#channelinghappiness

[channelinghappiness]

5-Day Pleasure - Chapter 10

It’s midnight and Isabella can’t sleep. It’s been 2 weeks since the incident at the park and parking lot happened. Ngunit hanggang ngayon ay sariwa pa rin iyon sa isipan ni Isabella.

She chose to live with her mom after that incident. Para masigurong ligtas siya at ang kaniyang anak. Araw-araw siyang nagtatanong sa anak kung nakikipagkita pa rin rito ang “daddy” na tinutukoy, ngunit hindi kumikibo ang kaniyang anak. Masama pa rin ang loob nito sa kaniya.

She sighed as she got up from her bed. Ipinatong niya ang lace na roba sa suot nitong nighties. She opened the sliding door and made her way to the terrace. Sumampa siya sa railings at pinagmasdan ang kalangitan.

It was dark, there is no trace of single star at the sky. The December breeze touched her pale skin gently. The cold wind whipped her long black hair. Her face is now covered of her hair.

Napayakap siya sa kaniyang sarili noong maramdamang para bang may nakatingin sa kaniya. Kumunot ang kaniyang noo at nilibot ang tingin sa buong paligid.

Halos tumigil ang tibok ng kaniyang puso noong dumako ang mga mata sa isang sasakyan. Sasakyang pamilyar na pamilyar sa kaniya.

A Lamborghini, bulalas ng kaniyang isipan.

She gasped when she noticed the door at the driver’s seat opened. Nanigas ang kaniyang tuhod at nanginig ang kaniyang buong katawan noong lumabas ang lulan ng sasakyan.

The man stood proudly, not minding the shock on Isabella’s face. It was dark and he is sure she can’t see his face. He only wants to tease her, but he felt a pang of guilt deep inside his chest when he noticed how she is shaking. He is far from her, but he could tell that her lips quiver in fear.

That was a hard slap for him. Hindi niya mapigilang mainis sa sarili. The woman obviously feared him. Iyon naman ang gusto niya noon pa man. Pero iba na ngayon. Ngayong naamin na niya sa sariling may gusto siya rito. He was in denial at first, but in the end, he was defeated by the inexplicable emotion he felt towards the woman.

He wants to tell Isabella how sorry he is for everything that he have done to her, pero pinangungunahan siya ng kaniyang ego. Ilang beses na niyang tinangkang lumapit kay Isabella, pero mas nananaig ang takot sa kaniyang puso sa magiging reaksyon ni Isabella. He contented himself staring at her from afar. Lalo na noong nalaman niyang nabuntis niya ito. Hindi siya nawala sa tabi ni Isabella. He was always there, hiding from her, and making sure she won’t do anything stupid.

Noong manganak si Isabella ay naroroon din siya. Tuwing walang nagbabantay kay Isabella ay pumapasok siya sa silid nito. He was holding her hand tightly, kissed her forehead and whispered to her ears how sorry he is. Wala siyang lakas ng loob na magpakita kay Isabella at hingin ang kapatawaran nito. That’s why he ended up guarding her and their son from afar. Watching them and making sure they are always safe.

Wala siyang nagawa habang nakatitig sa takot na takot na si Isabella kundi pumasok pabalik sa kaniyang sasakyan. Umalis siyang mabigat ang pakiramdam.

*****

Inihinto niya ang kaniyang sasakyan sa gilid ng highway at natagpuan ang kaniyang sariling bumababa sa kaniyang sasakyan. Naglakad siya at tumigil sa harapan ng isang malalim na bangin. Mataman siyang napatitig sa kalaliman ng bangin. Tiyak ay mamatay ang kahit sinong mahuhulog rito.

Umupo siya sa gilid at tumingala sa kalangitan. The darkness of the sky illuminated his deep green eyes. No emotions plastered on his eyes. Nakatulala lamang siya habang nakatingala sa langit. He used to adore darkness. He used to live in darkness. But right now, darkness felt suffocating for him. As if he was drowning and no one could save him.

And after a few minutes, a teardrop fell from his eyes. Sunod-sunod itong nagbagsakan. He supressed his emotions since the death of his sister, and now he cannot do it anymore. All the emotions that bottled up inside him for a long time, he let it go. And after a long time, he felt free. He felt at ease. The darkness that clouded his heart was gone. Para bang umaliwalas ang kaniyang mundo sa pagkakataong iyon.

He closed his eyes as he murmured, “I’m sorry, Clarisse. Your brother is an asshole.” Dumilat siya at may ngiting kumurba sa kaniyang labi. “But, I won’t be scared anymore. I will do things right this time. I hope you’re proud of your brother wherever you are.”

 *****

Masakit ang ulo ni Isabella noong bumangon siya mula sa higaan. Hindi siya nakatulog nang maayos kaninang madaling araw dahil sa ginawang pagpapakita sa kaniya ng lalaking matagal na niyang pilit kinakalimutan.

Akala niya’y guni-guni lamang niyang parang may nakamasid sa kaniya, ngunit iyon pala ay talagang may nakamasid sa kaniya. Tipong para siyang binabantayan. Imbes na matuwa ay nangilabot siya. Natatakot siya sa pwedeng gawin ng lalaki sa kaniya pagnagkataon. What if he tries to kidnap her again? Paano na lamang ang kaniyang anak?

Ngunit hipokrita siya kung hindi niya aaminin sa kaniyang sarili na bukod sa takot ay may kakaiba pa siyang naramdaman noong makita ang lalaki. Nakaramdam siya ng kakaibang init na dumaloy sa kaniyang buong katawan habang titig na titig sa direksyon ng lalaki.

Madilim sa parteng kinatatayuan ng lalaki kanina kaya hindi niya matanaw ang mukha nito. Ngunit hindi maipagkakaila sa tindig nito kung gaano siya kagandang lalaki. Isabella sighed. Bakit ba niya iniisip ang lalaking iyon? Ang lalaking kumuha ng kaniyang puri. Ang lalaking dumungis sa kaniyang pagkatao. Ang lalaking nagparamdam sa kaniyang hindi na siya karapat-dapat mahalin dahil para sa kaniya’y isa na siyang basura. At higit sa lahat, ang lalaking nagpapabilis ng tibok ng kaniyang puso at ama ng kaniyang anak.

Ipinikit niya ang kaniyang mata kasabay niyon ang paghugot nang malalim na buntong hininga.

Gusto niyang mawala sa isipan ang lalaking ‘yon, pero sino ba ang niloloko niya? The man gave her a souvenir. A souvenir that took away all her fears and made her alive once again. Angelo.

Akmang pupuntahan niya ang anak sa kwarto nito ngunit hindi niya iyon natuloy. Humarap siya isang full length mirror at tinanggal ang suot na nighties. Bumagsak ito sa sahig.

Isabella brought her hands to her chest, she felt it and traced the tattoo etched under her bosom using her fingertip.

“Sino ka ba talaga?” wala sa sariling bigkas niya habang titig na titig sa tattoo na nakaukit sa kaniyang dibdib. “Why me?”

Pumatak ang kaniyang luha habang bumabalik sa isipan ang mga nangyari sa kaniya sa cabin na iyon. Kung tutuusin ay bangungot iyon, pero hindi niya lubusang masabing bangungot nga iyon lalo pa’t nagpadala rin siya sa bugso ng kaniyang damdamin.

Tuwing tumitingin siya sa salamin ay hiyang-hiya siya sa kaniyang sarili. She did some nasty things way back in the cabin just to get out of that place. Iyon ang pilit niyang isinisiksik sa kaniyang isipan. Ginawa lamang niya ang mga kagustuhan ng lalaki para makaalis sa lugar na iyon. Pero may isang bahagi ng kaniyang isipan ang sumisigaw na ginawa niya ang mg bagay na iyon dahil iyon ang gusto ng kaniyang katawan at hanggang ngayon ay hindi niya iyon matanggap. She’s ashamed to entertain that thought. She’s scared that a part of her really did those things because she wanted it…

 1 month later…

 “Angelo, stop running,” suway ni Isabella habang hinahabol ang anak na bigla na lamang nagtatakbo.

Hindi siya makagalaw nang maayos dahil sa suot nitong kulay pulang cocktail dress. Off-shoulder ang damit at hanggang tuhod lamang niya ito. Idagag pa ang suot niyang kulay pulang wedge ay disaster talaga para sa kaniya ang ginagawang pagtakbo ng anak.

Dumalo siya sa isang business party bilang representative ng kaniyang mommy na ngayo’y nasa Europe at namamahala ng kanilang isang resort na naroroon. It’s actually a bad news for her family. Simula noong makulong ang kaniyang ama ay unti-unting nagpu-pull out ang kanilang mga investors sa kanilang kompanya. She can’t do anything about it since she’s not a business student. Ang tanging namamahala roon ay ang kaniyang Tita na kapatid ng kaniyang Daddy, ang kaniyang mommy at ang abogado ng kaniyang Dad. Wala siyang ibang nagawa noong humingi ng pabor ang kaniyang mommy sa kaniya. Pumayag na lamang siya tutal matagal na rin siyang hindi nakakapunta sa mga business party na katulad nito.

Kasama ni Isabella sa dumalo ang kaniyang Tita Marga, kapatid ng kaniyang Daddy. Ang sabi ng kaniyang mommy at Tita ay opportunity din ang mga ganitong event para makakilala ng mga prospective investors. Gustong makatulong ni Isabella kahit paano kaya ngayon ay naririto siya at hinihingal habang hinahabol ang kaniyang napakakulit na anak.

Tumigil si Angelo sa pagtakbo at noong bumaling ang maamong mukha nito kay Isabella ay parang nilamukos ang puso niya. Umiiyak ito at para bang litong-lito.

Dali-dali siyang tumakbo sa anak at niyakap ito.

“What’s wrong, baby?” Pag-aalo niya sa kaniyang anak.

“I-I saw Daddy.” Ngumuso ito at mas lalong umiyak.

Kinabahan man ay walang nagawa si Isabella kundi yakapin ang kaniyang anak. Kasabay niyon ang paglibot ng kaniyang tingin sa direksyong tinakbuhan ni Angelo kanina. Wala siyang nakita pero kahit ganoon ay hindi pa rin humuhupa ang takot at kaba sa kaniyang puso. Paano nga kung tama ang kaniyang anak? Paano nga kung nandito ang lalaking iyon?

Noong tumahan ang kaniyang anak ay bumalik sila sa table na nakalaan para sa kanila. Mahigpit ang hawak niya sa kamay ng kaniyang anak kahit siya mismo ay nanginginig dulot ng kabang nararamdaman.

Namatay ang mga ilaw sa paligid at napalitan iyon ng dim lights. It was still dark but thanks to the dim lights may naaninag pa naman si Isabella kahit paano.

Gusto sana niyang hanapin ang kaniyang Tita Marga ngunit nanatili na lamang siya sa kaniyang upuan habang hawak-hawak ang kamay ng anak. Noong dumating sila rito ay ipinakilala siya ng kaniyang Tita sa lahat ng nakasalubong nila. Pagkatapos silang igiya ng kaniyang Tita sa mesang nakalaan para sa kanila ay nagpaalam ito upang kumausap sa mga bisitang naririto.

May babaeng nagsasalita sa stage at kasunod nito ay ang pag-akyat ng isang lalaki sa gitna ng stage. He’s wearing an expensive three-piece suit. His blonde hair is glistening because of the dim lights. Napuno ng palakpakan ang buong function hall noong magsimula itong magsalita sa gitna. Napako lamang ang tingin ni Isabella sa binata hanggang sa matapos itong magsalita. Malayo sila sa stage kaya hindi niya masyadong maaninag ang mukha nito. Ngunit sapat na ang boses ng lalaki upang magtayuan ang mga balahibo niya sa kaniyang katawan. Malakas naman ang aircon ngunit tagaktak pa rin ang pawis ni Isabella lalo na sa kaniyang noo.

“Dy…” rinig niyang bulong ng kaniyang anak dahilan para tuluyang manlamig ang kaniyang buong katawan. “Daddy.”

Napasinghap si Isabella noong mapagtantong nakatingin sa kanilang direksyon ang binata. Nanuyo ang kaniyang lalamunan kaya walang ano-ano’y inubos niya ang laman ng wine glass na nakalaan para sa kaniya. Gumuhit ang init niyon sa kaniyang lalamunan ngunit hindi ito sapat upang kumalma siya.

Naramdaman niyang may umupo sa kaniyang tabi at salamat sa dim lights, napagtanto niyang ang Tita Marga niya ito. Binaling niya ang tingin sa kaniyang Tita na ngayon ay nakangiti habang nakatingin sa lalaking nagsasalita sa gitna ng stage.

“He’s a good man,” sambit ng kaniyang Tita bago tumingin sa kaniya. Hindi niya alam kung tatango ba siya o iiling. Sa kalaunan ay ngumiti na lamang siya. “He wants to help your Dad’s company, Isabella. He wants to meet you, too.”

Nablangko ang isipan ni Isabella sa mga narinig. Pinaghalong kaba, takot, galit at may konting saya ang naramdaman niya. Hindi alam ng kaniyang Tita na ang lalaking gustong tumulong sa kanila ay ang lalaking naging dahilan rin ng paghihirap nila.

“What do you think about him?” tanong pa ng kaniyang Tita Marga.

Sa pagkakataong iyon ay gustong-gusto na niyang umalis sa lugar na ito. Hindi na kakayanin ng kaniyang puso. Para na itong sasabog sa pinaghalo-halong emosyon. Gustong-gusto ng pumatak ng kaniyang mga luha, ngunit ayaw din naman niyang mag-alala ang kaniyang Tita at magtanog ang kaniyang anak.

“I-I need to go to the powder room, po. Please, pakibantayan muna si Angelo. Don’t let anyone near my son, Tita.” Nagulat ang kaniyang Tita sa sinabi nito ngunit tumango pa rin ito.

Nangangapa man dahil sa madilim na paligid ay natunton pa rin ni Isabella ang powder room. Agad siyang pumasok sa isang cubicle at doon pinakawalan ang impit na iyak. Napahawak siya sa kaniyang dibdib at marahan itong pinagsusuntok, nagbabakasakaling mawala ang sakit na nararamdaman niya. Mahina rin niyang binabangga ang kaniyang ulo sa tiles na dingding ng banyo dahil akala niya’y makakalimutan niya ang mga natuklasan ngayong gabi, ngunit bigo siya. Sumakit lamang ang kaniyang ulo at nakaramdam siya ng kaunting hilo.

Ilang minuto rin siya sa ganoong sitwasyon noong mahimasmasan siya. Kailangan niyang balikan si Angelo. Kailangan nilang lumayo ng kaniyang anak sa lugar na ito. Muling bumalik sa kaniyang isipan ang pagtitig ng lalaki sa kaniyang anak. Kahit malayo ay kitang-kita niya kung paano kumislap ang mga mata ng lalaki habang nakatitig sa kaniyang anak. Kinilabutan siya sa isipang baka kunin sa kaniya ng lalaki ang kaniyang anak.

Inayos niya ang kaniyang sarili at nag-apply ulit ng panibagong make-up para hindi siya magmukhang basahan.

Hawak pa lamang niya ang doorknob ngunit bigla na lamang may pumihit nito sa labas. Napaatras siya at hinintay na makapasok ng tuluyan ang taong bumukas nito.

Ngunit laking gulat niya na hindi babae ang pumasok mula rito. Napako siya sa kaniyang kinatatayuan habang nakaawang ang labi. Naglakad ang lalaki palapit sa kaniya. Gusto niyang umatras. Gusto niyang igalaw ang kamay at sampalin ang lalaking ngayo’y nasa harapan na niya ngunit ang tanging nagawa niya’y mapatitig sa kulay berde nitong mga mata. Same eyes with her son.

Ang kulay blonde nitong buhok ay umaalon habang naglalakad ito kanina. Ang kamay nito ay nasa bulsa ng suot na pants. Mapupula ang mga labi nito na bumagay sa kaniyang matangos na ilong. Makapal ang kilay nito at napasinghap si Isabella noong mapansin ang maliit na guhit sa tabi ng kilay ng lalaki. A scar.

Paulit-ulit na napasinghap si Isabella. She needs to breathe, dahil pakiramddam niya’y tinakasan na ng dugo ang kaniyang buong katawan na nahihirapan siya sa paghinga.

Hindi man niya maamin sa sarili, ngunit sa kaibuturan ng kaniyang pagkatao ay gustong-gusto niyang makita ang mukha ng lalaking paulit-ulit na kumuha sa kaniyang pagkababae. Marami siyang gustong gawin sa lalaki kapag nakita na niya ito. Isa roon ay ang sampalin ito ng paulit-ulit dahil sa mga pinanggagawa nito sa kaniya noon, ngunit sa pagkakataong ito’y naestatwa lamang siya sa kaniyang kinatatayuan. Hindi makaapuhap ng salita at titig na titig lamang sa mukha ng lalaking minsang nagpahirap sa kaniya…

The upper lip of the man curved, until it formed into a smirk. No one will say that behind this man’s perfection, lies a monster. A monster that made Isabella ashamed of herself. A monster that tortured her sexually. And a monster who gave her a precious angel. Angelo.

“I…I-It’s you.” Nanginginig ang mga labi ni Isabella habang sinasabi ang mga katagang iyon. Nanlalaki ang kaniyang mga mata at napaatras siya ng tuluyan at napasandig sa malamig na tiles.

Nawala ang ngisi sa labi ng lalaki. Napalitan iyon ng isang ngiti habang titig na titig kay Isabella.

“We meet again, Luv.” He cooed as he closed the gap between them.

Gustuhin mang umatras ni Isabella ay hindi na niya magawa. Nakakulong na siya sa mga bisig ng lalaki. Sobrang bilis ng tibok ng kaniyang puso na halos lumuwa na ito sa kaniyang dibdib. Nag-angat siya ng tingin at saktong nagtama ang kanilang tingin.

She flinched when she felt his hand on her chin. Para siyang kinuryente sa dulot nitong init sa kaniyang balat.

“I will make things right this time, Isabella.” He said with so much passion and sincerity.

Natatakot pa rin si Isabella sa kaniya ngunit unti-unting kumalma ang kaniyang katawan.  

Nanginginig pa rin ang kaniyang labi noong magalita siya, “Please, don’t hurt me.”

Nanlambot ang lalaki sa salitang binitiwan ni Isabella. Hanggang ngayon ay takot pa rin ito sa kaniya at walang ibang dapat sisihin kundi ang sarili niya. He succeeded in making Isabella scared of him.

“I won’t, luv. I won’t hurt you.” He whispered beside her ears.

Hindi pa rin nawawala ang takot ni Isabella kahit ramdam niyang sincere ang lalaki sa mga sinabi nito.

Umiling siya at yumuko. “Please, let go. I need to go back there.”

Gustong magmura ni Isabella. Gusto niyang ilabas ang lahat ng tinatagong hinanakit niya sa lalaki. Gustong-gusto niyang itanong dito kung bakit nito ginawa ang mga bagay na iyon sa kaniya, ngunit nanaig ang kaniyang takot.

Iniangat ng binata ang mukha ni Isabella. Naroroon pa rin ang takot sa mga mata ni Isabella kaya naman ay napahaplos na lamang ang lalaki sa pisngi ng babae.

“Not until I do this.”

Naramdaman ni Isabella ang pagdampi ng malambot na bagay sa kaniyang labi at alam na alam niya kung ano ito. The same feeling she felt back then when she was still in the cabin.

His kisses are intoxicating, it made Isabella weak. Pumulupot ang kamay ng lalaki sa bewang ni Isabella, at kahit alam niyang mali ay ipinulupot din niya ang kaniyang braso sa leeg ng lalaki. Natagpuan niya ang sariling tumutugon sa bawat halik nito at nawalan siya ng lakas upang manlaban o pigilan man lang ang lalaki dahil ito ang mismong dinidikta ng kaniyang puso. She wants it. She longs for it. Deep inside her, she wishes that this day will happen.

“I’m sorry, Isabella.” The man whispered between their kiss. “I will do everything to earn your forgiveness.”

And a tear fell from her cheeks when she heard those words. Those words she wants to hear for a long time from him. Finally, she heard it.

[kingtwolf-fang]

Introduced to this tune to bring into 2021! #HappyPlace #AlisonWonderland #MusicSaves #MusicHeals #AppleMusic #ThisBeatIsEverything #ChannelingHappiness #SunStoneCrystal

[channelinghappiness]

5-Day Pleasure - Chapter 9

All eyes were on him as he walked in the steep hallway of the precint. He didn’t mind the people staring at him or calling him. Two guards guided him until he reached the visitor’s area.

Inayos muna niya ang nagusot na suit bago umupo sa bakal na upuan. Katapat nito ay isang mahabang mesa na gawa rin sa bakal. Inilibot niya ang kaniyang paningin sa kabuuan ng lugar hanggang dumako iyon sa taong gusto niyang makita.

He should be happy seeing the man in an orange clothes, handcuffed and looked nothing like the proud Mr. Arthuro Zobel, but he couldn’t find that triumph within his heart.

Gulat at pagtatakha ang rumehistro sa mukha ng matanda, ngunit nagpatuloy ito sa paglalakad hanggang marating ang katapat na upuan ng kaniyang di kilalang bisita.

“Who are you?” Mr. Zobel asked the man whose comfortably sitting across him.

He crossed his arms and the side of his lips twitched upward. He let out a low mocking laugh as he speaks. “I’m hurt you cannot recognize me, Mr. Zobel. And sad that I can never forget you.”

“What are you trying to say? Have we met before? Kung isa ka sa mga taong nagawan ko ng kasalanan,” he paused and slightly bow his head, “I’m sorry.”

The man laughed once again, this time it echoed into the four walls of the area.

“Your sorry is not enough to bring back the life of my sister.” He spat each words. Hindi na rin napigilan ang pagkuyom ng kamao nito.

Muli, naalala niya kung paanong nawala ang kaniyang nag-iisang kapatid. How her lifeless body felt against his arms. How pale her sister became as she was covered in her own blood. Hinding-hindi na iyon mabubura sa kaniyang isipan. Nakatatak na iyon sa kasuluk-sulukang bahagi ng kaniyang pagkatao.

Pagkalito ang rumehistro sa mukha ng matanda hanggang sa maalala niya ang insidenteng ilang taon ring umusig sa kaniyang konsensya. Nanlaki ang kaniyang mata at dilat na dilat noong bumaling muli sa binata.

“I-Ikaw?”

The man flashed a lopsided grin. “I am the brother of the kid you killed.”

Mr. Zobel started to sob as he remembered the incident. Umiiling ito at hindi makatitig ng tuwid sa binata.

“Hindi ko sinasadya. Hindi ko sinasadya,” paulit-ulit nitong wika.

“Sinadya man o hindi, you can never bring back my sister.” Puno ng hinanakit ang boses ng binata. He stilled on his chair as he looked at the eyes of the man he loathed the most. His green eyes were burning, and it’s full of hatred.  “You turned me into a monster. You made me heartless. You are the reason why my blood screams vengeance. And you are the reason why your daughter—”

“Don’t hurt my daughter,” Mr. Zobel pleads.

Umigting ang kaniyang panga at pilit kinalma ang sarili. “I heard your daughter’s… pregnant.” The last part sounded like a whisper. It’s hard for him to say the word but he did.

“I’m begging you, don’t touch my daughter.” Mr. Zobel pleads once again.

Hindi sumagot ang binata, bagkus ay maotoridad itong tumayo at tumalikod. A small sardonic smile escaped his lips. “Too bad, I already did.”

“I-Ikaw?” Biglang napatayo si Mr. Zobel sa kaniyang kinauupuan noong mapagtanto ang isang bagay. “It’s you who kidnapped my daughter.” He blurted.

Sa huling pagkakataon ay hinarap siya ng binata. His chiseled face void from any emotions. His eyes were dead but if you look deep into it, you will see a glimpse of pain that was hidden. “It’s for you to find out. But I guess you will never know since I will make sure that you will rot in this place.”

*****

3 years later…

“Where’s Angelo?” Natatarantang wika ni Isabella sa nanny ng kaniyang 3 year old little boy noong makita ang namumutla nitong mukha. Kinutuban na siya ng masama noong hindi mahagip ng kaniyang paningin ang kaniyang anak.

“M-Ma’am, eh kasi bumili lang ako ng maiinom tapos pagtingin ko wala na si Angelo sa tabi ko.”

“Oh my god!” Isabella’s heart started to pound faster than the usual. Gusto niyang sumigaw at pagalitan ang nanny ng kaniyang anak ngunit mas importante sa lahat ay ang mahanap niya ang kaniyang anak.

“Saan mo ba siya iniwan, ha?” ani Isabella habang kagat-kagat ang kuko at hindi mapakali ang isipan.

“Dito po.” Sumunod siya sa nanny ng kaniyang anak hanggang mapadpad sila sa bahagi ng park na maraming batang naglalaro.

“Angelo? Baby? Where are you?” Nagsimula na siyang sumigaw habang umiiyak.

Hindi niya kakayaning mawala si Angelo sa buhay niya. She remembered all her struggles giving birth to Angelo at mas lalo lamang siyang naiiyak.

“I shouldn’t have answered that phone call.” Maya-maya’y bulong niya sa pagitan ng pagsigaw at pag-iyak.

It’s Saturday afternoon at ganito ang bonding niya at ng kaniyang anak. She will bring him to the park and they will play hanggang sa magsawa si Angelo. Kanina naman ay masaya silang naglalaro, kung hindi lamang sa tumawag sa kaniya ay sana nasa tabi pa rin niya si Angelo.

“Kasalanan ko ‘to… Kasalanan ko ‘to,” bulong niya at napapasabunot sa kaniyang buhok. “I can’t forgive myself if something happened to my baby boy.” She sobbed.

“Ma’am, pasensya na po. Kung sana hindi ako nalingat hindi nawala si Angelo.”

It didn’t comfort her. Mas lalo lamang bumigat ang kaniyang pakiramdam. Hindi niya kakayaning mawala si Angelo sa kaniyang buhay. Her little boy is her sunshine. All the nightmares she had was vanished when Angelo was born. Para itong anghel at lahat ng hinanakit sa kaniyang dibdib ay biglang naglaho.

She was hesitant at first to touch Angelo, but when she saw him smile, her heart melted in an instant.

Marami man ang pinagdaanan niya bago naisilang si Angelo, lahat iyon ay napalitan ng kasiyahan sa munting ngiti ng kaniyang anak. Lahat ng panghuhusgang naranasan niya ay balewala sa sayang dulot ng kaniyang anak.

Humantong din siya sa puntong gusto niyang ipalaglag ang bata sa takot sa kaniyang magulang, ngunit hindi maatim ng kaniyang konsensya ang kumitil ng buhay. Sa huli ay ipinagtapat din niya sa kaniyang mommy ang sitwasyon. Maraming tanong ang ibinato sa kaniya, ngunit lahat iyon ay nagawan niya ng paraan. She even made up stories. Pinalabas niyang bago pa siya nakidnap ay buntis na siya at hindi pinanagutan. And she started to believe her own story, but she can never escape the truth about her son’s father.

“Momma, why are you crying?”

Parang nabunutan siya ng malaking tinik sa dibdib dahil sa maliit na boses na iyon. Agad siyang humarap sa pinanggalingan ng boses at doon nakita niya ang kaniyang anak. Marami itong bitbit na pagkain at madungis din ang damit nito. Mukhang kumain ng ice cream.

She ran to her son and hugged him tightly. “Where did you go, baby? Alam mo bang pinakaba mo ng sobra si mommy?” Her tears won’t stop from falling.

“Did I made you cry, momma?” Her son asked innocently. “I’m sorry, momma. Please don’t cry na.”

“Don’t do it again, okay? Wag na huwag ka ng mawawala sa paningin ko.” She pat his head and he nod silently.

She can’t help but to stare at her son’s face. From the blonde hair of his son down to his emerald eyes… Napakagwapo ng kaniyang anak kahit maliit pa ito.

Pinupog niya ng halik ang kaniyang anak hanggang makarating sila sa tapat ng kaniyang sasakyan. Bago niya paandarin ang sasakyan ay humarap muna siya sa kaniyang anak na kinakain ang mga bitbit nitong pagkain kanina. Kumunot ang kaniyang noo noong mapagtantong hindi niya iyon binili.

“Where did you get that, Angelo?” She asked with her voice shaking. Hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit kakaiba ang kaniyang nararamdaman.

“Daddy,” simpleng sagot ng kaniyang anak na halos magpasabog sa kaniyang dibdib.

“Daddy?” Paniniguro niya.

Tumango ang kaniyang anak. “Bigay ni Daddy.”

“Sinong Daddy, baby?”

“The man outside our house mommy. He’s always there.” Inosenteng sagot ng kaniyang anak.

“And why are you calling him Daddy?”

Ngumiti si Angelo sa kaniya. “Because he said that he’s my daddy.”

Parang sasabog ang isipan ni Isabella dahil sa mga sinabi ng kaniyang anak. She has no idea about it. Not even a little.

“And you believed a stranger, baby?”

Muli itong tumango pero kumunot ang noo at lumabi. “He’s not a stranger, mommy. He is my Daddy.” Tumigil ito sa pagsasalita at parang may inaalala. “And we both have green eyes.”

Namuo ang takot sa dibdib ni Isabella dahil sa sinabi ng anak. Agad niyang niyakap ang anak at mahimbing na sinuklay ang alon-alon nitong buhok.

“Don’t see him anymore, anak. Okay?”

Angelo puckered his small lips. “Buuuuut he’s my dad—”

“He is not your daddy. Your dad is dead.”

Pagtingin niya sa maliit na mukha ng anak ay umiiyak na ito at napapailing.

“I’m sorry, baby…” bulong na lamang niya para pagaanin ang loob ng kaniyang anak.

She can’t bear to lose Angelo... Not anymore.

 *****

Isabella was walking towards her car. Marami siyang bitbit na supot. Pwede namang maids ang utusan niyang mag-grocery pero sumasakit lamang ang kaniyang ulo dahil minsan ay hindi nasusunod ang sa kaniyang listahan.

Angelo was with her mother kaya naman ay kampante ang kaniyang kalooban. Pagkatapos ng mga sinabi ni Angelo sa kaniya ay nakaramdam na siya ng takot para sa safety nila ng kaniyang anak. Minabuti niyang doon muna tumira sa kanilang mansyon, tutal mommy lang naman niya ang naroroon.

Her dad is still in jail. Non-bailable kasi ang kaso nito kaya wala silang nagawa. Noong unang beses siyang bumisita sa kaniyang Daddy ay upang ipaalam rito na buntis siya. Her dad wasn’t mad at her. At ang hindi niya maintindihan ay parang may gustong sabihin ang kaniyang Daddy sa kaniya ngunit hindi nito magawang sabihin. She didn’t mind that since her dad is always like that.

Nasa tapat na siya ng kaniyang sasakyan at pinapasok ang mga pinamili sa compartment noong bumagsak ang isang supot ng kaniyang pinamili. She cursed silently habang pinupulot ang mga pinamili.

Laking gulat niya noong may tumulong sa kaniya. A man picked up the things and he even put it inside the compartment. Hindi maintindihan ni Isabella ngunit biglang bumilis ang tibok ng kaniyang puso. She tried dating different men after giving birth to Angelo but none of them can make her heart beats faster compared to the man who kidnapped her almost 4 years ago.

Kinakabahan siya habang papalapit sa nakatalikod na lalaki. His sturdy arms made Isabella gulped. Kahit nakatalikod ito ay kitang-kita niya ang mga ugat sa kamay nito. His veins were visible and she knows that he’s a strong man.

“Thank you,” aniya.

“No problem.” He replied as he started to walk away from her.

Ilang segundo ring nabato si Isabella sa kaniyang kinatatayuan.

That voice… I can’t be wrong!

Noong matauhan ay dali-dali niyang hinagilap ang binata ngunit hindi na niya ito makita. Para siyang tangang nagpaikot-ikot sa parking area ngunit wala na talaga ito.

Napasandig siya sa pintuan ng kaniyang sasakyan dahil sa pagod. Napahawak siya sa kaniyang dibdib at hanggang ngayon mabilis pa rin ang tibok nito.

Kinapa niya ang kaniyang pisngi at doon lamang niya napagtantong umiiyak na naman siya.

Napailing na lamang siya at mabigat ang dibdib na pumasok sa kaniyang sasakyan.

Pagkaalis ng sasakyan ni Isabella ay siya namang paglabas ng binata mula sa kaniyang sasakyan.

“Isabella…” He whispered.

[channelinghappiness]

5-Day Pleasure - Chapter 2

The man roughly stroked his black thick wavy hair with his fingers. From his bed, he got up and opened the cabinet where he had his collections of different wine. He poured some on his wine glass and drinks it straight. His Adams apple protruded as the liquor runs through his throat. The muscles on his sturdy arms rippling beneath his white shirt as he poured another shot.

His strong features illuminated by the vague light from the moonlight. Tumapat siya sa bintana at mas lalong humubog ang kaniyang gwapong mukha. His crystal clear emerald eyes, framed with long thick lashes looked amazing against the moonlight. The sculpted reddish lips that he has can make women soaking wet on their panties. The strong jaw and chin with subtle hair made him look barbaric and manly in all aspect. His wide shoulders and brawny chest exudes power and authority. He is a big man with strong personality. He is the man women fantasized in the middle of the night while touching themselves. Too bad, Isabella has no idea about him and what he got.

Muli siyang sumimsim sa hawak na wine glass. Hindi niya ininda ang init na dulot niyon sa kaniyang lalamunan. All he wants is to sleep and forget about the woman behind this wall. But who is he kidding? Until now he could feel her soft delicate lips at the tip of his shaft. Her warm mouth around the length of his manhood. His cock throbbed at the thought.

Though he used force against her, he didn’t feel any guilt nor sorry to her. He had fucked every woman he wanted, and all of them gave him a blowjob, but Isabella, despite of her being hard to get, she sure gave him one of the mind-blowing blow he ever had.

He wants to feel her. He wants to know how tight her walls would be around his shaft. The alluring scent of honeysuckle remained on his skin. She smelled like one.

He wants to taste the delicate cherry between her thighs. He wants to know how good she smells. He wants to pound her walls hard and rough. He wants to crash her hips and fuck her senseless all night in different parts of this cabin, but his wicked thoughts were interrupted by a knock.

He cursed badly. He opened the door of his room and one of his man was standing across him.

"That must be good news," he scowled.

"Boss, your packaged arrived at the Zobel Mansion just now."  

He can't help but to think about the reaction Mr. Zobel, would be seeing the pictures of her loving daughter, tied and only in her undergarments. His dark thick brows turned upward as his lips twitched wickedly at the thought.

***

Isabella tried to move her wrists but she was still chained. She lifted her feet and she gasped when she noticed that it wasn't chained. Hope kicked-in to her heart. But when she remembered what happened last night, she felt disgusted and low.

The devil abused her mouth pretty bad. Until now she could feel his huge throbbing cock inside her mouth. Pumping and thrusting until her throat. She thought she would die from the rough treatment, but here she is alive and has no idea what's coming for her.

A blanket only covered her nakedness. And even though she couldn't see her body, she knew how swollen and red her breasts were.

He mauled her body last night, especially her breasts and nipples. He even used a nipple clamp to torture her poor nipples. She could still feel the pain of clamps on her nipples. She shivered at the thought. Luckily, he didn't touch her down there. But she still felt cheap and disgusted.

She had this belief that if you let a man use your mouth for his own pleasure, the respect there was gone. And now all that is left to her is pain, disgusts and scared for what will happen to her next.

The door opened and her knees started to shake in fear. The room is air-conditioned, but heat suddenly pricked her body.

"What do you want?" She scowled, trying to sound brave.

He didn't answer. She felt the bed sank and she knew the man sat beside her. He cupped her cheeks and gently caressed his knuckles over it.

"What are you doing? You treated me bad last night, and now what are you doing?" Her voice full of bitterness and accusation.

"If only you're a good girl, Isabella, I would have been nice to you. But you bit my dick, bitch." His voice is warm and low, yet it scares her.

Naramdaman niya ang paghigpit ng kamay nito sa kaniyang panga. Parang ilang segundo lang ay mapipisa ang kaniyang baba. She is helpless, he can do whatever he wants to her. Fucking chains…

"Well, you deserve that for being a pig!" She screamed, her brows crinkled with so much anger.

Naramdaman niya ang paggalaw ng kamay ng lalaki. Pumunta iyon sa  kaniyang namumulang labi at ang kasunod niyang naramdaman ay ang mainit na labing dumampi sa kaniyang labi.

For a second, her body went numb. Her mind became hazy and she felt the erratic beating of her heart. Hindi siya makahinga at para siyang nalulunod. She gasped only to be filled by his lips again. He claimed her sensuous mouth made for sin and pleasure, roughly. He was dominating… territorial.

His lips are soft and taste like a combination of champagne and strawberry. Her eyes widened. The thought of him kissing her struck her senses. She wriggled her face, but the man only captured her cheeks. He grabbed a forceful of hair at napatingala siya dahil doon.

His lips travelled on her chin and down to the sides of her jaw. He licked her jaw line before his tongue tasted the hollow on her pretty little neck. She gasped and she couldn't move a little. Para siyang nanigas sa kinalalagyan niya.

Her body felt hot instantly. And she was disgusted at the thought that he made her.

The way his lips marveled around her face and neck, it sent a high amount of electricity into her body. She never felt this strong sensation before, and was horrified thinking that her captor triggered something deeper of her. Something she's trying to hide... but now, he made her explore her own desires for opposite sex.

"Don't!" She hissed when she felt his hands on the blanket that covered her body.

The man shrugged it off and pulled away the cover. His intense eyes clouded with lust seeing her erect nipples. It was swollen from last night but still alluring and tempting.

"Are you turned on, Isabella?" He taunted.

Isabella shut her eyes tightly beneath her blindfold and shook her head violently.

"I am not! You, devil!" She hissed, trying to convince herself above all.

She heard his menacing laughter before feeling his hands on her breasts. He cupped both breasts and used his expert hands to pleasure it. Isabella shut her legs tightly; she felt an intense throbbing on her stomach. Pakiramdam niya ay kusang bubuka ang kaniyang hita dahil sa ginagawa ng lalaki sa kaniyang katawan.

"It's okay to give in to your desires, Isabella. It's okay if you tell me that you want this." His lips covered her nipples. He suckled and nibbled on it as he played her other nipple with his fingers. He rolled his tongue on her nipples before pinching it. Isabella groaned mentally.

Ayaw niya sa ginagawa sa kaniyang katawan, pero hindi niya rin mapigilan ang mga lumalabas na tunog sa kaniyang labi. "It's okay if you want me to touch you… because baby, I will gladly obliged." He sucked her nipples softly, unlike what he did to her last night. Last night, he was rough and now he is gentle.

Isabella shut her lips tightly, fighting the urge not to moan under his pleasure. She doesn't want this. Mas mabuti na lang sigurong daanin siya sa dahas ng lalaki, that way she won't react like this. She felt her back arching; her tummy touching the strong arms of the man busy pleasuring her nipples.

"Oh, God! Please stop it!" She writhed in pleasure, her chest heaving roughly.

She felt her nipples melt under his mouth. Her toes curling and she slightly parted her legs. The man saw her reaction and upon seeing the glistening spot between her thighs, his cock twitched upward. It is harder than a rock, and bigger than this woman's wrist.

He lowered his head and reached for her tummy. Isabella gasped and she tried to escape from the chain but she can't. Nagpapiling-piling ang kaniyang ulo sa ginawang paghalik ng lalaki sa kaniyang tiyan. He kissed and licked her belly until he found her navel. He circled his tongue on her navel and a gruff moan escaped her mouth.

She felt her flesh burning under his lips. The way his lips moved over her body is intoxicating and addicting. She is new to these things and she never thought she would feel this fiery desire over her captor. She may not see his face, but it actually thrilled her.  And she knew how amazing his lips are. How pleasurable it could be on her burning flesh. She is scared... or maybe she is not.

Tila naglaho ang takot sa kaniyang dibdib at napalitan iyon ng makamundong pagnanasa. She likes it the way he touches her. She felt her heart pounding harder than the usual whenever he claims her lips. This is the first time she felt this kind of things... and maybe being kidnapped is not that bad, she thought.

She cursed herself mentally. Ito yata ang gusto ng kaniyang kidnapper, ang mahulog siya sa sarili nitong pagnanasa. Maybe her captor is laughing at her. Sa mata nito ay pinatunayan niyang cheap siyang babae. Because who on the right mind would enjoy being pleasured by her kidnapper? Instead of fighting her urges, tila nagpaalipin siya rito.

"Luv, you are so hot. I want to feel you inside me as I pound you hard and rough." He whispered that sent tingling shiver on the long bones at her back. "I want to hear you scream as I fuck your wet cunt, baby. You have no idea how much I want you, Isabella." Those words triggered the strong tension that was building up. Isabella couldn't even lift her feet. Tila nanghihina siya sa boses ng lalaki sa kaniyang tainga. It was soft, yet possessive.

She gasped when she felt his hand at the most delicate part of her body. Umawang ang kaniyang labi sa gulat at nanginginig ang kaniyang labi at binti. No one touched her there before, she's not even touching herself. At ngayon walang kahirap-hirap iyong nahawakan ng isang estranghero.

"Don't!" She begged, writhing against his touch.

He crooked a smile instead. The redness of her face turned him on. He used his hands to part her legs. He positioned himself between her sweet little cherry. His eyes glistened with lust as he finally saw how beautiful and pink she is. She’s fresh like a rose. Hiyang-hiya si Isabella, lalo na at ramdam niyang nakatitig ang binata sa kaniyang pagkababae.

Nagustuhan niya kaya?

She slapped her face mentally. Bakit iyon ang pumasok sa isipan niya? Instead of fighting him, talagang iyon ang pumasok sa isipan niya? Suddenly, she felt intimidated.

"You are beautiful, Isabella." He cupped her sex and her legs quiver under his touch. She tried to close her thighs but the man caught her thighs and spread her wider than before. Talagang hiyang-hiya na siya. Lalo pa't nakabuyangyang ang kaselanan niya sa harap ng kaniyang kidnapper.

"Ohhhh noooohhh!" She writhed in pain and pleasure when his fingers moved up and down on her wet folds. The touch was delicate, possessive… probing.

She felt her nipples stiffened and her back arching.

"You want this, Isabella?" He teased her.

He pressed her clit between his thumb and forefinger. Mas lalong nagwala ang katawan ni Isabella. She started groaning and her sweet groans triggered him to touch her even more.

"This sweet little cherry is mine, Isabella." He kneaded her sex that sent a shivering fire to the center of her thighs. "No man can see, feel and touch this except me. If you let other man play with my favorite toy, you are dead, luv."

She's not scared of his possessiveness. Instead, it turned her on.

The dampening on her sensitive part worsens. She felt her wetness on her thighs and even on the mattress. "You’re soaking wet for me, luv. If you continue this, Isabella, I will give you the best orgasm you never had."

She tensed at his words. They are dirty but why are her legs quaking in anticipation?

He again cupped her mound and played with it for a moment before his hands freed her from the chain.

 Nakahinga siya nang maluwag.

"Pauuwiin mo na ako?" Her voice full of hope when she asked.

The man tilted his head, catching the full view of Isabella's hopeful face. He shrugged his shoulders before lifting her off the bed.

She squirmed and shouts. Her hands on her blindfold, but the man is fast enough to grab both her wrists and use his hand to capture it.

"Ano ba? Where are you taking me? After what you did to me! You played with my body!" She screamed.

"But your body reacts accordingly." He answered. "And if you dare remove your blindfold, Isabella, I will punish you hard and rough. I will fuck that ass of yours.”

The mere thought of him taking her rear sent a quivering fear on her chest. Nagpatianod na lamang siya kung saan man siya dalhin ng binata. The faint smell of honeysuckle wrapped around him. Isabella really smells good.

Inilapag siya ng binata patayo kaya naramdaman niya ang basa sa kaniyang talampakan.

The man lifted her arms over her head. At sa isang iglap lamang ay nakatali na ito. Her breasts were full and her nipples taut. The bones below her breasts were visible.

Her arms were stretched above her head and tied on the ceiling. A devilish grin crossed his face upon seeing his beautiful vixen— naked, stretched and blushing.

He knelt at the center of her thighs. She felt his warm breaths on her sensitive part. He then lifted her one leg. She gasped in pain and horror.

"W-What are you doing?" Her voice stammering.

The image flashed on her mind like a crashing waves and she found the tension fired up against her chest, down to her center core. She could feel her mound beating. Excitement or fear? She has no idea either.

Ipinatong ng binata ang kaniyang binti sa balikat nito. He stretched her wide enough for his own pleasure. He wants to memorize every details and how would she feel when he's inside her. He wants to pound her walls like an animal deprive of food for a long period of time. He has this sadistic urge to fuck her hard till her hips and ribs broken. He doesn't care about her. He only cares for the heaven between her thighs.

"It's time to pop this cherry, luv." He leaned forward and his tongue tasted the promise of pleasure in between her thighs.

She moaned.

[channelinghappiness]

5-Day Pleasure - Chapter 8

It was a long ride.

Isabella was sitting beside her captor. She had her blindfold but her wrists were free. Kung tutuusin ay kayang-kaya niyang tanggalin ang kaniyang blindfold para masilayan ang mukha ng binata, ngunit hindi niya ginawa. Instead, she stilled herself and calm her nerves.

She's tense. Hindi niya alam kung bakit. She was his captive for several days, at sa mga sandaling iyon ay nakalimutan na niya ang buhay sa labas. As if her body is programmed just to please him. At ngayong makakalaya na siya ay hindi niya alam kung paanong magbabago ang kaniyang buhay dahil sa kaniyang mga naranasan.

She wants to curse the guy. No. She wants him to pay. But a part of her doesn't want to do anything. She just wants to walk away and forget everything.

Ituturing na lamang niyang isang bangungot ang mga nangyari sa kaniya. She will live her life to the fullest as if nothing happened to her. As if he didn't used her like a cheap tramp. She wants to continue her life like before she was still free. Pero hindi niya alam kung paano. Saan siya magsisimula at kung paano niya ipapaliwanag sa pamilya ang mga nangyari sa kaniya.

Too many questions. Too many worries. Natatakot siya sa sasabihin ng kaniyang pamilya sakaling matuklasan ang mga pinagdaanan niya. She knows her family loves her very much, kaya hindi niya kakayanin kung sila mismo ang huhusga sa kaniya.

She took a deep breathe.

"Malayo pa ba tayo?" tanong niya.

He didn't give her an answer. Instead, he focused on the road and there are times that he glances at her direction.

A part of him doesn't want to let go of her. Pero inuusig siya ng kaniyang konsensya, kung konsensya ngang maituturing. Plus, her presence is making him crazy than he already is.

He wants her. Every inch of her and that scares the shit out of him. Hindi siya pwedeng makaramdam ng kahit anumang espesyal para kay Isabella. He loathes her family and there is no way he would let her enter his life.

At isa pa, Isabella made a great show last night. She was hot, naughty and dirty. He likes it. And he wants more of it, but no. He needs to free her not because it is the right thing to do, but because to save himself from feeling something for her. Something that could ruin him in the process. And he won't allow that. There is no way he would let a woman crash everything he built. There is no way he will let himself succumb to the enchanting prowess of a woman. Especially a woman like Isabella -- beautiful, strong and determined.

Tumigil ang sasakyan kasabay niyon ang pagtigil ng puso ni Isabella. Napabuntong-hininga siya noong maramdaman ang mainit na hininga ng lalaki malapit sa kaniyang leeg at kasunod niyon ang pagkatanggal ng kaniyang suot na seatbelt.

She stilled inside the car, waiting for him to do whatever he wants. Narinig niya ang pagbukas ng pinto sa passenger's seat at ang pagbukas ng pintuan sa kaniyang tabi.

"We're here," anito sa baritonong boses.

Nangangapang lumabas si Isabella mula sa sasakyan. Bumuka ang kaniyang labi noong tuluyang makalabas.

"Can I take off my blindfold?" She asked hopefully.

"After 20 seconds," he answered.

Narinig niya ang yapak palayo mula sa kaniya at hindi niya maintindihan kung bakit niya iyon nagawa. Nahawakan niya ang laylayan ng damit ng lalaki. Nanginginig ang kaniyang kamay at dama iyon ng lalaki.

The man just stared at her face for a momment before his eyes fell on her pale hands.

It's now or never. Muli siyang humugot nang malalim na buntong hininga.

"C-Can I touch your face for the last time?" she asked, sounding firm but deep inside her heart is beating faster than the usual.

Naramdaman niya ang pagbalik ng lalaki mula sa kinatatayuan kanina. Kahit may blindfold ay nakuha pa rin niyang kapain ang mukha ng lalaki.

Ang kaniyang kamay ay dumaan sa mapupula nitong labi hanggang sa natunton nito ang kaniyang mahahabang pilik-mata. Huling sinipat ng kaniyang palad ang scar na malapit sa kilay nito. She memorized his scar. Ito lang ang tanging palatandaan niya kung sakali. Ngunit hindi na rin siya umaasang magtatagpo pang muli ang landas nilang dalawa.

She felt his hands on her face, cuffing both her cheeks. And then, his knucles grazed her lips before she felt his lips pressed against her.

"I will have you back, Isabella." He whispered and just like a wind he disappeared. "Good bye, luv."

Hindi na pinalipas ni Isabella ang dalawampung segundo at tinanggal ang kaniyang blindfold. Tanging usok na lamang mula sa sasakyan ng lalaki ang kaniyang nakita.

Napahawak siya sa kaniyang dibdib at sa hindi malamang dahilan ay naninikip ito. She brushed off the thought. Humarap siya sa malaking gate sa kaniyang harapan at may munting ngiting sumilip sa kaniyang labi. Finally, she is home. But, why can't she feel that she actually is?

Nag-doorbell siya sa kanilang malaking gate at noong bumukas iyon ay isang mahigpit na yakap ang sumalubong sa kaniya.

"Isabella, sweetheart..." Her mom gushed, crying loudly.

Hindi na rin niya napigilan ang pagtulo ng luha. She missed her mother so much. Otomatikong yumakap siya pabalik dito.

"Mommy," paulit-ulit niyang sambit. "I missed you, Mom. I missed you."

***

She was at home for almost two weeks. At sa loob ng dalawang Linggong iyon ay hindi pumalya si Mrs. Zobel sa pagtanong sa kaniyang anak sa kung ano talaga ang nangyari rito. Isabella lied about what happened to her. She told her mom that she was abducted just to threaten his Dad. Nothing more, nothing less. Hindi niya kayang sabihin sa ginang ang mga naranasan niya sa loob ng limang araw na iyon. Her mom told her that she went missing for 5 days. They did everything to find her but they couldn't.

He must be really rich, she thought.

Her mom became overprotective of her. Kahit mamasyal lamang siya sa garden ng kanilang mansyon ay kailangang may kasama ito. Minsan ay nasasakal na siya, ngunit iniintindi na lamang niyang natatakot ang kaniyang mommy na muli siyang mawala.

She was sitting at the front of her dresser, fixing her hair. Huminga siya nang malalim at napatingin sa family picture na nakapatong sa ibabaw ng kaniyang mesita. It was her and her parents. They're all smiling in the picture. Kinuha niya iyon at hinaplos. Napatingin siya sa nakangiting mukha ng kaniyang Dad.

"Who are you, Dad?" She murmured and place back the photo on the table.

Muli niyang inayos ang kaniyang buhok at napatingin sa suot na dilaw na kamiseta. Dahan-dahan niyang tinanggal ang suot na kamiseta hanggang sa mahulog iyon sa sahig.

Her right hand then traced the tattoo etched at the top of her breast. He carved letter "T" on her. At ilang beses na niyang hinanap sa magazines, newspaapers at internet ang lahat ng taong nagsisimula sa pangalang "T" na nakasalamuha ng kaniyang Daddy but she couldn't find him.

Nakarinig siya ng katok sa kaniyang pintuan kaya dali-dali niyang pinulot ang kamiseta at muling sinuot. Saktong pagpasok ng kaniyang mommy ay nakaayos na siya.

"Are you ready to see your Dad?" Her mom asked her.

Napalunok siya at pilit na ngumiti. "Y-Yes..."

Nanginginig ang kaniyang kalamnan habang humahakbang palapit sa kaniyang mommy. She tried to avoid visiting her Dad this past weeks. Pero kahapon nga ay mapilit ang kaniyang mommy at napapayag siya. Hindi niya alam kung kaya na niyang harapin ang kaniyang Dad. May namuong galit para sa kaniyang Daddy na lumukob sa kaniyang dibdib. Isa ito sa sinisisi niya sa mga nangyari sa kaniya. Hindi niya alam kung kaya niyang marinig ang mga sasabihin nito.

Her Dad is still in jail. Maraming kaso ang isinampa rito ng mga dating kasamahan. Lahat ng tinatagong baho ng kaniyang Dad ay nahalungkat. At isang tao lamang ang pumasok sa kaniyang isipan na kayang gumawa nito-- her abductor.

Napapikit siya't napahaplos sa kaniyang braso. She could still feel his warmth against her body each night. And she will wake up with her underwear soaking wet, thinking of the things he would have done to her if she is still in that place. She brushed off those thoughts and focused to her mom.

"Mr. Zaragossa is already here, sweetheart..." tukoy nito sa kanilang abogado.

Their lawyer is doing everything to get his Dad on bail. At isa sa request ng kaniyang Dad ay ang makita siya. He wants to know if she's really okay.

"Come on." Her mom held her hand tightly.

She faint a smile and they started walking. Ngunit hindi pa sila nakakalabas ng kaniyang silid ay nakaramdam na siya ng kakaiba. She felt her world spinning at parang hinuhukay ang kaniyang sikmura. Napabitaw siya sa kaniyang mommy at napatakbo sa kaniyang bathroom.

Doon, sumuka siya nang sumuka. Ngunit puro tubig lamang ang lumalabas sa kaniya. Kinatok siya ng kaniyang ina at nanghihina man ay nakakapit siya sa doorknob at dahan-dahang tumayo.

She was dumbfounded when she gazed at the toilet.

Damn! She cursed. This is not happening to me.

"Isabella, are you okay?" Her mom sounded worried.

Her hands are lips are shaking but she managed to answer. "I-I am, mom. Masama lang ang pakiramdam ko."

Napasandal siya sa pintuan at napahawak sa tapat ng kaniyang puso. Mabibilis na pagtibok ang kaniyang naramdaman. Bumaba ang kaniyang kamay sa kaniyang tiyan at mahina niya iyong hinaplos at napailing.

No, she can't be pregnant.