Accidentally In Love

[1st Story] tenderheart. All Rights Reserved 2009. Distribution of any kind is PROBIHITED without the written consent of ASHE.

[Warning : Some bad terms and languages have been used for this story. If cursing is a no-no for you, you might as well avoid it or something to get through with it. My apologies, readers.]

The Case [Prologue]

Accidents always occur when...

You do an unexpectedly crime that will lead you to be a prisoner -- of a stup!d guy. I'm like a prisoner in his sight.

Because of the crime that I did accidentally. Because he's the guy who's arranged with me accidentally too.

I noticed that nowadays, everyday in my life occur ACCIDENTALLY. Everyday is like an accident for a student like me. Well, for me, that's life. Life surprises you with another turn. Life always changing in every second, as well as underestimating you.

What if love will bloom between us accidentally?

I told you. Everyday in my life occurs accidentally. And I will never ever regret the surprises of life that the crime actually given me.

He's the POLICE, and I'm just a PRISONER of his.

Victims and Suspects [Color Codings]

Marriane Louise Santos Rex Carlo Lopez Lawrence Yan Andrea Reyes Candy Tramph Abby Rose Cruz Camille Reyes-Yan

Other Characters

Handcuff o1 - Weird Life.

I had a dream last night....

I saw myself in a white gown like i'm going to be married & walking at the aisle... Then I saw a man in a white clothes... Suddenly, he faded away... I saw myself yelling his name so he can come back but, he didn't respond...

Weird dream, huh? but you know, that dream reminds me of finding soulmates... I dunno, we'll... I just read it in Abby's book and it says,

"If you already found him, then you shouldn't let him go..."

Nah! Hindi ko pa iniisip yan noh! I'm not ready enough to meet my soulmate. Who cares? Nobody does... except to my friend Abby.

I was cleaning at the living room when I saw this Arrange Marriage Agreement stuff at the center table. Kung gusto mong malaman kung ano yung Agreement na yun, better read up.

Papu told me that I'm going to marry that guy who I met in a children's party, I dunno why and I'm super hate it...

Alam mo, kapag nakikita ko yan, gusto ko yang punitin pero, there's something forcing me na wag gawin yun... and I dunno why.

"Ano naman yan?" andyan pala si Mamu.

"Kasi naman eh, nakita ko nanaman 'tong Agreement na to..." I went upset.

"Akala ko ba, pupunitin mo yan sa oras na mahawakan mo yan?"

"Bakit pa Mamu? Mabait naman ako ah!"

She tapped my shoulder. "Alam ko kung anong nararamdaman mo at this moment pero, it's your Papu's fault, remember?"

Yeah, kabalbalan to ni Papu. Dahil nga mahal ko si Papu at nandun na sya sa fluffy [Heaven] place, sinunod ko na sya.

And this is my destiny. I guess.

***

Sa school, gumagawa kami ni Abby [Rose Cruz] ng assignment kaya we have to hurry. Eto nga palang si Abby, eh, she's a kikay girl, must say na "malandi" but medyo... she's always there to make me laugh, kahit saan, kahit bumagyo pa, magkaroon pa ng tornado at lindol, kahit tangayin na kami, hay, di mo kami mapapaghiwalay. Kaklase ko kaya to since elementary pa! Nahawaan na ata ako nito ng virus nya eh... you know, para na rin akong lukaret tulad nya.

The bell suddenly rang. Lahat kami nagsipagpasukan na sa kanya-kanyang mga classrooms. Well, wala kaming teacher ngayon. Nagmistulang playground nanaman tong room namin. Lagi naman eh... ako? Nakadungaw lang kaya ako sa bintana?!

Nilapitan ako ni Abby. "Oi Madam! Alam mo, para kang autistic jan?"

Endearments. She decided that for herself only. I didn't even think out a better name-call for her. So, she decided to call me 'MADAM'. Sheesh. "Hay, naku, tigilan mo nga ako Abby! Alam mo, istorbo ka po..."

"Ang mabuti pa, samahan mo na lang ako sa boy's locker room, andun daw ngayon yung gwapong nasa pilot section!" sabay tili.

"Ikaw na lang mag-isa!"

"Ang sungit naman nito... hmp!" sabay alis.

"Ewan ko sa'yo Abby, at bakit nababaliw ka ngayon sa mga nerd sa pilot section."

Ang tagal ng oras!

With that, the bell rang. Ang weird ah. Kakasabi ko lang, nangyari agad.

"Ang aga naman ata ngayon ng uwian?"

May nag-announce. "Teachers have an urgent meeting so, class dismissed!"

Nagsigawan lahat ng mga kaklase ko, at nagtulakan para lang makaalis. Iniwan naman ako ni Abby sa locker room.

Nakita ko yung matandang babaeng janitor. We exchanged smiles tapos bigla na lang nyang hinawakan yung kamay ko.

"H-huh? T-Teka.. ano po yun? Bakit nyo po ko hinahawakan?"

"Sandali lang iha. Huhulaan kita, iha." I looked at her, puzzled. "May insidenteng mangyayari sa daan mo kung saan makikilala mo ang katapat mo."

"Huh? Ano... po yun?" Seriously, I don't get her. Well, ganyan naman ang mga manghuhula diba? Clueless ka kapag kaharap mo. Feeling mo sya lang ang nakakaalam ng lahat ng mga nangyayari.

"Sige na iha. Mag-ingat ka iha at mamuhay ka ng masaya kasama sya." At umalis na sya.

Ano yung sinasabi nung matandang yun? Weird nga talaga.

Handcuff o2 - The Crime.

Oh, never mind.

Pero, pano kaya kung maaksidente ako? Gusto ko pang mabuhay no! *Sigh* Oo nga, nandun si Papu, pero hindi ibig sabihin hindi ko sya gustong makasama dun. Hay, ewan.

When I was walking home, naalala ko nanaman yung Arrange Marriage. Nakakainis talaga sina Mamu ... Nababaliw na ba sila o nasisisraan na ng ulo?

I felt bored. Na parang gusto kong durugin ang mundo at manirahan na lang sa ibang planeta. If I had to, I would try to survive on Neptune [since Pluto wasn't considered as a planet na.].. kasi alam ko that planet was also suffering the things that Earth was suffering now. Well, based lang naman yun sa utak ko, wag naman kayo magpapadala. Kayo oh, alam nyo namang iba ang isip ko sa iba. Malayo ang nararating ng utak ko, di nyo alam. Mamaya mabalitaan nyo na lang ako nasa past na ko using the time machine. Haha. Nangarap ba?

I saw an empty soda can towards the street. Dahil sa galit ko, I tried to kick it. All of a sudden, nakarinig ako ng nabasag na something... well, siguro ano lang yun, mga walang magawa sa buhay nila. Wala yun.

I was walking at the sidewalk nung may narinig akong boses ng lalaki.

"Hoy!"

Tumingin ako sa kanan at sa kaliwa, pero di ko pa rin sya makita. Ang weird ah.

"Hoy! Ano ba?"

Haha. Nandun pala sya sa likod.

"Aishh.. ano bang problema mo at nagsisisigaw ka --" I paused. Oi, madam. Akalain mo yun, sa lahat ng mga pinagdadaanan ng buhay ko ngayon, isang gwapong nilalang pa ang dadaan? But, unfortunately, sira-ulo naman... tsss...

He scoffed. "Tsk. Nagtanong ka pa. Tingnan mo nga kung ano ang ginawa mo sa kotse ko!"

"Huh? Ano bang pinagsasasabi mo?"

"Alam kong ikaw ang sumipa nito." may hawak-hawak syang lata. Yun yung latang sinipa ko kanina.

"Halika rito." Then he grabbed my arm.

"Aray ko! Ano ba?"

Dinala nya ko sa sasakyan nya.

"Look what you did!"

"Ano? Wala naman eh!"

"Bulag ka ba o bingi?" Ano bang pinagsasasabi ng lalaking to?

There it is. My two big black eyes saw it and widened. Aiyyy! Basag pala yung car window nya! Ang lakas naman ng impact ng pagkasipa ko dun. Ni hindi ko nga binigyan ng much strength. Yah, face it. Lagot ka...

"Then fine, I'll pay it!"

"Oi, inosenteng baliw, alam mo ba kung magkano 'tong brand new na kotse ko?" Aba.. loko pala tong lalaking to eh! Tinawag ba naman akong inosenteng baliw? Aiiissshhh... I have a decent name, idi0t.

"Magkano ba?!" I exclaimed.

"Costs about.. well, mga hundred thousand lang naman."

O_O

Ano? Okay, my eyes went out of their sockets because of so much shock. H-hu-hundred thou-sssand daw? Lang naman? Well, siguro mura lang naman siguro sa katulad nyang mayayaman ang mga ganun. Eh wala naman akong perang ganun kalaki.

"Uh... ummm... hindi ko talaga sinasadya yun, sorry talaga..."

"Tsk. A sorry couldn't back the disaster you made."

I thought for a second haw to escape it. Alam mo kasi, ang magandang gawin in this kind of crime is to...

RUN!!!

"Oi, teka! Bumalik ka rito oi!"

Para kaming tangang naghahabulan sa kalsada. Ito na nga ang krimeng hindi ko matatakasan. Kainis! With matching sigaw pa ang pagtakbo ko!

Lumingon ako habang tumatakbo. Buti na lang at malayo ang agwat naming sa isa't isa. "Ano ba yan! Hinahabol pa rin nya ko? Naman!"

Ano nang gagawin ko? Papu, Mamu! Tulong!

Buti na lang, may nahanap na akong spot na pwede kong pagtaguan pansamantala. AYOS! Ang tagal kong nagtago dun ah! Pero, nanjan pa rin ang gwapong nilalang na to... alas-otso na! Ano ba sya? Tao ba talaga to? Talagang mahal nya yung kotse nya... syempre, brand new eh!

"Inosenteng baliw!"

Ang sama talaga nitong lalaking 'to! No manners!

"Pag nakita kita, papatayin kita!" tapos sinilip ko sya sa butas, nakaalis na pala sya.

Huminga ako ng malalim. "Walangya yung lalaking yun! Ang sakit-sakit ng likod ko kakatago dun!"

Tumakbo ako papauwi sa bahay na parang kabayo.

"Naku, nakalock pa yung gate. Mamu! Marco! Buksan nyo tong gate!"

Nakita ko sila. "Marriane, alam mo ba kung anong oras na? di ba 5 ang uwian nyo?"

"Sorry, Mamu, 4 nga kami umuwi kasi may meeting ang mga teachers sa school."

"Eh ba't 8 ka na nakauwi?"

"Uhhh, ummm... oo, nagreseach pa kami sa library kanina." *bows* sabay takbo papuntang kwarto.

"Ate, di ka ba kakain?"

"Hindi na, kumain na ko kanina bago ako umuwi." Sabay lock ng kwarto. Sumandal ako sa pinto.

"Aaaahhh!!! I hate myself!"

Humiga ako sa kama. "Nakakainis talaga... tsk.Tsk.tsk."

***

Nagising ako dahil sa ingay sa labas. Dumungaw ako at alam nyo ba kung anong nakita ko?

Mga pulis!

As in ang daming pulis na nakapalibot sa bahay namin... may magtatangka pa ngang umakyat eh! Reding-ready na silang tudasin ako eh... tapos nakita ko pa yung gwapong sira-ulo, kumakawaykaway pa... kaasar talaga!

"Marriane Louise Santos! Sumuko ka na, napapaligiran ka na naming lahat!"

Is this happening to me?

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

***

Nagising ako, pawis na pawis at hingal na hingal. Pinuntahan ako nina Mamu. "Marriane! Anong nangyari sa'yo? Okay ka lang ba?"

Binigyan ako ni Marco ng tubig. "I- I had a nightmare..,. yung mga Pu-" oi Marriane, be specific naman!

"I mean, uhhhmm... ayun! may humahabol raw sakin na halimaw! tapos - "

"Kinain ka? hay naku ate, nabasa ko na yan sa libro eh! Istorbo ka ah..."

"Totoo naman ah! Sapakin kita jan eh~~"

"Oi, tama na yan at inaantok pa ko... magsitulog na uli tayo, halika na Marco."

Napabuntong hininga na lang ako as soon a they went out of my room. I looked at the ceiling. Sana panaginip lang yun... sana di totoo yun... Pero paano kung.... Masundan nya ko? Patay na!

Well, good for me. >_<

Handcuff o3 - Normally but Abnormality.

Umaga na pala. Ayokong pumasok ngayon pero, may pasok eh. Kapag umabsent naman ako nang walang dahilan, they will be curious to me. God! What will I gonna do?!

I took a deep breath. "Bahala na."

Pano kung may mga kasama pa syang back-ups para bugbugin ako? He seems to be a bully one. Kita naman sa itsura di ba? Bakit, kasalanan ko ba? Well, yes of course. You did the wrong thing. You ACCIDENTALLY entered the abnormal world that you've just found. Wow, meron palang ganung mundo. Where all the people can do things accidentally. But only in my wonderland.

"Marriane, papasok ka ba?" I heard Mamu knocked out the door.

"Opo, papasok po ako..." Oi, Marriane, anong pinagsasabi mo? Ayos ka lang? Well, wala na kong choice eh. Nakabihis na ko, nakasuot na yung bag ko sa likod ko... and all I can do now is to move. Unfortunately, hindi ako makagalaw! I was like, FREEZING!

Huminga ako ng malalim. Kalmado ka lang, okay? Hindi ka na masusundan nun. Positive, think positive! Vanish all the bad vibes. Go enter good vibes. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.

LAKAD!

***

At eto na nga... Naglalakad na ko papuntang school. Anong ginagawa ko? Nababaliw na ba talaga ako? Yeah. Crazy to die.

I saw the streets was so - QUIET. But usually, ganito naman lagi ang nadadatnan ko kapag naglalakad ako papuntang school tuwing umaga. Iba lang siguro ang pananaw ko sa araw na to.

Birds are chirping, trees were swaying, wind blows harder --

PEEEEEEPPPPP!!!!!

Aiiiiyyyy!!! Nakaharang na pala ako dito sa kalsada! But wait, baka sya na to... Patay!

I started to close my eyes. "Parang awa mo na ayoko pang mamatay! Gusto ko pang mabuhay! Ayoko munang makasama si Papu sa taas! Please naman!" I screamed like a desperate old woman who still wants to spend her last birthday in the Earth's crust.

I heard the car door opened. Then I heard some footsteps that made me feel afraid.

Katapusan ko na! I'm gonna die!

May tumapik sa balikat ko. "Miss, okay ka lang?"

Lumingon ako. Hay sus! Akala ko sya na, thank GOD! Whew! Pero, ang gwapo nito ah! Napansin ko ah, why of all millions of creatures of God, I'm now bumping on the beautiful ones? Hoy, pasalamat ka iha.

"Uhh, miss, nakaharang ka na sa daan."

"H-h-huh? Ay! naku, sorry... pasensya ka na." Walangya, mukha na pala akong tangang nakatunganga sa kanya. How embarassing... aiiissshhh! Act like normal, Marriane!

"Sa susunod miss, dun ka na dumaan sa sidewalk ha? delikado eh." *bows*

"Oo, sige... pasensya na talaga." *bows*

He went back to driving. Oh well... Naglakad na uli ako. Minsan na lang ako makabunggo ng mga taong ganun. Lalo na't magagandang nilalang ang mga hinaharap sakin ni God. Then I realized...

OMG! Late na ko!

I ran hurriedly to get to the school. Nung malapit na ko sa school, naglakad na lang ako. Suddenly, I heard a voice.

"Hoy!"

Lumingon ako. "Sino nanaman -- "

O_O

Am I blind, three blind mice? But he really is he! Di ba sya yung may-ari ng sasakyan? Yung gwapong nilalang? hala, lagot na! Ngayon ba naman, sinusundan nya pa rin ako?! Pasaway ka ha...

"G@g0 ka ah! Halika rito! Pagkatapos mo kong pagtaguan kagabi?!" Hinabol nya ko.

"Aiiiiiissssshhhhh!!!!!" I'm gonna die! GOD, help me! Take me to Your kingdom!

Hinabol nya ako hanggang makarating ako dun sa school gate. Pumasok agad ako. Hingal na hingal ako dahil sa kanya! Naku, nasira na tuloy ang beauty ko! Bwisit na... ugh!

"Hoy! Akala mo, ligtas ka na? hah! Hindi ka makakalabas dito ng buhay!"

Aba! nagbabanta pa! No worries, Marriane... hahaha!

"Babay... ble!" I made a face infront of him. Tingnan mo yung mukha nya... talagang galit na galit sya...

Well, good for me!

***

Agad akong pumunta dun sa room ko. Bakit wala sila dito?

The room filled with silence. Then someone tapped me caused me to jump in fright. "Oi, Marriane!"

"Aaaaahhhh!!!" Pagkalingon ko, si Abby lang pala!

"Loko ka ah! Ginulat mo naman ako!"

"Ginulat eh tinawag lang naman kita...teka, bakit parang kinakabahan ka?"

"H-h-ha? eh kasi... kasi tinakot mo ko eh!"

"Ganun? hahaha! nakakatawa yang itsura mo! Ano bang nangyari sayo?" tiningnan ko yung sarili ko sa salamin, mukha na pala akong bruha...

I brushed my hair and put my bag at my chair. "Wala... nakipaghabulan lang ako dun sa sira-ulong yun..." I whispered.

"Ano?"

"Ah, wala kasi mahangin lang sa labas... teka, nasan silang lahat?"

"May P.E. tayo ngayon di ba?"

"Oo nga pala ano? buti na lang at iniwan ko yung uniform ko dun sa locker ko... tara, samahan mo ko."

***

Pagdating namin sa girl's locker room...

"Marriane! Tingnan mo oh!" sabay tili. Aish. Ang sakit talaga sa tenga. Namimihasa ka na Abby ah. "Sino ba yun ha?"

"OMG! It's Rex!" tili agen. May bago nanaman siguro tong kinababaliwan. Hay, naku...

Sinilip ko yung bintana. I looked outside to see the last person that I don't ever wanted to see in my whole life anymore.

O_O

Teka, talagang hindi sya titigil huh?! Pero, pano kung mamaya nanjan pa rin sya pag-uwi ko?

Bumalik agad ako sa locker ko and pretend that I don't see him.

"Nakita mo ba sya?"

"Aahhh... oo..." I put a fake smile on my face. But seriously, I don't know him and I don't want to know anything about him!

I just prayed about my safety trip to my home after class.

***

I felt tired. Tired about running. Why can't you just turn around and face that crime? Aish. Sira rin tong sarili ko noh.

I rested my head onto my table. Then pumasok sa utak ko na tanungin si Abby.

"Abby..." I groaned. "Hmm?" I looked at her as she combing her hair like a doll. Ah.. ang ganda talaga ng buhok nya! I've been craving that for almost a year! Well, she decided to have her bangs and straighten her hair. She really looked like a doll, I admit.

"Ummm... magkano ba ang pagpapaayos ng bintana ng sasakyan?"

"Ano klaseng sasakyan ba?"

Teka, ano nga bang klase yun? "Hummer ba yun? Ah. Hummer nga."

"Bakit mo naman natanong?"

I paused. "W-wala... nagtatanong lang kasi yung kaibigan ko..."

"According to my cousin, mahal daw yun... siguro, mga around a thousand daw or something... hindi ko naman alam yan eh.."

"Ano? Aiiiiisssshhhh!" I ducked my head into the table again because of my confusedly feeling. Pano na? Pano?!

***

Uwian na... sana wala sya dun sa gate...

Para akong tanga na nagdadasal habang naglalakad pababa sa ground floor.

"Ah, Marriane, okay ka lang?"

I looked at her at the corner of my eye. "I'm going to be fine..." Just fine.

Nung nakarating na ko sa ground floor...

O_O

Walangya naman oh! He's still there!

Agad akong tumalikod at bumalik sa taas.

"Marriane, teka. san ka pupunta? dito ang labasan di ba?"

Think faster, think! *light bulb* "Aahhh.. uhmm... oo! may naiwan pa pala ako sa locker ko!"

"Okay, sige, hintayin na lang kita rito..."

Tinulak ko sya papuntang ground floor. "Ay, hindi na, okay lang...sige tawagan na lang kita mamaya... Bye!"

***

I ran to the Emergency Exit. Eh sa yun lang alam kong isang daan palabas ng school.. masisisi nyo ba ko? Good thing hindi ako nakita nung guards.

Pagkauwi ko, dumiretso na agad ako sa kwarto.

As soon as I arrived at the room, I lied on the bed and thought about it. Sana walang makaalam nitong kabalbalan ko... sana wala!

"Ate! Kakain na!" My brother called out. "Oo, sige..."

Pagkabihis ko, pumunta ako sa kusina para kumain. Okay, hidni naman sa nagmamayabang ako, malaki ang bahay ko -- medyo malaki alng. Better for a family talaga.

"Marriane..." She started. "Ano nanaman po yon Mamu?" I asked sarcastically. "Remember your fianc?"

"Huh?"

"May pupuntahan tayong party bukas ng gabi... dress up well."

"Bakit?"

"You'll going to meet him up..."

"Ha?!" I exclaimed. Tumayo ako sa kinauupuan ko. "Mamu, nababaliw na ba kayo?"

"Wag mo kong galitin ha?!"

Bumalik ako sa kwarto ko. Naman, kita nang may kaso pa ko sa nilalang na yun, tapos sisingit pa 'tong fianc na to!

"Marriane!"

"Wala na kong ganang kumain."

"Marriane!"

"EH! Ewan ko sa inyo!" dabog kong sinarado ang pinto ng kwarto ko. "Darn it." I mumbled. Napaupo ako sa kama ko.

I will not going to hook up with him kahit anong mangyari.

Handcuff o4 - Meet him up?!

Sigh. It's officially weekend. I want to go out pero.. makagala pa kaya kami ni Abby sa sitwasyon kong ito? Hay naku... Tumawag sya sakin a while ago at dinahilan ko na lang eh yung kikilalanin ko na yung fianc ko tonight... how kind is my fianc? baka naman isa rin yong loko loko... too bad for me yon. Should I meet him up? Bahala na. That's the word eh.

At dahil nga she's my bestest friend, she went to my house to know what's going on.

"Eh di ayos!" She cheered. "Anong maayos dun? Malay naten, isa rin yon sa mga loko-lokong nasasalubong naten sa daan."

"Isipin mo na lang, gwapo, mabait, gentleman, ma--"

"Kabaliktaran nun -- Aray!" She poked my head. "Madam,. You're such a nega talaga."

"Hay, ewan." Napatalumbaba na lang ako sa may study table ko. She gave me a big hug. "Don't be such an OA bruha. "

Well, Abby's not too much annoying to me. She always brighten up my day. When I felt upset, she always have her jokes in her bag to make me feel better, or advices to give a solution to my problems. Oo, alam ko kung ano ang iniisip mo, hindi nya ko mabibigyan ng matinong advice for this crime. Remember, I have to be specific in hiding that crime.

Well, here it goes. Hindi nga kami gumala ni Abby. I had been stucked in my bed for at least 5 hours or more... just to comfort myself. Kainis di ba? So bored... manood na nga lang ako ng mga palabas. Eto, ginulo ako ng kapatid ko habang nanood ako. tsss.... Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin para libangin ang sarili ko. Ayoon! may naisip na ko... Internet.

Yoon, nagchat nga ako. Ganun din, my chatmates pissed me off too. Ang sama ng araw ko... siguro nga dahil makikilala ko na ang fianc ko mamaya. Is he as EVIL as a DEVIL? or as GOOD as an ANGEL?

God, BLESS ME TONIGHT!

***

"Marriane, bilisan mo, iiwanan na kita..." Mamu called out. "Eh di iwanan mo! Alam nyo namang ayokong pumunta dun noh..." I answered as I fixed my hair in place.

"Hay naku, anak... hoy, Marco, iwanan mo ang bahay para mawala ang mga gamit ha?" mom gave instructions sarcastically. Based on her voice.

"OPO..." Marco replied sarcastically too. Masanay kayo. That's what my family goes eh. Tsss...

Lumabas na ko from my room and I saw mamu's gleamy face. "Honey, you look so exceptional today."

"Err.." I mumbled. We waited for a cab at the waiting shed.

"Kasi naman eh. Para namang ibebenta na ninyo ako nyan eh~~"

"Ibebenta? Bakit ka naman namin ibebenta ni Papu mo? At wag mong isipin na ibinebenta ka namin..."

"Whatever." I mumbled as the cab arrived. And we're on our way to that party. "Marriane, wag mong subukang magwala dun ah."

"Mamu?!"

"I'm just joking anak. Kilala kasi kita eh." She laughed.

Finally, we arrived at their -- WOW! Ang laki ng bahay nila! Must be a rich one. Kaya pala eh. Nice... ibebenta talaga nila ako. Huhu.

Someone accompanied Mamu when we entered. While me, nagmumuni-muni lang at tumitingin sa mga tao dun. OM goshie. Puro mayayaman ito. Grabe, I can't believe ganto kayaman ang fianc ko. O_O

She introduced me to him. "Oh, so this is your daughter.... well, maganda pala talaga sya!" I brought a fake smile while he just elegantly smiled at me. Weird.

"Nice to meet you po, Mr. Lopez." I shook my head. Wait. He's my father-in-law, ganun? Well, ganun na nga. "Parang kalian lang, lumaki ka na agad. Mas mabuti yun at nang mangyari na ang mangyari. Wait down there, i'll call my son..." at umalis sya.

Mas mabuti yun at nang mangyari ang mangyari. Anong ibig sabihin nya dun?

"Mamu, punta lang ako sa Washing Room."

"Oo, sige. Pero, bumalik ka na agad ha para makilala mo na sya."

Pumunta agad ako sa Washing Room. Napansin ko, ako lang ata ang mag-isa rito. Ganda ng tiles ah. When my eyes averted to the mirror, I saw the real Marriane. And she really look beautiful. I suddenly smiled back to the reflection and giggled.

Weird.

Paglabas ko, I saw this long haired guy [pero, hindi naman sobrang haba.] na parang pamilyar. Wait... WAIT A MINUTE.

O_O

He really is he! Yung gwapong nilalang! Pero anong ginagawa nya rito? Doesn't it mean na... sinusundan ako ng lokong to?! Patay na... kelangan ko nang umalis.

Agad akong bumalik kay Mamu and not bothering myself to talk mom or not. "Mamu, uwi na tayo!"

"Anong uwi na tayo? hindi mo pa nga nakikilala ang fianc mo eh, uuwi ka na? Ano bang nangyayari sayo?"

"Uhmm... medyo.. nahihilo na ko..." then I acted like dizzy.

"Tumigil ka nga jan sa kaartehan mo, umayos ka dyan." UGH! I heaved a sigh.

Bumalik na si Mr. Lopez na may kasamang lalaki. When I found out who's with him, my eyes really went out of their sockets.

O_O

Sya nga talaga! Yung 'gwapong nialalang' agen! But WAIT. You mean, FIANC ko sya?! No way...

I immediately covered my hand over my face before he can see me. "Marriane, meet my son, REX CARLO LOPEZ, your FIANC."

GOD! Tama nga ako! Sya nga ang FIANC ko!

When I faced to him slowly, may naramdaman akong electricity. Nakuryente ba ako? Ano to, may electricity sa katawan? May magnet or something?

"So, you're Marriane... well, nice to meet you." He smirked at me. Ang sama di ba? See, Abby I told you... kabaliktaran lahat ng sinabi mo. Kabaliktaran lahat.

"N-n-nice to m-m-meet y-you t-tt-too..." I stuttered and brought a fake grin. Buti pa sya, kalmado.

"Well, you have the right to know each other so, we'll leave you alone now, okay?"

"Teka - Mamu! Wag mo kong iwan dito!"

They walked away. "Darn it. tsss..." I murmured.

"Oi, we have an unfinished business, remember?" then he grabbed my arm. I had this shape 'O' in my mouth. Oh, I hate O!

"Teka, san mo ko dadalhin?! Mamu!"

"You shut up kung ayaw mong tudasn kita."

He brought me to a place that I don't know.

What is he up to? Is this a welcome to hell? No way...

He looked me in the eyes and I stared him back. Then he suddenly leaned me over the wall, causing me to face him about a centimeter. Good enough to kiss me. Subukan nya lang gawin yan, tatalsik yan dun sa kadulu-duluhan ng Earth!

"It's a small world after all, isn't it?" He smirked.

"Y-y-yeah?" I stuttered.

Naku... eto na...

"Parang awa mo na! Wag mo naman akong harrasin!" I exclaimed with my eyes close. "Harrasin? Hindi ako rapist noh!" he released me. Whewh!

"So, where's the payment?"

"Huh? S-sorry... wala talaga akong pera."

"Now I'm dead. Lalo pang nadagdagan ang parusa nya sakin. Pero ayos lang. Ipapasa ko naman sayo ang lahat ng parusang ibibigay nya." What is he going to do? Bring me to hell? Marriane, you're already in hell.

"I'll keep an eye on you until we get married. See you around." at lumakad sya papalayo.

"Teka, sandali!" I called out and he turned back. "Pwede bang... wag mong sabihin to? You know yung --"

I paused as he walked out. "Oi, Rex! Teka lang naman. Maghintay ka!" Argh. Wala syang pakialam sa fianc nya. Galing nya di ba? Great.

"Ano, uwi na tayo?"

"Mamu.. kanina ko pa kayang gustong umuwi." I whispered.

"Umm, Mr. Lopez, mauna na kami... sige."

I didn't see Rex around. Ewan ko sa kanya. Basta, sa oras na masabi nya yun kay mamu, siguraduhin lang nyang mabubuhay pa sya dahil papatayin ko na sya!

We waited at the shed for a cab to come.

"Ba't ba kanina, gusto mo nang umuwi? Ano bang nangyari sayo ha?"

"Mamu, ang weird nyo. Bakit di na lang kayo ang magpakasal ng tatay nya?"

We suddenly heard a thunder. "Sige, magcomment ka pa nang matusta ka ng papu mo sa taas." Sorry po!

Pag-uwi namin sa bahay, I decided na lang na magkulong sa kwarto. It's been a small world for us. That gwapong nilalang.. turn out to be my future husband. Well, that's life. Life always changing in every second, as well as underestimating you. Na akala mo yung mga posibleng mangyari sa utak mo, mangyayari. Now I realized that life has its power to control you.

In other words, life surprises you with another turn.

Handcuff o5 - Expect the Unexpected.

It's been a Saturday morning and ganto na lang manggising 'tong cellphone ko. Madam, MAY MESSAGE KAAAAA!!! Sira kasi 'tong si Abby. Pinasa nya sakin yang alert tone na yan. Natulog na agad ako kagabi kaya di ko na naisip na yun pa rin ang alert tone ko. Si Abby pala. I quickly picked up my cellphone and lazily said, "Ano?"

"Madam, gising ka na ba?"

"Ano ba? Kita nang natutulog pa yung tao, istorbo!" I quickly hunged the phone and turned it off. I hugged my pillow. Ang lamig! Christmas nanaman kase. Sarap matulog pag ganto, di ba? Malamig ang simoy ng --- I heard some knocks on the door. "Tss... pasok~~"

Someone leaned at my back. Ambigat! "Aaarrraayy!!"

"Gumising ka na kasi..."

"Eh pano kung ayoko?"

"Dadaganan kita ulet?" I sat down at the bottom of the bed, scratching my head out of misery.

"Teka, pano ka agad naka--"

"Nasa labas lang kaya ako?" She flatly said. "Ang aga mong gumising ah." I smirked at her. "8 kaya ako nagising knina. It's almost 10 duh." 10 na ba? Grabe naman akong matulog. "So, anong nangyari kagabi? Have you met him? Anong pangalan nya? Gwapo ba?" Ano ba tong babaeng to. May lahi ba tong manok? Putak ng putak eh."Hindi ka naman siguro nagmamadali ano?" I asked sarcastically. "Sabihin mo na kasi."

I sighed. "His name was Rex Carlo Lopez."

Her eyes popped out and her jaw dropped almost at the ground. Anong nangyari dito?

"S-si Re-Rex??"

I went back to sleep and hugged the pillow while she, she was speechless. Anong problema nito? Ewan. She tugged my shoulder. "Yung nakita natin nung isang araw?"

"Yun nga yun. Ano naman ang problema dun, at saka matutulog na ako ulet." Pero di ako nakatulog dahil pinabangon ako nitong babaeng to.

"Ano naman kung sya ang fianc ko?"

"Wala kang reaction for that? Marriane, ibig sabihin, ngayon mo lang sya nakilala?"

"Hmmm. What? Kilala mo sya?"

"Everyone knows him around in this town, ikaw lang ata ang hindi." Who the hell is he? Yung lalaking yun, kilalang kilala? Talaga lang huh? Sabagay.

"Sa Villa Francia sya nag-aaral. Many reasons why he has to be the block of their school. In other words, PERFECT." sabay tili. Umagang umaga eh! Heh.

"Perfect? Ano naman ang pinagkaperfect nun?" She punched my back. "Iisa-isahin ko pa ba sayo? *Sigh* 1, he's cute. 2, he's hot. 3, he's so yaman. 4, he's so talino. And 5, he's soo cute!" Sira talaga to. Inulit lang nya yung sinabi nya nung una eh.

"That's it? Abby, ang tinatawag na PERFECT ay yung handsome, magalang, caring at HINDI KA SINISINGIL NG MALAKING HALAGA DAHIL--" Buti na lang at napigilan ko pa ang bibig ko. "...mayaman sya." I blurted out. "Eh yun, di naman yun magalang. So hindi sya perfect." "Bu--" "At wag ka nang makipagtalo sakin dahil wala namang maitutulong yun sating dalawa." *** She invited me to hit the mall with her. Wala na kong pangamba ngayon kase isa rin palang ^crap^ ang lalaking yun. So, no worries. ^_^

Suddenly, I didn't notice the guy at my back was calling me when we're at the escalator.

"Miss, you dropped this?" he returned my wallet to me.

At a glance, it was the guy I've met in the street! [you know, the guy in Chapter 3?] He was truly hot that ever.

"Ikaw nga!"

"What a surprise! Akala ko di na tayo magkikita."

"Yeah, It's a small world after all..." then we laughed. Abby's so curious to us.

"I'ts been a long time after we see each other, nakalimutan ko pa tuloy magpakilala. Lawrence Yan." he smiled back at me.

"Abby Rose Cruz. Abby for short." she grinned at him. Tsk.

She extended her right hand to shake at him. He smiled sweetly that make us Abby and I melt. Grabe ang power nito. My weakness.

"You?"

"Ah, Madam -- este, Marriane." I grinned and extended my right hand to shake at him. His hands are so soft like a silk. I saw his abs and muscles throughout his clothes. Dang, he's so heavenly hot. Ano bang nangyayari sakin? Am I in heaven? Parang nakalimutan ko lahat. Nahawa na tuloy ako kay Abby. Sh!t. Sorry to cuss. hehehe.

Mukha kaming tangang nakaharang sa harapan ng escalator. Our jaw dropped almost at the ground floor.

"Uhh... okay lang kayo?"

I came back to reality. Stop that daydreaming. "Ahh, yes! Mukhang gutom lang to."

I tugged Abby's arms and whispered, "Abby, gising!"

"H-huh?" Halos tumulo na ang laway nya sa harapan ni Lawrence. hahah!

"Tara, libre ko kayo." he smiled again. Awww, So sweet. Galante iteh.

Nilibre nya kami sa isang fastfood chain.

"So, where do you two studying?"

"Sa St. Grace Academy..." she smiled sweetly to him.

"Uhhh... excuse me lang huh?" I gave a fake smile at him. I grabbed Abby's arms and went far away from him.

"Ano bang problema mo ha?"

"Do you have any manners huh?" I whispered to her ear.

"Nagtatanong kaya yung tao!"

"Sino bang tinatanong?"

"Ikaw." She said softly.

"Alam mo pala eh. Just shut up okay!"

"Hay naku Madam. You're quite selfish na!" We went back to our table.

"So back to our conversation. Nag-aaral kayo sa St. Grace Academy?"

I nodded while Abby started eating.

"Dun kaya ako magtatransfer."

"Talaga?!" We went shocked and excited.

"Well, that's great."

"I guess we have to know each other at the school, I have to go na kasi eh." He looked at his branded silver Watch.

I looked at him, from his hair, down to his shoe. He's a perfectly man for me. Awww, kulang na sa oras. Pero mag-aaral naman sya dun sa school namin di ba? Ayos! *** "Sige, Madam. Babooh." Abby left me at the waiting shed. Beside the waiting shed is the Convenience Store. I saw the Ice Cream Poster. Mukhang naghahanap tong tummy ko ng malamig ah! Christmas, malamig ang hinahanap ko? Nakakatawa. Ngayon na lang kasi ako kakain ng Ice Cream. Ang huling kain ko ng Ice Cream was last year. hahaha! Dessert naman eh.

I entered the cold Convenience Store and quickly to get what I want. Ice Cream. Chocolate. Mmmm. I was about to get that flavor when suddenly, I saw that hands leaning at the glass.

Si gwapong nilalang. Nosebleed.

He's wearing a simple jeans and a white cami. But his abs and muscles are truly seen even when he wears thick clothes. Well, I don't care.

He took the vanilla flavor, what was my hatest flavor and grabbed my arms to the counter. He gave the Ice Cream to the counter and asking for the money.

"Cheap naman nito. Oi, bayad raw." Cheap?! Hoy, gwapong nilalang ka, Bibili-bili ka rito tapos ganyan sasabihin mo? heh!

"Ikaw bumili nyan eh, tapos hihingi ka sakin ng pera?" I yelled at him. Seriously, this is my last money. Tapos kukunin lang nya? Para akong paslit na kinuhaan ng kendi.

"Hindi raw sila tumatanggap ng credit card. Samahan mo ko mamaya para mabayaran kita."

Nakakaawa naman kasi tong lalaking to eh. Umaasa sa credit card. I took my wallet at my pocket and gave the money to the counter while he, he took a seat. *** Nakatalumbaba ako habang sya, malapit nang maubos ang inorder nyang ice cream. Vanilla Flavor pa, pinakaayoko sa lahat. Tulad nya di ba?

"Samahan mo ko sa ATM Bank para mabayaran kita. At saka uhh, Ihahatid kita." Baket naman? Hindi naman kelangang ihatid nya ko ah!

"Why?"

"Mabuti nang magkakilanlan na tayo. Sigurado kilala mo na ko. I guess you've heard everyone about me, right?"

"Ang HANGIN, grabe.." I whispered. [Hangin - taong makapal ang mukha.]

"Ano sabi mo?" He asked.

"Ah, sabi ko tara na." I stood up and took my side bag.

He stood up and grabbed my hand. I felt something like, electricity. May kuryente ba to or something? Parang nakuryente ako nung hinawakan nya yung kamay ko.

Lumabas kami dun sa Convenient Store nang magkahawak ang kamay naming dalawa. Lumalabas lahat ng init ko sa katawan. Feeling ko malamig na na ko ngayon. Joke. All of those people who passed us, widened their eyes in disbelief.

*Flashback*

"Everyone knows him around in this town. Ikaw lang ata ang hindi."

*End of Flashback*

Oo nga. Everyone knows him here. Karamihan kase sa lugar namin, maraming nag-aaral sa Villa Francia. Galante eh, anong magagawa natin dun? Feeling ko, kami lang ang mahirap dun. Phff.

Dumeretso kami sa ATM Bank at nagwithdraw ang gwapong nilalang. Nosebleed alert. I saw his wallet. Wow, daming credit card, may picture ng babae. He gave me some money.

"Teka, sobra." I was about to give him the other half of it when he stopped me. "Keep the change. After all, namumulubi ka na di ba?" Sinabi nang -- ugh!

He dashed off the ATM Bank. "Siraulo!" I yelled at him before I dashed off.

I caught him kicking the wall. "Wala ka bang magawa sa buhay mo, ha? Siraulo?"

He started to walked through the streets, pinili nya na maglakad imbis na magcommute. What the heck. Ang init kaya?!

Suddenly, he opened an umbrella. Buti naman at may nagawa kang maganda.

Laking gulat ko nang lumayo sya sakin at sinolo yung payong. How meanie you are. Tsss...

"Ikaw, kababae mong tao, di ka nagdadala ng payong. Lalaki na nga ata ang mas handa ngayon kaysa sa mga babae." don't say that coz' I'll bash up your face in no time. Kahit sa harap pa ng mga taong nababaliw sayo. Kung meron man. heh.

Someone passed us. "Oi pre, kung ako sayo, papayungan ko yang girlfriend mo." Girlfriend?! only in your dreams. Tsk.

Bingi ba to or what? Hay naku...

"Sayo na oh." he gave the umbrella to me.

"You don't have to suffer." Mabuti naman at naisipan mo. heh.

"Wag ka ngang maarte!" Kinuha ko yung payong, wala na kong magawa eh.

Ganun pa rin, all of those people staring at us and widened their eyes in disbelief. What's the problem, huh? Make your own business and don't stare at us.

Handcuff o6 - It was an ACCIDENT, I swear!

"Eto bahay mo diba?"

Oh, I didn't notice, we arrived at the front of our house.

"Pano mo nalaman?"

"Ang bahay, nakikita sa ugali ng tao." He went away. Ano raw? Phff.

I turned to my room and locked the door. My body led me to the bed and lied down.

"At saka, uhh, Ihahatid kita."

"Oi pre, kung ako sayo, papayungan ko yang girlfriend mo."

What's happening to me? I didn't notice that I fell asleep.

***

07:25 PM

My brother called me downstairs to eat dinner.

"Marriane, sweetie?" Mamu started as we're eating our dinner. "Ano nanaman po ba?" I said, upset. There's something up. I knew it. "Kailangan maging mature ka na sa susunod na mga araw." inabot nya sakin yung invitation card. "What for?" I was about to see what's this invitation.

"For the wedding. That will be next week na."

O_O WTF?! Ano raw?! Did I hear what does she said just now? Wedding, next week na??!

"Go to your fianc and tell to him. Di nya siguro alam yun."

Aiishh!

I looked at the invitation. I'm going crazy. Tapos na ang teenager life ko, ang pagkabata ko. I think I'm gonna die. Aish. After the dinner, I hurriedly went to him. Do you know where is he?

Nasa bar ang loko. Nakainom na sya nung nakarating ako dun.

"Sino ka?"

"Basahin mo nang matauhan ka kung sino ako." I gave him the invitation. "Teka. Di ko mabasa."

His friend read the invitation for him. Such a meanie.

"Please do come to a wonderful exchanging of vows of hhmmm --- ANO??! Yah dude, ano 'to?!"

"Oh, great. Ikakasal na ko." he was about to drink the last beer when I took the beer from him.

"Oi, bigay mo nga sakin yan. Aiiissshh, bigay mo sakin!"

"Hindi ka dapat umiinom."

"And why wouldn't I? I'm at the legal age. 18 na ko noh."

"And so? Tingnan mo nga, andami mo nang nainom oh. Bahala ka pag namatay ka dahil dyan."

"Who says na mamamatay ako? Do you even have a care about it?"

I searched some words to say, it's just, It blurted out from my mouth. Totoo naman di ba, magkakasakit ka sa atay pag uminom ka ng sobra-sobrang alak? That may cause you to die. Am I right?

"No."

"At least, you know." He took the beer from my hand and drunk it. Mautak ka talaga noh?

***

The next day, nalate ako sa school. Late students like me always have punishments. Ano kamong parusa?

Push-ups. Yup, even girls can do.

You have to push up within 30 times. Tapos magbabayad ka pa. Kainis di ba? Nangungurakot nanaman tong school na to. Aish.

I was about to do that push up thingy when I saw the man who was standing by the wall.

"Lawrence?" Sa wakas at dumating ka rin. ^_^

"Anong ginagawa mo?"

"Late ako eh." I grinned at him. Gosh, I got embarassed. Aish. I hate myself from being late. I sooper hate myself.

***

Ayun. Nagkwentuhan kami habang naglalakad and yeah, we're starting to know each other na! Kulang na lang, romantic place. Sayang. >_<

I left him at the Registrar's Office, then I turned to my room coz' i'm sooper late.

"Late ka?" I met Eunjin at the door.

"Hindi ba obvious ba? Asan si mam?"

"Absent." She took my things and we went to my chair.

I shook my head to my table. Next week na yung kasal, anong gagawin ko? Tumunganga na lang habang ikinakasal ako sa gwapong nilalang na yun? heh.

***

The bell rang. I hurriedly went to his room to see Lawrence, but he was not longer there.

I went out of that school, upset. Asan na ba si Lawrence? Maybe he went home na. *sigh*

Papalabas na ko ng school nung nakita ko si Rex, wearing his uniform, the hands are on his pocket and kicking the wall beside the gate.

"Anong problema mo?"

***

Ayun. It's now evening, and he already drank nine bottles of beer. What am I here for? Sitting here while watching him drinking? Nakakaasar tong lalaking to ah. I'm sitting here for so many hours already!

"Wala ka bang barkada o kaya eh kaibigan para samahan kang uminom? At tsaka, ba't ka ba inom ng inom ha?"

"Ba't ba ang dami mong tanong?" He grunted. "Eh kasi naman, gusto ko nang makauwi noh!"

"Makakauwi ka lang pag nahatid mo na ko." I hate you. So dinala mo pala ako rito para ihatid sa bahay mo nang lasing. Ano ko? A maid or something? I'm just your fianc.

"Yah, hindi mo ko katulong. Fianc mo ko."

"And soon to be my wife. Masanay ka na nga."

"Wala ka na ba talagang magagawa dun sa tungkol sa'tin? Hindi mo ba yun pwedeng pigilan?"

"May kasunduan kami ng papa ko kaya hindi ko pwedeng pigilan yun. Ako rin naman noh, ayokong magpakasal. Kung hindi lang dun sa kasunduan namin, malamang matagal na kong nagsarili."

I just pouted. Nakakainis. Well, I have no choice but to did it. I brought him to his house, since it's too late and there are no cabs and buses anymore. Ang sama talaga. Kung ganto ang aabutin ko sa kanya, I think I'll commit a suicide right now.

"Marr--ianne~~" He said as he went closer to me as I backed up. But I ended up leaning against the wall and he was hovering me. Kahit lasing sya, ang bango pa rin nya. *hits myself in my mind*

"Alam mo, cute ka rin kahit papano." He smiled as I blushed. "An-no ba?!" I stuttered, trying to push him away from me. But I have proven unsuccessful. He was still smiling and I can't resist but to stare at him. Now I caught myself in the scene. "Alam mo Rex, lasing ka lang. Tara na, nandito na tayo sa bahay mo." I pushed him once more and he finally released me.

I guided him on the way but he tripped down to the gate and I broke his fall. Buti na lang at kaya ko sya. But, guess what happened?

O_O

He kissed me ACCIDENTALLY.

Or not?

Handcuff o7 - Side Effects.

Damn! His kiss was passionate, and so sweet, parang sinadya nya pero hindi, lasing sya eh. Talagang matutunaw ka sa tingin nya at maninigas ka sa harapan nya. Di talaga ako makagalaw.

Dati, nakatingin lang ako dun sa mga estudyante sa likod ng school na naghahalikan. Ngayon, ako na ang hinahalikan -- and mention it, THE HOTTEST MAN THAT EVERY GIRL HAS BEEN CRAVING FOR. It was my FIRST time to be kissed by a real man. Sira. Di yan real man... PERVERT MAN!

Okaaayyyy, cut the crap. Enough of this damn thing, nakakahalata ka na Marriane. It was just a kiss, okay?

He suddenly woke up from his dream. Here we are, widened our eyes in disbelief. He pushed me too far from him and I felt kinda insulted. Ako nga dapat ang tumulak sa kanya papalayo sakin dahil ako yung naharassed dito eh. It really sucks. He touched his oh so red kissable lips. I took my handkerchief and wiped my lips.

"Anong nangyari?"

Did you hear what he just said? Tinatanong nya kung anong nangyari? Hinalikan mo kaya ako, do you mind?! Aish!

Without a word, he entered his house.

When I turned around, I screamed. "ArrrgggHHHHH!"

Biglang may tumahol na aso, causing me to jump in fright and calm down. "Nakakainis."

***

I arrived at the front of our house and I saw Mamu at the gate.

"Di mo ba alam kung anong oras na?" Eto na naman tayo. Another sermon portion. Kasalanan nya 'to eh. "Oras na para makinig sa sermon nyo." I mumbled.

"Ano?"

"Wala po. Sabi ko, kasama ko po si Rex."

"Aba ate, mukhang may naaamoy ako." sumingit nanaman ang kapatid ko. Paa mo yung naaamoy mo, loko.

"Marco, diba sabi ko sayo matulog ka na?"

"Di ako makatulog eh!"

"Hay naku. Pumasok na kayong dalawa. Bilis!" We hurriedly went upstairs to take a rest. I locked the door.

I suddenly remembered that kiss. That kiss is so... different. Kahit kailan di ko pa to naramdaman, promise. I'm shivering! Lumalabas lahat ng init ko sa katawan!

Pumunta ako sa kwarto ni Mamu. "Akala ko ba natulog ka na?"

I hugged mom tightly. "Bakit, Marriane? Anong nangyayari sayo? Nanginginig ka."

"Malammmiiiig."

"Malamig? Hindi naman masyadong kalamigan ah! Doble-doble na nga yang jacket mo eh, tapos yung makapal pa ang sinuot mo. Teka, may nangyari ba?" Nagtaka sya.

"W-wala ah! Malamig lang... talaga?"

"Hmmm..?" nakataas na yung kilay nya. "Wala nga sabi. Matutulog na ko. Goodnight Mamu." Bumalik na ko sa kwarto ko.

Ano bang nangyayari sakin? I covered myself with a blanket. Hindi talaga ako makatulog eh.

The time passed by, and I've tried all the things para makatulog ako. Kinantahan ko na sarili ko, nagbilang ako ng tupa, tapos inuntog ko pa yung sarili ko sa kama. It didn't work.

***

3:17 AM.

Makalabas nga.

Nakita ko sa labas si Rex. O_O WHAT??

"Di ka rin makatulog?" Huh? What do he meant by that? You mean, naapektuhan din sya nun? Remember what he said last midnight?

"Anong nangyari?" Malamang di talaga to nakatulog.

***

"Anong problema mo?" I kicked the wall beside him. Syempre, the usual na tinatanong ko sa kanya. "Loko ka kasi eh. Di ako makatulog dahil sa kagagawan mo." He turned away. Ako pa ang may kasalanan? Ibang klase rin tong lalaking to eh.

"Ikaw kaya ang may kasalanan nun, kundi ka ba naman tumingin sa dinadaanan mo, lasengero ka kasi."

"Kagahapon, tinawag mo kong siraulo. Ngayon, tinawag mo naman akong lasengero. Tatlong letra lang naman ang pangalan ko ah, hindi mo ba kaya yun sabihin? At tsaka, maganda pang pakinggan."

"Magandang pakinggan? Natawa naman ako ron." I continued kicking the wall. "At least hindi tatang@-tang@ na nakabasag ng bintana ng isang sasakyan."

"Argh. Ewan ko sayo."

"Wala ka pala sakin eh. Hindi mo kayang mangbara." I rolled my eyes on him. Grabe ito.

Nakalitaw lang yung keychain ko sa cellphone kaya nakuha nya ito sa bulsa ng jacket ko.

"Anong ginagawa mo?" Binalik nya agad yung cellphone ko.

"Sinave ko yung number ko." Binigay nya yung cellphone nya sakin.

"Save mo number mo."

Sinave yung number ko dun sa phonebook nya. Pero bago ko binigay sa kanya yung cellphone nya, tiningnan ko yung features. Nseries kasi yung kanya. May TV, camera, video at --

"Pati ba naman cellphone ko, hinaharass mo rin?" kinuha nya yung cellphone.

"Tinitingnan lang naman yung features eh. Masyado naman tong sensitive. Baka sabihin mo, yung cellphone mo, sensitive din." I rolled my eyes on him. Hmp!

***

After that sunrise, hindi ako pumasok because of this feeling. My phone beeped.

Yah! Bakit hindi ka pumasok ngayon? Tinatamad ka siguro ano? Alam mo ba, girl? I saw Lawrence around the school na! [I already know that, huli ka na.] Hinahanap ka nya sakin. He must be worried. [Ano kamo?] Kinuha niya number mo sakin. Miss na kita agad! Pumasok ka na agad huh? Mwahahugz! =] -- Abby

That's strange... ??

I heard some knocks on the door. "Marriane, may bisita ka..."

"*sigh* Wala akong panahon sa --"

"Marriane?" Wait, I know that voice.

"Lawrence?" I saw him at the door, wearing his uniform & carrying a bouquet of flowers.

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?"

"I thought you might sick so I bought you flowers."

"Sa-salamat." I shook my head and he gave his sweet smile at me that makes me melted away. He entered the room. "May sakit ka ba talaga?"

"Wala ah. Tinopak nanaman kasi ako. Umabsent ka pa para lang sakin."

"Don't mind it. May tutor naman ako sa bahay eh."

"Ahh.. ganun pala.." his killer smile is always there. Awww, I'm gonna die. I'm gonna explode.

***

Napahaba ata ang kwentuhan namin. He just confessed to me that he's a bookworm. "Maganda yun. Nakatambay lang kaya yun sa bookstore. Gusto mo, bilhin ko bukas?"

"Medyo maganda nga ang pagkareview mo. Sige ba."

He stood up. "Pano, bukas na lang. 6 pm darating yung tutor ko kasi Thursday ngayon."

"Sige, ayos lang. Kita na lang tayo sa school, okay ba?"

"Good."

Hinatid ko sya sa may labas and he drove away. Bumalik ako sa kwarto at kinuha ko yung dala nyang bulaklak. Then I smiled.

"Ate, nagmumukhang tange ka nanaman. At saka sino ba yun? Nabingwit mo?"

"Loko. Lumabas ka nga rito, at tsaka sa susunod wag ka ulet kumatok ha?" Notice the sarcasm tone. Ayun, sumunod sa ate. Very good. I sighed in dismay.

Hay... eto nanaman ako. Wala ba tong gamot? Nanglalamig talaga ako eh. Magpacheck-up kaya ako sa doctor?

"May SIDE EFFECTS kaya yun?"

Handcuff o8 - Wedding.

SIDE EFFECTS ka dyan? Ano yan, pills? Loko.

***

The day after, pumasok na ko. Nothing happened. Too good Rex didn't appeared. Di ko rin makausap si Lawrence kasi maraming lumalapit sa kanya. Kainis talaga. Could this day be better than worst?

"Ano?!" I blurted it out.

Here I am, sitting like an idi0t and looking at the more idi0t gowns. "Eto, try mo. ^_^"

O_O What the -- ??

"Mamu naman, alam mo naman na hindi ako nagsusuot ng ganyan ano."

Someone opened the candy-glass door. It's Mr. Lopez with the idi0t.

"Diba Raymond okay naman ang gantong gown para sa kanya?"

"Oo, bagay naman sayo yan iha. What do you think Rex?" Isa pa to.

He smirked at me and took the brochure. "Eto bagay sayo." He laughed so hard.

O_O What the -- ?? Bastos! I've never thought he's a pervert too.

"Eto maganda." tinanong ko yung personnel kung nasaan yung gown at sinukat to sa dressing room.

"Hindi ako mababastos nito. Lalong-lalo na sa kanya." Lumabas na ako sa dressing room.

"Baket? Hindi ba maganda?"

"You look beautiful, iha. What do you think Rex?"

He looked at me. "Maganda." Plastik. Ugh! I sighed in dismay. Pinipigil ko na lang ang sarili ko, at baka makagawa pa ko ng iskandalo rito.

"Kayong dalawa, you should try to be close to each other, alam nyo nang ikakasal kayo at magkakasama kayo sa iisang bahay..."

We exchanged glares at each other.

Never.

***

Nakaharap ako ngayon sa salamin, nakamake-up at nakasuot ng gown. Samantalang ang mukha ko, abot hanggang sahig ang pagkasimangot. Today, is the day. The last teenage day in my life.

"Marriane, wag ka ngang sumimangot dyan! It's your day remember?"

"Day ka dyan? Day lang nila 'to dahil sila lang ang masaya." I rolled my eyes. "Girl, don't be sad. Nasa labas lang si Lawrence."

"Huh? You mean --?"

"Yeah. Alam na nya. Hindi mo pa ata alam na taga Villa Francia sya bago sya lumipat sa school natin. I saw them chatting outside. Napansin kong medyo close sila. Friends ba sila -- Marriane!"

I didn't mind Abby's words as I heard na nasa labas lang si Lawrence. Lumabas agad ako sa kwarto ko at hinanap si Lawrence. Hindi ko naman makita. Niloloko --

"Marriane, you look exceptional today."

Lumingon ako at nakita ko si Lawrence. He looks hot today in his green polo and black slacks. "Lawrence. Sorry, di ko 'to sinabi sa'yo." He just smiled at me. He suddenly hold my hand and draw a heart on my palm by the use of his index finger. "Anong ginagawa mo?"

"Alam ko you're not confident in facing this thing, that's my lucky charm. That gives me confidence in facing some things that I'm not familiar with or not comfortable with it." He put his hand in my cheeks. "Goodluck. " Ahhh, hindi ko matakasan yung tingin nya.

***

Matapos nilang rumampa sa altar, ako naman. hahaha! I got my first step na, second, third, and then so on and so forth. I saw Rex from a distance. Wait, di kaya -- hindi... hindi sya yun. Hindi sya yung lalaking nasa panaginip ko. But katulad na katulad ito sa panaginip ko. Hindi, hindi. NEVER.

He linked in my arm and brought me to the priest. The wedding ceremony goes on.

Suddenly, he mumbled under his breath. "Kelan ba 'to matatapos? Nakakainip naman oh."

"Magtiis ka."

"Manahimik ka nga kung ayaw mong masapak."

"ANG INGAY MO KASI EH!"

They looked at me as I screamed and my voice echoed through the church. "So-sorry po. Ituloy nyo lang." Ahh! Sira ka talaga. Ba't ka naman sumigaw?!

"Baliw ka talaga noh?" He whispered as the priest continued of what was he's saying. "Sige, mangasar ka pa. Lagot ka sakin mamaya."

***

"Young man, will you take this woman as your wife --"

"I do." He smirked at the priest and the priest didn't know. Pati ba naman si father ginaganyan mo rin? Ang sama mo.

"Young lady, will you take this man as your husband --"

"She do. Kahit di nyo sya tanungin father."

"Kailangan sya dapat ang sumagot. Again. Young lady, will you take this man --"

"I really do." Cut the crap. Bilis father. Aiiissshhh.

After that, we wore the wedding rings and promised -- promised that we'll never ever beat each other's face. We survived this thing and tapos na. Hay salamat. Tapos na ang makulay kong buhay sa highschool. I just had been married in my seventeen years of my life.

"I pronounced to you, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

O_O Father?! Di pa pala tapos.

Without a word, he gave me a kiss. Well, it's just a smack, you know. But my first kiss was so, passionately. What am I thinking of? I took the tissue and wiped my lips. Eeeww.

Nakaakbay sya sakin habang naglalakad kami papalabas ng simbahan. Sumobra ang pagkalamig ko. Baka mahalata. God, please! "Baka sabihin mo, bumibigay ka na."

"Ba't naman ako bibigay sayo? Ambisyoso."

"Hindi kita pinagpapantasyahan noh. Ano ko, sira?"

"Siraulo lang..." I muttered.

"Ano?"

"Wala."

Paglabas namin sa simbahan, red roses petals scattered through the red carpet, I felt the red roses petals falling down in my head. I saw Lawrence at the shady lush green tree. Rex held my waist tighter, maybe he wants to get my attention. Papansin. I'm enjoying looking Lawrence here at a distance, wag kang umapela.

*Flashback*

"Marriane, you look exceptional today."

Lumingon ako at nakita ko si Lawrence. He looks hot today in his green polo and black slacks. "Lawrence. Sorry, di ko 'to sinabi sa'yo." He just smiled at me. He suddenly hold my hand and draw a heart on my palm by the use of his index finger. "Anong ginagawa mo?"

"Alam ko you're not confident in facing this thing, that's my lucky charm. That gives me confidence in facing some things that I'm not familiar with or not comfortable with it." He put his hand in my cheeks. "Goodluck. "

*End of Flashback*

Ahhh... his hands are so soft. What a sweet guy Lawrence is.

"Mukha lang lelang na ngumingiti-ngiti dyan." Lelang ka dyan?

"Ang gwapo pala ni Lawrence kapag sa malayo. Bagay sa kanya green. heheeh." I shrieked.

"Hah, di hamak naman na mas gwapo pa ko jan ano."

"Kapal nito." I smiled while looking at Lawrence, who was about to wear his green shades. Awww, he looks hot that ever! The Guy in Green. Love it. heeehh!

The car arrived and ready for us to go to our HONEYMOON?? God, I'm gonna die -- again. Are they pissing me off? I looked at the sky. "Papu... bakit ang sama nyo? Wala naman akong kasalanan sayo eh."

"Yah, sinong kausap mo?"

"Si Papu, baket?" He smirked at me and rode to the driver's seat. "Mukha kang loka-loka dyan. Sakay na, bilis."

I was about to ride at the passenger's seat when my mom yelled at me. "Yah, Marriane, dun ka sumakay sa harapan."

"Baket, masama ba ritong sumakay?"

"Mag-asawa na kayo diba? Kaya dun ka sa harapan." She smiled at me and winked her eyes. I just pouted. "Goodluck Marriane!" They all cheered at us. He's not defensive anymore, and he's smirking! May balak ba tong lalaking to? Malamang sumasakay na lang para dun sa pinakamamahal nyang sasakyan. Parang awa mo na please! I glared at them before we drove off.

My phone rang -- I mean, his phone rang. "Pakiabot nga." Ano ko, katulong? Grabe to.

He answered the phone and...

"Yeah, maayos po kami. Don't worry po. Yes po.. okay po. Si Marriane?" He looked at me, smiling smugly. What is he up to again?

"Kausapin ka raw."

I took the phone from him.

"Hello, Mamu?" She's crying, I dunno why.

"Mamu, umiiyak ba kayo?"

"Anak, nakakalungkot wala na kong dalagang anak." She's crazy crying out loud.

"Mamu?"

"Pero, dapat babae ha?" She went serious again.

"Ang ano?" Anong babae?

"Anak nyo!"

"Mamu?!" I pouted. He laughed while he was driving. Naririnig nya kasi yung usapan namin.

"Pero gusto ko lalaki eh!" His dad shouted. Isa pa tong daddy nya. Kaasar! Tumatawa pa rin sya.

"Manahimik nga kayo?! Wag kayong umasa na magkakaroon kami ng anak!" I quickly cut off the conversation. "Kainis!"

"Malay naten, magkaroon tayo ng anak. It's possible naman di ba?"

"Anong posible? Baka masipa kita papalabas ng kotseng 'to"

"Kung kaya mo." He smiled like a devil and has an evil plan to me. "Joke lang. Balik mo na yang cellphone ko, baka maharass mo pa yan."

"Loko. Teka lang, may tatawagan lang ako."

"Sino tatawagan mo?" Oozy ka ha?

"May sasakyan oh!"

He went back on driving. I dialed his number and called him.

"Marriane!"

"Lawrence.." He suddenly looked at me.

"Baket? May problema ba? Pupuntahan kita dyan." Wow, what a sweet guy. heeehhh!

"Wala naman." I was smiling like an idi0t here. "Hoy, di ba sabi ko balik mo na yan dun?"

"Sige Lawrence, nagagalit na kasi yung siraulo rito eh. Babye.." I hung up the phone.

He quickly grabbed his cellphone from my hands and put it on the basket.

"Matulog ka na lang dyan. Gigisingin na lang kita kapag nasa airport na tayo, okay?" He smirked at me.

Oh! I forgot to tell you, we're going on a trip to hell -- I mean, a trip to Hawaii [sosyal.]. Dun daw honeymoon namin pero parang di kami pupunta dun. Ang kutob ko sa Hongkong kami pupunta, kase tingnan mo, yung ticket, eh ticket yun papuntang Hongkong. Di bale, mapupuntahan ko nanaman ang gusto kong puntahan dun. Disneyland, here I come! weeehhhh!!! But, I'm still worried. What if there's something happened when we got there?

Wala naman sanang mangyari... between us.

Handcuff o9 - Beholder's Beauty.

Nakakainis. Akala ko pa naman pupunta kami sa Disneyland. I asked him at alam nyo kung ano ang sinagot nya?

*Flashback*

"Hoy, wag kang mangarap. Wala kaya akong pera na dala. Bahala ka pag nawala ka. Subukin lang nila akong sisihin."

*End of Flashback*

Alam nyo kung ano ginawa namin? We stayed at the hotel. Okay lang kaso, hindi ako mag-eenjoy rito. Nakakainis.

"Nakakainis naman eh. Dapat nagpaiwan na lang ako kanina." I mumbled. Parang may dala-dala syang box. I have no idea what's inside of it.

"Manahimik ka nga?" He revealed it infront of me. Yeah, I'm right. It's a box.

"Buksan mo." He smirked and gave the box to me. Tinanggal ko sya dun sa box and what did I see?

A lovely pink strapless dress with a white ribbon at the waistline. How cute!

"You like it?" He said in a cold voice.

"Yeah, I like it. Thanks. Pero bakit?"

"We're going to attend a party at the middle of the night, kelangan mukha kang elegante sa tabi ko. Dapat nga sa Hawaii tayo maghohoneymoon, pasalamat ka sakin kase may nagbabantay dun. Ayoko nga, masyado tayong hinihigpitan at saka sa west sumisikat ang araw. Di alam ni Papa na inimbitahan ako ng kaibigan ko na magstay rito sa hotel ng kaibigan ko at tsaka sanay ako pag sa east sumisikat ang araw kaya tayo nandito." Sabi ko sainyo eh. Talagang maingat ka rin ano? Kahit na sira yang ulo mo, may isip ka parin pala. I like that.

"Pero gusto kong pumunta ng Disneyland!" I pouted.

"Hindi tayo pupunta dun. Kaya manahimik ka dyan." umupo sya sa couch.

I think out an idea para mapapayag sya. Loko ka, ano gusto mo? Ikaw lang ang mag-enjoy? Hah!

"Sige," I took my phone at my pocket. "Tatawagan ko na lang sina mamu at sasabihin ko na sa iba mo ko dinala." I was to about to dial a number when he stood up and grabbed my wrist together with my phone. He got me.

"Ginagalit mo ba ko ha?"

"Bitawan mo ko.."

"Ayoko." Nakakatakot naman 'to pag nagagalit.

"Masakit." I winced in pain.

He let go of my wrist but he took my phone. Grabe tong lalaking to! Pagkatingin ko sa kamay ko, namumutla! Namumula naman yung wrist ko.

"Wag mo kong subukan Marriane dahil wala akong pinipili sa mga nasasaktan ko." he sat at the couch.

Hayaan muna natin sya na kumalma kasi kitang kita sa mata nya na abot sa pinakataas ang galit nya. Nakakatakot talaga. Lumabas muna ako at nagpahangin.

Ah, ang sarap nga naman ng hangin sa dagat. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam.

I was about to take my phone and -- oo nga pala, kinuha nya yung cellphone ko. Nakakainis talaga.

I peeked at the room and I saw him, standing and looking at the window.

"Hoy," Lumingon sya.

"Cellphone ko."

"Ayoko nga. At hindi 'hoy' ang pangalan ko." He looked at the window again.

I saw the telephone at the side table and took it.

"Dito ko na nga lang sila tatawagan." I dialed some numbers and he ran into me.

"Tigilan mo yan hoy!" Nasanggi nya yung side table.

Magkatabi lang yung side table at yung couch kaya, nahulog kami dun sa couch. "Aaaahhhhh!!!"

Guess what? He's on top of me. Our eyes met. Di ko pala alam na, kapag sa malapitan eh, sumobra ang pagkagwapo nya. Dang, he's so cute in this time ---

"U-mma-llis k-ka sa ha-rra-ppan ko.." I said in a small voice. My face flushed red.

He's still looking at my eyes. Mukhang di nya narinig.

Rrriiiiinnnnggg!!!!

Hay salamat. I sighed in relief. He do let go of me and I answered my very old cellphone.

"Marriane, dear, are doing great there?" It's mamu. He looked at me coz' he heard who is it.

"Ah, yes po Nandito po kamin ngayon sa..." His eyes narrowed at me that makes me afraid.

"Y-Yeah! we're at Hawaii na mamu. Ilang oras na kaming nandito."

"Mabuti naman, I just make sure na okay ka lang. Baka kung ano na gawin sayo ni Rex, lagot sya sakin." Hay naku, mamu... ang dami mong satsat. Kunin nyo ko rito at ilayo sa siraulong to!

"Sige mamu." I hung up the phone.

"Mabuti at nagkakaintindihan tayo." He smirked.

***

While I was taking a shower, I remembered what happened a long time ago.

*Flashback*

Guess what? He's on top of me. Our eyes met. Di ko pala alam na, kapag sa malapitan eh, sumobra ang pagkagwapo nya. Dang, he's so cute in this time ---

"U-mma-llis k-ka sa ha-rra-ppan ko.." I said in a small voice. My face flushed red.

He's still looking at my eyes. Mukhang di nya narinig.

*End of Flashback*

Yung mukha nya talaga, haaayy -- Teka. Hindi ka dapat nag-iisip ng ganyan.

"Screw you." I mumbled.

After I took a shower, I changed into the dress he gave to me. I looked at my hair and decided to put a little bit of curls at the ends of my front layers. I found a flat iron in one of the drawers and curved my hair. Tinuro sakin to ni Abby when we're at her room, then it came out nice. I suddenly looked at the mirror. Hindi ko pala alam na maganda ako kahit di ako magretouch. Even everyone's agree. [A/N : wala raw aangal sabi ni Marriane, talagang sira na ang ulo nito. hahah!]

*Flashback*

"Marriane, maganda ka naman ah!"

---

"Kaso ate walang nagtatangkang manligaw sayo."

---

"Ang ganda talaga ng unica hija ko!"

---

"Marriane, you look exceptional today."

*End of Flashback*

Mga sinungaling. Bawasan nyo panloloko nyo sakin.

I wore my necklace, bracelet and heels. Hindi na ko magmamake-up, make-up is nothing for me. Magmumukhang sira lang ako sa tabi nya. Di ko naman naintindihan yung sinabi sakin ni Abby kung pano ang tamang pagmamake-up. The usual. Nagpulbo lang ako at nagpabango, then nag lipgloss ako. Tada! Do I look good? Hay, ewan.

I saw him, standing and his head leaning to the side of the window. He was already dressed up and his hair was tousled. He placed his hands in his pockets as he closed his eyes.

He looks adorable and cute when he was like that. He was like an angel right now. Compare sa itsura nya kanina na mukhang halimaw, madaling napawi ng cute nyang mukha ang mukhang yun.

Nasisiraan na ko ng ulo. Kung ano-ano nang naiisip ko.

Lumingon sya sakin at ako? I was still drooling over him.

"Ano nanaman ang tinitingnan mo ha?"

"H-huh? Yu-yung bintana?" I said, dumbfounded.

"Ewan ko sa'yo.Tara." He walked out the room and walked through the corridor. Ang kapal. Yun lang ba ang sasabihin nya? Sabagay, ano pa ba ang ini-expect ko sa kanya kundi ganyang mga salita lang. Hah.

He led me to a nice banquet hall where many people are there, chit-chating and enjoying the wonderful night. He was holding my hand while walking to the red carpet. The room lit up with many crystal chandeliers, bongga ito. In the center, there was a huge chandelier hanging from the dome.

Someone approached him and greeted a pleasant evening to us.

"Pare, buti naman nakapunta ka. Long time no see ah!" They exchanged hugs at each other.

"Kase busy ka na pagkatapos mong grumadweyt."

"Musta?"

"Eto, nag-aaral pa rin."

The man looked at me.

"Anyway, si Marriane. Asawa ko."

"Hi, I'm Russel Mace."

"Nice to meet you. " I extended my right hand to shake at him. ^_^

"Sinabi nga rin sakin ng papa mo. Pero pano si Candy?"

He shook his head. "Nasa states pa rin sya."

"Seryoso talaga sya. Ang ganda naman nya. May I ask how old are you?"

"Umm, Sixteen."

"What? Di nga, sixteen ka talaga? I thought you're eighteen or something kase mukha ka nang dalaga." My face blushed. Sana hindi halata. Nakakahiya.

"Honey, nandito ka lang pala. Come on, let's dance."

"Oh, fianc ko, Jenny."

I bowed on her then Jenny took him to the center and danced with a soulful love song together with some of the couples dancing there.

"Tara." He suddenly grabbed my hand. I looked at him in shock, no in horror! He's pulling me at the crowd without asking me to go dance with him! Hah! It's really unbelievable. But I definitely not to say that it's unbelievable because we're already married and now we're sort of some couples dancing there. I have to get used to him.

I hate it!

He took my arms to wrap around his neck. Dinala na lang ako ng malamig kong pakiramdam kaya eto, my arms wrapping around his neck. I felt some shiver going up and down on my spine when he hugged my waist. I was actually near him and parang wala akong makita kundi sya lang. We started to move. He closed his eyes and lowered his head to me. Here comes the cute face of him. My heartbeat is running fast. I can't believe it.

I, Marriane Louse Santos married and gave a chance to dance with the hottest guy in the town, and that is Rex Carlo Lopez. I really hate it!

But what's to hate? Nobody gets a chance to marry him and dance with him. Dapat nga maging masaya ako, but hindi eh, nakaharap ako ngayon sa siraulong to. My angry was totally hidden.

"R-Rex.." I mumbled under my breath.

"Shhh... wag kang maingay."

Niyakap nya ko, sinandal nya ang baba nya sa balikat ko. I can feel his abs through his clothes.

"Sana ikaw na lang si Candy, sana."

Ano raw?

Handcuff 1o - Expected things.

Naiintriga talaga ako sa kanya, dun sa Candy na yun. Who is she? Tell me!

Pinikit ko na lang ang mata ko habang sumasayaw kami.

Nung natapos na kami sumayaw, he let go of me and ordered some drinks to be calm. Subukan lang nya na uminom, uupakan ko sya. Walang bubuhat sa kanya rito noh!

Nagpaalam ako sa kanya na pupunta lang ako sa washing room. When I got there, I washed my hands. I looked at the mirror.

*Flashback*

He took my arms to wrap around his neck. Dinala na lang ako ng malamig kong pakiramdam kaya eto, my arms wrapping around his neck. I felt some shiver going up and down on my spine when he hugged my waist. I was actually near him and parang wala akong makita kundi sya lang. We started to move. He closed his eyes and lowered his head to me.

*End of Flashback*

I touched the part where the heart is. The heartbeats going faster. Oh my God, what's happening to me? Malamig ang kamay ko. I must be nervous about it, kase it was really my first time to dance with a guy, kahit kailan talaga.

To get rid of this feeling, I screamed out loud. All the girls went out and looking at me, shocked and surprised.

"Miss, are you okay?"

"Ah, yes... I'm sorry." I bowed down.

I quickly went our of the Ladies Room and shocked to see Rex, leaning at the wall beside the door and his hands are on his pocket again.

"Anong nangyari sayo at nagsisisigaw ka dun? Nag-iiskandalo ka ata eh. Bumalik ka na lang kaya sa kwarto?"

"Mas mabuti pa yun, at nang makapagpahinga ako."

"Baket, hindi ka ba nakomportable na makasayaw ako kanina? I mean, All of the girls out there wants me to dance with them."

"Ugh, manahimik ka." I frowned at him. I stomped my feet while I was walking back to the room. I leaned to the back door and mumbling some curses under my breath.

"Kainis! Hmp!" I try to imitate his tone. "All of the girls out there wants me to dance with them. Ang kapal! Aiiiissshhh."

I changed my dress into a night dress and sleep. Itutulog ko na lang to.

***

O_O

S-s-si R-rex?! Wait, kanina pa ba ko yakap nito?! God, why are you doing this to me? Sinubukan kong makapiglas sa braso nya pero, hindi talaga ako makaalis, kahit nga makagalaw di ko magawa. T_T Ano ba to? Help me!

All I can see is his fresh white good angel looking face. Medyo gumalaw sya kaya nakaalis agad ako. Ooops! He got banged at the wall. I heard a loud thump.

"Aww! F**k. Ano ba?!" I stood up.

"Sinong nagsabi sayo na magtabi tayo sa isang kama, ha?!" I said in a frightening voice.

"Sila. Sina Mamu and Dad." He said coldly while scratching his head and brushing his hair by his fingers.

"Ano?" Wala kang karapatan para tawagin syang mamu! Loko.

"Nung dumating tayo dito, marami na ang nagpareserve ng rooms. Kung nandun tayo ngayon sa Hawaii, magkatabi pa rin tayo sa pagtulog. At saka wala na kong choice kundi matulog sa tabi mo no."

"Eh di sana natulog ka na lang sa sahig."

"Ikaw kaya ang matulog sa malamig na sahig? Malamang kakayanin mo. Nasa itsura na eh."

I mumbled some curses. "Baka kung ano na ang ginawa mo sakin. Waahh..."

"Akala mo, pagdidiskitahan kita? Hah. Wala ka namang binatbat eh. Hindi naman masyadong kalakihan yang -"

"Loko ka?! May ginawa ka siguro sakin ano? Bwisit ka!!" I was to about to kick his balls when someone interrupt my sweet revenge. "Room Service po." Kainis talaga. Mapapatay ko na tong lalaking to eh, may sumingit pa. Istorbo.

"Tara. Nagugutom na ko."

"Mag-isa ka. Magkukulong na lang ako sa CR."

"Bahala ka pag nagutom ka." He walked past me. Pumunta ako sa CR para maghilamos.

"Umagang-umaga eh... teka? baka may nangyari samin kaya sya nakayakap sakin. Hindi. Walang nangyari. Walang nangyari."

My phone rang.

"Hoy, Mrs. Lopez?"

"ANONG MRS. LOPEZ KA JAN?! Bakit ba?" Si Abby syempre.

"Ano, anong nangyari sainyo jan sa Hawaii?" Lumabas ako at umupo sa couch.

"Wala kami sa Hawaii."

"ANO?! TEKA, SAN KA NYA DINALA?" ang sakit talaga sa tenga yung boses nya.

"Shh. Wag kang maingay. Ikaw lang ang nakakaalam na wala kami sa Hawaii."

"Eh pano pag nalaman ni tita at ni PAPA?"

"Syempre ikaw na ang may kagagawan nun. Anong papa ka jan?"

"Wala lang, type ko lang. At saka magandang pakinggan. Dapat ikaw ang tumatawag ng ganun sa papa nya noh."

"Ayoko nga, nakakasuka." Ewww. Parang pinatay ko na ang sarili ko pag tinawag ko si Mr. Lopez ng ganun.

"Umayos ka nga Marriane, asawa mo na sya ngayon. Magbehave ka."

"Ano naman kung asawa ko na sya? Di naman kami close ano. At lalong lalo na hindi kami magiging close noh!"

"Fine. Magbabago din yan, baka nga isang araw makita na lang kita, deeply mad inlove with him."

"Hah, patayin na dapat ang dapat patayin noh. At sya yun."

"Sige na ho, Babye Mrs. Lopez! wheeehee!"

"SINABI NANG WAG MO KONG TATAWAGIN NG GANYAN EH!" I hunged the phone badly. In this morning, 2 persons pissed me off. That f**king Abby and that damn stup!d Rex. Aiiissshhhh. I'd better die right now.

***

After I ate the breakfast, I strolled around the hotel by myself. My phone rang.

"Marriane?"

"Lawrence! Kamusta ka jan?"

"Ikaw, kung kumusta ka na."

"Ayos lang." hay naku Lawrence. Kung ayaw akong kunin dito ni mamu, ikaw na lang. "Take me away from this guy." I mumbled under my breath.

"Huh? may sinasabi ka?"

"Ah, sabi ko, kamusta ka naman?"

"Eto, sinusubukang makahabol sa mga lessons by my tutor. Hindi muna ako pumasok kase wala ka." Huh?!

"What's your point about that?" You mean namimiss mo ko, Lawrence?

"Ikaw lang naman ang kakwentuhan ko dun sa school eh. At tsaka, all the girls approaching me everytime they see me alone."

"What about Abby?"

"Nothing just came out from her mouth." ano? Himala yun pag nangyari. But binabaliktad lang nya eh. He do misses me. Aminin mo Lawrence. wheeehe!

"Ah, my tutor was tugging me to go study, tapos na kase breaktime ko eh. Mamaya na lang, bye." He hunged the phone.

"Sinong kausap mo?" I didn't know that he was there, staring at me while me, I was smiling like a fool when I was talking at Lawrence.

"Wala kang pakialam."

"Meron. Kasi asawa na kita."

Tumigil ka. Walang effect yang pagmamalasakit mo. At least Lawrence can do that caring thingy. I'll smile like a fool again.

Handcuff 11 - The weirdest thing.

I sat alone at the couch, thinking about the future -- WITH HIM. Maybe he'll be a great husband when we get back home and I'll be a great wife to him. Maybe we'll be a great couple just like the ones there. Maybe.

"Dan dan da da dan --" I picked my phone at the center table.

"Hoy, 12:30 na. Magbihis ka na tapos pumunta ka rito sa may terrace sa taas. TEET. toot. toot. toot." He hunged it without any statement from me. Nakakainis ka talaga Rex!

I went to the bedroom and I saw the dress that he said. Bright color, eh? Orange halter dress with a yellow jacket. Wow. I touched the cloth. It was so soft, just like the hands of Lawrence. Damn, he's waiting, pwede ba?

I quickly took a shower and wore the dress. All the dress that he gave to me looks nice when they're at me. I really do have the ability to be a model, but I don't want to be a model. I've never wished to. I was tall enough to be a model, but I've never wanted to.

It was 12:50. I quickly turned my hair into a messy bun. At least I can be beautiful when it was a messy bun. With the heels, I dragged myself into the terrace, that is in 5th floor. Our room was in the 2nd floor when I should take the elevator in 3 times. Ang masaklap pa dun, di ako marunong gumamit ng elevator, kaya wala akong choice kundi gumamit ng hagdanan. That son of a -- THAT FREAK DID THIS ON A PURPOSE. Alam nya siguro na hindi ko kayang gumamit ng elevator. Damn him.

I saw him, kicking the wall. "Ba't ang tagal mo?"

"Tingnan mo nga, pinaakyat mo ko rito sa 5th floor nang naka heels! Ikaw kaya ang magsuot jan ng heels at umakyat mula 2nd floor hanggang 5th floor? !@#$..." I was to about to cry when he talked.

"Kaya kita pinaakyat dahil nandito ang kwarto nina Russel. Ayokong maghirap umakyat at bumaba para lang sayo no."

"Ano ba ko, di ba asawa mo ko?"

"Heh, I think out of myself that I was still single."

"You wish. Freak, look. You do have the wedding ring at your hand." I handed his wrist and looked at his ring.

***

After we strolled and drink some coffees, we went back to the hotel.

I took some shower, ate dinner and tried to sleep at the couch. Ayoko na syang makatabi ngayon no. I'm specific now. Baka may mangyari pa samin na hindi dapat mangyari.

"Anong ginagawa mo?"

"Matutulog. Obvious ba?" I pressed the pillow and led my head to it.

"Ba't ka dyan matutulog eh may kama dun?"

"Ayoko nang makatabi ka no."

"Hindi tayo magtatabi."

"Huh? Eh san ka matutulog?" I looked at him with a blank expression.

"Dyan sa couch."

O_O

Huh?! Ano raw? What the heck is he saying? You mean -- "Dun ka matulog sa kama. Mukha kang kawawa pag tinuloy mo pa yang pagtulog mo dyan. Alis." He pushed me to stand up and dragged me to the bed. He walked out and closed the door.

"Wow."

What was that all about? That b@stard's being nice to me was so strange.

Handcuff 12 - Embarassing Crap

Pagkagising ko, wala na sya sa couch. His baggage was already packed. I noticed a note at the center table. Mag-impake ka na, aalis na tayo. And nga pala, susunduin daw nila tayo sa airport at dederetcho na raw tayo dun sa bahay natin. -- Rex.

Ano raw? Bahay... namin? Hay, ewan. Dahil excited na akong umuwi, inayos ko agad ang gamit ko without eating breakfast. My tummy goes growling ang hungry for food. Nakakaawa naman tong tyan ko. Pumunta agad ako sa restaurant around in this hotel and ate breakfast.

I was about to chomped all of this food in the table when my phone rang.

"Dan dan da da dan --" I answered the phone. Istorbo. Gutom na ko eh!

"Kamusta ang 3rd day sa honeymoon?"

"Ikaw Abby, gutom na ko kaya pakainin mo muna ako."

"Eh di i-handsfree mo yang cellphone mo." May gana ka pang mang-utos eh wala naman akong ikwe-kwento sayo. Kinukulit talaga ako ng babaeng to.

"Oo na sige na para tigilan mo na ko."

"O sige, tell me what happened."

"Isang subo lang please?"

"Marriane naman eh." Sumubo ako ng steak.

"O, ano?"

Mahaba-habang kwento to. Tumingin muna ako from left to right to see na wala si Rex. Thank God.

"We stayed here in this f**king hotel. He gave me a dress for the party by night." I shove some steak into my mouth and slurped my drink. "I wanted to go to Disneyland but ayaw nya. Kinuha nya ang CP ko then I tried to call mom on the telephone here and he fell on me." Some shivers came out of my body. "We attended that stup!d party where there are many couples and were only the stup!d couple ones there." Magsasalita na sana si Abby pero binara ko sya. "He danced with me and slept beside me hugging me tightly." Feeling ko talaga magfe-freeze na ko dahil sa mga nangyaring yon. "He invited me to go stroll with his friend and pinaakyat nya ko mula 2nd floor hanggang 5th floor to see him and his friend. We drank some coffees alone and he walk me back to that hotel. Then that night, he let me to sleep alone to that bed and he slept into the couch out there. Okay na?" Whew! In-off ko yung handsfree.

"Wow, pwede ka nang maging story teller." I heard some familiar voice from my back. I was shocked to see who's at my back.

Damn it. It's Rex.

"K-kanina ka pa j-jan?"

"About a minute ago." What the -- I can hear Abby calling at me. "Marriane, oist Marriane!"

"N-narinig mo lahat?"

He freaked nodded at me. "What do you think you are doing, talking in your phone while eating. Tapos mo na bang iligpit lahat ng gamit mo?"

"Di p-pa."

"Umayos ka Marriane. I passed by to drink some water. I'll be off." He dashed off the restaurant.

"Marriane!!" Ang sakit sa tenga.

"Ano?!" I said, annoyed.

"Loka, kausap mo ko ngayon. Sino bang kausap mo dyan?"

"S-si Rex."

"Huh?! narinig nyang lahat?"

"Oo pero, hindi sya nagcomment about that." I sipped my drink.

"Eh di tuloy mo."

"Ayoko nga. Abby, magbagong buhay ka na. Wag kang mag-alala, hahanap ako ng lalaking makakatiis sayo. Maghintay ka lang." Without a word from her, I hunged the phone.

That will be shut up her for a while. Ang daldal ko! Ano nang gagawin ko? Baka isipin nya na isa rin ako sa mga babaeng naoobsessed sa kanya. GOD, I'M GONNA DIE!

Handcuff 13 - Transferred.

Umalis kami ng Hongkong nang hindi nag-iimikan. Hanggang sa pagdating namin sa airport. I gathered some courage to ask him out.

"Anong sinasabi mo kanina na bagong bahay?"

"Bahay nating dalawa! Di ba ang mag-asawa, nakatira sa isang bahay?"

"HUH?! You mean, TITIRA TAYO SA ISANG BAHAY NA TAYONG DALAWA LANG??" He nodded. What the heck. Is this some kind of a joke? Kami? Forever titira nang magkasama? Oh GOD, what did I have done to you?

"Hinakot nila lahat ng gamit natin."

"Ang sama talaga nila." I mumbled. He dragged his baggage and went out of the airport. He was searching for a taxi.

"Oh, I can't believe naghahanap na lang ako ng taxi ngayon." He mumbled under his breath.

"Hoy, wag kang maarte. Mabuti nga eh merong taxi rito sa bansa natin. Kung wala, mapipilitan kang sumakay ng jeep. Much better kung tricycle."

"Sanay ka kasi." He mumbled.

An awkward silence followed. But it already broken by my phone's noise.

"Dan-dan-da-da-dan --" I answered my phone.

"Hello?"

"Marriane, nasan na kayo? Pauwi na ba kayo? Susunduin namin kayo."

"Sige mamu, sunduin nyo kami rito --" He grabbed my cellphone. Parang walang manners. Kita nang nakikipag-usap pa eh. AISH.

"Mamu. Sige po. Si Papa? Pa! Bigay nyo na nga yung kotse ko! AISH. Di na ko makatiis. Pinapaayos pa ba yun? Nakakainis kasi rito yung sumira ng kotse ko eh." Nagpaparinig ka ba? =_=

"Mamu. Sige po. Babye. TEET." He gave it back to me.

"Wala ka talagang manners ano?" I said sarcastically and annoyed.

"Shut up. Susunduin nila tayo rito. Wag kang mag-alala dahil separate ang kwarto natin."

"Talaga? Mabuti naman." I said cheerfully.

We waited for them to come. We sat at the bench around here and waited. Suddenly, they came and we're on our way to our house.

"Kamusta ang bakasyon?" His dad asked.

"Masaya." He said, folding his arms in his seat beside me and looking at the window. Such a freak.

"You dear, okay ka lang?"

"Lagi naman akong okay eh."

We arrived at a two-storey big house. "Wow. Ang ganda." I blurted out, while looking from the gate up to the roof. Dito ba kami titira? Kaming dalawa lang tapos malaki yung bahay? Wow.

I quickly entered the house like a kid and looked at it's interior. Wow. Spring version. Yellow and Green, I like that. I went upstairs to look at the rooms. Three rooms? Eh para kanino naman yung isa? You mean, may kasama kami rito?

I entered the 1st room. Wow. Is this my room? It's so big! It's like the size of our small house dun sa probinsya! All of my things are already arranged, and it has a window.

I entered the 2nd room. Wow, ang cute! Teka, maraming stuff toys? Maraming teddy bears? What's this suppose to mean?

I entered the 3rd room. So this is his room. Talagang panlalaki. I saw the pictures. Wow, sya ba to? Ang cute naman nya rito! So, this is her sister? And... Candy? I saw a sunset rectangular frame hanging at the wall. Wow. Ang ganda. Look, it has a window too.

"Pero mas malaki yung bintana nya kaysa sakin. Ang daya." I pouted. Sana mahulog sya dun. hahah. Basta pagdating sa kanya, masama ako.

"Ano, maganda?" I spun my head and saw that b@stard, folding his arms, leaning against the entrance of his room.

"Maganda. Pero mas maganda yung sakin noh."

"Weh. Ang sabihin mo, inggit ka dahil mas malaki yung bintana ko kaysa sa bintana mo noh." He went towards the king size bed and sat down. In just 3 seconds, I've got explode.

"MAHULOG KA SANA DYAN SA BINTANA!!" I screamed and walked out kasabay ang malakas na *blag!* sa pintuan.

"Bwisit. Nagpapainggit ka pang loko ka!" I said as I was entering my room followed by a loud *blag!* at the door. I sat at the study chair.

One for Rex. Zero for Marriane.

"Dan-dan-da-da-dan --" I answered the phone.

"Ang bilis mo namang mainis." He laughed.

"Sapakin kita dyan eh~"

"Hay, ang sarap mo tuloy pagtripan." He laughed again.

"Tumigil ka nga. TEET." I hunged my phone and put it in the study table. Looks like papaalis na sila mamu. I peeked at the window and saw them, entering the car and drove away.

"Psst." I looked at my left as I was peeking at the window. Paupo-upo pa sya dyan sa bintana. Sana mahulog ka.

"Galit ka pa?" He smirked. I glared at him. "Sana mahulog ka dyan."

"You wish." I closed my window and sat at the chair. I cocked my head through the table and touched my head.

"Dan-dan-da-da-dan --" Ang kulit. Hindi ko kayang pigilin ang galit ko sa lalaking to. Yeah, I answered it with an annoyed expression.

"ANO BANG PRO --"

"Marriane."

"L-Lawrence. Sorry kung nasigawan kita. Yung bwisit na Rex na yun." I lowered my voice to him.

"Bakit? May ginawa ba sya sayo?"

"W-wala." I was shocked to heard that. He's worried about me.

"Loko talaga yung lalaking yun. Sige, pag nakita ko sya, lagot sya sakin."

"Hindi na, binanatan ko na eh." We laughed.

"Sige, pupunta na lang ako dyan sa bago nyong bahay. TEET. toot. toot. toot." I hunged the phone and put it at the table. He will be here?

"Hoy, Alis muna ako. Bantayan mo tong bahay." He shouted. Whew, buti naman at aalis ka na. I opened the door and he was standing towards me. Ang tangkad nga talaga nya. Kailangan ko pang itaas ang baba ko para lang makita sya. He lowered his head and our eyes met. Here's this strange feeling again. Hmm.. ang bango nya. Loko. Ano ba tong naiisip ko?

"Masakit sa mata, pwede ba."

"Eh nakaharang ka kasi sa daan." He moved beside the wall and I looked at him.

His rosy cheeks got burned.

"What?" He looked at me with a blank expression.

"N-namumula ka." Then I bursted out some laughs. He touched his cheeks and got embarassed. "Pwede ba --" Binara ko sya ng tawa ko.

One for Rex. One for Marriane. heeheeh. I won this time.

Handcuff 14 - Unexpectedly Roles.

"Aalis na ko." He went downstairs.

He's such a loser. AISH. I can't imagine it how my life is going to be UNDERGROUND. In this game -- I mean, real game... He'll gonna be the POLICE and I'm gonna be a PRISONER of his. How can it be? It should be, I'm the POLICE and he's the PRISONER. But it's hard to imagine.

Because he's acting like a POLICE and I was acting like a PRISONER of his. Why can't I be the POLICE and he's the PRISONER of mine? Aigoo.. nagmixed-up nanaman ang words ko. Hay, ewan. *sigh*

Someone knocked at the door. "Lawrence, ang bilis mo." I said as I was closing the door. "Nandun lang ako sa kanto. Iniintay ko sya na makaalis." Mautak ka rin ano? Akala ko ba close kayo?

"Upo ka." He sat down on the couch. He looked around. "Ang laki nga ng nabili ni uncle."

"Hmm. Bakit ganto yung binili ng papa nya eh kami lang naman ang titira dito. Uhh, wala kang gagawin?"

"Wala. Bakit?"

"Pwede mo ba akong tulungan sa pagbitbit ng iba kong gamit?" I touched my baggage.

"Sure."

***

After nya kong matulungan, gabi na pala. "Sige, alis na ko. Gabi na eh."

"Sige. Goodnight."

"Goodnight din." He made his sweet smile again. His killer smile.... AHHH! Ayun, umalis na sya gamit yung black convertible nya.

***

"May pagkain na?"

"Wala. Wala kayang laman yung ref no?" I said sarcastically.

***

He led me to a supermarket. Here I am, pushing a cart na parang may anak. Sya, kuha lang sya ng kuha ng makakain. Parang sya ang magbabayad nito ah. "Wag kang mag-alala, hati tayo sa pagbayad. Para naman may laman yung ref sa bahay." Mabuti naman.

Lahat ng tao nakatingin samin tapos yung iba, naglalaway. Ewww... All of the girls there gave me a shot of glares. Ayoko na sa tabi mo! Hanggang makarating kami sa counter, ayun. Pati mga cashiers, iniisnab ako. Ito namang cashier na to, nakatulala lang kay Rex.

"Bakit?" He said sternly. Rex, babae rin yan. "Ay, sorry po. Ang total po eh, Php 1, 857.75." I was about to open my wallet when he took my wallet and took his credit card. "Tumatanggap ba kayo ng credit card?" The cashier's eyes turned into a peso sign.

"Ah, opo. Akin na po sir." Kinuha nya yung credit card tapos ipinasok sa machine. "Akin na yung wallet ko." Binigay nga nya pero, wala nang laman. "Di ba dapat kalahati lang ang kunin mo? Bakit lahat kinuha mo?"

"Dahil ako na ang magbabayad. Babayaran kita kapag nagtransfer na si papa ng pera sakin." Nakatingin samin yung cashier and her jaw dropped. "Tapos na ba?"

"Ah, eto na po. Thank you, come again." Kinuha nya yung credit card, yung resibo pero hindi yung pinamili namin. "Hoy, tulungan mo naman ako."

"Ikaw ang magdala nyan. Maglakad na lang tayo. Puno ang bus ngayon at saka, ayokong sumakay dun." He said as he was walking downtown. I stared at his back in dismay. Ang sama talaga nya! Pagdalhin ba naman ako ng pinamili nya?! Ang kapal!

***

Binagsak ko yung mga plastic bags dun sa mesa at umupo sa upuan. Ang bigat! "Magluto ka na."

HUH?! O_O

My jaw dropped. Ano?

"Pagkatapos mo kong pagdalhin ng mga pinamili mo tapos ako ang magluluto? Rex naman, pagod na ko kalalakad mula dun sa supermarket na yun hanggang dito at dala dala yang mga plastic na yan na sobrang bigat. Di ka ba naaawa --"

"I'm just joking." He said, his smirk wide as ever. I sighed. "You look like my sister." Mabuti alam mo.

He paused before he could say anything. "Ganto pala pag may asawa ka na noh."

"Mabuti at nang maranasan mo.." Then I walked upstairs.

Handcuff 15 - Great.

Pagbaba ko, naamoy ko yung niluluto nya. "Wow, ang bango ah!"

"Nag-aral ata ako ng pagluluto no."

"Talaga? Pwede patikim?"

"Ayoko."

"Ang daya mo." I said as I was walking through the kitchen and washed my hands. I looked at what in the caserole. "Wow. Sinigang. Siguraduhin mo na maasim talaga yan ah!"

"Gusto mo kasing asim ng mukha mo?"

"Loko." I took the plates, glass, forks and spoons and placed it in the table.

Meanwhile...

"Pwede ko bang itanong kung sino si Candy?" I leaned at the wall while he was still mixing up. "She's nothing, so shut up." He took the other ingredient and poured it to the pan. "Please?"

"Whenever I said NO, NO." He replied simply. "Makapal na nga ang mukha, suplado pa. Tch." I grumbled. "Here, it finished." He handed the pan and he placed it in the table. We started to ate. "Mmm!"

"Talagang masarap pag ako ang nagluluto."

"Pwede ka na ngang houseband."

"Hoy, di ko pinangarap yun." He shoved his spoon full of rice. "But I'd wished to have a child with you."

"Gag0. Gusto mong maupakan?"

"Sige, kahit kelan." He grinned. "Teka, nakita mo na ba yung pangatlong kwarto sa taas?" I asked. "Hindi. Teka, ano ba yun?"

"Pambata sya eh. May stuff toys, laruan --"

"Isa lang ang ibig sabihin nyan." He interrupted me to talk.

"What?"

"Mukhang iniisip nila na magkakaroon tayo ng anak." Nababaliw na ba sila? "Nahawa sila sayo. Pati ulo nila, sira na rin."

***

After naming kumain...

"Maghugas ka."

"Ako? Maghuhugas?"

He nodded. "Ako nang nagluto, kaya ikaw naman ang maghugas."

"Fine." He stood up and went upstairs.

During washing the dishes, napaisip ako. Yeah, he can be a great husband, and I can be a great wife. How if we can be MOM and DAD? NO. No, no, no, no. Imposible na magkaroon kami ng anak. How about that 3rd room that is obviously owned by a child? Aish. Sira na ulo nila. Expecting us having a child. Pero nitong unang pagtira namin ng magkasama sa bahay na to, is so GREAT. Pwede na kaming bigyan ng award. hahaha.

Pero bukas, hindi na. May pasok na eh. Sa ibang school sya nag-aaral eh. Sana ganto kami lagi. Sana.

Handcuff 16 - Child.

CLASS DISMISSED.

"So, kamusta ang buhay may asawa? Masaya?" Abby said while putting her notebook in her bag.

"Masaya? Tch. Makatiis ka kaya na gawin kang katulong ng asawa mo?" I frowned. We walked out of the room and went towards the girl's locker room.

"Rex can't do things like that." She said as she was opening her locker. I was about to open my locker when I stopped and looked at her in disbelief.

"Hay nako. Kung mararanasan mong maging asawa nya, para ka talagang nasa impyerno at kasama ang isang tulad nya."

"Because you're not so nice to him. Kaya sya ganun."

"Sus, kahit maging mabait ako sa kanya, walang magbabago no." We quickly went out of the locker room and went out of the school grounds. Then we saw him. Yeah, he's waiting for his wife.

"Hi Rex~" He smiled at her. Looks like kakagaling rin lang sya sa school. She lightly pushed me towards him. "Ano ba?"

"Sige alis na ko." She grinned and walked away.

"Tara." He grabbed my hand. I tried to grip off on him but, he is really strong. I admit that.

"Ano bang problema mo at san mo nanaman ba ko dadalhin?"

"Dumerecho raw tayo dun sa bahay namin sabi ni papa. May sasabihin raw."

"At ikaw naman eh, nagpapauto dun."

"Malay mo ibigay na yung kotse kase importante. Pag hindi ko yun nakuha, papatayin kita."

"You wish."

***

AISH. Ewan. Here I am, Rex is dragging me through our parents for that crap announcement. Then my face went brighter when I saw this lovely cute little girl. Mamu and his father are sitting at the couch while someone went out of the room. She's about 20+. She sat next to my mom.

"Take your seat guys." We took our seat and they noticed that he was holding my hand. I quickly pulled my hand out of his hand and put it in my back while he shoved his hand in his pocket and looked at the ceiling. I was pretending looking at the corners. Looks like I'm starting to get redder.

"Kaya namin kayo napatawag dahil sa mahalagang announcement. A newlywed like you doesn't like a newlywed, isn't it?"

We looked them, puzzled while knowing the announcement. "We don't want to make you surprise but, I'll tell you later." HAY. Ano nanaman ba ang balak nila ha?

"Anyway, she's Andrea." She extended her right hand to shake with me and turned to Rex. Looks like hindi tumalab ang charm mo sa magandang babae na to ah. Himala.

"And she's Camille." He referred to the little girl that brighten my face.

"Good Afternoon po." She smiled. Aww, she's cute when she smiles like that.

"Hi Camille, I'm Ate Marriane. How old are you?"

"4 years old po." Ang cute!

"Umm, Aling Celia, ilabas mo nga muna tong si Camille kase mag-uusap kami."

"Yes po sir." Then the maid approached her and took her out.

"Bakit nyo po sya pinalabas?" Something's fishy is happening. Rex, may nangyayari na di natin alam. O, baka alam nya rin?

"We wanna tell you something important, remember? Go ahead, Andrea." He let Andrea to speak up.

"I'm her mother. And I have to work in London for her. I want to have a favor from you two." Huh? You mean, anak nya yun? Kaya pala magkamukha sila. Pero di halata.

"What favor?" We two looked at her with a blank expression.

"Can you look after her?" She said solemly. We're still puzzled about what was her point.

"I mean, can you be her parents permanently?"

Whhaattt?! Ano?! Are you insane?

Handcuff 17 - Being a PARENT.

"I have no time to look after her because I'm whole day in my work at London. So please?" She begged.

We looked at each other. "TAYO?" Then we looked at her. "MAGIGING MAGULANG NIYA?"

"Oo, Rex. So, kaya nyo ba?" He asked infront of us.

He stood up. "Ayoko nga."

"Mas lalo naman ako noh." I said while crossing my arms at my chest and acting arrogantly.

"Bahala ka pag di mo nakuha ang kotse mo. Malaki ang possibilities na pag naayos yun, malaking pera yun." He reassured para mapa-oo nya si Rex.

"Pa naman, wag nyo namang ibenta. Alam nyo naman na kung gaano ko kamahal yung kotse na yun noh." He begged. You have to kneel at them para maibigay na yung bwisit mong kotse. Paharang harang kasi sa daan tapos nagkataong masama pa yung mood ko nung nagawa ko yung krimen na yun. [Ako pa yung nanisi, as if ako naman yung gumawa ng krimen. hahah.]

"Eh dapat gawin mo ang pinagagawa ko." Mr. Lopez said calmly.

"Pa naman?! Nagbibiro ka lang naman di ba?" He said, raising his tone.

"Mukha ba kong nagbibiro ha? Mabebenta ko talaga yun. Kilala mo ko. Ano?"

"Ano ba yan. Mamu naman, wala na ba kayong awa?"

"Tapos na ang usapan na to." Mamu stood up. "Iuwi nyo na si Camille sa bahay ninyo. Aalis na ko." Then she walked out.

"Mamu! Ugh, kainis talaga!" I frowned. Ang sasama nyo!

"Please, take care of her. I will be back when my contract there finished already." I have no choice but to agree on her. I forced him to make a promise at Andrea. She glanced at her watch and looked suprisingly. "I have to go now, 5:30 PM was the flight of the plane. Please do take care of her." She bowed down and bid goodbye to us. Then she approached Camille to say her goodbyes for the child. When Andrea drove off by the taxi, I saw Camille's face, and I can't explain the expression in her face. Sucks.

I approached her as she was looking at the back of the taxi that her mom was actually riding on it. "Okay ka lang?" She nodded. I knelt down to my knees and sat so that I can reach her height. This will gonna be hard...

"Uh, Camille," She looked at me. "Uhh, for now, can I be your mother for now?"

"I miss mommy. Daddy." She said and lowered her head as she was playing her teddy bear. Rex walked towards us. "Seryoso ka ba? Iuuwi mo yan dun?" He whispered.

"Alangan naman kung saan yan titira, nakaalis na yung mama nya. Naka-oo na tayo, diba? At saka, mukhang sa kanya nga yung kwarto." I replied in a icy tone.

He headed towards Camille and sat next to me. "What's your name? Can daddy know it?"

"You're not my daddy!" She ran away.

"Rex, anong ginawa mo?"

"Wala kaya. Mahihirapan tayo sa batang yun. Wag na natin kunin." He stood up. "Anong gusto mo? Inaasahan tayo ng mama nya. Let's look for her." We separated ways to find Camille. Then I find her under the shady lush tree, sitting and crying. I aproached to her. "Camille?"

Her heads' burying under her arms, cocking her head at her knee. I sat next to her. "You look like me." I said solemly. She raised her head and looked at me with her teary eyes. "Huh?"

"When I was young, I used to cry in a shady tree like this because I miss my father."

"Huh?"

"My dad passed away. For me, giving me shade by a tree gives me comfort. Then suddenly, after I cried, I saw myself smiling. Ikaw? Ba't ka umiiyak?"

"I miss my daddy too."

"Huh?"

"Wala na rin po si papa."

"Oh..." Rex saw us. He sat beside her. "Pwede na ba tayo umuwi?"

"Let's try to explain things to her." I whispered to him, then I looked at Camille and started to explain. I scoffed. "Camille, we will be your parents permanently. I'll be your mama," I pointed at him. "And he will be your permanent papa. Can you help us?"

"I don't think so, ate Marianne." She shook her head. "We'll be a great family. Me, you and him. Are you not happy?" She didn't respond. "Sheeshh. Ewan ko sa batang yan. Umuwi na nga tayo.." He dragged me and I looked at him. "Siraulo ka ba? You're not caring for the child."

We started walking when I heard her voice. "Mama? Papa?" We spun our heads and looked at her. She stopped from crying but still, her eyes are teary then. "Ano?"

"Pwede ko kayong tulungan." She smiled.

Handcuff 18 - Rules.

She was not still happy until we reached the house. "What's wrong? Hindi mo gusto tong bahay?" She shaked her head saying 'no'. He took something from his pocket and lend his hands to her. A candy popped out in his hands. "Want candy?"

She happily took the candy and ate it. "See? Candy can cure kids like her." He said to me while putting his hand at her head.

"Mama, Papa." We looked at her. "Do you love each other?" ??

"Bakit mo natanong?"

"If you don't love each other, then I can't be your child." What is she talking about?

"Of course we love each other. That's why you called us papa and mama."

"Then prove it." She proudly said. I can't get her. I really can't get her.

"Ang tang@ mo kasi kaya di mo makuha." His lips turning into a smile. "Huh?" I looked at him with a 'what' expression. "We need to act like one." He smiled playfully. So that was her point. To make us her real parents, do whatever things that parents should do. ANO?!

They left me outside alone. Okay na kaya si Camille? Then suddenly, I felt something vibrated at my pocket, and it was my phone. Saying that there's a new message.

Hey. May time ka ba? Can we talk? -- Lawrence

Sorry. My husband and our child need me. -- Marriane

I quickly send the message to him. Wait, there's something wrong with my respond. Sorry. My husband and our child need me. WTF?! Did I just sent that? Gosh, I'm gonna be busted. Pshh. Tungak ka talaga Marriane. What now? Will he text back? Hope it's not. I quickly turned off my phone so that di ko mabasa yung reply nya.

Pretend that nothing happened.

When we're busy at Camille, he whispered. "Wag ka munang matulog. May unfinished business pa tayo." Ano naman yun?

***

After makatulog ni Camille, he dragged me at the backyard. He let me to sit at the swing. "Ano naman yun?"

"We have to discuss about how to go about in our relationship, lalong lalo na ngayong dumating na si Camille sa'ting dalawa." He said while leaning at the wall infront of the swing, his lips turning into a smile.

I couldn't help but laugh at him. "Anong pinagsasasabi mo?" I started to ask, but then I remembered that I was now his wife. And so, I hurriedly added another line. "Hindi naman mahahalata ng bata na arranged marriage tayong dalawa diba?"

He shook his head. "Hindi, Marriane. I'm talking about our rules in marriage." He responded in a halfserious tone.

"Rules? Bakit pa? Hindi naman tayo naglalaro rito, ano. At saka gumising ka, Rex. Nandito na si Camille. We don't need that." I replied with a frown.

"Nabasa mo na ba yung 'Rules in Dating'?" He asked me, as if I was missing out on something big.

The named 'Rex Carlo Lopez' actually read books? Kagulat gulat naman nun. "Hindi pa. Ano naman yun?" I asked him with a raised eyebrow.

He smiled sheepishly. "Di ko rin alam yun eh. Di ko pa rin nababasa." He said in reply. "But the point is, we have to prove that we can pretend to be her real parents."

Seeing no point in arguing with him since he was really stubborn in nature, I decided to give in. "Fine, gumawa tayo." I answered, starting to brainstorm on what rules we could use just to get it over with.

But then Rex started talking again. "I'll dictate them." He ordered with a grin.

Hearing that, I objected. "Sinasabi mo bang ikaw lang ang gagawa ng rules? No way. Unfair naman yun noh." I remarked, frowning at him.

"At bakit naman unfair? Me, I accepted the comittment at them coz' I want to have freedom. Ikaw, sumang-ayon ka rin. Kaya may karapatan ako na gumawa ng rules for us because in this reality game, ako ang defending champion." He pointed out. His grin turned into a smirk. He was probably going to start annoying me, the way he always did whenever he smirked.

"But I wouldn't be your wife if I know na ikaw pala yung magiging asawa ko." I reasoned, not wanting him to get the satisfaction of pushing me around. Akala nya huh..

He actually agreed easily. "Okay." He said, not wiping his smirk off his face. "Isang rule lang. Pagisipan mong mabuti."

I knew it. I knew there was a catch. Dinadaya mo ko ng harap-harapan, loko ka. "Hoy, bakit isa lang? Gawin mo namang tatlo." I demanded.

"Hindi." He answered stubbornly. "It's either one, o wala."

"Okay, fine. Isa lang. Pwede bilisan mo?" I asked him as I pointed to my watch. "Inaantok na ko at saka may pasok pa tayo bukas."

"Tatlong rules lang naman ang sakin eh," He started, raising three fingers from his hand. Then he lowered the two and stated the first. "One, you can't have other guys while you're with me lalong lalo na pag kasama natin yung bata." Then he raised another finger for each of the next rules until he reached the fourth. "Two, wag mong bibiguin yung bata. Bigay mo ang gusto nya. Three, you have to do everything I say."

Upon hearing that, I opted to complain. "Ano? Hoy, hindi ako robot!" I exclaimed at him with widened eyes.

But he, as usual, didn't care about what I said. Lagi naman diba? He continued to speak in a halfserious tone. "Failure to follow these rules will result to a punishment decided by me." Then he stopped and looked at me with a smile. Ang kapal. "Ikaw naman. Ano yung sayo?"

I opened my mouth, ready to argue with him about the rules he made but then he started looking at his watch. And so, I was reminded that I had to sleep early coz' we have classes tomorrow. I decided to just get it over with. I thought about what rule I could use to my advantage as his wife. And soon, I found it. "No bodily contact. Lumusot ka na lang pag humiling ang bata ng ganun. Magaling ka naman sa lusutan diba?" I finally said, standing up from the swing. "So, pwede na kong matulog?"

"The rules apply starting today. Okay ba?" He responded with his annoying smirk. I decided to ignore him as I was entering the room and went upstairs. I felt tired when I lied at the bed.

Okay lang ba yung ginawa ko na magkaroon kami ng rules? Para na talaga akong preso sa piling nya. Walang excemptions.

He's the POLICE, and I'm just a PRISONER of his.

Handcuff 19 - Annoyed.

MORNING.

I started opening my phone. Too good no messages nor missed calls listed from Lawrence. I straightly went to the bathroom and took a bath. Abby called me when I was drying myself with a towel. "Good Morning, Marriane." Abby greeted me sweetly.

"Anong nakain mo at nag-ge-greet ka jan ng 'Good Morning'?"

"Syempre, alangan namang sabihin ko na 'Good Evening'?"

"Then wazzup?" I said while brushing my teeth.

"Wazzup? Wazzup with your husband?"

"Umagang-umaga, sya ang topic natin. Change topic."

"Okay, wazzup with Lawrence?" I remembered what I have done.

"I'm so busted at him." I said in a small voice.

"ANO?"

"Nasabi ko yung hindi ko dapat masabi sa kanya."

"Na ano?"

"That I was busy with my chi-" Teka, Marriane! Don't spill it! But it was always blurted at mine. Why can't I have to be specific in this kind of this? Because it always happens accidentally.

"I mean, my things. Sige, mamaya na lang. Bye." Then I hurriedly hunged up the phone. I leaned at the door and sighed. "Marriane, why are you making things more miserable?"

I hurriedly wore my uniform because I glanced at the clock and it was 6:38 AM. When I opened the door, someone's standing infront of me. And that was him. He was only wearing a towel so his fine abs are being showed. In my entire life, I didn't see this things but, I saw these things. I saw him halfnaked so I screamed and covered my eyes since he was to about taking off his towel. Then I peeked and he was wearing a boxer short behind the towel. Thank GOD.

He suddenly laughed. "Bakit? Ngayon ka lang nakakita ng lalaking nakaboxer shorts? Nakakatawa ka naman."

"Umalis ka nga dyan. Nakaharang ka sa daanan ko."

"Nakaharang ka rin naman sa daanan ko eh." He smirked as I was walking out of the bathroom. But before he shut the door, he said something. "Nandun si Camille sa likod, nakaupo sa may swing. But at least you can join me here inside." I can feel he was smirking again when he said that.

As he shut the door, I threw my slippers at the door and mumbling some curses. "AISH. Siraulo." I took my slipper that I threw at the door.

Handcuff 2o - Random.

Nung nakarating ako sa school, napaisip ako. SAAN KAYA SYA IIWAN NI REX? I quickly texted him while waiting for our teacher telling him where to drop Camille. I received a message, hoping it was him. Baka iwanan lang nya dun yung bata.

But it was Lawrence who just sent a message.

Morning. What's that child are you talking about? Looks like mawawalan pa ko nito ng pag-asa sayo. -- Lawrence

That line repeated over and over again in my head. Looks like mawawalan pa ko nito ng pag-asa sayo.

Wait, is he -- teka, mamaya ko muna yun iaanalyze. Aasikasuhin ko muna yung tungkol kay Camille. I sent a message again. Biglang nagvibrate yung cellphone ko. And that was him who just made my phone to vibrated.

Nandun si Camille sa mama mo. Wag kang magwala. -- Rex

Sheeshh. I got relieved when he sent the message. The bell rang and we greeted 'good morning' our teacher.

***

When I was sitting at the toilet bowl, I overheard a conversation between a two girl. And the man that they've been talking about was so familiar.

"Ang cute ni Rex ano?" She squealed. Ano kamo? Pssh. "Yup. But, do you think girlfriend nya yung lagi nyang kasama? Di ba si Candy yung girlfriend nya?" The other girl asked. I've got strucked when I heard the 'Candy' part.

"Wala naman syang kasamang babae nung nakita natin sya diba?" I heard some zipper's opening. "Nung isang araw kaya, nakita ko sya na may kasamang babae, holding hands pa nga sila eh. Ang sarap sakalin nung babaeng yun." Eh kung kayo ang sakalin ko? Excuse me, nandito ang asawa nya. Mag-ingat kayo sa mga pinagsasasabi nyo. Ambisyosa.

"Di naman sya kagandahan noh."

Anger flushed towards me. I opened the door and the two girls looked at me. They got shocked to see me. "Sino ba yung babaeng gusto nyong sakalin? Kung gusto nyo eh, tulungan ko kayo." I straightly strucked to the two girls with a mock naiive tone and smiled. They screamed in horror and quickly went out of the girl's room. I headed to the mirror and cursed some words. "Kayo sakalin ko eh. Naku! AISH. Bakit ba ganto na mga babae ngayon? Masyadong selosa. Kung gusto nila si Rex, sabihin nila. Di nila ko kailangan pang laitin." I said while combing my hair.

I quickly fixed my hair and walked with the heels out of the girl's room.

***

The next day...

I heard some knocks at the door and some idi0t shouting. "MARRIANE!!" Sino pa ba ang sisigaw rito kundi sya lang? I irritatedly opened it. There was him, standing while holding a basket full of laundry clothes. "Ano nanaman yun?" I pouted.

"Labhan mo to." I stared at him with a weird expression. Then my jaw dropped. "Ako?! Maglalaba ng damit mo?! Ang KAPAL talaga ng mukha mo ano?" I said in a mockening tone. "Matagal nang makapal ang mukha ko. At tsaka ikaw lang naman ang nagsasabi sakin ng ganun." He threw the basket right at my lap. "Pagbalik ko dapat nakasampay na yan."

"At saan ka nanaman pupunta, ha?!" I put my hands at my waist. "At kelan ka pa nagkaroon ng interes na tanungin kung saan ako pupunta, ha?" He asked bluntly. "Aiissh. Ewan ko sayo." I grumbled as he was walking downstairs. He's so perfectly smartass. Kainis!

Handcuff 21 - Jealousy.

Haayy. Mali talaga. Look, hawak-hawak ko na ang mga underwear nya at nilalagay sa washing machine. Eww. Pero wala namang mali rito di ba? A wife can do any chores just FOR HIM?! Yeah. Tingnan nyo nga. I always did whatever he asked for. "..you have to do everything I say." That's the part of the rules. Kainis.

Camille walked towards me and asked, "Saan po ba pupunta si papa?"

"Ewan ko sa papa mo. Di naman nya sinabi." I started the washing machine switch. "Bakit?" I wiped my hands with a rug. "May tumawag po kay papa eh." We started walking through the living room. "Sino raw?"

"Candy daw po."

A cold wind passed towards me and I stared through spaces. S-si Candy?! Meron pa ba silang communication?! Paano nya nalaman yung number rito sa bahay? Nagkikita pa ba sila? O may relasyon pa sila? Aish. Ang daming tanong na kailangan nyang sagutin. Lagot ka sakin, Rex. Tatadtarin kita ng mga tanong.

"Mama, kilala nyo po ba sya?" Camille snapped me out of my thoughts. "Ha? Ah.. hindi. Maybe his friend or something." I blunted, making me fell at the couch.

***

I waited him at the couch until he came at the middle of the night. Mga 9:30 PM or something. "Nilabhan mo na lahat ng damit ko?" He sat beside me. "Si Camille?" I continued to be silent. "Hoy, ano ba? Tinatanong kita." He looked at me straightly in my eyes. "May problema ka ba?"

"Oo." I replied sternly. "Ano nanaman ang problema mo?" I headed myself to him. "Tumawag si Candy rito kanina," His eyes widened in surprise, and I continued my sentence. "At yung bata ang nakasagot." That makes him so much surprised. "ANO?"

I dragged him at the backyard. Tatadtarin na kita ng mga tanong. "Nagkikita pa ba kayo? May communication pa ba kayo? O may relasyon pa kayo?" I started to glare at him. "Teka, teka. Dahandahan lang sa pagtatanong." He frowned.

I quickly answered him. "At bakit naman ako magdadahan-dahan kung alam ko na niloloko ako ng asawa ko?!" I yelled, making the backyard shake. "Wag kang maingay, baka magising yung bata." He replied softly. "Pasalamat ka at wala rito yung bata." I shot him a glare. "Asan ang bata?"

"Nandun kina mamu. Alam mo Rex, punung-puno na ko sayo! Tumaas na yung galit ko eh. Gusto mo ikaw lang ang hari rito. Well, I don't think na makakatagal pa ko rito." My eyes went teary, and some tears are just staying there until I walked out of the backyard and headed my room, my tears are starting to fall down.

I took my phone at the bed and started to fiddling it. "Hello?"

"Hello? Sino to?" Yeah, I'm calling my prince, Lawrence. "Si Marriane to. May time ka ba?"

***

The bartender went back with our drinks. "Thank you." Then the bartender walked away. I started to drink. "Bakit? May problema ba kayong dalawa?"

"Sumusobra na sya. Lagi naman ako sumusunod sa mga utos nya ah! Tapos lolokohin lang ako?! Aish." I put down the cup angrily, and Lawrence looked at me in surprise. "Waiter, beer nga!" I yelled, making the whole bar shake. I glared at them. "Bakit nga?"

"Tumawag si Candy kanina sa bahay, at yung ba-- I mean, ako yung sumagot." Muntik na ko dun ah! "Teka, anong sabi nya?" The bartender gave me the beer and hurriedly walked away.

"Ha? Ahh, sabi nya eh, kung pwede raw makausap si Rex. Sabi ko wala sya. Tinanong ko yung pangalan tapos yun na nga. Si Candy nga." I lied. Obviously. "Eh bakit ka nagagalit?"

"Kasi eh, may asawa na sya tapos nakikipaglandian pa sa iba. Nakakainis di ba?" I formed a fist and my eyes are flaming. "Wait, are you... jealous or something?" I looked straightly in his eyes and my eyes widened. Upon hearing that, I complained. "Jealous? Ako? Magseselos?" I quoted him in a question. "Well, oo. Ganyan kasi kapag nagseselos eh." He replied. "Ahh, hindi naman sa ganun. Gusto ko lang naman eh, yung hindi ako niloloko ng asawa ko."

I was NOT jealous. Am I?

Handcuff 22 - Care.

When I came back, I saw him sitting at the couch and watching TV. My feet's noise caught Rex' attention and suddenly glanced at me. "Saan ka pumunta?"

"Wala kang pakialam." I glared at him and starting walking through the kitchen. "Di ba sabi ko sayo? May pakialam ako dahil asawa mo ko?" I spun my head to see him at the couch. "Manahimik ka na lang muna." I blunted and continued to open the refrigerator to take a glass of water. I was about to go upstairs when he stopped me. "Mag-usap nga tayo."

***

"You're losing your temper to me." He turned off the TV and headed to me. "As if you're losing your temper too, at sakin mo pa ibinubuntong." I glared at him once more. "Okay, let me explain this to you. Tumawag si Candy rito? Bakit naman sya tatawag rito eh wala na nga kaming communication nun? At ano naman ang problema dun kung sabihin ko na may relasyon pa kami?"

"It's just, I dont want you to cheat at your wife, while I can't." I said softly. "So, you're jealous?" He asked smirking, making me jump. "I'M NOT?!" I yelled, throwing my hand down from my face, exposing myself to his eyes. He stared blankly at me as I stared at him with a confused look. I think of a question that will make him freak. "At bakit ka naman nagpapaliwanag sakin? Di ba gusto mo naman akong magalit sayo, makita ako umiiyak?!" I can see my picture smiling evily in my head.

"Oo nga, bakit nga ba ako nagpapaliwanag sayo eh asawa lang naman kita?" Mabuti at naisip mo. Eh bakit nga ba ako nagagalit? Dahil ba nagseselos ako? "Look, umalis ako dahil pinapapunta ako ni papa dun sa bahay. Ikaw naman eh, hindi mo muna kasi inaalam kung ano talaga ang dahilan bago ka magwala." He stood up. "Matulog ka na. Inaantok na ko." Then he walked upstairs.

"Ikaw naman eh, hindi mo muna kasi inaalam kung ano talaga ang dahilan bago ka magwala." Heh. Ang tang@ ko talaga.

***

I can say na, hindi maganda ang umaga ko. Look, eto nanaman ang asawa ko, sumisigaw nanaman. "MARIANNE!!" Aish. Akala ko ba ayos na kami?!

When I opened the door... "Ano bang problema mo?" I scratched my messy head. Kakagising ko lang kaya?! "Iplantsa mo nga to." He threw his polo to me. "Hindi ka ba marunong magplantsa, ha?" I defended. "Wala na kong time para magplantsa nyan. Bilis!" I examined him. He wears so casually today. Wait, why? "Bakit ka nakadamit ng ganyan? Saan ka pupunta?"

"Somewhere." He answered sternly. "Bilis na!"

"Ah! Oo eto na!" I said quickly, plopping off of the way and practically ran back to my room. Then he walked back into his room too. I mumbled some curses during ironing his clothes. "%@!#$." Then suddenly, my hands felt something. Something hot that --

"AAAAHHHH!!!!" I quickly turned away my hand from the iron and kissed it. "OOUUCH." I pouted. Alam nyo na kung anong nangyari. Napaso ako sa sobrang pag-iisip. I think I should fry my mind now before thinking something else.

"Kundi ka ba naman tang@ eh, nasunog mo na sana yung damit ko." A familiar popped out at my back. Yeah, it's the devil himself, Rex. "Masakit ba?" He asked me in a teasing tone, making me feel irritated. "Di sana hindi ako sumigaw kung di masakit." I replied sarcastically. Camille walked in to see what happened to me. "Ano pong nangyari sayo?"

"Ah, wala to." Then Rex shoved his clothes and walked out, leaving me and Camille alone. "Teka, hindi pa yan tapos -- hay naku. Nakakainis talaga tong lalaking to. He doesn't care." I sat at the bed and still worrying about my hand. "Masakit po ba?" Camille asked, and I nodded in return. Then Rex came, wearing the clothes that I'm ironing and with a toothpaste clinging his hands. He sat next to me and suddenly held my hand. I sat there, confused and shocked.

Rex wiped some toothpaste in his index finger and wiped it right through my hand. "Para di na masakit. Ayos na?" He let go of my hand after that. "Ah, oo. Ayos na." I replied in a soft voice. Then he headed to Camille and said, "Camille, anong gusto mong pasalubong?" Then he smiled.

"Ah, cake po!" She cheered. Rex rested his hands through Camille's head and said, "Oo, sige. Ibibili kita. Behave ka dapat okay?"

Since when he was so sweet while talking at kids?! And not at his wife?!

He turned his head to me. "Alis na ko. Bye." Then he walked out. Wait, do he cared?

Handcuff 23 - Revelation.

My phone rang from my desk and I quickly answered it. "Hello?"

"Marriane." A male voice popped out on the phone. I bet you know who's this guy. "Lawrence. Bakit?"

"Free ka ba? Pwede ba tayong lumabas ngayon?" Huh?! what should I say, what should I say?! "H-hhuh?? Ahh, umm... AH! Sorry ha? Nasa bahay kasi ako ngayon eh." I replied in a cheerful tone. "I'm at your door right now."

---- O_O! ANO?! What the -- ?!

I quickly looked at the window and I saw him with his black convertible, waving his hands at me. What will I gonna do?! Nandito si Camille. Saan ko sya itatago?!

I quickly walked downstairs, and Camille's at the living room, playing. I quickly rushed to her. "Ahh, Camille, baby? Pwede.. dun ka muna sa kwarto mo?" I replied with a grin in my face. "Mama, bakit?"

"Umm... Kasi uhh.. lilinisin ko pa 'tong bahay! Look, andumi ng bahay oh. Umakyat ka na bilis!" I pushed her back to her room and when I got to her room, I quickly shut it. I leaned at the door and scoffed. "WHEW!"

Then I ran downstairs to open the door. "Uhh, hi. Sorry kung natagalan kong buksan.. keke. Pasok!" I led him through the living room and --- "Bakit may laruan rito?" He asked, holding a stuff toy in his hands. "H-h-huh?! Ah.. uhh.. Oh! Sakin yan! Yeah, yeah."

He laughed. "You're actually playing this stuff?" He said, holding his breath. Tsk. Loko, ano ko, bata? Pshh. "Uhh, no! Hindi ah. It's just, carebears are my favorite stuff toys. Nandun nga sa bahay ni Mamu yung collection ko nyan eh." I smiled. Then finally, he revealed his left hand with a bouquet of fresh red roses. "For you."

"Th-thank you. hehe. di ka na dapat nagsayang ng pera. Mahal na rin ang mga roses ngayon."

"It's just, namiss lang kita. Anyway, pwede ka ba? Kain tayo sa labas. Libre kita." Then he sat at the couch. "Uhh, sorry. di ko pwedeng iwanan tong bahay na gantong kadumi. At tsaka, lagot ako kay Rex pag iniwanan ko to ng madumi." And importantly, I CAN'T LEAVE CAMILLE HERE. Lagot ako sa mama nya.

"Okay. Tutulungan na lang kita." He smiled. Yeah, guys like him has many hopes. I felt pity on him. Ayokong namang palampasin 'tong pagkakataon na 'to noh! Pero paano si Camille?

"MAMA!" A female child voice popped out from upstairs. "Ano yun? May tao pa ba rito?" I turned my head upstairs. OH NO HINDI! He suddenly stood up from the couch and started searching where the noise was coming from. I put my hand at his arms, not letting him to go upstairs. "Wala! Wala yun." The noise was still there. Camille, manahimik ka nga jan?!

"No, parang may narinig akong boses ng bata." Then he pushed away my hand and started to walk upstairs. "Lawrence!" I followed him and... THE END.

"Sabi ko sayo eh. may bata rito." I looked at him in horror, holding Camille's hands happily. "Anong pangalan mo?"

"Camille po." Aish. I'm busted. Utterly busted. "Mama." That was the words cracked up my thoughts. He turned his head to me. "Mama? ANAK MO?" He looked at me, confused. "Ahh.. oo?"

"Bakit di mo sinabi sakin?" He straightly looked into my eyes, waiting for my answer. "U-u-uhh.. kasi.. sabi mo eh.. you're losing hope to me?" I grumbled.

"Ah. Never mind that." He smiled in return and turned his head to Camille. "Sino po kayo?" I stared at them weirdly. They look like the same. It was, Rex and Camille. Aish, he's Lawrence and not that jerk!

"Kaibigan ako ng mama mo. Gusto mo ng candy?" Camille nodded in return and Lawrence took something in his pocket. A candy popped in his palm. Camille cheerfully took the candy and ate it. Then Lawrence rested his hands in Camille's head and smiled at me. "Inampon nyo?" He chuckled.

"H-huh? Hindi ah.. iniwan samin ng mama nya na si Andrea." I lifted my head to him, who stopped from laughing and looked curious, suprisingly shocked about what I've just said. "Bakit? May problema ba?"

"Anong apelido ng mama nya?"

"Reyes."

"And-drea R-Reyes?" I looked at his pitiful eyes. Anong problema nya? "Oo, Bakit?"

"W-wala." Then he headed again to Camille and suddenly put his hand over her cheeks and smiled. "Gusto mong maglaro?"

Handcuff 24 - A family day WITHOUT the husband.

I stared at them in the swing, happily playing. Para silang mag-ama. Wow. "And-drea R-Reyes?" Bakit kaya nya natanong yun? Siguro naisip nya na talagang kaya namin na magkaroon ng sariling anak. AHH! Perverted thoughts. Kaya ko ba yun?! Eww. I won't be having a sex with him. NEVER. I'll just surrender my virginity to the real one. And what the hell, SIXTEEN PALANG AKO NOH!

Lawrence sat beside me and gave me an ice pop. "Thanks. Teka, bakit mo natanong yung tungkol dun sa mama nya?"

"H-huh? Ah.. Pamilyar lang kasi yung pangalan. Oh, nagkamali lang ako siguro." He opened his ice pop. Teka, may mali eh. Yeah. "..you can't have other guys while you're with me lalong lalo na pag kasama natin yung bata." Naku.. papatayin ako ni Rex nito eh. Teka, bakit nga ba ako nag-aalala? As if he was cheating too, di ba?

Lawrence and I spent the day with Camille. It was.. FUN. Nung naglalakad kami sa kalsada, may narinig ako. "..aww.. ang cute nila noh, sana pag kasal na tayo, ganyan din tayo." Hehe. Naalala ko tuloy nung bata pa ako at nasa tiyan pa si Marco. That was I'm 4.

*Flashback*

"Saan nyo gusto pumunta?" Papu asked, blocking our way. "Umm.. Dun na lang sa park!"

Papu brought us to the nearest park. I was happily playing with my dad and mamu was there at the bench, touching her tummy and weirdly talking to her tummy.

A lady and a boy was walking through the park and saw us. Then I heard what was she saying. "Aww. Sana ganyan tayo ano?"

*End of Flashback*

***

Lawrence turned his head to Camille. "Nag-enjoy ka ba?"

"Hmm. Thank you po." She smiled. Then he lifted his head to me. "Thank you Marriane. You two made my day."

"Huh? Wala yun. Thank you nga pala dun sa mga roses." Then he bid goodbye and drove off. "Mama, bakit ka nya binigyan ng roses?"

"Huh? Hindi ko rin alam eh. Tara na, baka makita pa tayo ng papa mo." Then we entered the house.

***

"Andito na ko." He yelled around the house. I met him at the door, taking off his black leather shoes. God, he look hot! Look, his casual attire looked messy but he look super hot on him! His blue necktie was loose, the buttons were unattached, where he can barely show his stomach. "May pagkain pa ba?" Then he headed at the kitchen. It was something awkward. Hindi nya ko inasar ngayon. Bakit kaya?

I followed him to show where's the left over food. "Ito oh." I pointed at the table. He sat down and I took the water at the fridge. "Saan ka pumunta?"

"I told you, somewhere." He picked up the spoon and starting to eat the left over food. "Asan si Camille? Eto yung cake nya oh." He asked before he passed his mouth to the spoon. "Tulog na sya. Napagod siguro." I stared at him for a while. His perfect dark mysterious eyes, his precious long black messy hair, his tan skin tone, and his oh so red and kissable lips almost worked out on him. I told to myself. 'Marriane, tama si Abby. Kahit may topak, mayabang o siraulo 'yang asawa mo, may itsura naman kahit papano.' I hate to admit pero, HE WAS SO HOT ALL THE TIME. Nakakainis.

"Bakit?" He slapped me back into reality. He was looking right through my eyes. "E-eh? Ah.. Wala. Bilisan mo. Huhugasan ko pa yan." I put my hand over the table. "Umakyat ka na, ako na lang ang maghuhugas." O.O Holy Whacamalli. "Hoy, ba't ang bait mo ata sakin ngayon? Nagsimba ka ba o ano?"

"Hindi. Aish, wag mo nga ako asarin. Matulog ka na lang." He dictated in a half-serious tone. Too bad, my body followed him, HINDI AKO. I just closed the door and lied to the bed, staring at the ceiling weirdly.

Handcuff 25 - Busy with what?

"Mama, mamasyal tayo bukas!" Camille pleaded. "Okay." I simply replied with a smile. Pero malungkot pa rin sya. "O, bakit? Pumayag nanaman ako ah."

"Gusto ko kasi, kasama si papa."

"Ah, sige ganto na lang. Pagdating ni papa mo, sasabihin ko na lang, ha?" She nodded. "Sige na, matulog ka na." She bid goodnight to me and walked upstairs. Napatingin ako sa wall clock.

Late na ah. Ba't naman ang tagal nya?

Sa sobrang kakaintay ko ng matagal, di ko na namalayan na nakatulog na ko sa couch.

Paggising ko...

"Kwarto ko to ah. Pano ko -"

"Gising ka na pala." I saw him at the door, at mukhang aalis nanaman sya. "Siguro sa kakaintay mo sakin kagabi nakatulog ka na dun sa couch."

I blushed. "Hi-hindi ah." Napatingin ako sa sulok. "Ang kapal talaga ng mukha mo. Ilolock ko kaya yung gate noh." I followed him downstairs. Teka, wag mong sabihing..

Binuhat nya ko papunta rito? Lalo akong kinilabutan ah.

"Aalis ka nanaman ba? Ano ba kasing pinagkakaabalahan mo?"

He stopped and looked at me. "It's none of your business." He retorded and just continued his steps. "Sungit. Tinotopak nanaman 'tong lalaking to. Hmmp."

"Ano sabi mo?"

"Wala PO." Talagang inemphasize ko yung po. Ano bang problema nya at nagsusungit sya sakin? Umagang umaga eh. Nung isang araw, ang bait bait nya sakin. Tapos ngayon, ganyan sya?

*Flashback*

"Gusto ko kasi, kasama si papa."

*End of Flashback*

"Uh, Rex. May -" He just disappeared from my sight. I sighed. Patience, Marriane... patience.

Camille appeared from my sight and just fake a smile. I tapped her head with my bare hands. "Mukhang busy talaga sya. Si tito Lawrence mo na lang ang yayain natin."

***

At si Lawrence nga ang kasama naming lumabas. Masaya, pero malungkot pa rin. Kasi di namin kasama si Rex. Napansin ko, kahit sa bahay, wala kaming imikan. Alis sya ng alis. Kahit pagpasok, nauuna sya. Hindi na nya ako iniintay.

Si Lawrence? Ewan ko ba kung bakit gusto nyang kasama si Camille. Posible kayang kilala nya talaga si Camille?

***

Nag-CR kasi kami nun ni Abby. Pagkalock ko ng pinto ng isa sa mga CR's, narinig ko yung usapan ng mga babaeng nagpapaganda. Si Abby, siguro ganun din, since hobby nya yun.

"Nakakainis talaga. Sarap sakalin ng babaeng yun." One of the girls said. "Sino ba?"

"Yung kasama ni Rex. Feeling. "

Ako ba ang pinag-uusapan ng mga to?! Paulit-ulit na nagpe-play yung mga salitang yon sa utak ko, hanggang sa binuksan ko na yung pinto dahil sa galit ko. "Sino bang gusto nyong sakalin? Baka pwede ko kayong tulungan."

"Marriane.." Abby mumbled.

Nagulat ako. Bakit nung nakita nila ako, hindi nila ako sinakal gaya nga ng sabi nila?

Mukhang alam ko na kung sino yun eh.

Handcuff 26 - Impossible Wish.

I found myself standing at the dumpsters. Mabuti na tong maitapon na agad kaysa intayin pa yung trak ng basura. After that, I turned around and I saw Rex hugging... a girl?! Not ordinary girl, but Candy!

I rubbed my eyes to know if I'm just wrong. But no. Him, the hug, the girl...

Standing there, staring at them lasted for a minute and I quickly dashed through the house. Tiningnan ko si Camille sa kwarto nya and she's now sleeping already. I walked towards her and kissed her forehead. "Ayokong masira ang pamilyang gusto mo. Mukhang imposible na ata ang hinihiling mo samin eh."

I can't take it anymore so I rested my head beside her and cried for what I felt tonight.

***

Nagising ako sa sikat ng araw. Nakatulog na pala ako rito sa higaan ni Camille with the same position I had when I was crying. I looked at the mirror and saw my red eyes. Ang sakit ng mata ko.

Napansin ko ring natutulog pa si Camille. Let her be bago nya malaman ang mga pinaggagagawa ng so-called daddy nya. Speaking of him, hindi man lang sya nag-atubili na puntahan kami rito ngayon. That jerk. Makaalis na nga sa bahay na to. Since hindi naman nya ginagawa ang mga pinangako nyang responsibilidad [na ngayon ay napapako na], ilalayo ko muna sa kanya si Camille. Nainis rin kasi ako sa sarili ko kagabi kung bakit ako umiyak.

I took Camille's baggage at her cabinet and starting packing some of her clothes that she can use. "Mama, anong ginagawa mo?" I heard her yawning.

Hinarap ko sya and looked her in the eyes. "Camille, baby," I sighed and continued. "For now, dun muna tayo kay mamu."

"Bakit po?"

I paused. Anong irarason ko sa kanya? *light bulb* "Kasi alam kong may mag-aalaga sayo dun. Kaysa dito, hindi ka naming maaalagaan nang husto. Baka magalit sakin ang mommy mo." Oh, thank God for light bulb moments!

"Magbihis ka na ngayon. Dun ka na lang maligo pagdating natin dun. Papasok pa kasi si mama sa school."

She nodded and starting to dress up. I showered, and dress up for the school. I went to Camille's room again. "Camille, tapos ka na --"

There he is. Ang magaling nyang papa. I felt an uneasy feeling strucked through me so I broke it. "Camille, tara na."

"Ba't mo sya isasama dun?" Naningit ang walangya. "At bakit may mga dala kayong maleta? Aalis kayo?"

"Obvious bang aalis kami? What do you think?" I glared at him. He pulled me outside of Camille's room. "Ano bang problema mo ha?"

"Anong problema ko? Ikaw ang problema ko. You're nothing but a liar."

"Ano bang pinagsasasabi mo?"

I sighed. "Let's just trash the rules. It has no use, anyway." I entered Camille's room and took her out. "Ayusin mo muna ang sarili mo bago mo kami harapin." With that, we eventually moved out of the house with our baggages. I suddenly paused when I saw his car. Nabawi na pala nya ang kotse nya.

I sighed. Hindi ko alam kung bakit mo to ginagawa samantalang hinihiling lang nung bata eh isang buong pamilya.

A dad, mom, and a child.

Handcuff 27 - Committing a Hard Crime.

Ilang araw nang patay ang cellphone ko simula nang nakituloy kami kina mamu. Ni hindi ko na alam kung babalik pa ba kami dun... sa bahay.

Ewan. Tutal, wala naman syang pakelam at nagpapakasaya sya dun... eh di mabuti na yung ilayo ko muna si Camille sa kanya. At ilayo na rin ang sarili ko sa kanya. Ano bang iniiyak ko kagabi? Walang dapat iyakan, okay? Wala.

"Ate, hindi pa ba kayo uuwi dun? Pang-apat na araw na 'kong hindi natutulog sa kwarto ko!" My brother complained. Hehe. Since nung nawala na ko rito sa bahay namin, ginawa nang bodega ang kwarto ko noon. Ang sama ni mamu, ano? Bale lahat ng gamit ko, nasa bahay nung gwapong nilalang na yun.

"Mama, nag-away po ba kayo ni papa?" Camille asked. Now the child's asking me. Help me out! "Parang... ganun na nga, Camille. Hayaan mo, pag... hindi na galit si mama sa kanya, babalik tayo dun." False words...

... for which I don't know if I'm going to do it or not. Aissh. Bakit ganito ang nangyari saming tatlo? Nung kalian lang, ang saya-saya namin.

I felt bored so, I went upstairs. Then my eyes averted to my phone that is lying on the bed. Mabuksan nga.

When the phone went on, I have this shape 'O' in my mouth again.

3 messages received. Read? Exit?

Read.

Come back here stup!d. We need to talk. - Craulo.

I read the other messages that is sent on the day we left.

Answer me. Come back here. - Craulo.

ANO BA?! SAGUTIN MO NAMAN ANG TAWAG KO O KAYA MAGREPLY KA! - Craulo. Lanya naman to. Ano ba?! - Craulo.

And the messages goes on. Puro ganung messages lang. Naman, makikiusap na nga lang, di pa masabi yung 'please'. Tsk. LOLO MO, SAGUTIN MO. >_< Hmp.

***

It's been a week since nung umalis kami sa bahay. Alam nyo kung anong ibig kong sabihin dun sa bahay. Napansin ko ring hindi na sya nagtetext o kaya tawag lang. Ang bilis naman nyang sumuko. Loser.

My phone rang and I thought si Rex yun... yun pala si Lawrence lang. Argh. Why do I have a feeling na naiinis ako sa sarili ko for not answering his? Any of it?

Sinagot ko na nga lang yung tawag ni Lawrence kesa isipin pa na naiinis ako. "Hi." He answered as I checked out the window.

"Hi. Musta? Pasensya na hindi na ko nakakapunta sa library. I'm just feeling down-on-earth these days."

"Alam ko." Napakunot ang noo ko. Bakit, halata ba sa boses ko? "Haha. Nakita mo sana yung mukha mo kanina."

Biglang may naghonk sa labas. Napatungo ako at yun, nakita ko si Lawrence. With his black convertible. "Pano mo nalaman bahay ko?"

"Kay Abby. Sakay na miss. Pero mahal ang bayad." He spoke at the phone while eyeing on me. "Magkano ba?" I asked sarcastically.

"Hindi pera ang kailangan ko. Smile ang kailangan mong ibayad sakin."

"Pano kung ayoko?"

"Pasensya ka. Limited lang ang pagsakay rito miss. Di mo ba alam na lilipad ako sa moon gamit to?"

"Ewan ko sayo. Bababa na PO." After that, I happily skipped out of the house.

***

"Kala ko ba lilipad tayo sa moon?" I asked while comfortably sitting beside him. "Naubusan ng rocket." He answered as he was driving. "Loko. Bakit mo naman ako pinuntahan?"

"May pinag-awayan kayo noh?"

Hindi na ko nakakibo sa tanong nya at pinagmasdan na lang ang red traffic lights. "Meron nga."

Tiningnan ko yung ibang sasakyan na gumalaw. Then I saw it. His car. REX?

But unfortunately, hindi pala sya yun. Ibang kotse pala yun. Akala ko, kanya. Okay, I admit. I TRULY MISS HIM.

Also, Lawrence's car began to move. I curled up myself and hugged my knees while my hair's flowing everywhere because of the wind.

Him, the hug, the girl...

Kapag naaalala ko yun, I couldn't help it but to cry.

And now, I finally realized... that I'm not just committed a single crime, but two crimes. One is the car. Two?

I'm not sure about this feeling. Looks like I'm committing a hard crime. And that is realizing that I now like him.

I hate myself!

Handcuff 28 - I admit.

"Marriane, anak. Hanggang kelan pa ba kayo rito ha?" Mamu asked as she was cooking and I was helping her cutting the other ingredients. "Oo nga ate. Baka nakakalimutan mo, nandun pa rin kayo sa kwarto ko." He said sarcastically as he was playing with Camille. Oo, alam ko.

"Di ko alam. Tapos na ko." I washed my hands. "Dun muna ko sa taas." I said as mamu responded with her hand over the air and I proceed to my brother's room. My body loosen up the the bed.

I looked at the Christmas lights blinking hanging at the window. Yeah. Christmas na bukas. 2 weeks na kaming nandito, pero hindi pa rin tumatawag si Rex. Ayoko namang tawagan sya. Baka sabihin nyang di ko sya matiis. Mabuti na yung mautak ka, nang hindi ka naiisahan.

My phone rang. Nung mapatingin ako sa screen, Craulo calling...

I slowly answered the phone in a small voice. "He-hello?"

"Hello, Marriane?"

"Rex? Anong nangyari sa boses mo?" "Hindi si Rex to. Si Russel Mace to. Remember sa Hongkong?" "Ah.. naalala ko na. Bakit ikaw ang tumawag?" "Si Rex kasi... naconfine sa ospital."

ANO?!

"Saan sya sinugod?!"

***

Hindi na ko nagsayang ng oras. Pumunta agad ako dun sa ospital at naabutan ko si Russel sa Room 213 kausap ang doctor na sumuri sa kanya. Sinilip ko yung nakahiga sa kama. It was Rex.

"Ano po bang nangyari sa kanya?!"

"Calm down iha. Boyfriend mo ba sya?" Boyfriend? Kelan ko sya naging boyfriend? Napaisip rin ako. Nakasal kami nang walang relasyon. Hay naku. Kaya nga arranged marriage eh. Toinks.

"Hindi po. Asawa po." Nagtaka yung doctor. "Alam ko po, nagulat kayo. But it's the truth." I showed him my wedding ring. "Ulcer. Hindi sya kumakain ng sapat that's why he suffered that. He suffered dehydration too. But he's safe now."

Napansin ko rin sa mukha nya na parang namumutla sya habang asikaso sya nung nurse. Why'd he do that?! Sira talaga ulo nun. "Maiwan ko na muna kayo." And the doctor walked away.

"Ano bang nangyari sa kanya?"

"Hindi ko rin alam. Basta pagkadating ko rito, tinawagan nya ko at puntahan ko raw sya sa bahay nyo. And I saw him dying. Napansin ko ring wala ka sa bahay nyong dalawa. What happened?"

I shook my head. "Kung di ba naman sya siraulo, matagal ko na syang pinatay."

"Ganyan talaga 'yang kaibigan ko. Napakaarte. Tinawagan na lang kita rito sa cellphone nya kasi alam ko kailangan ka talaga nya ngayon. Pano, ikaw na bahala sa kanya ha? Uwi muna ako sa condo ni Jenny. Sige." And he left. Jenny? His girlfriend, remember? Buti sila pa rin hanggang ngayon.

As I entered the room, I saw the nurse. Nakakainis. She's admiring my hubby! "Umm.. nurse?" She looked at me. "Ako nang bahala sa kanya. Tatawagin na lang kita." Yah, taken na yan noh!

As she turned around to the door, she whispered. "Damot naman nito. Hmp." She closed the door. Eh sorry talaga. He is actually taken na.

I walked towards him and sat at the chair beside the bed. "Nakakainis ka naman eh." I complained. I think I'm going to cry of so much worry. "Ikaw nga 'tong nakakainis eh. Ayaw mo kong sagutin. Kasalanan mo to eh." His eyes suddenly opened. "Nanisi ka pa." I rolled my eyes. "Syempre noh. Sino pa bang sisisihin ko kundi ikaw lang?"

I sighed. "Bakit mo ba to ginagawa? You made me worried." I asked him. There was a pause and at any other point in time, his response would have shocked me to the point of melting. However, the current situation was really different.

"Kasi naman, iniwan mo ko eh."

We pause there for a long time as I registered his words in my mind. He decided to break the ice. "Tsk. Eto lang pala ang gagawin ko para balikan mo ko."

Napaupo sya sa kama and I looked up at him whose gaze was on me intensely. I felt my heart skip a beat. "You responded well." With that, he pulled my arm and he wrapped me in his embrace. "I missed you so much." He whispered into my ear. That's when I started to hug him too. My final answer? No. I don't like him.

I love him. I wonder if he feel the same way too.

Handcuff 29 - Okay?

"So, okay na ba tayo?"

"I'm not sure. Baka gumawa ka nanaman ng kalokohan eh."

"Anong kalokohan?"

We heard a knock coming from the door, causing us to release ourselves in our arms. "Ako na lang ang magbubukas." I stood up and opened the door. It was Camille and mamu. "Papa!" Camille exclaimed as she passed my presence and rushed to Rex. He hugged her tightly. Nag-alala si mamu dahil di ako nakapagpaalam. Binilisan ko na kasi ang takbo ko after kong marinig na nandito sya sa ospital. Ayun, nagtext si mamu at sinabi ko yung nangyari.

Namiss nga talaga nila ang isa't isa.

"Musta na ang baby ko?" He kissed her head. "Papa, kaya ba kami umalis ni mama dahil nandito ka? Bakit may nakadugtong sa braso mo?"

"It's nothing, baby. I'm so happy na makikita ka pa rin ni papa mo."

"Hay, naku. Paskong pasko, wala ang papa mo." Sumingit si mamu, referring to his dad. "Dun sya po sa mama ko magse-celebrate ng pasko."

"Kaya pala. Ano, iiwan ko na ba sainyo si Camille?"

"Yes, mamu. Iwan mo na sya rito. Namiss na nga talaga si Rex."

"Eh pano ba naman kasi, halos dalawang linggo mo syang inilayo sa kanya. Ano, ayos na ba kayong dalawa?"

Napatingin lang ako kay Rex. "Hay naku, anak. Magbati na kayong dalawa. Alis na ko."

"Bye, mamu." When the door closed, he started. "Tingnan mo, pati yung mama mo, gusto na rin tayong mag-ayos."

I sighed. "Oo na sige na." I smiled. "Talaga? Then prove it." He smirked. "Prove it ka dyan? Kung ano-anong pinagsasasabi mo, kaharap mo yung bata."

"Okay fine." He smiled too. Inakbayan nya si Camille. "Pano ba yan, dito tayo magse-celebrate ng unang pasko natin?"

"Kagagawan mo kasi eh. Maipasyal sana natin si Camille."

"Okay lang po yun mama. Kasama naman po natin si papa diba?" I was touched to her words. "That's the spirit, Camille!"

Camille suddenly yawned, causing her to stop laughing. "11 PM na pala. Hindi tayo makakauwi. Inaantok ka na tuloy."

"Dun ka na lang sa couch matulog, Camille. Pero, san ako matutulog?"

"Oo nga noh."

"Eh di sa tabi ni papa!" Camille said and I looked at her. "Di ba po, mama at papa ko kayo? Kaya pwede po kayong matulog ng magkatabi."

"Pwede?" I looked at Rex who is also astonished but seem to be calm now. Naalala ko yung time na nakatabi ko sya sa kama nung nasa Hongkong kami. Wait. He's smirking. What was he thinking?!

Nabaling ang tingin ko kay Camille na talagang papasarado na ang mata. "Teka lang, Camille. Aayusin ko lang ang higaan mo."

Kinuha ko yung excess pillow at kumot ni Rex at nilagay ko sa may couch. "Goodnight, baby. Merry Christmas." I kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, mama, papa. Merry Christmas rin po." And she went to sleep.

"Matulog na rin tayo. Medyo inaantok na rin ako eh."

O_O

Bakit ganun? Kinakabahan pa rin ako? Nakatabi ko na sya sa kama, come on. Pero bakit kinakabahan pa rin ako? Baka kasi... "Ano nanaman ang mga pinag-iisip mo? Ganyan ba talaga kadumi ang utak mo? Pwede ba, wala akong gagawin sayo kaya matulog ka na rito."

"Pwede ba wag kang manumbat? Hindi ako ganun kung mag-isip noh."

When I lied beside him, I felt his warmth through the bed. Gaya nga ng sabi nya, wala syang gagawin kaya nakatalikod sya sakin. Also, nakatalikod din ako sa kanya. Hay... kailan kaya 'to matatapos?

"Gising ka pa ba?"

"Oo naman. Kakahiga ko lang, pwede ba? Ano ba yun?"

There's a silence between us before he speak again. "Salamat."

"What for?"

"Sa patience na binibigay mo sakin. Salamat."

I nearly smiled and faced his back. "Rex." But, he didn't respond. Oh, well. Tulog na siguro sya. Ang bilis nyang makatulog noh?

"Merry Christmas."

Handcuff 3o - Just NOTHING for him.

The sun shines brightly, almost lightning the room. When I opened my eyes, all I can see is him. Ang cute nya talaga kung matulog ano? Wag na lang sana sya magising. Hehe.

Naramdaman kong gumalaw sya kaya napatungo ako at bumalik sa pagkatulog ko, which is hindi naging effective. "Hoy. Bistado ka na. Gising ka na diba?"

"Hmm.. h-huh? Gising ka na?" I whined. He smacked me on my forehead. "Aray -- aww!" I touched my forehead. Magkakaroon pa yata ako ng bukol nito ah.

Napaupo kaming dalawa at napatingin sa isa't isa. "Nakatulog ka ba ng maayos?" I asked. "Hm. Kasi hindi ka na humihilik katulad nung una tayong magkatabi. Ang ingay mo kaya noon."

"Ang kapal mo!" I smacked his head. "Aray! Totoo naman eh --"

We heard a loud thump at the door. "Ano yun?" I asked as we rushed to the door.

It was Candy, lying on the floor and was lost of her consciousness.

"Dee?!" He exclaimed as he rushed to her and tried to recover her consciousness. Ang sakit. Watching them two makes my heart torn into pieces. "Dee, gumising ka! Candy!"

But she still felt unconscious so Rex carried her in his arms like a prince. Parang ako yung witch na lumason kay Snow White nito. He was about to ran away with her when I stopped him. "Rex, wag mo kong iwan." I said in a meekly voice.

"Pero --"

"Please." I snapped.

There's a silence between us before he speak again. "Marriane, sorry."

Door closed.

"Mama, *yawn* asan po si papa?" Camille asked as she walked towards me. "H-huh? U-umalis sya." I shook my head. "Babalik pa po sya diba?"

"Ah... oo. Babalik pa sya. Pero, baby... umuwi na muna tayo kay mamu."

"Pano po si papa?"

"Babalik naman tayo mamaya eh. Tara na." We deserted the hospital and took a taxi way back home.. in mamu's home.

"Marriane, sorry."

He.. just ran away with her. Anong magagawa ko?

I'm just nothing but a prisoner of his.

***

Gabi na at hindi pa rin ako lumalabas ng kwarto ko. I just felt crying the whole day. Parang.. wala lang sa kanya yung nangyari kagabi. Akala ko ba okay na kaming dalawa? Siguro nga... panaginip lang yung nangyari kagabi. I gave him several chances, but what just he did? He just wasted it. Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko. I continued crying under the piles of pillows para hindi nila marinig na umiiyak ako.

Ang sakit. Sobra.

I took my phone under the pillow and I dialed Lawrence's number.

"Hello?" Said on the other line? "Lawrence. Si Marriane 'to. Pwede ka ba ngayon?"

***

Niyaya ko sya sa isang bar para uminom. Walang-wala ako sa sarili ko nung mga oras na yun. Siguro nga dahil marami na kong nainom nun. "Marriane, tama na. Pang-anim mo nang bote yan noh." He said as he was trying to take away the bottle of beer from me. Tama. Marami na nga akong nainom.

"Hi--hinde! Ka--kaya ko p--pa nohh..."

"Dun na lang kita ihahatid sa bahay nyo ni Rex. Tara na." He stood up and tried me to guide my way outside. "An--no ba... hindi ko p--pa ubos-s yu--yung iniinom k-ko..."

Ipinasok nya ko sa kotse nya. I attempt to go out kaso, sinarado nya agad yung pinto. "Argh." Napasandal na lang ako sa sandalan ng upuan. At the time that he was now inside the car, I started to cry. "May... nagawa... ba akong... *sniff* mali sa kanya kaya... nya 'to... ginaga..wa?"

I felt my hand was taken by him. "Well, *sigh* that's love. Masasaktan ka talaga. And kung hindi ka nya talaga ganun kamahal katulad ng pagmamahal mo sa kanya, you have no choice but to set him free."

He started the engine and drove away.

What if I can't set him free?

Handcuff 31 - Shout-Out Confessions.

"Ugh, ang ulo ko... ang sakit." I felt so groggy and tired. Idagdag nyo pa ang hang-over ko at etong sugat rito.. sa puso ko. Yeaaa. Ang sakit talaga...

I felt someone was beside me as I looked through the mist in my vision. I opened my eyes and found Rex's head buried under his arms. He suddenly woke up by the noise I made. I looked at the clock hanging at the wall, telling me that it was now 3 in the morning.

"Gising ka na pala. *yawn.*"

"Ang sakit talaga ng ulo ko." I complained. He stood up. "Teka. Kukuha kita ng kape para dyan." And he walked out of the room.

I tried to clear my mind of what happened. Okay. Kasama ko si Lawrence kagabi na uminom, tapos -yun na lang ang naalala ko. Nalaman ko na lang na nandito ako sa kwarto ni Rex, which means hinatid ako ni Lawrence rito.

He went back with a cup of black coffee in his hand. "Oh. Inumin mo." He handed me the cup as he sat down. Uminom ako ng unti bago ako nagsalita. "Di ba dapat nasa ospital ka ngayon?"

"Nagcheck-out na ko pagdating ng hapon pagkatapos kong isugod si Candy sa ER." Candy nanaman. Palulunukin kita ng candy nang matauhan ka kung sinong kaharap mo ngayon. "Halos murahin mo na nga ako at isumpa sa harap ni Lawrence kagabi. Mahiya ka naman."

"Huh? Anong pinagsasasabi mo? Kelan kita ginanun?"

"Kagabi."

*Flashback*

When we arrived at the front of our house, he took me out. "Ano b-ba.. ay--yoko pang umu--wi..." I groaned. "Teka, wag kang malikot." He pressed the doorbell. Then, my not-so-clear vision saw Rex at the door, approaching me. "Anong nangyari sa kanya?" He attempted to carry me but I explode when I realized that he was the cause of this ache.

"HEH! WAG MO NGA AKONG MAHAWAK-HAWAKAN! WAG KANG LALAPIT!" I exclaimed as I shove him away and Lawrence's hand too. I stood steadily and pointed my hand like a year older.

"HOY, IKAW! !@#$ KA! !@#$%^&* KA SA BUHAY KO! DAPAT SA'YO !@#$%$#@ NA! NAKAKA@#$!%^* KA! I !@#$%^ HATE YOU!"

*End of Flashback*

"Si... nabi ko yun kagabi?" I asked and he nodded. His phone suddenly rang and he answered it. Medyo narinig ko yung boses sa kabilang linya. "Rex?" Said the other line.

"Candy? Bakit?"

I shove the phone away from his ears as I hear her voice says, 'I need you.' before I shut the phone off. "Ano ba?! Ba't mo pinatay?"

I just kept my silence at that time. "Amp. ANO BA, IBALIK MO NGA SAKIN YAN!"

"Ayoko." I shook my head, almost hiding my eyes beneath my hair. I felt him walking towards me. "Ibalik mo na." He begged, trying to be so nice. "Ayoko nga sabi."

"TANG*NA NAMAN! ANO NANAMAN BANG PROBLEMA MO HA?!" He exclaimed.

I finally faced him. "ANG PROBLEMA KASI SAYO, NAPAKACLUELESS MONG TAO! HINDI MO BA ALAM ANG NARARAMDAMAN KO NGAYON?! IKAW NA YATA ANG PINAKAMANHID NA TAONG NAKILALA KO!"

"AT BAKIT AKO NAGING CLUELESS, HA?! BAKIT, ALAM KO BA KUNG ANONG NARARAMDAMAN MO NGAYON HA?! HINDI AKO MANHID GAYA NG INAAKALA MO!"

"BAKIT HINDI MO ALAM NA GUSTO KITA KUNG MANHID KA?! -- BAKIT AKO NAGING MANHID KUNG GUSTO KITA HA?!" We exclaimed in unison.

Handcuff 32 - Escape.

A few hours passed as that came up to our conversation. I tried to recall what he just said before he took his phone and left me hanging to his words.

"BAKIT AKO NAGING MANHID KUNG GUSTO KITA?!"

Did he just say that? Did he really meant what he just said? O baka naman sinabi nya lang yun para patigilin nya ko sa pagsasalita ko? Well, when it comes to him, I really don't know if he really meant everything that he says or he was just lying. Basta pagdating sa kanya... hindi ko alam kung totoo o hindi. Hay.. ewan.

I wish I can escape everything that's happening in my life with him in our own paradise.

***

My phone rang at the middle of my sleep. Lecheng cellphone. "Hello?"

"Marriane! Merry Christmas! Hindi ba tayo lalabas?"

"Uh.. ayoko."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeaaa. Okay lang ako.."

"Girl, lying is a really good way into Hades. Kilala kita. Ilang years na rin tayong dalawa kaya hindi mo ko madadala ng drama mo dyan. Want my accompany? Need a shoulder?"

I sighed. "Hindi na. Siguro nga, pinagtitripan ako ngayon ng fate. Sasakay na lang siguro ako sa kalokohan ng tadhana na ginawa para sakin."

"Girl, kaya mo yan. Remember nung elementary pa tayo? Natapos mong sagutan yung DD cards noon... gabi na nga tayo nun nakauwi eh. Halos ikulong mo na yung teacher natin nun para bantayan ka lang."

"What's the point?"

"Na habang buhay, hindi ka nawawalan ng pag-asa. Goodluck!" Hayy.. weird example. Aish.

The door suddenly opened. "Tawag na lang ako sa'yo, girl. Bye." I ended the conversation. "Dumating ka na pala."

"Pasensya na kung nasigawan kita kanina. Nababanas lang talaga ako sa sarili ko ngayon." His voice sounds so convincing to me now. Mabuti naman at marunong kang magpakumbaba.

There was silence between us before I could speak. "Ano bang nangyari kay Candy at bigla na lang syang hinimatay nung nakaraang araw?"

"Inatake nanaman sya sa puso."

Huh? Si Candy.. "May sakit sa puso?"

"Oo. Her father explained everything to me tungkol sa kalagayan nya. Mga 14 years old nya naramdaman yun. Hindi man lang nya sinabi sakin yun hanggang sa umalis sila rito sa bansa. Bukod sa nag-aaral sya dun, lagi syang dinadalaw ng doctor nya pagkatapos ng klase nya... para suriin sya araw-araw. Bumalik sya rito dahil... she wants to spend her last moments with me."

"Hanggang... kalian na lang sya?"

"Pagkaraan siguro ng January. Next year."

I misunderstand everything between them. He's always with her because she's making her last moments with him.

Ang sama ko.

"Siguro naman, naiintindihan mo na. Hindi yung bigla ka na lang manghahablot ng cellphone at sasabihin mong gusto mo ko."

O_O

"Ku-kumain ka na ba?" I asked, trying to change the subject. "Ah, oo. Ikaw, kumain ka na ba?"

"Don't try to change the subject." Napaka-awkward naman nitong usapan na 'to. Pwede bang bumalik ka muna kay Candy? Pinapaalala mo kasi yung kanina eh. "Wha-what do you mean? Hindi ko alam yung sinasabi mo." Reasonable ba?

Lumabas ka na lang muna kasi Marriane. Diba lagi ka namang ganyan? Always escaping over anything? Then do it.

"L-lalabas na muna ako." I said and turned to walk away. But then, he suddenly grabbed my hands and hugged me.

"I really meant what I said kanina. I really like you." He said at bumitaw ako. I pushed him when said those four words. I looked at him in shock. "Pero si Candy--"

"See this ring?" He raised his hand and also mine, showing our wedding rings. "We have this, and we always going to have this. Sino ba rito ang asawa ko kundi ikaw lang?" There was an awkward silence between us. Then he smiled. His eyes were only seeing... mine. Then it happened again. The kiss. But, it was a gentle one this time.

He hugged me again and whispered at my back. "Kaya mo pang magtiis diba?"

"Oo.. kaya ko pang magtiis.. para sa'yo."

Handcuff 33 - Sad, indeed.

Binalikan ko si Camille sa bahay ni mamu. I told her that we're coming back so I packed our things. Look, she's so happy. Salamat, matutupad na rin ang hiling ni Camille. A complete family.

Nagvolunteer naman si Lawrence na ihatid kami papunta dun sa bahay namin ni Rex. "Here's the stop, mam." He said as if he was a tour guide. Sheesh. "Mama, papasok na po ako!" Camille said and went out of the car. She's very excited talaga.

"Hay... siguro naman, hindi na kayo mag-aaway pa."

"Oo naman, I now have this trust on him. Kapag may nangyari uli, ako na mismo ang kikitil sa buhay nya." Tumawa lang kaming dalawa at bumaba ako ng kotse nya. I just waved goodbye and umalis na siya ng nakapasok na ako ng bahay.

"Mama, asan po si papa?"

"Ah.. may pinuntahan sya siguro, Camille." I answered as I sat on the couch. "Mag-aaway nanaman po ba kayo ni papa? Iiwanan nanaman po ba natin sya?"

"No.. hindi na. Promise." I said and I raised my hand as a proof. "Sige na, dun ka muna sa kwarto mo. Magluluto muna ako ng dinner natin." Sumunod naman si Camille.

Things are getting smoothly. Until someone broke it.

The phone suddenly rang. I wonder kung sya na 'to. Dang, 7 pm na kaya at hindi pa rin sya dumarating. Baka kung --- NAH. Hindi na mangyayari uli yun. Hindi na.

"Hello?"

"Marriane, ikaw ba yan?" Teka, parang pamilyar ang boses na 'to ah. "Yes. May I ask who are you?" "It's me, Andrea." Oh, si Andrea lang pala ---

S-S-SI... ANDREA?!

If you ask me who is that, that's Camille's biological mom na pinsan ni Rex. "Ikaw pala 'yan!"

"Yeah. Musta na ang anak ko?"

"Umm.. she's fine! She's always okay and fine." Naku, pag nalaman nyang naaapektuhan si Camille sa naging away namin ni Rex, malalagot ako nito.

"Mama, gutom na ko!" Camille shouted as she was going downstairs. I think she heard her voice. "Can I... can I talk to her?"

"Sige. Teka lang ah." Tinawag ko si Camille to answer the phone. "Hello po? Mommy! Namimiss ko na po kayo!" She cried. Then I thought of it.

Kukunin na ba nya samin si Camille?

Please, wag muna. Please.

"Mama oh." She said in a sad tone. "Hello?"

"Umm... Marriane.." Don't say it, don't say it. I don't want to hear it. "An..no?"

"I'm going to take her na."

Please. Don't.

"Re-really? So kelan?" Argh. Stup!d ka talaga, Marriane. Ba't di mo sabihin sa kanya direct to the point? "By this weekend. Hindi pala talaga kayang tiisin ng isang magulang ang anak noh?"

"Yeah." Ako rin kaya, di ko kayang tiisin. Napamahal na sakin si Camille kahit kalahating taon palang kami nagkakasama. At tsaka, gusto ko ring tuparin ang hiling ni Camille... dahil alam ko na wala ang kanyang biological dad.

"Hin.. hindi ba kayo magtatagal ni Camille rito pagkakuha mo sa kanya?"

"Hindi na. Tutal, si Camille lang naman ang pakay ko dyan sa Pinas. Sya lang." Huh? Anong ibig sabihin ng sya lang ang pakay nya? May iba pa ba bukod sa kanya?

"I'm gonna call na lang when things here will be arranged na. Sige, bye." And she hung up. But, I'm still at the phone kahit na binaba na nya. "Wag mo muna syang kunin." I whispered to the phone and hung it too.

"Anong sabi po ni mommy ko?"

"Ku.. kukunin ka na nya samin, Camille."

"Talaga po? Yayyyy!! Magkikita na kami ni mommy!!!" She jumped in joy. At ako naman, malungkot. Bigla syang napatigil. "Mama, bakit ka sad?"

Bigla namang tumulo yung luha ko. "Kasi naman, bigla-bigla ka na lang kukunin ng mommy mo samin. Tuloy, ayaw na ata kitang ibigay..." I cried.

She hugged me. "Ikaw lang po ang mama ko habang buhay."

"What about your mommy?"

"Sya po ang mommy ko. Ikaw naman po ang mama ko. And I love my mommies."

Napapikit na lang ako ng mata ko at napatigil na ko sa pag-iyak. "I love you mama."

"I love you too, baby." I kissed her on her head. A loud growl on her stomach sounded that made us move again. "Mama, hindi po ba tayo kakain?"

"Ah! Nga pala! Kakain pa pala tayo. Haha. Halika na, kumain na nga tayo." Binuhat ko sya papuntang dining room para kumain.

"Andito na ko!" I heard Rex's voice from the living room and I saw him walking towards here. "Andito pala ang baby namin na si Camille.." He kissed her on the head and then sat on the other seat which is next to me, starting to eat.

"Alam mo ba papa, tumawag dito si mommy... sabi nya kukunin na nya raw po ako!"

"Huh?" Napatingin sakin si Rex. "Totoo ba yun? Tumawag rito si Andrea?"

"Oo. She said she's going to retrieve Camille by weekend." I answered in a sad tone. He turned to Camille. "Camille, look what you've done at your mother, sumasayad na ang nguso sa lupa. Anong gagawin natin?"

"Ah! Lumabas po tayo bukas! Gusto ko pong pumunta ng Enchanted Kingdom!"

"Ah.. okay." He turned to me again. "Don't make any plans bukas ha? It's our family day tomorrow." He said. "Hay naku.. ikaw nga 'tong laging lumalabas eh --"

"Mag-aaway nanaman po ba kayo?"

We looked at Camille.

"No, sweetie. Remember, nagpromise si mama? That will never happen again... diba?" I looked at Rex. Inakbayan naman nya ko. "Yup. Hindi na." And he kissed my forehead. Cheesy, eh? But it was good. ^___^

But then, kukunin pa rin samin si Camille. Sad, indeed...

Handcuff 34 - Departure Confession.

The day after, lumabas kaming tatlo. Hindi ko maexplain kung ano ang nararamdaman ko nung mga oras na yun. Basta, kasama ko pa rin sila nun.

I wish we could be like this... forever.

***

"Flight 507, London to Philippines has now arrived."

We were sitting at the bench while Lawrence was leaning at the wall as the people passed us with their baggages. Yup. We're at the airport. And this is the day that Camille will be taken away from us.

"Stop pouting." Rex opted. "Shut up."

"Ang tagal naman ni -- MOMMY!" She exclaimed as she saw her mother -- true mother with a small bag. Sabi ko nga, hindi sya magtatagal. She dashed over to her and hugged her. "I miss you mommy!"

"I missed you too, baby." She said as her eyes were shut. I was about to take Camille's baggage as I suddenly looked at Lawrence and he was like, nakakita ng multo.

Bakit ba? Is there something wrong?

Camille suddenly pulled her in front of Lawrence. "Mommy, meet tito Lawrence!"

As Andrea saw his face, her eyes widened. Walang makapagsalita sa kanilang dalawa kundi si Camille lang. Oh, maybe there was something really wrong. "Alam mo po ba mommy, ang bait po sakin ni tito Lawrence --- mama..." She suddenly looked at me. "B-bakit?"

"Naiihi po ako!"

Naman, nakakabitin naman 'tong si Camille oh. "'Lika, sasamahan na lang kita." Sabi naman ni Rex at umalis na sila. Napatingin uli ako dun sa dalawa na hindi pa rin gumagalaw hanggang ngayon. Until she broke it and looked at me.

"Bibili muna ako ng ticket pabalik." Pero bago pa sya makaalis, nahawakan na ni Lawrence ang braso ni Andrea. "Ikaw na ang bumili."

Nagsalita naman si Andrea. "Teka --"

"Ikaw na ang bumili." Naku, he looked so vulnerable. With dark portal eyes and cold expression, hindi yan ang Lawrence na nakilala ko ah.

Napalakad naman ako ng mabilis papalayo sa kanila. Baka kung anong gawin sakin ni Lawrence eh. Teka, sandali.

WALA AKONG PERA, PWEDE BA?!

Papunta na ko sa kanila nang marinig ko ang mga boses nila. Na parang nag-aaway sila. Napatago naman ako sa may pader malapit sa kanila.

"Don't be like that, Andrea. Don't act like you don't know me at all."

"Eh sa hindi naman talaga kita kilala eh!" She exclaimed. "You know me."

"I don't."

"Kilala mo ko."

"I don't."

He sighed. "Hanggang kelan ka ba magiging ganto sakin ha?! Sya na yun diba?" Anong sya? Sino? Magkakilala ba sila?

"Ba't mo naman nasabi ha?"

Silence occurred. Pero nung marinig ko ang mga sumunod na sinabi ni Lawrence, napatakip ako sa bunganga ko. "I can feel it. Anak ko sya, anak natin sya."

Handcuff 35 - Sad Departure.

"No, hindi. Hindi mo sya anak. Patay na ang daddy nya. Wala syang daddy na katulad mo."

"Bakit mo ba sya nilalayo sakin? May karapatan naman ako sa kanya diba?"

"Wala kang karapatan sa kanya."

"Why not?!"

"You've just said it before. You hate responsibilities." Napaupo sya sa may bench. "Nung sinabi ko sa'yo noon na merong tao dito sa tyan ko, tinakasan mo ko. Nung time na kailangan ko ng tagapagtanggol laban sa tatay ko, hindi ka dumating. Ngayong napalaki ko sya ng maayos, kukunin mo naman sya sakin. Wala kang karapatan sa kanya dahil ako lang ang kinilala nyang tatay at nanay nya!"

I was astonished at that time. Totoo ba talaga yun? Naguguluhan ako sa mga narinig ko. Si Lawrence na nakilala ko sa kalsada na sinabihan akong hindi dapat ako humarang sa kalsada dahil delikado... has a child?!

And then, iniwan nya 'tong si Andrea with a big responsibility?!

But then, she started to cry. "It's too late to change everything. Kahit anong gawin mo, hindi mo sya makukuha sakin. Aalis kami ni Camille." She was about to walk when he suddenly hugged her.

"Please. Don't. I know what I did is wrong. Alam mo namang tutol sayo noon ang parents ko, diba? Kaya, hindi ako makalapit sa'yo nun. And now, wala na sila. We can start all over again. Just don't leave me."

"No. Maayos na ang buhay naming dalawa. Wag mo na kaming guluhin. Pagod na ko." She escaped successfully into his arms and she passed me with tears in her eyes. Hinarap ko naman si Lawrence.

"Kanina ka pa dyan diba?"

"Totoo ba yun? Ha? Anak mo... si Camille?"

"Ang liit talaga ng mundo ano? Sabi ko na nga ba, tama ang instincts ko. I can feel it." He turned away. "Pero, natatakot rin ako na malaman ni Camille ang totoo." He sighed and shook his head.

"Maiintindihan naman yun ni Camille eh."

"Huh?" He lifted his head to me. "Maiintindihan nya yun. Trust me. Baka nga, mas maging masaya sya dahil makukumpleto na ang pamilya na gusto nya. She always wished for a complete family every night. Believe me. Pero, for the mean time, hayaan mo munang makapag-isip si Andrea about that. It's not yet time." I said and he gently smiled at me.

"Mama!" I looked back to see Rex and Camille. "Antagal nyo ah."

"Nagpabili pa kasi 'to ng cotton candy eh." He said. Napansin ko nga rin yung kinakain ni Camille, cotton candy. "Meron ba nyan rito?" I asked. "Dun yun sa kabila. Si Andrea?"

"Bumili ng ticket."

Silence occurred.

"Ayan na sya." We looked at Andrea with 2 tickets. Napatingin naman ako kay Lawrence at hindi ko sya mabasa. Ano kayang iniisip nya ngayon? Susunod pa rin ba sya kina Camille?

"Sige na baby. Magpaalam ka na sa kanila," Then her eyes shifted to Lawrence and continued. "Nang makaalis na tayo agad." That maybe hit him. I felt bad to Lawrence. But angry because of what he did to Andrea.

Camille hugged me. "Bye mama." She whispered and looked at me. "Camille," I smiled. "Mabubuo rin ang pamilya mo balang araw."

"Pero, wala na po si daddy."

"Andyan lang sya... laging nakabantay sa'yo."

She released me and hugged Rex too. "Bye papa."

"Sorry sa lahat, Camille. Hindi nabigay ni papa yung best nya."

"Hindi po. Binigay nyo na po ang best nyo. Kasi nagbati pa rin kayo ni mama. Sana hindi na po kayo mag-away."

She released him and turned to Lawrence. Si Lawrence na mismo ang yumakap sa kanya. When he released her, his eyes averted to Andrea but she took her eyes off easily.

With a cold breeze passed us, they started to walk, leaving Lawrence behind.

Handcuff 36 - Good Sides.

Kumain kami pagkauwi namin sa bahay. Niyaya namin si Lawrence kaso, wala raw syang gana. Dahil siguro dun. *sigh*

"Hoy. Lumalamig na yung pagkain mo." Rex called. I snapped out of my thoughts when I saw him looking at me. "Pasensya ka na. Marami lang akong iniisip ngayon."

"Like what?"

"Yung tungkol sa kanilang tatlo."

"Sino? Sina Lawrence, Camille at si Andrea?" He asked before he took a bite at his food. "Hmm." I nodded as I drank water. "Anong meron sa kanila?"

"Anak nila si Camille."

Natigilan si Rex sa narinig nya. "Ano? Anak ni Lawrence si... Camille? Panong nangyari yun?"

"Hindi ko rin alam. Teka, dapat alam mo diba?"

"Hindi ko pa kaya sya kilala noon." He drank water and stared far away. An awkward silence came. He suddenly changed into a vulnerable one. He stood up. "Labas lang ako." And he walked out of this house.

Ano bang nangyayari sa kanya?

***

Pagkatapos kong maghugas, lumabas ako only to hear a familiar voice. Boses ni Rex yun ah. "Wag mong sabihing gagayahin mo rin ang ginawa ko?"

"Eh, anong gagawin ko?!" Boses naman 'yon ni Lawrence. Nagtago ako sa may gate. "Sundan mo sila! Ayokong gayahin mo ang ginawa ko noon. Basta na lang ako sumuko. Hindi ko sya sinundan. Hindi ko man nagawang pigilan sya, hindi ko pa rin ginawa ang dapat. Hindi ko ipinaglaban ang tama. That's what I'm expecting you to do!"

Nung naging sigaw ang pagsasalita nya, hinarap ko sila. Guess what I saw? Rex and Lawrence. Drenched in blood and full of cuts on their faces. "Rex! Lawrence! Anong nangyari sa inyo?! Nagsuntukan ba kayo?!" I exclaimed.

I approached Rex. He wiped his nose that is bleeding right now. "I'm telling you, gawin mo ang dapat." He attempted to punch him again when I held his arm and looked into his eyes. "Stop it. Please."

Wala na syang nagawa kundi pumasok na lang sa bahay at pinuntahan ko naman si Lawrence. "Ano bang nangyari? Gusto mo gamutin natin yan?"

"Wag na." He broke a smile infront of me. "Tama nga sya. Sige." He slowly walked. "Teka, sandali!" Inalalayan ko sya sa braso. "Kaya mo ba?"

"Oo, kaya ko pa. Tatawag na lang ako sa bahay para kunin ako rito. Dun na lang ako mag-iintay sa park. Sige na." At wala na kong nagawa kundi iwanan na sya.

Pagpasok ko sa bahay, hinarap ko naman si Rex sa may couch. Tiningnan ko ang mga pasa at sugat nya. "Teka, kukunin ko lang yung medical kit." I stood up and went to the cabinets. "Wag na." He called. "Anong wag? Mamaya maimpeksyon yan eh." I took the medical kit and went to him. Kinuha ko kaagad yung cotton at nilagyan ng alcohol.

"Arrh.. dahan-dahanin mo naman."

"Hay nako. Kasalanan mo 'yan kung bakit may mga sugat ka." Sabi ko sabay diniin yung cotton sa pasa niya. "Aray. Ano ba? Ako na nga lang kasi." He took the cotton on my hand. "Wag kang makulit." I retrieved the cotton out of his hand. Napatahimik na lang kami bigla habang ginagamot ko sya. Nung nilagyan ko na ng band-aid ang lahat ng sugat nya, niligpit ko yung medical kit at napaupo sa tabi nya.

"Kung di ba naman t@nga ang lalaking yan, mag-iintay sya sa wala." He rested his head to the couch. "Ayokong gayahin nya ang ginawa ko. Pano na lang si Camille? Ano yun, lalaki sya ng walang tatay sa tabi nya? Pagkatapos, pinamumukha sa kanya na wala na syang tatay."

I sighed. "Rex, alam ko kung anong intensyon mo. Pero alam naman siguro ni Lawrence ang ginagawa nya. Iniisip lang nya ang magiging reakyon ni Camille. At tsaka, wag ka ngang basta-basta nanununtok ng tao? You know that it's intolerable."

"Iniisip ko lang naman yung bata. *sigh* Kung alam lang nya ang totoo, hindi na rin sya magiging malungkot." He stood up. "Alis muna ako."

"Teka!" I called and he looked back. "Baka manuntok ka nanaman."

"Hindi ako manununtok. Feel ko magdrums ngayon." And he walked out.

I sighed as his presence disappeared, then I smiled. I'm so happy na nakikita ko unti-unti ang mga good sides nya. I'm so glad dahil may malasakit pala sya sa ibang tao. Akala ko sarili lang nya ang iniisip nya.

And it's all because of a child.

Handcuff 37 - Meaning.

New Year's Eve.

Nagpasya kami ni Rex na salubungin ang New Year kasama sina mamu, Marco at yung papa nya -este papa namin. Hindi pa rin ako kinontact ni Lawrence pagkatapos nung araw na yun. Ano kaya mga plano nya?

I snapped out of my thoughts when someone held my hand. Si Rex lang pala. "Iniisip mo nanaman ba si Lawrence ha? Baka gusto mong bugbugin ko pa sya.."

"Magsisimula ka nanaman ba ng away? Eto.. nagmamalasakit lang ako. O baka naman nagseselos ka?"

"Manahimik ka nga. Ayoko lang kasi na..." Hinawakan nya ang kamay ko at tinaas. "..kung sino-sino ang nasa isip mo. I was just worried na baka wala ako dyan." Aigoo.. since kelan pa 'to naging cheesy?

"But he's not anybody. At tsaka, ang korni mo. Daig mo pa ang cornick."

"Bakit, may nasabi ba 'kong mali?"

"Ten... Nine... Eight... Seven..." Natigilan kami nung narinig namin na nagca-countdown na sila. Malapit na pala. Pero may nagpapaputok na ng mga fireworks sa langit. "Wow.. ang ganda." I mumbled as I looked up in the sky.

"You want a New Year present?" He asked as I was still looking up in the sky. Medyo hindi ko narinig kasi marami nang nagpapaputok malapit samin.

"...Six... Five... Four..."

"Anong sabi mo? Di kita marinig!" I shouted.

"...Three... Two... One!"

"Lanya naman. Magkatabi na nga lang tayo, hindi mo pa ko marinig." Anong sabi nya?

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

With that, he pulled me by the waist and kissed me gently. Napapikit na lang ako dahil sa saya na naramdaman ko nung mga oras na yun.

*BOOM*

"AAAAAHHH!!!" I yelled as we stopped kissing. May nagpaputok malapit samin, at alam ko kung sino yun. "MARCO?!"

Marco laughed harder at us. Nakakasira ka ng moment ah. Pero hindi naman nagpatalo si Rex. Ayun, naghagisan sila ng paputok. Ako? I laughed at them. Ayoko ngang makisali. Mamaya maputukan pa ko eh.

I decided to watch the fireworks nalang. But believe me, walang naputukan sa kanilang dalawa. Hahah. ^_____^

***

"Sorry, the number you dialed is not yet in service. Try again later."

I sadly ended the call. *sigh* Bakit naman kasi not in service yung cellphone ni Lawrence? Ano na kayang nangyari sa kanya?

I opened the gate only to find a letter on the mailbox. I immediately took it and looked at the sender.

To: Marriane & Rex ; From: Lawrence

Eh? Galing kay... Lawrence?

Pumasok naman agad ako sa loob at napaupo sa couch bago ko binuksan yung sulat. Napansin kong kinompyuter pa nya yung sulat. Hi-tech talaga 'tong si Lawrence. Aishh..

03.01.07

Marriane,

Musta? Siguro nagtataka ka na kung bakit ako nagsulat sa'yo. Nasa eroplano na siguro ako ngayon habang binabasa mo 'to. I know what you're now thinking of me nung mga oras na nasa airport tayo nun. A coward. Kasi, naduduwag akong harapin sila. Kasi, natatakot akong malaman ang reaksyon ni Camille. Kasi, natatakot ako na di nila ako tanggapin. But now, I decided to follow them... thanks to your husband. I admit, natamaan rin ako sa mga explanations nya... kaya napagpasyahan ko na

sundan sila. Sorry sa mga inasta ko nung mga nakaraang araw. And, thank you for showing me friendship. I really appreciate the things that you've done for me. Salamat talaga ng malaki.

Rex,

Salamat sa explanations. Naliwanagan ako ng husto. Thank you talaga. Wag mo na 'kong tatawagin na duwag dahil hindi na ko ganun. Kaya ko 'to. Nga pala, ayokong tatawagan ako ni Marriane nang umiiyak ha? Kundi, ako talaga mismo papatay sa'yo. Wag mo na syang paiiyakin uli. Lagot ka talaga sakin.

Pano, kita na lang tayo pag naayos na ang lahat sa'ming tatlo. Ingat.

Lawrence

"Ano yan?" Napalingon ako sa tabi ko. "Andyan ka pala." Umiiyak na pala ako. I wiped my tears. Kinuha nya yung sulat at binasa nya. Pagkatapos nyang mabasa, ibinalik nya uli sakin yung sulat. "Natauhan rin sya."

"Oo nga. Magiging maayos rin ang lahat sa kanila diba?"

He smiled. "Oo."

Suddenly, we heard a loud crash from the kitchen. Agad naman kaming napatakbo sa kusina. "Baso lang pala." He said as we saw the broken glass at the floor. "Pero, pano naman nahulog nun? Hindi kaya... may multo rito?" I asked, puzzled.

"Ano ka ba? Blessed 'tong bahay na 'to, pwede ba? Una palang sinabi na sain ni papa na walang multo rito."

Teka... may meaning kaya 'to?

Handcuff 38 - Complicated.

"Ako na lang ng magwawalis." He said as he looked for the broom and dustpan. Mukhang statwa na ako rito. I'm still thinking about the meaning part. May meaning kaya?

"Dun ka na lang muna sa sala. Baka mabubog ka pa rito." He pushed me through the living room. "Ingat ka sa pagwawalis. Baka masugatan ka."

"Hindi yan." At bumalik sya uli sa kusina. Napansin kong may lunch box sa mesa. "Rex, para saan 'yang... lunch box?"

"Ah, dadalhan ko si Candy ng pagkain."

I admit, medyo nasaktan ako. But, it's Candy. Alam ko naman na malaki ang malasakit nya dito. Hindi na rin ako magtataka. At tsaka remember, may sakit yung tao. Wag mo nang patulan.

Natapos na nyang linisin yung nabasag na baso kaya sya lumabas hawak-hawak yung lunch box. "Pano, alis muna ako. Dalawin ko lang si Candy."

He was about to walk out when I called him. "Rex... pwede ba 'kong... sumama?"

"Sure."

***

"Oi, Marriane," Rex called when he entered the door. "Hmm?" I asked as I was hiding behind the door. "Bakit ka nagtatago? Hindi ka ba papasok?"

"Ah, eh, kasi... tama lang ba talaga na sumama ako rito?" I wandered.

He sighed. "Wala kang dapat ikatakot. At tsaka, sumama ka rito diba? Kaya pumasok ka na." He pulled me gently as we entered the room. We saw Candy sitting on the bed. As her head lifted to us, the atmosphere suddenly went tense. I wish I didn't exist. I wish I didn't exist.

I wish I was invisible by now!

"Gising ka pala. Dinalhan ka nga pala namin ng pagkain."

"Eto oh ---"

"Get out." Was the word that I was expecting her to say. "Dee ---"

"Get out. I need to talk to him PERSONALLY." She said, referring to me.

Napayuko na lang ako ng ulo habang papalabas ng kwarto. I leaned at the wall beside the door. Tama nga na hindi dapat ako sumama sa kanya rito. Dahil alam kong mangyayari 'to.

Napalakas yung boses nila kaya narinig ko ang pinag-uusapan nila. "Sino ba sya sa buhay mo ha?!"

"She's my wife."

Silence occurred.

"N-nagbibiro ka lang, diba?"

"I'm not kidding. Totoo."

A long silence occurred. Pagkatapos, bigla ko na lang narinig yung sigaw ni Rex. "DEE!"

Napatakbo naman ako sa loob. "Tawagin mo yung doktor, BILIS!" He exclaimed as he was holding Candy. Pinindot ko yung button dun sa wall. That way, pupunta agad yung doktor rito.

Ayun nga, dumating na yung doktor kasama yung mga iba pang nurse. At dahil nga doktor at nurse sila, chineck nila yung pulse rate, at kung anu-ano pang mga importante na kailangan nilang icheck. Tapos, kinausap kami ng doktor na dun daw muna kami sa labas.

Hindi talaga mapakali si Rex. Kita naman sa palakad-lakad efek nya. "REX!" I shouted.

"ANO?!"

Nagulat naman ako sa tono ng pananalita nya ngayon kaya napasandal ako sa kinauupuan ko. "Pwede... umupo ka naman? Nakakahilo ka kaya."

Ayun, sumunod naman sya. Pero di pa rin sya mapakali. I sighed and hugged his shoulders. "She's going to be fine. Wag kang mag-alala."

"PANO KO HINDI MAG-AALALA EH PWEDE NA SYANG KUNIN NGAYON?!"

I was shocked. Basta, I was just shocked.

"Sorry." He muttered.

Pinuntahan kami nung doktor pagkalabas nya ng kwarto. "Kamusta na po sya?"

"She's now in good condition. You can now go in. Maiwan ko muna kayo." Pagkatapos, umalis na sya. Natutulog na sa Candy nung pumasok kami. Rex sat beside her and touched her forehead. I just shook my head.

Suddenly, the door opened. Then came an old fat man, about 40+. "Candy, anak!" He exclaimed as he ran through her. Maybe her dad. "Uncle."

"Kamusta na sya?"

"Ayos na po sya ngayon."

Just as what I am thinking now, our situation really is complicated. Hindi ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko. Basta, susundin ko na lang si Rex, no matter what.

"Rex, alis na ko."

"Sabay na lang tayo --"

"Hindi na." I smiled. "Kita na lang tayo sa bahay." Then, I exited the hospital and locked myself in my room at the house. Ayun, di ko nanaman mapigilan ang umiyak. And before I knew it, umuulan pala. Napadungaw ako sa bintana, still umiiyak pa rin ako.

Sana wala na lang na ulan. Kasi, look at the sky. So dark. Pag hindi na nakaya ng ulap, bigla na lang babagsak. Just like my feelings now. Feeling ko, madilim ang ulap ko ngayon. Hindi ko na kaya pang ihandle kaya di ko na napigilan ang umiyak. Sa lahat ng ayoko, yung umiiyak ako. Nagmumukha akong iyakin nito. Sana lagi na lang may araw.

Sa tingin nyo kaya, may rainbow pang lalabas pagkatapos ng ulan?

"Marriane." I heard knocks on the door and then it opened. It was him. "Umiiyak ka ba?"

"Hi-hindi! Na-napuwing lang ako." I quickly wiped my tears. "Wag mo kong lokohin." He sat beside me. There was silence between us. Neither one of us couldn't speak, until I broke it. "Kamusta na si Candy --"

"Marriane."

"Hmm?"

"Magdivorce na tayo."

Handcuff 39 - Letting Go.

When I heard those words from him, parang tumigil ang mundo ko. Naubos na siguro ang luha ko kaya wala nang lumabas sa mga mata ko. There were many questions popped into my head. One of those is, 'bakit kailangan humantong 'to sa ganito?'

"Rex bakit? Bakit kailangan pa natin magdivorce?!"

"It's because ito ang tama. She's dying. She needs me."

"THEN WHAT ABOUT ME?!"

He shook his head. "You.. me.. it's over."

"So.. this means, you chose her over me?"

He sighed. "I dunno. Maybe. But Marriane," He faced me. "Ayokong pairalin ang puso ko ngayon. At tsaka, siguro, hanggang dun lang tayo. Hindi ko kayang iwan sya sa laban nya ngayon. She's alone. Kailangan nya ko."

"Kai... kailangan din kita... What about this?" I asked as I raised our hands with our wedding rings. He suddenly wore off his ring and gave it to me. "Hindi ko pala kaya. Sorry talaga."

*Flashback*

"Baso lang pala." He said as we saw the broken glass at the floor. "Pero, pano naman nahulog nun? Hindi kaya... may multo rito?" I asked, puzzled.

"Ano ka ba? Blessed 'tong bahay na 'to, pwede ba? Una palang sinabi na sain ni papa na walang multo rito."

Teka... may meaning kaya 'to?

---

Basta, susundin ko na lang si Rex, no matter what.

*End of Flashback*

Bigla na lang ako bumitaw. Susundin ko sya. Sabi ko yun sa sarili ko na susundin ko sya. But what about this feeling?

"Pero..." He started as I suddenly looked at him. Bigla nya kong niyakap at napaiyak. "...it doesn't mean na talagang bumitaw na ako. Babalikan kita, kapag wala nang pader na nakaharang."

"Pano kung --"

"Wala nang pano-pano. Basta, babalikan kita. Hindi ko kayang magpromise pero, I'll do anything para balikan ka."

I sighed. "Hindi ko alam..." I looked straightly in his eyes. "..kung kaya kitang intayin. Hindi mo kaya diba? Pwes, hindi ko rin kaya."

With that, I left him standing there while I was walking out of the room, tears rolling through my cheeks.

***

Letting go is never been easier for me. It's been a week since we annulled our marriage. Marami nga ang nagulat eh. Sina Lawrence lang ang hindi pa nakakaalam. Ewan ko kung bakit defensive sina mamu at Mr. Lopez. Is there something between them?

That's when I knew it, until that day came.

I just saw them. Mamu, Mr. Lopez. Hugging each other. With closed eyes efek.

"Ma...mu? Anong --"

They released themselves easily. "Marriane, mali ka nga iniisip."

"Ma, mag-usap nga tayo." Hinila ko si Mamu sa sala at pinaupo ko sya. "Ano yun?" I started.

"Anak, we're just hugging each other as --"

"As what? Mamu, tell me. ARE YOU HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH HIM?!"

Hindi makapagsalita si mamu.

"I MEAN, THE WHOLE TIME? SA SIMULA PALANG?!"

"Anak --"

"WHY DIDN"T YOU TELL ME?! BAKIT KAILANGAN PA KAMING MADAMAY NI REX?!"

*plak*

She just slapped me. "I'm really sorry." She shook her head. I know kung bakit nya ko sinampal. "Kung di kami nadamay dito, di sana, teenager pa rin ang utak ko." Di sana... hindi ako nasaktan ng husto.

Wala na syang nagawa kundi yakapin ako.

Ayun, sinabihan ko si Mr. Lopez na layuan si mamu. Inaalala ko lang naman si papu. Ayokong balewalain ni mamu yung sa kanila ni papu. Kami ang masasaktan ng kapatid ko pag nangyari yun. I

mean, hindi naman sa pinagkakait ko yung gusto ni mamu. Gusto ko pa rin ng buo ang pamilya namin without papu.

Nabalitaan ko na lang kay Russel na inooperahan na raw si Candy ngayon sa states kasama sya. Tanggap ko na... na hindi sya babalik pa. I just let him go. Hindi naman sya nagpromise sakin diba? At tsaka, pag gumaling na si Candy, hindi rin naman sya babalik sakin eh. She won't going to surrender him to me naman diba? After all, she still loves him.

At the fact that we're not married anymore.

Madali ko na lang siguro makakalimutan ang lahat ng ito. Makakalimutan ko na yung krimen na ginawa ko noon, na kinasal pala ako noon, at yung feelings ko para sa kanya na naramdaman ko noon.

Madali na siguro kalimutan ang lahat para sakin, diba?

Handcuff 4o - Changes.

Before I knew it, I just graduated high school with Abby. Bumalik lang sa dati noon. Kaso, hindi na ko high school ngayon. I was now a college student at nag-aaral magdesign ng mga damit. Nagdecide kami ni Abby na tumira sa iisang apartment since wala nang space sa bahay and same to her too. I was taking a part-time job at a convenience store before and after my classes. Ayoko nang umasa kay mamu. I decided this for myself... to make myself busy hanggang sa hindi ko na sya masyadong iniisip. Isa pa, pinagpag-aral pa nya ng high school si Marco, ayoko nang dumagdag sa gastusin nya noh. Yun nga lang, hati kami sa tuition since hindi kaya ng sweldo ko na bayaran yung pagkalakilaking tuition sa university na yun. Si Abby naman, part-timer rin ng isang fast food chain. Daming pagbabago noh?

4 YEARS later na kasi eh.

"Girl, gising na!"

"H-huh? *yawn*" I stretched my arms and tried to get up. Anong oras na ba? 5:20 am.. ang aga pa pala eh.. I still have.. OMG 5:20 AM?! 6 ang pasok ko sa work!!!

Thus is my daily routine. I always took a bath for 20 minutes, 10 minutes for breakfast and preparing myself. Kainis diba? Sigurado, manghahabol nanaman ako ng bus nito. Grabe. Pero di bale na, exercise na rin 'to diba?

Minsan, hindi ko rin maiwasan na madaanan yung bahay namin ni Rex. Today, that is. Ayun, wala pa ring nakatira.

Snap it, Marriane. That house has nothing to do with you now. Late ka na sa work, remember?

And yeah, late ako, as what I am expecting. "Andyan na ba si mam?" I whispered to my co-worker as I was taking my uniform at my locker. "Lagi naman syang maaga eh. Mabuti nga eh natitiis ka ni mam. Magbihis ka na bago ka pa nya makita."

I was about to enter the comfort room when I heard the manager. "You're late for almost A YEAR, Miss Santos."

I looked her in grin. "Sorry po mam. Alam ko naman po na di nyo ko matitiis diba? Hehe."

Ayun. Pumwesto na ko sa cashier since ako ngayon ang nakaassign dun. Pero minsan naman, naglalagay ng tags-tags at kung anu-anong pang pwedeng trabahuin dito sa convenience store. Wala naman akong reklamo eh kasi, sinabi ko naman sa boss ko na pwede ako sa lahat. There's no time to be choosy since kailangan ko talaga ng work.

Pagdating ng 10, pasok naman ako sa university. Then, babalik ako sa store pagdating ng 4. Sinusundo naman ako ni Abby pagkarating ng 9 PM and then, sabay na kami umuwi together with her bf. Yeaa. Abby found her Mr. Right. And they were perfectly in love. Hay... ako kaya? Kailan ko kaya makikita si Mr. Right ko? Sheesh. Ewan. There's no time for that.

"Hayy.. wala nanaman tayong masakyan, honey." She said as we're searching for a bus to take us home. Hay naku.. gumana nanaman ang pagkaflirt nito. I just looked at them in disgust.

Habang naghahanap ako ng bus, I saw a familiar car. I suddenly shook my head in confusion. Nagkamali lang siguro ako. Maraming sasakyan na ganun, pwede ba? And there's no such thing para pumunta sya rito.

Babalikan nya ba talaga ako?

"Hoy Marriane!"

I snapped out in my thoughts as I looked back to them. "Tara na!" Abby said as she was about to enter the bus. "Ah, oo! Sige!" I ran to the bus and searched for a seat. Tatluhan naman yung upuan eh kaya tabi-tabi na kami. Dun ako umupo sa tabi ng bintana and went back to my thoughts. Paiiyakin nanaman ata nya ko eh. Kainis talaga. Aish, Marriane, wag kang iiyak.

"Marriane, ayos ka lang?" Abby asked. "Ah, oo. Ayos lang ako."

***

Somehow, that night was so strange. Series of cold breeze rushed through me when I was lying on the bed. Napaisip tuloy ako, baka si papu lang ito. Baka tinitingnan lang nya ang kalagayan ko ngayon. Well, papu, I've change a lot. I'm well-matured lady now dahil 20 y/o na ko ngayon. Alam ko na kung ano ang tama at mali.

Naisip ko nanaman yung kaninang nakita ko.

*Flashback*

"...it doesn't mean na talagang bumitaw na ako. Babalikan kita, kapag wala nang pader na nakaharang."

*End of Flashback*

Ang tanong, may pader pa kayang nakaharang saming dalawa? Babalik pa kaya sya?

Handcuff 41 - Possible.

Friday pala ngayon. Wala na kong work pagdating ng hapon eh. So, I decided to walk home na lang after class. Kaso, wala pa sakin yung duplicate ng apartment. Kanina pa ko nagtetext kay Abby kung nasaan na yung duplicate pero, hindi pa rin nagrereply. That's when I started to get irritated. Ayoko ngang mag-intay sa harap ng school nila. Init-init eh. Di bale na nga lang, hihingiin ko na nga lang yung isa pang susi dun sa landlady.

Napatigil ako nung makakita ako ng isang soda can. Teka, nangyari na 'to diba? Masipa nga uli.

That's when I knew, may bato pala yun sa loob kaya nasaktan yung paa ko. "OUCH!"

Suddenly, I heard a loud screech from the street. Pasensya na kayo, marami talagang mga sira ang ulo rito kaya talagang nangyayari ang mga ganyan.

I was walking at the sidewalk nung may narinig akong boses ng lalaki.

"Hoy!"

Tumingin ako sa kanan at sa kaliwa, pero di ko pa rin sya makita. Ang weird ah.

"Hoy! Ano ba?!"

Haha. Nandun pala sya sa likod.

"Aishh.. ano bang problema mo at nagsisisigaw ka --" I paused as I saw a familiar person standing at my very eyes. Am I just dreaming o totoong nasa harapan ko na sya ngayon? But he really is the same person before.

Rex.

I could hear the song 'it's a small world after all' playing in the back of my mind right now. We looked at each other for about ten seconds and he walked towards me as he was holding a soda can. "You just did it again. Tingnan mo yung ginawa mo sa kotse ko. Sisirain mo nanaman. Ipapakulong na talaga kita nyan."

Hindi na ko nagsayang pa ng oras kaya ako na ang yumakap sa kanya. He also hugged me back tightly and I can't help myself but to cry.

Binalikan nga nya talaga ako. At wala nang pader na nakaharang pa.

***

"So, musta?" He asked as he was sitting at the driver's seat. Ako naman, nasa tabi nya.

"Musta? Yun lang? After 4 years, yan lang ang maririnig ko sa'yo?" I asked him back. "Ano naman ang ineexpect mo?"

"Yung bagong Rex. Yung hindi na sira ang ulo." I laughed. "Eh kung sirain ko kaya ang ulo mo dyan? Hindi ka pa rin nagbago."

"Ba't naman ako magbabago? I've changed already."

"Wala namang nagbago sayo eh."

"Aisshh. Manahimik ka nga. Ba't nandito ka? Bakit umuwi ka pa ng bansa?"

"Langya. Ginawa ko ang lahat para lang balikan ka pagkatapos yan lang ang itatanong mo? Lalo pang humaba 'yang sungay mo."

"Si Candy? Bakit di mo sya kasama?"

Napalitan yung mukha nya. Yung vulnerable look ba? "Wala na sya."

"Huh? You mean, dead?"

He nodded and sighed. "Yeah. Last year."

"Sorry sa pagtatanong.."

"Ayos lang. It's been a year. Nakarecover na rin naman ako ng mabilis."

"Anong nangyari sa inyong dalawa?"

He took a deep breath before he spoke again. "Hindi naging successful ang operation. Hindi nya kinaya, kahit anong gawin naming laban. Masyado nang malala ang sakit nya nung mga oras na yun. Nga pala." He took something from his bag. A letter popped out of his hand and handed it to me. "Pinapabigay nga pala nya sayo bago sya nawala. Basahin mo raw."

Binuksan ko naman yung sulat at binasa. Nakibasa rin sya.

Marriane,

I've heard so much from you. Kinuwento ka kasi sakin ni Rex eh. Alam mo, I'm so envy of you. Kasi, malakas ka, samantalang ako, mahina. Napansin kong nagbago ng husto si Rex, dahil sa'yo. Salamat at pinasaya mo sya habang wala ako, at hanggang sa wala na ako. Wala akong magagawa kung magtatagal pa ako rito o hindi na. Marriane, wala na kong magagawa kundi ipaubaya na sya sa'yo. After all, kaya mo naman syang ihandle diba kahit na medyo, may pagka-childish sya? Hehe. Sorry for causing you trouble and the attitude that I've shown to you that day. Nasira ko pa tuloy ang marriage ninyo. Sana mapatawad mo ko.

I believe that you're going to take care of him forever. Kundi, mumultuhin kita. Haha. Jokes lang. No, seriously.. I'm really counting on you.

I give you my blessings.

Candy

Thank you, Candy. Thank you so much!

"Yun naman pala eh. Looks like," He held me at my shoulders. "..she's giving me to you. *sigh* Akala ko, hindi na kita makikita uli. Hindi naman posible na magkita tayo ngayon, diba?"

"Mali ka. Everything's possible when it comes to God. Nagdasal ata ako noh. Ngayon na nakuha na natin ang blessings nya, what's next?"

He smiled and lightly squeezed my hand. "Marry me again. Will you?"

That's when I remembered, nasa bag ko yung singsing. Kinuha ko yun agad at iprisenta sa kanya. "Nasa iyo pa rin 'yan?"

"Well, yeah."

"Sagutin mo ko. Will you?" He asked.

"No. Will you?" Ibinalik ko yung tanong nya.

"Why not?"

I guess that was a yes. Kasi sinuot nya yung singsing at niyakap nya ko agad sa sobrang tuwa. That's when I knew, this was not an ACCIDENT. It was destiny, really.

The Prison [Epilogue]

Because of a crime...

We met each other... ACCIDENTALLY.

Marami na ring taon ang lumipas since nakilala naming ang isa't isa. Dahil sa tinopak ako nung araw na yun kaya nakabasag ako ng bintana ng sasakyan at nalaman ko pang yun may-ari ng sasakyan eh magiging asawa ko pala. I thought to myself na hindi rin naman aksidente na magkakilala kami. We were destined to each other.

It's not an ACCIDENT.

Everything was planned by destiny. Hindi aksidente na mahulog kami sa isa't isa dahil talaga itinadhana kami. Mabuti na nga lang there's a children's song called 'A Small World'. It is really a small world. Akala ko hindi ko na sya uli makikita after 4 years. But I was wrong. We still had each other kahit na nagdivorce pa kami noon. Pwede naman kaming magpakasal anytime, at anywhere pa. I'm really thankful dahil pinaubaya na ni Candy si Rex sakin bago sya mawala. Kaya nga kami nagkita pa ngayon diba? Kung nasan man sya ngayon, I assure her na papasayahin ko lagi si Rex.

Two years from now, Lawrence, Camille and Andrea lived with us in the same roof. Andrea just decided to reside her business here imbis na sa London. Malaki naman daw ang kita rito. Ang maganda pa dun, tinutulungan pa sya ni Lawrence. Si Camille? Grade 3 na sya ngayon. Magaling na syang magbasa at magsulat. Ang magaling na kaibigan kong si Abby? Kinareer ang pagiging photographer. I saw a ring on her hand at sinabi nya na ikakasal na raw sila ng boyfriend nya next month. Buti nga at nagtagal sila. Natiis ata si Abby. Heheh.

My husband? Tinutupad nya ang kahilingan ni Candy bago sya nawala. Nag-aral sya ng art at binenta nya ang mga ginawa nyang paintings. Luckily, his works sold worldwide. Kaya ganun na lang ang paghanga at pagbili nila ng malaki sa mga paintings nya. Hindi namin pala alam na magiging successful sya dun. Siguro kagagawan din ni Candy kaya ganto na lang sya ka-success.

Me? Tch. Designing clothes. Pero baguhan pa lang ako dahil kakagraduate ko palang sa university na pinasukan ko. Sana maging successful rin ako katulad nila.

Life right now is sailing smoothly. We passed the hard challenges with flying colors. And I'm so glad of that. Just as what I've said, everyday in my life occurred ACCIDENTALLY. And siguro marami pang pagsubok ang darating samin at sisiguraduhin namin na we're going to pass it with flying colors again. Even though it will came ACCIDENTALLY, we'll going to survive through it.

All that I'm going to do is to marry him again and live happily ever after with him just like one of those fairytales. I'm still not going to regret the surprises of life that is actually given me.

We're not destined ACCIDENTALLY. Since we've born, we're destined. We're destined to be forever.

He's still the POLICE, and I'm going to be a PRISONER of his -- FOREVER.

----

THE END.

Accidentally In Love Main Characters Overview

Marriane

Real Name : Marriane Louise Santos Nickname : Marriane / Madam Birthday : May 16, 1989

Height : 5'1 Weight : 49 kg. School : Julius Thomson Academy

Overview

Marriane, being the main character of this story, was kinda 'may pagkatopak' when you messed up her life. She's just a senior high school student that has an attitude. She's kindhearted and thoughtful to her family and friends. But not for her husband, that is Rex. Sometimes, she's blabbling out her thoughts without knowing of someone who's watching her. All in all, she has this pleasing personality that anyone couldn't see. Moreover, a shy person. With black long shiny hair and an okay height, she really is the perfect girl for Rex. A one of a kind.

Rex

Real Name : Rex Carlo Lopez Nickname : Rex / Carlo Birthday : March 21, 1987 Height : 5'9 Weight : 45 kg. School : Villa Francia High

Overview

A perfect person. That's what they can see into Rex. He has the looks, the money, the brains... but the attitude? This question goes to Marriane. According to her, Rex really has the attitude -- almost bad. He drinks, he smokes, but he's not an outgoing person. He's not sociable. More of an anti-social. His only weakness are his loved ones. Everyone noticed that. He always protect his loved ones for harm. Playing drums is one of his boredom busters. Or maybe you can find him in a bar, drinking. And now, he is still married to Marriane.

Lawrence

Real Name : Lawrence Yan Nickname : Lawrence Birthday : May 16, 1985 Height : 6'0 Weight : 51 kg. School : Julius Thomson Academy

Overview

Why wouldn't everyone admire him, at the fact that he has a comfy life that everyone's been dying for? But he never wanted any of that. The truth is, he really has a child. And that's what he'd been dying for. To be with his child. Lawrence had this gentleman attitude, plus to his points. He never smokes, but he drinks. According to Marriane, life is good when you're with him. He really is a funny guy and a caring one. You would never get a dull moment with him plus the looks that you'll going to drool in every second.

Candy

Real Name : Candy Tramph Nickname : Candy, Dee Birthday : June 19, 1987 Height : 5'4 Weight : 42 kg. School : Santana School of Art

Overview

Professional when it comes to art. Candy loves art since she was a kid. She's dreaming for an awardwinning masterpiece before. Rex and her had this relationship for almost 3 years until it broke when a scholarship came from the states, telling her to study abroad. Candy really wanted to study there so

she pursued her dream, leaving Rex behind. According to Rex, she really is a weak girl, having a heart disease. But right now, she's fighting for her life whatever it takes.

Andrea

Real Name : Andrea Reyes Nickname : Andrea Birthday : July 26, 1985 Height : 5'2 Weight : 46 kg. Location : Paris, France

Overview

You can say, her past was really messy. But now, she'll just lie to the bed of money and live with it. Andrea before was just a mere poor girl until Lawrence came into her life and made her world a colorful one. Things went complicated as she found out that she was pregnant, and Lawrence was the father. But then, she thought Lawrence just left her. Their parents decided to separate them and her life was still going on, taking the journey called life with her child. When you looked at her, she really looked like a well-matured girl. But you can never tell that she has a child in her features.

Camille

Real Name : Camille Reyes-Yan Nickname : Camille Birthday : August 17, 2001 Height : 4'3 Weight : 35 kg.

Overview

One look at her, you're going to love her. She has this magnet to attract you. Camille was not an ordinary kid. Why, you ask? Because she has 2 mommies and daddies and they were living at the same roof. Camille's long time wish came true. To have her big happy family. She's a keen observer, and sometimes moody when it comes to her wants. She wanted attention from everybody, that's why she sometimes acting weird just to take attention. I'm sure, she's going to grow with flying colors because of her friendly environment.