Against the Waves (THE PRESTIGE 1)

Epilogue - Part 3

"No, I'm not leaving Hayes! Not without you! If we leave this place, you should too!"

Umiling iling ako. Hinawakan ko ang magkabila niyang pisngi. 

Everything is in chaos. Everything happened so fast. We were happy a while ago. The wedding went well. We had it all planned. Kaya hindi ko alam kung bakit may nakalusot. Na kung bakit nakarating kay Antonio ang lahat.

He is here. And my father is still inside the venue. I  don't even know if Antonio had him. Eubert kept calling the fraternity. As far as I know, they are busy preparing the guns that we will use for the wedding. They are working with the Valenciano. But I guess that wedding will never happen because everything will be over tonight. It's either we lose or captivate Antonio. Those were the only choices.

She held my hand tighter. "I can't bear to lose you again! Not again! Please! Lets just go!"

"I want you to to come with Abes. He will take you away from here. Do you hear me?"

"Hayes ayoko! Ayoko nga! Hindi na kita iiwan mag-isa! Kung gusto mong magpa-iwan dito, magpapaiwan din ako!"

Akmang lalabas na siya sa sasakyan pero pinigilan ko siya. 

"Layana...listen..."

I don't know  what awaits for me inside the venue. Hindi ko alam kung ilan sila. Sa putukan pa lang ng baril, alam kong marami sila. Some men of the Valenciano were here and they are fighting inside. But they need help. I know that they can't hold Antonio's men for long.

"This feud...this is a long standing feud of our family with Monte de Ramos. I can't bear to risk your life."

"I am not even an Espinoza!"

"I am going to make you one, after this."

She stop wailing. I reached for her hand and slide a ring on her finger. Mas lalo pa siyang naiyak nang ilagay inilagay ko sa palad niya ang bracelette na ginawa niya noon.

This was Anthony. I know...I know that he will keep her safe. He will protect her from any danger. He always do.

"That is why I want to finish it all here. Right now. So...we can live comfortably...and peacefully...Keep these. You can be assured that I will keep my promise. Hmmm?"

"Hayes, I don't want to lose you." She mumbled, almost entreating.

My lips stretched a small smile. "You wont. I promise. So, focus and be alert. Okay? Let's see each other after this. Alright?"

Hindi siya sumagot pero nakita ko ang nagdadalawang isip niyang mahinang pagtango.

"Go," saad ko kay Abes.

Hinigpitan ni Layana ang hawak sa kamay ko. I helt it tight too. Her eyes are pleading—Pleading me to stay alive—To not get hurt.

Kaya nang magsimulang buhayin ni Abes ang makina ng sasakyan, halos magwala siyang muli.

"No! No! I am not leaving without you! Hayes!"

I smiled and kissed her. It was full of love, full of sincerity...and assurance that I will come back for her. I always do.

Palagi naman akong bumabalik sa kaniya. Parang alon. Na kahit ano pang suong ang kaharapin ko, kahit gaano klakas na storms, gaano man kalaki ang mga alon, makikita ko pa rin ang sarili kong sa kaniya naglalakabay pauwi. Sa kaniyang daan lang ang daan na kabisado ko.

"I'll see you after this." I promised.

I have undergone through hell. I know I can survive this, too. Hindi na pwedeng takbuhan dahil ilang taon na dapat tapos ang laban ng pamilya namin. We had no other choice but to face it. Prepared or not. Scared or not.