The Broken Vow (Published Under Bliss Books)
Wakas (Part Two)
Hello! This is the last part of The Broken Vow! This is my 3rd novel this year! Yay! More to come! Sana napasaya, napaiyak at napatawa kayo nina Angelo at Philie! I hope you also learned from this book. See you in Sibyl and Queen's Story! Sandejas is baccck!!!
May nakahula ba ng title? If mayro'n, dm me on twitter! Join us in our twitter party! #TBVUnbrokenVows
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Wakas (Part Two)
Elsa: Far From Home
I couldn't remember how much I screamed and cursed that time when the bulky carabao ran after me. I didn't even know how many laps I ran just to escape it, maybe a month worth of jogging is what I've done kaya no'ng mapagod na ang kalabaw ay nag-50/50 ata ako.
"Ikaw! Kapag nalaman ni Philomena na pinahabol mo sa kalabaw ang asawa niya, naku!" Nanay Rosita exclaimed and smacked Tatay who's been staring at me sharply.
"Bakit magsusumbong ka?" Tatay spat kaya mabilis akong umiling at napasandal pa sa puno habang nag-aagaw-buhay.
"N-no..." I shook my head, "h-hindi po, Tay."
"Anong Tatay? Hindi tayo close! Sinabi ko bang tawagin mo 'kong Tatay?!" he scolded.
"Hindi po. Sorry po..." I puffed a breath, "—tatay."
"Aba, pesteng yawa—" nang inabahan niya ako ng sapok ng tsinelas niya ay napaatras na.
"Sorry po, sorry..." hinahapong bulong ko, "'di ko na po uulitin, Tatay."
Narinig ko ang diin ng mura ni Tatay sa narinig at si Nanay ay napailing lang pero natatawa, tinulak si Tatay sa bahay sabay lapit at hawak sa braso ko.
"Naku, naku, Angelo!" Nanay gasped, "yari ako kay Philomena kapag nalamang nandito ka! Ayos ka lang ba, 'nak?"
"Opo..." habol na hininga kong sabi, "s-si Tatay ang lakas pa tapos ako nag-aagaw-buhay na."
That made her laugh. Nailing siya at may kinuha sa bulsa at 'yon na lang ang ngiti ko nang iangat niya ang hawak na bimpo at pinunasan ang noo ko.
"Ikaw talaga," she sighed, "'di ko alam kung anong mayroon sa inyo ni Philomena pero sana maayos ninyo, ah? Basang-basa ka ng pawis, oh. Tumalikod ka at pupunasan ko ang likod mo."
The motherly presence with my mother, I can feel it to from Nanay Rosita kaya tumalikod ako.
"Salamat, Nay." Lambing ko.
"Magagalit kasi si Philomena kapag nalamang nandito ka tapos pinabayaan. Basa ka ng pawis, baka magkapulmonya ka. Kailangan malakas ka at malusog. Mahirap na at baka bumalik si Philie sa dati." Aniya habang abala sa pagpunas ng likod ko.
"Po? Dati?"
"Oo. Proud na proud kasi 'yon at may kayakap na sa gabi. Kapag nagkasakit ka, mahirap na at baka diploma na naman ang yakap niya." Aniya na seryoso pa pero napahagalpak ako.
It made her laugh too kaya nilingon ko siya, "she's actually telling me you're mean to her." Usyoso ko.
"Aba't totoo naman!" tumawa siya, "puro 'yan study first noon kaya nahuli ang love life. No'ng unang kita ninyo nga nag-kwento 'yan na nakita na niya ang papalit sa diploma niyang kayakap sa gabi."
Mas napatawa ako. nang humarap ako kay Nanay ay inayos niya ang buhok ko at tinapik ang pisngi ko.
"Pero kahit ginaganyan ko si Philomena, mahal na mahal ko 'yan." She smiled at me, "Reyna 'yan ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro kaya feeling special kaya alagaan mo ng special, ah? Naku, Angelo, gusto kita sa anak ko pero kapag sinaktan mo 'yan—ako pa mismo papahabol sa 'yo sa kalabaw ng Tatay mo, isama mo na 'yong mga kambing atsaka manok namin."
"Don't worry, Nanay. Mahal na mahal ko rin po ang Reyna ninyo rito sa San Isidro kasi Reyna siya rito." I smiled at her and pointed my chest, "I'd willingly ran a thousand lapses again if ever I'd hurt my wife."
The first time I met her in the airport, her voice sounded annoying as hell. Mataas, matinis at puno ng energy. Mas malakas pa nga ang boses niya kaysa sa tugtog sa earphone ko kaya parang may gyera ang utak ko.
"Hello, good morning!" I almost cursed when I heard the sudden voice. Parang nahulog ata ang puso ko sa gulat kaya umayos ako ng upo at ibinaba ang shades.
I saw a woman standing in front of me. She's fair and sweet-looking. She has that lively round black eyes, pointed nose, thin reddish lips and her cheeks are a bit fluffy—the natural blush it has is visible. Maliit ang kanyang mukha, she looked like a doll. Plus, her slightly curly hair and that adorable bangs on her forehead.
Is she a Korean? Or half?
The amazement hovering her orbs are visible, making my brow shot up at unti-unti, nahuli ko ang pag-ngisi niya.
"P'wedeng makaupo sa tabi mo? Wala na kasing mauupuan doon banda." Buhay na buhay ang boses niya at akala ko'y mabubutas na ang eardrums ko. She grinned widely and I was weirded out when the dull airport turned brighter when her lips tugged for a smile.
The sunrays escaping from the glass wall reached her face and that's when I noticed the brownish color her eyes would give.
I felt something weird inside my chest that I didn't answer her and instead, lowered my glasses. Muli akong sumandal sa upuan at hindi na siya binalingan pero hindi ata matatahimik.
"Is...that a yes?" she asked and sat beside me anyway.
"Salamat, pogi." She murmured, I didn't comment. "Ah, alam mo kasi walang upuan doon kaya dito na lang ako."
Anong nalunok nito? Megaphone?
My forehead creased. Pinindot ko ang Ipod para hinaan ang kanta.
"Oh...sorry, sorry." She said in a small voice.
Mahina na ang tugtog na pinapakinggan ko kaya dinig na dinig ko ang bulong-bulong niya sa paligid.
"Makahanap kaya 'ko ng kano na jojowain doon?" she whispered nonetheless, making me chuckle.
Bigla siyang lumingon. Para 'di halatang tsismoso ako ay tumikhim ako at pinirmi ang labi, kunwari'y kinakalikot pa ang ipod para kunwari'y namimili ng kanta.
"Weird ni pogi," she whispered, "buti na lang pogi ka."
I glanced her way, good thing, I have my shades on kaya 'di niya kita ang mata ko. Namilog ang mata niya sa pagtingin ko pero ngumiti lang.
"'Di mo naman ako naririnig, 'di ba?" she mumbled, "pogi mo po, Kuya. Thanks kasi mabait ka, alam mo ba, walang gustong tumabi sa 'kin? Akala mo naman? Inggit lang sa kagandahan ko."
"Maganda nga," I muttered nonchalantly.
"H-huh? May sinabi ka, pogi?" she asked kaya muli akong umayos ng upo at kunwari'y kinuha ang earpods.
"Sorry?" I asked in a cold voice at napailing-iling siya at ngumisi.
"Wala, sabi ko lang ang pogi mo po. Compliment lang." She smiled again kaya tumango ako, kunwari'y binabalik ang earpods na walang nangyayari pero pasimpleng pinatay na ang tugtog.
Ikaw din, maganda. Bakit walang tatabi sa 'yo?
When the flight number is called, nanghinayang ako.
I won't see this talkative woman again, huh?
To my shock, she stood and grinned.
"Salamat sa pagpapaupo rito, pogi." she greeted, smiling. "Bye! Punta na akong plane!" she waved cutely while saying her goodbye loudly.
Pinagtinginan siya sa ginawa pero wala lang sa kanya at nang tumalikod siya habang hila-hila ang gamit ay tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.
Daldal.
Maybe fate really has plans for our paths to crossed because luckily, we are heading to a same place, to a same convention.
Pinilit lang naman ako na sumama rito dahil nag-iinarte si Castiel kapag 'di ako sumama kaya ko nandito. Iritado pa ako no'ng una pero ngayon?
I glanced at her staring at the window amazingly, a small smile left my lips.
This is her first time, hmm?
She glanced at me at laking pasalamat ko talaga't may shades ako kaya 'di niya ako nahuhuling nakatingin.
"Thank you kasi pinaupo mo 'ko rito!" she cheerily uttered, "first time ko kasi mag-byahe kaya nakakatuwa sa may bintana. Ang bait mo pala kahit 'di ka nagsasalita. Sayang ang kapogian pero okay lang."
Really? Ikaw, maganda ka kung hindi lang megaphone ang bibig mo.
Nang bumaling siyang muli sa bintana at kumuhang muli ng litrato ng mga ulap ay inangat ko ang phone. I pretended to scroll on my messages but took a quick photo of her with her smiling side profile.
"Yieee, ano 'yan?" isang bulong at siko ay naibaba ko na ang phone.
I looked at Chance and lowered my shades, glaring.
"Ano?"
"Kita ko 'yon—"
"Darshana—" I called and looked at the hallway pero mabilis niyang sinuntok ang hita ko.
"Joke lang!" he hissed, "wala namang bukuan, Angelo!"
"Wala ring bukuan, gago." I hissed and raised my brow, coldly looking away and glanced at the bubbly woman in bangs beside me again in her all smiles while looking at her pictures.
Who would have thought the woman who only asked me if she could sit beside me is the same woman I'll marry?
We planned our future together. For years, we promised to compromise and talk if we have concerns. We did our best not to neglect each other kahit anong abala namin ay gumagawa kami ng paraan para magtagpo kami sa gitna.
Trust, compromise and communication is what kept our relationship going. The love we had only deepened and it turned to peace, comfort and home.
May mga araw na hindi kami nagkakaintindihan. Parte na rin siguro ng relasyon talaga. Jealousy was there, miscommunication too but we'll resolve it after some time of reflection. We'll have our talk and then that talk will turn to our making love and it's done.
Bati na kami ulit. Akala ko nga'y 'yon lang ang dagok na kakaharapin namin ni Philomena pero mali pala ako. Easy level lang pala 'yon. Trial. May final pa pala.
It ruined us. My accident became the hindrance of our dreams and future we planned to make together.
Naging mahirap para sa akin ang gano'n pero para sa asawa ko'y gagawin ko ang lahat. Kahit pa kainin ako ng kahihiyan.
"Oh, tatlong team daw sa Palo Sebo ngayon!" kwento ng isa sa kasamahan naming magsaka sa sakahan ng mga Suarez, si Benjie.
"Sali ka, Jojo?" tawa nito sabay sulyap kay Jojo na napatigil doon at lumingon.
"Tuloy ba ang laro sa pyesta ngayon?" he asked kaya tahimik lang akong nakikinig sa kanila.
"Oo, tatlong team daw! 'Yong isa may leader na. Ikaw daw sa isa, kung gusto mo. Angelo, ikaw ba gusto mo? Mukhang kaya mo 'yon, eh." Baling niya sa akin.
Binitawan ko ang hawak kong palay ay nilingon sila.
"No, I don't know how to play it." Sagot ko bago muling bumaling sa ginagawa, wala nang pakialam.
"Madali lang 'yon, ano ka ba!" he laughed, "parang human pyramid tapos kawayan. Kukunin ninyo sa itaas ang tela kaso madulas 'yong kawayan kaya dapat malakas ka."
"I'm busy," sagot ko na lang.
"KJ naman ng pastol nina Aling Rosita." Reklamo niya, "sumali ka na, Angelo."
Hindi ako umimik. Sa halip na makipag-usap ay ibinaling ko na lang ang pansin sa ginagawa. I have to go home early so I could check my wife out. Maglilipat pa ako ng kambing mamaya bago matulog sa kubo malapit dito sa sakahan kaya dapat maaga ako makatapos at masulyapan man lang si Philie.
"Sayang naman." He sighed, "ikaw, Jojo. Sumali ka, ah? Ikaw ang pambato no'ng isang grupo!"
"Nah, sumali na ako last year, ah? Iba na lang—"
"Gago, manunuod si Philie!" Benjie proclaimed, stopping me from my tracks. "Sumali ka na at ngayon lang 'yan nakauwi rito ulit at manunuod ng pyesta! Aba, malay mo't manalo ka at mahumaling si Philie sa 'yo?"
Anong mahumaling?!
"Galingan mo, dapat manalo ka. Bagay na bagay kayo at ikaw pa ang Reigning Hari ng Dinibdibang Lupa—"
"I'll join." I announced and looked at them. Napanganga si Benjie at nagtaka rin si Jojo.
"Akala ko ba ayaw mo?" Jojo asked, "mukha kang laking Maynila kaya bakit ka nagpastol dito?"
"Akala mo lang 'yon," I smirked and stood straight before glancing at Benjie's amazed eyes. "Sasali ako, Benjie. I will lead the other team and we will win." I competitively said.
I was never this competitive before but for Philomena, I will. I watched countless videos, nakakatawa ang mga nangyayari pero alam kong kayang-kaya ko 'yan, lalo na't nagpa-practice ako pagkatapos magsaka.
"Ay jusmiyo! Akala ko unggoy!" Philomena's loud scream stopped me from practicing by climbing a coconut tree near their house.
Ibinaba ko ang tingin at nakitang nasa ibaba si Philomena at hawak ang dibdib niya.
"Hey, babe." I called and smiled.
"Anong hey ka diyan?" she hissed, "anong ginagawa mo diyan sap uno ng niyog, Dean Angelo?!"
"Uhm..." napaisip ako, "nagpapahangin?"
"Ano?!" she looked stressed upon hearing it, "nagpapahangin? Sa taas ng puno ng niyog? Ng ten ng gabi?!"
I was embarrassed telling her I've been practicing for the fiesta game kaya tumikhim ako.
"Do you like some coconut?" I asked her loudly.
"Bakit? Kukuhaan mo ba 'ko? Marunong ka bang kumuha?" she challenged.
"Of course, I do." I answered proudly, "step aside, mahal ko. Kukuhanan ko kayo ng buko."
"Kayo?" she asked and I stopped.
"What I mean is..."
"Hoy, bakit ka nananakot?!" she hissed and touched her arm, "mag-isa lang ako rito sa baba tapos kayo? Ano? May kasama ba 'ko?!"
Ikaw tapos ang anak natin... I smirked at the thought.
"I mean, tayo." I announced.
"Walang tayo!" she exclaimed back at me pero nailing na lang ako at mas kumapit sa puno.
"Magkakaroon ng tayo ulit sa sunod, Philie." I said, "move aside, baka mahulugan ka."
She stepped back and I felt like I became a superhero as I reached for the buko and when it successfully fell, I glanced at my wife's place proudly.
"Super Gelo 'yern?!" she hissed, making me laugh and like an expert, I went down the coconut tree and walked confidently towards my wife's direction.
I pulled her waist closer to me and caught her blushing, making me smile.
"I'll prepare some buko for you and..." I glanced at her flat stomach and proceeded into smiling, kissing her cheek kahit anong irap niya.
"Ano ba..." she hissed lowly.
"Bilhan kitang Kiwi, gusto mo?" bulong ko pa at napatawa nang magliwanag ang mukha niya at nilingon ako bago ngumisi at tango.
Finding out about her pregnancy is easy. Noong una'y akala ko nga wala lang dahil gutumin talaga ang Philomena ko. She's my little and adorable piglet, kapag kakain, gusto niya sa kanya 'yong malaking karne kaya nagpaparaya ako and it wasn't new she's eating too much but I noticed something.
Based on my observation of her after my amnesia and the glimpses of my memories the way she craved for a certain food is rare. Bukod sa damong kinakain niya noon ay hindi siya nagtatagal na magkagusto sa pagkain. She certainly won't spend her weeks in the same fruit again and again.
Pregnant woman can be unpredictable at times and that's what I noticed. She's grumpy and annoyed and the next second, she's smiling kapag nasuhulan mo ng pagkain.
Kiwi and chocolates.
Oh, you pregnant piglet. I know you so well, babe. You can't hide it from me.
My wife, being the famous Reyna ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro is in the first line beside the mayor and the counselors of their province kaya kinakabahan ako na nae-excite.
She had no idea I am planning to join this Palo Sebo game today. Well, I wasn't planning in the first place but this Jojo Mayer's been annoying me these days. He's been talking about how well he is in this game.
At bagay daw sila ng asawa ko dahil siya ang hari.
Ha! Excuse me?! Anong bagay? Si Philomena ay kay Angelo lang!
"Excited na ba kayo sa Palo Sebo this year?!" the host announced and I clicked my neck and started stretching. "Please welcome our team leaders!"
Unang pinakilala ang unang lead, sunod ay si Jojo at kunot na kunot lang ang noo ko nang kumaway pa si Philomena sa kanya at nag-cheer.
"Go, Jojo!" she exclaimed happily and they began teasing.
"Go, Jojo, huh?" I spat bitterly, "mas magaling ako diyan, Philomena."
"And this year's new competitor! Let's welcome, Angelo!" the host announced kaya confident akong lumabas. Mas umugong ang tilian, I can see how shock she is upon seeing me.
"Angelo! Ngayon ka lang sumali, ano? First time? Para kanino ba kaya ka sumali?" the host of the game even asked.
"Para sa 'yo ang laban na 'to, mahal ko." I answered coolly and even threw Philomena a quick wink kaya napatakip na siya mukha sa kahihiyan.
Ayan, sige. Makasigaw ka kay Jojo tapos ang asawa mo, kinakahiya mo, huh, Philomena?
"Baka naman alam namin ang mahal mo na 'yan at ang swerte naman!" the host asked pero ngumisi lang ako at nagkibit-balikat.
While the host is explaining how the game would take place, I kept on stretching. Noticing my wife glancing my wife while turning into crimson red.
I smirked at her. Kinuha ko ang panyo at inilagay sa noo ko sabay tali roon.
"Oh my God..." I caught her mouthing while covering her face in embarrassment and I only smirked.
Tignan natin kung ikakahiya mo pa 'ko kapag nanalo ako rito.
Halos mabingi ako sa tilian ng mga babae at ang tawanan ng mga lalaki nang mag-umpisa ang laro. Ang asawa ko naman ay nakanganga lang sa akin kaya nang mapansin kong wala namang nakatingin sa akin ay binigyan ko na ng flying kiss.
She closed her eyes tightly and heaved a sigh, calming herself.
Sige, papahiyain ko sarili ko para sa 'yo.
When the game started, I was really competitive. Dahil nga ako ang leader ay ako ang medyo mahuhuli at susubok na abutin ang tela.
The screams are too much and my brows furrowed when I saw Jojo's team winning.
"Jojo! Go, Jojo!" the cheers went to him, annoying me. Nang nilingon ko si Philie ay tumitili na rin siya kaya mas nairita ako.
Hello, your husband is here!
I stretched my arms and without saying anything, started climbing on my team mate's shoulders. Nasasabunutan ko na sila pero wala silang pakialam. Me either, I am so focused of winning I felt like I became a real monkey while climbing.
"Nakakahabol na ang team ni Angelo!" the host exclaimed at mas umugong ang tilian.
Jojo and I made an eye contact and we are both competitive. Wala atang balak magpatalo kaya nagsamaan kami ng tingin.
"Para sa 'yo to, Philie!" Jojo exclaimed at mas sumambakol ang mukha ko at mas binilisan ang pag-akyat.
Ako ang mananalo. Mas bagay kami ni Philomena.
I am slipping. I knew I have scratches but I wanted so bad to win.
"Nauuna na si Angelo!" the host announced and it made me smirk but just when I was about to reach the cloth, I slipped.
Mas sumigaw sila. Nangingibabaw pa ang sigaw ni Philomena.
"Dean Angelo, ayusin mo!" eksaheradang sigaw niya, "kapag 'di ka nanalo pukpok ko sa 'yo 'yong buko! Nag-practice ka pa!"
"I love you muna!" sigaw ko pa pabalik at nilingon siya. Namumula siya nang makita ko kaya ngumisi na lang ako at nang makitang malapit na si Jojo ay tila lumipad paakyat para lang maabot.
And yes, I won. I reached it!
Binuhat na ako ng mga ka-team ko dahil nanalo kami kaya natatawa ako at inangat pa ang kamay.
"Angelo! Angelo!" they exclaimed happily and Philie's just frowning at me but she couldn't hide make that proud look on her face while looking at me.
I won, babe. Kaya bagay talaga tayo.
Dahil nga pyesta ay may handaan. I won. That's why, I received greetings and congratulations around at masaya ako ro'n pero mas masaya siguro kung si Philie ang babati sa akin.
I followed her.
"Philie..." I called but my voice was cut off when she was called.
"Philie, i-congrats mo rin naman si Jojo at ginawa niya 'yon para sa 'yo!" Benjie took my wife from me and brought her towards her friends.
I sighed. Papasok sana ako sa bahay nila Philie pero puno iyon ng bisita dahil nga sa mga nakiki-pyesta.
I bit my lower lip, caught my wife having fun with her friends.
I decided to just settle outside the house. Kinausap ako ng iba sa kasama kong nagsasaka roon sa palayan kaya medyo wala ako sa mood kaya maliit na ngiti lang ang naiibigay ko.
I want Philie to congratulate me.
I looked like a kid throwing tantrums pero kasi para kay Philie 'yon tapos wala 'kong congrats? My Mom would pay everyone just to see me making a fool of myself because I'm always composed tapos 'di ako papansinin ni Philie ko.
Masama pa ata ang loob ko habang nilalantakan ang lumpia na inabot ni Nanay Rosita.
"Oh, bakit ka nand'yan sa labas? Pasok ka." She even told me pero umiling lang ako at ngumiti.
"Ayos lang, Nay." I said, "puno po sa loob. Dito na lang po ako."
"Oh, siya. Sige. Pasensya ka na at matao talaga rito sa amin kapag pyesta at maraming handaan. Lalo na sa bayan, may pageant pa naman ng Dinibdibang Lupa sa susunod."
"Really?" that caught my attention.
"Oo," tango niya. "Tuloy-tuloy kasi rito ang pyesta kaya sa susunod na mga araw magsisimula na ang audition. Sali ka, malay mo at manalo ka? Mestizo ka pa naman." Nanay even teased kaya napatawa ako.
"Moreno na nga po, Nanay." Turo ko sa balat na nabilad sa araw dahil sa pagsasaka.
"Naku, ayos lang 'yan! Kahit moreno o maputi ka naman ay bagay sa 'yo! Kaya nga kumerengkeng 'yang si Philomena sa 'yo—nasaan na ba 'yang asawa mo at nandito ka sa labas?" she asked and looked around.
When she left, I stayed there alone. Masaya ang lahat, ang mga kasama kong magsasaka ay nag-iinuman at nagkikwentuhan pa.
"Inuman tayo, Angelo!" anyaya nila.
"No, thank you." I smiled a little.
Hindi naman na nila ako kinulit. I knew they know my attitude. Kapag ayaw ko ay hindi talaga ako mapipilit kaya 'di na sila nangulit.
Bumaling ako sa isang banda at nakita ko ang asawa na nakikipagtawanan kina Benjie at Jojo. Kasama pa ata ang mga tropa niyang ka-edad n ani Nanay Rosita at mga sabungero kaya tumaas ang sulok ng labi ko.
She's right. In demand ang kagandahan niya sa San Isidro at 'di ko rin naman sila masisisi.
My Philomena is a bright and bubbly woman. She's the light in the dim lights, the new rising sun every morning but why do I feel sad now that the sun has started setting and few moments from now, it'll be gone?
Habang sinusulyapan siyang masaya kasama ang iba ay 'di ko maiwasang masaktan.
Of course, you deserved outmost happiness, babe. You deserved to smile and be genuinely happy.
After the pain I gave you? I'd do anything to see you smile that way and go back to your old self. I'll do everything for it, it's just tragic I wasn't the reason for it now.
Napatungo ako at sumandal sa upuan habang mag-isa at nakita ang mga sugat sa kamay ko sa paglalaro ko kanina. Exhaustion came and started consuming me. Ipinikit ko ang mata at bumuntonghininga.
"Oh, piso. Kawawa ka naman kasi, be." I heard a voice, kasabay nang may malamig sa kamay ko kaya nagmulat ako ng mata.
My eyes landed on my palm and laughed when I saw a peso in it. Nang lingunin ko ang tabi ay nakita si Philie na napapailing pa sa akin.
"Ano na naman bang trip mo?" she asked, "kaya ka pala naging unggoy sa puno ng niyog?"
"I needed a practice. To win?" I answered in a small voice and looked at her face, "aren't you proud of me?"
Her red lips pouted. Habang tumatagal ay mas nagbo-bloom ang asawa ko. Hiyang na hiyang ata sa pagbubuntis sa anak namin.
"S'yempre...ano, proud." She mumbled, "pero talaga bang ikakahiya mo sarili mo?" she glared.
I laughed and rested my head on her shoulders.
"Para sa 'yo ayos lang maging kahiya-hiya," I whispered. "Atsaka 'di naman ako nahihiya masyado, mas nahihiya ka nga sa 'kin, ah?"
"Oo nga! Paano ba naman kasi..." tumawa siya sabay tingin sa kamay ko, "Angelo, akala ko talaga, taong yelo ka lang. Pasado ka na rin pala mag-exhibit bilang monkey."
My shoulders slacked. Mas tumawa siya na parang 'yon na ang pinakanakakahiyang magagawa ko pero 'di siya sigurado.
Being that fucking Elsa is my most embarrassing role in this life. Walang-wala 'yang mga kalaban ko sa Let it go ko at fire dance kaya taob silang lahat sa akin.
Kung ipapahiya ko ang sarili, lulubusin ko na. Noon, magkamatayan na pero 'di ko tatangkaing gawin 'to pero kung si Philie ang kapalit kahit mamatay na ako sa kahihiyan wala akong pakialam.
Nag-iinit ang mukha ko habang nakasuot no'ng shirt na itim at may number six pa sa baywang na may crepe paper pang blue na design.
Fuck me.
Pero mas nakakahiya pala 'yong Elsa costume na XL na nakita ko sa mall nila rito dahil wala na akong maisip na talent na unique. If I wanted to win, I should be unique and confident!
A simple singing or dancing won't faze audience that much in competitions like this kaya dapat kakaiba at hindi naman ako nagsisi. I won the title.
I am the Hari ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro at bagay na bagay na kami ni Philomena.
Unfortunately, I know I had to let go of her and give her time for herself. It was hard because she isn't alone, she's with our baby. Hindi lang isa ang lalayo sa akin kung hindi silang dalawa kaya mabigat sa akin pero alam kong wala akong magagawa.
Like what I answered in her question for me. Letting go is a brave thing. Letting go of the pain, despair and bad memories is a brave thing.
Mahirap bumitaw sa mga bagay na nakasanayan mo na. Mahirap bumitaw sa mga ala-alang minahal mo na pero paano kung ang memoryang iyon ay siya ring nagdulot sa 'yo ng sakit? It was such a brave thing finding your own will to let go of things and walking away from the memories that pained you.
It is a brave thing...to let go.
It's okay to leave and walk away, mostly when what you are chasing is no longer worth it.
Chase yourself. Your self that has vanished when people came and took it away from you. Chase your peace.
Philomena is brave. My wife is brave. Hindi lang dahil sa bumitaw siya sa mga bagay na nakakasakit sa kanya, kung hindi na rin ang pagyakap muli sa sakit na iyon at pag-gamit dito para maging aral at lakas.
You have to let go of things and memories but it does not mean you'll forget it. If you forget the pain you have felt, you'll also forget the lessons that comes with it.
"Tang ina ninyong lahat!" my voice roared when I saw my fucking tarpaulin in the lobby of our hospital the first day I got back in Manila.
"Surprise, Hari ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro!" Chance and Castiel exclaimed and I closed my eyes and fisted my palm.
"Ang hirap kaya ipagawa ng ganyang kalaking tarpaulin, Angelo!" Cairis laughed loudly, "si Tita Nat pa ang nagpresintang magbayad!"
"What?" I was frozen and looked at her. "My Mom knew—"
"Ang anak kong Elsa!" when I heard my Mom's voice, I suddenly wanted to vanish in this world, never to be seen again.
"Isang Let it go naman diyan, Kuya!" the fucking Blaze screamed out loud.
"The cold never bothered me, anyway!" Castiel and Chance sang together and when I glared their way, they took a step back.
"Run!" Amber exclaimed.
I raised my hand to punch the two assholes but stopped midway when Phoebe spoke.
"Hala, hala! Lalabas 'yong yelo sa kamay niya! Run!" Phoebe screamed and the lobby was suddenly filled with their screams and my loud curses.
My Mom's whines filled my ear when she found out my wife's pregnancy and she didn't even know anything about it.
"Kasalanan mo 'to, Terrence." She hissed at my innocent Dad.
"Ako ulit?" he laughed when he heard it.
"Oo!" she snapped, "karma mo 'tong dalawang 'to!" pinagtuturo niya kami ni Blaze na umiinom lang ng juice sa gilid sa takot na mabugahan kami ng apoy.
"What did I do?" Dad even asked, nakikisakay pa sa Mommy na high blood na ata.
"You pretended you have amnesia tapos natuluyan 'yang panganay mo! Tapos itong pangalawa mo nag-remake!" She gasped, "'Yong totoo, bugok ba 'yong itlog mo?!"
Sabay naming nabuga ni Blaze ang iniinom at napatawa ng malakas pero nahuli ang malamig na titig ni Dad sa aming dalawa.
"Tawa-tawa kayong dalawa diyan...kayo 'yong dalawang bugok na itlog." He hissed kaya natigilan kaming dalawang magkapatid at nagsikuhan na lang.
Finally being able to wait at my wife in the aisle for the third time around is such a blessing. Unlike before, we decided to have our wedding in San Isidro with the guests before.
The church is big and old looking and yet, the presence of our guests and parents gave life to it. Ang mga kaibigan namin ay narito at ang mga barkada rin ng asawa ko sa probinsya.
It's a royal wedding today for the Hari and Reyna ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro. Bagay na bagay talaga kami.
"Ang ganda ng bride!" my sister, Amber came towards me and smiled. "Congrats sa pangatlong wedding, Kuya!"
"Thank you, Amber." I murmured and kissed her forehead.
Nasa tabi ko si Blaze bilang best man. Nasa harapan naman ang mga kaibigan namin, pati na rin ang kapatid ni Mommy at mga anak nito.
Crest Sandejas-Dmitrov, the well-known CEO and Fashion Designer from Crescent Shines—also my cousin—designed the gown for my wife, Philie.
We made sure this wedding with more guests will be unique and extravagant because that's what my wife deserves. Tulong ang Mommy ko at si Crest sa pagdisenyo ng gowns at suits ng mga guests.
Imagine what these great designers could do? CAGE from my Mom and Crescent Shines from Crest in collaboration for today's wedding made a sound in social media kaya may iilan din kaming nabigyan ng imbitasyon mula sa media para mag-cover.
"Get ready, your bride will be here in three." Tita Jo winked at me, making me smile.
"Thanks, Tita Jo." I uttered.
"Welcome, inaanak kong pogi." He grinned, "ang ganda ng asawa mo, anak. Yakang-yakang!"
Our first wedding is in States years ago but it ended up in vain. The second one is in front of Stacy's grave, a week after I proposed to her so our eldest could witness us again getting wed and the third time is now, here in San Isidro where our love reconciled.
It wasn't new and yet, the nostalgic feeling it is giving me is too much. Kagaya noong una at pangalawang kasal naming mag-asawa ay pareho pa rin ang nararamdaman ko.
Mangha, saya at pagmamahal na ang tagal na namin ni Philomena at ang nararamdaman ay mas lumalalim lamang sa bawat paglipas ng panahon.
The scent of baby's breath lingered on my nose when the cold wind got inside the church. Maaliwalas at maliwanag ang paligid, halong puti at lila ang kulay ng mga gamit at tela sa paligid at sa gitna ay ang replika ng Poong Maykapal, ang nagbigay sa amin ng lakas sa kabila ng pagsubok na pinagdaanan ng pagmamahalan naming dalawa.
A soft hymn from the piano made my eye swell in utmost happiness. Ang saya sa puso ko ay lumukob habang nakatitig sa unti-unting pagsilip ng liwanag sa malaking pintuan ng simbahan.
The flower girls got inside the church and my eyes widened more upon seeing that bubbly little girl hopping towards me while spreading the baby's breath flowers around.
"Scarlett, baby! Look here!" My Mom called and my bouncing three-year-old baby girl glanced her way and smiled widely, reminding me of my wife.
"Wow, pretty!" Mom exclaimed and happily took her towards me.
"Daddy!" she chirped in happiness.
"Hello, Scarlett." I murmured and carried her on my arms, kissing her cheek. "You looked beautiful spreading the flowers around, baby. Can you give Daddy a kiss so I won't get nervous?"
Her black eyes brightened, moving her face to kiss me on the cheek.
"Mwuah! Mwuah! Magwala ang nervous ni Daddy!" she exclaimed happily and it made me laugh.
"Hala, ang mag-ama nagkulitan na naman." Dad came and smiled.
"Papa!" Scarlett called happily and moved para magpabuhat sa Lolo.
"Tara muna, 'nak. Your Dad's busy for the wedding, watch there first, okay?"
When they walked towards the front seat, I am smiling. My bright and beautiful daughter sat on the seat and beside her is her older sister's picture, Stacy.
Ah, my family.
Fortunately, she got my wife's bubbly traits. She's talkative, bright and always smiling—unlike me who's poker face is just painted on my face.
Nakalagpas na ang mga abay kaya muli akong bumaling sa pintuan na muling nagsara at unti-unti'y nagbukas muli kasabay ng paglambing lalo ng kanta.
The same time the sunrays escaped in the door is the same time, my wife got in and like the sun from new mornings, she is shining.
The white gown hugging her curves made her look beautiful and ravishing. Nakakapit siya sa braso nina Nanay at Tatay at maiiyak na sana ako nang makita ang asawa pero umatras iyon nang makita ang nasa likod nila.
Tatay is guiding a carabao inside the church. Umugong ang tawanan sa lugar at namutla ako nang makita ang ngisi ni Tatay sa akin.
"Yari ka na, Kuya. Nagdala na ng kalabaw si Tito." Hagalpak ni Blaze kaya napailing ako at sinuntok siya.
I was nervous but seeing my wife in her white wedding gown again, it made my eyes swell. Bumalik sa akin ang ala-ala noon noong nagsisimula pa lang kami. Ang mga kahihiyang nagawa ko para sa kanya, lahat.
The happiness, the love, the grief and sadness and instead of forgetting it fully, I intend to make it a lesson to me so, the next time, we'll know how to fix things and make our marriage work.
The moment I saw the smile escaping on her lips behind her veil, my tear fell.
"Baby kong Angelo, dati lang sipunin, ngayon may sarili nang pamilya..." my Mom's soft voice made me cry, niyakap ko siya at sumisinghap siya habang niyayakap ako pabalik.
"I love you, anak. Mahal na mahal kita, si Philie at ang mga anak ninyo." She whispered, "promise me you'll take of her no matter what. Promise me you'll make this marriage work 'til the end."
"I will, Mom." I whispered. "I will."
Ang luha sa mga mata ko'y naging dahilan kaya nanlalabo iyon nang titigan ko ang asawa kong palapit na.
"Babe..." I murmured.
"Hello, Elsa." Philie teased despite the tears, making me laugh.
"Kita mo 'tong dala 'kong kalabaw?" Tatay's strict voice asked. Nang sulyapan ko ang pamilyar na kalabaw ay marahas lang akong napalunok at tumango.
"O-opo, Tatay." I nodded.
"Kapag nasaktan ang Reyna ng San Isidro at mga prinsesa, naku. Ipapahabol kita muli rito, isasama ko na 'yong kambing atsaka mga manok sa susunod."
"O-okay po, Tay." I nodded like a scared cat, making him smile afterwards.
"Oh, siya. Alagaan mo itong aming Reyna. Mahalin mo siya at ang pamilya mo kagaya ng pagmamahal ko kay Rosita. Mahalin mo ang asawa mo kagaya ng pagmamahal ng Daddy mo sa Mommy mo."
"Opo..." I nodded, "I promise to love her right this time."
When he gave me Philie's hand, I am almost sobbing. Kaagad kong niyakap ang asawa ko at umiyak sa kanyang balikat kaya hinaplos na niya ang likuran ko.
"Gelo?" she called.
"H-hmm?"
"Do you wanna build a snowman?" she whispered and it definitely lifted the mood, making me chuckle with her funny remarks.
As usual. Philomena isn't Philomena without her witty comments.
My Mom, Dad and siblings hugged my wife and it made me warm. Nang yakapin din ako ni Nanay at Tatay at kawayan ni Scarlett na iginagalaw ang paa niyang nakalaylay sa upuan ay ngumiti ako.
"I love you..." I mouthed to her before glancing at Stacy's photo and smiled when Scarlett caught my gaze and gave me a heart sign with her hands.
"Thank you, Mom, Dad..." my wife said after hugging my parents and when she looked at me, I offered her my hand.
The satisfaction I felt when she accepted it happily is too much. Sa pangatlong pagkakataon ay hinayaan niya muli akong makapasok sa kanyang buhay, sa pangatlong pagkakataon ay papakasalan kong muli siya at mamahalin pa ng mas malalim.
Three different weddings with the same woman. Three different times with the same love yet in different kind of depth.
Hindi namin alam kung ilang beses na namin nasabi ang mga pangako namin sa panghabambuhay na kasal. Paulit-ulit na siguro at kabisado na namin pero ang kislap ng mga luha at ang komportable sa nararamdaman kada pagkakataon ay hinding-hindi kailanman p'wedeng pagsawaan.
Our bubbly baby girl gave us the wedding rings in our exchanged of vows and we let her stand beside my wife while she's carrying her older sister's photo, Stacy.
"I'll never leave, dito lang ako palagi, Gelo ko. Ang Elsa ko, Mr. Yelo, ang Hari ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro. No matter what, I promised to never leave. With you, we will make a big family. Itutuloy natin ang basketball team na naudlot ngayon. Together with Stacy, Scarlett and our baby boy..." she touched her small baby bump. "—we'll make a happy and prosperous family. We'll make our own Team Samaniego."
She lifted the ring and slipped it on my finger, "this...I vow to you."
Nangilid ang luha ko. Nang makuha ko ang singsing para naman sa aking asawa ay tuluyan na iyong nahulog.
"Gelo..." Philie's eyes softened and touched my cheek to dry my tears.
"I-I'm okay..." I murmured.
"Daddy Elsa, cry?" Scarlett asked loudly and it made everyone laugh, not because I am crying but because she knew I was once Elsa while her Mom is still pregnant with her.
"Daddy Elsa is just happy, baby." Philie explained and our adorable daughter just smiled and nodded happily.
Doon na ako sumulyap sa aking asawa. I moved closer to her and showed her the ring.
"Hi, babe." I started and tears are already in the verge of falling. "Mahal na mahal kita."
She nodded, "I know...mahal din k-kita."
"This is my third wedding with you, still with the same vows I've said hundreds or thousands of times." I smiled, "mahal na mahal kita, Philie. My mind might have forgotten you, my heart never does. My love for you is deep within, no matter how painful, it is always worth it. The kind of pain I'll always look everyday."
"T-thank you for giving me a chance to renew my broken vows to you. For being with me in collecting the shattered pieces and bringing it back together." My voice broke. "P-Philomena Dianne Suarez-Samaniego, mahal na mahal kita. Si Stacy, si Scarlett at ang anak nating pangatlo ay ang palaging kong uuwian."
I lifted her hand and gently slipped the ring in it.
"Philomena, my wife, babe, adorable piglet, ang Reyna ng Dinibdibang Lupa ng San Isidro...isang oink-oink naman diyan?"
She laughed and nodded, "oink-oink!" she answered back.
Natatawa, hinawi ko ang luha ko at tumitig sa kanya.
"You and our family is my strength. Kayo ang pahinga ko. Kayo lang palagi ang uuwian ko." Bulong ko pa.
I lowered my body, hinawi ko ang luha sa mga mata ni Scarlett Elsania Samaniego at ngumiti.
"Why are you crying, baby?"
"I-I'm happy..." she mumbled, "A-Ate Stacy is happy too..."
I sniffed, narinig ko rin ang iyak ng asawa ko bago siya dumukwang din at niyakap kaming mag-aama niya at nang lingunin ko siya ay inilapit ko ang mukha at humalik ng malalim pero mataimtim.
"You are my home, Philomena." I whispered. "Si Angelo ay kay Philie lang. this...I vow to you."
Mahirap. Naranasan ko na ang maging palaboy kaya ayaw ko nang maulit muli iyon pero 'di ko akalaing mauulit iyon.
Sa aming pangatlo, she became moodier. Ayaw niya akong papasukin sa kwarto dahil pangit daw ako at ayaw niyang mamana ng anak namin kaya palaboy lang ako sa bahay. Walang mauuwian. Walang matutulugan.
She was that moody that she didn't want me as her OB-gynecologist like what happened before for Scarlett kaya ngayon ay grabe ang kaba ko.
"Call the doctor!" I screamed in the phone while talking to my brother. "My wife is in labor for an hour now! Where is her doctor?!"
"Kuya! Kumalma ka!" Blaze laughed, "na-stuck daw si Doc sa airport—"
"What?!" I gasped and looked at my wife almost crying in the bed.
"K-kasalanan mo 'to!" she exclaimed loudly, "k-kasalanan mo 'to, Dean Angelo!" sigaw niya.
My heart hammered inside my chest. Mas dumiin ang hawak ko sa phone at halos pagmumurahin na ang kapatid.
"It's late now! Puno na ang DR, I have no other OB here!" I hissed and glanced at my wife pulling the screaming Phoebe's hair.
"P-Philie, aray! Aray!" she gasped, "Angelo! Ang asawa mo hawakan mo! Mapapanot ang buhok ko!" she exclaimed.
"It's late too, Kuya! I just texted her, stranded daw kasi umuulan. Hindi pa naman kasi dapat ngayon manganganak si Philie."
"Oh, shit." I cursed loudly and turned the call off. I glanced at my wife before calling her attention.
"Babe," tawag ko habang tinutungan si Phoebe na alisin ang kamay ni Philie sa buhok niya, "we have no other OB here, maraming nanganak ngayon."
"And so?!" she gasped, "w-where's my doctor—"
"She's stuck in the airport. It's flooding now because of the rain." I explained and gently moved Phoebe who's been sniffing while touching her hair. "We have no other OB here—"
"Doktor kang pangit ka!" she hissed and I screamed too when she pulled my hair kaya halos matumba ako.
"Philomena! Hoy, buntis!" Phoebe called, "manganganak ka na—"
"Masakit!" she cried and pulled my hair more, "m-manganganak na ako, Samaniego!"
"H-huh?" I blinked, "w-what would I do—"
"You're a doctor for Pete's sake, Angelo!" Phoebe helped me pull my hair from Philie's grip. "You're an OB, ikaw na kay Philie!"
"C-can I?" nagpa-panic kong tanong, bumaling pa sa asawa na napapakapit na sa kama at sumisinghap.
"You can! Jusmiyo!" Phoebe was the only person sane enough to push me outside, "change and sanitize! We'll prepare your wife for the delivery! She'll give birth now!"
I was panicking when I got out. Kung hindi ko lang nasalubong si Castiel na inalog ang balikat ko ay 'di pa ako matatauhan.
"Kumalma ka, okay?" he tapped my shoulder, "go! We can't wait for her doctor, she's gonna give birth!"
Naghilamos ako at tumitig sa salamin para kalmahin ang sarili.
Elsa, calm down...let it go.
I cocked my head, pagkalabas ko ng changing room ay nagtawag kaagad ng mga nurse.
"To the DR now." I strictly said at pagkarating ko roon ay umiiyak at napapasigaw na si Philie habang inaayos ni Phoebe.
I took my gloves and wore it. I was never this nervous in doing my job—ngayon lang.
Nurses and other OB here knew me as a calm doctor kaya ngayon ay kakaiba sa paningin nil ana ganito ako.
"O-ouch! M-masakit..." she cried kaya lumapit ako at hinagkan ang noo niya.
"It's okay, babe. We can do this together." I explained but she just sniffed.
I was nervous but I have to think of my wife and our son kaya tumalon-talon ako at ginalaw-galaw ang braso.
"Okay, babe. Heave a deep sigh." I announced and when she did, I am nervous as hell. Nakisabay sa kanya ang kaibigan na hawak ang kamay niya para tulungan siyang kumalma at sa kaba ko ngayon...parang ako pa ata ang manganganak.
I silently prayed for my wife and our son's safety before speaking.
"Let's push together, okay?" I said and she let out a painful moan and pushed kaya gano'n din ako.
"One more, babe. One more." I urged.
Nang umire siya ay napaire din ako.
I stopped when I realized it, lalo nan ang mapatigil si Philie sa pag-ire at halos sipain na ako.
"S-stop it, Gelo!" she exclaimed but I was preoccupied.
Muli siyang napaire kaya napaire din ako at biglang natigilan nang matanto ang nagawa.
"Nakakahiya ka!" she exclaimed.
I was frozen, narinig ko ang tawanan ng nurses sa DR at si Phoebe ay humahagalpak na.
She pushed again and I found myself imitating it, making me stop again like a fool.
"Stop pushing, too! 'Di ako maka-concentrate!" nang napagtantong umiire din ako ay natigil ako.
"Shit..." I cursed. Napatawa ang mga tao lalo at kahit hirap ay nagmulat ang asawa ko at sinamaan ako ng tingin.
"Kumalma ka nga!" she said.
"Naku! Ang mag-asawang makaire! Sabay ngang umire!" Phoebe laughed loudly.
I heaved a deep sigh. Halos mapamura na ako sa kaba kaya tumango lang ako at sinubukang kumalma.
"Okay, Philie. Push!" she pushed and let out a painful groan. I was always calm but when I saw her sweating hard and struggling, parang maiiyak na ako.
"B-babe—"
"Dean Angelo! Wala nang Team Samaniego! Sinasabi ko sa 'yo, hindi ka na makakaisa pa!" she then pushed again at 'yon na lang ang pamamawis ko.
My hand shook a bit and felt nervous.
Anong...anong hindi makakaisa?!
"Doc! Nakalabas na ang ulo ni baby!" Phoebe exclaimed on my ear, making me jump at nang bumaling sa asawa ay halos tumambling ako sa kaba.
"Shit! Philie, babe! Push harder..." muli siyang napaire, wala na ring nakapigil sa akin nang magaya ko iyon sa kaba ko.
"Doc, uso huminga." Phoebe called but my eyes are glued to my baby boy coming out and my wife's cries and frustrated moans.
"Kaunti na lang..." I told her, "one more hard push, babe. Malapit na, I can see him."
I wasn't wrong. One more push and our baby boy got out kaya halos manghina ako roon.
Our healthy baby boy...
Phoebe helped me with our baby and when I moved and let him out and heard his first cry, I found myself crying too.
"M-my son..." I murmured and felt the tear on my cheek.
"Let me," Phoebe said and took our son, mabilis nila iyong inasikaso habang binabalot ng maliit na lampin.
"Doc, si baby..." Phoebe said and when I got my crying son on my arms, my knees wobbled.
Like a kid, I walked towards my wife. Nahuhulog na ang luha sa kanyang pisngi habang nakatingin sa aming papalapit.
"G-Gelo..."
"Philie..." I called and when I got beside her, I laid our son on her chest and slowly, he calmed down. Like he became comfortable and warm.
His eyes are closed and yet, his cheeks are blushing and opening his mouth.
"O-our baby..." she muttered and touched his cheek.
"W-what are we gonna name him?" I whispered and she glanced my way and smiled.
"Sloane..." she whispered and I nodded, sniffing.
"Sloane, son..." I called his name and when he made a small sound upon hearing his name, I smiled more despite the tears.
When I moved my face and saw my wife's gentle and teary eyes, it made my heart pound harsher. I think, I fell more.
"I-I love you, Philie." I whispered. "I love you...I love you."
"I love you too, Gelo." She said in her trembling voice, "t-thank you too, I love you."
I moved and kissed her lips, nang sumulyap ako sa anak namin sa kanyang dibdib ay binalot ng kalma ang puso.
I gaze at the door of the delivery room and when I saw my father carrying the still sleepy Scarlett on his arms while waiting for us outside, all the exhaustion faded.
I'll take care of this family...that is my vow.
Broken vows are like shattered glasses. You may have cleaned and see the large pieces, the small and tiny one remains. Hindi nakikita. Hindi napapansin. You will never know they were there, you wouldn't know how painful it would get unless you stepped on it. Unless, you get wounded and get scars from it.
No matter how much you bleed and get tired, wounds heal—after a certain time. The scars will remain for the lessons but the wound would heal and one day, one morning—everything will be better.
Finally, I found my rest after a tiring day. After wandering around like a lost boy— Elsa won't let it go. I found my way back. I am home.
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