She told herself as she nervously toyed with her engagement ring beneath the table.
Umabot sa kanilang kinauupuan ang mabining musikang nagmumula sa bulwagan ng naturang hotel. Ilang saglit pa ay narinig niya na ang isang malamyos na tinig.
Sweet love yeah
I didn't mean it when I said I didn't love you so
I should have held on tight, I never should have let you go
I didn't know nothing I was stupid
I was foolish, I was lying to myself
I couldn't have fathomed I would ever be without your love
Never imagined I'd be sitting here beside myself
'Cause I didn't know you, 'cause I didn't know me
But I thought I knew everything I never felt
The feeling that I'm feeling now that I don't hear your voice
Or have your touch and kiss your lips
'Cause I don't have a choice
Or what I wouldn't give to have you lying by my side
Right here
'Cause baby...
Baby, when you left I lost a part of me
It's still so hard to believe
Come back baby please
'Cause we belong together
Who else am I gon' lean on when times get rough?
Who's going to talk to me on the phone 'til the sun comes up?
Who's going to take your place? There ain't nobody better
Oh, baby baby, we belong together...
...I only think of you
It's breaking my heart
I'm trying to keep it together but I'm falling apart
I'm feeling all out of my element
Throwing things crying trying to figure out
Where the hell I went wrong
Pain reflected in this song
Ain't even half of what I'm feeling inside
I need you need you back in my life baby
Baby, when you left I lost a part of me
It's still so hard to believe
Come back baby please
'Cause we belong together
Who else am I gon' lean on when times get rough?
Who's going to talk to me on the phone 'til the sun comes up?
Who's going to take your place? There ain't nobody better
Oh, baby baby, we belong together
Baby, when you left I lost a part of me
It's still so hard to believe
Come back baby please
'Cause we belong together
Who am I gon' lean on when times get rough?
Who's going to talk to me on the phone 'til the sun comes up?
Who's going to take your place? There ain't nobody better
Oh, baby baby, we belong together...
Hindi niya namalayang umiiyak na pala siya. As cheesy as it may sound, but that song hit her hard. Why? She was the one who left. She shouldn't be feeling this way. And now, she's leaving. Again.
"I can't do this, Raff. I'm so sorry..."
CHAPTER 28 - END
Home
KITANG-KITA niya ang bakas ng lungkot at sakit sa mga mata ni Raffy. She gazed at his pressed lips, his clenched jaw. He did not utter any word.
"R-Raffy..." her voice broke.
"Raff—"
He stood up. Lumapit ito sa kanya at hinawakan ang kanyang braso. Naguguluhang napatingala siya.
"I'll take you home," he said in a flat voice. Masuyo ang pagkakahawak nito aa kanya. Walang ano mang bahid ng dahas. Naguguluhan siya kung bakit kalmado lang ito. Ang buong akala niya ay magagalit ito o magwawala.
"Raff, I said—"
"I know. I've heard what you said, Nique. Now, just please let me take you home." Anito. There was a hint of sadness in his voice.
Iginiya siya nito papunta sa parking lot. Hindi pa rin siya mapakali. She wanted to explain everything to him. She wanted him to understand her side. Masusi niya iyong pinag-isipan. God knows how much thought she'd put into it. Iyon lamang ang alam niyang tama. Hindi niya kayang mamuhay kasama ito habang puno ng agam-agam ang kanyang puso.
Nang makasakay na sila sa kotse nito ay tahimik lang itong nagmaneho. Hindi niya magawang magsalita sa takot na baka kung ano ang gawin nito. Hindi niya matantiya kung ano ang dapat niyang sabihin. Vivid thoughts of his physical abuse crossed her mind. And that scared her. Mas lalong naging pinal ang desisyon niyang tuluyan nang lumayo rito. Napatawad niya na nang tuluyan si Raffy. Pero hindi niya maiwasang magbalik-tanaw sa nakaraan. Hindi niya yata kayang sumabak pang muli sa isang relasyong magdudulot lamang ng sakit at takot.
Matalinong bata si Eon. She's hoping that one day, he'd fully understand why his parents can't be together. Darating din ang panahong magkakapamilya na ito. At sana, sa panahong iyon, lubusan nang maiintindihan ni Eon kung bakit ganito ang kinahantungan ng relasyon ng mga magulang nito.
Back at Casa Ysabela, she thought that the life she wished for was finally at her grasp. Isang masayang buhay kasama ang mga pinakamamahal niya. But eventually, she has come to the realization that what happened between her and Raffy is beyond redemption. She still loves him. No doubt about that. She even believes that he's the only man that could hold her heart.
Pero may mga bagay talaga na kahit na anong pilit natin ay hindi na mabubuo pang muli. Darating at darating at darating din sa puntong mapagtatanto mong ang realidad ay taliwas sa mga bagay na iyong inaasam.
Hindi niya na yata kayang pagdaanan pa ang sakit na dinanas niya noon. At lalong hindi niya kakayanin kung dumating man sa puntong masasaksihan ng kanyang anak ang ano mang posibleng gawin ng ama nito. Ayaw niyang madungisan ang perpektong imahe ni Raffy sa mga mata ng kanilang anak.
Napapikit siya. Marahil ay hindi maiintindihan ng mga magulang niya pati na rin ni Yaya Mercy ang kanyang desisyon. Pero buo na ang kanyang pasya.
As she opened her eyes, she felt relieved now that they're entering their village entrance in Alabang. She badly needs her son's tight hugs.
Pero sa halip na lumiko sa kalye papunta sa bahay ng kanyang mga magulang ay ibang daan ang tinatahak ni Raffy. He's driving across an unfamiliar street. Natatandaan niya na noong bata pa siya, ang ang parteng ito ng village ay hindi pa okupado at wala pang mga itinatayong bahay.
They drove uphill. May nakita siyang malaking bahay sa elevated na parteng iyon ng village. Inihinto ni Raffy ang sasakyan. Lumigid ito sa passenger's seat at pinagbuksan siya. Inalalayan siya nitong makababa at hinubad ang suot na coat at ipinatong iyon sa kanyang mga balikat.
She's looking at a very beautiful house. It suits her taste. Unlike those modern houses which are usually found in exclusive subdivisions, this house exudes both celtic and mediterranean touch. Kahit na madilim ay naaaninag niya ang karangyaan at kagandahang taglay niyon.
Naramdaman niyang ipanagsalikop ni Raffy ang kanilang mga kamay. Huminga ito ng malalim at itinuon ang paningin sa kawalan.
"I've built this house five years ago, Nique." Malungkot na wika nito. Hindi pa rin tumitingin sa kanya.
"I wanted to surprise you. I wanted us to live here after we get married. I w-wanted this to be our home..." gumaralgal ang boses nito. Mahigpit pa rin ang pagkakakapit sa kanyang kamay.
Hindi siya nakapagsalita. All she could do was shed her tears. Bakit ba kailangang maging napakasakit ng lahat?
"Eon would love it here..." patuloy nito sa basag na boses. "Knowing him, he'd surely enjoy the pool at the back."
Hindi pa rin nito pinapakawalan ang kanyang kamay. Binuksan nito ang front door at bumungad sa kanila ang isang malawak na sala. Wala pang ni ano mang muwebles doon.
"I never hired an interior designer. That's your forte. Alam kong magiging masaya ka sa pagde-decorate ng loob ng bahay," anito. Nakangiti sa kabila ng lungkot.
He pulled her towards the kitchen. It was fully furnished. It's filled with industrial-grade materials.
"Every time I look at this part of the house, I think of you. I remember how much you loved gourmet cooking."
"Raff..." she whispered. She's in awe.
"There are two rooms on the first floor. One master's bedroom and one guest room. Anim naman sa taas. I figured, it would be best that way since we're not sure how many kids we'd have."
Kinabig siya nito paharap dito.
"This is not a bribe, Nique. I've built this years ago. I... I just wanted you to be h-home... I can't live here alone, Nique. I can't live here. Not without you and our son."
Bumuhos ang kanyang luha. Napakapit siya rito. Tila nauubos ang kanyang lakas.
This is all freaking surreal. Everything's both perfect and messed up. How ironic could life get?
Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga bago nagsalita.
"I love this, Raff. A-And God knows how much I love you. B-But let us not be consumed with all these..." she sobbed. "We shouldn't be blinded with the idea of this perfect life that we're about to build. K-Kasi alam nating pareho na in the long run, this would not work out..."
"Why? How could you say that?" His voice was laced with both anger and pain.
Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang pisngi nito.
"You have this notion that M-Michael..." umiiyak na turan niya. Nagka bikig sa kanyang lalamunan. Tila hindi niya masikmurang banggitin ang pangalang iyon.
"I'm afraid that you have this notion that he took advantage of me. Y-Yes, h-he did. But Raff... I still cheated on you. I had a choice, Raff. I had a choice either to go on or walk away. But I still chose to hurt you. And I don't want you to think that I was not at fault. Yes, he took advantage of me the first time... sa pangalawang pagkakataon. Pero sa mga sumunod..." pumalahaw na siya ng iyak sa loob ng mga bisig nito.
"A-Ayokong mamuhay tayo sa ganoong kasinungalingan. Ayokong dumating sa punto na mauungkat 'yon tapos... tapos..."
"Alam ko. Alam ko, Nique." Wika nito saka hinawakan ang kanyang baba.
"Kahit ano pang sabihin mo, kahit na sisihin mo pa ang sarili mo... para sa'kin, wala kang kasalanan. He took advantage of you. And when he had the chance, he also took advantage of your weakness. He poisoned you, Nique. And I hated myself because I was not there to protect you. I should have been there to protect you." He said as he kissed her lips passionately.
Hilam ng luha ang kanyang mga mata. Hindi rin matigil-tigil ang pagyugyog ng kanyang mga balikat.
"But, Raff—"
"Ssshhh," alo nito sa kanya. Patuloy sa paghagod ng kanyang likod.
Muling natama ang kanilang mga mata. At that point, her doubts started to fade away. She felt reassured that what they have is worth fighting for.
"Nique, baby... please come home." He said as he wiped off the tears from her cheeks.
She tiptoed and planted a soft kiss on his lips.
EPILOGUE
Bvlgari Resort, Bali Indonesia
MONIQUE ran her fingers through the soft and flowy fabric of her off-shoulder ivory silk chiffon dress. Akmang akma ang kanyang suot para sa okasyong iyon. In less than an hour, maglalakad na siya pauntang dalampasigan. Sa loob lamang ng ilang minuto ay maglalakad na siya patungo sa lalaking nagmamay-ari ng kanyang puso.
"Are you sure about this, Nique?" Tanong sa kanya ni Raffy.
Napangiti siya. She's never been so sure of anything in her entire life.
"We can just consider this as our vacation. We can hire a wedding planner so we could have a church wedding in the Philippines," natatarantang wika nito.
Why is he like this?
Tuluyan na siyang natawa. Napaka-cute ni Raffy, especially now that he's all fidgety and stressed. Ipinagsalikop niya ang kanilang mga kamay. "I love it here," aniya.
Nauna nang dumating dito sa isla ang kanyang mga magulang at si Eon. Pati na rin sina Mang Bert at Yaya Mercy. Ang kanyang matalik na kaibigang si Camille ay nagprisinta namang ito nalang daw ang makikipag-coordinate sa resort.
Raffy didn't like the idea at first. Mas gusto nitong sa Pilipinas sila magpakasal. He wanted a traditional church wedding. A lavish one with lots of guests. Ayaw niya ng ganoon. Sinabi niya kay Raffy na sapat na sa kanya ang isang simpleng beach wedding. Masaya na siyang makasama ang mga piling tao na malalapit sa kanila. She wanted her wedding to be intimate. Aanhin mo pa ang magarbing kasalan kung maaari mo naman itong ipagdiwang kasama ang mga importanteng tao lamang?
"Oh my God, you look stunning! It's as if you did not give birth to Eon!" Tili ni Camille nang buksan nito ang pinto ng kanyang cottage.
Lumapit ito sa dresser at kumuha ng lip and cheek tint. Pinahid nito iyon sa magkabila niyang pisngi. Inayos nito ang pagkakalugay ng kanyang buhok at ipinatong ang isang head wreath sa kanyang ulo. Napapalamutian iyon ng mga maliliit na bulaklak.
"I look ridiculous!" Bulalas niya nang mapatingin sa salamin.
"Of course not! Ang ganda mo kaya!" Anito sabay hikbi.
"Camille!" She shrieked. Umiiyak na kasi ito habang inaayos pa rin ang kanyang buhok.
"Hindi man kita personal na nadamayan sa mga problema mo noon, alam mo namang love na love kita, 'di ba?" She said in between sobs.
Totoo ang sinabi nito. Sa bilis ng mga pangyayari noon, hindi na siya nagkaroon ng pagkakataong mag-confide dito. When she moved to California, she opened up to her best friend through their constant video chats. Dahil doon, napatunayan niyang hindi nasusukat ang lalim ng pagkakaibigan sa haba ng panahon ng pagsasama. Kaya naman wala nang iba pang mas deserving na maging maid of honor niya kun'di ito.
Niyakap niya ito ng mahigpit. Napaiyak na rin siya.
"Stop crying! My God, it's your freakin' wedding day!"
"No, you stop crying!" Aniya. Nagtawanan sila. Kung may makakakita lang sa kanila ngayon ay paniguradong mapagkakamalan silang mga baliw.
"I'm nervous," she said breathlessly.
"Don't be. Just enjoy your day." Anito sabay yakap sa kanya.
Nagpaalam ito na may aayusin lang daw sa labas. Tumango siya. Mula sa bintana ng cottage ay nakita niyang tila nakikipagtalo ito kay Zander. Tandang tanda pa niya kung kailan niya unang nakita si Zander. That was the time when Raffy left her at their table back at the Marco Polo Hotel. And that was the time when...
She closed her eyes tightly. Siguro nga hindi niya na ma-i-aalis sa kanyang isipan ang pait ng nakaraan. Pero masaya na siya ngayon. She's happy with Eon. She's happy with Raffy, who will soon become his better half.
Bumalik sa kanyang cottage si Camille. She told her to go down since the minister's already at the beach. Tiningnan niya ulit ang kanyang sarili sa salamin. She's beaming. Finally, she's happy and at peace.
"Mom!" Sigaw ni Eon habang naglalakad siya sa buhanginan. He looks so handsome in his new haircut. He's sporting a subdued mohawk. Nanumbalik na rin ang natural na kompleksiyon nito.
Inililis niya ang kanyang mahabang damit upang hindi iyon madumihan sa pagkakaluhod. Nagtama ang kanilang paningin ni Eon. Inayos niya ang pagkakabuhol ang kulay kremang drawstring pants nito.
"I love you, my Gideon..." she whispered as she caressed his tiny face.
"I love you too, mom." Anito sabay yakap.
She giggled and bit her lip when he laid out his hand, urging her to stand up.
"Come on, mom. Dad's waiting!"
Napalingon siya sa kinaroroonan ng ama nito. Raffy's clad in the same outfit as Eon's. Nakarolyo hanggang siko ang puting linen wedding shirt nito. Katabi nito si Zander na ngayon ay hinahawakan ang balikat ni Raffy. Her man's shoulders are shaking, perhaps resisting the urge to cry.
Sabay silang naglakad ni Eon. Nakaakbay ang kanyang ama sa kanyang mommy na ngayo'y umiiyak din. Maging si Yaya Mercy ay pinapatahan ni Mang Bert.
She kissed her parents as she handed Eon to them. She smiled at Camille as she walked past her. Raffy held out his hand. Buong galak na inabot niya iyon. Nakatayo na sila sa tapat ng ministro.
"Rafael and Monique want to thank all of you for sharing is this celebration of their commitment to each other," panimula nito.
"As the tides ebb and flow so to, do the fortunes of life. Footprints in the sand are washed away, driftwood moves on its endless quest for a peaceful harbor. Only a deep and abiding love can withstand the tides of change in two lives...
"The love of this couple Rafael and Monique, is enduring and profound. We gather here to witness this love and the vows they make to each other...
"Today you join yourselves together for life, as friends and lovers, husband and wife. As the surface of the sea is sometimes calm and often storm tossed, so also, is a marriage."
Nagmuwestra ang ministro na sabihin na nila ang kani-kanilang vows sa isa't isa. Matagal bago nagsalita si Raffy. Nakatitig lamang ito sa kanya. Mahigpit ang pagkakahawak sa kanyang mga kamay.
"I pledge to you, Monique Valerie, that my love and my loyalty, will weather the storms of life. I... I will cherish you and I will stay with you and our son, until my last breath.
"I give youthis ringas asymbol of my loveand faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you."
Kagat-kagat niya ang kanyang labi. Sa nanginginig na mga kamay ay isinuot nito sa kanyang palasingsingan ang wedding ring.
Now, it's her turn to say her vows. Tila naglaho lahat ng mga salitang binuo niya sa kanyang isipan habang nasa biyahe sila papunta rito. Nanalangin siya na sana ay maging ka-aya aya ang kinalabasan nito.
"I pledge to you, Rafael Ephraim, my love, my loyalty, my faith... I will always seek counsel when I make decisions, and will respect your needs and concerns. No matter what course we set, we will do it together...
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you, as powerful and endless as the sea."
Isinuot niya ang singsing sa daliri ng kanyang asawa. Sa nakapikit na mga mata ay ninamnam niya ang mabining paghampas ng mga alon sa dalampasigan. Saksi ang mga iyon sa panghabang buhay na pangakong kanyang binitawan.
"By the virtue of the authority vested in me, it is my great honor and pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations, you may kiss your Bride."
Masuyong hinaplos ni Raffy ang kanyang pisngi. Tumingkayad siya upang hindi ito mahirapan sa paghalik sa kanya sapagkat naka flat sandals lamang siya.
"I love you," buong pusong wika niya. Humilig siya sa dibdib nito.
"I love you, Nique."
SPECIAL CHAPTER
Gideon Ysmael Velez Gamboa
"KUYAAAAAAA!" Eon heard his little sister's scream.
He rushed towards her room. His little sister isn't so little anymore. Fourteen years old na ito ngunit isip bata pa rin.
"What is it now, Yca?" Her real name is Ysabela Monica. Their dad often jokes that she's conceived at Casa Ysabela, hence the name.
"Walang kasya! F—ck! Sh—t! Sh—t! Sh—t!"
"Yca! Watch your language!" He hissed.
Napangiwi siya nang makitang nahihirapan ito sa pagsara ng gown na suot nito. She's stuck. Dinaluhan niya kaagad ito. Kumuha siya ng gunting para gupitin nalang ang gown.
"Oh, God, noooooooo!" Sigaw ulit nito. "This is an expensive Sherri Hill prom dress, kuya! Don't you f—cking dare!" She glared at him.
"Bibig mo, Yca!" He glared back at her. Napakamot siya sa kanyang ulo. Ano ba kasing pumasok sa kukote nito at isinuot nito ang gown na iyon? Halata namang hindi iyon kasya rito. Alam naman nitong may katabaan ito. Sana nagpagawa na lang ito ng prom dress.
"Baby girl, I told you, last year pa, you should've lessened your food intake," aniya. He's very cautious of the words he's using. Dapat niyang ipaliwanag dito na kailangan nitong mag-diet, without using the word 'diet' in his sentence. Dahil kung mababanggit ang salitang iyon, tiyak na magkaka- World War III sa kanilang bahay.
"Ouch! Aaaawwww!" She cried in pain. Bumaon na yata ang zipper ng gown sa balat nito.
"Damn!" Tuluyan niya nang ginupit ang gown. Kinuha niya ang silk robe nito sa gilid ng kama at ipinasuot sa kapatid niya.
Nang makita nito ang gutay-gutay nang gown ay muli na naman itong pumalahaw ng iyak.
"Honey, what's wrong?" Wika ng kanyang mommy. Nag-aalalang napasugod ang kanilang mga magulang sa kwarto.
Agad na inalo ng daddy niya si Yca.
"Sssshhh, what's wrong, my princess?"
"Kuya Eon ruined my prom dress!" Paninisi pa nito sa kanya.
He raised both of his hands in retreat. "She was stuck! Ano'ng gagawin ko, hahayaan nalang siyang hindi makahinga?"
His mom's beautiful face was laced with horror. Kinuha nito ang gown at umupo sa tabi ng kanyang kapatid.
"It's okay, darling. We'll see if we could a get you a designer, okay? Magpapasadya tayo ng gown. Don't cry na..." she consoled Yca.
Pero patuloy pa rin ito sa pag-iyak.
"But I want a Sherri Hill prom dress!" Yca exclaimed in a bratty manner.
"Alright, alright, honey... we'll get you a new one. Kahit sampu pa," wika naman ng kanyang ama habang hinahalikan ang noo ni Yca.
"But I'm fat!" Nakalabing turan nito.
"No, you're not!" His dad blurted out. Napailing siya. Growing up, he was spoiled by his parents. But their spoiling game went to a whole new level when Yca came. Kagaya ngayon, in denial ang mga ito na mataba ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid.
"And nobody even asked me out, dad! I don't have an escort to the prom!" Umiiyak na reklamo nito.
"But Kuya Eon's here. He could be your escort."
Yeah right. He looked up. He's too old for this sh—t. He's currently in the middle of his feasibility study. And he's using their family's chain of hotels and other real estate as his subject. So, yeah, he cannot afford to engage into his sister's petty whims.
"No! He's dull! Besides, Malkah's planning to invite him as her escort."
His brow twitched. Malkah's the only daughter of Tita Rebecca and Tito Michael. Matalik itong kaibigan ni Yca sapagkat magka-edad ang mga ito at magkaklase mula preschool.
"Is it true? Did she...?" Tanong ng kanyang mommy.
"No." Tipid niyang turan.
"Are you courting her, son?" His dad asked.
He let out an exasperated laugh. "Are you guys serious? No, I'm not courting her. She f—cking looks like Mama Mary. Who would wanna date her? I mean, how could you think of lewd or lustful thoughts while looking at a splitting image of the virgin mary?" He quipped.
Umalog ang balikat ng kanyang ama tanda na nagpipigil lamang ito sa pagtawa. Pinandilatan naman siya ng mommy niya.
"Gideon Ysmael!" His mom snapped.
Itinaas niyang muli ang kanyang mga kamay saka lumabas ng kwarto.
Naabutan niyang nagpapahinga sa sala si Yaya Mercy. Through the years, she stayed the same. Hanggang ngayon ay sobra pa rin itong maalaga sa kanila, partikular sa kanya dahil may sariling yaya naman si Yca.
"Gideon, hijo, saan ka pupunta?" Untag nito. Nagising pa rin ito sa kabila ng pag-iingat niyang 'wag gumawa ng ingay.
"Magkikita lang po kami ng mga barkada ko, Yaya Nanay," sagot niya sabay halik sa pisngi nito.
"Mag-ingat ka, anak. Umuwi ka ng maaga," pahabol pa nito.
"Opo," sagot niya.
He's whistling as he headed towards his car—the latest edition of Bentley Continental GT. It was his Lolo Manolo's gift for him on his 20th birthday.
"Hindi ba kita ipagda-drive, Yon?" Salubong sa kanya ni Tatay Bert.
Ngumiti siya. Kahit kailan ay hindi nito nabibigkas ng tama ang kanyang palayaw. At talagang game na game pa ito sa pag alok na ipagmaneho siya. Sa tanda nito, mas makabubuti sigurong nagpapahinga na lamang ito ngayon.
"Hindi na, 'Tay. Kaya ko na po."
" Dyaskeng bata. Aba wala na akong ipinagmamaneho. May kinuha ring bagong driver ang mommy mo."
"Hindi na po kasi kayo dapat magtrabaho pa, Tay. Chill nalang po."
"Aba—"
Tatay Bert wasn't able to finish what he's about to say. Two familiar SUVs parked on their driveway. May bumabang dalawang bodyguards mula sa unang sasakyan. Binuksan ng isang bodyguard ang pintuan ng kasunod na SUV. Bumaba roon si Mama Mary. Err— si Malkah.
"Kuya Eon," she said sheepishly. Kitang kita ang pamumula ng mga pisngi nito.
He just gave her a quick nod.
"Si Yca? She called me up, she's freaking out over the phone."
Napalunok siya. Hindi yata napo-proseso ng utak niya ang mga sinabi nito. His eyes feasted on her legs. She's wearing a simple aquamarine dress. Not at all fancy and revealing. Naka flip flops lang din ito. Kitang kita ang sakong na mamula-mula.
F—ck it. Is he lusting over Mama Mary?
"H-Hey, Kuya Eon... can I go inside? I'll just check on Yca."
He cleared his throat. He's having a f—cking hard-on.
"Uh, yeah sure." He said casually as he walked towards her and placed his hand at the small of her back.
"Come, I'll walk you to her room."
Yeah, he's screwed.
______
Shobe's Scribbles
Abangan po ang 2nd gen ng Entwined Lives Trilogy! Hahaha
AUTHOR'S NOTE
I'm really sorry, guys! Matagal ko nang na-post sa W***p** and remaining chapters. It slipped my mind na i-post dito. Plus, I was a bit hesitant to upload the finale here kasi baka cheesy na siya for FSS peeps. Haha but for my readers na sumusubaybay talaga sa story na `to, para sa inyo po ito.
Xoxo-shobe
Below are the final chapters of my novel Enslaved Mind. This serves as closure to Monique and Raffy's love story, hence, no erotic content involved.
CHAPTER 27
Doubt
"MOM!" Sigaw ni Eon habang patakbo itong lumapit sa kanya. Kararating lang nila ni Raffy mula sa Tagaytay. Nasa garahe pa ito ngayon at ibinababa ang kanilang gamit.
"Oh, my God! What happened to your skin?" Bulalas niya. 'Di hamak na umitim kasi ito.
Pilyong ngumiti si Eon saka humalik sa kanyang pisngi. Napasulyap siya kay Raffy na ngayon ay naglalakad na patungo sa kanilang kinaroroonan.
"Yeah, my bad. I forgot to put sunblock on him," he said. Tilting his head in a boyish manner.
Napapalatak siya sabay iling. Pero wala na siyang magagawa. Eon would eventually regain his true complexion. Ginusot niya ang buhok nito at pumasok na sila sa loob ng bahay.
"Stay for awhile, dito ka na mag-lunch," anyaya niya kay Raffy. Alam niyang nakasunod ito sa kanila ni Eon.
He casually rested his hand at the small of her back. Ginawa niya ang lahat ng kanyang makakaya para lamang iwasan na mapapitlag.
"Ya?" Tawag niya kay Yaya Mercy. Hindi niya alam kung bakit pero bigla siyang nailang. Why would she behave like this. Nagka-anak na sila't lahat, pero heto siya, nilulukob na naman ng kaba at agam-agam ang sistema.
Laking pasasalamat niya nang pumasok sa dining area si Yaya Mercy na may bitbit na tray ng ulam.
"Mabuti naman at nakauwi na kayo, hija," anito habang inilalapag ang bawat putahe sa mesa. Nang tulungan niya ito ay napako ang tingin nito sa suot niyang engagement ring. Nagpalipat lipat ang tingin nito sa kanilang dala ni Raffy. Ginagap naman ng lalaki ang kanyang kamay at dinala iyon sa mga labi nito upang halikan.
"Salamat sa Diyos!" Bulalas ni Yaya Mercy. Maluha-luha pa ito habang yumayakap sa kanila ni Raffy.
Napaiyak na rin siya.
"O, s'ya, kumain na kayo, kanina pa kayo hinihintay ni Eon," wika ng kanyang yaya habang pinupunasan ang mga luha sa pisngi.
Pumwesto si Raffy sa tabi niya sa kabila ng pag-aakalang uupo ito sa tabi ng anak. Si Eon naman ay nagsimula nang kumain. Aabutin niya na sana ang bowl ng kanin nang kunin iyon ni Raffy at ito na ang naglagay niyon sa kanyang plato.
"Dad, when are we going back to Subic?" Eon asked while munching on a chicken leg.
Raffy looked at her and held her hand.
"We'll see, buddy. Do you wanna go back there or you want to go out of the country? Japan, perhaps?" Lumiwanag naman ang mukha ni Eon sa sinabing iyon ng ama. She sighed. He's really spoiling their kid.
"But we still have to ask mom though. Where do you wanna go, babe?"
She just smiled. Napakaaga pa para magplano ng kung ano mang bakasyon.
"About Eon's schooling," untag ni Raffy. "I guess we can transfer him to an international school here in Manila. Either Brent or Reedley," he added matter-of-factly.
She took a deep breath. Alam niyang may karapatan ito kay Eon pero parang naasiwa lang siya pinangungunahan siya nito sa ganoong bagay.
"We're moving here for good?" Eon exclaimed.
She felt cornered and she doesn't like it. Ano'ng sasabihin niya? Alangan namang tumanggi siya? Nakakainis lang na pinangungunahan siya ni Raffy. Oo, masasabing okay na sila. Pero napakabilis ng lahat.
She's overthinking again. Over analyzing things. But she can't help it. That's how she is.
Tumikhim si Raffy at nagsalita.
"Your mom and I will discuss that first, son. For now, just finish your food," anito sabay ngiti.
Matapos kumain ay dumiretso siya sa veranda. Nagkakasayahan ang mag ama sa living room at naglalaro ng PS4 Pro.
She took a deep breath. Ano bang nangyayari sa kanya? Bakit siya nagkakaganito? Kung kailan nagiging maayos na ang lahat, saka naman siya nagdadalawang isip.
Doubts filled her head. Perhaps she's just anxious. Anxious of what lies ahead. Anxious of the idea that this is all just temporary. That, eventually, they'd end up like before.
"Hija, andito na sina Ma'am Consuelo." Her yaya's voice snapped her back from her deep thoughts.
Dali dali siyang bumaba upang salubungin ang kanyang mga magulang. Walang pagsidlan ang tuwa sa kanyang puso nang makitang masigla na ang kanyang ama. Agad siyang lumapit sa mga ito.
"I'm so glad you're okay now, dad!" Aniya kapagkuwa'y niyakap ito nang mahigpit.
"And I'm so happy you're finally home, anak."
Napalingon naman ang kanyang ama kay Raffy nang lumapit ito at magmano. Ang akala niya talaga ay hindi magiging maganda ang reaksyon ng kanyang ama. Ngunit magiliw na inilahad nito ang kamay at saka ginulo ang buhok ni Eon.
After a few moments, her parents excused themselves. Magpapahinga raw muna ang mga ito. Lumapit naman sa kanya si Raffy. Tahimik lang itong nakaupo sa tabi niya.
"I'm sorry. I overstepped, I know, " he said in a low voice.
Hindi siya umimik.
"Galit ka ba?" Tanong nito.
She bit her lip. Galit nga ba siya?
"YOU'RE playing with your food, babe." Untag sa kanya ni Raffy.
She straightened her back. It was as if she was awoken from a dreading trance. She's feeling nauseated. Her hands are cold and clammy and she can't even move her feet.
Dahan dahan niyang inilapag ang kanyang hawak na tinidor. They're having an intimate dinner at The Peninsula Manila. Pagsapit ng gabi ay sinundo siya nito. According to him, they'll be spending the night together.
Mainam na rin siguro iyon. Mas makabubuti kung ngayon pa lang ay ayusin niya na ang lahat at masabi niya na rito ang lahat ng gumugulo sa kanyang isipan.
"Nique?"
She heaved a sigh.
"Is there something wrong?"
Take a deep breath, Monique... She told herself as she nervously toyed with her engagement ring beneath the table.
Umabot sa kanilang kinauupuan ang mabining musikang nagmumula sa bulwagan ng naturang hotel. Ilang saglit pa ay narinig niya na ang isang malamyos na tinig.
Sweet love yeah
I didn't mean it when I said I didn't love you so
I should have held on tight, I never should have let you go
I didn't know nothing I was stupid
I was foolish, I was lying to myself
I couldn't have fathomed I would ever be without your love
Never imagined I'd be sitting here beside myself
'Cause I didn't know you, 'cause I didn't know me
But I thought I knew everything I never felt
The feeling that I'm feeling now that I don't hear your voice
Or have your touch and kiss your lips
'Cause I don't have a choice
Or what I wouldn't give to have you lying by my side
Right here
'Cause baby...
Baby, when you left I lost a part of me
It's still so hard to believe
Come back baby please
'Cause we belong together
Who else am I gon' lean on when times get rough?
Who's going to talk to me on the phone 'til the sun comes up?
Who's going to take your place? There ain't nobody better
Oh, baby baby, we belong together...
...I only think of you
It's breaking my heart
I'm trying to keep it together but I'm falling apart
I'm feeling all out of my element
Throwing things crying trying to figure out
Where the hell I went wrong
Pain reflected in this song
Ain't even half of what I'm feeling inside
I need you need you back in my life baby
Baby, when you left I lost a part of me
It's still so hard to believe
Come back baby please
'Cause we belong together
Who else am I gon' lean on when times get rough?
Who's going to talk to me on the phone 'til the sun comes up?
Who's going to take your place? There ain't nobody better
Oh, baby baby, we belong together
Baby, when you left I lost a part of me
It's still so hard to believe
Come back baby please
'Cause we belong together
Who am I gon' lean on when times get rough?
Who's going to talk to me on the phone 'til the sun comes up?
Who's going to take your place? There ain't nobody better
Oh, baby baby, we belong together...
Hindi niya namalayang umiiyak na pala siya. As cheesy as it may sound, but that song hit her hard. Why? She was the one who left. She shouldn't be feeling this way. And now, she's leaving. Again.
"I can't do this, Raff. I'm so sorry..."
CHAPTER 28 - END
Home
KITANG-KITA niya ang bakas ng lungkot at sakit sa mga mata ni Raffy. She gazed at his pressed lips, his clenched jaw. He did not utter any word.
"R-Raffy..." her voice broke.
"Raff—"
He stood up. Lumapit ito sa kanya at hinawakan ang kanyang braso. Naguguluhang napatingala siya.
"I'll take you home," he said in a flat voice. Masuyo ang pagkakahawak nito aa kanya. Walang ano mang bahid ng dahas. Naguguluhan siya kung bakit kalmado lang ito. Ang buong akala niya ay magagalit ito o magwawala.
"Raff, I said—"
"I know. I've heard what you said, Nique. Now, just please let me take you home." Anito. There was a hint of sadness in his voice.
Iginiya siya nito papunta sa parking lot. Hindi pa rin siya mapakali. She wanted to explain everything to him. She wanted him to understand her side. Masusi niya iyong pinag-isipan. God knows how much thought she'd put into it. Iyon lamang ang alam niyang tama. Hindi niya kayang mamuhay kasama ito habang puno ng agam-agam ang kanyang puso.
Nang makasakay na sila sa kotse nito ay tahimik lang itong nagmaneho. Hindi niya magawang magsalita sa takot na baka kung ano ang gawin nito. Hindi niya matantiya kung ano ang dapat niyang sabihin. Vivid thoughts of his physical abuse crossed her mind. And that scared her. Mas lalong naging pinal ang desisyon niyang tuluyan nang lumayo rito. Napatawad niya na nang tuluyan si Raffy. Pero hindi niya maiwasang magbalik-tanaw sa nakaraan. Hindi niya yata kayang sumabak pang muli sa isang relasyong magdudulot lamang ng sakit at takot.
Matalinong bata si Eon. She's hoping that one day, he'd fully understand why his parents can't be together. Darating din ang panahong magkakapamilya na ito. At sana, sa panahong iyon, lubusan nang maiintindihan ni Eon kung bakit ganito ang kinahantungan ng relasyon ng mga magulang nito.
Back at Casa Ysabela, she thought that the life she wished for was finally at her grasp. Isang masayang buhay kasama ang mga pinakamamahal niya. But eventually, she has come to the realization that what happened between her and Raffy is beyond redemption. She still loves him. No doubt about that. She even believes that he's the only man that could hold her heart.
Pero may mga bagay talaga na kahit na anong pilit natin ay hindi na mabubuo pang muli. Darating at darating at darating din sa puntong mapagtatanto mong ang realidad ay taliwas sa mga bagay na iyong inaasam.
Hindi niya na yata kayang pagdaanan pa ang sakit na dinanas niya noon. At lalong hindi niya kakayanin kung dumating man sa puntong masasaksihan ng kanyang anak ang ano mang posibleng gawin ng ama nito. Ayaw niyang madungisan ang perpektong imahe ni Raffy sa mga mata ng kanilang anak.
Napapikit siya. Marahil ay hindi maiintindihan ng mga magulang niya pati na rin ni Yaya Mercy ang kanyang desisyon. Pero buo na ang kanyang pasya.
As she opened her eyes, she felt relieved now that they're entering their village entrance in Alabang. She badly needs her son's tight hugs.
Pero sa halip na lumiko sa kalye papunta sa bahay ng kanyang mga magulang ay ibang daan ang tinatahak ni Raffy. He's driving across an unfamiliar street. Natatandaan niya na noong bata pa siya, ang ang parteng ito ng village ay hindi pa okupado at wala pang mga itinatayong bahay.
They drove uphill. May nakita siyang malaking bahay sa elevated na parteng iyon ng village. Inihinto ni Raffy ang sasakyan. Lumigid ito sa passenger's seat at pinagbuksan siya. Inalalayan siya nitong makababa at hinubad ang suot na coat at ipinatong iyon sa kanyang mga balikat.
She's looking at a very beautiful house. It suits her taste. Unlike those modern houses which are usually found in exclusive subdivisions, this house exudes both celtic and mediterranean touch. Kahit na madilim ay naaaninag niya ang karangyaan at kagandahang taglay niyon.
Naramdaman niyang ipanagsalikop ni Raffy ang kanilang mga kamay. Huminga ito ng malalim at itinuon ang paningin sa kawalan.
"I've built this house five years ago, Nique." Malungkot na wika nito. Hindi pa rin tumitingin sa kanya.
"I wanted to surprise you. I wanted us to live here after we get married. I w-wanted this to be our home..." gumaralgal ang boses nito. Mahigpit pa rin ang pagkakakapit sa kanyang kamay.
Hindi siya nakapagsalita. All she could do was shed her tears. Bakit ba kailangang maging napakasakit ng lahat?
"Eon would love it here..." patuloy nito sa basag na boses. "Knowing him, he'd surely enjoy the pool at the back."
Hindi pa rin nito pinapakawalan ang kanyang kamay. Binuksan nito ang front door at bumungad sa kanila ang isang malawak na sala. Wala pang ni ano mang muwebles doon.
"I never hired an interior designer. That's your forte. Alam kong magiging masaya ka sa pagde-decorate ng loob ng bahay," anito. Nakangiti sa kabila ng lungkot.
He pulled her towards the kitchen. It was fully furnished. It's filled with industrial-grade materials.
"Every time I look at this part of the house, I think of you. I remember how much you loved gourmet cooking."
"Raff..." she whispered. She's in awe.
"There are two rooms on the first floor. One master's bedroom and one guest room. Anim naman sa taas. I figured, it would be best that way since we're not sure how many kids we'd have."
Kinabig siya nito paharap dito.
"This is not a bribe, Nique. I've built this years ago. I... I just wanted you to be h-home... I can't live here alone, Nique. I can't live here. Not without you and our son."
Bumuhos ang kanyang luha. Napakapit siya rito. Tila nauubos ang kanyang lakas.
This is all freaking surreal. Everything's both perfect and messed up. How ironic could life get?
Humugot siya ng malalim na hininga bago nagsalita.
"I love this, Raff. A-And God knows how much I love you. B-But let us not be consumed with all these..." she sobbed. "We shouldn't be blinded with the idea of this perfect life that we're about to build. K-Kasi alam nating pareho na in the long run, this would not work out..."
"Why? How could you say that?" His voice was laced with both anger and pain.
Hinawakan niya ang magkabilang pisngi nito.
"You have this notion that M-Michael..." umiiyak na turan niya. Nagka bikig sa kanyang lalamunan. Tila hindi niya masikmurang banggitin ang pangalang iyon.
"I'm afraid that you have this notion that he took advantage of me. Y-Yes, h-he did. But Raff... I still cheated on you. I had a choice, Raff. I had a choice either to go on or walk away. But I still chose to hurt you. And I don't want you to think that I was not at fault. Yes, he took advantage of me the first time... sa pangalawang pagkakataon. Pero sa mga sumunod..." pumalahaw na siya ng iyak sa loob ng mga bisig nito.
"A-Ayokong mamuhay tayo sa ganoong kasinungalingan. Ayokong dumating sa punto na mauungkat 'yon tapos... tapos..."
"Alam ko. Alam ko, Nique." Wika nito saka hinawakan ang kanyang baba.
"Kahit ano pang sabihin mo, kahit na sisihin mo pa ang sarili mo... para sa'kin, wala kang kasalanan. He took advantage of you. And when he had the chance, he also took advantage of your weakness. He poisoned you, Nique. And I hated myself because I was not there to protect you. I should have been there to protect you." He said as he kissed her lips passionately.
Hilam ng luha ang kanyang mga mata. Hindi rin matigil-tigil ang pagyugyog ng kanyang mga balikat.
"But, Raff—"
"Ssshhh," alo nito sa kanya. Patuloy sa paghagod ng kanyang likod.
Muling natama ang kanilang mga mata. At that point, her doubts started to fade away. She felt reassured that what they have is worth fighting for.
"Nique, baby... please come home." He said as he wiped off the tears from her cheeks.
She tiptoed and planted a soft kiss on his lips.
EPILOGUE
Bvlgari Resort, Bali Indonesia
MONIQUE ran her fingers through the soft and flowy fabric of her off-shoulder ivory silk chiffon dress. Akmang akma ang kanyang suot para sa okasyong iyon. In less than an hour, maglalakad na siya pauntang dalampasigan. Sa loob lamang ng ilang minuto ay maglalakad na siya patungo sa lalaking nagmamay-ari ng kanyang puso.
"Are you sure about this, Nique?" Tanong sa kanya ni Raffy.
Napangiti siya. She's never been so sure of anything in her entire life.
"We can just consider this as our vacation. We can hire a wedding planner so we could have a church wedding in the Philippines," natatarantang wika nito.
Why is he like this?
Tuluyan na siyang natawa. Napaka-cute ni Raffy, especially now that he's all fidgety and stressed. Ipinagsalikop niya ang kanilang mga kamay. "I love it here," aniya.
Nauna nang dumating dito sa isla ang kanyang mga magulang at si Eon. Pati na rin sina Mang Bert at Yaya Mercy. Ang kanyang matalik na kaibigang si Camille ay nagprisinta namang ito nalang daw ang makikipag-coordinate sa resort.
Raffy didn't like the idea at first. Mas gusto nitong sa Pilipinas sila magpakasal. He wanted a traditional church wedding. A lavish one with lots of guests. Ayaw niya ng ganoon. Sinabi niya kay Raffy na sapat na sa kanya ang isang simpleng beach wedding. Masaya na siyang makasama ang mga piling tao na malalapit sa kanila. She wanted her wedding to be intimate. Aanhin mo pa ang magarbing kasalan kung maaari mo naman itong ipagdiwang kasama ang mga importanteng tao lamang?
"Oh my God, you look stunning! It's as if you did not give birth to Eon!" Tili ni Camille nang buksan nito ang pinto ng kanyang cottage.
Lumapit ito sa dresser at kumuha ng lip and cheek tint. Pinahid nito iyon sa magkabila niyang pisngi. Inayos nito ang pagkakalugay ng kanyang buhok at ipinatong ang isang head wreath sa kanyang ulo. Napapalamutian iyon ng mga maliliit na bulaklak.
"I look ridiculous!" Bulalas niya nang mapatingin sa salamin.
"Of course not! Ang ganda mo kaya!" Anito sabay hikbi.
"Camille!" She shrieked. Umiiyak na kasi ito habang inaayos pa rin ang kanyang buhok.
"Hindi man kita personal na nadamayan sa mga problema mo noon, alam mo namang love na love kita, 'di ba?" She said in between sobs.
Totoo ang sinabi nito. Sa bilis ng mga pangyayari noon, hindi na siya nagkaroon ng pagkakataong mag-confide dito. When she moved to California, she opened up to her best friend through their constant video chats. Dahil doon, napatunayan niyang hindi nasusukat ang lalim ng pagkakaibigan sa haba ng panahon ng pagsasama. Kaya naman wala nang iba pang mas deserving na maging maid of honor niya kun'di ito.
Niyakap niya ito ng mahigpit. Napaiyak na rin siya.
"Stop crying! My God, it's your freakin' wedding day!"
"No, you stop crying!" Aniya. Nagtawanan sila. Kung may makakakita lang sa kanila ngayon ay paniguradong mapagkakamalan silang mga baliw.
"I'm nervous," she said breathlessly.
"Don't be. Just enjoy your day." Anito sabay yakap sa kanya.
Nagpaalam ito na may aayusin lang daw sa labas. Tumango siya. Mula sa bintana ng cottage ay nakita niyang tila nakikipagtalo ito kay Zander. Tandang tanda pa niya kung kailan niya unang nakita si Zander. That was the time when Raffy left her at their table back at the Marco Polo Hotel. And that was the time when...
She closed her eyes tightly. Siguro nga hindi niya na ma-i-aalis sa kanyang isipan ang pait ng nakaraan. Pero masaya na siya ngayon. She's happy with Eon. She's happy with Raffy, who will soon become his better half.
Bumalik sa kanyang cottage si Camille. She told her to go down since the minister's already at the beach. Tiningnan niya ulit ang kanyang sarili sa salamin. She's beaming. Finally, she's happy and at peace.
"Mom!" Sigaw ni Eon habang naglalakad siya sa buhanginan. He looks so handsome in his new haircut. He's sporting a subdued mohawk. Nanumbalik na rin ang natural na kompleksiyon nito.
Inililis niya ang kanyang mahabang damit upang hindi iyon madumihan sa pagkakaluhod. Nagtama ang kanilang paningin ni Eon. Inayos niya ang pagkakabuhol ang kulay kremang drawstring pants nito.
"I love you, my Gideon..." she whispered as she caressed his tiny face.
"I love you too, mom." Anito sabay yakap.
She giggled and bit her lip when he laid out his hand, urging her to stand up.
"Come on, mom. Dad's waiting!"
Napalingon siya sa kinaroroonan ng ama nito. Raffy's clad in the same outfit as Eon's. Nakarolyo hanggang siko ang puting linen wedding shirt nito. Katabi nito si Zander na ngayon ay hinahawakan ang balikat ni Raffy. Her man's shoulders are shaking, perhaps resisting the urge to cry.
Sabay silang naglakad ni Eon. Nakaakbay ang kanyang ama sa kanyang mommy na ngayo'y umiiyak din. Maging si Yaya Mercy ay pinapatahan ni Mang Bert.
She kissed her parents as she handed Eon to them. She smiled at Camille as she walked past her. Raffy held out his hand. Buong galak na inabot niya iyon. Nakatayo na sila sa tapat ng ministro.
"Rafael and Monique want to thank all of you for sharing is this celebration of their commitment to each other," panimula nito.
"As the tides ebb and flow so to, do the fortunes of life. Footprints in the sand are washed away, driftwood moves on its endless quest for a peaceful harbor. Only a deep and abiding love can withstand the tides of change in two lives...
"The love of this couple Rafael and Monique, is enduring and profound. We gather here to witness this love and the vows they make to each other...
"Today you join yourselves together for life, as friends and lovers, husband and wife. As the surface of the sea is sometimes calm and often storm tossed, so also, is a marriage."
Nagmuwestra ang ministro na sabihin na nila ang kani-kanilang vows sa isa't isa. Matagal bago nagsalita si Raffy. Nakatitig lamang ito sa kanya. Mahigpit ang pagkakahawak sa kanyang mga kamay.
"I pledge to you, Monique Valerie, that my love and my loyalty, will weather the storms of life. I... I will cherish you and I will stay with you and our son, until my last breath.
"I give youthis ringas asymbol of my loveand faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you."
Kagat-kagat niya ang kanyang labi. Sa nanginginig na mga kamay ay isinuot nito sa kanyang palasingsingan ang wedding ring.
Now, it's her turn to say her vows. Tila naglaho lahat ng mga salitang binuo niya sa kanyang isipan habang nasa biyahe sila papunta rito. Nanalangin siya na sana ay maging ka-aya aya ang kinalabasan nito.
"I pledge to you, Rafael Ephraim, my love, my loyalty, my faith... I will always seek counsel when I make decisions, and will respect your needs and concerns. No matter what course we set, we will do it together...
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you, as powerful and endless as the sea."
Isinuot niya ang singsing sa daliri ng kanyang asawa. Sa nakapikit na mga mata ay ninamnam niya ang mabining paghampas ng mga alon sa dalampasigan. Saksi ang mga iyon sa panghabang buhay na pangakong kanyang binitawan.
"By the virtue of the authority vested in me, it is my great honor and pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations, you may kiss your Bride."
Masuyong hinaplos ni Raffy ang kanyang pisngi. Tumingkayad siya upang hindi ito mahirapan sa paghalik sa kanya sapagkat naka flat sandals lamang siya.
"I love you," buong pusong wika niya. Humilig siya sa dibdib nito.
"I love you, Nique."
SPECIAL CHAPTER
Gideon Ysmael Velez Gamboa
"KUYAAAAAAA!" Eon heard his little sister's scream.
He rushed towards her room. His little sister isn't so little anymore. Fourteen years old na ito ngunit isip bata pa rin.
"What is it now, Yca?" Her real name is Ysabela Monica. Their dad often jokes that she's conceived at Casa Ysabela, hence the name.
"Walang kasya! F—ck! Sh—t! Sh—t! Sh—t!"
"Yca! Watch your language!" He hissed.
Napangiwi siya nang makitang nahihirapan ito sa pagsara ng gown na suot nito. She's stuck. Dinaluhan niya kaagad ito. Kumuha siya ng gunting para gupitin nalang ang gown.
"Oh, God, noooooooo!" Sigaw ulit nito. "This is an expensive Sherri Hill prom dress, kuya! Don't you f—cking dare!" She glared at him.
"Bibig mo, Yca!" He glared back at her. Napakamot siya sa kanyang ulo. Ano ba kasing pumasok sa kukote nito at isinuot nito ang gown na iyon? Halata namang hindi iyon kasya rito. Alam naman nitong may katabaan ito. Sana nagpagawa na lang ito ng prom dress.
"Baby girl, I told you, last year pa, you should've lessened your food intake," aniya. He's very cautious of the words he's using. Dapat niyang ipaliwanag dito na kailangan nitong mag-diet, without using the word 'diet' in his sentence. Dahil kung mababanggit ang salitang iyon, tiyak na magkaka- World War III sa kanilang bahay.
"Ouch! Aaaawwww!" She cried in pain. Bumaon na yata ang zipper ng gown sa balat nito.
"Damn!" Tuluyan niya nang ginupit ang gown. Kinuha niya ang silk robe nito sa gilid ng kama at ipinasuot sa kapatid niya.
Nang makita nito ang gutay-gutay nang gown ay muli na naman itong pumalahaw ng iyak.
"Honey, what's wrong?" Wika ng kanyang mommy. Nag-aalalang napasugod ang kanilang mga magulang sa kwarto.
Agad na inalo ng daddy niya si Yca.
"Sssshhh, what's wrong, my princess?"
"Kuya Eon ruined my prom dress!" Paninisi pa nito sa kanya.
He raised both of his hands in retreat. "She was stuck! Ano'ng gagawin ko, hahayaan nalang siyang hindi makahinga?"
His mom's beautiful face was laced with horror. Kinuha nito ang gown at umupo sa tabi ng kanyang kapatid.
"It's okay, darling. We'll see if we could a get you a designer, okay? Magpapasadya tayo ng gown. Don't cry na..." she consoled Yca.
Pero patuloy pa rin ito sa pag-iyak.
"But I want a Sherri Hill prom dress!" Yca exclaimed in a bratty manner.
"Alright, alright, honey... we'll get you a new one. Kahit sampu pa," wika naman ng kanyang ama habang hinahalikan ang noo ni Yca.
"But I'm fat!" Nakalabing turan nito.
"No, you're not!" His dad blurted out. Napailing siya. Growing up, he was spoiled by his parents. But their spoiling game went to a whole new level when Yca came. Kagaya ngayon, in denial ang mga ito na mataba ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid.
"And nobody even asked me out, dad! I don't have an escort to the prom!" Umiiyak na reklamo nito.
"But Kuya Eon's here. He could be your escort."
Yeah right. He looked up. He's too old for this sh—t. He's currently in the middle of his feasibility study. And he's using their family's chain of hotels and other real estate as his subject. So, yeah, he cannot afford to engage into his sister's petty whims.
"No! He's dull! Besides, Malkah's planning to invite him as her escort."
His brow twitched. Malkah's the only daughter of Tita Rebecca and Tito Michael. Matalik itong kaibigan ni Yca sapagkat magka-edad ang mga ito at magkaklase mula preschool.
"Is it true? Did she...?" Tanong ng kanyang mommy.
"No." Tipid niyang turan.
"Are you courting her, son?" His dad asked.
He let out an exasperated laugh. "Are you guys serious? No, I'm not courting her. She f—cking looks like Mama Mary. Who would wanna date her? I mean, how could you think of lewd or lustful thoughts while looking at a splitting image of the virgin mary?" He quipped.
Umalog ang balikat ng kanyang ama tanda na nagpipigil lamang ito sa pagtawa. Pinandilatan naman siya ng mommy niya.
"Gideon Ysmael!" His mom snapped.
Itinaas niyang muli ang kanyang mga kamay saka lumabas ng kwarto.
Naabutan niyang nagpapahinga sa sala si Yaya Mercy. Through the years, she stayed the same. Hanggang ngayon ay sobra pa rin itong maalaga sa kanila, partikular sa kanya dahil may sariling yaya naman si Yca.
"Gideon, hijo, saan ka pupunta?" Untag nito. Nagising pa rin ito sa kabila ng pag-iingat niyang 'wag gumawa ng ingay.
"Magkikita lang po kami ng mga barkada ko, Yaya Nanay," sagot niya sabay halik sa pisngi nito.
"Mag-ingat ka, anak. Umuwi ka ng maaga," pahabol pa nito.
"Opo," sagot niya.
He's whistling as he headed towards his car—the latest edition of Bentley Continental GT. It was his Lolo Manolo's gift for him on his 20th birthday.
"Hindi ba kita ipagda-drive, Yon?" Salubong sa kanya ni Tatay Bert.
Ngumiti siya. Kahit kailan ay hindi nito nabibigkas ng tama ang kanyang palayaw. At talagang game na game pa ito sa pag alok na ipagmaneho siya. Sa tanda nito, mas makabubuti sigurong nagpapahinga na lamang ito ngayon.
"Hindi na, 'Tay. Kaya ko na po."
" Dyaskeng bata. Aba wala na akong ipinagmamaneho. May kinuha ring bagong driver ang mommy mo."
"Hindi na po kasi kayo dapat magtrabaho pa, Tay. Chill nalang po."
"Aba—"
Tatay Bert wasn't able to finish what he's about to say. Two familiar SUVs parked on their driveway. May bumabang dalawang bodyguards mula sa unang sasakyan. Binuksan ng isang bodyguard ang pintuan ng kasunod na SUV. Bumaba roon si Mama Mary. Err— si Malkah.
"Kuya Eon," she said sheepishly. Kitang kita ang pamumula ng mga pisngi nito.
He just gave her a quick nod.
"Si Yca? She called me up, she's freaking out over the phone."
Napalunok siya. Hindi yata napo-proseso ng utak niya ang mga sinabi nito. His eyes feasted on her legs. She's wearing a simple aquamarine dress. Not at all fancy and revealing. Naka flip flops lang din ito. Kitang kita ang sakong na mamula-mula.
F—ck it. Is he lusting over Mama Mary?
"H-Hey, Kuya Eon... can I go inside? I'll just check on Yca."
He cleared his throat. He's having a f—cking hard-on.
"Uh, yeah sure." He said casually as he walked towards her and placed his hand at the small of her back.
"Come, I'll walk you to her room."
Yeah, he's screwed.
______
Shobe's Scribbles
Abangan po ang 2nd gen ng Entwined Lives Trilogy! Hahaha
AUTHOR'S NOTE
I'm really sorry, guys! Matagal ko nang na-post sa W***p** and remaining chapters. It slipped my mind na i-post dito. Plus, I was a bit hesitant to upload the finale here kasi baka cheesy na siya for FSS peeps. Haha but for my readers na sumusubaybay talaga sa story na `to, para sa inyo po ito.
Xoxo-shobe