Chapter 1

They can't take my son away from me. Magkakamatayan talaga kami, sakin lang ang anak ko. And yes, I'm hiding my son. Not because I'm embarrassed of having him. But because ayokong maranasan niya ang pagiging malupit ng pamilya ng ama niya. Ayokong masaktan nila ang anak ko. I will protect him in any way I can. I don't want my son to feel that he is unwanted and unloved. I'll do what it takes to protect him. Because it's not just him I needed to protect. But also my daughter, his twin.

Nakauwi kami ng tahimik ng anak ko. Nakahinga ako ng maluwag nang hindi na kami sinundan ni Mrs. Madrigal. Pero hindi pa rin ako dapat makampante dahil dun I have to make sure that nothing will happen to me and my kids. Habang nasa byahe ay nag-iisip pa rin ako kung ano ang susunod kong plano dahil sa oras na nagtagpo ang landas namin ni Mrs. Madrigal ay alam ko na kung ano ang kaya nitong gawin. Kaya kailangan ko siyang maunahan bago pa niya gawin ang susunod niyang hakbang upang mapalapit sa mga anak ko.

"You can ask, son." Pagbigay permiso ko sa kanya.

"It's not important, Mom. I won't ask anything cause I know you're uncomfortable talking about it. I'm fine, Mom." Magalang na tugon niya. At an early age, anyone could tell that my son was smart and cautious of his words. He's careful about it because he's afraid of offending the person he's talking with. And with that I'm proud and I could say that I raised him well. Eros is a loving son and brother to his sister, Aphrodite. I'm grateful that I raised them to be well-mannered and smart kids. Even if they weren't smart, I want them to be respectful and responsible. Kasi kahit kung may mangyari sakin ay makakampante pa rin ako na maalagaan nila ang mga sarili nila. I'll fight for them no matter what. Hanggang kamatayan ipaglalaban ko ang mga anak ko. Ganyan ko sila kamahal. No words can describe how I feel for them. The urge to love and protect them motivates me and makes me continue to live, at least for them.

Hind umimik pa si Eros, kaya tahimik kami hanggang pagdating sa bahay. Hindi kasi siya palasalita. Tinulungan ako ni Eros na ilabas ang mga pinamili namin. Kaya ako nalang din ang bumukas sa pintuan. Sabay naming dinala ang mga pinamili namin sa kusina.

"Mommy!!" Agad akong napalingon kung saan nanggaling ang matinis na boses na 'yon. I automatically smiled and hugged her. "Tita-Ninang bought another collar for Pillow. It's really cute! Come with me, Mommy!" Bumaling din siya sa kapatid niya. "Come Kuya! Let's go!" She both dragged us with her towards the garden.

Nakangiti akong napailing. Napakakulit talaga ng baby ko. Bumaling ako kay Eros na nakangiting nakatingin sa nakababatang kapatid. He really loves his sister.

Hindi na ako nagulat nang bigla kaming nakarinig ng pagtahol. Mas lalong lumawak ang ngisi ni Aphrodite nang makita ang mga alaga namin. Her dog was a little white chow chow puppy. She named her Pillow because she was white as her pillow. She was right Pillow looked cute with her new collar. My son's dog was a cute Siberian husky. His name was Alpha because he looked like one. And my pet was a German shepherd like theirs mine was a puppy too. His name was Rex because it was the only name I could think of. They started to play with the puppies, so I excused myself while they had fun.

I walked towards the kitchen. I could smell the delicious aroma of food.

"I cooked for our lunch. Where's the kids?" She asked while stirring the vegetable soup.

"At the backyard, playing with the puppies. Thanks for looking after Aphrodite. Did she enjoy her piano lesson?" I asked while preparing the table.

"Yeah, she really is fond of music. Ako ng bahala dyan. Day off mo ngayon take a rest. I can look after the kids instead. Malapit na naman akong matapos dito. I'm their godmother anyway." Yes, she was. Siya ang kinuha kong ninang ng kambal. She was my best friend since childhood, Xaviena Beaumont. "And I'm lucky that I am. So how's work?"

"It's doin' fine. Bukas babalik din naman ako. Tatawagin ko muna ang mga bata." Pagpapaalam ko bago tumayo. She didn't stopped me since she was already done cooking. I'm grateful that I have a friend like her. Siya ang naging kasama at sandalan ko during my pregnancy. She helped me raised my twins and I couldn't be more happier than I am now.

I looked at my kids, giggling while the puppies licked them. My heart swelled up just by looking at my little angels. Admiring their every move. Ignoring the little expressions visible on their faces.

"Pillow stop! It tickles!" Aphrodite giggled while trying to hold Pillow.

"Hey, Alpha! Stop! It tickles!" Eros laughed until he caught Alpha and hugged him.

"Hey, kids. It's time to eat. Let's go." I said while walking towards them. Nang nakita ako ng mga tuta ay agad din silang lumapit sa akin. Natatawa akong kinarga silang tatlo.

"It's lunchtime for them too, Mommy!" Matinis na sabi ni Aphrodite. She even bounced up and down excitedly. Natawa nalang sa kanya ang kakambal.

"Yeah, but it's dangerous jumping like that Aphrodite you might sprain your ankle." Saway ng Kuya niya. Na agad din naman niyang sinunod. Sabay kaming bumalik sa bahay. Pinakain muna namin ang mga tuta bago pumunta sa loob ng bahay.

"How was your piano lesson? Did you enjoy that, baby?" I asked using a gentle voice while caressing her head, straightening some wild strands.

"Yes, Mommy! Tita-Ninang and Teacher Bea taught me well! And it was really fun! I can't wait 'till the next lesson again!" She replied, coating her voice with enthusiasm and curiosity. Aphrodite likes going outdoors, camp out and so on. Hilig sa adventure, hindi ko nga alam kung ikasaya ko o ikakatakot iyon.