Chapter 1

She died. She clearly remembered how fast the car rushing to her. She felt the unbearable pain when it hit her body and the other parts went numb. She felt her breath slowly fading. She was tired anyway, tired of feeling all the pain all over again, awfully tired and maybe it would be good to endure no more. Thus, she struggled to keep her consciousness but her eyes felt drowsy, she closed them and some scenes starts to flash in her mind before all went black.

She opened her eyes again and blinked. Alam niya na namatay na siya, but looking around the four familiar walls, the familiar ceiling, the familiar bed, table, curtains and everything in her room seems so real. 

Anong nangyayari? Anang isip niya. Confused, she reached for her phone to look for the current date and time, nagulat siya sa nakitang date sa phone niya.

"A-anong nangyayari?" She asked in a low voice. She's shocked to see that the date was three years before the day she died. Huminga siya ng malalim at pilit na pinakalma ang sarili. 

She sat and think for a while. 

Am I dreaming? Did I just foresaw my future? Then why is everything so vivid and seems so real?

What is happening? or-

Time reverse? Is it possible? There's such thing as this? Sa mga ideyang pumasok sa isip niya, wala sa sariling tinaas niya ang kamay at sinampal ang sariling pisngi ng malakas. She hissed when she felt the pain.

"Ha!" It's real, she's real, everything is real. But how and why her? Isn't this a heaven defying occurrence? Or the heaven itself made it possible? She didn't know what exactly is happening but thinking she was given a second chance to live is good too. She can live again and correct all the things that had gone wrong. Whatever is happening right now is astonishing. Siguro nakita ng mundo kung gaano siya naghirap at nasaktan na di nito hinayaang umalis siya sa mundong ibabaw sa ganoong paraan. Or maybe the heaven itself gave her her life again to show that the world is not that cruel after all. Maybe? Who knows? She's just thankful for another chance.

After analyzing everything, she made peace with herself accepting the unbelievable truth that she died and came back three years before the accident or it was really an accident. She had a feeling someone plotted another cruel plan against her and somehow she knows who it was. Iisang tao lang ang naisip niyang gagawa ng masama sa kanya ng paulit ulit hanggang sa maubos siya. May galit na umusbong sa puso niya ng maalala ang taong naging dahilan ng paghihirap at pagdurusa niya sa nakaraang buhay. Namasa mga mata niya ng maalala ang lahat ng sakit at paghihirap na pinagdaanan niya. She felt sorry for her past self and swore to not let any pain and suffering to inflict in herself again. Never again.

Bumaba siya sa kama, tumungo sa banyo at pinakalma ang sarili. Naligo at naglinis ng sarili, pagkatapos ay nagbihis at nag-ayos. Nagsusuklay siya ng buhok nang may kumatok sa pintuan. Thinking that it's her father she let the person outside to come in. When the door opens, the face of her stepmother appears in front of her.

"Good morning Naya." She greeted as she came in. Her smile is bright as ever, showing tenderness and a motherly aura. 

"Good morning mom." She greeted back with a smile. A shock is visibly showing on her stepmother's face after hearing her reply.

Kung sa nakaraang buhay pa niya sila siguro titignan niya lang ito at tatanguan. She didn't really like her stepmother in the past but she doesn't hate her either, hate is a strong word. She just doesn't like seeing her. Seeing her stepmom is like a constant reminder that her biological mother is no longer with her, which only bringing the pain she's trying hard to hide. She felt that she's an outcast to the current family and that she doesn't belong in this house which was once she called her home. But for some reason Naya saw some scenes flashes in her mind before she died and one of them is in her funeral. She saw how devastated her stepmother was, crying hard, pain is visible in her face and blaming herself for not trying harder in protecting her. Naya regretted not giving her stepmom a chance to make their relationship better, she could have been a good mother, they would have been happy.

Emily was shocked to see Naya's soft smile. She blinks and there's still a smile on her face. Simula ng makilala niya ang dalaga ay di niya ito nakikitang ngumiti kahit minsan. Di niya ito masisisi after what she'd been through, Emily just wanted to take good care of the child. But every time their eyes met it's either sadness or pain she saw in Naya's eyes. She had tried many times to talk to her but Naya is good at shutting her out. Naiintindihan niya ang bata at dahil pamilya na sila ngayon ay gusto niyang papasukin siya ng bata sa mundo nito, maghihintay siya sa panahon na matanggap na siya ng dalaga. 

As months passed by, she's still trying to get closer to Naya. But Emily seems to realized she can't break her walls. Naya's attitude towards her did not even get better. Emily thinks that things will only go worst kung pagpipilitan niya pa ang sarili sa bata which she didn't want to happen, hinayaan nalang niya ang mga bagay bagay at normal na trinatong sariling anak si Naya kahit na malamig ang pakikitungo nito sa kanya. Sinaisip na siguro magiging okay din ang lahat sa paglipas ng maraming taon na magkakasama sila sa iisang tahanan.

Emily cleared her throat still a little shock of the smile given to her by her stepdaughter. She thought that maybe it's a good start of making things better.

"Breakfast is ready, let's eat together?" She said in a low voice but clear and loud enough to let Naya hear.

"Sige po mom susunod ako." Naya replied still wearing a soft smile. Emily smiled back and said 'okay' while trying to act normal to not let things go awkward.

She closed the door and starts to walk downstairs in daze, she can't believe that first, Naya smiled softly at her and second she called her 'mom'. Emily's heart soften remembering the little interaction between them.

Back to the room, Naya chuckles thinking her stepmother is rather cute. Emily is a good person and a loving mother, if not, her father wouldn't had let her entered their lives. Naya wanted to give it a shot, she will be good to her from now on. She will make things better. 

She faces the mirror, smiled and tidy herself before going downstairs for breakfast. Pagbaba niya, nakita niya ang daddy niya, ang stepmom niya at ang kambal na anak ng stepmom niya sa una nitong asawa na sina Kenna at Kenneth. Nasa hapag na ang mga ito at siya nalang ang hinihintay. If it's in the past and saw this kind of setting, she'll just silently seat, eat a bit and occasionally if she was asked she'll reply shortly and most of the time, she'll be the first to leave the table. But she promised to herself to make things better so she greeted them a good morning before sitting down beside her father facing Emily. Emily gave her a warm smile which she reciprocates like it normally happens.

A sound of cutlery dropping on the floor makes Naya change her gaze from Emily to Kenna. Tumingin siya kay Kenna na nakatingin pala sa kanya na medyo nakabukas ang bibig. Naya reached for the cutlery while saying she'll get a new one, she stands and exited the dining table. As she came back, she heard her family talking in a very low voice.

"She's not acting like a bitch! That's Naya right? The Nayasha we know?" Kenna said still astonished from what she saw.

"Kenna language!" Sita ni Emily sa anak. Nakatanggap naman ng mahihinang tawa mula sa daddy niya at kay Kenneth ang komento ni Kenna patungkol sa kanya. Dalawang taon ang tanda ni Naya sa kambal. Kenna is a childish person, medyo madaldal, may pagkabitchesa pero mapagmahal na anak. Kenneth on the other hand is a silent type, he rarely talks and a smart one. 

In the past, kahit na nasa iisang bahay lang sila ay di sila gaanong nag'uusap ng kambal. Hindi dahil hindi sila makakapag-usap kundi dahil pinili niyang ignorahin ang dalawa na siya ring ginagawa nung dalawa sa kanya. The lesser they talk the safer it is for the family.

Kenna pouted and murmured her sorry. Sighing, Naya went back to the dining table and handed the cutlery to Kenna. Kenna expressed her gratitude and the family start eating in a comfortable silence.

It's been a while since Nathan saw his daughter smiled genuinely. His heart is filled with warmth when he saw Naya walking down the stairs with a pleasant face, wala na yung walang pakialam o malungkot na mukha sa tuwing bababa siya ng hagdan papuntang hapagkainan. Naya even greeted them a good morning with a smile and her attitude towards Emily and the twins are not indifferent anymore.

Finished eating, he put the utensils down and talked to his daughter. "Heard Duveen College of Music auditions are starting, you prepared your piece already? When's your schedule?" 

His daughter is a piano genius, a prodigy. Nagmana sa ina nito, ang yumao niyang asawa. Simula nung makita ni Naya ang mommy nito na nagpiplay ng piano ay naging interesado ito sa piano saying she likes the sound of it. At first they would play piano as a bonding or having quality time together, but later on Yannie, his first wife saw potential and great talent in their daughter. 

Naya since a child had a good memory, if she saw her mother plays basic piano piece twice or thrice, she'll be able to learn and play it on her own. Yannie saw how dedicated and eager their daughter to learn and practice piano everyday. Naya was seven when she was sent by her mother to Colburn Community School of Performing arts to hone and develop Naya's skills in playing piano. Yannie had a friend in there so she entered Naya to the school. 

Naturally Yannie and Naya had to moved to California. Yannie quitted her job at Duveen to personally guide the child and Nathan could only visit his wife and daughter three or four times a month and would stay a day or two. He would tell them to go back home and would be clingy all the time with them but Yannie would only laugh at him and say to hang in there and it would only take a few years.

Maganda ang naging resulta ng pagpasok ni Naya sa community school. Nakipagsabayan siya sa iba't ibang magagaling na estudyante. Sa kabila ng private lessons at pagtuturo mismo ng mommy niya na isang piano teacher ay nag'aattend din si Naya ng studio classes, workshops at seasonal recitals. At the age of eleven Naya participated and won first in The International Piano Competition for Young Musicians and was chosen to do a solo recital during Colburn piano festival the very the same year. Naya had been very good and her skill and style had been many times better. They didn't stay long and came back to their country after few years of staying in California.

Kinuha ni Naya ang basong may tubig at uminom bago sinagot ang tanong ng daddy niya.

"In two weeks, I've been preparing and practicing for a while now. Hopefully I'll get in." She said smiling.

"You'll definitely be able to get in." May kompiyansang sagot ng dad niya pabalik.

"Your father's right Naya. Magsi-stay kana sa music room most of the time, I'll bring you your meal and snacks if I am not on the restaurant." Emily offered.

"That'll be great, your cooking is good." Naya replied smiling and Emily just smiled back.

Nathan heart soften seeing the smooth and simple interaction. He glanced at the twins and asked.

"How about you Kenneth? Kenna? I've not heard you two talked about college." 

Seeing that Kenna is drinking water, Kenneth answered in a short reply. "Still undecided po."

"Ah dad I want to go to Duveen din, I had asked them to schedule my audition the same day as Naya's, I just forgot to tell it to you." She said looking at Nathan and then glanced at Naya. Rather than forget, Kenna was actually planning to tell them and just finding a perfect timing and waiting for Naya's good mood before spilling out the information.

Hindii alam ni Naya kung matutuwa o maiiyak ba siya sa nakikitang expression sa mukha ni Kenna at sa ingat na pagkakasabi ng mga salita nito.

"What? Asking for my permission?" Naya asked half mocking and kinda amused.

"What? No way!" Kenna replied in an annoyed tone at umirap na nakatanggap ng mahihinang tawa mula sa daddy nila at kay Kenneth. Although Kenna is a bitchesa she's a pro in showing cute face without her even knowing by herself.

"You're quite good in your instrument, wanna play together later?" Naya offered in a teasing tone. Kenna was once again startled by Naya's attitude towards her, to them. Ang Nayang kilala niya ay hindi magsasalita ng ganito, hindi ngumingiti at lalong hindi nakikipagbiruan sa kanya. Nagulat siya sa sinabi nito pero dahil medyo naiinis pa siya dito ay tumanggi siya.

"Psh, no thanks." Using her bitchy tone.

Natawa si Naya at pinigilan ang sariling biruin pa ito dahil baka magdududa ito at mag-iisip pa ng kung anu ano. Pero seryoso siya ng sabihing magaling ito sa instrumento nito, ang violin. Sa unang beses na nakita't narinig niya itong magpatugtog ay namangha siya sa emosyong pinahahayag at sa swabing paggalaw ng katawan nito habang nagpapatugtog. Sa nakaraang buhay, pareho silang nakapasok sa Duveen. Bago siya namatay ay nabalitaan niyang nakatanggap ng imbitasyon si Kenna na maging parti ng iilang napiling violinist sa concert ng may isang kilalang American pianist ang nagkaroon ng concert sa bansa.

"Okay, stop teasing your sister Naya. Good luck on the audition, we will be there with you. I know with your skills, you two will be able to get in but still practice and prepare harder okay? Proud ako sa inyo." Anya at tumingin sa relo. "I won't stay long, I have a meeting to attend." He added and stood up, he hugged and kissed them good bye before living.

Pagkaalis ng daddy niya ay nagpaalam nadin si Naya na tutungo sa music room para magpractice. She pushed the door open, in the corner inside near the window, she saw the grand piano. She looked at it with longing, parang ang tagal na nung huli niya ito pinatugtog. Her mother had gifted the piano to her when they got back to the country. Her eyes suddenly felt sting.

She walked towards the instrument. She settled herself in front and began to caress the empty music desk, she opened the fall board and continued caressing the keys. Naya positioned her fingers, closed her eyes and started pressing the keys. 

Memories came rushing as she plays, it's as if Naya saw herself and her mother sitting in front of the piano playing together happily. Naya's mother had always been supportive to her, she'd never gets tired of teaching and guiding her. She was always patient and understanding whenever she misses a note or pressed the wrong keys. When she felt frustrated by continuous missed and wrongs, her mother would not get upset or scold her. Instead, she would share her own frustrations when she also had started learning piano. After telling her own story, she would end it with saying 'everything will get better eventually, with hard work, dedication and patience she'll get better'.

Her mother's other way of comforting her is bringing her outside and eat sweets. Then her mother would drive around the city while listening to kpop music. Her mother is a silent fan of kpop music. Naya would giggle and laugh every time she saw her singing along with the song and do little moves while driving. Later it became their favorite type of rest, sometimes they would bring her father as a chauffeur and her father would gladly do so. Her mother was so good at comforting and she misses her so much.

Naya was born with golden spoon, an only child and an heir. Her mother was a famous first rate pianist in the country, who belongs to a family of musicians. Nathan, her father, is a business tycoon and came from old money. It was not uncommon of her to be targeted of kidnapping.

Sa daan pauwi, nagdadrive ang mommy niya at siya nasa shotgun seat. Galing sila sa pamamasyal at shopping. Isang van ang biglang humarang sa harapan nila, bumaba ang tatlong lalaking nakamaskara at may dalang mga baril. May matinding takot na nagyakapan ang mag-ina, si Naya umiiyak at ramdam ang paghagod ng nanginginig na mga kamay ng mommy niya sa likod niya. Pilit nitong pinakalma ang boses at sinabing poprotektahan siya nito kahit na anong mangyari, na hindi nito hahayaang may mangyaring masama sa kanya hangga't nasa tabi siya nito. 

Naging mabilis ang mga sumunod na nangyari. Mula sa pagkabasag sa salamin sa passenger seat, sa pagbukas ng pintuan, sa marahas na pagbaklas ng pagkakapit ni Naya sa ina niya, sa malakas na pagsigaw ng mommy niya sa pangalan niya, hanggang sa pagputok ng baril. 

Sumisigaw, umiiyak at walang lakas manlaban ay nagulat nalang si Naya sa pagputok ng baril. Napatigil at napatulala siya ng makitang duguan at walang malay na ang mommy niya. Parang biglang huminto ang mundo niya. Tulala at di na niya alintana ang sakit sa marahas na paghila sa kanya ng isang lalaki. Ang tanging nasa isip niya ay ang imahe ng kanyang ina na wala ng buhay.

Naya let her emotions and memories control her while playing. Ang bawat notang tinatamaan ng kanyang mahahabang darili ay di niya naririnig dahil ang isip ay lumalakbay sa alaala ng kahapon.

Sa pagpindot ng huling nota, dahan dahang binuksan ni Naya ang mga mata, sa pagbukas niyon ay umagos ang mga luhang kanina pa pinipigilan ng nakasarang mga mata. Everytime she remembers the lifeless body of her mother, she can't control her tears. Her mother's death, it was because of her. Kung di siya namilit na lumabas sila para magshopping at mamasyal ay di sana nawala ang mommy niya.

Biglang may kumatok sa pintuan. Huminga ng malalim si Naya at mabilis na pinunasan ang mga luha gamit ang mga kamay. Tumingin siya sa pinto at pagbukas nun ay si Kenna ang nakita niya dala dala ang instrumento nito. Medyo sumimangot pa ang mukha nito nang makita siya.

"Are you crying?" Kenna saw some traces of tears on her face and the redness of her eyes is evident that Naya was indeed crying.

"Nah, just some dust came into my eyes." Naya smiled and somehow amused thinking that the other appears to be concern. She teased to lighten the mood inside the room. "Why? You worried of me?" 

"What? Tss no, I was just going to-to..." bigla itong nahiya na ipagpatuloy ang sasabihin.

Natawa si Naya sa nakikitang itsura ni Kenna. Ang dali talaga para dito ang magpakita ng cute na expression. "Ah gusto mong magpraktis kasama ko? Is that it?"

"You were serious when you said you wanted to play with me right?" Nag aalangan pang tugon ni Kenna. Kahit medyo nagtataka pa siya sa pag-iiba ng ugali nito, ay lihim siyang nasisiyahan sa pagbabago at sa magandang pakikitungo nito sa kanila. 

Di man halata but Kenna had admired Nayasha the very first time she saw and heard her played piano. She remembered her beautiful structure sitting in front of her instrument and her long fingers seems dancing to the keys, creating a precise and beautiful notes. Ang emosyong pinakita nito ay nakakamangha, nakakadala at masarap sa mga mata. Ang galing lang ni Naya maglagay ng emosyon sa pagtugtog na parang may kumukurot sa puso niya at sa mga taong nakakarinig. Since then, gusto niyang maranasan ang magpatugtog kasama si Naya.

"Hmm... " Naya hummed making a teasing thinking face. Kenna was annoyed, since breakfast Naya seems to enjoy annoying her. Kahit na humahanga siya sa galing nito sa pagtugtog ay di niya ito sasabihin sa pagmumukha nito. Alam niyang gagamitin lang ni Naya yun sa pang aasar sa kanya at di niya yun hahayaang mangyari.

When Naya saw Kenna's annoyed face about to explode, she chuckled and said, "okay, okay I'm serious when I said that. A'right come here and close the door." Naya said na agad namang sinunod ni Kenna. When everything is settled Naya asked, "so what do you want to play?"

"I'll choose?" She asked back pointing herself. Naya nodded immediately. "Hmm how about classic?" Kenna suggested thinking about Duveen auditions requirements. One of them is to perform live in front of the judges.

"Claire de lune? / Claire de lune?" Kenna and Naya.

Nagkatinginan silang dalawa at natawa sa magkasabay at parehong sagot. "Debussy, naturally." Naya added still smiling.