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Pampalipas Oras, Bacolod CIty (2025)

30/06/2023

🌹 MATCH MAID IN HEAVEN 🌹
34-end
Chapter 34
"Kuya.." I took a deep breath and I suddenly felt the speedy beating of my heart when he looked back at me.
Mula sa pag-tanaw nito sa mapunong kagubatan mula sa balkonahe ng drawing room, hawang ang kopita ng alak ay dumako saakin ang tingin nito.
His eyes were cold, his face was blank. Hindi ito nag-salita, kaya mas lalo akong kinabahan. Kanina, sa hapag habang sabay sabay kaming naghahapunan ay nanatili kaming walang imik. Chiara's doing everything to lighten the air.
Nang matapos kaming kumain ay nagpaalam si kuya na babalik sa drawing room at may tatapusin na mahahalagang dokumento. Agad naman akong sinabihan ni Chi na sundan ko ito at panahon na para magkausap kami. Samantalang tinawag naman ito ni Zanti, kung bakit ay hindi ko alam.
"Kuya, I'm sorry." Bulong ko.
"No, I'm sorry." Mahinang sabi nito, pero tila iyon kulog na halos bumingi saakin.
Maang na napatingin ako dito. Without further exaggeration, this is the first time I heard my brother say that word. Red never apologized to anyone, for Red can do no wrong.
Iyon ang tumatak saaking isipan. Iyon ang pagkakakilala ko dito. My brother is so much of my late grandfather Rigor Santa de Leones. Shrewd and ruthless.
"I'm sorry if I caused you pain." Sinserong sabi nito.
And that touches my heart. Naramdaman ko agad ang panunubig ng aking mga mata, f**k my emotions.
"Dana, you are my sister. I vowed to protect with all the might. You have my eyes in everywhere you go." His voice is flat and serious. "You can't blame me. I'm your brother. But still, I'm sorry that I hurt you."
Hindi ko na napigilan pa na hindi ito takbuhin at yakapin ng mahigpit kagaya ng palagi kong ginagawa noong mga bata pa kami.
"Kuya namiss kita, I'm sorry.." I cried into his chest as I felt him embraced me back. "Sorry kuya ko, sorry sa lahat ng nasabi ko sayo. How stupid I am to say those words! I'm sorry, kuya.."
"Stop crying, it's not good for the baby." Pagpapatahan nito saakin.
Pero hindi ko iyon pinansin at mas lalo pa akong umiyak sa bisig nito. "Kuya, ikaw ang pinakabest kuya. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, bati na tayo.."
"I'm not mad at you." He heaved a sigh and pushed me a little to make me look at him. His dark eyes glittered into something I couldn't name. "Look, it's more like I felt frustrated. That I failed to protect you. I failed, because I lost my focus on yo---"
"And you got it all to Chi." Nanunuksong nginitian ko ito. "Kuya naiintindihan ko, at hindi mo kailangan magalit sa sarili mo dahil hindi ka nag-kulang. At hindi ako napahamak kay Zanti. Kuya kung ano man ang namamagitan saamin ni Zanti, ginusto ko yun. Ginugusto ko yun."
"Dana you're a woman. You should secure your finger with a ring before anything else." Tumiim ang bagang nito.
Natawa naman ako. "At parang si pinakasalan mo naman si Chi."
Natigilan ito, may nagdaan na kung ano sa mata nito ngunit saglit lamang iyon na halos hindi ko narin natanto.
"Anyway, she's your match. You should marry her, do not let her slip off." Nginitian ko ito. "And about Zanti, please huwag ka ng magalit sakanya."
"I'm not mad at him." Seryosong sabi nito. "Because my woman's blood runs in his vein."
"That's so sweet of you!" Tinawanan ko ito bago muling yakapin ng mahigpit. "Kuya, kinakabahan ako kay mommy at dad."
"I already phoned dad, and believe me Dana Marinella. Uncle Solomon wants your boyfriend dead."
"He can't do that!" I shrieked and looked at him. Uncle Solomon is sometimes really over protective. Palibhasa'y wala itong anak na babae. "He's the President, hindi niya nanaisin---"
"You know that he isn't the "President" if we talk about family." He shrugged. "But just brush it off. I wont let you get hurt again, even if it means protecting your demon of a boyfriend."
Imbes na mainis sa tawag nito kay Zanti ay natuwa ako at niyakap pa itong lalo. Ngayon mas na napatunayan kong hindi nga ito galit kay Zanti, and that softens my heart. "Thank you, kuya. Thank you, so much."

NAPABUGA ng hangin si Zanti nang isang iling ang isinagot sakanya ni Chi.
"H-hindi ko alam. At wala na kong balak na alamin pa." Naging mailap ang mga mata nito.
"Chiara, kailangan iyon. You need assurance." Mariin na sabi niya rito.
Marahas siyang napamura when she saw pain registered in her purple blue eyes.
"Tangina, Chi. Hindi ka namin iningatan para balewalain lang ng lalaking iyon--"
"Mahalaga ako kay Red!" Tumalim ang mga mata nito sakanya. "And I'm staying Zanti, for as long as he needs me."
"Paano kung hindi na?" He asked.
Natigilan ito ng bahagya bago naglipat ng tingin sa kung saan. "Hindi naman ako papabayaan ni Roy."
"Chiara you're our gem. Hindi ka talaga namin papabayaan!" Mariin niyang sabi. "I could kill that Santa de Leones for making you miserable!"
"You wont do that."
"Oh, I will!"
"You wouldn't want me to hate you forever." She smiled and hugged Zanti. "I love you, Zants. I know what I'm doing. I just want you to trust me, sa inyong apat alam mo na hindi ko kakayanin na wala kayo ni Roy sa likod ko."
"At hinding hindi iyon mangyayari." He sighed and hugged her back. "Chi--"
"Trust me please, I'll make him count one four three.." She giggled like a child.
He heaved another sigh again. "I don't have a choice. Do I?"
Lalo itong natawa, bago sumeryoso. "Zanti, marry Dana. Not because she's pregnant, but because you love her."
"I know that, Chi."
"Never marry someone for a reason.." Wala sa loob nitong sabi bago mapait na ngumiti. "I trust you, Zanti. Alam kong alam niyo nila Vince kung paano dapat pahalagahan ang mga babae. Kasi naramdaman ko ang labis na pagpapahalaga niyo sakin. And I'm so thankful for that, maswerte ang mga babaeng pagaalayan niyo ng buong buhay."
"Chiara, kahit naman magkaroon na kami ng kanya kanyang asawa you'll forever be our baby sister. And I swear, Chi. No one could hurt you. If you'll just allow me to kill Santa de Leones."
She rolled her eyes. "Zanti, matuto ka ng pakibagayan si Red. Parte na siya ng buhay mo. If you want Dana to stay, then take everything that is connected to her inside your life so she wont be having any reasons to go out."
"You're always making a point." Pagak siyang natawa.
"And please, stitch the gap between you and uncle Cris. He's not getting any younger, ganoon din si lolo. It will definitely delight him if you two will get along."
"Yan din ang dapat mong gawin kay Uncle Brad." Pagbabalik niya rito.
She shrugged. "We're fine. For the sake of Roy and mom."
"Chi.." He warned.
Tumagos ang mga mata nito sakanyang likuran bago ngumiti. Agad siyang napalingon roon.
Pinigilan niya ang kanyang bagang na tumiim nang tumama ang kaniyang mata kay Red. Ngunit ng bumaba iyon kay Dana na nakalingkis sa bewang ng kapatid habang masayang nakangiti ay agad na nabago ang kaniyang ekspresyon.
The joy in her eyes is so much to take. Ganoon din ang masayang ngiti sa labi nito.
Maybe Chiara's right, he needs to let Red enter his life. Because he can't take away the happiness that Dana is enjoying.

Final Chapter
Zanti Lawrence Julian Dela Paz
Less stress, more s*x.
That's how I foresee my life. Spending b***y nights with women spreading their legs warmly for me. I grew up having a chill kind of life, where pu***es are my playmates.
I know how to run my own life, balanced and cool. I maybe so much of a player, painting the whole town red during weekends, but I never did disappoint my old man.
I value my grandfather more than my life. For me, his words are the most important. I want to be everything he'll be proud of.
No one had ever interfere with the decisions I make, not even my mom whom I love the most. They all trusted me, they all trusted my actions. Well except for my father, Crisanto Dela Paz always had a say to everything I do.
He wants to marry me off to someone, and I definitely see him as an ass that way. If I hadn't knew him to despise my grandfather back in the day he was engaged to be married to Amanda Sullivan. I might have believe and get along with his stupid decision.
I never thought of marrying someone. Oh well, I once thought that I'd be married forever not to someone but to a single life.
Then I met this bohemian lady who has the brightest smile I have ever seen. Those wicked eyes seems to be the sharpest. I have really no intention of falling in love, all my body wants is to get into her jeans and satisfy my unbearable desire to take her.
I thought once I had her, it's done. But Demon, no! My skin looks for her skin even more. My nose long for her scent every f**k of a second. I just couldn't get enough of her. The lust that I gained made me shrug off the f**king thought of her being Red Santa de Leones' sister.
It turns my whole world upside down. That reality snapped into my very face.
Lust is when you love what you see. Love is when you lust for what's inside. And I f**king do wanna dig Dana deeper. Fu***ng do wanna know every inch of her.
I was caught off guard, my solid walls melted like jelly. Dana's not just entering my system, she's slowly becoming my very system without me even noticing it.
"What's your plan about my sister, Dela Paz?" Red broke the silence that covers us for minutes since Chiara shut the door close.
For the longest time that I have known him, this might be the first time that his presence somehow frightens me. But this is for Dana, kahit pa gustuhin kong lumabas at huwag kausapin ang kapatid nito'y alam kong ito ang kailangan kong gawin. For the sake of Dana and our baby.
Tumikhim ito bago muling naupo sa swivel chair sa likod ng executive desk nito. He leaned into his seat as he eyed me back.
Matapang kong sinalubong ang itim nitong mga mata. "Mahal ko ang kapatid mo, Santa de Leones."
Tumaas ang isang sulok ng labi nito ngunit hindi nag-bigay ng komento.
"I'm not here for any reconciliation, Red. But I'm here to let you know that I love your sister. I love her, at alam kong hindi ikaliligaya ni Dana kung patuloy kitang kamumuhian. It wont be easy for me, well I have no choice but to deal with you for the rest of my life. Because I'm planning to spend the rest of my life with your sister. At alam kong hindi mo rin nanaisin kumawala sayo si Chiara." My jaw flexed as I paused. "Unlike you, I can clearly say that I love your sister."
Ilang sandali kaming muling nabalot ng katahimikan bago ito nagsalita.
"Marry her."
Hindi ko naman napigilan ang pagkawala ng mapanguyam na tawa habang napapailing na tinignan ito. "Funny how you demand on me to marry your sister, while you have no plans on marrying Chi."
Hindi ito sumagot ngunit nakita ko ang bahagyang pag-galaw ng panga nito. Ngunit binalewala nito ang aking sinabi. "Marry her, not because she's pregnant."
"But because I love her. I know that Santa de Leones, and I'm man enough to admit that yes I'm in love. At bago pa sumagi sa isip ninoman ang bagay na yan. Namahay na iyan sa isipan ko. Pakakasalan ko si Dana, Red. Sa sarili kong paraan. Sana maisipan mo rin iyan." Sinamantala ko ang pananahimik nito at ipinagpatuloy ang aking sinasabi. "Pahalagahan mo si Chi, you have no idea how much she means to us. Kami ang unang nasasaktan sa tuwing masasaktan siya. And if not because of Dana, I could've killed you several times for several pains you caused her."
Tumayo ito sa kinauupuan nito at nakita ko itong humugot ng isang malalim na hininga bago muling mag-angat ng tingin saakin. "Zanti, I know a gem when I see one."
"Sana nga Red, sana nga." I cleared my throat and somehow I know the two ladies did weave magic to keep us calm. "Iyon lamang ang gusto kong ipakipag-usap sayo, I just really can't live without f**king your sister each and every single day of my life."
Matalim na tingin ang ibinaling nito saakin, bago sa malalaking hakbang ay tinawid nito ang distansya namin at walang habas na hinaklit ang kwelyo ng aking damit bago ako undayan ng suntok.

"Hoy, ibon!" Napalingon ako kay Dana nang dutdutin nito ang aking pisngi. "Ano na ngang sinabi sayo ni kuya? Bakit okay na kayo?"
I heaved a sighed and shook my head before I hugged her tight again. "I love you, Dana.."
Naramdaman ko ang paglapat ng labi nito saaking leeg bago ito magsalita. "I love you, too.."
"Ang bango mo naman palagi baby.." I sniffed into her neck and she stiffened. I smirked, I really do have an effect on her just how she affects me. "Baby.."
"Z-Zanti.."
Slowly, I licked the sensitive spot of her neck that tickles her. I chuckled when I felt her raised her leg up to wrap over my hips. Mabilis na bumaba ang k**ay ko sa pang-upo nito upang idiin siya padikit pang lalo saakin. "F**k, you feel so good.."
"Dela Paz, nakabihis na tayo.." She moaned when I gave her butt a gentle squeeze.
"Do you care?" Natatawang inangat ko ang suot nitong dress bago damhin ang pagkababae nito. And I'm right, my fiance is already soaking. Dana became even more wanton when she became pregnant, and I f**king like it.
"I-I don't ohhhhh..."
Her moans cheered me even more to play with her walls expertly that she almost cried. "I love you.."
I pressed my lips into her soft lip and started sucking it. I heard her groan inwardly before she forcefully held the back of my head and kissed me fully.
Dana is really awesome.
I was about to kiss her back when a loud knock interrupted us. My middle finger on her c**t froze when she stopped me to listen to who's behind the door.
"Zanti, Dana.. nasa baba na ang mga Santa de Leones." Tinig ni nanang Biray.
Sukat doon ay mabilis na kumawala saakin si Dana at halos lundagin pababa ang k**a. "Zanti! Bumangon ka na dyan!"
Narito sa bahay ko ang aking mga magulang, at inimbitahan din namin ni Dana ang mga magulang nito sa isang hapunan nang tawagan niya ito kahapon.
"Oho, nang susunod na po kami." Natatawang sabi ko habang pinapanuod si Dana na aligagang inaayos ang kanyang sarili. "Babe, bibitinin mo ba ko? C'mon we'll make it quick.."
"Zanti!" She snapped and eyed me a sharp glare. "Si daddy nasa baba na! And I'm telling you, kung hindi tayo bababa agad aakyat sila!"
Tumatawang bumangon ako mula sa pagkakahiga, agad naman itong lumapit para ayusin ang bahagya kong nagusot na damit. I bent down and kissed her cheek. "I love you.."
I saw her blush like she always does. "Oo na. Alam mo naman na mahal din kita, halika na at alam kong maiinip sila sa baba."
Magkasiklop ang aming k**ay na lumabas ng silid upang harapin ang mga magulang nito. Sa baba ay naabutaan namin si mama na kausap ang mommy ni Dana.
"Mom!" She beamed and went into her mom.
"Anak! I missed you so much!" Emosyonal na niyakap nito ang anak, nalingunan ko naman si mama na nakangiting nakatingin saakin.
"Zanti." I heard my father called me, he's with Mr. Santa de Leones. .
And I must say, may pinagmanahan si Red. The man isn't smiling. He was looking right straight into my eyes.
"Good evening, sir." I politely greeted, but he just stared at me.
"Uhm, the table is ready for dinner so if you gentlemen don't mind. We can discuss everything, after eating." Nakangiting niyakap ako ni mama, bago lingunin si Mrs. Santa de Leones. "Hindi ba, Amanda?"
Agad naman itong inayunan ng ina ni Dana. "Oo nga naman, Rodrigo at Crisanto. Kumain na muna tayong lahat."
Nginitian ako ni Dana bago ito lumapit sa ama at yumakap, mabilis din itong bumalik saakin at hinawakan ang aking k**ay. "We're both in this."
"Of course we are." I kissed her forehead without minding our parents presence.

Tahimik ang buong hapag hanggang sa matapos kaming kumain. I can feel the intense gaze that Dana's dad is giving me. I know he has all the right to get mad, he's a father.
"I'm sorry sir." Kusang lumabas iyon sa bibig ko, naramdaman kong humigpit ang kapit ni Dana sa k**ay ko na nasa ilalim ng lamesa at dinala iyon sa kandungan niya. "But I'm not sorry. Loving your daughter isn't a mistake that I should be sorry of. I love your daughter, at hinding hindi ko po pagsisihan na minahal ko siya. I'm just sorry that I have loss my control of taking her before marriage, but again I have no regrets with it. That wont change the fact that I love her. I'm in love with her."
Nakita ko ang pagigting ng bagang nito.
"Rodrigo.." Malambing na tawag dito ni Mrs. Santa de Leones.
"Marry her."
Hindi ko man gustuhin ay napangisi ako, a habit that I can't ever change. "Sir, you don't have to ask me that. I gladly will marry your daughter, my way."
"That's good. We'll start planning your wedding." It was dad.
I let out a sigh and gave him a bored look. "I said my way."
"Crisanto, pabayaan na natin ang anak mo.." Mahinahong suway ni mama dito.
"Kaya nagiging ganyan iyan Vanessa, pirmi mong kinakampihan."
"Bakit pa, ano ba ko?" Inis kong sagot.
"Zanti.." I heard Dana hissed.
Agad naman akong napalingon dito bago bumuntong hininga. "I'm sorry.."
"Hindi magiging maayos ang pag-uusap kung papairalin niyo ang init ng mga ulo niyo." Sabi ni Mrs. Santa de Leones bago lingunin ang asawa nito. "Rodrigo, hindi ba't kinausap ka na ni Red tungkol dito? We had so much of manipulating his life, Rigo. Now let Dana be on her own. Hindi na bata ang anak natin."
"Tumanda man ang mga yan, anak parin natin sila Amanda. Hindi mo maiaalis saakin ang hindi makialam sa magiging takbo ng buhay nila." Seryosong sabi nito. "All I want is the best for them."
"Dad, I understand. And I love you for that. But marrying me off to someone I don't know is not acceptable." Dana said softly.
"I just want you safe and secure." He sighed in defeat.
"I'll make her safe and secure. Kung iyon ho ang ikinababahala niyo, hindi ko po papabayaan si Dana. I love her more than my own life. You all have no idea how my heart beats fast when I'm with her. Mahal ko si Dana at papakasalan ko po siya. I'll build a world with her. Hindi ko na po alam kung ano ang dapat kong sabihin para ipagkatiwala niyo saakin ang anak niyo, pero alam ko sa sarili ko na habang buhay ko siyang mamahalin."
"Zanti.." I heard her whisper beside me.
Nakita ko naman na napangiti ang ina nito ganoon din si mama.
"So, this conversation is over." Sabi ni Mrs. Santa de Leones. "Sige na anak, mag-pahinga na kayo. Bawal ka ng mag-puyat, Dana Marinella. At ikaw Rodrigo, halika na. Bumalik nalang tayo bukas dahil gusto ko na rin magpahinga. Maraming salamat, Vanessa at Crisanto. Bukas ay muli kaming babalik dito."
"Tama ang mama mo, Dana. Umakyat na kayo at mag-pahinga." Sangayon ni mama.
Tumayo na si Dana upang humalik sa pisngi ng ina.
"Sa iisang silid kayo natutulog?" Mapanganib na tanong ng ama nito.
Sukat doon ay napuno ng malutong na halakhak ni Mrs Santa de Leones ang komedor. "Don't play prude, honey. Buntis na ang anak mo. And as if I'm not bearing your son when I married you."
"Amanda--"
"Stop, Rodrigo." Ngumiti ito saakin. "Sige na Zanti, iakyat mo na ang anak ko."
"Maraming salamat po, ma'am."
"Mommy." Pagtatama nito.
"Mommy.."

I watched Dana remove her shoes as I closed the door. She was saying something but I wasn't focusing, my head is on her form. She nonchalantly took off her flowery dress leaving her vibrant skin in her underwear.
"Hoy?" She's snapped. "Nakikinig ka ba?"
"Ha?" My gaze dropped into her breast. Tempting breast.
Pinamewangan ako nito. Napangiti ako nang mahulog ang tingin ko sa tyan nitong may impis ng umbok.
"Anong tinatawa-tawa mo dyan?!" Pag-susungit nito.
Muli kong hinila pabalik sa mukha nito ang aking tingin. "I never thought you'll be more beautiful while pregnant."
She flushed. "Zanti.."
"I love you, babe. Nakakasawa na ba pakinggan?" I chuckled.
Mas lalo akong natawa nang takbuhin nito ang pagitan namin at mahigpit akong yakapin. She snuggled into my chest, and I wasn't surprise when I heard her sob. She's becoming emotional, hormones maybe.
"Don't cry.. Nakakaiyak na ba ang I love you ngayon?" Bulong ko dito bago halikan ang tuktok ng ulo nito. I cupped her face and made her look at me. "I love you. Hinding hindi ako magsasawang paiyakin ka sa mga salitang iyan, kung paanong hinding hindi ako magsasawa na patunayan iyan sayo sa bawat sandali ng buhay natin."
"Zanti.." She choked a sob. "What have I done to deserve you?"
"Babe, akin yang line na yan!" I fake a hiss dahilan para pingutin ako nito. "Aray! Ikaw nagiging mapanakit ka!"
"Sorry.." She pouted and kissed my cheek before she hugged me again. "Mahal na mahal kita, Zanti.."
"I fell in love with the way you touched me without using your hand, and I loved you even more when you did lay me a finger." I chuckled, mabilis naman nitong kinurot ang braso ko. "I fall for your smile, every damn time. Ming.."
Tiningala ako nitong muli, I held her face and looked straight in her eyes. "I want us to spend steamy nights, s*xy mornings, hot afternoons together. I never thought that love will make me feel this good. Damn, woman I'm crazy in love with you and your ming ming.."
"Oh, God..I love you Tweet.."
Without any hesitations. I bent and captured her lips into a sensual start of our forever. A start of an endless run, with the woman I choose to spend the rest of my life with. With my Dana Marinella.
"Zanti.. F**k me now." She bluntly muttered in the middle of our tangling tongue.
A chortle rose my throat. "I like it when you talk dirty.."

Love is a matter of Chemistry and s*x is a matter of Physics. On our case, we got both.
•••
T H E E N D

Epilogue
"I'm still amazed by how I enjoyed every minute I spend with you.." Nakangiting basa ko sa post-it note na nakadikit sa isang baso ng gatas na nasa ibabaw ng bedside table.
Napalingon ako sa wall clock, it's ticking five in the morning. Bumaling ako sa kanang bahagi ng k**a, wala si Zanti doon. So I called out his name with a frown in my face.
"Zanti.." Nobody answered. "Tweet nasan ka?"
Napanguso ako, ang aga naman bumangon ng lalaki na iyon. Wala sa loob na ininom ko ang gatas na hawak ko nang may kumatok sa pinto bago ko marinig ang boses ni Roy. He's here, dito siya nakitulog kagabi and that's because he's drown into madness.
"Dana.."
"Wala si Zanti dito, Roy." Sagot ko bago ko binalik sa lamesa ang gatas atsaka tumayo. I wrapped a silk robe into my body. Hirap na akong kumilos dahil mag-aanim na buwan na akong buntis.
Nang masiguro kong desente na ako ay tinungo ko ang pinto at binuksan. I was greeted by Roy's sleepy face with his messy hair, gray sweat shirt and a black jogging pants. "Good morning."
Nangunot ang noo ko. "May kailangan ka ba?"
"Wala kasi akong makausap.." Napapalatak pa ito. "Pwede mo ba kong samahan, sandali lang naman."
Takang pinagmasdan ko ito. I know Roy and his girlfriend had their downfall. And I know how hard it is, and I don't have a heart to say no to him and so I indulge. Tinanguan ko ito.
He removed his hoodie and hand it to me. "Suot mo. Mahamog sa labas."
Napangiti ako, one thing about Roy Christian he's a gentleman.
Bumaba kami sa hardin at nakaalalay ito saakin. Soon as my slippers touches the grassy ground, the entire place was covered by a sound of strumming guitar.
Agad kong hinanap ang pinanggagalingan noon and my heart almost jump out of my ribcage when I saw Zanti standing from across the distance wearing a white sando and a boxer, with a guitar hanging on his neck.
"Z-Zanti.."
I became oblivious when he started singing. And I couldn't think of anything other than his raspy voice filling the place.
"Everybody gets high sometimes, you know.. What else can we do when we're feeling low? So take a deep breath and let it go. You shouldn't be drowning on your own.." He's smiling while looking straight at me. "And if you feel you're sinking, I will jump right over into cold, cold water for you. And although time may take us into different places.. I will still be patient with you. And I hope you know.."
"Walk, Dana." Roy whispered at parang may sariling buhay ang mga paa ko na gumalaw papalapit kay Zanti.
No one dared to break our glances. His chocolate eyes is eating my inner soul.
"I won't let go.. I'll be your lifeline tonight .. I won't let go. I'll be your lifeline tonight." He cleared his throat and that made me chuckle. "Cause we all get lost sometimes, you know? It's how we learn and how we grow. And I wanna lay with you 'til I'm old. You shouldn't be fighting on your own.."
How I love this man. How I love him for loving me with all that he is..
"And if you feel you're sinking, I will jump right over into cold, cold water for you.. And although time may take us into different places. I will still be patient with you.. And I hope you know." He's smiling and I can't help but tear up with overwhelming joy. "I won't let go.. I'll be your lifeline tonight.. I won't let go.. I'll be your lifeline tonight.."
"Zanti.." I sobbed and called his name, kaunting hakbang na lamang ay abot k**ay ko na ito.
"Come on, come on. Save me from my rocking boat.. I just want to stay afloat. I'm all alone. And I hope, I hope.. Someone's gonna take me home .. Somewhere I can rest my soul.. I need to know.." He removed the guitar from his neck and placed it down before he whispered. "I need to know.."
With that, I ran into him and hugged him tight before I whispered back. "I wont let go.."
"And I wont let you go." He chuckled. "Hey stop crying, you'll gonna be marrying me."
Gulat na humiwalay ako dito at tinitigan ito. "A-ano?"
He grinned. "Akala mo ba hindi ko nahahalata na nagtatampo ka na kasi hanggang ngayon, hindi padin kita pinapakasalan. Hindi pa kita binibigyan ng singsing. But you patiently waited and trusted my way of marrying you and so I love you more for that.."
Nakagat ko ang aking labi, totoo ang sinasabi nito na medyo nagtatampo na ako rito pero iniisip ko na baka gusto nito na manganak na muna ako. Pero kung ako ang papapiliin mas gusto ko na legal na kaming magasawa bago ko pa maisilang si Rance.
"Everyone, thank you for letting your sleepy senses witness this most important day of our lives." Zanti held my hand and looked around us.
Doon ko lang napansin na bukod kay Roy ay naroon si Drake na isa sa matalik na kaibigan ni Zanti, he's wearing a plain jeans and shirt, naroon din sina Vince at Nicole na pawang nakapambahay at magkaakbay na nakaupo sa kanang bahagi. Sa kaliwang bahagi ay naroon si Kuya Red katabi si Chi. Kakapanganak lamang nito dalawang linggo ang nakakaraan. Chi is wearing a hoodie and kuya is wearing a gray shirt and the couple is wearing a matching pajama bottom. Napangiti naman ako nang maalalang naikwento saakin ni Chi na mahilig si kuya magpapersonalize ng sleepwear nila at tuwina'y matching ang gusto nito. Which is very very very unbelivable to be Red Santa de Leones' trait. But then, that's what love does anyway.
"Simulan niyo na. Para matapos na at makatulog na ko." Reklamo ni Roy.
"Wag kang bitter, Roy." Vince chuckled.
Umingos lamang si Roy.
Mabilis nman na sinuway ni Nicole ang asawa at binalingan kami. "Go on Zanti."
"Let's start, mi amor."
Marahan akong tumango. Ang aking puso ay hindi parin kumakalma. Nginitian kami ng lalaking may katandaan na na nakatayo sa harapan namin.
"He's Drake's uncle. Judge Sebastian."
"Good morning po." I greeted politely.
Parang lumulutang ang isip ko at tila hindi ko naiintindihan ang sinasabi ng judge na nasa harapan namin. I was so consumed by the idea of me and Zanti marrying. This is so insane.
Mula sa kinauupuan ay tumayo si Drake at lumapit saamin. He hand us the wedding ring and mumbled to Zanti. "Malaki laki na ang utang mo sakin gago ka."
Zanti just grinned. "Thanks man."
"Do you, Dana Santa de Leones take Zanti Dela Paz to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The most awaited question came into my earshot.
I closed my eyes and inhaled an air before I turned into Zanti who's holding my hand. "I still can remember the feeling when we first kissed, that was totally insane. Totally crazy because I liked it. I like it so much that I want to hold that moment long and just kiss you forever." Naramdaman ko ang pag-tulo ng luha saaking mga mata. "Zanti ikaw ang pinakagagong lalaki na nakilala ko. Ikaw ang pinak**anyak sa lahat. You made me see s*x like as easy as drinking water yet as addicting as eating chocolates. You made me needy for it. And damn you for that!"
Natawa ito sa sinabi ko, ganoon rin naman ang mga nasa paligid namin.
"But I love you nonetheless. I love you, so damn much and I'll be insane if I wont marry you now. I do, I so much do wanna marry you Ibon." I slipped the ring into his finger and all I felt is satisfaction.
"Do you, Zanti Dela Paz take Dana Santa de Leones to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Muling tanong ng judge.
Pinisil nito ang k**ay ko bago ako ngitian. "You know what, I finally understood what true love means. Love meant that you care for another person's happiness more than your own. That it will not be just you anymore. And that's what I am now, you made me the most selfless being my love. You made me want your happiness more than anything else, more than my own. Well baby, you are my happiness. And I'd probably die without you Pusa." He smiled again. "Babe, I'm addicted to you and through that addiction.. believe me I have a hundred ways of saying I love you to you.."
Nangunot naman ang noo ko nang huminga ito ng malalim bago walang hingahan na nagsalita na siyang nagpanganga saakin.
"I adore you. I am infatuated with you. I appreciate you. I can't live without you. I can't stop thinking about you. I cherish you. I dream of you. I live for our love. I love being around you. I need you by my side. I can't live without you. I need you. I respect you. I value you. I want a lifetime with you. I want you. I worship you. I yearn for you. I'm a better person because of you. I'm blessed to have you in my life. I'm devoted to you. I'm fond of you. I'm lost without you. I'm nothing without you. I'm passionate about you. I'm thankful for you. I'm yours. Me and you, always. My love is unconditional. Our love is invaluable. Take me* I'm yours. The thought of you brings a smile to my face. Together forever. We were meant to be together. You are a blessing in disguise. You are an angel from God. You are like a candle burning bright. You are my crush. You are my dear. You are my everything. You are my one and only. You are my reason for living. You are my strength. You are my sunshine. You are my treasure. You are my world. You are precious. You are the light of my life. You are the reason I'm alive. You bring happiness to rainy days. You bring joy to my life. You cast a spell on me that can't be broken. You complete me. You drive me wild. You fill me with desire. You fill my heart. You give me wings to fly. You had me from hello. You hold the key to my heart. You inspire me. You intoxicate me. You lift me up to touch the sky. You light my flame. You light up my life. You make me hot. You make my heart skip a beat. You make my world a better place. You mean the world to me. You motivate me. You rock my world. You seduce me. You set my heart on fire. You simply amaze me. You stole my heart. You sweeten my sour days. You turn my world upside down. You turn the darkness into life. You're a dream come true. You're a gem. You're a twinkle in my eye. You're absolutely wonderful. You're all I want. You're as beautiful as a sunset. You're beautiful. You're charming. You're enchanting. You're heavenly. You're my angel. You're my perfect match. You're one in a million. You're priceless. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. You're the best. You're the diamond in the rough.You're the one for me. You're the light of my eye. You're my happiness You're all I need. You're the miracle of my life. You're the one I've always wished for." He took a loud breath and smiled.

"Breathe.." Iyon ang tanging nasabi ko sa pagk**angha ko.
"I'm not sure if that counts a hundred but damn it Dana, I can prove it more than a hundred times. More than a hundred ways. And I'm so deeply in love with you, that I'm not just gonna jump to a cold water to be with you, I can also bury myself into the sea of fire if that's the only way to have you forever." He smiled and slipped the ring into my finger. "I sure do wanna marry this woman anytime. I sure wanna spend the rest of my life with her. I never wanted something so bad as I wanted to be your husband, Dana Marinella."
"Zanti ano ba! Gago ka talaga ang aga aga pinapaiyak mo ko!" I snapped as tears rolled down my face.
"Dammit." He cussed and crossed the gap between us crashing his lips into mine. As soon as our lips met, my eyes shut and I clung into him savoring all the love in his lips. "I love you.."
"I love you, too.."
Narinig ko ang palakpakan sa aming paligid. Alam kong hindi puputulin ni Zanti ang halik kaya ako na ang gumawa, soon as I pushed him away the sun slowly rises at tanaw na tanaw iyon sa aming kinatatayuan.
"Oh my God, it's beautiful.."
"You're more than beautiful, my sunshine.." He kissed the top of my head. And I felt so love.
"Thank you, Zanti. Thank you for loving me.."
"I will watch every sunrise with you, until the sunset of our lives love." Malambing nitong sabi. "And every sunrise gives me a new day to love you.."
We happened. And I can't thank heavens enough for letting us..
True love is very rare. And it's the only thing that gives life real meaning.

Bonus Chapter
Glimpse of Second Generation..
Nangunot ang noo ko nang makita si Zach na nakatayo sa harap ng nakaawang na pinto ng mini office ni dad.
He seems to be so attentive on what he's watching kung kaya't hindi nito naramdaman ang pag-lapit ko dito. Sinundan ko ang direksyon ng pinapanuod nito at napailing na lamang ako nang makita ang mga magulang namin na naghahalikan.
Growing up, those scenes were not new to us anymore. Dad will kiss mom whenever he feels like kissing her.
Inabot ko ang k**b at ipininid pasara ang pinto doon naman umangat saakin ang paningin ni Zach.
"Kill joy." He mumbled.
Saaming magkakapatid it was Zach who became a big fan of our parents love story. Tuwina'y pinapakwento nito kay mommy ang pagiibigan nila ni daddy kahit paulit ulit na niya iyong narinig.
Hindi ko na ito pinansin pa. He's a year younger than me. Making him fourteen now. Then we have a younger sister, Lance who's now twelve.
"Ang stupid stupid mo! You're really annoying!"
Nagkatinginan kami ni Zach nang marinig ang pamilyar na tinig ng aming bunsong kapatid. Nagmumula iyon sa silid nito na di kalayuan sa aming kinatatayuan. Agad namin iyong tinungo at hindi nga ako nagk**ali.
Isang kasambahay na naman ang pinapagalitan nito.
"What's going on?" I asked.
Agad namutla si Lance nang makita ako. Lance knew how I hate what she's doing.
"K-kuya.."
"Oha, edi napipilan kang pepe ka!" It was Thalia na ngayon ko lang napansin na nakaupo sa k**a suot ang damit ni Lance, it's a floral crop top and a short shorts. I know it's Lance's because Thalia wouldn't own one of the like. "Kanina ko pa yan sinisita, Rance. Dapat talaga lagi kang nandito para yang kapatid mo nasusupil ang sungay. Kung si uncle Zanti lang kasi kakampihan pa niyan si Lance. For the Princess can do no wrong."
"Ate Marites sige na bumaba na ho kayo." Magalang kong sabi saaming kasambahay. Bago ko balingan si Lance. "Hindi ba't napagusapan na natin to, Lance?"
"Pero kuya! She's stupid naman talaga! I told her to get us some snacks tignan mo nga ang inakyat dito!" Tinuro nito ang tray na may laman na ulam at dalawang plato na may kanin. "Sige nga tell me, kailan pa naging snack ang rice!"
"Kahit na. Mali parin ang ginawa mo, Lance." A warning was set on my voice. "At hindi mo na iyon maipagtatakpan pa saakin."
She sighed deeply. "Fine, I'm sorry." She rolled her eyes. "Now pwede ba iwan niyo na kami ni Thalia para maituloy na namin ang dress up game namin."
Lance loved to dress up Thalia and Romee. For Lance, they're like her living doll. Hindi nga lamang niya mamakeupan si Romee dahil maselan ito gawa ng sakit nito.
"Hoy, uuwi na ko no! Baka mapatay ako ng aking ama hindi ako nagpaalam! Pumunta lang naman talaga ako dito kasi namimiss ko si mama Dana. Ang tagal tagal naman lumabas eh, busy siguro."
Tumayo na si Thalia bitbit ang damit nito at tinungo ang banyo ni Lance. Mabilis itong nagpalit ng damit. See, she's originally on a pedal pusher and an oversized shirt.
"Paalam mga pinsan!" Thalia waved and left the room.
Doon kami binalingan ni Lance ng nak**amatay na tingin. "You're both annoying!!"
"What did I do?" Manghang tanong ni Zach.
"Wala na kong kadress up! Wala na kong kalaro!" She annoyingly stomped her feet and sat into her bed.
Agad naman naalarma si Zach. He sighed and sat beside Lance. "You can dress me up if you want."
Namilog ang mga mata ni Lance na binalingan ito. "Papayag ka?"
Tumango ito.
"Pero hindi kasya sayo ang mga damit ko!" Lumabi ito.
Tumawa naman si Zach. "How about, make ups? Would that be enough?"
"Yay!" She excitedly grabbed her kit, she looked at me as if asking me something.
Umiling ako. "Next time. I'm loaded." Nilapitan ko ito at hinalikan sa tuktok ng ulo bago sila iwan sa silid nito.
I went into my room at ganoon na lamang ang pagkabigla ko nang makita roon si Summer na nakatayo sa tapat ng study table ko. She's wearing a white spaghetti strap top and a maong shorts making her legs so much visible.
Tumikhim ako at mabilis itong napalingon. She's holding a gun. May blue shades na nakataas sa tuktok ng buhok nito.
"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Masungit kong tanong bago maupo sa k**a.
"Actually kasama ko si Spring at Reid, pero hindi ko na alam kung nasaan sila medyo nabusy kasi ako dito sa new invention ko." She giggled.
Nabigla ako nang isuot nito ang shades at itutok saakin ang baril. "Hoy ibaba mo nga yan!"
"Hala ka!" She shrieked and removed her shades bago walang sabi sabing lumapit saakin at naupo sa kandungan ko.
"H-hoy! Umalis ka nga!" Naiilang kong sabi, she's astriding me with those damn long legs. Ngunit tila wala itong pakialam na hinawakan ang pisngi ko.
"May tigyawat ka na! Binata ka na!" She giggled.
"Tsk!" Nakita pa niya iyon? Sobrang liit na noon. "Umalis ka nga dyan! Baka akala mo Athena mga bata pa tayo at ganyan ka maka-kandong sakin."
"Ang arte mo!" Tumawa itong muli. "So eto na nga, ikaw ang unang makakatry ng new invention ng napakatalino kong self."
"Tss."
Isinuot nito saakin ang salamin. Nangunot ang noo ko nang hindi ko mawari ang nakikita ko.
I'm damn sure I'm staring at Summer pero hindi siya ang nakikita ko kundi sahig?
"Can't see anything?" She giggled. Naramdaman kong tumayo ito mula sa kandungan ko at hinawakan ang aking k**ay bago ako igiya patayo. "Let's try to work it."
Naramdaman kong inilagay nito ang baril saaking k**ay. My other arm snaked into her tiny waist because I couldn't see anything but floorings.
Iniangat nito ang baril at doon ko nakita ang lupain na pagaari ng aking mga magulang. Tanaw na tanaw ko ang mga puno.
May ginalaw ito sa baril at napakurap ako sa likod ng salamin nang lumapit ang pagkakaaninag ko doon. Unlike those zoom in photographs where a photo becomes pixelated, it doesn't. Klaro padin ang nakikita ko.
"Umasinta ka." She said.
Iyon ang ginawa ko. Malayong malayo ang target na napili ko. Isa iyong puno ng niyog. Kinalabit ko ang gatilyo at walang tunog na tumama doon ang bala na nilabas ng baril na hawak ko.
"Wow." I muttered.
"See!" Tumatawang inalis nito ang salamin na nakasuot saakin. "Elibs ka na naman sakin! Oo na, I'm that great."
Walang emosyon ko itong tinignan. "Yun na yun? Makakaalis ka na."
"Ugali niyo talagang mag pinsan nakakainis!" She snapped, wrinkling her nose that made me smile. Padabog nitong hinablot saakin ang baril bago ako nilagpasan at nagtuloy tuloy sa loob ng aking silid.
Pinanuod ko itong likumin sa back pack niya ang mga kagamitan niya sa study table ko. Nagmamadali ito.
"Nagmamadali?"
"Oh, eh diba pinapalayas mo na ko?" She cocked me a brow. "Pati nakalimutan ko, may date pala kami ni S***t Maximus."
Agad na nangunot ang noo ko. I knew S***t, he's the illegitimate son of Dr. Seidon Maximus. Tuwina'y malaking usapan sa lahat ang pagkatao nito, but of course not for me.
Hindi ko na napigilan pa ang pagtaas ng boses ko. "Did your dad knew that?!"
"Nope." She said popping the "p". "The vice president is always busy."
"I'm gonna tell him." I warned.
"Ang epal mo!" Binato nito saakin ang rattle snake toy na nasa ibabaw ng study table ko, that was from Lance. "Si Spring nga dumate na ng dumate sa pinsan mo! Si Winter! Dinedate si Trigger! Bakir ako isusumbong mo! Sila hindi!"
"Because they're not you." Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling ang mga salitang iyon, ngunit kung natigilan ito'y mas natigilan ako. I cleared my throat to cover myself. "Umalis ka na. If you'll date S***t, I'm telling you uncle tatay will know."
She frustratedly stomped her foot and groaned annoyingly. "You're so annoying! So so annoying! So much! So so much! Isusumbong kita kay nanay!"
"Uunahan kita. Aunt nanay will know you're up to date S***t." Pananakot ko dito.
"Nakakainis ka naman!"
"Sige na umalis ka na. Lock the door when you leave." Tatawatawang tinungo ko na ang banyo.
I don't know why, but annoying Summer lightens my mood.
•••
(From: Rance Damon's story..)

Zach Lawrence
Glimpse of Second Generation...
"Zach, sumunod ka na sa baba nagdadatingan na ang mga bisita anak. Dapat ay kumpleto na tayo, naroon narin ang kuya Rance mo." Sabi ni mommy nang sumungaw siya sa silid.
"Yes ma." Simple kong sagot habang pinagpapatuloy ang pag-lalagay ng wax saaking buhok.
Nang matapos ako ay bumaba narin ako. Gaya ng sabi ni mommy ay madaming bisita na ang isa-isang nagdadatingan para makidalo sa birthday ni daddy.
I saw my little sister with her friends. Lance smiled at me and waved her hand.
"Kuya, do I look perfect in my dress tonight?" She motioned her gold dress that compliment her skin well like a princess.
"Of course." I winked and smiled at her.
"Omg!" Narinig ko ang impit na tili ni Sapphire sa tabi nito, nang balingan ko siya ay nakita ko ang pamumula ng mukha nito. Mabilis itong nag-yuko ng ulo.
"The wink is for me, Sasa." Lance rolled her eyes.
Napailing na lamang ako at doon ko napansin na titig na titig saakin ang isa pa nitong kaibigan, si Aika. And so I smiled. "Hi."
"H-ha?" Hindi makapaniwalang nanlaki ang mga mata nito.
"Kuya shoo away! Nababaliw ang mga friends ko kapag nandito ka!" Lance hissed.
Natawa na lamang ako atsaka tinungo ang daan patungo sa lanai, nakita ko naman si Rance kasama si Ethan na kasama ang daddy nito, lumapit ako upang mag-bigay galang kay tito Tristan.
"Good evening, tito." I greeted, nginitian ko din ang babaeng kasama nito. "Tita.."
"Hi Zach." He smiled.
"Ethan, can you look for Titanium? Naiwaglit ko na naman siya sa paningin ko." Sabi ni tita Moana.
"Sweetheart, let Tami enjoy the night. Hindi naman iyon palalabasin ng guard ng hindi ko malalaman." Natatawang sabi ni tito Tristan.
Inirapan naman ni tita Moana. "Ganiyan ka, kaya si Titanium at Oxygen binabalewala na ang mga sinasabi ko dahil sinasansala mo. Nako Tristan ha!"
"Moan, I just want them to live life. Wala namang masama doon."
Natawa naman si Ethan sa sagutan ng dalawa. "Mommy, hahanapin namin ni Rance si Tami. Don't worry too much and enjoy the night, will you?"
Agad naman lumambot ang ekspresyon sa mukha ni tita Moana. "Paano ka bang naging anak ng tatay mo, napakabait mong bata Et! Sakin ka nag-mana sa palagay ko." Inirapan nitong muli si tito Tristan. "Ikaw, manang mana sayo si Oxygen nalaking basagulero."
Oxygen is my friend. And Oxygen is one hell of a heartbreaker. Kaya hindi ko napigilan ang hindi matawa lalo pa't tinawanan lamang ni tito Tristan ang sinabi ni tita Moana.
"Moana Marie, umamin ka nga sakin. Are you pregnant? Dumadalas ang pagiging mainitin ng ulo mo." Natatawang sabi ni tito Tristan.
Tita Moana flushed. "Tigilan mo ako sa buntis buntis na yan Tristan ha!"
"Pa!"
"Hoy Oxygen, bakit amoy alak ka?!" Sita ni tita Moana dito nang makalapit saamin si Oxygen at akbayan ako.
"Mom, stop killing the fun." Binalingan ako nito. "Bro, nandyan na si Trigger. Si Marco may kasamang hot babe. Let's see them, c'mon."
Tumawa naman si tito Tristan habang nakikinig sa sinasabi ni Oxygen. Si tita Moana naman ay nanlaki ang mga mata.
"Hoy Tristan tignan mo na ang impluwensya mo!" Tita Moana slapped tito Tristan's arm.
"Mommy..." It's Ethan who chuckled and held tita M's arm. "C'mon, relax. I'll be your date for tonight. Wag na mainit ang ulo mo."
"You're such a sweet kid, Et."
"Mana nga ako sayo diba?"
Dinala na nito si Tita Moana sa bulwagan.
"And that's my son, stealing my date." Naiiling na sabi ni Tito Tristan.
"Pa! Pa! Let's dance!" It was Titanium's banshee voice who pulled tito Tristan away.
"Ano bro? Nandyan si Max Imperyo, p**a ang hot pala nun talaga!" Bulong ni Oxygen sa gilid ko.
"Ikaw kapag narinig ka ng mommy mo, highblood aabutin nun." I joked.
"Kj yan si mommy kahit kailan."
Naglalakad kami patungo sa bulwagan nang mahagip ng mga mata ko ang isang babae na nakatayo habang malayo ang tingin. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang sumapi sakin and I excused myself from Oxygen upang makalapit ako sa babaeng iyon.
"Sapphire.."
"Zach.." Naroon ang pagkabigla sa mga mata nito nang lingunin ako.
"Anong ginagawa mo dito? Kanina'y nasa loob ka." I asked.
"Tumawag kasi si mama, hindi ko marinig kaya lumabas ako." She explained.
"Nasaan nga pala si tita Nisha?"
"Nasa Peru, doing her obligations as the president's sister." She said. "Bukas pa ang uwi ni mama, sabi ni papa kung hindi pa daw uuwi si mama kami na mismo ang pupunta sakanya."
Natawa naman ako. "Tara sa loob?"
Umiling ito bago tumingala sa mga bituin. "Nasa loob si papa?
"Oo, kasayaw si Tami." I answered.
Napanguso ito. Parang batang binalingan ako nito. "Isayaw mo ko Zach! Walang magsasayaw sakin."
Napangiti naman ako sa inasal nito. "Alright, then let's go inside."
"No, dito nalang. Maraming tao sa loob." She inched closer to me and encircled her arms into my neck matapos ay humilig saaking dibdib.
Pumaikot ang akong braso sa maliit nitong bewang.
"Zach, this moment is perfect..."

•••
Zach Lawrence Dela Paz' story

Pampalipas Oras

14/07/2023

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30/06/2023

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