Morning came.
"Magandang umaga, Kamahalan." Bulawan greeted, entering the tent with a tray of food.
"Maari mo akong tawaging Mayari."
"Mayari." We shared a kiss. "Maraming salamat at hinayaan mong mangyari ang mga naganap sa atin. Ako ay lubos na naliligayahan."
"Ako ay lubhang masaya din, Bulawan."
"Ma... maari kayang ikaw ay aking maging asawa? Kailangan ko bang magpaalam kay Bathala? Ito ay aking gagawin. Nais ko lamang makasama ka hanggang ako ay nabubuhay."
It seemed fast but I did not question it. I knew he was not lying to me. We were inseparable in the coming weeks and made love every chance we got. I was very happy.
Two Earthly months later, our happiness was compounded when I realized I was with child. Bulawan ordered a feast and we celebrated our official marriage on Earth and the coming child.
As the celebration started to wind down, the buwaya struck.
Along with his group of men, he attacked the tribe, killing most of the members and fatally injuring my Bulawan. He released such a powerful strike that its blow hit me and I started bleeding. I was losing both the loves of my life. And as much as I begged Bathala, I lost consciousness and when I woke, Bulawan had died and I knew, I knew the life in my womb was gone as well.
In a rage, still wearing the blood of Bulawan and our child on me, I summoned all my strength from the light of the Moon and hunted the buwaya down. I killed him, and all the humans that helped him.
It was only when I was assured they all were no longer breathing and Sitan, the guardian of Kasamaan and keeper of evil souls, had taken them, did I allow myself to scream and wail and mourn what I had lost.
My brother came.
"Apolaki."
"Mayari. Bathala is displeased with the killing of the humans. They were tricked by the buwaya."
"They killed my family!"
He was quiet at first. "I have said as much to Bathala. Please know that I am with you, Sister, but the punishment is not my decision."
I nodded, waiting for him to tell me what will become of me.
"You are to continue your duties to guard the night sky and watch over the humans. But you are not to visit for a hundred human years. Your Bulawan..."
"What? What will happen to him?"
"He will float around. One day, he will be reincarnated but you will not be told when it will be. Then, you will have a chance to be with him again."
It was one of the most terrible punishments. We both knew how rare it was to be loved back. It would be nothing short of a miracle if it happens again after all the years in between. Still, I accepted it.
My brother hugged me and I wept again. "I was going to be a Mother."
Apolaki hugged me tightly. "You still are."
It was then that I remembered. Bathala would have taken my child. "Can I see my child?"
For the first time, Apolaki smiled. "Yes. They are waiting for you."
"They?"
"You have little angels now. A boy and a girl."
*
I watch him exit his office building.
It was another long night at work for him and as he made his way home, he was still busy reading papers from work. Like he was in his previous life, he was still a leader. This time not of a tribe but of a multinational company. He was one of the top Assistant Vice Presidents of the Company that was up for the VP promotion this year. He still wielded a weapon, but instead of a sword, this time he had a powerpoint presentation.
"Theo!"
He turned around as the woman named Jane called him. "You forgot these. Kailangan mo yang aralin for the meeting tomorrow."
"Salamat, Jane. Umuwi ka na din. Gabi na."
She nodded. "Oo nga -" her thought was cut off as she gazed at the moon. "It's a full moon pala. Hay... what is it about the moon that gives me this melancholy feeling?"
Theo looked into the sky and his eyes searched. "Ewan. Parang wala naman akong nararamdaman. Hay nako, Jane. Sabi ko naman sa'yo wag masyadong emotional. Wala kang mapapala sa ganyan. Focus on work." He then boarded his car and left.
I followed his vehicle with my gaze. He looks similar to when I first met him, except that he has shorter hair now and his body is covered by the suit that is appropriate these days.
This was my one chance to get him back. But I had absolutely no idea how to make my presence known or if I'd even be welcome.
