Unbroken 2.2

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

Daniel saw the guy gazed at him. He was really thinking of something else that time but he sensed that someone was observing him. Alas! Tama sya, he saw his stares in his peripheral vision.

FR was amazed on how this guy in longsleeves looks. Alam nyang hindi ito mahirap dahil sa kinis ng balat na meron ito. Tinignan nyang mabuti ang physique ng isang ito, may kapayatan, oo, pero hindi maipagkakaila ang kakisigang taglay nya. Kitang-kita rin ang matangos na ilong nito dahil ito nga ay patagilid na nakasandal sa pinto ng kotse.

Daniel smelled his own scent nang biglaang napalakas ang hangin. Napangiti sya nang maamoy pa din ang Fahrenheit na pabangong gamit nya na binigay sa kanya ng kanyang kaibigan si Miguel noong kanyang birthday.

Humarap si Daniel sa lalaking kanina pa nakatingin sa kanya.

Daniel felt that the guy seems to be interested pero di nya mawari kung bakit. Their eyes met. Nakita nya sa malayo kung gaano kaganda ang mata ng isang ito. Kung sa kanya ay maliit at matalim, iba ang mata ng isang ito, malaki, bilugan at napakaamo. He was thinking if the guy has almond eyes or a down turned one. He smiled. Unconsciously, naramdaman nalang nyang lumalakad ang kanyang paa sa kinalalagyan ng estranghero.

Nakita ni FR ang pagngiti ng lalaki. Hindi nya maiwasang magtaka kung bakit parang natutuwa sya nang masilayan ang ngiti nito. Bumalik na naman kaya ang pagkagusto nya sa mga lalaki? Is he actually attracted to this guy? Thoughts ran to his mind. Sya ay napabuntong hininga. Nagpakawala sya ng isang ngiti na hindi nya alam kung bakit at para saan.

Nagulat si FR nang makaramdam ng bigat sa kanyang balikat. Nakita nyang may nakaakbay sa kanya. Sinundan nya ng tingin ang braso, tinunton ang mukha, nagitla sya nang makitang ang lalaking nakalongsleeves ito.

Gustong kumawala ni FR pero di nya alam kung bakit ayaw sumunod ng katawan nya. He froze there in silence. Hindi din alam ni Daniel ang sasabihin, he must admit na weird ang pakiramdam ng umakbay sa isang lalaking hindi mo kakilala pero for some strange reasons, parang naeenjoy nya ito.

Ang bango naman nitong isang to. FR thought

Natahimik silang pareho. Hindi inaalis ni Daniel ang pagkakaakbay kay FR. Si FR naman ay walang imik at nakayuko. Iisipin ng lahat ng makakakita na may relasyon ang dalawang ito. Hindi man sila at hindi man sila magkakilala eh parang magnobyo sila dahil sa akbay na iyon.

“Hmmm. Mabigat po braso mo.” mahina at nahihiyang sabi ni FR

Napangiti si Daniel. Tumitig ito kay FR. Kahit nahihiya, dahan-dahang inangat ni FR ang kanyang mukha at nasilayan kung gaano kagwapo ng lalaking ito sa malapitan.

Jesus Christ!

“Daniel.” sabi nito sabay abot ng kamay kay FR

Nagaalangan, pero kinuha ni FR ang kamay nito. Nahawakan nya, pangmayaman, malambot.

“FR.”

They both smiled.

“A-anong ginagawa mo dito?”

“Ha? Ah inaantay ko yung amo ng nanay ko. Nasa loob kasi sya ng hotel.” mahinang sabi ni FR

“I see. Gusto mong gumala muna?”

Nagulat si Daniel sa sinabi nya. Hindi sya ganoon. Kahit di sya nanghuhusga ng tao base sa looks at features nito, di sya nagaaya sa mga taong di nya kilala. At sino ba naman ang matinong taong gagawa non?

Nagulat si FR sa narinig.

“Ga-gala? Saan?”

“Dyan lang sa may market sa taas. Maganda don. Gusto mo?”

Shit. What's with my tongue today? Ano ang nangyayari? Why am I asking a guy I do not know who? Sabi ni Daniel sa sarili

Bago pa man bumuka ang bibig ni FR para magsalita, naunahan na sya ni Daniel.

“And I won't take no for an answer.” sabi nito sabay ngiti

Nakita ni FR kung gaano kapula ang labi nito. Maging ang mga ngipin ay pantay-pantay. Mabango pa. Ano pa ba ang hihingiin nito sa kanya? Ano pa ba?

“Ha? Baka lumabas na yung Amo ng nanay ko eh. Hahanapin ako non.”

Daniel didn't say anything at all. Hinatak nalang nya si FR at sapilitan nya itong pinasok sa kanyang itim na kotse. FR felt surprised at di sya makapaniwalang sumama sya sa isang estranghero. Having said that, weird at di sya nakaramdam ng takot o pagdududa sa motibo ni Daniel. Naisip nya na marahil ay gusto nya din ang mga nangyayari.

Agad na pinaandar ni Daniel ang kotse at nagmaneho.

Nakita ni FR ang loob ng kotse ni Daniel. Mabango ito, malinis. Halatang masinop ang isang ito sa gamit. May mga tissue din sa mga drawers at maayos na nakasalansan ang mga ito.

Daniel noticed that FR was looking at his things. He smiled.

“Ahh? Yan bang mga yan? Wala lang yan. Mahilig kasi akong kumuha ng tissue kapag kumakain kami sa mga fastfood. Nilalagay ko sa kotse tapos gagamitin ko pag kailangan talaga. Pero kadalasan pinanglilinis ko lang ng sapatos lalo na pag maputik.”

Tumango lang si FR.

Naamaze si FR on how economic Daniel is. Siguro ay may pagka-OC din ito dahil wala ka nga talagang makikitang dumi sa loob ng sasakyan nito.

Ang tahimik naman nito. Bakit parang nahihiya sya? Sabi pa ni Daniel sa sarili

“Hey. Bakit ang tahimik mo?”

Namula si FR. Nagsimula na nyang pagalawin ang kanyang tuhod, senyales na nahihiya sya at kinakabahan.

“Ha? Wa-wala.”

“Ano nga?”

“Wala lang po.”

“Po ka dyan ng po. Baka nga magkaedad lang tayo eh.”

“Wala nga lang po.”

“Hmmm. Sige na nga para di ka mahiya, ako muna ang dadaldal ng dadaldal. Tapos magsalita ka na rin ha?”

Nakulitan si FR sa gesture na yun ni Daniel. Parang ang lambing na di nya malaman. Napangiti sya.

“Hmmm ano ba? Daniel Matilla. Nagaaral ako ng Fine Arts ngayon sa isang university sa Manila.”

“La Salle, I suppose.” biglang sabi ni FR

Nagulat at napangiti si Daniel.

“How did you know that?”

Napangiti si FR. Nakita nya kasi ang ID ni Daniel na nakasabit sa may front mirror ng kotse.

“A wild guess.” sabi nitong nakangiti

“Ohh. I wasn't convinced.” Daniel pouted his lips

Tumawa si FR. He finds Daniel cute lalo pa't napakarare sa isang lalaki ang magpout ng lips.

Nice lips. Nice lips. I don't know why I'm wishing na sana madampi sa akin yan. FR thought

“Nakita ko sa ID mo.” sagot ni FR

“Shit. You saw my ID? Where?” natatarantang sagot ni Daniel

Daniel looked and see his ID hanging on the front mirror of his car. He instantly grabbed it and hid it between his lap. FR kept on giggling.

“What's the point of hiding your own Identification card when you have formally introduced yourself?” pangaasar nito kay Daniel

“Errr.”

“See? No need to hide your ID na. Kasi nagpakilala ka naman sakin ng maayos. Unless...” pambibitin ni FR

“Unless ano?”

“Hmmm. Unless you faked some information.”

Daniel stared at FR's eyes. He looked in disbelief. Kumunot ang noo nito.

“Hindi ahh.” pagdedepensa nito sa sarili

“Oh? Eh bakit ayaw mong makita ko yung ID mo? Eh nakita ko na naman yung Logo ng La Salle?” sagot ni FR

“Ka-kasi...”

Bago pa man makapagsalita si Daniel ay mabilis na dinukot ni FR ang ID nya sa pagitan ng kanyang mga hita. Bakas kay Daniel ang pagkataranta at mabilis na napreno ang sasakyan. Mabuti nalang walang kasunod na kotse. Para silang mga batang nagaagawan ng laruan. Todo-iwas si FR sa t'wing kinukuha ni Daniel ang ID, todo-kuha naman si Daniel pero magaling si FR.

After few minutes, they felt tired and stupid of what they are doing. Kita mo ang pagkahingal sa kanilang paghinga. Daniel looked so pissed, FR looked so happy with the way Daniel looks.

“Ano ba!” pasigaw na sabi ni Daniel

Nagulat si FR. Di sya sanay ng sinisigawan sya. Lalo pa't di nya kilala at di nya kaclose.

“Anong ano ba?” Balik na sigaw nito

“Akin na nga yang ID ko!” sigaw ni Daniel

Lalong nag-init ang ulo ni FR.

“Mahirap bang intindihin na ayaw kong ipakita ang ID ko sayo? Ha!” sigaw pa ni Daniel

Huminga si FR. Ramdam nya ang matinding pagkainis.

Inabot nya ang ID kay Daniel. Tahimik.

“Ayoko sa lahat ng sinasagawan ako. Kung ang nanay ko nga di ako sinisigawan, ikaw pa. Sino ka ba? Sabagay, anak-mayaman.” mahina at seryosong sabi ni FR

Naalarma si Daniel. Di nya alam pero bigla syang natakot na baka magalit si FR sa kanya. He tried to compose himself by fixing the collar of his longsleeves and took a deep breath.

“Salamat sa ride. Bababa na ako.” mahinang sabi ni FR

Mabilis na lumabas ng kotse si FR at binagsak ang pinto ng kotse.

Alam nyang malayo-layo ang kanyang lalakarin. Tanaw pa nya kung gaano kalayo ang kotseng kanyang iniwanan nang hatakin sya ni Daniel papasok. Mabilis syang naglakad, nakatikom ang mga kamao, senyales na naiinis talaga sya sa nangyari.

Sabagay Anak mayaman. Kaya marunong manigaw. Kupal sya. Ang angas!

Lakad-takbo syang lumayo sa kotse. He never looked back.

Kala nya. Makikita nya. Pag yumaman ako babalikan ko sya!

Nangangalahati na sya sa paglalakad nang mapansin nyang sinusundan sya ng kotse. Pero dedma. Inis sya at di sya makikipagusap dito.

Narinig nya ang pagbusina nito sa kanya. Hindi nya pa rin pinansin.

Beep!

Beep! Beep!

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Dedma.

Nakita nyang nilagpasan sya ng kotse biglang nagmaneobra at hinarangan ang kalsadang kanyang lalakaran.

Anong gusto nito? Away?

“Sorry na FR. Please?”

Nanatili syang nakatayo. Di nya pinapansin si Daniel.

“Dali na FR. Please?”

Nakita nya ang mga paparating na kotse.

Kung hindi sya aalis, magtatraffic.

“FR. Please? Sorry na?”

Daniel feels so worried sa nagawa nya kay FR. Hindi nya alam kung bakit, pero parang ayaw nya na magalit ito sa kanya. Alam nyang mali sya sa pagsigaw kay FR, pero nainis din naman sya na ayaw ibigay ni FR ang ID nya. Hindi nya alam kung paano nya susuyuin ang isang to.

“FR! Sorry na please!”

Daniel kept on shouting. The cars started accumulating. Naguumpisa ng magtraffic dahil sa nakaharang na sasakyan ni Daniel. Naiirita na ang mga drivers at patuloy na ang kanilang pagbusina na lalong ikinarindi ni FR.

Daniel got out of his car and went near FR.

“Sorry na please? Tara na, nagtatraffic na”

“Adik ka pala eh! Tama ba namang iharang mo ang kotse mo sa daan?” bakas sa boses ni FR ang sarcasm

“Wala akong pakialam.” sagot ni Daniel

Nagulat si FR sa narinig.

“Hindi ako aalis dito at dadami lalo ang sasakyan dyan kung di ka sasakay sa kotse ko.” seryoso ang tono ni Daniel

Dumami lalo ang sasakyan. Mas naging maingay ang busina. Natataranta si FR.

“Wala akong pakialam kung gumawa tayo ng eksena dito. Wala akong pakialam kung magalit yang mga drivers na yan. Basta ang gusto ko magkabati tayo. At sumakay ka sa kotse ko.” sabi ni Daniel

Nakita ni FR ang gigil sa mata ni Daniel. Nakaramdam sya ng takot.

“Sasakay ka ba o hindi?”

“FR.”

Tinitigan sya nito sa mata. Gustong malusaw ni FR. Namumula sya at nahihiya sa mga nangyayari.

Bago pa sya makapagsalita, kinuha ni Daniel ang kamay nya at hinawakan ito. Magkasabay silang naglakad pabalik sa kotse.

I T U T U L O Y...

Unbroken 2.1

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

* * *

Comments are welcome pala ha? Hehehehe

* * *

Spoiled brat. Isang tipikal na anak-mayaman. Chinito. He has the proper mix of sophistication and arrogance for he's the only son of Randell Chua-Madrid, isang stockholder ng ilan sa mga bigating multi-corporation internationally.

Lumaking mariwasa at di nakakaramdam ng hirap. Hindi alam kung paano ang magcommute, laging nakakotse sa t'wing papasok ng eskwela. Baon nya sa isang araw ang tuition sa school ng ibang estudyante. Kahit anong ituro nya sa mall, regardless of the price, agad nyang makukuha. That's how he was raised. It's not his fault that he's born with a silver spoon.

He can be sociable, he can be snob. He's totally unpredictable.

He and his father always fight. May pagkarebelde sya. He follows his heart kahit ano pa ang sabihin ng ibang tao. He goes for what his heart feels. His father wants him to take Medicine, he took Fine Arts. Lagi silang nagaaway, his father wants him to be like him. Pero ayaw nya, for him, businesses are like shit. Mahalaga sa kanya ang kanyang passion sa pagpipinta, maging sa musika. He likes composing songs, he likes singing, he likes performing, pero para sa kanyang ama, walang papatunguhan ang buhay nya kung ito ang kanyang landas na tatahakin.

He likes to surround himself with people that share the same passion with him, regardless of their financial statements. Kahit na may pagkaspoiled at maluho, he knows how and when to be humble. Though he's very vocal with what he feels and drops it in front of you.

He's very private. No one knows his affairs and his flings. No one knew he's got an understanding with his bestfriend Miguel.

He's in a relationship with a girl named Carly, an Irish-girl that has lived in the Philippines for a few years now. He thought they share the best relationship until one day, he saw her cheating. He felt devastated. He became bitter. He doesn't want to love again. Until one day, bumalik si Carly sa kanya.

“Please. Let me in again. Please. I'm wrong and I'm sorry. I won't do it again.”

“Please.”

He saw her shed tears. Being the merciful and the kind-hearted guy he is, binigyan nya ito ng pagkakataon. Naging sila ulit. At first, naging aloof sya at si Carly ang patuloy na nanunuyo, pero ng maglaon, nasanay na siya with Carly around, again. He felt that he has already forgiven her, but he's uncertain kung nakalimutan nya na ang mga ginawa nito sa kanya. They have continued their relationship.

On their 3^rd year anniversary, he planned to surprise Carly. He arranged a dinner for 2 sa paboritong restaurant ni Carly. He called her several times pero unattended ang phone. Lumipas ang araw pero walang paramdam mula sa nobya. Kinabukasan, agad nyang sinilip ang phone to see if Carly messaged him, sa kasamaang palad, wala kahit isa. Feeling so depressed, he grabbed his favorite Black Long Sleeves, faded jeans at ang kanyang Salvatore Mann na leather shoes. He has to go to his comfort place. He has to go to Baguio.

He drove alone to that place. He drove alone to Baguio. Para makalimot. Para kahit papaano ay marelax.

His name is John Daniel Chua-Madrid.

Palaban. He's the kind of guy that gets what he wants and fights for what he wishes to have. Isang tipikal na iskolar na galit sa kahirapan. Naranasan nyang kumain ng NFA rice once at pinangako nya sa sarili nya na hindi na ulit sya makakakain nun. Kahit hirap na hirap, pinilit nyang pagsabayin ang pagaaral sa kolehiyo at ang pagteteatro. Main stay din sya ng isang lounge sa Pasay kung saan kumakanta sya ng American Standards.

Nakita nya kung gaano kalaki ang Maynila. Naaral nya kung paano gumalaw at magisip ang mga tao sa syudad. Naging mas bukas ang kanyang isip sa panganib at kagandahan ng Maynila. Nasanay syang makibagay sa lahat ng uri ng tao. He garnered a lot of friends

Isa syang ambisyosong tao. Lagi nyang iniisip kung paano nya maiaalis ang kanyang nanay sa kanilang apartment na inuupuhan sa loob ng 19 na taon. Kung rent to own nga ito ay malamang matagal na itong sa kanila.

Galing sya sa isang broken family, di nya kasundo ang kanyang nakatatandang kapatid na lalaki at tanging ang nanay lang nila ang nagtaguyod sa kanilang magkapatid. Alam nya ang hirap nito, alam nya na dapat nyang iprioritize ang kanyang pamilya. Dapat nyang mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang kanyang ina. Dapat.

Mula nang sya'y pinanganak, alam nya na sa sarili nya na iba sya. Hindi sya tulad ng ibang lalaki. Alam nya sa sarili nya na may kakaiba sa kanyang kaloob-looban. He still plays with boys. He does games na pisikal. Lagi syang napapaaway nung bata pa sya at nakikipagsuntukan sya. Ganunpaman, alam nyang may atraksyon syang nararamdaman para sa kapwa nya lalaki.

Tulad ng ibang kabataang dumadaan sa tinatawag nating identity crisis, nilabanan nya ito. Pinilit nyang itama ang kanyang mga nararamdaman. Alam nyang mali at natatakot sya sa magiging reaction ng mga tao sa paligid nya. He decided to go in a relationship with a girl named Patricia Elise or Pixel. Ilang buwan lang silang nagtagal at naghiwalay din sila. After months, naging close friends sila ulit. Naging parang wala na lang ang nakaraan sa kanila. Mahalaga sa kanila ang ngayon. Magkaibigan sila, matalik na magkaibigan.

Dumating ang ilan pang mga buwan, nagkaroon sya ng bagong nobya, si Cindy. Laking tuwa nya dahil naramdaman nya talaga na tinatangi nya ito. Ramdam nya na mahal nya ito at mahal sya nito. Maganda din si Cindy, maputi at makinis. Parang biglang nawala sa isip nya ang atraksyon sa kapwa-lalaking meron sya noon.

Naging mas masaya pa sila ni Cindy, nagplano sila para sa kanilang bukas. Inisip nila kung ilang supling ang gagawin nila at kung saan sila titira. They planned for their future. They planned for their family. They planned to build a home.

One time, sinama sya ng amo ng kanyang nanay sa Baguio to attend a convention. Nagaantay sya sa labas ng hotel nang makita nya ang isang lalaking nakasuot ng black long sleeves. Nakasandal ito sa kanyang itim na kotse at mukhang malalim ang iniisip. He couldn't take his eyes off of him. Napuna ng lalaking nakaitim na nakatitig sya rito, tumingin ito. Halata ang gulat sa kanyang mukha, ito ay biglang napangiti. Kita nyang ang pantay-pantay na ngipin nito. Bumilis ang kabog ng kanyang puso. Nakaramdam sya ng kakaiba. Ang alam nalang nya ay nakaakbay sa kanya ang lalaking nakaitim na long sleeve.

He is Franco Rovino Gamboa o FR.

I T U T U L O Y . . .

Unbroken 2.0 Prologue

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


* * *


Salamat sa mga nagbasa ng ARA. Ngayon ay itutuloy ko na ang isa sa aking mga dati pang naudlot na gawa, ang Unbroken 2.0.


* * *


This is a Re-Run of Unbroken 2.0. Please feel free to still read as we finish to story of Daniel and FR. Nakapagsulat na ako ng next chapters so tuloy-tuloy na to. :)


* * *

P R O L O G U E

Nanatiling nakahiga si Daniel sa mga bisig ni FR. Patuloy ang pagtangis ng huli dahil sa pagkawala ng minamahal. Naging saksi ang mga langay-langayan na malayang bumabagtas sa payapa at umaawit na langit sa mga hiyaw at panaghoy ni FR. He then remembered that it was Christmas day. Tumingala sya sa langit, pumasok sa isip nya na sisihin ang Diyos sa nangyari, sya ay lumuha.

Salamat sa binigay nyong pagkakataon na makasama ko pa si Daniel kahit sa mga huling araw nya dito sa lupa. Maraming salamat sa pagkakataon na binigay nyo sa amin para maiyos ang lahat. Salamat sa lahat lahat. Ngayong kasama nyo na sya sa langit,ako naman po ang gabayan nyo. Nabuhay ako dati, hindi ko sya kilala. Pinagtagpo nyo kami at pinaramdam nyo samin kung paano ba talaga magmahal ng walang hinihinging kapalit.Ngayon hindi ko po alam kung paano ako magsisimula ulit. Masakit,pero alam kong gagabayan nyo ako. Tulungan nyo po ako, Tulungan nyo po ako.

He felt the morning wind hugging him. Even the ripples were there to kiss his feet. He felt nostalgia. At muling lumuha si FR.

Parang mga asong nakakita ng buto,agad na nagtakbuhan ang mga personnel ng beach resort nang marinig ang iyak ni FR. Tumawag ng ambulansya,agad na sinakay ang dalawa,pinaharurot. Umaasang marerevive pa ang wala na.

Agad tinawagan ni FR ang mga tao sa kanilang bahay.

“Ma,wala na po si Daniel.”

Narinig nalang nya ang pagluha ng ina sa kabilang linya.

“Best,nasaan ka? Wala na si Daniel.”

“Puki mong may granules. Oh my Jesus! Nasaan kayo? Lilipad ako.” si Pixel.

“Sa pinakamalapit na ospital sa Subic. Hindi ko alam.”

She heard Pixel sigh. A sigh that has no exasperation,a sigh that has a lot of sympathy.

“Antayin mo ako. Pagdating ko pwede ka ng umiyak. Hold it.”

He wiped the tears with his checkered hanky. Nagmamadali pa din ang driver ng ambulansya.

“Ivy. Wala na ang kuya mo.”

Di na sumagot si Ivy. Panay iyak nalang ang narinig sa kabilang linya.

The number you dialled is unattended or out of coverage area. Please try your call later.

Nasaan si Carlos? Ngayon sya kailangan ni FR. FR put his phone inside his pocket. He then saw mists all over the ambulance. He felt his eyes were being cloudy again. For the nth time,umiyak na naman sya.

Madaling narating ang hospital. Agad na sinugod sa E.R si Daniel. Nanatiling nakaupo si FR sa isa sa mga bench doon sa ospital. Isang oras ang nakalipas dumating si Pixel na nakacocktail dress. Kahit ospital dapat nakagayak pa ang talipandas. Tumakbo itong parang trumpong kangkarot papalapit kay FR. Inangat ni FR ang kanyang ulo,banaag ang luha sa mga mata,Pixel gave her a tight hug. That was what he needed that time.

Lumabas si Carlos sa E.R. Rumehistro ang gulat sa mukha ni FR at Pixel. Kita ang malaking disappointment sa mukha ni Carlos. Dahan-dahan itong lumapit sa dalawa. Nanatiling tahimik ang magbestfriend. Tumitig si Carlos kay FR,mata sa mata,pinahid ni Carlos ang mga luha dito.

Ilang segundo pa ay umiling si Carlos. Di na nakapagpigil si Pixel,umiyak na parang walang bukas. Niyakap ni Carlos ng mahigpit si FR. Slowly,kinain na ng dilim ang lalaking nagdadalamhati sa pagkamatay ng kanyang pinakamamahal.

Huling gabi na ng lamay ni Daniel. Nanatili pa ring tahimik si FR. Di masyadong makausap at ngingiti lang ng malungkot sa bawat makikiramay. Dumating ang mga kaibigan,kaklase,colleagues at kung sino pang related sa pamilya at sa kanilang dalawa. Nagmistulang malaking reunion, nagkaroon muli ng communication ang mga dating wala na. Masaya ang lahat sa mini-reunion na naganap pero batid sa lahat ang panghihinayang at kalungkutan sa pagkawala ni John Daniel Madrid.

Kumatok si Pixel sa kwartong tinutuluyan ni FR sa mansion ng mga Madrid. Walang sagot,naisipan na nyang pumasok sa loob. Madilim ang kwarto,liwanag lang ng laptop ang makikita. Parang humihikbing bata si FR sa isang blog na binabasa. Lumapit si Pixel.

“Ano yang binabasa mo?”

“Online Diary ni Daniel.”

“Bongga.”

“Nakadetalye dito lahat ng nangyayari samin. Naiiyak ako twing binabasa ko. Nararamdaman ko kung gaano nya ako minahal.”

“Alam naman ng lahat na mahal ka ni Daniel.”

“Oo nga.”

“Iiwan na muna kita para asikasuhin yung mga batchmates nating ginawang restaurant ang lamay. Magprepare ka na. In an hour,start na ng sharing at ng final mass.”

“Okay.”

Pixel hugged FR.

Nakalipas ang isang oras at dumating na ang paring magbibigay ng huling basbas sa labi ni Daniel. The mass went on at umabot na sa punto ng sharing. Ang mga magulang ni Daniel ang nauna,sinundan ng mga kapatid nitong lalaki. Sumunod si Ivy.

“Si Kuya Daniel ang isa sa mga taong hindi ko inaasahang darating sa buhay ko.”

“Nung kinakailangan ko ng karamay sa lahat-lahat,nandyan sya. Kahit na nung mga panahong hirap na hirap na sya sa chemotherapy eh inuuna pa nya ako dahil buntis nga ako. Naaalala ko yung pagtitimpla nya ng gatas para sa akin everynight. Naalala ko yung mga panahon na sasamahan nya ako sa OB ko tapos pagkakamalan kaming magasawa ng mga tao. Naalala ko kung paano sya tumawa sa t'wing pinapahawak ko ang tyan ko sa kanya pag sumisipa ang baby ko. The simplest thoughts count. Kung nasaan ka man ngayon Kuya Daniel.tandaan mo na naging napakasaya ko para makasama ka sa buhay ko. Ikaw ang pinakamabuting kapatid na meron ako. Mahal na mahal kita Kuya.”

Tumingin si Ivy sa crowd at nakita nya ang mga namumugtong mga mata nito. Nagpakawala sya ng isang buntong-hininga,pinahid ang mga luha,ngumiti. Bumaba ng platform at nakatanggap ng yakap mula kay Pixel.

Oras na ng babaeng bakla para magsalita. Tinantya nito ang crowd at nagbuntong-hininga.

“Akala ko nga nung una straight yang bwisit na yan.” banat nito.

Nangingiti ang mga tao sa mga pinagsasabi ng babaeng bakla.

“Pero kiki mong may granules. Lalaki pala ang gusto. Naloka ako. Akala ko talaga nung una, ako ang type nya. Pero malalaman laman ko nalang na kaya pala nya ko kinoclose dahil kay FR. Imagine? Inisip ko talaga nung High School pa ako na magkakaroon kami ng mga cute na anak ni Daniel, ang ganda ko ba naman eh.” kitang kita dito ang pagpipigil ng luha,dinadaan sa joke ang gustong iparating.

Kita ang ngiti sa mga labi ng mga tao.

“Daniel is really a sweetheart.” naging seryoso ang tono nito.

“Lagi syang may something new to offer. Di ka mabobore. Si Daniel yung taong akala mo ampao,pero pag nakausap mo buchi pala. May laman ang utak,di puro hangin. Si Daniel yung taong akala mo sa una maldito,oo nga may pagkamaldito pero napakabuting tao nya sa lahat ng mga kaibigan nya.”

Lumuha ang babaeng bakla.

“Sorry kung umiiyak ako. Di ko lang talaga matake na makita sya dyan sa kabaong na yan. Pero infairness nga palong-palo ang kabaong ha? Gold in fairness. Tae naman oh. Naiiyak ako. Wala na akong masabing matino. Daniel,kung naririnig mo ako,muntik na kitang minahal okay? Mamimiss kita. Mamimiss kita ng sobra.”

Bumaba si Pixel sa platform. Si FR na ang susunod. Nagyakap ang dalawa.

“Best.”

Tumingin lang si FR bilang sagot.

“Big girls don't cry.”

Ngiti ang sinagot nito.

Tinantya ni FR ang tao sa mansion. Madami din. Inadjust nya ang mic ng naayon sa pwesto nya. Bago sya magsalita,nagpakawal sya ng isang buntong-hininga. Tilang may anghel na dumaan, natahimik lahat ng tao. Tumingin lahat kay FR at napalunok ito.

“Una sa lahat,gusto kong magpasalamat sa inyo sa pagpunta at pakikiramay sa akin maging sa pamilya ni Daniel. Ang laking suporta nyan para sa amin na iniwan. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”

Nagpakawala ito ng isang buntong-hininga.

“Daniel,mamimiss kita.”

Paunang statement palang ay nakaramdam na ng kakaiba ang mga nakikinig. Nakaramdam sila ng kilabot,ramdam na ramdam ang sinseridad. Isang malaking katahimikan.

“Mamimiss ko yung mga bagay na walang kwentang lagi nating ginagawa at pinagaawayan. Mamimiss ko kung paano natin pinagtatalunan kung paano kunin ang sagot sa mga Math problems about quadratic equations. Mamimiss ko yung mga tawag mo twing alanganing oras ng gabi. Mamimiss ko yung mga surprise visits mo sa bahay. Mamimiss ko yung pagbuhos mo sakin ng juice as a wake up call. Mamimiss ko lahat ng mga simpleng bagay na ginagawa natin. Mahal na mahal kita.”

May mangilan-ngilan ng napapahikbi.

“Daniel,alam kong kasama ka na ng Diyos ngayon sa langit. Alam kong masaya ka na dyan. Favor naman oh? Pwede bang tulungan mo din kaming tanggapin na wala ka na? Pwede ba yun? I have more favors to ask actually, Would you mind? Daniel,pwede bang wag mo kong kalimutan? Wag mo kong kakalimutan kasi di ko alam kung makakalimutan kita. Pwede ba minsan pag payagan ka dalawin mo naman ako? Para lang makita kita? The thought of thinking you're gone is killing me. Please. Wag mo kong kakalimutan. Mahal na mahal kita.”

Rinig ang crack sa boses ni FR. Umiiyak na ang ilang sa mga malalapit nilang kaibigan.

“Daniel. Mahal kita at di ako magsasawang sabihin yan sa kanila. Mula sa dulong strand ng buhok ko hanggang sa dulong kuko ko sa paa,ramdam ko sa puso ko na ikaw lang ang laman nito. Mula pa noon,noong una kitang nakita,hanggang ngayon,ikaw pa rin ang nagiisa dito.Mahirap,masakit at nakakapanibago,pero asahan mong kakayanin ko para sayo.Makakaasa ka na magiging okay ako kahit parang pakiramdam ko ayaw ko ng maging okay. Makakaasa ka na patuloy akong magdadasal para magkita tayo ulit. Makakaasa kang di kita kakalimutan. Makakaasa kang mamahalin kita kahit wala ka na. At kung mabibigyan ng pangalawang pagkakataon, kahit sa ating ikalawang buhay, ikaw at ikaw pa rin ang mamahalin ko.”

Kitang-kita ng mga tao sa lamay kung paano humugot ng isang malalim na buntong hininga si FR. They saw how FR wiped the tears coming from his left eye. They all symphatized with him. Muli, he sighed.

“Pero siguro di pa talaga tayo magkikita ulit. Alam ng Diyos na marami pa akong dapat ayusin. Sana pag napadpad ako sa langit,kung sa langit nga ako mapunta makita kita. At sana tanda mo pa ako noon,sana pwede nating ituloy ang kabaklaan natin sa langit, Sana pwede tayong magmahalan dun gaya ng pagmamahalan natin dito sa lupa. Aasahan kong hihintayin mo ako dyan,kung nasaan ka man. Ayokong maging malungkot lalo kaya di ako nagsasabi ng kung anu-ano. Daniel ayoko na baka umiyak ako. Daniel please? Daniel? Mahal na mahal kita. Mahal na mahal kita.”

Tumahimik ang mga mata. Waring may dumaang anghel sa kanilang mga harapan.

Ngumiti si FR. Tumulo ang luha sa kanyang mga mata. Bumaba sya ng platform at agad na dumeretso sa kwarto. Sinara nya ang pinto at agad na umiyak na parang bata. Nakaramdam ng yakap si FR mula sa dilim. Pamilyar ang amoy na yon,ang init ng kanyang katawan . Ramdam nya ang yakap ni Carlos mula sa kadiliman ng kwarto.

Then there's a deafening silence.

Nilamon na ng dilim si FR. Pahigpit ng pahigpit ang mga yakap ni Carlos.

A R A - Epilogue

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

Maraming salamat sa mga nagbasa at nagcomment sa series ko na to. :)

Unbroken 2.0 will be next. Para sa mga nagaabang. Re-run then all new chapters na tayo. :)

* * *

E P I L O G U E

How long has it been? Her heart pounding fast. Full of excitement, full of anticipation.

They sat quietly. They cleared their mind. They are coming home.

“I wonder how it feels like to be back,” said M, who's now in his mid-20's.

She smiled at him.

“I wonder if our house still look the same,” said E, who's in his puberty.

“Maybe, things have changed. Or maybe, things are still the same,' she said.

Please fasten your seatbelt. We are going to experience some turbulence and everyone is expected to be in their seats. Please wait till the seatbelt signal has been turned off.

She checked her kids and saw euphoria on their faces. M and E, on the other side are enjoying their snack. She was comfortable flying but when she checked the girl on her side, it was nervous.

“Althea, why are you pale?”

The girl looked at her.

“Mommy, I'm afraid. Aren't we near yet?”

She smiled.

“We're almost here, Althea. Don't worry about it. Atleast, you have conquered your fear of flying,” she said softly.

“Althea, we're going to a beautiful place. Just be mindful because it's really hot in there,” M said, while chewing his crackers.

Althea smiled at her brother.

“Mommy, how is he like?”

“Who, Althea?”

Her eyes met hers.

“Him,” she answered.

“He's a fine man. You'd love him for sure,” she replied.

She looked at her daughter and got reminded of him. Her brown, puppy eyes, her caramel skin that has a stunning radiance, her poise and wit. Everything.

“I just don't know what to expect, Mommy.”

“Set no expectations, Althea. Don't worry. You'd be fine. And i'm going to be there with you. Even your brothers. So you are safe.”

The turbulence has stopped. E stood and went to the lavatory.

“I just don't know how to feel. It's going to be my first time. First time, i'd be seeing him, touch him, hug him, kiss him. I have always wanted to see him, Mommy.”

She gave Althea a kiss on the forehead.

“I know baby, I know.”

Hours have passed. The kids already went to sleep while she's still wide awake. She's still thinking about him. There were miles between them and she could still feel his touch. There was no day that she didn't think or even dream of him. It has always been him. After all. She closed her eyes.

* * *

Finally, they're home. E and M giddily get their bags on the overhead cabin. Althea was just calm and composed. The crew assisted Ara as she try to get their stuff.

“Finally, we're home,” M said.

They lined and waited for their turn to alight. They were euphoric. Althea was still quiet. They walked out of the establishment and saw a car parked waiting for them. Ara stopped.

“Althea, this is it.”

M and E are looking at Althea's expression.

“I'm nervous.”

“Don't be, Althea. You've waited for years for this to happen. Now is your chance, no matter what, we'd be happy for you,' said E.

M pulled E and althea and the three had a group hug. Ara was left staring at the car.

“Mommy, aren't you joing our group hug?”

“Ye-yeah.”

The hug felt tight and true. It hit home.

She saw him get off that black car. He's never changed. Years have passed yet he still managed to maintain that built. Though some lines have appeared on his face, that same look pierced her.

He started walking towards them. M and E are eyeing him.

“Is he, Mommy?” asked M.

Ara nodded.

“Althea, go near your dad.”

Althea nodded and slowly walked towards his direction. They are all waiting for them to recognize each other.

“Is he Althea's dad, mom?” E asked.

“Yes, E. He's Yari,” she answered.

Althea saw her male version. Some lines have appeared on his face still, Althea felt that sudden rush. He was now looking at her. He was amazed on how she looked like him. There's no way they could hide it but she's his daughter.

“Are you my daughter?” he said, in tears.

“Y-yes. I'm Althea,” she answered.

They were both quiet. Althea was shaking. Yari was sobbing. Ara watched them for a distance. M and E were silently staring at them.

“Can I hug you?” he said.

She nodded.

The next thing they knew is that they were hugging each other tightly. They were crying. They were happy. Ara couldn't hide her tears upon seeing the two of them finally meeting each other. M touched her shoulders. E handed her his hanky.

“Mommy, can I ask you something?” E.

“Sure,” she said.

“Do you love him, still?”

The cold wind brushed her face. M and E are looking at her. She smiled.

“I love you guys, more,” she answered.

“Mommy, do you love him still?” M repeated the question.

She took a deep breath.

“Yes, I still do,” she said.

“Then that's it. Go and get him, Mommy. You have done enough for us and we now wish for your own happiness. We are just here to support whatever decision you do. That's how we love you.”

She was in tears upon hearing that.

“Go Mommy. Go near him. Don't let go,” M said, smiling.

She started walking near Althea and Yari. Both of them are crying. The cold wind continued to brush her face. He saw her. She saw him. The world stopped rotating. Yari let go of the hug and went near Ara.

The wind got stronger. It sent cold on their bodies but the fire that their hearts were feeling could not be tamed.

“Ara,” he said.

“Yes, Yari..”

“I missed you so much.”

Their hands locked as the sunset painted the skies orange in the busy city.

A R A 9

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

Note: Epilogue will be posted on the 10th installment.

IX. Somewhere beautiful, Somewhere far.

“Come with me. You and the kids, I will give you a better life. Even better than what you have now,” he said.

She closed her eyes. The sound of the cold and moist wind coming from the open glass door of the veranda pleased her ear. She felt Yari caressing her shoulders. With her body naked, his touch scattered like fire that gave her warmth.

“Are you listening?”

“Uh-huh,” she murmured.

He hugged her tighter now. His member touching her butt cheek.

“I will love you. That's a promise. I have loved you for years or even a decade now, I assure you that you and the kids will be loved unconditionally,” he pleaded.

Her thoughts ran wild. How it'd feel having him in her life? Is he still the same? Has he changed? Is he more matured now when it comes to handling relationships and responsibilities? She felt a sudden excitement.

“We will add more kids to the family. Our kids, Ara. Ours.”

His breathing under her neck tickled her.

“We will make a baseball team, we will be a happy family. With E and M, and our kids, our future kids. Our family will be full of love and happiness. That. I promise.”

She felt dizzy. She felt her eyes are spinning, as well as her head.

“I-I feel dizzy,” she managed to say, weakly.

He felt alarmed. He instantly got up and checked her. She looked pale and weak.

“What's wrong?”

“I feel cold, my head is spinning.”

He instantly got up and prepared some hot soup for her. She lay in bed, her mind blank, her body complaining. She has never felt this way, just now.

“Where are you? I'm dizzy,” she said, softly.

“I'm here, making you some hot soup.”

She beamed a broken smile. Her thoughts started wandering again. A new life with her kids, with a new man, a new house. Everything's new. She has never felt happier.

“There you go,”

In front of her is a man, a naked Adonis, serving her like a queen and loving her like she's the only woman in the world.

Actually, it's not about you anymore, it's about your kids. Do what you think is best for your kids. Marly's words suddenly hit her head.

She felt confusion.

Yari gave her first bite of her soup. It was just right. She stared at nothingness.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded. She continued finishing her soup. The warmth of it made her feel better.

Actually, it's not about you anymore, it's about your kids. Do what you think is best for your kids. These words hit her again.

He wrapped his arms around her. Feeling really happy that finally, after a decade, he's holding her in his arms. He finally realized that it was worth the risk. That the chance he took actually was made for things to get better.

“I love you, I really do. And i'd do everything to make you happy.”

Actually, it's not about you anymore, it's about your kids. Do what you think is best for your kids. She's not hearing him. She's hearing Marly's words. She felt confusion. A struggle again between being moral and being happy.

“Now that you are finally not living with your husband, you can start moving in with me and the kids. We will pamper them with toys and luxury. We will be a happy family. I promise you that.”

“It's not about me anymore, it's about the kids,” she said, murmurring.

He got surprised. He kept silent and waited for more words. But there was none.

“Ara, do you love me?”

There was no answer. He sighed.

“I just want to let you know how much I love you. Please take note of that. Do you love me?”

Still, there was no answer. He looked at her and saw her sleeping. He smiled.

“Good night, my angel.”

* * *

“Mommy, where are we going? Why are we packing our things?”

She smiled at M, who's now looking really good with his red polo shirt.

“Somewhere. I'm sure that you'd love it there. It's a very beautiful place.”

“Will there be lots of toys, Mommy?”

She nodded. She gently pulled E and fixed his button.

“Where is daddy?”

It was E.

She smiled. She's expecting it. She has practiced what to say but when she heard those words, she got speechless.

“Yes, Mommy, where is Daddy?”

It was M.

She took a deep breath. She realized that there's no other way to deal with it but to just let the kids know the truth.

“Okay. M and E, listen to Mommy.”

The kids went near her.

“Mommy and Daddy had a fight. And mommy's not sure if mommy and daddy will be okay again.”

She looked at her kids, both are still listening, faces blank.

“For the meantime, it will be just Mommy, M and E.”

“But why did you fight Mommy? Fighting is bad. You told me not to fight with E because it's bad. Why can't you and daddy be just okay?”

She sighed.

“M, things happen for a reason. Who knows, maybe in the future, or maybe soon, mommy and daddy will be okay.”

“Does that mean we will not have Daddy?” E said.

“For the meantime, yes. It's going to be just me, and you and M.”

It was getting more difficult for her. M started sobbing. E was blank.

“Can Daddy visit us still?”

“Of course M. Me and daddy talked about it. That if he misses you and you miss him, he will always call and visit you if he has time.”

“No more daddy mommy?”

Both are now sobbing. Her heart was breaking.

“M and E, what did your daddy tell you before? What does he tell you when he goes to work and we are left alone at home?”

“Daddy told me to be a big boy and take care of you and M.”

She smiled.

“Very good. Of course, you didn't want to disappoint daddy, right?”

“Yes mommy.”

She touched M's face.

“Since it's just the three of us, I expect you to be strong and be a big boy that helps mommy okay?”

M nodded.

“I love you, Mommy,” said E.

She hugged her kids.

* * *

“Are you sure your doing this, Ara?” Marly asked.

With their bags already at the check-in counter, she nodded.

“Yes, Marly. This is for the better. Thanks for everything.”

“No worries.”

They handed the teller their tickets and the latter attended to their luggages and gave them their boarding pass.

“So, till I see you again?”

Marly, in tears, nodded.

“I will miss you, Ara.”

“I will miss you more, Marly. Thanks for all the help.”

They hugged.

“M and E, go and kiss Tita Marly. We're leaving.”

The two kids followed her. They were already heading to the waiting area when she suddenly felt dizzy again. She stopped for a while.

“Mommy, what's wrong?”

“Nothing, M.”

With the two kids on her side, she felt better. This is what she wanted to happen.

She felt her phone vibrating. It was Yari. It has been weeks since she last talked to him. She avoided him because she didn't want any distraction as she pursue her plans. She doesn't want anyone to stop her. This is for the better.

She answered the phone, for the last time.

“Ara, where are you? I've been worried about you. It has been weeks since! What happened? What aren't you answering my calls,” he said, hurriedly.

She smiled.

“I'm just fine. Yari, thanks for everything.

“What do you mean?”

“You have been a very wonderful guy. I will definitely miss you.”

“I don't understand you, where are you now? Let's meet! I need to talk to you! What is this all about?” he sounded panicky.

“Yari, do you remember the question you asked me the last time we were together?”

“Y-yeah,” he answered, confused.

“Ask me the question again.”

“Ara, do you love me?”

She smiled.

“Yes, I do. I love you, Yari.”

That was the first time you told me you love me,”

Calling the attention of the passengers of flight UA184 bound to Guam. Please proceed to Gate No. 5.

The announcement was to loud for Yari to hear it.

“Wait, Ara. Where are you going?”

“Somewhere beautiful. Somewhere far.”

“Are you leaving me?”

Calling the attention of the passengers of flight UA184 bound to Guam. Please proceed to Gate No. 5.

“Remember that I love you. And in my next life, if we were apart, I'd find you and i'd choose to be in love with you for the rest of my days.”

She can hear him sob now. She hung up. She smiled with her heart heavy. M noticed it.

“Are you crying Mommy?”

“No, M. I'm fine.”

“Don't worry Mommy, me and E are big boys now. We will definitely punch people who will make your cry.”

Her kids hugged her. The next thing they know is that they're flying.

It's a new life for her.

E N D

A R A 8

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

* * *

VIII. I'm Not Sorry

“Yeah, Karma's a bitch,” she said.

“And it's digital now.”

“Yeah, right. But the thing is, how dare him!”

“And why?”

“It's the second time he cheated. The first time, I was actually desperate and sad and lonely and fucked up and angry and mad and crazy. I didn't know how to feel. I was deeply hurt and I cried a lot without him knowing it, without him seeing it.”

“Does that give you the right to cheat, too?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Why didn't you try to be the better person? Why did you have to cheat too?”

“Loyalty's fucked up. That's so ancient. Women now are as powerful and strong as men. If he did, why can't I?”

“You already did, you cheated. You got fucked by a man and even invested feelings on him, too. Does he know? He doesn't. He's not hurt. You weren't able to crush his male ego.”

“Should I?”

“Why not? If he has hurt you, and for the second time he has done it again, why not go and hurt him too?”

“You're getting me confused. You were asking me to be the better person a while ago and now youre asking me to throw stones at him.”

“Now, tell me, Ara, what do you want to happen?”

“I don't know.”

“You should know.”

“All I know is I love the other guy.”

“How about the kids?”

“My kids are the most important people in my life. Without them, i'd die.”

“Now, you know what to do, Ara.”

“What do you mean?”

She looked at herself in the mirror. With her hair messed up and her eyes fluffy, she has been having imaginary conversations with her very own self. She slightly opened the blinds that have been blocking the sunlight in her room. The sun felt strange on her skin. After days of crying and being a single parent on her kids, she decided that her crying is not going anywhere. Why is she hurt anyway? She's been cheating, but why does she still feel terrible?

She has fixed her kids and sent them to the school bus. She's now alone in her room. Yari has been calling her but she doesn't want to answer. Maybe it's karma, afterall. Does she deserve this?

Her phone started shouting and she lazily dragged herself near it. Upon seeing her mom's name on the screen, she felt nervous. Nervous in a way that she doesn't know what her mom will say.

“Ma,” she said.

“How are you?”

“I'm okay,” she answered.

“I called to verify if you and..”

“Yes,” she cut her off.

“Why?”

“He cheated. I caught him. On our bed, with a different woman,” she explained.

She heard her mother sigh.

“I'm sorry,” she said.

“Sorry for what?”

“For everything, Ara. If it wasn't for me, you would have married Yari, instead of him. You'd have been happier,” her voice regretful.

“Stop blaming yourself, Ma. I have forgiven you. Forgive yourself too. I made a choice when I followed you. There's always blame to share.”

Though she couldn't see her mom, she knows that she's smiling with the thought of forgiveness.

“What do you plan now, Ara?”

“I don't know yet, Ma. I don't know where to start.”

Her mom chuckled.

“What's your job again, Ara?”

Though she thought it's irrelevant, she still answered.

“I work in the corpo world, Ma. Do I really have to be specific?”

“How much do you earn, Ara?”

“60-70K a month,” she answered.

“You got a diploma?”

“Of course,”

“Good. You know what to do now. You can raise your kids on your own, send them to good school, feed them with good food and some luxury if money permits. You are strong, remember that we are not built to break.”

She smiled. She felt hope.

“Thank you, Ma.”

“I love you, Ara.”

“I love you too, Ma.”

* * *

“Can we talk? I think I need to explain.”

Those words still echo on her mind. Her husband gave her a call. She instantly felt numb after hearing the latter's voice. She doesn't know what she feels.

“Let's meet at 7pm. After your work, i'd be waiting for you.”

She doesn't need to hear more words from him. She hung up. Time flew fast and it's time for her to go home. She has been in a constant struggle this day on whether to see her husband or not.

“Why don't you see him, ask for an explanation? Or maybe just for a closure?” said Marly, a friend.

Closure. She thought. She got more confused. She wants to have the kids a father as they grow up and it'd be difficult to do it alone. Her kids will surely ask where their father is and this thought kills her.

“Why don't you just kiss and make up?” Marly, added.

Kiss and make up? Does she still want him back? He's got another guy. He doesn't need him anymore.

“Okay, Ara. You're not listening. Listen, now, no matter what your decision is, just think of your kids. Actually, it's not about you anymore, it's about your kids. Do what you think is best for your kids. If you wish to raise them alone, go ahead. If you want them to have a father, bring him back or, get a new one. Just remember that your kids are the best things or people in your life right now.”

She nodded in agreement. She set her mind straight, took a deep breath and decided on how her life with her kids would be.

“Can you do me a favor, Marly?”

“Sure, what's that?”

She whispered something on Marly's ear and the latter got surprised.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Are you really doing it, Ara?”

“This is for the better, Marly.”

Marly smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek then headed out of the room.

* * *

Seated in front of her now is her husband. Pale, sleepless and ugly.

“Ara, please forgive me. I know that this isn't the first time I did it and I am truly regretful. Can you give me one more chance?”

“So that's what the vacation's about. So that you and your slut can do things on your own. Without me knowing it.”

“No, it's not that. It's not that. It's an accident, Ara, believe me.”

She raised her eyebrow.

“Ahhh. An accident. So you were walking down the street and fell on a woman with her legs apart, with your dick ready for pumpin? An accident, sounds pretty convincing,” she said sarcastically.

He's crying now. He truly is regretful.

“I know that you are mad. I know that you are no longer in love with me. I know that you are just staying with me for the kids. All i'm asking for is a chance. A chance to make things better, a chance to make things right, a chance to make everything change. Please, Ara.”

She took a sip on her juice.

“How many chances have I given you?”

“A lot,” he answered.

“I have given you a lot of chances to make things better, a lot of chances to make things right and a lot of chances to make everything change. But you wasted it. You wasted everything.”

“I'm sorry.”

“That's the only word you could say.”

“Give me a chance, another chance, lsat chance.”

“This time, there'd be no more chances.”

He's crying now. She's emotionless. She's like a tigress that displays no emotions but ready to devour anyone.

“Why?”

“Because I'm done with you.”

She stood up.

“Wait. Wait. Please don't leave.”

“Is there anything left to say?”

“How about the kids?”

She met his eyes.

“The kids will be mine. I am not going to withhold your right on them. You are still the father, after all. If you wish to support them, you know my bank details. You may visit them once in a while.”

He's sobbing again.

“Please take me back, Ara.”

“I have a question,” she said.

“What?”

“By any chance, did you really love me?”

She suddenly felt sad upon saying her question.

“I did.”

“No, you didn't. You never.”

“It's not that I didn't love you. I loved you, just in a wrong way.”

She tried to hide her sadness upon hearing those words. After years of marriage. It has come to his. Nothing in this world, is really permanent.

She picked herself up, tried hard not to sob, and stood up.

“One last thing, before I leave, I want you to know that I too, have an affair with a married man. The affair began just months ago and I tell you, he's loving me really good. So there, I'm not sorry,” she said.

Before he could say any word, she was gone.

She was now outside waiting for a cab. She got in and sat comfortably. She saw herself crying. The driver was quiet. She found herself feeling intoxicated and dizzy. She got home and went straight to her bed. Her head is spinning. She closed her eyes. Hoping for a better tomorrow.