The Sweet Revenge (COMPLETED)

Chapter 39 : Zella

"Mommy! Zella is crying!" papungas-pungas akong bumangon at lumapit sa crib. Zenith was the one who looked after his sister. Hapon na pero antok na antok pa rin ako kaya pinabantay ko muna sa kanya para umidlip.

Lumapit ako sa crib at hinalikan ang noo ni Zenith bago binuhat si Zella. My daughter was now 1 year and 2 months old, and breastfeeding ko pa rin siya until now dahil sabi ng doctor ay healty raw 'yon.

"Very good, Kuya Zenith. Thank you for taking care of your baby sister," I said and caressed his hair. Zenith giggled and hugged me by my waist. Sobrang responsable niya tuwing siya ang naiiwan sa kapatid, unlike other children who get jealous when they have siblings.

Buhat ko si Zella at tumahan na nang makita ako. I kissed her chubby cheeks, and she just cried again, obviously getting impatient because she's hungry. Binaba ko ang strap ng bra ko at pinadede siya. Zenith playfully covered his face and turned his back.

"Anak, you don't have to do that. Dito ka rin kaya dumede noong bata ka," natatawang saad ko. He just pouted and laid on the bed. Umunan siya sa hita ko at pinaglaruan ang maliit na kamay ng kapatid.

"Mommy, I missed Daddy," he suddenly murmured, looking at me sadly. I just smiled at him and didn't talk. Wala akong alam kung kailan ulit siya babalik.

I just stared at my daughter and smiled as I noticed some of her features. She got them from her father. Her pointed nose and pouty lips were from her father. Others said that she got her lips from me, but I doubt it. Maganda pa rin ang labi ni Styx.

He got her eyes from her father-deep brown eyes that could hipnotize your soul. Zella stared at me as if she were reading what was in my mind. I giggled and pinched her cheeks softly. Patuloy pa rin siya sa pagdede.

Matapos ang ilang minuto ay nakatulog na siya sa bisig ko. Zenith was also falling asleep on my lap. Pinagmasdan ko silang dalawa at napangiti dahil hindi ko akalain na bibiyayaan ako ng Diyos ng dalawang anghel.

Dahan-dahan kong nilapag si Zella sa kama at saka inayos ang higa ni Zenith. Naglagay ako ng unan sa pagitan nilang dalawa dahil minsan ay malikot matulog si Zenith, baka bigla niyang magising si Zella.

As I stared at him, I knew I had already gotten the life I wanted. I could no longer wish for more. I'm already content having them in my life.

Tumayo ako sa kama at nagbihis bago napagdesisyunan na tawagin si Manang para bantayan muna ang mga anak ko. She immediately went upstairs and presented herself to look after my children. Bumaba ako sa kusina at naghanda para sa hapunan namin mamayang gabi. I got the meat out of the freezer and defrosted it. Kumuha rin ako ng ilang gulay bago nilabas ang ilang kagamitan para magsimula na magluto.

While I was busy putting the ingredients in the pot, I felt someone's presence behind me. A pair of arms slowly encircled my small waist. I could smell his manly scent and the perfume that I gave him for his birthday.

"I miss you so much," he murmured, planting a small kiss on my nape. I giggled and faced him. His face beamed as soon as he saw me.

"I miss you too, Styx," sagot ko . I tiptoed and kissed his nose. "Sabi mo hindi mo alam kung kailan ka makakauwi, scam ka talaga."

Natatawa niyang tinanggal ang ilang hibla ng buhok na nakaharang sa mukha ko at tinitigan ako. "Yeah, I'm planning to surprise you."

Ngumisi ako at pabirong kinurot siya. "Miss ka na ng mga bata."

Kakagaling niya lang sa New York para makipagkita sa ilang mga investor doon, hindi agad siya dumiretso rito sa Pilipinas dahil kinailangan niyang bumyahe sa China at Japan. His business was now growing and blooming around the world, no doubt because he had the skills.

Tuluyan na niyang binintawan ang company na una niyang tinayo para sana sa aming dalawa at iniwan sa ilang mga matagal nang officers doon. He built a new company this time; it is stronger and has a firm and concrete foundation because lots of investors already trusted him.

He named the company after our children; it's Z&Z Corp. At first, I cringed, but I knew it was just one of his ways to express his love for our son and daughter.

"How's your day, love? Hindi ka ba nahirapan alagaan ang mga anak natin? I'm sorry if I was away for three weeks, babawi ako sa 'yo, hmm . . ." Natatawa kong tinulak ang mukha niya nang kagat-kagatin niya ang bandang leeg ko.

"Talaga lang na dapat kang bumawi, lalo na sa mga anak ko," kunwaring masungit sa sagot ko, nagpapanggap na hindi kinikilig.

I heard him chuckle. Hinayaan ko siyang lumandi sa akin habang nagluluto ako. Nakayakap lang siya sa bewang ko at paminsan-minsan ay hinahalikan ang ulo ko at leeg. I just let him be. Na-miss ko rin naman siya ng sobra.

Inutusan ko na siyang umakyat muna para magbihis. Ayaw niya sanang sumunod, pero binalaan ko siyang sa sala siya matutulog kung hindi siya magpapalit, naka-business attire pa rin kasi siya.

I wandered my eyes around while holding a ladle. I decided to be a housewife and take care of our children. Pumayag naman si Styx, though . . . hindi pa naman kami kasal. We decided to get back together and live under the same roof. There's no point in making things longer; we love each other and have already committed.

Pinatay ko ang stove pagtapos at sinalin sa malaking bowl para ihanda na sa lamesa. I heard my son's noise, so I know they are already awake. Hindi naman kasi gano'n masyadong malaki ang bahay na pinili namin ni Styx. We wanted a small house for our family so we could easily get together and reunite even when we're busy. Pumasok na rin kasi si Zenith sa school at nagsisimula nang mag-aral. Mangiyak-ngiyak pa nga ako noong una ko siyang ihatid sa school kasama si Styx, and the jerk was just laughing at my face.

"Styx! Ibaba mo na ang mga bata, kakain na!" sigaw ko mula sa dining area. Minutes had passed, and I saw them approaching me. Tinulungan ako ni Manang sa paghahanda. I smiled at her and got the pitcher out of the fridge. Naalala ko sa kanya si Nanny Ayeng, kahit na sa kwento lang ni Styx ko siya nakilala. Styx already told me about what happened to his nanny.

I also felt guilty for letting him feel alone and miserable during those times. The private investigator explained that the fingerprints found at the scene were actually mine . . . because Antonio did everything to set it up. It was the time when I got kidnapped and drugged. I just remembered it too late. Si Antonio Xedler nga ang lalaking nakita ko noon.

"What's bothering you, Xhia?" I gasped when Styx suddenly appeared in my sight. Wala na rin si Manang sa kusina, matagal siguro akong tulala. Styx was looking at me worriedly. He caressed my cheeks and looked intently into my eyes.

"Do you want to meet your doctor again?" he softly asked. He seemed really concerned about me. I just smiled at him and put down the pitcher.

"I'm just happy," I whispered, almost inaudible. His face beamed, and he seemed fascinated to see me smiling.

"I'm also happy that you're here with me again, with Zella and Zenith."

Pinagdikit ko ang noo namin kahit na nakatingkayad ako, natatawa siyang nagbaba ng tingin sa akin at hinalikan ang tungki ng ilong ko. "Nagugutom na 'yung bata, mamaya na tayo maglandian, hmm?" natatawang ani ko at saka tinulak siya. Kinuha niya ang pitcher na may lamang apple juice at isa pang tubig. He guided me outside the kitchen and into the dining room. Nakita namin doon si Zenith na pinagsisilbihan ang sarili habang si Manang ay hawak si Zella; Styx must have given it to her.

Kinuha ko muna si Zella mula kay Manang para makakain muna siya. I smiled at her, and Styx made me sit beside him. "Eat first, ako muna ang magbubuhat kay Zella," Styx said and tried to get Zella from me, but I glared at him.

"Kumain ka muna, alam kong pagod ko." He also glared at me, ngunit wala siyang magawa. "Ay naku, sinabi ko kasi na ako muna ang mag-aalaga at mamaya na ako kakain," tila dismayadong sabi ni Manang nang makitang halos mag-away kami ni Styx sa harapan niya. I glared again at Styx before I smiled at Manang.

"H'wag po kayong mag-alala, pamilya na rin po ang turing namin sa 'yo," mahinang saad ko dahilan para mapangiti siya. Mabilis na tinapos ni Styx ang pagkain niya, at sunod naman ay kinuha ang pagkain ni Zenith para tulungang kumain ang anak. Zenith could do it alone, but his dad always spoils him. Hinayaan ko na lang.

I watched as Styx spooned the rice on the plate as if he were doing something serious. Palihim akong natawa at binaba ang tingin kay Zella. Dilat na dilat ang kulay tsokolate niyang mata at nakatingin sa akin. I caressed her soft cheeks and planted a small kiss there. I chuckled when she giggled, Pati si Styx ay natawa dahil sa makulit na tawa ng anak namin.

Matapos maghapunan ng lahat ay si Manang na ang naglinis ng dining room, habang si Styx naman ay niyaya na kami kaagad sa taas. He was carrying Zenith on his back while they were both laughing. I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and take a shower. I instantly smiled as soon as our eyes met.

Zenith had already fallen asleep in our bed. May sarili siyang kwarto pero mas gusto niyang katabi kami ng Daddy niya matulog dahil siya raw ang mag-aalaga kay Zella tuwing nagigising ito ng madaling araw ngunit siya naman ang palaging tulog mantika.

"I love you," Styx whispered when I hugged his back while he was still holding our daughter. I looked at our princess and kissed her forehead.

"I love you too, mahal ko . . ."

Hinayaan kong ilagay ni Styx si Zella sa tabi ni Zenith, I sat on the sofa bed, and Styx immediately followed me. He snaked his arms around my waist and buried his face in my neck. I could feel him inhaling my scent. "Kumusta ang pagpunta mo sa New York?"

I caressed his hair while his face was still resting on my neck. "Okay naman, nakakapagod lang 'yung paiba-iba ng bansang pinupuntahan," he replied and playfully sucked my skin. Natatawa ko siyang tinulak at hinawakan ang dalawang pisngi niya.

"May pasok ka ba bukas?" tanong ko at sunod naman na pinaglaruan ay ang kanyang daliri. I felt him shake his head.

I smiled. "Ipasyal natin ang mga bata."

And that's what really happened. Minsan lang namin napapasyal ang mga bata dahil palaging busy si Styx. He's very hands-on with his company now, and I understand it. Pumunta kami sa isang park at doon nag-picnic. I cooked our food and baked some cookies for dessert. Styx and Zenith were busy flying the kite. May design pa 'yon kaya tuwang-tuwa si Zenith.

While they were busy playing around, Zella was peacefully sleeping in his stroller. Ganito talaga siya tuwing umaga, palaging tulog at antukin.

Pagtapos nilang dalawang maglaro ay bumalik sila sa pwesto namin. Styx immediately kissed my forehead before sitting beside me. Pareho silang hinihingal ni Zenith kakatawa.

"Daddy, can we do this every week?" I waited for Styx to answer. Napatingin siya sa akin at tila ba tinatantya kung sino sa amin ang sasagot.

"Sure, promise ni Daddy 'yan."

Zenith clapped his hands and kissed our cheeks. Tuwang-tuwang siya sa narinig. Nagising si Zella sa naging ingay ng kuya niya, kaya binuhat siya ni Styx at nilaro.

It was a normal family day, but I enjoyed it. Styx carried Zenith into his room while I was dressing Zella for her pajamas. Naka-shower na rin ako nang matapos kaya humiga na lang ako sa kama at hinintay si Styx na pumasok sa kwarto namin.

The door hung open, and it revealed Styx. He stopped for a while when he saw me lying on the bed, but his lips instantly formed a malicious smile. "I'll just take a shower," mabilis na saad niya at nagmamadaling pumasok ng bathroom.

I laughed and just hugged the pillow. Hinintay ko talaga siyang lumabas ng banyo. Lumipas ang halos sampung minuto nang lumabas si Styx; he was just wearing white sando and boxers. Napangiti ako nang lumapit siya sa akin habang pinupunasan ng maliit na towel ang buhok.

"Don't sleep yet," mabilis na saad niya nang makitang humikab ako. Inismiran ko siya at tinapik ang bakanteng pwesto sa tabi ko. Nasa crib si Zella, kaya malaya kaming gawin ang gusto namin ngayong gabi. I secretly smirked, Na-miss ko siya nang sobra.

He sat in the space beside me, staring at my face. "Nakausap mo na ba si Duex?" tanong ko at sumandal sa headboard ng kama. Ilang linggo na rin kasi na hindi nagpaparamdam ang lalaking 'yon. Ang huling balita ko ay nakabuntis siya, chismis ni Silver na kapatid niya.

"Yeah, I met him last week during my stay in New York," he simply said. I gasped and covered my mouth. Anong naman ang ginagawa niya doon.

"Anong sabi?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "May tinataguan yata," maikling saad niya.

Napasimangot ako at kinuha ang cell phone. I tried calling Duex, nakailang tawag pa ako bago niya sinagot 'yon.

"Hello?"

"Zy . . ." dinig kong sabi niya. Napabuntong hininga ako at naramdaman ko ang paghiga ni Styx sa tabi ko. He caressed my shoulder and kissed me there.

"Kumusta?"

"I'm doing good so far. How's my babies?" tukoy niya sa mga pamangkin.

Napasinghap ako nang biglang kagatin ni Styx ang balikat ko. Pasimple ko siyang kinurot sa tagiliran at hindi naman niya 'yon ininda.

"Lumalaki na ang mga bata, hindi ka pa rin ba lilitaw?" natatawang saad ko. "Silver also told me na nakabuntis ka raw? What the fuck is your problem that you have to run away from your responsibility?"

Narinig ko ang pagbuntong hininga niya. "I just . . . I just need to fix something first, okay? Let me fix this alone."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. Just tell me if you need some help, okay?"

"Yeah, bye."

Pakiramdam ko ay mas lalong naging gago si Duex habang tumatagal.

Patuloy na hinahalikan ni Styx ang balikat ko at nag-iiwan doon ng marka. Hinayaan ko na lang siya at hinaplos ang buhok niya. "Styx . . ."

"Hmm?"

"Hanggang ngayon hindi mo pa rin sinasabi sa akin kung paano kayo naging magkapatid ni Duex at Silver."

Niyakap ni Styx ang bewang ko at mas nilapit ako sa kanya. Humarap ako sa kanya at niyakap din siya. Sinubsob ko ang mukha sa dibdib niya.

"It's not that it's important, though."

Mahina ko siyang hinampas sa dibdib. "Ayaw mo sabihin?"

He chuckled lightly and pinched my nose. "My Mom cheated on my Dad before they got married. Akala ni Dad ay sa kanya ako galing dahil . . . you know, hindi niya alam na may iba rin palang kinakasama si Mom that time and . . . Silver's mother and Duex were the same story as mine. Gago kasi 'yong tatay namin kaya hindi ako magugulat kung marami pa kaming mga anak sa labas,"

Tumango ako at hinaplos ang dibdib niya. "Paano mo naman nalaman na magkapatid kayong tatlo?"

Bumigat ang paghinga niya at tila ba ayaw na niyang ituloy pa ang pinag-uusapan. He hated the idea of talking about our past. Ngunit mapilit ako kasi gusto kong malaman.

"Noong nawala ka ulit sa 'kin . . . I hired my private investigator para alamin ang lahat kay Duex para magkaroon kami ng lead kung nasaan ka, and same with Silver, doon ko nalaman na kapatid ko pala ang mga hayop na 'yon." He laughed bitterly, but I could sense that he was not still open about that topic. Siguro masakit pa rin para sa kanya na nagawa rin siyang lokohin ng Mama niya.

Niyakap ko ng mahigpit si Styx at binaon ang mukha sa dibdib niya. I inhaled his scent, and I could feel him doing the same too.

"What are your thoughts about marrying me, Xhia?" Natigilan ako sa tanong niya. Actually, hindi ito nag unang beses na nagtanong siya about sa kasal ngunit palagi ko 'yong hindi sineseryoso. I wasn't ready yet at that time . . . gusto ko na lang lumagay sa tahimik na buhay kasama si Styx at ang mga anak namin.

"I'm fine with a simple wedding; basta ikaw ang papakasalan ko," mahinang sagot ko at pasimpleng inangat ang tingin kay Styx. I gasped when I saw a glint of tears in his eyes. He was looking at me as if he was about to cry. I cupped his face and crushed my lips against his. His arm immediately enveloped my body and pulled me towards him. I could feel my hands shaking while we were exchanging kisses.

His kiss went down on my neck and on my navel. Napasinghap ako nang basta na lang sinira ni Styx ang nightgown ko hanggang sa kapirasong tela na lang ang natitira sa katawan ko.

He stared at my body as if I were some kind of possession. I gulped when his gaze fell on my lips. He didn't waste time and crushed his lips on mine and started exploring his hands on my body.