Ibabalik na saka niya ang cellphone kay Shun ng tumawag si Valerian.
Kunot ang nuong sinagot niya iyon. "What is it, best friend?"
"I can tell you're in deep fucking shit." Wika nito. "Take care, motherfucker. Come back to BV in one fuckingn piece."
"I will." Aniya.
"Good." Ani Val, "bye."
Bago pa siya makapagpaalam, nawala na ang nasa kabilang linya.
Napailing siya. Val will be Val.
Ibabalik na sana niya ulit ang cellphone kay Shun ng sunod-sunod na nagmura si Shun.
"Fuck! I got it!" Sigaw nito na ikinatigil ng pagmamaneho ni Dimitri.
"What is it?" Dimitri asked.
Shun grinned at them. "I was monitoring Jacques' phone number, our only person near SM that was easy to tapped into and an unknown number just texted Jacques."
Bumilis ang tibok ng puso niyang umaasa. "Was it Sweet Monday?"
"Yes." Sagot ni Shun at parang may naalis na mabigat na nakapatong sa dibdib niya. "It's a message to Jacques but with a code."
"What did she say?" Hindi makapaghintay niyang tanong.
Kinakabahan siya na hindi siya mapakali!
It's been a month! He missed her like crazy!
"Nagpakilala siya kay Jacques at sinabing iyon ang bago niyang numero, and then she told him that her phone is being recorded unless someone tapped into it and block the recording." Tumawa si Shun na parang siyang-siya. "Smart woman. Nice."
That put a genuine happy smile on his lips. Of course. Her baby is a smart woman.
"Can I call her?" Excited na tanong niya.
Walang salitang namutawi sa labi ni Shun, basta inagaw lang nito ang cellphone nitong hawak niya saka may isinaksak sa port niyon na ikinonekta sa laptop nito pagkatapos at mat pinindot-pindot ito sa cellphone at sa laptop bago ibinigay sa kaniya ang cellphone.
"Here." Shun looked at him in the eyes, "you have one minute."
Mabilis niyang tinanggap iyon at inilapit sa tainga niya.
Ring— and then another ring... then the person on the other line answered.
"Hello?"
His heart hammered inside his chest and he felt like his heart was about to leap out from his ribcage when he heard that soft familiar voice of his beloved.
Knight opened his slightly trembling lips before he spoke, "mi reina..."
Sorry for the late update. I'm blaming Netflix for this ߘ kidding aside, i'd been busy with something and then something happened yesterday with my FB group page (it was reported ߘũ so it took me this long to update. Hopefully, araw-araw na 'to kapag hindi ako nilandi ni Netflix ߤưߏܢ♀️
♛ ♛ ♛
CHAPTER 34
SM'S heart was pounding loudly, she can ever hear the sound it makes. Parang sasabog ang dibdib niya ng marinig ang tawag sa kaniya ng kasintahan. Mi reina. And she couldn't stop the tears that just fell from her eyes when she heard his voice.
SM covered her mouth as she sobbed silently.
My Knight is okay. Thank God!
"I—I m—miss you..." 'yon ang namutawi sa labi niya at doon kumawala ang hikbing kanina pa pinipigilan.
"Me too, mi reina, me too." He sounded happy, relieved and there's longing in his voice. "Don't cry, okay? I'll hurry back to you, I promise."
She knew, SM can tell that Knight missed her by the tone in his voice.
And she can also tell that he's enduring a lot of pain.
"Are you okay?" Puno ng pag-aalala niyang tanong sa kasintahan sa nanginginig pang boses lalo na't nasa isip pa rin niya ang video na nakita. "How's your back?"
Ilang segundo ang lumipas bago sumagot sa kaniya si Knight. "I want a hug."
Mas lalong dumaloy ang luha sa pisngi niya dahil alam niyang hindi niya magagawa ang gusto nito. "I want to hug you too..."
Mas lalong dumaloy ang luha sa pisngi niya dahil alam niyang hindi niya magagawa ang gusto nito. "I want to hug you too..."
"I know..." he said, "I want a kiss too, mi reina."
Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata. "Then come and get me. Hindi ako makaalis sa bahay namin. Dad won't let me step outside. Like I promise, i'm waiting and I will wait until you come and get me."
SM can sense a smile on Knight voice when he spoke again. "I know you'll keep your promise. I'm your baby after all."
Even when her heart was aching, she still managed to smile at his words. "I love you."
"I love you too, mi reina..." he said with so much tenderness in his voice. "And I miss you and I wanna see you — fuck! I'm going insane already. Where are you? Shun can't track the ring I gave you."
"I'm in Spain." When they were on their way to his father's home, she keeps asking Jacques the landmarks they passed by, not for sightseeing but for when this time comes. "I don't know where exactly—"
"Baby, I have to go." Knight cut her off.
Her heart dropped. "No—"
"I only have a minute to talk to you."
Marahas siyang umiling. "No, Knight—"
"I miss you much. I wanna see you badly and I love you so so much, mi reina! I'll see you soon! Te amo... te amo—"
The line died.
Humigpit ang hawak ni SM sa cellphone habang nagtatagis ang bagang. Alam niyang gagawa ng paraan si Knight para makita siya kaya dapat hindi siya tumunganga lang rito sa kuwarto niya.
Ngayong nakausap na niya ang kasintahan— kailangan na rin niyang gumalaw. If he can't track the ring he gave her while she's inside the house, maybe she has to go out.
Hawak ang cellphone, lumabas siya ng kuwarto niya.
Ngayong nakausap na niya ang kasintahan— kailangan na rin niyang gumalaw. If he can't track the ring he gave her while she's inside the house, maybe she has to go out.
Hawak ang cellphone, lumabas siya ng kuwarto niya.
Nagulat siya ng makita si Jacques sa labas ng kuwarto niya at nakasandal sa pader habang may dala-dalang backpack. "Jacq."
He smiled. "You texted me that weird message so I came. Then I heard you talking to the Count so I stay here and guard the door for you."
It made her heart softened. "Salamat."
Jacques smiled before asking, "what are you going to do now?"
Nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi niya. "Hinayaan ko na si Dad na gawin ang gusto niya sa loob ng isang buwan, ngayon, gagawin ko naman ang gusto ko at walang makakapigil sakin."
Jacques bows down, "i'm always at your service, milady."
"Thank you, Jacques." Then she started walking while Jacques was behind her.
Nang makababa sila sa salas— isa sa napakaraming salas— ng mansiyon, nakita niya si Uncle Rafael na may kausap sa cellphone. Kaagad itong nagpaalam sa kausap ng makita siya.
Uncle Rafael slightly bows down at her, "milady, it's nice to see you roaming around the mansion."
Ngumiti siya, "si Dad ba ang kausap mo?"
"Yes, milady."
"Gusto ko siyang makausap." Aniya na nakangiti pa rin.
"He's busy at the moment." Kaagad na sagot ni Uncle Rafael sa kaniya.
"I wasn't asking, Uncle Rafael. It's an order." Binura niya lahat ng emosyon sa mukha at nang magsalita ulit ay mas malamig pa sa yelo ang boses at pakikutungo niya, "I didn't rebel, I didn't ask questions, I didn't force him to tell me anything and I gave him one month to gather his thought before telling me what I need to know. Pero umiiwas pa rin siya sakin. At kung ayaw niya akong kausapin, please pass my message to him."
Uncle Rafael strengthen his body like he was bracing himself to hear her message.
Nagtatagis ang bagang niya, "Tell Dad that—"
Biglang sumulpot si Uncle Kee sa likuran ni Uncle Rafael at senenyasan siya. He was mouthing 'calm down' at her.
"— I love him," bigla niyang sabi kahit hindi naman talaga 'yon dapat ang sasabihin niya, "and that I missed him and I want to talk to him, please. Nagagalit ako kasi hindi niya ako pinapansin. Alam kong mahal niya ako pero sana naman kausapin niya ako."
Uncle Kee mouthed 'oscar awards' when their eyes met again.
Uncle Rafael bows down at her, looking sad. "I shall pass your message to his highness."
Doon sumabad sa usapan si Uncle Kee, "where's that high and mighty by the way? He just left. I don't want to track him down, it's a waste of time."
Nilingon ni Uncle Rafael si Uncle Kee bago ito sumagot, "in Portugal, with Ambrose, doing some business that you declined to do."
"Because it was no fun. Serious talk is not my thing." Uncle Kee looked like he was sulking before wrapping one his arm around Uncle Rafael's shoulder and neck, "when is the high and mighty going home? It's boring without him."
"Tonight, at 8 PM." Sagot ni Uncle Rafael.
Uncle Kee pouted, "that's four more hours! You're no fun to argue with you and Queen always use the law against me. Ambrose is nice to tease but the motherfucker number two went with motherfucker number one to Portugal." Uncle Kee tsked. "Just my fucking luck."
Uncle Rafael just sighed, like he's used to Uncle Kee's being like this, "juts go back to your house—"
"I'm bored!" Parang batang nagmamaktol si Uncle Kee na lihim niyang ikinailing. "Play with me, Rafael."
Uncle Rafael sighed. "I'm busy. I'm not gonna play with you."
Uncle Kee blows a loud breath, "fine," tumingin sa kaniya ito, "Mi bella sobrina, play with me instead." He grinned excitedly, "Let's go out and shop. It's gonna be fun!"
"You can't take her outside." Kaagad na pigil sa kanila ni Uncle Rafael, "his highness' order."
Kaagad na sumama ang mukha ni Uncle Kee. "Tell your highness he can kiss my ass," Uncle Kee tsked, "fuck it, Rafael, don't you pity Sweet Monday? She already lost her beloved, now you wanna cage her? And you consider yourself her uncle... tsk!"
"No, that's not it—"
"Then don't stop us." Ani Uncle Kee, "we'll just visit the market and i'll tour SM around the Triana neighbourhood."
Uncle Rafael sighed in defeat. "Fine, but before you leave, you inform his highness first. I don't want to be the center of his wrath later when it's really your doing."
Umingos si Uncle Kee pero kapagkuwan ay pumayag naman, "i'll send him a message."
Nakamasid lang si SM sa Uncle Kee niya na alam niyang gusto lang siyang libangin at pasiyahin kaya gusto siya nitong isamang mamasyal sa labas. She had been cooped up in her room for the whole month.
And this was her chance to go out.
Nginitian niya si Uncle Rafael, "I would really like some fresh air, Uncle Rafael, if that's okay."
Uncle Rafael's face softened, "of course, milady. Enjoy touring the Triana neighbourhood." Kapagkuwan ay nagpaalam na ito na babalik na sa trabaho.
Habang si Uncle Kee naman ay naglakad palapit sa kaniya habang busy ito sa pagta-type sa cellphone nito.
And then with a wide grin on his face, he showed her his text message to her father.
'Hola, motherfucker. Buy me some pastéis de natas.'
"How's that?" Tanong ni Uncle Kee sa kaniya.
Napailing siya, "sabi ni Uncle Rafael magpaalam ka."
Umingos lang si Uncle Kee saka ibinalik nito ang atensiyon sa screen ng cellphone, "maybe I should add an emoji to show my feelings right now." Tumingin ito kay Jacques, "young man, how do you say i'm hungry in emoji language?"
Kaagad namang nag-isip ng malalim si Jacques bago sumagot. "I think that's the emoji with a drool."
"Oh," Uncle Kee grinned before typing on his phone then he showed it to her again, "how's this?"
'Hola, motherfucker. Buy me some pastéis de natas. ߤĠfor your slow brain, this emoji means i'm hungry. I'm explaining this to you because you're dumb.'
Napangiwi siya ng matapos basahin 'yon. "Sa tingin ko kapag nabasa yan ni Dad hindi ka niya bibilhan."
Uncle Kee started typing on his phone again then he showed it to her.
'I'm hungry, Love ߒ֮'
Hindi napigilan ni SM ang matawa. "That's— I don't even know what to say, Uncle."
Napakamot sa batok si Uncle Kee, "too weird?"
Umiling siya. "It's okay. Pero dagdagan mo pa ng kissing emoji tapos send mo na."
Tumawa si Uncle Kee, "you are really my niece." Inakbayan siya ni Uncle Kee habang naglalakad sila palabas ng mansiyon kapagkuwan ay pabulong na nagtanong sa kaniya, "so how's Team Swight?"
SM smiled. "We talked. Thanks to you, Uncle Kee."
"Don't mention it." He tapped her head affectionately. "Just be happy, okay, princesa? You can do anything you want, i'll back you up, as long as it makes you happy."
Tiningala niya ang tiyuhin na nakaakbay sa kaniya, "ini-spoil mo ako, Uncle."
"Well, I didn't get to spoil you growing up so think of this as me making up for the lost times."
SM smiled tenderly at Uncle Kee, "muchísimas gracias, tío."
Uncle Kee laughed. "Ah, you're learning spanish."
"I'm trying." She smiled, "siya nga pala, Uncle Kee, wala ba akong pinsan sa side mo? Kailan ko makikilala ang asawa mo?"
Ngumiti lang si Uncle Kee saka napatigil sila sa gate ng harangin sila ng mga guwardiya roon.
Malapad na ngumiti si Uncle Kee sa apat na bantay, "I already spoke to the King. My car is outside, waiting."
Nanatiling matigas ang ekspresyon sa mukha ng apat na guwardiya.
"Lo siento, milord. No podemos dejarte pasar."
"They won't let us pass." Pabulong na pagta-translate sa kaniya ni Uncle Kee sa sinabi ng Guard.
Her face darkened. She's getting sick of being cage inside the mansion. Nararamdaman din niyang sagad na ang pasensiya niya.
SM glanced at Jacques, "kaya mo ba sila?"
Jacques smiled, "for milady, hell fucking yeah."
Kaagad na nilapitan ni Jacques ang apat na guwardiya at nanood lang sila ni Uncle Kee habang nilalaban ni Jacques ang mga ito para makalabas sila.
"Hmm... looks like the Marquess is not just full on looks after all." Komento ni Uncle Kee na parang nasisiyahang makita na magaling makipaglaban ang Butler niya. "How did he became your butler?"
"Mapilit siya." Aniya na nakangiti, "and then he grows on me. At natutuwa ako kasi siya lang ang may kayang murahin si Knight maliban sa mga kaibigan niya."
"Well, he's a Marquess," ani Uncle Kee na para bang hindi na 'yon nakakagulat. "By rank, he's higher than the Count."
"Alam ko, pero kapag nagalit naman si Knight, tumatahimik siya."
"Mi sobrina, you may not see it like other people does, but your boyfriend is really a dangerous guy. Even the Marquess knew that."
I know that. "But he's a softy to me and he loves me."
"That's the reason why i'm Team Swight." Anang tiyuhin niya, "he reminds me of someone I know. He, too, fought for her like a madman. He was supposed to marry another woman, arrange by the Organósi, but he fought for my sister— and I never, even once, saw him waver."
It's Dad...
"That's why i'm Team Swight all the way." Uncle Kee smiled at her, "that footage we saw, your man didn't waver. He held his ground and didn't fold, and that kind of man is hard to come by, so keep him, love him with all you got, mi sobrina."
With a teary eyes, she nodded. "Yes, Uncle Kee."
Kapagkuwan ay matamis na nginitian niya si Jacques ng matapos itong makipaglaban at humarap sa kaniya.
"It's done, milady." He said with a proud smile then opened the gate for her and Uncle Kee, "milady's first."
Nang makalabas sila ng gate, may sasakyan na ngang naghihintay sa kanila.
Uncle Kee faced Jacques, "can you drive fast and furious style?"
The corner of Jacques' lips tugged up, "Lord Kee, I was in drag racing before the Lopez family send out the letter of orders to be milady's butler."
"Good." May ibinigay na susi si Uncle Kee kay Jacques, "show me what you got, kid."
Tumango si Jacques saka pinagbuksan siya ng pinto sa halip na sumakay kaagad.
Natawa siya, "natututo ka na, ah." Biro niya, "hindi ka na nauuna sakin."
Jacques chuckled, "I was re-learning this past few weeks."
Nginitian niya si Jacques bago sumakay sa backseat, samantalang sa passenger seat naman sumakay sa Uncle Kee.
Habang nagmamaneho si Jacques, iniabot sa kaniya ni Uncle Kee ang backpack na kanina pa dala-dala ni Jacques.
It's a Louie Vuitton backpack. Very Jacques.
"Hold it for a while, mi sobrina." Wika sa kaniya ni Uncle Kee, "it's making Jacques uncomfortable in the driver seat.
Natawa siya. "Hindi na ako magtatanong kung anong laman ng mga 'to." Aniya, "a lot of signature clothes i'd guess. Bakit pala may dala kang backpack, Jacq? Pinayagan ka na ni Dad na mag-stay sa bahay?"
Sumulyap si Jacques kay Uncle Kee, "nah, someone just told me to pack up some necessary things."
Kapagkuwan ay may ini-abot na naman sa kaniyang pouch si Uncle Kee, "can you put it in the pocket? I'll get it later."
Kaagad niyang tinanggap 'yon at inilagay sa bulsa ng backpack saka tahimik na tumingin sa labas ng bintana ng kotse habang buma-biyahe sila.
And unconsciously, her other hand started playing with her ring— the promise ring Knight gave her.
Ngayong wala na sila sa mansiyon, mahahanap na ba ni Knight ang eksakto niyang lokasyon?
Sana.
Kaya gusto rin niyang lumabas para subukan— pero lalabas sana siya kapag nakausap na niya ang ama pero nagyaya na rin lang si Uncle Kee, hindi na niya palalampasin 'yon para subukan ang nasa isip niya.
Napatigil sa pag-iisip si SM ng marinig ang boses ni Uncle Kee na pinapatigil ang sasakyan.
"Let's walk from here." Anito. "Walking is the best way to enjoy Triana."
Kaagad namang lumabas si Jacques saka pinagbuksan siya ng pinto at kinuha ang backpack sa kaniya at ito na ang nagdala.
Kahit papaano ay naaliw si SM sa pamamasyal nila sa pangunguna ni Uncle Kee na walang kapaguran sa pagiging tourist guide niya.
They'd visited the Market of Triana. Halos lahat ay nandoon na. Mula sa kainan, bulaklak, beer at kung ano-ano pa. Pagkatapos ay dinala sila nito sa Castillo de San Jorge, sa Centro de Cerámica at sa Iglesia de santa ana.
Then after visiting those beautiful places, they took a stroll along Calle Betis and then they had a meal on the Restaurant by the river. The sun was already starting to disappear from the sky.
One thing SM can say about Triana, it's a beautiful place. Gusto niyang subukang mag-kayak pero papagabi na kaya hindi na niya pinilit. Saka ilang oras na silang namamasyal, nakaramdam na rin siya ng pagod.
"This is a must to eat here in Triana," wika ni Uncle Kee ng i-serve sa kanila ang inorder nito. "This is Pescaito, one of the delicacies here. Try it. It's delicious."
"Specially with fresh caña." Dagdag ni Jacques na umiinom na ng beer.
Masayang tinikman niya iyon saka nginitian ang Uncle Kee niya. "Salamat sa pagpasyal sakin, Uncle Kee. Ang totoo, hinihintay ko na si Dad ang magpasyal sakin dito, pero mukhang malabong mangyari 'yon."
Uncle Kee smiled at her, "even when it seem like your father lacks affection towards you, keep in mind that he loves you very much, mi sobrina. He's just, you know, pressured to be a good Dad to you."
"Pressured..." bulong niya, "hindi naman niya kailangang ma-pressure sakin. I love him just the way he is. With all his secrets and lies, I love him still because he's my Dad. Walang makakapalit sa kaniya sa mundong 'to. Alam kong may pinagdadanan siya pero paano ko siya maiintindihan, paano ko maiintindihan ang pinagdadanan niya kung hindi niya sasabihin sakin? Pakiramdam ko tuloy, wala siyang tiwala sakin— na kaya kong harapain kung ano man 'yon."
"Mi sobrina..."
SM looked down, "hindi ko pa rin maintindihan ang nangyayari hanggang ngayon. Nagpapanggap akong ayos lang kahit wala akong alam sa nangyayari pero nahihirapan na ako, Uncle— nahihirapan na akong intindihin si Daddy kasi wala naman siya saking sinasabi."
Hinaplos ni Uncle Kee ang buhok niya saka masuyo siyang nginitian, "give him more time. He's having a hard time, mi sobrina. He's a good Dad, always remember that, okay?"
Tumango siya. "I know and i'll never forget that."
Masayang ngumiti si Uncle Kee saka uminom na rin ito ng beer kapagkuwan ay natatawang-naiiling na ipinakita nito sa kanila ni Jacques ang mapa sa cellphone nito na may pulang tuldok.
"See that dot? That's Mufasa, i'd been tracking him since we left the mansion and he's on the plane home." Uncle Kee looks excited. "He better not mess this up. Mufasa is closing in."
Kumunot ang nuo niya. He who? Her Dad?
And Jacques replied, "I believe in that motherfucker."
Nope. That's not Dad.
Uncle Kee chuckled, "me too. He got my blessings."
And now, SM was confused. The way the two talk, it's as if they're talking about someone— is it Knight? Jacques always calls Knight motherfucker. And Uncle Kee said 'he got my blessings'.
That does that mean...
At parang sagot sa tanong niya, tumunog ang cellphone niya na nasa ibabaw ng mesa.
Nang tingnan niya kung sino ang tumatawag, kapareho iyon ng numero na ginamit ni Knight ng tumawag ito sa kaniya kanina.
Mabilis niyang sinagot 'yon. "Hello, Knight?" Mabilis niyang sabi.
Hindi nagsalita ang nasa kabilang linya. Tanging ang paghinga lang nito ang naririnig niya.
Knight was huffing like he's running while on the phone.
Maybe he can't talk.
"Nasa labas ako ngayon." Pagkausap niya kay Knight kahit hindi ito nagsasalita, "can you try and track my ring now? Gusto na kitang makita."
Nakatingin sa kaniya si Uncle Kee at Jacques habang nagsasalita siya. Alam niyang bakas ang kalungkutan sa mukha niya.
"Miss na miss na kita. Nasaan ka ba? Ayos ka lang ba? Kumusta ang likod mo? I'm worried of you, Knight. Is your father still with you? Is that why you can't talk." Nakagat niya ang pang-ibabang labi. "I miss you so much. I wanna hug you so tight right now."
"Then hug me." At last, Knight spoke.
"I can't." Malungkot niyang sabi.
"Why not?" Tumigil ito sa paghingal kasabay ng parang may tumigil na presensiya sa likuran niya. "I'm just behind you, mi reina."
Namilog ang mata niya at muntik na niyang mabitawan ang cellphone, pero bago pa siya makagalaw para siguraduhing hindi siya nito binibiro, may yumakap sa leeg niya mula sa likuran at isinubsob ng taong 'yon ang mukha sa leeg niya.
Then Knight's deep baritone voice filled her ear— not through phone but personally!
"I miss you, mi reina." He whispered.
And that's the only time it all sunk in.
Knight. Was. Behind. Her!
And SM froze.
She can hear the loud beating of her heart, she can feel the quickening of her pulse, the adrenaline coursing through her veins and she can smell his Knight's familiar scent.
And SM didn't know, but her tears just fell on her cheeks. "I'd been waiting."
"I know." He whispered over her neck, "sorry it took me one month. I swear, I won't let you slip away again. Your mine to keep. Mula ngayon, kung nasaan ka, nandoon ako. Hindi ko hahayaang magkahiwalay tayo ulit. Mababaliw na ako kapag nangyari pa ulit 'to."
Nanlalamig at nanginginig ang kamay niyang hinawakan ang braso ni Knight na nakayakap sa kaniya at habang tahimik na umiiyak, inilapat niya sa braso nito ang mga labi niya.
"Na miss kita..." aniya.
"Te amo, mi reina," was Knight reply before holding her chin and turning her head to the side— to face him— and then his lips claimed hers.
And as their lips locked, she can hear Uncle Kee's voice saying 'Team Swight'.
And in that moment, she realized, somehow, Uncle Kee planned this.
He is, after all, Team Swight.
Enjoy ߒՍ
CHAPTER 35
HINDI BINITAWAN ni Knight ang kamay niya mula ng dumating ito na para bang takot ito na mawawala siya kapag pinakawalan nito ang kamay niya. And he keeps on staring at her like he can't believe his eyes that she's really there. And every time their eyes met, he has a soft smile ready for her.
Nakaupo ito sa tabi niya habang magkasiklop ang kamay nilang dalawa at nilalaro ng isa nitong kamay ang mga daliri niya.
He keeps on kissing her hand and her wrist and her palm like he can't get enough.
Hinaplos niya ang pisngi nito gamit ang kamay na hindi nito hawak saka masuyo itong nginitian. "You look worn out."
"Well, I just woke up from being lashed, my first time being conscious for a long time, fought my way out of the house and flew from Barcelona to Seville." Knight sighed, "hindi na ba ako guwapo? Do I smell? Kailan ko na bang maligo? Wait—you still love me, right?"
Natawa siya sa huling tanong nito, "para namang magbabago 'yon." Lumambot ang mukha niya, "i'm sorry you went through all that so you could see me. Pasensiya na rin kasi wala akong ginawa para hanapin ka."
"And i'm thankful that you didn't." Ani Knight saka hinawi ang ilang hibla ng buhok na nakatabing sa gilid ng nuo niya. "Pasensiya na natagalan ako." Tumingin ito sa mga mata niya. "Alam kong nangako akong pupuntahan kita kaagad pero hindi ko nagawa. Forgive me?"
Umiling siya, "there's nothing to forgive, my Lord."
Knight chuckled at her endearment, "I miss that... I miss you."
Knight was clinging on her that SM couldn't greet Knight's friends properly when they arrive a couple of minutes after Knight because Knight won't let her go. He keeps on kissing her hand and her face, her neck and shoulder.
She can feel that he really missed her and she let him. Miss na miss niya na rin ito. She would have done more than kissing if they're alone. Ganun niya ito ka-miss.
At habang nagpapakilala ang mga kasama nito sa kaniya at sa Uncle niya ay ngiti at kaway lang ang nagawa niya.
"Cloud Beaumont Sebastian from Madrid." Ani Cloud na yumukod pa sa Uncle niya. "Count Knight's butler."
Tumaas ang kilay ng Uncle niya. "How are you related to the Sebastian's in Madrid?"
"Relatives." Sagot ni Cloud.
Umingos si Jacques, "the head of the Sebastian's Family are his parents." Pagtatama ni Jacques sa sagot ni Cloud.
"You're the successor?" Tanong ulit ni Uncle Kee.
Umiling si Cloud, "i'm the second child."
"Ah. I see." Anang Uncle niya saka tumingin kay Dimitri.
"I'm Dimitri Argyris." Pagpapakilala ni Dimitri. "Portuguese."
Ngumiti ang Uncle niya. "I don't need to ask. I know who you are." Bumaling sa kaniya ang tiyuhin, "Dimitri here owns two island in Portugal and one of them is his home."
Napatanga siya kay Dimitri, "akala ko hindi ka mayaman kasi inis ka kay Jacques."
Dimitri's instantly got annoyed, "i'm irritated at his attitude, not at his wealth."
SM pouted, "and here I thought we both can relate because we're poor."
Dimitri smiled at her knowingly, "are you? Poor, I mean?"
Natahimik siya ng maalala ang personal Lawyer niyang si Zaccheus.
"I'm North— no surname." Pagpapakilala ng isa sa kasama ni Knight na hindi niya kilala. "I'm not proud of my roots." Wika nito sa boses na ayaw ng magpatanong ulit.
"Shun Kim." Ngumiti ang katabing lalaki sa upuan ni Knight, "nice meeting you all."
Itinaas naman ni Jacques ang kamay at nagpakilala, "to everyone who doesn't know me, i'm Marquess Jacques Sotelo." Iminuwestra nito ang kamay sa kaniya. "Milady's butler."
And it was Uncle Kee's turn to introduce himself. "I'm Keegan Mejia," he smiled enthusiastically, "i'm Sweet Monday's uncle."
"The Duke?" May paghanga sa boses ni Dimitri, "you're Duke Keegan Mejia? Fuck! You won the Nobel Peace Prize. You have help a lot of people and lots of kids through thousand of charities. You're brilliant!"
That stunned SM and made her smile afterwards. Her Uncle Kee was really brilliant and a good person.
Napakamot sa batok ang Uncle niya na parang nahihiya, "now, now, don't make me blush, kiddo. Yes, i'm a Duke but call me Uncle Kee, I prefer that than the title—" bigla itong napatigil sa pagsasalita at iritadong tumingin kay Knight na hinahalikan siya sa leeg, "can you stop kissing my niece In front of me?! I already gave you my blessing but don't you fucking do that in front of me. She's my beloved niece!"
Nararamdaman niyang ayaw pang tumigil ni Knight, pero tumigil ito sa paghalik sa leeg niya saka bumulong, "I miss her."
Nararamdaman niyang ayaw pang tumigil ni Knight, pero tumigil ito sa paghalik sa leeg niya saka bumulong, "I miss her."
Napailing si Uncle Kee saka napatingin sa laptop ni Shun, "so you're their tech guy." Uncle Kee grinned, "I like what you did when you tapped into Sweet Monday's phone. That was a clean line. I'm impressed." Inilahad nito ang kamay kay Shun, "my code is R34P3R."
"You're Reaper?" May gulat sa mukha ni Shun bago nito mabilis na tinanggap ang kamay ng Uncle niya, "mine is H3LL10N."
"Hellion." Uncle Kee smiled. "Nice security you got there." Ininguso nito ang laptop ni Shun. "I took a peak earlier."
Shun smiled. "Your cyber security is formidable. I only got in to tapped the call because you let me in."
Uncle Kee smiled, "yeah, I was watching you navigate my security with popcorns in my hand. That was nice."
Shun chuckled and then looked at Uncle Kee earnestly, "thank you for not destroying my laptop."
Napangiwi si Uncle Kee, "oh, you can tell who I am by just navigating the small faction of my security system?"
"Yes." Tumango si Shun, "you're a red hat."
"So are you." Ani Uncle Kee kay Shun.
"Not as good as you."
Uncle Kee cupped his face like a girl, "don't make me fucking blush, Shun. I'm shy."
Natawa silang lahat sa reaksiyon ni Uncle Kee. He's really like a kid in a grown man's body — but SM knew that he was also a wise and smart man.
Kapagkuwan ay sumeryoso ang mukha ni Uncle Kee ng bumaling sa kanila ni Knight. "Introduction over." Anito, "you two need to leave. Now. Before mufasa gets home." Tumingin ito kay Shun, "I will assist you into leaving the country undetected—"
"No." Biglang sabi ni Knight at lahat ng atensiyon ay napunta rito.
Uncle Kee frowned. "What do you mean no? If you want to be happy together, you have to leave—"
"No." Ulit ni Knight saka tumingin sa kaniya, "hindi kami sasaya ng ganun, hindi sasaya ang Sweet Monday ko ng ganun." Ibinalik nito ang tingin sa Uncle niya, "i'm happy for your assistance, i'm relieve that you're in our side but I don't want to disrespect Sweet Monday's family by eloping with her. This maybe a bad decision in my part and this plan may blow on my face but i'm willing to face Sweet Monday's father. I'm not gonna run away. I'm gonna prove to him that i'm worthy of his daughter."
A tear fell from SM's eyes as she listened to what Knight said. Mas lalo pang nadagdagan ang pagmamahal niya rito dahil sa respeto nito sa ama niya.
Nawala ang pagkakakunot ng nuo ni Uncle Kee saka natawa ito habang naiiling, "you're just like that motherfucker... oh, well," he smiled at them, "if that's your decision, though you can't go to Mufasa's house right now. I know him, he's close minded when angry. So," Uncle Kee grinned, "let's go to my house instead and play Baccarat."
"Who's the banker?" North asked immediately.
Uncle Kee grinned at North, "ohh... someone's excited."
North pressed his lips together.
"Nasaan ang bahay mo, Uncle?" Tanong niya.
"Just around here somewhere." Uncle Kee answered cryptically.
"Let's go there then." Pasimple niyang tiningnan ang likod ni Knight na ng hinawakan niya kanina ay kaagad niyang naramdaman ang bendahe na nakapalibot sa katawan nito. "You need to rest." Aniya kay Knight.
Knight nodded before burying his face on her neck.
Hinaplos naman niya ang buhok nito kapagkuwan ay tumingin siya sa tiyuhin, "hindi tayo kasya sa sasakyan."
"Leave that to me." Ani Jacques saka may tinawagan, "I need the cars now." Anito sa nasa kabilang linya.
And moments later, ten Jaguar XJ Sentinel rolled unto the parking lot. Alam niya ang sasakyan na 'yon dahil 'yon ang popular na sasakyan para sa mga dignitaries at world leaders.
North looked at Jacques in awe, "you owned ten of those motherfuckers?"
Si Dimitri ang sumagot kay North, "his wealth will blow your mind, North. Better not ask."
Jacques spoke with sarcasm, "I miss you too, Dimitri." Then he looked at Cloud, "your back is bleeding."
Cloud smiled reassuringly. "I'm okay, Lord Jacques."
Jacques tsked before grabbing Cloud by the wrist and pulling him towards one of the cars.
"Take him to Lord Keegan's home and call the Doctor for his wound." Utos ni Jacques sa driver ng sasakyan. "If something bad happens to him, i'll rip you apart."
"But—" Hindi nakaangal si Cloud dahil hindi ito hinayaan ni Jacques na makalabas ng sasakyan.
"You're about to pass out." Madilim ang mukha na sabi ni Jacques kay Cloud. "Your Lord irritate the hell out of me but leave him to me and rest."
Cloud looked at Knight like he's asking for permission.
Knight waved his hand, "go. Rest."
Doon lang tumango si Cloud. "Thank you." Anito kay Jacques at may pinag-usapan pa ang dalawa bago umalis ang sasakyang kinalululanan ni Cloud.
Biglang nagsalita si Uncle Kee, "I never take the Marquess to be a worrywart."
"He's a nice guy." Pagtatanggol niya kay Jacques.
Tumawa si Uncle Kee na para bang may nakakatawa sa sinabi niya, "he's the spoiled brat of Sotelo, mi sobrina. He's promiscuous— a rake. He doesn't take order, he gave them. So when we learned that you accepted him as your butler, we're worried because he's not a butler material."
Somehow, it irritated her. "Don't easily judge him, Uncle. You don't know him and you don't know what a person is going through behind close doors."
"I'm sorry." Kaagad na hingi ng tawad ng Uncle niya kapagkuwan ay nag-sorry din ito sa taong nasa likuran niya— si Jacques— na narinig pala ang pagtatanggol niya rito.
"Thank you, milady." Ani Jacques na bahagyan pang yumukod sa kaniya.
Knight kissed her neck and whispered, "i'm jealous."
Pabiro niyang pinisil ang tainga ng kasintahan, "he took care of me while you're gone so be nice, baby, okay?"
Knight grunted. "Gusto na kitang ma-solo."
"I know." Bulong niya kay Knight saka inalalayan ito patayo. "Halika na, para makapagpahinga ka na."
Sunod-sunuran si Knight sa kaniya hanggang sa makasakay sila sa sasakyan. Jacques opened and close the backseat door for them making SM smile.
"Is he okay?" Tanong ni Jacques ng makasakay ito sa passenger seat.
Si Knight ang tinutukoy nito na nakahiga ang kalahati ng katawan sa backseat at naka-unan ang ulo sa mga hita niya habang hawak pa rin ang kamay niya at nakapikit ang mga mata nito.
Hinaplos niya ang buhok ng kasintahan gamit ang kamay niyang hindi nito hawak, "he's okay. He's a survivor after all. Nagpapalambing lang sakin itong mahal ko. Matagal din kaming hindi nagkita."
A smile formed on Knight's lips making her smile as well.
Tama nga siya. Nagpapalambing lang ang loko.
Dumako ang tingin niya sa likod ni Knight habang hinahaplos ang leeg nito na may mga pasa rin. "Sana sinabi mo nalang na hindi ako mahalaga sayo para hindi ka nila sinaktan ng ganito."
Humigpit ang hawak ni Knight sa kamay niya habang nakapikit pa rin ang mata. "You knew?"
"I saw." Aniya, "pinakita sakin ni Uncle Kee. Sana kinaila mo nalang ako. Maiintindihan ko naman kung gagawin mo 'yon. It's for your safety and—"
"Siguro nga maiintindihan mo 'yon at mapapatawad mo ako, pero hinding-hindi ko mapapatawad ang sarili ko." Hinalikan na naman nito ang kamay niya, "mahal kita, Sweet Monday, hinding-hindi ko 'yon ikakaila. Loving you is the best thing that happened to me, baby, so no, i'm not gonna deny you."
Nanubig ang mga mata niya, "pero nasaktan ka naman."
"Pain is always part of love, mi reina." He opened his eyes and looked at her, "if it's not painful, then it's not love. And I would accept any pain thrown at me, as long as that will make you stay with me."
"Knight..."
He was looking at her tenderly, "I can and will endure hardship for you, mi reina. Same as I can accept anything you'll do to me. Whether you lie and betray me, hell, you can kill me and I wouldn't mind. As long as your happy, Sweet Monday."
Marahas siyang umiling, "hindi ko gagawin 'yon sayo. Masyado kitang mahal para saktan ko."
Knight held her while he's laying on her lap and looking at her, "it's embarrassing saying this at my age but... you're actually my first love, Sweet Monday, and I intend for you to be my last."
SM froze at that. Her heart hammering inside her chest like it's about to leaped out of her ribcage.
Pagkalipas ng ilang segundo, may lakas na rin siya ng loob na bumaba ang tingin sa mga mata ng kasintahan na matiim na nakatitig sa kaniya. "H-huwag ka ngang manggugulat ng g-ganun..."
Knight caresses her cheek, "alam kong hindi ako ang first love mo at nagseselos ako, pero sisiguraduhin kong lalampasan ko pa ang pagmamahal niya sayo."
Her lips thinned, "you can't."
Knight froze and his saw pain crossed his handsome face. "I-I'll work h-hard..."
Umiling siya, "you can't." She caress his lips with her fingertips, "my first love is annoying most of the time, so secretive and I know he hid a lot of thing from me but I never complain because I love him so much."
Nagtagis ang bagang ni Knight.
And SM can't help but to laugh.
Pinanggigilan niya ang pisngi nito, "why are you angry? Nagseselos ka ba?"
"Sinong hindi magseselos?!" He hissed angrily.
SM laughed again, "bakit ka nagseselos kay Dad?"
Nanigas sa kinahihigaan si Knight. "Dad... y-your Dad?"
Nakangiting tumango siya. "Yeah, my Dad. They say that a daughter's first love is her father and he's mine. Kaya hindi mo malalampasan ang pagmamahal sakin ni Dad. Magkaiba naman kayo."
Tiningnan siya ng masama ni Knight. "Damn it, SM! Don't scare me like that! What I mean is romantically!"
"Oh." She laughed. Alam naman niyang 'yon ang ibig nitong sabihin, gusto lang talaga niyang makita kung anong reaksiyon nito. "Huwag mo ng alamin kung sino ang first love ko, romantically, hindi nag-i-exist yon."
Natigilan si Knight at napatitig sa kaniya, "he doesn't exist?" He blinked, "meaning ... no one?"
Tumango siya habang may pigil na ngiti sa mga labi. "May mga naging boyfriend naman ako noon pero hindi ko masasabi kung first love ko 'yon, kasi hindi naman ako ganito na halos hindi ako makatulog dahil hindi tayo magkasama. At never akong tumira sa bahay nila."
Tumikom ang bibig ni Knight kapagkuwan ay pinakawalan ang ngiting sinusupil nito. "So i'm your first love?"
She shrugged to tease Knight more. "I don't know... maybe?"
Sumimangot si Knight, "Sweet Monday, ipapaalala ko lang, masakit ang likod ko kaya huwag mo nang dagdagan pa. Sobrang sakit— ouch!" Sinapo nito ang likod, "ouch, SM, it hurts."
Niyakap niya ang kasintahan saka pinupog ito ng halik sa pisngi, "pahinga ka na. Binibiro lang kita. I actually can't tell if your my first love or not but what I feel for you, i'm very sure this is true love so stop fussing over it and rest."
Knight pouted at her.
"Gusto mo ng yakap diba?"
Tumango si Knight.
"Then rest."
"I want a kiss too." Dagdag na ungot ni Knight sa kaniya.
"Then rest."
Mas lalong sumama ang mukha ni Knight. "Baby, that's not fair—"
"Rest." Tiningnan niya ito ng matalim, "or no hugs and kisses for you."
Ang sama ng tingin sa kaniya ni Knight bago pilit na ipinikit ang mga mata.
Siya naman ay napailing.
Alam niyang masakit ang likuran ni Knight. Hindi ito puwedeng maggagagalaw at kailangan nito ng pahinga.
But knowing Knight, he's too stubborn.
She needs to say something to trick him.
Inilapit niya ang bibig sa tainga nito saka bumulong, "magpagaling ka na. Once you're okay, i'm gonna suck you and we're gonna make love whole day and whole night and you can do anything you want with me. Deal?"
With his eyes closed, Knight gulped. "Deal."
SM smiled inwardly, "good boy... now rest."
Bahagyang nahigit ni SM ang hininga ng halikan na naman ni Knight ang kamay niya pero sa pagkakataong 'yon ay hindi na nito inilayo iyon sa labi nito na hinayaan naman niya.
Ang ginawa niya ay hinaplos niya ang buhok nito habang nasa biyahe sila.
SM felt relieved. She can fully breath now. Nawala na ang mabigat na nakadagan sa dibdib niya nuong magkahiwalay sila ni Knight.
It was odd because she felt empty without him but when she saw him — she instantly felt complete.
It's like Knight already took over half of her— half of her mind, body, heart and soul— that without him ... she's incomplete.
DUMAING SI KNIGHT dahil sa sakit na sumigid sa likuran niya, na para bang naroon ulit siya sa basement ng palasyo nila at nilalatigo siya. Knight wanted to scream in so much pain on his back but held it in.
In his mind, he can see Orlando beating him.
Lashes after lashes. Pain after pain. He was numb until he felt a light touch on his cheek, a soft caress then a soft voice like a lullaby, making him feel okay... chasing the numbness and pain away.
"Wake up, my Lord." Said the soft voice, "come back to me."
Naririnig niya ang pagkawala ng boses kaya pilit niyang iminulat ang mabigat na talukap ng mata.
Knight was immediately blinded by brightness before his eyes focused at the woman hovering over his face, tears on her eyes.
"Thank God..." Panay ang daloy ng luha nito, "you were having a nightmare." Isinubsob nito ang mukha sa dibdib niya, "tinakot mo ako..."
My Sweet Monday.
Yumakap ang isa niyang braso sa beywang nito at dahil nakatagilid siya, madali niya itong nahapit palapit sa kaniya.
"I'm okay... don't worry."
Humihikbi pa rin ito habang nakasubsob ang mukha sa dibdib niya. "Hindi ko alam kung bakit nasasaktan ako kahit nandito ka na, kahit kasama na kita. Iniisip ko palang na yong nakita kong video ay araw-araw na nangyayari sayo, parang hindi ako makahinga. Nasasaktan ako para sayo. Nagagalit ako. Galit na galit ako."
"I'm okay—"
"You're not." Nag-angat ito ng tingin sa kaniya, halata ang kislap ng galit sa mga mata nito. "Hindi ka okay, Knight. Hindi! I saw your back! I saw your wounds and you're not okay. So please, stop acting tough. Ako 'to, Knight. Hindi ba sabi ko sayo, puwede kang maging mahina kapag kasama mo ako?"
He nodded and his tears just fell, "it hurts... my back hurts, my heart hurts too."
Tumango-tango si SM habang umiiyak pa rin, "I know, baby. I know." Panay ang pahid nito sa luha na namamalisbis sa pisngi niya. "Hindi na ulit ako aalis kahit ikaw pa ang magpaalis sakin. I promise not to leave you so i'm not gonna leave you again even if its dangerous. We're gonna face that danger together."
Knight smiled, with unshed tears in his eyes. "I like that."
Ngumiti sa kaniya si SM kahit may luha sa mga mata nito. "Te amo." Hinalikan siya nito sa pisngi at sa mga labi saka sa nuo bago siya niyakap sa leeg, "mula ngayon, hindi ako makakapayag na parusahan ka na naman ulit. Mag-iisip ako ng paraan, gagawa ako ng paraan para hindi ka na ulit masaktan.
Pinakatitigan siya nito. "Ingat na ingat ako sayo tapos sasaktan lang nila ang lalaking mahal ko? Makikipagpatayan ako, Knight. Hindi ako makakapayag na saktan ka na naman nila."
The fierceness in her eyes, the braveness in their depths ... she was determined. "Sweet Monday..."
She smiled sweetly at him, "so please, fight for yourself, Knight."
Tumango siya saka hinalikan ang kasintahan sa nuo, "I will— from now on, baby. I will fight for us."
He's worried for his friends and for his siblings, but SM was right. How can he protect the people he cherish if he can't even protect himself?
It's time to completely go against his father. No holding back. No fear. He doesn't want to be an obedient dog anymore.
It's time to fight back.
Pareho silang natigilan ni SM ng may kumatok sa pinto ng kuwarto nila sa bahay ng Uncle Kee ni SM. Nang dumating sila kanina ay kaagad silang pinapasok dito ni Uncle Kee para makapagpahinga siya.
"Who is it?" Tanong niya.
"It's the President of Team Swight." Boses iyon ni Uncle Kee.
Pinakawalan naman siya ni SM sa pagkakayakap saka tinuyo nito ang pisngi at pisngi niya saka inayos ang nagusot na damit bago pinapasok ang nasa labas.
"Come on in, Uncle Kee." Ani SM sa kalmadong boses, ni walang bakas na umiyak ito.
Knight smiled. That's my baby.
Bumukas naman ang pinto at sumilip doon si Uncle Kee na nakangiwi. "Sorry to disturb you two but... Mufasa is here."
Pareho silang natigilan ni SM saka nagkatinginan silang dalawa.
Knight took a deep breath before intertwining his hand with Sweet Monday.
Looks like it's time to face the King of the jungle.
It's been a long time since i updated Knight ߘ͠I miss you guys ߒՠi miss reading your comments so i hope from now on, everyday update na ߤްߏ۠Hopefully! Nangangalahati palang ako sa kuwento ni Knight ߤưߏܢ♀️ we have a long way to go and i hope you'll stay with me and Knight 'till the end.
Thank you so much for your support. It means a lot to me ߒՍ
Happy Reading ߒ֠
♟♟♟
CHAPTER 36
SM WAS expecting an argument from her Dad, but nothing— they didn't argue. Panay lang ang tingin nito sa magkahawak nilang kamay ni Knight. Wala itong imik habang magkaharap na nakaupo sila sa sofa sa salas ng bahay ni Uncle Kee kasama si Uncle Rafael at Uncle Ambrose habang nasa likod naman ng sofa na kinauupuan nila nakatayo si Uncle Kee at Uncle Queen.
At tulad kanina, hindi pinakawalan ni Knight ang kamay niya. He held her hand tight— not letting her go.
"It's been a long time, maestro." Ani Knight sa ama niya.
"Naalala mo pa pala ako." Anang ama niya na ikinagulat niya.
Wait... they knew each other?
"Of course." Ani Knight saka ngumiti, "tinuruan mo akong maglaro ng chess."
Her father smiled. "Ah, akala ko nakalimutan mo na ako. Ang bata mo pa kasi noon."
"How can I forget my master?" Knight asked with a smile on his face. "I played chess with SM and her moves resembles yours. Nagtaka ako nuong una dahil wala pang nakakatako sakin sa chess na hindi ko sinadyang magpatalo... kaya pala."
"Of course, I taught my daughter well." Her father sounded proud.
"She's very good."
And now SM was flabbergasted. Nang makita ni Knight ang pagtataka sa mukha niya, kaagad naman itong nagpaliwanag.
"Matalik siyang kaibigan ng Mama ko." Wika niyo, "bumibisita siya noon samin ng buhay pa si Mama at tinuruan niya akong maglaro ng chess."
Nagtatanong ang mga matang tumingin siya sa ama. "Kung kilala mo naman pala si Knight, bakit mo kami pinaghiwalay? Do you even have the slightest idea how much I missed him?!" Hindi niya maiwasang magtaas ng boses. "It was hell, Dad!"
Kaagad na gumuhit ang iritasyon sa mukha ng ama niya, "oo, kilala ko siya pero hindi ibig sabihin ay tanggap ko siya."
Kumuyom ang kamao niya habang nagtatagis ang bagang. "That's bullshit!" Humilagpos na ang kinikimkim niyang galit at bumakas ang gulat sa mukha ng ama dahil sa pagmumura niya.
She doesn't cussed. Never.
But she never felt this angry before.
"Knight is a good man!" Humigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ng binata, "oo, hindi siya perpekto, may mag pagkakamali siya, may mga kahinaan siya at may hindi siya magandang ugali... pero hindi ibig sabihin nun ay huhusgahan mo na siya. Hindi mo siya kilala—"
"I know him." Putol ng ama niya sa iba pa niyang sasabihin saka tumingin sa mga mata niya, "I know him very well, Princesa."
Knight went rigid before he spoke, "I know i've done so many bad things in my life, but please, Sir, give me a chance." Tumingin ito sa mga mata ng ama niya, "mahal na mahal ko ho ang anak niyo. Yong klase ng pagmamahal na hindi ko kayang mabuhay ng masaya kung wala siya. I'd been there— just one month without her and I nearly lost my sanity— please, Sir, please give me a chance."
And what Knight did after that made her gasped.
His knees dropped on the floor. He kneeled in front of her father.
"Knight!" Umawang ang labi niya at pilit na hinihila paalis sa pagkakaluhod ang binata pero matigas ito.
"Please, sir, I beg you." Ani Knight na nakatungo ang ulo habang nakaluhod sa harap ng ama niya, "please, I beg you... I beg you... i'm begging you, please, please, give me a chance. I love your daughter so much, please, just one chance. That's all i'm begging for. If I hurt her, kill me. Please... don't take her away from me... please... please..."
He was begging ... for her and SM felt like her heart was about to explode seeing her man begged.
"Knight, get up." Pakiusap niya sa binata.
Umiling lang si Knight at nanatiling nakaluhod. Kapagkuwan ay nagsalita ang ama niya.
"Kill you if you hurt her?" Tumawa ang ama niya ng malamig na ikinataas ng mga balahibo niya. "You already hurt her, Knight. Should I kill you now?"
"Dad!" She hissed at her father.
Knight finally looked up at Mufasa, "what do you mean? I would never hurt Sweet Monday."
Tumingin siya sa ama niya, nangungusap ang mga mata niya. "Just give him a chance, Please... just get to know him better."
Her father's face hardened. "Alam ko lahat ng ginawa niya at alam ko rin lahat ng tinatago niya. At kapag nalaman mo ang mga 'yon, siguradong ikaw na mismo ang iiwas sa kaniya."
Kumunot ang nuo niya, "hindi mangyayari 'yon. Nangako akong hindi ko siya iiwan, at kilala mo ako Dad, hindi ako sumisira ng pangako."
"Kahit may kinalaman siya sa pagkamatay ng Mommy mo—"
"Stevan!" It was Uncle Kee and he looked furious. "That's enough!"
"No! She has to know!" His father hissed back at Uncle Kee before looking at her, "Knight Velasquez kidnapped your Mom."
Nanigas siya sa kinauupuan at halos manlamig ang buo niyang katawan sa narinig. "A—anong..."
"Dahil sa ginawa niya, nalaman ng Triad kung nasaang bansa tayo nagtatago at sumugod sila. The Triad took your Mom while she's being transported to Spain under Knight Velasquez' command and then they went after me. Mahina ako pagdating sa Mommy mo kaya ng sabihin ng Triad na papatayin nila ang Mommy mo, sumuko ako kasi ayoko ring madamay ka sa gulong 'to.
"But they got you too. They tortured you. They hurt you because of me. I fought so hard for us to escape but your mom can only endure too much, Sweetie. She died in my arms. In the end, I couldn't save her and the only way to save you was for me to die. So I fake my death and left you alone to fend for yourself.
"At hindi 'yon lahat mangyayari," tumingin ito ng Knight ng matalim, "kung hindi mo sinunod ang ama mo na kidnapin ang asawa ko! Yes, you are my best friend's son but I can never forgive you! We were minding our own business! We were happy in the Philippines! But you came, took my wife and ruin everything I work hard for!
A lone tear escapes from her father's eyes, "oo nga at inutusan ka ng walang-hiya mong ama pero desisyon mo pa ring sumunod sa kaniya. It was your choice, Knight! It was your choice that ruined my family! It was your choice that hurt my baby! Do you see those cuts on Sweet Monday's body— that was because of you! Dahil kung mo kinuha ang asawa ko, kung sana hindi mo kami ginalaw, hindi mangyayari 'to.
"I distance myself from The Organósi because I don't want anything to happen to my family but you people, your father, why couldn't you leave us alone?!" Her father was screaming in so much pain, anger and resentment and was about to punch Knight when Uncle Ambrose defended Knight and stopped his father's fist.
At hindi namalayan ni SM ay namamalisbis na ang luha sa mga mata niya.
Then she heard Knight whispered. "I didn't know..." now, he was facing her, on his knees, "I had no choice..." umiiling-iling ito habang nagmamakaawa ang mga matang nakatingin sa kaniya, "i'm sorry— I didn't know. I'm sorry..." isinubsob nito ang mukha sa tuhod niya, "I had no choice, mi reina. Please forgive me... i'm so sorry..."
SM wanted to tell Knight not to kneel, but she can't open her mouth to say the words. Panay lang hikbi niya habang namamalisbis ang luha sa pisngi niya.
And then Knight embraced her. So tight. He was still begging for forgiveness. Pero hindi niya ito kayang sagutin, nanginginig ang mga labi niya habang namamalisbis ang luha sa pisngi niya.
SM felt like someone was playing a twisted game on her. Yong taong naging dahilan kung bakit nakaya niyang ngumiti at naging masaya pagkatapos ng nangyari sa kaniya siya ay ring dahilan kung bakit nangyari 'yon sa kaniya?
Parang sirang plaka na paulit-ulit na nagri-replay sa isip niya na ang lalaking mahal niya ay siyang kumidnap sa ina niya. Her mind couldn't wrapped around it.
But no... that was not Knight! It was his father's order! Knight would never do that! It was his father!
Pakiramdam ni SM ay sasabog ang isip niya sa pag-intindi sa mga nalaman. Gusto niyang agawin ang kamay kay Knight para sapuin ang ulo niya pero baka kung anong isipin ni Knight kapag ginawa niya iyon.
If she let go of his hand, in Knight's point of view, she was pushing him away. Kilala niya ang kasintahan. He's overly sensitive when it comes to her.
Akmang kakawala siya sa pagkakayakap kay Knight ng biglang ay umikot ang paningin niya at bigla nalang niyang naramdaman ang panghihina ng katawan at bago pa siya makapagsalita, nawalan siya ng malay sa mga bisig ng kasintahan.
SAPO ANG ULO HABANG nakasabunot sa sariling buhok na napaupo si Knight sa labas ng kuwarto na inukupa nila kanina ni SM sa bahay ni Uncle Kee. He was alone. He wanted to call Shun or Valerian or anyone but he realized that he needed to face this alone.
This was his battle.
Naririnig niya mula sa loob ang pag-aalala sa boses ng ama ni SM at gusto niyang pumasok, gusto niyang makita ang kasintahan pero pakiramdam niya ay wala siyang mukhang maihaharap sa dalawa.
It was true— everything that SM father said was true.
Mahigit isang taon na ang nakakaraan, inutusan siya ng ama niya na kunin ang isang babae. Walang pangalan, tanging larawan lang at kung saan niya kukunin ang babae.
His exact mission was to take the woman and send her to Spain. Pero hindi ang babae umabot sa Spain dahil inatake ng Triad ang mga tuahan niyang magdadala sana sa babae sa Spain.
It was his fault. It was really his fault. Kung hindi niya sinunod ang utos ng ama niya, sana buo pa ngayon ang pamilya ng babaeng mahal niya. Sana hindi niya nasira ang pamilya ni SM... sana hindi ito sinaktan ng Triad.
And SM's cuts on her back— he's ashamed because he may not be the one who hurt her but he was part of the reason why she got hurt.
Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata, "i'm sorry..." yon lang ang kaya niyang sabihin, "i'm sorry." Nothing can justify what he did. Nothing! "I'm sorry..."
Knight was blaming himself, he wanted to beat himself up but he knew it's already too late. Nasaktan na niya si SM, nasira na niya ang pamilya nito.
"She would never forgive me..." he whispered. "She'll leave me..."
Naiisip palang niya, hindi pa nangyayari pero para nang sinasakal ang puso niya. Hindi siya makahinga. Parang may kamay na nakahawak sa puso niya at pinipilipit 'yon sa isiping iiwan siya ng babaeng mas mahal pa niya keysa sa sarili niya.
He was so afraid to lose SM— so terrified that he can feel his knuckles getting cold and shaking in fear.
Mi reina... perdóname por favor.
Naramdaman niyang may tumabi ng upo sa kaniya sa labas ng kuwarto pero hindi niya pinansin ito hanggang sa narinig niya ang boses ni Uncle Kee.
"SM's mother... she was my half-sister and I treasured her." Anito.
Kaagad siyang lumuhod sa harapan ni Uncle Kee at inuyukod ang ulo, "i'm so sorry. I'm sorry. I know, what I did was unforgivable but I beg you, please, i'm so sorry—"
"Stop saying sorry." Ani Uncle Kee na ikinatigil niya at ikinatingin niya rito. "I know what it's like to take orders from someone and having no right to say no." Nginitian siya nito, "in behalf of Mufasa, I apologize. Please forgive him. He's still grieving even after a year. He blames you but he blame himself more. He's in pain, please forgive his harsh words. He didn't mean it. He was just so angry."
Knight was confused. "Hindi ka talaga galit sakin?"
Umiling si Uncle Kee, "we do even the most inhumane things to protect the important people in our lives. And you," tumingin ito sa kaniya, "you accepted those orders because you have a brother to protect, right?"
Napatanga siya sa kausap. "H-how did you know?"
Uncle Kee chuckled, "because i'm awesome."
Hindi magawang ngumiti ni Knight sa pagbibiro ng kaharap. "Pero kung hindi dahil sakin, hindi sana malalaman ng Triad kung nasaan sila. It was my fault and SM will hate me. I'm sure of that."
Natigilan si Knight ng guluhin ni Uncle Kee ang buhok niya, "have faith in her love for you— have faith in her. I'm the President of Team Swight so have faith and don't take my presidency away from me."
Even when his heart was aching and he was losing hope, Uncle Kee managed to made him smile a little.
"There. Smile. It's not the end of the world." Uncle Kee smiled at him, "The battle is just starting, Count Knight, don't give up and stop sailing just because of one wave trying to sink your boat."
Somehow, Uncle Kee's words made him hope and it gives him strength.
"Gracias." Aniya.
"Team Swight." Uncle Kee said before he waved his hand and left.
Uncle Kee was such a cool person. Kadugo nga ito ni SM. His understanding was like of Sweet Monday.
"You okay?"
Natigilan siya ng makarinig ng hindi pamilya na boses at kaagad siyang humarap doon.
Natigilan siya ng makitang si Don. Ambrose yon.
The reason why Don Ambrose was asking if he's okay— he has no idea. Isn't he supposed to be against him? At kanina, sinalag nito ang suntok ng ama ni SM para sa kaniya. Nagtataka siya sa kinikilos nito, tapos ngayon naman nagtatanong ito.
"Ahm," he was still baffled as to why Don Ambrose was asking, "i'm fine." He lied.
"You don't look fine." Anito saka may inabot sa kaniyang beer, "here...drink it to loosen up..."
Tinanggap naman niya ang beer at kaagad na umalis si Don Ambrose.
Nakasunod lang ang mga mata ni Knight sa papalayong likod ni Don Ambrose.
Bumalik ang tingin niya sa beer na hawak. Gusto niyang inumin iyon at ubusin para kahit papaano ay kumalma siya pero ayaw niyang harapin si SM na naka-inom siya.
SM deserves an explanation from the sober Knight.
Akmang itatabi niya ang beer ng bumukas ang pinto ng kuwarto at lumabas doon ang ama ni SM. Kaagad siyang tumayo para harapin ito at yumukod na naman siya.
"I'm sorry. Alam kong kahit ilang milyong beses ko pang sabihin 'yon ay hindi na mababago ang ginawa ko pero paulit-ulit pa rin akong hihingi ng tawad."
Nanatiling tahimik ang kaharap ng ilang segundo bago nagsalita, "one chance. That's all I can give."
Malalaki ang mata at nakaawang ang mga labi na nag-angat siya ng tingin sa ama ni SM, "h-ho?"
"If my daughter still wants to be with you after knowing what you did, I will give you one chance." Anito, "pero kapag bumalik ka na naman sa pagiging masunurin mong aso sa ama mo, ako mismo ang papatay sayo at hindi ako magdadalawang isip na gawin 'yon kahit mahal ka pa ng anak ko."
Knight was frozen, he was speechless. He can't even say the word 'thank you'. Umalis nalang ang ama ni SM sa harapan niya ay naninigas pa rin siya sa kinatatayuan.
He heard it right. He was given one change to prove his love to SM— to be with Sweet Monday.
One chance. That's more than enough for me.
Nanlalamig ang kamay at kinakabahang pinihit niya ang doorknob pabukas at itinulak ang pinto. Nang makapasok siya, kaagad niyang nakita si SM na nakahiga sa kama at wala pa ring malay.
Dahan-dahan siyang lumapit sa dalaga at maingat na umupo sa gilid ng kama. Kapagkuwan ay dumako ang kamay niya sa laylayan ng suot nitong pang-itaas saka bahagyan iyon inangat.
Nakikita niya sa gilid ng beywang nito ang ilang pilat nito at alam niyang marami pa iyon sa likod nito.
A tear fell from his eyes as he caresses the scar on her side. "Ako ang dahilan nito. Pinangako kong hinding-hindi kita sasaktan pero nasaktan na pala kita ng hindi ko namamalayan."
Knight drags his gaze to her face and started caressing her cheeks down to her chin. "Te amo, mi reina. Te amo tanto. No puedo vivir sin ti."
Kinuha niya ang kamay ng dalaga saka inilapit iyon sa bibig niya at may diin iyong hinalikan.
"Te amo..." he whispered, "te amo..."
Hawak pa rin niya ang kamay ni SM at nakatitig sa maamo nitong mukha ng dahan-dahang bumukas ang mga mata nito.
And when their eyes met, Knight was holding his breath, he was waiting for SM to push him away, but she didn't. Ni hindi nga nito inalis ang kamay niyang nakahawak sa kamay nito tulad kanina nung nasa salas sila.
She didn't let of of his hands even after knowing what he did.
Bumangon ito at ng makita ang pagtataka sa mukha kung bakit nasa kuwarto na ito ay kaagad siyang nagpaliwanag.
"Nawalan ka ng malay kanina sa salas kaya dinala ka rito ng Dad mo." Aniya.
"Ah," hinilot nito ang sentito gamit ang malay nitong kamay saka tumingin sa kaniya, "pinag-alala ba kita? Pasensiya na. Bigla nalang kasing umikot ang paningin ko kanina."
Knight stilled. Why is she saying sorry to him? Why is she being nice to him?
"N-nakalimutan mo ba ang mga s-sinabi ng ama mo kanina?" Kinakabahan niyang tanong.
'Yon lang ang eksplinasyong naiisip niya kung bakit mabait ito sa kaniya.
So when SM shook her head and answered, "no. I remember." He was stunned.
"Kung ganun bakit mabait ka pa rin sakin?" Tanong niya sa dalaga. "You heard your Dad. It was my fault. Ako ang sumira sa pamilya niyo. Isa ako sa dahilan kung bakit wala na ang Mommy mo. I took your Mom from her workplace and took her to the Airport. I sent her to Spain because that's the order from my father. I would've accompanied her to Spain, but my father sent me to clean up a Triad's mess in Vietnam. It's my fault—"
"Isang 'it's my fault' pa, tatamaan ka na sakin."
Natigilan siya at hindi makapaniwalang napatitig sa kasintahan na may pagbabanta sa boses nito. "SM..."
Kumuyom ang kamao nito at tumalim ang mga mata, "isang tao lang ang dapat sisihin dito. At ang ama mo 'yon. Siya ang nag-utos sayo na kunin ang Mommy ko. Sumusunod ka lang sa kaniya dahil sasaktan niya si Midnight kapag hindi mo siya sinunod kaya bakit kita sisisihin? You didn't have a choice. It's either you do his bidding or he'll hurt Midnight. It doesn't justify what you did but i'm not blaming you. Kilala kita, hindi mo 'yon magagawa kundi hindi dahil sa walang puso mong ama."
Natahimik siya. For SM to say those things, she really believed in him. And he was amazed by her.
At habang nakatingin din ito sa kaniya, gumuhit ang hindi makapaniwalang emosyon sa mukha nito. "Teka— iniisip mo na sisisihin kita?"
Tumango siya. "I deserved it."
Sumama ang tingin nito sa kaniya. "Pagkatapos ng mga nalaman ko na ginagawa ng ama mo sayo at kay Midnight kapag hindi ka sumusunod, sa tingin mo basta nalang kitang sisisihin ng ganun? Inisip mo talaga na sisisihin kita?"
Nagbaba siya ng tingin, "but what I did to your Mother..."
"I have a brain, Knight and my brain is telling that you didn't have a choice. It was your father's fault— not yours." Matigas ang boses na sabi ni SM, "ang Triad ang pumatay sa Mommy ko, hindi ikaw. Ang Triad ang kumuha sakin at nagkulong sakin, hindi ikaw. Kaya tigilan mo ako sa kaka-'it's my fault' mo kung hindi tatamaan ka talaga sakin!"
Pinagsiklop niya ang kamay nilang dalawa ng dalaga saka pinakatitigan ito, "does this mean you'll stay with me? Hindi mo ako iiwan? Mamahalin mo pa rin ako sa kabila ng mga nalaman mo?"
Tumiim ang titig sa kaniya ng kasintahan. "Hinding-hindi ako tumatalikod sa mga pangako ko. At hindi ganun kakitid ang utak ko para isisi sayo ang pagkamatay ng Mommy ko. I know where to place my blame, I know who deserves my anger. This is the Triad and your father's fault. Sila ang dapat na magbayad samin!"
Parang nawala ang mabigat na nakadagan sa dibdib niya sa mga sinabi ni SM. Nakahinga siya ng maluwang, nawala ang panlalamig at panginginig ng kamay niya at nanghihinang isinubsob niya ang mukha sa leeg ng kasintahan.
Napagod siya sa pakikipaglaban sa takot at kaba niya kanina.
"Akala ko hihiwalayan mo na ako." Pabulong niyang sabi saka iniyakap ang mga braso sa beywang ng dalaga, "takot na takot ako, mi reina."
Hinaplos nito ang buhok niya. "Knight..."
"After tasting this happiness with you, I was terrified of losing it because of what I did— I was so terrified of losing you, mi reina."
Patuloy si SM sa paghaplos sa buhok niya, "I don't want to lose you too, Knight. Hindi ako makakapayag na mawala ka sakin. Only God can take you away from me that I wouldn't mind, but if it's not him, then come hell or high water, i'm gonna take you back no matter what it takes."
Binigyan niya ng distansiya ang katawan nilang dalawa saka masuyo niyang sinapo ang mukha ng kasintahan.
"Te amo, mi reina." Masuyo niyang sabi habang titig na titig sa kasintahan at hinahaplos ang gilid ng labi nito. "I miss you."
SM smiled. "Mahal din kita at na-miss din kita."
Hinalikan niya ang gilid ng labi niya, "let's make love."
"Your back—"
"I can endure."
"No—"
"Mi reina!"
"It's a no." Mabilis itong umalis sa mga bisig niya at umalis din sa kama.
Akmang pipigilan niya ito sa pulsuhan para hindi makalayo ng bigla nalang nitong sinapo ang bibig, tumakbo papasok sa banyo at doon nagduwal sa lababo.
Kaagad naman niya itong sinundan at naabutan niya itong nagduduwal pa rin.
Inalis niya ang buhok na humaharang sa harapan ng mukha nito saka hinagod ang likod habang nagduduwal ang kasintahan.
At pagkalipas ng ilang minuto, tumigil din ito sa pagduduwal saka habol ang hiningang humarap sa kaniya pagkatapos nitong magmumog.
Sinuklay niya ang magulo nitong buhok gamit ang daliri niya. "What happened to you? May nakain ka bang hindi maganda?"
Umiling ang dalaga, "wala naman akong kinaing hindi maganda. Masyadong maingat ang mga tao sa paligid ko pagdating sa mga pagkaing kinakain ko kaya—" natigilan ito sa pagsasalita, "—holy shit..." biglang mura ni SM na ikinagulat niya.
"W-what is it?" SM doesn't curse for nothing.
Nakaawang ang labi nito sa kaniya na para bang hindi makapaniwala habang unti-unting namimilog ang mga mata nito. "I haven't had my period yet... and it's been more than a month— shit! Busy ako sa kakaisip sayo kaya nakaligtaan ko ang dalaw ko."
Period? Dalaw? Kumunot ang nuo niya, "what are you trying to say, Sweet Monday?"
His mind was already processing the information presented in front of him.
But when SM said, "I think i'm pregnant, Knight."
He. Lost. His. Shit.
CHAPTER 37
"KNIGHT!" Puno ng pag-aalalang sigaw niya ng bigla nalang nabuwal sa pagkakatayo ang binata pagkatapos niyang sabihin na baka buntis siya. Thank God she was quick to protect his head by catching it with her feet. "Knight..."
Kaagad siyang umuklo para i-check ang ulo nito baka tumama iyon sa tile. Nakahinga naman siya ng maluwang ng makitang hindi tumama ang ulo nito. Nang akmang gigisingin niya ito dahil hindi naman niya ito kayang buhatin, bigla nalang itong nagmulat ng mata, tumayo at walang sabi-sabing lumabas ng banyo.
Kaagad naman niya itong sinundan at nagulat siya ng makitang may tinatawagan si Knight.
And then he did the most adorable thing.
"I'm gonna be a Dad!" Masayang sigaw nito na para bang binabalita nito sa buong mundo na magiging Daddy na ito. "Valerian! Did you hear me?! Magiging Daddy na ako— fuck yeah! Daddy na ako! Magka-edad lang ang anak natin— that is so cool. Fuck! Daddy na ako, Val. Daddy na ako."
Knight looks so excited and happy. Tumatawa ito, ngumingiti, may pagtalon pa ang loko habang kausap si Valerian.
And when he ended the call, he called another one.
"Shuuuun! Daddy na ako!" Balita nito kay Shun na siyang nasa kabilang linya saka iba na naman ang tinawagan nito. "Cloud, i'm going to be a Dad soon!" And then he called another one. "Lunatics! I'm gonna be a Dad soon! Barbecue and Beer is on Valerian. Let's celebrate!"
Hindi mapigilan ni SM ang mapangiti ng malapad. This adorable grown man was jumping and dancing happily just because she could be pregnant with his child.
Ni hindi pa nga siya sigurado pero nagsasaya na ito.
After the calls, Knight mumbled while looking at his phone. "Baka mapahamak si Midnight kapag tawagan ko. Siguradong matutuwa 'yon na magiging Tito na siya."
Nilapitan niya ang kasintahan saka maingat na niyakap ito sa beywang mula sa tagiliran. "Someone's happy."
Mabilis itong tumango, "I am." He smiled lovingly at her, "i'm gonna be a Dad soon. Fuck! I feel like my heart is going to explode." Humarap ito sa kaniya saka sinapo ang mukha niya at pinupog siya ng halik sa mga labi, "you're so amazing. I love you. Mahal na mahal kita. Te amo." At bigla nalang itong lumuhod saka hinalikan ang tiyan niya saka pinakatitigan 'yon, "baby, Daddy did a bad thing to Mommy but Mommy still forgives Daddy, so Daddy promise to make up of it— for everything.
Then he looked up at her, "I know I said that I didn't have a choice, but what I did, my reason will never justify what I did to your Mom. Alam kong hindi ko na maibabalik ang Mommy mo, alam ko ring hindi ko na mababago ang ginawa ko, pero sana hayaan mo akong makabawi sayo. Sinasabi mo na hindi ko kasalanan, pero para sakin, kasalanan ko 'yon—"
"Knight—"
"— i'll make it up to you and to your father... again, mi reina, i'm so sorry. Gagawin ko lahat, kahit ano pang hilingin mo. Gagawin ko. I can even be your spy in my father's side. I can be your father's informant."
Umiling siya. "Alam kong galit ka sa Papa mo pero ayokong gawin mo 'yon. He's still your father, Knight. Ayokong ilagay ka sa posisyong mahihirapan ka. At saka nasisiguro kong may malalim kang rason kung bakit sa kabila ng galit ko sa ama mo, hindi mo pa rin siya magawang saktan."
Bumuntong hininga ito saka tumayo at yumakap sa beywang niya pagkatapos ay isinubsob nito ang mukha sa balikat niya.
"Dad is still alive because I don't want to be a monster." Pabulong na sabi ni Knight habang nakayakap pa rin sa kaniya. "If I kill him out of anger, then i'm really a monster that my father made me to be. Ayokong maging halimaw. Mas lalo na ngayon na maging Daddy na ako. Ayokong magkaroon ng halimaw na ama ang mga anak natin."
Knight's words were sweet and heart thumping but his last words were shocking. "Mga anak? Really, Knight? Mga?"
Binigyan ng distansiya ni Knight ang mga katawan nila saka nginisihan siya ng loko. "Bakit? Ayaw mo? Maybe five?"
Namilog ang mata niya. "No way! Alam mo ba kung gaano kahirap manganak?"
Umiling naman ang loko. "Hindi. Gagawa lang naman ako ng bata."
She flicked his nose. "Masyadong marami ang lima."
"Four?" He bargained.
"Three." Aniya.
Knight grinned. "Deal."
Napailing siya. "Why are we even talking about this? Hindi pa nga sigurado na buntis ako—"
"Then lets makes love to make sure." Suhistiyon ni Knight na ikinailing niya. "What? One month without sex, baby. I'm pretty sure I have so many seed to bury inside you."
Tiningnan niya ito ng masama. "Pagaling ka muna bago yang kalandian mo."
Sumimangot kaagad si Knight. "Mi reina... please?"
Umiling siya. "Ayoko. Nakita ko ang likod mo. Magpagaling ka muna." Dudugo ang mga sugat nito kung pipilitin nilang magtalik.
"Baby—"
SM placed a kiss on his lips, "get well soon if you want to make love with me."
Ang sama-sama ng mukha ni Knight. Para itong bata na hinid binigay ang paboriting pagkain. "Huwag ka ngang isip bata," tinuro niya ang tiyan niya, "may bata ka na, oh."
"Naglalambing lang naman ako." Mahaba ang nguso na sabi nito.
Hinaplos niya ang buhok nito, "you wanna get killed? Nasa labas lang si Mufasa. One moan from this roam and my Dad will assassinate you."
Knight gulped in nervousness. "Holy fuck.. anong gagawin niya sakin kapag nalaman niyang binuntis kita na hindi pa tayo kasal?"
Nagkibit-balikat siya. "Who knows?"
Knight let go of her and he started pacing back and forth in panic.
"He'll kill me. I'm sure of that." Wika nito sa kinakabahang boses. "Fuck. Fuck. I don't want my only chance to go down the drain— holy fuck! He is going to kill me if he finds out you're pregnant."
Tinaasan niya ng kilay ang binata, "binuntis mo ako, panindigan mo."
Kaagad na tumigil si Knight sa pabalik-balik na paglalakad at tuwid na tumayo habang nakaharap sa kaniya. "Yes, boss, mi reina. I will give you my first, middle and last name."
Lihim siyang napailing. "That's sweet and all, baby, but the responsibility of being a father doesn't end with you giving me your last name."
"I know that but," Pagmamatigas nito. "I will still give you my everything, from my names to my heart, down to my liver and kidney. It's all yours."
Napatitig siya sa kasintahan. This is the guy who sincerely begged her father to give him a chance. Who kneeled in front of her father for his blessings. But that guy was long gone and was now replaced by a lunatic.
That's Knight Velasquez.
Kumunot ang nuo niya ng may tinawagan na naman si Knight. "Cloud, from now on I have to know how to change baby's diapers and make some milk because it's part of the responsibility — well, I can stay up all night since i'm use to it— what the fuck, Cloud. Why do you sound so shock? Hindi ako baog. You're a tangina, Cloud, so tangina. Don't talk to me— talk to the air." And he hanged up.
Napahawak siya sa tiyan niya. "Baby, huwag kang gagaya sa Daddy mong sintu-sinto." Bulong niya.
"Baby..." tumingin sa kaniya si Knight, "they're bullying me. Bakit hindi sila naniniwala sakin na kaya kong gumawa ng baby?"
Sasagutin sana niya ito ng tumunog ang cellphone nito. Hindi yon pinansin ni Knight dahil nakatutok ang atensiyon nito sa kaniya.
"Sagutin mo na." Aniya.
"No. You're gonna say something and you're my first priority."
Lihim siyang mapangiti. Sintu-sinto nga pero sweet naman. "Sagutin mo na. Baka importante."
"No—"
"Sige na." Giit niya.
Napilit din niya si Knight na sagutin ang tawag.
And when Knight answered the video call, she heard a lot of voices from the other line congratulating him.
"We heard from Volkzki." Anang isang boses sa kabilang linya, "you motherfucker!"
"Where's the beer and the barbecue?"
"Mag advance na ba kami kina Eva? Sabi ni Volkzki matatagalan ka pang umuwi."
"At dahil royalty ka, hindi puwedeng barbecue lang, dapat may kasamang sisig."
"Wala namang sisig kina Eva." Angal ng isa.
"Kalimutan niyo yang sisig, mga gago. Loyal costumer tayo kina Eva. Hindi tayo lilipat ng tindahan. Goal natin ang payamanin si Eva para maging aircon na ang kainan nila."
Knight tsked. "Tumawag kayo para i-congratulate ako o makipagtsismisan?"
"Tapos ka na naming i-congratulate, huwag kang epal." Boses iyon ni Captain, "Where's Sweet?"
Kaagad na sumama ang mukha ni Knight pero hindi hindi siya nun napigilan. Tumabi siya sa kasintahan saka kumaway sa front camera ng cellphone nito.
"Hi. Kumusta?"
"SM!" Masayang bati sa kaniya ng lahat na nasa kabilang linya, "congratulations."
"SM, sintu-sinto yang si Knight." Wika ni Tyron, "sigurado ka na bang tatanggapin mo siya na maging tatay ng anak mo?"
"You can still change your mind." Ani Iuhence.
"Hey!" Knight hissed.
"Velasquez is a crazy bastard, SM." Sabi naman ni Beckett na nakangisi, "pang-mental yan kaya tanggap namin kung magbabago ang isip mo."
Tumango si Pierce. "We won't hold it against you."
"Hindi kami magagalit sayo." Sabad ni Cali.
"We will understand." Dagdag pa ni Dark.
"But if you still marry him and then you don't want him afterwards, my services is for free, Ms. Lopez." Wika ni Evren na alam niyang inaasar lang si Knight.
Knight showed his middle finger at his friends, "piss off, motherfuckers." Pagkasabi nun ay pinatay nito ang video call at masama ang tabas ng mukha na tumingin sa kaniya.
Natawa naman siya. "Seriously? Naasar ka dun?"
Ang sama ng mukha nito. "Paano kung makinig ka sa kanila?"
Natawa ulit siya. "Ano ako, bata?" Napailing siya, "pinaglaban nga kita kay Daddy, tapos pakakawalan lang kita kasi sintu-sinto ka? Matagal ko nang alam 'yon. And I told you before, the serious, the baby and the crazy you, it's still you and it's more than enough for me."
Lumambot ang mukha ni Knight na nakatingin sa kaniya. "Paulit-ulit kong tinatanong sa sarili ko kung anong nagawa ko sa buhay ko para ibigay sakin ang isang babaeng katulad mo. I can't think of anything—"
"You are selfless." She smiled at Knight. "When you love, you give your all. From loving your siblings, to loving your friends and loving me... you always give every thing you can and that's what makes you special, Knight."
Knight gathered her in his arms before pressing his lips on her forehead. "Thank you, mi reina, for always seeing the best in me, even though the people around you keeps on pointing out the worst in me."
Iniyakap niya ang mga braso sa leeg ng kasintahan saka pinakatitigan ito. "Wala akong pakialam sa opinyon nila sayo kaya dapat hindi mo rin sila pansinin. At saka, alam ko naman sa sarili ko na hindi ka perpekto. I can also see the worst in you, but I chose to never let that affect the way I see you. I chose to see the best in you because I know you, because you bare yourself to me and you are honest with me and because I love you and I want to cherish you for the rest of my life."
Knight pressed his forehead against hers and smiled, "we may not have forever in this world, but I promise to spend the rest of my lifetime with you."
She smiled back. "My very cheesy Lord.
Mahinang tumawa si Knight saka sumeryoso. "I'm not being sweet or cheesy, pero kung totoo man 'yong sinasabi nilang reincarnation, ikaw pa rin ang gusto kong makasama kung mangyayari man 'yon."
Nangingiting tinawid niya ang pagitan ng mukha nilang dalawa saka hinalikan niya ang mga labi nitong nakaawang at kaagad na tumugon sa halik niya.
SM can feel Knight's hunger towards her when he started sucking and playing with her tongue before his lips travelled down to her chin.
He was nipping her skin, down to her neck and to her collarbone.
Pababa na ng pababa ang mga labi ni Knight patungo sa dibdib niya pero kaagad niya itong pinigilan bago pa siya madarang.
"Kailangan mo munang magpagaling." Aniya na habol ang hininga habang dinidistansiya ang katawan sa binata. "Rest first and then we can make love—"
"Fuck rest." Hinubad nito ang pang-itaas na damit habang matiim na nakatitig sa kaniya, "I want you now."
Napaatras siya dahil sa intensidad ng titig sa kaniya ng binata hanggang sa tumama ang likod ng tuhod niya sa paanan ng kama.
SM gulped as she looked at Knight's eyes burning with desire for her. It was so intense she can feel it radiating around Knight.
"Knight, yong sugat mo—"
"Don't care." Anito habang naglalakad palapit sa kaniya, "I'd been holding back but I can't take it anymore, mi reina. Please make love to me."
Gusto rin naman niya pero ang likod nito ang inaalala niya. Nakita niya ang mga sugat nito sa likod. It's the kind of wound that says 'don't make love or i'll bleed to death'.
But Knight was stubborn— stubborn as hell.
Walang nagawa ang pagpigil ni SM dito ng bumagsak siya sa pagkakahiga sa malambot na kama at kinubabawan siya nito.
Nahigit niya ang hininga ng kaagad na bumaba ang halik ng binata sa dibdib niya, pababa sa tiyan niya, sa puson hanggang dumako iyon sa gitna ng hita niya.
All SM could do was gape as Knight pulled down her pants off, together with her underwear.
Napahawak nalang sa kama si SM bilang paghahanda sa masarap na sensasyong sasalakay at babaliw sa kaniya. She knew her boyfriend, he was an expert licker.
And he can make her scream.
And she was right.
Napaliyad nalang siya habang mahigpit na nakahawak sa bedsheet at sinasamba ng binata ang pagkababae niya. Pabiling-biling si SM sa higaan habang umiikot ang dila ng binata sa hiyas niyang basang-basa at nababalot ng pinaghalong laway ng kasintahan at katas niya.
"Ahhh..." ungol niya ng sipsipin ni Knight ang naninigas niyang klïtòrīs. "Ohh..."
Mas lalo pang ibinuka ni Knight ang mga hita niya habang parang hinahalikan nito ang pagkababae niya, na para bang labi niya ang hinahalikan nito.
"Uhmm..." bumitaw siya sa pagkakahawak sa bedsheet at napasabunot sa sariling buhok kasabay ng pag-awang ng labi niya ng sumalakay sa bawat himaymay ng kalamnan niya ang masarap na sensasyong nag-uumpisang bumaliw sa kaniya. "Uhmm— Oh.. Ah! Oh!"
