Promise To A Stardust Published Under Flutter Fic
Wakas
Once Upon a Stardust
"KUYA, bakit ka nag-eempake?" I glanced at my brother watching me pack my things."May sakit ako, dalhin mo ako sa ospital," I said casually."Huh? Should I tell Mom–""No, tara. May sakit ako, bilisan mo," I dismissed. Sinukbit ko sa likod ang bag pack. Nanliliit lang ang mata niya sa 'kin.He walked towards me and touched my neck, his forehead creasing."Wala naman! Ni hindi ka nga mainit!" aniya.I shook my head and sighed. Napaka-slow nga naman nitong kapatid ko!"Iinit 'yan mamaya, may sakit ako, bring me to the hospital. Gusto ko 'yong iiyak ka habang nasa stretcher ako–""Oh? Crush mo 'yong nurse, 'no? Si Nurse Lars? Kaya ka papa-confine?" He stopped me.Hindi ako nakaimik at nagkunwaring walang alam sa sinasabi niya. The side of his lip twitched."It's her, isn't it?"Nag-iwas ako ng tingin at tumikhim."Come on, just let's go the hospital." Pilit ko at inayos ang sapatos ko."Tinamaan ka?" Natatawang naupo siya sa sofa, nakatitig. "Gago ka, Kuya. Mabait 'yon pero hindi naman mukhang interesado sa 'yo."My lips parted."Fuck you, Warrion," I cursed. He laughed more."May sakit ka." He quoted. "Kunwari, 'di ba? Bakit kailangang nakaayos ka? Naka-polo ka pa, Kuya!""So?" I raised my brow and ran my fingers to my hair. "Kailangan kahit may sakit, fresh pa rin! First impression lasts!""Nakalimutan mo na ba? Una niyang kita sa 'yo, bugbog sarado ka, 'di ba? Sabi pa nga niya, basagulero ka?" Asar niya.Sumimangot ako at sinamaan siya ng tingin."Shut up, tara na! Pang-gabi ang shift no'n ngayon, kapag bukas pa tayo, wala na," reklamo ko.He scratched his head and rolled his eyes, nauna na siyang lumabas sa akin habang ako'y may pahabol pang tumingin sa salamin para makitang maga-gwapuhan siya sa akin at mabilis na tumakbo palabas.Nang nasa labas na kami ng ospital kung nasaan nagtatrabaho si Reev ay napabuntonghininga ako, dinadaga ang dibdib."Ano, tara na, Kuya?" aniya. "Tapusin na natin ang kahibangan na 'to.""Have you called the hospital's director?" I asked."Yes." He sighed. "Sigurado ka ba rito? Para kang tanga, sa totoo lang.""Sshh, h'wag kang magulo." I closed my eyes. "Nagme-meditate ako."I heard his annoyed sigh, nang makalma naman ako ay humarap ako sa kapatid ko at tumango."Let the show begin," I murmured and went out of the car.My brother brought my arm around his shoulder habang ako nama'y kunwari'y nanghihina na.Nang makapasok sa emergency room ay kaagad nagsisisigaw ang kapatid ko dahil sa kurot ko."Help! Help us!" He exclaimed, the quiet emergency room got alerted. Ang mga nurse na nakaabang ay nagsitayuan kaya napadaing ako sabay sapo sa tiyan para mas realistic."Ahh! Ang sakit!" I groaned and cautiously checked around for her face in the crowd."Ano'ng nangyari, Sir?" A nurse asked."Sobrang sakit ng tiyan, na-food poison," halatang scripted na sabi ng kapatid ko kaya pasimple ko siyang sinipa at mas ginalingan ang acting."Ahh!" I groaned like I'm in real pain. Inilibot ko ang paningin ko at halos magningning ang paningin ko at magsikantahan ang mga anghel nang makita ang crush ko na papasok sa emergency room.She was holding a chart on her hand and biting her pen. Nangiti naman ako kung hindi lang ako sinapok ng kapatid ko."Gago, Kuya! May sakit ka, 'di ba? Sakit! Hindi saltik! H'wag kang ngumiti! Parang kang tanga!" He scoffed.Natauhan ako kaya muling pumikit at sinapo ang tiyan."Ah! Aray!" Inarte ko. "Stretcher! Ihiga n'yo 'ko sa stretcher!"Umakto pa akong napapadausdos kaya mas nagkagulo na at nasa paligid habang inaalalayan ako pahiga.Pasimple akong nagmulat para silipin kong napansin ako ni Reev pero naka-focus siya sa chart. 'Di niya ako napapansin!Nakasimangot sa akin si Warrion kaya pinanlakihan ko siya at walang moral support sa kapatid niya! Halatang masama ang loob na umarte na naman siya."Ipasok na natin sa loob!" ani no'ng nurse na dumalo sa 'kin. Tinakbo ang stretcher, pinanlakihan ko ng mata ulit ang kapatid ko nang malapit na kami kay Reev kaya suminghap si Warrion at nang madaanan si Reev ay hinawakan niya ito."Nurse! Nurse! Sumama ka!" Desisyon ni Warrion, nagulat si Reev at napasulyap sa akin sa stretcher. Natigilan siya't namilog ang mata nang matantong ako iyon."Sir Cas!" She exclaimed.She panicked, mabilis na ibinigay niya sa katapat na nurse ang chart at nakitakbo sa amin.There... good.Nangiti ako."Kuya!" Mariing tawag ni Warrion kaya ngumiwi ako at humawak sa tiyan."S-sobrang sakit, Reev," I murmured. She was running with us, nang makitang nasa gilid ng stretcher ang kamay niya ay kaagad ko 'yong inabot at hinawakan.She didn't seem to notice what I did. She was eager to bring me to the room, her forehead creased and her sultry black eyes serious. Nakapirmi ang mapulang labi niya.Ang ganda talaga ng Reev ko.*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
"ANO ba kasing kinain mo?" Reev asked as she went beside me after Warrion pretended to be talking to the doctor na kinasabwat namin."Wala naman." I pouted, caressing my stomach."Masakit pa ba?" She asked, her voice worried. Concern siya sa 'kin! Naku, ganito nagsisimula 'yan, sa susunod mahal na 'ko nito!"Medyo," mahina kong sabi. Her expression relaxed. "S-sobra pa pala, Reev. Dito, o!" I pointed to my stomach.Muli siyang nag-alala."Hay naku, kasi naman, e." Iling niya. "No'ng unang punta mo rito, basagulero ka, ngayon naman sa katakawan mo 'yan. Ano na namang kinain mo kasi?""He ate kwek-kwek, Nurse Lars." Sabat ng kapatid ko na nakabalik na. "Akala niya sauce 'yong sinawsawan tapos pagkatapos kumain na-realize niya na babaran lang pala ng sandok."Reev's eyes widened. Miski ako ay nanlaki ang mata sa sinabi ng kapatid ko."What?" She blurted.Ngumisi si Warrion, mukhang nakaganti na sa akin at nang tumalikod ng bahagya si Reev ay iniangat ko ang kamay ko. I showed Warrion my middle finger at napatawa naman ang gago at tumango kay Reev."Oo, Nurse. Ayan tuloy," malungkot pa niyang sabi."Ikaw talaga." Sumulyap siya sa akin. "Next time, mag-iingat ka sa kinakain mo, hmm? Baka bukas p'wede ka nang makauwi, hindi naman malala–""Ouch!" Umubo ako at humawak sa tiyan. "S-sobrang sakit!""Oh my God!" She ran towards me and touched my arm before looking at Warrion. "Sir, p'wedeng patawag ng doktor?""Sure–""No!" I exclaimed, inabot ko si Reev at hinawakan ang kamay niya. "A-ayos na sa 'kin na nurse ang magbantay."She looked at me in awe, nangingiti na talaga ko pero pinigil ko baka sabihin niya baliw ako.She gave up, nodding."Come on, sige, humiga ka na nang maayos," aniya at inalalayan ako.I went back to bed as she fixed the blanket. It made my heart race.Oh, God. I like this woman so much."Reev, sakit," inarte ko.She finally loosed up and pulled a chair beside me."Para kang baby," she commented. "Oo na, sige, ako na magbabantay sa 'yo. Baka magkombulsyon ka r'yan bigla."I stopped my smile because she knew what I was trying to do at sinasakyan niya."Kumusta 'yong luto ko kahapon?" I asked her."Masarap." She smiled. "Thanks for the food, Sir Cas.""Caspian na lang," I said."Alright, Caspian. Thank you," sinsero niyang sabi."Ngayon? Kumain ka na?" I asked her. She paused. Nag-iwas siya sa 'kin. Doon pa lang alam ko na ang sagot."Tsk, 'di pa, 'no?"She stopped, nag-iwas pa siya ng tingin sa akin at doon pa lang ay alam ko na ang sagot. "Hindi pa 'no?""I was about to eat but you came, kinabahan ako kaya nawala na rin sa utak ko," she answered lowly.I sighed.Tangang Caspian na 'to! Kasalanan mo pa nga kung bakit 'di nakakain!Sumulyap ako sa kapatid kong parang bato at walang emosyong nakatulala sa kawalan kaya tumikhim ako."Warrion, bilhan mo ng pagkain si Reev," utos ko."No!" Napaayos si Reev ng upo. "You don't need to! Ako na lang ang kakain–""No, sit there, Nurse Lars," ani ng kapatid na tumayo. "D'yan ka lang, bibili lang ako. H'wag mong iwan baka kapag nawala ka, matuluyan.""Huh?" Takang tanong ni Reev."Wala." Warrion smirked. "Ikaw pa naman pinunta n'yan dito–""Warrion! Faster!" I hissed irritatedly."Okay! Okay..." Warrion shook his head and left, nang sumulyap sa akin si Reev ay ngumiti ako.Am I this smitten to her to even pretend I am sick for her attention? Fuck, I am a sucker for her."Pagaling ka, hmm?" Marahang sabi niya.I nodded slowly, staring at her beautiful face."Reev, mgkano ba magpa-admit dito?" I asked.Her eyes widened. "Bakit?""Nahulog ako, e," I said."Oh? Saan?" She panicked."Nahulog sa 'yo," hirit ko sabay ngiti.I know it's damn overused. The serious Caspian in me–if ever I had that left at all–was so ashamed he hid behind a rock.However, when she blushed and glared at me adorably, 'di ko na napigilan ang ngisi.It was one of the happiest days of my life, being with my girlfriend and soon-to-be wife. I don't look forward much to my everyday but when she came, I'm excited to be with her–even more so, waking up with her.I couldn't wish for more. Just Reev, me, and our future children? I think it's perfect. That's all I ever wish, to have a family with her."Why are you so fascinated with stars?" I whispered and kissed her hair. We were at my condo unit, soaked in the swimming pool at night, staring and admiring the stars."Wala naman," she answered, still staring at the skies. "I just find it calming. It lights up the dark night, habang nakatingin ako sa langit, naisip ko, kung walang bituin sobrang dilim siguro, 'no?"Hmm," I hummed, wrapping my arms around him tighter and kissing her bare shoulder."Cas, have you seen a shooting star?" Nilingon niya ako. "I saw one yesterday! Napapansin ko palagi akong nakakakita! Ang dami ko na tuloy wish! Matutupad kaya 'yon?""Of course, it will come true. Sabi mo nga, the stars listen."She smiled. "Ikaw, a! May natututunan ka sa 'kin! Very good! So, ano nga, nakakita ka na?"I looked up and watched the sky."I saw only one," I whispered. "I saw a shooting star once, and wished for you." Ibinaba ko ang tingin sa kanya.The way a blush crawled to her cheek made me chuckle.Niyakap ko pa siya nang mahigpit at humalik sa pisngi niya."Totoo ngang nakikinig ang mga bituin, totoong nagkakatotoo ang hiling sa bulalakaw. Kasi ngayon? Yakap ko na 'yong hiling ko," I said."Cas..." I heard the tenderness in her voice."Mahal na mahal kita, Reev." I murmured. "So, so much, if I got another chance to love, I'd still choose you."However, not all wishes do come true. Some don't and it was all because of me. I broke that promise first.I stopped watching the video of my girlfriend in bed with another man kissing her while he's on top. I threw my phone, watching it as it hit the wall and shattered on the ground.I kept on convincing myself that she cheated, na ayos lang ang ginawa ko sa kanya. That she deserved it! I dumped her like trash! Star my ass. She wasn't! She's a damn stardust! Good thing she showed how dirty she was early before I even tied myself to her!I loved her! And this is what she'll give me back? Betrayal? Lies?She deserved it. She fucking deserved it for playing with me! She deserves it for making me look like a fool!And what? She's pregnant? If it was mine then I'll be all over the moon! We have a child! Who would be happy fathering your beloved's child? But it wasn't mine...It was with someone else and knowing someone else would get to have a family and have the woman of my dreams I had once wished for us? It tore me apart. I was livid.She deserved that pain! Iniiyakan pa 'ko na akala mo'y totoo pero naglolokohan lang kami rito! I'll move on someday! I'll forget her! I won't even waste a damn tear for that woman!But why am I crying?Damn fucking tears!Ipinikit ko ang mata, marahas na hinahawi ang mga luha. It was my second bottle and yet I could see her face drenched with tears as I said those words. She was in pain and I hated that I was the one who did that to her after promising I wouldn't.We promised to the stars! But wasn't it her who broke us first?She betrayed me, dapat hindi ko na siya iniisip!I drowned myself again in my second bottle for tonight to forget but I'm a sadist, opening my phone to stare at the lock screen of her smiling face. Napatitig ako, pinagsasawa ang tingin sa mukha niya.I felt hollow.Bakit kahit anong gawin ko, mahal na mahal pa rin kita?Nang madaanan ng tingin ko ang daliri at napansing wala roon ang singsing. It felt bare. It felt empty. May natitirang marka pa ro'n nang singsing na wala.I sighed, running my fingers on my hair as I got out of my penthouse to go back to the restaurant.I was dizzy. 'Di na malinaw ang paningin ko pero kabisado ng mga paa ang daan sa restaurant na paborito namin, kahit nakapikit. Alam ko.Pagkapasok at pagkakita kay Mandy na papasara na ng restaurant ay malaki ang hakbang ko. She screamed in shock when I appeared like a ghost in front of her."Sir!" Nasapo niya ang dibdib. "Akala ko minumulto na ako!""I'm sorry..." I sighed and looked around, looking for a familiar face. Baka nandito pa siya o..."Bakit, Sir? Ano'ng nangyari kanina–""H-have you seen my ring?" I asked. Nilagpasan ko siya at dumiretso sa may balcony.She wasn't here anymore. Of course she wasn't, pinaalis mo nga, hindi ba?"Ito po?" Dagli ko siyang nilingon at nabawasan ang tinik sa puso nang makita ang hawak niya. "Thank you..." I muttered as I took it. Kinuyom ko ang kamay at dinama ang lamig no'n sa palad ko.She nodded but I could see a lot of questions running in her head."Umalis po si Ma'am na umiiyak," aniya. "Hindi ko na po makausap kasi po nanginginig. Natakot nga po ako kung ano'ng nangyari, lalo na at nag-drive nang umiiyak. Worried po ako pero ayaw ko pong manghimasok..."My forehead creased.She drove while crying?I push the worry away. I shouldn't care."Magpapalamig muna ako," I whispered, my mind flying about Reev's whereabouts.*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
"THE fuck, Kuya? Get up! You looked like shit!" Singhal ni Warrion nang makita akong nakasandal sa pader at katabi ang bote ng alak.I just smirked, staring at the blurry vision of him."I know I'm shit," I muttered. "You don't have to say it all over again. I know."Iritadong lumapit siya't hinablot ang bote ng alak na hawak ko."What if, instead of sulking, go to her and beg on your knees?" aniya."Paano?" I smiled bitterly. "I've hurt her, Warrion! I'm fucking embarassed. Ano pang mukhang maihaharap ko sa kanya?""E 'di magmakaawa ka," aniya. "Magaling ka naman d'yan, 'di ba?"Hindi ako umimik at sinuklay ang buhok. I don't think a simple grovel would suffice what I did.I still love her, damn it. A few days without her was hell and I forgive her. Wala lang akong maihaharap sa kanya pero mahal na mahal ko pa rin siya.I forgive her, we'll start all over again. I'm sure she a part of her loved me, maybe it was just a night temptation. Pumayag siyang pakasal sa 'kin, mahal niya 'ko..."Hindi na siya pumapasok sa ospital."Doon ay dagli akong napaangat ng tingin."What?""Ang Dad daw niya ang nagpasa ng resignation letter," aniya. "I wasn't able to check if she's home yet."Please check if she's still home. I'll..." Bumaling ako sa sarili. I haven't shaved my beard for days now. I couldn't eat. I couldn't sleep. The only thing that's been keeping me sane is the liquor and her photo on my lock screen. "M-matatanggap pa kaya niya ako?" Pinasadahan niya 'ko ng tingin."Sa itsura mong parang tanga na 'yan? Hindi." He scoffed. "And to add salt to the wound, unlike you, I investigated and found out she didn't cheat, Kuya."I stiffened."W-what?""I believe she was drugged and set up," aniya. "I'm looking for witnesses or evidence we can use against that asshole. It's Claude Ramirez. The ex."But my mind was wandering about Reev. About the accusations. About the things I said.I fucked up.My jaw clenched, kumuyom ang kamay ko at mabilis na tumayo at kahit nahihilo ay naglakad palabas."Kuya!" He exclaimed, running after me as he pulled me back."What?!""Maybe have the decency to bathe and fix yourself!" He exclaimed and right now, it sounded like he's the older one. "You looked like shit! Kung pupuntahan mo si Polaris, maging presentable ka naman!""Who said I was going to her?" I hissed. "I'll deal with the motherfucker first."Pinigilan ako ng kapatid pero nagpumiglas ako. Nagpabuno pa kaming dalawa."Kuya!""Let me the fuck go!" I scoffed angrily, pulling my arms off."Calm down–""How can I fucking calm down when my woman got harassed?!" I exclaimed. "She was vulnerable, Warrion! I should be the one to protect her from assholes like that but what the fuck did I do?! I've pushed her away! I didn't believe her! I failed her!""Kuya, I understand–"I pushed his chest off me."What will you do if someone hurt the woman you love?" I asked while staring at him. Natigil siya. I saw the familiar darknening of his green eyes, mirroring mine. "Nakakagalit, 'di ba? Nakakanginig ng kalamnan. Putang ina, nasaktan ang babaeng mahal ko! Tapos kakalma ako? Papatayin ko siya!"No one dared to stop me when I got the asshole and punched him straight in the face. Unang sapak ko pa lang ay nawalan na siya ng balanse.Naririnig ko ang kumosyon pero ang atensyon ko ay nanatili sa kanya na nagdudugo ang ilong at labi."Who the fuck are you–""Me?" Hinatak ko pataas ang kwelyo ng damit niya patayo. "I'll be the one to fucking kill you, bastard." Kinailangan pa ng pulis para maawat ako. Like what happened before, my brother was there and fought with me. Kapag nilalapitan kami ng pamilya at no'ng mga guards para awatin, ang kapatid ko ang tagatulak sa kanila palayo para 'di ako maabot at malumpo ko ang putang ina.Napuruhan din tuloy siya pero walang-wala 'yon sa bugbog na tinamo no'ng gago. He needed stiches, he was unconscious for quite some time, and of course, got confined.Fucking deserving.Meanwhile, I got jailed. Which I already anticipated. I almost killed the asshole, not that he didn't deserve it. The family lawyer bailed me out of jail but on the same date the asshole was discharged? I'm on beating his ass again.Naging tropa-tropa ko na nga ang mga pulis do'n at pabalik-balik ako. I was charged with assault and I couldn't care less. I'm having fun with it but I know I couldn't just distract myself and fuel all this anger on him when I should be looking for Reev to apologize."Hoy, Alcantara, may bisita ka!" ani no'ng pulis na nakasilip sa selda."Balik ako, pare," paalam ko, binababa iyong mga baraha at lumabas.It was Warrion, with my parents. naghihisterikal na si Mommy pagkakita sa 'kin."Ang anak ko! Nasa kulungan!" Iyak niya at sinapo ang pisngi ko. "Mommy," ungot ko."Nangayayat ka na, Caspian! Ano bang pinanggawa mo sa buhay mong sutil ka?!" She exclaimed and I was expecting an affectionate moment but I gasped when she pulled my ear, pull me down despite her short height to smack me in the head. "Ano 'tong nababalitaan kong ikaw pa ang dumidiretso sa police station pagkatapos mong manambang?! Bida-bida kang bata ka!"*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
I lived those years with regret, searching for her, praying I could see her someday, if she's doing well, and how was she and our child.I didn't have a chance to talk to her father. I couldn't even come close, kung makikita ko siya'y saglit lang, ni hindi ako pinapayagang magtanong tungkol sa mag-ina ko. Makita pa lang ako tinataboy na ako that I had to resort to more creative things, para makibati.Unfortunately, Tito could see right through me that first day ko pa lang na kumilos para makibalita, napatalsik na ako!"Can you fuck off, Mr. Alcantara?" malamig at iritado niyang turan habang hawak-hawak ako ng mga guwardiya."Sir..." pakiusap ko. "I mean no harm, I just want to talk to you about Reev. Gusto ko lang malaman kung kumusta siya? A-ang anak namin–""Anak n'yo?" He scoffed. "As much as I'm concerned, there's no one.""Po?" Napumulagat ako at nagpumiglas sa hawak ng guards. "What do you mean? Ano'ng wala ang anak namin?""I heard you didn't want a part of the kid. And why do you care, anyway? If my daughter is pregnant or not, she doesn't want to be a part of your bullshit life anymore. She's moved on."Mas bumigat ang pakiramdam ko. I have thought of it, that maybe she'd move on. Maybe... she had someone else now. Maybe she'd forgotten about me but hearing it from her father."Fuck off," he spat. "Polaris didn't want to see you anymore.""Sir," ulit ko. "I-I just have to know if she's doing better–""Doing better?" Natawa siyang walang laman, malamig ang mga mata. "Oh, yes, Alcantara. My daughter is doing better, thanks to you. You rid of her but she rid of you for a lifetime. Good riddance, I guess? You did the hardwork for her. H'wag ka nang umasang makikita mo ang anak ko.""Sir...""Pakilabas na 'yan," he scoffed. "At h'wag hahayaang makapasok!"I was very desperate. I did everything unimaginable to try and see her but I kept on failing. Nag-apply akong security guard sa may village na tinitirhan ng Dad niya. Nag-apply na maintenance, lahat! I even resorted to apply as his driver pero mukhang ipinaskil ang pagmumukha ko sa kung nasaan man siya't magpapasa pa lang ako ng resume, banned na agad!There's this one time I got to the first interview at akala ko'y pasok pero biglang 'di na tumawag pagkatapos! Nag-follow up ako pero na-ghost ako!Tang inang ang sakit pala umasa na babalikan ang tawag mo tapos wala?The private investigator was useless. For what am I paying him kung wala namang magandang balitang dumarating sa 'kin?Somehow, still seeing her father made me hope that one day, I'd get a glimpse but when he vanished too, I lost it all.Inangat ko ang tingin ko sa langit at walang kahit anong liwanag o kislap man lang ng bituin.My star had fallen. It was now so dark and it was all my fault.Sumandal ako at inangat ang palad, umaakmang aabutin ang langit at umasang may bituing lilitaw pero..."I miss you, Reev," I whispered. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry."My heart raced when I saw a sudden light from the sky."Shooting star!" I blurted, my smile appearing. "Reev–" but paused when I realized no one was beside me.I shut my eyes and whispered. "Please, I wish for my star back. Please, give her back to m-me..."It wasn't true, Reev. I'm sorry, I lied.You're not a stardust, you're the whole galaxy to me.*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
YEARS had passed with no Reev and I barely even lived–if I ever did.Mag-isa ako, nagsubsob sa trabaho, nagbabanat ng buto, umaasang para kung sakaling makita ko siyang muli ay hawak ko ang buong oras ko para sa kanya, sa kanila ng anak namin. Para suyuin siya, para makiusap sa isa pang pagkakataon, para mabigyan sila ng magandang buhay.Ang tanong, magkakaroon pa ba ako ng tiyansa pagkatapos kong sayangin 'yon?I looked up, staring at the skies. Whenever I feel alone and lonely, like what she used to tell me, just look up and she'll be there.That's the only thing that's keeping me sane but sometimes, it just felt so heavy that I could feel nothing but emptiness. My chest was hollow the space was noticeable. Sometimes, I want to forget the terrible things I did, that I was the reason why I lost the love of my life."Pagsabihan mo nga 'yang anak mo, Arthur!" I've overheard my mom talking to dad. "Hindi tatakbo ang Casa Amara! Kung makapagtrabaho akala mo malulugi na ang kompanya! Halos pakasalan na niya ang opisina niya!""What do you want me to say? Your son won't rest. He's distracting himself with work. He changed a lot when Polaris came, imagine how he changed when she's gone? Would you rather see him drowning himself with beer again or sit his ass in that jail? Choose."Natahimik si Mom bago umirit."Jusmiyo!" She sighed loudly. "Nai-stress na 'ko sa mga anak mo!""Anak ko lang?" Natawa si dad. 'Makapagsalita naman 'tong asawa ko parang wala siyang ambag–""Shhh!" She hissed.*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
THE Estradas had connections, being in politics, they're connected with big names in the government and we know for sure filing a case against Cheska will be hard, unless we have evidence.Pero nahihirapan kaming makakuha. I know she and Claude are working together, somehow, pero sa ngayon ay wala kaming mahanap na butas.Claude couldn't come close to me or I'll beat his fucking ass again. I couldn't file a case against him on Reev's behalf. She needed to be here but unfortunately, she wasn't.Galit na galit ako. Sa totoo lang ay may mga oras na gusto ko siyang sugurin at ako na lang ang magpaparusa sa ginawa niya. The truth was just earlier, I came across him on the gym and before he could run away, I punched him in the mouth. I want to do more but my mother..."At sa tingin mo, ano? Kung papatayin mo ang lalaking 'yan, babalikan ka ni Polaris?!" She was hysterical. "I am sure not! Kung gusto mong sirain ang buhay mo, sige! Pakasalan mo 'yang trabaho mo! Makipagbasag ulo ka! Magpabaya ka sa kalusugan mo!""Tess–""Hindi, Arthur, e!" She snapped. "Pagsabihan mo 'yan anak mo! Kung ganyan siya, kung babalik man si Polaris, wala na siyang babalikan! Do you think she'd go back to that pitiful one?!"Parang sinikmuraan ako sa sinabi niya."Polaris is an amazing woman! She knew her worth and look at your son!" Tinuro niya ko. "Look at the mess that man is! Sa tingin mo babalikan 'yan?"It was the waking moment for me. It hurt but that was the truth, mababa na nga ang tiyasang makita ko ulit siya, mas bababa pa dahil sa ginagawa ko sa buhay.Tuwing gabi, wala akong ibang hiling kung hindi makita silang muli ng anak namin. I'll do everything whatever it takes to get her back, I'll trade every riches, my life, in exchange of a lifetime with her.I will be everything... if I have to.I am not a church person but I found myself frequenting it to talk to him, be on my knees and make my wait with my head low towards the altar, wishing for another chance, promising I'll do better this time.I won't fuck up. I'll be a better man.I still have a few mishaps as the time goes by. I got in a car accident with Wave and that changed the trajectory of my life.She's back. Our paths crossed again and I will do everything it takes to have her again.*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
WALANG tigil ang luha ko nang sa wakas ay may nalaman na ang imbestigador tungkol sa anak namin. Reev didn't know she was pregnant, she had amnesia. She was almost killed before and I wasn't there with her.Hindi ko pa mapigilan ang saya nang sabihin sa 'king may balita na siya tungkol sa anak but what I didn't expect was that, it's a tragic news."Sir, wala na po ang anak n'yo...""W-what do you mean?"He sighed. "Tama pong na-comatose si Miss Polaris. Premature pong ipinanganak ang bata. He stayed for a few hours pero hindi rin po kinaya ng anak n'yo, Sir."I was trembling on the way to the cemetery. I was with Reev earlier that morning and knowing she didn't know what happened to our child–and it happened all because of me enraged me more.Galit na galit ako sa sarili ko. Kahit sarili ko'y 'di ko mapapatawad sa lahat ng 'to.When I stepped inside the mausoleum and saw his name, I dropped to my knees and cried."I-I'm sorry, Castor. I'm sorry," I cried. "It's all my fault. I'm sorry."I stayed there the whole night, with my son. I didn't sleep and stayed with him."S-sorry, Papa is too late," I apologized. "N-nilamig ka ba? Sorry, anak. Nahuli si Papa. H'wag kang mag-alala, 'di na ako mawawala. Dito lang ako, 'di ka na mag-isa."I couldn't find my voice. Ni hindi na nga malinaw ang mga mata kong hilam ng mga luha pero sa tagal kong wala sa tabi ng anak ko? Hindi pa 'to sapat para punan ang mga pagkukulang ko, ang mga araw na wala ako sa tabi niya, sa tabi nila ng Mama niya.After finding out about him, it became my daily routine. Pumapasok lang ako sa opisina kapag kailangan talaga. To hell I didn't bury myself with work before just to drown in it again after seeing Reev.I'll visit Castor and stay there for hours just talking about random things. I bought story books because I know for sure no one has read those to him.Sa umaga'y naroon ako kina Sirius na kagaya ko'y may mga berdeng mga mata rin. The kid is bubbly, ani Reev ay pamangkin daw niya pero ewan ba, there's something striking about the little star, kahit no'ng unang beses ko siyang nakita.He felt... familiar.So I did the most silly things ever. The eyes were a giveaway but I didn't want to assume. I've learned my lesson the hard way so I did a DNA test and I will be honest, I felt quite disappointed and hurt he wasn't mine.Though, it doesn't matter. Sirius is a bright, lovely, and amazing kid.But destiny's playful and a few months later, we found out Sirius was ours too. They were twins. Sirius and Castor, the twin stars, like the myth, one stayed with us while the other one's with the stars now, watching over us.Reev's father still doesn't approve of me but I'll do my best. Hindi ako magpapatinag sa galit niya, I will do whatever it takes to protect my family."At anong maitutulong mo?" malamig niyang sikmat."I know a lawyer, Sir," I shared. "He could help us–""What would be that lawyer's difference from the others? Kaya ba niyang harapin ang mga Estrada? You knew how many times the case was rejected–""I believe in this one, Sir. I knew someone who knew him personally. We can vouch. Sir, please, let me help."For Reev... I'll do everything.It hurt when she pushed me away. It hurt when she said she could never love me again, that I disgusted her. It hurt when she said that she wasn't mad but disappointed because I turned out to be everything I promised I wouldn't become.That our stars just met across but were never aligned.Pero wala lang ang sakit na 'to sa hirap na dinanas niya dahil sa 'kin at no'ng wala ako. I accused her, cursed her, called her things I couldn't stomach.She almost died. Castor died. Sirius wasn't with us growing up. Ang dami-dami kong atraso sa mga-iina ko kaya wala lang itong sakit na 'to. Kurot lang 'to sa lahat ng mga kasalanan ko sa kanila.She pushed me away but I was a very stubborn man. Sige na nga, bida-bida.I am not bida-bida for nothing. I'll show myself to her and prove I won't back down, that I won't give up like what I did before.Even if she pushed me away, I stayed strong. Kahit ipagtabuyan niya ako palayo, hindi ako susuko. I will stay strong and will tighten my grip on her heart."Good morning, Reev!" I appeared like a mushroom in front of her."Jesus!" Nasapo niya ang dibdib. "Ano na naman? Ang aga-aga?"I grinned sheepishly. "Traffic daw sa main road, Reev. Sakay ka na sa 'kin–"She glared at me. "I mean sa traysikel," I clarified and motioned it to her. "Pero kung may iba kang gustong sakyan–""Jeep," she muttered and rolled her eyes. "Ayaw ko d'yan sa traysikel mo, puro putik!"My jaw dropped. I looked at my precious tricycle and realized it was indeed, quite muddy."Oh, sorry, umulan kasi kahapon tapos may pasahero ako–"She shot her brow up. "Magko-commute ako! Lumayas ka na! Ayoko sa maneho mo, tatalsik ako palabas!""Hindi nga?" Ngumuso ako. "Maingat nga ako magmaneho–""Sir! May naka-illegal parking dito!" Biglang sigaw niya sabay kaway sa enforcer na nakaabang."Reev–"Hinabol ko siya pero biglang sinita ako maling parking daw ang traysikel! Ayaw ko namang mahila kaya habang tini-ticketan tuloy ako'y nakasalisi si Reev!She pushed me away but I always show up. Ayaw niyang maputik na traysikel? Nagpa-tricycle wash ako! Proud na proud pa akong kumikinang na 'yon paglitaw ko no'ng pauwi na siya no'ng gabi pero ayaw naman daw niya ang dinadaanan kasi 'di pantay!"Naku, salamat po sa donation, Sir Caspian!" ani no'ng mga tao sa City Hall. "Problema na po talaga ang daan na 'yon at public road pero hindi pantay!"I almost made a face. It was obviously the government's job to fix the damn road. We're paying taxes for that but what do I expect from these corrupt people?I didn't have to donate, malaki na ang ambag ko sa taxes sa hotel pa lang pero para pantay na ang daan at 'di nai-stress si Reev!A few days later, the road was smooth. Miski ang langaw, madudulas."Babe..." Ngisi ko sabay lahad kay Reev no'ng daan, proud na proud! "Tsaran!"I was expecting a surprised expression but her face's sour."Uh-huh, so you're the reason why I have to leave early!""What?""Inaayos ang daan, traffic! Of course, I have to leave early to get to work in time!"Mas nahulog ang panga ko. "P-pero at least, 'di ba, smooth na ang daan? P'wede na kitang ihatid–""Ayoko sa driver! Bano mag-drive!" Singhal niya at umirap sabay walk out.*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
THINKING of it, it seemed impossible to be with her and our son again. Kahit ako, 'di mapapatawad ang sarili sa mga nagawa but Reev must've had a golden heart for being able to forgive me and give me a chance again.Nakatitig lang ako sa tulog kong asawa habang hinahaplos ng marahan ang buhok niya.I can't believe I'll have another opportunity to be this close to her, to touch her like this. Hindi ako makapaniwalang asawa ko na talaga siya, na akin na talaga siya."I'm sorry, Reev," bulong ko at humalik sa buhok niya. "Hinding-hindi ako magsasawang sabihin 'yan habang nabubuhay pa ako."While staring at her, I kept on telling myself that I am a better man. That I will continue to work on to be deserving of her and our children."Salamat, mahal ko," muli kong bulong."For?" nangiti ako nang marinig siya, iminumulat ang mapungay na mga mata."Thank you for having a forgiving heart." I caressed her cheek and pulled her more into my arms. "Thank you for having the purest soul."She smiled, the sweetest I had ever seen and it was like seeing your dreams turning into reality right in front of your eyes.When she's gone, I've dreamt of waking up next to her, for years, na ngayong totoo na 'yon ay 'di ako mapakaniwala.Anak ng... naiiyak na naman ako!"I love you, Cas," she mumbled and reached for my cheek. "Naiiyak ka na naman. Tama na ang senti. Tuwing umaga at mauuna ka sa akin, nagda-drama ka."I sighed. "I'm just happy you're here, babe. Sobrang saya ko.""Hmm? Ano pa?"Inabot ko ang malaki na niyang tiyan. "Ano ba kasing gender ni baby, Reev?" I pouted. "I bought things in both genders.""Surprise nga," she said mysteriously and pinched my cheek.Habang mas nagtatagal, mas nagiging hiyang si Reev sa pagbubuntis niya. She's always been glowing but there's something quite different while she's pregnant. Her fair skin made the red in her cheeks and lips become more noticeable.Or maybe, because she seemed happier?Still, I wonder what gender it might be? Palagi kaming nanghuhula ni Sirius pero ayaw talaga sabihin ng asawa ko at tatawanan lang kaming dalawa."Stop being curious." She kissed me. "Malalaman mo rin.""Babae ba o lalaki?" pangungulit ko. "Come on, babe.""Nah." She licked her lips and winked playfully at me.Ang ganda ng asawa ko.I melted."I love you, Reev, ang ganda-ganda mo," I blurted.Mukhang nagulat siya't kumalat ang pula sa mukha. Bahagya siyang lumapit kaya mas idinikit ko ang sarili sa kanya. Like usual, she pushed her head on my neck to sniff."Ang bango mo," she said dreamily and snuggled."Wala akong ligo," I whispered and nibbled her ear."H'wag ka nang maliligo kasi, mas mabango ka kapag walang ligo,""Reev, pangalawang araw ko na 'to walang ligo," ungot ko. "Ang baho ko na.""Hmm, no..." I smirked when she bit my neck. "Ang bango-bango kaya. Mabaho ka kapag nakaligo. Eww!"I casually placed my palm on her breast, gently running my hand over her sensitive bud. She gasped."Caspian," she warned. "Nakadalawa ka kagabi!""Sus, gusto mo naman." Tawa ko. "And the doctor said it could help when you give birth–""Shhh!" tinakpan niya ang bibig ko. Humahalakhak akong inilayo iyon."Pero Reev, seryoso! Lumaki talaga siya, dati sakto lang sa palad ko," I said. Napatingin siya sa dibdib niya pabalik sa akin at napasinghap ako nang kurutin niya ang braso ko."Kakahimas mo 'yan, gago." She spat.Bumilog ang bibig ko. "Totoo? Effective pala 'yon?" I asked and molded her breast, laughing as I embraced her.Muling nakatulog ang asawa. Saglit lang din ako pero nang magising ay binusog ko na naman ang sarili kakatitig sa kanya.Umupo ako sa kama at marahang humawak sa tiyan niya at dumapa. I slowly pulled her dress up and planted a kiss on her skin."Hang in there, baby," I murmured. "I still don't know your gender but we'll know soon. Papa loves you."Her stomach moved, umawang ang labi ko nang sumipa ang anak ko."You kicked!" I kissed her stomach and smiled genuinely.I slept hugging her stomach and woke up with a soft kiss on my lips, nang magmulat ako ay nakita kong nasa tabi ko si Reev at nakabihis na habang nakabalot ng tuwalya ang buhok."You took a bath?" I sat on the bed."Yes,""Are you comfortable?" I said and caressed her cheek. "Naabot mo ang paa mo? Sana ginising mo ako para matulungan kita.""I can manage." She chuckled. "Tara na, tayo ka na, breakfast is ready. I cooked food.""Gano'n ako katagal natulog?" Namilog ang mata ko. She nodded."I woke up and you're embracing my stomach. You probably loved it when your child kicked you in the face, hmm?"Inalalayan ko siya pababa sa kusina sa bahay at nakita si Sirius na nakaupo sa stool at kausap si Amy. My son hopped from his seat and ran towards us."Mimi!" He jumped and reached for his mother. Reev chuckled when Riu kissed her stomach to greet his sibling then kissed Reev."Morning, Papa!" bati niya."Hello there, big boy." He lifted his hand, natatawang binuhat ko siya at hinalikan sa noo bago naglakad sa hapag.Pinaupo ko ang anak bago sinundan ng tingin si Reev, nakabantay sa mga gagawin niya."Papa, watch tayo movie? Wala po ako assignment." Bumaling ako sa anak."Alright, pili ka lang ng movie.""Hindi ka pa naligo?" He asked and looked all over me. I blinked and shook my head."Ayaw ni Mimi mo, nagagalit siya kapag naliligo ako. Ang baho ko raw.""Hindi naman, Papa," takang agap niya. "Bakit po ayaw? Si baby po ba ang reason?""Maybe? Baka ayaw ng kapatid mong maligo ako,""C-Cas!" Halos malaglag ako sa upuan nang sumigaw ang asawa ko."H-huh? Reev?!""M-manganganak na ako!" She exclaimed. Doon na ako tuluyang nahulog."T-talaga?! Wait!" Mabilis akong tumayo pero dahil nangatog ang tuhod at napaupong muli."Shit!" I exclaimed. Mabilis na tumakbo si Amy at tinulungan akong makatayo at do'n ko na inisang hakbang ang asawa.She was puffing a breath, nakahawak siya sa sink habang nakatitig sa lapag."Reev! Reev! I'll bring you to the hospital!" I exclaimed, my heart racing I felt like it's now in my throat."I'm fine..." She sighed, calming herself down. "Manganganak na ata ako."My knees turned jelly."Cas," tawag niya. Dagli kong inabot ang braso niya."Hospital," bulong ko sabay baling kay Riu na gulantang ding nakatitig sa Mama niya."L-lalabas na po kapatid ko?""Yes, baby," Reev informed calmly.My son's mouth parted, napatakip siya sa bibig niya at nanlaki ang mata."Riu, call Tito Warrion. Kunin mo ang phone ko, anak!" Utos ko at dagling sumunod si Riu."Amy, pakiayos no'ng dadalhin sa ospital na gamit ni Reev saka ni baby–""Kumalma ka nga, Cas," ani Reev na kalmado na ngayon."Manganganak ka, Reev! Paanong kakalma?" I asked lowly, I couldn' hide the tremble in my voice."Ayos lang ako," kalmadong sinabi niya. "Pakitawagan na lang muna 'yong OB ko.""No," mariing sabi ko at hinawakan ang baywang niya. "Pupunta na tayo sa ospital."She looked at me and chuckled."Seriously, Polaris Reeva?" I gasped. "How can you smile when you're about to give birth?""Mag-le-labor pa ako s'yempre," aniya at humugot ng hininga. "And I'm a nurse so no worries–""I'm worried sick, Reev!" I exclaimed exaggeratedly and closed my eyes. "Ako ata ang manganganak!"Natawa siya at hinaplos ako pero 'di ako mapirmi."Riu! Amy! Faster!" I exclaimed in panic and my wife didn't have the chance to protest because I'm already carrying her to the car."Papa! Nandito na po si Tito!" Riu informed.Ni-loud speaker ni Amy ang phone."Warrion! Hospital! My wife's gonna give birth!" I exclaimed."Cas, calm down!" ani Reev.Gusto kong humarurot pero maingat ang galaw ko at kasama ko ang pamilya."Kuya–""Call them! Manganganak na ang asawa ko!" I said, pasulyap-sulyap ako sa salamin at mas bumigat ang puso nang makitang nahihirapan na ang asawa.Pagkarating na pagkarating pa lang namin sa ospital ay walang oras na 'kong pinalagpas. I opened the car door and carried her."No... No, kaya kong tumayo," pigil niya sa 'kin."Reev–""Kaya ko, Cas, please..." She squeezed my arm. "And calm down, baka mahimatay ka...""I won't." Iling ko at hinayaan siyang pababa.I was assisting her as she slowly walk to the emergency room. Kalmado lang siya pero halos mamatay na ako sa kaba."My wife's gonna give birth!" Sigaw ko at nagulat sa 'kin ang mga staff.My wife's nurse friends panicked too at lumapit."Polaris! Due date mo na?!""Sa susunod na araw pa sana, kaso parang napaaga." My wife even has the guts to smile while I'm shaking in fear here!"M-manganganak na siya! Help me!" natatarantang kong paalalaa."Tatawagin ko ang OB mo, Lars," ani ni Monique at umalis samantalang lumapit sa amin ang isang kaibigan niya bitbit ang stretcher. Pinahiga ko ang asawa ko at sumunod sa kanila.*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
THE labor was taking so long! I was panicking pero kung ano'ng ikinataranta ko'y siya kalma ng asawa ko! Mas lalong pumintig ang ulo ko!"Reev..." I whined as I watched her walking back and forth in front of me."Sshh, kumalma ka. The doctor even said I should walk around para hindi ako mahirapan manganak,""Fuck. Umupo ka rito." I patted the seat beside me. "Paano kapag biglang lumabas ang ulo ng baby?""Si OA?" Tumawa siya. "Hindi 'yan. I can manage, d'yan ka lang.""Oh, Kuya, magkape ka muna." Warrion gave me a cup of coffee while I was staring nervously at my wife.Bumaling si Warrion sa asawa."Hi, Lars! Sabihan mo lang kami kapag lalabas na ang pamangkin ko, a?" ani Warrion. Ngumisi si Reev at nag-thumbsup, tila hindi manganganak."Sus, maryosep!" Nahilot ko ang sentido ko."Kumalma ka nga, Kuya." Tawa ni Warrion. "Akala mo siya ang iire. Mas kalmado pa ang manganganak sa 'yo!"My son had to go home with Amy because it's late. Ilang oras nang labor si Reev pero mukhang kalmado lang siya! Nakikipagkwentuhan pa nga sa mga kaibigan at sa doktor kanina samantalang ako'y 'di man lang makalunok ng pagkain! Puro lang ako kape!I was sipping on my coffee and tapping my foot on the ground when my wife stopped walking. Nakahawak na lang siya sa pader kaya mabilis kong inabot sa kapatid ko ang kape at tinakbo siya."R-Reev?""L-lalabas na ata, Cas," she whimpered. Her forehead creased and she gasped. "My water broke."Nahulog ang tingin ko sa paa niya."Fuck!" I cursed and looked at my brother, who was now beside me. "Call the nurses! Manganganak na siya!"And a minute later, the nurses came rushing to us with her OB. Inalalayan namin si Reev papasok sa delivery room at habang nakapikit siya at namimilipit na sa sakit ay bumigat ang puso ko at nininerbyos."Nandito lang ako, Reev. You can do it, babe. I love you. I love you," I whispered in her ear."O-ouch," she whimpered."I love you..." I squeezed her hand. "I love you, Reev. Dito lang ako.""Sorry, Mr. Alcantara but you have to go out," pakiusap sa akin ng doktor nang makita akong hawak ang asawa ko."I-is that so?" My voice was trembling. Muli akong sumulyap sa asawa ko na nakatingin na sa akin ang namumungay na mata at pinisil ang kamay ko."I'm gonna be alright," she murmured."R-Reev..." I whispered."I love you, Cas. Come on, ayos lang." She smiled. "Napag-usapan naman na natin 'to, right? You will stay outside while I'm giving birth?"Hindi ko makuha bakit. Basta um-oo lang ako no'n at moody ang asawa ko tapos ngayon parang nagsisi akong pumayag ako. I wanna be here with her but..."I love you, Reev. I love you, dito lang ako sa labas, a? Dito lang..."I was sitting on the bench outside the delivery room for quite some time now at 'di ko alam kung ilang santo na ang natawag ko kakadasal na maging maayos ang mag-ina ko.I went to the chapel briefly and went outside to look at the skies and breathe because it was hard inside when I wanted to replace my wife and be in pain instead of her.Dumating na ang Mommy ko, Daddy Arthur, and Reev's father. Miski ang mga pinsan ko ay kumpleto rito at si Wave kasama ang kanyang asawa."They're gonna be alright, hijo," ani Tito."I hope so," I whispered. Hindi mawala-wala ang kaba ko. My stomach was twisting and I felt like I would vomit.Nang makita ang paggalaw ng pintuan ng DR ay dagli akong napatayo pagkalabas ng OB."Excuse me po, 'yong asawa po ni Mrs. Alcantara?""It's me!" I ran towards her, sumunod naman ang mga pinsan ang magulang ko sa akin at nakiusyoso."H-how's my wife and kid?""They're healthy and good," she informed with a bright smile.I sighed in relief."W-what gender? Is it a boy? Girl?" I asked.Her face brightened even more. My heart jumped out of my throat, the anticipation building."H'wag kayong mabibigla," ani ng doktor.I heard gasps behind me, napalingon ako sa mga kasama ko at nakitang lahat sila ay nanlalaki ang mata at mukhang gulat."Wala pa," I sneered. "OA n'yo."I looked at the doctor, cleared my throat, and composed myself."What is it, Doc?" I asked calmly.Hindi ako mabibigla. Hindi ako mabibigla."It's two boys and one girl," aniya.I nodded and smiled."Two boys and a girl?" I murmured and nodded but suddenly stopped when realized something."H-huh?" Nanginig ang boses ko at napanganga. "C-come again?""Triplets ang anak mo, Mr. Alcantara. Congratulations!" She exclaimed.My mouth parted, napatakip ako sa bibig ko at nanlaki ang mata, lalo na nang tinuro niya ang salamin sa pintuan at doon ay nakita ko ang mga kaibigang nurse ni Reev... hawak ang tatlong anak ko at ipinapakita sa 'kin."Oh my God! Oh my God! I'm gonna faint!" My mother exclaimed pero naunahan ko siya."Fuck! Caspian!" I heard their screams when my knees buckled and my body fell, knocking me unconscious in disbelief and shock.It was a dream come true. An answered prayer and heard wishes. I couldn't believe it. The family that we once dreamt of is growing. Our paths were meant to align, it's destined to entwine. Our love... it's written in the stars.Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: ZingTruyen.Xyz