Unbroken 2.0 Prologue

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/


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Salamat sa mga nagbasa ng ARA. Ngayon ay itutuloy ko na ang isa sa aking mga dati pang naudlot na gawa, ang Unbroken 2.0.


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This is a Re-Run of Unbroken 2.0. Please feel free to still read as we finish to story of Daniel and FR. Nakapagsulat na ako ng next chapters so tuloy-tuloy na to. :)


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P R O L O G U E

Nanatiling nakahiga si Daniel sa mga bisig ni FR. Patuloy ang pagtangis ng huli dahil sa pagkawala ng minamahal. Naging saksi ang mga langay-langayan na malayang bumabagtas sa payapa at umaawit na langit sa mga hiyaw at panaghoy ni FR. He then remembered that it was Christmas day. Tumingala sya sa langit, pumasok sa isip nya na sisihin ang Diyos sa nangyari, sya ay lumuha.

Salamat sa binigay nyong pagkakataon na makasama ko pa si Daniel kahit sa mga huling araw nya dito sa lupa. Maraming salamat sa pagkakataon na binigay nyo sa amin para maiyos ang lahat. Salamat sa lahat lahat. Ngayong kasama nyo na sya sa langit,ako naman po ang gabayan nyo. Nabuhay ako dati, hindi ko sya kilala. Pinagtagpo nyo kami at pinaramdam nyo samin kung paano ba talaga magmahal ng walang hinihinging kapalit.Ngayon hindi ko po alam kung paano ako magsisimula ulit. Masakit,pero alam kong gagabayan nyo ako. Tulungan nyo po ako, Tulungan nyo po ako.

He felt the morning wind hugging him. Even the ripples were there to kiss his feet. He felt nostalgia. At muling lumuha si FR.

Parang mga asong nakakita ng buto,agad na nagtakbuhan ang mga personnel ng beach resort nang marinig ang iyak ni FR. Tumawag ng ambulansya,agad na sinakay ang dalawa,pinaharurot. Umaasang marerevive pa ang wala na.

Agad tinawagan ni FR ang mga tao sa kanilang bahay.

“Ma,wala na po si Daniel.”

Narinig nalang nya ang pagluha ng ina sa kabilang linya.

“Best,nasaan ka? Wala na si Daniel.”

“Puki mong may granules. Oh my Jesus! Nasaan kayo? Lilipad ako.” si Pixel.

“Sa pinakamalapit na ospital sa Subic. Hindi ko alam.”

She heard Pixel sigh. A sigh that has no exasperation,a sigh that has a lot of sympathy.

“Antayin mo ako. Pagdating ko pwede ka ng umiyak. Hold it.”

He wiped the tears with his checkered hanky. Nagmamadali pa din ang driver ng ambulansya.

“Ivy. Wala na ang kuya mo.”

Di na sumagot si Ivy. Panay iyak nalang ang narinig sa kabilang linya.

The number you dialled is unattended or out of coverage area. Please try your call later.

Nasaan si Carlos? Ngayon sya kailangan ni FR. FR put his phone inside his pocket. He then saw mists all over the ambulance. He felt his eyes were being cloudy again. For the nth time,umiyak na naman sya.

Madaling narating ang hospital. Agad na sinugod sa E.R si Daniel. Nanatiling nakaupo si FR sa isa sa mga bench doon sa ospital. Isang oras ang nakalipas dumating si Pixel na nakacocktail dress. Kahit ospital dapat nakagayak pa ang talipandas. Tumakbo itong parang trumpong kangkarot papalapit kay FR. Inangat ni FR ang kanyang ulo,banaag ang luha sa mga mata,Pixel gave her a tight hug. That was what he needed that time.

Lumabas si Carlos sa E.R. Rumehistro ang gulat sa mukha ni FR at Pixel. Kita ang malaking disappointment sa mukha ni Carlos. Dahan-dahan itong lumapit sa dalawa. Nanatiling tahimik ang magbestfriend. Tumitig si Carlos kay FR,mata sa mata,pinahid ni Carlos ang mga luha dito.

Ilang segundo pa ay umiling si Carlos. Di na nakapagpigil si Pixel,umiyak na parang walang bukas. Niyakap ni Carlos ng mahigpit si FR. Slowly,kinain na ng dilim ang lalaking nagdadalamhati sa pagkamatay ng kanyang pinakamamahal.

Huling gabi na ng lamay ni Daniel. Nanatili pa ring tahimik si FR. Di masyadong makausap at ngingiti lang ng malungkot sa bawat makikiramay. Dumating ang mga kaibigan,kaklase,colleagues at kung sino pang related sa pamilya at sa kanilang dalawa. Nagmistulang malaking reunion, nagkaroon muli ng communication ang mga dating wala na. Masaya ang lahat sa mini-reunion na naganap pero batid sa lahat ang panghihinayang at kalungkutan sa pagkawala ni John Daniel Madrid.

Kumatok si Pixel sa kwartong tinutuluyan ni FR sa mansion ng mga Madrid. Walang sagot,naisipan na nyang pumasok sa loob. Madilim ang kwarto,liwanag lang ng laptop ang makikita. Parang humihikbing bata si FR sa isang blog na binabasa. Lumapit si Pixel.

“Ano yang binabasa mo?”

“Online Diary ni Daniel.”

“Bongga.”

“Nakadetalye dito lahat ng nangyayari samin. Naiiyak ako twing binabasa ko. Nararamdaman ko kung gaano nya ako minahal.”

“Alam naman ng lahat na mahal ka ni Daniel.”

“Oo nga.”

“Iiwan na muna kita para asikasuhin yung mga batchmates nating ginawang restaurant ang lamay. Magprepare ka na. In an hour,start na ng sharing at ng final mass.”

“Okay.”

Pixel hugged FR.

Nakalipas ang isang oras at dumating na ang paring magbibigay ng huling basbas sa labi ni Daniel. The mass went on at umabot na sa punto ng sharing. Ang mga magulang ni Daniel ang nauna,sinundan ng mga kapatid nitong lalaki. Sumunod si Ivy.

“Si Kuya Daniel ang isa sa mga taong hindi ko inaasahang darating sa buhay ko.”

“Nung kinakailangan ko ng karamay sa lahat-lahat,nandyan sya. Kahit na nung mga panahong hirap na hirap na sya sa chemotherapy eh inuuna pa nya ako dahil buntis nga ako. Naaalala ko yung pagtitimpla nya ng gatas para sa akin everynight. Naalala ko yung mga panahon na sasamahan nya ako sa OB ko tapos pagkakamalan kaming magasawa ng mga tao. Naalala ko kung paano sya tumawa sa t'wing pinapahawak ko ang tyan ko sa kanya pag sumisipa ang baby ko. The simplest thoughts count. Kung nasaan ka man ngayon Kuya Daniel.tandaan mo na naging napakasaya ko para makasama ka sa buhay ko. Ikaw ang pinakamabuting kapatid na meron ako. Mahal na mahal kita Kuya.”

Tumingin si Ivy sa crowd at nakita nya ang mga namumugtong mga mata nito. Nagpakawala sya ng isang buntong-hininga,pinahid ang mga luha,ngumiti. Bumaba ng platform at nakatanggap ng yakap mula kay Pixel.

Oras na ng babaeng bakla para magsalita. Tinantya nito ang crowd at nagbuntong-hininga.

“Akala ko nga nung una straight yang bwisit na yan.” banat nito.

Nangingiti ang mga tao sa mga pinagsasabi ng babaeng bakla.

“Pero kiki mong may granules. Lalaki pala ang gusto. Naloka ako. Akala ko talaga nung una, ako ang type nya. Pero malalaman laman ko nalang na kaya pala nya ko kinoclose dahil kay FR. Imagine? Inisip ko talaga nung High School pa ako na magkakaroon kami ng mga cute na anak ni Daniel, ang ganda ko ba naman eh.” kitang kita dito ang pagpipigil ng luha,dinadaan sa joke ang gustong iparating.

Kita ang ngiti sa mga labi ng mga tao.

“Daniel is really a sweetheart.” naging seryoso ang tono nito.

“Lagi syang may something new to offer. Di ka mabobore. Si Daniel yung taong akala mo ampao,pero pag nakausap mo buchi pala. May laman ang utak,di puro hangin. Si Daniel yung taong akala mo sa una maldito,oo nga may pagkamaldito pero napakabuting tao nya sa lahat ng mga kaibigan nya.”

Lumuha ang babaeng bakla.

“Sorry kung umiiyak ako. Di ko lang talaga matake na makita sya dyan sa kabaong na yan. Pero infairness nga palong-palo ang kabaong ha? Gold in fairness. Tae naman oh. Naiiyak ako. Wala na akong masabing matino. Daniel,kung naririnig mo ako,muntik na kitang minahal okay? Mamimiss kita. Mamimiss kita ng sobra.”

Bumaba si Pixel sa platform. Si FR na ang susunod. Nagyakap ang dalawa.

“Best.”

Tumingin lang si FR bilang sagot.

“Big girls don't cry.”

Ngiti ang sinagot nito.

Tinantya ni FR ang tao sa mansion. Madami din. Inadjust nya ang mic ng naayon sa pwesto nya. Bago sya magsalita,nagpakawal sya ng isang buntong-hininga. Tilang may anghel na dumaan, natahimik lahat ng tao. Tumingin lahat kay FR at napalunok ito.

“Una sa lahat,gusto kong magpasalamat sa inyo sa pagpunta at pakikiramay sa akin maging sa pamilya ni Daniel. Ang laking suporta nyan para sa amin na iniwan. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”

Nagpakawala ito ng isang buntong-hininga.

“Daniel,mamimiss kita.”

Paunang statement palang ay nakaramdam na ng kakaiba ang mga nakikinig. Nakaramdam sila ng kilabot,ramdam na ramdam ang sinseridad. Isang malaking katahimikan.

“Mamimiss ko yung mga bagay na walang kwentang lagi nating ginagawa at pinagaawayan. Mamimiss ko kung paano natin pinagtatalunan kung paano kunin ang sagot sa mga Math problems about quadratic equations. Mamimiss ko yung mga tawag mo twing alanganing oras ng gabi. Mamimiss ko yung mga surprise visits mo sa bahay. Mamimiss ko yung pagbuhos mo sakin ng juice as a wake up call. Mamimiss ko lahat ng mga simpleng bagay na ginagawa natin. Mahal na mahal kita.”

May mangilan-ngilan ng napapahikbi.

“Daniel,alam kong kasama ka na ng Diyos ngayon sa langit. Alam kong masaya ka na dyan. Favor naman oh? Pwede bang tulungan mo din kaming tanggapin na wala ka na? Pwede ba yun? I have more favors to ask actually, Would you mind? Daniel,pwede bang wag mo kong kalimutan? Wag mo kong kakalimutan kasi di ko alam kung makakalimutan kita. Pwede ba minsan pag payagan ka dalawin mo naman ako? Para lang makita kita? The thought of thinking you're gone is killing me. Please. Wag mo kong kakalimutan. Mahal na mahal kita.”

Rinig ang crack sa boses ni FR. Umiiyak na ang ilang sa mga malalapit nilang kaibigan.

“Daniel. Mahal kita at di ako magsasawang sabihin yan sa kanila. Mula sa dulong strand ng buhok ko hanggang sa dulong kuko ko sa paa,ramdam ko sa puso ko na ikaw lang ang laman nito. Mula pa noon,noong una kitang nakita,hanggang ngayon,ikaw pa rin ang nagiisa dito.Mahirap,masakit at nakakapanibago,pero asahan mong kakayanin ko para sayo.Makakaasa ka na magiging okay ako kahit parang pakiramdam ko ayaw ko ng maging okay. Makakaasa ka na patuloy akong magdadasal para magkita tayo ulit. Makakaasa kang di kita kakalimutan. Makakaasa kang mamahalin kita kahit wala ka na. At kung mabibigyan ng pangalawang pagkakataon, kahit sa ating ikalawang buhay, ikaw at ikaw pa rin ang mamahalin ko.”

Kitang-kita ng mga tao sa lamay kung paano humugot ng isang malalim na buntong hininga si FR. They saw how FR wiped the tears coming from his left eye. They all symphatized with him. Muli, he sighed.

“Pero siguro di pa talaga tayo magkikita ulit. Alam ng Diyos na marami pa akong dapat ayusin. Sana pag napadpad ako sa langit,kung sa langit nga ako mapunta makita kita. At sana tanda mo pa ako noon,sana pwede nating ituloy ang kabaklaan natin sa langit, Sana pwede tayong magmahalan dun gaya ng pagmamahalan natin dito sa lupa. Aasahan kong hihintayin mo ako dyan,kung nasaan ka man. Ayokong maging malungkot lalo kaya di ako nagsasabi ng kung anu-ano. Daniel ayoko na baka umiyak ako. Daniel please? Daniel? Mahal na mahal kita. Mahal na mahal kita.”

Tumahimik ang mga mata. Waring may dumaang anghel sa kanilang mga harapan.

Ngumiti si FR. Tumulo ang luha sa kanyang mga mata. Bumaba sya ng platform at agad na dumeretso sa kwarto. Sinara nya ang pinto at agad na umiyak na parang bata. Nakaramdam ng yakap si FR mula sa dilim. Pamilyar ang amoy na yon,ang init ng kanyang katawan . Ramdam nya ang yakap ni Carlos mula sa kadiliman ng kwarto.

Then there's a deafening silence.

Nilamon na ng dilim si FR. Pahigpit ng pahigpit ang mga yakap ni Carlos.

A R A - Epilogue

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/

Maraming salamat sa mga nagbasa at nagcomment sa series ko na to. :)

Unbroken 2.0 will be next. Para sa mga nagaabang. Re-run then all new chapters na tayo. :)

* * *

E P I L O G U E

How long has it been? Her heart pounding fast. Full of excitement, full of anticipation.

They sat quietly. They cleared their mind. They are coming home.

“I wonder how it feels like to be back,” said M, who's now in his mid-20's.

She smiled at him.

“I wonder if our house still look the same,” said E, who's in his puberty.

“Maybe, things have changed. Or maybe, things are still the same,' she said.

Please fasten your seatbelt. We are going to experience some turbulence and everyone is expected to be in their seats. Please wait till the seatbelt signal has been turned off.

She checked her kids and saw euphoria on their faces. M and E, on the other side are enjoying their snack. She was comfortable flying but when she checked the girl on her side, it was nervous.

“Althea, why are you pale?”

The girl looked at her.

“Mommy, I'm afraid. Aren't we near yet?”

She smiled.

“We're almost here, Althea. Don't worry about it. Atleast, you have conquered your fear of flying,” she said softly.

“Althea, we're going to a beautiful place. Just be mindful because it's really hot in there,” M said, while chewing his crackers.

Althea smiled at her brother.

“Mommy, how is he like?”

“Who, Althea?”

Her eyes met hers.

“Him,” she answered.

“He's a fine man. You'd love him for sure,” she replied.

She looked at her daughter and got reminded of him. Her brown, puppy eyes, her caramel skin that has a stunning radiance, her poise and wit. Everything.

“I just don't know what to expect, Mommy.”

“Set no expectations, Althea. Don't worry. You'd be fine. And i'm going to be there with you. Even your brothers. So you are safe.”

The turbulence has stopped. E stood and went to the lavatory.

“I just don't know how to feel. It's going to be my first time. First time, i'd be seeing him, touch him, hug him, kiss him. I have always wanted to see him, Mommy.”

She gave Althea a kiss on the forehead.

“I know baby, I know.”

Hours have passed. The kids already went to sleep while she's still wide awake. She's still thinking about him. There were miles between them and she could still feel his touch. There was no day that she didn't think or even dream of him. It has always been him. After all. She closed her eyes.

* * *

Finally, they're home. E and M giddily get their bags on the overhead cabin. Althea was just calm and composed. The crew assisted Ara as she try to get their stuff.

“Finally, we're home,” M said.

They lined and waited for their turn to alight. They were euphoric. Althea was still quiet. They walked out of the establishment and saw a car parked waiting for them. Ara stopped.

“Althea, this is it.”

M and E are looking at Althea's expression.

“I'm nervous.”

“Don't be, Althea. You've waited for years for this to happen. Now is your chance, no matter what, we'd be happy for you,' said E.

M pulled E and althea and the three had a group hug. Ara was left staring at the car.

“Mommy, aren't you joing our group hug?”

“Ye-yeah.”

The hug felt tight and true. It hit home.

She saw him get off that black car. He's never changed. Years have passed yet he still managed to maintain that built. Though some lines have appeared on his face, that same look pierced her.

He started walking towards them. M and E are eyeing him.

“Is he, Mommy?” asked M.

Ara nodded.

“Althea, go near your dad.”

Althea nodded and slowly walked towards his direction. They are all waiting for them to recognize each other.

“Is he Althea's dad, mom?” E asked.

“Yes, E. He's Yari,” she answered.

Althea saw her male version. Some lines have appeared on his face still, Althea felt that sudden rush. He was now looking at her. He was amazed on how she looked like him. There's no way they could hide it but she's his daughter.

“Are you my daughter?” he said, in tears.

“Y-yes. I'm Althea,” she answered.

They were both quiet. Althea was shaking. Yari was sobbing. Ara watched them for a distance. M and E were silently staring at them.

“Can I hug you?” he said.

She nodded.

The next thing they knew is that they were hugging each other tightly. They were crying. They were happy. Ara couldn't hide her tears upon seeing the two of them finally meeting each other. M touched her shoulders. E handed her his hanky.

“Mommy, can I ask you something?” E.

“Sure,” she said.

“Do you love him, still?”

The cold wind brushed her face. M and E are looking at her. She smiled.

“I love you guys, more,” she answered.

“Mommy, do you love him still?” M repeated the question.

She took a deep breath.

“Yes, I still do,” she said.

“Then that's it. Go and get him, Mommy. You have done enough for us and we now wish for your own happiness. We are just here to support whatever decision you do. That's how we love you.”

She was in tears upon hearing that.

“Go Mommy. Go near him. Don't let go,” M said, smiling.

She started walking near Althea and Yari. Both of them are crying. The cold wind continued to brush her face. He saw her. She saw him. The world stopped rotating. Yari let go of the hug and went near Ara.

The wind got stronger. It sent cold on their bodies but the fire that their hearts were feeling could not be tamed.

“Ara,” he said.

“Yes, Yari..”

“I missed you so much.”

Their hands locked as the sunset painted the skies orange in the busy city.

A R A 9

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/

Note: Epilogue will be posted on the 10th installment.

IX. Somewhere beautiful, Somewhere far.

“Come with me. You and the kids, I will give you a better life. Even better than what you have now,” he said.

She closed her eyes. The sound of the cold and moist wind coming from the open glass door of the veranda pleased her ear. She felt Yari caressing her shoulders. With her body naked, his touch scattered like fire that gave her warmth.

“Are you listening?”

“Uh-huh,” she murmured.

He hugged her tighter now. His member touching her butt cheek.

“I will love you. That's a promise. I have loved you for years or even a decade now, I assure you that you and the kids will be loved unconditionally,” he pleaded.

Her thoughts ran wild. How it'd feel having him in her life? Is he still the same? Has he changed? Is he more matured now when it comes to handling relationships and responsibilities? She felt a sudden excitement.

“We will add more kids to the family. Our kids, Ara. Ours.”

His breathing under her neck tickled her.

“We will make a baseball team, we will be a happy family. With E and M, and our kids, our future kids. Our family will be full of love and happiness. That. I promise.”

She felt dizzy. She felt her eyes are spinning, as well as her head.

“I-I feel dizzy,” she managed to say, weakly.

He felt alarmed. He instantly got up and checked her. She looked pale and weak.

“What's wrong?”

“I feel cold, my head is spinning.”

He instantly got up and prepared some hot soup for her. She lay in bed, her mind blank, her body complaining. She has never felt this way, just now.

“Where are you? I'm dizzy,” she said, softly.

“I'm here, making you some hot soup.”

She beamed a broken smile. Her thoughts started wandering again. A new life with her kids, with a new man, a new house. Everything's new. She has never felt happier.

“There you go,”

In front of her is a man, a naked Adonis, serving her like a queen and loving her like she's the only woman in the world.

Actually, it's not about you anymore, it's about your kids. Do what you think is best for your kids. Marly's words suddenly hit her head.

She felt confusion.

Yari gave her first bite of her soup. It was just right. She stared at nothingness.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded. She continued finishing her soup. The warmth of it made her feel better.

Actually, it's not about you anymore, it's about your kids. Do what you think is best for your kids. These words hit her again.

He wrapped his arms around her. Feeling really happy that finally, after a decade, he's holding her in his arms. He finally realized that it was worth the risk. That the chance he took actually was made for things to get better.

“I love you, I really do. And i'd do everything to make you happy.”

Actually, it's not about you anymore, it's about your kids. Do what you think is best for your kids. She's not hearing him. She's hearing Marly's words. She felt confusion. A struggle again between being moral and being happy.

“Now that you are finally not living with your husband, you can start moving in with me and the kids. We will pamper them with toys and luxury. We will be a happy family. I promise you that.”

“It's not about me anymore, it's about the kids,” she said, murmurring.

He got surprised. He kept silent and waited for more words. But there was none.

“Ara, do you love me?”

There was no answer. He sighed.

“I just want to let you know how much I love you. Please take note of that. Do you love me?”

Still, there was no answer. He looked at her and saw her sleeping. He smiled.

“Good night, my angel.”

* * *

“Mommy, where are we going? Why are we packing our things?”

She smiled at M, who's now looking really good with his red polo shirt.

“Somewhere. I'm sure that you'd love it there. It's a very beautiful place.”

“Will there be lots of toys, Mommy?”

She nodded. She gently pulled E and fixed his button.

“Where is daddy?”

It was E.

She smiled. She's expecting it. She has practiced what to say but when she heard those words, she got speechless.

“Yes, Mommy, where is Daddy?”

It was M.

She took a deep breath. She realized that there's no other way to deal with it but to just let the kids know the truth.

“Okay. M and E, listen to Mommy.”

The kids went near her.

“Mommy and Daddy had a fight. And mommy's not sure if mommy and daddy will be okay again.”

She looked at her kids, both are still listening, faces blank.

“For the meantime, it will be just Mommy, M and E.”

“But why did you fight Mommy? Fighting is bad. You told me not to fight with E because it's bad. Why can't you and daddy be just okay?”

She sighed.

“M, things happen for a reason. Who knows, maybe in the future, or maybe soon, mommy and daddy will be okay.”

“Does that mean we will not have Daddy?” E said.

“For the meantime, yes. It's going to be just me, and you and M.”

It was getting more difficult for her. M started sobbing. E was blank.

“Can Daddy visit us still?”

“Of course M. Me and daddy talked about it. That if he misses you and you miss him, he will always call and visit you if he has time.”

“No more daddy mommy?”

Both are now sobbing. Her heart was breaking.

“M and E, what did your daddy tell you before? What does he tell you when he goes to work and we are left alone at home?”

“Daddy told me to be a big boy and take care of you and M.”

She smiled.

“Very good. Of course, you didn't want to disappoint daddy, right?”

“Yes mommy.”

She touched M's face.

“Since it's just the three of us, I expect you to be strong and be a big boy that helps mommy okay?”

M nodded.

“I love you, Mommy,” said E.

She hugged her kids.

* * *

“Are you sure your doing this, Ara?” Marly asked.

With their bags already at the check-in counter, she nodded.

“Yes, Marly. This is for the better. Thanks for everything.”

“No worries.”

They handed the teller their tickets and the latter attended to their luggages and gave them their boarding pass.

“So, till I see you again?”

Marly, in tears, nodded.

“I will miss you, Ara.”

“I will miss you more, Marly. Thanks for all the help.”

They hugged.

“M and E, go and kiss Tita Marly. We're leaving.”

The two kids followed her. They were already heading to the waiting area when she suddenly felt dizzy again. She stopped for a while.

“Mommy, what's wrong?”

“Nothing, M.”

With the two kids on her side, she felt better. This is what she wanted to happen.

She felt her phone vibrating. It was Yari. It has been weeks since she last talked to him. She avoided him because she didn't want any distraction as she pursue her plans. She doesn't want anyone to stop her. This is for the better.

She answered the phone, for the last time.

“Ara, where are you? I've been worried about you. It has been weeks since! What happened? What aren't you answering my calls,” he said, hurriedly.

She smiled.

“I'm just fine. Yari, thanks for everything.

“What do you mean?”

“You have been a very wonderful guy. I will definitely miss you.”

“I don't understand you, where are you now? Let's meet! I need to talk to you! What is this all about?” he sounded panicky.

“Yari, do you remember the question you asked me the last time we were together?”

“Y-yeah,” he answered, confused.

“Ask me the question again.”

“Ara, do you love me?”

She smiled.

“Yes, I do. I love you, Yari.”

That was the first time you told me you love me,”

Calling the attention of the passengers of flight UA184 bound to Guam. Please proceed to Gate No. 5.

The announcement was to loud for Yari to hear it.

“Wait, Ara. Where are you going?”

“Somewhere beautiful. Somewhere far.”

“Are you leaving me?”

Calling the attention of the passengers of flight UA184 bound to Guam. Please proceed to Gate No. 5.

“Remember that I love you. And in my next life, if we were apart, I'd find you and i'd choose to be in love with you for the rest of my days.”

She can hear him sob now. She hung up. She smiled with her heart heavy. M noticed it.

“Are you crying Mommy?”

“No, M. I'm fine.”

“Don't worry Mommy, me and E are big boys now. We will definitely punch people who will make your cry.”

Her kids hugged her. The next thing they know is that they're flying.

It's a new life for her.

E N D

A R A 8

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/

* * *

VIII. I'm Not Sorry

“Yeah, Karma's a bitch,” she said.

“And it's digital now.”

“Yeah, right. But the thing is, how dare him!”

“And why?”

“It's the second time he cheated. The first time, I was actually desperate and sad and lonely and fucked up and angry and mad and crazy. I didn't know how to feel. I was deeply hurt and I cried a lot without him knowing it, without him seeing it.”

“Does that give you the right to cheat, too?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Why didn't you try to be the better person? Why did you have to cheat too?”

“Loyalty's fucked up. That's so ancient. Women now are as powerful and strong as men. If he did, why can't I?”

“You already did, you cheated. You got fucked by a man and even invested feelings on him, too. Does he know? He doesn't. He's not hurt. You weren't able to crush his male ego.”

“Should I?”

“Why not? If he has hurt you, and for the second time he has done it again, why not go and hurt him too?”

“You're getting me confused. You were asking me to be the better person a while ago and now youre asking me to throw stones at him.”

“Now, tell me, Ara, what do you want to happen?”

“I don't know.”

“You should know.”

“All I know is I love the other guy.”

“How about the kids?”

“My kids are the most important people in my life. Without them, i'd die.”

“Now, you know what to do, Ara.”

“What do you mean?”

She looked at herself in the mirror. With her hair messed up and her eyes fluffy, she has been having imaginary conversations with her very own self. She slightly opened the blinds that have been

blocking the sunlight in her room. The sun felt strange on her skin. After days of crying and being a single parent on her kids, she decided that her crying is not going anywhere. Why is she hurt anyway? She's been cheating, but why does she still feel terrible?

She has fixed her kids and sent them to the school bus. She's now alone in her room. Yari has been calling her but she doesn't want to answer. Maybe it's karma, afterall. Does she deserve this?

Her phone started shouting and she lazily dragged herself near it. Upon seeing her mom's name on the screen, she felt nervous. Nervous in a way that she doesn't know what her mom will say.

“Ma,” she said.

“How are you?”

“I'm okay,” she answered.

“I called to verify if you and..”

“Yes,” she cut her off.

“Why?”

“He cheated. I caught him. On our bed, with a different woman,” she explained.

She heard her mother sigh.

“I'm sorry,” she said.

“Sorry for what?”

“For everything, Ara. If it wasn't for me, you would have married Yari, instead of him. You'd have been happier,” her voice regretful.

“Stop blaming yourself, Ma. I have forgiven you. Forgive yourself too. I made a choice when I followed you. There's always blame to share.”

Though she couldn't see her mom, she knows that she's smiling with the thought of forgiveness.

“What do you plan now, Ara?”

“I don't know yet, Ma. I don't know where to start.”

Her mom chuckled.

“What's your job again, Ara?”

Though she thought it's irrelevant, she still answered.

“I work in the corpo world, Ma. Do I really have to be specific?”

“How much do you earn, Ara?”

“60-70K a month,” she answered.

“You got a diploma?”

“Of course,”

“Good. You know what to do now. You can raise your kids on your own, send them to good school, feed them with good food and some luxury if money permits. You are strong, remember that we are not built to break.”

She smiled. She felt hope.

“Thank you, Ma.”

“I love you, Ara.”

“I love you too, Ma.”

* * *

“Can we talk? I think I need to explain.”

Those words still echo on her mind. Her husband gave her a call. She instantly felt numb after hearing the latter's voice. She doesn't know what she feels.

“Let's meet at 7pm. After your work, i'd be waiting for you.”

She doesn't need to hear more words from him. She hung up. Time flew fast and it's time for her to go home. She has been in a constant struggle this day on whether to see her husband or not.

“Why don't you see him, ask for an explanation? Or maybe just for a closure?” said Marly, a friend.

Closure. She thought. She got more confused. She wants to have the kids a father as they grow up and it'd be difficult to do it alone. Her kids will surely ask where their father is and this thought kills her.

“Why don't you just kiss and make up?” Marly, added.

Kiss and make up? Does she still want him back? He's got another guy. He doesn't need him anymore.

“Okay, Ara. You're not listening. Listen, now, no matter what your decision is, just think of your kids. Actually, it's not about you anymore, it's about your kids. Do what you think is best for your kids. If you wish to raise them alone, go ahead. If you want them to have a father, bring him back or, get a new one. Just remember that your kids are the best things or people in your life right now.”

She nodded in agreement. She set her mind straight, took a deep breath and decided on how her life with her kids would be.

“Can you do me a favor, Marly?”

“Sure, what's that?”

She whispered something on Marly's ear and the latter got surprised.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Are you really doing it, Ara?”

“This is for the better, Marly.”

Marly smiled and gave her a kiss on the cheek then headed out of the room.

* * *

Seated in front of her now is her husband. Pale, sleepless and ugly.

“Ara, please forgive me. I know that this isn't the first time I did it and I am truly regretful. Can you give me one more chance?”

“So that's what the vacation's about. So that you and your slut can do things on your own. Without me knowing it.”

“No, it's not that. It's not that. It's an accident, Ara, believe me.”

She raised her eyebrow.

“Ahhh. An accident. So you were walking down the street and fell on a woman with her legs apart, with your dick ready for pumpin? An accident, sounds pretty convincing,” she said sarcastically.

He's crying now. He truly is regretful.

“I know that you are mad. I know that you are no longer in love with me. I know that you are just staying with me for the kids. All i'm asking for is a chance. A chance to make things better, a chance to make things right, a chance to make everything change. Please, Ara.”

She took a sip on her juice.

“How many chances have I given you?”

“A lot,” he answered.

“I have given you a lot of chances to make things better, a lot of chances to make things right and a lot of chances to make everything change. But you wasted it. You wasted everything.”

“I'm sorry.”

“That's the only word you could say.”

“Give me a chance, another chance, lsat chance.”

“This time, there'd be no more chances.”

He's crying now. She's emotionless. She's like a tigress that displays no emotions but ready to devour anyone.

“Why?”

“Because I'm done with you.”

She stood up.

“Wait. Wait. Please don't leave.”

“Is there anything left to say?”

“How about the kids?”

She met his eyes.

“The kids will be mine. I am not going to withhold your right on them. You are still the father, after all. If you wish to support them, you know my bank details. You may visit them once in a while.”

He's sobbing again.

“Please take me back, Ara.”

“I have a question,” she said.

“What?”

“By any chance, did you really love me?”

She suddenly felt sad upon saying her question.

“I did.”

“No, you didn't. You never.”

“It's not that I didn't love you. I loved you, just in a wrong way.”

She tried to hide her sadness upon hearing those words. After years of marriage. It has come to his. Nothing in this world, is really permanent.

She picked herself up, tried hard not to sob, and stood up.

“One last thing, before I leave, I want you to know that I too, have an affair with a married man. The affair began just months ago and I tell you, he's loving me really good. So there, I'm not sorry,” she said.

Before he could say any word, she was gone.

She was now outside waiting for a cab. She got in and sat comfortably. She saw herself crying. The driver was quiet. She found herself feeling intoxicated and dizzy. She got home and went straight to her bed. Her head is spinning. She closed her eyes. Hoping for a better tomorrow.

A R A 7

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/

VII. Breakfast in Bed

It was a hot and steamy night for them. Finally, after weeks of not seeing each other, they were able to finally see and feel the desire they have for one another.

He wrapped his arms around her nakedness. She was still gasping for air. They both relaxed as the tension subsided. He's now combing her hair with her fingers. She feels happy.

“Don't ever leave me again, Ara.”

She remained silent.

“I got crazy when you stopped responding to my messages. I knew there was anything wrong and I was very scared with the thought of losing you again,” he said.

He started touching her face. Her perfect cheekbones. The touch of his hand on her face sent shivers down her spine. How could someone so wrong love her so right?

“I'm sleepy,” she lied.

She tried to remove herself from his arms but he was too strong to pull her back again. She then gave up and just felt his body close to her.

“Why don't you just get a new girl?” she asked him.

He was caught off-guard with the question.

“What?”

“Nothing,” she replied.

She heard him sigh.

“Why do you want me to find a new girl if it's you I want?”

She didn't answer. She threw a look at the wall clock adjacent to the bedroom. It was definitely, time for her sleep. She thought of her kids. Are M and E already sleeping? Did her husband give them good food? Are they all okay?

“Hey, answer me, don't you like me at all?”

She felt her eyes are struggling, battling sleep. Her thoughts are drifting away.

“Don't you love me?” he said.

She fell asleep.

He looked at her. Saw that his angel is now asleep. He wrapped her around his arms. His body now her human blanket. He thought of forever. Him and her. Travelling. Building houses. With kids running and making noise. Laughter. Happiness. Tears. And Love.

He flashed a very sweet smile.

He closed his eyes and he didn't notice that he had fallen asleep.

* * *

“Breakfast in bed?”

A husky voice entered her ears as she struggled between waking up and continuing her slumber. She slowly opened her eyes and saw a man, half-naked, walking towards her. She got up and leaned on the headboard. He happily placed the tray on the bed and waited till she finally woke her senses up.

“What's for breakfast, Yari?”

He smiled. His eyes smiled, too. He eyed her nakedness. She looked even lovelier, naked, in the morning.

“I got here some hotdogs, fried eggs, and pancit canton,” he said, giddy.

She smiled. She was moved.

“You remember,” she said.

He looked at her.

“How can I forger everything about you? You are the most wonderful thing in my life. Of course, I won't forget.”

They ate breakfast together. She was touched by the fact that he still remembers even the smallest of details. They talked about the things that had happened when they stopped communicating. They discussed things that they never thought they'd be talking about. They talked about their families, how have they been and stuff.

“What about us?” he said.

“What do you mean?”

“Us, you and me,” he said.

“I don't know. We better not talk about it,” as if it was already a mantra, she sounded stiff when she said those words.

“Don't you love me?”

She stood up and had her bath. She left him.

“Why can't you just answer if you do love me or not?”

She looked at him, blankly.

“It doesn't matter,” she answered.

She went near him and kissed his lips.

“I'd see you soon. I'm going back home now. I miss my kids,” she said.

Before he could say any word, she was already gone.

* * *

The flight back to the city was actually enjoyable for her. She got accustomed to it since she has flown to different places when she was 18. She has enjoyed long and short flights. She finds amusement in seeing clouds up in the sky in the morning or even the city lights at night.

The flight was smooth and since she doesn't have any baggages, she went directly to the taxi bay and headed home.

Her house was unusually quiet. Before getting in, she checked her cellphone and saw lots of missed calls coming from her husband, some text messages coming from Yari, and her husband asking when will she be back. She's pretty sure that he'd be happy and surprised to see her home. Since it was a Tuesday, she's sure that he's there since it's his off.

The kids must be at school. She thought.

She slowly got in the house. Avoided making any noise since he must be sleeping still.

She put her bag on the sofa and headed quietly on their room. The room was slightly opened and she didn't struggle opening it. She was about to surprise her husband that she's home. But to her dismay, she was the one surprised. He saw him on top of another woman. The woman was moaning in ecstacy. Her husband was saying her name. It was rhythmic. It sounded like they are already reaching the peak. She silently looked at them as they both get to the much-awaited climax. One final pump and he was gasping for air. He let his body fall on his other woman. She was still watching.

At that particular moment, she couldn't explain what she felt. Her face was red and numb. She couldn't identify if she feels anger. She was too dumbfounded with what she saw.

He then saw her standing at the door. He was so shocked and immediately went near her. The other woman got so pale.

“A-Ara, i-Im sorry. I'm sorry,” he said, panicky.

She shove him off and went directly to the other woman. She looked at her and that feeling of anger struck her. The other woman was still naked.

“Get out of my bed before I pull all of your hair and feed them to you,” she said, trying to sound emotionless.

She then went straight to her husband. Her hands flew quickly to his face. That was the first time she slapped him.

“Go and pack your bags. Leave this house and I don't want to see you anymore.”

A R A 6

FB:iheytmahex632@gmail.com
Twitter:@roviyuno
Author:Rovi Yuno / Unbroken
Blog: http://strangersandunbrokenangels.blogspot.com/




* * *



VI. Touch Me



She felt the rush of the cold water on her feet as she step on the shore. It's a fine, sunny, breezy day at the beach. She continued exploring the beauty of the island alone. It was relaxing.



In her black striped two-piece, she surely is the apple of every men's eye and the envy of ladies. She's a walking goddess. Her stunning height, slender body and her sexy-caramel skin, she's perfection.



Feeling exhausted, she went to that vacant wooden beach chair. She rested her body and closed her eyes. Her thoughts started running to different dimensions. She's thinking of her parents. It has been a while since she last saw them. Her mom under the care of her older brother. Her dad with her new wife and kids. Her mom got nuts when her dad left her. She was angry, disappointed and in-denial. She thinks that this incident has ruined her life. She's got the money and the looks. She thought that those are enough. But she's wrong.



She thought about her own family. With M and E, there, she's happy. Though she must admit that the thought of her husband kills her. It was her mom who wanted her to marry him. Why did she even follow? Maybe at first, she was in love, but now, she doesn't know how she really feel. He has his own way of loving her but damn, it feels so wrong for her. What must she do now? Does she have to stay in a relationship that has been making her sick or does she have to go and start anew with the other. She's confused.



She opened her eyes and let out a series of pregnant sighs.



She looked around and saw an American guy looking at her. She stared at him and let out a naughty smile. The guy seemed to get the message and started walking near her. He sat near her, his trunks touching the soft sand.



"What's up?" he said.



"Just fine," she answered.



She felt a sense of excitement.



"How can a very beautiful woman like you be alone in this wonderful place?"



She smiled.



"I don't mind being alone, I enjoy myself. I like doing it on my own," she said.



The man stood up and sat on her beach chair. She was waiting for his next move. She already has a plan.



"A good company won't hurt, right?" he said.



She looked at him. Seconds after, the guy was about the place his hand on her legs. She's quick enough to grab him by the hand. The man looked shocked.



"Not too easy, mister. Try to lay your hands on my skin again, I will break all your bones and send you to your freaking country crippled," she said, emotionless.



The man was speechless, his face flushing in red. She snapped her fingers twice, making a sound good enough to catch his attention.



"You got that?"



The man nodded. She wasted no time. Stood up and walked back to her hotel room.






* * *



It was night time. She fell into a deep slumber after enjoying the salt-water. She picked her favorite flowy beach outfit and headed out of the hotel room.



The crowd is already gathering to see the fire dancers. People in their different beach clothes didn't mind the cold breeze that night. They were stunned seeing the dancers with balls of wiring swaying and dancing over them. Some even took the initiative of having their pictures taken with the fire. She was alone and enjoying it.



She felt her phone vibrating. It was him. She tried her best to avoid him after what happened to them in the restaurant. She hasn't been contacting him since his husband and her celebrated their anniversary. She made a mental note that she must avoid her for she know it won't be too long and it's not good. Her mind has been in a constant conflict whether to be moral or happy. She knows that she wants him back but she's married. She knows that she needs him but she thinks it's better to just settle for the second best.



She did everything to avoid him. Rejected or not even answer his calls or messages. Her body aches for him. She could still remember how he pleased her. His fingertips running on her caramel skin. His kisses spreading like wild fire on her body. His tongue on her sex. All is clear. It's not going to be an overexposed photograph on her memory.






“Fuck,” she said.



She then looked at her phone, he's still calling and she can still feel her phone vibrating like crazy. She desires to hear his voice but there's a voice saying that she must not answer. She ignored her phone and headed straight to the bar near the shore. She gazed at the people, she was pleased to see the crowd she's expecting, just the right mixture of brown and white. Some already got their partners that they surely just meet on the shore and some, just like her, are alone.



“Give me a shot of Patron, please,” she smiled at the bartender.



“Silver, Reposado or Piedra?”



“Silver, please,” she replied.



She then had her first shot. It was too striking that she felt really hot and sweaty in an instant.



“Another shot,” she said, still normal.



“Why don't you just get a bottle?”



“Give me one, “ she said.



The bartender handed her bottle. She didn't notice that she's halfway finishing it. She felt her head heavy and body really warm. She saw her phone, 11 missed calls, coming from one person, the other guy, Yari.



She sighed.



If he calls again, I will answer the phone.

Not another minute's gone, her phone vibrated again. It was Yari. Standing true to her words, she answered the phone.

“Yes. Hello,” she said, trying not to sound tipsy.

“Where are you? Why haven't you been answering my calls? Are you avoiding me? Don't you like me anymore? Can we meet? Where are you?” he said, sounding like a mom, nagging.

“Shut the fuck up. I don't need to tell you all my whereabouts. You ain't my mom,” she got surprised that those words came from her mouth.

“I was worried about you. You've been gone for many years and it's not going to happen again,” he said.

The words struck her. How could a guy so handsome, who happens to be divorced, got a great education, nice parents, perfect manly features, even a good dick, be so in love with her? If she's not going to take this chance, she knew that she's losing the game, again.

“I need to be away for quite a while. I need distance. What were having is not good. I'm married. I got kids and you're such a beautiful guy. I'm, i'm confused. This is not right.”

Cold wind brushed her face. She felt hot tears rolling her cheeks. It's her first time to show vulnerability. Sometimes, oh well, always, alcohol never fails to show emotions that are supressed when we are sober.

She felt a touch on her shoulder. It was familiar. The hands were heavy, proper blend of softness and rough callusses. She felt weaker. She slowly turned and saw Yari standing. Her heart jumped. Their eyes met. She felt like fainting. He held her face.

“How did you find me here?”

“I told you that I'd never let you go, right? I found you. I did,” he said, trying his best not to cry.

“This is not right, let's just stop this.”

He quickly kissed her. There was no resistance. They were feeling each other. The kiss was getting more intense. It shows their desire for each other. He pulled away from the lip-lock.

“Your lips don't lie. You still want me. I know you do.”

She grabbed her Patron and drank it. She felt hotter.

“Touch me,” she said.

The feelings were too much to take. They settled the bill and went running back to the hotel room.