I was staring at his handsome face. Nakaidlip lang ako ngunit hindi ako makatulog ulit. Maraming bagay ang tumatakbo sa isip ko ngayon. Una, ang pag-amin ko sa totoong nararamdaman ko para sa kanya. Pangawala, ang pangalawang pagkakataong may nangyari sa’min. Pangatlo, kung ano ang magiging reaksiyon nila mama, ng mga tao, at lalong-lalo na ang clan ng Martinez kapag nalaman nila ang tungkol sa bagay na’to.I felt him tightened his embrace. Napangiti ako habang nakatitig sa kanya. My head is rested on his right arm while his left arm was wrapped around my waist. Nakatanday ang binti nito sa hita ko na para bang ayaw niyang makawala ako.My forefinger traced his straight and proud nose. Payapa ang mukha nito habang natutulog, na kahit ako na nakatitig lang ay napapakalma.I heaved another deep breath. Masakit pa rin ang pagitan ng hita ko ngunit hindi kasing sakit noong una. He’s huge, that’s normal. Namula ako sa’king sariling iniisip.I felt him moved. “Hey.”I blinked several times

"Ang aga pa naman masyado para umuwi kayo," sambit ni mama habang nakangiti ng malungkot kay Art. Art smiled apologetically. "Something happened po, e. Mom and dad flew last night that's why I need to follow them pronto." Tumango naman si mama at ngumiti. "Mag-iingat kayo, ah. Balik ka kaagad dito kapag natapos mo na 'yan." Art smiled brightly and kissed my mom's cheek. Bumaling naman ito sa akin at muling ngumiti. "So, see you?""See you," I smiled and let him kiss my forehead. He said something happened on their business in their country and they need the Ledwidge's heir presence kaya heto siya at humihingi ng paumanhin sa biglaang mga pangyayari. And actually, I think this is a good thing since I won't be forced to move in a single roof with him. "Bye." He waved his hands as he turned his back and walked towards his car. Inayos ko naman ang pagkakasukbit ng bag sa aking balikat at folders na hawak ko. I checked the time on my wristwatch. Tinignan ko naman ang notifications ba

“Can you sing a song for me?” I asked in a low voice. Madilim ang silid dahil alas diyes na ng gabi at nakapatay ang ilaw. Tanging ang neon lights na bumalik sa kulay lila ang nagbibigay ng kaunting liwanag sa silid. Nakabukas ang kurtina sa malaking bintana ng kwarto. It was a glass window and that makes us saw the starry sky. “I’m not a good singer, love,” he said. “I don’t care. Just sing me a song.” I look up at him. “Please?”Nakaupo kami sa couch na kaharap ang malaking bintana. Nakakandong ako sa kanya patalikod. His arms wrapped around my waist and his chin is on my shoulders. Matapos naming kumain kanina ay ganito na ang ginawa namin. Our phones are still off and we just don’t care if somebody was trying to reach us. “Hmm, okay.” Hinawakan nito ang kamay ko. He intertwined our fingers as he start singing a song.‘You know I want you,It’s not a secret I try to hide.’ Nangunot ang noo ko at agad siyang nilingon dahilan para matigilan siya sa pagkanta. He look at me with a

"May we now call on the top students of University of the Philippines under Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Management..." Palinga-linga ako sa paligid. Mama and papa aren't still around. They didn't even texted me that they'll be late! Si Daze ay hindi rin makakasipot dahil may importante siyang meeting ngayon. Wala sa sarili akong napangiwi nang ang ini-on ni Fiona ang mini electric fan na hawak niya at nanuot sa ilong ko ang nakakairitang amoy ng pabango niya. I glanced at my wrist watch, malapit nang tawagin ang pangalan ko. Tangina naman, nasaan ba sila?"Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Management summa cum-laude, Diana Vielle Martinez..." Tuluyan nang nasira ang itsura ko nang tawagin na ang pangalan ko. Parang gusto kong maiyak sa hindi ko malamang dahilan. Okay, I know it sounds weird but these past few days my emotions are too sensitive. Konting bagay na hindi ko gusto, naiiyak na ako. And it's not me! Napilitan akong tumayo at naglakad paakyat ng entablado kahit w

Napasimangot ako nang bumungad sa akin ang pagmumukha ni Sam, nakangiti at may mapanuksong tingin. She's wearing a blue dress making her look like not a mother at all. "Hey, masungit na flight attendant!" she happily yelled and embraced me. Bumitaw naman sa pagkakahawak ko si Jarren at nakipagfist-bump sa anak ni Sam na nakangiti ng matipid. He really looks like his father, Ice. "I'm very happy you make it here, Vielle!" Sam said.Pabiro ko itong inirapan. "How can I refuse when you already sent the chopper for us, Sam?" Ngumiti ng matamis si Sam. "It's time to face your fears, darling. You see, I'm just like you before.""Yours aren't forbidden as mine, Sammy," I said. May kumuha sa mga bagahe namin ni Jarren. Naglibot naman ako ng paningin sa loob ng airport at bumuntong hininga. Sam held my wrist and pulled me into a walk. Si Jarren naman at ang anak ni Sam na si Kai ay magkasabay na naglakad. Sam sent a private chopper owned by the Imperials for us, my son. She invited me to