Wednesday, September 8, 2010

MAYBE THIS TIME - A FANFIC

Maybe This Time

By: Athena Y. Manzano
 
(Cover by: JADEADDICT of PEX)

(Disclaimer: Ang lahat ng pangyayari sa kwentong ito at pawang kathang-isip lamang ng may-akda at walang basehan sa mga totoong pangyayari. At hindi na hawak ng may akda kung sakali mang may mga naisulat sa kwento at nangyayari bigla sa totoong buhay)




Prologue


5:45 am. Madalim pa sa labas pero gising na si MM. She said to herself, let’s just get this thing over and done with para magkaalaman na. She took a deep breath and proceeded to do what she’s supposed to do.


After 2 minutes...


Dalawang guhit ang lumabas. Tumulo na lang ang luha niya after confirming that she’s indeed pregnant. Napahikbi na siya ng tuluyan nang maisip na malaking gulo ang papasukin niyang ito. Paano niya kaya sasabihin sa parents niya, sa boss niya, sa bestfriend niya... sa kanya....




Chapter 1:


It’s raining really hard and she’s in the waiting shed ng shuttle or any vehicle that would take her home. Wala siyang dalang payong sa pagkakataong ito. Naiwanan niya sa pagmamadali para hindi malate sa work niya lalo na’t may meeting siya ng 8:30 kanina. She uttered a silent prayer that someone would be kind enough to save her from this mess especially that she’s soaking wet and nag-umpisa ng makaramdam ng lamig yung katawan niya. Nagkataon pa man din na may sinyales na siyang tatrangkasuhin. Gusto na niyang umiyak out of desperation. Sinubukan niyang pumara ng taxi kaso laging puno ang mga dumadaan. Kahit jeepney ay punuan din. Siksikan pa man din sila sa kakapirangut na shade na yun.


Naputol ang paghihimutok nya nung may high beam na kotse. Di niya maidentify kung sino ang binigyan ng sensyales sa kanya lalo na’t di pamilyar sa kanya ang sasakyan. Sige pa rin siya sa pagpara ng taxi at at bumusina na yung sasakyan na parang siya ang binusinahan. Napakunot ang noo niya ng di pa rin matantya kung sino ang may-ari ng sasakyang yun.


Pumarada na ang bagong CRV sa harap niya at marami siyang narining na mura galing sa mga taong nakatambay sa waiting shed dahil the driver practically blocked everyone on calling a cab. Pati siya napahimutok din sa ginawa ng driver nang biglang nag down window ang sakay nito at tinawag ang pangalan niya.


DD: M, sakay na. Bilis!


Napa thank you at napasign of the cross si MM nung makilala ang may-ari ng sasakyan. Si DD pala at sinusundo siya. Ang bestfriend niya talaga. Parang may ESP. He knows when to come and he comes most of the time when she needed him the most.


MM: D (Pronounced as Dee), salamat at naisip mo akong sunduin! Ang hirap sumakay. Di pa man din ako nakapagdala ng payong. Nako po, pasensya na, basang basa na bago mong sasakyan. (Sabay singhut ni MM)


Basang-basa nga talaga siya. Di siya magkandaugaga sa pagpunas sa sarili ng tissue na iilang piraso na lang din ang natira. Napa hatsing na siya at nag-umpisa ng makaramdam talaga ng lamig. Kahit pa naka blazer siya pero gayun man ay basa din ito.


Isa, dalawa, tatlong hatsing pa ang pinakawalan niya. Napatawa na malakas si DD sa nangyari sa kanya.


At instinct ay pinalo ito ni MM nung natanto niyang pinagtatawanan siya nito.


DD: Ouch! That hurts! (Lumingin ito sa likod at inabot ang towel nito na nakalatag sa upuan at binigay sa kanya) Dry yourself now. (Tapos inabot nito ang mineral water sa kanya) Here, drink this too. My mom told me na if maulanan daw dapat uminum na muna ng water para ma regulate ang body heat mo. And huwag na matigas ulo mo, drink... drink it fast (Mabilis na sabi ni DD kay MM kasi alam nito na di mahilig uminum ng tubig si MM).


Natraffic sila kay muling lumingon si DD sa likod at inabot ang gym bag nito at kumuha ng t-shirt at boxer shorts at binigay kay MM.


MM: Haller, aanhin ko ang mga ito aber?


DD: Change your clothes. This car is heavy tinted so they won’t see us here from outside. Magpalit ka na at baka magkasakit ka na ng tuluyan. Sige ka... ang quota kulang pa.


Napaisip si MM, magpapalit siya sa harap nito. Gago ata talaga tong kaibigan niya tsaka ang luag kaya ng mga damit nito. Malaking tao si DD. He’s more than 6 ft tall and kahit yung katawan nito ay payat pero siksik o nasa tamang lugar ang mga muscles compare sa kanya na 5’7 lang ang height at may pagkabalingkinitan pa ang katawan.


Naconscious man si MM sa gawin pero mas pinili niyang huwag ng tuluyang magkasakit kaya mataktika siyang nagpalit ng damit.


MM: Teka, boxer short mo ito ah! Panloob mo ito ah!


DD: So? Shorts pa din yan and that’s the only thing that would fit you. Com’mon daming sinasabi pa eh. (Na nakatutuk lang ang mga mata sa daan nila. Mahilig makinig si DD ng mga balita sa AM radio at binabalita na bumabaha na sa ilang lugar ng Metro Manila.)


Nakapagbihis na si MM at tila wala namang malisya silang dalawa kaya panatag na loob niyang magbihis sa harap nito.


DD: M, daan na muna tayo sa unit ko. With this rain and traffic, ewan ko na lang kung what time we will be able to arrive at your place. And I’m so hungry na.


MM: Oo nga. Sige sa place mo na lang muna tayo.


Sa Makati nagwowork si MM and DD lives in Makati as well so it was a more lucrative idea to do a stop- over. And makailang beses na rin naman siyang nakapunta sa unit nito so no qualms about it.






Chapter 2:


5 years ago....


Nagkakagulo ang mga estudyante sa school ground ng isang sikat na university. It was the foundation day of the said university and kanya kanyang tayo ng mga booth ang mga organizations and colleges of that university. Makikita ang isang babaeng seryoso at abalang abala sa pag-aayos ng mga display sa booth na kinabibilangan nito. Di alintana ang mga tilian at ingay sa paligid dahil sa ginagawa. Inunat nito ang pagod na katawan at inilagay ang mga kamay sa likod para makapag-unat ng maayos ng biglang may naramdamang malamig na bagay na dumikit sa kamay nito at narinig ang tunog na click. Huli na ng matantong naposasan pala siya.


MM: Hoy! Ano ba! (Pilit nagpupumiglas para makawala. Iniisip pa rin kasi nito ang mga trabahong di natatapos) Ano ba! Magkano ba at magbabayad na lang ako. Andami ko pang gagawin.


Ryle: I’m tsuri. You are getting married in a ritter ratel. Ouch! (Bigla itong nakatikim ng malakas na sampal galing kay MM) You hit like a man! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Stop it! Herp! Herp me!


MM: Lyle (pronounced as Ly-le instead of Ry-le because the owner of the name can’t even pronounced his own name), be a good boy now. Kalagan mo na ako. Mr. T will really be very angry if di ko matapos ang pinapagawa niya.


Ryle: I’m tsuri again Ms. MM but it’s not my faurt that you’re handcuffs. Come, let’s go to the booth so that you can meet your husband (Sabay kindat pa nito) Ouch! Stop it prease!


Wala ng nagawa si MM but sumunod na kay Ryle papunta sa booth. Along the way ay di pa rin nakaligtas si Ryle sa mga palo ni MM.


Ryle: Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!!!! Stop it oredi! Hey! Here’s the clazy gurl! (Sabay intrego kay MM sa kunyari kunyaring guards)


Tawa ng tawa lang si MM sa naging reaction niya kay Ryle. She knew the 2 guards on duty. It’s her blockmates kay kinukulit niyang pinakiki-usapan na pakawalan na siya. Pero para atang guard sa monument ni Mao Tsi Tong ang mga nakaduty kasi di ito natitinag.


Bigla na lang nagkakagulo at nagulantang si MM nung nakarinig siya ng mga tili sa labas ng booth. May pumasok na isang matangkad na payat na lalaki na nakaposas din gaya niya. At instant, biglang gumalaw ang mga guards at kinalagan siya ng posas. Napangiti na sana si MM pero napawi din ngiti niya ng matantong inilipat lang pala sa kabilang kamay niya ang posas at pinag-isa pa sila ng isa pang bihag.


Bago pa niya maaninag ng maayos kung sino ang bihag na gaya niya ay lumabas na ang kunya-kunyariang pari. Walang iba kundi si Ryle din pala.


Ryle: Dily belabed, we are gather alound her todey, to witness the unior of MM and DD... hey your names are lily crazi! Two retters together. (Sabay tampal sa noo nito)


Duon pa lang nagkatinginan sina MM at DD at maging sila ay nakikitawa na din sa kakwelahan ni Ryle. Sa pagkakataong ito ay sobrang bilis ang pangyayari kasi namalayan na lamang ni MM na naka belo na pala siya at may hawak na bouquet.


Nagpapatuloy pa si Ryle sa pag officiate ng mock wedding. Nandung tinanong na silang dalawa ni Ryle sa wedding vows.


Ryle: DD, do you take this woman standing belore here to be yul lawfully weded housewife? (Di sumagot si DD. He just let out a shy smile)


Ryle: Ei, DD you lily need to ansur my question. You are lily making my work lily hard. Just say yes. Aaahhhh... I will not lepeat my question so say yes now.


Tumawa ito ng malakas exposing his pearly white teeth and said I DO in a very small voice.


Ryle: What did you say? I lily cannot hear you. Loudel!


DD: (This time he said it in a very loud voice) I DO!


Ryle: Oh my goodness! I think I’m stalting to become deaf now....lily! (Sabay lagay ng kamay sa tenga na kesyo nililinis ito)


Tawanan na naman ang mga tao dun. Pati si MM napabulaghit ng tawa sabay takip ng mukha niya sa bouquet na bitbit.


Ryle: Oki. Now do you MM (emh-emh na pronounciation) take this man to be your lawfully weded husbang? Man, it’s so hard lily to read this sclip! Oh, what’s your answel?


Ayaw magsalita ni MM at tawa lang ito ng tawa.


Ryle: Hey, stop laughing. You are really gay (happy)! (At ng dahil dun ay mas lumakas pa ang tawa ni MM) Hey, I said stop it! I am the pliest so risten to me... lily risten to me now! Hey! Hey! Hey! Be serious now...


Umiiling iling lang si MM at biglang bumaba sa pwesto niya si Ryle at hinawakan nito ang ulo ni MM para e guide na tumango.


Ryle: Say I do now! Say it! If you will not say it, I wir not let go of your head. Lily!


Walang nagawa si MM kundi sabihin ang I DO. Pinaulit pa ito ni Ryle kasi mahina daw. Nagkatawanan na ang lahat ng tao na nandun. At nagpatuloy na sa ibang seremonyas si Ryle na para talagang totoong pari. Nakakunyaring abito pa ito para believable daw.






Chapter 3:




Siya si MM or Mikaela Monique Serafin, isang simpleng babae na mahilig mag-aral at masyadong abala sa school works. Kahit sa pananamit niya ay simple lang. Karaniwang naka baby tee lang siya na medyo maluwag sa kanya at jeans. Kahit ok naman ang katayuan nila sa buhay pero di talaga niya nakagawiang maging maluho sa katawan. Pinalaki siya ng mga magulang niya sa simpleng pamumuhay at hindi ginawang batayan ang karangyaan sa buhay para sumikat at maging successful ang isang tao.


On the contrary naman with DD or Dave Daniel Redford because he lives in a lavish life. He can’t help it. He grew up that way. His parents are into import-export business and provided him with the luxury the life can offer. But since his mom is a Filipina, he was still taught on the Filipino values that’s why his feet are still grounded. Pero because of the luxurious things around him, often than not, he’s mistaken to be hambog and suplado. He’s not that friendly by nature and that’s not because his proud and arrogant but deep inside, he’s just shy to make the first move.


MM and DD are acquaintance in school. They never had the chance to become classmates because they have different course. MM is taking Marketing whereas DD is taking up Business Management. Their interactions are limited to having school activities together. They’re not friends nor they are enemies. When they bump with each other in campus, it’s either di sila mapapansinan or James would just nod to acknowledge her presence. More often, iniiwasan din ni MM si DD for no reason at all. Maybe because she secretly find him cute. Takot kasi siya na if magkatitigan sila at mamula na naman siya gaya ng 1st time na nagkasalubong ang mga mata nila.


Ryle: By the powel vested upon me, I Lyle Cang plounounce you DD and MM (Didi and EmhEmh) husband and wife. Ei, you may kiss the blide now (sabay nguso at turo kay DD paano daw humalik)


MM: What? (Sabay iwas ng mukha niya)


Parehong naging resistant ang dalawa at yung mga nandun ay pilit namang pahalikin si DD sa pisngi ni MM. Sakakaiwas ni MM at sa di inaasahang pagkakataon ay ang mga labi ni DD ay sa halip na sa pisngi dumampi at bigla itong sa nagswak sa lips ni MM.


Makikitang biglang-bigla ang dalawang nilalang at pati na din yung mga nag guide sa kanila. Namula si MM at pati na rin si DD.


Napaisip si MM na that was her first kiss. OMG!


Ang nasa isip din ni DD nung oras na yun ay, ang lambot pala ng lips ni MM... parang marshmallow. Dahil sa isiping iyon ay bigla na lang hinawakan ni DD ang mukha ni MM and gave in to his urge of kissing her mallow soft lips.


The world freezes that time. MM was wide eyed in shocked while DD was eyes shut passionately kissing MM.




Chapter 4:




PAK!


DD: WTF! (And he too was shocked when he opened his eyes and saw that his hands were cupping MM’s face)


PAK ulit!


DD: Ouch! Stop it! (He was trying to hold MM’s hands)


Di namalayan ni MM na tumutulo na pala luha niya. With all her might, she’s slapping DD’s arms again and again.


DD got hold of MM’s hands and asked her again to stop what she’s doing.


DD: Stop it! Look I’m sorry! I don’t know what happened. You! (Pointing to Ryle) This is all your fault.


Ryle: Who me? Why me?


Dahil sa nadaramang kahihiyan ay biglang umalis si MM sa booth at nagmamadaling lumayo sa lugar. Hilam pa rin sa luha ang mga mata. Lahat ng tao na nandun ay di rin nakakibo sa nasaksihan. May mga kinikilig, may naiingit, may nagkumento ng masasama.


Nilisan din ni DD ang lugar at palinga linga na tila ba may hinahanap.


Pagkaalis ni DD, humirit na ulit ang Ryle ng isang what’s my faurt? At bumulaghit na ng tawa ang mga taong naroon.






MM: Oh my God! Anong nangyari? (hilam pa rin sa luha at tinatanong ni MM ang sarili)


Singhot at pahid ang ginagawa niya kaso di pa rin niya mapigil ang pag-iyak. Dumaan muna siya sa CR at naghilamus. Habang nakaharap sa salamin ay di niya maiwasang damhin ang mga labing nahalikan kanina lang ni DD. Tila nanaginip siyang binalikan ang pangyayari kanina pero bigla din naalala ang kahihiyang nadarama kaya bumalik na naman ang galit niya.


Kahit inis siya pero nung naalala na meron pa siyang naiwanang mga trabaho na kailangang tapusin ay bumalik na rin siya sa booth nila para matapos ang gagawin.


Papaplapit na siya sa booth nila at mas lumakas ang nadaramang inis nung makita si DD na nakatayo sa may bukana.


Bigla na naman ang bugso ng naramdaman ni MM at sinugod niya ng palo si DD.


Di namalayan ni DD na paparating na si MM kaya di nito napaghandaan ang mga malulutong na palo ni MM.


Despite the shock feeling, DD was able to come to his senses and got hold of MM’s hands and beg her to stop.


DD: Stop it please! Stop it!!! Look I’m really really really sorry for what happened. I know it was uncalled for.


Di sumasagot si MM pero makikitang galit pa rin siya pero kalmado na.


DD: Hi, I’m Dave Daniel or you can call me DD. I’m sorry that I get to kiss before I could even introduce myself to you. (Sabay lahad ng kamay nito kay MM).


Labag man sa kalooban ni MM na tangapin ang kamay ni DD pero tinggap pa rin niya ang kamay nito dala na rin ng kagandahang asal.


DD: Sorry I didn’t get your name...


MM: MM.


DD: What? (Kasi medyo mahina at paus ang pagkakabigkas ni MM sa pangalan niya)


MM: (Nilakasan ni MM ang boses niya) I’m MM. Short for Mikaela Monique.


DD: MM as in like mine that is DD?


MM: (Napangiti na si MM kasi nakangiti na rin si DD at nakakahawa ang ngiti nito) Yup MM like DD.


DD: Wow! Ain’t that cool?


Napangiti na lang si MM at naging madaldal na si DD pagkatapos nun. Di na rin ito umalis at bagkus tinulungan na rin nito si MM sa ginagawa.


Mayamaya ay biglang rumagasang babae at bigla na lang pinukpuk nito si DD ng mga bitbit na libro.


DD: Ouch! Hey! Stop it! Please stop it! (Kahit anong gawing ilag ni DD ay tinatamaan pa rin siya ng hambalos ng babaeng kakarating lang).


Puro ouch and that hurts ang naririnig kay DD sa mga pagkakataong iyon. Helpless si DD that time kasi may hawak itong paint brush napunong puno ng pintura kaya si MM na ang umawat sa babae.


MM: Sis, tama na po. (At saka pa lang kumalma ang babae)


DD: Ouch! That hurts! What is wrong with you? (Di na napigilan ni DD ang sumigaw dahil na rin sa naramang sakit)


Frida: Nothing’s wrong with but something’s wrong with you. What you did to my friend is not forgivable!


MM: Sis, tama na po. Ok na kami. Nagkausap na ng maayos. Sorry DD. By the way, this is my bestfriend Frida. Sis, si DD nga pala.


Kahit nagpang-abot ang kilay ni DD sa ginawa ni Frida, ay naglahad pa rin ito ng kamay pero binirahan ng talikod ni Frida ito. Pinagsabihan pa si DD na di lang ganun ang aabutin nito pag gagawin nito ulit ang ginawa nito kanina and she stormed out of the booth hurriedly kasi may appointment pa ito sa ibang ka org.


MM: Pasensya ka na sa bestfriend ko ha. Ganun lang talaga yun. Overprotective sa akin kasi yan. She must have heard what happened.


DD: Oh my goodness. You too are so strong. You hit like a man. (Sabay hagod sa mga tinamaang parte ng katawan)


Di na napigilan ni MM na hagurin din ang mga braso ni DD para maibsan ang naramdaman nitong sakit. Di matapos tapos ang paghingi niya ng pasensya. Nagkatinginan silang dalawa at napabulaghit ng tawa at muling ipinagpatuloy ang ginagawa.


Nagtatanong na si DD about sa buhay ni MM at duon na nag-umpisa ang friendship nila.






Chapter 5:


You are invited... you one of the chosen few...be there and let it happened.... and the date and time was indicated.


Nagtatakang tiningnan ni MM ang invitation na binigay ng college sa kanya nung siya’y dumaan sa office. The invitation was colourful and interesting. Di alam ni MM kung pupuntahan ba niya ito o hindi pero sinabihan siya ng secretary ng college na she’s required by her Dean to go. The invitation indicated that the meeting date will tomorrow at 5:30 in one of the conference room of the school. It was strictly indicated in the invitation to keep it to herself and not to bring anyone with her.


Nasa isip ni MM na kung ano man ito ay masubukan na lang and after thanking Ms. Daisy ay umalis na din siya para makipagkita kay BFF Frida niya.


Pagdating niya ay nandun na ang bestfriend Frida niya na busying busying nagtetext. Tila galit na naman ito at napapansin niyang ilang araw na itong ganun.


Inakbayan niya ito sabay beso.


MM: Sis, galit ka na naman? Napapansin kong parang lagi kang galit these past few days ah. (Nag-aalalang sambit ni Devon)


Frida: (Bumutunghininga at biglang tumulo na lang ang mga luha nito. Pinahiran nito kasi pinakaayaw nito na makitaan ng konting weakness) Nakakainis na kasi Sis. Ako na lang ang laging umiintindi sa kanya. May usapan kaming magkikita bukas ng hapon at ayun may meeting daw. Biglaan daw.


MM: Si Ian ba?


Frida: Oo! Sino pa nga ba! Ang tagal na naming iniskedule ang lakad na ito at hay nako, konti na lang talaga! Konti na lang at goodbye na talaga sa kanya ng tuluyan!


MM: Sis maghunos dili ka. Baka busy lang talaga yung tao.


Frida: He’s always like that. Busy na lang lagi. Ewan. Tara na nga. Teka, ikaw na lang sumama sa akin bukas kaya.


MM: Sorry din Sis may pupuntahan ako. Importante lang din.


Frida: Isa ka pang hay nako! Lagi ka ding busy!


At dumating na si DD para sunduin silang dalawa.


Frida: Ikaw DD, pwede ba ikaw na lang sumama sa akin bukas?


DD: Hi Frida, hello M. Sorry Frids, got somewhere else to go tomorrow.


Frida: Hay pare pareho kayong mga ewan! Tara na nga! Makakain na nga’t pinaiinit nyong lahat ang ulo ko!


At nauna na itong naglakad sa kanila. Nagkatingnan na lang si DD at MM at nagkindatan. Sanay na sila sa ganung ugali ni Frida. Palibhasa artist kasi ito kaya may mood swing ika nga.






Chapter 6:


5:30 pm, Conference Room B.


Medyo tago ang bahaging iyo sa main building ng school nila at mahaba habang lakaran pa ang gagawin bago makarating duon. Nung makarating siya sa venue ay medyo nagtataka pa si MM kung nasa tamang venue ba siya kasi nakikita niyang halos lahat ng nandun ay mga foreigner na schoolmates niya. Makailang beses pa niyang tiningnan ang invitation but iyun talaga nakalagay.


Di pa muna siya pumasok sa venue kasi nag-alangan pa rin siya. At dun niya nakita ang pagdating ni DD. Nung nagkita sila ay pareho pa silang nagtaka at napailing na lang siya nung nakitang pareho ang hawak nilang imbitasyon. Mayamaya at dumating na din ang kinaiinisan ni Frida kahapon na si Ian.


Sabay sabay na silang pumasok sa conference room. Mga 10 silang nandun at maingay ang room dahil sa isang koreanong nagkukwento at iyun ay walang iba kundi si Ryle.


Pina-upo na sila ng organizer at sinabihan to settle down kasi the meeting will start in a while.


Bumukas ang pinto at pumasok ang head organizer na walang iba kundi si Frida. Napa oh na lang sina Ian, DD at MM at si Frida ay halatang nagpipigil tumawa sa nakitang reaksyon ng tatlo.


Nag-umpisa ng magsalita si Frida tungkol sa imbitasyun. Yun pala ay magkakaroon ng photoshoot for the selected students present that time. The project will be a collaboration of with United Colors of Benetton and their school. Frida’s group was tasked to look for students who can be part of the latest project of UCB to create a magazine. The concept of the magazine is all about schools from around the world with different races. Their school is the representative of the Philippines for the said project. The magazine will release worldwide and billboards will be displayed all over the country for this particular ad.


Napanganga na lang si MM sa natuklasan. Napaisip siya kung bakit siya sinama ng kaibigan. Siya na sobrang simple kung manamit won’t even consider herself beautiful. Si Frida talaga! Luminga si MM at dun niya napansin na siya lang ang namumukud tanging purong Filipina ang kasama. Kasama din si LeAnne na isang Chinese girl, at nandun pa si Khalel na isang Iranian. Nakita din niya si Chutima na isang thailander at yung iba pang students with foreign blood.


Napaisip si MM, lagot talaga si Frida sa kanya mamaya at ano ba itong pinasukan niya.


Matapos silang sabihan ng mga responsibilidad nila as UCB student ambassadors. Ang aim ng proyektong ito ay mawala ang discrimination sa lahat ng uri ng tao. And since di pa nag-umpisa ang project, ay pinagbilinan sila lahat ni Frida na sekreto pa lang ang lahat ng ito. They will be given incentives for this project and clothing provision for year exclusively from UCB. Apart from being the so called model of the brand, they will also be carrying the brand by exclusively wearing the product for 1 year. And as a culmination of the said project, they will all be sent to Italy for the meet and greet of all the students who took part of the said project from all over the world.


Nagpalakpakan ang lahat nung nalaman nila at pati si MM ay naexcite na rin. Kinindatan pa siya ni Frida at sa halip na irap ang gawin niya ay isang sweet na thank you ang winika niya dito.


The photoshoot is 2 days from their meeting and they will not be bringing anything but themselves. It will be shot in their school ground. And the meeting continued and nung uwian na ay hinatid siya ni DD kasi natuloy na rin ang naudlot na date nina Ian at Frida.






Chapter 7:






Photo shoot. There are 5 boys and 5 girls included in the pictorial. MM arrived in the set wearing her usual get-up... jeans and maluwag na baby tee at naka tirintas ang buhok. Just a plain Filipina girl when you compare her with the other girls on the set na naka make-up na with their signature and stylish clothes.


Nakita agad ni Frida ang kaibagan at matapos magbeso ay pina-ayusan na niya ito. Nung tinanong ni MM si Frida bakit sinama siya nito sa pictorial at dahil ba sa magkaibigan sila kaya siya nasama. But according to Frida na hindi daw yun ang rason and bagama’t Frida is heading the team but she has nothing to do with the screening process kasi someone’s handling it. Napa ok na lang si MM but thank Frida for the opportunity nevertheless.


Di pa nagkikita ang mga kasama sa pictorial kasi unang kinunan ang mga individual shots ng mga lalaki kasi mas matagal daw aayusan ang mga babae. Mapapansin ang pagiging tahimik ni MM compare to the other girls na magkakilala talaga ang mga ito kasi member din ang mga ito sa isang organization ng mga foreign students.


The Chinese girl approached MM to ask her if she has a pen.


LeAnne: Hi I’m LeAnne, and this is Chutima, and she’s Kimberly and that the girl sleeping is Yan2x.


MM extended her hand to LeAnne and introduced herself. She finds her sweet and friendly. The rest of the girls were friendly as well and MM was at ease already.


Pagkatapos ma make-upan ni MM ay mismo siya na shock sa kinahinatnan ng hitsura niya. May itinatago pa lang siyang ganda lalo na’t maayusan. Si Frida man ang napasinghap when she saw her.


Frida: Wow Bes, ang ganda mo pala. Nakakatibo ka ah! Aray ko! Ikaw ata ang tibo eh (matapos makaranas ng palo kay MM)


Niyakap ni MM si Frida dahil napasobra ata sa lakas ang palo niya.






Tinawag na ang mga babae and sinimulan na ang kanilang individual shots. Lahat sila ay naka jeans lang, white tanktop and sneakers. Medyo ilang si MM ng konti kasi di pa siya sanay na naka tanktops at medyo fitting pa plus nakalugay ang buhok niya na kulot kulot at naka make-up pa siya.


Nagcombine na ang mga girls and boys sa photoshot. Di nakilala agad ni DD si MM nung makita niya ito kasi ang mga mata nito ay nakatutuk kay LeAnne. Medyo na mesmerized si DD kay LeAnne kaya di nito gaano napansin si MM. Si Ryle ata ang na mesmerized kay MM at kanina pa siya nito kinukulit.


Ryle: Oh my MM, is that lily you? Oh! You look so beautifur!


Ngumiti lang si MM at medyo namula sa tinuran ni Ryle.


Ryle: Lily! You are pletty! (Sabay tampal sa noo nito) Bad for me! I should not be the pliest that time. I should be your husband and I can kiss you.


Mas lalong namula si MM nung maalala ang pangyayaring iyon.


Ryle: MM I think its not too late. Can you give me a kiss also? (Sabay nguso sa bibig nito)


PAK! PAK! PAK!


Ryle: OOOOUUUCHHH!!!! Nevel mind the kiss if you will hit me like that. Owwwww!




Chapter 8:




Mas lalong sumaya nung group shot na nila. Maraming combination ang ginawa. Lahat iyon ay masayang masaya ang lahat. Nakakapagod man pero tuloy pa rin. Walang pagkakataong nagkasama sina DD at MM sa mga photoshot na silang dalawa lang kasi nakitaan ng director ng photoshot na parang ayaw na tantanan ni DD si LeAnne. At ganun din si Ryle na ayaw na tigilan si MM. Si Ian naman ay masyadong pormal at napag-alaman ni MM na minabuti nina Frida at Ian na maging magkaibigan na lang kasi di na sila magkaintindihan. Seryoso masyado si Ian kasi napapansin nito ang special na tinginan ng dating kasintahang si Frida at ang isang model na may dugong amerikano na si Brad. Napansin iyon ni MM kaya nilapitan niya si Ian.


MM: Hey. Ok ka lang?


Ian: Yeah. Why are you asking?


MM: Wala lang. Parang you’re so seryoso kasi.


Ian: (Taking a deep breath) Nothing... I’m not used to the set-up I guess.


MM: Hayaan mo na Ian. I think you guys are better off as friends. It was never you and Frida in the first place right?


Ian: Well...


MM: Like you guys said before, non-exclusive kayo so better nga na tinigilan nyo na. Mahirapan din kayong dalawa in the future.


Di na nagsalita si Ian. Medyo malungkot pa rin ito kaya para macomfort ito ni MM ay inakbayan niya ito lalo na’t nakita niyang naglalandian ang bestfriend niya at si Brad.


Dati pang ipinagtapat ni Frida kay MM ang naramdaman niya kay Brad. Nag sawa na ito sa malafairy tale na relasyon kay Ian. Masyado daw itong mabait. She wants someone to be control her because she has a very strong personality.


Nasa ganun silang position nung napansin ni DD ang dalawa. Ayaw man nitong aminin pero somehow may kurot na naramdaman si DD sa nasaksihan. Dahil sa pagkamesmerized niya kay LeAnne ay di man lang niya napansin si MM pero nung nasilayan na niya ito ay siya mismo ay namangha din sa nasaksihang pagbabago.




Chapter 9:




Gabi na at di pa rin tapos ang pictorial. Since it’s just a one day shot, tatapusin nila ito kahit anong oras man matapos. Pagod na si MM kaya nakasalampak na lang siya sa ground. Mainit ang mga ilaw na nakatutuk sa mga models kaya minabuti ni MM na lumayo ng konti sa kanila para makapagpahinga.


Ang ganda ng panahon nang gabing iyon. Ang liwanag ng buwan at ang daming stars. Tumingala si MM sa kalangitan with a smile on her face. Even as a child, she loves looking at the sky. It’s a thing that she shares with her father. He thought her the twinkle twinkle song and introduced to her as well the wish upon a star concept. Maya maya lang ay may nakita siyang falling star kaya dali dali niyang binigkas ang...


MM: Starlight, starbright. The first star I see tonight. Wish I may, wish I might have the wish I wish tonight... (and she closed her eyes to make her wish)


DD: What did you wish for?


Nagulantang si MM sa biglang pagsulpot ni DD at muntik na siyang mahulog sa kanyang inuupuang parang maliit na burol. Buti na lang mabilis ang reflexes ni DD at nahawakan siya nito. Kaso di rin maayos ang pagkakapwesto ni DD kaya natangay din si DD nung nahulog ng tuluyan si MM. Nubuwal silang dalawa at nadaganan ni DD si MM.


Awkward moment na naman silang dalawa pero bigla na lang bumulaghit ng tawa si MM kaya nakitawa na din si DD. Nagkatotoo ata ang di natapos na wish ni MM kanina. Bago pa kasi niya masabi ang details ng wish niya ay nagulat nga siya sa pagsulpot ni DD. Ang nasabi lang niya sa wish niya kasi kanina ay gusto niya sanang may kakaibang mangyari sa kanya starting tonight at sasabihin pa sana niyang sana maging malaki ang impact ng pagiging ambassador niya sa UCB. Eh yun nga lang di na natuloy pero natupad naman at yun na nga may kakaiba na namang nangyayari kasi ito sila ngayong dalawa in a very awkward moment.


Bagama’t kinakabahan na naman si DD sa maaring reaction ni MM pero dahil tumatawa ito ay nakahinga na din siya ng maluwag at nikikitawa na din. Huminga na lang ito sa tabi ni MM at tuluyan ng nagtawanan ang dalawa. At dun nag-umpisa na naman ang kulita nila sa kilitian.


Dahil sa mga hagikhigakan ng dalawa ay nakatawag pansin ito sa mga nagphotoshoot lalo na ng director. Naghahabulan na kasi ang dalawa ngayon na parang mga musmos. Biglang napagbalingan ng director ang dalawa at sinimulang kuhanan. Dahil sobrang kakulitan ng dalawa ay di nito napansin ang mga kumukuha sa kanila hanggang tawagin ng director ang pansin nila.


Hawak ni MM ang mga kamay ni DD para harangan ang pagkiliti nito sa kanya. Natigilan silang dalawa sabay tawanan ulit. Yung kulot na buhok ni MM ay may mga nakakabit pa na mga tuyong dahun at gayun din sa buhok ni DD. Di pinatangal ng director ang mga tuyong dahun bagkus ay ginawa pa itong props. At kinuhanan silang dalawa na magkasama. May seryosong kuha at meron din mga pa tweetums.


Nung bigyan sila ng director ng instruction na si DD nasa likod at si MM nasa harap ni DD at nakahawak ang mga kamay ni DD sa beywang ni MM ay kinulkit na naman ni DD si MM kung ano daw ang wish nito. Secret lang sabi ni MM pero ayaw siya tantanan ni DD kay nag-umpisa na naman ang kulitan ng dalawa. Dahil diyan ay naging maganda ang kinalabasan ng pictures nilang dalawa.


Pagkatapos ng pictorial nila ay nagdinner na muna ang buong grupo bago umuwi. Matapos ang shot nina DD at MM ay di na ulit sila nagkasama kasi balik na naman ang attention ni DD kay LeAnne at si MM ay sumama na din kay Ian pauwi. Si Frida at Brad ay bigla na lang naglaho na parang bula pagkakain ng dinner.




Chapter 10:




Nakarating na din sila sa condo ni DD. Parang tatay na minanduan ni DD si MM na maligo na muna habang naghahanda siya ng makakain nila. Ayaw pa sana ni MM kasi tuyo na daw siya at medyo nahihiya ito na makiligo sa ibang bahay at saka wala daw itong dalang pampalit at panloob. Pero ayaw na magpaawat ni DD. Mas concern ito sa posibilidad na magkasakit si MM.


Nagluto si DD ng simpleng ulam. Ang walang kamatayang Spamsilog. Walang katulong si DD sa condo niya. His cleaning lady only comes once a week kaya natutu din itong mamuhay na mag-isa. He is now co-managing their import-export business in the Philippines and a part-time model. He travels often to Australia because of the nature of his work. Paminsan minsan na lang silang nagkikita ni MM. After college ay nagkasama pa sila nung pumunta sila sa Italy for the UCB culmination. It was in Italy that he and LeAnne became a couple. LeAnne is now in an international model and would often travel abroad. Medyo madalang na din magkita ang magkasintahan na siyang laging himutok ni DD.


One time na bigla na lang siyang tinawagan ni DD para makipagkita at nung nagkita sila ay di maipinta ang mukha nito sa inis.


DD: She did it again. She cancelled our vacation for the 2nd time. God!


MM: Baka naman kasi busy lang yung tao.


Nasa isang restaurant sila nun. Kahit may lakad si MM nung gabing iyon with Ian ay she has to cancel it because sabi ni DD emergency daw.


DD: She’s always like that. We’ve been planning for this for the longest time. Bakit siya lang ba ang busy.


MM: D, eh ano ba magagawa mo eh international model yung girlfriend mo.


DD: I told her to stop and I want us to settle down. I wanna get married and have kids.


Medyo natigilan si MM dun, pero di niya pinahahalata na apektado siya sa sinabi ni DD. Nanlamig ng konti ang kamay niya on the thought that her bestfriend and her secret love has plans of settling down. Medyo parang nananadya pa ang background music sa restaurant na iyon kasi it was an opm weekend and the song that was playing was Bituin Escalante’s Kung Ako Na Lang Sana.


Nasa isip ni MM, putik na kanta ka! But again like a true friend, she composed herself and tried to pacify DD.


MM: Ano ba sabi niya? Ayaw pa niya?


DD: (He took a deep breath and sigh) It’s not part of her plans yet. She wants me to give her time. But gosh, how long will I wait.


MM: D, pagbigyan mo na si LeAnne. She’s on the peak of her career. Maybe she’s just not the marrying type or baka talagang di pa siya ready.


DD: If only she can be like you.


Hinawakan ni MM ang kamay ni DD kasi magkaharap sila ng upuan. She’s trying to comfort him. At the back of her mind, she also is wishing that she’s in LeAnne’s place. But reality check, she dismissed the idea right away.


Pinagpatuloy nila ang conversation na iyun hanggang ihatid siya ni DD pauwi.






Chapter 11:


DD was preparing the table when MM got out of his room na bagong paligo. She’s wearing his shirt na sobrang laki and his boxer shorts. Nalanghap ni DD ang swabeng amoy na galing kay MM. Nakalugay din ang mamasa masang buhok nito na sinusuklay ng huli sabay punas din ng tuwalya. Unconciously, DD was checking out MM’s every move. Ika nga suave ang lahat. She looks good in his clothes. Ang bango niyang tingnan. Parang may gusto siyang ulitin. Sa pagkakataong iyon ay nalanghap din ni MM ang bango ng niluluto ni DD.


MM: Wow!!!! Spamsilog!!!! (Parang batang pumalakpak si MM)


Biglang napabalik sa huwisyo si DD sa tinuran ni MM. Niyaya na niya itong kumain para madivert din ang attention niya sa muntik na niyang gawin kanina.


DD: Dig! (Yun ang laging term nilang dalawa hudyat na umpisa na ng lamon!)


There’s never any dull moment between DD and MM pag silang dalawa ang magkasama. Kagaya ngayon na kumakain sila, hindi maubos ang kwentuhan at kulitan. Malakas pa rin ang buhos ng ulan sa labas pero hindi inalintala ng dalawa iyon kasi alam nilang they’re in a safe place.


Biglang nagring ang cellphone ni MM. Dahil nakakamay siyang kumakain ay di nito nagawang sagutin ang phone. It’s Ian who’s calling her. Si DD na maarte na di kayang magkamay kumain ay siyang sumagot ng phone. Nagmamadaling naghugas si MM ng kamay para makausap din si Ian.


DD: Hey Pare, what’s up?


Medyo natigilan si Ian na si DD ang sumagot ng phone.


Ian: Did I dialled the wrong number? D, I’m calling MM and ikaw ang sumagot.


DD: (Tumatawa) No Pare, magkasama lang kami and she’s eating again na nakakamay kaya she can’t answer the phone. Wait si Ms. Takaw is here na.


Isang malutong na gago ang pinakawalan ni MM kay DD bago kinuha ang phone.


MM: Hi, sorry ha. Sarap kasi ng spamsilog and I can’t help but magkamay kumain. Gutom na sobra.


Ian: It’s ok. I just thought I dialled the wrong number kanina. Hey, are you alright? I was worried sick when about you. I can’t even get out of the office to fetch you. I’m still here in the office stuck. Damn!


MM: It’s ok. DD fetched me right on time. Kumain ka na ba?


At nagpatuloy ang pag-uusap ng dalawa. Kelan lang nung bumalik si Ian from the States after college. Nagkataon na si Ian ang project manager ng client nila MM and she’s the account officer kaya nashock na lang silang dalawa sa nangyayari. They’re starting to get close with each other because of their constant interaction. Frida, her bestfriend even told her na dapat sila na lang daw dalawa. Kasi mabait naman daw si Ian at Frida lang daw ang hindi. Frida on the other hand is happily married with Brad and they have 2 kids. Maagang naglandi ang kaibigan niya and right after college ay nabuntis ito at nagpakasal na din. She’s now in Cebu with her husband Brad.


Habang nag-uusap sina Ian at MM ay parang may ibang nafefeel si DD na di niya mawari. Panibugho? Matiim nitong tiningnan ang bawat galaw ni MM. Mukhang happy naman ito sa pakikipag-usap kay Ian. Dapat he should be happy for MM. Pero ewan niya.


Bumalik na rin MM sa hapagkainan at pinatuloy yung pagkain niya.


DD: Is Ian your boyfriend now?


MM: Ha? Hindi ah! (Nagsalita with her mouth full)


DD: Really! Why?


MM: Wala lang... wala pa lang... (Medyo makahulugang sabi ni MM)




Chapter 12:




Napakunot ang noo ni DD sa sinabi ni MM. Tinanong ulit nito kung bakit ganun sagot niya and ang sagot lang ni MM is basta. Parang gustong magselos ni DD pero sabi nga nya, ano ang karapatan niya kay MM. He wants MM to be happy but can he stand the thought na may iba itong maging ka close na lalaki?


Nagpatuloy ang pagkain nila and nung natapos sila ay si MM na nagkusa nagligpit ng gamit nila and DD it was DD’s turn to take a bath.


Habang naghuhugas si MM ay napaisip siya kung saan siya matutulog mamaya kasi iisa lang ang room sa condo ni DD. Ah siguro sa couch na lang siya total di naman mainit ngayon at may electric fan naman. Medyo na conscious din siya sa hitsura niya kanina. Pilit man niyang gamitin ulit ang mga undies niya but sobrang nabasa lang talaga ito kanina kaya nilabhan na lang niya. Bahala na si Batman kako.


Samantala, nagulantang naman si DD pagpasok niya sa banyo at magisnan ang mga nakasampay na pag-aari ni MM. Napangiti si DD sa isiping may tinatago palang awkwardness si MM kanina pa. May naisip na naman itong kalokahang gagawin mamaya.


Paglabas ni DD sa room niya ay nakikita niyang pinapatuyo ni MM ang buhok harap ng electric fan. Nakatalikod ito at di napansin ang paglapit ni DD. Umandar ang kalokohan ni DD at biglang ginulat si MM nung sundutin nito ang parehong tagiliran ni MM. Biglang napatili si MM at kahit ang gulo gulo ng buhok ay hinarap si DD. Nagmumukhang sadaku si MM nung humarap it okay DD dahil nasa harap lahat ng buhok niya. Nagkunyaring takot si DD sa nakita na mas lalong nagpainis kay MM. Hinabol niya ito para makaganti sa pangugulat nito. Naghabulan silang dalawa na parang bata at dahil di naman kalakihan ang condo ay napagawi ang habulan hanggang sa room ni DD. Or baka nga sinadya talaga ni DD na mapunta sila duon.


PAK! PAK sa ere! PAK ulit! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Hanggang umabot ang kulitan sa kama ni DD. Mataktikang niyakap ni DD si MM at ang huli ay nasa ibabaw na ni DD. Nakatawa pa rin si DD pero biglang natigilan si MM nung maisip ang position nila. Naglaho din ang ngiti sa labi ni DD at tinitigan na lang nito ng mataimtim si MM. Gayun din si MM at nung biglang naalala na wala pala siyang panloob ay dali dali itong nagpupumilit tumayo pero di siya makawala sa mahigpit na hawak ni DD.


MM: Please let me go. (Nagpupumiglas pa rin para makaalis)


Naramdaman na din ni MM ang pag-iiba ng timpla ng katawan nilang dalawa. Pero di pa rin siya pinakawalan ni DD. May nararamdaman na si MM na kakaiba sa katawan ni DD. Panic mode na siya at pinipilit na kumawala sa ayos nilang dalawa.


MM: D, please let me go.


Parang di pa rin narinig ni DD ang paki-usap ni MM, bagkus biglang iniba nito ang position nila. Si MM na ngayon ang nasa ilalim at yung kamay ni DD ay nasa mukha na ni MM. Hinawi nito ang mga buhok na nakatabing sa mukha ni MM. Masuyo nitong pinalandas ang kamay sa pisngi ni MM. Masuyo pa rin nitong tinititigan si MM.


Nagpang-abot na ang mga kilay ni MM sa ginagawa ni DD. Mas lalo siyang nagpanic ngayon kasi may iba na rin siyang nadarama sa sarili sa ginagawa ni DD. Bakit gusto niya ang mga haplos ni DD. Bakit parang gusto niyang matangay sa sitwasyon. Bakit parang gusto niyang halikan sana siya ni DD.


The stars might have heard her wish and bago pa siya makabalik sa huwisyo ay hinahalikan na siya ni DD. Natangay na rin si MM sa sitwasyon at tinugun na rin ang halik ni DD. Naging mapangahas na ang mga kamay ni DD at nag-umpisa na nitong damhin ang maseselang parte ng katawan ni MM. Sa isang iglap at nawala ang saplot ni MM sa katawan at isinunod din ni DD yung kanya. Nasa ganun silang ayus ng biglang napabalik sa huwisyo si MM ng maalala kung ano ang tunay na sitwasyon.




Chapter 13:



MM: D, this is all wrong. Let’s stop this please. (Pagsusumamo ni MM kay DD)


DD: I don’t really kher. M, please.... I need you....


At tila ayaw na magpapigilin ni DD sa nadarama niyang kakaiba kay MM. Nung mag-umpisa na itong isakatuparan ang pag-iisa ng kanilang mga katawan ay napa-kapit ng mahigpit si MM sa braso ni DD at dahil sa di alintanang sakit na nadarama ay nakagat ni MM ang mga balikat ni DD ng tuluyang mapag-isa silang dalawa. No matter how gentle DD can be, but since it’s MM’s first time ay nahihirapan pa rin itong isakatuparan ang kanilang pag-iisa.


MM: D, please stop.


DD: Hush baby please. I can’t stop. You’re driving me crazy. Please I just can’t stop.


It took a while for MM to adjust to DD’s size and when the pain was replaced with passion, that’s when the rhythm of the music started to get on a faster beat.


Kahit dinidiktahan ng isip ni MM na mali ang kanyang pinapasukang sitwasyon pero nanaig pa rin ang bugso ng damdamin at dun niya natantong totoo nga talaga ang nadarama niya para kay DD. Di lang damdaming pangkaibigan ang nadarama niya dito but it’s way more than that. Alam niyang nasa losing end siya ng battle but she’s taking the risk.


Kasabay ng malakas na buhos ng ulan ang pagdating ng dalawang nilalang sa ruruk ng kaligayahan. DD called out MM’s name when he reached his climax.


Dahil sa pagod ay parehong nakatulog ang dalawa. Yakap yakap ni DD si MM at nakatalukbong silang dalawa sa ilalim ng comforter ni DD. Dahil sa nadaramang pagod, ay di na naisip ni MM ang nangyayari.






Pinukaw si MM sa tawag ng kalikasan and at instinct ay napabalikwas siya ng bangon at dahil inaantok antok pa ay nakalimutan niya kung nasaan siya. Nang matantong hindi pamilyar sa kanya ang lugar ay luminga si MM sa paligid at dun niya natantong nakahubad pala siya at nung mas lalo siyang nagulantang dun nakitang si DD ang katabi niyang natutulog nakagaya niya ay hubad din. Napasinghap si MM. Gusto sana niyang maghisterya pero nung nakita niyang mapayapang natutulog si DD kaya she decided to talk about it tomorrow.


Pumasok si MM sa bathroom pagkabukas niya sa ilaw ay tumambad sa kanya ang isang babaeng who was obviously being made love that night. Love marks were all over her body and the glows in her eyes are undeniable.


Pagka number 1 ni MM ay naghilamos siya at sinipat ang mga markings ni DD sa kanya. Napailing na lang siya sa nangyayari at bigla na lang tumulo ang mga mumunting butil ng luha sa mata ni MM. Duon na nagsink-in lahat na di madali itong bagay na pinasok nila. She’s at the losing end kasi may gf si DD.


Matapos kalmahin ang sarili ay saka pa lang siya ulit bumalik sa kama and nakatapis siya ng tuwalya nung lumabas at hinagilap na niya ang mga saplot na nagkalat kung saan saan at muling sinuot. Dahil pagod ang katawan, di na rin siya nagpakipot para makatulog ng maayos kesa matulog sa labas sa couch na siya niyang unang iniisip. Para ano pa at naisuko na niya ang bataan so ano pang ipapakipot niya.


Pagkalapag ng pagod niyang katawan at binigyan niya ng konting distansya sila ni DD. Pero yung kamay ni DD ay naging mapaghanap at nung nadarama siya nito ay kinabig siya at ipinapaloob sa mga bisig nito at inaamoy amoy pa ang buhok niya. Dahil sa nadaramang takot ay isiniksik na lang ni MM ang sarili kay DD. Yun ang nagpabuhay ulit ng natutulog na apoy sa katawan ni DD at nagising ito kasabay ng katawan nito at muling isinakatuparan ang pag-iisa nila sa pangalawang pagkakataon. This time ay naging mapangahas na rin si MM sa pagtugon kay DD at wala na ring silbi ang isinuot na pantulog ni MM kasi nakatulog ulit siyang walang ni isang saplot sa katawan at this time, she’s sleeping contentedly in DD’s strong arms.




Chapter 14:




Sun rays are glaring on DD’s windows. He stretch and sigh. He felt good. He felt really good. Kinakapa niya yung katabi niya but wala it’s empty. Tiningnan niya ang bakanteng higaan and he can see traces of someone sleeping there last night. He got the pillow she used and sinamyo ito. And naisip kung nasaan na ito ngayon brought panic to him but when he heard the water from the shower, nakahinga siya ng maluwag.


Suddenly an idea pops his mind and without battling an eyelash, he immediately proceeded to where the sound came from. And napangiti siya sa imaheng tumambad sa kanya. Her silouhette behind those shower doors is like a perfect portrait painted by a famous artist. He wasted no time and joined her na kinagulat naman ni MM. Napatili ito nung nakawan niya ito ng halik at niyakap. Nag-umpisa na naman ang kulitan ng dalawa pero nauwi rin ito sa isang mainit na tagpo. They just can’t get enough. DD honestly can’t get enough.


It got DD thinking last night after they made love. He knew that nabigla lang din siya sa pangyayari kagabi. Everything started as a joke on his end but when their bodies were so close to each other, he felt something unexplainable. Something wonderful so to speak. And something that he likes and he’s been yearning to have for the longest time. From the moment he saw her void with any cosmetic and only freshly showered face and that’s when he realized that MM indeed is very beautiful. And when his eyes were on her lips, he remembered those marshmallow soft lips and he can’t help himself but to devour it like before.


After their morning delight, decided to have breakfast somewhere else before taking MM home. They never talked about what happened. It became so spontenous between the two of them. Kahit may apprehension si MM sa hindi pagbanggit ni DD tungkol sa nangyari pero parang siya din ay tila lasing sa mga pangyayari so she decided to go with the flow and would wait for the right time that they will talk about it. Ang importante sa kanya now is she’s happy.


On their way pauwi sa bahay ni MM ay di pa rin maawat ang kulitan ng dalawa. Bigla na lang nagdecide si DD na pupunta daw sila sa bahay nito sa Batangas. Tyempo kasi holiday kinalunesan so both decided to have weekend getaway in Batangas. May farm sila DD sa Batangas. This will be the first time that MM will go there. DD has been inviting her since he acquired the property but everytime they schedule it eh kailangan namang umalis ni DD or minsan naman siya yung di pwede.


Pero this time there’s no stopping them from going there. Pagkakuha ng mga gamit ni MM ay bumalik sila sa condo ni DD to get some of his stuff and off they go to Batangas.




Chapter 15:




Ilang oras lang ay nakarating na din sila sa Batangas. Sinalubong sila ng katiwala ng farm na Si Tata Teban and Nanang Lydia. Ang mag-asawang ito ay dati ng katiwala ng Lola ni DD nung nabubuhay pa ito. And when he acquired the place, he got them back to maintain it.


Kasintahan ang pakilala ni DD sa kanya dun sa farm. Namangha si MM nung makitang may bigbike pala si DD na naka station duon. Matapos nilang ilagay ang mga gamit sa kwarto ay sinabihan na siya ni DD na magbihis ng shorts para makapamasyal sila using his bike. They wasted no time and headed out of the farm house to start their journey.


Medyo takot pa si MM sa pagsakay ng motor kaya kuntodo yakap siya kay DD. Di naman sila nag highway kaya di na sila naghelmet. Sa farm na mismo nila DD muna sila namasyal para maipakita ni DD kay MM ang mga fruit bearing trees na nakahilera. Masarap ang pakiramdam nilang dalawa habang dumadaan sa mga ito at nakikita nila ang mga trabahador nila DD doing some harvest on the ripe mango fruits.


Medyo nakapag adjust na si MM sa pagsakay sa motor kaya nangahas na itong mag take ng pictures at marami silang self portrait taken together. Lahat ng pictures taken are all happy pictures. Maraming kuha na ninanakawan ng halik ni DD si MM at ayaw din magpatalo ni MM at ganun din ginawa nito.


Medyo magpapagabi na ng makarating ulit sila sa bahay. Pagdating nila dun ay nakahanda na ang pagkain nila sa hapagkainan. Naghanda para sa dalawa ang mag-asawa pero hindi pumayag si MM na di sila saluhan ng dalawang matanda. Napilit din nito ang dalawa dahil tumayo agad si MM para ipaghanda ng plato’t kubyertos ang mga ito. Hindi inaasahan ng dalawang matanda ang kabaitang ipinapakita ni MM kasi akala nila dahil tubong maynila ang ito ay di ito mabait.


Masaya ang kwentuhan kasama ng dalawang matanda. Maraming binuking na kalokohan ni DD si Nanang Lydia when he was growing up and was spending time with his grandmother. Sobrang spoiled daw si DD sa lola nito. Ang tawag ng lola ni DD sa kanya ay Dave instead of DD. Kaya pati sila Tata Teban at Nanang Lydia, Dave din tawag sa kanya.


Bigla nabilaukan si MM nung tanungin sila ng Nanang Lydia kung kelan daw sila lalagay sa tahimik. Si DD ang sumagot at ang sabi nito na malapit na daw. Hindi din naman sineryoso ni MM ang sinagot ni DD kasi alam niya na kailangan lang talagang sabihin ni DD yun para mapanatag yung dalawang matanda. Kinindatan pa siya ni DD nung sinabi nitong malapit na nga daw silang magpakasal. Nagpatuloy ang kwentuhan nila
hanggang magpaalam na ang dalawang matanda para maka uwi na ang mga ito sa staff house.




Chapter 16:




Maliwanag ang buwan sa gabing iyon.


Napapahangin lang si MM sa may balcony ng room nina DD at MM. Naka sundress na mahaba si MM at nakahawak sa may barandilya ng balcony. As always, fascinated pa rin siya pag nakakakita siya ng maraming bituin sa kalangitan. At parang batang naghahanap pa rin ng fallen star.


At di siya binigo ng mga bituin sa langit kasi binigyan siya ng isang fallen star. Dali daling binigkas ni MM ang...


MM: Starlight, starbright, the first star I see tonight, wish I may, wish I might have the wish I wish tonight.... (And just as she was about to say her wish, she felt the strong arms enveloping her)


DD: I wish that I’ll be with this girl for the rest of my life....


Napangiti na lang si MM pero naisip niya ang totoong sitwasyon nila kaya di maiwasang malungkot siya sa sinabi ni DD.


Iniharap siya ni DD at tiningnan ng masuyo sa mukha.


DD: Oo Baby, I said my wish. I really want to spend the rest of my life with you. (He seriously said it to MM)


MM was trying to hold back her tears and she took a deep breath before she said her piece.


MM: D, paano pala yan. You’re committed to LeAnne. What will be our set-up.


At tuluyan ng tumulo ang luha ni MM kasi kung titingnan ngayon ay siya ang nasa losing end. Kahit balibaliktarin ay siya pa rin ang other woman sa pagkakataong ito.


DD: (Pinahid ni DD ang luha sa mata ni MM) Baby, please stop crying. I’ll take care of it ok. (Sabay yakap kay MM) My relationship with LeAnne is already going down the drain even before this. I have been telling you about it right. Before something could happened to us, I am already planning to end our relationship. I just didn’t have the time to talk to her. But again, don’t worry, on my next business trip which is 5 days from now, I’ll talk to her. Ok?


DD was cupping MM face and he started kissing her passionately. He is trying to assure MM that ever will be alright.


DD: Baby, please trust me. Everything will be alright. (At tinititigan ni DD si MM hanggang um-o ito)


Tumango si MM para lang mapanatag din ang loob ni DD. Pero may hinihintay siyang gusto niyang marinig galing kay DD. Di pa rin nagsasabi si DD na mahal siya nito. Although nararamdaman niya pero mas gugustuhin pa rin niya na sana bigkasin nito ang mga katagang iyon.


Naging mapangahas na ang mga halik ni DD. At tuluyan na namang nakalimut sina DD at MM sa hindi na mabilang na pagkakataon.


Si DD, tinatamasa ang kaligayahan at contentment na nadarama sa mga sandaling iyon.


Si MM, tinatamasa ang oras na makapiling ang taong pinakamamahal niya.


Whatever tomorrow will bring for the two of them, pinapasa Diyos na muna ni MM ang lahat.




Chapter 17:




Nung araw na iyon ay naiwan si DD at MM sa bahay bakasyunan kasi nagkaroon ng emergency ang isang anak ng mag-asawang Tata Teban at Nanang Lydia. Napagdesisyunan ng dalawa na magluto. Mahilig kumain ng pasta si DD kaya MM decided to cook her famous carbonara.


Tulungan silang dalawa sa pagawa ng lunch nila nung oras na iyon. Ang simpleng pagluluto at mabilis na preparasyon ay tumagal ng tumagal dahil hindi maawat sa kaharutan ang dalawang nilalang na nasa kusina. Kung gaano ka kulit si DD ay di rin nagpapatalo si MM.


Habang nagluluto ng sauce si MM ay kinukulit ito ni DD. Nasa harap ng stove si MM at sadyang dinidikit ni DD yung katawan kay MM kasi kunyari tinitingnan nito ang nilulutong pasta kung aldente na ba daw. Pero sa tuwina ay pinapadama lang nito kay MM ang nabubuhay na dugo. Pinipilit talagang di pansinin ni MM ang kaharutan ni DD pero sa totoo lang ay malapit na talaga siya bumigay... bumigay ulit....


Nung naluto na ang carbonara ay di man lang umabot ang dalawa sa hapag kainan kasi sa may sink pa lang ay may ginagawa ng milagro ang dalawa. Pagkaluto ng pasta at nung naluto na din ang carbonara sauce ay naging mapangahas na ulit si DD. Si MM naman ay kunyari kunyariang ayaw magpaapekto sa presensya ni DD at she’s trying her best to look very busy and undistracted.


Pero sa isang iglap ay bigla siyang binuhat ni DD at pina-upo sa may counter. Muntik na mabitawan ni MM ang dalang plato na puno ng carbonara. DD spread her legs so that he can position himself in between. He pushed her towards him. Naka short shorts at tank top lang si MM samantalang hubad baro at shorts din si DD. Ang kaninang hagikhigan ay napalitan na ng katahimikan.


DD is looking intimately to MM. Tinangal nito ang naka bun na hairdo ni MM. Flocks of hair dropped at MM’s hair and it made her look sexier. Matamang tinititigan ni DD si MM. Medyo na conscious si MM kay kumuha ito ng carbonara using her fingers and fed DD with it. Sa halip na matawa ay mas lalong nilandian ni DD ang titig kay MM. He devoured the carbonara on MM’s hand and licked her fingers to clean it.


Kung sa ibang pagkakataon ay nakakatikim na si DD ng isang malutong na palo galing kay MM pero tila umepekto na kay MM ang mga titig at aksyon ni DD. Kinuha ni DD ang plato na hawak ni MM at inilapag ito. Kinuha ang mga kamay ni MM at iniyakap sa sarili at hinila si MM papalapit sa kanya. He didn’t waste anytime and he claimed her lips. Hindi rin binibigyan ng pagkakataon ni DD si MM na hindi tugunin ang init na pinapadama niya dito. Natangay na rin si MM at tuluyan ng nagpatianud sa tawag ng kamunduhan.


Piping saksi ang mga kuberytos, gulay at kaldero sa pagniniig ng dalawang nilalang na hindi na umabot sa kwarto at ang lahat ay nangyari na lang sa kitchen counter with her clothes on... almost all her clothes on....


Before they could reach the peak, di na napigilan ni MM ang pagsambit ng mga katagang “I love you” kay DD dahil na rin sa pagtanong nito sa babae. He was persistent para paaminin si MM sa tunay na nadarama at di rin na dismaya si MM kasi ang pinakahinihintay niyang katagang sasabihin ni DD ay nasabi na rin nito when he released his soldiers in one final thrust.




Chapter 18:




The duo didn’t get contented with the kitchen counter encounter and proceded to their lovenest for more bouts. They end up having a very late lunch or rather it’s more on a close to dinner food since they went back to the kitchen at sundown.


Kakaiba ang glow ni MM sa pagkakataong ito especially after hearing DD professing his love for her again and again. They are going back to reality in a few hours and sinusulit nila ang bawat pagkakataong meron sila ngayon.


MM secretly wish she can see a falling star again tonight for her to give her wish that sana ganito lang sila lagi. Na sana lagi silang magkasama ni DD... sana forever....but she never had the chance to take a peak of the sky because she became DD’s prisoner over and over again. And she’s a willing victim.


Breaking dawn and MM found herself alone in the bed she’s sharing with DD. Luminga siya at hinanap si DD and she found him in the balcony starting at the dark. He’s wearing his pajama bottom and has no shirt on. MM who had endless bout with DD that night slept in her birthsuit. She got hold of DD’s pajama top and put it on. Hinanap na din niya na ang panloob at mabilis na sinuot.


She tiptoed her way to the balcony quietly. Nung nasa likod na siya ni DD ay niyakap niya ito from the back. DD felt her presence and hold her arms nung niyakap niya ito. DD turned around and cupped her face and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.


DD: Baby, I’m just thinking... I honestly like what’s happening to us now. Ang tagal ko palang bulag and I was looking at someone else when you are just here beside me all the time. I should have pursued you the moment I tasted these marshmallow soft lips(sabay hawak sa lips at dinampian ulit ito ng halik). I should have followed my instinct before yung mga gabing I was haunted by that soft kiss.


DD hugged MM tightly this time. Biglang kumawala si DD sa pagyakap kay MM and did the unexpected. He knelt down and proposed to MM sans the ring.


DD: Baby, will you spend the rest of your life with me. Utang na muna yung ring but wait, here (sabay tangal ng kwintas na gamit gamit nito even when he was a child).


The necklace is an heirloom given by his grandmother and DD never took it off until today. It simply shows how much he loves the girl he’s professing his love to and asked her to be his wife.


MM couldn’t utter a word and tears are unstoppable now. She simply nodded her head to tell him that she’s accepting the offer... his offer to be his wife.


DD got up on his knees and hugged MM tightly. He too is teary eyed. He gave MM a wonderful kiss and lifted her up on her feet and brought her back to their love nest and sealed the proposal with something very special.


When the morning finally came, they headed back to Manila and started planning for their wedding. Since they still have some things to settle, they decided to keep their relationship a secret for the meantime until DD will be able to settle some score with LeAnne.


A few days after, DD went to Australia for a business trip and also to settle and put an end with his relationship with LeAnne. LeAnne is based in Australia for the time being since the project she’s assigned with is in Australia.


Hindi alam ni MM kung bakit parang may pumipigil sa kanya na paalisin si DD. Parang bigla na lang na ayaw niya sana itong paalisin. There are nights that she will wake up and namamalayan na lang niyang basa ang mga mata niya. She didn’t know the reason bakit siya umiiyak.


She checked her cellphone at it register that it’s 2 am. There’s one message from DD telling her that he loves her and whatever will happened, he’s coming back to her.


Kinakabahan man si MM sa message ni DD na iyun but she tried to brush it off and replied to him that she’ll wait for him to come home.


And that was the last text she received from DD and that was 2 months ago and here she is now facing the biggest shock of her life... she’s pregnant and she can’t contact DD. She tried calling his mobile phone but it always gives the answer that the number is no longer in use. She tried sending email to him but all her mails bounces back stating that the mailbox is full.


Paano na siya ngayon? Nasaan na ba si DD?




Chapter 19:




Frida: Bes! What happened to you? (Sabay yakap sa tulalang si MM)


Sumugod agad si Frida when she knew what happened to MM after ito tumawag kay Frida asking for help. Di sukat akalain ni Frida na sa ganung sitwasyun niya madadatnan ang kaibigan. Tulala at hilam ang mga mata sa luha. Ang tanging alam lang ni Frida ay malaking suliranin si MM but she didn’t know the details. Pero as a true friend, di na kailangang mag elaborate ni MM para malaman ni Frida na may malaking problema ang kaibigan. Dalidali itong kumuha ng flight to Manila. Nagkataon pa man din na katulong lang ang kasama ni MM kasi ang parents nito ay nasa isang business conference.


Frida: Bes! Huwag naman ganito. Bes! Bes! (Sabay sampal kay MM para matauhan ito)


Dun pa lang parang nagising si MM at nung nakitang si Frida ang nasa harap ay dali dali nitong niyakap si Frida at humagulgul. Napaiyak na rin si Frida dahil sa awa sa sinapit ng kaibigan. Kung sino man ang may gawa nito sa mabait niyang kaibigan ay mananagot sa kanya. Yun ang nasa isip ni Frida.


Hinayaan na muna ni Frida na ibuhos ni MM ang lahat ng hinanakit. Nakatulugan na ni MM ang kakaiyak. Para itong batang nakatulog sa kandungan ni Frida at si Frida ay lumabas ang mother’s instinct to take care of her young.


Nung gumabi na ay nagising na si MM. Medyo mapayapa na ito ng konti. Makikita ang pagbagsak ng katawan ni MM. Pero alam ni Frida ang weakness ni MM on bad days. Frida made a hearty soup na favorite ni MM. Actually ang tawag nila sa sabaw na iyon ay Besty’s Best kasi nag-umpisa yun as an experiment then sa kalaunan ay naging paborito na nilang dalawa.


Nagising si MM sa masarap na aroma sa nilulutong sabaw at tumayo ito at pumunta sa kusina. Nag seset si Frida ng table katulong ang kasambahay ni MM. Napangiti si MM nung maaninag na naka apron ang kaibigan.


Nakita siya ni Frida na nakatayo sa bedroom door wearing an oversized men shirt. Medyo napakunot ang noo ni Frida kasi parang di naman sa tatay ni MM ang tshirt na gamit ni MM. Napatagpi tagpi ni Frida ang problema. Matters of the heart ang simpleng conclusion niya.


Niyaya na nitong kumain si MM at di na rin nagpapigil ang huli. Magana itong kumain sa Besty’s Best na sabaw with rice. Parang gutom na gutom ito at ilang linggo ng di kumakain. Frida is amused looking at her friend eating heartily.


Pero pagkatapos nitong kumain ay dali dali ding inilabas ang lahat ng kinain at nagduduwal na ito. Napakunot na talaga ang noo ni Frida sa mga nangyayari. May hindi naikwento ang kaibigan sa kanya. Yun ang dapat niyang tuklasin.


Matapos asistihan ang kaibigan ay binitbit niya ulit ito sa kwarto at inutusan ang kasambahay na gumawa ng mainit na gatas.


Sinamahan niya ang kaibigan at dun na inupsihang usisain.


Frida: Bes, care to tell me what happened to you?


Nagsimula na namang tumulo ang mga luha ni MM. Huminga ito ng malalim at inumpisahang isalaysay kay Frida ang nangyari sa kanila ni DD.


Namangha si Frida sa natuklasan. All along she thought na Ian and MM were dating. All along she thought Ian is giving MM this mess and mas lalong nainis si Frida nung natuklasang si DD na naman ang sangkot.


Mas lalo itong nagalit nung nalamang di na ito magcontact simula ng umalis sa Australia or a week after nasa Australia ito.


At tuluyan ng tumulo ang luha ni Frida nung kumpirmahin ni MM na 2 months na siyang on-the-way.




Chapter 20:




Frida: Bes, please stop crying. Makakaapekto sa dinadala mo yan. (Sabay yakap dito).


Frida was on strong woman persona now and explained to MM the possible effect on her pregnancy if she continues to succummed to her depression. Tinanong siya ni Frida is she’s keeping the baby and nakahinga ng maluwag si Frida nung isang definite na OFCOURSE ang sinagot ni MM.


Frida promised MM to take her to the doctor for a check-up for the safety of her baby. She also asked her if may iba ba na nakakaalam and ano ang reason niya sa office on her absence. Sabi ni MM na walang nakakaalam and ang alam lang din sa office ay maysakit siya sa ilang araw na di pagpasok. Which reminded her that she’s getting a medical certificate for her absence. Nakahinga ng maluwag din si Frida nung nalamang di naman strict ang employer ni MM on single-mom like her.


Bigla nakatanggap si Frida ng text galing kay Ian.


Ian: Hi Frids, I’m kinda worried of MM. She has not been answering my text. 1 week na siya di pumapasok when I called her in the office and her cellphone is out of reached. Please text back.


Frida: O ayan, hay nako Bes, sana itong lalaking to na lang ang naging ama ng baby mo. He will be a good father.... (At di na natapos ni Frida ang sasabihin nung nakitang umiiyak na naman si MM)


Frida: Bes, sorry na. Please stop crying na. I’m sorry. Matabil lang talaga ang bibig ko but I’m really sorry. Please stop crying. Maawa ka kay baby... (sabay himas sa di pa halatang umbok na tiyan). Gusto mo ice cream? Pabili tayo kay Manang sa baba.


Kahit tumutulo ang luha ay napangiti na rin si MM at tumango sabay pahid ng luha.


Frida: Pero hinay-hinay lang sa sweets ha kasi baka maging diabetic ka niyan. Manang, pabili po ng ice cream sa baba. Yung cookies and cream po...






Kinabukasan ay sinamahan na ni Frida si MM sa doctor. Good thing kahit ilang araw ng walang ganang kumain si MM ay healthy naman daw ang kapit ng bata. Pero binigyan pa rin siya ng doctor ng mga vitamins for her pregnancy. Medyo nagsmile na si MM dahil nandyan si Frida. Tinutulungan siya nito kahit papaano namapawi ang lungkot na nadarama. Nandun na nagwindow shopping na sila. Ewan ni MM kung bakit lahat ng naiibigan niya ay either blue or yellow ang color. Hula ni Frida na baka lalaki daw ang baby pero napaisip din ito kasi yellow is a girl color. Tawanan sila nung biglang naisip ang possibilities na twins ang bata or di kaya daw bading! Napasign of the cross sila dun sa mga naisip. Nanuod sila ng sine at kumain ng kumain.


Nung gabi ding iyon ay tinipan nila si Ian at ipinagtapat na rin niya ang kalagayan. Ian promised MM to try look for ways to contact DD. DD and Ian are also friends and often hang-out together and he too is aware that it’s been a while that they kept in touch. The last time he knew is nasa Australia ito. He too tried sending emails to him but di rin siya makasend kasi lahat ng emails niya nag bounce back. Too bad that he has no contact on the other members of DD family.


At bigla na lang naalala ni MM ang dalawang matanda na caretaker ng bahay nila DD sa Batangas. Nagpresinta si Ian na samahan sila ni Frida duon para magtanongtanong. They decided to go there that weekend.


Pero nungmakarating sila sa farm nila DD ay nakakandado din ito at nung tinanong nila kung nasaan si Tata Teban and Nanang Lydia ay sabi nung naiwan dun an umuwi sa Mindoro kasi may masakit ang isang kamag-anak. At nung tinanong nila ang naiwan kungmay alam ba ito kay DD ay di daw kasi bago lang din ito.


Lumong lumo silang tatlo na umuwi. Lalo na si MM. Galit na galit si Frida dahil she concluded that pinagtataguan ni DD si MM. Si Ian ay tahimik lang.






*************************************************


DD: Water.....Where am I? (Blurry ang paningin nito at di maintindihan ang ingay na naririnig sa paligid).






Chapter 21:




Tuloy ang buhay ni MM. Frida has to go back to Cebu to be with her family. Nung dumating ang mga magulang ni MM ay ipinagtapat na din niya ang kalagayan. Napaiyak na lang ang mama niya pero sinuportahan pa rin siya. Ang daddy naman ni MM ay halatang disappointed dahil palagi itong seryoso at tahimik pag sila ang magkasama.


Malungkot man si MM sa nangyari pero inisip pa rin niya ang bilin ni Frida na pagnalulungkot siya ay apektado din ang dinadala niya kaya she psych herself to think positive and count her blessings. Someone that helped her kasi she’s now looking forward to the birth of her little one.


Ian has been a good friend to her. He’s always there to support her. She knows that people in her office are talking behind her back... their back.... Nagdududa ang mga officemates niya na si Ian ang ama ng baby niya. Medyo halata na tiyan ni MM. She’s already 5 months on the way. There are still nights that she cries if naisip niya si DD but nanaig pa rin ang pagmamahal niya sa bata at ayaw niyang malagay ito sa alanganin.


Makailang beses na din siyang sinabihan ni Ian na pananagutan na lang nito ang kanyang pagbubuntis pero makailang beses na din niya itong tinangihan kasi unfair kay Ian.


These past few days, Ian has been more attentive to MM. He really wanted her to accept his offer but has been refused several times and he’s not losing hope. He’s silently wishing that sana wala ng DD na babalik para matauhan si MM and she will consider his proposal.






*************************************************


Doctor: I’m sorry Mr. Redford but your son is suffering partial amnesia due to the head trauma he suffered because of the accident. In his case, his partial amnesia can be temporary but we don’t know how long and when he will be able to regain back his memory. But I must warn you, it can also lead to permanent memory loss. It will all depend on how his body will cope.


Napaiyak ang dad ni DD sa nalaman. Gayun din ang mommy niya at kapatid na babae. At may isa pang babae sa tabi ni DD na humagulgul din upon knowing what the doctor said.


Doctor: Mr. Redford, when your son will fully record his head injury, it would help a lot if you will bring him to familiar places. It will someone aid him to remember things bit by bit.


Pinipilit ni Mr. Redford magpakatatag sa sitwasyong ito. Tiningnan niya ang anak na may bandage ang ulo at natutulog. Malaki na ang ibinagsak ng katawan nito simula ng maaksidente ito 3 months ago.


They got the shock of their lives when the police contacted them to inform them that DD met an accident. Nabangga ang kotseng minamaneho nito ng isa pang kotseng nawalan ng preno. Malakas ang impact sa pagkabangga kay DD at kahit na nakaseatbelt siya at may airbag yung kotse niya but his car was shoved sa pader kaya nakaroon ng sudden impact at tumama ang ulo niya side window kaya ito nagkaroon ng sugat din. That time he was using his cellphone kaya nung nangyari ang aksidente, nabalibag ang cellphone ni DD at a car ran into it kaya wasak ito at di na maretrieve. Pati simcard niya ay nawala din.


Biglang umungol si DD at humingi ng tubig at idinilat ang mga mata sandal but went back to close it.


LeAnne: Oh my God. Honey, wake up! Please wake up! Honey, I’m here now. I will never ever leave you again. Please wake up!




Chapter 22:




DD woke up feeling so thirsty and hungry and was confused since the place he’s in now is not familiar. At ang tindi ng sakit ng ulo niya na para bang may pakong nakabaon dito. He can hear familiar voices but he was still having a hard time identifying who they are.


He can hear a familiar voice crying and calling him honey. He can hear voices that he presumed to be doctors and nurses attending to him. He can hear his Dad’s big voice and his mom’s sweet voice. He tried opening his eyes again and this time familiar faces greeted him.


The first face he sees is from someone he longed to see for as long as he can remember. LeAnne is here. She’s here for him. He smiled sweetly to her and the next thing that happened is she hugged him crying so much and was thanking God that DD survived the accident.


The next thing he knew was his dad and mom were hugging him as well and crying so as his sister.


DD: Where am I? What happened?


His question brought more tears to his family and to LeAnne. His dad took the liberty of explaining to him what happened. The only thing that DD can remember is when he and LeAnne were on vacation in Australia and they had an argument because LeAnne has to cut short her vacation because of work related matters.


LeAnne: Honey, I’m so sorry for my shortcomings. I promise to you that it won’t happen again. I took a leave at work now for a month to take care of you. I am also considering quiting my job so that I can take care of you. I love you so much. (Yumakap si LeAnne kay DD)


DD hugged LeAnne back but somehow he felt that the hug is not the hug he is longing for. It made him confused and made his head ache.


Doctor: Guys, I think we better let him take more rest now. Let’s do it one step at a time and slowly. In his situation now, he will have to take things slow until he can recover fully.


Everyone agreed and the doctor proceeded to do some test on DD to check on his condition.






*********************************************


MM: Ouch! Oh my God! (Di mapawi ang ngiti sa labi ni MM sa naramdaman)


MM: Ma! Ma!


Mrs. Serafin: Bakit anak? May problema? Are you alright?


MM: Ma, sumipa si baby. First time!!! (At tumutulo na ang luha ni MM sa di matawarang kaligayahan)


Kinuha nito ang kamay ng Mama niya at dinala sa di kalakihang bilog na tiyan. At nagpakitang gilas ang baby niya at sumipa ito. Napa hala ang mama ni MM at ito’y napaiyak na rin. Sa ganung tagpo sila naabutan ng papa ni MM at matiim lang tiningnan at pumasok na ito sa room nito.


Ang masayang tagpo kanina ay napalitan ng lungkot. Mapahanggang ngayon ay di pa rin bumalik ang magandang samahan ng tatay ni MM at siya dahil sa kalagayan niya. Araw araw at gabi gabi niyang pinagdarasal n asana mapapatawad siya ng tatay niya sa nangyayari at sana matanggap na nito ang sinapit niya. Makailang beses na siyang sumubok makipag-usap dito pero sa tuwina ay ang pananahimik pa rin nito ang kinauuwian ng lahat. Di naman siya pinapagalitan pero ang hindi pagkibo nito ang nagpapahirap sa kalooban niya.


Tumutulo pa rin mga luha niya at niyakap siya ng mama niya at sinabihan na bigyan pa ng panahon ang papa niya at pasan ba’t maririnig din ng Panginoon ang mga panalangin nila for acceptance.


MM couldn’t thank her mother enough for being a superb mom. She felt so lucky to be her daughter because she loves her unconditionally.


Tinext na din ni MM sina Frida at Ian on what happened. Pareng tumawag ang dalawa agad agad. Nagconference call nalang silang tatlo para sabay sabay na magkarinigan.


Kahit papaano ay napapawi ang sakit at longingness of a father’s love for herself and her child nung naka-usap niya ang mama niya at ang dalawang taong malapit na malapit sa kanya.




Chapter 23:








MM is on her 6th month and it’s her schedule for ultrasound to know the sex of her baby. Ian and Frida made a bet. Frida for a baby boy and Ian for a baby girl and whoever will lose will give a treat.. a dinner buffet at Circles in Makati Shangri-la including ofcourse the mother of the baby.


Di pa man lumabas ang baby ay nakapangako na ang dalawa na silang tatayong pangalawang magulang sa bagets.


Naging tampulan na tuloyn ng tukso ang dalawa ngayon kasi ang dating magdyowa ay magiging magkumpare’t kumara na.


MM is currently preparing for her check-up that Saturday when she heard a familiar honked from someone’s car. Lumabas siya ng bahay nila and was in awe to findout that Ian was there smiling and waiting for her.


Ian: Hey buntis, hurry up. You’ll be late for your check-up. Com’mon Ninong is so excited to know who wins the bet. (Sabay kindat kay MM).


Napailing nalang si MM sa thoughtfulness ni Ian. Kung di lang siguro siya buntis now ay baka tuluyan ng nahulog ang loob niya sa kabaitan ni Ian. Pero at the back of her mind, di pa rin siya nawalan ng pag-asa na makita ulit si DD at maliwanagan ang biglang pagkawala nito.


Napag-usapan na nila ni Frida ang proposal ni Ian sa kanya and pareho sila ng stand, until meron ng klarong katapusan yung kay DD ay saka na nila isipin yun. Tama na munang maging ninong ito ng baby niya.


Ian: O ano, are you ready na? (At biglang may tinawagan ito) Hey, mareng Frida, are you ready to lose?


Frida: You bet I’m ready as hell! E ready mo na ang pang buffet mo! And hey, I wanna add that if I’ll win, you’ll give me your new IPAD as promised!


Ian: Did I? I don’t remember telling you that! (natatawang sabi ni Ian)


MM: Teka, bakit may IPAD na na kasama?


Naka speaker phone si Frida kaya silang tatlo ang nag-uusap.


Frida: I just added that. Ang yaman kaya ni ninong so dapat share his blessing para he’ll have more. Right ninong?


Ian: I didn’t say that....


Tawanan na silang lahat at ang kulitang iyon ay natapos lang nung makarating na sa hospital si Ian at MM.






*******************************************


DD: I wanna go back to the Philippines soon.


LeAnne: But Honey, are you fit to travel already?


DD: Yeah I can manage. Please get clearance from the doctor. I felt that I can regain back my memory faster if I’ll be in the Philippines.


LeAnne: Ok. I have to go to the groceries to get some stuff. Do you need anything?


DD just shook his head.


LeAnne gave him a quick kiss on the lips and told him she loves him. He said he loves her back but when she left, DD felt that there’s still something missing on LeAnne’s kisses and embrace. Why does it felt different from what he’s longing for?


DD gave a big sigh and suddenly his bestfriend MM came to his mind. Her beautiful smile and her bubbly personality flashed on his head as if it was in a big screen.


Suddenly the scene at the pictorial of her wishing in a fallen star flashed before him. And after that, he can’t remember anything again. DD became desperate. The more that he decided to go back to the Philippines the soonest.


Kumusta na kaya ang bestfriend MM niya. Once he’ll be back in Manila, she’s one of the people he needs to see asap. He wonders what with her now. Sinagot na kaya nito si Ian? Oh his friend Ian... boto ba siya dito? Kahit hindi man but as long as if he can make her friend happy then who is he to stop them.


Isa pa ulit na big sigh ang pinakawalan ni DD bago umakyat sa taas para magpahinga.




Chapter 24:






Doctor: That’s the heartbeat. Your baby (referring to Ian and MM as if they are the parents of the baby) is really healthy. And oh there’s the patotoy! He’s a boy!


Parang totoong tatay si Ian sa nakapaskil na smile sa mukha nito nung marinig ang heartbeat ng bata.


Frida (over speaker phone): I WON! I WON!


Tawanan na silang lahat pati ang doctor.


Frida (hysterical na): Ian, say goodbye to your IPAD. Magback-up ka na ng file mo ha coz it’s mine. I’ll be there in a months time guys! Yahoo!!! Yahooo!!!! Love you guys! Bye! Dok, thanks ng marami! IPAD IPAD IPAD is mine!


Napailing na lang si Ian pero ang laki pa rin ng tawa nito. Matapos ang ultra sound ni MM, they thanked the doctor who still has no idea that Ian is not the father of MM’s baby kasi she still give instruction to Ian on pregnancy care.


Nangiti na lang si MM at hinayaan ang maling akala ng doctor. Ayaw din kasi niyang mapahiya si Ian and at the same time, she seems to be enjoying the thought that someone can actually be a father to her child...kahit na in a pretend situation lang.


Pagkalabas nila ng clinic ng doctor ay inakbayan ni Ian si MM palabas ng hospital. He asked her to wait at the lobby while he gets the car at the parking lot. Visible na ang umbok ng tiyan ni MM at naka maternity dress na din siya. Habang nakatayo siya waiting for Ian ay may isang familiar face siyang nakitang papalapit sa kanya. Dahil medyo high noon na nung time na yun ay inaaninag pa ni MM ang papalapit kung para maklaro kung sino nga talaga ito.


It’s LeAnne!


LeAnne: M, oh my God! It’s really you! (Sabay yakapan nila at beso-beso)


MM: LeAnne! Wow! It’s been a while since I last saw you.


LeAnne: Yeah me too! Oh my, you’re pregnant! (Sabay himas sa tiyan niya) When are you giving birth?


MM: I’m on my 6th month na.


LeAnne: Ano baby mo? Hulaan ko... it’s a girl because you’re glowing.


MM: Hahaha nope it’s a boy!


Napa Oh si LeAnne. And that was when Ian arrived at the lobby.


MM: Nice seeing you LeAnne. Ian is here na. We have to go. (Sabay beso kay LeAnne)


LeAnne: Ok Bye! See you around. Hi Ian! (She waved at Ian and Ian waved back) Who would ever thought that they’ll end up together. I better tell DD what I saw.






**********************************************


Ian: Was that LeAnne?


MM: Yeah


Ian: Did you ask her about DD?


MM: No


Ian: Why?


Kibit balikat lang ang isinagot ni MM at nahalata ni Ian na medyo nalungkot ito.


Ian: Hey buntis, would you like to take your winnings partially? (Sabay kindat dito boyishly)


Nahawa na din sa high energy ni Ian si MM at kinindatan din niya ito na ang ibig sabihin nito ay fondue sa Hagen Daaz ang gusto niyang kainin na paminsan minsan lang siyang pinagbibigyan ni Ian dahil bilin ng doctor bawal ang sweets.


Ian: Alright! Fondue in Hagen Daaz it is! Let’s go sa gow! (Lumabas ang pagkaslang na sabi ni Ian)


Hagikgik na lang ang naging tugun ni MM at tuluyang nakalimutan ang pagkikita nito at ni LeAnne kanina.




Chapter 25:






LeAnne: Honey, guess who I bumped just now...


DD never showed interest nor he is not listening but that didn’t stop LeAnne from talking.


LeAnne: I saw MM and she’s pregnant! She’s having a baby boy.


Biglang natigilan si DD. MM is pregnant? Did she even get married? When? Why was he not informed? Did it happend during his accident.


Biglang sumakit ang ulo ni DD kaya napahawak siya bigla sa noo niya. Kaso di ata napansin ni LeAnne ang ginawa ni DD kasi patuloy pa rin ito sa pagsasalita.


LeAnne: She’s with Ian. I never thought that those two would end up together. She’s glowing. I even thought she’s having a baby girl. But she said it’s a boy! (She said dreamily).


Napaungol si DD sa biglang pagsakit ng ulo niya. Duon natigilan si LeAnne at nilapitan si DD and asked if he’s alright. She immediately called the doctor.


Kakarating lang nila last night from Australia and as an advised from DD’s doctor in Australia that the moment they will land in the Philippines, they will go directly to the hospital for a routine check-up. That was part of the bargain on him coming home to the Philippines even if the doctors there are not so sold with the idea that time.


Dumating yung mga attending physician ni DD and did his routine check-up and found nothing serious on his condition but asked him to take a rest or better yet get some sleep .


DD’s who’s so tired from the long trip decided to follow the advised of the doctor. LeAnne on the other hand went out to have coffee with her friends at the coffee shop.


Pagkaalis ni LeAnne ay napaisip si DD on what LeAnne said about MM. She’s pregnant! And suddenly it came back to him, the day when he tasted MM’s marshmallow soft lips for the first time at the school fair. Consciously, he touched his own lips and reminisced that beautiful day. It brought smile to his face when he remembered it. Again like before, he regretted the day that he didn’t asked for the kiss over and over again. Some bits and pieces of his memory are starting to come back. It flashed before his mind those days that they were having fondue Hageen Daaz even if it was raining so hard outside. No one can stop his friend from having ice cream come hell or high water. Again, he smile on the thought of it.


And when he can’t remember anything again after that, he became frustrated at naisuntok niya yung kamay niya sa bed. Medyo may tampo din siya kay MM dahil hindi man lang siya inaalala nito. He survived an accdent but di man lang ito tumawag sa kanya. But then again, paano pala siya tatawagan nito kung nawala ang sim niya. Oh my, baka nag email sa kanya ito but since his accident, he haven’t opened his email because he still can’t remember his password and even the questions being asked there are unfamiliar to him. Becuase it was all about MM. The more that he got so frustrated. And that made him decide that he’s paying her a visit really soon. He wants to get out this hospital fast. And the thoughts of MM dozed him back to dreamland.




Chapter 26:




Frida: Ian, where’s my IPAD? Give it to me now!!!!


Nasa Circles sa Makati Shangri-la na ang magkaibigan for Frida’s winning. Tawa lang ng tawa ang tugon ni Ian sa sinasabi ni Frida. Naging OA ang acting ni Frida na kesyo umiinit daw ang bengs niya sa di pagtupad ni Ian sa usapan. Putak na ito ng putak hanggang may isang waiter na lumapit at may bitbit na dalawang box that were neatly and daintily wrapped. Binigay ang isa kay Frida at ang isa ay binigay kay MM.


Napamangha si MM sa nakita at ang excited na Frida ay dali daling pinunit ang wrapper ng gift. Si MM ay tawa lang nga tawa sa naging reaction ni Frida at di nito nakalimutang e video ang pagbubukas ni Frida ng kahon at kuhang kuha ang reaction nito nung nakitang bagon IPAD ang laman. Napatili ito ng malakas at biglang tinakpan ang bibig at nag imaginary tili at hysteria sa tuwa. Di pa ito nakuntento at niyakap si Ian ng mahigpit! Kuhang kuha lahat ni MM yun sa camerang bitbit.


Nung nahimas masan si Frida ay biglang sinabi ni MM na ipapakita nit okay Brad ang footage.


Frida: Ay putek. Nakarecord pala yun. Mga gago kayong dalawa ah. (Sabay dilat ng mga mata nito) Pero di bale na. Basta’t may IPAD na ako. You are simply the best Papa Ian! (At nag flying kiss pa ito sa kanya.)


Ian: You’re welcome. You’re welcome.


MM: Bakit pati ako meron? (Natatawang sabi pa rin nito)


Frida: Hay nako sisterette, huwag ng itanong yan kasi kung ano ang panalo ni Ninang ay siya ding aanihin ni Buntis. Right Pare? (Tumango lang si Ian at tumatawa pa din)


MM: Pare (may pakakadiing sabi ni MM) you don’t have to but well, ika nga thank you very much na din! (Sabay yakap din kay Ian ng mahigpit)


Ganung tagpo ang nasaksihan nina DD at LeAnne na nandun din pala para kumain by coincidence. LeAnne was so happy to see everyone but what DD saw caught him off guard. Di niya maintindihan bakit parang nasasaktan siya sa nakikita. He’s again starting to get frustrated because pilit niyang tinutuklas ang namumuong damdamin but wala pa rin siyang makitang kasagutan.


Frida, Ian and lalo na si MM were so shocked to see DD. MM couldn’t move. She just stared at him. She’s trying to control her emotion and was silently taking deep breathing.


Frida at instinct saved the day with her happy personality.


Frida: D! You’re here! Wow! It’s nice to see you. (Sabay yakap dito) Parang ang tagal mong nawala ah.


Nagyakapan at nagbeso na silang nandun except kay MM na parang napako sa inupuan niya. Biglang nag rason si Ian na sila na lang ang dapat lumapit kay MM kasi she got stuck in her seat. At somehow dahil sa sinabi ni Ian ay naglighten ang atmosphere.


When it was DD turn to beso MM, he was smiling and was sincerely glad to see his bestfriend whom he missed so much.


DD: Hi M, how are you? Ikaw ha, you didn’t tell me you’re pregnant. And I heard from LeAnne that it’s a boy. (Sabay beso kay MM.)


Hinawakan din ni DD ang tiyan ni MM like an expected father and he got the shock of his life when the tiny tike in MM’s womb gave him a great kick.


DD: Oh my God, did you felt that? (Sabay tingin kay MM). Your boy has a strong kick! (He said in his boyish smile and he turned to Ian.) Pare, congratulations! (He’s assuming that Ian is the father of the baby and kinamayan nito si Ian).


So as not to create a scene, Ian quickly went with flow and took responsibility as if he is indeed the father of MM’s baby. He accepted DD’s hand graciously… like a real gentleman.


Naging makulit din si LeAnne and she invited their selves to join the tables where the 3 friends are seating. MM couldn’t believe strength at that time because she was able to hold whatever emotions she’s having. Ian was holding her had all along or was it the other way around. It’s actually MM who’s holding… no she’s gripping Ian’s hand as if it is her life support.




Chapter 27:




It was LeAnne and Frida who were busy talking during the entire dinner. Tahimik lang MM at mas lalong tahimik si DD. He’s closely observing MM’s every move. He still can’t understand why he felt that something’s not right between the couple who are MM and Ian. Why is he silently wishing that it is him on Ian shoes now? Why does it felt right when the baby kicked a while ago? He has to know the answers. Damn this partial amnesia!


Frida: So D, what have happened to you? You’ve lost a lot of weight.


It was LeAnne who answered for DD.


LeAnne: Oh my God! You guys didn’t know what happened to him? Oh!!! He met an accident in Australia and sad to say he’s suffering partial amnesia now. (And she reached out to touch DD’s hair)


Napasinghap ang tatlong magkakaibigan. At dun na bumaha ang luha ni MM. DD didn’t run away from her. DD was not hiding. DD simply met an accident and that explains everything. It brought her more to tears on the thought that DD can’t remember them.


Ian: Hey, please stop crying. It’s not good for the baby. (Sabay akbay kay MM)


DD: M, please stop crying. It’s not good for you. (He reached out to touch her hand but still MM can’t stop crying.) M, look (pleading her to look at him), look at me. I’m alright. (And he said it with a coy smile).


The sight of DD brought more tears to MM. Nung tiningnan niya ito ay halata ang pagbagsak ng matipunong katawan nito and he looked so confused especially if there are things being discussed and he seems clueless on it.


LeAnne took the liberty sa paglalahad sa nangyari kay DD.


LeAnne: (She took a deep breath and started telling them what happened) DD met an accident 6 months ago. He was driving and a car bumped into his car and had a collision. His head hit on the side window and because of the impact, he suffered partial amnesia. Actually he was in coma for almost 3 months. We are just thankful that he was able to recover. (May bubutil na luha ding tumulo sa mata ni LeAnne)


Matiim na nakikinig ang tatlo. Di nakikita ng lahat but MM was really gripping Ian’s hands tightly. Ian felt MM shaking already. It worries him that’s why he had to hug MM infront of DD. DD can’t stand the sight and his head is throbbing with pain now. He was holding his head and that stopped LeAnne from talking and was attending to DD.


LeAnne: Honey, are you alright? Oh my God. Do you want me to take you to the doctor?


DD: No. I’m ok. I just want to go home. Guys, I’m so sorry. Let’s have dinner some other time. Frida, Ian, MM, I’ll see you soon. We need some catching up to do.


Matapos magpaalam ay umalis na sila DD at LeAnne. Before going out of the restaurant, muling nilingon ni DD si MM. At nakita ni DD ang paghagulgul ni MM ng tuluyan at ang pagyakap ni Ian dito. And di niya nakayanan lalo nung makitang yumakap din si MM kay Ian.


Ian: M, please stop crying. It’s not good for the baby. Frids, help me. Get the bill now and we’re getting out of here.


Frida called the waiter to ask for their bill. And pagkatapos nilang magbayad ay inihatid na sila sa bahay ni MM. Duon rin tumutuloy si Frida who was scheduled to leave in the morning. Inihatid nila si MM sa room nito na halatang haponghapo. Bago umalis si Ian ay may binitbit ito papasok sa kwarto ni MM. Nagtaka sina MM at Frida kung ano yung nakabalot sa isang malaking kahon with a blue ribbon.


MM: What’s that Ian?


Ian: Why don’t you open it for you to find out? (Sabay kindat ni DD kay MM)


Pati si Frida ay nacurious na din at tinulungan si MM sa pagbaklas ng ribbon at wrapper.


Frida: Teka, where’s the card Ian? Tsaka sandali lang ha! I think I was the one who won the bet eh bakit mas marami atang gifts si MM? (Nagkukunyaring maktol ni Frida).


Ian: Com’mon Frids, what is yours is MM’s and doubled. Because she’s buntis remember? (Pilit nagpapacute si Ian sa dalawa)


Natawa na lang si MM sa kulitan ng dalawa at namangha nung nakita na ang nasa loob ng kahon ay yung crib na tinitingnan nila ni Ian in one of their window shoppings and she was suppose to be saving for it and was planning to buy it before she gives birth.


MM: Ian!!!!! Oh my God! It’s the crib I am saving for my little boy. (Ang naramdamang lungkot kanina ni MM ay napawi kahit panandalian lamang)


Bigla itong sumigla at di na napigilan ng tatlo na e assemble ang crib. Tulong tulong sila at bago pa makauwi si Ian ay nagpictorial sila with the crib. Ang inaanticipate na pagluha ay napalitan ng masasayang halakhak.




Chapter 28:




Di umalis si Ian until makatulog si MM. Naghintay lang ito sa sala at nanuod ng tv. Lumabas si Frida sa room ni MM at dun na nagkatinginan ang dalawa at by instinct they decided to talk about the situation.


Frida: Ian, I think I must apologize to DD. I didn’t know what he went through. Haaay nako. Dahil sa pagkaprotective ko kay MM ay nahusgahan ko siya. But can you blame me....


Ian: It’s ok Frids. I myself is guilty of same thing. I got really angry of that we never heard from him. We are just there to protect MM.


Frida: Paano kaya yan. He seems to have forgotten or baka he can’t remember a thing about him and MM. I think that’s really crazy and sad.


Ian: What are you suggesting we do? Do we need to let them talk? But what will happened to LeAnne?


Frida: Hay nako isa pa yan. Did you the ring on her finger? I think it’s an engagement ring! Are they engaged already?


Kibit balikat na lang isinagot ni Ian sa sagot ni Frida. Mayamaya konti ay nagpaalam na din ito.




*****************************************


He found it. He found the right ring. After thanking the saleslady from Tiffany’s and Co., sinipat na muna niya ang singsing for the last time before he asked the saleslady to seal the box and placed it in the inner pocket of his jacket.


He went out of the store and headed back to his car that was parked at the building’s parking lot. He was smiling and singing at the same time. After paying the parking, he went to check on his cellphone and found a message and before he could read it, suddenly a strong impact hits him and he felt that his head was aching so bad and the rest of the picture turned black.


Biglang napabalikwas ng bangon si DD sa napanaginipan. He was panting and he was sweating a lot. Hubad baro man siya but para pa rin siyang nag sauna kahit full blast ang aircon. He was trying to recall why he bought that ring. And who was he texting before the accident happened.


After drying himself, he went out of the balcony in his Batangas home and looked outside. The stars were brightly shining and suddenly he saw a falling star.


He smiled and closed his eyes and chanted...


DD: Starlight, starbright. The first star I see tonight. Wish I may wish I might have the wish I wish tonight. I wish that I’ll know my past.


*********************************************


MM: (Looking at the sky) Starlight, starbright. The first star I see tonight. Wish I may, wish I might have the wish I wish tonight. I wish that DD will remember his past.


**********************************************


Deja vu.... he sees a figure wearing his pajama top. She’s sleeping like an angel in his bed. She’s looks so familiar and her scent lingers on the pillow that he’s hugging and her hair covers her face. He wanted to touch it but why is it unreachable? He tried his best to reach it but to no avail. DD was determined to really reached for the girl sleeping in his bed but the next thing he sees is an empty bed.


When DD opened his eyes, he just found himself seated at one the chairs in the balcony. His head is throbbing with pain again. Reality hits back. He’s alone facing an empty bed.


He went back to his room and tried searching for possible clue on the figure he saw in his dream.


He opened his closest and was desperately searching for something that would remind him of her.


He found nothing! That made him more furious.


He jumped up the bed angry! He slump his face on the pillow and suddenly a familiar scent haunted him. He devoured the scent again and it smells familiar. It simply smells familiar and he ought to find that out really soon.




Chapter 29:




It was a lazy Sunday afternoon and MM was stayed home and she started preparing the baby’s room. Frida gave her a hand me down stroller and some clothes from her babies and MM just received the package and she’s sorting it in the living room.


She’s already in her 7th month and her tummy is getting bigger and bigger each day. Madali na siyang mahapo these past days. But still pregnancy becomes her. She’s glowing. Di na nasundan yung pagkikita nilang iyon ni DD. Though sobrang disappointed niya na he didn’t make any moves of knowing his past but pinipilit niyang intindihin dahil may karamdaman ito.


She has adjusted to her life... to her destiny perhaps and what is there to ask for. She’s got two very good friends who have been very supportive to her. Ian, who’s occupying a special part of her heart never mentioned anymore of his intention to her but still continues to be there for her. Her day won’t last without him calling and asking her for her condition. Ian’s parents are even excited for the birth of her bundle of joy. Ian’s mom even made a joke that the baby will be calling her grandma since her son will be her first apo. Technically because her baby will be Ian’s first godchild. How she wished that she can teach her heart to beat otherwise but that would be unfair on Ian’s part if he’ll be tied in a confusing set-up. She still holds on to her decision that they be better off friends...very special friends.


Naputol ang pagmuni-muni ni MM nung may nagdoorbell. Nagkataon na siya lang ang tao sa bahay nung oras na iyon kasi umuwi ang katulong nila sa probinsya dahil may sakit ang nanay nito. Ang parents niya ay sa susunod na lingo pa ang dating. Nasa Davao ang mga ito for a business conference. Kakaalis lang actually ng mga ito kani-kanina lang. Ayaw pa sana umalis ng mama niya dahil walang siyang makakasama at lalo na wala ang katulong nila na sa makalawa pa ang dating pero she convinced them to go however. She assured them that she’ll be alright.


Her relationship with her father is improving. Matapos malaman ng papa niya ang nangyari kay DD at ang totoong kalagayan ni DD ay kinibo na siya nito. Isang gabi ay natunghayan na lang niyang naka tingin ang papa niya sa kanya at hinahaplos ang buhok niya. No words were spoken because the moment that she saw the tears and smile on her papa’s face was in a way a signal that the silent treatment is over and he completely understood her situation. That was longest and the tightest hug she experienced from her papa after a long time. Nagpakitang gilas din ang baby niya kasi sumipa ito nung pinahawakan niya sa papa niya ang tummy niya. Napaluha ang papa niya sa kagalakan. Simula nung nangyari yun at nagback to normal na ang relationship nilang mag-anak. In fact mas nag improve pa nga ika nga.


Sino kaya ang nagdoorbell? She’s not expecting anyone lalo na’t nasa US si Ian now at kakaalis lang kaninang madaling araw. Hirap man tumayo but she managed to answer the door.


She got the shock of her life to know kung sino ang nagdoorbell. Si DD pala na hindi magkanda ugaga sa pagbitbit ng mga babies stuff placed in a nice basket. It contains baby bottle, diapers, baby clothes, baby toiletries, baby towels at kung ano ano pa.


He smiled coyly to her flashing his cute smile and perfect white teeth.


DD: Hi M, sorry if I didn’t call before coming here. Did I caught you on a bad time?


Natatawa na lang si MM sa hitsura ni DD kasi tagaktak ito sa pawis at di magkandaugaga sa bitbit.


DD: Hey stop laughing. Can’t you see it’s heavy? May I come in?


Tango lang ang isinigot ni MM at di pa rin mapigilang humagikhik. Akala niya na yun lang ang bitbit ni DD pero laking gulat niyang nung bumalik ito sa kotse at kinuha ang isa pang regalo. It’s a baby bouncer. Napa oh na lang si MM sa mga dala ni DD.


MM: D, ang dami naman nitong dala mo.


DD: Marami ba? Kulang pa nga ata yan. What else do you need? Sorry, di ko kasi alam ano pa kulang mo eh. I asked those salesladies in Rustan’s to give me the basic. I hope the feeding bottles they picked are useful. (Sabi ni DD na medyo may pakaclueless pa din sa mga gamit pangbata)


MM: Sosyalan nga lahat eh. Atleast di na kakabagan ang baby ko nito (sabi ni MM matapos makita ang brand ng feeding bottle)


MM: Oi pasensya na ha. Damin kong kalat now. I’m arranging the items Frida sent me. These are the clothes of her babies.


Sinapat ni DD ang mga pinadala ni Frida and he noticed the stroller.


DD: Good thing I didn’t bought the stroller because you already have one. I was looking for the crib that I saw in Rustan’s but they told me that the last piece was sold already and they put on waistlist. (And napadako ang mata nito sa crib sa room niya). Hey, you had it na pala. This is the crib I saw before.


MM: Yeah, Ian gave it to me. It’s his gift for the baby. Care for anything?


DD: Juice po. Ang init sa labas sobra. Maraming maraming yelo please. Do you mind if I’ll take off my shirt for a while. Ang init lang talaga ang sobrang basa ng shirt ko. (Tila init na init si DD)


Tumawa si MM at pumasok muna sa room niya at ikininuha ng towel at tshirt si DD. Dahil buntis siya so nagkasya kay DD ang tshirt na pinahiram niya. Isa sa mga pantulog niya na sobrang luwag at kumportable.


Pinagtimpla na niya ito ng juice while he was in the CR para mag freshen up. She also made tuna sandwich for him.


Pagkakita ni DD sa pinepare niyang pagkain, parang it just came naturally. Umupo ito at kinain ang hinanda niya. And he finished it in a jiffy. Napaburp pa ito ng malakas after.


DD: Haaay! Ang sarap pa rin ng tuna sandwich mo! If my memory serves me right, it’s my favorite food that you prepare right? (At nagburp pa rin ulit ito)


MM can’t help but laugh out loud on DD.


Chapter 30:
DD can’t understand what he’s feeling right now.  Why does it felt right that he’s with MM?  Why does it felt natural when he’s fixing the baby clothes with her?  Shouldn’t Ian be doing this instead of him?  Would he want to have Ian here instead of him?  NO says his heart but his head tells him I DON’T KNOW!  Grrrrrr!!!!  At hinilot nito bigla ang sentidong kumikirot.
Nakita ni MM ang paghilot ni DD ng sentido nito at dahil alam niyang may karamdaman ito so she took the liberty na hilutin ang ulo ni DD. 
Malimit nilang gawin yun nung di pa nagka amnesia si DD.  What he would even do before is after a bad day in the office ay pupuntahan nito si MM at lalambingin ng magic touch nito.  That’s his term for that head massage.
Nakahiga si DD sa lap ni MM.  Medyo nahirapan ng konti si MM dahil sa umbok ng tiyan nito but they managed to find ways for it to be comfortable on both ends.  Sinimulang masahiin ni MM ang noo ni DD, hanggang sentido, down to his face and to his chin.  Her soft and firm touched are doing the magic.  In just a few moments, DD was snoozing like a baby.
MM traced the face of DD of her fingers.  His nice nose, his sensuous lips.  God how she missed his kisses.
DD on the other hand is now in dreamland.
He’s somewhere north and driving his car with a girl on his arms.  She’s sleeping peacefully.  Still, he couldn’t see her face.  Dumating daw sila sa bahay niya sa Batangas and he could see Nanang Lydia and Tata Teban preparing food for them.  They were all having dinner in the big table and tulong tulong daw silang naglinis ng mga plato after and they let the two elders take a rest.
It is a happy moment.  It started with him na sinasabon ang mga plato and the lady with him is washing it.  Umalis sandali ang babae at siya lang naiwan sa paghuhugas ng plato and when she came back with her long hair flowing gracefully with the natural wind and vaguely he can see that she’s teasing him like a nymph.
Girl:  Hey Baby, (flashing a beautiful seductive smile but still he can only see the silhouette of her face)
He hurriedly washed his hands and run towards her but she was running away from him.  Malalamyos na halakhak ang naririnig niya coming from the girl.  She running or the better term to use is gliding gracefully in her flimsy sundress and the silhouette of her figure is visible in the evening subdued light coming from the wooden chandelier of his home.
Girl:  Baby, come and get me…..
The girl is heading towards the stairways and once again is calling his name…
Girl:  Baby, catch me if you can…
He headed to the 2nd floor fast.  He searched for her but she couldn’t find her. 
DD:  Baby, where are you?
Girl:  Find me if you can…. (and he can only see the hem of her long flowing sundress heading to their room).
DD was looking all over for her but he couldn’t find her.  And bigla niyang nasamyo ang pamilyar na bangong iyon.
He opened the closet and there stood before him is the girl who have been teasing him, her face is covered by her long curly locks and only half of her eyes were shown but her sensuous lips is so inviting that without wasting anytime at all, DD devoured it hungrily.
He took her out of the closet and carried her towards the bed.  She weighed like a thin cloth.  So light.  He carried her but never releases her mouth from his hungry and needy kisses. 
Natumba sila sa kama na di pa rin pinakawalan ang isa’t isa.  And again, DD could smell that familiar scent and it’s getting more and more realistic this time.
Determinado na si DD na hawiin ang buhok na nakatabon sa mukha ng babae habang tinatangay siya sa mahalimuyak na natural na amoy.  The scent is getting stronger and nearer and nearer and he can’t wait any longer so he opened his eyes… and it’s not a dream after all.  The owner of that familiar scent is within his reach.  He wasted no time and reached for the spot where the familiar scent is coming from and sinamyo niya ang bagong taglay ni MM na sa mga sandaling iyon ay natangal ang tali ng mahaba’t kulot na buhok and it covered her face slightly.
Lumayo si DD sa kandungan ni MM at umupo paharap dito.  Hinawi nito ang mga buhok na nakatakip sa mukha ni MM at in some split seconds, he wasted not time and claimed her soft lips.  Gosh!  How he missed kissing this marshmallow soft lips….



Chapter 31:

Hindi napigilan ni MM na tumugon.  Naging mapangahas ulit si DD.  He felt like he’s at home.  Everything felt just right.  He wished he can regain his memory back so that he can have an answer to all his questions.  But that’s the least of his concern.  To him, what he’s doing now is the most important and fulfilling part of it all.
Naputol lang ang kabaliwan nila nung tumunog ang cellphone ni DD at ang tumatawag ay si LeAnne.  Biglang parang binuhusan ng malamig na tubig si MM at nagising.  Ayaw man siyang pakawalan ni DD pero si MM na mismo ang umiwas.  Ang kaso nga lang ay di ito makatayo sa kinauupuan kasi nun lang din niya namalayang nakakandong na pala siya kay DD at dahil buntis siya, nahihirapan siyang umalis sa ganung position. 
Iniiwas na lang niya ang mukha kay DD.  DD let out a sigh of frustration and slowly let go of MM and proceeded to answer his cellphone.  He went out of the house to take the call.
Samantala, pilit kinakalma ni MM ang sarili.  Medyo nagpanic siya kanina nung bumalik siya sa huwisyo.  Pinagpatuloy na muna niya ang pag tupi ng mga gamit ng bata sabay tayo para ilagay ito sa aparador na para sa baby.  Dahil sa biglang pagtayo ay medyo nahilo siya at muntik ng mabuwal.  Buti na lang at naagapan siya ni DD na papasok na pala ulit ng bahay nung mga oras na iyon.
DD:  M, are you alright?
Tango lang ang isininagot ni MM sabay hawak sa tiyan nito.  Medyo kumirot ng konti kaya ang breathing exercise ito.
Biglang nataranta si DD kaya dali dali nitong nabuhat si MM at ipinasok sa kwarto.  Walang silbi ang pagpupumiglas sana ni MM kasi para lang siyang isang unan na binuhat nito at talagang umiikot ang paningin ni MM kay minabuti na lang niyang magpatianud sa ginagawa ni DD.
Pagkalapag ni DD sa kanya sa room ay ito pa ang nag-ayos ng unan para makahiga ng maayos si MM.  Napapikit na lang si MM dahil umiikot ang pakiramdam nito.  Matapos nitong kumutan si MM ay si DD na ang nagpapatuloy ng ginagawa kanina ni MM. 
His hands worked like magic kasi he was able to neatly pile the baby clothes in the closet intended for the baby.  Nakita niya ang naka dikit na 4D ultrasound ng baby at wala sa sariling nahawakan ang larawan.  He traced his finger on the picture.  The little boy has a cute face and matangos ang ilong nito.  Why is he suddenly wishing that siya na lang sana ang ama ng bata.  And may nakita siyang maliliit na blocks na medyo naka tabingi ang ayos.  Inayos niya ito and only to realize that it formed two names…. Ralph Robert.  The name made him smile… just like MM and just like him DD… He’s quite sure that the nickname of the baby is RR but sana MM will take his suggestion because with a strong name like that, ang bagay na nickname will be RED.  Yeah RED would sound great.  RED!  He’s calling him RED!
Pinagpatuloy ni DD ang ginagawa sa pag-aayos ng gamit ni RED.  Out of nowhere ay bigla siyang napa-hum ng nursery rhymes.  His favourite when he was a little boy…. The insy winsy spider went out the water spout.  Down came the rain and wash the spider out.  Out came the sun and dried up all the rain and the insy winsy spider went back the spout again.  And he continued humming until he was done arranging it.
Paglingon niya kay MM ay payapa itong natutulog.  The empty space in her bed looks so inviting.  His original plan was just to sit beside MM but dahil sa pagod ng katawan ay pinagbigyan na rin niya ang kahilingan ng katawan na humiga at pumikit.  The natural scent of MM is addicting to his senses that why he can’t help himself in savouring it. 
Humiga siya sa tabi ni MM and MM is facing her back on him kasi nakatagilid ito.  There was a big space in between them but DD can’t help it kaya idinikit niya ang katawan kay MM.  He was hugging her from behind and when MM felt DD’s presence, unconsciously ay isiniksik din nito ang katawan kay DD. 
That gave the signal for DD na tuluyang yakapin si MM at nagpakawala ng isang butunghinga sabay pikit ng mga mata at ninanamnam ang kapayapaang nadarama.




Chapter 32:
Mabangong aroma ang gumising kay MM.
MM:  Hmmmnnn, amoy carbonara ah.  (At bigla niya narinig ang tiyan niya na tumutunog)
Dahan-dahang bumaba sa kama si MM and she headed to the kitchen.  She was amused to see that DD was wearing an apron and was setting the table.  Nung nakita siya nito…
DD:  Hey sleepyhead, it will be done in a little while.  Come, have a seat and I’ll serve you the best carbonara in town.  (He said sheepishly)
Humahagikhik na lang si MM.  DD pulled out the chair for her to seat.  He’s the one serving her dinner. 
DD:  Sorry ha, pinakailaman ko na cupboard mo.  I don’t know but when I saw familiar ingredients, things just went crazy.  Am I a good cook before?
MM:  Yeah.  Your specialty is carbonara.
Napaclap si DD bigla.  Tumpak! 
DD:  I knew it!  I just knew it!  Maybe I should ask you about my past.  I think you can really help me.
Medyo nanlamig si MM but DD was quick to take it back.
DD:  But not today.  Not today.  Today will just be dinner with my bestfriend and her baby (sabay touch sa tiyan ni MM).
Pilit tumayo ni MM para tulungan si DD but he just asked her to sit still and wait for the food.  He proceeded to get the food and served it to MM at parang isang totoong chef when he said…..
DD:  Bon Apetite Ma Cherie!  (at sinabayan pa nito ng hand gestures na kunyari French chef siya)
Napahagikhik ulit si MM.  At magana silang kumain dalawa. 
DD:  How’s the food mademoiselle?   (he said in a kuna-kunyariang French accent)
Bumungisngis na si MM at sa kahagikhik nito ay nasamid.  Nataranta ulit si DD at pina-inum ito ng tubig.  Nagpatuloy ang masayang kwentuhan ng dalawa.  Mayamaya pa ay…
DD:  What’s name of your little boy?  I saw the small blocks in the closet and it’s Ralph Robert right?
Nagsmile lang si MM.
DD:  And let me guess, you’re gonna call him RR right? Can I contest?  You should call him RED.  It fits the name.  (Parang wala lang yung pagkakasabi ni DD)
Nagsmile lang ulit si MM at di kumibo.  Naalala tuloy niya yung isa sa mga conversation nila DD nung pauwi na sila dati from Batangas.
DD:  I want our first born to be a boy!
MM:  No!  I want a girl!
DD:  Baby, better to have a boy!  He’s gonna be the head of the family right?  So it has to be a boy!
MM: Excuse me!  Gabriella Silang rules kaya dapat girl!
DD:  Boy!
MM:  Girl!
At sabay sabay na silang sigawan ng boy at girl.  Hanggang nag stop light at bigla siyang kinabig ni DD para halikan para matahimik at sabay sabi nito na…
DD: There, it’s sealed with a kiss now!  It’s gonna be a BOY!
MM could only roll her eyes but she was smiling.
The next thing they discussed was the name of the baby boy. 
MM:  I want it to be in double letters too.
DD:  Hmmmmnnnn that would be awesome.  Wait!  Let’s make it triple letter R!
MM:  Ay oo nga!  Pwede!  Hmmmnnnn ano kaya?  Basta I want Robert… Richie Robert?  Robert Richie?  Ay parang di maganda.
DD:  What about Ralph Robert?
MM:  Strong name and I like it.  And his nickname will be RR? Hmmmmnnnnn (napaisip silang dalawa)
DD:  RED!  I want to call him RED!
MM:  RED!  I like it! RED! RED! RED! RED!  (And they chanted like crazy)
And back to reality, napangiti si MM sa naalala.  Napansin ni DD ang ngiting iyon.  At ito man ay natigilan din.
MM:  What?
DD:  Nothing.  It’s just that parang I’ve seen or heard this conversation already and the name RED is familiar.  Have we had this kind of discussion before?  (Seryosong tanong ni DD)
MM:  Hmmmmnnnn kinda.
DD:  And?
MM:  D…
DD:  What?
MM:  D, yes we talked about it before. 
DD:  And?
Nakita ni DD na naging uneasy bigla si MM and he doesn’t want this nice moment to end so he said…
DD:  Oh alright.  It’s ok.  There’s a proper time to discuss these things.
At bigla na lang napadighay si MM.  Namula ito sa hiya.
DD:  Bless you and you’re welcome.  Ouch!  That hurts! (kasi di ito nakaligtas sa palo ni MM).




Chapter 33:
Matapos nilang kumain ay tulong tulong sila sa pagligpit ng gamit.  Nagkakape si DD samantalang nag pregnant women’s milk naman si MM.
DD:  Who’s staying with you here now?  Parang ikaw lang ata mag-isa nandito ngayon?
MM:  Ako lang.  Nasa Davao sila Mama’t Papa and si Luring naman ay umuwi kasi may sakit nanay niya.
DD:  You’re here all alone?  A pregnant woman alone!  That’s crazy!  When are they coming back?  What about Ian?
MM:  I’m alright.  Don’t worry about me.  And Ian is not here.  He’s in the states for a business trip.
DD:  I’m staying with you tonight.  Better yet, you come with me to Batangas on tomorrow.  It’s good for you to have fresh air.
Biglang parang nanlamig si MM on the thoughts of going back to Batangas.
MM:  Hindi na D.  I’ll stay here lang.  Don’t worry about me ok.  I’m a strong girl.  You want me to show you how strong am I?  (Sabay kindat dito)
DD:  Sorry, non-negotiable.  End of discussion!  I’m not hearing anything.  Blah blah blah….
Bigla naging seryoso si DD…
DD:  M, please.  Go with me to Batangas.  I have a feeling that you’re the key to all my confusion and you can very well help regain back my memory.
MM went stiff.  Ang lakas ng kabog ng dibdib niya.  Pero baka nga ito yung answer ng winiwish niya.  She agreed to go with DD as long as they will be back by Sunday afternoon.  Just in time for her parents to be back.
DD stayed for the night.  The night went well and inuumpisahan na ni MM ilahad kay DD ang bits and pieces of his past.  She took out the albums and some photos in her laptop and showed it to DD. DD remembered some but still having a hard time remembering the moments of his past on the later date.
Dahil sa buntis si MM ay mabilis itong nahapo and she called it a night.  DD decided to sleep in the couch sa living room.  MM is kinda worried because medyo maalinsangan ang panahon at tiyak mainit ang pwesto ni DD.
Bandang hating gabi, at nagising siya gawa ng tawag ng kalikasan.  Sinilip niya si DD sa labas at naawa siya sa nakita niya na position ni DD na nahihirapan sa medyo kaliitan na couch.  At nakita niyang may bubutil na pawis ito sa noo.
Ginising ni MM si DD at hinikayat na lumipat na lang sa kwarto niya total malaki naman ang kama niya.  DD didn’t waste anytime at all.  Hitting two birds in one stone ika nga.  Nahihirapan na siya sa pwesto niya at gusto din niya katabi si MM.  He’s really addicted to her scent and feeling niya, it will be one factor that will lead him to remember his past.  Dahil inaantok na ito ay diretso agad ito sa kama at natulog. 
Napailing na lang si MM sa nasaksihan at pagkatapos magbanyo ay humiga na rin ito.  Naka pikit na ang mga mata ni DD na nakaharap sa kanya at para itong batang walang muang sa mundo na natutulog.  Napangiti na lang si MM.  She’s trying to herself from giving a quick kiss.  Pero ewan nya’t anong nangyari at dinampian niya ng halik si DD.  Natawa siya na parang wala lang reaction mula dito pero yun pala di pa ito masyadong nakatulog kasi bigla siyang kinabig nito at binigyan ng totoong halik.
DD:  You just have say it Baby and di na kailangang magnakaw ng halik.  (At idinilat lang nito ang isang mata)
Kinurot ni MM si DD.  At nag-umpisa na naman ang harutan ng dalawa at they ended the night that yakap na ulit ni DD si MM sa pagtulog.




Chapter 34:
Yakap ng lalaki ang babae.  The girl tried to break free from the guy’s strong grip but the guy cupped her face instead and gave her a kiss.  One thing led to another.  The next scene is in the shower where the boy and girl are doing a morning delight under the flowing water.  And the kitchen counter and in the staircase and...
DD:  Huh!
Napabangon bigla si DD.  Habol ang hininga.  Siya’y nanaginip.  Pero bakit parang totoong totoo.  He was making love with a girl.  Not just any girl but his bestfriend.  It looked so true.  It felt so true.  And then he felt something wet.
DD:  Shit! (Sabay takbo sa cr).
Matapos maglinis ng sarili ay naghilamos si DD.  Tinititigan niya ang sarili sa salamin.  Matagal siya ganung position at napadako ang tingin sa leeg niya.  Parang may kulang.  Oh my God, nawala sa leeg niya ang kwintas na binigay ng lola niya.  He had it for several years and he can’t remember how he lost it.  Damn amnesia again!
Pero palaisipan pa rin sa kanya kung bakit nanaginip siya ng ganun.  Bakit si MM ang kaulayaw niya.  Totoo kaya ang lahat ng iyon o panaginip lang?  But then again, it felt right again.  Medyo nakaluwag din ng konti sa kalooban nung nalaman niya kanina kay MM that Ian is not the father of her child.  Kahit di pa rin sinasabi ni MM kung sino ang ama ng baby niya, it was a relief to know that it’s not Ian because it could have made his life more complicated. 
When he asked MM who and where the father of the baby is, all she can say is he is in a journey and she’s waiting for him to come back soon.
He went back to bed.  Mataiimtim niyang tinitigan si MM.  She looks beautiful.  Hindi tumaba gaano si MM but she looks sexier when she’s pregnant because mass are placed on the right places especially on her upper portion.  She’s super slim in nature and now she looks curvy.  Hindi mapigilan ni DD na damhin ang kabuuhan ni MM.  He started caressing her face.  Down to her neck.  He’s really addicted to her natural scent and again he couldn’t stop himself at muli ay sinasamyo na naman niya ang bagong tanging si MM lang may taglay.
May muling nabuhay sa kanyang katawan.  Naalimpungatan si MM sa ginagawa ni DD.
MM:  D, what are you doing? (Mahinang tanong ni MM kay DD).
Di sumagot si DD.  Tinititigan lang nito si MM.  He caressed her face using the back of his hand.  Tumihaya si MM para matingnan ng maayos si DD kasi naka tagilid siyang natutulog kanina.  Di pa rin nagsasalita si DD but he continued to caress her... from her face, down to her neck and his hand made a pit stop at her twin peaks.  Dinama niya ito using his palm and napangiti si DD sa natuklasang nag react din ito sa ginagawa niya.
MM tried to cover it but DD stopped her. 
MM:  D...
Muling tinitigan ni DD si MM and his face is starting to get so close at MM’s face.
DD:  M, I don’t really know what happened before I met an accident but I have somehow concluded something now.  M, I want to be with you.  I love it when I’m with you.
And he didn’t wait for MM to say a word bagkus hinalikan na niya at di na pinatagal ang mga sandaling inaasam asam kanina pa.
MM on the other hand was getting submissive to DD’s needs and that night, they shared a bed...literally and figuratively.




Chapter 35:
Pagdating nila sa Batangas at pagbaba pa lang ni MM sa sasakyan at pagkakita ni Nanang Lydia sa kanya ay napaiyak ito sa tuwa at niyakap siya nito ng sobrang higpit.  Namangha pa ito lalo nung nakita ang umbok ng kanyang sinapupunan.
Nanang Lydia:  Nako anak, ika’y magiging nanay na pala eh!
Napangiti nalang si MM kay Nanang Lydia.  Niyakap din niya ito.  Hinawakan ni Nanang Lydia ang tiyan niya at hinulaan nito na maging lalaki ang anak niya.  Tumango si MM para kumpirmahin ang hinala nito.
Naghanda si Nanang Lydia ng masarap na tanghalian para sa kanilang dalawa.  Maganang kumain ang mga ito dahil puro fresh seafoods ang nakahain.
Pagkatapos nilang kumain ay nakasarilinan si Nanang Lydia at MM at si DD ay kausap naman si Tatang Teban tungkol sa farm.
Tinutulungan ni MM si Nanang Lydia sa paghuhugas ng mga plato kahit todo tangi ng matanda na tulungan siya nito.
Nanang Lydia:  Anak, huwag ka ng tumulong sa akin.  Maupo ka dyaan.
MM:  Ok lang po Nanang.
Nanang Lydia:   Anak, nagpakasal na ba kayong dalawa?  Hula ko kasi malapit ka ng manganak.
Huminga ng malalim si MM bago sumagot kay Nanang Lydia.
MM:  Magulo po Nanang Lydia.  Nagka partial amnesia po si DD at dahil dun di niya po matandaan ang nangyari sa amin.
Nanang Lydia:  Bakit di mo sinabi sa kanya?
MM:  Nanang, (nagsimula ng tumulo luha ni MM) mahirap po sabihin kasi nagkita kami at kasama niya po si LeAnne.
Nanang Lydia:  Sino naman itong si LeAnne.
Nagtaka si MM na di kilala ni Nanang Lydia si LeAnne.
MM:  Di nyo po kilala si LeAnne?  Siya po ang kasintahan ni DD na nasa Australia.  Di nya po ba nadala si LeAnne dito?
Nanang Lydia:  Aba’y anak, iisa lang ang ipinakilalang sinisinta ni Dave sa amin at ikaw yun.  Kung ako sa iyo anak eh ipagtapat mo na sa kanya ang nangyari at para sa ganun ay maliwanagan na din siya.  Ilang araw ding nandito yan pagdating galing sa Australia at balisang balisa yan at tila laging may hinahanap.  Nung tanungin naman ni Tata Teban mo kung ano yung hinahanap niya.  Di rin daw niya alam.  Basta may hinahanap lang daw siya.  Lagi nagagalit at umiiyak kasi bakit marami daw siyang di matandaan.
MM:  Nanang, susubukan ko pong sabihin sa kanya lahat ngayon pero di ko rin po alam kung ano ang kahinatnan naming kasi paano po kung di niya pa rin ako matandaan ng lubusan.
Nanang Lydia:  Subukan mo pa rin anak.  Baka nga ikaw talaga ang susi na makakabukas diyan sa nakatagong memorya ni Dave.  Tulungan mo siya anak.
At nag-iyakan at nag yakapan silang dalawa.  At nagpaalam na si Nanang Lydia at sasaglit daw sa bayan para bibili ng kulang na sangkap sa lulutuin kinagabihan.

******************************************
DD was busy with his cellphone nung naabutan ito ni MM sa balcony ng room nila.
DD texting LeAnne:  Something’s not right.  These past few days, I recall several instances and somethings’ just not right.  I am confused.  Please give me time to think on the thing you’re asking me.  I’m really sorry but I just can’t be in a situation that I’m not sure.
Tumingin sa malayo si DD at naalala niya yung nangyari sa Australia after siya nagising from the accident.
Pagkauwi niya galing sa hospital ay parang biglang ang bilis ng pangyayari.  Dahil sa natagpuang singsing sa inner coat niya ay inaassume ng pamilya niya’t ni LeAnne na ang singsing na binili niya ay para dito at lalo na’t matagal na niyang sinasabi sa mga magulang ang kagustuhang magkaroon nang pamilya.
Walang nakakaalam sa pamilya niya tungkol kay MM.  Plano palang kasi ni DD nun na sasabihin pa lang sa mommy niya pagkapakita sa singsing na nabili.  But hindi na siya nabigyan ng pagkakataon.
Ang bilis ng pangyayari.  Natagpuan na lang niya ang sarili na naibigay yung singsing kay LeAnne.  Pero bakit parang nung ibinigay niya yun ay something never felt right.




Chapter 36:
MM:  Hey...
Lumingon si DD sa direksyon kung saan galing ang boses.  DD opened his arms to let MM know that he’s asking her to go to his direction.  MM obliged.  Nagyakapan sila ng matagal while overlooking at the scenery from the balcony.  MM buried her face on DD’s chest while DD’s chin was on MM’s head smelling her signature scent.  They stayed that way for quite sometime.
DD:  Baby....
Tumingala si MM kay DD looking confused.
DD:  Baby, I think I’m regaining some of my memories.  These past few days, I thought everything was just a dream but it it’s not.  (Inaaya ni DD si MM na umupo sila sa couch sa balcony)  When I saw you at Circle’s, honestly I was shocked to see you pregnant.  (Huminga ito ng malalim)  I felt betrayed that you never told me about it.  But when I realized our situation, it made me even more sad because I cannot recall anything.
Hinarap nito si MM at tinanong...
DD:  If you say Ian is not the father of your baby... could it be possible that I am?
Tumulo ang luha ni MM at di na nakuhang sagutin si DD.
Niyakap ni DD si MM...
DD:  God!  I knew it!  I can feel it.  Oh Baby, you make me so happy!  RED is mine!  (Sabay tawa nito at yakap yakap pa rin si MM)
Tuluyan ng napahikbi si MM.  Di niya alam kung luha ba ito ng kaligayahan or kalungkutan dahil sa di tiyak na hinaharap.
DD:  Baby, let’s get married after our baby is born.
MM:  D, what about LeAnne?
DD:  I’ll settle things with her first.
MM:  Can you recall us already?
DD:  Baby, it doesn’t matter if I remember everything or not.   As long as you are here to help me... As long as you are with me.
Napako ang mata ni DD sa leeg ni MM at duon niya napansin ang hinahanap na kwintas.  Hinawakan nito iyon at...
DD:  I knew it.  I didn’t lose this but I gave it to someone very special.  Did you know that I never took this out of my neck since my grandma gave this to me.  Please do tell me how I gave this to you....
At inilahad na nga ni MM kay DD kung paano nito binigay sa kanya ang kwinstas.  Yung sinabi nito na wala man siyang dalang singsing nung nagpropose siya pero ang kwintas na yun ay mas mahalaga pa kay sa singsing na ibibigay niya.
At tila hudyat yun ng pagbalik ng memorya ni DD sa pangyayaring iyon.  Yung panahong nagpropose siya kay MM at sa kawalan ng maibigay na singsing ay hinubad nito ang pinakaiingatan na kwintas para ibigay sa pinakamamahal na babae.


Chapter 37:
Habang pauwi sila galing Batangas, tulog si MM and DD is driving....
Two old friends meet again
Wearin’ older faces
And talk about the places they’ve been

Two old sweethearts who fell apart
Somewhere long ago
How are they to know
Someday they’d meet again
And have a need for more than reminiscin’

Maybe this time
It’ll be lovin’ they’ll find
Maybe now they can be more than just friends
She’s back in his life
And it feels so right
Maybe this time, love won’t end
The phrase she’s back in his life and it feels so right stuck DD.  That’s exactly how she felt for MM.  Tiningnan nito si MM and softly touched her face.
He is slowly gaining back his memory.  MM and DD had a very long talk in the balcony.  There are still some gray areas that he needs to discover but he is now sure that what he felt is right.
Immediately after that long talk, DD called his parents...
DD:  Hey Dad, I have a good news for you.
Mr. Redford:  Yes son?  What’s the good news?  Have you gained back your lost memories?
DD:  It’s even better than that Dad.
Mr.  Redford:  What is it?
DD:  Are you ready to be called Grandpa?  (Sabay halakhak)
Mr. Redford:  What!  Are you serious?  Hey Mom, you better hear this.... DD said that I’m gonna be a grandpa soon.  (Inagaw ni Mrs. Redford yung phone kay DD)
Mrs. Redford:  DD, anak... what’s this all about?
DD:  Hey Mom!  Or should I say Grandma!
Mrs. Redford:  Oh my god!  My boy’s going to be father soon? (In an Australian accent and Mrs. Redford is already crying)
DD could only giggle on the other end.
Mrs. Redford:  Oh baby, I wanna talk to mother of your baby.  Can I talk to LeAnne?
DD:  Mom, it’s not LeAnne.  (His tone became serious)
Mrs.  Redford:  What?  Dad, it’s not LeAnne... (confused)  Dave Daniel, who’s the mother of your child?  How did it happened?  I thought you guys are engaged already?  Does LeAnne knows about this?  Oh my God!  (His mom is starting to get hysterical)
DD:  Mom! Mom! Mom calm down!
Mrs. Redford:  How do you expect me calm down Dave Daniel!  What is this mess you’re into?
DD:  Mom, I can explain.  You see, everything felt right when I am with her.  We had a thing way even before I met an accident.  I got her pregnant and I’m marrying her... not because she is pregnant but because I love her.
Mataimtim lang nakikinig si MM sa sinabi ni DD.  Halatang kinakabahan siya. 
Mrs. Redford:  Who’s this girl Dave?  Do we know her?  Gosh, how did it happened?  Dad! Dad!  This is really crazy.  (Looking at her husband who’s not even worried but is just smiling)  Dad! (tawag ulit ni Mrs. Redford dito).
Mr. Redford:  Mom, your son is a big boy already and he knows what he’s doing.  Aren’t you happy that finally we can have our grandkid.  (Tapos kinuha nito ang phone sa asawa)  Hey kiddo, are you having a son or a daughter?
DD:  I’m having a son Dad! 
Napa YES! Sabay talon ni Mr. Redford sa ere. 
Nagkatawanan na lang si DD at ang tatay niya.  DD then invited them to come to Philippines in time for MM to give birth.  DD’s mom is still hysterical.  Can’t blame her because she is close to LeAnne and somehow parang nagkautang na loob pa siya dito when LeAnne personally took care of DD when he was sick.
Mr. Redford:  Son, can I talk to my daughter-in-law?
DD:  Baby, Dad wants to talk to you.
MM:  Ha?  (halatang kinabahan)
DD:  It’s ok.  Come here.  Dad, this is MM. 
Mr. Redford:  Hi Sweetie.  You take care of my grandson ok?  We’ll be there before you hatched.  And thank you very much.  Have you had your sonogram already?  Oh you did, send a picture of my grandson ok.  Take care of each other and welcome to the family.
MM:  Thanks Sir.
Mr. Redford:  Dad, call me Dad.
MM:  Ok Dad.
DD:  Dad, see you soon.  Thanks.  And tell mom I love her... we love her.  Bye!

It’s the same old feeling back again
It’s the one that they had way back when
They were too young to know when love is real
But somehow, some things never change
And even time hasn’t cooled the flame
It’s burnin’ even brighter than it did before
It got another chance, and if they take it…
This is their second chance and he will make it work.  Nagising si MM sa pagkaidlip nito.  Nag-unat ng konti at tiningnan si DD na katingin din sa kanya.
MM: Hmmmmnnnn....  Saan na tayo?
DD:  It doesn’t matter.  As long as we are together.
MM:  Oi Baby ha, naging corny ka na.  (Sabay halakhakan silang dalawa)
Maybe this time
It’ll be lovin’ they’ll find
Maybe now they can be more than just friends
She’s back in his life
And it feels so right
Maybe this time, love won’t end

She’s smilin’ like she used to smile way back then
She’s feelin’ like she used to feel way back when
They tried, but somethin’ kept them
Waiting for this magic moment
DD:  Baby, I think this song is about us.
MM smiled at sinabaya na nila ang pagkanta ng radio.
Maybe this time
It’ll be lovin’ they’ll find
Maybe now they can be more than just friends
She’s back in his life
And it feels so right
Maybe this time…

Chapter 38:
Isang mag-asawang sampal ang natanggap ni DD galing kay LeAnne.
LeAnne:  How could you do this to me!  (Hysterical na ito).
Sapo ni DD ang pisnging nakatikim ng sampal galing kay LeAnne.  Sa isip niya, God this girl is also strong.  Napailing na lang siya sa isiping he’s surrounded by strong girls.
DD:  I think I deserved that.  I’m really sorry LeAnne.
LeAnne:  But you gave me a ring!  You said you wanted to marry me.
DD:  I’m sorry.  If my memory serves me right, I didn’t propose to you.  You and my mom saw the ring and you guys assumed that I was supposed to propose to you.  I’m really sorry LeAnne.  God knows how I tried to save this relationship.
DD:  Be honest with me LeAnne, prior to my accident, were we still ok?
Di umimik si LeAnne.
DD:  Are we?
Di pa rin umimik si LeAnne.
DD:  Are we?  Answer me! (Medyo tumaas na ang boses ni DD)
LeAnne:  No! No we are not!  (Sumisigaw na din si LeAnne)  You always compare me to your friend MM.
Natahimik si DD.
LeAnne:  You always say, why can’t I be like MM!  Why can’t I cook like MM!  Why can’t I be as simple as MM!  Eh putang ina ninyong dalawa!  I have a life!
Namumula na si LeAnne sa galit.  She’s no longer crying but she’s very angry.
LeAnne:  Mga hayup kayo.  Little did I know that you were doing something behind my back already.  And now she’s pregnant!  She’s pregnant with your baby!  You heartless brute!  I hate you! I hate you!  (sumugod ito at pinagbabayo si DD)
DD was standing firm at tiniis nito ang pangbabayo ni LeAnne sa kanya hanggang mapagod ito at umiiyak.  Napaluhod na ito at nawawalan ng lakas sa kakaiyak.
LeAnne:  Mga hayop kayo!  I hate you!  I hate you!  How could you do this to me!  (Hagulgul na si LeAnne)
Lumuhod na din si DD at niyakap si LeAnne.  LeAnne struggled but DD didn’t allow her to.  She succumbed to DD’s embrace and cried in his arm.
Napaiyak na din si DD sa awa kay LeAnne.  He knows that he didn’t treat her fairly but it was better that way rather than continue living in a life full of lies.
Nung nahimasmasan si LeAnne ay dali-dali nitong pinahid ang mga luha at tumayo.  She took off the ring that she thought DD gave her.  She returned it to DD but DD refused to accept it.  He asked her to keep it.
LeAnne:  No DD.  This will be a constant reminder of you so please take it.  (She placed it in DD’s hand)
DD:  LeAnne, I’m so sorry it has to end this way.  Thank you very much for everything.
LeAnne:  And I’m sorry too.  And there’s one thing.... (bago pa nito tapusin ang sasabihin ay muling pinadama nito ang halik kay DD)
DD was caught off guard but it seems that the burning fire has totally died down and LeAnne felt that.
LeAnne:  Good bye DD.  (And she left hurriedly)
DD didn’t say a word at tinatanaw lang ang pag-alis at pagkawala ni LeAnne.  At huminga ng malalim na tila ba nabunutan ng malaking tinik sa buhay. 

Chapter 39:
Matuling lumipas ang mga araw.  It seems that all well ends well na for MM and DD.  Nalalapit na rin ang pagputok ni MM.  Nagkausap na si DD at ang parents ni MM at naitindihan ng mga ito ang sinapit ni DD. 
Walang kaalam alam si MM sa preparasyong ginagawa ni DD.  DD managed to process their wedding application in a jiffy.  It was one afternoon na niyaya ni DD si MM na samahan siya at may bibisitahin daw itong isang kaibigan.
Pumunta sila sa isang magarang bahay at nabigla si MM nung makitang nandun pala sina Ian at Frida, Papa’t Mama niya at higit sa lahat, nandun na rin sina Mr. & Mrs. Redford.
MM:  What’s the meaning of this? (Sobrang higpit ang hawak ni MM sa braso ni DD)
DD:  Baby, we are getting married today.
MM:  Ha? Paano?  Oh my god!  I’m not even dressed properly.  PAK!  (Nakatikim na naman si DD ng signature palo ni MM)
DD:  Ouch!  Baby, you getting stronger and stronger everyday but don’t worry... my love for you got stronger and stronger everyday as well.
Naghiyawan ang mga nandun sa ka kornihan daw ni DD.
Mr. Redford:  My son, I think love has gotten into you!
Nagyakapan ang lahat ng nandun.  Si Mrs. Redford at MM ay ok na rin.  Naexplain ni DD ng maayos sa mommy niya ang nangyari at ang totoong naramdaman ni to kay MM.
*************************************
They talked over the phone that time...
DD:  Mom, she makes me happy.  She makes me complete.  Even if I haven’t regained my memory totally but with her it seems that I did already.
Mrs. Redford:  Are you sure of what you’re feeling anak?  You’re not marrying her because she pregnant right?  Because if that’s your reason then I would strongly oppose of your union.
DD:  No Mom.  I love her.  I really do.
Mrs. Redford:  What about LeAnne?  Were you able to talk to her already?
DD:  We’ve settled everything already Mom.
Mrs. Redford:  How was it?
DD:  It wasn’t so pleasant Mom but it was better that way.
Mrs. Redford:  I hope she’ll be alright.  Anyway, so tell me about MM.
DD:  You’ll love her Mom... (and DD continued talking about MM)
And bago ibinaba ni Mrs. Redford ang phone ay sinabihan na ni DD na napadala na nila yung 4d ultrasound picture ni baby RED.
Napaiyak si Mrs. Redford pagkakita nung picture.  It looks like DD when he was a baby.  The nose is so significantly the same as that of DD.  Hysterical agad ang lola at gusto ng sumugod sa Pilipinas.
**********************************
Mrs. Redford:  How are you feeling iha?  (Sabay halik at yakap kay MM)
MM:  Ok naman po.  Kumusta po flight niyo?
Mrs. Redford:  It was good.  But nakakainip maghintay.  I am so excited to see you.  When are you due?
MM:  Within the month na po.  Actually anytime soon.
Mrs. Redford:  I’m getting excited everyday.  I’m praying for your safe delivery iha.
MM:  Thank you Mam.
Mrs. Redford:  Ano ba, masanay ka na to call me Mommy.
MM:  hehehe Ok Mommy.
Ikinasal sina DD at MM sa bahay ng kaibigan ni DD na Mayor.  Ian and Frida are the witness of their union.  Dahil kaibigan nito ang nagkasal sa kanila ay naudyok sila nitong bigkasin ang kanikanilang wedding vows.
Hawak kamay ang dalawa while facing each other...
DD:  Baby, the first time I tasted your soft marshmallow lips, it haunted my senses already and even when I had partial amnesia, your scent haunted me even more and that led me to rediscover myself.  I may not have fully recovered my memory but I don’t really kher because I’d rather make new memories with you.  We don’t need to wish for a falling star this time around because I believe that honesty is all we ever need... you and me again maybe!  Ay sorry kanta pala iyon but that’s exactly what I want to tell you.  I love you so much M and I look forward each day with you and our family. 
Hilam man sa luha ang mga mata ni MM, but she also needs to say her impromptu wedding vow.
MM:  Whew!  I’m not prepared for this but here it goes.... D, you are the bandit who stole my first kiss.  You are the burglar who stole my heart  and you are the pirate who stole my whole being.  I am your willing victim and I am loving every minute of it and I look forward to each day that I’ll be spending with you and our little ones.  And this time around, I will let the falling stars rest because I have nothing to wish for because I am now with you as you are now with me.  With the guidance of our parents and friends, I am now ready to be  Mrs. Mickaela Monique Serafin-Redford.
Mayor:  By the power vested on me from the Republic of the Philippines, I now pronounced you Dave Daniel and Mickaela Monique husband and wife.  You may now kiss your wife DD.
Palakpakan ang lahat when DD gave MM thesweetest kiss to seal their union.  Biglang SPLASH!
MM’s waterbag broke!

Chapter 40:
DD:  Push Baby!  Push! Uuuurrrrmmmmmm!
Butil butil na ang mga pawis ni MM while gripping DD’s hand.  She’s having a hard time.
MM:  D, ang sakit!  Di na ako uulit!
DD:  Com’mon baby push! Uuuuummmmmm!!!!  Push it hard!  Practice pa lang yan for the next one!
MM:  Gago ka!  Wala ng kasunod to!  Ang sakeeeeetttt!!!!
DD:  Go baby, you can do it!  Push! Push! Push!
MM:  Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!
DD:  Puuuuuuussssssshhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A small cry from the tiny tike was heard.
Doctor:  Congratulations MM and DD!
Inilapit ng doctor kay MM si Baby Red ng biglang may bumagsak!  Nagulantang ang lahat kasi si DD pala ang nawalan ng malay.
Napasigaw na lang din si MM na pinakalma ng doctor kasi baka mabinat.  Dali-daling tinulungan ng mga attending nurses si DD at naging masaya ang tawanan ng lahat ng tao sa loob ng DR.
***************************************
DD:  Water.....
Mr. Redford:  Son, are you alright?
DD:  Where am I?  (Sabay linga sa paligid.  At nung tuluyan ng idinilat ang mata ay bigla itong napabalikwas ng bangon!)
Mr. Redford:  Hey, hey calm down!
DD:  Oh my God!  I knew it!  Dad, I met an accident right?  I wanted to tell you that I am marrying MM.  I got her a ring and I was texting her and then that accident happened.
Mr. Redford:  Calm down Son.  Everything is ok now.
DD:  Where’s MM?  Oh my God, she could be hurting now?  How long have I been sleeping?  I have to call her.  I have to tell her about the accident.
Mr. Redford:  Son, please calm down.  Sit down and I’ll tell you what happened.
Dun pa lang kumalma si DD at parang nagbalik lahat lahat ng memorya niya.  Nung unang may nangyari sa kanila ni MM hanggang pagpunta nila ng Batangas at pag-alis niya at pagbili niya ng singsing hanggang sa aksidente. 
DD:  Dad, I remembered everything!  Oh my god, where’s my wife?
Tinuro ni Mr. Redford si MM na payapang natutulog sa hospital bed.  Bumangon agad si DD at nilapitan si MM.  He wasted no time and gave her a hug na siyang ikinagising nito.
MM:  D, are you alright?
DD:  Baby, I love you so much!  I’m sorry if it took me so long to come home.  I met an accident after getting a ring for you.  (DD is crying now) I’m sorry if I was not there when you discovered that you are pregnant.  I’m so sorry if I made you cry every night.  If only I was given a choice, I wouldn’t want that to happened because I cannot afford to see you cry.  I love you so much Baby and I miss you so.  (At niyakap nito si MM at pinaghahalikan na para bang ang tagal nitong di ito nakita)
MM: Baby, it’s ok.  I understand.  Oh my God, you’ve gain back your memory now?
DD:  I guess so!  Oh!  Where’s my son?  I wanna see my son!
Tumawa na lang ang lahat sa kakulitan ni DD.  Maya-maya konti ay may kumatok at tumambad na ang nurse na bitbit ang baby nilang si RED.  Ibinigay ito kay MM na napaiyak nung nayakap na ang anak.  Si DD din ay di na napigilan ang mga luhang tumulo.  Hagulgul na rin ang dalawang lolang nandun at ang nagyakapan ang dalawang lolo.
May kumatok at dali daling pumasok sa room nila na walang iba kundi si Frida na nakasunod naman sa likod si Ian na bitbit ang mga gamit ni MM at ng baby.
Frida:  Picture taking na!!!!!
*********************************************
After 2 months ay nagpakasal na din sa simbahan si DD at MM.  LeAnne attended the wedding with her model fiancée.
All well ends well for everyone and ang kasalang iyon ay sinabayan ng binyag ng munting angel nina DD at MM na si Baby RED.

Who says that wishing in a falling star is just for kids... it can happen... if you believe... if you chose to believe.....

Starlight!
Starbright!
The first star I see tonight
Wish I may, wish I might
Have the wish I wish tonight.....


******************************** E N D********************************

53 comments:

  1. can't wait for the next chapter..level up na ang story!

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  2. no.1 fan! yehey ako 1st nag comment...

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  3. waaaaaa waaaaaaaaaa parang phr lang talaga! i so love it po..keep up the good work..thanks po for sharing

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  4. waaaaaaaaaa next plssssssssssss

    galing galing tagala....

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  5. waaaaaaaaa, maraming tenk u po!!!

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  6. SALAMAT ATE ACHEENA...

    I'M YOUR FAN, EVER SINCE...

    GALING NIYO PO! GOD BLESS
    :)

    -BEL

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  7. Hi Friend!

    Napagod ako mag BR sa PEx sa kakahanap ng fanfic mo, dito na lang ako sumugod.:)

    I so love it! And I have to say na mas maganda ang presentation ng details and background nito. Pang pocketbook na ang dating. First few chapters pa lang, masarap na paulit-ulit basahin.

    Sorry friend, pero asan na ang kasunod? :)

    Keep up the good work!

    Princessa8 of PEx

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  8. i super love you ate and your fanfic...

    next chapter na... hehehe

    wabyu ate... hmwah! =)

    -zeth06-

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  9. very well done.. :)keep it coming..

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  10. wow!!!! level up!!! nag mature na...
    ganda-ganda talaga ng story!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    can't wait to read the next chapter!!!
    job well done!!! ganda talaga ng pagkakasulat sa story!!!!!!!!

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  11. i'm a lurker sa pex and i've read your work from the reunion until this new fanfic and i can say you have the talent in writing...
    keep it up!!!

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  12. it was a lovely story. i almost cried when they made love. thank you for sharing your talent in writing fiction stories.

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  13. wow!!!!!!!!!!!
    I'm craving for more chapter!!!!!!
    galing talaga...
    more power !!!

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  14. Ate., kailan po ung next chapter gbre. na e excite tlga ako. Ü =)

    --priscilla

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  15. Amajing.,ang galling nio po..super abangers na kami sa next chapter,.:D

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  16. wow!!! ganda... next chap pls...

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  17. Ang galing mo naman...i really love ur fanfic para bang nagbabasa ako ng PHR sa mga kwento mo. ano kaya nagyari at bigla nalang hindi tumatawag si james after nya makarating sa austrilia. nagka-amnesia at babalik sa pilipinas after 4yrs at nung magkita sila muli hindi nya matandaan kung ano meron sila ni devon 4yrs ago....Ano ba yan kung saan saan na naglalakbay yun imahinasyon ko. Sana may kasunod na ito ang hirap magconclude sa next chapter. just keep on twriting ang daming tao napapasaya mo...

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  18. OMG! what really happened to DD....I can't wait for the next ep...DD was been out of site for the last 2 ep..

    Next Chapter plsssssssss...........

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  19. wow!!! pag teleserye na ang level!!!
    next chapter pls....
    congrats!! ang galing nyo po talaga..

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  20. another cliffhanger......
    can't wait for ep 21 to come out.
    para bang nanonood ako ng korean drama sa FF mo.
    thank you sana huwag kang magsawa sumulat ng FF.
    kasi isa ito sa mga nagpapasaya sa amin.

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  21. ate , binuhay mo ang pagka adik ko. almost two years ago i decided not to read stories that has sexual implications. It's because of personal/spiritual issues which i want to keep to myself. I deprived myself of such reading materials to protect myself.hehehehe.taas kilay nang iba but thats how i feel. Eversince adik nko sa pocketbook, be it tagalog or english. And reading your stories now ate...well,nabuhay ulit pagka SPO(Sexually Pre-Occupied) ko.hahaha.pero yung sayo lang babasahin ko.hehehe.adik sayo!mild lang naman love scenes.hehehhe.cant wait for your next chapters.

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  22. hi mare, i'm one of your avid-readers. you might know me in pex. i just want to say that i really love your work, and i hope you keep writing stories- not just for yourself, but for others that appreciate the talent your sharing.

    keep it up... and keep the chapters coming.

    PS. don't you worry about the love scenes... it's not that wild nor repulsive.

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  23. Sabi ko na nga ba nagka amenisia si dd. Ano ng mangyayari ngayon?
    pwedi ng mo ng ipadala sa abs yun mga akda mo pangprimetime bida ang dating. ang gagaling talaga ng mga gems sobra talented. Saba isang chapter pa bago ako matulog.

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  24. nice fan pic! super love it! Next chapter please :)) demanding?:))))

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  25. ohmygod ate second time ko na toh basahin! ang galing mo fave na ngayon so far, napaka intimate ng moments nila capture na capture mo pag mag essay ako iniisip ko na ang short story ko ay JAEVON! thank you ate athea:D nice talaga cant wait sa next kaso pasukan na, pero abangers at ataterz pa rin ako.thank you po ulit for sharing:)

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  26. Ms. Athena naman palong palo ang fanfic mu.. :)
    We love it!!!! next chapter na sana soon!

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  27. ang sarap basahin ng mga fanfic mo. habang binabasa ko ito feeling ko pinanonood ko talaga sa primetime tv. Next Chapeter plssssssssssss.....

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  28. ate galing mo talaga at ang bilis pa mag sulat

    hayyyyyyyy

    love your fanfic

    imalways_yours

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  29. wow grabeehhhh ang ganda talaga!
    cant wait for the nxt chapter....
    love it talaga!

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  30. waaaaaaaaaa nxt plssssssssssss..


    bitin.........hehe

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  31. waaaaa.. I want more!.. hahaha please? asan na ang kasunod nito?? grrr..

    thank you by the way! it's soo nice! as in! :D

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  32. super ganda po..:D
    the best kayo..sana hindi po kayo mag sawa mag gawa ng mga ff..:D
    i super love it..

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  33. this ff is really good..
    b4 i start my work at call center, im always looking forward to read this, its fantastic....
    so as devon and james love team...i really like it

    - madhz16

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  34. omg...next chapter please...hehe..demanding..i loved the story...keilan kya mnga2nak c MM..hehe

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  35. OMG! i'm so excited for the next chapter...

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  36. Another thumbs-up sign for you. I'll say you let me reminisce the times I read Harlequin romances or Mill & Boons Pocketbooks..Heck you inspire me to write as well.. : )

    Can't wait for the next chapter!!! JAEVON FTW...

    vivian25ish here.. : )

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  37. ..ganda talaga ng story..i'll definitely wait for the mxt chaper.. :)

    ->jaevon FTW!

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  38. ohh mYyy i love MM's vow! naiiyak ako..waaaaaaaaaaaaaa

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  39. ang ganda ganda, ang galing galing talaga promise...waaaaaaaaaaa....superrrrrrrrr...congrats for another succesful fantic about our mm and dd...i super love it...phr na phr talaga ang dating...pwede kang maging writer teh...weeeeeeee

    yeng1991 poh sa pex...

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  40. nkkasad nmn..tpos n ung story...i want more p!...hehe..ang gling mo tlga ate athena...sna gumawa kp ng story bout ky MM and DD...I LOVE JAEVON....:D

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  41. sobrangggggg ganda(ivan mode)
    i can't wait yung susunod na ff nio..
    ang galing nio tlga..:D
    please continue po ninyo i-share ur very very talented creative mind!!! *okay* *okay* :handsdown: :handsdown:
    (sayang hindi gumagana yung icons)hahahha

    SALAMAT PO NG MARAMI..
    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
    GODBLESS!! =) :D =)

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  42. waaaaaaaaaaaaa

    super love ko ang story sana ate mag sulat pa kayo nag magagandang story

    godbless po

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  43. Ang galing sana may next fan fic na I love the ending :) Blae of PEX

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  44. Super Gandaaa po! I hope you still have time to write for another one po. Super AWEEESOOMMEEE writer po kayo. =) More power!

    -- Priscilla

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  45. I really wished this story didn't end. When i saw the END word at the last part, I covered it with my hands. Denial. lol. I love it so much. Very good writing skills, hoping for another one. XD THANK YOU.

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  46. ate athena! i love this! grabe sana may next new series ulit! abnagerz ako! sabi ko matutulog na ako pero 11pm na dito ngstay muna ako sandali to finish this dapat hanggang ch30 lang ako aso i couldnt handle it! thank you:D next new series pls.thank you. stef_rawrs

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  47. sana may next part ulit! :) keep writing fanfics! :) i love the twists! :)

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  48. i super duper love it....

    super nice ng story...na pi.picture out ko ang kabuuan ng story,,,,,ganda talaga....naiyak pa nga ako..but in a silent way,,,kakahiya ako..hehehe..

    keep it up TE...pamh PRO ang talent mo...
    -godSpeed-

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  49. Hi Acheena!! please follow http://loveourblogpost.blogspot.com/ and i would like to ask you if you're willing to share some atories of yours to our site? :) we're a group of young writers.. and we have accounts at facebook and multiply to.. LOVE OUR BLOG POST is the name.

    please email me at mousemousey@ymail.com ? for your reply? thanks!!

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  50. thank you so much!hope ul never get tired of writing beautiful <3 stories...Thanks din kc mka Jaevon po kayo!! Spread great love and good vibes...God bless you po idol..

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  51. ..w0w..just finished the story in one read..
    ..ganda p0h..xuper..
    ..sana p0h mdmi pang jaevon fanfic..
    ..love u p0h ms.athena..
    ..thank u for ur beautiful stories..
    ..jaev0n f0rever!!!..

    __aiLyn__

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  52. waaaah...ang ganda naman :)))))

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