A R A 4

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/

Note: Salamat sa mga nagbabasa at nagcomment sa mga naunang chapters. Sana tuloy-tuloy pa at dumami pa po kayo. Hehe

* * *

IV. Handsome Guys


Their kisses are like fire spreading under the sheets. He's on top of her. She's feeling every thrust he gives. She moans with much pleasure. She felt her sex so lubricated, this is very unusual for she feels really dry when her husband does her. He's moaning. He felt her tightness again. His member got really hard and felt home in her warmth with every thrust. They felt the end. His member now getting bigger inside her. Her sex now feeling ecstacy. A couple of thrust and they were both ejaculating.



She felt wonderful. She needed not to fake her orgasm this time. He felt happy. Being in bed with someone you love most has to be the most precious thing in this life. They looked at each other with much contentment. They both smiled, an exhausted one.



“That was hot,” he said.



She nodded. He laid beside her. She closed her eyes. He hugged and felt her nakedness. She got tickled with the sudden touch of his now soft member.



“It was hot,” she managed to say.



He rubbed his nose to her cheek. She felt his breathing under her neck. They relaxed.



“You're the most wonderful woman, I have ever laid my eyes on,” he uttered.



She tried to hide her giggles. She remained composed despite the flattery he has been showering her. Her walls are somehow being up again.



“You never changed. You still have that flowery mouth.”



He kissed her on the cheek. The soft, hot and moist touch of it sent her shivers.



“I have never done this to any other woman, just you.”



“Don't expect me to believe you.”



“Why don't you try?”



“I know handsome guys like you are always like that,” she said, softly.



He started laughing heartily. She got surprised to her him laughing. She laid her eyes on him and



saw his eyes smiling too. She felt soft. She wanted to just feel the moment. She wanted to just be with him.



“Then why are you laughing?” she asked.



He stopped and look her in the eye.



“It's actually the first time you told me I'm handsome,” he said.



She got quiet. Was it really her first time to compliment him?



“You have never told me I'm handsome. You have never told me you like me. When I ask if you do, you will just give me that cold stare and a poker face. You have always liked mystery games, Ara.”



She shrugged, trying to look uncertain. He hugged her tighter and she felt honesty.



“It seemed like you really know me,Yar,” she spoke.



“I have known you from the very first day I fell in love with you,” that raspy voice again killed her.



She felt hot. And honest. Her heart wanted to say a lot but her mind stopped it. She decided to just remain quiet and enjoy the sound of his breathing under her neck.



“Let's travel?”



“I can't,” she answered.

“Why?”



“I got kids.”



“I got one, too,” he said.



“I'm a mother.”












He remained quiet. He then realized that there is no way she would leave her kids for him. It will definitely make her feel sad. He doesn't want her to be sad. He will find a way. And they will be both happy.



“I have to go now,” she said.



She quickly stood and washed herself. After finishing, she had herself dressed again. He gazed at her and chuckled.



“You're such a beauty.”



She smiled.



“I will be sending you home, it's already late. It's too dangerous for a cab.”



She met his eyes. She had her mind running.



“No, I'm okay. I will take a cab. I'd be fine.”



He couldn't win this argument. He agreed and watch her leave.



* * *



It's almost past 2 in the morning when she got home. Time flew fast and she wasn't aware that she spent most time in the condominium. She entered the gate and was greeted by Althea, her labrador. She went inside the house and see candles flickering on the dining table. She made her way to it and opened the lights.



She was amused to see all her favorite dishes on the table. There was a very beautiful table arrangement and petals of flowers were designed for added romantic scenario. The teal light candles continued to flicker and she was even more surprised to see her husband sleeping on the dining table.



“Hey, wake up. Why did you sleep here?”



Half-awake, his husband tried to fix himself and met her eyes.



“You're already here, Ara. I waited for a very long time. Glad you're home safely,” he said, trying to sound sweet.



She sat on the chair. Feeling exhausted, she helped herself with a glass of cold water.



“I told you not to wait for me. I told you that i'd be home late. Didn't I?”



“Yes, you did.”



“But why did you stay up late and even prepared dishes tonight?”



“Ara...”



“What?” she was sounding aghast now.



“It's our anniversary, didn't you remember?”



Those last words felt like cold water splashed on her face.

Be With You

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/





* * *



Marahan nyang hinigpitan ang yapos sa kanyang malaking unan. Nanunuot sa kanyang katawan ang lamig na binubuga ng bagong airconditioner. Pinilit nyang iniwaksi sa kanyang utak ang pangungulila ngunit alam nyang hindi nadaraya ang puso. Gumuhit ang isang malungkot na ngiti sa kanyang mga labi.

"I miss you so much," turan ng kanyang sarili.

Tumingin sya sa kanilang larawan sa may kabinet. Pareho silang masaya at nakangiti rito. Bumalikwas siya mula sa pagkakahiga at pinilit na inabot ang frame. Nakuha nya ito ngunit sa di-inaasahang pangyayari ay dumulas ito sa kanyang kamay. Bumagsak at nabasag ito sa sahig. Nakaramdam sya ng kaba.

Hindi na sya nagtangkang pulutin ang mga ito at mabilis na hinanap ang kanyang cellphone para tumawag. Naging kapaki-pakinabang ang kanyang cellphone mula ng pumasok sya sa relasyon nila. Dahil na rin sa layo nila sa isa't-isa, malaking ginhawa ang dulot ng makabagong teknolohiya para mas mapadali ang kanilang komunikasyon.

Rinig nya ang pagring nito sa kabilang linya. Nakailang ulit pa ang tunog at walang sumagot. Mas lalo syang nangamba.

"Nasaan ka? Are you home?" laman ng kanyang pinadalang text message.

Nag-antay sya at makalipas ang ilang minuto ay wala pa ring tugon. Nagpasya sa muling tumawag. Natapos ang ilang ring at saka nya narinig ang boses nito sa kabilang linya, nagtatalon ang puso nya sa tuwa.

"Mahal, nasaan ka po? Bakit di ka sumasagot sa text ko?"

"Wala ako sa bahay. Nasa labas ako. Kasama ko mga barkada ko. Ano bang problema at bakit ka pa tumatawag?"

Napabuntong-hininga sya sa tono ng kausap. Medyo irita ito at hindi nya matukoy kung nasaan ba talaga ito. Tahimik at wala namang nagsasalita.

"Namiss lang kita. Matagal na rin tayong di-nagkikita eh."

"Alam mo namang busy ako sa trabaho diba?"


"Alam ko, sorry," sagot niya.

May mga panahong alam nyang wala syang ginagawang mali pero dahil mahal nya, kahit sya ang tama, siya pa rin ang humihingi ng paumanhin. Dahil sa mahal nya ito, at dahil sa takot sya na mawala ito sa kanya.

"I just want to be with you," dugtong nya.

Narinig nya ang pagbuntong-hininga nito sa kabilang linya.

"I love you," sabi nya.

Walang sagot. Narinig nya ang pagbaba nito ng tawag.

Pumikit nalang sya at iniyak ang nangyari.

I just want to be with you.


* * *


Naglabas siyang isang malalim na buntong-hininga. Nakita ito ng isa at mabilis na hinawakan ang mukha bilang paglalambing.

"Oh, bakit sinungitan mo na naman ang bf mo?" sabi nito sa kanya.

"Ang kulit eh. Text ng text, tawag ng tawag, naiirita na ako."

"E di hiwalayan mo na," nakangisi nitong sagot rito.

Ngumiti ito sa kanya. Pinagmasdan ang mukha nito. Perpekto ang hubog, makinis at nakakabighani. Mapupulang labi at matangos na ilong. Masaya sya kapag lagi nya itong nakikita.

"Malapit ko na syang hiwalayan," mahina nitong sabi.

Mabilis na sinunggaban ng isa ang mapupula nitong mga labi. Matagal, maalab at nakakapaso ang pagtutunggali ng mga ito. Nakaramdam sila ng init na hindi maipaliwanag. Sa bawat dampi nito ay maririnig ang kanilang mga impit na ungol. Kakaibang ligaya at sarap sa t'wing naglalapat ang kanilang mga balat.

"Why are you here?" tanong nito sa kanya, mapungay ang mga mata, nang-aakit.

"Because I want to," sagot niya, naghahabol ng hininga.

"You like me?"

"A lot,"

"Why?"

"Hindi ko alam. Hindi ko maipaliwanag. All I know is I just want to be with you."

Muling nagtama ang kanilang mga labi. Makasalanan.


E N D

ARA 3

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/




Author's Note: I couldn't be more thankful to you guys for having good reviews on this one. Though most of you might not comment on each post, I appreciate all e-mails, FB likes and comments and all sort you do. Thanks to Kuya Philip, for the support. And all of your my readers. :)




* * *

III. Rainbows, Blue Skies and Butterflies.



She immediately grabbed her hand bag and looked for her perfume. She sprayed the fragrance like crazy. She wanted to be the most fragrant woman for him. She's feeling happy. Her thoughts are, too. She imagines herself with him. Rainbows, blue skies and butterflies. She has confirmed that love has the ability to exaggerate everything. That feeling of happiness that brings you to a state of madness and incomparable frenzy.

She felt her phone vibrating, her heart jumped.

"Hello?"

Her heart went back to its place when she heard her husband on the other line.

"What time will you be home tonight, honey?"

Disappointed, she answered "I might be late. Got lots of stuff to do."

"You want me to pick you up? It might be too dangerous for a cab," he said, worried.

She felt a sense of panic.

"No, no, no," she said, trying not to sound panicky, "I might ask the company driver to send me home if it's gonna be too late," she added.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"I am," she said reassuringly.

"Okay, I love you," he said.

She hung up.

A series of piercing sighs took place. Her mind is running wild again. She's suddenly thought of her husband, who in the first place, she married due to parental pressure. She has always had internal dialogues whether she loves him or it's just pity. They fight over the simplest of things. She's got a way of making every single discourse a confrontation. He's got a way of making her feel worst. She's aware that no marriage is perfect, but theirs is not going anywhere near it.

She looked at herself in the mirror. There's a sign of frustration on her face.
She tried to relax by rhythmic breathing. One, Two, Three. She felt her muscles relax. Four, Five, Six, her system is calming down. Seven, Eight, Nine, the crease on her forehead has vanished. She fixed her hair and put some powder. Seconds after, she's ready to go.


* * *


The soft, sensual and relaxing sound coming from the violin welcomed her as she stepped on the door. She was surprised to see how grand the restaurant was. Chandeliers, aristocratic wooden tables, well-maintained wooden floors and even tons of butlers. A butler in a blue dress greeted her and helped her with her bag.

"I have a reservation," she quickly said.

"Yes, Madame. We are really waiting for you. This way please,' the butler said politely.

She suddenly felt nervous and excited, and curious.

"Excuse me, why are there no customers here tonight? I heard that this place is very famous," she managed to ask.

"The whole restaurant was reserved, Madame," the lady said.

"I'm sorry?" she said, trying to verify if she heard it right.

"The whole restaurant was reserved," she smiled.

She suddenly blushed. Before she could think of anything, they were in front of him. The butler aided her as she take her seat, then left. In front of him is a man, of his early thirties, wearing that same old boyish charm, skin that has a stunning radiance, and those hypnotic eyes. Her heart silently sang a warming song.

"Hey," he said.

She smiled.

"You still don't talk that much?"

She laughed. It was hearty.

"So, How's life? The last time I tried to hear some news, you're off to California," she managed to say.

"It was great. I've been to many places. And I was able to learn a lot. I've been travelling," he said.

She saw him signaling the waiters.

"Nice. You still like the beach, shows on your skin."

"Yes, I still do. You were the one who taught me how to swim," he said.

She smiled. She's exploding. She couldn't contain herself. She has to act more naturally.

"How about you? Got news? Married? Or what?" she asked, trying to conceal her nervousness.

"Yes, I am married," he said.

It exploded like a timebomb.

"But we're divorced," he added, but she couldn't understand anymore.

She tried to pick herself up. Though she was deeply disappointed with what she heard. Upon hearing his married, she made a mental note not to let anything happen, again.

"How about you? Are you married?"

"Yes. I am married. With two kids,' she said.

"I see."

There was silence.

"We are both married," she said, sadness somehow noticeable in her tone.

"Does that matter?" he asked.

"Of course," she answered.

He looked at her.

"I was away for more than a decade, trying to look for myself. I was figuring out what I really wanna do, who I really am, where I really belong. I tell you, going to those places are fun, but I never found happiness."

She was listening. They eyed each other. Both showed hunger and desire.

"When I got back here, I wasn't expecting to see you but I did. Right then and there, I know what I wanna do, who I really am and where I really belong."

His voice became shaky. She stared at him. He looked really vulnerable.

"I want to take care of you. Who I really am? I am the man who'd love you for the rest of your life. Where I really belong? In your arms. I felt that when we made love last night," his eyes almost made her melt. She knows she's weak and in the arms of this strong man is where she belongs.

"But we're over. I am married. You too, are," she said, trying to fight the urge.

"It's over for you. It was never over for me. It was you who wanted the break-up. I was never able to move on. My mind has always been full with 'what ifs?' . I was never happy. Whenever I'm with someone else, I still think of you. After all these years, it's still you."

Every word hit her. She wasn't able to open her mouth. Her face remained blank despite her soul being touched deeply. Suddenly, she became aware of everything she's getting into.

"I broke up with you a decade ago. You've met even more beautiful girls than me. Why do you still want me? I don't want you anymore."

He looked at her in disbelief.

"Then what's with the sex last night?"

"It's just sex. That doesn't mean anything. We're both hot, we gave it a shot, then that's it. Remember that we're both married," she said.

He held her hand.

"Tell me another lie. I know you won't do sex for just body heat. I know you better. I know that you still love me, or at the very least, you feel something," he said, about to cry.

"I don't love you. I am in love with my husband. I was just horny."

Her mind suddenly felt blank. A while ago, she was dreaming about them. She was building happy thoughts with him. They're having rainbows, blue skies and butterflies. They are both in love and elatedly happy. Now, she's like a prisoner repressed of her freedom. She can't express how much she cherishes and desires him.

"Tell me another lie," he demanded.

"I don't like to see you anymore and I'm not lying," she stood up and quickly went to the door.

He followed and grabbed her by the hand. She was taken aback and she got the shock of her life when she felt his lips touch hers, again. They kissed. There was resistance at first but when she felt how soft and moist those lips were, she fell again. The sensation was too strong for for her to let go. She wants his lips. She wants him. She gave in.

Gasping for air, they both let go. They stared at each other.

"Now, tell me. Do you still want me out of your life?" he asked.

"N-no," she softly said.

He hugged her tight. She felt security. At the back of her mind, she felt so vulnerable. She's scared of what might happen.

A R A 2

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/


* * *

II. The Man From A Decade


Her thoughts seemed to be endless as the warm water from her shower head tried to wash away the infidelity she committed a while ago. The caramel scented soap lathered quickly and she blankly scrubbed her body, trying to remove dirt and all possible body liquid that might have dried up.

She can still feel his thrust, slow then fast, mild then wild. She was engulfed with different sensations and emotions and she had to rid herself of them for it might be a cause of her another orgasm. She finished her bath and left her sex burning.

She went to their bed and caught a glimpse of her husband sleeping. She didn't bother get in and first checked the kids on the other room. A clumsy smile, accompanied by a series of pregnant sighs, plastered as her eyes laid on her angels sleeping. Her source of happiness and strength. Her daily dose of laughter. Her kryptonite.

She tiptoed to avoid making sounds that might distract them from sleeping. She gave M, who just turned 7, a kiss on the forehead. She fixed E's, her 3-year old boy, blanket. She stared at them for a bit longer and realized that the kids are growing. She has her dreams for them. Big dreams.

"Mommy loves you both."

She kept the lampshade on and went out of the room. She double-checked everything before going to her walk-in closet for her nighties. She decided to wear a simple black lace trim slip that gave more definition to her curves and breasts.

She gently slid beside her husband. Her husband tried to feel where she is and upon touching her waist, he made a turn and spooned her. He has always been like that.

"Got work? Tired?" he said, in a sleepy tone.

"Yes. Swamped. Rest now, you need to be early later. I already told the maid to prepare your breakfast. I'm sending the kids to school," she said.

She felt his hand exploring. She knew what he wants. She wanted to refuse but he's already on top of her. With his hard-on obviously noticeable in his boxers, she knows she's up for another fight.

"Silly," she said, emotionless.

"Just one round," he said.

She spread her legs and let him in. Her sex hurt. She suddenly felt herself loathing. She's disgusted but she couldn't show. He's thrusting faster now. He's moaning. She's got to fake it. She started moaning. Her moans were more of an obligation than pleasure. She tried to sync with him. He finished. She didn't. She had to fake another orgasm.

"I love you, Ara," he said, breathy, raspy.

He gave her a kiss. She felt irritated with the sudden lip-lock.

"You're heavy," she said, trying to make the other go away. He tossed himself back to where he first was. He fell asleep. She washed then went back to bed. With her thoughts still basking on her other man's afterglow, she beamed a smile. Minutes later, she fell asleep.


* * *


It's already 8 in the morning and she's in a hurry fixing stuff. The maid just finished feeding the kids and she has just finished her hair. She went out of the room and see the kids delighted seeing her. She gave them kisses.

"Mommy's leaving. Mommy might go home late tonight, so better be good to daddy. If the two of you won't be good, I won't be buying your toys this weekend," she said, rather in a sweet tone.

"Yes, Mommy. I love you," said M.

" I love you, Mommy," E added.

She got to the office just at the nick of time. She exchanged pleasantries with her people before heading to her own space.

"Ma'am. There's a package inside your office," the girl said.

"Yes, thank you," she said calmly, though she's surprised.

She went inside her room and saw a bouquet of roses and magnolias. Beside is a medium-sized teddy bear.

She got surprised when she saw the card the bear carries,

"I love you. You are the most beautiful woman I've seen. I'd see you tonight."
From: The man from a decade.

She needed not to think twice who the sender was. Her heart felt weak. Her face blushed. Thoughts of her family have vanished. Does this call a shot for happiness?

Ara

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/


Author's Note: Sana maenjoy nyo tong mini-series ko. Suportahan nyo ko sa aking simpleng comeback. :)





I.





The picturesque view from the 27th floor of that condo gave her that feeling of amusement. Those tiny lights sparkle from a distance. Looking like little bulbs of a Christmas light, she couldn't help but to appreciate them like a kid who's got a first sight on something.


With her thoughts drifting away, she gazed at the darkness, following its pointless end. She let out a breathy sigh. She flinched from the sudden touch she felt on her waist.

"It's just me," he said in a sweet, raspy voice.

She turned around and saw him. His sun-kissed skin, that she always adored for she finds them really manly. His broad shoulders that she desires to caress when he's on top of her. His hypnotic puppy eyes that definitely was the reason why he got her heart.

She answered him with a smile.

"You are so beautiful," his sincerity so felt, she couldn't control herself but to blush.

He eyed her. Her perfect eyes are just very lovely. It really makes a good view of her soul. Her teeth are white and she beams a smile that has always melted his totality.

"You are very beautiful," he said, staring at her.

His eyes continued to have a feast. He looked at her nakedness. Her perfectly shaped breasts have always turned him on. Her skin, so soft, so tender, so fragile. He knew that she was the one he wanted to take care of for the rest of his living life.

"May I touch you?"

She nodded in agreement. He wasted no time, he held her tight. In a glimpse, they are kissing. They finally satisfied the thirst they have had for each other for even more than a decade. They were kissing passionately. She's savouring every moment. He's in euphoria. Both of them are in heaven.

His hands continued exploring her body. She was moaning with ecstacy. They were both summoning each others' names with breathy and urgent tones. He touched her sex and felt its wetness. She knew she were ready. Finally, after ten long years, they were united. Flesh to flesh, soul to soul, heart to heart. He was giddy with excitement, a certain rush ushered in as he felt her tightness. They felt they are near the much anticipated end. Movements now are faster. Breathing now got deeper. Moaning now became louder. They climaxed.

He let her rest on his chest. Both sweaty and grasping for air, they kissed.

"I love you so much," he said.

She answered him with a smile. He seemed to understand her response. He kissed her in the forehead and dozed off to sleep.

Her thoughts are running wild but she couldn't deny the pleasure she got as her sex still continues to wet. She hugged him tighter and now, she can hear his heart that beats like a kick drum. Few moments later, he started to snore.

She watched him closely. He still looked like an angel. Though time has aged his aura and physique, he still is the guy she once loved. She gave him a kiss on the forehead.

"I love you, too," though she knows that he didn't hear it for he is deeply asleep.

She got up and took a shower. Got dressed and checked her phone. She dialled the number who called her and yes, she frowned upon hearing the voice on the other line.

"What time will you be home? The kids are waiting for you," the voice sounded sweet.

"In an hour. I just got out of the office," she answered.

She then threw one last look. Her angel is still, sleeping. She left without saying any word. Went down the lobby, and took a cab home.

INCORRIGIBLE VERSION 1: EPILOGO

Author's Note:

Salamat  sa mga nagtiyagang magbasa ng nobelang ito. Inuulit ko, THIS was my SUPPOSED ENTRY sa Book 2 ng MSOB Anthology. I happened to create ANOTHER story of the same title, different plot. Sa mga naguluhan sa kwentong ito, pasensiya na po. A friend of mine told me that this was way different from my previous works. I admit, tama po siya o sila. Ako po ay nag-e-experimento sa ibang genre. I only hoped na nabigyan ko ito ng justice. Saka napansin niyo po ba na maiksi ito compared sa mga pagkahaba-haba kong sinusulat dati? Tama ulit. Nagmamaganda lang po ako na pinagkasya ang 10,000 words sa 8 Chapters kasama na ang Prologue at Epilogue. LOL.

Sana po ay naibigan ninyo ito. Leave your comments below para po malaman ko ang nararamdaman ninyo. It will be a great help for me kung paano ko mapapaganda pa ang pagsusulat ko.

Sa mga nakabasa na nga pala ng IRREVESIBLE sa aming MSOB Anthology: 13 Stories of Love, Hunger and Paranoia (Book 1), SALAMAT!!! I love you all from the bottom of my heart.

Dalisay

EPILOGO

            “And that’s all that happened, Michael,” sabi ni Karl na nasa harapan niya at hawak ang baril na kanina’y nakatutok dito.

            “Tama siya, Michael. Hindi mo maipagkakailang magkapatid nga tayo. Iisa ang ating ina, si Arnulfo ang iyong ama, habang si Karl ang sa akin,” si Jon na ngayon ay bumabangon mula sa pagkakabaril dito ni Karl.

            Nagigimbal na napaatras siya. Tiningnan niya ang buong paligid. Wala na sila sa loob ng bahay ng kanyang ama. Nandoon na silang lahat sa campsite. Wala na ang mga tent. Tanging ang mga cottages lang ang nakikita niya. Nagkalat ang mga sulo na nagsisilbing liwanag sa paligid. Sa lapag ay si Rodgie na nakahandusay at tila wala ng buhay.

            Ngunit ang pinaka-imposibleng pangyayari na nakikita niya ay hindi ang kapaligiran. Kundi ang lalaking nagngangalang Karl na nagpakilala sa kaniya noon ay kamukhang-kamukha na ni Paul.

            “P-paanong nangyari y-yun? I-ikaw at si K-Karl ay iisa?”

            Natawa si Karl/Paul na nakatayo at nakasuot ng kakaibang damit. Nang mapansin nitong nakatingin siya sa kakatwang damit nito ay agad itong umikot at nagpalit ng anyo. Nagbalik ang hitsura nito sa pagiging Karl na kilala niya.

            “That’s more like it,” tuwang-tuwang sabi nito.

            Napaatras na naman siyang muli.

            “What’s the matter sweetie? Don’t you like my real face?” tanong ni Karl/Paul sa kanya as he turned his face back to Paul’s and licked his face.

            “What are you?” nandidiring sambit niya. Walang humpay ang panginginig niya sa takot. Hindi niya akalaing mararanasan niya ang mga ganitong bagay.

            “Jon, mukhang mas maganda kung pupunta ka dito, anak ko.”

            Tumalima ang tinawag at tumayo malapit sa kaniya.

            “Hold him, Jon. And show me that special power of yours,” anito sa anak na agad nitong sinunod.

            “Jon…” hinang-hinang sabi niya.

            “Don’t let it fool you, Michael. My father is a Trickster. A God. That made me a demi-god. He loves to play tricks on people.” paliwanag nito.

            “Totoo bang magkapatid tayo?” confused pa rin niyang tanong.

            “Oo.”

            “And why did he want you to hold me.”

            “So you can have sex with me.”

            “That’s absurd!”

            “You can say that again.”

            “Kailan ka pa naging inglisero?”

            “Since I became God?”

            “Since when?”

            “Kanina lang?”

            “How do you kill a trickster?”

            “I don’t know. Pero pwede mong isaksak ito sa puso niya.”

            “Are you sure this will work?”

            “Trust me. Now hear this.”

            “Don’t let it fool you, Michael. My father is a Trickster. A God. That made me a demi-god. Son of a trickster,” paliwanag sa kanya nito.

            Nagtatakang napatingin si Michael kay Jon. Parang narinig na niya ang mga sinabi nito. Magsasalita sana siya ng makita niyang kumindat ito at itinuro ang sinturera niya may nakaipit na stake. Isang matalas na kahoy.

            “Jon! What is happening here?” sigaw ni Karl/Paul na nasa di kalayuan.

            “I don’t know father! Mukhang di siya tinatablan ng kapangyarihan kong mang-akit.”

            “Kalokohan! Tingnan ko nga?” anitong galit na lumapit. “Hindi mo kasi siya hinahawakan ng maayos!”

            “Please, father! Alam kong gusto mong makita ‘iyon’ but can you spare Michael of it? He’s my brother after all,” paki-usap ni Jon sa ama.

            Napangisi ito. Mukhang hindi tinablan sa sinabi ng anak. "Ayaw mo ba ng ganito? Yung hirap kang tanggapin ang ginagawa mo kasi nabababuyan ka sa ginagawa mo pero di mo matanggihan kasi nasasarapan ka. Pilitin mo mang salungatin ang tawag ng iyong laman, mas malakas pa rin ang dikta ng kakaibang gutom mo,” ani Karl/Paul.

            “Oo. Maaaring tama ka. But you see, it’s different when it involves my brother!” saad ni Jon sabay tulak sa kanyang ama palayo.

            That caught Karl/Paul off-guard and gave Michael the chance to leap quickly and stab him on the chest!

            Hindi makapaniwala si Karl/Paul na naisahan siya ng mga ito. Ang tagal niyang hinintay ang pagkakataon na makalaro ang anak ni Arnulfo. Nakuha na niya ang gusto niya noon, ang magkaroon ng anak sa isang tao. Ang mapagpapasahan niya ng kanyang kapangyarihan. But everything was now put into waste.

            Trinaydor siya ng kanyang anak!

            “Ahh! H-hindi maaari ito… Jon…” mahinang sabi niya.

            “Itay… patawad.” Mahinang sabi ng anak.

            “Y-you coward! W-why did y-you b-betrayed me…”

            “I did not. I just made sure you’ll be at rest.”

            “P-para sa ta-taong yan?”

            “He’s my brother. And as much as I would like to call you my father… I hate to say this, you may have been my father once, but now… you’re just somebody else.”

            Michael saw Karl/Paul winced from those words. He may not have expected it from the son that he harbored through his crazy games. That’s just the difference between humans and Gods. We knew how to correct the things that we knew was wrong. While they don’t have a choice but to live the incorrigible truth and ways of living that they have since time immemorial.

WAKAS

INCORRIGIBLE VERSION 1: CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

            Tatlong bata ang magkakahawak-kamay habang nakapalibot sa isang maliit na apoy. Isang lalaki at dalawang babae. Mga edad siyam ang bawat isa at nakasuot ng magagarang kadamitan.

            “Maida, sigurado ka ba na tatalab ang gagawin nating ito?” sabi ng batang lalaki.

            “Arnulfo, sigurado ako dito. Sinabi sa akin ni Ina na kapag lumibot tayo sa apoy at pinag-isa ang kagustuhan nating tatlo, magkakaroon tayo ng bagong kalaro na ibibigay ang gusto natin,” sabi ng batang si Maida.

            “Ako, gusto ko rin yun, Arnulfo. Sana batang lalaki ang maging kalaro natin.” Anang isa pang bata.

            “Kahit ano, Isis. Sigurado akong hindi tayo pababayaan ng ritwal na ito. Subok na raw ito sabi ni Ina,” pangungumbinsi pa ni Maida sa kabigang babae.

            “Sige na nga. Simulan na natin,” napipilitang sambit ni Arnulfo. Nahahati sa pag-aalinlangan sa kasiguraduhan ng kanilang gagawing magkakaibigan at ang pag-iwas na ma-disappoint ang mga ito.

            Samantala, sa hindi kalayuan ay nakatayo silang apat. Kapwa nanlalaki ang mga mata nila sa hindi maipaliwanag na karanasang nararanasan nila sa kasalukuyan.

            “W-we actually turned back to time!” said Michael.

            Napalingon sa kanya ang tatlo.

            “Anong sinasabi mo, Michael?” si Jon.

            Narinig niya ang tanong na iyon ni Jon, ngunit hindi na siya makapagsalita. It felt like he froze. Kahit pa sumisigaw siya sa isip niya.

            “A-ang sabi niya ay bumalik tayo sa nakaraan. Pero anong nakaraan? Kanino at saan?” pag-e-esplika ni Paul sa mga kasama.

            “T-Time travel?” si Jon. “Yun ba yung tawag doon?” tanong pa nito.

            “Oo.” Si Paul ulit.

          “Anong nangyari kay Michael?” tanong ni Rodgie. “Mukhang na-shock na yata ito, eh.” Pagpapatuloy pa nito.

            “Michael!” sigaw na nagpabalik sa katinuan niya.

            “Y-yes?! Anong problema?” taranta niyang sagot.

            Lumapit sa kanya si Paul at tiningnan kung okay lang siya tulad nang sa nagtse-check ng may lagnat.

            “I-I’m fine, Paul. I’m fine,” iwas niya rito.

            “Ano yung sinasabi mo bumalik tayo sa nakaraan?” si Rodgie.

            “Ha?”

            “Nasa kaninong nakaraan tayo? Kailan at saan ito?” pagpapatuloy na tanong ni Rodgie.

            Napapikit siya.

            Tinitimbang kung mayroon siyang lakas ng loob para isiwalat ang nalalaman niya sa mga oras na iyon.

            “We’re in my father’s past.” He said, finally.

            Napatingin sa kanya si Paul. Si Jon at Rodgie ay napakunot-noo.

            “I saw his picture when he was a boy, marami niyon sa photo-album sa bahay. Iyan ang mismong bahay na tinutukoy ko. At ang batang nakikita natin ngayon, He was my father Arnulfo when he was a little child. About nine years old, I think. At hindi ako maaaring magkamali,” mahabang paliwanag niya.

            Nanlaki ang mata ni Jon sa narinig habang si Rodgie ay tila naguguluhan pa rin. “A-ang ibig mong sabihin ay… Tatay mo yang batang iyan? At nandito tayo sa panahong siyam na taong-gulang siya? Bakit?” tanong pa ng huli.

            “I-I don’t k-know…” he said confused.

            “Ako alam ko… Panoorin niyo sila,” si Paul.

            Nagtataka man tumingin muli sila sa mga bata na ngayon ay nakapikit na at bumibigkas ng mga kakatwang salita.

            “We call the one in green, to come forth and heed what we need. Be far or be he near, Bring us one of your Apostle, the Trickster or the God itself, be seen…”

            Paulit-ulit na binibigkas ng mga bata ang mga katagang iyon na sa una ay hindi nila maintindihan. Nang maglaon ay naging malinaw na sa kanila ang sinasabi ng mga ito. Mukhang isa iyong chant or spell na ginagawa para tumawag ng kung ano. Isang childs play na napagkakatuwaan ng gawin noon magpasahanggang-ngayon.

            “We call the one in green, to come forth and heed what we need. Be far or be he near, Bring us one of your Apostle, the Trickster or the God itself, be seen…”

            “Who are they calling out?” tanong ni Michael.

            “Paul?” lingon niya sa katipan.

            Laking-gulat niya ng makitang unti-unting nagiging usok si Paul at naglalaho sa harapan nila. Hindi siya makapaniwala sa nasaksihan na napasadlak siya sa lupa.

            “Paul!!!” sigaw niya na ikinabigla din ng dalawa pa nilang kasama.

            “Anak ng—ano ang nangyayari?” tanong ni Jon.

            “Sorry, babe… I’m being called and I am not Paul. My name is Pan…” iyon lang at napunta ang katawan nitong usok sa gitna ng mga bata patungo sa mismong apoy.

            “Paul!!!” hysterical niyang sabi.

            “Michael! Huminahon ka. Kung ano man ang nangyayari, hindi na si Paul ang inaakala mong si Paul. Mukhang napaglalaruan tayo dito ng mga maligno. Baligtarin n’yo ang mga damit ninyo!” sigaw ni Jon sa kanila.

            Napalingon siya dito.

Hindi man niya makuha ang tamang rason sa mga nangyayari ay tumalima siya. Hinubad niya ang T-shirt na suot at isinuot iyon pabaligtad ay sinalubong ulit sila ng maputing usok at nang mawala ang iyon ay nasa loob na sila ng bahay.

“Ano  na naman ang nangyayari?” tanong ni Jon.

“Mukhang hindi tayo tatantanan nang malignong ito.” Si Rodgie.

Napailing siya. Hindi siya naniniwala sa mga maligno o kahit na ano. Pero sa nangyayaring kababalaghan sa paligid nila ay mukhang malapit na siyang maniwala.

“Maida, we don’t have much of a time. We have to call Pan or else Isis won’t make it! We have to call him!” sabi ng isang lalaking halos kaedad nila at paroo’t parito ito sa loob ng bahay.

“We can’t call him, Arnulfo. Delikado. Kapag nakita ni Pan na may mga anak ka na, ililipat niya ang mga larong ibinibigay niya sa atin sa mga bata,” tila nahahapong sabi pa ni Maida.

“Please. He’s the only one that can give Isis the power to make it through while giving birth. Kahit sandali lang. We need Pan so that she can give birth!” desperado naming wika ni Arnulfo.

“But why is that?” asked Maida.

“Hiniling ko kay Pan na ibigin ako ni Isis. I know he’s no cupid but he can actually do it provided I let him play with my child and my child’s children,” mahinang sabi ni Arnulfo.

Napasinghap si Maida.

Ganoon din sila.

“How could you do such thing?” sigaw ng babae. “Alam mo ba ang nangyayari kapag nakipagkasundo ka sa isang Diyos?”

“Alam ko, Maida! Kaya nga sa pagkakataong ito, hihilingin ko sa kanya na palakasin niya sandali si Isis hanggang sa makapanganak ito dahil mahina ang puso niya! Naintindihan mo ba iyon?”

Nasindak silang lahat sa narinig.

Nakita nilang tumaas-baba ang dibdib ni Maida saka ito huminga ng malalim bago nagsalitang muli.

“Very well, then… We need Isis in the process. Let’s go to her,” talunang sabi ng babae. Muling lumiwanag at napunta sila sa isang kwarto na may isang babaeng nakahiga sa kama. Maputla ito at mukhang hinang-hina ngunit napakalaki ng tiyan tanda ng kabuwanan na nito.

“We need your help, Isis. We will call Pan so he can help you. Is that alright?” tanong ni Arnulfo sa asawa.

Naantig ang puso ni Michael sa nasaksihan. Hindi siya makapaniwalang masasaksihan niya ang mga oras kung kailan siya ipinanganak.

“I’m in, Arnulfo. Just make it quick,” nanghihinang sabi nito.

“That’s my girl…”

Muli nilang narinig ang mga katagang sinasabi ng mga bata kanina. Akala nila ay magbabago ulit ang panahon dahil sa makapal na usok na bumalot sa silid ng biglang lumabas sa kung saan si Paul.

“Pan!” si Arnulfo.

“Paul?!” sabi ni Michael.

“Hello, Mikey!”

ITUTULOY...

INCORRIGIBLE VERSION 1: CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7

            “IT’S okay, Michael. Mag-ready ka na, lalakad na ulit tayo in two minutes,” ani Paul sa kanya na ikinaluwag niya ng paghinga. Hindi niya namalayang nagpipigil na pala siya ng paghinga mula pa kaninang napansin sila nito.

            “Natutuwa akong malaman yan, Michael. Alam mo ban a gusto ko talagang magkaroon ng kapatid. At sabi sa akin ng isang tao noong isang araw, may- ah, aalis na ba tayo?” putol ni Jon sa sasabihin sana.

            “I don’t know. Siguro?” kunot-noong sabi na lang niya.

            Alam niyang may sasabihin sana itong si Jon pero pinigilan nito ang sarili. Ano ang sinabi rito ng tao na tinutukoy nito? Na may kapatid din ito? Naalala niya si Karl. Ito ang nagsabi sa kanya na mayroon siyang kakambal. Si Jon na kaya ang tinutukoy nito?

            “Lakad na tayo. Isang lusong na lang pababa at nasa camp-site na tayo,” ani Rodgie na nagmamadaling hinawakan sa siko si Jon na mataktikang tumitingin-tingin sa kanya kapag may pagkakataon.

            Nang makababa sila sa campsite ay nagulat sila dahil ang sumalubong sa kanila ay katahimikan. Mistulang walang tao sa loob ng mga tent na nakatayo sa bawat sulok na maaaring pagtayuan nito. Gayundin ang mga cottages na marahil ay pinauupahan. Malakas ang ebidensiya na may mga tao na pumunta sa campsite ngunit ang pagpapatunay na mayroon ay wala. Patunay doon ang mga gamit na animo’y basta na lamang iniwan. Mga damit, gamit pang-luto, mga baraha, sigarilyo at marami pang iba.

            “Nasaan ang mga tao rito, Paul?” tanong ni Michael sa kasama.

            “H-hindi ko alam. Alam ko lang maganda ang falls nila rito.” Confused din nitong sagot. With that being said, narinig nila ang banayad na agos ng tubig. Kanina kasi, sobrang katahimikan ang naririnig nila na pinangibabawan nito ang tunog ng iba pang bagay.

            “You mean you didn’t know that it was like this, did you?”

            “Y-yes, I didn’t.”

            “Oh crap!” disappointed na sabi niya.

            “Huwag muna tayong mag-panic. Siguradong may dahilan kung bakit wala ang mga tao dito sa camp. Mukhang may mga naiwan silang palatandaan. Tingnan natin ang buong paligid,” ani Jon na mukhang nag-aalala rin ngunit pilit kinakalma ang sarili.

            “Siguro nga ganoon na lang muna ang gawin natin. Maghanap na rin tayo ng matutuluyan. Huwag na muna nating galawin ang mga nasa paligid. Baka nasa baba lang ang mga tao. Malawak ang camp na ito. Baka nasa Lansones o Batya-Batya lang sila,” si Rodgie.

            “Paano mo naman nasabi?” tanong ni Michael dito.

            “Simple lang,” anito saka tumakbo. “Sundan niyo ako.”

            Saglit lang at nakita nilang huminto ito sa pinakadulo ng talon na  nasa bahagyang ibaba lang ng campo. Halos malula si Michael ng pagsilip niya ay sobrang taas ng kinalalagyan nila mula sa ibaba.

            “Hindi ko sila naririnig sa ibaba nitong Buruwisan, kaya malamang, nasa Lansones sila o nasa Batya-Batya. Kung mamalasin, nasa Sampaloc pa siguro sila.” Ani Rodgie.

            “Maynila?” si Jon.

            “Falls din iyon dito. Lahat ng mga binaggit ko, falls iyon dito. Pero ang nakapagtataka, hindi pa nangyaring lahat ng campers ay magpupunta sa iisang lugar dito sa Romelo ng hindi nag-iiwan ng isang kasamahan para magbantay ng gamit.

            “Kung ganoon nga, saan sila nagpunta?” si Paul.

            “Wala akong maisip na pupuntahan nila. Maghintay siguro tayo ng mga isang oras pa. Kapag walang dumating, hanapin natin ang mga tao dito. Sa ngayon, ayusin muna natin ang mga tent na dala natin,” maawtoridad na sabi ni Rodgie sa kanilang lahat.

            Pumili sila ng patag na pwesto malapit sa isang cottage na may tindahan papunta sa mismong ilog. Malapit na rin iyon sa talon kaya anman maganda ang pwestong iyon. Samantala, sila Rodgie ay pumwesto sa may bandang daanan sa gilid nila.

            Pagkalipas ng isang oras, natapos na nilang ayusin ang tent at mga gamit ng magpasya si Rodgie na mauunang hanapin ang mga campers. Si Paul naman ay nagsabing gagamit ng palikuran na itinayo malapit sa campsite. Naiwan siyang nag-aayos ng mga pagkaing ihahanda niya ng may isang pigura ang umagaw ng atensyon niya.

            “What the—“

            “Hello, Mikey.”

            It was Karl. Suot ang isang pares ng Americana at trench-coat. Mukha itong businessman sa suot nito. Ngunit ang ipinagtataka niya ay paano itong nakarating doon ng hindi niya namamalayan.

            “How in the world did you get in here?” he replied cautiously.

            “I followed you.”

            Michael frowned.

            “I didn’t get you.” He said. Trying so hard not to sound confused.

            “I followed your trails. Hindi mahirap para sa akin ang gawin iyon.”

            “And that is why?”

            “I’m your guardian angel.”

            Natahimik siya sa isinagot ni Karl at tumitig dito. Maya-maya pa ay hindi niya mapigilang matawa sa tinuran nito.

            “What’s funny?” si Karl.

            Tumingin siya dito. “You dare asked?” saka siya lubusang tumawa ng malakas. “Ikaw! Ikaw ang nakakatawa kasi, ang sabi mo Guradian Angel kita. Ano bang kinain mo ha? Magpatingin ka nga.”

            Tinaasan lang siya ng kilay ni Karl at lumapit sa kanya. Tinitigan siya at nginitian. Saka muling lumayo ng bahagya at saka nagsalita.

            “I thought I told you I’d be visiting you again, right?”

            “And so? It must have slipped my mind.”

            “Have it?”

            “What do you want?”

            Karl chuckled.

            “No. What do you want?”

            Napatanga siya sa sinabi nito.

            “What do… I want?”

            “Yes. What do you want the most, Michael? Is it fortune?”

            Kumunot ang noo niya. Ano ang itinutumbok ng tanong ni Karl?

“Fame?”

“Love?”

“Affection?”

“Appreciation?”

“Acceptance?”

“Boys?”

“Paul?..”

Doon na siya napika. “What are you talking about?!” sigaw niya.

“Or do you want to hear the truth?” Karl said mockingly.

“What truth?!”

“The truth about your real identity, Michael.”

He was stunned for a moment. He actually knew that something was off when he was growing with his Papa Arnulfo.

Sa tuwina ay galit sa kanya ang kinilalang ina pero si Arnulfo, madalas ay ipagtanggol siya mula rito o kaninoman.

Hanggang sa sabihin nito sa kanya na may mga bagay na kailangan niyang malaman pagdating ng panahon. Ito na ba ang panahong iyon? Totoo ba ang mga sinasabi ni Karl?

“What’s in it for you?”

It was Karl’s turn to be stunned. He was caught off guard by the question.

“What’s in it for you, you bastard?!” ulit ni Michael sa tanong.

Bahagyang nangunot ang noon i Karl. Waring inaalala kung ano nga ba ang dahilan at naroroon ito ngayon at anong mapapala nito sa lahat ng ito.

“Tell me, you son a bitch!” halos hysterical na niyang sabi.

Nag-alis ito ng bara sa lalamunan.

“Well… I… I…”

“Sagutin mo ang tanong niya, Karl? Anong mapapala mo sa lahat ng ito?”

Nabaling ang atensyon nila kay Paul na nasa di kalayuan sa tent niya. Kasama rin nito sina Rodgie at Jon.

“Sagutin mo ang tanong, Karl,” ulit nito.

Nagpalipat-lipat ang tingin nito sa kanilang apat. And then, he started pacing back and forth. Nagsimula sa mabagal hanggang sa bumilis hanggang sa kusa na itong tumigil at humiyaw ng humiyaw at sa huli ay humalakhak.

“Wala na ‘to. Mukhang may sayad na talaga ang isang ito.” Si Jon.

Laking gulat nila ng biglang umangat sa lupa si Jon at tumalsik sa isang puno. Mabilis itong dinaluhan ni Rodgie habang si Paul ay lumapit sa kanya upang hilahin siya palabas ng tent.

“Jon! Ayos ka lang ba?” ani Rodgie dito.

“Tang-ina, ikaw ba ang tumalsik ng ganoon, ayos ka pa rin ba?” asik dito ni Jon.

“Whoops! Hindi ko ba nasabi sa inyo na umpisa na ng laro natin mga, anak ni Arnulfo?” ani Karl na biglang naglaho at lumitaw sa harapan nila.

“Anong klaseng nilalang ka? At anong, mga anak ni Arnulfo ang sinasabi mo?” si Michael na di makapaniwala sa naririnig.

“Ah… mukhang hindi mo talaga alam, ano? Well, sige, ako ang magpapaliwanag sa inyo. Pero bago ang lahat, maglalaro muna tayo!” tila nababaliw na sabi ni Karl at saka ipinitk ang daliri ng tatlong beses.

            Biglang nagbago ang hitsura ng lugar. Ang mga puno at ang campsite ay nawala. Ang tunog ng mabilis na agos ng tubig ay naglaho rin. Napalitan ang lahat ng iyon ng matingkad na liwanag at tumambad sa kanila pagkatapos ang isang pamilyar na tanawin para kay Michael.

            “No way!” mahinang anas niya.

            “Yes way, Michael!”pang-aasar ni Karl. “Ito ang kinalakihan mong lugar. Ang bahay ni Arnulfo. Ano pa ba ang magandang laruin kundi ang dahilan kung bakit kayo nandirito ngayon. Hindi ba?”

            “Bakit mo ba ginagawa ito?” si Jon na namimilipit pa rin.

            “Malalaman mo, in three, two, one, Showtime!

ITUTULOY...

INCORRIGIBLE VERSION 1: CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 6

            “Where are we going?”

            Tanong ni Michael kay Paul na busy sa pagmamaneho. Kanina pa niya ito tinatanong ngunit iisa lang ang isinasagot nito sa kanya.

            “Secret. Just sit there, and relax.” Anito na kinorohan na niya.

          Inaasahan na kasi niyang iyon ang isasagot nitong muli, ngunit ang hindi niya inasahan ay ang pagnakaw nito ng halik sa kanya na dahilan para bahagyang mag-swerve ang sasakyan at matakot siya ng bahagya.

            “Paul!” sigaw niya sabay suntok sa balikat nito.

            “Aray!”

            “That’s what you get for kissing me in broad daylight!”

            Natatawang hinimas-himas nito ang brasong nasaktan. “Wala naming makakakita sa atin. Tayo lang ang nasa daan. Wala tayong kasalubong. Saka anong broad daylight ka diyan? Pasikat pa lang ang umaga, O!”

            Napalinga rin siya sa paligid. Wala nga siyang nakikitang mga bahay o tao sa paligid. Wala ring mga sasakyan na kasabay ang sinsasakyan nila. Kumbinyente para sa isang magnanakaw ng halik.

            With that in mind, he retaliated by kissing Paul on his cheeks.

            “Whoa!” ani Paul na kunwa’y gulat na gulat at pabirong nilaro ang manibela upang gumiwang-gewang sila ng bahagya. Natatawang hinila niya ang manibela pakanan at inabot ang preno bago iyon madiin na inapakan.

            Nang makahinto ay hinaklit niya ito sa batok saka hinalikan ng mariin. He clung to Paul’s nape leaving him with no choice but to surrender to his advances… sweetly.

            Halos pangapusan na sila ng hininga ng tanungin niya ulit ito.

            “Saan tayo pupunta?”

            Ravished from his kisses and taking the time to return to his normal breathing, Paul smiled and stared longingly at him and said.

            “It cannot be spoiled. I searched for it in Google and it was a good place. I want it to be special for us. When we get there, we’ll throw anything and everything behind us and think about only me and you.”

            Muntik-muntikan ng mapasinghap sa napaka-sweet na deklarasyon na iyon si Michael. Hindi halata sa hitsura niya ngunit napaka-mushy niyang tao. Ang maliliit na action ng sweetness at thoughtfulness ay hindi maaaring hindi makapag-paiyak sa kanya.

            At iyon siya. Hirap na hirap magpigil kung ano ang magiging reaksiyon sa sinabing iyon ni Paul. Ayaw niyang magmukhang engot sa harapan nito.

            “Paul…”

            “Yes, babe?”

            “Is it raining? Nababasa kasi yung mata ko. Di ko alam kung bakit. Umuulan yata,” ani Michael.

            “Oh babe!” said Paul while embracing him.

            Nanamnamin sana niya ang pagkakataon nang makarinig sila ng ugong ng paparating na sasakyan. Isa iyong bus. Agad nilang inayos ang mga sarili at pinaandar ang sasakyan bago sila madaanan at mapansin ng mga lulan niyon.

         

            “DITO na ba yung sinasabi mo?”

            Nababasa niya ang karatula ng Buruwisan Falls sa itaas ng isang poste na tumutumbok sa isang daan pababa na kaonektado sa mismong highway n dinaanan nila.

            “Oo. Nandito tayo sa Sinuluan.” Sagot ni Rodgie sa tanong niya.

            Inilibot niya ang tingin. Halos mag-uumaga na. Walang tao sa paligid maliban sa kanilang dalawa. Busy ang kasama niya sa paghahanap ng flash-light na dala nila. Nang madako ang tingin niya sa di kalayuan ay may dalawang lalaki na naglalakad palapit sa kanila.

            “Rodgie, tingnan mo. Mukhang may makakasabay tayo sa pag-akyat.”

            Nilingon nito ang tinutukoy niya at napangiti.

            “Mukhang maganda ang magiging pag-akyat natin dito, Jon.”

            “Mukha nga.” Sang-ayon niya.

            Nang makalapit sa kanila ang dalawang lalaki ay binati niya ang mga ito. “Kumusta mga, Sir?” aniya sabay mabilis na pinag-aralan ang mga ito. “Aakyat kayo?” tanong niya kapagkuwan.

            “Oo, Sir. Kabababa niyo lang ba?” tanong ng mas matangkad habang ang isa naman ay may katangkaran din at naka-sumbrero. Parang tinadyakan si Jon sa sikmura sa nakitang hitsura ng bibig nito. Pamilyar ang lalaking natatakpan bahagya ang mukha ng sombrero at bahagyang madilim pa sa kapaligiran.

            “Hindi. Paakyat pa lang din kami.” Ani Rodgie.

            “Tamang-tama. Pwede ba kaming makisabay?”

            “Sige ba. First time niyo ba rito?”

            “Oo eh. Kayo ba madalas dito? Teka, parang nakita na kita dati, Sir?” tanong sa kanya nito na ipinagtaka niya.

            “Ngayon lang aakyat siya aakyat dito kasama ako,” putol ni Rodgie sa sasabihin niya. “Ako, madalas ako dito noong bata pa ako.”

            Napakamot ng ulo ang matangkad na lalaki. “Climber ka pala talaga, Sir. Anyway, ako nga pala si Paul. Siya naman si Michael.”

            Nag-alis ng cap ang tinawag na Michael at nagulat siya sa pagkakahawig nila. Hindi sila magkamukhang-magkamukha ngunit may anggulo na pagkakamalan niyang nakatingin siya sa sarili. Hinamig niya ang sarili at pinilit na ngumiti.

            Nagpalitan sila ng pleasantries sa isa’t-isa. Hindi mawari ni Jon kung ano ang nararamdaman niyang kaba sa pagkikita-kita nilang iyon. Kaba na hindi naghahatid ng kilabot kundi pagkasabik. Hindi niya mahintay kung ano ang susunod na mangyayari at di na siya makapaghintay na malaman kung ano iyon.

            Lalo siyang nakaramdam ng kakaibang excitement ng makipagkamay siya kay Michael. Ang lakas ng tibok ng puso niya at ang mabilisang pakikipagkamay sana ay tumagal sa itinakda niyang limitasyon ng hindi niya namamalayan. Magtatagal pa sana ang pagkakadaop nila ng palad kundi sa boses ng dalawang lalaking kasama nila.

            “Halika na. Simulan na natin ang pag-akyat. Siguradong magiging masaya ito,” si Paul na nakangiti ngunit bahagyang madilim ang mukha.

            “Sige, mauuna na kami. Sumunod na lang kayo,” may diing sabi naman ni Rodgie.

            “Ha, eh… sige, mauna na kami.” Si Jon.

         

           TANGING ngiti lang ang isinagot ni Michael sa lahat ng iyon. Sinimulan nilang maglakad kaagad pagkatapos ng nakakailang na eksena. Hindi naman na nagtanong sa kanya si Paul kaya hindi na rin siya nagsalita.

            Pagkalipas ng isang oras ng tuloy-tuloy na paglalakad at pag-akyat ay narating nila ang summit. Halos hindi niya namalayan ang oras sa ganda ng tanawin at dali ng daang tinahak nila paakyat doon.

            “Ang ganda,” ani Michael.

            “Sinabi mo pa.” tinig ni Jon na nasa likuran na pala niya.

            Napangiti siya.

            “Alam mo, pamilyar ka sa akin. Hindi ko lang matukoy kung saan at kalian kita nakita,” pagpapatuloy ni Jon habang nakatingin sa malawak na kabundukan sa harapan nila. “Feeling ko, matagal na kitang kilala.”

            “Ang weird ‘no?” sambit niya.

            Napalingon sa kanya si Jon.

            “Bakit?”

            Tiningnan niya ito saka ngumiti.

            “Ngayon lang kita nakita. Sigurado ako doon. Pero lahat ng sianbi mo kanina, I believed it. As in. Para tayong magkapatid na hindi naman.”

            Nanlaki ang mata ni Jon sa sinabi niya. Natigilan din siya. Saka niya naalala ang isang nilalang na nagsabing mayroon siyang kapatid. Kakambal for that matter. Nagkatitigan pa silang dalawa nito.

            “Ah… eh, solong a-anak lang a-ako,” natataranta niyang sabi.

            Ganoon din si Jon.

            “A-ako din…” nauutal na sagot pa nito.

            “T-tama!” diskumpiyadong sigaw ni Michael na kumuha sa atensiyon ni Paul at Rodgie na nag-uusap sa kabilang dako ng summit.

           

         
            “BAKIT kailangang isabay mo sa amin ang pag-akyat ninyo?” pabulong na anas ni Rodgie. Patingin-tingin sila kina Michael at Jon habang nagkukunwaring nag-uusap at itinuturo ang mga tanawin kay Paul.

            “Eh, bakit ako ang sisisihin mo? Iyon ang usapan di ba? Itong araw na ito ang itinakda ni Karl na papuntahin sila rito.” Ani Paul na ipinadaan sa ngipin ang lahat ng mga sinasabi.

            Napalingon sila kay Michael na sumigaw.

            “Anong tama, Bab- Michael?” awat ni Paul sa sarili. Muntikan na siyang madulas sa totoong estado nila nito.

            “W-wala naman. Napalakas lang ang boses ko. Sorry.”

ITUTULOY...