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Second Series of “Fate’s Cruel Intervention Series” 

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Book Two of My Love for a Magician 

An original story 

Written by 

uknowulovemary / MRDL 

 

 

Copyright © 2012 by uknowulovemary 
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, 
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the author. 

 

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either product of the author or are used 
fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is 
entirely coincidental. 

 

 

 

 


 

 

To Alyssa, 

I wish you well and may you find what you truly looking for: 
true love. 

 

To Kevin Ian Morales, 

The Knight I never knew I would lose in time. 

Thank you for being the light when it was dark. Thank you for 
guiding me back. And I’m so sorry. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Waiting for the Magician 

 When Alyssa left to heal her broken heart, everything changed. People changed. Hearts changed. Everyone 
suffered from heartaches for loving someone so much. But they’ve all endured the pain and they continued to live 
the lives fate planned for them, since then they haven’t heard anything about Alyssa. But what if after 10 long years 
Alyssa decided to come back? Will it change the plan fate planned a long time ago? Will she earn their forgiveness? 
Will her return could make someone suffer again? Everyone deserves their happy endings but will this story show 
you every characters’ own happy endings or will it show you how that in the end fate always win? Are you going to 
fight for your own happily ever after or are you going to let fate decide it? 

 

Stories by yours truly: 

*My Love for a Magician 

Just a Spoonful of Love – A KathNiel fan fiction 

A Little Help from Destiny – Based on a True Story 

Magkaribal (Our First Love) – A Collaboration with Crystal Mariano 

The Closure Rain Gave Me – A short story 

 

 

Dear Readers, 

 This month marks the release of the second series of my first story “My Love for a Magician” entitled 
“Waiting for the Magician”. It has been a long journey to finish the second series and I’m so excited to bring you 
the stories of my characters here in this series. 

 Join Alyssa, Mary, Jenny, Michael, Gabriel, James and the other characters as they find the right route for 
their journey in finding true love and happiness. 

 No characters certainly have a smooth path in happily ever after but it’s more sweet as they all fight for 
their own happiness. This story is about heartbreaks and how they suffered because of love and how they endured it 
because of love. 

 Until next time and happy reading! 

Yours Truly, 

uknowulovemary 

 

 


//Prologue// 

They have all been broken. 

 

Hearts waiting to be healed by another heart yet yearning for the heart that broke it to come 
back. 

 

They have all been fooled by love. 

 

Yet they still cling to that love. 

 

They have been all waiting for true love to come. 

 

Yet their hearts are still blind by the old flame and they just can.t see that the person in front of 
them are clearly their one true love. 

 

How long are they going to play hide and seek? 

 

How long are they going to fool themselves and still think that the one who left will come back? 

 

How long are they going to wait? 

 

Is waiting enough to make sure that the flame of love would still be there when the one who left 
comes back? 

 

How long are they going to run from those feelings? 

 

Feelings that they just can.t hide anymore. 


 

.Only love can heal a heart that was hurt by love.. 

 

They have all been hurt but will they let others heal what has been broken all this time? 

 

They all believe in .True Love.. 

 

But are they really sure that if it is .True Love. then it is always a happy ending? 

 

It doesn.t mean that you are meant for each other you.re going to end up together because 
sometimes fate butts in and we can never win against something that we can never predict. 

 

Love is all about timing, if you don.t say the right thing at the right moment you lose. 

 

Loving someone so much can be the hardest thing to do because someday you might not 
know how to let go. 

 

When it comes to love all we have to do is to wait for the right one to come. 

 

Waiting doesn.t mean you.re weak it only means that you don.t want to be hurt because of too 
much anticipation. 

 

Waiting and learning how to let go that.s the most important thing in every love story you will 
encounter. 

 

 

 

 


//Chapter 1// 

The Debut 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

It.s been 2 months since I last saw her. She left without even saying goodbye. All I know is that 
one afternoon I went to her place to say sorry for acting such a pathetic loser, yes I admit it 
masyado akong nagalit sa kanya, sympre nagmamahal ako eh kaya natabunan yung 
pagsasamahan namin with galit at selos, pero that afternoon I learned that she left, I didn.t 
even got to tell her I forgive her. Wala na kasi umalis na siya eh. 

 

Two months at wala na kaming contact sa kanya. I badly miss her. If only I realized it sooner edi 
sana andito pa siya. Two months na din since hindi ko na kinausap si James. 

 

Bitter na kung bitter pero sige nga ikaw try mong kausapin yung lalaking nanakit sayo kahit hindi 
niya alam? Tas siya pa yung dahilan bakit nawalan ako ng pinsan. I lost my cousin because I 
loved him too much. Hindi ko na siya kayang kausapin. 

 

I just wish that Alyssa is happy kasama si Tito sa New York sana maging masaya na siya dun. 
Sana makalimutan na niya yung sakit na pinaramdam namin sa kanya. 

 

Anne with the D left too well she just transferred school dun na siya nagaaral sa La Salle Dasma 
ewan ko bakit niya nagawa kay Alyssa lahat ng ginawa niya pero knowing Alyssa she have 
already forgiven all of us. 

 

.Kailangan ba talaga na nandun sila?. I asked kasi malapit na yung debut ni Anne yung isang 
Anne sa group namin and the Anne we all love and they decided na isama ang pinaka-ayaw 
kong makita sa tana ng buhay ko! 

 

.Ano ka ba crush ni Anne si Friedrich eh diba sabi niya dapat daw sumama yung kambal?. sabi 
ni Robs sa akin. 

 


Hay Anne bakit ka ba nagka-crush sa isang sunog? Makikita ko pa si James . Sorry bitter lang 
ako at kasi natatakot talaga akong makita siya eh I want to move on and let my feelings go na 
ayoko na eh. 

 

.AYYYY an arte arte naman kasi niyang sunog na yan eh.. Sabi ko. .So sino ba escort Anne?. I 
asked Anne. 

 

Si Anne tumingin sa akin. .Wala pa.. she answered wala pa? Eh super lapit na kaya nung debut 
niya! 

 

.Si Friedrich nga kausapin mo na kasi Anne.. Sabi ni Jewel etong babaeng to close na sa tatlo 
well not really medyo ilang parin siya kay Harry minsan lang niya daw makausap lagi niyang 
kausap is si James. 

 

.Si Gabriel hindi ba natin iinvite?. Si Love yan. Love Gruen adik na adik kay Gabriel haha. 

 

Speaking of Gabriel close na kami and I thank him kasi without him hindi ko marerealize na I was 
at fault too. Pero hindi ko naman sinasabi sakanila na close kami ni Gabriel ewan madamot ako 
eh. Si Jewel lang nakakaalam nun. 

 

.Sus suplado nun sa tingin niyo pupunta yun?. si Robs bitter talaga kay Gabriel to! Hindi kaya 
suplado si Gabriel napakabait niya! 

 

Ayun nag usap usap lang kami about sa debut ni Anne which will happen two weeks from now. 
Ang saya magusap usap about sa debut makes me wanna have one too pero ewan wala 
akong escort eh! 

 

 

* 

It.s Anne.s debut and andito ako ngayon sa room na we checked in kanina. Umalis na kami nila 
Anne at Guizelle sa school kanina at nag punta na dito. I.m here all alone sa isang room namin. 
Ang tagal nilang dumating! 


 

So I decided na pumunta dun sa may desk at umupo ako dun at I opened the curtains. Ayun 
natatanaw ko na yung labas. Ang daming sasakyan. I wonder sa lahat ng sasakyan na yan 
siguro madami diyan mga broken katulad ko. 

 

I decided to take a shower para mawala yung kaemohan ko nakakainis eh namimiss ko na 
naman si James kahit hindi naman niya ako namimiss. 

 

After showering narinig ko na may kumakatok so I opened it, sila na nagmamadali na silang 
pumasok kasi naman eh anong oras na kaya 7 ang debut! Nagbihis na kaming lahat and nag 
put ng little make up. 

 

Sympre naman halos lahat ng crush name andito. Si Ysa meron, si Therese meron din haha kami 
din nila Jewel at Anne meron haha. Hala kala ko ba wala na Mary? 

 

Shh. Wag ka maingay utak! Crush ko parin yun! Gwapo eh! 

 

I.m wearing a long dress actually summer dress siya kabibili ko lang kahapon with Ysa, Jewel 
and Love hirap hanapin nito ah! Ok back to describing my dress it.s a long white dress na may 
black parang zebra siya! Anyhow I looked sexy sabi ko lang yan! 

 

We went down sa reception and madami ng tao. At magisstart na yung party. Escort ni Anne 
hulaan niyo sino? 

 

Haha hindi po si Friedrich ang arteng nilalang nung sunog nay un ayaw pumayag oh well 
kawawa naman siya no! Ang ganda ganda kaya ni Anne haha. 

 

Did I tell you kambal si Anne? Kaya nga ang saya eh. Hehe. 

 

Umupo na ako sa table namin kasama ko sila Ysa, Therese, Robs, Hannah, Nick, Hajj, Rem sa 
isang table sa kabila na yung iba sa kabila na sila. May natirang upuan naman dalawa nalang 
kasi si Nica umupo na eh. 


 

Sayang hindi nalang sa iba siya umupo. Kasi pwede diyan umupo yung tatlo speaking of wala 
pa sila! Tagal naman! 

 

.Sa labas lang kami sunduin namin sila Harry.. Sabi ni Jewel. 

 

Napatayo naman ako agad. .Sama ako!. I said. .Ayy wag na pala.. Eto na naman yung isip 
kong magulo! I want to see him pero ayaw ko din! Arggg Mary decide! So ayun sumama ako sa 
kanila ni Love! 

 

Si Love nagtatampo niyan sa akin kasi nalaman niya about kay Gabriel yung closeness namin ni 
Gab. 

 

Yung nagbukas yung elevator si James ang unang lumabas that made me run back to the 
reception ang bilis ng tibok ng puso ko nung nakita ko si James yung feelings ko bumalik! Yung 
sakit din bumalik. 

 

Napaupo ako sa upuan ko. Kaya ayaw ko siyang makita eh natatakot ako sa gagawin ng puso 
ko once makita ko siya. 

 

Umupo na sila dun sa table nila Jewel. Eto ako nasa likod ng nila. Hindi ko kayang pansinin eh. 
Nahihiya ako masyado. 

 

Yung kumakain na kami naalala ko yung panyo ko kay Love kaya pinakuha ko si Love naman 
as her usual self niloko pa ako at inabot pa kay James kaya napatalikod na ako. I saw James 
looked at me. 

 

So blah blah nag 18 eklabu na ang lahat lahat. Eto ako nakatingin kay James yung likod lang 
niya sympre magkausap sila ni Love gantihan ata eh. Nakakainggit dapat ako yang 
kumakausap sa kanya dapat ako yan pero hindi ko kaya eh. Duwag din ako eh. 

 

Nagtatawanan pa sila. Kaya yumakap na ako kay Ysa. 


 

.Ysa…. I called her nalulungkot ako kasi nagbalik yung feelings ko eh. Hindi pala talaga 
matatago yun! 

 

.Haggang dito nalang ba talaga ako? Ang tumingin mula sa likod? Can you runaway with me 
now?. I said those words pwede sympre mahina lang. nasasaktan parin talaga ako. 

 

So I decided to text Gabriel yup may number niya ako. Ano ba kayo lahat kami may number ni 
Gabriel kahit hindi niya ibinigay to meron na ako nito STALKER PO KAMI NILA LOVE! DAKILA! 

 

[To: Gab Jhonson] 

Gab huhu nakita ko na naman si ex-crush help me. 

 

Naka-receive naman ako agad ng reply mula sa kanya. 

 

[From: Gab Jhonson] 

Tss dapat ininvite mo ko diyan para pagselosin natin. 

 

Napasmile naman ako sa sinabi niya well well haha. 

 

[To: Gab Jhonson] 

As if naman magseselos. Oy maya nalang nga ulit la ka kwenta pshh byee. 

 

Hayy nagpicture picture naman kami muna and I can see he was staring at me oy hindi ako 
feeling pero yes yung nasa photobooth kami ni Ysa he was really staring! 

 

Ano James? Ganda ko ba? Nanginginayang ka bang pinakawalan mo ang sexy.ng si ako? 
Haha. 

 


After that group picture naman iba nakaupo sila James naka-upo nun kaya sa likod niya ako 
nun si Love din! Aish. 

 

* 

Matapos na ang debut at nagdecide na yung tatlo na umalis hay hindi ko man lang sila 
nakausap. 

 

Lumabas na sila nang hinabol sila ni Ysa! Lumabas din ako sympre. 

 

.Kuya pwede pa-picture?. Ysa asked James. 

 

Sympre friendly si James kaya nagpicture kaming dalawa. Ang lapit namin sa isa.t isa. 
Nagtouch yung arms ko sa kanya kahit pa sabihin natin naka-long sleeves siya sasabihin ko na 
sa inyo may SPARKS! 

 

.Thank you.. I said and flashed him a smile totoong smile yan dahil sa sparks na I felt haha. 

 

.I missed you.. he said na kinagulat ko naman! 

 

.Haha baka si Alyssa naman yung namimiss mo!. I forced a laugh. 

 

Nagiba yung expression ng mukha niya para bang nalungkot siya just what I.ve thought he.s still 
in love with her. .Sorry.. I said and then I turned my back on him. 

 

He suddenly held my right hand and he pulled me into his arms. “No, I’m sorry. But I mean it I 
miss you.” he said while I was in his arms. 

 

 

 


 

 

Naaaa my imagination takes place again! Sympre hindi yan ang nangyari! 

 

.Bye.. He said coldly and then left. 

 

Sensitive parin talaga siya pag dating kay Alyssa one of the reasons why I couldn.t talk to him 
kasi I.m sure he.ll ask me all about her. 

 

I was a little hurt but well ako naman nagbrought up nung Alyssa thingy eh. 

 

Tonight I realized something…. 

 

I am still madly in love with him. 

 

Na kahit anong gawin ko I will always go back to him and love him unrequitedly. But I will try my 
best to heal his heart. 

 

Naging duwag ako this past two months pero not now. Let.s say na pagsisiksikan ko na naman 
yung sarili ko pero mahal ko talaga siya ok na ako kahit masaktan ulit basta maging masaya na 
ulit siya. 

 

I.m still the old Mary DiLaurentis the martyr cousin of the one he loves most. 

//Chapter 2// 

The shoulder she can always lean on 

Gabriel‘s Point of View 

 


Malapit na matapos ang school year at magiging Fourth Year college na ako mas lalo akong 
magiging busy aish parang kelan lang first year lang ako, parang kelan lang andiyan pa siya. 

 

Gabriel two months na siyang wala! Yeah yeah I know pero miss ko na ang little sister ko talaga! 
Tanggap ko na na haggang kuya lang ako ok na ako dun. Isa pa masaya na ako ngayon. 

 

Andito ako ngayon sa may SAC may ginagawa kasi kaming thesis sa isa naming subject. Super 
busy talaga naming ngayon. Malapit na din kasi ang finals kaya nga hindi pa ako nakakapag-
aliw aliw ngayon eh. 

 

Napansin ko sila Mary nakaupo dun sa may harap naming, nagtatawanan sila at kumakain ng 
inihaw na mais saan naman kaya nila nabili yun. Nakita niya akong nakatingin sa kanya kaya 
nagsmile siya. 

 

Is that smile true? Or are you just faking it? 

 

I remembered nung pumunta siya sa debut ng classmate niya at nandun si James she texted 
me and I couldn.t do anything. And after the party she called me… 

 

Nakaupo ako ngayon sa couch nanunuood ng Coming Soon maganda daw kasi eh andun si 
Shomba haha. Biglang nagring yung phone ko. 

 

Mary DiLaurentis calling…. 

 

“Hello?” I answered. 

 

(“Gab…..”) she called ayaw niya daw kasi ng Gabriel super haba daw at nabubulol siya kaya 
Gab nalang. Yeah we.re close na. 

 

“Oh bakit? Kamusta ang debut?” I asked pero I know alam na niya yung tinutukoy ko. 

 


(“It was fine. Gab magpapakatanga ulit ako.”) she said. Kahit hindi na niya iexplain gets ko na. 
She.s going back to James. 

 

“Kala ko ba ayaw mo ng masaktan? Tanong ko sa kanya. “Asan ka ngayon?” 

 

(“Mahal ko siya Gab. Pwede bang suportahan mo ako?”) tanong niya sa akin. 

 

I cannot say no to her kahit alam kong masasaktan siya. She.s very important to me. 

 

“Of course. Kung nasasaktan ka na you know where to find me.” I said. “What I can only do is to 
lend you my shoulders when you’re feeling the pain.” 

 

(“Thanks Gab you’re really becoming the best friend I never had. So good night?”) 

 

“Wait Mary let me ask you, masaya ka ba sa gagawin mong paghabol sa kanya ulit? Sasaya ka 
ba?” I finally asked. 

 

(“Alam kong masasaktan ako kasi si Alyssa parin pero Gab I’ve been a coward. At I’ll try to be 
happy once more. Kasi Gab siya lang yung nagpasaya sa akin siya din yung nanakit sa akin 
kaya sana mapasaya niya ulit ako. I’ve been forcing myself to smile but I really can’t Gab.”) 

 

I was there when you were feeling down Mary, I was the one who held you when you were 
crying. I was there to make you smile but I didn.t know it was all forced 

 

“Shh… umiiyak ka na naman. Basta don’t force yourself anymore. And kung diyan ka sasaya 
edi I’ll support you.” 

 

I really wish she.s happy. 

 


Tas umalis na sila, maya maya bumalik sila, tatlo nalang sila ngayon, ang tatlong babaeng 
tinutulngan ko that day. 

 

Pumunta sila dun sa ATM at nag withdraw si Love at yung dalawa nagtatawanan lang, mga to 
talaga mga style para mapalapit sa akin haha. Pwede naman kasing lumapit sa akin diba? 
Close naman kami ni Mary? 

 

Lapitan ko kaya? Ay naku wag na baka maghysterical yung isa haha. Well inisin ko nalang. 
Naaalala ko yung pinagawa sa akin ni Mary dahil nagseselos siya kay Love kasi daw 
nakalimutan na daw ako ni Love dahil kay James selos na selos siya nun kaya sabi niya kunyari 
daw tinatawagn ko siya at tatanungin ko daw siya kung pwede sabay umuwi. 

 

I know childish pero ayan ang nagagawa ng selos. She said she.ll make Love admit na mahal 
pa niya ako. Grabe tumataas yung self-esteem ko thinking na may nagmamahal sa akin pero 
sorry my heart already belongs to someone. 

 

Who? 

 

You.ll know it soon. Feeling ko kilala niyo na eh. ^____^ 

 

Ayun nagtagumpay naman ata si Mary kasi Love has been following me, she.s acting like her 
old self her old self? STALKER! Yes she.s my stalker Gruen. Kahit ano naman sabi ko sa babaeng 
yan hindi titigil yan. 

 

Umalis na sila at si Mary naman nagsmile sa akin bago sila umalis it was her saying na .Bye. 

 

.Uy sino yun?. tanong ng isa kong classmate. 

 

.Diba yung kasama nun is yung laging sunod ng sunod?. 

 


.Ou nga yung stalker mo. Don‘t tell me nahuhulog ka na sa kaibigan ng stalker mo. They‘re still 
your stalkers remember yang tatlong yan lagi nasa building.. Sabi naman ng maarte kong 
classmate si Hershey. 

 

.She‘s my friend and she‘s not a stalker. Porket bat nasa building na stalker na agad? Sa atin 
lang ba yung building. If I remember that building is for all. Malamig dun masarap tumambay.. I 
said na kinagulat naman nila. 

 

.I‘m sorry. It just that that three are so annoying. Lagi nalang sunod ng sunod nakakairita pag 
nakikita kong nakasunod sayo.. 

 

.Don‘t be irritated I should be the one irritated but I‘m not. I‘m used to them lurking around.. Hay 
panira ng araw tong si Hershey nagsmile na nga si Mary sa akin eh tagal ko ng hindi nakikita 
yung smile niya! 

 

Tumayo na ako. .Where are you going?. Hershey asked me. 

 

.Uuwi. Nasira araw ko sayo.. I said and left. 

 

Bakit ba ako naiinis? Tama naman si Hershey eh lagi silang nasa building at nakakairita na nga 
pero hindi ko magawang mainis, kay Love naiinis ako kasi kahit wala yung dalawa andiyan 
parin yun nangungulit. But kay Mary hell no never akong maiinis kay Mary ou inis ako diyan 
minsan pag laging James na naman pero I understand her. Mahal niya eh. Pero Mahal ko din 
siya. 

//Chapter 3// 

Three Hearts 

Harry‘s Point of View 

 

Si Alyssa, mahigit na dalawang buwan na simula nung nagpasya siyang umalis at tuluyang iwan 
ang mga bagay na nakakaalala sa kanya ng mga sakit, pati ang mga taong nadamay. 

 


Tinuring ko ng isang kapatid si Alyssa, alam ko lahat ng hinanakit niya noon, alam ko lahat pero 
hindi ko siya nagawang tulungan upang mahiblan ang sakit na nararamdaman niya dahil 
katulad niya, nasasaktan din ako nung mga panahon na yun. 

 

Dahil ang babaeng mahal na mahal ko ay talagang hindi ako mahal, nanggaling na sa kanya 
ang mga salitang ayokong marinig, ang mga salitang pilit kong tinatanggi. 

 

Naglakad na ako papunta sa meeting place namin ni Camille, ilang buwan na din akong 
nangliligaw kay Camille pero hindi parin niya ako sinasagot, siguro nakikiramdam pa si Camille 
sa akin. 

 

Every other day sabay kaming umuwi, eto na din yung isang paraan ko sa pangliligaw sa kanya. 

 

Naglalakad nga ako tas may nabunggo ako, nahulog mga gamit niya kaya tinulungan ko na 
siya tas nung nakatayo na ulit kami nagulat kaming dalawa. 

 

O__________O 

 

.Jewel.. 

 

.Harry. 

 

Sabay pa namin na nasabi ang mga pangalan ng isa.t isa. Napakamot naman ako sa ulo ko at 
siya naman nag smile lang. Grabe ang ganda talaga ng smile niya. 

 

Ngayon ko nalang ulit siya nakita, dati dati nakikita ko pa siyang dumadaan sa may classroom 
namin papunta sa classroom nila o kaya minsan naman sa Building C pero ngayon wala na. 

 

.Sorry.. Sabay namin sabi at nagtawanan na naman kami. 

 


.Bat ang dami mong dala?. I asked her. 

 

.Ahh sa research namin to sa Filipino, mga survey.. Sagot niya. .Ah sige Harry naghihintay na 
sila eh.. Tumalikod na siya sa akin pero I held her hand. 

 

.Wait.. I said na kinagulat niya. Tumingin siya sa akin with a confused look. 

 

.Bakit?. 

 

.Ahh… usap tayo hindi na kita nakikitang online.. I said. 

 

Tuwing online ako hindi ko na siya nakikitang online, minsan nga iniisip ko ayaw na ba niya 
akong makausap? Parang nung debut lang din ni Anne, hindi kami masyado nakapag-usap 
mas nagusap pa sila ni James. 

 

“*Paano mo ako makikita kung sa iba ka naman nakatingin.*” may binulong siya pero hindi ko 
naman narinig bulong nga eh. .Haha offline mode lang ako.. 

 

.Harry. Jewel.. Biglang may tumawag sa mga pangalan namin, nung narinig ko yung boses na 
yun alam ko na tapos na yung moment namin ni Jewel. 

 

.Hi Camille.. Bati ni Jewel. .Oh siya alis na ako mukhang may date pa kayo eh.. 

 

.Wala.. Sabi ko at nagulat si Camille bakit wala naman talaga ah? 

 

.Jewel.. May lumapit na lalaki kay Jewel. 

 

Napasmile naman si Jewel sa kanya. So talagang hindi ako yung nagpapasmile sa kanya? 

 


.Ruben anong ginagawa mo dito?. she asked and nakasmile parin siya. 

 

.Ahh nakita kita dun kanina nung nagpapa-photocopy ka hindi mo naman ako pinasin.. Sabi 
nung Ruben at sabay pout. 

 

Si Jewel naman napasmile lalo at kulang nalang maging heart yung mata niya <3 ______ <3 

 

-__________________________- 

 

.Ah sige Harry Camille enjoy sa date niyo. Maagang umuwi ah may pasok pa bukas.. 

 

Umalis na sila nung Ruben at pinahawak pa niya dun kay Ruben yung gamit niya, sino ba yung 
Ruben na yun? Nakakainis naman! Nagseselos ako, ou nagseselos ako! 

 

.Camille classmate niyo ba yun?. 

 

.Ah si Ruben? Hindi MasComm yun. Laging napunta sa classroom tuwing English naming, crush 
siya ni Jewel pagkatanda ko eh kasi nakwento niya sa akin dati.. Sagot ni Camille talagang 
kailangan sabihin na CRUSH ni JEWEL yung RUBEN na yun. 

 

.Ahh tara na uwi na tayo.. I said and naglakad na kami. Kwento ng kwento si Camille pero hindi 
ako nakikinig sira araw ko! 

 

Talaga bang walang nararamdaman sa akin si Jewel? Talaga bang hindi ko siya kayang 
pasiyahin? 

 

Duwag ka kasi Harry. 

 

Dumating na ako sa bahay at nakita ko naman yung dalawa na nanunuod ng tv, pumunta ako 
sa kanila at umupo sa gitna nila. 


 

I sighed. 

 

.Anong nangyari?. tanong sa akin ni James. 

 

.Sawi sa pag-ibig.. Sagot ni Friedrich ang galing alam niya na sawi ako? Haha 

 

.Kala ko kasi kaya ko din siyang pasayahin eh.. 

 

.Akala mo lang yun. Hindi mo naman kasi triny eh. Naduwag ka diba? You didn‘t even try to be 
the man that can make her happy.. Friedrich said wow! Gumaganon na siya ngayon? 

 

I sighed again. 

 

Tas tumunog yung cellphone ni James. 

 

Tinignan namin siya ni Friedrich habang binabasa niya yung text sa kanya. Sino kaya yun at 
kayang mapangiti si James? 

 

Two months ago sawing sawi si James, nawala kasi si Alyssa, at sinabi sa kanya na hindi siya ang 
babae para kay James. 

 

.Sino yang katext mo?. tinanong ko. 

 

.Kanina pa yan may katext.. Pag sabat ni Friedrich .Baka may nililigawan na.. 

 

.Si Mary to, ano ba kayo.. Pag sasagot ni James na nakasmile pa. 

 


Magkatext sila ni Mary? Kailan pa? Tinutupad na ata ni Mary yung sinabi niya sa akin ah. Sabi 
niya sa akin dati, gagawin niya lahat para siya naman ang makita ni James, na kahit 
magpakatanga pa ulit siya ok lang. 

 

Bakit ang daming tao ang nagpapakamartir? Bakit nila gustong gustong masaktan? Ayoko 
magpakamartir kaya siguro, I decided not to pursue Jewel a long time ago, dahil alam ko 
naman na hindi niya ako gusto, ayoko lang mawala yung friendship namin. 

 

.Anong meron sa inyo ni Mary?. tanong ko. 

 

.Wala. Nagkukwentuhan lang kami. Tinanong ko din kasi sa kanya kung may alam siya kay 
Alyssa.. Sagot ni James. 

 

.Si Alyssa yung pinaguusapan niyo?. natanong ni Friedrich. 

 

Ang manhid James. 

 

.Ou.. 

 

.Ang manhid mo James. Napaka. Hindi mo ba alam na masakit yang ginagawa mo kay Mary?. 
parang napataas yung boses ni Friedrich. 

 

Alam ni Friedrich na may gusto si Mary kay James, alam ko din yun eh halata naman kasi diba? 
Pero si James haggang ngayon bulag parin. 

 

.Bakit naman siya masasaktan?. painosenteng tanong ni James. 

 

.Manhid ka ba talaga o nagbubulagbulagan lang? Hindi na babalik si Alyssa, kaya haggang 
kalian mo sasaktan yung damdamin ng isang taong nagpapahalaga sayo?. I asked him. 

 


.Hindi ko kayo maintindihan. Babalik si Alyssa. At isa pa bakit naman masasaktan si Mary?. 

 

Hay see ang bulag niya talaga. 

 

Bakit may mga taong nagbubulagbulagan at handang makasakit ng iba para sa pagibig? 

 

.Hindi na siya babalik.. I said. 

 

I know Alyssa, she won.t come back until her wounds haven.t healed yet. 

 

.Mahal ka ni Mary.. Friedrich said. .Sa tuwing tinatanong mo siya tungkol kay Alyssa, unting 
unting nadudurog yung puso niya, pero tinitiis niya yun kasi mahal ka niya at gusto ka niya 
mapasaya. Pero tuwing sasaya ka, siya naman yung nasasaktan.. 

 

.It‘s time to let go of Alyssa James.. Ayan ang sabi ko sa kanya. 

//Chapter 4// 

The Substitute Boyfriend 

Michael‘s Point of View 

 

Sabi nila pag nagmahal ka siguraduhin mong kakayanin mo at matutupad mo lahat ng mga 
pangakong binitawan mo. 

 

Two months ago, I promised to patiently wait for her. To wait until she decides to come back. 

 

Hindi ko alam kung kalian ko siya minahal, siguro una palang mahal ko na siya hindi ko lang 
kayang sabihin sa sarili ko. Siguro my biggest regret is when I lied about how I felt for her. Nagalit 
ako sa kanya nung nalaman kong niloko lang niya pala ako, na dahil sa isang deal nila ng mga 
kaibigan niya kaya niya ako kinaibigan. Nagalit ako, dahil din nagalit ako I made a very 
irrational decision and that is to lie about my feelings. 


 

Kung sana pinatawad ko na siya agad, kung sana hindi ko sinabi yung mga masasakit na 
salitang yun. 

 

During that moment I found myself weighing love between hate and my regret is I let hatred 
take over me, I let my anger take over. If only I listened to my heart, if only. I didn.t want her to 
be hurt, I didn.t want her to feel the pain alone, I wanted to be with her. 

 

Dalawang buwan na din siyang wala, umalis siya ng walang nakakaalam na aalis siya, she left 
maybe because she wanted to heal her heart, the heart that I broke. 

 

Dalawang buwan. 

 

Dalawang buwan na din akong nasasaktan, dalawang buwan na din akong naghihintay para 
sa kanya. Kinakaya ko ang sakit dahil alam ko she.s doing her best to ease the pain alone, pero 
magkaiba kami ng situation ni Alyssa, she.s alone but I am not. 

 

Dahil nasa tabi ko si Jenny. Si Jenny lang naman ang kakampi ko ngayon, siya lang ang 
nakakaintindi ng sakit ko, buti hindi niya ako iniwan. Jenny is always here for me at 
napakaswerte ko para magkaroon ng best friend na tulad niya. 

 

Naglakad na ako papunta sa classroom at may napansin akong babaeng umiiyak sa may 
bench, lumapit ako at to my surprise si Jenny umiiyak. 

 

Bakit kaya siya umiiyak? .Bes?. tawag ko sa kanya. 

 

Lumingon siya sa akin at tumakbo palapit sa akin at niyakap niya ako. .Bes…. pagiyak niya sa 
akin, ngayon ko lang ulit nakitang umiyak si Jenny, ngayon lang. 

 

.Anong nangyari?. I asked her. 

 


Nung nawala si Alyssa, siya ang nag comfort sa akin kaya ngayon na nasasaktan na siya siguro 
it.s time for me to comfort her too. 

 

.Bes pwede bang ako nalang ang mahalin mo?. 

 

Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya, bakit niya nasabi yun? Nasasaktan ko ba siya dahil iba ang mahal 
ko? 

 

.Bes ang sakit kasi eh, yung makita mong masaya yung taong mahal mo kasama yung 
babaeng mahal niya, napakasit kasi ako yung nauna eh, I was the first girl he loved pero bakit 
ganun? Bakit parang wala lang sa kanya na minahal niya ako? Nakapagmove on na siya pero 
ako hindi pa. Mahal ko siya bes.. Pag iyak ni Jenny, 

 

Siguro si Tyrone na naman ang iniiyak nito, ex boyfriend niya hindi ko alam kung bakit sila 
nagbreak pero ngayon alam ko na mahal pa niya yung Tyrone na yun. 

 

.Shh.. tama na.. 

 

.Bes wag mo akong iiwan ah? Ikaw lang ang meron ako.. Jenny said. 

 

Tama siya, we only have each other right now. Wala yung mga taong mahal namin. 

 

.Promise hindi kita iiwan. Lagi akong nandito para sayo. Ako muna ang magiging boyfriend mo 
haggang wala ka pang napupusuan. Haha. sabi ko sa kanya. 

 

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko sinabi yung boyfriend pero feeling ko kasi ayun yung kailangan niya 
ngayon eh yung may matawag na boyfriend. 

 

Humiwalay siya sa pagkayakap at tinignan ako. .Boyfriend?. she asked..Naku bes baka 
malaman pa yan ni Alyssa at hindi na talaga bumalik yun.. Pagpapaalala niya sa akin. 
Napaka-thoughtful talaga ni Jenny. 


 

.Iniintay ko parin naman siya eh. Kahit naman maging boyfriend mo ako sympre nasa kanya 
naman yung puso ko. She just needs to have faith in me.. 

 

.Sige bes you‘ll be my boyfriend haggang wala pa si right guy ok? Para na din hindi nila sabihin 
na beki ka haha.. Pinunasan na niya yung mga luha niya. 

Ayokong makitang umiiyak si Jenny, kasi alam ko kung gaano kasakit yung mawala yung mahal 
natin sa buhay, yung bang parang sila nakakapag move on na pero tayo hindi natin magawa. 

 

Dalawang buwan na simula nung umalis siya pero wala parin akong alam kung ok lang ba siya, 
feeling ko minsan nakalimutan na niya ako, na nakakapag move on na siya pero ako hindi pa. 

 

Umakyat na ako papunta sa classroom ko, nung nasa fourth floor na ako, napansin ko yung 
pinsan ni Alyssa. 

 

.Is she alright?. tanong niya dun sa kausap niya sa cellphone niya. .Paki sabi po tito pag 
gumising na siya na sorry sa lahat ng nagawa ko.. She cried. Sino kaya yung kausap niya tito 
daw? Kanino siya nagsosorry? .Gusto ko man pong pumunta diyan sa New York hindi po ako 
pwede finals na po eh.. New York? Si Alyssa? Anong gumising? .Thank you po tito sorry na din 
po.. 

 

Anong meron at umiiyak siya. After nung phone call na yun umupo na siya sa sahig yung para 
bang lumuhod lang tas nagiiyak na siya at nag sasabi ng sorry anong meron? 

 

Nagdial ata ulit siya ng number. .Gab, Alyssa‘s been in an accident.. 

 

Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyari sa akin pero nung narinig ko yung pangalan ni Alyssa, 
naglakad ako papunta kay Mary. Nakatalikod siya kaya hindi niya ako nakikita. 

 

.It‘s been two months Gab and hindi pa siya nagigising.. 

 


Two months? Two months na siyang wala paano siya naaksidente? Yung narinig ko yun para 
bang gumunaw yung mundo ko. 

 

.They‘re thinking of turning the machine off Gab.. 

 

How could they do that to their own daughter? Pag nawala si Alyssa para bang nawalan na din 
ng saysay yung buhay ko hindi siya pwedeng mawala. 

 

Bakit sila nawawalan ng pagasa. Hindi pwedeng mawala si Alyssa. Hindi siya pwedeng mawala, 
hindi ko na kakayanin pa. 

 

Nagulat si Mary nung nakita na niya ako, binaba niya yung cellphone niya at tumayo siya. 
Gulat na gulat siya. 

 

Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko. 

 

Gustong gusto kong pumunta sa New York para makita si Alyssa, para masabi sa kanya yung 
nararamdaman ko. 

 

.Totoo ba?. 

//Chapter 5// 

Mary’s the Cupid 

“You’re awake.” A man said to the woman lying in the hospital bed. 

 

The girl looked around and then she looked at the man who just spoke to her. “Where am I?” she 
asked the man, the surrounding is still new to her. 

 

The man looked at the girl with a smile on his face like he was really glad she was alive. “You’re 
in the hospital, you’ve been in an accident two months ago.” He explained to her. 


 

“Who are you?” she asked the man sitting next to her, the smile on the face of the man was 
gone, and his face changed into those with worried look and his eyes were full of uneasiness. 

 

“You don’t remember?” 

 

“Who am I?” 

 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

.Totoo ba?. tanong sa akin ni Kuya Michael, nagulat ako dahil nakikinig pala siya. Dahil bakit 
parang concern siya, bakit? 

 

Hindi ko alam pero ako ang nasasaktan para kay Alyssa. Nasasaktan kasi nawala na lahat kay 
Alyssa dahil kay Kuya Michael pero bakit ganun? 

 

Tinignan ko si Kuya Michael .Why do you care?. tanong ko sa kanya. .It‘s not like you‘re in love 
with her right?. sabi ko pa. .At isa pa kasalanan mo naman diba? Kung hindi siya umalis edi 
sana andito siya ngayon, bakit hindi mo nalang sinabi sa kanya ng maayos na ayaw mo sa 
kanya, na may mahal kang iba? Porket ba nagawa ka niyang lokohin may karapatan ka na 
din para saktan siya? She didn‘t mean to hurt you but still you broke her heart.. Naiiyak na ako 
pero hindi dapat. 

 

Bakit nga ba concern siya diba eto naman yung gusto niya? Diba siya naman yung may 
kasalanan kung bakit umalis si Alyssa na nasasaktan? 

 

.Pero to ease the guilt you‘re feeling, don‘t worry ibang Alyssa ang naaksidente.. I lied. Hindi na 
niya dapat malaman na naaksidente si Alyssa, baka lalo pa niyang kaawaan ang pinsan ko. 

 

Pero totoo naman diba? Ibang Alyssa ang naaksidente? Kasi yung Alyssa na kilala namin lahat 
na malakas, hindi niya magagawang magpakamatay, hindi niya pipilitin na marunong siyang 
magdrive kahit hindi naman. 


 

Hindi siya gagawa ng kalokohan na masasaktan siya. Hindi niya hahayaan na maging mahina 
siya pero ibang iba yung Alyssa na dumating sa New York, ibang iba. 

 

.She‘s not the same Alyssa you once knew.. Because she changed the moment you broke her 
heart 

 

Naglakad na ako palayo kay Kuya Michael, he doesn.t need to know. 

 

I feel like crying again, kasi nawawalan na sila ng pagasa para kay Alyssa, dahil haggang 
ngayon wala pang brain activity, haggang ngayon hindi pa din siya gumigising. Malakas si 
Alyssa pero ibang Alyssa yun eh. Ibang iba 

 

I felt someone.s hand held mine and then suddenly that hand pulled me to his body and he 
held me tight. I know kung sino siya, isa lang naman yung ganito sa akin eh, isa lang siya. Lagi 
siyang andiyan para sa akin. 

 

.Gab.. 

 

.Shh.. iyak lang everything‘s gonna be alright.. He comforted me ang bilis naman niyang 
makarating dito. Hay naku. 

 

.Why are you always here when I need you most?. I asked him. 

 

.Well, I‘m handsome.. 

 

Hala anong konek? Baliw na din si Gab dahil sa akin nabaliw na siya huhu lahat ata ng 
nakakasama ko nababaliw na si James kaya kelan mababaliw sa akin? Haha korni ko. 

 

.Every prince is handsome.. He explained. Ah kaya pala prince daw siya weh korni din eh. 


 

Suddenly nawala na yung kirot sa puso ko. Gab really knows how to make my pain go away. 
Isang yakap lang niya haha. 

 

.Ay sus ang hangin.. Natawa nalang ako sa kanya. 

 

.Mary.. Someone called. 

 

Humiwalay ako kay Gab at tinignan kung sino yung natawag sa beautiful name ko at si Love 
pala nakasmile pa siya. Galit kaya siya? 

 

.Love! Tara dito!. sabi ko then I looked at Gabriel para bang uncomfortable siya hehe. 

 

Si Love naman ngiting ngiting pumunta sa amin ni Gab. Wala pa silang proper introduction kaya 
bwahahaha. 

 

.Gab this is Love Gruen.. I introduced si Gab tumingin sa akin na para bang sinasabi niya na 
kilala ko na yan sino bang hindi makakakilala sa stalker? Haha baliw talaga. .And Love this is 
Gabriel Jhonson.. 

 

I looked at Gab ilang siya, I glared at him so ayun nagsalita ang pangit este gwapo pala. .Nice 
to meet you.. he said and offered his hand for a hand shake 

 

Si Love nagulat pa pero inabot niya din yung kamay niya at nakipag shake hands kay Gab 
tuwang tuwa siguro to kasi nahawakan na niya kamay ni Gab haha. 

 

.Sama ka Gab? Kakain kami ni Love sa Mcdo.. I said kahit hindi naman planado hehe I have a 
plan I.m cupid right now. 

 

.Ahh…ano kasi may gagawin….. He cut off. 


 

Because I glared at him. .Tara na.. I said and nasa gitna ako ngayon ni Love at Gab haha 
maya na kayo magtabi, naglakad na kami papuntang Mcdo. 

 

Andito na kami sa Mcdo at naghanap na ng upuan, si Gab naman bumili na ng foods namin 
habang si Love naman eto kinikilig dahil sa ewan ko ba. 

 

Kung mag kaka-girlfriend man si Gab ok na ako kay Love at least kaibigan ko at isa pa hindi 
malandi haha. Gusto ko kasi mabait yung girlfriend ni Gab yung hindi ilalayo si Gab sa akin kasi 
baka hindi ko kayanin pag nawala si Gab sa tabi ko. 

 

Siguro nga masyado na akong nasanay na kasama si Gab pero well parang best friend ko na 
yan, laging andiyan para sa akin. 

 

Dumating na si Gab at umupo na sa tabi ko sympre, awkward pa kasi talaga yung feelings ni 
Gab para kay Love, dahil nga si Love lagi nalang sinusundan etong si Gab. 

 

.Uwaa ang dami naman haha.. Sabi ko at kinuha ko na yung akin. Chicken fillet, coke float at 
fries. 

 

Kumain na kami at nagkwentuhan lang, natatawa nga ako kasi tumatawa na si Gab kay Love, 
kunti nalang at magiging friends na din sila. 

 

Nagpunta sa restroom si Love, kaya natira kami ni Gab. Tinignan ko siya at nagsmile ako. 

 

.Gab, let‘s have a contest.. I smiled at him again. 

 

Eto na yung chance ko para mabigyan ng magandang bagay para kay Love, minsan lang to 
kailangan kong ayusin kung hindi baka hindi na sila maging friends. 

 

.Ano naman ang kapalit?. 


 

.One wish.. 

 

.Game.. Sabi niya. 

 

.Ok.. tongue twister tayo.. I smiled at that thought, kahit pa medyo nahihirapan ako sa mga 
tongue twister mas magaling parin ako kay Gab. 

""The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick, say it 10 times sabay tayo.. I smiled at him, according 
to Guinness Book of World Record eto ang pinakamahirap na tongue twister. 

 

Nag umpisa na kami at nanalo ako Gab lost nabulol siya sa second try niya poor him haha. 

 

.So what‘s your wish?. nabad-trip na ata kasi naman eh talo siya. 

 

.Have a date with Love.. 

 

.No way.. 

 

Tinignan ko siya ng masama ang daya daya niya talaga. .Madaya ka. Sige na one date lang 
natalo kita so you must.. Sabi ko. 

 

He sighed a deep breath .Ok.. Sabi niya. 

 

Masaya ako kasi eto yung gusto ni Love, para kay Love magiging cupid muna ako. Gusto ko 
kasing makabawi sa lahat lahat. Kasi nung nagdradrama din ako lagi silang nandiyan para sa 
akin kaya eto siguro yung magagawa ko para sa kanila. 

 

Biglang nag vibrate yung phone ko at nagulat naman ako nung nakita ko kung sino, tinignan ko 
si Gab na nakatingin sa akin ngayon, 


 

Binasa ko yung text sa akin, bakit kaya siya nag text? Anong meron? 

 

[From: James Naval .] 

Can we talk? Andito ako sa gate ng school niyo. 

 

Napatayo ako bigla sa nabasa ko. 

 

.Sino yung nagtext?. tanong sa akin ni Gab. 

 

Kinuha ko yung bag ko at biglang dating ni Love. .Saan ka pupunta?. tanong niya 

 

.Ahh nagtext si Tito kailangan niya ako.. I lied. 

 

At umalis na ako, nagmadaling puntahan ang lalaking mahal ko, bakit kaya niya ako tinext? 
Bakit niya ako gustong kausapin? Importante ba? Kasi pwede naman niya sabihin diba sa 
phone or fb? Pero personal? Ano kaya yun? Masasaktan ba ako o matutuwa? 

//Chapter 6// 

Moving On 

 

 Love is easy. 

 Loving someone is easy especially when the feeling is reciprocated. We don’t say that 
loving someone is hard or painful because it isn’t, it’s easy to love and we are happy when we’re 
in love. The thing is we find it hard and painful because of one thing; we are not contented, we 
always demand for more, we pressure ourselves for our loved ones not to leave or fall out of love. 
Little by little, we feel suffocated by our own makings but we always blame it to love. 

 


 How can we say love is hard and painful when it’s nothing but pure happiness? Aren’t we 
happy when we’re in love? We just become distant to love because we feel it’s not enough. We 
say it’s hard but why? Why is it so painful? 

 

 That is because when the time comes to let go, we don’t cause we feel that why must we 
let go when we can hold on tighter? When we can still fight? When there’s still a chance? 

 

 That’s why love becomes painful, because we are still holding on to something we know 
we cannot hold on forever, something that already let go. 

 

 This is the most painful part of loving someone; moving on that is. It’s hard to move on 
and walk forward especially when the memories still lingers but it’s not right to hold on and linger 
on what ifs and if only, there will come a day when we should just move forward, let go of the 
past and just be happy once again. 

 

 Let go and move on and you will be able to find your happiness and sometimes 
happiness comes with a bonus and that is someone to share your happiness with. If you linger on 
the past, you will never see the person in front of you. 

 ~The girl with a broken heart 

 

James‘ Point of View 

 

Alam kong para akong bakla dahil nagbabasa ako ng mga blogs na tungkol sa pag mo-move 
on o sa love. Since nung sinabi sa akin nila Harry na I should let go of Alyssa, nag basa na ako sa 
mga online blogs about sa pag momove on at kung ano anong mababasa tungkol sa pag-ibig. 

 

Yung blogger nitong Love is easy na si the girl with a broken heart masyadong malalalim yung 
mga sinusulat niya, na para bang nasasaktan din siya, na alam niya yung feeling na magmahal 
ng sobra sobra. 

 

Nahilig akong basahin ang mga post niya sa blog niya kasi nararamdaman ko din yung sakit na 
nararamdaman niya. Natutungulan ako na mag-isip ng kung anong gagawin ko. 

 


Siguro nga tama sila Harry kailangan ko ng mag move on. Tama din ang post na yun, madaling 
magmahal pero mahirap mag move on, mahirap kasi umaasa parin tayo na pwede pa kahit 
alam nating hindi na. 

 

Siguro nga naging bulag ako at hindi ko alam na nasasaktan ko na yung isang taong 
nakakaintindi sa akin, yung taong hindi ako iniwan. Kaya I decided to try. 

 

Andito ako ngayon sa tapat ng school nila, hindi ko alam kung naalala pa ni Alyssa pero dito 
kami unang nagkita, siguro nga vivid lang yung memory na yun pero tanda ko parin haggang 
ngayon. Wala sigurong nakakaalam pero dito ko nabunggo dati si Alyssa, pagkakita ko palang 
sa kanya, hinangaan ko na siya, pero nung mga panahon na yun hindi ko pa siya kilala, nang 
magkakilala kami ni Alyssa formally hindi ko natandaan na siya yung babae na nabunggo ko 
dati pero nung natandaan ko na, sabi ko sa sarili “wow ang liit ng mundo. Siya na ba yung 
babae para sa akin?” 

 

Siguro nga masyado akong umasa na hindi ko nakita na may mahal nga siyang iba. Masyado 
akong naging bulag para hindi makita yung mga bagay na dapat kong makita dati pa para 
wala na akong nasaktan. 

 

.James.. Tumingin ako sa tumawag sa akin, si Mary ang babaeng nasakatan ko. Tinext ko siya 
kanina. Kailangan kasi namin magusap. Kailangan kong humingi ng tawad sa kanya. 

 

Lumapit siya sa akin .Bakit ka nandito?. tanong niya. 

 

Nagsmile lang ako sa kanya at naglakad papunta sa may Mcdo, medyo gutom na din kasi ako 
at gusto ko sanang kumain kasama siya. Sumabay naman siya sa paglalakad. 

 

.Kain muna tayo.. Pag aya ko sa kanya at turo sa Mcdo. 

 

Tumingin siya sa Mcdo at para bang nagalangan. .James KFC nalang tayo. Sawa na ako sa 
Mcdo.. Sabi niya sabay hatak sa braso ko. 

 


Tinanggal ko yung pagkahawak niya sa braso ko at tumingin siya sa akin .Sorry tara na.. sabi 
niya at nauna ng maglakad. 

 

Hinawakan ko siya sa kamay niya at nagulat naman siya at tumingin muna siya sa kamay namin 
na magkahawak tas sa akin. 

 

Nag smile nalang ulit ako sa kanya at naglakad na kami. Nagorder na din kami at umakyat 
para kumain. Tahimik lang si Mary at ako naman ay nakatingin lang sa kanya. 

 

Si Mary yung tipo ng babae na laging nakasmile kaya gusto ko sanang lagi na siyang ngumiti 
ulit. Ayoko na siyang saktan dahil nung mga panahon na nasasaktan ako andun siya para sa 
akin. It.s time for me to do the same thing for her. 

 

Magsasalita na sana ako kaso nauna siyang magsalita. 

 

.I‘ll stop.. Sabi niya at tumingin siya sa akin at nag smile pero yung smile niya ibang iba sa smile 
na nakita ko dati. .Do you know James? Mahal kita. Sabi ko sa sarili ko ayos lang kahit hindi mo 
ko kayang mahalin. Ok lang basta hindi ka nasasaktan. Ok lang basta nasa tabi kita. Sabi ko 
pa ang sakit naman magmahal, ang sakit magpakatanga, ayoko na. I‘ll stop. Baka nga siguro 
maling kumapit sa taong kahit kalian hindi kumapit sayo. Sa mga panahon pala na ginagawa 
kong pasayahin ka lalo lang akong nasasaktan.. She said at ngumiti siya ulit sa akin. .Kaya 
James help me forget you.. 

 

Hindi ako makapagsalita, hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko sa kanya, dapat kasi ako ang pinauna 
niya, pero nasasaktan ako kasi alam kong nasasaktan siya bakit ganun? Ayokong kalimutan 
niya ako, ayokong mawala siya, ayokong tumigil siya sa pagmamahal sa akin, dahil siya lang 
naman yung nagmamahal sa akin eh. 

 

Ayoko siyang bumitiw dahil gusto ko ng kumapit ngayon, dahil gusto ko ng maging masaya. 
Gusto ko maging masaya kasama siya. Sobrang namiss ko siya nung two months niya akong 
hindi pinansin, sobrang miss ko siya. 

 

Naalala ko nung debut ni Anne, napakaganda niya, hindi ko magawang hindi tumingin sa 
kanya nung mga oras na yun, ang ganda niya lalo.t na at ngumingiti siya, pero hindi ko siya 


nagawang kausapin at sabihin na ang ganda niya dahil ramdam ko ng mga panahon na yun, 
umiiwas siya sa akin dahil pagnagtatama ang mga mata namin umiiwas siya agad. 

 

Kaya nga ang saya ko nung tawagin ako ni Ysa para magpapicture kasama siya, dahil sa totoo 
lang gusto ko talagang magkaroon ng picture na kasama siya. Gusto ko pa siyang kausapin 
kaso nang marinig ko ang pangalan ni Alyssa umalis na ako. I was a fool back then. 

 

.Help me too.. I started at tumingin siya sa akin with those questioning eyes na para bang 
tinatanong anong ibig kong sabihin. 

 

.Help me let go of her.. Panimula ko .Katulad mo Mary nahihirapan na din akong humawak 
kaya pwede bang tulungan mo akong kalimutan siya? Help me set her free. And please don‘t 
forget me kasi ikaw lang ang meron ako, at ayoko ng masaktan ka pa ng dahil sa akin kaya I 
will try Mary, no I will learn to love you. I must.. 

 

Tumingin ako sa kanya at I saw tears falling. Sabi ko ayaw ko siyang paiyakin pero bakit umiiyak 
siya? 

 

Those precious tears. 

 

.Are you serious?. she asked .Kasi James ayoko ng masaktan.. 

 

I smiled at her .Seryoso ako Mary. I will forget her so please help me.. 

 

Jenny‘s Point of View 

 

Binaba ko yung Ipad ko at tinignan ko lang yung pagkain na nilapag ni Kath, andito kami sa 
KFC ngayon dahil nagcecelebrate kami dahil napaniwala ko si Michael na mahal na mahal ko 
pa si Tyrone. 

 


How can that be? Kung siya ang mahal ko? At siya ang dahilan kung bakit ko hiniwalayan si 
Tyrone? 

 

It was a desperate act but well I needed it. I needed Michael to know that hindi lang siya ang 
nasasaktan at ako din nasasaktan, if he knows that I.m hurting then maybe he would take care 
of me, and by that he.ll fall for me too. I will make Michael mine again. 

 

Hindi ko sasayangin tong panahon na wala si Alyssa dahil I.m gonna make sure na pag bumalik 
si Alyssa wala na siyang babalikan dahil ako na yung mahal ni Michael. I.ll make him forget 
Alyssa. 

 

Narinig ko naman yung sa may likod namin na table na naguusap. Yung lalaki lang yung 
nakikita ko kasi nakaharap ako sa kanya ngayon, eto yung lalaking sumuntok dati kay Michael 
ah? 

 

.I‘ll stop.. Sabi nung girl .Do you know James? Mahal kita. Sabi ko sa sarili ko ayos lang kahit 
hindi mo ko kayang mahalin. Ok lang basta hindi ka nasasaktan. Ok lang basta nasa tabi kita. 
Sabi ko pa ang sakit naman magmahal, ang sakit magpakatanga, ayoko na. I‘ll stop. Baka nga 
siguro maling kumapit sa taong kahit kalian hindi kumapit sayo. Sa mga panahon pala na 
ginagawa kong pasayahin ka lalo lang akong nasasaktan.. Sabi niya ulit .Kaya James help me 
forget you.. 

 

Sa mga sinasabi niya bakit parang natatamaan ako? Nagpapakatanga lang din ba ako 
katulad nung babae? Ako lang ba talaga yung kumakapit? Sa mga panahon na nasasaktan si 
Michael nandun ako para sa kanya, kahit masakit pinilit kong maging masaya para sa kanya, 
para malaman niyang hindi siya nagiisa. 

 

Mali bang kumapit? Eto din yung nakita kong post sa isang blog kanina eh, na minsan tayo 
nalang pala yung kumakapit dahil yung isa bumitaw ng tuluyan. Ganito ba talaga? 
Nagpapakatanga nalang din ba ako? 

 

Did I change because of Michael? 

 


.Help me let go of her.. Nagsalita na yung lalaki..Katulad mo Mary nahihirapan na din akong 
humawak kaya pwede bang tulungan mo akong kalimutan siya? Help me set her free. And 
please don‘t forget me kasi ikaw lang ang meron ako, at ayoko ng masaktan ka pa ng dahil sa 
akin kaya I will try Mary, no I will learn to love you. I must.. 

 

Baka napapagod na din si Michael diba? Katulad niya napapagod na siyang humawak pa kay 
Alyssa. Baka sakali na matutunan din akong mahalin ni Michael. 

 

Tama, kaya akong mahalin ni Michael kung eto ngang lalaking to na sinuntok dati si Michael 
dahil kay Alyssa kakalimutan na yung babaeng yun si Michael pa kaya na niloko niya dati? 

 

Hindi ako nagpapakatanga, tama, dahil alam ko naman na sa simula palang panalo na ako, 
at I always win. 

 

Mamahalin ulit ako ni Michael. 

//Chapter 7// 

Picking up the Pieces 

Love‘s Point of View 

 

Hearts they never lie. But our mind does. 

 

Lumabas kami ni Gabriel sa Mcdo dahil nagwoworry siya kay Mary para daw kasing iba yung 
aura ni Mary nung nabasa niya yung text. Naglalakad kami papunta ulit sa school nang makita 
namin si Mary at James, magka-holding hands at papunta sa KFC. 

 

Sabi niya ang tito niya ang nagtext pero bakit kasama niya si James ngayon? Tinignan ko si 
Gabriel at tama nga ako, nasasaktan si Gabriel ngayon. Yung kamay niya nakayukom na. 

 

Nagpatuloy lang siya sa paglalakad kaya sinundan ko na din siya, eto ang Gawain ko ang 
sundan ang lalaking mahal ko. Nasasaktan siya ngayon alam ko yun dahil alam ko din na 


mahal niya si Mary, dati nagbulag-bulagan ako, kasi hindi ko pa nakikita yung Gabriel na mahal 
si Mary pero kanina nung niyayakap niya si Mary I saw and felt it. Mahal na mahal niya si Mary. 

 

He is the person who will always lend his shoulder to Mary. 

 

Kung papaano siya magalala para kay Mary, ramdam ko yun. Ou nasasaktan ako kasi mahal 
ko si Gabriel pero may magagawa ba ako kung si Mary ang mahal niya? Kung ang turing lang 
niya sa akin ay isang stalker niya? 

 

Patuloy ako sa pagsunod sa kanya kahit nasa school na kami bigla siyang tumigil at lumingon sa 
akin, and when he did I saw hurt in his eyes. .Pumunta ka na sa klase niyo.. Sabi niya at 
nagpatuloy sa paglalakad. Pero sinundan ko parin siya. 

 

Narrating namin ang Building C, pinindot niya yung elevator at sumakay sasakay na din sana 
ako .Talagang susundan mo ako?. tanong niya, 

 

Sumakay na ako .Ok ka lang ba?. tanong ko sa kanya. 

 

Masakit nga siguro ang makita ang mahal mo na kasama ang taong mahal niya, alam ko yun 
kasi naramdaman ko din kanina yun. Sobrang sakit. Ano pa kaya yung nararamdaman ni 
Gabriel ngayon lalo na kung alam nating lahat na yung lalaking mahal nung babaeng 
minamahal niya sasaktan lang yung tao? Na ikaw na laging nandiyan hindi makita pero sa 
isang text lang sumama na si Mary. 

 

.Ok lang ako.. Sabi niya .Wag ka ng lumabas ng elevator makita ka pa ng mga classmate ko 
alam mo naman yung mga yun.. Paalala niya. 

 

Ou nga pala stalker ang tingin sa akin ng mga tao dito, bawal bang gawing admirer nalang? 

 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 


Masaya ako! May date kasi kami ngayon ni James, sabi niya susubukan niya, naniniwala ako sa 
kanya dahil mahal ko siya, gusto kong maging masaya siya, siguro nga nagpapakatanga ako 
pero siya naman diba yung nagsabi? 

 

Pero dahil din dun nagaway kami ni Gabriel, akala ko ba he.ll support me? Pero bakit ayaw 
niya? Ganun din si Love pero si Jewel ok lang naman sa kanya, bakit ganun yung dalawa 
masama ba talagang umasa na kaya ni James? 

 

Ang huli kong narinig kay Gabriel “Kung diyan ka masaya eh basta don’t go running to me 
when he hurt you.” ayan yung sinabi niya. 

 

Medyo nasaktan ako kasi bakit ganun diba? Sabi niya he.ll always be there for me kung saan 
ako sasaya he.ll support pero bakit ngayon? Wala na ba yung friendship namin? 

 

Pumunta na ako sa meeting place namin ni James, nandun na siya at nakatingin lang sa langit 
pumunta na ako sa kanya .James.. Pagbati ko sa kanya. 

 

.Tara?. pag aya niya naman sa akin, naglakad lakad na kami sa park kung nasaan kami, 
maganda dito, pero tahimik lang si James, after namin sa park nagpunta kami sa Ocean Park. 

 

. Do you think of her 

When you're with me? 

Repeat the memories you made together 

Who's face do you see? 

Do you wish I was a bit more like her? 

Am I too loud? I'll play the clown to cover up all these doubts . 

 

Alam niyo yung feeling na parang magisa ka lang habang yung kasama mo, napakatahimik 
yung mga sagot isang word or dalawa lang. Tas makikita mo pa siyang ngumingiti. 


 

Napuntahan na ba nila to ni Alyssa? Ang sakit rin pala talaga pero inihanda ko yung sarili ko, 
I.m the girlfriend right now, ako ang pinili niya diba? 

 

.Perfect Heart, she's Flawless 

She's the all, the one with shining in her spendlor 

You were lost 

Now she's gone 

And I'm picking up the pieces 

I want to cry 

But you don't see that I'm the one by your side 

Cause she's gone 

In her shadow is it me you see? 

Cause all that's left is you and I 

And I'm picking up the pieces 

She left behind . 

 

.James punta tayo sa arcade?. pagaaya ko sa kanya, I need to make this work. I have to. 

 

Umuo lang siya at nagpunta na kami, pumunta kami sa may crane at I swiped my card .Ako na, 
ano ba yung gusto mo diyan?. he asked me. 

 

Napasmile naman ako .Yung pink na bunny.. Sabi ko. 

 

Kaya ko to. Ako ang kasama niya wala na si Alyssa. She.s gone. 


 

Nakuha ni James yung bunny at naglakad na kami ulit at nag lunch na din kami, medyo 
naguusap na ulit kami, kwentuhan pero I make sure na walang Alyssa na mabanggit dahil baka 
masira yung araw. 

 

Masaya ka ba James? Sana naman kahit papano masaya ka. Mga hapon na at naglalakad 
lang talaga kami sa park at nagkukwentuhan lang, nakikita ko naman na nagliligthen up na 
siya at naeenjoy na niya, nagbibiro pa nga siya eh. 

 

.Para kang SARANGGOLA. sabi niya. 

 

Napasmile naman ako. Eto kami nakaupo sa isang bench dito at kumakain ng ice cream 

 

.Bakit?. 

 

. Kasi kahit lumayo ka pa.. Hinding-hindi kita BIBITAWAN.. Napatigil ako sa pagkain ng ice 
cream ko at tumingin ako sa kanya nagsmile lang siya sa akin. 

 

Hindi ko alam pero sana ako yung sinabihan niya talaga na hindi niya bibitwan na hindi para 
kay Alyssa yung banat na yun. 

 

. I found her photograph 

Behind the TV 

You looked so happy, are you missing the way it used 

be? 

But now have changed this room around more often lately 

It's clear that we and this four walls 

Still know is puzzle and glow 


 

Perfect Heart, she's Flawless 

She's the all, the one with shining in her spendlor 

You were lost 

 

Now she's gone 

And I'm picking up the pieces 

I want to cry 

But you don't see that I'm the one by your side 

Cause she's gone 

In her shadow is it me you see? 

Cause all that's left is you and I 

And I'm picking up the pieces 

She left behind . 

 

.Toothpaste ka ba?. tanong pa niya. 

 

.Bakit?. 

 

.Kasi HAPEE ako kapag nakikita kong CLOSE-UP yung UNIQUE mong smile. sabi niya. 
Hinawakan niya yung kamay ko .Mary gagawin ko yung lahat para wag mawala yung ngiti 
diyan sa labi mo.. He said at ngumiti siya 

 

Napangiti ako sa sinabi niya, tama James make them realize that they.re wrong na kaya mo 
akong mahalin na kayang mong makalimot. 


 

. Are we liars? 

In denial 

Are we smoke without the fire? 

Tell me please, is this worth it? 

I deserve it 

 

Cause she's gone 

And I'm picking up the pieces 

I want to cry 

But you don't see that I'm the one by your side 

Cause she's gone 

In her shadow is it me you see? 

Cause all that's left is you and I 

And I'm picking up the pieces 

She left behind . 

 

Alam kong mahirap mag move on, mahirap talaga pero andito ako para tulungan ka, aayusin 
ko yung nasira, I.ll bring back the pieces of your heart kahit unti untin pa, kahit matagal ok lang 
basta mahalin mo lang din ako. 

 

Hindi ko na muna hihilingin na makalimutan mo siya, dahil alam kong napaka-imposible na 
makalimutan mo siya ng basta basta, basta nasa tabi lang kita at hindi mo ako iiwan ok lang. 

 

Kahit galit sa akin si Gabriel at Love dahil nagpapakatanga ako ok lang mahal kita eh. 


 

.Thank you James.. Sabi ko 

 

Sumandal siya sa akin .Sana ganito nalang tayo no? Napaka-peaceful.. Sabi niya at pumikit 
siya. 

 

I looked up napaka-peaceful nga, then I noticed him brushed something from his face, a tear? 

 

Bakit ka umiiyak James? 

 

.James?. 

 

.Hmm…. 

 

.Don‘t leave me.. 

//Chapter 8// 

If the shoe fits 

Love‘s Point of View 

 

I can.t believe it! I really can.t. 

 

One month ago, nagkakilala kami ni Gabriel formally, remember nung pinakilala ako ni Mary 
kay Gabriel, well since then medyo nakakausap ko na siya ng maayos sa chat, hindi na niya 
ako iniisnob. 

 

Tas ngayon, inaya niya ako sa date I know right? Nagkaka-progress kaming dalawa, sana tuloy 
tuloy na. kinikilig ako! 

 


Kaya eto ako ngayon nag aayos para sa aming date, alam ko may reason bakit niya ako inaya, 
pero kung ano man yun thank you na din. Siguro kailangan lang niya ng makakausap ngayon, 
isang buwan na din silang hindi nagpapansinan ni Mary. Meaning isang buwan na din si Mary at 
James. 

 

Hindi ko alam kung magiging masaya ba ako para kay Mary dahil alam ko mahal na mahal 
niya si James pero kasi tuwing nakikita ko na sinusundo ni James si Mary, may something at 
makikita ko nalang sa may sulok si Gabriel nakatingin lang kay Mary at James. 

 

Nasasaktan ako para sa kanya. 

 

Lumabas na ako ng dorm ko at nagpunta na sa may 7-eleven dun kasi ang meeting place 
namin ni Gabriel, umupo muna ako kasi wala pa siya, maaga ata ako kasi excited ako ngayon. 

 

.Oish.. Napatingin ako dun sa kumalabit sa akin si Gabriel, kyaa bakit ang gwapo niya? 
Tumayo na ako .Tara na.. pag aya niya at lumabas na siya, hindi man lang niya sasabihin na 
maganda ako? 

 

Asa ka pa Love. 

 

Naglibot-libot lang kami sa mall, masaya naman tas sabi niya nood kami sine mamaya after 
lunch, he.s trying his best naman eh kaya ok na din. Masaya na ako. 

 

Naguusap lang kami about stuffs mga rants ko about sa Filipino research namin at kung ano 
ano pa. lalo na yung sa humanities namin na projects. 

 

.Lunch tayo?. pag aaya niya. 

 

.Sige. Mcdo ba? O KFC?. tanong ko sa kanya. 

 


.Tss. Hindi ka ba nagsasawa dun?. sabi niya at nauna ng maglakad pumasok kami sa parang 
pastry shop? Or whatever. 

 

Bizu, ayun yung name nung shop restaurant pala siya. Hmm mukhang mahal dito ah. Kailangan 
ko atang mag withdraw muna. Lumapit ako kay Gabriel 

 

.Gabriel withdraw lang ako.. Pagpapaalam ko sa kanya. 

 

.It‘s on me.. Pag sasabi niya at umupo na kami. Nakakakilig naman si Gabriel. 

 

Nagorder na kami, yung mura lang yung binili ko kasi nakakahiya sa kanya, habang hinihintay 
namin yung order si Gabriel tumayo muna at pumunta sa may cashier at sweets. Tinignan ko 
lang siya habang umoorder. 

 

Mukhang lagi dito kumakain si Gabriel ah. Nakasama na kaya ni dito si Mary? 

 

Bumalik na siya na may dala dalang mga plastics. Ang dami naman niyang biniling sweets. 

 

.Ano yan?. pag tatanong ko sa kanya. 

 

Tas inabot niya sa akin yung isang plastic .Sayo yan. Tikman mo mamaya pag uwi mo masarap 
yan.. Sabay abot sa akin nung plastic na may laman na bilog bilog na ewan .That‘s French 
macaroons, Mary‘s favorite.. Sabi niya sabay tingin dun sa iba pang plastic. 

 

So bibigay niya kay Mary yung iba? Makikipagusap na siya? 

 

After namin kumain nanuod lang kami ng sine, after that nag window shopping naman kami, 
eto kami ngayon sa isang boutique ng sapatos ang gaganda ng sapatos dito. 

 

Tumingin-tingin lang kaming dalawa. 


 

.Masaya ba si Mary?. he suddenly asked. 

 

.Hindi ko alam, by the looks of it ok naman. Pero hindi ko pa siya nakakausap.. Sabi ko, since 
kasi din nun medyo hindi ko kinausap si Mary, ewan ko ba dati ok na ok ako sa kanila ni James 
pero ngayon ewan ko kung anong meron. 

 

Diba dapat maging ok ako kasi alam kong walang pagasa si Gabriel kay Mary? Pero napaka-
uneasy ng lahat ngayon 

 

.Bakit naman?. 

 

.Hindi ako approve sa kanila ni James.. Pag aamin ko. .Dati kinikilig ako sa kanila. Bagay 
silang dalawa. Halata naman diba? Sila yung parang perfect couple sa picture. Nakita mo 
naman diba yung picture na magkasama sila?. tumingin ako sa kanya at nag nod lang siya. 

 

.Ang daming nagsasabi bagay sila, isa na ako dun. Dati. Pero ewan ko ba, hindi ko magawang 
maging sang ayon sa kanila. Si Jewel ok sa kanya kasi si James yun eh. At alam niyang sasaya 
si Mary pero ewan ko Gabriel.. Sabi ko. 

 

.Sabi mo nga perfect sila. Bagay. Fitted.. Sabi niya ngumiti siya pero hindi abot sa kanyang mga 
mata, he gave me a faint smile. 

 

.Bagay sila, perfect kumbaga pero it doesn‘t mean they‘re meant to be together. Parang eto.. 
Pag tuturo ko sa isang pink na sapatos, at inabot ko to .Maganda, perfect for me, and it fits.. 
Sabay sabi ko at nagsmile sa kanya. .Pero it doesn‘t mean that if the shoe fits it‘s the perfect fit 
right?. 

 

.Kasi lahat naman ng sapatos may mga sizes at magkakasya nga siya sa paa mo pero kahit 
fitted siya sa paa mo, magkakapaltos ka parin. Masasaktan ka parin. Sa sobrang sakit gusto mo 
ng tanggalin yung sapatos at maglakad ng nakapaa nalang o umupo muna. That‘s how I see 
Mary and James, perfect shoes but in the end they‘ll end up causing pain to each other.. 

 


James and Mary may be perfect pero it doesn.t mean they.re meant to be right? Madaming 
perfect couple, look kay Prince Charles at Princess Dianna perfect royal couple weren.t they? 
Pero look what happened. 

 

.Alam kong ginagawa ni James yung lahat para makalimutan niya si Alyssa ang tanong kaya 
niya ba? At haggang kalian maghihintay si Mary?. I asked him. .May limitations din tayo.. 

 

.I want Mary to be happy. Alam kong sasaya siya kay James pero masakit no?. sabi ni Gabriel. 

 

.If the perfect shoes hurt, you will need shoe aids right? You will need a band aid para sa paltos 
mo.. Pag sasabi ko sa kanya. .If Mary and James is the perfect shoes then Gabriel you‘re the 
band aid for Mary.. 

 

Alam ko parang binibigyan ko na si Gabriel ng chance na makasama ulit si Mary kasi by the 
looks of it malungkot si Gabriel dahil walang Mary sa buhay niya ngayon. 

 

After that talk naglakad lakad lang kami ni Gabriel sa buong labas ng mall, tahimik ngayon at 
walang nagsasalita, gabi na din ngayon. 

 

Sana yung munting speech ko, gumaan yung loob ni Gabriel, sana gawin niya yung gusto 
niyang gawin, alam ko naman na kaya siya lumayo kay Mary kasi alam niya na hindi na siya 
kailangan ni Mary pero mali siya, kasi kahit masakit man aminin, mas malaki yung halaga niya sa 
puso ni Mary hindi lang nila alam yun. 

 

Biglang nag ring yung phone ko kaya napahinto ako sa paglalakad, napahinto din si Gabriel at 
tumingin sa akin, kinuha ko yung phone ko at si Jewel pala yung tumatawag, medyo lumayo 
ako kay Gabriel. 

 

(.Love!.) pag tawag ni Jewel 

 

.Oh?. 

 


(.Ano… diba kasama mo si Gabriel? Pwede pakausap?.) ay sus si Jewel siguro gustong marinig 
ang boses ni Gabriel natawa naman ako. 

 

.Nakakahiya.. 

 

(.Please abot mo na..) pagsasabi niya kaya lumapit ako kay Gabriel. 

 

.Gabriel pwede ka daw kausapin?. pagtatanong ko muna kay Gabriel, tumaas ang kilay niya 
wow beki si Gabriel haha joke. 

 

Kinuha niya yung phone sa akin. .Hello?. pagsisimula niya .Kilala kita…. So ano nga?...... ANO?. 
napataas yung boses ni Gabriel na kinagulat ko naman ano kaya yung sinabi ni Jewel kay 
Gabriel? 

 

.Oh sige sige… ako na bahala. Hahanapin ko.. Sabi niya sabay abot sa akin ng phone ko, at 
nagmadali siyang naglakad papalayo sa akin. 

 

.Gabriel wait.. Pagtawag ko sa kanya at huminto naman siya .Saan ka pupunta?. 

 

Tumingin siya sa akin with his worried look .Sorry Love, umuwi ka nalang magisa, may importante 
lang akong gagawin.. Sabi niya at tuluyan ng tumakbo paalis. 

 

Anong importante naman yun? Hindi ko namalayan tumutulo na ang luha ko, ewan ko bakit 
masakit pero eto yung nararamdaman ko, sakit. 

 

Deep inside I know why he left, alam ko kung bakit siya umalis, parang halata naman eh, pero 
diba sabi ko naman he.s the band aid? 

 

Bakit masakit parin isipin kung saan siya pupunta? Bakit ang sakit sakit? 

 


Kalian ba mawawala tong sakit na to? Hindi naman ako umaasa na mahalin niya ako eh, sana 
man lang kasi diba, bago siya umalis sinabi niya muna kung saan siya pupunta, hindi etong 
iiwanan niya ako. 

 

Alam kong mahal na mahal niya si Mary, alam ko yun ramdam ko yun pero masakit parin, eto 
ako hawak hawak yung plastic ng macaroons at yung bear na nakuha niya kanina para sa akin 
sa time zone, napakasaya ko kasi kinuha niya ako kanina. 

 

Kahit nakatatlong try siya dun hindi siya sumuko haggang hindi niya nakukuha yung bear. 

 

Siguro nga katulad ng paglalaro niya kanina sa crane, hindi siya susuko kay Mary, hindi niya ito 
kayang sukuan. Kahit ano pang mangyari. If the shoe fits but it hurts he.ll always be the band 
aid. 

//Chapter 9// 

I should have let you go 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

One month na kami ni James medyo okay naman kami, I mean masaya ako kapag kasama ko 
siya mahal ko eh pero sometimes I feel that it.s not enough. Paano ko ba makukuha ang puso 
niya? 

 

I decided to go out and buy a gift for James, one month na kami at diba ganun naman dapat, 
we'll give each other gives every month to celebrate? 

 

Nakasakay na ako ng kotse nang tumawag si Jewel sa akin .Hello?. 

 

(.Alis tayo..) pag aaya niya. (.Si Love kasi diba may date kaya alis naman tayo..) sabi niya. 

 

Napatigil naman ako sa ginagawa ko, si Love may date, date nila ni Gab na sinabi ko kay Gab 
dati, si Gab na hindi na ako kinakausap, bakit ganun all I ever wanted was James to love me, to 
see me pero bakit kailangan mawala si Gab kapalit ni James? 


 

.Aalis ako ngayon, diba monthsary namin ni James bukas? So ikaw nalang bye.. Pag kasabi ko 
nun binaba ko na yung phone ko .Manong tara na.. sabi ko sa driver ko. 

 

Naglakad lakad lang ako sa mall, dati hindi ko kayang mag mall magisa kasi feeling ko 
nakatingin yung mga tao sa akin kaso nasanay na ata ako. Tumitingin lang ako sa mga shops, 
ano kaya ang magugustuhan ni James? 

 

Mga hapon na din nung nagpasya akong pumunta dun sa may seaside, maganda kasi dito, 
gusto kong makita yung sunset ngayon, ewan ko ba pero parang hindi ako makapakale na 
para bang may gumugulo sa isip ko. 

 

Naglakad lakad na din ako, sana magustuhan ni James yung watch na binili ko para sa kanya, 
napansin ko kasi hindi siya nagsusuot ng watch kaya binilhan ko siya, buti nalang at nakaipon 
ako ng pera pambili nito. 

 

Habang tinitignan ko yung paper bag na laman na relo may nakita ako through my peripheral 
vision, I saw a guy kissing someone. 

 

I turned myself to their direction and tears just started falling. I couldn.t move para bang nadikit 
yung paa ko sa lupa, my eyes were getting blur but I can still see them kissing passionately. 

 

Yung taong mahal ko. Yung taong sinabing hindi na niya ako sasaktan eto ngayon may 
kahalikan na iba, in the arms of another woman. 

 

I don.t know what happened to me, bakit nagkakaganito ako, gusto kong lumayo pero hindi ko 
magawa, ano bang dapat kong gawin ngayon? Puntahan sila? O umalis nalang at 
magpanggap na walang nakita para hindi niya kailangan pumili? 

 

Pero as if my feet have its mind of its own, I walked towards them, malapit na malapit na ako sa 
kanila, I couldn.t utter a word. Then biglang dumilat si James and he saw me. 

 


Tinulak niya yung babae .Mary.. He said at napatayo siya ng maayos, yung girl naman ay 
tumingin sa akin at she rolled her eyes. Maganda siya. Hinawakan niya sa braso si James. 

 

Ang sakit, napkasakit kasi mahal na mahal ko si James, bakit ba ganito? Alam kong hindi niya 
kayang kalimutan agad si Alyssa pero to cheat on me? 

 

.Anong ginagawa mo dito?. he asked me in a very cold manner. Hindi niya tinanggal yung 
kamay nung babaeng nakapulupot sa kanya. .Nikka go first I‘ll follow you later.. Sinabi niya 
dun sa babae, so ano yun? After niya akong kausapin aalis din siya at susundan yung babae? 

 

Nagsmile naman yung girl at humalik sa cheeks ni James, napaiwas ako ng tingin kasi ang sakit 
eh, bakit wala akong lakas na alisin siya kay James, bakit hindi ko kayang lumaban? Bakit 
napakahina ko? Dumaan sa harap ko yung babae at nung nagkatinginan kami ang sama ng 
tingin niya at nag smirk siya sa akin. 

 

I wanted to slap her pero hindi ko kaya. Napakahina ko. 

 

Tears were still falling. I just couldn.t stop them. 

 

Hindi parin ako makaimik dahil hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko. Hindi ko alam kung ano bang 
tamang sabihin. Napakasakit. 

 

.Anong ginagawa mo dito?. inulit niya yung tanong niya sa akin. 

 

Pinunasan ko yung mga luha ko at I forced a smile .Ah bumili kasi ako ng regalo. Si-sige una na 
ako James.. Nasabi ko at tumalikod na ako sa kanya, hindi ko kayang kausapin siya 
napakasakit kasi eh. 

 

Nagulat nalang ako kasi hinigit niya yung kamay ko .It‘s not what you think it is Mary.. 
Pagpapaliwanag niya. 

 


Humarap ako sa kanya at tinanggal ko yung kamay niya na nakahawak sa braso ko .So you‘re 
not cheating on me?. I asked him, medyo nasasaktan, no not medyo nasasaktan ako ng 
sobra ,it.s not what I think it is? Ano yun nagtutukaan lang sila dahil bored sila? .James you 
promised me.. I cried. .Bakit ganito James? I am trying so hard to make you love me kahit 
masakit kinakaya ko James pero to fool me like this? Ano ba talaga ako James?. I asked. 

 

He tried reaching for my hand but I pushed his hand away .Mary hindi kita niloloko.. 

 

.So natural na pala yung makikipaghalikan no?. I snapped. .Ok sana James eh kung hindi mo 
magawang kalimutan si Alyssa eh, ok lang pero James sabi mo you will try to love me pero 
bakit sa iba ata yung natutunan mong mahalin.. 

 

Am I not enough for him? Ano bang kulang sa akin at ganyan siya? Bakit lagi nalang akong 
nasasaktan. 

 

.Hindi ko siya mahal, it will always be Alyssa.. Yung pagkasabi niya nung mga katagang yun, 
parang bumagsak na talaga ako, it will always be Alyssa eh peste naman oh so yung isang 
buwan na paghihirap ko wala lang? .I feel so stressed kaya inayaya ko si Nikka umalis, I feel 
suffocated when I‘m with you Mary.. 

 

Pinikit ko yung mga mata ko, hindi ko na kaya napakasakit na talaga .James you should have 
let me forget you.. ang sakit dapat pala hindi nalang ako pumayag sa kanya, dapat pala 
kinalimutan ko nalang siya. .Mas masakit to James eh, kasi pinatunayan mo lang na kahit 
kalian hinding hindi mo ako matututunan na mahalin, na kahit anong gawin ko wala lang ako 
para sayo.. 

 

.I‘m sorry Mary.. 

 

.What‘s the use of you saying sorry when I‘m already hurt? Dapat James hindi ka nagpunta sa 
akin eh, you should have stayed away from me, sabi ko dati ok lang magpaka-martir kasi 
mahal naman kita eh, kakayanin ko pero James I have enough.. 

 

.No please Mary let me fix this.. 

 


Kahit anong gawin naman ni James hindi na maaayos tong pusong to eh. Durog na durog na 
pati pagkatao ko nadurog na din. 

 

.Ayoko na. If you feel suffocated with me then maybe it‘s time to leave.. I said and looked at 
him in the eyes. Mamimiss ko siya pero eto ang tama, eto dapat ang ginagawa ko dati pa, dati 
na hindi pa ganitong durog na durog na ang puso ko. .I should have let you go that day.. I said. 

 

Napakasakit kasi ng lahat eh, mahal na mahal mo siya pero hindi pa pala sapat yung 
pagmamahal mo kasi kahit kalian hindi mo kayang palitan yung taong nasa puso niya. Kahit 
kalian hinding hinding magiging ikaw you will always be the last person. 

 

.I‘m sorry James if I can‘t make you happy. But good bye now James.. I forced a smile and 
walked away. 

 

Hindi ko kaya. Tama nga ba ang ginagawa ko? Napakasakit kasi eh. 

 

Wala akong pupuntahan dahil wala naman nakakaintindi sa akin eh, wala na akong taong 
mapupuntahan para iyakan, para sandalan. 

 

Dahil sa pagmamahal ko kay James nawala si Gab sa akin. At ngayon hindi na siya babalik, 
dahil diba sabi niya dati wag daw akong pupunta sa kanya? Ang sakit kasi wala akong 
kaibigan na mapuntahan. 

 

May nabunggo ata ako at napaupo ako sa sahig, tatayo na sana ako kaso napakasakit talaga, 
umiyak nalang ulit ako 

 

.Mary?. nagulat nalang ako at may nagabot ng kamay at tinawag ako, tinignan ko kung sino, 
si James? No hindi si Harry. Yung kambal nung taong nanakit sa akin ng sobra. 

 

Tinayo ako ni Harry, nakita ko naman na kasama niya si Camille. .Ok ka lang?. tanong niya sa 
akin. 

 


.Yeah I‘m fine.. I lied at pinunasan ko yung mga luha ko, bakit ko sasabihin sa kambal ni James 
na hindi ako okay? Para saan pa diba? .Sige Harry una na ako.. Sabi ko at naglakad papalayo. 

 

.Wait, sure ka bang ok ka lang? Gusto mong tawagan ko si James para sunduin ka?. 

 

Lumingon ako sa kanila, mukhang worried si Harry ganun din si Camille. .Ou nga Mary baka 
mapano ka. Harry tawagan mo na si James.. Sabi ni Camille. 

 

I forced a smile .I‘m fine. Wag niyo ng tawagan si James, we broke up.. I said at umalis na ako. 

 

Naglakad lakad lang ako, ayokong umuwi dahil tiyak magagalit na naman si mama kasi 
umiiyak na naman ako, gusto kong makalimot so I hailed a taxi and went to a bar, the bar 
where I first met Gab. 

 

Uminom nalang ako, I was not like this before I met James, hindi ako umiinom, pero wala akong 
karamay, alam kong hindi nakakatulong yung alak pero wala naman akong magagawa eh. 

 

Bakit napakasama sa akin ng buhay, nagmahal lang naman ako ah pero bakit ganun bakit lagi 
nalang akong nasasaktan? 

 

I was about to drink the other glass when someone took it from my hand. Nagulat ako at 
tinignan ko kung sino, siya, yung taong nandiyan palagi sa akin, nandito siya ngayon. 

 

.Diba sabi ko wag kang iinom?. he asked furiously. Galit siya. 

 

Pero niyakap ko lang siya .Gab akala ko mawawala ka na din sa akin.. I cried pero hindi parin 
ako umaalis sa pagkayakap ko sa kanya I missed him. .Gab sorry hindi ako nakinig eto ngayon 
nasasaktan ako. Gab napakasakit na.. 

 

He patted my back .Shh… sorry nawala ako sa tabi mo. I should have not stayed away. Sorry. 
Tara na I‘ll bring you home.. Sabi niya 


 

Tumayo na ako pinunasan niya yung mga luha ko at inayos niya yung buhok. He kissed me in 
the forehead and I felt safe. Naglakad na kami palabas ng bar na magkahawak ang mga 
kamay. 

 

Masakit parin at alam kong hindi na ito hihilom pa, pero ngayon natutuwa ako kasi may taong 
handa akong damayan sa mga sakit na iniwan sa akin ni James. Maybe it was wrong to love 
someone so much when you know that he won.t ever give a damn about your heart. Maybe it 
was wrong to trust someone who couldn.t forget, someone who couldn.t let go. 

 

I was so wrong with loving him but I can.t seem to stop my heart from loving him. Bakit nga ba at 
ikaw lang ang mahal ko James? 

//Chapter 10// 

Please heart follow what mind wants 

Jewel‘s Point of View 

 

Minsan hindi natin alam kung kalian tayo titigil. Titigil sa pagmahal sa isang tao na kahit kalian 
hindi naman tayo ang minahal. 

 

Tulad ko ngayon hindi ko alam kung tanga ba ako talaga o nagtatangahan nalang ako. Alam 
ko naman na masaya siya sa piling ng iba pero bakit hindi ko siya magawang limutin? Bakit 
kahit anong gawin ko siya at siya parin? Nilibang ko ang sarili ko, naghanap ako ng mga 
bagong crush pero sa huli siya eh. 

 

Nakakainis kasi nasasaktan ako pero hindi ko magawang kalimutan siya. Mahal ko siya. Gusto 
ko man na kalimutan siya hindi magawa ng puso ko. 

 

Eto ako nakahiga sa kama ko, Sunday ngayon at wala akong magawa kasi nga Summer na at 
wala ng pasok! At napakaboring sa bahay. 

 


Inaya ko si Love umalis pero nabigla ako kasi sabi niya may date sila ni Gabriel. Mukhang 
umuusbong ang love life ni Love at lume-level up na. Una sa chat sila tas ngayon date naman 
wow. Pero I can.t help but wonder paano na si Mary? Eh halata naman na may gusto si Gabriel 
kay Mary eh sinabi din ni Love sa akin yun. Pero may boyfriend na si Mary at si James yun. 

 

Masaya ako para kay Mary, kasi diba since August last year gusto na niya si James at ako ang 
naging dahilan kung paano sila nagkakilala I mean dahil kakambal siya ni Harry. Diba nga 
pangarap pa namin ni Mary na maging sisters-in-law kami. Pero mukhang hindi ako ang sister-in-
law niya eh. . 

 

I know may flaws si James pero sabi naman niya he.s trying. At I believe kaya niya. Close ako 
kay James ewan ko pero magaan kasi kausap. Oh don.t think about anything we.re just friends, 
I mean duh dapat magiging brother-in-law ko siya kundi lang dumating si Camille. 

 

Ok bitter na naman ako. Kasi naman eh. Bakit pa may Camille pa na gumulo sa love story 
dapat namin ni Harry? 

 

Tinawagan ko naman si Mary kaso sabi niya aalis din siya, bibili ng regalo para kay James. One 
month na pala sila. 

 

Kaya ang ginawa ko, ako nalang magisa ang gumala, naglibot-libot lang ako sa mall. Hindi ko 
na nga namalayan ang oras dahil kain lang ako ng kain. Sorry depressed ako ngayon. 

 

Lumabas na ako sa ice cream shop na kinainan ko, at naglakad-lakad, tingin tingin lang din sa 
mga bintana ng mga boutique at nagulat ako kasi nung tumingin na ako sa harapan ko nasa 
harap ko na sila Harry at Camille, holding hands <//3 

 

Nagulat din ata sila. Tas binitawan ni Harry yung kamay ni Camille. Lumapit sa akin si Camille 
.Jewel anong ginagawa mo dito?. tanong niya sa akin. Bakit bawal na bang mag mall? 

 

.Ah naglilibot lang. May date kayo?. tanong ko sa kanya at lumapit na uli siya kay Harry at 
kumapit sa braso nito. 

 


Todo smile siya at si Harry ayun parang estatwa lang .We‘re celebrating kasi eh.. Sagot niya. 

 

.Ng ano?. tanong ko kahit deep inside alam ko na yung sasabihin niya. 

 

.Sinagot ko na kasi si Harry kahapon kaya eto.. And with that my world just fell. 

 

.Really? I‘m happy for the both of you.. I sounded excited but deep inside I was so hurt. 

 

Ang sakit. Alam ko naman eh. Alam kong mangyayari din to kasi diba nililigawan siya ni Harry? 
At masaya sila? Alam ko to pero masakit parin pala. 

 

.Thanks.. Sagot ni Camille. .Harry batiin mo naman si Jewel kanina ka pa walang imik diyan.. 
Pag saway niya kay Harry na nakatingin sa akin kaya nginitian ko siya. 

 

Ngiti na hindi bukal sa loob ko. 

 

Gusto ko ng umiyak pero hindi pa pwede. 

 

.Jewel.. Sabi naman ni Harry. 

 

When I heard his voice lalo akong nasaktan kasi gustong gusto ko yung pagtawag niya sa akin 
pero minsan ko lang naman marinig yun eh. Ni-ready ko naman ang sarili ko eh pero bakit 
ganun masakit parin? 

 

.Ay guys. Una na ako ah may pupuntahan pa kasi ako eh.. Sabi ko at hindi ko na sila hinintay 
na magpaalam at tuluyan na akong tumalikod sa kanila at dahil nagmamadali ako at blur na 
ang paningin ko may nabunggo ako. 

 

.Jewel?. sabi nung lalaking nabunggo ko. Kilala niya ako? 


 

Tumingin ako sa kanya at nakita niya yung mga luha kong nagbabadyang tumulo. At bigla niya 
akong niyakap .Ruben.. Pagtawag ko at hinayaan ko nalang na yakapin niya ako. 

 

Haggang kalian ko kakayain? Haggang kalian ko siya mamahalin? Gustong gusto ko ng siyang 
limutin. Dahil nasasaktan ako. Ayoko na eh. Dahil talo naman ako eh. 

 

Bakit ganun masama bang magmahal? Bakit napakasakit magmahal? Ganun ba talaga yun? 
Akala ko mararanasan ko yung sinasabi nilang nothing but pure happiness yung bliss pero wala 
panay sakit ang naranasan ko. 

 

Puso? Kalian ka ba mapapagod magmahal sa isang Harry Naval? Haggang kalian mo ba siya 
kayang mahalin? Haggang wala ng natira sayo? Dahil pira-piraso na? Puso, gusto ko ng 
makalimot pwede bang makisama ka naman ngayon? 

 

If only I could teach my heart to follow what my mind wants then maybe I.m not hurting 
anymore. 

 

Harry‘s Point of View 

 

Nagulat ako dahil nakasalubong namin si Jewel. Yung nakita ko siya parang tumalon yung puso 
ko. Ewan ko ba. 

 

Masaya ako kasi sinagot na ako ni Camille pero alam naman natin na mas mahal ko si Jewel sa 
kanya. Pero kahit anong gawin ko hindi ako ang mamahalin niya. Hindi ako ang 
makakapagpasaya sa kanya. 

 

Tignan mo masaya pa nga siya para sa amin ni Camille eh. Pero bakit yung mga ngiti niya iba? 
Bakit ibang iba siya sa mga ngiting nagustuhan ko sa kanya? 

 


Tas umalis na siya ng hindi nagpapaalam. May nahulog siya sa lapag kaya pinulot ko, bracelet 
niya siguro at natanggal kanina nung niyakap siya ni Camille. Kaya nagmadali akong sundan 
siya at nagulat nalang ako dahil may kayakap siya. Ayun yung Ruben. 

 

Ang sakit. Bakit ganun sobra akong nasaktan. Mahal na mahal ko siya pero hindi niya ako 
mahal. Siguro nga tama lang na ibigay ko kay Camille ang pagmamahal ko. Siya naman. 

 

Tinago ko sa bulsa ko yung bracelet niya nung naramdaman ko si Camille. Nakatingin din siya 
kayla Jewel .So sila na pala ni Ruben.. Sabi niya habang nakatingin parin dun she smiled. 

 

.Bakit? Nangliligaw ba yung Ruben?. tanong ko kasi sympre naiintriga ako. 

 

.Ata. Yung last day ng exam namin, biglang dumating si Ruben may dalang bulaklak at teddy 
bear so baka nga.. Sabi niya at tumingin siya sa akin at nagsmile lang. 

 

Ngumiti din ako sa kanya. Si Ruben yung mahal niya. 

 

Napansin kong umalis na sa pagkayakap si Jewel dun kay Ruben tas parang hinawakan ni 
Ruben yung mukha ni Jewel na may panyo pa, pinunasan niya? Umiyak ba si Jewel kaya siya 
niyakap nung Ruben? Nakita ko din na tumingin si Jewel sa ceiling tas ngumiti siya habang 
pinupunasan yung sa part ng mata niya. 

 

Bakit ka umiyak Jewel? Pinaiyak ka ba ni Ruben? Jewel sabihin mo lang gagawin ko ang lahat 
para mawala yang mga luha mo. 

 

After nun naglakad kami ni Camille sa may seaside at nagkukwentuhan lang kami pero sa loob 
loob ko iniisip ko si Jewel. Bakit parang naging uneasy ako nung parang umiyak siya. Bakit siya 
umiyak? 

 

Tas siguro dahil nga sa malalim ang iniisip ko may nabunggo ako at napaupo ito sa sahig at 
umiyak? 

 


Tas tinignan ko ng mabuti si Mary. Bakit siya umiiyak? .Mary?. pagtawag ko sa kanya at inabot 
ko yung kamay ko para tumayo na siya. .Ok ka lang?. tanong ko sa kanya nung natayo ko na 
siya. 

 

I can see pain in her eyes. Nasasaktan siya pero bakit akala ko ba okay na sila ni James? 

 

.Yeah I‘m fine.. Sabi niya at pinunasan ang mga luha pero bakit hindi convincing na okay lang 
siya? Bakit nagkakaganito siya ngayon? .Sige Harry una na ako.. Sabi niya at naglakad na 

 

.Wait sure ka bang ok ka lang? Gusto mo tawagan ko si James para sunduin ka?. tanong ko sa 
kanya. sympre worried ako sa kanya, kahit papano naging malapit ako sa kanila nila Jewel. 

 

Lumingin siya pero hindi siya umimik. 

 

.Ou nga Mary baka mapano ka.. Sabi ni Camille .Harry tawagan mo na si James.. Sabi niya sa 
akin. alam kong medyo naging magkaibigan din tong dalawa kasi sympre classmates sila at 
minsan magka-group pa. Kaya alam kong worried din si Camille. 

 

Ngumiti siya pero parang pilit naman eh .I‘m fine. Wag niyo ng tawagan si James, we broke up.. 
Pagkasabi niya nun ay umalis na siya agad agad. 

 

Hindi pa nagsisink in sa akin yung sinabi niya. Wala na sila ni James? Akala ko ba okay sila? Pero 
bakit nag break sila? 

 

.Harry? Sa tingin mo totoo yun?. tanong ni Camille. 

 

Anong ginawa mo James? 

 

.Teka Camille tawagan ko muna si Jewel para puntahan si Mary.. Sabi ko at tinawagan ko na 
nga si Jewel. 

 


Mga ilang ring sinagot din niya (.Hello?.) 

 

.Jewel, nagbreak si Mary at James at umiiyak si Mary nung nakita namin baka mapano.. Sabi 
ko. 

 

(.Huh? Kanina lang masaya si Mary ah? Asan ba kayo?.) tanong niya halatang nagwoworry na 
din siya 

 

.Sa may seaside. Pumara ata ng taxi si Mary eh. Nakauwi ka na ba?. tanong ko 

 

(.Ah hindi pa. Harry sige ako ng bahala kay Mary tatawagan ko nalang si Gabriel. Sige Harry 
thank you sa pagsabi..) sabi niya at binaba na niya yung tawag. 

 

Kailangan kong makausap si James. Nung huli kaming nagusap ni Alyssa sabi niya bantayan ko 
si Mary kaya dapat kahit kambal ko pa si James, oras na malaman kong siya ang may 
kasalanan patay siya sa akin. Kawawa naman kasi si Mary eh. 

 

Lagi nalang siyang nasasaktan. 

 

James is not worth of those tears. 

 

Jewel‘s Point of View 

 

Kasama ko ngayon si Ruben ewan ko kung anong nagyari basta basta nalang akong sumama 
at kumakain kami ngayon. Nakakahiya nga kasi naiyakan ko siya at basa yung shirt niya. 

 

Tas tumawag pa si Harry nagulat ako pero nung sinabi niyang nagbreak si Mary at James mas 
lalo akong nagulat at natakot para sa kaibigan ko. 

 


Kaya binaba ko agad yung tawag at tinawagan ko muna si Love kasi nakakahiya naman kung 
kay Gabriel ako tatawag mismo. Tanungin pa nun paano ko nakuha at baka hindi sagutin. 

 

Yung sinagot na niya, sinabi ko para kay Gabriel at una ayaw niyang bigay kasi nga daw 
nakakahiya pero binigay din niya. 

 

Hindi ko alam kung bakit si Gabriel agad ang naisip kong tawagan lalo.t na sinabi niya kay Mary 
na wag itong iiyak pabalik sa kanya. 

 

Pero siya lang kasi yung alam kong makakakita kay Mary, hindi uuwi yun. 

 

(.Hello?.) pag sagot ni Gabriel, ang gwapo ng boses, ano ba Jewel. 

 

.Umm… Gabriel si Jewel to kaibigan ni Mary…. medyo nahihiya pa kasi ako eh. 

 

(.Kilala kita. So ano nga?.) teka kilala niya ako kyaa 

 

Pero hindi ito oras para sa kalandian ako kay Gabriel haha. Oras ni Mary. 

 

.Gabriel kasi nagbreak si James at Mary at umiiyak si Mary kanina.. 

 

(.ANO?.) napasigaw na siya 

 

.Umm.. nagbreak sila. Kaya kung pwede lang hanapin mo si Mary kasi natatakot ako para sa 
kanya.. sabi ko 

 

(.Oh sige sige. Ako na ang bahala. Hahanapin ko..) pagkasabi din niyang yun binaba na niya 

 

I wish Mary.s all right 


 

Ano na naman kayang ginawa ni James! Kahit pa kambal siya ni Harry patay siya sa akin bukas! 

 

Tama nga si Love, maling mali na pinaubaya si Mary kay James. 

//Chapter 11// 

I will never let you go 

Gabriel‘s Point of View 

 

“If the perfect shoes hurt, you will need shoe aids right? You will need a band aid para sa paltos 
mo.” 

 

Sa lahat ng sinabi sa akin ni Love kanina dun sa shoe salon, eto ang pinakatumatak sa puso ko. 
Band-aid. Kung may sugat ka nandiyan ang band-aid upang takpan ang sugat mo. 

 

Siguro dahil na din sa sinabi sa akin ni Love kanina, nagmadali na din akong tumakbo papalayo 
sa kanya upang hanapin ang babaeng nangangailangan ng isang band-aid. Hanapin yung 
babaeng sobrang nasasaktan ngayon. 

 

Hindi ko alam kung saan ko siya hahanapin, pero nagpatuloy parin ako sa paghahanap sa 
kanya dahil kailangan niya ako at nagiisa siya ngayon. Hindi ko hahayaan na may mangyari sa 
kanya dahil pag nagkataon baka hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko sa taong nanakit sa kanya. 

 

Pero ngayon alam ko kung nasan na siya, dahil tuwing nasasaktan siya gusto niya makalimot. 
Gusto niyang limutin ang sakit. 

 

At isa lang naman ang lugar kung saan ka pwedeng makalimot, sa bar. 

 

Dahil dalawang beses ko na siyang nakita sa bar, at tuwing nakikita ko siya dun alam kong 
nasasaktan siya sa mga oras na yun, kaya ngayon alam ko kung saan siya hahanapin. 


 

Why is that I can always find her? 

 

And I was right, she was there drinking, you can see pain just by seeing her like that. Why did it 
have to be this way? Why did he need to hurt her? 

 

Naglakad ako papalapit sa kanya, ang dami na niya naiinom, ilang oras na ba siya nandito, 
she was about to drink the glass but I took it from her. Galit ako hindi sa kanya kundi sa taong 
nanakit sa kanya pati sa sarili ko. Bakit ko siya pinabayaan. 

 

Tinignan niya ako at nagulat ata siya dahil ako yung nandito. 

 

.Diba sabi ko wag kang iinom?. I asked furiously. 

 

Niyakap lang niya ako .Gab akala ko mawawala ka na din sa akin. she cried while still hugging 
me .Gab sorry hindi ako nakinig eto ngayon nasasaktan ako. Gab napakasakit na.. 
nasasaktan nga siya at kasalanan ko din kung bakit dahil pinabayaan ko siya dahil akala ko 
magiging masaya siya. 

 

I patted her back .Shh… sorry nawala ako sa tabi mo. I should have not stayed away. Sorry. 
Tara na I‘ll bring you home.. 

 

Tumayo na siya at pinunasan ko yung mga luha niya, ayaw ko siyang nakikitang umiiyak dahil 
nasasaktan din ako, inayos ko yung buhok niya, napakagulo na din kasi, and I kissed her on her 
forehead. At we went out. 

 

Hindi ko siya dinala sa bahay nila, alam ko naman na ayaw niyang umuwi kaya I brought her to 
my condo. 

 

Umupo lang siya sa couch ko at ako naman ay pumunta sa kusina para ipagtimpla siya ng 
kape. 


 

Pumunta na din ako sa tabi niya at binigay yung kape, I didn.t dare ask what happened dahil 
baka masaktan lang siya lalo. All I want to do is to be by her side and let her cry on my shoulder. 

 

.He cheated on me.. I was surprised when she finally spoke. Hindi dahil nagkwento siya it.s 
because of what she just revealed. Pero hindi ako nagsalita muna .I was so happy that morning 
kasi we‘re going to celebrate our first monthsary tomorrow. So I decided to buy him a gift para 
ma-surprise ko siya bukas but I was the one who was surprised. I saw him kissing another girl.. 
Her voiced broke. .Bakit ganun? Mahal daw niya si Alyssa na it will always be Alyssa pero bakit 
siya nag cheat sa akin? He said I made him feel suffocated. Kaya siguro naghanap siya ng iba, I 
tried very hard to help him forget her kahit nahihirapan ako ginawa ko ang lahat pero in the end, 
nasaktan lang ako, in the end hindi niya ako kayang mahalin. Hindi ko siya kayang gawing 
masaya.. Sumandal siya sa akin at umiyak na siya. .Mahal na mahal ko siya pero bakit 
kailangan niya akong saktan ng ganito? Was I not enough? 

 

Grabeng sakit ang nadulot ni James kay Mary, bakit siya ganun? Nagagalit ako. Naiinis ako kasi 
hindi ko nagawang protektahan si Mary dapat pala kinausap ko dati si James. Dapat pala hindi 
ko siya hinayaang pumunta kay James. 

 

Kung alam ko lang na magkakaganito si Mary kung alam ko lang na masasaktan siya edi dapat 
pala pinigilan ko siya. 

 

.He‘s not worth of your tears Mary. Hindi mo kasalanan na hindi niya naramdaman kung gaano 
kasaya kapag kasama ka. Kasi wala naman siyang inisip kundi si Alyssa. Wag ka ng umiyak 
please?. I tried to comfort her. 

 

.Ayun nga yun Gab eh. Si Alyssa ang mahal niya pero bakit kailangan niya akong lokohin? 
Pagod na pagod na akong masaktan.. Sabi niya at sumandal na siya sa akin. 

 

We were like that for 30 minutes I think. Nakasandal lang siya habang umiiyak siya sa akin. Kung 
pwede lang, ginawa ko na yung gusto ko. Ang sabihin sa kanya na mahal ko siya at ako nalang. 

 

Hindi pa siguro ito yung tamang panahon para sabihin yung nararamdaman ko para sa kanya. 

 


Band Aid ako ngayon. 

 

After that nagpunta kami sa kusina para kumain, medyo ok na naman siya siguro nga sanay na 
din siyang nasasaktan siya ng ganito. Ngumingiti na siya. 

 

Pumunta siya sa may ref at kinuha yung coke tas pinabuksan niya sa akin at ayun inalog pala 
niya kaya natapunan ako ng coke. Tawa siya ng tawa nun. Ok na kahit malagkit na ako basta 
masaya siya. 

 

Kaya ginawa ko binuhusan ko din siya ng coke .Ahhh ang lagkit.. Naglaro lang kami dun at 
kinuha niya yung maliit na hose sa may sink at binasa ako ng tubig. 

 

Tawa kami ng tawa habang nagbabasaan kami. Masaya siya tumatawa na siya ulit. Ayun ang 
mahalaga diba? After nun pinaligo ko muna siya, tas kinuha ko yung ice cream sa may ref alam 
ko naman na gusto niyang kumain ng ice cream. 

 

Nilapag ko yun sa may center table at sakto kakatapos lang niya mag shower. .Uwaa ice 
cream.. Sabi niya at lumapit sa center table at kinuha yung spoon at kumain na siya .Gusto mo? 
Maligo ka muna.. 

 

So ayun naligo muna ako at pagbalik ko ubos na niya yung ice cream. .Bili pa tayo?. tanong 
niya kaya naman lumapit ako sa kanya at ginulo ko yung buhok niya. 

 

Tumawa lang siya .Dito ka lang bibili ako ng ice cream mo.. Sabi ko at naglakad papalayo sa 
kanya nagulat nalang ako kasi niyakap niya ako. 

 

.Gab thank you so much. Sana hindi mo din ako iwan.. Sabi niya kaya hinarap ko siya sa akin 

 

.Promise I won‘t ever leave you.. I assured her I won.t let you go. 

 

.Promise?. tumingin siya sa akin nag smile nalang ako .Hindi ka masu-suffocate sa akin?. 


 

The heck. Bakit ba kasi sinabi yun ni James? Hindi ba talaga siya makahinga pag nandiyan si 
Mary? Napakasarap kaya sa feeling pag kasama siya. Ako nga ang hindi makahinga pag wala 
si Mary sa tabi ko eh. 

 

.Hinding hindi.. I looked at her and she smiled at me. .I will always be by your side Mary.. I 
assured her. 

 

Niyakap lang niya ulit ako .That‘s why I‘m glad I met you.. sabi niya ako din masaya ako at 
nakilala ko siya kasi kahit pa may mahal siyang iba basta kasama ko siya masaya na ako. 

 

Pero I decided not to let that James near her again. Ayoko na siyang masaktan pa. Hindi 
deserving si James para sa puso niya. 

 

Ang sarap sa feeling na kayakap mo yung taong mahal mo. I really wish that holding her like this 
can heal her broken heart kasi pag ou edi hindi ko na siya bibitawan. 

 

James bulag na bulag ka dahil hindi mo nakikita na etong babaeng to ang pinakamasarap 
mahalin at madali. Who would have thought na sa loob ng tatlong buwan I.m undeniably 
madly fallen for her. 

 

Kaya tonight I really promise that I won.t let her go anymore. Kahit pa maging best friend lang 
niya ako ok lang basta nasa tabi niya ako at maprotektahan ko siya. 

 

.I‘m glad that you asked to borrow my phone that night.. I said. Tama ng dahil sa panghiram 
niya ng cellphone ko siya nakilala. Ou kilala ko sila nila Love at Jewel as Love.s accomplice sa 
pagiis-stalk sa akin. 

 

But I got to know her and I.ve fallen deeply for her. 

 

“If the shoe fits does it always mean it’s perfect?” naalala ko na naman si Love. Yung mga 
metaphor niya talaga. 


 

Pero tama siya dahil kahit pa mag fit ang shoe sayo kung hindi naman perfect bakit pa? 

 

.Haha. And you haven‘t answered me kung bakit wallpaper mo si Alyssa.. Bigla niyang sinabi sa 
akin. 

 

Oh right I remember she asked me bakit si Alyssa hindi ko siya nasagot siguro kasi ayaw ko ng 
makidagdag pa sa mga lalaking nainlove kay Alyssa. 

 

But the thing is I don't know kung na-in love ba talaga ako kay Alyssa or great infatuation lang 
yung naramdaman ko kasi ibang iba ngayon kay Mary eh. 

 

Yung feelings iba. Siguro nga I did have some feelings but siguro mas tumaas yung brotherly 
love ko para sa kanya. 

 

At ngayon hindi ko alam kung anong masasagot ko kay Mary, I don.t want her to know that I 
was in love with her cousin dahil alam kong kahit hindi niya sabihin na na-iinsecure siya kay 
Alyssa dahil nga kay James. 

 

Ayoko naman na sabihin yun sa kanya. 

 

.Wala lang masama ba?. I said .She‘s like my little sister kaya siya wallpaper ko nun but iba na 
tignan mo ikaw na wallpaper ko.. I smiled. 

 

Siya naman talaga ang wallpaper ko eh. 

 

.Gab thank you for finding me.. 

 

.I will always be the one who will find you first Mary.. I said .I love you.. 

 


Wait what did I just confess? 

 

.I love you too Gab.. Yeah 

 

She misunderstood it. 

 

Sana Mary dumating yung araw na hindi lang haggang kaibigan yung pagmamahal mo sa 
akin sana ako nalang sa huli Mary, sana kaya mo akong mahalin dahil hihintayin kita. 

 

Hinding hindi kita sasaktan. Promise you that. 

//Chapter 12.1 & 12.2// 

Two D’s [Her Debut & Disaster] 

Jewel‘s Point of View 

 

It.s been nine months since she left and everything did change. Madaming nagbago simula 
nung umalis siya and since then hindi na din nabanggit ang pangalan niya, it.s like her name is 
a taboo and no one dares to speak her name. Siguro kasi sensitive parin ang topic when it 
comes to her. I once remember na medyo nagkainitan ang barkada when that topic was 
brought up. Nagkasagutan at nagkasisihan. 

 

So maybe kaya ngayon hindi na masyado binabanggit para iwas gulo nalang din. 

 

Mary and James relationship right now is just strangers or merely acquaintance or friend of a 
friend. Ganun nalang sila. Hindi na din sila nagusap simula nung araw na nagbreak sila. After 
that breakup, James had a girlfriend and that girl was the one who Mary saw James was kissing, 
sobrang nasaktan si Mary nung mga panahon na yun, to think that wala pang isang linggo may 
bago na si James, thank goodness Gabriel was there to guide Mary back, to help her move on. 
And I think little by little nagiging ok na din si Mary. As for James, he never did explain his actions, 
nagkalamat din yung friendship namin nila Love kay James dahil nga niloko niya yung kaibigan 
namin and ganun din si Harry, to think na kakambal niya si James at nagawa nitong magloko 
lalo na sa isang close friend, nagkalamat din. Hindi na masyado close si James at Harry the way 


they used to be, ganun din ata si Friedrich kay James although hindi naman namin naging ka-
close si Friedrich, sumangayon siya kay Harry dahil nga mali yung ginawa niya. 

 

Paano ko nalaman ang mga yan easy kay Harry, nakwento niya sa akin kasi yung mga yun 
dahil nga common friends namin si Mary at concern din siya sa ginawa ng kambal niya ayun 
naguusap kami. 

 

Going strong sila ni Camille, kaya nga nung mga panahon na naguusap kami, todo akong 
nasasaktan pero pinakinggan ko lang yung mga kwento niya about dun sa nararamdaman 
niya ngayon kay James, yung betrayal na naramdaman niya dahil sa ginawa ni James. 
Napaka-plastic ko naman kung sasabihin ko na genuine yung pagiging masaya ko para sa 
kanila ni Camille, sympre may halong bitterness pa din. Kahit papano naman kaibigan ko si 
Camille at mabait siya, she deserves Harry after all. Sa kanya sumasaya si Harry. 

 

Ako? Wala akong love life, I.m still in love with Harry. Pero mawawala na din siguro to dahil 
sympre haggang kalian ko ba hahayaan na magmahal ang puso ko ng taong may mahal ng 
iba diba? Gustong gusto kong lumaban pero hindi ko magawa kasi ayaw kong makasira ng 
isang relasyon. 

 

Si Love? Ayun mahal niya si Gabriel pero sabi nga niya, mahal na mahal ni Gabriel si Mary at 
magpapaubaya na siya dahil mas kailangan ni Mary si Gabriel. But that doesn.t mean na nag 
stop na siya sa pagmamahal niya kay Gabriel, haggang ngayon mahal na mahal pa rin niya si 
Gabriel at lalong lumalala dahil sympre hindi naman ganun ka dense si Mary eh, at best friends 
ang dalawa so every time na sabay ang break namin at ni Gabriel eh isasabay ni Mary si 
Gabriel at ayun naguusap naman sila ni Love. 

 

Today is Mary.s birthday, 18th birthday to be exact. Ang daming pagtatalo tungkol sa invitation 
nung inaasikaso naming tatlo nila Love at Mary yan. Kasi nga sympre bitter pa si Mary kay James 
at ayaw niyang i-invite si James. Kaso sympre makakahalata si James kasi invited sila Harry at 
Friedrich, oh diba pero ang sabi lang ni Mary “Ano naman kung mahalata niya? Edi sakto alam 
niyang hindi siya welcome.” Ang taray lang pero nanalo kami ni Love at ayun invited si James 
pero unlike Harry na 18 roses eh walang gagawin si James. Sayang pangarap dati ni Mary na 
escort niya si James pero well mas gwapo naman si Gabriel na escort niya tonight, ayan kaya 
kami nanalo ni Love kay Mary kasi sabi namin pag hindi siya pumayag edi hindi si Gabriel escort 
niya dahil may agreement kami dati eh, nung crush na crush naming lahat si Gabriel, bawal 
maging escort si Gabriel sa debut namin. As if naman na pwedeng mangyari yun dati pero 
ngayon uwaa who would have thought na isang Mary DiLaurentis lang ang 
makakapagpapayag sa isang Gabriel Jhonson na maging escort. 


 

So eto nga debut ni Mary ngayon, at feeling ko may plano si Gabriel ngayong gabi ewan lang 
pero ayun yung feeling ko kasi sympre debut ni Mary at escort siya so pwede siyang 
dumamoves. 

 

Umakyat na kami sa loob ng venue hall. Talagang masasabing pinag-gastusan yung debut ni 
Mary kasi sa SMX ba naman ang venue niya, kasi malas naming may naka-book sa Fernwoods, 
eh isang venuel hall dun yung pinakagusto ni Mary kaso wala nga so SMX nalang. Pero mas 
mahal naman ang SMX kaysa sa Fernwoods ewan ko ba. 

 

So ayun nga gastos na gastos talaga, pati kasi kasi ang cotillion cocktails ay sila din ang 
gumastos, ayaw ni Mary ng cotillion dahil hindi siya marunong sumayaw daw kaso eto ang 
gusto ni Tita, sabi niya lahat na daw nasunod according to Mary.s wishes kaya yung cotillion 
nalang ang ipaubaya ni Mary. Talagang todo plan namin sa debut na to, parang kasal lang no? 
Eh ang sabi ni Mary kaya daw bongga dapat kasi daw papakita niya kay James na masaya na 
siya, oh ah bitter talaga. 

 

Pagkapasok na pagkapasok namin sa hall, ang ganda nung loob, ang bongga, sosyalin kung 
titignan. Halatang halata na nakamagkano sila sa gastos dito sa debut na to. 

 

Umupo na din kami ni Love, ka-table namin sila Harry, James, Friedrich, limahan lang kasi sa 
isang table at ayun may seat plan si Mary. Hindi sumama si Camille, kasi hindi siya invited eh 
ayaw ko siya nandito eh, joke lang. Kinausap naman ni Mary si Camille, about dun sa pagiging 
hindi invited, sympre kasi nakakapangbaba naman kung si Camille lang invited sa section nila 
diba? Eh si Camille lang talaga yung naging ka-close kay Mary kaya ganun na-understand 
naman ni Camille kaya pumayag na din siya, kumain sila ni Mary sa labas nun kaya ayun na 
daw yung treat niya kay Camille. 

 

Oh solo ko si Harry. >///< ang gwapo niya ngayon. 

 

.Magkano gastos nila Mary dito?. tanong ni Harry. 

 

.Ewan ko. Basta mahal.. Nag smile ako sa kanya ganun din siya kyaa nakakatunaw. 

 


Then nagstart na yung program with a prayer. Then a national anthem chos. After the prayer, 
may pinakita na video montage of Mary. Ang cute cute pala ni Mary nung bata siya, hindi ito 
pinakita sa amin ni Mary nung nagaayos kami, nakakahiya daw ayaw nga daw niya maglagay 
kaso mapilit sila Tita. 

 

And then as if on cue, nagbukas yung dalawang malaking black door at niluwal si Gabriel na 
nakatayo at parang may hinihintay at then biglang labas ni Mary, Gabriel offered his hand at 
sabay silang pumasok sa loob, all smile si Mary ganun din si Gabriel. 

 

Habang naglalakad sila napansin kong todo tingin si James kay Mary that time ewan ko ah 
pero I saw something. And then natawa kami ni Love kasi habang naglalakad naguusap yung 
dalawa at nagpapaluan pa. Ang cute cute lang. 

 

.Bagay na bagay talaga sila.. Nagulat ako sa sinabi ni Love, is that really Love? Sinabing bagay 
si Gabriel at Mary? Is this a dream or fantasy? Chos, lagi niyang sinasabi yan pero in the end 
sasabihin niya na mas bagay sila. 

 

.Sila ba?. biglang tanong ni Harry .Bagay nga sila.. Nag smile si Harry yung bang parang 
nangiinis tas napa-aww si Harry kasi siniko siya bigla ni James, tinignan lang niya ng masama si 
James nun at ayun nagkwentuhan uli kami. .Hindi pa nangliligaw? Sus ang bagal naman yan.. 
Sabi niya kasi sabi ko hindi naman sila. 

 

.Nagsalita naman ang torpe.. Biglang sabat ni Friedrich. At dun sa sinabi niya pinigil ni James 
ang tumawa. Ewan bakit torpe? Eh sila na nga ni Camille. Mga to talaga. 

 

Umupo na sa harap sila Gabriel at Mary, parang bagong kasal lang eh, ayaw kasi ni Mary na 
magisa lang siya kasi loner daw tignan, napilitan si Gabriel pero wala din siyang nagawa kasi 
nga mahal niya. Tawanan lang sila dun sa harap habang busy magsalita yung Emcee. 

 

Patuloy lang yung program at ganun sila usap usap, tas napapansin ko na si James ang sama 
ng tingin kay Gabriel tas pag kay Mary na nagiiba kumakalma ba kumbaga. Natapos na yung 
18 candles at umupo na uli kami ni Love, nagkatilian pa nung si Love na kasi naman ayaw 
magsindi nung kandila tas tinulungan pa siya ni Gabriel, si Mary yung pasimuno sa pangaasar sa 
dalawa nun at ayun kinilig ang loka. Tawa ng tawa si Mary nun at nakisabat ang emcee saying 
“Looks like pinamimigay na ng debutante ang escort niya.” At sympre si Mary yan kaya tumawa 
lang siya. Tas ayun ibang girl naman na highschool friend ni Mary yung tinulungan at sumabat si 


emcee at dun na nagsalita si Mary na pinaghiyawan ng tao at ang dahilan nag pagkalusaw ni 
Gabriel sa titig ni James 

 

“Kunin niyo na ang lahat sa akin wag lang ang aking Gabriel Jhonson.” She said that na para 
bang kumakanta din. Tawa ng tawa ang tao talaga dun si Gabriel ayun lusaw na nga sa 
pagtitig ni James, eh namatay na din sa kilig. 

 

Kainan na at nakatayo si Mary at Gabriel at nagaasikaso ng guests kasama si Tita, at nung sa 
table na namin ito, kumapit na si Mary kay Gabriel. 

 

.Good evening tita.. Pag bati ko sa mama ni Mary. 

 

.Good evening enjoy ba kayo?. tanong niya, nag nod lang kami sa kanya. Tas nakatingin na 
siya kay Harry at James. I forgot to tell you never nalaman ni Tita na si James yung boyfriend ni 
Mary for a month. Hindi naman kasi nagpakilala si James. .Kambal?. tanong niya 

 

.Yup ma, eto si Harry isa sa 18 roses ko mamaya. Tas si James.. Sabat ni Mary sabay turo sa 
dalawa nung tinuro niya si Harry nun masaya pa siya, nakasmile pero yung kay James ha wag 
niyo ng alamin. 

 

.Oh bakit hindi kasali si James sa 18 roses mo?. tanong ni Tita kay Mary. 

 

.Hindi kami friends.. Those words simply make tusok tusok sa heartlalu ni James. Nakita sa mata 
niya na nasaktan siya sa sinabi ni Mary. 

 

.Hello po.. Sabi ni Harry to break the ice siguro kasi parang naguluhan si Tita. 

 

.Ahh hello din.. Sabi ni Tita .Kilala niyo ba si Gab?. pagtatanong niya. 

 

.Ma Gabriel.. Correction ni Mary. 

 


.Etong babaeng to gusto siya lang tumatawag na Gab kaloka.. Sabi ni Tita, totoo naman eh si 
Mary lang talaga ang nagtawag kay Gabriel ng Gab .Oh siya kilala niyo ba si Gabriel?. she 
asked .Ay naku napakabait nitong batang to, ewan ko ba kung bakit ayaw pang ligawan ang 
anak ko. Boto naman ako.. Sabi niya at tawa pa. natawa nalang din kami except kay James. 

 

.Tita sabi ni Tito diba bawal pa.. si Gabriel 

 

.Ay naku 18 na at pwedeng pwede na mangligaw. Tutal eh nagkaroon na naman ng boyfriend 
si Mary ay sus akalain niyo yun isang buwan lang sila, nagloko na agad.. Pagkukwento ni Tita, 
sympre close si Mary at Tita kaya nakwento niya nalang yun .Buti hindi ko nakilala yung lalaking 
yun kundi, papalapa ko na yun.. Sabi niya kaya nasamid si James haha .Kaya kayo mga hijo 
one woman lang dapat kayo wag ng maghanap ng iba.. 

 

.Ma ang kulit.. Sabi ni Mary tas sabay hatak sa mama niya .Bye guys enjoy.. She said at 
naglakad na sila papaalis. 

 

.Ay wait, wala pang picture.. Si Tita .James hijo picture kayo ni Mary, kaw lang wala na roses 
niya.. Ordered tita. Si Friedrich kasi nakasama pa oh ah. Haha. 

 

.MA!. 

 

.Ay naku, Gabriel wag magseselos. Picture lang to.. Paalala ni Tita, tumayo na kasi si James at 
lumapit na kay Mary. 

 

.Hindi po ako nagseselos tutal wala lang naman yan eh diba Mary?. Gabriel asked. selos na 
selos na ata eh, kasi si James nakaakbay na kay Mary si Mary walang magawa kundi ang mag 
smile. 

 

After that umalis na din sila Mary pero pinilit din ako with Harry bagay daw kami kaya sila 
Friedrich tawa ng tawa nun ewan ko kung nangaasar sa akin oh kay Harry basta tawa sila ni 
James. 

 

.Ang kulit ng mama ni Mary.. Sabi ni Harry. 


 

.Ganyan talaga yan.. Si Love .Botong boto kay Gabriel no?. she said .Narinig ko 
pagpapakilala kay Gabriel kanina sa mga kamaganak nila kay Gabriel eh future boyfriend 
daw ni Mary.. 

 

.Oh paano ba sila nagkakilala?. 

 

.Ewan din mystery yun sabi lang ni Mary niligtas siya ni Gabriel. At si Gabriel laging nandiyan 
para kay Mary kala mo talaga nangliligaw dahil laging may dala pero minsan kala mo 
boyfriend kung magalala kay Mary sobra. Mabait naman yan.. Sabi ko 

 

.Ang haba naman tinanong lang niya paano tss.. Sabi ni James .Pero paanong niligtas? 
Naaksidente ba si Mary?. 

 

.Gabriel saved her from the sorrow ayan ang sabi ni Mary. Kung wala daw Gabriel edi walang 
masayang Mary ngayon she said that….. napatigil ako kasi maka maoffend ko si James. 

 

.Sige pagpatuloy mo lang.. James said. 

 

.She said that you were her darkness and Gabriel was her light. You gave her sorrow while 
Gabriel gave her happiness.. I said. 

 

Nakita ko naman na nasaktan si James dun sa sinabi ko ewan ko pero alam niyo yung feeling 
na parang mahal niya si Mary pero hindi lang niya maamin? 

 

Tumayo si James at pumunta sa side ko at may binulong .Jewel paano ko makakausap si 
Mary?. he asked sincerely. 

 

Napatingin ako kay Love alam kong narinig niya yun, paano nga ba? At magagawa ko ba yun 
kay Mary? Ayaw niyang makausap si James eh pero nakakaawa kasi si James. 

 


Totoo ata na absence makes the heart grow fonder 

 

.Wag mong aawayin ah?. si Love yan. 

 

.I won't.. 

 

So ayun tumayo na kami at lumapit sa isang tao na alam namin na makakatulong. Tama nga 
kaya? 

 

And ayun 18 roses na. Nagsimula na yung dance at ang pagbibigay ng rose kay Mary. Tawa ng 
tawa si Mary minsan naman ay sincere yung usapan nung kapartner niya tas tatawa sila. 

 

And when pang 18 na, nakatalikod kasi si Mary nun kasi tinignan niya yung slide show sa may 
harap at nung humarap na siya she was surprised to see him in front of her. 

 

Aalis na siya dapat pero she stayed, halatang gulat at naiinis yung expression niya and there.s a 
little of pain. 

 

But they dance and they were talking…. 

 

It.s her debut so why not help her move on right? 

 

And then nagulat kami kasi yung mga hawak ni Mary na roses ay bigla nalang nahulog at 
napahiwalay siya shock was all over her face. 

 

What happened….. 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 


It.s my birthday at masaya naman ako. It.s what I.ve been wishing since I was a kid, to have a 
grand debut. I just hope everything would be perfect. 

 

I.m quite happy with my life right now, stress free, tear free. 

 

Medyo nakakapagod din pala ang maging isang debutante dahil kailangan mong i-entertain 
yung mga bisita mo, at ayun ang ginawa namin nila mama at Gab well except pag kailangan 
ako sa harap sympre. 

 

Nakakatuwa nga yung sa 18 candles eh, nakakakilig si Gab at Love, pero sympre haggang kay 
Love lang dapat ang tuksuhan about kay Gab bawal na sa iba kaya nag react na ako. 

 

Anyway 18 roses na at malapit na din matapos tong debut ko dahil pinadulo talaga ni mama 
ang roses ewan ko kung bakit. So ayun nagsasayaw lang ako kasama ang mga napili kong 18 
roses. 

 

Eto ngayon kasayaw ko si Harry, natutuwa ako kasi naging friends kami nitong lalaking to kahit 
pa may nangyari between me and his twin okay padin kaming dalawa. 

 

.Ang ganda natin ah.. Biro ni Harry sa akin. 

 

.Sympre naman. Enjoy ba?. tanong ko sa kanya. 

 

.Ou naman. Tawa nga kami ng tawa nila Jewel eh. Ang kulit ng mama mo, papalapa daw si 
James.. Sabay tawa niya. 

 

Nakakahiya kaya si mama kanina sus ang daming sinabi, basta nakakainis din si James 
akbayan daw ba ako. Sheez. .Hahaha ikaw din papalapa ko pag niloko mo si Camille.. I joked. 

 


After him madami pang iba kaya sayaw sayaw lang. And then nung mag 18 roses na, tumingin 
muna ako sa may screen ang cute kasi nung mga slideshow na ginawa and humarap na ako 
kasi naramdaman ko na may humawak na sa may braso ko. 

 

But to my surprise I saw not my dashing escort but the man who broke my heart into pieces 
standing in front of me holding a rose. Aalis na dapat ako kasi ayaw kong makasayaw siya, I 
don.t even like him being here pero napilit ako. 

 

.Nakakahiya kapag hindi ka sumayaw.. He told me. 

 

I placed my hands in his neck ang sarap sakalin, siya naman ay nasa may waist ko yung kamay, 
tahimik lang kami naiinis kasi ako sa kanya. Asan ba si Gab? 

 

Hindi ako makatingin sa kanya kasi nasasaktan parin ako kahit anong tago ko sa 
nararamdaman ko, mahal ko parin itong lalaking nanakit sa akin. 

 

Nakakatuwa nga kasi yung biglang pagpalit nung Out of my league sa Jar of Hearts. Parang 
bagay na bagay ngayon iyon sa amin ni James. 

 

..I know I can't take one more step towards you 

Cause all that's waiting is regret 

And don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore? 

You lost the love I loved the most .. 

 

Napatingin kami ni James dun sa may booth kung saan nagpapatugtog ng mga kanta pero 
walang tao, kaya nagpatuloy lang kami sa pagsasayaw. 

 

.I‘m sorry.. James said na kinagulat ko. 

 


.. I learned to live, half-alive 

And now you want me one more time 

And who do you think you are? 

Runnin' 'round leaving scars 

Collecting your jar of hearts 

And tearing love apart 

You're gonna catch a cold 

From the ice inside your soul 

So don't come back for me 

Who do you think you are? .. 

 

.Ano pang magagawa ng sorry mo? The damage is done.. Mataray na sagot ko. Hindi ko alam 
kung bakit pero to hear him saying his sorry bakit parang lalo akong nasasaktan? 

 

.I‘m really sorry. I didn‘t mean to hurt you. God knows how much I regret cheating on you.. 
James said. Regret? 

 

..I hear you're asking all around 

If I am anywhere to be found 

I have grown too strong 

To ever fall back in your arms.. 

 

.Please Mary give me a chance to correct what I‘ve done.. I was surprised again, correct? Ano 
pang matatama niya kung yung puso ko hirap na hirap kong buoin ulit? 

 


..I've learned to live, half-alive 

Now you want me one more time 

Who do you think you are? 

Runnin' 'round leaving scars 

Collecting your jar of hearts 

And tearing love apart 

You're gonna catch a cold 

From the ice inside your soul 

So don't come back for me 

Who do you think you are?.. 

 

.Why James? Bakit kita bibigyan ng chance ulit? Ano para masaktan mo ulit ako? James 
pagod na akong masaktan. Pagod na akong umiyak. Ou James mahal kita haggang ngayon 
mahal parin kita pero James, takot na ako. Now tell me James bakit? Why are you doing this to 
me?. 

 

..Dear, it took so long 

Just to feel alright 

Remember how to put back 

The light in my eyes 

I wish I had missed 

The first time that we kissed 

'Cause you broke all your promises 

And now you're back you don't get to get me back .. 


 

.Bakit? Because I think I‘m in love with you.. 

 

Nagulat ako, no, hindi ako makapaniwala. Nahulog ko yung mga bulaklak na nasa kamay ko 
at napahiwalay kay James. I looked at him, mahal niya ako? 

 

Pero bakit kahit anong ganda pakinggan nung “I’m in love with you.” bakit parang mahirap 
paniwalaan? Bakit parang masakit parin? 

 

..Who do you think you are? 

Runnin' 'round leaving scars 

Collecting your jar of hearts 

And tearing love apart 

You're gonna catch a cold 

From the ice inside your soul 

So don't come back for me 

Don't come back at all 

And who do you think you are? 

Runnin' 'round leaving scars 

Collecting your jar of hearts 

And tearing love apart.. 

 

Nakatingin lang kami sa isa.t isa habang yung kanta ay patuloy parin sa pagtugtog. I was 
speechless, eto na ba yung araw na pinakahihintay ko dati? Ang araw na natutunan akong 
mahalin ni James? 

 


He then pulled me closer to him, para kaming magkayap, nakatingin lang talaga kami sa isa.t 
isa. His eyes were saying something I can.t understand, and I.m sure my eyes were asking him if I 
should believe him or not. 

 

.What did you just say?. I asked him. 

 

.Hindi ko alam pero Mary, ayaw kitang nakikitang kasama nung Gabriel na yun, naiinis ako, 
nagagalit, nagseselos, every time I close my eyes, ikaw na umiiyak yung nakikita ko at 
nasasaktan ako kasi alam kong ako yung dahilan kung bakit ka umiiyak. Kung bakit 
nasasaktan ka. Please come back to me.. 

 

And when I was about to say something, may kamay na humawak sa may braso ko at hinila 
ako palayo kay James, and it was Gab, nagkatinginan sila ni James. Nagtatalo yung mga tingin 
nila. 

 

.Palagay ko tapos na yung kanta.. Sabi ni Gab na nakatingin parin ng masama kay James. 

 

 Hindi ko na naiintindihan ang mga nangyayari, kasi ngayon si James at Gab ay masama ang 
tingin sa isa.t isa. Para bang ayaw magpatalo. 

 

.So?. sagot naman ni James kay Gab .Naguusap pa kami.. 

 

.We only agreed for one song. Tapos na kaya makakaalis ka na.. sabi ni Gab, so siya pala ang 
may kagagawan kung bakit ako sinayaw ni James. Should I be thankful or mad at him? 

 

Hindi ko alam kasi gustong gusto kong bumalik kay James, I mean I want to be with him so badly 
kasi mahal ko siya kaso puno na ng takot yung puso ko, takot na baka masaktan ulit ako, takot 
na mawala ulit si Gab pag si James ang pinili ko ulit. 

 

And then nagulat kami kasi sa harap ay may nagplay, it was not the slideshow parang video 
ata? May surprise pa sila sa akin? 

 


Blue yung nakikita namin, pero kahit blue yun nagulat ako sa boses na narinig ko. 

 

“Happy Birthday couz.” 

 

And as if on cue, nasa screen yung babae na reason kung bakit hindi ako kayang mahalin ng 
taong sinaktan ako, yung babaeng sobrang kong pinagkatiwalaan. 

 

I looked around at lahat ng may kakilala sa kanya at nagsitayuan na gulat na gulat sila sa nasa 
harap namin ngayon. 

 

.Happy birthday couz. And hi to all of the guests Mary invited for her birthday. It‘s been what? 9 
months since I‘ve left. Hey I have a good news for you, my memories back and the first thing I 
want to say to you is I‘m so sorry. I‘m sorry for the things I‘ve done to hurt you, I‘ve regretted 
everything and I guess my memories were the price for everything right? Anyway, I‘m really 
sorry. I‘ve missed you and happy birthday again.. 

 

Napabitaw si James sa pagkahawak niya sa isa kong kamay pero si Gab nakahawak parin, 
James kept looking on the screen. Serious na serious siya. 

 

.I‘m happy here. Daddy‘s been helping me a lot so don‘t worry.. She smiled pero hindi abot sa 
mata niya .Good bye.. She waved goodbye. 

 

And then nawala na yung mukha niya ulit. Lahat gulat. 

 

.Amnesia?. bulong bulungan ng iba. 

 

Lumapit na sila Jewel sa amin, kasama din sila Kuya Michael, he was invited sympre lahat sila 
gulat sa balitang nasagap nila. 

 

Si James nakatingin parin siya sa screen, and it pained me to see him like that. 

 


And little by little right now my heart is breaking again. 

 

"Aray. Ano ba masakit!" naiiyak kong sabi... 

//Chapter 13// 

Her Selfish Heart 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

.Aray. Ano ba masakit!.. Naiiyak kong sabi. Hinawakan kasi ako ni James sa braso ng 
napakadiin. Nasasaktan ako. 

 

.Bitaw.. Pagsasabi ni Gab pero nagtinginan lang sila ni James at marihin na tinanggal ni Gab 
yung kamay ni James sa braso ko. 

 

.Do you really like me that much?. napatingin ako kay James .That you would not tell me about 
her?. ang sakit ng sinabi niya. 

 

I have my reasons for not telling everyone, well alam ni Gab kasi siya ang best friend ko at sa 
kanya ko lang nalalabas yung mga hinanakit ko. 

 

.Bakit parte ka ba ng pamilya namin para sabihin ko sayo? Ano ka ba sa buhay ni Alyssa?. I 
snapped, tinignan ko siya ng masama. Alam kong madaming tao ang nakatingin ngayon, 
wala na sira na naman ang debut ko bakit hindi ko nalang ilabas yung nararamdaman ko diba? 
.Ah.. ikaw yung lalaking naghahabol sa kanya diba?. I said very coldly. .Siguro sa kanya 
sasabihin ko.. sabay turo kay Kuya Michael na tulala parin .After all siya yung mahal diba?. I 
smiled at him at dun bigla ng nagbalik si Kuya Michael. 

 

.It was all true.. Sabi ni Kuya Michael .Bakit ko pinaliwalaan na ibang Alyssa yun?. 

 

.Dahil ayun ang sabi ng konsensya mo. Dahil alam mong pag may nangyari sa kanya ikaw ang 
dahilan. I didn‘t want to tell you the truth cause mahalaga ka kay Alyssa and I know she don‘t 


want you to feel guilty of what happened to her kahit pa sabihin natin na you‘re the one to 
blame.. Sabi ko kay Kuya Michael. 

 

.SINABI MO SA KANYA TAS SA AKIN HINDI MO MAN LANG SINABI!?. napasigaw na si James. 

 

.Hindi ko sinabi sa kanya, eh kung sinabi ko edi dapat hindi na siya magugulat. At isa pa ano 
bang magagawa mo pag sinabi ko sayo? Makakaalala ba siya?. I asked him. 

 

.PUPUNTAHAN KO SIYA! DAPAT SINABI MO SA AKIN DAHIL BUONG AKALA KO HINDI NIYA TALAGA 
AKO KINONTAK PERO MALI PALA AKO.. 

 

.When will you ever realize na hindi ka mahal ni Alyssa?. I shouted at him. Nasasaktan na 
talaga ako. All this time si Alyssa parin. Siya parin. Kakasabi lang niya kanina na mahal niya ako 
pero ano to. Nagpakita lang sa screen si Alyssa nakalimutan na niya ako? .And hirap mo din 
intindihin James eh, kanina sabi mo ayaw mo akong nakikitang umiiyak, na nasasaktan, kanina 
you were asking me for another chance pero a minute later nakita mo lang sa screen si Alyssa 
nagbago na ang lahat.. I cried .Why did I ever fall in love with you? I really regret loving you.. I 
said and walked away. 

 

My party is ruined. My heart is torn into pieces. 

 

Jenny‘s Point of View 

 

Sinama ako ni Michael sa debut ng pinsan ni Alyssa. Ok naman yung party. Mga kasama namin 
sa table is yung isang classmate at mga pep. Nung may video si Alyssa, lahat sila nagulat 
kasama na din ako. 

 

She lost her memories daw. Then that means she got into an accident. 

 

Nagsipuntahan yung mga iba sa harap, kasama na din si Michael, pero yung isang pep yung 
may kulay yung buhok JC ata name niya ay tumakbo lang palabas ng venue. Sumama na din 
ako sa harap. 


 

At sa harap pinanuod lang namin magtalo si Mary at yung James. Ewan ko pero naawa ako 
dun sa Mary, hindi kay James dahil masyado siyang maangas for me. 

 

When Mary walked out, nagulat ang lahat dahil si Gabriel biglang sinuntok si James. It was really 
a hard punch kasi napaupo si James sa sahig. 

 

.WALA KANG KARAPATAN NA SAKTAN SI MARY!. he shouted. .WAG NA WAG KA NG LUMAPIT SA 
KANYA.. He yelled again. 

 

Nakabawi si James at nakatayo na siya tas sinuntok din niya si Gabriel, napaatras lang si Gabriel 
at hinawakan yung labi niyang pumutok. Before Gabriel could throw another punch, niyakap 
siya nung isang babae maliit, for what I remember kanina siya si Love. Yung Jewel nakayakap 
na din kay James. 

 

Pinipigilan yung labanan nung dalawa .SINO KA BA SA BUHAY NI MARY PARA SABIHAN AKO NA 
WAG LUMAPIT SA KANYA?. James retorted back. Ang gulo din ni James, kanina galit na galit 
siya kay Mary dahil hindi sinabi sa kanya ni Mary yung about kay Alyssa tas ngayon eto? I don.t 
get him. 

 

.Best friend niya. Ikaw sino ka? Ah yung nangloko sa kanya, yung nakipaghalikan sa seaside? 
Ikaw yun diba?. sabi naman ni Gabriel mapanginis na tono. Grabe he cheated? What a jerk. 

 

.Tama na. Can‘t you see people are already looking?. Kambal siguro ni James kasi 
magkamukha sila .At ano ba ang kinakagalit mo James? Una kay Mary nagsisigaw at sinaktan 
mo pa dahil ano hindi niya sinabi sayo na naaksidente yung pinsan niya? Hindi mo ba naisip na 
hindi ka kapamilya kaya hindi sinabi sayo? Sa tingin mo ba sinabi din sa amin? James magisip 
ka nga. Tas ngayon nakikipagsuntukan ka kay Gabriel kasi sinabihan ka na wag lumapit kay 
Mary? Ano ba talaga James? Get your mind straight before doing anything stupid.. Pangaral 
niya sa kambal niya. Naiinis na siya halata naman kaya nilapitan siya ni Jewel at pinakalma. 

 

.We didn‘t know too James. Walang sinabihan si Mary nun well maybe…. sabi ni Jewel at 
tumingin kay Gabriel. From what I can relate to, best friends si Gabriel at Mary at super close din 
sa family so maybe alam niya. 


 

.Of course I knew. I‘m part of their family.. Nakangiti na sabi ni Gabriel, kalmado na siya at yung 
tono niya mapangasar 

 

.Kailan ka pa naging parte ng pamilya nila?. inis na tanong ni James. 

 

.When you started hurting Mary. That was last December I think.. Sabi ni Gabriel. Gumalaw na 
siya at inayos yung tux niya .I have to go, Mary‘s waiting for md. He said at naglakad na siya 
palayo. Obviously mahal niya si Mary. 

 

.Aalis na din ako.. Sabi ni Michael at nagsimulang tumakbo 

 

.Bes.. I called at tumakbo na din ako, nakarating kami sa may seaside. .Bes.. Pagtawag ko sa 
kanya. 

 

Lumingon siya sa akin at nakita ko ang mga luha .Si Alyssa bes.. Lumapit ako sa kanya at 
niyakap ko lang siya, nasasaktan siya ngayon ganun din ako dahil mahal ko siya pero mahal 
parin niya si Alyssa. 

 

.Habang ako nagpapakasaya dito, naghihirap siya dun.. He said. .All along nasa isip ko, 
nakamove on na siya, wala na akong chance sa kanya. Sobrang sakit.. He cried. 

 

Ou sobrang sakit kasi mahal ka pa niya eh, halata din yun kanina eh. At mahal mo pa siya bes. 
Sino nga ba ako? Pinilit ko lang naman ang sarili ko eh. 

 

.I‘m going to find her.. He said nang nilayo niya ako sa kanya, natigilan ako, hahanapin niya si 
Alyssa, pupuntahan niya si Alyssa at maiiwan ako dito. Nakatayo lang ako at siya naman ay 
kinuha yung cellphone niya hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. 

 

.Hindi mo ba naisip na ayos na ang buhay niya dun?. nababa niya yung phone niya at 
tumingin lang sa akin. .Ayos na daw siya diba? She can smile na bes.. Even though Alyssa.s 
smile in the video is not that cheerful, you can see pain but I opted not to point that out to make 


him stay. .She‘s slowly moving forward, ikaw bes kalian mo kaya bibitawan si Alyssa?. I asked 
him, I know it.s sounds harsh but I can.t let him find her at maiwan ako. 

 

.Pag binitawan ko siya para na ding sinabihan mo ang puso ko na wag ng tumibok pa.. 
naglakad siya ng kunti .Hindi ko kayang patayin ang sarili kong puso Jen.. Lumingon siya ulit sa 
akin at tumalikod na ulit at nagstart ng mag dial. 

 

Tumakbo ako sa kanya at niyakap siya mula sa likod niya. .Please bes, don't go. Wag mo akong 
iwan, hindi ko kaya bes. Kailangan kita.. Iyak ko sakanya. 

 

Hindi ko kayang mawala sa buhay ko si Michael, dahil alam kong once na magkita na sila ni 
Alyssa, wala na talaga ako. Hindi na niya ako muling titignan. 

 

Dahan dahan niyang inalis ang mga kamay kong nakayap sa kanya at nilingon ako .Mas 
kailangan niya ako Jen.. 

 

.Mahal kita, hindi pa ba sapat yun bes!? Ikaw ang mahal ko! Nandito naman ako bes eh, 
please ako nalang.. I sound so desperate for him but I do love him so much, I don.t know what 
to do without him. 

 

Natigilan siya sa sinabi ko, medyo lumayo siya ng kunti at tinignan niya muli ako. .Mahal ko si 
Alyssa bes, siya lang.. I know, I know na mahal mo siya. Pero ayokong mawala ka din sa akin 
Michael. 

 

Alyssa already got his heart kaya sana naman kahit yung presence lang ni Michael nasa akin, 
na sa akin yung atensyon niya. 

 

Kailangan ko na ata gamitin yung isang bagay na ayaw kong gamitin dahil pangdesperada 
lang naman yun eh pero desperada na ata ako ngayon pati yun gagamitin ko para maangkin 
ko siya? Ganito ko ba siya kamahal na gagamitin ko yung isang bagay na tinatago ko sa lahat? 

 

Tama hindi ko talaga kayang mawala si Michael sa buhay ko. Pero tama bang sabihin sa kanya 
iyon. Nakita ko naman si Michael may kausap na ulit sa phone at medyo malayo na sa akin. 


 

Pero rinig ko parin siya, he was begging for her aunt na siya na ang mag-oojt sa California. May 
OJT kasi ang mga third years sa ibang bansa kunti lang yung pinipili dahil mahal nga naman. 

 

Pag pumayag yung tita niya meaning aalis siya. 

 

Hindi siya pwedeng mawala sa tabi ko. Ok na kahit hindi na niya ako mahalin basta ba nasa 
tabi ko siya ayos na. Basta nandiyan lang siya sa tabi ko habang lumalaban ako. 

 

.I‘m dying Michael.. I said. 

 

He looked at me at nababa niya yung phone na kanina ay nasa tenga niya, naglakad siya 
palapit sa akin while his eyes were glued to mine. 

 

Awa. Ayan yung nakikita ko ngayon sa mata ni Michael. That word makes me want to puke, but 
in the end, dito rin hahantong ang lahat, ang panahon na sasabihin ko sa kanya ang totoo 
para lang hindi siya umalis sa tabi ko. 

 

Ang huli kong alas. 

 

.What….anong ibig….mong sabihin Jen?. he asked me nang makalapit na siya sa akin. 

 

Tinignan ko muli ang kanyang mga mata. I weakly smiled at him .My heart is failing and soon 
enough it will stop beating.. I have a heart disorder, bata palang ako may sakit na ako sa puso, 
pero naaagapan naman ito ng mga gamot, but as I grow old, my heart is starting to weaken. 

 

This is my only ace right now, to make him stay I must tell him, I must allow him to pity me. 

 

.Kunting panahon nalang naman bes yung hinihintay ko kaya pwede bang habang hinihintay 
ko yung kamatayan ko nasa tabi kita?. I asked, I.m dying anyway so what.s the use right? 


 

Niyakap niya ako bigla, sobrang higpit .Wag kang magsalita ng ganyan. Hindi ka mamamatay. 
Hindi ako aalis so pwede bang lumaban ka?. 

 

I thought so, he will never leave me kasi alam niyang mamamatay ako, mas kailangan ko kasi 
siya Alyssa, mas kailangan ko siya, selfish ako. 

 

Sino nga ba naman ang hindi nagiging selfish pagdating sa pagibig? Yeah right si Alyssa. 

 

But I.m not like her, I.m selfish gagawin ko ang lahat para nasa tabi ko si Michael. 

 

I just want to be happy with the man I love while I.m still breathing. It all takes one-step to be 
happy sometimes and that is to become selfish. Don.t let anyone take the one you love away, 
being selfish will make you happy. 

//Chapter 14// 

The Encounter 

It has been a long time since he decided to go and look for her, he didn.t know what he was 
thinking that moment but as soon as he heard her voice, he can.t keep calm and so he ran 
away from everything just to find her. 

 

To see her smile once more. 

 

Going to an unknown city, a city where it.s so populated with people. It wasn.t easy getting 
back to his own feet, for his first months here were hell, he didn.t have the money nor a shelter to 
rest on. He didn't have the luxury to go to an expensive hotel, and so for his first months, he 
decided to do part-time works. Works that he haven.t experienced for his entire life, after all he 
was a rich kid back home, but he did runaway and his parents were not really looking for him, 
cause if they were then they would have found him already but clearly it wasn.t the case. No 
one is looking for him. 

 


While he did all sorts of part-time works, like being a mailroom man, newspaper boy, a mailer 
and all sorts of works, he still was looking for her. For a city this big he didn.t really know where to 
start looking, he didn't even know if he was in the right city. But this city is his only clue to find her. 

 

His first few months made him independent on his own way; he worked hard for the money he 
earned during part time works. It was hell alright, he didn.t get enough sleep, a fine bed to sleep 
on and he haven.t found her yet. 

 

Money was tight. 

 

That was until, his parents send men to look for him, and when they did, he thought he was 
being kidnapped by black men in suits, he thought that the men in black were agents, but he 
thought wrong, he was brought to a five-star hotel where he first wanted to stay but couldn.t 
afford the luxury. 

 

And there he met his parents, looking at his parents he felt relieved once again. But at the same 
time scared of going back home, he can.t go back until he finds her. 

 

When parents noticed his arrival, his father got up and welcomed him with a punched. Who 
wouldn.t? He left home without even informing them, they spent weeks searching for him and 
now they have found out that he was looking for a girl. 

 

They wanted him to go back home, but he pleaded and pleaded and so they agreed to let him 
stay, to let him go look for the girl, but he have to study again, of course he left his studies 
hanging too back home. It was right to study. 

 

And so he didn.t have to do part time jobs because once again he was a rich kid again. They 
let him stay in a penthouse suite in the hotel, and he can once again use his credit cards. 

 

Still he haven.t found her. 

 

Months after, he started going to the most exclusive university in the city, it was the first day of 
the new semester. 


 

While he was looking out in the window, he saw the girl he was looking for but that was only for a 
second cause when he closed his eyes, she was gone. .Stop the car.. He ordered. 

 

And when he stepped out of the car, he immediately looked for her, he was losing hope, 
believing it was only his imagination but it feels weird, it feels real. But at the same time it feels like 
a dream, cause she wasn.t smiling, it wasn.t the cheerful girl he met back home. 

 

And when he was about to go back to the car, he bumped into someone, coffee splashed all 
over his clothes. .Hot…hot…hot... he exclaimed, it was hot, of course it was a hot coffee, and 
the hot liquid got over his skin. 

 

.I‘m sorry.. And like that his world stopped. 

 

He slowly turn his head up to see the person who he just bumped in, and he immediately locked 
her into his arms. He has found her. After all months of looking, he finally found her. 

 

He pulled away even if he didn't really want to, he just want to see her face, to see her once 
more, to confirm that it really is her. .Ysa.. He called her 

 

The girl looked at him, shocked was all over her face, .Conrad.. Her voice was still the voice of 
an angel. It haven.t changed. But one thing did change about her, her cheerful side was no 
longer there, it was an emotionless facade. 

 

His search is finally over. 

 

He learned that she is also studying at the same university and she was getting her coffee before 
going to school. They did a lot of catching up and they didn.t even notice that they didn.t go to 
school. 

 

Finally he can rest. 


 

They have gotten closer by each day passes, and as each day pass he haven.t seen her smile 
again, the genuine smile he fell for. 

 

She still had her nightmares and so he helped her, for now that is the only thing he can do, help 
her get over her nightmares. 

 

He met her parents and they were glad that he.s around, she became emotionless since then, 
and also she didn.t care about the world anymore. It was hard for her parents to see their 
daughter like that, it was as if she was waiting for her death to come, she didn.t have the will to 
live anymore. 

 

She also met his parents, at first his parents didn.t like her cause she was the main reason why he 
left home but when they saw her, they understood why he must left and look for her, because as 
his mom told him “It was right for you to look for her because all this time she has been asking for 
help.” That was his mom told him, that from the start she just want to be found. 

 

His mom told him to stay by her side, to help her gain back herself because she.s still living with 
her emotionless facade. 

 

They understood her pretty clearly. And they grew to love her as their own daughter. 

 

It was hard but he never left. He stayed not because he pitied her but because he loved her 
and he will do everything just to see her smile once more. 

 

And all the hard work paid off, because slowly her emotionless facade is coming off and the 
angelic cold voice of hers is starting to be just the angelic voice. She smiles but not all time. 

 

Their hard work paid off, because she.s back to her old self, but her nightmares are still there. 

 

How long has it been since he left home to look for her? 


 

How long has it been since her nightmares started? 

 

In his journey of finding her, he will never forget their first encounter. And he swears that once 
she.s back to her own feet, once she can love again, he won.t miss that chance once again. 

 

He won.t let her go this time. 

End of Part One 

//Chapter 15// 

Another Two Years 

Gabriel‘s Point of View 

 

Two years ago, a girl named Alyssa left the country and since she left, I met the brokenhearted 
girl whom I fell in love deeply. The girl who has been in my heart since then, the girl I wanted to 
heal. 

 

For two years, many had happened. May nanakit, nasaktan at may hinihilom ang sugat ng 
nasaktan. Madaming nagbago pero ang nararamdaman ko para kay Mary ay ganun parin 
kahit pa mahal parin niya ang lalaking nanakit sa kanya. 

 

I stayed as her best friend. 

 

I will always be grateful to Alyssa dahil sa kanya nakilala ko na ang babaeng mamahalin ko 
habang buhay, kaya I.ve decided to let my feelings known. Mahal ko siya at handa akong 
ipaglaban ang nararamdaman ko para sa kanya, siya nalang naman ang hindi nakakaalam 
na mahal ko siya eh. 

 

Graduate na ako at nagtratrabaho na ako sa Accenture, while working I.m currently doing my 
masters. 


 

Si Mary naman ay third year college na with double major. Since the incident nung debut ni 
Mary, hindi na niya nakausap pa si James, galit na galit ito kay James yet she still loves him. Pero 
mas naging close pa kami ni Mary at lalo na sa pamilya niya. Tinuturing na din akong isang anak 
ng mama niya. 

 

Masaya ako kasi unti unti nakakapag-move on na siya, unti unti nakakalimutan na niya yung 
nararamdaman niya para kay James. 

 

Biglang nagring yung phone ko kaya pinarada ko muna yung kotse ko sa gilid ng daan, better 
be safe than sorry right? 

 

Mary calling…. 

 

Speaking of the angel nga naman, tumatawag na siya. .Hello.. I greeted with a smile on my 
face, kahit pa hindi ko siya nakikita masaya akong lagi ko siyang nakakausap. 

 

(.Just finished my thesis!.) she said na parang tuwang tuwa. May thesis kasi sila at dati pa nga 
yun nasabi sa kanila kaso naman laging binubukas. Ewan ko ba diyan pero kahit ganyan siya 
mahal ko parin siya. (.Tapos ko na, kaya yung promise mo ah..) she said, sinabi ko kasi sa kanya 
dati na pag ginawa na niya yung thesis niya, ipagshoshopping ko siya at kakain kami sa 
restaurant na gusto niya at libre ko. 

 

Pero ewan ko din ah, kasi naman lagi naman siyang libre pagdating sa akin eh. Ubos lagi ang 
pera ko pero ayos lang basta.t kasama ko siya. 

 

.Sympre. Sunduin kita mamaya ah.. I guaranteed her, this is the right time to confess to her. 
Kaya sasabihin ko na mamaya sa kanya yung nararamdaman ko, I will risk our friendship kahit 
pa natatakot akong mawala siya bigla sa akin. I need to man up. 

 

(.Sige 5 ang uwi ko..) she said, feeling ko nakangiti siya ngayon. Sana nga. (.Ah Gab, 
remember my tito who works at JP?.) she suddenly asked. Mary.s family is quite well off, 
mayayaman at maimpluwensya ang mga ito. 


 

.Yeah.. I answered her. Medyo nagulat pa kasi ako, why would she talk about her tito na 
nagtratrabaho as the senior VP ng JP? 

 

(.I told tito na hindi mo gusto ang work environment ng Accenture and sabi ni tito there‘s an 
opening sa IT department nila so kung payag ka daw he would recommend the job to you..) 
she explained. 

 

Well yeah hindi ko talaga gusto ang work environment sa Accenture at I would rather work at JP 
dahil as far as I know, it.s one of the leading bank in the US diba? But still to parachute my way, 
parang hindi naman ata fair. 

 

(.I know iniisip mo na you got the job through a back door access pero it‘s not like that Gab. 
Talagang may opening at they‘re really hiring, they‘ve even posted it. Tito would just give you a 
good recommendation, isa pa I‘m sure madami din ibang magbabalak pumasok through the 
back door right?.) clearly alam ni Mary ang iniisip ko, kaya mahal ko siya eh, kasi alam niya 
kung kalian ako nakakaramdaman ng uneasiness. 

 

(.So resign from Accenture and submit your resume in JP, I will give you tito‘s recommendation 
letter later..) 

 

.Thanks Mary.. I told her with full sincerity. .Talagang mahal mo ako na ikaw pa ang 
naghahanap ng trabaho ko.. I joked kahit gusto ko na totoo nalang na ako ang mahal niya 

 

And she laughed (.Of course. Kung sa JP ka, mas malaki ang sahod mo mas madami kang 
malilibre sa akin diba?.) she said. (.And I just want what‘s best for my best friend..) 

 

Yeah right I forgot. 

 

Best friend. 

 

2 years and I.m still her best friend. 


 

Jewel‘s Point of View 

 

Two years na palang nakalipas simula nang umalis si Alyssa at simula nun hindi na namin siya 
nakita except sa video nung debut ni Mary, no matter what I think sometimes I feel she.s like an 
antagonist in Mary.s life. 

 

Masama bang isipin na ganun? Yeah I.m her friend pero mas kaibigan ko si Mary, mas 
mahalaga siya sa akin. Bakit ko naiisip na kontrabida si Alyssa kay Mary? Isa lang naman, why 
would she show herself in a video saying she just got back her memories? No matter how much I 
think about it, it.s really weird. 

 

Alam niyang it will be used on Mary.s debut, she could have just said happy birthday pero bakit 
kailangan sabihin yung nawalan siya ng memorya? I.m sure alam niyang hindi pinagkalat ang 
nangyari sa kanya. 

 

Ewan ko kung paranoid lang ako. Pero because of her mas nasaktan si Mary, napahiya siya, 
nasira yung debut niya na pinaghandaan niya talaga, yung araw na dapat masaya si Mary 
naging isang bangungot. 

 

I think Alyssa planned it all. Yung video na nagsasabi na may amnesia siya dati, she perfectly 
knew that everyone will see that, alam na alam niya na may possibility na pumunta si Kuya 
Michael at sila James. 

 

And because of that video, mas nagulo yung buhay namin, Harry stopped talking to James 
because of what happened. Siguro nga dumagdag lang yung nangyari sa mga kasalanan ni 
James kaya ganun. 

 

Si James, has been wondering what he really feels. Nagulo yung pagiisip niya pati ang puso niya. 
We also stopped talking to him sympre, siya yung pinakananakit kay Mary nun, pero he begged 
for our forgiveness. 

 


Si Mary, she was hurt sympre, sinabihan siya na bigyan pa niya ng isang chance pero isang kita 
nga lang sa mukha ni Alyssa nagkakaganun na si James. Masakit nga siguro. She never talked 
with James after that incident. 

 

Enough about what happened during Mary.s debut. 

 

As for me? Eto single but not available parin ang drama ko. Mahal na mahal ko parin si Harry, 
ang tagal na din pala nila ni Camille pero eto ako minamahal parin siya. Masakit man pero 
nakaya kong magparaya, ganun naman kasi pag one sided love diba? Ikaw yung 
magpaparaya? Masaya naman sila eh kaya ok na ako dun. 

 

Andito ako ngayon sa apartment namin nila Mary at Love we decided kasi na sama sama kami 
sa isang bahay wala lang para matuto kami maging independent at para malapit lang kami sa 
school busy na din kasi kami eh. Medyo malaki nga yung apartment kasi three rooms kaya lahat 
kami may sariling room. Ang saya pala tumira sa isang bahay kasama yung mga kaibigan mo 
magulo nga lang pero masaya. 

 

Nagaayos ako ng gamit ko, si Mary nasa kwarto niya tinatapos niya yung thesis niya, ako 
naman au eto nagaayos din ng gamit tapos ko na kasi thesis ko eh yes si Mary kasi tamad 
masyado kaya laging bukas nalang daw niya gagawin ganun hahaha. Buti nga sinabihan siya 
ni Gabriel na tapusin na niya takot kay Gabriel eh. 

 

Ruben Garcia calling…. 

 

Hinawakan ko lang yung phone ko habang nakatitig sa screen, tumatawag si Ruben, ewan ko 
ba pero just last week umamin na naman siya sa akin, kahit ilang beses ko na siyang 
tinanggihan, nakakakilig mang isipin na halos dalawang taon na akong hinahabol ni Ruben 
kaso wala eh, mahal ko si Harry (Ang haba lang ng buhok ko kasi ako pa ang hinahabol ng 
isang Ruben Garcia). 

 

Ewan ko pero kahit pa laging umaamin si Ruben we stayed close. Siguro nga mahaba ang 
buhok ko kasi naman pati si Patrick yung dati ko din na crush hinahabol din ako, pero bakit 
ganun yung lalaking gusto kong habulin ako hindi man lang ako hinahabol. 

 


Sinagot ko yung tawag ni Ruben .Hello?. 

 

(.Jewel busy ka?.) he asked. 

 

.Hindi naman bakit?. I told him. 

 

(.Gusto mong mag lunch?.) bigla niyang pagaaya. 

 

Hindi ko siya matanggihan kasi naman, naalala ko yung panahon na sakanya ako sumandal 
nung napapagod akong mahalin si Harry, nung mga panahon na sobra akong nasasaktan. 

 

.Ok lang.. 

 

(.Yes!.) sigaw niya sa kabilang linya (.Akala ko tatanggi ka, kagaya nung ginawa mo dun kay 
Patrick..) sabi niya, eh kaya ko lang naman tinanggihan si Patrick kasi hindi naman kami close 
nun medyo, sa chat lang. Magka-kilala pala si Patrick at Ruben dahil sa drama guild. 

 

I chuckled. .Kita nalang tayo sa school.. Sabi ko at binaba ko na yung phone ko at nagayos ulit. 

 

Nagulat nalang ako dahil biglang pumasok si Mary sa kwarto ko .May date ka?. she asked tas 
biglang nahiga sa kama ko with her arms and legs widely spread .Hayyy sa wakas natapos na 
din.. 

 

.Tapos mo na?. I asked with disbelief. 

 

.Yup. May dinner kami mamaya ni Gab kasi tapos ko na.. she said .So may date ka?. 

 

.Lunch lang with Ruben.. Pag aamin ko. 

 


Bigla siyang napaupo sa kama .Hay naku hindi naman pala romantic si Ruben.. Sabi niya 
sabay tawa .Dapat dinner para romantic. Tsk.. She said at naglakad na palabas. 

 

.Edi si Gabriel pala romantic?. I asked, minsan iniisip ko napaka-dense ni Mary dahil haggang 
ngayon siya nalang ang walang alam na may gusto sa kanya si Gabriel. Hay buhay. 

 

.Sympre.. Sabi niya at tumingin pa siya sa akin sabay wink .Diba Love napaka-romantic ni 
Gab?. bigla niyang tanong kay Love na nasa living room lang. 

 

.Ou naman.. Nag agree na ang dalawa, basta.t pagdating kay Gabriel, magkasundo ang 
dalawa, bilib nga din ako kay Love dahil mas pinili niya si Mary. 

 

Umalis na din kami after magayos nung dalawa, malapit lang yung bahay namin sa university 
kaya kahit tagalan namin hindi kami malelate. Pagkadating namin sa school humiwalay agad 
sila sa akin dahil magbo-boy hunting pa daw sila. 

 

Ako naman hinintay ko pa si Ruben. Nang dumating siya nagsimula na kaming pumunta sa SM 
para kumain sa yellow cab gusto ko kasi ng pizza at nagsasawa na ako sa pizza hut. 

 

Nagkukwentuhan lang kami ni Ruben habang papunta sa yellow cab, at sa kamalasan nga 
naman, nakita ko sila Harry at Camille patungo sa direksyon namin ni Ruben. 

 

Biglang kumapit si Camille sa braso ni Harry, yung nakapalupot talaga akala mo may 
mangaagaw sa boyfriend niya. Nakita na niya nga ata ako eh, lumapit lang sila sa amin, 
nakatingin sa akin si Harry kaya ngumiti ako. 

 

Naramdaman kong may humawak sa kamay ko at tinignan ko kung sino, si Ruben. Ngumiti lang 
ito sa akin. Kiala niya si Harry bilang yung lalaking pinakamamahal ko. 

 

Nang makalapit na sila, nakapalupot parin si Camille kay Harry .Hi Jewel.. Pagbati niya sa akin. 
Napansin ko naman na nakatingin si Harry kay Ruben. 

 


.Hi Camille and Harry.. Pagbati ko .Si Ruben nga pala.. Pakilala ko na din dahil hindi naman 
ata nila kilala si Ruben .Bakit kayo andito?. tinanong ko si Camille. 

 

.Ah si Harry kasi gusto niya mag lunch date kami.. She said at ngumiti siya, minsan nakakainis 
yung ngiti niya kasi yung ngiti niya parang sinasabi na ako yung pinili ni Harry, akin siya ako ang 
mahal niya parang ganun. .Eh kayo?. 

 

.I asked her for a date.. Biglang sabi ni Ruben without even breaking his eye contact with Harry 
na ganun din. 

 

.Boyfriend ka na ni Jewel?. biglang tanong ni Camille, at sa sinabi niya nagbreak yung eye 
contact ni Harry kay Ruben dahil napatingin naman ito sa akin. 

 

.Hindi pa.. 

 

Gamit yung right kong kamay hinawakan ko sa braso si Ruben para sabihin sa kanya na mali 
yung sinabi niya, kasi naman bakit may PA pa? Pwede naman kasing hindi bakit kailangan may 
PA? 

 

.Nangliligaw ka kay Jewel?. Harry suddenly asked, ang cold ng boses niya. 

 

.Ou mahal ko siya eh.. Sagot naman ni Ruben. Hay patay talaga to sa akin mamaya. Tumingin 
ulit sa akin si Harry, ang cold nung tingin niya pero bakit naman diba? Hay buhay… 

 

.Ruben gutom na ako.. Sabi ko kay Ruben na tumingin naman sa akin at ngumiti siya, kung 
hindi ko lang mahal si Harry baka nahulog na ako kay Ruben, ngiti palang ulam na. 

 

.Ok.. Ayun lang yung sinabi niya. 

 

.Sige Camille, Harry enjoy the date.. Sabi ko at dinaanan na namin sila kasi sa di kalayuan lang 
yung yellow cab. 


 

.Wait. Tutal maglu-lunch na din kami, sama sama nalang tayo.. Bigla naman kaming 
napalingon ulit kayla Camille. Lunch with them? No way! 

 

.Wag na Camille, nakaka-istorbo lang tayo.. Sabi naman ni Harry, baka naman kami yung 
istorbo diba? 

 

.No, join us.. nagulat naman ako kasi si Ruben bakit siya pumayag? 

 

.Wag na. Ayaw ni Harry sa pizza Ruben.. Nakakailang kasing makasama sila Harry. Ang sakit 
lang sa mata at puso. .Mas maganda kung tayo nalang Ruben.. I said. 

 

.Ano ka. Mahilig kaya ako sa pizza.. Nagulat naman ako, parang kanina lang ayaw niya ah? 
Ano ba talaga? .Tara na.. 

 

.Wag na kasi.. I said unconsciously, hindi ko naman talaga dapat sasabihin yan kasi nakakahiya 
diba? 

 

.Bakit ba ayaw mo Jewel?. yung boses ni Camille parang napakataray lang. 

 

.Nakakailang kasi.. Sagot ko. Ano ba yan, nasabi ko na naman ang hindi dapat sabihin. Dahil 
sa sinabi kong yan their eyes were on me. 

 

.Bakit naman nakakailang?. Camille asked me as she smiled deviously ewan ko pero 
nakakataas balahibo nung boses at ngiti niyang iyon. 

//Chapter 16// 

When he held my hand 

Jewel‘s Point of View 

 


Bakit nakakailang? Kasi yung mahal ko kasama yung mahal niya at nakikita ko kung gaano sila 
kasaya at eto ako mukhang tanga nagpapanggap na masaya kahit hindi naman. 
Nagpapanggap na ayos lang ako kahit ang totoo ay hindi. Dahil sobrang sakit. 

 

Tinignan ko si Camille, naka-ngiti parin siya, yung feeling na alam niyang may masasabi akong 
mali. Bakit nga ba ganito si Camille ngayon? .Date niyo ni Harry tapos parang third wheel lang 
kami.. I smiled. 

 

.Wag ka ng mailang ayos lang talaga.. Sagot ni Harry, naka-ngiti siya pero yung ngiti niya 
parang ewan ko parang katulad nung kay Camille ang pinagkaiba lang ng ngiti nila ay si 
Camille akala mo may binabalak eto naman alam mo ng may binabalak. 

 

So eto kami ngayong apat nasa Yellow Cab, umupo muna kaming apat, katabi ko sympre si 
Ruben at katapat ko naman si Harry. Tumayo na si Ruben at nginitian ako kaya nginitian ko din 
siya .Anong gusto mo?. he asked me. 

 

Magsasalita na sana ako kaso si Harry biglang tumayo at nagsalita .It‘s on me.. Sabi lang niya 
at nagpunta na siya sa counter sumama naman si Camille sa kanya. 

 

Kaya umupo ulit si Ruben, dahil kaming dalawa nalang pinalo ko siya sa braso niya. .What?. he 
asked na natatawa pa siya. 

 

Pinalo ko ulit siya at tumawa lang siya .Bakit kasi pumayag ka! Epal ka.. Sabi ko sa kanya tas 
sumandal ako sa braso niya at pinagpapalo lang siya sa likod. .Mamatay ako dito Ruben.. 

 

.Hindi naman nakakamatay ang selos ata eh kasi kung nakakamatay edi dapat matagal na 
akong patay.. He joked .Trust me on this one. Papayag ba akong masaktan ang 
pinakamamahal ko?. umalis ako sa pagkasandal sa kanya at tinignan ko siya seryoso yung 
mukha niya. 

 

Ruben.s been kind to me. At I know na totoo yung pagmamahal niya sa akin, pero ayoko 
siyang masaktan kaya hindi ko matanggap. It.s an honor to be the girl Ruben Garcia is in love 
with. 

 


.Ano na naman ang plano mo Ruben?. tinanong ko siya. Minsan kasi si Ruben may 
pagkamakulit din at yung parang loko loko, gagawa ng kalokohan. 

 

Before he could answer me dumating na sila Camille at Harry, umupo sila at binigay yung mga 
drinks namin. Nag thank you ako at ganun din si Ruben dahil pinilit ko siya. Nagusap usap lang 
kami, or si Camille at Ruben, dahil nga part si Ruben sa dramatic guild. 

 

.Sabi nila ikaw daw yung screen writer nung =What I did for love’?. tanong ni Camille, may play 
kasi dati sila Ruben at required sa course niya na mag sulat ng screenplay at ayun nagsulat siya 
at napiling i-perform ng guild. 

 

.Ah ou. Ayos lang ba?. sagot naman ni Ruben. 

 

.Ang ganda kaya.. Sabi ni Camille, tama naman eh, napakaganda nung play, three weeks ata 
ang showing nun eh. At ngayon summer uulitin nila for the freshmen naman. .Anong inspiration 
mo dun? Ang ganda kasi parang yung feelings totoo.. 

 

.Si Jewel.. Nagulat naman ako sa sagot niya, si Harry na kanina tahimik lang na umiinom nung 
sola niya ngayon tumingin bigla kay Ruben, chismoso talaga din to. Tinignan ko naman si Ruben, 
ou alam kong sinabi niya na ako yung inspiration niya sa What I did for love, ako yung bidang 
babae dun eh, that was my story of being heartbroken and then sa bawat pagluha ko andun 
yung bidang lalaki to help me. Pero in the end hindi sila ngakatuluyan dahil yung bidang lalaki 
gumawa ng paraan para maging masaya yung babae. And in the end nagkatuluyan ang 
bidang babae at yung mahal niya. 

 

.Si Jewel?. tanong ni Harry. 

 

.Ou siya. Siya si Janna.. 

 

.Wow ang swerte mo lang Jewel. Kaya pala lagi kayong nandun sa auditorium.. Sabi ni Camille 
ngumiti nalang ako. Lagi kaming nasa auditorium hindi dahil kay Ruben kundi dahil sa prof 
namin na director nila at everytime na klase namin, nandun lang kami sa audi at pinapanood 
sila. 

 


And nagusap usap lang ulit sila. At ang usapan ay napunta sa debut ni Mary. Pero nakinig lang 
ako at sumagot lang din. 

 

.Naguusap pa ba kayo ni James?. tanong bigla ni Camille sa akin. 

 

Tumingin ako kay Camille, bakit parang kanina pa niya ako tinatanong tungkol kay James? 
.Minsan.. Sagot ko, minsan nalang kaming magusap ni James kasi sympre side parin ni Mary 
ako dapat. Dahil a part of me blames myself sa nangyari sa debut I mean kung hindi ako 
pumayag na masayaw niya si Mary baka napigilan yung outburst ng emotions diba? 

 

.Close parin kayo?. she asked. 

 

.He‘s a good friend. Sinaktan niya si Mary pero nagsisisi na siya.. Sagot ko alam ko kung saan 
na to pupunta. Me being close to James means I.m siding with him instead with Mary. 

 

.Hypothetically lang, biglang narealize ni James na mahal ka niya? Would you go for it?. 
tanong niya sa akin, told so it.s one of those things, yung friendship or love. I feel that Camille.s 
up to something, and I don.t like it. 

 

.Camille.. Pagsasaway ni Harry sa girlfriend niya, I think nararamdaman niya na masyado ng 
invasive yung tanong ni Camille. 

 

.No.. and that answer made her look at me ganun din si Ruben, si Harry nakatingin parin kay 
Camille. .Hindi ko type ang Naval Twins.. I said in a cold manner, which would put her off. And 
that made Harry looked at me. 

 

Hindi na ulit niya ako ginisa with James and all. Kumain nalang ulit kami. 

 

.Paano kayo nagkakilala ni Jewel?. si Ruben naman ang target ni Camille ngayon. 

 


Tumingin muna sa akin si Ruben kaya ngumiti ako para sabihin na ok lang na sagutin niya. Kahit 
nakakahiya kung paano kami nagkakilala. 

 

.May play ata nun.. He said, hindi ko din masyado matandaan kung paano kami nagkakilala or 
paano siya na-introduce sa akin nila Love, ang alam ko lang una siyang naging crush ni Love 
kasi ka-guild niya. And second sem ata nasa same building ang class namin at nakikita namin 
siya at ayun siguro nga. Crush ko na siya nun, ang gwapo niya kasi eh. .Paano nga ba Jew?. 
tumingin siya with smile pa. 

 

.Sa play.. Sagot ko kahit hindi ako sure kung ayun nga .Sa may likod, nag punta kami ng 
powder room at nandun kayo kakatapos lang ng part mo tas ayun nandun si Patrick tinawag 
niya kami, tas nakilala mo ako.. Nahihiya akong ikwento pero sympre, dahil nga naging crush 
namin siya, in-add namin siya sa Facebook. At sympre kami pa lagi namin siyang pinipm. 

 

.Ah ou. Na love at first sight ata ako sayo eh.. Pagloloko niya. 

 

Pinalo ko naman siya sa braso niya at nang tumingin ako kay Camille nakangiti siya si Harry 
naman ewan ko kung anong expression niya. .Baliw. Love at first sight, dati nakikita mo na ako 
sa labas ng room niyo eh.. Sabi ko kay Ruben. 

 

Tumawa lang si Ruben .Hindi pa naman kita kilala at minsan lang kaya kita makita, sila Love 
lang mas nakikita ko nasa likod ka ata.. 

 

.Ah naalala ko na!. nagulat ako kay Camille pero tumingin ako sa kanya ganun din si Ruben at 
Harry .Siya yung sinasabi mo dati Jewel diba? Yung ka-floor at yung nagbigay ng malaking 
teddy bear.. She smiled. 

 

.Ou siya nga yun.. 

 

.Ang galing nga eh. Dati siya may crush sa akin ngayon ako ang naghahabol.. Siniko ko 
naman si Ruben kasi naman eh. Bakit kailangan sabihin na may crush ako sa kanya. 

 


.Ano ka ba. Crush parin kita don‘t worry.. I reassured him pero alam naman niya na paghanga 
lang ang kaya kong ibigay sa kanya. 

 

.Kailan ba magiging love yan?. he joked. At tumawa lang ako. 

 

.Sino ba mga crush mo dati nung first year tayo Jewel?. tanong ni Camille, where is this coming? 
I don.t know what to say pero parang may motive talaga eh, kanina pa. .Diba naging crush mo 
din si Harry dati?.nagulat ako sa sinabi ni Camille, ou alam kong sinabi ko sa kanya na naging 
crush ko si Harry pero bakit niya kailangan sabihin ngayon, ngayon na nasa harap ko lang si 
Harry. Yung tanong niya ang nag bigay daan para tignan ako ni Harry, hindi ko siya matignan 
dahil baka mabuking ako. Ayoko. 

 

I forced a laugh which I think is lame .Makakalimutin ka na Camille, si Love ang may crush kay 
Harry dati.. I lied. I can.t confess not like this. At I don.t intend to confess my feelings dahil para 
ano pa? I.m going to end up with a broken heart. .Never kong nagustuhan si Harry not even in 
my dreams.. I lied. 

 

I saw shocked with Camille.s face and I don.t know why, but as soon as I felt it, I knew why she 
was shocked. Before I could react, he was already dragging me out. Ang higpit ng 
pagkahawak niya sa akin, hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. 

 

He dragged me to the escalator, ang diin nung pagkahawak niya sa may pulsohan ko. I 
wanted him to let go kasi masakit na pero when I try of letting go, lalo niyang dinidiian. I don.t 
know why he.s dragging me. 

 

Nakababa na kami ng escalator at naglakad na kami or mas maganda kung naglalakad na 
siya habang hatak niya ako. 

 

Ruben. 

 

Napahinto si Harry kaya gnaun din ako, nasa harap na namin si Ruben. Nakita kong hinihingal 
siya dahil siguro hinabol niya kami. .Bitawan mo na siya.. Ruben said. Lumapit siya sa akin 
tinignan niya ako and assured me na papabitawin niya si Harry. Hinawakan niya yung braso ko, 


at dahan dahan niyang hinila paalis kay Harry, nang mapansin ni Harry bigla niyang sinuntok si 
Ruben which led for Ruben to fall. 

 

Natakot ako. I can.t believe Harry can do such thing. .Stay out of this.. He yelled kay Ruben na 
nakaupo parin sa sahig at pinupunasan yung pumutok niyang bibig. Harry dragged me again. 
Natatakot ako kay Harry. Gusto kong bumalik kay Ruben para tulungan siya, natatakot na 
akong magpumiglas ngayon. This is the first time. 

 

Sumakay kami ng taxi, hindi ko alam kung saan kami pupunta and I don.t care anymore, right 
now, nasasaktan ako dahil sa pag hawak ni Harry at sa ginawa niya kay Ruben, why would he 
do such thing? Bumagsak ang mga luha ko kaya tumingin ako sa labas para hindi niya makita 
na umiiyak ako. Hindi na madiin yung pagkahawak niya at nagulat ako dahil binaba niya yung 
kamay niya and he intertwined our hands. Nagulat ako nung ginawa niya yun pero I didn.t dare 
to look dahil makikita niya yung pagluha ko. Pilit kong tinanggal yung kamay niya pero ayaw 
niyang tanggalin nakahawak lang siya. 

 

.I‘m sorry.. He said then bigla niyang pinatong yung ulo niya sa balikat ko .Patulog muna.. He 
said and I just let him nung pumikit na siya I tried to get my hands back pero wala ayaw padin 
eh so yung left ko pinangpunas ko sa luha ko then I looked at him nakita ko naman yung isa 
niyang kamay na namumula, gawa siguro nung pagsuntok niya kay Ruben, naiiyak ako pag 
naalala ko yung ginawa niya, kinuha ko yung kamay niya at pinunasan ko ito. 

 

Nung makarating na kami sa aming pupuntahan ewan ko kung saan pero may mga bus 
bumaba na kami at ganun padin nakaholding hands parin kami ako na kinikilig patago haha. 
Nag bago na yung facial expression niya kanina galit ngayon calm na ulit. 

 

Sumakay kami sa bus hala saan ba kami pupunta? .Harry saan tayo pupunta?. I asked pero 
wala siyang sagot imbes pinatong niya ulit yung ulo niya sa balikat ko. .Harry pawisin yung 
kamay ko akin na dali.. I said kasi naman eh nakakangawit din pala yun. 

 

.Tss. Ok lang let‘s stay like this for awhile.. He said eh bakit nakakakilig naman. 

 

Tulog na si Harry. I looked at him tama nga sila hindi basta basta mawawala yung pagibig ko sa 
kanya dahil haggang ngayon mahal ko parin siya. Pero hindi naman siya sa akin eh hindi ko 


alam kung bakit hawak hawak niya kamay ko ngayon pero magiging selfish muna ako akin 
muna siya kahit ngayong araw lang. 

 

.Harry ako si Jewel baka naduling ka at kala mo si Camille ako.. I said pwede naman siguro 
yun no? Mali siya ng nahatak? Si Jun Pyo nga diba mali yung nahatak niya din hindi niya alam 
hindi pala si Jan Di yun 

 

.Mahal kita…….. Sabi ni Harry habang tulog siguro he.s dreaming of Camille right now. 

 

James‘ Point of View 

 

Two years. Two years since the day she left, I.ve been able to move on yes I.ve learn to forget 
pero malas ata talaga ako pag dating sa pagibig eh, I.ve fallen in love again and one sided na 
naman. Hindi na niya ako mahal. 

 

Though hindi ko na siya nakausap I.ve always known what she.s up to, stalker niya ako ay mali 
admirer pala kasi gwapo ako eh. Anyway I.ve fallen for her nasaktan ko siya nun and this time I 
want to let her know my feelings, I need her to forgive me. 

 

That.s why I decided to tell her today. 

 

I started dialing her number. Ang tagal naman niyang sagutin at ayun na sinagot na niya, 
biglang bumilis yung tibok ng puso ko. .Hello.. 

 

Matagal siyang sumagot pero hindi ko alam pero kinakabahan ako. (.Hello who‘s this?.) she 
asked, nawala na ba ang number ko sa kanya? 

 

.James Naval.. I answered. 

 

(.……...) a long silence I know once she hears my name hindi na niya ako kakausapin. I hurt her 
deeply at nagsisisi na ako. Gusto kong humingi ng tawad. 


 

.Talk to me please?. 

 

(.For what reason?.) 

 

.Forgiveness. I need you to forgive me.. 

 

(.Matagal na kitang pinatawad diba kapalit nga nun yung pag limot ko sayo? I need to go I 
have somewhere to go to..) 

 

.Meet me please kahit ngayon lang kausapin mo lang ako hear me please. I‘ll wait for you.. 

 

(.Alright I can only give you 30 minutes..) 

 

 Yes kailangan ko ng sabihin sa kanya to! Sana mapatawad niya ako handa akong humingi ng 
tawad habang buhay. 

//Chapter 17// 

What’s the difference between Love and Need? 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

Nagaayos ako ng gamit ko dahil may lakad pa kami ni Gab ngayon, natutuwa ako kasi 
dalawang taon na ang nakalipas pero hindi parin niya ako iniwan. He.s really my best friend. 
Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko pag nawala siya sa akin. 

 

Napatingin ako sa phone ko nang mag ring ito, I was expecting it to be Gab but to my surprised 
it.s James, the guy I forced to forget. I sigh at sinagot ko na din. Baka may kailangan kasi siya. 

 


He asked me to meet him, una nagdadalawang isip pa ako kaso alam kong kailangan na din 
namin magusap. Tas naalala ko si Gab. 

 

Tinawagan ko agad si Gab para sabihin na hindi kami tuloy. .Gab.. 

 

(.Oh Mary on the way na ako..) pagsasagot niya. 

 

I sigh .Sorry Gab may importante akong pupuntahan ngayon so pwede rain check?. 

 

(.Alright. Hatid nalang kita gusto mo?.) 

 

.No. Sige na Gab, kailangan ko ng umalis. Ingat ka.. Sabi ko sabay baba ng phone ko. 
Kailangan kong tapusin to ng magisa, kailangan ko din na gawin to without Gab dahil lagi 
nalang siyang nandiyan para sa akin, this is for myself. For my own closure. 

 

Sumakay na ako ng taxi papunta sa MOA, nagtataka ako bakit kailangan namin magkita sa 
may seaside. I hate that place. It holds so much painful memory for me, siguro nga ngayon 
pinaka-ayaw ko ng lugar ay ang MOA, dito ko nakita si James, at sa SMX naman yung debut ko 
na nasira. 

 

Bumaba na din ako nang makarating ako, napaaga ata ako dahil hindi ko makita si James, 
naglakad nalang ako papunta sa may sea wall. Umupo ako dun at tinignan ang pababang 
araw. I closed my eyes and when I opened it nasa harap ko na si James. 

 

Walang pinagbago si James, gwapo pa din. Payat pa din. Nakita kong may hawak siyang 
bouquet ng tulips at calla lily. Ngumiti siya sa akin kaya nginitian ko din siya. Inabot niya sa akin 
yung bouquet at tinanggap ko naman at nilagay ko ito sa may side ko. 

 

Tumayo ako at tumingin sa kanya. .Anong gusto mong pagusapan James?. I asked. 

 


Huminga siya ng malalim at tumingin sa akin, wala na yung ngiti niya at naging seryoso na yung 
mukha niya. .Dito mo ako nakita dati diba?. tumingin siya sa paligid namin, tas may tinuro siya 
.Dun yun. Sa totoo lang hindi ko alam kung bakit ko nagawa yon dati, kung bakit kita niloko, 
kung bakit kita laging sinasaktan. Dinala kiya dito ngayon para humingi ng tawad sayo. Gusto 
ko sana na mabura sa isipan mo yung panget na memorya nitong lugar na ito. Sana sana 
mapalitan nitong alaalang ito.. Hindi ko alam kung dapat pa akong magsalita ko hayaan lang 
siyang magsalita. .Patawarin mo ako Mary sa pangloloko ko sayo dati.. 

 

.Pag sinabi kong pinapatawad na kita, magsisinungaling ako sa ating dalawa James. Pero 
James, unti unti napapatawad na kita. I said truthfully. 

 

.Nung debut mo, may mga nagawa akong hindi dapat. Nagalit ako sayo sa paglilihim tungkol 
kay Alyssa. Nagalit ako kay Gabriel dahil sa pagbabawal niya sa akin na lumapit sayo.. 
Seryoso niyang sabi, pinagbawalan siya ni Gab? .Nung umalis ka, nagkasagutan kami, 
tinanong ako ni Harry bakit ako ganun? Bakit una nagalit ako sayo dahil kay Alyssa pero bakit 
bigla akong nagagalit kay Gabriel dahil sa pagsabi niya na wag na wag na akong lumapit 
sayo.. Pagpapatuloy niya. .Hindi ko din alam kung bakit, umuwi akong nagiisip kung bakit nga 
ba. Bakit nga ba galit na galit ako kay Gabriel?. 

 

Tinignan niya ako .Mahal ko si Alyssa.. James confessed. Alam ko naman na mahal niya si 
Alyssa eh, bakit kailangan niya pang sabihin iyon? Bakit kailangan ipaalala na wala akong 
laban kay Alyssa? Na siya talaga ang nasa puso niya? .Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko minahal si 
Alyssa. Kahit anong isip ko hindi ko alam kung bakit siya.. Pagpapatuloy niya. .Pero nang 
gabing iyon nalaman ko kung bakit ikaw.. Tinignan ko siya ng mabuti. .Mahal kita Mary.. 
Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. 

 

Hindi ko inaasahan na eto ang sasabihin niya, simula kasi nang nasaktan ako ng sobra, simula 
nung debut ko tumigil na akong umasa na mamahalin din ako ni James. Pero bakit ngayon? 

 

.Mahal kita Mary, ikaw na laging nasa tabi ko nung mga panahon na nasasaktan ako, hindi mo 
ako inawan kahit ikaw mismo nasasaktan na. Mahal kita dahil nandiyan ka para sa akin. Kaya 
ako nagalit kay Gabriel dahil ayokong lumayo sayo.. James confessed. .Pwede mo ba akong 
bigyan ng pagkakataon upang iparamdam na mahal talaga kita?. he asked me. 

 

.Bakit James?. hindi ko alam pero may mga luha na palang kusang pumatak. Nasasaktan ba 
ako o natutuwa? Hindi ko alam basta kusa nalang silang lumabas. 


 

.Dahil mahal kita, ikaw na nandiyan para sa akin dati. Hayaan mong ako naman ngayon. 
Pwede ba?. 

 

I closed my eyes and then opened it again .Mahal mo ba ako kasi kailangan mo ako o 
kailangan mo ako kasi mahal mo ako?. natatawa ako sa sarili ko kasi kahit kalian hindi ko 
akalain na magagamit ko yung linyang napanood ko dati sa TV. Linyang ngayon ko lang nakita 
ang tunay na kahulugan. 

 

.Mahal kita…... 

 

.Pero hindi mo nasasagot yung tanong ko James. Mahal mo ba ako kasi kailangan mo ako o 
kailangan mo ako kasi mahal mo ako?. inulit ko ang tanong na iyon? .Kasi James nakikita ko, 
kaya mo ako minahal kasi kailangan mo ako, na kasi nandun ako para sayo dati. Kaya mo ako 
minahal kasi nasanay ka na.. 

 

He shook his head. .Hindi. Mahal kita Mary. Ou kailangan kita pero dahil iyon sa pagmamahal 
ko sayo, kailangan kita kasi ikaw lang ang nagiisang Mary.. Lumapit siya sa akin at kinuha niya 
yung dalawa kong kamay. .Kailangan kita kasi ikaw ang mahal ko. Kaya Mary sana pagbigyan 
mo ako. Hindi kita mamadaliin pero lagi mong tandaan na naghihintay ako. Hihintayin ko yung 
sagot mo sa akin.. ngumiti siya. 

 

Dahan dahan kong kinuha yung kamay ko .Hindi ko alam James. Masyado na akong nasaktan. 
Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin ko pa.. 

 

.Hindi ko man mapapangako na liligaya ka sa akin pero gagawin ko ang lahat kaya please 
Mary give me a chance.. 

 

.Pwede bang pagisipan ko muna?. 

 

He nodded and then he hugged me .Thank you.. 

 


Humiwalay ako at ngumiti sa kanya .Mauna na ako James.. At naglakad na ako palayo sa 
kanya. Hindi ko alam pero ayaw tumigil ng mga luha ko, hindi ko nga alam kung bakit ako 
umiiyak eh, nababaliw na siguro ako. 

 

Ou baliw na nga ako. 

 

Hindi muna ako umuwi dahil alam kong magtatanong sila kung anong nangyari sa akin kaya 
nagpunta nalang muna ako sa may baywalk, malayo kay James malayo sa lahat. Gusto kong 
magisip muna. 

 

Hindi ko alam kung anong dapat kong maramdaman ngayon, matutuwa ba ako o matatakot? 
Pero bakit ako matatakot? Mahal niya ako. Ako na ang mahal niya. 

 

Mga 11 na din ako nagpasya na umuwi na, nang nasa tapat na ako ng bahay nakita kong 
naka-park yung kotse ni Gab, bakit nandito siya? Kaya tumakbo ako papasok ng bahay at 
nakita ko siya nakaupo sa sofa kasama si Love at nagkukwentuhan sila. 

 

.Gab.. Pagtawag ko sa kanya, lumingon sila sa akin at tumayo si Gab at lumapit sa akin na 
nakangiti pero nang makita niya siguro yung itsura ko nag frown siya at nagmadali siyang 
lumapit at niyakap niya ako .Gab.. I sob. 

 

.Anong nangyari?. he asked me. .Kanina pa kita hinihintay bakit ngayon ka lang?. 

 

I pulled away from him at tumingin sa kanya. I forced myself to smile in front of him, kailangan ko 
itong gawin para wag siyang magalala sa akin. .Kumakin ka na ba?. I asked not answering his 
former question. 

 

.Anong nangyari Mary?. he asked again. 

 

I sighed .Pagod lang ako.. I lied 

 


.Ok. Sige na mauna na ako. Tawagan nalang kita bukas.. He said and kissed my forehead 
.Love thank you for the dinner.. Ngumiti siya kay Love .Kung handa ka ng sabihin nandito lang 
ako.. He said at umalis na siya. 

 

Dumiretso na ako sa kwarto ko at humiga sa kama, nagtalukbong ako ng comforter. Gusto ko 
ulit umiyak. Bakit nga ba ako naiiyak? Bakit ba ako natatakot? Si James lang naman yun eh! 

 

Naramdaman kong may umupo sa gilid ng kama, .Anong meron? Saan ka nagpunta?. tanong 
ni Love. 

 

Humarap na ako sa kanya at tumingin .Mahal ako ni James.. 

 

She didn.t look surprise. .Alam ko. Pero paano mo nalaman?. she asked. 

 

.Nagkita kami. Sinabi niya na mahal niya ako, na bigyan ko siya ng chance.. Pagaamin ko 
.Alam ko dapat matuwa ako dahil sa wakas mahal na niya ako! Sa wakas ako naman. Pero 
bakit ako umiiyak? Nababaliw na ata ako kasi natatakot ako. Hindi ako natatakot na saktan ni 
James, sanay na ako eh. Pero hindi ko alam may takot yung puso ko hindi ko alam kung saan 
pero takot ako.. 

 

.Mahal mo pa ba si James?. she asked me. 

 

Isang tanong na hindi ko pa din natatanong sa sarili ko, mahal ko pa ba si James? Alam ko ba 
yung sagot? Diba dapat alam ko na? Pero bakit hindi ko ata alam kung siya pa ba. Kung hindi 
na siya edi sino naman? 

 

.Sa tingin ko, James is 1 year and 3 months too late.. Tinignan ko ulit si Love. .Halata naman na 
hindi mo na mahal eh. Siguro nga mahal mo pa siya pero hindi tulad ng dati. Hindi ka na kasi 
bitter eh. You‘ve finally moved on.. 

 

I closed my eyes, mahal ko pa ba siya? O tama si Love na hindi ko na siya mahal tulad ng dati? 
Yung dating mahal na mahal ko siya na handa akong masaktan. Yung dating iyon. 


 

When I opened my eyes Love looked at me .May humigit na kasi Mary. Hindi na si James yung 
dahilan ng pag ngiti mo. Hindi na siya.. She smiled at me. 

 

.Si Gab.. I unconsciously said aloud my thoughts. Si Gab? Napatingin ako kay Love, nagulat ako 
sa sinabi ko pero siya nakangiti lang na parang alam na niya. .Pero kaya ko bang saktan si 
James?. 

 

.Kakayanin niya.. She smiled .Follow your heart Mary. Hindi porket masasaktan mo si James sa 
decision mo hindi mo na gagawin, it‘s time to be happy.. 

 

Follow my heart. And my heart tells me what exactly? 

 

I was about to answer her when my cell phone rang. Sinagot ko agad not looking at the screen 
.Hello?. 

 

(.Mary nakauwi na ba si Jewel?.) tinignan ko yung screen at nagulat kasi si Ruben yung 
tumawag pala. 

 

.Diba magkasama kayo?. akala ko ba may lunch date sila bakit siya nagtatanong sa akin? 
Hindi kaya siya sinipot ni Jewel? That girl really. Gwapo gwapo ni Ruben at ang bait bait pero si 
Harry parin. Hay.. 

 

(.Ahh.. kanina kasi kasama namin si Harry at yung girlfriend niya..) magkakasama sila? Oh 
kaya siguro… 

 

.Tumakbo si Jewel?. I asked amused by the thought of Jewel running away from them. Dahil 
ayaw niyang makasama yung dalawa. 

 

(.Ahhh… tinakbo siya ni Harry..) napangiti naman ako sa sinabi ni Ruben pero bakit naman 
tinakbo ni Harry si Jewel? (.Nagalit ata si Harry sa sinabi ni Jewel kaya ayun hinatak si Jewel..) 
and my dreams are gone, kaya naman pala, akala ko mahal na niya si Jewel. 


 

.Ah… wala pa dito si Jewel, Ruben pero tatawagan kita pag nandito na sila.. I assured him at 
binaba na namin after our goodbyes. 

 

Tinignan ako ni Love at tumawa lang ako. .Tinakbo ni Harry si Jewel palayo kay Ruben.. 

 

Why is that the twins are making our lives so damn hard right now? 

 

Si James sa akin confessing his feelings while si Harry God knows where they are right now… 

 

I hope they.re fine. Sana masabi ni Jewel ang nararamdaman niya kahit ngayon lang. 

//Chapter 18// 

When two hearts finally met halfway 

Jewel‘s Point of View 

 

Nandito kami ngayon sa Tagaytay ni Harry. Dito pala kami pumunta, ewan ko kung bakit kami 
nandito, basta nagising nalang ako at nasa Tagaytay na kami. Siguro dapat masaya ako dahil 
kasama ko si Harry dito sa Tagaytay, naalala ko dati nung mga first year palang kami nag field 
trip kami dito. 

 

Noon sa malayo lang akong nakatingin sa kanya habang kasama niya yung mga classmate 
niya at nagtatawanan sila. I remembered him being near Camille during that moment, 
magkasama sila pero hindi sila naguusap, they looked so perfect. How I wished it were me and 
him. 

 

Now here we are sa Tagaytay, holding hands pero ibang iba dahil walang pagmamahal, hindi 
niya ako mahal. Siguro nga pareho ito nung moment nila ni Camille dati, tahimik lang at 
magkahawak ng kamay ang pinagkaiba lang; nagmamahalan sila. 

 


Tinignan ko si Harry, tahimik lang siya mukhang may malalim na iniisip. Yung mukha niya calm 
and serene na, hindi na yung nakakatakot. Haggang ngayon nagtataka parin ako kung bakit 
kami nandito sa Tagaytay. Kung bakit kami nasa isang park at naglalakad na parang walang 
pupuntahan. 

 

Naglalakad na magkahawak ang kamay na parang kami. 

 

Hinanap ko yung phone ko sa bag ko pero hindi ko ito makita, gusto ko sanang itext si Ruben na 
ayos lang ako at tanungin siya kung ok lang ba siya, kasalanan ko kasi kung bakit siya nasuntok 
ni Harry. Isa pang tanong na gusto kong masagot, bakit niya sinuntok si Ruben? 

 

Wala yung phone ko sa bag ko, alam ko talaga nasa bag ko lang ito, posible kayang nahulog 
ko ito? Ang bago bago pa naman ng phone na iyon at yung contacts ko. Napatigil kami sa 
paglalakad nang tumingin sa akin si Harry. 

 

.Eto ba yung hinahanap mo?. tanong niya sabay labas ng phone ko sa bulsa niya. Paano 
napunta sa kanya yung phone ko? Hala hindi ko maalala kung siya pa ba yung wallpaper ko. 
Minsan kasi pag wala akong magawa kundi ang magpaka-emo ginagawa ko siyang wallpaper 
at kakausapin ko siya. Paano pag siya nga wallpaper ko? Nakakahiya naman. 

 

Kukunin ko na sana yung phone ko kaso tinaas niya kaya hindi ko makuha dahil medyo mataas 
siya sa akin at limited lang yung pagtaas ko sa katawan ko dahil hawak hawak niya yung 
kamay ko diba. Taas siya ng taas habang try naman ako ng try, nag-mumukha tuloy na 
niyayakap ko siya. 

 

.Harry akin na.. I said when I gave up trying. 

 

Tinignan niya ako .Anong gagawin mo?. he asked. 

 

.Itetext ko sana si Ruben kung ok lang siya.. Pagsasabi ko ng totoo. Nagaalala parin ako kay 
Ruben at baka hinahanap niya ako. Ayun pa. 

 


Tinignan ako ni Harry ng masama, ewan ko kung bakit pero basta iba yung tingin niya. Hindi 
naman nakakatakot na masama basta. .Tsss… bawal muna.. He said coldly. Naglakad na ulit 
kami. 

 

Naiinis na ako. Ayaw niyang ibigay yung phone ko tas ewan ko pa kung bakit kami nandito. 
.Bakit ba kasi nandito tayo?. I asked, I was already irritated. Hindi ko alam na pwedeng pwede 
pala akong mairita kay Harry ng ganito. 

 

.Eh gusto kong pumunta ng Tagaytay eh.. He said very casually na parang normal lang sa 
kanya na magpunta ng Tagaytay without prior notice. 

 

I sighed deeply. .Dapat si Camille dinala mo. Busy kaya ako.. I said, tama naman diba, hindi 
ako ang girlfriend at si Camille ang girlfriend pero bakit ako ang dinala niya. Is he really torturing 
me? Being with him and loving him secretly is hurting me so much. 

 

.Busy kakasama dun sa Ruben?. he asked, there.s something in his voice that I couldn.t really 
explain. 

 

Ewan ko kung bakit natanong niya iyon, hindi ko din alam ang isasagot ko sa kanya. .Ou.. At 
ang pagsagot ko ay ang naging paraan upang huminto kami sa paglalakad at lumawag yung 
pagkahawak niya sa kamay ko. Kaya kinuha ko agad yung kamay ko at tumalikod na ako sa 
kanya para makabalik dun sa bus station. 

 

Naramdaman kong naglakad na siya pabalik sa akin kaya lumingon ako sa kanya. .Harry.. That 
made him stop from walking, tinignan lang niya ako. .Babalik na ako ng Manila. You can‘t force 
me to stay here with you. I don‘t want to misunderstand things Harry. Siguro nga nagkamali ka 
lang ng kuha ng kamay. That‘s it.. Tama mali lang siya ng nakuhang kamay, katulad nila Jun 
Pyo sa BOF. Ayoko ng magassume dahil napakaskit umasa, ayoko ng masaktan pa, masyado 
ng masakit ang mahalin siya kaya tama na ito. 

 

I looked at him nakatayo lang siya dun, so tumalikod na ulit ako at naglakad palayo sa kanya. 
Naramdaman kong naglakad na ulit siya, kaya nilingon ko ulit siya, hindi siya tumigil sa 
paglalakad palapit sa akin. .Stop.. At dun napatigil siya. .Wag kang lalapit sa akin Harry. Mahal 
mo si Camille, mahal ka niya kaya don‘t make her suspect something, masasaktan siya. Ayoko 
na maissue na naman ako sayo.. I said. 


 

.Bakit ba ayaw na ayaw mo sa akin? Ano bang mali sa akin na parang diring diri ka sa akin 
Jewel?. he asked, now I finally understood what.s with his voice, pain. Pero bakit? Tinignan ko 
siya, he looked hurt na parang sinakatan ko siya. Pero hindi naman diba? 

 

Wala akong ayaw sayo Harry, wala kang mali kundi ang nagmahal ka ng iba. Pero hindi naman 
kita masisisi. 

 

Pero alam kong hindi ko dapat sabihin ang gusto kong sabihin dahil madaming magbabago. 
Ngumiti ako sa kanya, kahit masakit ginawa ko. .Hindi sa ayaw ko sayo Harry. I like you.. Like 
would be an understatement to what I feel for you. .You‘re a good friend. Ayoko lang na mai-
issue sayo dahil may masisira, yung relationship niyo ni Camille, mahal niyo ang isa‘t isa.. I 
looked at him and smiled again. 

 

.Totoo ba yung sinabi mo kanina?. tanong niya sa akin. .Na never mo akong nagustuhan? Did 
it ever cross to your mind na baka pwede?. he asked. 

 

Kung alam mo lang Harry. Kung alam mo lang na palagi kong hinihiling na sana ako nalang. 
Ako nalang ang mahalin mo. 

 

.Never.. I lied. I keep trying to force my tears not to fall, hindi pa akong pwedeng umiyak 
mamaya nalang pagnalakad na akong palayo sa kanya. .Alam ko simula nung mga first year 
palang tayo madami ng chismis na gusto kita, pero hindi naman totoo yun Harry.. I lied again 
and I began to walk away. 

 

Naramdaman kong may yumakap sa akin mula sa likod ko, kaya napatigil ako sa paglalakad, 
nagpupumiglas ako kaso masyadong mahigpit yung pagkayakap niya sa akin. .Please.. 
Pagsisimula niya. .Please kahit ngayon lang pwede bang isipin mo na pwedeng maging tayo? 
Pwede bang kahit ngayon lang sabihin mo na mahal mo din ako.. He begged. Hindi ko alam 
kung bakit siya nakikiusap ng ganyan. Pero napakasakit. Ang sakit sakit. 

 

I closed my eyes and when I opened it, tears started falling, hindi naman niya nakikita diba? 
.Ayokong magpanggap na pwede Harry.. Dahil masakit Harry, sobrang sakit na haggang 
pangarap lang at hindi pwedeng maging katotohanan. 


 

.Just please, kahit ngayon lang let‘s pretend that we love each other.. He begged. 

 

.But we don‘t. I said. Ako lang ang nagmamahal Harry, ako lang. Hindi mo ako mahal, at 
ayokong magpanngap na mahal mo ako dahil baka hindi ko na kayanin pag tapos na ang 
pagpapanngap. 

 

Naramdaman kong medyo basa yung likod ko, at humigpit pa yung pagkayakap niya sa akin. 
.Pero mahal kita.. Tila tumigil yung mundo ko nang sinabi niya yung tatlong salitang iyon. 

 

Imbis na matuwa sa pagsabi niya lalo akong nasaktan. Nasaktan dahil alam kong hindi naman 
totoo, nasaktan dahil alam kong pagpapanggap lang ito, dahil kahit kalian hindi niya ako 
mamahalin dahil si Camille ang mahal niya. 

 

Tumulo ulit yung luha ko. Sobrang sakit pala talaga. Why does loving him hurt so much? Kahit 
gusto kong maniwala hindi kayang tanggapin ng puso ko dahil alam ko yung totoo. .Stop it 
Harry. Hindi na nakakatuwa.. Pagaawat ko sa kanya. 

 

.Natakot ako nung una.. Pagsisimula niya, medyo lumuwag yung pagkayakap niya pero hindi 
parin niya ako pinapakawalan. .Naduwag ako Jewel, natakot na masira yung pagkakaibigan 
natin, dahil hindi ko alam kung mutual ba yung feelings natin. Tas nalaman kong gusto ako ni 
Camille, I used her, I won‘t deny that. Niligawan ko siya thinking na mawawala din yung 
pagmamahal ko sayo. Mahal ko si Camille pero mas mahal kita pero kahit anong gawin ko 
hindi ko kayang magtapat sayo, pagdating sayo naduduwag ako. Tas sinabi mo na wala kang 
gusto sa akin, na masaya ka para sa amin ni Camille kaya I was determined na mahalin si 
Camille, na kalimutan ka na. Pinigilan ko Jewel, pero bakit ganun, hindi ka mawala sa puso ko? 
Matagal tagal na kaming hindi nagkakasundo ni Camille, simula nung sabihin ni James na 
baka magka-boyfriend ka na.. he explained. Totoo ba to? Sinabi ni James na baka may 
boyfriend na ako? Ahh… si Ruben. 

 

.Lagi kong iniisip na =ah may mahal siyang iba. Anong laban ko?‘ ang sakit isipin na may iba 
kang mahal. Tas ngayon, nakita ko pa siya, nakita ko yung lalaking matagal ko ng 
pinagseselosan dahil siya kaya niyang yakapin ka at alam mo bang ang sakit nang makita ko 
iyon? Ayun yung araw na nag break sila Mary at James, nakita namin kayo at ang sakit kasi 
matagal ko na siyang nakikita na umaaligid sayo. At lalo na ngayon dahil mukhang sobra 


kayong close. Ang sakit sobra dahil siya ang kasama mo at dahil baka mahal mo din siya.. 
Pagtutuloy niya. 

 

Kung panaginip lang ito ayaw ko ng magising dahil mahal daw niya ako. Yung lalaking mahal 
ko mahal din ako. Pero paano si Camille? Mahal niya ako pero si Camille naman ang 
nagmamay-ari sa kanya. 

 

.Masakit pala talagang makita yung taong mahal mo kapiling ng taong mahal niya no?. he 
asked. 

 

I wish time would stop right at this moment. 

 

Dahan dahan akong humarap sa kanya, nakayakap parin siya sa akin. .Sino bang may sabing 
mahal ko siya?. I smiled at him. Umiyak nga siya, kaya gamit yung kamay ko, pinunasan ko 
yung mga luha na nasa pisngi niya. 

 

.Mahal kita.. He said at hinawakan niya yung kamay ko na nasa mukha niya. Ang sarap 
pakinggan yung mga salitang iyon na nanggagaling sa kanya. Nakatingin lang siya sa akin 
kaya tinignan ko lang din siya. .Mahal na mahal kita Jewel. Pwede bang ako nalang yung 
mahalin mo? Pwede bang akin ka nalang?. he asked. 

 

Hindi ko alam ang sasabihin ko, mahal ko siya, mahal niya ako. Pero. May malaking pero. Si 
Camille. Kahit pa nagmamahalan kami hindi ko kayang saktan si Camille, dahil naging 
magkaibigan din naman kami. 

 

Kahit gustong gusto kong sabihin na mahal ko din siya hindi pwede. Dahil may masasaktan. 
Kahit pa mahal niya ako, maling piliin niya ako at saktan si Camille. Kahit masakit kailangan. 

 

Kumunot yung noo niya siguro nakita niya yung expression ng mukha ko. .I‘m sorry Harry.. Yung 
mga mata niya kaninang parang masaya ngayon lumungkot na, all I can see in his expression is 
pain. Nasasaktan siya. Napabitaw siya sa pagkahawak sa kamay ko na nasa mukha niya. Kaya 
inalis ko na din yung kamay ko sa mukha niya. 

 


Mahal na mahal ko siya pero mas magandang isipin na panaginip lang ito dahil pagbalik 
namin sa Manila, babalik na din yung katotohanan, boyfriend siya ni Camille. At wala lang ako. 
I can.t be with him. 

 

.Bakit ganun Jewel? Mahal na mahal kita kaya please akin ka nalang. Magiging masaya ka sa 
akin Jewel. Pangako.. He said. Masaya na akong malaman na mahal mo din ako Harry 
masayang masaya na. Hindi mo lang alam. 

 

.Harry, naghihintay sayo si Camille sa Manila.. Sabi ko sa kanya. .Mahal na mahal din kita Harry 
pero hindi tama, hindi tama kasi hindi ka akin.. I said. Ayoko sanang sabihin sa kanya na mahal 
ko siya para mas madaling i-let go siya pero I wanted him to know I love him too. Na siya lang 
yung mahal ko. 

 

Tinignan niya ulit ako, now his expression is changed. Pati mata niya puno na ng pagasa. 
Ngumiti siya sa akin. Bakit parang masaya siya? Dahil ba sinabi kong mahal ko din siya? Pero I 
was clear na hindi pwede. .We broke up a week ago. Sabi ko naman sayo kanina na matagal 
na kaming hindi nagkakasundo ni Camille, kaya ayun nag break na kami. Gusto ko lang casual 
kami kaya sabi ko dapat maging magkaibigan pa din kami at kaya inaya ko siya for lunch.. 
Pag eexplain niya. 

 

Break na sila? Kaya ba parang bitter sa akin si Camille? Pero bakit naman siya magiging bitter 
sa akin diba? Hindi naman ata niya alam na mahal ako ni Harry or alam niya dahil diba 
masyado niya akong ini-issue sa Naval twins kanina? 

 

.Bakit kayo nag break?. I asked. 

 

.Dahil unfair na. Magkasama kami pero iba yung nasa isip ko. Kami pero wala sa kanya yung 
puso ko. Unfair para sa kanya yun. Mas masasaktan siya kaya nakipag break na ako. I realized 
na mas ok ng mahalin nalang kita ng patago kaysa gamitin ko si Camille para kalimutan ka.. 
He told me. 

 

He cupped my face and he looked at me sincerely. Punong puno ng pagmamahal. .Mahal na 
mahal kita Jewel so can you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?. he asked. 

 


I smiled at him. .Hindi mo ba alam na madami akong nakapilang mangliligaw kaya you should 
play fair.. I teased him. 

 

.Pero ako ang mahal mo.. He said proudly. 

 

.Hindi porket mahal kita ay magiging girlfriend mo na ako, Ruben‘s patiently waiting for me.. I 
teased again. 

 

.Liligawan kita araw araw kaya pwede bang wag ka ng lumapit dun sa Ruben na iyon? Sa akin 
ka lang. Ako lang mamahalin mo dahil ikaw lang ang mamahalin ko.. he said. 

 

I smiled. Feeling ko any time ngayon sasabog na yung puso ko sa sobrang kasiyahan. .Possesive 
hindi pa nga kita sinasagot.. Sabi ko sabay pitik sa ilong niya. 

 

.Mahal mo naman.. He smirked. Ang saya saya ko dahil mahal ako ni Harry. Eto yung matagal 
ko ng hiniling na mahalin din niya ako. .So akin ka na ah?. 

 

I nodded .I love you Harry.. 

 

Ngumiti siya sa akin .I love you most.. He said and he kissed me for the very first time. 

 

My first kiss is with the guy I first fell in love who loves me too. I am the luckiest girl right now and 
also the happiest. 

 

.Ikaw lang ang mamahalin ko habang buhay. At kahit kalian hindi na kita papakawalan pa.. 
he assured me. 

 

Ako din Harry. Hinding hindi na din kita papakawalan pa. Ikaw lang din ang mamahalin ko 
habang buhay dahil ikaw lang naman talaga ang gusto kong mahalin at makasama habang 
buhay. 

 


Finally, I.m happy and I.m with the one I love. Now my heart is not alone. It won.t be lonely 
anymore. 

//Chapter 19// 

Listening to the Witch’s Selfishness 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

It feels weird waking up and realizing na mahal nga ako ni James, kagabi I was like wishing na 
sana pag gising ko hindi nalang totoo na nagtapat si James. Ewan ko ba pero natatakot talaga 
ako, ayoko siyang saktan pero hindi ko na alam kung gusto kong makapiling siya. 

 

Buti pa si Jewel masaya na sa love life niya, finally naging sila na ni Harry kagabi. Siguro nga sila 
ang best example ng pagmamahal ng walang tigil. Yung kahit anong mangyari mahal parin 
nila yung isa.t isa. Yung bang hindi sila nawalan ng pag-asa dahil sa huli naging sila din. 

 

Kung hindi kaya ako nawalan ng pag-asa na mamahalin din ako ni James, siguro sabay lang 
kami ni Jewel ng anniversary ngayon. Siguro hindi na ako nagdadalawang isip. 

 

Pero wala naman magagawa ang mga „What if. dahil sa huli, reality strikes. 

 

I decided na magpunta sa hospital for my monthly check up, ang OA kasi ng mom ko, gusto 
niya laging sure na healthy ako. Kaya nag decide akong pumunta nalang tutal wala akong 
gagawin sa bahay dahil wala akong kasama dun, may date si Jewel at Harry at si Love naman 
hindi ko alam kung saan siya pumunta pero paggising ko wala na siya. 

 

After my check up nagpunta ako sa cafeteria para hintayin yung results ko at mag kape muna. 
Umupo na ako at nang tumingin ako sa paligid ko, may napansin ako na papasok sa cafeteria, 
naka-wheel chair siya. Is she sick? 

 

Napansin niya atang nakatingin ako sa kanya kaya, she wheeled her way to my table. Medyo 
maputla siya at pumayat din siya. Siguro nga may sakit siya. Ngumiti siya sa akin kaya nginitian 
ko din siya. .Mary right?. she asked nang nakarating na siya sa table ko. 


 

Ngumiti ako as my answer. .Jenny yung girlfriend ni Kuya Michael diba?. I asked. Naalala ko 
siya nung sa debut ko, hindi ko alam pero nung debut ko isa din siya sa mga nagulat siguro 
dahil karibal niya si Alyssa kay Kuya Michael pero siya naman ang mahal diba? Bakit siya 
matatakot? 

 

She just nodded. .Anong ginagawa mo dito?. she asked. 

 

.Check up. Ikaw?. I asked I know it.s really obvious na may sakit siya pero I.m not really into 
small talks. 

 

She smiled. .Patient.. She answered. Dati I would say na parang mataray siya pero now that I.m 
seeing her weak side parang mabait naman siya ewan ko ba. .I‘m sorry about what happened 
during your debut.. 

 

.Ano ka ba, dapat nga ako mag sorry dahil sa nangyari.. I smiled and so did she. .Gaano na 
kayo katagal ni Kuya Michael?. I asked changing the topic. 

 

.A year and a half?. she smiled as she answered my question yung smile niya parang malungkot 
siya. .Eh kayo ni Gabriel?. 

 

Natawa ako sa tanong niya and she looked confused. So I shook my head .Hindi kami ni Gab. 
Best friend lang kami.. 

 

.Really? Ang lakas ng chemistry niyo at the way he looked at you he‘s so in love.. Pag aamin 
niya. Paano nga ba ako tignan ni Gab? Mahal ako ni Gab siguro as his best friend. Siguro, pero 
bakit natutuwa yung puso ko pag iniisip kung mahal nga ako ni Gab? 

 

.He‘s just my best friend.. I said. 

 

.So yung James parin?. she asked. Parang ang dami niyang alam. Siguro nga dahil sa nangyari 
sa debut madami ng naka-gets nung mga nangyayari. .Nung isayaw ka niya, you two looked 


good together. Pero iba yung pag magkasama na kayo ni Gabriel. Perfect kayong tignan ni 
James.. She added. Yeah that.s what everyone thought of us: we looked like a perfect couple. 
.Siya parin talaga?. 

 

I looked at her. .Hindi ko alam.. Pagsagot ko sa kanya. Hindi ko alam pero I feel like confiding 
my problems with her, para bang I feel close with her kahit hindi naman kami magkakilala. .Last 
night sinabi niya mahal niya ako. Pero ewan ko ba parang wala na.. I admitted. 

 

.Baka wala na talaga.. She said .So you turned him down?. 

 

.Hindi. Sabi ko sa kanya bigyan niya ako ng time. Siguro nga mahal ko pa siya dahil ayoko 
siyang masaktan.. Pagaamin ko .Pero natatakot talaga ako. Ayoko siyang saktan pero pag 
pinili ko siya ako naman yung masasaktan.. 

 

.Be selfish.. She told me .Ako naging selfish ako dahil gusto kong maging masaya, ayoko ng 
masaktan gusto ko ako naman ngayon. Siguro nga madaming magsasabi na pangit maging 
selfish pero sila din naman diba nagiging selfish? So ask yourself why can‘t you be selfish just for 
once and choose what makes you happy.. 

 

Being selfish. How can I be selfish when I know someone will get hurt? Siguro nga mas mabuti ng 
ako nalang yung masaktan. 

 

.I don‘t regret my decision when I decided to be selfish for once. Alam kong may masasaktan 
pero I did it anyway.. 

 

.Yung nag decide kang maging selfish ayun ba yung pinaalam mo kay Kuya Michael yung 
contract nila Alyssa?. I asked. This is one of the reasons why I find Jenny as maarte at nakakainis 
dahil there was a time when she did hurt Alyssa. 

 

.No. That was the time when I wasn‘t really thinking straight. And I‘m sorry for hurting your cousin.. 
She apologized. 

 


.Ok lang. Lalabas at lalabas din naman yung contract na iyon diba?. I assured her. .So when 
did you decide to become selfish?. I asked. 

 

.Nung debut mo.. She answered. .You see, handa na akong iwan ni Michael at hanapin si 
Alyssa sa New York.. Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya, bakit naman gagawin yun ni Kuya Michael? 
.Mahal na mahal ko si Michael so I decided na kahit kailangan siya ni Alyssa hindi siya aalis sa 
tabi ko, kaya ayun sinabi ko sa kanya na may sakit ako.. She admitted. May sakit nga naman 
siya pero hindi ko parin maisip bakit hahanapin ni Kuya Michael si Alyssa? 

 

.Ikaw ang girlfriend ni Kuya Michael so bakit naman niya pupuntahan si Alyssa?. I asked her. 

 

She smiled at me pero it didn.t even reach her eyes. And her eyes are like she.s in pain. Na 
nasasaktan siya. .He loves Alyssa.. Hindi ko alam pero sa pagamin niyang mahal ni Kuya 
Michael si Alyssa parang natigil yung oras. Nagulat ako, totoo ba? .Nagmamahalan sila pero I 
decided to become selfish para wag siyang umalis sa tabi ko. Alam ko madaming 
pinagdadaaan si Alyssa pero mahal ko din naman si Michael so I told him to stay, I never regret 
that decision dahil gusto kong maging masaya.. She explained. 

 

I.m speechless, hindi ko alam pero kahit anong gawin ko hindi mag sink in sa utak ko na mahal 
ni Kuya Michael si Alyssa at handa siyang puntahan si Alyssa pero bakit hindi niya sinabi dati na 
hindi niya mahal si Alyssa? Si Jenny, kahit alam niyang may masasaktan, mas pinili niya yung 
sarili niyang kaligayahan. Siguro nga tama siya minsan kailangan naman yung sarili natin ang 
unahin natin. 

 

.Choose what makes you happy.. She told me. 

 

.Masaya ka ba?. I asked. 

 

.He‘s beside me while I‘m fighting so yes masaya ako.. She said. .Kahit mahal ka pa ni James 
kung hindi mo naman siya mahal katulad ng dati don‘t choose him, choose your happiness, 
don‘t trap yourself sa relationship na hindi ka masaya.. 

 

I smiled at her. Tama siya why would I be with someone I.m not happy with? Kahit pa sabihin 
natin na mahal ko siya, siya ba ang lalaking magpapasaya sa akin? Maybe. 


 

Nagkwentuhan nalang kami after that, nagtawanan din. We have many things in common and 
magaan siya kausap. I feel na close na kami kahit ngayon palang kami formal na nagkakilala. 

 

.Bes.. Napatingin kami sa lalaking tumawag sa kanya, papunta na siya sa amin. At nang 
napansin niyang ako yung kasama ni Jenny ngumiti siya sa akin at nginitian ko din siya. .Mary 
bakit nandito ka?. he asked. 

 

Part of me always hated Kuya Michael for hurting Alyssa pero now wala na yung hate. Siguro 
dahil nalaman ko na mahal niya si Alyssa kaya lang they were never meant to be together. 

 

.Check up. Hi kuya.. I smiled. 

 

Ngumiti din siya sa akin. .Nice to see you again Mary.. Sabi niya, mabait naman talaga si Kuya 
Michael eh, kaya lang galit ako sa kanya dati pero he.s really a good person. .Bes hinahanap 
ka na ng doctor.. Sabi niya kay Jenny. 

 

Si Jenny ngumiti lang kay Kuya Michael. Tas tumingin siya sa akin. .It was nice talking to you 
Mary.. She smiled .I hope you choose what makes you happy.. 

 

I nodded. .Get well soon.. I said. 

 

.Ingat Mary.. Sabi ni Kuya Michael at hinawakan na niya yung handle ng wheel chair ni Jenny. 

 

Ngumiti lang ako sa kanila. Tas lumingon si Jenny sa akin .Mary can we be friends?. she asked 
na parang nahihiya pa siya. 

 

I nodded. .I‘ll visit you soon.. Sabi ko at ngumiti siya sa akin at ganun din si Kuya Michael who 
mouthed the word „thank you.. Nginitian ko lang sila at I waved good bye sa kanila. 

 


Nang nawala na sila, bumalik na ako sa doctor ko para sa results. After that nag decide akong 
umuwi na din. Jenny is a good person. Pangit lang yung first impression ko sa kanya. 

 

I hope she gets well soon. 

 

Another day passed and hindi parin ako nakakapag decide. 

 

Can I really be selfish and be happy? 

 

Can James make me happy? 

 

At mahal nga ba talaga ako ni Gab not just his best friend but more than that? 

//Chapter 20// 

Loving you from Afar 

Ruben‘s Point of View 

 

Mahal ko siya ngunit kahit anong gawin ko hindi niya ako kayang mahalin dahil para sa isa lang 
yung puso niya. Tanggap ko na naman iyon pero masakit parin pala talagang makita na 
magkasama na sila at masaya na sa wakas. 

 

Masakit pero kailangan tanggapin na wala na talaga akong pagasa dahil kahit anong gawin 
ko nagmamahalan sila. 

 

.Ang saya nila ano?. tinignan ko yung nagsalita sa tabi ko at nakilala ko agad siya. Nakatingin 
siya sa dalawang tao na tinitignan ko din na nasa may gitna ng activity area magkahawak ang 
mga kamay habang kausap yung mga barkada nila. 

 

.Yeah.. Pag sagot ko sa kanya habang nakatingin din sa dalawa. They were laughing but 
makikita mo kung gaano sila kasaya at nagmamahalan. Halatang mahal nila ang isa.t isa. 


 

.Nagsisisi akong prinovoke ko silang dalawa last Saturday.. She admitted. .Alam kong mahal 
na mahal niya si Jewel, dati pa. Kaya nung nakipag break siya sa akin, alam kong darating din 
yung araw na aamin na din siya. Pero sa isip isip ko hindi mangyayari yun, masydong duwag si 
Harry pag dating kay Jewel.. She said as she looked at the two people in front of her. .Kaya 
nung nakita ko kayong magkasama ni Jewel, natuwa ako, ewan ko siguro dahil ayokong 
magkaaminan yung dalawa. So ayun my plan to provoke them started, I knew Jewel would 
deny all the things I‘d say at ayun yung magiging dahilan ni Harry para wag lalong mag tapat. 
But the plan backfired, siguro naubos na yung pasensya niya.. She smiled. 

 

Tanda ko nung araw na iyon. Nagulat ako dahil biglang tumayo si Harry at hinatak palayo si 
Jewel, nung mga oras na yun, natakot na din ako, alam kong may nararamdaman si Harry kay 
Jewel, nakita ko kung paano niya tignan si Jewel. Hinabol ko sila pero sinuntok lang ako ni Harry, 
and that moment I knew, everything will change and it did. 

 

.Ako din nagsisisi na inaya kong lumabas si Jewel.. I chuckled. .Pero wala naman mangyayari 
diba? Mahal parin nila ang isa‘t isa at sa huli darating din yung panahon na magkakaaminan 
sila.. 

 

.I guess you‘re right. I do want Harry to be happy. But that moment I just became selfish sa isip 
ko, bakit kailangan maging masaya sila kung kakabreak lang namin kahit alam kong matagal 
ng walang kami?. she looked at me. .Do you know ayaw ni Harry na ilagay sa Facebook yung 
relationship status namin, pero kay Jewel, nung gabing din yun they were officially a couple 
online. Pati profile pictures parehas. I know Harry did love me pero ayun yung tunay. He‘s been 
in love with Jewel since day one, na love at first sight siya alam mo ba yun?. she smiled at me. 

 

Tinignan ko ulit yung dalawa na masaya, napasmile lang ako. Masaya si Jewel ayun yung 
mahalaga. Kahit hindi sa piling ko at least she.s happy at hindi na siya umiiyak. Kahit pa kapalit 
nung kasiyahan niya at ang unti unting magwasak ng puso ko. Kaya nga diba siya ang 
inspiration ko sa sinulat kong „What I did for Love?.. 

 

.So anong plano mo?. she asked me. 

 

Tinignan ko siya at tumingin ulit ako sa dalawa bago ngumiti at sinabing .I guess I‘ll be loving 
her from afar now.. I said. No matter what happen I will always love Jewel, siya lang muna 
ngayon at pag ready na ako siguro darating din iyon. .Ikaw?. 


 

.Love him secretly?. she smiled. 

 

.We‘re fools in love aren‘t we?. I asked and she laughed. 

 

I guess it.s time to go. Kanina pa ako nakatayo dito at nakatingin sa kanila hindi alam kung 
pupunta o hindi pero she asked me to kaya pupunta ako, kumukuha lang ako ng lakas. 

 

Ngumiti ako kay Camille. .Punta na ako sa kanila.. Pagpapaalam ko sa kanya, nagulat siya 
pero ngumiti lang siya at tumango .I wish you good luck.. Sabi ko. 

 

.You too.. I heard her say pero naglakad na ako papunta kay Jewel. 

 

Napansin ni Jewel na malapit na ako kaya tumingin siya at ngumiti sa akin and she waved her 
hand para bilisan ko yung pagpunta sa side niya. We had our talk last Saturday night, ako yung 
pinakauna niyang sinabihan personally. At nagusap lang kami ng masinsinan and sabi ko kung 
masaya siya masaya na din ako. 

 

Nang napunta na ako sa tabi niya, ngumiti siya sa akin at tinignan ko naman si Harry, he 
frowned when he saw me. Humiwalay si Jewel kay Harry at bigla niya akong niyakap, nagulat 
ako for a moment pero niyakap ko din siya. 

 

.Thank you so much Ruben.. She whispered to me. Hindi ko alam kung bakit siya nag thank you, 
wala naman akong ginawa pero to feel her embrace is what I needed. 

 

Natawa ako nang umubo si Harry kaya humiwalay si Jewel sa akin, she smiled at me. Tas 
tumingin siya kay Harry na napakamot naman sa likod ng ulo niya. Tinignan ko siya at ganun din 
siya. 

 

.Sorry.. He said habang nakatingin siya dun sa may labi ko. 

 


Naalala ko na naman yung sugat sa may gilid ng labi ko. But that was the price for Jewel to be 
happy kaya ayos lang. Ang martyr ko nga ata. 

 

.I mean it. I‘m sorry. Thank you na din for taking care of Jewel.. He said. 

 

I grinned. .Ayos lang.. sabi ko. 

 

At I started to join their conversations, napatingin ako dun sa may side kung nasaan ako kanina 
at nandun parin si Camille nakatingin lang, nakangiti and then naglakad na siya paalis pero 
bago iyon pinunasan niya muna yung mukha niya, had she been crying? 

 

Napatingin ako kay Jewel, masaya siya. Napansin ni Jewel na nakatingin ako sa kanya at 
nginitian niya ako I smiled back. 

 

It was a right decision to let her go. I.ll be loving her from afar now. 

 

Gabriel‘s Point of View 

 

Naglakad na ako papunta sa building ko, sira kasi yung kotse ko kaya I had to commute. Hindi 
ko alam kung bakit medyo 8 ako umuwi ngayon, medyo maaga pa to think na busy ako sa 
pagaayos ng transfer ko. Pero gusto ko lang talagang umuwi kanina pa. Para bang sinasabi sa 
akin na umuwi na ako ngayon din. 

 

Nasa isip ko si Mary, hindi niya ako tinawagan kahapon para magpasama sa appointment niya 
sa doctor, hindi ko din siya matawagan dahil natatakot ako. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ako 
natatakot ngayon, dati naman kayang kaya kong tawagan siya kahit alam kong nakakaisturbo 
ako. Pero I just couldn.t call nor text her. 

 

I have this feeling that something is wrong but I.m too scared of finding out what.s wrong. I.m 
being a lame coward but if that will keep me in Mary.s side then ayos lang. 

 


Nang papasok na ako ng building napansin ko si Mary, nasa may gilid siya ng building 
nakasandal sa may wall habang nakatingin sa lapag. Lumapit ako sa kanya at hinawakan siya 
sa may balikat at nagulat naman siya. 

 

Napansin kong nawala yung gulat niya pero pumalit naman yung kaba sa mukha niya. Minsan 
ko lang nakikitang kinakabahan si Mary kaya alam na alam ko tong mukha niyang ito. 

 

Anong nangyari at kinakabahan siya? 

 

.Anong ginagawa mo dito? Pwede ka naman pumasok ah?. sabi ko sa kanya, she knows my 
pass code may susi din siya kaya bakit hindi siya pumasok? It.s strange dati nga magugulat 
nalang ako nasa loob na siya ng unit ko nanunood habang kumakain ng ice cream and that.s 
why I never forget to stock my fridge with ice cream. 

 

Ngumiti siya sa akin pero halata parin na medyo kinakabahan siya. .Tara dun.. Sabi niya at 
sabay turo nung park sa gilid ng building. Nauna siyang maglakad at sinundan ko lang siya, nag 
stop siya sa may pond at tumingin muna siya sa langit bago sa akin. .Last Saturday I met with 
James.. Sabi niya sa akin, kaya ba siya hindi makapakali at kinakabahan? 

 

But her words were like nails. Hindi niya ako sinipot para kay James. I knew I would always stand 
second when it comes to James. Pero after all these time si James parin. Ang sakit sa puso. 

 

Hindi ako makapagsalita dahil hindi ko alam yung sasabihin ko. Ano bang dapat sabihin 
ngayon? Ano bang tama? 

 

She took my silence as a reason to continue her story. .Sinabi niyang mahal niya ako.. Nagulat 
ako at naptingin ako sa kanya ng diretso. Hindi pa sinasabi ni James yun dati, all he told her was 
that he needed help para kalimutan si Alyssa. .Humingi siya ng tawad sa ginawa niya dati at 
sinabing mahal niya talaga ako. Do you believe it Gab? After all the heartaches na natanggap 
ko mula sa kanya sa huli mamahalin din pala niya ako.. She smiled bitterly. .Humingi siya ng 
chance. So sabi ko bigyan niya ako ng time.. She continued. .Kahapon I spent my day thinking 
whether to give him a chance or not. Kung magiging selfish ako at magiging masaya.. She said. 
.Why am I so torn Gab? Ayun yung tanong ko sa sarili ko. Alam kong may puwang pa si James 
sa puso ko, pero bakit sobrang takot ako, that was my question Gab. Bakit hindi ko kayang 
tanggapin?. She said. 


 

Ayoko ng marinig. Ayoko na pero hindi ko magawang iwanan si Mary dahil kahit pa mahal niya 
si James, at babalikan niya ito, I made a promise with her na I won.t ever leave her. Kahit pa 
masaktan ako ayos lang. 

 

Siguro nga kailangan ko din itong marinig to get the message clear, I.m just her best friend. Pero 
bakit parang gusto kong umamin din ngayon sa kanya? Kung umamin si James pwede din ko 
bang sabihin sa kanya na mahal ko din siya, may laban kaya ako pag sinabi ko sa kanya iyon? 
May pag asa kaya ako? 

 

Mali bang tinago ko yung nararamdaman ko para sa kanya? 

 

.Nagkita kami ngayon.. She smiled at me. 

 

Alam ko na yung nangyari kahit hindi pa niya sabihin. Sinabi na niya kay James yung sagot niya. 
Wala na talaga akong pag asa. But I badly want a shot. A chance to tell her, can I? Pag ba 
sinabi ko hindi ba siya mawawala sa tabi ko? 

 

.I can see his sincerity nung sinabi niya ulit yung mga salitang =I love you‘. A part of me was 
overwhelmed na mahal nga ako ni James. But I made my decision last night. It didn‘t change 
nang makita ko siya dun.. She said at tumingin siya sa langit ulit at ngumiti. Nawala yung kaba 
sa mga mukha niya kanina napalitan ng peacefulness. I guess kinakabahan siyang sabihin sa 
akin ito. 

 

Pero tumingin ulit siya sa akin at nandun ulit yung kaba. Bakit nga ba siya kinakabahan 
nakalimutan na ba niya na nangako ako ng hinding hindi ko siya iiwan ano man mangyari? 

 

Kahit pa mag mahal siya ng iba? 

 

Ou kahit pa magmahal siya ng iba. Kahit pa. 

 


.I gave him my answer today.. She said. Tas tumingin siya sa mga daliri niya habang nilalaro 
niya ito, kinakahahan nga talaga siya. .Hindi ko alam kung paano ko sasabihin to sayo. 
Ayo…ayokong mag…. Freak out ka…. O baka pag….. uhmm.. sinabi ko sayo bigla kang mag 
slip out sa akin….. pero paano ko nga ba to sasabihin?. she said at bigla siyang tumingin sa akin 
saglit lang pero balik agad sa daliri niya. Siguro nga nahihirapan siya masyado. Pero I.m 
preparing myself also. 

 

.Uhmmm…. Gab….. you know I‘ve always been grateful that you‘re always by my side. 
Nagpapasalamat ako dahil naging best friend kita…….kaya….. uhmmm.. kahit anong mangyari 
always be my best friend…..uhmmm… the thing na sasabihin ko might be awkard para sayo…. 
Pero ngayon lang kasi ako may lakas ng loob na sabihin to sayo….. She said and looked at me. 

 

Tell her first. Sabihin mo munang mahal mo siya bago niya sabihin sayo na sila na ni James! 

 

.Sabi sabi nila…uhmmm… ewan ko basta nakakahiya to pag hindi at hindi ko na alam ang 
gagawin ko pag nangyari iyon. But I‘m taking a great leap…… Gabriel….. I—. I cut her off. 

 

.Mahal kita Mary!. I confessed. Napatingin siya sa akin shock all over her face. I readied myself 
for the rejection and so I closed my eyes. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko sinabi sa kanya iyon may 
parte lang ng isip ko na sinabi sa akin na dapat sabihin ko na. Na take chances. 

 

 I heard her sigh and then she laughed. Napadilat ako. Did she just laugh at my confession? 
Tinignan ko siya, nawala na yung shock pati yung kaba napalitan na ng relief. 

 

.Mahal kita.. Inulit ko. 

 

Tinignan niya ako, nakangiti lang siya. .Alam ko.. alam niya? .Madaming nagsabi sa akin na 
mahal mo daw ako.. Then she laughed again .I can‘t believe this…. anong hindi niya kayang 
paniwalaan na mahal ko siya? .Gab you just made me so happy.. Nagulat ako dahil bigla niya 
akong niyakap. 

 

Niyakap ko siya pabalik. .Alam kong mahal mo si James pero I just had to say it.. Sabi ko. .Alam 
kong wala akong laban kay James pero I wanted to say it.. 

 


I heard her sigh again and she chuckled. .It‘s funny.. Pagaamin niya. My confession is funny? 
.Ikaw si Gabriel Jhonson the heartthrob, all girls at school swoon over you until now pero wala 
kang lakas ng loob ano?. she chuckled. Tama siya ako na sikat haggang ngayon sa university 
walang lakas ng loob pagdating sa kanya. .Alam mo ba bakit ako nandito ngayon?. 

 

.Para sabihin sa akin na kayo na ni James.. I said straightly. 

 

Humiwalay siya sa pagkayakap at ngumiti sa akin tas niyakap niya ulit ako. .That‘s where you‘re 
wrong Gab. Pumunta ako dito ngayon para sabihin sayo na….. tumingin siya sa akin, we stared 
at each other. .Kung pinatapos mo lang talaga ako kanina.. She chuckled again then her face 
went from being funny to being serious. .Gabriel I love you.. And just like that the world seemed 
to stop. .I told James I‘m in love with you and that I choose you.. 

 

.Mahal mo ako?. 

 

She smiled at me. .Mahal kita Gab, ikaw lang at wala ng iba pa.. she said .I was confessing a 
while ago but then you interrupted me by saying…... she looked at me. 

 

.Mahal kita Mary.. I smiled at her. 

 

Ito na ata ang pinakamasayang araw para sa akin. Ang araw na nalaman kong mahal din niya 
ako. Na ako ang mahal niya. Ako ang pinili niya. 

 

Magsasalita pa sana si Mary pero biglang nag ring yung phone niya at humiwalay siya para 
kunin yung cellphone niya. Nilabas niya iyon at tinignan kung sino yung tumawag, matagal 
niyang tinignan iyon kaya tinignan ko din pero yung hindi pahalata na nakatingin ako. 

 

Harry Naval calling…. 

 

Bakit tumatawag yung kambal ni James? 

 


Sinagot ni Mary yung tawag .Hi Harry.. Pagbati niya. 

 

Rinig na rinig ko yung boses ni Harry sa kabilang linya. (“James had been on an accident.”) 
nababa ni Mary yung kamay niya at tumulo yung mga luha niya. 

 

Hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko, do I pretend na hindi ko narinig or not? 

 

.I should have not come here.. She murmured. Then suddenly tumakbo siya papalayo sa akin 
my heart stopped. Why? Anong gagawin ko? Bakit hindi ko siya mahabol? 

//Chapter 21// 

Her Selfless Heart 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

.I should have not come here.. I murmured and then I ran away from Gab. This is all my fault. 
Kasalanan ko ito. 

 

James had been on an accident. 

 

Kasalanan ko kung bakit siya naaksidente. Kasalanan ko. 

 

Memories came flashing in my mind. 

 

I asked James to meet me today sa seaside where he confessed his feelings for me once more. I 
had to tell him personally. Nakita ko siya na nakatayo dun at ngumiti siya nang makita niya ako. 

 

We said our hellos and we started walking papunta sa may dagat. “Minsan na akong nagmahal 
at nagpakabulag at dahil dun nasaktan kita, ikaw na tunay na nagmamahal sa akin. Kaya 
ngayon gusto kong bumawi dahil ngayon alam ko na na ikaw ang mahal ko.” he said as we 
stopped when we reach the sea wall. “Mahal na mahal kita Mary.” 


 

I closed my eyes. I saw sincerity over his eyes. And I know he truly loves me but I already chose 
who. I already chose to be happy and become selfish. 

 

“I’m sorry James.” I said “I’m in love with someone else.” Pagaamin ko. I can.t lie to James. I just 
can.t. He had to know. 

 

“Please Mary give me a chance. Don’t do this.” He pleaded. “Hindi ko na kakayanin pag 
nawala ka pa sa akin.” he said. 

 

Nasasaktan ko si James ngayon eto ba yung kapalit ng pagiging masaya ko; ang saktan si 
James? 

 

“I can’t. I’m sorry.” I said once again. “Mahahanap mo din yung para sayo James.” 

 

I looked at him. Tears were also falling from his eyes. I am hurting him but I have to. I want to be 
happy. “Take care James.” I said and walked away. 

 

“Mamamatay ako pag nawala ka sa akin Mary.” That was the last thing I heard from James. 

 

Kasalanan ko. I hurt James and this is my fault. I should have not decided to become selfish. 
Hindi dapat. 

 

Naramdaman kong may yumakap sa akin mula sa likod. Lalo akong naiyak. How could fate be 
so cruel to me? To us? 

 

.Don‘t go.. He said. 

 

Great just great. Rain started pouring down on us. 

 


.I have to.. I said. 

 

.Don‘t. Please stay with me.. He pleaded. Alam kong alam na niya yung mangyayari. I will now 
leave him. It has to be this way. We.re never meant for each other. 

 

I can never be selfish. 

 

.I can‘t Gab.. 

 

.Pero mahal kita.. 

 

His words stabbed my heart. I love him so much. But I have to leave him. I have to let go. I have 
to choose James. Kasalanan ko ito kaya I have to make it right. 

 

.I love you Gab, always have and always will be but I have to let you go.. I said. 

 

.No. No. No.. he begged. .Please.. 

 

Humarap ako sa kanya, kahit pa umuulan kita ko parin na umiiyak siya. I am now giving the 
man I love pain. Bakit ganun? Bakit kung kalian gusto kong maging selfish ayaw naman 
pagbigyan ng fate. Bakit ganun? Gusto ko lang naman maging masaya pero ngayon dalawa 
na silang nasasaktan ko. 

 

.Hindi man ako ang nasa tabi mo Gab lagi mo lang tandaan na ikaw lang ang mamahalin ko 
ng ganito. Ikaw lang Gab. Mahal na mahal kita tandaan mo yon. I will always love you. Hindi ka 
mawawala sa puso ko dahil Gab you gave back hope and love into my heart. You might find 
this funny but I do believe you‘re my soul mate kahit hindi man tayo sa huli ikaw ang soul mate 
ko dahil ikaw lang ang nakakaintindi sa akin. Kahit pa piliin ko si James tandaan mo mahahalin 
parin kita Gab.. I said to him. 

 


.Why are you giving up on us Mary hindi pa nga natin alam kung anong meron bukas para sa 
atin so please don‘t leave.. 

 

.Gab you have to know. I‘m not giving up on us. God knows how much I want to fight for us but 
Gab I can‘t live knowing it was my fault. I can‘t and so I have to let you go please understand.. I 
closed my eyes. 

 

.I love you so much it hurts.. He admitted. 

 

I kissed him for the very first time and also the very last time. Sana kahit pa piliin ko si James 
ngayon, sana maging best friend ko parin si Gab dahil hindi ko kakayanin kapag nawala siya sa 
tabi ko. 

 

.I will always love you.. I said and decided to walk away. I hailed a taxi and went straight to the 
hospital. 

 

Why does fate have to be so cruel on me? Bakit lagi nalang ako ang nasasaktan? Why can.t I 
be happy for once? 

 

Nang makarating na ako sa hospital, I went towards the emergency room and nakita ko si Harry 
dun. Pumunta ako sa kanya at nang napansin niya ako, niyakap niya ako. 

 

.I‘m so sorry Harry kasalanan ko to.. Kung hindi ko pinili ang maging selfish dapat hindi 
naaksidente si James. 

 

.Shh… hindi mo kasalanan Mary.. He said. 

 

.Ano bang nangyari?. 

 


.He got hit by a car, masyadong mabilis kaya tumalsik siya.. Pag eexplain niya, nag salita pa 
siya pero hindi ko na siya matindindihan dahil wala na talaga akong marinig. I am too worried 
and too hurt. Worried for James and hurt because I just let go of my greatest love. 

 

Nag hintay kami sa waiting area, nandun si Jewel at tumabi agad si Harry sa kanya, they looked 
so sweet and nagmamahalan talaga sila. Buti pa sila masaya na. 

 

Dumating yung doctor and asked kung sino yung family member and so Harry said he.s the twin. 

 

.He received a massive head trauma; and so we decided to put him in a chemically induced 
comma to keep the swelling.. Sabi ng doctor. 

 

.But he‘ll be alright?. tanong ko sa kanya. 

 

.We‘ll know in 48 hours, if there‘s no more swelling then we‘ll put him out of the comma.. Pag 
eexplain niya. 

 

James was placed in a private ICU room. To see him with so many tubes and machines, I feel so 
hurt for him. Kasalanan ko ito. 

 

Jewel insisted na umuwi muna kami, hindi dapat ako sasama kaso sabi ni Harry kailangan namin 
magpahinga tutal James will be alright, he.s not really in a comma it.s chemically induced kaya 
he.s gonna be alright, ayan yung sabi ni Harry ayun yung pinapaniwalaan niya. I have to 
believe it to. 

 

Umuwi kami para magpalit ng damit, Harry stayed at our house, we let him sleep sa room ni 
Jewel habang share kami ni Jewel sa room ko. I haven.t heard from Gab which worried me, 
gusto ko siyang tawagan pero sa isip ko kailangan niya ng oras, oras na wala muna ako. 

 

By 8 pumunta na kami sa hospital, with fruits and all. May dala na din duffel bag si Harry, he.s 
really a good brother. Ganun din ako dapat si Jewel din kaso sabi ni Harry uuwi daw si Jewel 
dahil ayaw niyang mapagod ito. Still Jewel slipped some clothes sa bag ko. 


 

Pag dating namin, a nurse was checking James.s IV and writing something sa chart, ngumiti siya 
sa amin at sinabing maganda yung progress ni James and we just have to wait. 

 

Pumunta sila Jewel sa cafeteria to buy us breakfast dahil hindi pa din kami kumakain at darating 
na yung mommy nila James with their sister kaya bumili na din sila ng foods for them. 
Nagpaiwan nalang ako para may bantay si James. 

 

Nakaupo lang ako sa may side ng bed ni James holding his hands and praying that he would 
wake up soon. 

 

.James.. Napatingin ako sa may pinto ng room and yung mommy ni James nandun kaya 
tumayo ako to give her access sa bed ni James. I saw her in pictures and all. Pero haggang dun 
lang. I.ve always thought she.s so sweet and all. 

 

.Ikaw si Ate Mary?. tanong nung batang babae, katapid nila James, second year high school 
ata siya. Siya si Kylie. 

 

.Paano mo nalaman?. I asked her. 

 

.Kinuwento ka lagi ni Kuya sa akin.. she said. .Mahal na mahal ka daw niya at sana daw one 
day mapatawad mo siya.. Lalo akong naiyak sa sinabi niya. 

 

It.s been a week since James. accident, he was put out of the induced comma but he still not 
waking up and so he.s really in a comma now. His life is hanging by a thread and it.s all my fault. 
I.ve been staying in the hospital, at ganun din yung mommy nila. Kylie has been nice to me. I 
know she.s scared kaya sinasamahan ko siya. I haven.t talk with Gab yet. Hindi ko pa kaya. 

 

James. mom is I don.t know how to put it pero, I thought she was all sweet and caring like the 
pictures but I was wrong, she.s really scary. Ewan ko but we seem off. Mataray siya sa akin like 
she knows that I am to be blamed. Pero I can see na kay Jewel ok naman siya. 

 


.Pwede ba tayong magusap Mary?. Tita Eliza asked me. Nagulat ako kasi never niya akong 
kinausap. I mean I tried pero ayaw lang niya. 

 

Tumayo ako sa upuan ko, lumabas muna si Kylie ng room, tinignan ko si Tita Eliza at nakatingin 
lang siya kay James. Kinakahaban ako sa kanya talaga. .Nalaman kong umamin na sayo si 
James na mahal ka niya at you rejected him.. She said. She stroked the hair of James and then 
she stopped and looked at me. .And so what the hell are you doing here?. nagulat ako sa 
tanong niya. .Dahil ba sa awa kaya nandito ka? Kung ganun hindi ka kailangan ni James. Kahit 
pa mahal ka niya hindi niya kailangan ng awa mo.. She said harshly. Looks can be deceiving 
really. 

 

.I love James.. I admitted. Totoo naman eh mahal ko si James, pero hindi na tulad ng dati dahil 
mahal ko na si Gab ngayon mas mahal ko si Gab. .Alam kong sobra ko siyang nasaktan nung 
sinabi ko na hindi ko siya tatanggapin. Kaya nandito ako ngayon I want to be here when he 
wakes up. Gusto ko ako una niyang makita.. I said and looked at James. I feel guilty that.s why 
I.m here. And because this is where fate wants me to be. 

 

.Then please when he wakes up, make sure you won‘t ever leave him again.. 

 

.I can‘t promise that.. I said. 

 

.Then please leave. I don‘t want to let James see you when he wakes up kung iiwan mo din 
naman siya. Nasaktan mo na siya kaya you‘re free to go. You may think I‘m cruel but I‘m only a 
mother, I want what‘s best for my children. He almost died so please make a decision. Don‘t let 
him hope for something more.. 

 

.I won‘t hurt him again. I won‘t leave.. I said firmly. This is my decision now. 

 

Hindi ko na iiwan si James. This is what I need to do to be selfless and learn to love James all over 
again. 

 

.Do you hear that James? Hindi daw aalis si Mary so please wake up soon.. She said to James. 

 


Lumabas ako ng kwarto ni James and started to walk at dun nakita ko si Jenny, nang makita 
niya ako lumapit siya at umiyak nalang ako bigla sa kanya. 

 

Why am I crying? This is the right thing to do. Be selfless. 

 

.I can‘t be selfish Jenny.. I finally admitted the truth. I just can.t. 

 

If being selfless means I have to get hurt it.s fine as long as wala akong masasaktan. But you.re 
hurting Gab and yourself. I have to. This is the price for even trying to be selfish. The price I must 
pay. 

 

I.m so sorry Gab I couldn.t fight. 

//Chapter 22// 

All this Hope 

Love‘s Point of View 

 

I felt the need to go over Gabriel.s place. 

 

Ewan ko pero feeling ko kailangan kong pumunta at tignan kung ayos lang ba siya sa lahat. 
Alam kong madaming nangyari sa kanya, hindi lang nila alam na alam ko. I was there that night. 

 

I was supposed to bring Gabriel a cake pero nang makita ko si Mary na naghihintay hindi ko 
magawang lumapit sa kanya. Nagtago lang ako. Nang dumating si Gabriel sinundan ko sila sa 
park. 

 

I heard everything. How Mary chose Gabriel over James. I saw how happy Gabriel was but that 
all changed. Napalitan ng sakit. Dahil lang sa isang tawag. Sa isang tawag handa siyang iwan si 
Gabriel. 

 


I saw how Gabriel was unable to move that moment when she ran away pero hinabol din niya 
ito agad, she was letting him go. Nagmakaawa sa kanya si Gabriel but she was determined to 
let go kahit masakit man sa kanya. And she walked away this time Gabriel didn.t follow. 

 

I wanted to come to Gabriel, pero hindi ko magawa. Hindi ko magawang lapitan siya at i-
comfort. Hindi ko kaya. I felt like I was betraying Mary. Mahal niya si Gabriel. 

 

.Love pupunta kami sa hospital sama ka?. pag aaya ni Jewel sa akin. Isang beses palang 
akong pumunta para bisitahin si James at si Mary hindi na umalis sa hospital. School.s over kaya 
ayos lang naman dahil tapos na siya sa thesis niya at lahat ng requirement. 

 

Tinignan ko si Jewel, araw araw din siyang pumupunta sa hospital sympre boyfriend niya ang 
kambal ni James at nandun ang nanay nila Harry. Pero ako wala naman akong reason para 
pumunta. 

 

When I learned about James. accident, I knew why Mary let go of Gabriel. Mas pinili niya si 
James because she couldn.t live with the fact na isa siya sa dahilan. 

 

.Aalis ako.. I said. Determined na pupunta ako ngayon kay Gabriel. 

 

With that umalis na sila Jewel nang dumating na yung sundo niya. Nag ayos na din ako at 
kinuha ko yung cake na ginawa ko na dapat ibibigay ko kay Gabriel nung Monday. 

 

I went to Gabriel.s place and nag doorbell ako pero walang sumagot kaya nag doorbell ulit 
ako at ayun binuksan ni Gabriel yung pinto, he looks so haggard. Ibang iba. 

 

Tinignan niya ako .Anong ginagawa mo dito?. he asked. I peeked in sa unit niya at nakita kong 
napakadumi nito. He.s a mess. 

 

.Nag bake ako ng cake baka gusto mo.. Sabi ko at sabay taas ng box ng cake. 

 


Tinignan niya yung box at tsaka sa akin. .Busog ako.. Sabi niya at sasarado niya na sana yung 
pinto kaya lang pinigilan ko siya. Tinignan niya ulit ako pero hindi na ako nag salita pa at agad 
akong pumasok sa loob ng unit niya. 

 

Napakadumi. Ang dilim dilim. Nagkalat yung mga bote sa lapag, box ng pizza at mga junk 
foods. Is this what he.s been doing? Moping around? 

 

.Anong nangyari dito?. I asked while looking around. 

 

.Heart being broken that what‘s happened.. He said habang nakatayo lang siya dun sa may 
side at nakatingin dun sa lapag kung saan may isang picture frame. 

 

He.s a mess and Mary did this. 

 

.Mali palang mag mahal ka ng sobra.. Sabi niya. .Ang gusto ko lang naman ay yung nasa tabi 
niya ako lagi eh. Pero ngayon hindi na pwede.. 

 

.Bakit naman hindi na pwede?. 

 

.She left me.. 

 

Yes she did. 

 

.May dahilan naman diba?. 

 

.Lagi nalang ba akong pangalawa pagdating kay James? Sabi niya mahal niya ako pero bakit 
hindi ako?. hearing Gabriel say this all. A part of me was torn between helping to clean the 
name of my friend or comfort Gabriel with all my might kahit pa sirain ko yung natitirang 
relationship nilang dalawa. 

 


However, conscience grew on me the moment I saw what he was looking at. Yung picture na 
nasa lapag sila ni Mary magkasama, masaya si Mary sa picture ganun din si Gabriel. 

 

.Gabriel you know her more than anyone else. So bakit hindi mo makita yung reason niya with 
all of this?. I asked him. This wasn.t what I planned. Gusto ko lang naman ibigay yung cake at 
tignan kung ayos lang siya pero nagbago lahat iyon nang makita ko siya. 

 

.Mahal ka niya Gabriel. Mahal na mahal na sobra siyang natakot na pag pinili niya si James 
mawawala ka sa kanya. Mahal na mahal ka niya na hindi niya na realize na mahal ka pala 
niya. Pero nang marealize niya ikaw ang pinili niya.. Pagpapatanda ko sa kanya. .Kung hindi 
nangyari yung aksidente nandito siya ngayon Gabriel alam mo yan.. 

 

.Pero bakit kailangan niya akong iwan?. he cried. .Ako ang mahal niya pero bakit nandun siya 
ngayon?. he asked. .Bakit hindi ako?. 

 

.Gabriel, mas gugustuhin mo bang nandito siya sa tabi mo when guilt is eating her alive. Sa isip 
niya kasalanan niya ang lahat. Gabriel kung mag ii-stay siya sayo that would eat her alive.. I 
said to him. 

 

Tinignan niya ako na para bang bago lang sa kanya yung mga sinabi ko. .Mahal ka niya 
Gabriel pero hindi niya kayang maging makasarili. Ikaw ba Gabriel kakayanin mong makita si 
Mary na lalong kinakain ng guilt? It would kill her Gabriel so please understand her.. 

 

.She needs you more than anything right now. Kailangan niya yung best friend niya so act like 
one.. I told him lumapit ako sa kanya. .Iniwan ka man niya, don‘t break your promise to her.. 
Pagpapaalala ko sa kanya ng promise niya dati kay Mary. 

 

That he.ll never leave Mary no matter what 

 

.Be her best friend. Wag kang magpaka-emo dito hindi bagay sayo. Wag kang sumuko sa inyo 
ni Mary, kahit pa sabihin natin na hindi ka niya pinili sa huli at least be her best friend. Ayun ka 
naman diba para sa kanya, ikaw yung best friend niya.. 

 


Naglakad ako papunta sa may kitchen counter at nilapag ko yung cake dun. .Eat that pag 
may gana ka na.. sabi ko at naglakad paalis ng unit niya. Nang nasa may pinto na ako 
tinignan ko siya. .Nasa hospital lang siya.. I told him and walked out. 

 

That was the right thing to do. 

 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

Nakaupo ako sa tabi ng kama ni James, hindi parin siya magising sana lang magising na siya. 
Hindi ko parin tinatawagan si Gab dahil I.m still giving him space kahit pa alam ko ng 
mawawala siya sa akin after the stunt I pulled. It was wrong telling him the truth. 

 

.Hey.. Nagulat ako nang may nagsalita sa likod ko. It was him. 

 

Tinignan ko siya. Mukhang okay naman siya. Buti naman at okay lang siya. Hindi ko kakayanin 
pag nalaman kong hindi siya maayos. Ngumiti siya sa akin he was assuring me of what? 

 

.Kamusta na siya?. he asked. 

 

Hindi ko siya kayang kausapin. Baka kasi masabi ko yung mga salitang hindi dapat tulad ng 
„mahal kita. „I changed my mind. „don.t give up. „stay with me.. 

 

I shook my head as an answer. He sighed deeply and then tinignan niya ulit ako. .Pwede ba 
tayong magusap?. he asked. 

 

 I nodded. I owe him one. 

 

.I will let you go.. Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. It hurts pero ito yung tama. .But I won‘t stop being 
your best friend.. Haggang dun lang kami. .Pero sana Mary bigyan mo ako ng isang araw 
kasama ka. Bigyan mo ako ng isang araw bago kita tuluyang bitawan.. This is what I wanted 
pero bakit napakasakit isipin na bibitiw na siya. .One day with me please.. 


 

I closed my eyes. I should give myself a day right? A day with the man I love most. 

 

I nodded. Hindi ko kayang magsalita. 

 

.I‘ll pick you up at 4.. Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya. 

 

.Ang aga naman.. Pag protesta ko. 

 

.Basta I‘ll pick you up.. He smiled at me at naglakad na siya palabas ng kwarto ni James. 

 

.Gab.. Pagtawag ko sa kanya. Nilingon niya ako. .I…. — Love you. .I am sorry.. 

 

He shook his head and smiled at me. .I love you Mary.. He said and walked away. Why can he 
say those words after everything I.ve done to him? 

 

Tinignan ko si James. .James bukas aalis ako pero pangako pag balik ko I will try to love you 
again.. I said. I promise. 

 

Nagising nalang ako dahil sa naramdaman kong pag galaw, may humahawi ng buhok ko. 
Dinilat ko yung mata ko at nakita kong naka-ngiti si James. .James.. Pag tawag ko sa pangalan 
niya. Niyakap ko siya agad. .Gising ka na.. I said. Tears started falling. Gising na si James. 

 

Tumayo ako para lumabas at tawagin yung doctor pero pinigilan ako ni James. .Dito ka lang.. 
sabi niya sa akin. It was more like he.s begging me to stay. 

 

.Tatawagin ko lang yung doctor James.. Pagpapaalala ko sa kanya. 

 


.Natatakot akong panaginip lang ito at iiwanan mo ulit ako.. He said. Oh my God. What did I 
do to this man? 

 

Hinawakan ko yung kamay niya at ngumiti ako sa kanya. .Hindi kita iiwanan James. Tatawagin 
ko lang yung doctor para matignan ka na niya.. I reassured him. 

 

After that, kinuha nila si James para sa mga tests. Ililipat na siya sa private room dahil maayos na 
naman siya. 

 

After all his tests, bumalik na siya sa private room. Nagbabalat ako ng mansanas ng bumalik siya, 
inalayan ko siyang humiga sa kama. Ngumiti siya sa akin. Umupo ako sa tabi niya at binigyan 
siya ng apple. 

 

.Buti naman at gising ka na James.. Sabi ko. .Bakit kasi hindi ka nagiingat!. I told him. 

 

.I lost you. Ano pang saysay kung mabubuhay ako ng wala ka sa akin? You‘re my life.. he said. 
It really is my fault. 

 

.Wag kang magisip ng ganyan James. Ayokong mabuhay ka para sa akin, gusto kong 
mabuhay ka dahil gusto mo hindi dahil sa akin.. 

 

.Iiwanan mo ulit ako?. fear covered his face. I did this to him. 

 

.Hindi ako aalis James.. I assured him. 

 

I chose you. 

 

.I love you so much Mary so please don‘t ever leave me. I can‘t live without you.. he said. 

 

.I won‘t.. I told him. This is what.s right. Choosing him. .Get some rest.. 


 

.Will I see you when I wake up?. tanong niya. 

 

Naalala ko bigla si Gab. I promise a day with him. 

 

.No.. 

 

.Then hindi ako matutulog.. 

 

Napangiti ako kay James. He.s acting like a child. .Silly, kailangan kong umuwi para tapusin 
yung thesis ko.. I lied. .I need to finish it.. 

 

.You‘ll promise you‘ll come back?. 

 

.I promise.. 

 

I promise because you woke up James and so I will really try to love you again. I will try my best. 

//Chapter 23// 

Love and Sacrifices 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

.Good night James.. Sabi ko at tsaka naglakad palabas ng kwarto niya. I.m glad he.s awake 
now. Na ayos na siya. 

 

Tutuparin ko yung pangako ko na mamahalin ko ulit siya, dahil iyon ang tama. I can and I will 
learn how to love him again. I fell in love with him once, how hard could it be to love him again 
right? 

 


Sa may hallway nakasalubong ko si Kuya Michael, nakita niya ako kaya lumapit siya at ngumiti 
sa akin. .Hi Kuya.. Pag bati ko sa kanya. .Nandito parin si Jenny?. I asked. This past few days 
nakikita ko si Jenny dito dahil nga patient din siya at lagi akong nandito para kay James. 
Nagkukwentuhan kami at I don't know pero I really feel close with her. 

 

Tumango lang si Kuya Michael. .Anong ginagawa mo dito?. he asked. Napansin kong nakasuot 
siya ng isang suit ngayon, today must be something. 

 

.May binibisita lang.. sabi ko. 

 

.Gusto mo muna mag kape?. he asked at sympre hindi naman ako makahindi dahil may mga 
gusto lang din akong malaman sa kanya. Simula nung nalaman kong mahal niya si Alyssa, 
ewan ko pero may part sa sarili ko na naawa sa kanya. I mean, he lost her. 

 

Umupo kami sa isang table sa cafeteria. Nakatingin siya sa kape niya .Nakakausap mo pa ba 
siya?. he asked and he looked at me. Siguro dati pag tinanong niya ako kung nakakausap ko 
pa ba siya, maiinis ako dahil iispin ko kaya siya nagtatanong dahil sa guilt pero ngayon hindi na. 
Naawa na ako. 

 

.Hindi na eh. Huli kong rinig sa kanya nung debut ko. Recorded pa.. I smiled bitterly, maalala 
lang yung debut ko, naiinis na ako at nasasaktan. 

 

.Ah. Sa tingin mo ayos lang siya?. he asked. 

 

.It‘s New York, her dream city. Minsan naiinis ako kasi bakit hindi man siya makipagusap, 
feeling ko nag move on na siya pero it‘s partly my fault din naman kung bakit eh.. I said. She left 
without saying goodbye because she felt she had no one. I left her side when she needed a 
family most. .She sacrificed many things in life so minsan naiisip ko din na siguro tama lang na 
mag move on siya at kalimutan yung naiwan niya.. 

 

Napansin kong nakatingin si Kuya Michael sa malayo para bang may inaalala siya. Hinawakan 
niya yung cup ng kape niya. .Yeah, she did.. 

 


.Bakit?. I asked him. Isang tanong na gustong gusto kong masagot niya. Tinignan niya ako na 
para bang hindi niya nagets yung tanong ko. .Bakit? Bakit mo sinabi sa kanya na hindi mo siya 
mahal?. 

 

He closed his eyes and then a few seconds passed and he looked at me. And he smiled weakly. 
.Pride.. Sagot niya. .Nung nalaman ko yung tungkol sa plano niyang paibigin ako, alam kong 
panalo siya eh. Kaso pag inamin ko parang tinapakan ko din yung pride ko. Nagalit nalang ako 
bigla. I didn‘t want her to know that nanalo siya. Na matagal na akong in love sa kanya.. 

 

.Mas matimbang ba yung pride mo kaysa sa kanya?. I asked. 

 

.No. I planned in forgetting everything, na sabihin sa kanya yung nararamdaman ko dahil sabi 
nga ni Gabriel nung nakita niya ako sa bar madaming lalaking nagmamahal kay Alyssa pero 
sa akin niya binigay yung puso niya. Pero hindi niya ako sinipot nung araw na iyon. She left 
sending me a text.. He looked outside. 

 

Si Gabriel? Paanong si Gabriel? Pero hindi ko na dapat iyan isipin. And so I grabbed my coffee 
and took a sip from it. 

 

.She did love you kuya. Alam kong minsan napakahirap paniwalaan dahil sa nagawa nila ni 
Anne na mapainlove ka pero matagal ng tapos yung pustahan na iyon kuya. Matagal na 
niyang tinigil dahil siya yung nainlove sayo.. I told him. 

 

He smiled faintly at me. Alam kong walang tamang salita ang magpapagaan sa loob niya dahil 
paano nga ba naman diba? Yung babaeng minahal niya bigla nalang umalis at iniwan ang 
lahat ng mga masasakit na alaala dito sa Pilipinas? 

 

.Mahal mo pa ba siya kuya?. I asked unconsciously. Nagulat nalang ako sa lumabas sa bibig 
ko. Bakit ko ba tinanong yun? 

 

.Yes.. Sa simpleng sagot niya parang napakadaming emotions parin pero mas matimbang 
yung naramdaman kong pagmamahal. Kahit pa mahal niya si Alyssa, he did sacrifice his life 
para kay Jenny, para tulungan ito ngayon na kailangan siya nito. .Yung araw na umalis siya, 
pinangako ko habang nakatingin ako sa eroplanong nakasakay siya na hihintayin ko siya. 


Akala ko sapat na yung hihintayin ko nalang siyang bumalik pero nung sa debut mo yung 
nalaman ko na siya pala talaga yung naaksidente, kulang pa pala iyon. I should have been by 
her side. I was determined to leave everything behind to be with her but then….. Jenny came 
along with her confession of being sick. 

 

Hindi na din kami masyado nakapag usap dahil may biglang nurse na tumawag kay Kuya 
Michael para sabihin na may nangyari kay Jenny, gusto ko sanang pumunta kaso kailangan ko 
na din umuwi para magpahinga at isa pa sabi ni Kuya Michael siya nalang daw. 

 

Umuwi na din ako at diretso lang ako sa kwarto ko, nagshower na din ako at nagsuot ng night 
dress. Napansin kong nakatingin sa akin sila Jewel nang lumabas ako sa bath room pero hindi 
ko sila pinansin dahil wala talaga ako sa mood na mag bond with them. 

 

Humiga na ako sa kama ko. Why is that life so damn hard? Bakit kailangan pang magmahal sa 
isang taong hindi naman pwedeng mahalin dahil pag nagkataon madaming masasaktan? 

 

Why can.t my life just be normal for once? 

 

I heard a soft knock coming from the door, hindi ko na tinignan kung sino yung pumasok dahil sa 
footsteps palang alam ko na kung sino. It was Jewel. Umupo siya sa gilid ng kama at tinignan 
niya ako ng masinsinan. 

 

.Himala ata at umuwi ka.. She started. .Mabuti na din at umuwi ka. Magpahinga ka muna. 
Susunduin kami ni Harry mayamaya kaya nagluto si Love ng pagkain.. She told me. Si Harry at 
Jewel, a perfect couple now. 

 

I smiled at her. .Jewel favor?. umupo ako sa kama. 

 

.Sure ano ba yun?. she asked. 

 

.Pag tinanong ako ni James, tell him na busy ako sa thesis ko ah.. Sabi ko and she gave me a 
questioning look. .Gab asked me for one day and I‘m going to give him – us one day.. Sabi ko 
sa kanya. 


 

She then hugged me. .Are you really sure this is what you want?. she asked, I nodded, ito ang 
tama, ang piliin si James. .Naalala mo nung sinabi mo sa akin na Camille‘s just a conflict sa love 
story namin ni Harry?. she looked at me, and so I nodded in reply. I.ve always told her that to 
cheer her up, lalo na pag nakikita namin sila Harry. .And you were right. I‘m with Harry. We‘re 
finally together.. She said, I.m glad she.s happy with Harry I mean mabuti na sa isa sa amin ang 
masaya kasama yung mahal niya diba? I smiled at her. .So maybe just maybe James is just 
another conflict in your love story with Gabriel. Think about it.. She said. 

 

No. 

 

.Maybe Gab is the conflict. Yung bang katulad nung sa mga libro Jew, na habang nasasaktan 
ako dahil sa ginawa ng leading man biglang darating yung si Gab para tulungan ako pero in 
the end kami parin ni James.. I answered her. Maybe 

 

.Pero mahal mo si Gabriel.. 

 

.I will always love Gab. He‘s my best friend but I must try to love James again. This is the right 
thing Jewel.. I assured her. 

 

She just sighed. And she hugged me once again. .I just wish that you could be happy. Nasaktan 
ka na ni James, I just don't want you to be hurt again.. She said. 

 

I pulled away and tried to smile .There‘s a difference now Jew, he loves me now.. I told her. 

 

Umalis na din sila after an hour, and I tried to sleep but I couldn.t, so kumain nalang muna ako 
and then nanuod ako sa living room and I didn.t even notice na nakatulog pala ako, nagising 
lang ako dahil may kumakatok sa pinto. 

 

Tinignan ko yung wall clock it.s 2:30 am! Sino naman ang kakatok sa bahay ng ganitong oras? 
My imaginations played and told me na baka serial killer on the loose yung kumakatok but then 
reality came knocking, it must be Love or si Jewel, may mga tendency kasi silang makalimutan 
yung susi nila lalo na pag may natitirang tao sa bahay. 


 

So naglakad na ako papunta sa pinto, and I opened it and I was about to tell them what I had 
in my mind pero nagbago iyon nang makita ko si Gab sa harap ko, he.s smiling at me, tinignan 
ko siya ng mabuti, he.s wearing a jeans and a white shirt pero kahit simple lang yung get up niya, 
napaka gwapo parin niya. 

 

Diretso pasok siya sa loob ng bahay kaya ako ay naiwan sa pinto at nang nakarecover na ako 
na si Gab nga yung tao sa pinto, sinara ko na ito at sinundan ko ito. Nakatayo lang siya sa may 
living room. 

 

.Akala ko ba 4 pa?. I asked him with matching crossed arms pa. 

 

.Couldn‘t sleep.. He said and I raised an eyebrow. Tas tinignan niya ako he was about to say 
something but then closed his mouth and then he opened it once again. .Maglagay ka nga ng 
robe or something.. He said and looked elsewhere. 

 

Na conscious naman ako bigla at naalala ko na naka night dress pa pala ako. And so tumakbo 
ako sa kwarto to put a robe. Lumabas ulit ako. .So?. I asked. 

 

.Maligo ka na.. pag uutos niya at sinunod ko naman siya. 

 

Naligo na ako ng mabilis dahil ang lamig ng tubig, dun na din ako nagbihis sa bath room to 
save all the trouble of running in with Gab in the living room. 

 

Nang matapos akong maligo, napansin kong walang Gab sa living room, siguro lumabas muna, 
kaya pumasok na ako sa kwarto ko only to see him lying in my bed with his eyes shut. I went 
towards the bed at umupo ako sa edge ng kama. 

 

I traced his face with my hands ang gwapo gwapo talaga nito lalo na pag tulog mukhang 
angel. I traced his face, una sa eyebrows niya, sa mga mata niya, sa ilong niya, sa pisngi niya at 
lastly sa oh so kissable lips niya. 

 


I noticed him smiled and then he pulled me towards him. I tried to resist but his hold was very 
tight. I felt his heart beat. .Gab?. I called. 

 

.Can we just stay like this? 5 minutes.. He said. .Kanina pa ako sa labas ng bahay niyo, hindi ko 
alam bakit pero all I wanted was to hold you like this.. I blushed buti nalang at hindi niya 
nakikita iyon. I sighed and rested on his chest. 

 

.Diba sabi mo kanina magluluto ako?. I asked him, kanina kasi bago ako mag shower sabi niya 
magluto daw ako. Humarap ako sa kanya to see his face, naka pikit parin siya pero ang gwapo 
parin niya. 

 

Dinilat niya yung mga mata niya, and I stared in his eyes, napakaganda talaga ng mata niya, 
it.s one of the kind, gray eyes .Nagluto na ako kanina, hindi ka naman marunog magluto eh.. 
He teased. 

 

Pinalo ko siya sa may shoulder niya and he smiled. .Sabi mo dati masarap yung luto ko.. I 
pouted naalala ko na naman yung day na iyon yung sabi niya masarap daw yung niluto ko 
para sa kanya. 

 

.Mahal kita kaya sinabi ko iyon.. He admitted and I blushed, kaya I just rested on his very firm 
chest. 

 

The 5 minutes turned into 30 minutes, minsan tinitignan ko siya at alam kong natutulog siya, 
siguro pagod siya. 

 

.Gab?. 

 

.Hmm?. 

 

.I love you.. hindi ko alam kung bakit sinabi ko iyon but it just came out, alam kong pinangako 
ko sa sarili ko na hindi ko sasabihin iyon dahil ayokong umasa lang kaming parehas. Dahil iniisip 
ko na pag sinabi ko iyon baka lalo akong umasa na baka pwede pa. 


 

Dinilat ni Gab yung mga mata niya and he just looked at me, slowly his face was an inch away 
from me, I closed my eyes as I felt his lips touched mine. It was a bittersweet kiss. 

 

.I love you most.. He said at tumayo na siya at lumabas ng kwarto ko. 

 

Which left me na nakaupo sa kama, I traced my lips with my fingers, it was our second kiss. Like 
the first one it felt like a bittersweet kiss. A kiss that meant we could never be together. 

 

Kaya tumakbo ako palabs ng kwarto ko and I saw him palabas na ng bahay and so I hugged 
him from behind. Naramdaman kong hinawakan niya yung kamay ko, and now realizations hit 
me. All those gestures he made towards me before were also full of love and pain. .I‘m sorry.. 
That was all I could say. 

 

Dahan dahan niya akong hinarap sa kanya, he let my chin up para makita ko siya, and he 
smiled at me, .Don't.. he said. .Araw natin to.. Dagdag niya. Tama I can.t ruin this day. 

 

.Where are we going?. I asked. 

 

Niyakap niya ako bigla, it was so tight I could hardly breathe. But like before his embrace felt so 
safe. Such comfort. .To see the sunrise and sunset together.. 

//Chapter 24// 

The Sunrise and Sunset 

Gabriel‘s Point of View 

 

Tinignan ko yung babaeng nakaupo sa loob ng kotse ko, ang babaeng mahal na mahal ko. 
Napaganda niya talaga kahit pa natutulog siya, at ngayon na natutulog siya, all those worries 
nawala bigla sa mukha niya, she looks so peaceful na ayaw ko na siyang gisingin muna. 

 

But I have to. 


 

Dahan dahan ko siyang ginising, malapit ng sumikat ang araw at gusto kong makita iyon 
kasama siya, sabi nila ang kasama mo daw pag nakita mo parehas ang pagsikat at paglubog 
ng araw ay ang nakatakda sayo, I just want to believe in those silly tales, para kahit papano 
may kunting dahilan parin ako para mabuhay. Kahit konting pag asa na pwede. 

 

.Mary?. pag gising ko sa kanya, dahan dahan niyang minulat ang kanyang mata, at nag 
stretch siya at tinignan niya ako at ngumiti siya. .Nandito na tayo, tara?. pag aaya ko sa kanya, 
nauna na akong bumaba para pag buksan siya ng pinto. 

 

Naglakad na kami papunta sa may shore hawak hawak ko ang kanyang kamay, dati rati din 
naman ay nahahawakan ko siyang ng ganito pero bakit ngayon parang feeling ko magiging 
iba na talaga ang lahat? 

 

Nang makarating kami sa may shore, she took pictures and nag habulan muna kami at nang 
mapagod siya, umupo na kami at sumandal siya sa akin, and with that we waited for the sun to 
rise. 

 

Nakita ko siyang ngumiti nang sumikat na yung araw, tinignan niya ako at ngumiti siya sa akin. 
We stayed like that for the next 5 minutes, tas tumayo na ako at tinignan niya lang ako and I 
smiled at her at iniwan ko siya muna dun para kunin yung picnic basket. 

 

Pagbalik ko nagpipicture siya, and I smiled at the view, napaka care free, nang naramdaman 
niyang malapit na ako, pinicturan niya ako. 

 

Binaba ko yung picnic basket at nang buksan niya, nagulat siya sa dami ng pagkain, I prepared 
that all kanina dahil alam kong malakas siyang kumain. Kumain na kaming dalawa at nagusap 
lang kami tungkol sa mga bagay bagay tila wala kaming haharapin pagkatapos ng araw na 
ito. 

 

.Gab let‘s bake a cake.. Pag aaya niya sa akin. 

 

Ngumiti ako sa kanya. .Sige. Let‘s buy ingredients.. I told her at tumayo na ako and I offered my 
hands for her to reach, at kinuha niya kaya dahan dahan ko siyang tinayo. 


 

Namili na kami ng ingredients at natatawa nalang ako dahil, halos lahat na ay kunin niya kaya 
ako naman balik ako ng balik ng mga bagay na kinukuha niya. Sympre hindi niya nakalimutan 
na kumuha ng ice cream. Isa sa mga gusto ko sanang dalhin yung ice cream kanina kaso kahit 
ilagay ko siya sa cooler matutunaw parin ito. 

 

At nagbalik na kami sa may rest house, kanina hindi pa kami pumasok dito dahil wala naman 
talaga akong balak na ipasok siya dito, I was thinking na sa beach lang kami the whole day. 

 

Kinuha ko yung susi na nakatago sa ilalim ng isang gnome na nakadisplay sa may labas ng 
pinto. At binuksan ko na yung pinto at pinauna ko siyang pumasok, she looked around the 
house and I saw her smile. 

 

We started baking and playing, habang naghahalo siya ng flour nilagyan ko naman siya ng 
flour sa mukha niya. 

 

.Argg Gab naman eh.. Inis na sabi niya tas nilagyan niya din ako. 

 

I remembered dati sa unit ko naglalaro din kami ng coke pa nga yun eh. Ngayon naman flour 
na, kinuha ko yung isang balot nung flour at tinapon sa kanya, tawa lang kami ng tawa. 

 

Then I pulled her closer to me. .Ayan parehas na tayo.. I smiled. 

 

.Bad ka.. She said and then she hugged me. .But I love you.. she said and looked at me and 
then kiniliti niya ako kaya kiniliti ko din siya kaya napahiga siya sa lapag ang lakas kaya ng kiliti 
niya. 

 

I.m on top of her punong puno kami ng flour sa katawan at pagod sa kakatawa, tumigil siya sa 
kakatawa at she stared at me and I did too. .I love you.. I said to her and our lips met. 

 

.I love you too.. She said. .Tayo na at magbake na tayo ng maayos.. She said at tumayo na 
nga kami at nagbake na kami ng maayos. 


 

Habang nasa oven pa yung cake we decided na maligo muna buti nalang may dala kaming 
damit. 

 

Amoy na amoy ko yung cake at nakita ko naman si Mary na tuwang tuwa nung nakita niya 
yung cake haha. .Tara Gab let‘s put icing.. She exclaimed at pumunta na ako sa kanya at 
niyakap ko siya. 

 

She was putting an icing habang ako ay nakayakap sa kanya, ang sarap sa feeling nito, it feels 
like forever at ayaw ko na siyang pakawalan pa kaso hindi pwede, I need to. 

 

.Ayan tapos na.. she said and she looked at me. .Let‘s put this sa fridge at let‘s cook our lunch.. 
She said. 

 

.Ako na magluluto ng lunch.. 

 

.Nope ako na.. 

 

Pero sympre hindi siya yung nagluto ako, siya naman yung nakikigulo, nakaupo siya sa counter 
at kumakain ng ice cream at minsan sinusubuan niya ako ng ice cream. 

 

I love this feeling, ang saya lang namin parang walang nangyaring masama. Yung pakiramdam 
na pwede mong sabihin kung anong gusto mong iparamdam tulad ng „I love you. at iba pa. 

 

But then I had to remind myself I am going to let her go by the end of the day. This magic is just 
for one day nothing more. 

 

Kumain kami sa may patio overlooking the beach, and after eating, umupo lang kami 
nakaharap sa beah, sumandal siya sa akin and she gave a happy sigh. .Can I sleep?. tanong 
niya sa akin. 

 


Inayos ko siya sa may braso ko and I patted her head and kissed the top of it, pumikit na siya 
and I stayed like that, watching her sleep. After 5 minutes, I carried her towards the room upstairs, 
dahan dahan ko siyang hiniga at I left her there to prepare our dinner. 

 

Inayos ko yung table na nasa may shore, I put candles to guide our way to the table, and petals 
to add. Naisip ko kasi na since this is probably the last time na makakasama ko siya as mine, 
then I should be a romantic and give her hearts and flowers. 

 

Pag pasok ko sa kwarto nakita ko siyang nakaupo na sa kama kaya ngumiti ako sa kanya at 
kinuha ko yung blindfold na nasa bulsa ko, lumakad ako papunta sa kanya at nilagyan siya ng 
blindfold. Dahan dahan ko siyang inaalayang bumaba at maglakad sa beach. 

 

Pagkatanggal ko ng blindfold niya, the sun was setting. It was time to let go. 

 

Tinignan lang niya ako and ngumiti siya, I didn.t say anything and just lead her to the table. I 
couldn.t let go but I need to. I can.t let her suffer because of my love for her. Dahil hindi ko 
kakayanin na makita yung Mary na minahal ko unti unting nag wi-wither. 

 

We then went to the table and started to eat, we shared stories and all, I can.t believe this is 
happening, it was just like yesterday we were so close and never thinking that one day we could 
be together, that we could be and now here were are together but we have to let each other 
go. 

 

Like a shooting star, our love story ended pretty fast, isn.t it? We haven.t started it but it already 
ended. 

 

I offered my hand to her, and we danced without any sound except our beating hearts as the 
music. 

 

Masakit man isipin at alam kong hindi ko kakayin na mawala ka sa akin, I.ll do whatever I can to 
make you happy even if I must pretend that I am happy without you by my side even if I must 
pretend that I am not dying seeing you with him. 

 


Nagsayaw lang kami and then I looked at her eyes, she was crying. With my hand, I cleared her 
face. I can.t see her crying dahil baka lalo ko lang hindi siya bitawan. 

 

“I don’t want to let you go just yet.” She told me. I don.t want to let you go ever pero kailangan. 

 

We ate the cake at after eating kinuha ko yung black velvet box na nasa likod ng upuan ko. I 
handed it to her. And she opened it and her mouth dropped open. .Gab….. She looked at me. 

 

Pumunta ako sa kanya at kinuha yung box at sinuot sa kanya yung necklace, it was a Cartier.s 
diamond necklace. I saved my money to buy her something from Cartier, dati all I ever want to 
get at Cartier was a ring but I know now I can.t ever give her a ring. 

 

.Wear this for you to be reminded that I love you, I always will.. I told her. 

 

Tumayo siya at humarap sa akin at niyakap niya ako. .Thank you.. she whispered. 

 

Umupo kami sa buhangin at tumingin lang sa malayo. Walang nag sasalita, and I didn.t dare to 
break the silence dahil I could no longer say anything because all I ever want to say is I can.t let 
her go. 

 

.Mahal na mahal kita Gab.. She said .And I‘m so sorry I caused you pain.. She sobbed. 

 

She fell asleep in my arms so I carried her inside the house and into the room. Hiniga ko na siya 
sa kama at humiga din ako. I looked at her, she.s like an angel that God brought me. 

 

She opened her eyes and she stared at me. .Gab why are you doing this?. she asked. .Bakit 
hindi ka magalit galit sa akin?. 

 

I looked at her, how could I be mad at the woman I.ve ever loved? And the only woman I know 
I would only loved. No one else would make me feel like this. 

 


.Dahil hindi ko kayang magalit sayo. Ayokong maging selfish Mary, sapat ng nalaman ko na 
minahal din ako ng babaeng minamahal ko. I don‘t want to make you suffer. I love you and this 
is all that I can do.. I said. .I want you to be happy and that‘s why I‘m letting you go.. 

 

I hugged her, this is all that I can do, tomorrow wala na ako sa buhay niya, no I can still be there 
pero kakayanin ko bang makita siyang kasama ng ibang lalaki? 

 

.I love you Gab.. She said as she closed her eyes. 

 

.I love you too.. I said hindi kita bibitawan kahit ngayon lang. 

 

She.s really beyond my reach now. 

 

With that I fell asleep holding her. 

 

Nagising ako ng mga 5 in the morning at nakita ko naman na tulog pa si Mary, tumayo na ako 
and tapos na yung araw namin ni Mary, I.m her best friend again, I will be secretly loving her 
again. 

 

.Mary gising na babalik na tayo sa Manila.. I poked her. 

 

.Maya na.. 

 

.Tayo na diyan. Baka hinahanap ka na sa Manila.. 

 

Tumayo naman siya na naka-simangot mukhang inaantok pa talaga siya. We ate our breakfast 
tas nagpahadtid na din siya sa hospital nung nasa labas na kami ng hospital… 

 

.Sige na bye ingat ka ah.. I said. 


 

.Sino may sabing aalis ka na?. she said .Tara samahan mo ako sa loob, samahan mo ako best 
friend.. She smiled at me. 

 

Talagang kailangan sumama pa ako? Masakit kaya yun! Grabe talaga tong babaeng to! 

 

Pumunta na kami sa room ni James the great! Bitter ako. Nakita ko naman na nagulat yung 
mga tao sa loob. 

 

.Gabriel bakit andito ka?. tanong ni Love. 

 

.Ah nagpasundo ako sa kanya ayaw ko kasi mamasahe eh, hehehe.. Mary lied alam naman 
nila Love at Jewel yun eh nagulat sila kung bakit siguro ako sinama ni Mary sa loob ng hospital 
na to. 

 

.Mary bakit hindi ka na nakapunta kahapon at hindi ka namin makontak.. Reklamo ni James. 

 

.Ah eh busy ako sa thesis ko eh at I turned my phone off para matapos ko na.. Mary said. .Ah 
James kilala mo naman si Gab diba?. 

 

.Ou.. Cold na sagot ni James 

 

.Mary, una na ako ah. Tawag ka nalang pag magpapasundo ka na ulit ah.. I said, this is the old 
us right? hHatid sundo siya? 

 

.Ah sige bye ingat sa byahe.. She said. 

 

Naglakad na ako palabas ng lumapit sa akin si Mary .I love you.. she whispered. 

 


Lumabas na ako, ang sakit talaga eh. I have to let her go alam kong mahal niya ako eh ayun 
yung masakit eh tas we.ll pretend na walang nangyari? Ang sakit! Bakit hindi kami mabigyan 
bigyan ng happy ending? 

 

.Gabriel.. 

 

Tumingin ako kay Love at hindi ko na napigilan, pinatong ko yung ulo ko sa balikat niya. .She‘s 
gone. I let her go pero bakit napakasakit?. 

 

.It was the right thing to do.. 

 

.I love her so much that it hurts.. 

//Chapter 25// 

I want to be your Friend 

Jenny‘s Point of View 

 

Naglalakad ako sa hospital dahil wala akong magawa, the doctors said I should do more 
walking now that I am not being wheeled. I.m getting better they said. 

 

At nang naglalakad nga ako nakita ko sila Mary at Gabriel magkasama, pumasok sila sa isang 
room, ito siguro yung kwarto ni James, Mary told me about him nung nagkikita kami dito sa 
hospital. 

 

I really want to be her friend. Hindi ko alam kung bakit pero gusto ko siyang maging kaibigan. I 
changed. For once in my life, I wanted a friend I know I can.t ever be friends with dahil sa 
ginawa ko sa pamilya niya, sa pinsan niya. Sinaktan ko yung pinsan niya, I lied my way to get 
Michael. 

 

I don't regret it dahil mahal ko naman talaga si Michael eh, I was desperate and I was a bitch. 
But I changed because I learned life.s too short to be a bitch. I wanted to start a new life, but still 
my new life still concludes lies. Lies I don.t know if I could hold into forever. 


 

Lumabas na si Gabriel sa kwarto at sumunod sa kanya si Love. 

 

“Gabriel.” 

 

Tumingin siya kay Love at pinatong niya yung ulo niya sa balikat ni Love. “She’s gone. I let her go 
pero bakit napakasakit?” 

 

“It was the right thing to do.” 

 

“I love her so much that it hurts.” 

 

He let her go. Kahit masakit ginawa niya pero bakit? Bakit niya hinayaan na mawala sa kanya 
yung taong mahal niya? Then it all hit me, Gabriel.s doing this because he knew too well, Mary 
couldn.t handle being guilty. Nung nakita ko si Mary sa hospital na umiiyak, she said she can.t 
be selfish at alam yun ni Gabriel, alam niyang Mary.s heart can.t take too much guilt, she was 
pure. And that.s why I wanted to be her friend. 

 

If Gabriel did let her go for her to be guilt-free then that would mean he let her go because 
setting someone free is something you do when you love and you wanted him or her to be 
happy. 

 

Alam ni Gabriel na kahit anong pilit niya, kahit pa mahal nila ang isa.t isa, hindi magiging 
masaya si Mary, dahil she would always wonder what if. Gabriel is like my wake up call. 

 

I have to let go. Pero kakayanin ko ba? 

 

The next thing I saw is Mary, lumabas din pala siya ng kwarto ni James and I think she saw what 
just happened. Love comforting the man she loves most. I saw hurt in her eyes, pero it was 
already done. Wala na silang magagawa pa ni Gabriel, they made their choices and that was 
letting each other go. 


 

Sinundan ko si Mary nang naglakad na siya palayo sa kwarto ni James, naglakad siya papunta 
sa may garden, umupo lang siya dun at naglakad na din ako papunta sa kanya. 

 

Tinignan niya ako at pilit siyang ngumiti. .Kamusta?. she asked. 

 

Umupo ako sa tabi niya. .Wala ng wheel chair.. I smiled at her. .Kamusta na siya?. I asked. 

 

She sighed. .Gising na.. she answered. .Gab just let go of me.. She admitted. .Alam ko naman 
na ito yung tama eh, pero napakasakit parin pala. Now I have to learn to love James again.. 

 

Nakinig lang ako sa kanya dahil I really want to be her friend, that someone who can she rely on. 
At dahil isa siya sa nagsasabi sa akin ng tamang gawin ngayon. Let go. 

 

.Salamat sa pakikinig sa akin Jenny.. Sabi niya. 

 

Ngumiti lang ako sa kanya. .I want to be your friend Mary.. I told her. 

 

.Ako din.. Pagsasagot niya. 

 

.Pero hindi pwede.. Nagulat ata siya sa sinabi ko hindi siya nag salita pa at hinintay lang niya 
yung explanation ko. .Hindi pwede dahil sinaktan ko yung pinsan mo.. I told her. Kung gusto ko 
siyang maging kaibigan siguro kailangan kong aminin lahat sa kanya. 

 

I want a new life, start anew where walang kasinungalingan. Kahit pa mawala siya sa akin. I 
want a new life and all I have to do is tell the truth but can I really? 

 

.I was the one who made her leave. Yung araw na dapat magkikita sila ni Michael, I made her 
leave, hindi alam ni Michael na nagpunta talaga si Alyssa, hindi alam ni Michael na nakita ni 
Alyssa na nakayakap siya sa akin, na nag text ako kay Alyssa gamit yung cellphone niya.. I 
told her, gulat na gulat siya but I can.t see anger but why? 


 

.And the worst part is Michael never read her letters.. I stole the letters Alyssa wrote for Michael, 
yung nasa teddy bear, I took it without hesitation. And probably if Michael have read that letter 
he would really go and leave me to find her. 

 

.Letters? Isa lang ang sulat niya dun sa teddy bear.. She said. So alam niya din yung sa sulat? .I 
read it and alam kong nakasulat dun yung I love you niya pero why is it the worst? And letters?. 

 

.There were two letters.. I finally admitted. .At alam ko pag nabasa ni Michael yung isang sulat 
na itago pa ni Alyssa, he would probably leave me.. I told her. .You see Mary, mahal na mahal 
ko din si Michael, at natatakot akong mawala siya pero I want to change. I can‘t be the person I 
was when I made Alyssa leave without even knowing Michael had forgiven her.. 

 

.Then change. Ayusin mo yung nagawa mo dati, give Kuya Michael the letters, aminin mo lahat 
ng ginawa mo.. 

 

Tinignan ko siya and she gave me an assuring face. .Paano pag nagalit siya at iwan niya ako?. 

 

.Alam mo kung tinanong mo ako yan nung hindi ko pa masyado nakilala yung tunay na Kuya 
Michael at kung hindi din kita kilala sasabihin ko na iiwan ka niya. Pero I know Kuya Michael 
now, at kilala na din kita Jenny, you‘re a good person. Nakinig ka sa akin kahit pa walang sense 
yung love life ko. You admitted your mistakes pero hindi mo dapat sa akin sinasabi yan kundi 
kay Kuya Michael. Hindi ka niya iiwan but let him decide. And if he said he wants to go and find 
Alyssa then let him go.. 

 

Tama siya, nagbago na ako. I closed my eyes and think deeply. Will I tell Michael? Am I ready to 
let go of the man I love? 

 

.I made a lot of bad choices in life.. pagaamin ko pa. 

 

.He‘ll accept you as I accept you as my friend.. Napadilat ako at tumingin sa kanya. .Yeah 
friend. Alam mo it‘s been forever since may nakilala akong napakagaan ng loob ko, I want to 
be your friend too Jenny.. She said and I blinked. 


 

.Thank you.. 

 

Tumayo na siya .I made my decision of letting the one I love go kahit pa sabihin natin na I regret 
letting him go I did. So it‘s your turn to make a decision.. She smiled and walked away. .Bye 
Jenny. See you soon.. Sigaw niya and she waved. 

 

I have to make a decision. Kaya ko bang panagutan yung desisyon ko? Kaya ko ba talaga? 
Well let.s see Jenny. 

 

Tinawagan ko si Michael and asked him to meet me dito sa garden. Sandali lang din at 
dumating na siya. Umupo siya sa tabi ko. 

 

.I‘m sorry for being selfish.. I started, he was about to tell me something pero nagsalita ulit ako. 
.I love you Michael and I‘m sorry for being so selfish. Kung hindi dahil sa akin edi dapat kasama 
mo na si Alyssa at masaya na kayo but I am selfish.. Huminga ako ng malalim. And I told him 
everything I told Mary. 

 

Tinignan ko siya at gulat din siya, and I can see disappointment in his eyes. Humarap siya sa akin 
at hinawakan yung dalawa kong kamay. .I forgive you Jenny. It wasn't our time Jenny. We were 
meant to go our separate ways Jen. At ok lang sa akin yun. Now all I have to do is wait for her to 
come back. She‘s coming back Jen.. He told me. 

 

Niyakap ko siya bigla .I‘m so sorry bes.. Pagiyak ko sa kanya. 

 

.Can I see those letters?. 

 

Pumunta kami sa kwarto ko at dun umupo muna siya sa may sofa at ako naman ay lumapit sa 
mga gamit ko dito sa hospital, I took the tin box out of my suitcase, hindi ko alam kung bakit ko 
ito dala pero siguro dahil alam ko, one day I would need to tell everything. 

 

Bago ko binigay sa kanya binasa ko muna yung sulat ni Alyssa. 


 

Dearest Michael, 

 

 How are you? By the time you read this, I am long gone. Maybe you've already read my first 
letter, it was just underneath the teddy bear, nagustuhan mo ba yung teddy bear? Kamukha mo yun. 
Nagulat ka siguro sa sinabi ko sa letter na yun no? Hindi ko din alam paano nangyari na nainlove 
ako sayo, kala ko nga una crush lang kita pero hindi pala. Hindi ko pa kasi alam kung paano ma 
inlove but you taught me that. Ang dami kong natutunan simula nung nakilala kita. Naging 
masaya ako at naging malungkot. Tuwing nalulungkot ako nandiyan ka palagi para icomfort ako, 
ang dami mong nagawa sa akin little by little na inlove na ako sayo. 

 I don't really know if what I'm feeling is love kasi never pa akong nainlove, you are my first 
love. Ilang beses akong nagdeny, ilang beses akong nag-analyze, nagsulat pa nga ako ng pros and 
cons eh. Nag Google ng meaning ng love, nag search kung in love na ba talaga ako, then there I 
found the word Infatuation, pinagcompare ko sila ng love pero hindi talaga ako sure. 

 Hindi kasi ako sure kung in love ba talaga ako sayo, hindi lang ako makapaniwala, also the 
people around me, I thought to myself maybe na overwhelmed lang ako sa friendship natin ayun 
lang, I don't know if I am truly in love with you or simply in love with the idea of loving someone like 
you. 

 Then one day I found myself looking into the mirror and know what? I realized I'm truly in 
love with you. Ang hirap iexplain pero na inlove talaga ako sayo. Ang daming sakit ang naranasan 
ko sa buhay ko, sayo, nasaktan ako inaamin ko kasi may nagawa akong mali sayo na alam kong 
kahit kailan hindi mo ako mapapatawad pero ngayon palang I'm so sorry. 

 Natatawa nalang akong isipin kasi masyado talagang mapaglaro ang tadhana at nainlove 
ako sayo, hindi dapat pero na inlove ako sayo. Mahal kita pero maling mahalin ka at maling mali 
na mainlove ka din sa akin pero alam ko naman na hindi ka maiinlove sa akin. 

 Thank you for everything, thank you for teaching me how to love and get hurt in the process. 

 I'm really in love with you not just with the idea but with you kaya kailangan kong umalis 
dahil hindi na pwede pang mahalin ka. Pero Michael sa oras na malaman mo yung ginawa ko sana 
mapatawad mo pa ako, sana maalala mo parin yung mga bagay na nagpasaya sa ating dalawa 
noon. 

 Alam ko kailangan na kitang i-let go. I should pero hindi ko kaya Michael eh. I can’t just let 
go of my first love even if I have to dahil paano ba mag let go? Hindi ko alam, ang alam ko lang 
kailangan kong lumayo sayo. And that’s what I’m doing running away from you. 

 I’ll let you go once I can really let go. That’s when I would come back Michael, the day I 
would finally let you go to finally move on with my life. But for now I won’t let go. 

 I love you. 


 

Yours Truly, 

Alyssa. 

 

Binigay ko na din kay Michael yung mga sulat at binasa niya ito ng tahimik. Tinignan ko lang siya 
habang nagbabasa siya at nang matapos na siya tumingin siya sa akin. Hindi ko alam kung 
anong sasabihin ko sa kanya pero feeling ko dapat akong magsalita. 

 

Pero ano bang tamang sabihin ngayon? 

 

.This letter was a warning.. Pagsisimula niya. .Dito palang humingi na siya ng tawad kung… 
kung nakita ko lang ito dati baka…... baka hindi ka na nagalit sa kanya pa nang malaman mo 
yung pustahan. 

 

.I‘m sorry.. 

 

Tinignan niya ulit yung dalawang sulat na nasa kamay niya. And he sighed. Pinikit niya yung 
mata niya. Mahal parin niya talaga si Alyssa. Anong laban ko dun? 

 

Tama ngang i- let go ko na siya para maging masaya siya, and Gabriel was my wake up call. I 
should thank him or not. 

 

Tumingin ulit siya sa akin pero hindi siya nagsalita. 

 

And so I decided I must say something. .Ano ng gagawin mo bes? From now on bes I would 
support you. So kung pupunta kang New York para hanapin siya, go for it. I‘ll cheer for you.. 
ngumiti ako. 

 

Ngumiti lang siya sa akin pero hindi din siya sumagot ng mga three minutes. “Would she want to 
be found by the man who hurt her so deep?” he asked. 

 


She would, dahil mahal ka niya. She.s weak after all and she needs you. 

 

This is the right decision. I could start anew with new friends. New life. 

//Chapter 26// 

Everything has Changed 

He glanced at the angel who was smiling across the room. How he missed that smile. And how 
he patiently waited to bring that smile back from her face. Now it.s finally back. The smile, the 
voice, everything that made him fell in love with her. Now he.s deeply in love with her. 

 

From across the room, he started walking towards her and when the others noticed him they all 
looked at her, grinning. How they thought they were the perfect couple. 

 

.Hey.. He greeted as he stood beside her. 

 

She smiled as her greeting and then proceeded in chatting with her friends. He just stood there 
while they were still talking he loved her socializing now. It took years before she could smile 
again and now she.s really back. Even her nightmares are gone. What a relief. 

 

Before he would sleep with her so that he could be with her when she had nightmares but with 
therapy all is well. Things changed and he never regret flying out here and finding her. He never 
did. 

 

He was in love. And he.s planning on making it right. But he knew she still needs time and space. 
She has not yet been healed completely. 

 

.Maurice.. Someone called her, they glanced, and they saw Elaine walking through the doors 
all smiles. 

 

.Elaine!. Maurice greeted her friend when she reached them and she gave her a hug, more of 
a sisterly hug. All these years Maurice had been using her middle name, she wanted a fresh start 
and so Maurice did the job. 


 

.Congratulations you.. Elaine said and she squeezed Conrad.s arm as her way of 
congratulating him. She was a model, Elaine is. 

 

Conrad just nodded as he sipped his champagne. There was a party going on, it was his 
promotion at his parent.s company, of course during his time with her, they weren.t slacking off, 
they were studying. They both finished college at Columbia and they both had their MBA at 
Wharton. 

 

It was to say that wherever she goes, he literally follows her. 

 

Conrad went towards other businesspersons, Elaine would likely talk with Maurice from this time 
on. Elaine is the only person in her past she welcomed again well except for him. But Elaine and 
Eunice were the only friends she let in, in her new life. 

 

.When will we expect to see Maurice with a ring on her finger?. one of the investors from his 
parent.s company asked, of course, people would think they were a couple, they were 
inseparable and he always take her to investors. lunch and stuffs, and she would do the same. 

 

They all took a glance at Maurice who was giggling with her girlfriends. He was happy, she.s 
back. His Angel. 

 

.Soon.. He answered. 

 

.That‘s my son.. His father told him. His parents well, they loved Maurice as much as they loved 
him sometimes he would think they loved her more than they loved him but they never had a 
daughter and Maurice was like a daughter to them. 

 

They would love and be happy if she becomes part of their family, she.s well part of theirs 
already but more of part as his wife. 

 

.She would be a wonderful wife and mother.. Another investor commented. 


 

.Indeed she is. And she comes from a good family.. 

 

.A merger would likely to happen, am I right Nick?. 

 

They all looked at his father and his father just took a sip from the glass of red wine he was 
holding. And after taking a sip he grinned. .If everyone would be up for it. It‘s a great opportunity 
uniting two great companies with marriage but of course, that is if they both love each other and 
would love to spend their lifetime together.. Nick answered them. Of course, a merger would 
happen if they would get married but his father didn.t make it sound more like a business but 
indeed uniting the two families with marriage. 

 

And he was happy about it. 

 

.Nick didn‘t know you‘re sentimental.. One joked and they all smiled. 

 

.I love Maurice and I would love her to be my daughter-in-law of course that is if my son would 
soon put a ring on that finger.. Nick chuckled. 

 

.Don‘t worry dad, I would put you out of your misery soon. Just finding the right time.. He finally 
answered them. 

 

One of the investors patted his back as an encouragement .Just don‘t wait too long son.. He 
told him. 

 

.Yeah Conrad, you two are perfect for each other, the very first time you took her to the 
investor‘s lunch, we all knew she was the one to be the next wife of the CEO.. 

 

.Of course. I knew before you guys that she would be my daughter-in-law soon.. Nick grinned. 

 

They all loved Maurice even when she was in her darkness. 


 

.Now are you all talking about me?. he didn.t notice that she was beside him right now, he got 
tensed, what if she heard them? 

 

.We‘re just reminding your boy Conrad here that time is ticking.. With that Maurice laughed and 
with just her laugh everyone followed. 

 

.Well well remind me to send you all baskets full of flowers.. She said .Now Conrad would you 
dance with me?. she asked and she gave him her most sweetest smile ever. 

 

.Would I also receive a basket full of flowers?. he smirked and she just chuckled. .But it would be 
an honor to dance with you.. he said and he escorted her towards the dance floor. 

 

The song changed into a more sweet song. He glanced at his father and the investors and they 
all were smiling, everyone was. 

 

.So what did Elaine tell you?. he asked, Elaine is a model yet she never stay in New York for 
good, she just fly if she have photo shoots but never for good. 

 

.Oh you know the usual. And about this guy she met, she was in love with the guy and she said 
that if he accepts his job offer in Cali, she likes us to meet him.. She said. .And oh.. She said and 
she was very excited .Eunice is finally getting married.. She squeaked. 

 

.That‘s good to hear right?. he asked, Eunice is Maurice best friend, and she.s always getting 
engaged with the same guy and always calling the wedding off. 

 

She chuckled. .It is.. 

 

.So she asked you to be her maid of honor?. 

 


And that when he realized, the glow in her eyes suddenly fade. .Elaine told me that Eunice 
would love it if I would be her maid of honor but it‘s not like before.. She said and looked at him. 

 

.Why?. 

 

.It‘s not happening here.. She answered and that totally answered his question. She was still 
afraid. .But I‘m thinking about it if you would come with me that is.. She gleamed with 
excitement once again but this time he was sure she.s faking it. 

 

.You know I would.. He said and they talked about everything. They didn.t even notice that it 
was the second song playing already. 

 

Seeing her happy, he knew he would die not to be her husband and so thinking it is the time he 
reached for his pocket and took the velvet box he always bring, well not always but it was just 
tonight he felt he needed to bring it. 

 

Slowly he kneeled before her. And she was surprised that her hand was over her mouth, hiding. 

 

.I literally ran away from home just to find you so many years ago, and it was the best decision I 
have ever made in my life. First time to follow my heart and it led me to you. I have always been 
in love with you and the more time I spend with you the more I fall deep for you, so now here I 
am proposing around hundreds of people to you, will you marry me and put all of them out of 
their misery also mine?. he finally asked. Not the best romantic proposal but hell it took courage 
to do that, knowing that she would likely refuse him and around hundreds of people that is. How 
humiliating that is. 

 

He never left her eyes, but he knew everyone was looking at them, the music stopped. 
Everything stopped. 

 

She slowly put her hands down and she opened her mouth to speak and then she closed it 
again with a sigh she opened it again. .You know you‘re asking me to marry you right?. 

 

.I figure that‘s why I‘m kneeling right in front of you?. 


 

She chuckled. .Right.. she said and looked around. .But why in front of many people, including 
my dad?. She asked. 

 

.Well it wasn‘t really my plan but please do answer my question, will you marry me?. he 
repeated. 

 

.I have issues.. She started. 

 

.I know.. 

 

.You were there when I was broken and I‘m thankful for that because you guided me back into 
the light. I got healed all thanks to you.. she smiled. 

 

.I am in love with you and that‘s why I stayed.. 

 

.You‘re proposing Conrad, you know things would have to change right?. 

 

Of course, everything would change. She would be his wife. 

 

.I have to go back.. She said and he realized what she meant, and he stood and stared at her. 

 

.You‘re…..coming home…. he said. 

 

.Well this is my home. New York is.. She smiled. .I am coming back.. 

 

.Why?. He asked. Is it because he proposed? Is that what she meant that things would change? 
She would leave him? 

 


.If I‘m going to say yes to you then I have to finally let go.. She answered him smiling .So would 
you wait till I get back to answer you?. she asked. 

 

Relief flashed through him. She.s not saying no. .You‘re not rejecting me?. he asked. 

 

.Far from it.. She smiled at finally he embraced her .You have to know I want to say yes right 
now but I have to let go to finally move forward.. She said. 

 

He pulled away and he smiled. He knew she needs to let go, he wants her to. And if going back 
means she.s finally letting go and maybe saying yes to his proposal then he would let her. 

 

Everyone clapped. Maybe they hadn.t heard their conversation, she haven.t said yes! Still she 
will soon. .I‘m coming with you is that alright?. he asked. 

 

.I think you‘ve already made up your mind dear.. She smiled and she was right no matter what 
he would follow her. 

 

 He just smiled at her and when others approached them, he put his hand around her waist and 
just smiled at the incoming people. 

 

.Finally son!. his dad said. 

 

.I‘m glad you would finally be my son-in-law.. Her father told him. 

 

.We‘re going back to the Philippines.. She announced. 

 

.Oh good. Your cousin would be getting married soon and your aunt would love to see you.. her 
father said and she tensed around him. Whose cousin would it be? 

 


.But I hope you would throw your engagement party here.. Nick said. .And that you would be 
coming back.. 

 

.This is my home uncle.. She said. .We‘re just going there to get what I need most and off we go.. 
She smiled. 

End of Part Two 

//Chapter 27// 

The Fourth Proposal 

8 years later…… 

 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

10 years ago, I fell in love with a guy who fell in love with my cousin who left the country because 
she was hurt and betrayed by her own best friend. 

 

10 years since she left, everything changed. Madaming nangyari, happy endings, a bittersweet 
farewell, a story that must never given a chance to start. Madaming nasaktan, pero madami din 
nagmahal at naging masaya. 

 

8 years ago, I told my best friend how I felt and it didn.t end well. Minamahal namin ang isa.t isa 
pero it wasn.t our time. And so I tried to love the man who hurt me so deep many times before. 

 

I didn.t pursue med school, I just didn.t feel it was the right thing for me. It wasn.t meant to be. 
And so when I graduated I did an internship in my uncle.s company while I was studying my 
masters, good thing I decided to double my major. At some point, I knew what I wanted to do, 
and that is running my own company. 

 

It started small and with my uncle.s help it slowly blossom. I had a partner and that is James. We 
were good together I mean as business partners that is. 


 

Isang taon nanligaw si James sa akin, sa isang taon na yun, things really changed between the 
two of us. Slowly I learned to love him again and my love for Gab was slowly fading away. I love 
Gab he will always have a space in my heart but then all of those strange feeling I had for 
James suddenly came back flashing through me. 

 

I just wake up and learn I was in love with him again. We.re together now for like 7 years and 
yeah it.s not always perfect but it.s fine. Even if I knew, something is lacking. 

 

Jewel and Harry had their happy ending, they got married 3 years ago. Mahal nila ang isa.t isa 
kaya nagpakasal na sila. They put an end to their misery especially Harry.s. Alam naman namin 
lahat na sila na talaga ang definition ng happy ever after sa group namin. Since they got 
together they.d been happy and in love. Happily married na sila ngayon and their starting their 
life, they had a twin Hans and Crystal. They are the most adorable one-year-old twins. 

 

As for Love, she.s still finding the right guy. Alam ko na alam na niya na Gab and her would 
never happen. I mean it happened. Nag date sila but it only lasted until 3 dates. Siguro alam 
nilang it won.t work out. Hindi din tinuloy ni Love ang med school gaya namin ni Jewel, instead 
naging teacher siya. 

 

Gab naman still works for my uncle.s company and we.re still best friend. He dates super 
gorgeous women I think most of them are models. Pero siguro nga pag ganun ka ka-gwapo eh 
madaming magkakandarapa sayo like him. Right now I think he.s with a runway model, 
international model that is, she.s great. I like her. 

 

Jenny and Kuya Michael broke up. They were trying hard enough 8 years ago. But then they just 
broke up. And Jenny seems happy with her Tyrone, her fiancé. Naging close kami ni Jenny, as in 
super close. And I remembered nung pinakilala ko siya sa group they were all frowning kasi nga 
naman iba pagkakakilala namin sa kanya dati. But it worked out and they are all good. 

 

As for Alyssa, until now I have no news about her. 

 

.Hon are you ready?. napatingin ako sa may tapat ng office door ko and I saw James standing 
there. 


 

Nag smile ako sa kanya and started picking my things up. Tinignan ko yung orasan at nakita na 
it.s really time to leave. James and I build our own travel agency. I had the skill pagdating sa 
business management and si James as a tourism grad, he knows more pagdating sa larangan 
na kinuha namin dalawa as a business partners. 

 

Tumayo na ako at naglakad papunta sa kanya, at nang nasa tabi na niya ako, kinuha niya 
yung kamay ko at sabay na kaming naglakad papunta sa elevator. Ganito lagi ang routine 
namin ni James, pupunta siya sa office ko para sunduin ako at sabay kaming uuwi pwera lang 
kapag may mga business trips. 

 

Pumunta na kami sa isang Italian restaurant sa Makati to eat our dinner. We ordered our courses 
and I started to browse my phone for emails, ganun din siya. 

 

.Hon.. Pag tawag niya sa akin kaya tinignan ko siya at ngumiti ako sa kanya. .Kanina nang 
wala ako sa office, Elaine called your office pero I let Lisa connect the call.. Sabi niya. 

 

.Anong kailangan ni Elaine?. I asked. Elaine is Gab.s girlfriend and we.ve became friends. 

 

.She‘s in New York for a fashion show and sabi niya sana pagbalik niya, we could all do dinner. I 
said yes.. 

 

.Alright.. Sabi ko at sabay tingin ulit sa phone ko. 

 

Napansin kong may nilabas si James at nilagay sa table at dahan dahang itinulak sa part ng 
table ko. Sinundan ko yung kamay niya at nagulat sa nakita ko, the small velvet box. 

 

How many times have I seen this box? Right three times. James had proposed to me three times. 
At sa tatlong beses na iyon lagi ko siyang ituturn down. Hindi ko sinasabi na pagiisipan ko kundi 
straight no. Unang beses mangyari iyon. He understood. The next nagaway lang kami at the 
other next away ulit. 

 


Kaya ngayon hindi ko alam kung bakit siya ulit nag propose. 

 

.Mary 7 years na tayo. Tatlong beses na akong nag propose sayo, kahit pa you turned my 
proposals off, we‘re going strong parin naman diba? Ikaw lang ang babaeng mamahalin ko 
Mary. Ikaw lang. So for the fourth time will you marry me?. he asked as he open the box. 

 

Tumingin ako sa kanya. I can.t. .James I‘m sorry.. I apologize for the fourth time. Hindi pa talaga 
ako ready. Hindi ko pa kaya na magpakasal sa kanya. 

 

.As usual I got rejected.. He said at binalik yung box sa pocket ng suit niya at tumingin siya sa 
akin. .Ano bang mali sa akin Mary? Ikaw lang naman yung babaeng nakikita kong makasama 
habang buhay pero bakit ganun?. 

 

.James, I‘m sorry I‘m not yet ready.. 

 

.7 years na Mary, ano pa ang kulang? Pagod na ako Mary.. he said as he stood up and walked 
away from me. 

 

Tears started falling from my eyes. Nasaktan ko na naman si James. Bakit ba hindi ko 
magawang umuo sa kanya? Why am I so scared saying yes? I grabbed my phone and started 
texting him. 

 

[To: James Naval] 

James honey, don‘t drink and I‘ll wait for you at home ok? Drive safe and basta just come back. 
Let‘s talk. Call me and let me know you‘re fine. I love you James.. 

 

Hinintay ko si James sa condo ko. We live together; I think I told him to move in with me 5 years 
ago. Pero minsan umuuwi ako sa bahay ni mama and siya naman minsan sa kanila. 

 

James had always invited me sa bahay nila, dahil nga his little sister nasa Paris and taking up 
fashion design as her course. Kaya walang kasama yung mom niya at dun kami minsan. Pero 


we only stay for dinner dahil ayoko talaga dun. His mom never did like me. She has always 
blame me sa aksidente ni James 8 years ago. 

 

Pero dahil nga masyado akong mahal ni James, sinasanay niya sarili niya, hindi naman niya 
tinatago yung tunay na kulay niya sa harap ni James. Alam ni James na ayaw sa akin ng mom 
niya. I remember sinagot niya yung mom niya dahil nga sa cold treatment niya sa akin. 

 

I think kung papipiliin ko si James between me and his mom ako ang pipiliin niya. I.m confident 
na ako talaga ang pipiliin niya. Alam kong mahal niya ako pero bakit nga ba hindi ko kayang 
umuo sa kanya? 

 

I tried calling him pero hindi niya sinasagot yung phone niya. 2 am na at wala parin siya. I.m 
really worried about him. The last time he proposed, naglasing siya sa isang bar at umaga ko na 
siya nakita at lasing parin siya nun. Minsan James tends to be suicidal. Hindi ko alam pero ever 
since his accident he.s been dependent to me, kaya natatakot talaga kong iwan siya. 

 

I tried again and this time sinagot na niya yung tawag ko. .James nasaan ka?. tanong ko sa 
kanya. 

 

Rinig na rinig ko sa kabilang linya yung heavy breathing kaya alam kong nandun lang siya. 
(.Mahal mo ba talaga ako?.) he asked. Lasing na nga siya. 

 

.Of course mahal kita James. Nasaan ka? Susunduin na kita.. 

 

(.Kung mahal mo ako bakit ayaw mong magpakasal sa akin?.) I heard him sob. (.Mahal na 
mahal kita Mary na hindi ko alam gagawin ko pag nawala ka sa akin..) 

 

.James nasaan ka? Nagaalala na ako sayo. Please tell me where are you?. 

 

(.Kailangan ko na bang masanay na wala ka?.) he asked. (.Sige. I‘ll try. Pagod na din ako. 
Mahal na mahal kita. Pero ayoko na hon. Maghiwalay nalang tayo..) he said. 

 


.No James. Lasing ka magusap muna tayo.. 

 

(.Hindi ako lasing. I‘ll get my things tomorrow. Don‘t worry about me. I‘m at home. Good bye 
hon..) at binaba niya yung tawag. 

 

Umiyak lang ako buong magdamag. This is the first time na sinabi ni James yung salitang 
maghiwalay nalang kami. Kahit kalian hindi niya sinabi yun. Magaaway kami pero never niyang 
sinabi na kailangan na namin maghiwalay. 

 

Kinaumagahan pumunta ako sa office kahit wala naman work. I just needed to get the papers 
na kailangan kong isign. Pagpasok ko palang sa office ko nandun na sila Jewel at Love. 

 

Pansin kong nakasimangot si Jewel at si Love wala lang naman. At alam ko na kung bakit sila 
nandito. .Ayos lang ba siya?. tanong ko sa kanila nang umupo na ako behind my desk. 

 

Tinignan ako ni Jewel. .Hangover. Galit si mama nang pumunta kami ni Harry kanina.. She said. 

 

.Oh right. Kailangan ko na bang magtago?. I said at I rested my head sa desk ko. Alam kong 
ha-huntingin ako ng mom ni James. 

 

.Ano bang nangyari?. Love asked. .Bakit ka naman kasi hindi umuo sa kanya. Kawawa naman 
yung tao.. 

 

.Hindi pa ako ready.. 

 

.7 years na Mary!. sabi naman ni Jewel. Siguro nga simula nang naging asawa siya ni Harry mas 
pro James na siya ngayon. Kasi sympre pamilya na sila. 

 

.Kung sesermonan niyo lang ako pwede next time na. Masakit ang ulo ko. Wala pa akong tulog 
kaya please…. I said as I massage my forehead. .He broke up with me already kaya please 
enough of this. Tapos na.. 


 

.ANO?. sabay nilang sigaw sa akin. 

 

.Hindi ko alam. Just go guys. I can‘t hear your lectures today masakit talaga ang ulo ko.. I said. 

 

.Bakit umalis ka pa ng condo mo?. Love asked at tumayo siya at kumuha ng tubig and an 
aspirin. Inabot niya sa akin at I mouthed my thanks as I take the medicine and water. Ininom ko 
na ito. 

 

.You‘re sick?. nagulat ako at napatingin sa may tapat ng pinto ko, sila din. Mabilis siyang 
pumunta sa akin at tinignan kung may lagnat ako. Tinabig ko yung kamay niya sa noo ko. Inulit 
niya at tinabig ko ulit. .Ano ba Mary!. pagsaway niya sa akin. 

 

.Why are you here?. I asked. 

 

.I…wanted to return your keys.. He answered. .Ok ka lang ba?. 

 

.Just go James. Iwan mo nalang diyan yung susi.. I said then I dialed Jenny.s number at I place 
the phone sa tenga ko. .Hey meet me later?. 

 

(.Saan naman? Let‘s go shopping or spa..) sabi niya sa kabilang linya. 

 

I chuckled. .Masakit pa ulo ko. Maybe dinner?. 

 

(.Sure. Pahinga ka na muna. See you at say 7?.) 

 

.Yes.. Sabi ko at binaba ko na ulit. 

 

.Sino ang tinawagan mo?. James asked. 


 

.I don‘t have to answer you dahil break na tayo diba?. sabi ko at tumayo na ako. .Jew, Love 
bukas nalang tayo magusap. Kita nalang tayo sa bahay mo Jew. Bye.. Sabi ko at naglakad na 
ako palabas. 

 

Kaso pinigilan ako ni James. .I take it all back. Let‘s not break up.. He said 

 

I inhaled deeply. .Nasabi mo na James. No turning back. You broke up with me and that‘s final. 
Kasi ganun lang kadali itapon kung ano man meron tayo.. 

 

.No. Please.. 

 

.Bakit? Kagabi sabi ko magusap tayo bago ka makipaghiwalay pero no ayaw mo. So tapos na 
tayo James. I want your things removed ok.. Sabi ko at naglakad na ako palayo sa kanila. 

//Chapter 28// 

Think about it 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

When it was quarter to 7, umalis na ako sa condo ko and drove papunta sa Seventh High for my 
dinner with Jenny. Natulog lang ako kanina dahil really my head hurts pero buti nalang at wala 
na ngayon. I feel like going out after so long. 

 

Nang nakarating na ako sa Seventh High, the maitre d. guided me to the reserved table na 
tinawag ni Jenny. Nang nakarating na ako sa table I saw Jenny. Ngumiti siya sa akin at umupo 
na ako across from her. 

 

8 years since I met her and we.ve been really close and somehow Jewel and Love got jealous 
of my new found friendship, they told me na si Jenny daw ang girl version ni Gab meaning she.s 
my girl best friend pero I assured them they are all my best friend, kasi we really are best friends 
the three of us. Ang tagal kaya ng pinagsamahan namin, heartbreaks, stalking, and all those 
college stuffs. 


 

.So?. she asked. She knew may something kaya ako tumawag sa kanya. .I ordered na pala.. 
She said and she drink her wine. 

 

.That‘s good.. I said. .James proposed and we broke up.. I said straightly. 

 

Dumating yung waiter and he poured my glass with red wine na iniinom ni Jenny. I would have 
brushed him off and asked for white. .For the fourth time, you said no? Tas ngayon break na 
kayo?. she said and tumingin sa akin yung waiter then umalis na siya. 

 

Kinuha ko yung glass and I took a sip of my red wine. .Yeah.. I said. 

 

.Bakit ba ayaw mo? Don‘t go start with =I‘m not ready‘ line dahil lagi nalang niyan. Wala ka na 
bang new line?. she asked. 

 

Dumating na yung pagkain namin. And we started eating. .I just don‘t see my future with James. 
I can‘t picture it out.. I answered her. 

 

.And?. she asked. 

 

I sighed. Knowing Jenny, kilala niya ako at she can read me. .What if she decided to come back? 
Paano pag naisip ni James na si Alyssa parin. I can‘t seem to get rid of the memory when he told 
me that it would always be Alyssa. Natatakot lang ako na baka iwan ako. Paano pag I said yes 
and right there in the altar he decided it‘s Alyssa o kaya paano pag kasal na kami tas bumalik si 
Alyssa and he again decided to pursue the nonexistent relationship they had?. I explained. 

 

Jenny tried her best not to laugh ewan ko kung anong nakakatawa but I raised my eyebrow at 
nag seryoso na siya. .You know you had me with =it would always be Alyssa‘ then suddenly you 
lost me with the nonexistent relationship. You really know how to make me laugh.. She said. 

 


.Jenny I‘m serious. At isa pa totoo naman eh. Wala silang relationship pero habol lang siya ng 
habol sa as I call it nonexistent relationship they had which by the way wala naman talaga!. 
and with that she laughed hard. 

 

.You sound so bitter kahit nansayo na si James. Ikaw Mary masyado kang paranoid. Ikaw na 
mahal ni James although I have no idea why I‘m siding him with this one pero paranoid ka Mary. 
Alam mong mahal ka ni James. He‘s been dependent on you for what the last 8 years.. She said. 
Jenny never like James. Ayaw niya yung relationship ko with James dahil nga ewan ko pero like 
my mom she approved on the outside pero deep inside ayaw na ayaw niya. If I know better she 
and my mom are silently praying for the day we broke up which is today. 

 

.Alam mo Mary, you chose James so you should at least try to trust him. Hindi porket sinabi niya 
dati na =it would always be Alyssa‘ it will always be. Hindi ka pa niya mahal nun pero ngayon 
ikaw na. At alam mong he would do anything just to have you.. 

 

I sighed. Jenny.s right but can I really be happy with this decision with being with James for like 
forever? 

 

We started talking about something else at kumain at uminom na din kami. I think we finished 
our bottle of red wine. 

 

The thing is, Jenny and I were the same back then. We have something in common way back. 
At ayun ay we have insecurities especially we are both insecure with one thing or person: Alyssa. 

 

 After dinner, umuwi na ako at si Jenny sinundo ni Tryone. They insisted na sa kanila muna ako 
mag stay dahil nga baka nandun si James sa unit ko pero I said no. Nang nasa floor ko na, 
napansin kong nakabukas yung ilaw kaya naisip kong nandiyan si James getting his things. 

 

Pero pag bukas ko, hindi si James ang bumungad sa akin kundi ang nanay ni James at isang 
malutong na sampal. I should have known this would come. Dapat kayla Jenny muna ako. Or 
nagtago muna ako sa bahay ni mama, she can.t touch me there. 

 


.Haggang kalian mo ba papaasahin ang anak ko?. she asked. Siguro nga kaya ayaw ko din 
umuo kay James dahil sa mom niya. She never liked me and she goes her way showing that to 
the whole world. Yes my mom doesn't like James pero hindi naman niya pinapakita yun. 

 

.He broke up with me so kung nandito kayo for his things, go ahead.. Sabi ko at naglakad na 
ako papasok ng unit. All lights were on. At I can see she made herself at home nang wala pa 
ako. Mental note: call the locksmith first thing in the morning. 

 

.And you‘re so happy dahil you finally got your way out.. She said. 

 

.Kung gusto ko po ng way out, matagal na akong nakipag break. Tita I‘m tired kaya pwede 
next time nalang po yung sermon.. Or maybe never nalang? 

 

.What‘s so wrong with my son na ayaw mo siyang pakasalan?. she asked. .Is this something to 
do with that guy?. she asked at napatingin ako sa kanya. .I know things Mary. You were not in 
love with James 8 years ago. So now is it because of that guy?. 

 

.Wala pong kinalaman yun sa relationship namin ni James. James still has issues at natatakot 
lang ako na iwanan niya ako pag dumating na ulit yung babaeng pinakamamahal niya.. I 
don.t know why I.m sharing this with his mother but might as well tell her the truth. 

 

.If you‘re talking about Alyssa, he let her go years ago. Yung first proposal niya sayo, it was 
because he finally let her go. We went to New York to see her and to finally say good bye. She‘s 
long gone. I hope you think carefully. Mahal ka ni James, sobra na natatakot ako minsan Mary 
kaya you decide what you really want pero James let Alyssa go because he wanted a life with 
you.. she said and umalis na siya. 

 

Pagkaalis niya, bumagsak lahat ng luha ko. He went to see her? Is that why umalis siya for New 
York all I thought it was for Kylie ayun pala he went to let go of her. 

 

Umiyak lang ako until I fell asleep. Nagising ako from the banging of the door and the shouting. 

 

.MARY OPEN UP. PLEASE BUKSAN MO TO. HINDI KO KAYANG WALA KA.. He yelled. 


 

Kaya tumakbo ako papunta sa pinto to open the door for James. .I CAN‘T LIVE WITHOUT YOU 
MARY.. 

 

Pagbukas ko nang pinto, I saw James sitting on floor nang nakita niyang bukas yung pinto, 
tumingin siya sa akin at bigla siyang lumuhod. I cried. .I‘m so sorry Mary. I made a mistake 
please forgive me. Hindi ko kayang mawala ka.. 

 

Lumuhod ako and cupped his face at pinunasan ko yung luha niya. .Silly. Nakipag break ka tas 
makikipag balikan ka agad.. I smiled at him. 

 

He looked at me. .Hindi ko pala kaya. Please?. he asked. 

 

I kissed him. .I‘m so sorry James. The thing is hindi pa ako ready natatakot lang ako James.. I 
told him. 

 

.I understand. Sorry na Mary. Bati na tayo please?. he asked. 

 

Tumayo na ako and I reached out for his hand .Let‘s get you a coffee.. 

 

We went inside and pinaupo ko siya sa may breakfast bar as I made him a coffee. .I love you.. 
he said. 

 

Lumingon ako sa kanya and ngumiti ako. .I love you too James.. 

 

It.s three in the morning and nagising ako, I looked at the man beside me, ang sarap ng tulog 
niya, tinanggal ko yung sapatos niya at tumayo na ako sa kama, tiniklop ko yung coat niya, 
habang nagtitiklop ako, tinignan ko yung bulsa ng coat niya. 

 

And to my surprise nakita ko yung singsing, lagi niya siguro to dala, sa lahat ng nalaman ko 
ngayon, I feel like I.m ready sabi ni Tita he let her go meaning yung kinakatakutan ko wala na, 


dahil ako yung pipiliin niya. Nilabas ko yung box at slowly I opened it, napakaganda talaga ng 
singsing na to. Sinuot ko yung singsing. Masyado ng madaming proposal ang tinanggihan ko, I 
think it.s time to say yes. Humiga ulit ako sa kama, I looked at him at natulog na ulit ako. 

 

.Hon gising na.. 

 

Nagising ako kasi nanggigising na si James. Tinago ko muna yung kamay ko. .Morning.. Bati ko 
sa kanya. 

 

.Morning, breakfast in bed.. Sabi niya at nilapag niya yung tray. 

 

Umayos naman ako ng upo at nag smile sa kanya. 

 

.Teka lang.. sabi ni James at tumayo at nagtungo sa coat niya, natatawa akong isipin yung 
ginagawa niya. 

 

Bumalik siya sa kama na may hawak na box. .Una tayong nagkakilala sa chat, kuya pa tawag 
mo sa akin, dahil din sayo nakilala ko si Alyssa, natuto akong magmahal ng sobra at masaktan 
ng sobra. Pero ikaw naman ang nagturo sa akin magmahal muli at never ever lose grip of that 
love. Ikaw ang nagturo sa akin maging selfish pag dating sa pagibig, when I got the chance 
again in your life I know I need to grab that chance, maging selfish na ok lang, basta mahalin 
mo ulit ako. When I‘m with you I‘m myself, me that loves you so much and I don‘t really know 
what life is without you in it anymore. Ikaw ang pangarap ko, ikaw lang ang gusto kong 
makasama sa buong buhay ko. I want to spend my lifetime with you and our future kids. So I will 
wait for you to be ready, mahal kita kaya kakayanin kong maghintay, pero let me propose to 
you again and this time I won‘t take no for an answer just tell me that you‘ll think about it. Kahit 
years pa ang sagot mo ok lang basta I will always wait for you.. 

 

Naluha ako sa sinabi niya. Nag smile ako sa kanya at nung dahan dahan niyang open yung 
box natutuwa ako. .Mary the love of my life, will you do me the honor of becoming the mother 
of my children, the woman of my life forever? Will you marry me?. he proposed at naopen niya 
yung box at natawa na talaga ako sa kanya dahil wala yung singsing. .Wait nawawala yung 
singsing.. 

 


Natataranta na siya ako naman nakasmile lang sa kanya. Tatayo na sana siya pero pinigilan ko 
siya. Tumingin siya sa kamay ko at nanlaki ang mata niya nang nakita niya yung singsing sa 
kamay ko. .Suot mo?. 

 

.Yes I wanna marry you.. I smiled at him. 

 

.I love you.. sabay yakap sa akin. .I love you, I love you, I love you, thank you so much.. 

 

.Sorry sa ganito ako nagpropose sayo, hindi romantic.. 

 

.Silly, three times ng naging romantic at perfect lagi pero laging epic failure kaya ok na to.. I 
said to him. 

 

.Hindi romantic ang fourth time?. 

 

.Hindi, dinner lang kasi eh, hindi pa nga tayo nakakakain nun eh.. 

 

Pumunta kami kay mama to share the news of the engagement. I should be at Jewel.s dahil 
nga I promised them a talk pero this is more important. Nag punta kami dun and told mom the 
news, she congratulated both of us tas pinapunta niya ako sa study mag isa. 

 

.Are you sure this is what you want?. she asked me. 

 

.Yes ma. Mahal ako ni James.. 

 

.Pero mahal mo ba siya?. she asked at tinaasan ko siya ng kilay .Maybe you feel obligated.. 
She said. .Alam mong hindi ako tutol sa kasal pero kung dahil you just feel obligated then my 
dear please stop.. 

 


.Ma, I love James. Masyado ko na siyang pinahirapan and it‘s time to settle down don‘t you 
think?. naglakad na ako papunta sa pinto. .Talk to you soon ma.. 

 

.What about Gabriel?. she asked. 

 

Napatigil naman ako. All this time hindi ko naisip si Gab. Si Gab. How could I? Pero this is what is 
right. Hindi ko naman alam kung may feelings pa si Gab sa akin. 

 

.What about him mom?. I turned around to see her. 

 

.He loves you Mary. All those girls, he‘s building a front para wala ng masaktan kundi siya. He‘s 
waiting Mary patiently.. 

 

There.s this lump in my throat. Deep down I know he.s still waiting. He promised me that. And 
now I hate that he did promise. Kasi I am getting married. .I chose James ma.. I said and I 
walked out of the study. Naka abang si James sa living room at ngumiti ako sa kanya and umalis 
na din kami to go at Jewel.s to share the fantastic news but now why do I feel so awful? 

//Chapter 29// 

Coming Home 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

I.m getting ready for the dinner party later at my mom.s house. Hindi ko alam kung bakit may 
dinner ngayon basta basta nalang tumawag si mom kanina saying na she.s hosting a dinner 
with my aunts and uncles and she expects me and James to be there. Siguro dahil sa kasal 
namin ito ni James. We didn.t exactly hold any engagement party, we just held a intimate 
dinner with my parents and James. mom also Harry and Kylie with Jewel of course. But it.s really 
weird right now, why the sudden urge to throw a dinner right? But well mom.s pretty 
unpredictable. 

 

.Hon are you ready?. James asked habang inaayos niya yung tie niya. 

 


.Just a minute.. I said at binuksan ko na yung drawer which contains all my jewelries. And the 
black velvet box caught my eye. It.s always been there, I never once wore that necklace. I 
opened the box and the diamond necklace came to view. It.s really a breathtaking necklace 
but I can.t wear it dahil it reminds me of a heartbreak I had 8 years ago. 

 

.Hon that‘s beautiful.. Nagulat ako dahil nasa may likod ko na pala si James and he.s peeking in 
the necklace. 

 

.I know.. I said as I turned my head to him, he lowered himself and gave me a peck in the lips. 

 

.Suot mo kaya ngayon bagay sayo yan I‘m sure.. He smiled at kinuha niya yung necklace at 
dahan dahan niyang sinuot sa akin habang ako ay nakatingin lang sa salamin ng dresser ko. 
.There, it‘s perfect.. he said and he kissed me in my shoulder. .Let‘s go.. He offered his hand. 

 

Why am I wearing Gab.s necklace? I can.t wear this but James liked it. But he doesn.t even 
know what.s the meaning of my necklace. I took his hand and we walked out of the unit. Well 
wala naman si Gab kaya hindi niya makikita ito right? 

 

Nang dumating na kami sinalubong kami ni Jenny at nagulat ako I never knew na pupunta siya 
in this dinner. 

 

.Anong meron at pati ikaw ay nandito?. I whispered to her nasa tabi ko na siya at naglalakad 
na kami papasok ng bahay. 

 

She just shrugged .Hindi ko din alam, pero sabi ni tita darating din sila Gabriel mamaya.. She 
said at lalo akong nagulat kaya nang nasa may foyer na kami ay hinatak ko na siya papunta sa 
hagdan at paakyat sa kwarto ko. .What the….?. 

 

I had no time to explain. All I know is that I need to get the necklace out of me. Hindi pwedeng 
makita ni Gab na suot ko yung regalo niya sa akin. 

 


Nang nakapasok na kaming dalawa sa kwarto I immediately locked the door behind us and 
then nagpunta ako sa may isang replica ng Starry Night and I pushed it and it opened my safe. 
I quickly removed the necklace and shoved it inside the safe. 

 

.What are you doing Mary? You‘re creeping me out.. Jenny asked. 

 

.The necklace. Kay Gab. Hindi niya pwedeng makita.. 

 

.At bakit hindi?. 

 

.It might remind him that I never chose him.. I choked at the words I just said. .He gave it to me 
that night and told me that it will be the reminder that he will always love me.. I continued. .Pero 
para sa akin Jen, it‘s a reminder that I never chose him.. 

 

.And why did you wear it if that‘s what you‘ve always thought about it?. Jenny asked. 

 

.Nakita ni James and ayun sinuot niya sa akin. I couldn‘t tell him na galing kay Gab yun he 
would throw a fit and you know how jealous he is with Gab.. 

 

She sighed. .Come let‘s go down. Magtataka na si James kung bakit bigla mo akong hinatak 
paakyat.. She said at binuksan na niya yung pinto. At naglakad na kami pababa. .But seriously 
your pass code is 12345678?. she teased nang nasa may gitna na kami. 

 

I was about to answer when my eyes caught an eye staring at me back down. Good thing 
nauna kaming dumating ni James at nakita ko agad si Jenny at sinabi niya na pupunta din si 
Gab. 

 

I smiled at him. Hindi pa kami masyado nakakapagusap since my engagement. He seemed like 
he just shut himself from me. And I hate to think that after 10 years we.re growing apart. He just 
has been so cold. 

 


Nang nasa may foyer na ulit kami Jenny squeezes my hand and smiled at me and off she goes. 
.Hey Gab anong ginagawa mo dito where‘s Elaine?. I asked. 

 

.New York.. He answered me. .Tita invited me.. 

 

Gusto kong magtanong ng mga nonsense na bagay pero hindi ko na kaya. I feel like it.s really 
happening, us growing apart. 

 

Dumating ulit si Jenny at may binulong sa akin. .Michael asked me kung pwede bang dumaan 
siya dito, nasabi ko kasi na nandito si Sir DiLaurentis at may gusto siyang ipa-approved so 
pwede ba?. she asked me. Kuya Michael teaches at our alma mater, hindi ko alam kung bakit 
kailangan niyang kausapin si Tito since my tito is not working for the university anymore at si Kyle 
my cousin is running as the university president now. 

 

.Sure. Just tell mama na darating si Kuya para i-make sure na may place siya sa table.. Sabi ko. 

 

And with that umalis ulit si Jenny at pumunta sa kay mama to say Kuya Michael is coming. Dahil 
nga sa closeness ko kayla Jenny at Kuya Michael mom met them once and she liked them both. 
At ayun minsan they will be invited and all. Mom really likes my circle of friends. 

 

Pumunta na kami sa living room ni Gab, si James ay hindi ko makita pero I.m sure nasa may 
garden lang siya talking with my tito for the DLN stuffs. Dumating si mama at hinila niya palayo si 
Gab at then went to the kitchen I think. 

 

Nag usap lang kami ni Jenny about her wedding and mine at kung sino ang mauuna sa amin 
dalawa. Tumawa kami ng malakas when we betted who.s going to have a baby first. 

 

Nawala yung pagtawa namin dalawa when my tita just called out a name we haven.t even 
heard for like 10 years. .Alyssa.. And with that we turn and we saw her walking her way inside 
the living room with JC Balagtas beside her. What the hell? 

 

.Isn‘t he the pep?. tanong ni Jenny and I just nodded. 


 

JC said something to Alyssa, she seemed worried and he placed his hands over her broad 
shoulders and smiled at her and so she smiled at him. What.s happening? He kissed her cheek 
and turned away. 

 

She looked so beautiful. She always had. 

 

Naglakad siya papunta sa amin ni Jenny. .Hi Mary.. She greeted first. 

 

.Alyssa.. I said .How are you?. I asked. 

 

.Great.. Sagot niya at tumingin siya kay Jenny, she had this cold stare at my friend and I had this 
instinct that I should be mad. .What is she doing here? I thought this is a family event?. she 
asked rudely and so cold. I hated this. 

 

Hindi porket may ginawa dati si Jenny sa kanya na pwede na siyang maging rude sa kanya. 
.She‘s family. At isa pa she‘s my maid of honor.. I said, naalala ko nung nagusap kami nila 
Jewel at Love. Alam ko it should be one of them na dapat maging maid of honor ko pero Jewel 
said na si Jenny dapat ang maid of honor ko since siya ang girl version ni Gab. Ganun din si 
Love. At isa pa daw alam naman nila na they are both my best friends. 

 

.Jenny there you are.. We three looked at tita Clarisse Alyssa.s mom nang tinawag niya si Jenny. 

 

.Bakit po?. Jenny asked. 

 

.Mom you know her?. Alyssa asked. 

 

.Yes Alyssa. She‘s the general manager of one of our hotels. At isa pa she‘s family.. Tita said at 
nagulat dun si Alyssa. .Now Jenny come with me and we have to talk about this Hollywood star 
booking a suite.. She said at umalis na sila ni Jenny. Jenny gave me her apologetic look, kasi 
siya she just got her escape while me wala parin. 


 

.Madami yata akong namiss ah.. Alyssa blurted out. 

 

I looked at her. .Well you were gone for 10 years with no contact or whatever.. Sabi ko I didn.t 
mean to be mean pero kasi she.s like back and she.s like rude. .Gab.. I said as I saw Gab, 
nakita ko din yung mukha niya nung napansin niya kung sino yung katapat ko. 

 

He lightens up at naglakad siya ng mabilis at nang nakarating na siya niyakap niya agad si 
Alyssa. I was slightly jealous. He.s been a brother to Alyssa at knowing how close they were back 
then. 

 

.Alyssa.. 

 

.Kuya, I missed you..Alyssa said. .So may love life ka na ba? Nahanap mo na ba yung true love 
mo?. she asked. 

 

Gab looked at me, I stared at his eyes too, his eyes telling me something, and he broke away 
first at tumingin ulit kay Alyssa. .Yeah kaso nawala din siya agad sa akin.. he said and he looked 
at me then at the ring in my finger. 

 

.Who was she Kuya? She sure missed a great opportunity.. Alyssa said. I know. 

 

.A girl I met in a bar 10 years ago.. Gab answered at tumingin ulit siya sa akin. 

 

.Gab, nakita mo ba si James?. I asked dahil hindi ko na kaya pakinggan yung mga ito. I just 
can.t. 

 

.Hindi pa. I‘ve been in the kitchen with tita.. He answered. .Ah Mary?. he called out on me at 
tumingin ako sa kanya, never minding that Alyssa was right there, .Elaine called and she asked 
if you could join her for brunch and go shopping the day after she gets back.. He said. 

 


.She should have just called me and not you.. 

 

.She‘s still shy with you.. 

 

.Ha. The great Elaine Scott is shy when it comes to me.. Pero sa mga magazine while she posed 
hindi siya nahihiya? Why with me. 

 

.Wait.. Napatingin kaming dalawa kay Alyssa. .Si Elaine Scott yung model ba yung sinasabi 
mong true love mo na kuya?. she sounded so excited. But I was hurt. 

 

I knew Gab was staring at me but hindi ko kayang tumingin sa kanya, it still hurts. At hindi ko na 
kaya, I was about to excuse myself when Jenny ran towards me at may binulong siya sa akin. 
“Michael’s going to be here in about 5 minutes.” She said 

 

Anong gagawin ko? Will I let Kuya Michael know Alyssa.s here at ganun din kay Alyssa? Instead 
of thinking hinatak ko na palabas si Jenny never hearing what Gab answered. He might answer 
her yes. 

 

Hinintay namin ni Jenny si Kuya Michael. .Anong sasabihin natin sa kanya?. I asked. 

 

.Hindi ko alam. Paano ba sabihin na yung love of his life is back but was seen in the arms of a 
pep squad member who I distinctly remember from what Michael told me, joked about being 
Alyssa‘s boyfriend?. 

 

.Do we let him know?. 

 

.He needs to know pero what would happen?. 

 

Hindi na ako nakasagot ulit dahil dumating na si Kuya Michael at nang bumaba siya niyakap 
niya agad si Jenny and then me. Bumaba din si Tyrone kaya nagulat kami ni Jenny pero he 
hugged Jenny first and kissed her sa cheeks lang then ganun din ako. 


 

.So I just need to talk with Sir DiLaurentis then pwede na kaming umalis ni Tyrone. May 
pupuntahan pa kami.. Sabi ni Kuya Michael and napatingin kami sa isa.t isa ni Jenny. Saan 
naman sila pupunta. 

 

.Oh ladies we‘re going to Tagaytay.. Sagot ni Tyrone sa katanungan namin ni Jenny sa isip 
namin. .At before you asks why. Mike really needs to talk with your tito Mary. It‘s about the 
charity event.. Tyrone is also teaching sa university. 

 

.Ah… kuya ano ba yung kailangan sabihin at ako nalang magsasabi.. I smiled. 

 

.I need to tell him personally Mary.. Sagot ni kuya Michael. 

 

.Ah. I‘ll call him out nalang. Wait here guys.. Sabi ni Jenny. 

 

.Ok. You two are so weird.. Sabi ni Tyrone. .Bakit hindi niyo nalang kami papasukin? Are you 
two having a bridal shower at may mga….. 

 

.Oh God no Ty!. pinalo ko si Tyrone at tumawa naman si Jenny. 

 

.Diba pupunta pa kasi kayo sa Tagaytay which I would love to come by the way kaya mas 
maganda kung tawagin ko nalang diba.. Jenny said 

 

.What‘s going on Mary? Jenny?. Kuya Michael asked. 

 

Tinignan muna ako ni Jenny at I nod kaya niyakap niya si Kuya Michael after that niyakap ko 
nalang din siya. .There‘s really a bridal shower isn‘t it or is someone dying?. he asked 

 

.Alyssa‘s back.. Jenny said and I know it.s way worse than someone dying right now. 

 


The look on Kuya Michael.s face. Makikita mo yung longing. .And she‘s here.. He whispered at 
napatingin siya sa bintana kaya napatingin din ako, nakita ko agad si Alyssa pero agad din 
niyang binalik yung curtain. .And I‘m not welcome.. 

 

.No kuya, you‘re more than welcome kaya lang baka hindi ka pa ready. So do you want to 
meet her now?. 

 

.I…..want….. but I can‘t.. sabi niya at niyakap niya ako tas si Jenny. .I need to go.. 

 

.Ok. Let‘s go then.. Sabi ni Tyrone. .Mary please tell your tito na we need to talk to him ok?. I 
nodded. .Darling you want to come with us in Tagaytay?. he asked Jenny. 

 

.Unfair bakit ako hindi invited?. I asked willing to change the mood. 

 

.Is that it Michael? You‘re not even going to go inside and demand to know if she still in love with 
you?. Jenny asked na kinagulat naman namin. .You‘re a coward.. 

//Chapter 30// 

Finding Closure 

Alyssa‘s Point of View 

 

10 years since I left and many things have changed. And they all seem too happy about the 
changes. Ang daming katanungan pero hindi ko alam kung masasagot ba dahil it seems that 
they don.t really want to explain things. 

 

Sa lahat ng kinagulat ko ay kung bakit nandito si Jenny, the woman who set me up, the woman 
who lied that I played with Michael.s feelings. Bakit siya nandito at bakit siya considered as their 
family? At maid of honor really? Paano nangyari iyon? 

 

.Wait.. I said .Si Elaine Scott yung model ba yung sinasabi mong true love mo na kuya?. I 
sounded so excited pero I.m not really. Pero Elaine Scott, could Gabriel be the man Elaine had 
been talking about nung nagpunta siya sa New York? 


 

Hindi sumagot si Gabriel agad pero napansin kong tumingin siya kay Mary, kanina pa siya 
tumitingin kay Mary, at paano sila nagkakilala, I mean ok schoolmates at crush ni Love si Gabriel 
but the way I used to see it is that naiinis si Gabriel kayla Love dahil nga sa stalker fetish ng tatlo. 

 

Biglang dumating si Jenny at may binulong kay Mary na kinagulat naman niya. At hinatak na ni 
Mary si Jenny palabas ng bahay. At sinundan ko ang mga mata ni Gabriel. Now I see. 

 

.She‘s the one right Kuya?. sabi ko at tumingin ako kay Gabriel. .Mary.. 

 

.She‘s my best friend Alyssa nothing more.. Gabriel said at naglakad siya papunta sa may 
bintana. Best friend? Since when? 

 

Sumunod naman ako sa kanya .Since when?. I asked, medyo inuwang niya yung kurtina at 
sumilip lang siya dun, siguro tinitignan sila Mary. .At paano?. 

 

He smiled at my question as if may inaalala siya. .Just like I said earlier met her at the bar 10 
years ago.. 

 

.So you fell in love with my cousin?. I asked at tumingin siya sa akin at tumango lang at balik 
tingin sa labas. .So naging kayo?. 

 

He went still with my question. .Never got the chance.. He answered and I saw the pain in his 
eyes. 

 

I wanted to know more of this story. Dahil kay Gabriel mukha naman na willing siyang 
magkwento hindi katulad ni Mary, na I know until now she hasn.t forgiven me, pero nasa kanya 
na naman si James diba? 

 

.At bakit naman? You the heartthrob never got a chance with my cousin?. I asked, hindi lang 
kasi kapanikapaniwala na hindi siya nagkaroon ng chance. Sabagay Mary was like super in love 
with James 10 years ago. At there.s Love pa. 


 

.Best friend niya ako Alyssa. It‘s the cliché thing really falling in love with your best friend.. Sagot 
niya. .At isa pa, the time we finally had the courage to tell our feelings to each other, James got 
into an accident.. 

 

.Wait….. you mean mahal ka din ni Mary?. I asked. .How about James?. 

 

.It‘s all in the past now Alyssa. Si James na ang pinili niya.. He said. .She never chose me.. He 
muttered .Shit.. He said 

 

Kaya nung sinabi niya yun napatingin din ako sa bintana. At nakita ko si Jenny at Mary and 
there was a guy Jenny hugged then Mary. The more I look at the guy the more I realized who it 
was. 

 

Michael is here and my heart is beating fast…. 

 

Inusog ko si Gabriel at ako na yung nasa may unahan ng bintana to see them more. After all 
these years sila parin ni Jenny. At close si Mary kay Michael. May bumaba pang isang lalaki at 
niyakap din nila Mary at Jenny iyon. 

 

.Do you know the other guy Kuya?. I asked Gabriel. 

 

.Tyrone.. He just answered. Kilala niya meaning isa din ito sa mga circle of friends ni Mary 
ngayon. 

 

Nagusap yung apat sa labas at nagtawanan pa sila at biglang napatingin sa may bintana si 
Michael at within a few seconds nagkatinginan lang kaming dalawa, Mary glanced kaya sinara 
ko na agad. 

 

.I better go out. Gusto mong sumama?. Gabriel offered but I shook her head. At umalis na si 
Gabriel. 


 

Bakit ganun after all these years, bakit ganun parin ang epekto sa akin ni Michael? I came here 
to find what I.ve been looking for. To get what was taken away from me and then go back to 
New York for good. 

 

But why does seeing him makes my heart beat so fast? 

 

Tumalikod na ako at nagpunta sa may garden, hindi ko pa siya kayang makita. But I know I 
need to face him sooner or later after all nasa kanya yung kukunin ko. 

 

There I met James. At nang nakita niya ako ngumiti siya at niyakap niya ako. .Buti naman at 
bumalik ka na.. he said. 

 

Ngumiti lang ako sa kanya. I missed James. Also Harry. 

 

Someone cleared her throat at napatingin kami ni James kung sino man iyon at nagulat ako 
dahil si Mary. She looked like something she already knew happened. .Dinner is ready.. She said 
at naglakad na siya papasok. 

 

Pumasok na din kami ni James at nagpunta na sa dining room. Nakaupo na sila. Mary was 
seated between Gabriel at Jenny. I looked around at wala naman si Michael. Umupo na ako 
dun sa remaining seat at ayun at ang katapat ni Jenny, umupo na din si James sa tabi ko at 
magkatapat sila ni Mary. 

 

We started eating silently at yung mga matatanda lang ang naguusap. .Gabriel I need you to 
tell the HR your decision on Monday alright?. Tito Ronald said. 

 

.Of course sir.. Sagot naman ni Gabriel. 

 

.What decision? Are you going to leave JP Gab?. Mary asked she looked confused so was 
Jenny. 


 

.You didn‘t know?. Mary.s mom asked. .Gab has been offered a job in California.. 

 

Nagulat sila Mary with that at tumingin agad siya kay Gabriel. .Gab?. 

 

.You should take it, malaking opportunity iyon para sayo.. Sabi naman ni James. He sounded so 
relief na aalis si Gabriel. 

 

.No. You shouldn‘t ang layo nun.. Mary said and I glanced at James and I saw how he curled 
his fist with his spoon and fork. Naiinis na si James. 

 

.You my darling are so possessive with Gabriel.. Sabi ni mom. They all chuckled well except for 
James and Mary. 

 

.Don‘t worry. I‘m still thinking about it at isa pa alam ko naman na you need me here.. Gabriel 
assured Mary. 

 

We returned eating at nagusap lang ulit silang lahat, they all talked about Mary and Gabriel.s 
friendship. Halata na masyado nilang gusto si Gabriel para kay Mary at halata na din na naiinis 
si James sa kanila. How could he not? He.s been compared with Gabriel. 

 

.Ah tuloy ba kayo bukas ni Jenny sa paghahanap ng bahay?. mom asked. 

 

.Jenny‘s going to Tagaytay.. Sagot ni Mary. 

 

.Ah Tagaytay.. Sabi ni Tito Roberto. .Sabi mo kanina Jenny pupunta si Michael dito so where is 
he?. he asked and everyone who knew my past with Michael went still. .At yung pagpunta mo 
sa Tagaytay does it involved with going there to meet with Michael and the committee?. 

 

.Yes sir, nang nalaman ko po kasi I invited myself, hope it‘s not a problem.. Jenny answered. 


 

.That‘s good while you‘re there Jen mind checking our hotels there?. mom asked. Jenny 
nodded. .So Mary wala ka ng kasama with house hunting?. 

 

.Gab will accompany me tita.. Mary smiled at James frowned. .Gusto ko sanang sumama sa 
Tagaytay din kaso baka lalo lang hindi matapos nila kuya yung ginagawa nila dun.. She smiled 
and Jenny chuckled at may binulong si Jenny kay Mary at tumawa din siya. 

 

.So girls answer me where is Michael?. tito asked. 

 

The two stopped laughing at their own private jokes. .He stopped by kanina tito kaso there‘s 
been an emergency kaya hindi na siya nakapasok. He just wanted to ask if you would like to be 
one of their guest speakers sabi daw kasi ni Kuya Kyle mas maganda kung personally 
magtatanong si Kuya Michael.. Mary answered. Emergency that only means ayaw niyang 
pumasok nang nalaman niyang nandito ako. 

 

.Oh. Jenny, tell him I‘d love to.. Tito said at ngumiti lang sa kanya si Jenny. 

 

Natapos na din yung dinner at pinagusapan lang nila yung kasal ni Mary kung naayos na ba 
nila yung mga dapat ayusin. Nagulat si Mary nang nalaman niyang I.m going to stay till her 
wedding. Tita made it clear na isa ako sa mga bridesmaid ni Mary, which means I have to help 
them right? 

 

Pumunta na ako sa garden ulit. I missed Manila pero nasanay na din ako. After all, it has been 
10 years. Naging masaya na ako sa New York with my new life there. Pero alam ko eventually I 
need to come back here and face reality. 

 

Naramdaman kong may umupo sa tabi ko at tinignan ko at si James lang pala, ngumiti siya sa 
akin. .Ayaw mo sa loob?. he asked. 

 

.Hindi naman ako makarelate eh.. I admitted. .At ikaw bakit nandito ka at hindi sa tabi ng 
fiancé mo?. 

 


.To tell you the truth, I don‘t really feel welcome around your family.. 

 

.Bakit naman?. 

 

I really don.t understand kung bakit para ngang off silang lahat kay James. 

 

.I hurt Mary, Alyssa and to them I‘m the villain and Gabriel is the hero.. He sighed. 

 

.From what I gathered they do seem fond of Gabriel. Pero James you are welcome tatanggapin 
ba nila yung pagpapakasal sayo ni Mary kung hindi? Lalo na si tito Ronald he loves Mary so 
much.. I told him. 

 

.He just tolerate me cause I‘m bringing fortune with DLN.. He said. From what I know ngayon, 
Mary and James started their own company at ngayon malago na ito at it is funded by JP. 
.Kung walang DLN he would never approve of me at si Gabriel ang mas gugustuhin niya after all 
Gabriel works for him.. 

 

.You‘re paranoid.. 

 

.Gabriel loves Mary.. 

 

.Pero ikaw ang mahal ni Mary.. 

 

.Hindi ko din alam Alyssa kung mahal pa ba ako ni Mary o did she just stay out of guilt?. he said 
I was so confused. Wala naman kasi akong alam sa nangyari since umalis ako. I cut all ties. Pero 
naalala ko kanina yung sinabi ni Gabriel. Naaksidente si James kaya they never got a chance. 

 

.Stop being paranoid. Ikaw ang pinili ni Mary para pakasalan. Ikaw ang mahal niya.. I assured 
him kahit hindi ko naman alam kung totoo ba yung sinabi ko sa kanya. 

 


He sighed. .Ikaw. Why did you come back?. 

 

Napatingin ako sa langit and I sighed. .Closure.. 

 

.Closure?. 

 

.I need to find closure para finally makawala na ako sa nakaraan. I have to get my heart back.. 
I finally said. 

 

.Mahal mo pa ba siya?. James asked. He was careful with his tone. 

 

.I‘m here to find my closure.. 

 

.Hindi mo sinagot ang tanong ko Alyssa.. 

 

.Hindi ko alam. Pero ano bang saysay kung mahal ko pa siya o hindi. He‘s with Jenny.. 

 

James laughed. .So you‘re jealous of Jen.. He accused. 

 

.I‘m not.. Pag deny ko naman. .Just admitting the fact the masaya na siya kay Jenny.. 

 

.Jenny‘s engaged.. Nagulat naman ako, so magpapakasal na din sila ni Michael? Why is the 
thought of it still hurt my heart? .And Tyrone is really a great guy. As for Michael he seemed to 
swear off women. No girlfriend since Jen.. 

 

So walang Jenny? 

 

Bakit parang nagtatalon ang puso ko sa saya? 


 

Mali to. Hindi ka nandito para makuha ang puso ni Michael andito ka para makuha ang puso 
mo kay Michael, you.re here to ask for his forgiveness para totally makapagmove on ka na. 

 

Pero hindi talaga mawala yung saya ko ngayon. 

 

.Sometimes I think he‘s gay.. Natawa si James sa sarili niyang sinabi. 

 

.Hon, nagiging chismoso ka na.. napatingin kami sa may likod namin at si Mary nakangiti siya 
kay James. .Wag mong paniwalaan yung sinabi ni James. Kuya Michael is straight as a ruler 
should be. He‘s waiting for someone.. She smiled at me. .Hon, let‘s go, hahatid pa natin si Jenny 
and maaga ka pa bukas.. She turned to James. 

 

Tumayo naman si James at nag nod siya sa akin bago pumunta kay Mary and he kissed her in 
her cheeks. .Ikaw nagsabi sa akin na baka nagiging bakla na si Michael.. Mahinang sabi ni 
James. 

 

.I was joking.. Mary said at kinuha lang ni James yung kamay niya at hinalikan ito at naglakad 
na sila paalis. They waved back at me. They seemed so perfect together pero bakit parang 
may mali sa kanila? 

 

Naalala ko yung sinabi ni Mary, Michael.s waiting for someone could it be me? Pero ano naman 
kung ako iyon? Hindi na pwede dahil I need to let him go finally para maging masaya na ako sa 
New York at makalimutan ko na ang lahat at magsimula na ako kasama ni Conrad or rather JC. 

//Chapter 31// 

When it was me 

I woke up from a dream, a dream that scares me, he was walking away from me. I’ve always 
thought he would stay by my side no matter what but he why was he walking away? 

 

Mary‘s Point of View 


 

Maagang umalis si James papunta sa Batangas to meet new clients. Ako naman ay nagaayos 
na din dahil aalis kami ni Gab para maghanap ng bahay. It.s weird na maghahanap ako ng 
magiging bahay namin ni James pag kinasal na kami at kasama ko si Gab. 

 

Dapat talaga si Jenny ang kasama ko kaso we had a plan kaya pupunta siya sa Tagaytay to 
join Tyrone at tulungan ito, hindi na kasi pupuntang Tagaytay si Kuya Michael dahil nga sa plano 
namin ni Jenny. 

 

I took my phone sa may desk dahil nag vibrate siya at binasa ko yung text. 

 

[From: Gab Jhonson] 

Nasa labas ako ng building mo, labas ka nalang ah. 

 

Nilagay ko na sa bag ko yung phone ko at tumingin ulit sa salamin, after that nagmadali na 
akong lumabas ng unit ko at sumakay ng elevator. I feel excited dahil nga minsan ko nalang 
talaga makasama si Gab at baka pwede ko pang ayusin yung friendship namin. Dahil alam ko 
we.re really growing apart at I don.t want that. 

 

Lumabas na ako ng building at nakita ko na agad si Gab na nakasandal sa kotse niya habang 
hawak hawak yung phone niya. Inangat niya yung tingin niya at nang nakita niya ako I waved 
at him at ngumiti lang siya sa akin. 

 

Naglakad na ako papunta sa kanya at tumalikod siya para buksan yung pinto at nagulat ako 
dahil hindi sa harap yung binuksan niya kundi sa likod. Pero mas nagulat ako sa taong nakaupo 
sa harap. 

 

.Elaine.. I called. Lumingon siya sa akin at ngumiti. .Akala ko ba nasa New York ka pa.. 

 

.I just got back and I called Gabriel to pick me up. I didn‘t know na may lakad kayo. I don‘t 
want to intrude kaya you guys can just drop me off.. Elaine smiled. Bakit ngayon pa siya 
dumating? Ngayon na masosolo ko si Gab. 


 

.Nonsense. Join us.. I told her. .Pero kung pagod ka na….. 

 

.Thanks Mary.. She said at with that nginitian ako ni Gab. Pumasok na ako sa loob at umikot na 
naman si Gab para pumunta sa driver.s seat. 

 

Gab leaned over Elaine at nagulat ako, I thought he was going to hug her pero seat belt lang 
pala. Pero bakit ganun? .Sabi ko sayo put your seatbelt on.. he smiled at her. I remembered 
dati ako yung nilalagyan niya ng seatbelt pero ngayon iba na. 

 

Umalis na din kami at nagkwentuhan lang kami ni Elaine about her upcoming fashion show. At 
sila din ni Gab at nagusap na. I can see how happy Gab is. 

 

Nakarating na kami sa Laguna at pumasok kami sa isang sub, ang gaganda ng mga 
nadadaanan namin na mga bahay. Huminto kami at bumaba na ako at ganun din sila. 

 

Tinignan ko yung bahay na nasa harap ko, ang ganda nung bahay. Napakaganda niya, yung 
ambiance sa labas, napakasweet, it feels like home, I closed my eyes imagining things, I saw 
two kids running sa front yard at naglalaro lang habang ako nakaupo sa porch at 
pinagmamasdan sila. 

 

.Gabriel ang ganda nito.. Elaine said at napadilat ako at napansin na yung bahay na 
nagustuhan ko yung tinutukoy niya. .I love this one.. She said. 

 

.I love it too.. Sabi ni Gab sabay akbay kay Elaine at nginitian niya ito. 

 

Tumalikod ako at dun ko nakita yung isang bahay. Mas malaki siya compared sa katapat niya. 
Maganda din siya pero wala yung feeling na ayun na talaga. I can.t imagine the future with this 
house. 

 

May dumating na sa isang real estate agent at inalok kami kung gusto namin makita yung 
bahay. Una namin pinuntahan yung bahay na gusto ko. Ang ganda din ng loob nito. 


 

Nag libot sila Gab at Elaine sa may garden nito at ako naman sa loob lang. Umakyat kami ng 
agent sa second floor at nilibot namin ito. Habang nasa taas kami, nakita kong nasa may living 
room na sila Gab at Elaine. Pinagmasdan ko lang silang dalawa at mukha silang masaya. 

 

Medyo lumapit ako sa may railing at niyakap bigla ni Elaine si Gab. Tuwang tuwa naman si Gab. 
I saw how Gab looked at Elaine and it was how he used to look at me that night, the night I told 
him I love him. 

 

.They look good together.. Tinignan ko yung agent na katabi ko pala na nakatingin din kayla 
Gab. Yeah they look good together. She.s perfect dahil nasa kanya si Gab. 

 

.I love you.. Elaine confessed. 

 

I saw how Gab.s face lighten up, makikita mo sa expression ng mukha niya na mahal din niya si 
Elaine, yung pagmamahal na dating akin. 

 

Today I realized why we were growing apart that is because, he is no longer mine. Hindi na ako 
yung nasa puso niya. It.s her already. 

 

Masakit pala talaga, to see him so in love with another woman. Masakit dahil ngayon ko lang 
na realize na mahal ko pa siya. Na kahit kalian hindi nawala yung pagmamahal ko sa kanya. 
Pero huli na ang lahat. Dahil nasa iba na yung puso niya at ikakasal na ako. 

 

Nagmadali akong bumaba at lumabas ng bahay na iyon at pumasok ako dun sa katapat 
nitong bahay. 

 

Bakit ako nasasaktan? Diba eto naman yung pinili ko? I never chose him pero bakit masakit 
parin, alam ko naman na darating na din yung panahon na mawawala ako sa puso niya pero 
bakit napakasakit parin? Ako naman may gusto nito diba? 

 


I texted James to pick me up. Hindi ko na ata kayang makisakay kayla Gab lalo na ngayon na 
alam kong mahal niya si Elaine at mahal ko pa siya. 

 

After one hour dumating na din si James at pumasok din siya sa loob ng bahay. Tinignan niya ito 
at lumapit siya sa akin. .Hon this one is nice.. Sabi niya. 

 

I nodded. Nagusap na sila nung real estate agent at hindi ko na alam yung pinaguusapan nila. 
Sila Gab at Elaine naman pinagmamasdan din yung bahay. .Great we‘ll take this.. Nagulat 
ako kay James kaya tumingin ako sa kanya at ngumiti lang siya sa akin. .I love the house hon, 
this is where we will start to build our family.. He smiled. I feel so guilty. After all this year, 
pinagdudahan ko si James na hindi pa siya nakakapag move on kay Alyssa pero ako pala yung 
hindi pa. 

 

Nagpunta kami sa office at may mga pinirmahan pa si James sa loob nasa labas lang ako at 
silang tatlo nila Gab ang pumasok. Guess bibilhin din ni Gab yung bahay na katapat ng bibilhin 
ni James. 

 

After that nag decide na din kaming umuwi. Elaine asked us for dinner pero I rejected. Hindi ko 
na kakayanin pa na makita silang magkasama lalo na ngayon. Masakit pa talaga. 

 

Sumakay na si Elaine at lumapit ako sa kanya at nagpaalam na. Naglakad na ako papunta sa 
kotse ni James at narinig ko si Gab .I‘m going to buy a ring.. At umalis na din siya. 

 

He.s going to buy a ring? He.ll propose to Elaine. 

 

Pero diba ok lang naman dapat dahil hindi ko naman siya pinili at may karapatan din siyang 
sumaya? Diba we let each other go na 8 years ago kaya dapat ayos lang. 

 

Sumakay na ako sa loob ng kotse ni James at umalis na din kami. Hindi ko na din napigilan ang 
mga luha ko, hindi dapat makita ni James na umiiyak ako dahil hindi ko alam kung anong 
sasabihin ko. 

 


Huminto kami sa may gitna ng daan at hinawakan ni James yung kamay ko .What‘s wrong?. he 
asked. 

 

Umiling lang ako at niyakap niya ako bigla .Talk to me please?. he asked. .Ayaw mo ba yung 
bahay?. umiling ulit ako. .Then nagsisisi ka bang umuo ka sa akin.. he asked at humiwalay siya 
sa akin. 

 

Tinignan ko siya, at alam kong nasasaktan siya dahil sa akin. I never want to hurt James. Kahit 
gaano niya ako nasaktan dati, hindi ko siya kayang saktan dahil alam ko nagsisi na siya sa mga 
iyon at ako yung mahal niya. 

 

Hindi naman ako nagsisisi na siya ang pinili ko 8 years ago dahil alam ko ayun ang tama. Hindi 
din ako nagsisisi na umuo sa kanya dahil alam ko mamahalin niya ako habang buhay at hindi 
na niya ako sasaktan pero ako pala yung makakasakit sa kanya. 

 

Now I realized why I was always saying no to James, it.s not because of Alyssa. It.s all because of 
me. Dahil siguro at the back of my mind alam nito na mahal ko pa si Gab at masasaktan ko si 
James pag nalaman niya. 

 

Niyakap ko siya bigla. .Mahal kita James.. I said. I do love James. .I never regret choosing you 
James.. 

 

.Kung ganun bakit ka umiiyak?. he asked. 

 

.Naalala ko lang yung nangyari sayo 8 years ago. I‘m so sorry James.. I said. .I never told you 
how sorry I am for causing you that accident.. I cried. .Hindi ko alam kung anong gagawin ko 
nun kung hindi ka gumising James. I‘m so sorry kasi dahil sa akin you got into that accident. I‘m 
so sorry.. I cried. 

 

Humiwalay si James sa akin at pinunsan yung mga luha ko, I saw tears din sa mukha niya. .Hindi 
mo kasalanan yun Mary. Ako may gusto nun. Hindi ko kasi kayang mabuhay ng wala ka Mary.. 
He said. .Don‘t say sorry dahil naiisip ko na kaya ka lang nasa tabi ko ngayon ay dahil nagu-
guilty ka sa nangyari.. I shook my head. .Pero Mary, can you please be honest with me right 
now, si Gabriel ba yung sinasabi mong mahal mo nun?. nagulat ako sa tanong niya. 


 

I bit my lower lip at napapikit, I should be honest and so I nodded. .I‘m really sorry James. I 
never meant to hurt you.. 

 

He forced a smile. .You were with him nung sinabi mong tatapusin mo yung thesis mo right?. he 
asked and I nodded again. .Mahal mo pa ba siya?. he asked. 

 

I can.t hurt James anymore. 

 

.Ikaw ang mahal ko James. Ikaw ang pinili ko. Sana paniwalaan mo yun. I never did betray you. 
8 years ago I made a choice and I chose you James, hindi si Gab kundi ikaw. Ikaw.. I said. 

 

Ngumiti siya. .Thank you for choosing me Mary.. He said .Please don‘t ever regret choosing me, 
dahil Mary hindi ko kakayanin na mawala ka sa akin.. he said and he leaned his forehead into 
mine. .I love you so much.. 

 

.I love you too James.. 

 

This is the path I chose 8 years ago at kailangan kong panindigan iyon. No matter what. Kahit pa 
nalaman ko na mahal ko pa rin si Gab dahil walang magbabago. Mahal ko si James at hindi ko 
siya kayang saktan pa. 

 

He kissed me. .Let‘s go home.. I said at ngumiti siya sa akin bago siya umayos ng upo at nag 
drive na ulit. 

//Chapter 32// 

Can’t risk it all for you 

Alyssa‘s Point of View 

 

I decided na dalawin si Harry at Jewel ngayon tutal wala naman akong gagawin. Sobra ko na 
din nami-miss si Harry. Harry finally got Jewel. I just found out last night. Tinawagan kasi ako bigla 


ni Harry at nagulat nalang ako sa sinabi niya. When I was in New York, I tried not to look back 
kaya I didn.t contact anyone. 

 

Nang nakarating na ako sa tapat ng bahay nila, kinabahan ako dahil sampung taon din akong 
nawala at hindi ko sila nakita. Nag door bell na ako at ang lumabas para buksan yung gate ng 
bahay ay si Harry, he smiled at me nung nakita na niya ako. Pagka-bukas palang niya ay 
niyakap na niya ako agad. 

 

.Kamusta ka na?. he asked me. 

 

.Same old same old.. I smiled at him. 

 

Inaya na niya ako pumasok sa bahay nila, nasa garden daw si Jewel kasama yung kambal nila 
kaya pumunta kami sa garden at nandun nga si Jewel at Love nagkukwentuhan, yung kambal 
naman nasa baby carriage na pang kambal talaga. 

 

Napataas ng tingin si Love at nagulat siya kaya si Jewel naman napalingon sa likod niya at 
nakita na din niya ako. Naglakad na kami ni Harry sa kanila. .Alyssa.. Pagbati ni Love sa akin 
tumayo siya sa upuan niya at lumapit sa akin. .Kailan ka pa nakabalik?. she asked. 

 

.Friday.. I smiled .Kamusta na?. I asked. 

 

.Ayos lang.. sagot ni Love. .Nagkita na ba kayo ni Mary?. she asked. 

 

.They hosted a dinner for me last night.. Sagot ko. 

 

.Hindi ka siguro magpaparamdam kung hindi sinabi sa akin ni James.. Sabi ni Harry at dun 
napatingin lalo si Jewel, kanina pa siya tahimik hindi ko alam kung bakit. 

 

.Sila Mary at James palang nakikita mo?. tanong ni Jewel bigla. 

 


.Nandun din si Kuya Gabriel, I didn‘t know na mag best friend na pala sila ni Mary. Then there‘s 
Jenny.. 

 

.Harry, akyat mo na sila Hans and Crystal masyado na silang naarawan.. Sabi ni Jewel. 

 

.Ah ako na magdadala kay Crystal.. Sabi ni Love at umalis na sila ni Harry. 

 

.Gusto mong maupo?. pagaalok ni Jewel sa akin. Kaya umupo na ako sa tapat niya. .Alyssa 
let‘s be honest habang wala pa sila.. She suddenly said. .Why did you decide to come back 
after all these years bakit ngayon pa?. she asked. It sounded like bakit ngayon pa na maayos 
na lahat. There.s something in her tone. 

 

.Why do you mean by that Jewel?. I asked her. 

 

.Mary‘s been through a lot and now she‘s happy.. 

 

.I‘m happy for Mary.. 

 

.Are you?. she asked. .Nung debut ni Mary, napahiya siya alam mo ba yun? Sinaktan siya nung 
taong mahal niya dahil lang sa isang video. You knew didn't you na gagamitin yung video mo 
para sa debut pero bakit mo sinabi yung nangyari sayo alam mong pupunta yung mga kakilala 
mo din, your accident they never let it known in public pero nung debut ni Mary bigla mong 
sinabi. Alam mong nandun si James.. 

 

.Are you blaming me Jewel?. 

 

.Bakit hindi ba?. 

 

She.s right, I did know. Alam kong gagamitin yun sa debut kaya nga pinilit ako ni daddy na 
gumawa ng video dahil bibigay kay Mary yun sa debut niya, alam ko yun. Pero I was still 


suffering that time, I knew they all moved on pero ako kinakain parin ng nakaraan, I just wanted 
them to know. 

 

.I didn‘t mean to hurt anyone especially Mary.. 

 

.You did mean it Alyssa. Kay Mary lalo. Why were you so angry with Mary?. she asked. 

 

.Because she wasn‘t there for me Jewel! She left me all alone nung nasasaktan ako! Wala ng 
natira sa akin and then now she‘s friends with the woman who conspired with Anne!. I said. 
Jewel.s right. It was really meant to hurt Mary. Alam kong nandun sila. Pero ngayon ko lang 
narealize na it was intentional. 

 

.Alyssa, how do you expect Mary to comfort you that time when her heart was also breaking? 
You broke your promise to her Alyssa. Ikaw yung nangiwan sa kanya. You left her without saying 
goodbye. Sa amin.. Jewel said. Tama naman ulit siya, I did break my promise. Ako din ang 
nangiwan. Hindi nga ako nag paalam so why am I so angry 10 years ago? .Mary‘s happy now 
Alyssa, masaya na sila ni James, they‘ve been through a lot at ngayon masaya na sila kaya 
sana kahit pa galit ka kay Jenny wag mong idamay si Mary.. She said. 

 

.I will never hurt Mary nor will I ruin her happy ending Jewel, she‘s my cousin.. 

 

.Then why did you come back?. 

 

.I‘m going to get my heart back that‘s all and aalis din ako after the wedding.. I said. 

 

Dumating na din ulit sila Love at Harry na may dala dalang mga pagkain, nagkwentuhan lang 
kami, well sila yung nagkwento about their lives without me. Kiwento nila yung lahat ng nangyari 
sa kanila, Mary and Gabriel.s friendship, James. betrayal, Mary.s debut na nandun din pala sila 
Michael at Jenny, Harry and Jewel being together finally, James. confession, Mary.s feelings for 
Gabriel, James. accident, Mary being friends with Jenny and Michael, Harry and Jewel.s 
engagement, and five proposals of James to Mary. 

 


Nagkwento din ako sa kanila ng nangyari sa akin sa New York, pero I didn.t include the gory 
details of what happened when I was there in the first few years. 

 

Nag paalam na din ako dahil sabi ni Mary kagabi sa text niya sa akin we should meet para sa 
gown fitting dahil nga bridesmaid ako. It was just weird dahil yung meeting place ay yung huling 
lugar na pinuntahan ko bago ako umalis ng Pilipinas 10 years ago. 

 

Naglakad muna ako dahil wala pa si Mary, yung napuntahan ko yung saktong lugar kung saan 
ko huling nakita si Michael kayakap si Jenny. Tumingin lang ako dun, bakit parang kahapon 
lang yung nangyari. Diba dapat hindi ko na masyado ito naaalala kasi naka move on na ako. 

 

I closed my eyes, yes I.ve moved on. Liar. But I.m trying to move on. 

 

When I opened my eyes, nagulat ako sa lalaking nakatayo sa harap ko, I closed my eyes again 
thinking na imaginations ko lang yung kanina at binuksan ko ulit at nandun parin yung lalaki sa 
harap ko, he was smiling. Ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko. 

 

.Michael.. Pagbati ko sa kanya, bakit siya nandito? I thought nasa Tagaytay siya? Pero siguro 
tama ng nandito siya para ngayon palang mahanap ko na yung closure ko. 

 

Ngumiti siya sa akin na para bang galak na galak siyang makita ako. Last night when he looked 
at me shocked was all written in his face pero ngayon masaya siya pero bakit? Dahil ba totoo 
yung sinasabi ni Mary? Na may hinihintay siya at ako yun? Ha. Nangarap naman ako. 

 

.Hi.. Pagbati niya sa akin. Isang salita lang niya pero ang lakas ng tibok ng puso ko, sampung 
taon kong hindi narinig ang boses niya. 

 

Hindi ko alam kung anong sasabihin ko dahil ano nga bang tamang sabihin sa lalaking hindi 
ako nagawang patawarin dati? Sa lalaking sobra akong sinaktan pero kahit na sobrang sakit 
bakit ngayon na nakita ko na ulit siya my heart keeps on beating so fast. Na after 10 years my 
heart suddenly keeps on beating. His effect on me is still the same. 

 


Nagulat nalang ako dahil bigla niya akong niyakap, sobrang higpit na hindi na ako makahinga. 
.I‘m sorry.. 

 

I pulled away from him and looked at him with confusion in my eyes. Humihingi siya ng sorry 
dahil ba sa nangyari 10 years ago? .Wh…why?. I asked him. 

 

.I‘m sorry for not believing in you. I‘m sorry for letting you leave.. 

 

I closed my eyes. Alyssa this is it. Humihingi na siya ng tawad at ikaw din gawin mo na ang 
dapat mong gawin para pagkatapos ng kasal ni Mary, aalis ka ng Pilipinas with your heart 
intact and happy. Pero bakit hindi ako makapagsalita? Walang lumalabas sa bibig ko. 

 

.Nung gabing yun sobra akong nabalot ng galit dahil akala ko pinaglaruan niyo ni Anne yung 
nararamdaman ko, na para sa inyo yung pagkakaibigan na binigay ko sainyo lalo na sayo 
wala lang. Nagalit ako pero natauhan din ako agad Alyssa. I texted you to meet me... Yeah 
you texted me pero nang pumunta ako nakita ko kayong dalawa. .Sinama ko si Jenny dahil 
best friend ko siya, I needed strength naghintay kami dun pero you texted me, akala ko hindi ka 
pumunta dito Alyssa so nagmadali akong pumunta sa airport pero huli na ako.. he explained. 
.8 years ago inamin na ni Jenny sa akin yung totoo, and I‘m sorry Alyssa pero yung nakita mong 
niyakap ko si Jenny hindi totoo yun, we were practicing on what I should say to you dahil Alyssa 
mahal kita.. 

 

Ibig bang sabihin wala silang relasyon ni Jenny dati pa at hindi niya ito mahal at ako ang mahal 
niya dati pa? Na lahat ng sakit na naramdaman ko ay dahil lang sa maling akala? 

 

.Yung gabing nalaman ko na iisa lang kayo ni Ate Tulala, natuwa ako dahil simula palang ng 
nakilala ko ikaw bilang Ate Tulala na in love na ako sayo. Tas nalaman ko iisa lang kayo I was 
so happy…... hindi ko na siya pinatapos. 

 

.That‘s it Michael si Ate Tulala yung mahal mo hindi ako. Sinasabi mo lang na mahal mo ako 
dahil ako yung Ate Tulala. But Michael I‘m not her. Ok siguro ako nga siya pero iba ako sa 
kanya, dahil you have a perfect idea with her but I‘m real. I loved you as you but you loved me 
as Ate Tulala iba yun.. I told him. 

 


.No.. he denied. .Mahal kita Alyssa bilang ikaw, ikaw na sobrang nakakaenjoy yung company, 
ikaw siguro nga mas lalo kitang minahal dahil ikaw si Ate Tulala pero Alyssa mahal kita. Yung 
sinasabi mong idea ko kay Ate Tulala it was you, back in my mind pag iniisip ko kung ano kaya 
ang itsura niya ikaw yung lumalabas. Kaya Alyssa don‘t tell me I don‘t love you dahil ikaw lang 
ang minahal ko ng ganito.. He said. .Sana mapatawad mo ako Alyssa.. 

 

Huminga ako ng malalim bago nagsalita. .I should be the one apologizing, sorry sa lahat ng 
nagawa ko. Pero I did love you truly Michael. It was never a lie, what I shared with you, that was 
me being me. Kasi sayo I feel like I can be myself. I breathe easily.. I said. .So I‘m sorry for 
everything. I wish you can be happy.. 

 

Tinignan niya ako na para siyang nagtataka, ano naman ang nakakapagtaka sa sinabi ko? 
.Why does it sound like you‘re letting me go?. he asked. 

 

Am I? Pero eto naman yung kailangan kong gawin diba, to let him go after all my heart is all 
healed. .Because I am letting you go Michael.. 

 

He then grabbed me at niyakap niya ako ulit ng sobrang higpit. .No…. no… don‘t let me go.. 
He sounded like he was pleading is he? .You‘re back now, we can start again. Give me a 
chance Alyssa. I‘ve waited 10 years for you.. 

 

I.ve also waited 10 years for you Michael but it was for myself, to finally let you go. 

 

.I didn‘t come back for you Michael.. I told him .I…. came back because I wanted to finally let 
you go, I need to let you go.. I tried to pull away but no avail. 

 

.Please Alyssa don‘t do this.. 

 

.Michael I‘ve been hurt so deeply. It was so hard trying to move on, it was so hard trying to 
forget you, to try and forget that I ever love you, sampung taon Michael, 10 years at ngayon ok 
na ako, hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko pag nasaktan ulit ako Michael baka mas matagalan 
ulit ako sa paglimot.. I told him. 

 


Humiwalay siya sa akin at tinignan niya ako. .Do you still love me Alyssa?. he asked. 

 

Do I? 

 

.I….. I don‘t know Michael.. I answered him. .I can‘t risk my heart all over again.. 

 

.At least give me a chance. Please bigyan mo ako ng chance. I can‘t promise you na hindi ka 
masasaktan but I would never hurt you intentionally Alyssa. I love you so much I‘d do anything 
to make you happy. So please give me a chance to prove it to you. I‘ve sacrificed enough and I 
think it‘s time for me to be happy at sayo lang ako sasaya Alyssa. Mahal na mahal kita.. 

 

I shook my head. Hindi pwede. 

 

.I‘m sorry Michael.. I said and turned back to walk away from him. Hindi ko kaya. I just can.t risk 
what has been healed. At I can.t turn my back on New York, it.s my home and Conrad.s my 
home now. 

 

.No matter what you say Alyssa papatunayan ko parin ang pagmamahal ko sayo. I‘ll always be 
around you no matter what.. He yelled. 

 

Naglakad na ako palayo at nagulat ako dahil sa may daan nakita ko yung sasakyan nila 
Conrad nakapark siya, at biglang lumabas si Conrad at ngumiti siya sa akin. Paano niya 
nalaman na nandito ako? 

 

Tumingin agad ako sa likod ko kung nandun pa si Michael at nakita kong naglalakad na din siya 
palayo but he was walking so slow, na para bang sobra niyang lungkot. Kasalanan ko yun. 

 

Lumapit na ako kay Conrad at ngumiti sa kanya. Akala ko pwede na akong umiyak pero hindi 
pa pala. I can.t cry in front of this man, masasaktan ko siya pag ginawa ko iyon. 

 


Sumakay na ako at ganun din siya, pinagdrive na niya yung driver niya and we.re going to eat 
dinner sa labas. It.s been a long day, I.ve been warned not to hurt Mary and now I.ve learned 
Michael do love me and that I still do. But I can.t risk it all for him. 

//Chapter 33// 

Proving my love for you 

Alyssa‘s Point of View 

 

I.m with Mary, Jewel, Love and of course mawawala ba sa entourage na ito si Jenny? Sympre 
hindi. We.re actually here sa bahay ni Tito Ronald dahil dito dinala yung mga wedding gowns 
na specifically designed for Mary by no other than Vera Wang, all sponsored by our Tito Ronald, 
sa DiLaurentis Clan si Tito Ronald ang head nito since our lolo died, siya ang may hawak ng mga 
estates at nagco-control sa mga trust funds naming mga magpipinsan. And obviously he is the 
richest among other members of the family and he spoil us to much lalo na si Mary. 

 

Dahil hindi makaalis si Mary for New York para kay Vera Wang, pinadala nalang ni Ms. Vera 
yung mga gowns na she designed for Mary.s wedding, kasama sa pinadala niya ay ang isa sa 
mga assistant niya taking all the things na kailangan kunin to adjust the gowns. 

 

Nasa living room lahat ng mga wedding gowns, at nag mistulang dress shop yung living room 
dahil sa pagkadami daming gowns na nandun. We stayed sa garden muna habang wala pa 
yung assistant kausap pa kasi si Tito for the inventory of the dresses na dala dala niya all the way 
from New York. 

 

.So kamusta ang date niyo ni Mat?. Jewel asked Love. Love is finally having her own love story 
where she.s the leading lady. Sa lahat kasi ng nalaman ko sa mga kwento nila, Love gave up on 
Gabriel dahil mas pinili niya yung friendship nila ni Mary, the thing that I forgot nung sobra akong 
nasaktan at piniling umuo kay James out of the whim para lang mawala yung sakit of being 
rejected. 

 

.Ayos lang. He took me out for dinner and we talked.. Sagot ni Love and by the looks of it, hindi 
lang yun ang nangyari dahil nag blush siya. 

 


.You should thank me and James.. Mary joked. .Kung hindi dahil sa nangyari sa amin ni James 
hindi mo siya makakasabay sa jeep pauwi mo galing sa office.. She smiled. Love met Mat 
again nung araw na nagaway daw sila Mary at James leading to their first breakup which led to 
them finally engaged. Pauwi na nun si Love at wala siyang kotse tas nag jeep siya then nagkita 
sila ni Mat, yung Mat na singer na kabarkada ni Michael nung college. 

 

Pumasok na din kami after nilang kulitin si Love sa pagkukwento. Napansin kong close din 
talaga si Jenny sa kanila at iba nga si Jenny ngayon. Mary and I, we.re fine na, nagusap na 
kami about our own problems at we decided to let it go. But I never accepted the fact na 
friends sila ni Jenny. 

 

Pag pasok namin sa loob nandun na yung assistant at nag tingin na kami ng mga gowns for 
Mary, pero may mga bridesmaid dresses din na nakadisplay pero sympre bride first. 

 

May isang sinukat si Mary na gown at nandun siya sa portable fitting room na dala ng mga crew 
ni Ms. Vera Wang. 

 

.So Alyssa kamusta na kayo ni Kuya Michael?. she asked me while she was inside that fitting 
room kasama si Jenny. Namula naman ako kasi for the past few days Michael has been 
hanging around. Lagi siyang nandiyan and he is really proving himself. With flowers and his 
sweet oh yes sweet words. 

 

.Kayo na ba?. asked Love. 

 

.No.. sagot ko. .Hindi naman siya nangliligaw eh.. And that answer made everyone laughed. 

 

.Hindi pa ba ligaw yung ginagawa niya?. asked Jewel in her most amusing tone. Ligaw na ba 
matatawag yung ginagawa niya eh diba he.s just proving himself. 

 

.He‘s proving himself kaya hindi yun ligaw.. I said proudly. There.s a different. .At isa pa he 
didn‘t even ask kung pwedeng mangligaw kaya hindi siya nangliligaw.. 

 


.Oh ayan Jen sabihin mo kay Kuya Michael kailangan pa niyang tanungin si Alyssa.. Sabi ni 
Mary na natatawa pa. 

 

.Does he have a chance with you Alyssa?. nagulat ako sa nagsalita, lumabas na siya kasunod 
niya si Mary wearing the gown. May chance nga ba si Michael sa akin? I don.t want to risk 
fearing it.s isn.t worth the risk pero part of me wants me to risk and take a leap of faith. 

 

.I don‘t know..I answered honestly. Kahit pa ayaw ko kay Jenny, she deserved an answer, wala 
pa naman siyang ginagawang masama sa akin ngayon eh. Then I looked at Mary .Maganda 
siya pero hindi ikaw.. I said and the other three nodded their approval to my comment. 

 

So pumasok ulit sila ni Jenny at nagsukat and nang lumabas siya, it was a very simple white 
wedding dress, hindi siya bongga na parang ball gown it was just a simple yet it shouts 
elegance. Bagay na bagay kay Mary and it was easy imagining her with that dress and James 
by her side dahil yung wedding dress na to yung wedding dress for the perfect couple as they 
call them. It was perfect. 

 

.That‘s it Mary.. Jewel said and we all approved. Pati yung assistant ay nag approve sinabing 
ayun daw talaga ang gusto ni Ms. Vera para kay Mary dahil nga nung nagkita sila ni Ms. Vera 
with James she also portrayed the couple as perfect pero for me kahit anong sabi nilang 
perfect si Mary at James there.s something lacking and hindi ko ma point out kung ano ang 
nagkukulang sa picture. 

 

.Ok guys your turn.. Sabi ni Mary after niyang alisin yung gown. As for us bridesmaids, we 
actually have the chance to be different. Diba kasi sa mga traditional wedding lalo na sa 
Pilipinas, bridesmaids are expected to wear same gowns. But not for us, ayaw ni Mary, pero 
sympre may pagkaparehas parin lahat ng gowns namin, kulay at basta may part ng gown na 
parehas. 

 

After our fitting, kinausap muna ni Mary yung assistant tas may kausap ito sa phone na parang 
nagpapasalamat. She went back sa aming tatlo. .Vera Wang will be here a week before my 
wedding with my gown and veil.. She said excitedly. 

 

Tas nagkwentuhan lang ulit kami and may nakuhang tawag si Mary from one of their doctor 
friends. May tinatanong siya kaya yung tatlong dapat ay doctor na din ay pumunta sa library to 
talk medical stuffs. At naiwan kaming dalawa ni Jenny. 


 

It was so awkward. We don't have anything in common well except Mary and Michael I think. 

 

.Michael does love you.. she said and then uminom siya from her wine glass. 

 

.I know.. I said at nagulat ako sa sinabi ko. I know? Paano ko nalaman na mahal ako ni Michael 
except from the fact na everyday niyang sinasabi? My answer sounded like it was deeper, more 
like coming from my own heart telling me it does know Michael does love me truly. 

 

.Then why?. she asked. .Do you still love him?. 

 

.I….. I just can.t answer. I know the answer but can I trust it with this woman who destroyed me 
10 years ago? Who took what was mine? But she did change right? .Mary talks highly of you. I 
just hope you won‘t hurt her.. I said changing the topic. 

 

She smiled at me. .I have no intention of hurting my best friend.. Sagot niya and she sounded so 
sincere. .If only I could talk her out of this.. She murmured. Oh I know what she was talking 
about. Jewel told me this one thing. Jenny doesn't like James for Mary. .Mary and Michael are 
my two important best friends and I want them to be happy.. Sabi niya. 

 

.I want Mary happy too.. I told her. 

 

.What about Michael?. 

 

.I wish him happiness pero Jenny it won‘t be with me.. I told her and kinuha ko yung glass ng 
white wine sa may center table and drank from it. .I won‘t risk my heart again.. 

 

.If it‘s worth it why not? You two have already wasted 10 years. Alam kong mahal mo pa siya, I 
can see it.. Sabi niya. 

 

Then a maid came out. .Miss Alyssa, nandito na po ang sundo niyo.. Sabi niya sa akin. 


 

Sundo? Sumabay ako kay Mary and I never told our driver na sunduin ako and I didn.t call 
Conrad. 

 

.Manang papasukin mo muna.. Sabi ni Mary na kakarating lang ulit galing sa library. Umalis na 
yung maid at umupo na ulit silang tatlo. 

 

.Sino yung sundo ko?. I asked. 

 

.I am.. Said an all familiar voice. I looked up and saw him smiling. 

 

.Hi kuya, mamaya na kayo umalis ni Alyssa. Darating na yung mga cake for the cake tasting.. 
Sabi ni Mary habang tumitingin ng brochure ng mga bulaklak. Tinignan ko si Mary at ngumiti 
lang siya. .I called him alright. Hindi kita mahahatid dahil darating na si James.. Sabi ni Mary. 
.Manang paki sabi kay Ms. Grace na ayusin na tong mga gowns baka makita pa ni James.. 
Utos ni Mary kay manang na nag lagay pa ng dalawang wine glass sa center table. 

 

Nagusap na yung apat without me. So I left without a choice but to try and have a conversation 
with Michael. 

 

.Are you included sa entourage?. tanong ko kay Michael. 

 

.Yes. Partner ko dapat si Jenny but then you came.. He smiled at me. .So how are you?. 

 

.Kakakita lang natin kahapon.. Sabi ko. .Bakit ka nandito wala ka bang klase ngayon?. 

 

.Wala akong summer class.. Sabi niya. Nagkwentuhan lang kaming dalawa. It was really 
nonsense pero it was sort of funny. Nakakatuwa din kasi parang dati lang yung kaming dalawa 
na naguusap. I feel like a teenager again. 

 


And then I heard clicks. Tinignan ko at si Jenny ay nagpipicture, sa paguutos ni Mary para daw 
sa wedding reception. .Look how sweet you guys are.. Sabi ni Mary. 

 

.Kaya nga.. Sabi ni Love. .Sabi pala ni Alyssa kuya na hindi ka pa daw nangliligaw sa kanya.. 

 

.So pag ba nangligaw ako may pagasa ako sayo?. Michael asked. 

 

.Naku pakipot lang niyan Kuya. Sasagutin ka din niyan. Mahal mo siya mahal ka niya perfect... 
sabi ni Mary. 

 

.Yeah. I love you Alyssa.. And with that I blushed like a teenager whose crush just teased her. 
And they all laughed pero si Michael seryoso lang siya. 

 

James came and so was the bakery na magpro-produce ng wedding cake and other deserts 
for the wedding. Jenny was taking pictures. And we were all tasting cakes. Michael was the one 
giving me cakes pero siya muna ang tumitikim. He didn.t drink wine instead he asked for a non 
alcoholic champagne dahil daw mag dridrive pa siya. And he doesn.t want to endanger me. 

 

After the tasting, umalis na din kami ni Michael. Tahimik lang kami, he asked me for dinner and I 
said yes. I want to spend my remaining days with him dahil in the end I just don.t want to take a 
great leap of faith. 

 

.Hindi ka ba napapagod?. I asked. 

 

.Napapagod saan?. 

 

.Sa akin. Hindi ka naman sure na I‘ll go to you…. 

 

.Kahit hindi ako ang piliin mo, ayos lang gusto ko lang na malaman mo na mahal kita, gusto 
kong iprove sayo na mahal talaga kita bonus nalang kung sasagutin mo ako.. he smiled at me. 

 


.I can‘t risk my heart Michael.. I told him. Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya na hindi ko iririsk yung 
puso ko ngayon dahil ayoko na talagang masaktan. 

 

.Life‘s all about taking risks Alyssa.. He said. .Taking risk doesn‘t mean you‘re weak it makes you 
stronger for the decision you made.. He continued. .I know you‘re scared pero don‘t be Alyssa. 
I won‘t be going anywhere this time and I won‘t ever betray you. I will always believe you.. 

 

Nasa may tapat na kami ng bahay ko, I told him I was going to change before going out for 
dinner. Pero I don.t really feel like going out. .Michael would you like to have dinner with me 
here at my house?. I asked. He smiled and bumaba na din siya at pumasok kami sa loob. Yaya 
Joy prepared dinner while nasa living room lang kami ni Michael. I still love Michael is it worth 
taking risk? 

//Chapter 34// 

The Magician I fell for 

Alyssa‘s Point of View 

 

I.ve been invited to the Annual Charity Event of Charles Elliott University. Michael was one of the 
chairperson with the event this year but he didn.t have to invite me, I mean my cousin is the 
president of the university kaya we are all invited at isa pa it.s a charity event. Sa hotel namin ito 
gaganapin sa Tagaytay. 

 

At hindi ako sure kung pupunta ako, but Mary.s going pero iba naman kasi siya, she goes every 
year. Michael didn.t ask me to come. Part of me is disappointed na hindi niya ako ininvite. Yeah. 
What.s wrong with me right? 

 

.Alyssa are you going to the charity event?. mom asked me, she.s been staying home since I 
got back. I mean hindi katulad ng dati na wala siya sa bahay namin araw araw ngayon we eat 
breakfast together and sometimes dinner. 

 

We.re eating our breakfast right now. At mamaya na yung event. And I.m still not sure. .I'm not 
sure mom.. I answered her as I took a sip on my orange juice. 

 


.You should come, nandun ang mga old classmates mo from college, it‘s like a reunion for you.. 
she told me. It.s her way of saying you should come because I expect you to. 

 

I simply nodded as I played with my pancakes. 

 

.Take Conrad with you.. she said and she stood up and walked towards me, this is the very 
awkward moment during our breakfast, yung aalis na siya. She hesitated at first then she just 
patted my head like a pet. .I‘ll see you tomorrow.. She said as she walked out of the room. 
Guess hindi siya pupunta mamaya sa event. 

 

I think my mom is trying to connect with me, the breakfast, the patting of my head and dinner. 
We never had that back then. Pero we did have that when my brother was still alive. 

 

I followed my mother.s instructions, instructions that her assistant told me, dinala nito yung 
susuotin ko for tonight, the check I.m going to give later, the jewelries and of course my date for 
tonight. 

 

I looked at the mirror to check myself out, I am wearing a lace black dress, it.s more of a 1940.s 
look, mom picked it and I wore the pearls too. Naalala ko yung sinabi sa akin dati ng isang 
classmate from grade school, she said that we were not allowed to wear pearls not until we get 
married kasi if we wear one we.re never going to get married. I told mom about that and she 
laughed really hard. It was one of those memories where everything hadn.t change. Kuya Anton 
is still alive and we were still a happy family. 

 

I was about to exit my room nang nag vibrate yung phone ko from my purse so I took it out and 
looked at the screen, si Michael. .Hello?. I called. 

 

(.Hi..) he greeted from the other line. (.I was wondering kung pupunta ka ba ngayon..) he said, 
he sounded nervous. 

 

.I‘m not invited.. I lied. Somehow gusto ko na mamaya ma surprise siya. 

 

(.I…. I put you on the list…. I should have invited you myself. I‘m sorry I forgot!.) he told me. 


 

And I laughed. .I was just joking.. 

 

(.So pupunta ka?.) 

 

.Yeah, I‘m going to hand a check, mom couldn‘t make it so ako ang magaabot ng check.. I 
said. 

 

I opened the door of my room para makababa na ako, naglakad na ako papunta sa stairs 
(.Oh. I guess I‘ll see you later?.) 

 

.See you later.. For the past few weeks we.ve been hanging out, sanay na ako sa presence 
niya at parang bumalik yung dati, late conversations at night and all. 

 

Pababa na ako when I suddenly froze with what he said. (.I‘ll be at the gazebo inside the maze 
bushes at midnight, if you decide that it‘s worth the risk then come and find me. Choose me 
Alyssa. Take a risk with me. I‘ll be waiting..) 

 

Napahawak ako sa railing, he.s letting me decide now. Yes we.ve been spending our time 
together pero sapat na ba yun para mag decide whether it.s all worth it or not? .I don‘t know 
Michael.. 

 

(.You have a whole night to think about it. I love you Alyssa and you‘re not the only one who‘s 
taking a risk. I am too but it‘s worth it kung ikaw din naman ang makakasama ko..) 

 

Napatingin ako sa may baba ng hagdan at nandun na si Conrad. He was always there for me, 
kaya ko ba siyang saktan kung sakaling piliin ko si Michael ngayong gabi? I went back with him 
to finally let go pero bakit parang iba ang ginagawa ko? 

 

.I have to go Michael. Let‘s talk later.. I said and hung up. Bumaba na ako and I faked a smile 
as I reached out for him. 


 

Over the drive papunta sa Tagaytay we were silent, I am thinking about Michael, I should 
probably not think of him dahil kasama ko si Conrad but what if this is the last chance for us? 
What if last na to? Should I just let go like what I.d planned before I met him? 

 

We entered the hotel, my hand were link in his arm as we walked towards the hall. The function 
hall was beautiful, Kyle met us at the entrance and he showed us the table we were going to sit. 
Of course we.re seating kung saan nakaupo ang mga executives. 

 

I searched around the pool of people, hindi ko pa nakikita si Michael or even Mary. Kyle and 
Conrad were busy with their conversation. I smiled at the people passing by our table, iba kilala 
ko by faces and all. And they do recognize me too. 

 

Dumating na si Mary with James of course, she said hi to me ganun din si James, umupo sila sa 
tabing table namin and I wanted to ask Mary if she saw Michael pero hindi ko ginawa. 

 

I never saw Michael not even a glance as the event goes by, I handed the check to one of the 
chairperson of the event. I met my former classmates and the former pep squads. Gabriel came 
with Elaine. 

 

I talked with Elaine, hindi niya akalain na kilala ko pala yung guy she.s dating. She.s Eunice sister 
kaya close talaga kami. 

 

.So where‘s the ring?. she asked me. She was there when Conrad proposed. 

 

.At my drawer.. I smiled. 

 

.I thought you said yes.. She was shocked with my answer. 

 

.I…. hindi ako umuo Elaine, I told him I needed go come back and so we did.. 

 


.Why did you come back?. 

 

.To let go.. 

 

.Then let go already.. Sabi niya sa akin sabay tingin and her eyes widened with shocked. .You 
met with him didn‘t you.. 

 

.He told me he loves me.. 

 

.And you still love him.. 

 

.What should I do?. I asked her. 

 

.Follow your heart. I should side with Conrad pero it‘s your happiness, you‘ve been miserable at 
kung mahal mo talaga siya at alam mong sa kanya ka sasaya then choose him. It will hurt 
Conrad pero he‘ll understand.. Elaine told me. Follow my heart. Like it.s so easy following my 
heart. 

 

I looked at my watch, quarter to 12 na and hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko. I love Michael and I 
know I will never love a man as much as I love him pero I am so scared of getting hurt. Conrad is 
the safe choice but could I really do that do him? Choose him because I know hindi niya ako 
sasaktan? I am so selfish. But Conrad was there for 10 years. Hindi siya nawala. He helped me. 

 

I closed my eyes to think at dun narinig ko ang boses ni Jenny. .You will always wonder Alyssa.. 
Sabi niya at I opened my eyes nasa harap ko siya at nakatingin siya sa may window, the 
window is overlooking the garden outside, makikita mo yung maze at yung roof ng gazebo sa 
loob nito, is he there? .Lagi mong tatanungin ang sarili mo someday =what if I chose him?‘ =what 
if we were meant to be?‘ So Alyssa take a leap. Cause he will be there to catch you when you 
fall.. She said and walked away. 

 

Tumingin ako sa bintana. I couldn.t do it. I couldn.t choose him. I can.t. Conrad.s been there for 
me he doesn.t deserve this kind of treatment. 


 

.Go to him.. Napatingin ako sa side ko, Conrad just smiled at me but it didn.t even reach his 
eyes. .Mahal mo siya Alyssa.. 

 

.But how about you Conrad?. 

 

.I go back to New York.. He said. .You‘re happy Alyssa. He makes you happy. Don‘t waste 
more years Alyssa. You‘ve been separated for so long, it‘s time for your own happy ending.. 

 

.I can‘t hurt you like that Conrad. You‘ve been so good to me. Tinulungan mo akong bumangon 
ulit.. 

 

.And I will always be here for you Alyssa. But I can‘t make you happy the way he does. So go to 
him. Tama sila Alyssa, you will forever wonder. I love you and I will always love you pero I have 
to give you back to him.. He held my hands and he smiled at me. .Puntahan mo na siya Alyssa, 
you‘ve wasted so many years.. 

 

Niyakap ko siya .I‘m so sorry Conrad. But thank you for loving me.. 

 

He pulled away and he looked me into the eyes and smiled, it was genuine and I tried to smile 
back. .Good bye Alyssa.. He said and walked away. 

 

I looked at my watch at 12:15 na kaya nag madali akong lumabas ng function hall to go to the 
garden, pumasok ako sa maze and I didn.t get lost in finding my way to Michael. 

 

He was standing looking in the skies. Dahan dahan akong naglakad papunta sa kanya at nang 
napansin na niya ako napatayo siya ng diretso, he looked at me, his eyes were telling me 
everything I should know. He was glad I came. 

 

.Am I too late?. I asked as I walked towards him. 

 


.Love is never too late.. He said and he pulled me towards him and he hugged me so tight. .I 
love you so much Alyssa.. He said. 

 

And for the first time since I came back, I knew that this was the right place for me to be right 
now. In the arms of the man I love. .I love you too Michael.. 

 

.Thank you for coming Alyssa.. He pulled away at tinignan niya ako ng maigi kaya ngumiti ako 
sa kanya. .You don‘t know how happy I am right now.. niyakap ko lang ulit siya at we stayed 
like that for a while. .Alyssa?. he called. 

 

.Hmm?. I pulled away to look into his eyes. 

 

.Thank you for coming back to me.. Tears welled up in my eyes and I forced myself not to cry. I 
did come back. I never realized it until now why I decided to come back is not because I 
wanted to let go, it.s all because I wanted to see him once again. 

 

.Thank you for welcoming me with your love.. I told him. 

 

.We‘ll be happy together Alyssa, I will love you forever.. I just smiled at him. Yeah we will be 
happy. Because now I know he.s really the one I want to spend my life with. No one else. 

 

.We just have to believe in one another Michael. That‘s all I ask for you, always believe in me.. 

 

.I will.. He said .Say it again.. 

 

.Say what again?. 

 

.Say you love me again. It feels good.. 

 

I smiled and I said it again. .I love you Michael.. I said and he kissed me. 


 

After 10 years of waiting, I.ve finally have him. The man I love. The magician I fell for. 

//Chapter 35// 

Had Enough 

Gabriel‘s Point of View 

 

I secretly took a glance at Mary, she.s listening to James and Kyle talk. We were sitting in one 
table and Kyle joined us. Hindi na kami masyadong nakakapagusap ni Mary, huli kong kausap 
sa kanya if you call that a conversation was nung nag house hunting kami. 

 

I.ve been focusing my attention to Elaine, I.m just figuring things out. 

 

.So Gabriel may tutuluyan na ba ikaw sa New York?. Kyle asked me. I.ve been offered a job, 
I.ve been rejecting it since I can.t leave Mary alone, hindi ko kaya eh but slowly gusto ko ng 
tanggapin dahil nasasaktan lang ako lalo. 

 

.May apartment si Elaine so dun muna ako habang wala pa akong sariling place.. I answered 
him. They offered me a job in Cali but I told them to transfer me to New York dahil nandun si 
Elaine, she decided na New York is what.s good for her career as a model. And I.m going to 
support her. 

 

.Wait what are you two talking about?. asked Mary. I didn.t have the courage to tell her about it. 

 

.Don‘t you know? Na-transfer na si Gabriel sa New York.. Kyle answered. 

 

.I…didn‘t know... mahinang sagot ni Mary. 

 

.Hindi mo pa sinabi sa kanya?. he looked at me .He‘s leaving on May 24.. 

 


Napatingin ako kay Mary at nagulat siya. .Excuse me.. She said and she stood up and left. 
James stared at her back, hindi niya sinundan si Mary and then he looked at me, and I know 
what he meant. Kaya hindi niya sinundan si Mary dahil ako ang gustong kausapin ni Mary dahil 
hindi ako pupunta sa kasal nila. 

 

Tumayo na din ako at sinundan ko siya, she went to the garden outside. Umupo siya sa isang 
bench dun at tumingin sa langit. Naglakad ako papunta sa kanya at napatigil ako nang 
magsalita siya. .You‘re leaving.. 

 

.Yes.. I answered at lumapit na ako sa kanya. 

 

.Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa akin Gab?. she asked and her voice cracked. Nakayuko na siya 
ngayon kaya hindi ko makita yung mukha niya, but I know she.s trying her best not to cry. .Best 
friend mo ako Gab pero bakit parang nawawala ka na sa akin? Bakit ka aalis Gab?. 

 

.Pagod na ako Mary.. I honestly answered her. .Sa loob ng sampung taon Mary, ikaw yung 
minahal ko, kahit nasasaktan ako, hindi ako umalis sa tabi mo, kahit na pinili mo siya, I tried not 
to show you how much you‘ve hurt me. Pero Mary pagod na ako eh. Nakakapagod na pala. I 
just want to be happy.. 

 

.Then why did you stay kung nasasaktan ka na Gab?. 

 

Because I made a promise not to leave you. 

 

.It‘s my wedding Gab. Ikaw ang best friend ko. Alam kong you‘re drifting away from me, from 
our friendship pero Gab sampung taon tayong magkasama, sampung taon yung 
pagkakaibigan natin can‘t you just stay for at least one more day?. she asked. 

 

She.s right, simula nung nalaman kong ikakasal na siya, lumayo na ako dahil wala na akong 
pagasa sa kanya, dahil pinili na naman niya si James. And this time she chose him forever. 

 


.Pagod na akong maging masokista Mary. Sampung taon! Sampung taon Mary, kahit 
nasasaktan na ako nagstay ako. Pero ayoko ng maging masokista. It‘s enough. I had enough. 
At hindi ko sasaktan yung sarili ko at panuoring kang ikasal sa lalaking pinili mo.. 

 

Tumayo siya at medyo lumayo siya sa akin. .Sobra ba kitang nasaktan Gab at ngayon you‘re 
returning the favor?. she asked. 

 

.You didn‘t choose me Mary. Siya yung pinili mo. Siya. At hindi ako.. sabi ko sa kanya. .Ang 
sakit Mary kasi mahal na mahal kita eh. Sobra. At sobrang sakit dahil araw araw nakikita kitang 
kasama siya, yung lalaking pinili mo. At nappagod na akong masaktan. Gusto ko ng maging 
masaya. Na maramdaman na may nagmamahal din sa akin.. 

 

.I do love you Gab.. She said at nagulat ako. Mahal parin niya ako? Pero sometimes love is not 
enough. It.s not. 

 

.And yet you still chose him over me.. I told her and she went stilled. .Ayokong maging second 
choice Mary. I‘m Gabriel Jhonson. Madaming babae ang nagkakadarapa sa akin pero 
pagdating sayo I‘m just your second choice. Na kahit kalian hindi ako ang pipiliin mo. Mahal 
mo ako pero bakit mo siya pinili? Dahil sa guilt? Sige ok. Maghihintay ako na mawala yung guilt 
mo. Naghintay ako sayo. Pero sabi ko it‘s enough. I‘m going to ask you to choose me this time 
pero pagbalik ko, you came bearing news, you‘re getting married. At nakuha ko na yung sagot 
ko Mary. You chose him again and this time you chose him for your forever.. I continued. 

 

I was going to tell her I love her pero nalaman kong ikakasal na siya kaya I decided it.s time to 
forget. To finally let go. 

 

.I‘ve waited for you Mary. But kahit pala sobra kitang mahal napapagod din ang puso ko. May 
kapaguran din pala ang pagmamahal ng sobra. I told you 8 years ago that I will let you go. Pero 
hindi ko nagawa. Kasi Mary kung pinakawalan kita edi dapat matagal na akong wala. So this 
time tutuparin ko na yung pangako ko sayo, na papakawalan na talaga kita. Dahil sobra na 
akong pagod. Hindi na kaya ng puso kong masaktan pa.. 

 

She was just crying. .I‘m sorry for hurting you Gab. If only I could turn back time….. 

 


.Even if you try to turn back time, siya parin ang pipiliin mo.. I cut her off. 

 

And slowly she nodded. And it broke my heart. I thought she was going to deny it pero hindi niya 
yun ginawa. 

 

.Tama ka. I would still choose him no matter what. Pero the thing is, if I could turn back time, it 
would be the day I met you at that bar. I should have resolved my problems with Alyssa, dapat 
hindi ako umalis nun at dapat hindi ako pumunta sa bar para kalimutan yung nangyari, kung 
ginawa ko yun, hindi tayo magkikita. Hindi mo ako tutulungan. Hindi tayo magiging 
magkaibigan at hindi mo ako mamahalin ng sobra na nasasaktan ka na.. tumingin siya sa akin 
at pinunsan niya yung luha niya. .Mom‘s right you were building a facade around us especially 
with me. Pinapakita mong masaya ka kahit hindi naman. I think deep inside alam kong hindi ka 
masaya na nasasaktan ka pero mas pinili kong paniwalaan na masaya ka na. Na ayos lang 
sayo ang lahat. I never wanted to hurt you Gab. At kung hindi ko mabago yung panahon na 
nakilala kita, sana dun nalang sa araw na sinabi ko sayong mahal kita. Kasi Gab kung hindi ko 
sinabi sayo yun, hindi ka masasaktan ng sobra dahil lang hindi kita pinili kahit pa ikaw yung 
mahal ko. Ayaw kitang saktan Gab but I did and I‘m sorry.. Her voice cracked. .You don‘t 
deserve this kind of pain. You don‘t. And you are right hindi ka dapat nagiging second choice 
dahil ikaw si Gabriel Jhonson. May karapatan kang maging masaya at kahit masakit aminin 
pero hindi na akin yan eh.. Sabay turo sa puso ko, she forced a smile. 

 

.Matagal ng hindi akin eh. At I‘m just too selfish to let you walk away. Ayoko kasing mawala ka 
sa akin Gab. Hindi ko kaya. Kaya siguro pinaniwalaan kong masaya ka naman at hindi 
nasasaktan kasi hindi ko kayang pakawalaan ka. I can‘t seem to let you go Gab.. She cried. 
.But I can‘t be selfish. And you don‘t deserve being treated as a second choice, or even a 
choice for that matter. You deserve to be happy, to be loved by someone who will never hurt 
you the way I did.. 

 

Lumapit ako sa kanya pero humakbang lang siya ng palayo. I can.t take it anymore, sobra 
kong nakikitang nasasaktan siya. Hindi ko kayang makita siyang nasasaktan kasi lalo akong 
nasasaktan. 

 

At ngayon sobra na akong nasasaktan dahil alam ko na ang mga sasabihin niya. Alam ko na. 

 

.I love you Gab, I always do but I don‘t deserve you. At tama ka dahil kahit mahal kita Gab I 
can‘t turn my back on James and choose you. Mahal na mahal kita Gab pero you were right, 
we didn‘t let each other go that night. Kaya ngayon we should.. She said. 


 

Nagmadali akong lumapit sa kanya at niyakap ko lang siya. Gusto kong magmakaawa na wag. 
Na ayos lang sa akin na si James parin. Pero mali dahil napapagod na din ako pero bakit kahit 
napapagod na ako, bakit nang sinabi niyang mahal niya ako, nawala ito bigla? At bakit 
sobrang sakit ngayon na pinapakawalan na niya ako? 

 

.I‘m so sorry for hurting you Gab when all you did was to love me. And I know you made a 
promise to me, so now I free you to all your promises. Pinapakawalan na kita Gab.. She said as 
she pulled away from me. 

 

I tried to hold her hand but she slowly slipped away. Humakbang siya patalikod. .Good bye 
Gab.. She smiled weakly and she turned her back and run away from me. 

 

Bakit sobrang sakit? Eto naman ang tama diba? Pero bakit hindi ako masaya? Bakit ako 
nasasaktan? Bakit hindi mawala sa isip ko yung mukha niya, yung mukha niyang nasasaktan 
siya ng sobra? 

 

Ito ang tama, ang bumitiw sa pagkapit namin dalawa sa isang idea. Isang fairy tale na pwede 
kami. 

 

Kaya nga diba kinuha ko yung offer dahil gusto ko ng lumaya? Gusto ko ng bumitiw but what 
changed? It is because she told me she loves me? 

 

Mahal naman niya ako diba? Can I get a shot again? Chance? Kahit alam ko na hindi niya ako 
pipiliin. Pwede ko bang sabihin sa kanya na mahal ko parin siya? Na siya lang ang babaeng 
mamahalin ko? 

 

I can. Kasi kahit masakit na at nakakapagod. Siya parin ang babaeng gusto kong makasama 
at siya lang ang magpapakasaya sa akin. What Elaine offered for me is a safe haven. She 
offered me love and happiness. Pero will I be happy? I haven.t tried to get her back. 

 

So I ran and I stopped nang makita ko siya sa may cliff, lalapit na ako kaya lang sa kabilang 
banda ay naglalakad si James papunta sa kanya. Niyakap niya si Mary at alam kong umiiyak si 
Mary. 


 

Lumapit ako ng kunti upang marinig sila. Masaydo kasi akong masokista. 

 

.Ikaw ang pinili ko James. Ikaw. So don‘t make me regret choosing you instead of Gab kasi 
James hindi ko na kakayanin pa pag nasaktan ako, dahil James, ikaw ang pinili ko so please 
don‘t hurt me again and make me regret the things I‘ve done for the last 8 years especially 
tonight.. Mary said. 

 

And that was my answer. 

 

.I won‘t. I promise.. James said. .Why me Mary?. he asked. Kahit gusto ko ng lumayo hindi ko 
magawa dahil gusto ko din marinig ang sagot ni Mary, bakit si James kung ako ang mahal niya. 
.Please answer me Mary kahit dahil lang sa awa tatanggapin ko yun sabihin mo lang please.. 
He begged. 

 

.Because I had enough. I can‘t hurt you James. Nasaktan ko na yung isa pang lalaking minahal 
ako, I destroyed that man James, crashed his happiness and I can‘t do that again. Kaya right 
now I chose you because you love me and I have to make it right kahit sayo lang, kahit ikaw 
lang, hindi ko na kayang makasakit pa. I can‘t hurt you James, I just can‘t do that to you.. Mary 
answered. 

 

I wanted to protest. Wanted to tell her that she.s wrong. She haven.t crashed my happiness. At 
why past tense. Mahal ko parin siya. But I can.t protest anymore dahil ramdam kong nasasaktan 
na siya ng sobra and that.s the last thing I want. 

 

.I chose you because you told me I can make you happy and I didn‘t choose him because I 
can‘t make him happy. I do love him James pero mahal din kita James. I don‘t know if it‘s 
possible to love two guys but I do and I choose you James.. 

 

That.s where she.s wrong she can make me happy. She just never knew she can. Naglakad na 
ako palayo dahil I got my answer already. It was James. At tama siya, maybe. Pero tama siya 
mahal siya ni James at it.s not right to hurt him. She just can.t be that cruel. Kahit sabihin pa 
niyang napakasama niyang babae nagkakamali siya. 

 


And that.s why I love her so much. And I will finally let go. It.s time. It took us 8 years to have this 
kind of closure kahit masakit ang ending namin ayos lang dahil we did love each other, but as I 
say sometimes love is not enough to be together because fate always have a plan, back up 
plans. 

 

Tonight I.ve lost her forever and I know it. We ended our sufferings by ending what we have 
even our friendship. But I will always love her. Kahit hindi man kami ang nagkatuluyan sa huli, she 
will always be the love of my life. Pero kailangan ko ng bumitaw, all this time nakakapit ako ng 
mahigpit now it.s time to loosen the grip and just let go. Because we had enough. 

//Chapter 36// 

Quite Content 

Alyssa‘s Point of View 

 

It.s been three months since Michael and I decided to be together. Masaya ako kasama siya. 
And I love him to death. He met my brother already, my dad also, although dad was pretty 
disappointed dahil akala niya talaga si Conrad pero sinabi niya na kung masaya naman talaga 
ako kay Michael masaya na siya para sa amin. Mom on the other hand… well she.s mom kaya 
wala ng nagbago dun. 

 

Maayos na talaga ang relationship ko with Mary ganun din kay Jenny. Tama nga sila mabait si 
Jenny at mahal niya naman yung fiancé niyang si Tyrone. They.re happy and so am I with 
Michael. 

 

2 days nalang at ikakasal na si Mary. Napakabilis ng panahon. It feels like yesterday nung 
bumalik ako dito sa Manila. 

 

Tonight is my welcome back party also Mary.s rehearsal dinner, dahil sa pamahiin, na bawal 
magkita ang bride and groom ay ngayon gaganapin ang rehearsal dinner dahil starting 
tomorrow hindi na sila magkikita pa until the wedding. 

 

Tonight I.m officially telling my family about Michael. Conrad is still here dahil pinakiusapan siya 
ni dad na magstay at sumabay nalang kay dad sa pagalis after the wedding. 

 


Nagaayos na ako dahil malapit ng magsidatingan yung mga bisita. The party is held sa bahay 
namin at nakaayos na yung bahay for the party. Maya maya lang darating na din si Michael, 
sabi ko sa kanya umakyat siya pag nakarating na siya para sabay kaming bababa. 

 

At sakto dahil kakatapos ko lang ilagay yung earrings ko nang may kumatok, at pinagbuksan ko 
at si Michael ang nakita ko. I smiled at him. He looks good in his three-piece suit. 

 

.You look beautiful my love.. He complimented me. 

 

And just like a lovesick teenager I blushed. .Thank you.. sabi ko. 

 

.Tara na at may mga tao na dun.. He told me as he offered his hand and I willingly accepted it. 
Bumaba na kami at may mga tao na nga. We entertained the guests and when Mary came, 
she looked like she was having a very bad day. 

 

And I looked behind her and saw James with his mother alongside with a woman and I don.t 
know who she is, never seen her. Mary immediately walked away from them and walked 
towards me. 

 

.Who is she?. I asked when she was right in front of me. 

 

Lumingon naman siya sa likod niya at ayun nga nandun sila James kasama yung babae. .She, 
my friend is the reason why we broke up.. Mary answered .Well at least she was part of it.. She 
murmured and I don.t really get it. Tumingin siya sa akin at nakita na confused parin ako na 
hindi pa sakto yung sagot niya. She sighed .10 years ago naging kami ni James at he cheated 
on me with that girl.. 

 

Nagulat naman ako, I mean I know the story already pero why would James bring that girl here? 
.And so why is she here?. 

 

She shrugged .Ask James.. Sabi niya sabay alis at lakad palayo. 

 


The night was filled with joy, I got to introduced Michael to my aunts and uncles also to some of 
my cousins. They were shocked but in the end they were happy for me. Elaine came and we 
talked she was excited about her move in New York with Gabriel. And I am happy for them, truly 
I am but every time I see Gabriel, I can see he.s unhappy and I wonder why. Mary seemed 
content and I can.t see what everyone was talking about before, the best friends. They no 
longer talk to one another and it bothered me. 

 

Seeing Gabriel unhappy and Mary content like, everything has finally became right. They were 
no longer best friends and we all don.t know how it happened. I think James knows because the 
way I look at James whenever Gabriel is in the same room is somehow he.s grateful for whatever 
did happen. He seemed content too just like Mary. 

 

Gabriel was late, he.s probably busy dahil in 2 days time aalis na siya, hindi sila makakapunta sa 
kasal ni Mary. Everything is going smooth and I am quite happy. 

 

Michael was talking with his gang (Jenny, Tyrone and Mary) those four seemed to be 
inseparable during parties. They were close the four of them. I smiled when Michael glanced at 
me. He was across the room. I smiled back. Simple smiles and it means one thing for us, we.re 
happy and we.re in love. 

 

.Still in love with him just like 10 years ago.. I was taken aback by the voice behind me. It was 
oh so familiar. The voice in my nightmares. 

 

.Anne.. I called as I turn my gaze on her. Why is she here? .Anong ginagawa mo dito?. I asked. 

 

.Why would I miss my best friend‘s engagement party?. Anne said. At nagulat ako engagement 
party? Since when did I become engage? Naramdaman kong may humawak sa may waist ko 
at nilingon ko yung side ko at nakita si Michael. .Oh hello Michael, I see the magkaibigan parin 
kayo ni Alyssa.. She smiled deviously. .How‘s life for you Alyssa, heard so much about you while 
you were in New York.. She said, and I don.t know kung anong pinapahiwatig niya pero I don.t 
like it. 

 

.Why do you care so much Anne? Are you still jealous of me? Still hoping you could get what I 
have?. I smirked. I didn.t want to be the mean Alyssa right in front of Michael because he might 
be disgusted with me, for all I know, I.ve only given him, sweet Alyssa, naive Alyssa, pained 
Alyssa and so much more of Alyssa.s but not the mean one. I left that back in high school. 


 

She winced but she got back immediately .I‘m your best friend.. She said and that made me 
shiver. .At isa pa I‘m totally over what happened it was eons ago. I‘m totally happy for you, I 
knew the day you met you deserved each other.. She said and nagulat naman ako, hindi na 
siya bitter sa amin ni Michael? .So I came here bearing my congratulations in your engagement 
with JC. What a proposal he did back in New York.. 

 

And just like that Michael.s hand slipped away from my waist. Tinignan ko siya at nakita kong 
nagulat siya sa sinabi ni Anne and from the looks of it, he was asking if any of it was true. 

 

.Oh my God you didn‘t know? . Anne said. .The reason she came back is not because of you.. 

 

And I wanted to strangle her. .Stop it Anne!. I yelled which made everyone glanced over us. 
.How did you find out?. I asked. 

 

.I told her.. Nagulat ako nang nagsalita si mom na naglakad papunta sa amin. .Anne‘s your 
best friend and she asked news about you so I told her Conrad proposed to you.. I couldn't 
believe it, my mom told Anne about it kahit alam niyang I rejected Conrad.s proposal kahit 
alam niyang kami na ni Michael. 

 

.She‘s not my best friend mother.. I told my mom. 

 

.It‘s just the truth Alyssa.. My mother told me and she looked at Michael. .Alyssa might love you 
but I would never approve of you.. she said .Conrad is the one for her not you.. and that made 
Michael walked out. 

 

.You have no right!. I hissed at my own mother. How could she? Sinundan ko agad si Michael, 
palabas na siya ng gate ng bahay and all I could think was he was walking away from me, from 
us. .Michael.. I called. 

 

Tumingin siya sa akin and I see his pained expression. .You‘re engaged.. Sabi niya. .So what‘s 
this thing between us Alyssa?. he asked. 

 


.I was never engaged Michael. He asked….. I said. .I never said yes Michael.. 

 

.Is his proposal the reason why you came back and decided to finally let go of me?. he asked. 

 

I couldn.t lie dahil sinabi ko sa kanya dati na I am letting him go. And so I nodded. .Gusto ko na 
kasing makalaya sa nakaraan……. 

 

.And so you thought that by marrying him you‘ll be happy.. He said. .Bakit hindi mo sinabi sa 
akin yung tungkol sa kanya? Bakit kailangan mong itago?. he asked. 

 

Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko nga ba hindi sinabi kay Michael, hindi ko talaga alam ang sagot. 

 

I took a step towards him .Michael I‘m sorry kung hindi ko nasabi sayo yung tungkol kay 
Conrad. Pero it was old news. He… moved on. I love you.. 

 

.You should have told me Alyssa. Akala ko ba no more secrets between us. Alyssa ang sakit 
kasi eh. Mukha akong tanga na walang alam. At ang sakit kasi Alyssa, narinig mo ba yung 
sinabi ng mom mo? Ayaw niya sa akin Alyssa!. he said and I saw a tear fall from his eyes. 

 

.I‘m sorry. I couldn‘t bring myself to tell you about Conrad.. 

 

.Why?. he asked. .Answer me this once Alyssa, did you love him?. 

 

I went still when he asked that question. Bakit niya tinanong yun? And I couldn.t answer. 
.Conrad was there when I needed someone…... 

 

.ANSWER ME ALYSSA!. 

 

.I…... tumingin ako kay Michael and he looked resigned na parang tapos na. 


 

.Mahal mo siya.. He said, it wasn.t a question but a statement. .I think we should take a break.. 
He said. 

 

Lumapit ako bigla sa akin at hinawakan yung kamay niya .Michael I love you, ikaw yung mahal 
ko Michael hindi si Conrad. Siguro nga mahal ko siya pero nandun kasi siya nung kailangan ko 
ng makakasama so please Michael… don‘t.. hindi ko alam pero sobra na akong nasasaktan. 
And I don.t like being hurt dahil natatakot ako sa mangyayari, I don.t want to end up like what 
happened to me 10 years ago. 

 

Marahas niyang tinanggal yung kamay ko sa kanya. .Ayun nga Alyssa eh, nandun siya! At 
ngayon hindi ko na alam. Nasasaktan ako Alyssa. Kasi ngayon hindi maalis sa isip ko na 
nandun siya!. he yelled .Na siya yung nasa tabi mo Alyssa at hindi ako! Na siya yung tumulong 
sayo at hindi ako. Nasasaktan ako kasi mahal na mahal kita at it should have been me with 
you.. he said. .Nasasaktan ako at hindi ko alam kung kalian mawawala yung sakit.. 

 

I cried. .Mahal kita Michael, I‘ve taken a great risk with you. And that‘s what‘s important na 
mahal kita.. 

 

.Mahal din kita Alyssa pero hindi ko na alam kung tama ba ito, o sadyang pinipilit lang natin 
ang sarili natin sa isa‘t isa. I love you that I‘d do anything for you Alyssa pero I‘m too afraid that 
we might hurt each other again at ayaw kitang saktan Alyssa.. 

 

.But you‘re hurting me right now Michael.. 

 

.I‘m hurting too Alyssa but I think we should take a break.. He said he went near me and kissed 
me in the forehead .I‘ll see you on Mary‘s wedding.. He said and he walked away. 

 

Napaupo ako sa sahig, he left. He just left. 

 

.Well that went well.. Narinig kong boses at napatayo ako Anne was smiling like she won a gold 
medal. 

 


.Are you happy?. 

 

.Almost.. She said and walked away too. .You don‘t deserve to be happy Alyssa.. She said 
again at nagpatuloy na siya sa pagalis sa bahay. 

 

My knees were weak at hindi ko na talaga kinaya at umiyaka nalang ako. Wala na si Michael at 
sobra akong nasasaktan. 

 

.Alyssa.. Someone called me at lumingon ako nandun si Mary sa may tapat ng pinto ng bahay 
with James. Napatayo ako agad at tumakbo papasok ng bahay at umakyat ako agad sa 
kwarto ko. But while running narinig ko si Mary .Don‘t go to her please.. 

//Chapter 37// 

It will always be Alyssa 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

.Don‘t go to her please.. I pleaded as I look at my hand holding his, trying to hold on to him. 

 

I didn.t hear the whole argument Alyssa and Kuya Michael had but I heard enough and saw 
enough. And James probably heard the whole though. I saw him standing here and that was 
why I walked towards him because I wanted to talk to him about Nikka but then I saw the two 
arguing. 

 

Kuya Michael left and then Anne came, how I hate that girl! I called Alyssa and she just ran 
towards the house and to her room. And now here we are. 

 

When Alyssa was running to the stairs, James turned his back and started to walk towards the 
foyer and into the stairs but I held on to him. I knew he was going to go to her but I pleaded. 

 

And now he looked at me and his expression answered it. Unti unti niyang tinanggal yung 
pagkahawak ko sa kamay niya at tumalikod na siya. .If you go to her there will be no wedding 
James.. I said. I.ve put my ultimatum. 


 

He went still the moment I laid my ultimatum. I had no choice. Pupuntahan niya si Alyssa. At 
maiiwan na naman ako. Pero para naman akong tanga, putting an ultimatum like that, it.s not 
like hindi niya ako iiwanan , it.s not like he.s not going to call of the wedding once he go to 
Alyssa. Pero bakit ayun yung sinabi ko? 

 

I closed my eyes waiting for his response. .I‘m sorry Mary.. He said and he walked away. 

 

And all I did was to look at him while he was running to go to her. A memory flashed through me. 

 

“It will always be Alyssa.” 

 

Five words but it held so many truths and lies. Five words but it broke my heart. Ang sakit sobra. 
Was I not enough? Bakit ganun? Bakit kung kalian na siya yung pinili ko, nagawa niya akong 
iwan at piliin si Alyssa? Kalian bang magiging ako? 

 

And right now I knew exactly what Gab felt being a second choice because I am a second 
choice for James. Nothing else. Dahil ayaw sa kanya nung babaeng mahal niya, ako ang pinili 
niya, he never loved me the way he loved her. 

 

Why am I hurting so much right now? Eh dati ko pa naman alam na hindi ako eh. Na sa huli si 
Alyssa parin. Na sa huli, talunan ako. It will never be me when it comes to James, because for 
him it will always be Alyssa. Not me. 

 

I cleared my face, I should stay strong. But how could I when my world is falling apart? I chose 
him but in the end hindi ako ang pinili niya and I regret every part of it. I chose him because I 
didn.t want to hurt him but in the end, he hurt me, he always do. 

 

I looked at the engagement ring he gave me, it was so beautiful but it no longer felt the same, I 
hastily took it off. Pumasok ako sa loob at nakita ko si Nikka, I still don.t know what the hell she.s 
doing here but she.s the right person I needed. Pinuntahan ko siya at nagulat siya, siguro dahil 
my makeup is ruined and all. 

 


I forced a smile on her .Please give this back to James.. I said as I hand her the engagement 
ring that once held a space in my heart. 

 

Nagulat siya nang nakita niya yung binigay ko sa kanya. .Wh…. Why are you giving this back?. 
she asked. .Is it because of her?. she asked at alam ko kung sino ang tinutukoy niya. 

 

I smiled weakly. Kilala din niya si Alyssa, I.m sure James gave her the same speech he gave me. 
.It will always be her.. I smiled bitterly. .Anong laban ko or natin sa kanya kung it will always be 
her? I have enough. I‘ve wasted my life loving him and I regret it. I deserve to be happy.. I said. 

 

And she smiled at me. .I‘ll give it back to him I promise.. 

 

.Thank you.. I said and I turned my back on her and started to walk .Did you love him?. 
tumingin ulit ako sa kanya. 

 

.I did but he was just trying to ease the pain, escaping it.. She said. 

 

.I guess we were his escape. Dahil mahal natin siya pero it will always be her, not me or you but 
her. Talo na tayo simula palang.. I said .Bye Nikka.. I said, before I hated hearing or saying her 
name kasi bitter ako sa kanya pero ngayon I.m not anymore. Tapos na ako. I.m done. 

 

Naglakad na ako paalis ng bahay ni Alyssa, sumakay ako ng kotse ko, good thing I didn.t come 
here with James. At umuwi na ako sa condo ko. Pagkarating ko ng condo, nagpunta agad ako 
sa kwarto ko, and grabbed the suitcase, I should probably call Jenny and tell her about what 
happened. Na hindi na tuloy ang kasal dahil just what I feared before James came running 
back to Alyssa pero naisip ko na kailangan siya ni Kuya Michael. 

 

I wanted to call Gab pero hindi pwede, hindi dapat. Hindi porket nasasaktan ako I will come 
running to him just like what I always do, hindi na tama yun dahil he.s trying to be happy. And I 
gave him back his freedom. I should be on my own this time. 

 

Pumunta na ako sa closet and started picking out my clothes, a vacation would do, I.d call 
mom later pag nasa Greece na ako or anywhere in Europe para hindi na niya ako masermonan 


sa pag cancel sa wedding, mom would do her job of calling everyone. Then I.d call my assistant 
to contact the real estate agent to sell this unit at siya na din magsabi kay James na kunin na 
niya yung mga gamit dito. 

 

After getting my clothes for this so-called vacation, I headed back to the bed where my 
suitcase laid. Nilagay ko yung mga damit ko and went to the bathroom to get my toiletries and I 
put them in one cosmetic bag and throw them at the suitcase. Pumunta ako sa may bedside 
table to get my passport sa drawer nito. Nilagay ko na ito sa bag ko. Sa airport nalang ako bibili 
ng ticket. 

 

Sinara ko na yung suitcase ko and naglakad na ako palabas ng kwarto ko, I took one last look in 
my unit, it held so many memories, happy memories with my friends and James. But those 
memories I shared with James were all lies. He never loved me. 

 

Just when I was about to open the door, it opened automatically, more like someone from the 
outside opened it, I took a step back para hindi ako matamaan ng kung sino man. 

 

And there stood James. Why is he here? Tumingin siya sa akin and I can.t read his expression 
and I don.t care anymore, I had enough of this crap. Tapos na ako. Tama si Gab, nakakapagod 
din pala talaga. 

 

And so I shoved him away and held on to the knob trying to exit, to walk away from him. But he 
held my wrist so tight. .Saan ka pupunta?. he asked. 

 

I harshly shoved his hand away from me .Vacation.. I answered at medyo lumayo ako sa kanya. 

 

Sinara niya yung pinto, more like binalibag niya yung pinto pasara. .Vacation? We are getting 
married in two days!. he yelled at me, like he had a right! 


.Were James.. I told him. Past tense. Tapos na kami. .Sinabi ko sayo na pag pumunta ka sa 
kanya walang kasal pero pinili mo siya James kaya tapos na tayo. Ayoko na.. I said. 

 

.She needed a friend Mary!. he defended himself. 


 

.No James.. I said. .She didn‘t need you, she needed Michael not you.. I added. .Pero you took 
that opportunity just like 10 years ago. Hindi ka nagaksaya ng oras at agad mo siyang 
pinuntahan. So why are you here James got rejected again?. I asked. 

 

.It was not like that Mary. Kung iniisip mo na pinuntahan ko siya para sabihin na mahal ko siya 
mali ka…... I cut him off. 

 

.Oh cut the bullshit James alam natin yung totoo. Pumunta ka sa kanya kasi alam mong 
nasasaktan siya at katulad ng nangyari 10 years ago, you offered her the same thing: love.. 

 

.No Mary it wasn‘t like that believe me.. 

 

.Why would I believe you when you give me no reason to?. I asked. .I can‘t believe you James, 
dahil nandun ako 10 years ago James, nandun ako at narinig ko lahat. How could I believe you 
when I remember the day you cheated on me, the day you bluntly told me it will always be 
Alyssa.. I said. Binitawan ko muna yung suitcase ko dahil medyo mabigat din ito. .So what are 
you doing here James? Came looking for me dahil nasasaktan ka? Dahil hindi ikaw ang pinili 
niya?. 

 

He looked down, at may kinuha siya sa bulsa niya and he held it out, napatingin ako and I 
looked at it bitterly. The engagement ring. So binigay ni Nikka and then what? .Nikka gave me 
this….. she…... hindi na siya natapos dahil I cut him off. 

 

.I don‘t want it anymore James.. Sabi ko. 

 

.Kung ayaw mo na nito, maybe we could go and look for another. Tama bukas we‘ll go to Harry 
Winston or gusto mo sa Cartier….. He acted like nothing happened, na hindi ko sinabi sa kanya 
na wala ng kasal. 

 

.James we‘re over. I‘m done.. I said and he looked at me, he opened his mouth to say 
something but decided to shut it out. .Pagod na akong piliin ka palagi James. Pagod na pagod 
na ako James. I told you that night don‘t make me regret choosing you but what you did tonight 
made me regret the decision I made that night. Ayoko na James. Hindi ko na kaya.. I said. .I 


don‘t deserve this. I never did. Tama sila dahil selfish nga ako at ayokong maling isang choice.. 
Oh the irony. Fate must be laughing at me right now. Ayokong maging second choice pero 
ginawa kong second choice yung lalaking sobra kong mahal. .I gave up many things for you 
James.. I said. .I CHOSE YOU JAMES!. I yelled .Ikaw yung pinili ko kasi ayaw kitang saktan, 
ayoko ng makasakit pero sinayang mo lang James, minahal ulit kita James pero sa huli hindi 
ako sapat para sayo. I chose you over Gab. I gave up my own happy ending to be with you. 
Madaming nagsasabi sa akin na mali tong ginagawa ko, na maling pakasalan ka pero hindi 
ako nakinig kasi mahal kita at ayaw kitang saktan pero I should have listened. So now James 
I‘m done kasi pagod na pagod na ako James hindi ko na kaya.. I felt a tear fell from my eyes. 

 

.No please Mary, pakinggan mo muna ako please…. he asked more like he begged. .Please 
give me another chance. Please.. 

 

I shook my head in response. .I‘ve given you so many chances and you decided to waste it all.. 

 

.Please Mary, gagawin ko ang lahat. Please. Hindi ko kayang mawala ka Mary.. 

 

.James the moment you walked out on me you lost me.. I told him. .Pinili mo siya at hindi ako. 
And I can‘t handle that. Hindi ko kayang pakasalan ka at makasama ka habang buhay dahil I 
would always wonder, why am I not enough for you. Hindi ko kaya James kasi gusto kong 
maging masaya na James. Ayoko na sobra na James eh, sobra mo na akong sinaktan.. I cried. 

 

.No. No.. he said firmly. .Hindi ako papayag.. He said and slowly lumuhod siya sa harap ko .I 
beg you Mary don‘t leave me.. 

 

I closed my eyes, bakit ba ganito si James? I gave him my ultimatum and he decided to walk 
away so bakit siya nandito? Is it because of pride? No kasi kung pride hindi siya luluhod. 

 

.Ikaw yung mahal ko Mary, ikaw. I love you Mary so please stay with me, marry me still.. He 
cried. 

 

I just can.t believe him. I can.t trust his words when all I hear in my mind is those five words; it will 
always be Alyssa. 

 


Hindi ko na kayang paniwalaan lahat ng sinasabi niya. .I‘d do anything please stay. Don‘t leave 
me please.. He pleaded .Mahal na mahal kita Mary, hindi si Alyssa kundi ikaw, I went to talk to 
her and tell her that if she needed a friend I‘m there for her.. He said. 

 

.Oh please James.. I rolled my eyes. .Just tell me the truth, you owe me that much.. I said. .At 
please tumayo ka na.. I said hindi ko kayang makita siyang nakaluhod hindi ko alam kung bakit. 

 

Tumayo siya at pinunasan niya yung luha niya .I…. at first I told her I love her.. And that was the 
answer. .Pero nang banggitin niya yung pangalan mo, I told her I take it back. Na I‘m always 
there for her but as a friend dahil Mary ikaw yung mahal ko.. 

 

I know he.s speaking the truth but why can.t I find myself believing? Why? .James, we‘re not 
going to work out.. I said. 

 

.Kung… kung hindi mo na ako mahal….. ok lang… ok lang just please marry me Mary. O kung 
ayaw mo ng ikasal muna, ipostpone natin. And then we‘re going to take a vacation para ayusin 
yung nangyari. So please take me back. Nung binigay ni Nikka yung singsing, nagmadali 
akong pumunta dito Mary dahil hindi ko kayang mawala ka sa akin Mary.. Lumapit siya sa akin 
.Pinili mo ako diba? Diba ako naman yung pinili mo kaya pwede bang ako parin ang piliin mo? 
Ok lang kahit hindi mo na ako mahal. Ako nalang ang magmamahal para sa ating dalawa. Just 
please.. 

 

Ano bang dapat kong gawin. Pagod na ako pero sinabi ko sa sarili ko nung gabing 
pinakawalan ko si Gab na pipiliin ko na si James, and no matter what I.d stay by his side. Pero 
tama nga ba? Will I regret this? 

 

Nakikita kong nasasaktan siya pero hindi ko magawang paniwalaan lahat ng sinasabi niya. 
Hindi ko na kaya. I want to be happy pero wala na si Gab sa akin kaya hindi na din naman ako 
sasaya eh. James would be here right? But I will always wonder, was I enough for him? Tama 
bang pakasalan pa siya kung alam kong hindi talaga magwowork out? I do love James. Pero 
sapat ba yun? 

 

.Please.. I looked at him. His eyes were begging. I could read all of his emotions. 

 


I closed my eyes, I might regret this but all throughout my life, since the day I chose to hurt Gab 
and myself, I had regretted it. At this one will just add more to that. And I will never be happy. 
.Give me a day James.. I said. 

 

.Thank you.. he said and he hugged me .Please choose me.. He begged still. .I love you Mary.. 

 

I needed to think. I.ve spent 8 years with James and we were doing fine, so I just need to think. 
Kaya ko bang pakasalan siya? At isa pa what about the guests? My family? 

//Chapter 38// 

The Wedding 

Alyssa‘s Point of View 

 

Nagising ako ng medyo maaga kasal ngayon ni Mary, at naawa ako sa kanya dahil sa akin 
kaya siya nasasaktan ng sobra sobra she deserves to be happy pero bakit pinagkakit sa kanya 
yun? I heard what happened with her and James. Pero James did tell me he loved me but in 
the end he took it back, it was Mary all along not me. I wanted to clear that out but Mary told 
me it doesn.t matter. But it does. 

 

Nag unat ako at nagulat nalang ako kasi may singisng sa ring finger ko! Tinanggal ko ito at 
tinignan may naka engraved. 

 

Forever and Always ~MM 

 

MM? ahh Michael and Maurice. Is that mean? 

 

At bigla akong napatingin sa may pinto and I saw Michael standing and smiling back at me. Oh 
how much I.ve missed him. Dahan dahan siyang lumapit sa akin. At umupo siya sa may edge 
ng kama. 

 

.I‘m sorry.. He said. .I‘ve been miserable without you.. he admitted. .At sa dalawang araw na 
wala ka sa tabi ko, napagisip-isip ako. I was not mad at you Alyssa, I was mad at myself dahil 


wala ako sa tabi mo pero nandito na ako ngayon. Past is past. What‘s important is the present 
and the future. I couldn‘t change what happened in the past pero I can always pick my future 
and that‘s you Alyssa. Spend the lifetime with me. Have the forever with me.. He said .Marry me.. 
He asked or more likely ordered. 

 

I smiled at him and hugged him completely. .Yes Michael.. I said. .I love you.. 

 

.I love you too.. He said and he kissed me in the forehead. .Better get ready it‘s Mary‘s big day.. 
And I frowned. How could I let my cousin do that to herself? How could I let her be miserable? 

 

Nagayos na ako at we went to Manila Hotel where Mary was staying. Pinauna ko na si Michael 
sa San Agustin Chruch. Nagtungo na ako sa suite kung nasaan sila Mary. Pumasok ako and right 
there sa may living room ng suite, Jenny was fuming mad. 

 

.Jewel, talk some sense to your friend!. she yelled. 

 

.Nothing will change her mind Jenny alam mo yan.. Jewel said. 

 

.I‘ll try.. Sabi ko at pumasok ako sa loob kung nasaan si Mary, nandun siya at inaayusan ng 
stylist. Umupo ako sa may kama .You don't have to marry him Mary.. I said. 

 

Tinignan niya ako through the mirror and she smiled weakly. .I do. I have nothing left Alyssa. Si 
James nalang yung nandiyan kahit pa hindi niya ako mahal at least ayaw niya akong mawala. 
So I have to do this.. 

 

.He loves you Mary.. 

 

.I just can‘t believe that anymore Alyssa.. 

 

I sighed. Nothing will change Mary.s mind. 

 


Mary‘s Point of View 

 

I was ready. This is it. I decided to marry James. The thing is I went to Gab, yeah pathetic pero I 
went there only to see him and Elaine they were happy. He was happy. And I couldn.t go to him 
anymore. Hindi na siya sa akin. And so I decided to marry James. At isa pa, magiging kahihiyan 
ang pamilya namin, this wedding is considered the wedding of the year in the business world. 

 

Our wedding was featured in a business magazines and all. I couldn.t disappoint my family. I 
had nothing left. Kahit nasasaktan ako dahil ngayon gustong gusto ko ng piliin si Gab pero wala 
na siya sa akin. 

 

Pumasok ulit si Jenny sa kwarto ko, she was holding a black box. She handed it to me .I stole it.. 
Nagulat naman ako sa sinabi niya at dahan dahan kong binuksan yung box, it contained my 
necklace, yung binigay ni Gab. I remembered putting it in my safe back at mom.s house. .I 
figured that you would want to wear that now.. she said note the sarcasm. .Pero Mary, you 
deserve to be happy. Everyone of us deserve to be. So please just cancel the wedding.. I shook 
my head and she sighed .Then do wear that. Para naman may parte diyan sa kasal mo na 
nandun siya. Wear it cause it symbolizes that you‘re giving away your happy ending to someone 
else.. She said and walked out of the room. 

 

Si Alyssa ulit yung pumasok, why are they taking turns on checking up on me and talking to me? 
.Choose Gab.. 

 

.It‘s too late Alyssa.. I said. 

 

.Love is never too late.. She smiled. 

 

I don.t know about that. Because I believe that love is all about timing and if you.re too late 
then you.d regret it for the rest of your life. I am hurting but this is the right thing to do. Marry 
James. 

 

Gabriel‘s Point of View 

 


When is love enough? 

 

I am at the airport with Elaine, kasal ngayon ni Mary. I saw her yesterday, pero binalewala ko 
lang, now I am wondering why did she come to visit me yesterday? 

 

We let each other go and I agreed on it. Pero bakit masakit parin. Si James ang pinili niya pero 
bakit gusto ko parin lumaban? Handa ba akong ibigay siya kay James? Handa ba akong 
pakawalan siya? 

 

.Go.. Elaine said. Napatingin ako sa kanya. . .I said go chase her. Stop the wedding. Gabriel I 
can see that you still love her why not fight for her? Go. I love you but I have to set you free. 
Yesterday I saw Mary and there were tears from her eyes, she‘s hurting and you are the only one 
who can heal her, go save her, both of you will regret it if you don‘t.. Elaine said. 

 

Umiyak kahapon si Mary? 

 

Tama naman si Elaine, I will always regret this day. 

 

.What about you?. 

 

.I‘ll live.. She smiled. .Go before it‘s not too late.. She said 

 

I kissed her forehead. .Thank you.. I said and run as fast I could. I need to stop the wedding. 

 

James‘ Point of View 

 

Andito ako ngayon sa isang kwarto sa loob ng simbahan waiting for the cue to go out. 
Kinakabahan ako dahil baka hindi pumunta si Mary, hindi ko kayang mawala siya, all I said was 
true, I love her only her. 

 


I remembered my conversation with Alyssa the day I went to her. 

 

“I love you Alyssa.” I finally told her. 

 

“You don’t love me James.” She started. “Siguro dati mahal mo ako, pero not anymore, the day 
Mary came to your heart, I was no longer there, sinasabi mo lang na ako parin dahil I’m the one 
you never had, akala mo mahal mo pa ako pero hindi James. Would you propose four times, 
got rejected four times but still choose to stay with her? You love her so much that you can’t live 
without her anymore.” She added. 

 

And she was right. I don.t love her anymore. I love her as a friend only dahi si Mary na. And I was 
so stupid not to realize this sooner. 

 

May kumatok sa pinto at pagkabukas dun si Alyssa, ngumiti siya sa akin at nginitian ko din siya. 
Alyssa.s here so Mary is probably here already. 

 

Alyssa just stood in front of the closed door. She sighed and she started talking. .If you really love 
her James, and if you want her to be happy, let her go.. Alyssa said. .You‘ve hurt her James and 
it‘s time to finally let her go, if you truly love her then make her happy.. 

 

Nagulat ako sa sinabi niya bakit niya to sinasabi? .I can make her happy Alyssa. I‘d rather die 
than to lose her.. I said. Hindi ko kayang mawala sa akin si Mary. Siya lang ang buhay ko siya 
lang. 

 

.Then would you rather see her die emotionally? Don‘t be selfish anymore. She gave you 8 years 
James now it‘s time you give her back her 8 years.. She said. .Sabi nila kung mahal mo ang 
isang tao, handa kang gawin kahit ano para lang mapasaya siya, ikaw James handa ka bang 
ibigay kay Mary ang lahat?. she asked. 

 

Kung ibig sabihin nun ay mawawala siya hindi ko kaya. 

 

.What you have with Mary, it‘s only a borrowed time James, it‘s over, you have to give her back 
to Gabriel.. She said and left. 


 

Hindi ko kaya. Mahal ko siya at hindi ko kayang mawala siya. I just can.t let her go. I can.t. And I 
won.t. 

 

Mary‘s Point of View 

 

This is it. 

 

Nakatayo ako ngayon sa may pinto ng simabhan, naghihintay na maglakad papunta sa altar 
ng simbahan, pinaghandaan ang kasal na to, ang kasal na ako mismo ang umoo in the first 
place, ang kasal na pinaghandaan ko. 

 

Sabi nila mararamdaman mo yung wedding jitters pero ako hindi ko yun nararamdaman I only 
feel pain, loneliness. 

 

I was right in the first place, I can never see my future with James, it was always Gab in the 
picture but now…. 

 

Masakit man pero this is it. 

 

Nagsimula na ang pagtugtog ng wedding march, for me it was my death sentence, my heart 
will slowly wither I know it. 

 

My father took my hand and we slowly walked down the aisle. My tears they wanted to fall, but I 
couldn.t. .Are you happy?. daddy asked habang naglalakad kami. 

 

.I wish I could be.. I said. 

 

.You could stop you know.. 

 


.I won‘t. I said. 

 

Nakarating na kami sa altar and dad kissed me in the forehead and have my hand to James 
and he took it, he led me to the altar. 

 

"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of 
James Naval and Mary DiLaurentis in marriage. Through their time together, they have come to 
realize that their personal dreams, hopes, and goals are more attainable and more meaningful 
through the combined effort and mutual support provided in love, commitment, and family; and 
so they have decided to live together as husband and wife.. The priest said. 

 

Tears started falling. But no one could see it nor feel that I am hurting. 

 

“ Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show 
just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their 
peace.” 

 

 Silence was filled the Church, but no one would stop the wedding. Humigpit ang hawak ni 
James sa kamay ko, he then looked at me he saw me crying. 

 

“Stop the wedding!” someone from the back shouted. The voice I.ve longed for, he.s here. He 
walked towards us. 

 

Mas lalong humigpit ang hawak ni James. Unti unti kong binitawan ang kamay ni James. .I‘m so 
sorry James.. I said and I decided to meet Gab halfway. 

 

James got hold of my hand again I looked at him and he smiled. .I love you and if this what 
makes you happy then I‘ll let you go. But Mary I promise you I truly love you.. he said and right 
now I believed it. 

 

I hugged him. .Thank you James.. 

 


Nagpunta na ako kay Gabriel, na natili na nakatayo sa gitna. .Am I too late?. he asked. 

 

.Love is never too late.. I said at niyakap niya ako 

 

Tumingin ako sa mga bisita at lahat sila nakatingin at nagugulat sa pangyayari. I saw mom she 
was not surprised as if alam na niya na ganito ang mangyayari, she was somehow proud, but 
James. mom was different she.s furious. 

 

Umalis na kami ni Gab na nakawedding gown pa ako, eto pala yung sinasabi nilang runaway 
bride, I guess I am one. But I runaway happily, I am now with the one I love most, the one who I 
can call my happiness. 

 

He.s my everything. I.m glad that I am his everything too, because now I chose him and nothing 
else mattered. We fought for our love story. I guess they are right we make our own destiny. 

 

Third Person‘s Point of View 

 

Everyone was utterly shocked with the drama that just happened inside the Church. It was a first. 
Katulad sa mga teleserye, the bride runaway from his groom. James just stood and stared at the 
door of the Church. He let her go. 

 

Mary.s mom immediately went in front together .I‘m sorry for what just occurred. But please stay 
for the reception. We‘ve wasted your time so it‘s the least we can do. Let‘s all go to the 
reception.. She said. 

 

And so it was decided, but James just went home, devastated. 

 

Alyssa was happy for her cousin, finally they got their own happy ending just like she and 
Michael. 

 


Lumabas na sila ni Michael ng magkahawak kamay, they were both happy, engaged sila at 
masaya na si Mary. Binuksan na ni Michael yung pinto sa sasakyan at papasok na sana si Alyssa 
pero Tyrone called Michael. 

 

.Mike, Kyle needs to talk to you muna daw.. Tyrone said. And it sounded urgent. 

 

Kaya tumingin si Michael kay Alyssa at ngumiti lang si Alyssa. .I‘ll wait for you in the reception.. 
She said. 

 

Michael kissed her forehead .I love you. See you later.. He said at pumasok na sa loob ng kotse 
si Alyssa. 

 

Umalis na din ang sasakyan na sinasakyan ni Alyssa, masaya siya ngayon dahil everything seems 
so perfect, everything feels so right. Calm and peace had been brought to them. Iniikot ikot niya 
yung singsing niya dahil nga sa sobrang galak niya. 

 

When the stoplight finally turned green, the driver started his engine unaware that a truck was 
still speeding through the intersection. The truck slammed into the car with an ear-shattering 
crash, spraying glass and metal shards were everywhere. Part of the door mangled and bent 
and exploded inward towards Alyssa.s chest, the car began spinning through the intersection. 

 

Am I gonna die? Alyssa thought to herself. 

 

When the car stopped spinning, Alyssa realized that she was still alive, she couldn.t move, her 
chest hurt, and from the back seat she tried to look if the driver is still alive. 

 

.Manong?. she called. No one answered. Is this my end too? She thought. 

 

She looked outside and saw people were panicking, hindi lang pala sila yung naaksidente, 
madami din nadamay. 

 


Eyes were now attached to the car the fast truck hit, napipi masyado ang kotse, at ang laman 
ng kotse ay hindi nila alam kung buhay pa o hindi, dali dali din naman ang mag punta ng mga 
ambulansya. 

 

.Michael……. she called out and everything was blurred. 

//Chapter 39// 

My heart is yours 

Third Person‘s Point of View 

 

Nang makatanggap si Clarisse ng tawag mula sa hospital na nagsasabi na ang kanyang anak 
ay naaksidente at nasa emergency room, tila tumigil ang mundo niya. Hindi niya alam ang 
gagawin niya. Ang hawak niyang wine glass ay nabagsak niya na nagbigay naman ng 
atensyon sa loob ng living room kung saan nandun ang mga kamag-anak nila. 

 

Lumapit si Richard sa dating asawa. .Anong nangyari?. tanong niya sa tulalang Clarisse. 

 

Naglabasan nalang ang kanyang mga luha niya, hindi niya alam ang gagawin niya pag may 
nangyari pa kay Alyssa. Niyakap nalang siya ni Richard kahit hindi niya alam ang mga 
nangyayari. .Alyssa‘s been on an accident.. She said. 

 

Napahiwalay si Richard at tumingin ng seryoso kay Clarisse. Ang anak nila, ang anak nilang 
nabubuhay pa ay naaksidente. Dali dali silang pumunta sa hospital kung saan naka-admit si 
Alyssa, nalaman din nila na namatay na yung driver ni Alyssa na si Manong John. 

 

.How‘s Alyssa?. tanong ni Mary nung nakarating siya suot suot pa niya yung wedding gown 
niya. Plano sana nila ni Gabriel na pumunta sa Batangas kaso nakatanggap siya ng tawag 
mula sa nanay niya tungkol kay Alyssa. 

 

.She‘s still in the ER.. Sagot ni Richard. 

 

* 


 

Michael was driving towards the house of Ronald DiLaurentis, dun kasi dapat gaganapin ang 
reception at nandun lahat ng bisita ngayon. Nauna na si Alyssa dun at he can.t wait to see her. 

 

His phone rang and so he picked his earphone and answered the call. .Hello?. he called. 

 

.Bes.. Jenny called. May iba sa boses niya. Parang umiiyak siya. 

 

.Oh bakit? Nandiyan ka na ba paki sabi kay Alyssa malapit na ako.. he said. 

 

.Bes.. Mahinang banggit ni Jenny .Alyssa‘s been on an accident.. 

 

Napahinto si Michael sa pagdri-drive at bumagsak lahat ng luha niya, hindi naman siya palaiyak 
pero ngayon umiiyak siya dahil sa nalaman niya. Paanong naaksidente si Alyssa? Kasama lang 
niya ito kanina ah. 

 

Dali daling nag u-turn si Michael papunta sa Makati Med kung saan dinala si Alyssa, at pag 
dating niya nakita niya agad sila Mary at ang iba pang pamilya ni Alyssa na naghihintay lang. 

 

* 

 

The clock on the wall seemed to be keeping time in slow motion. Finally, after so long, they 
heard the door that led to the Emergency room swing open and they turned to see the doctor 
approaching wearing surgical scrubs. Clarisse stood up and so as everyone. 

 

.I‘m Doctor Santos.. The doctor said. .Are you the family of the patient?. she asked. 

 

Tumango nalang sila Clarisse at nilead sila nito sa kabilang corridor, nung nag close yung 
double dour, Doctor Santos faced them. 

 


Alyssa had been injured by the impact of the slammed door. The attending physician had 
detected a trauma-induced heart murmur, and they had taken her for evaluation. And Alyssa.s 
condition had deteriorated rapidly, they said that they had inserted a pacemaker but the 
heart.s capacity is still diminishing. Alyssa needed a valve replacement surgery. And Alyssa was 
already on bypass. 

 

.You need to sign the consent form for the surgery.. She said. Without surgery Alyssa was going 
to die. They have already lost one son, they won.t lose their only child now. 

 

Clarisse immediately signed the consent form, it was their only choice. Lumabas na din agad sila 
Richard at Clarisse at nagpunta na sa waiting area, sinabi nila na kailangan ni Alyssa ng surgery. 

 

Umupo na si Clarisse sa waiting area at dumating ang isang nurse at binigay yung belongings ni 
Alyssa, binuksan niya yung plastic holding everything Alyssa had in the accident. Nagulat siya sa 
nakita niyang diamond ring. At napatingin siya sa lalaking nakatayo lang at nakatingin sa 
kawalan. 

 

She hated that guy. Dahil yung lalaking yun ang dahilan kung bakit umalis si Alyssa, kung bakit 
siya naaksidente 10 years ago. Sinaktan lang niya si Alyssa pero ngayon alam naman ni Clarisse 
na masaya na si Alyssa kapiling ng lalaking ito. It was time to accept that fact. 

 

Lumapit siya dito at binigay niya yung singsing .I think it‘s better if you give it back to her once 
she wakes up.. She smiled at him. 

 

Ngumiti din si Michael pero hindi ito umabot sa mga mata niya. 

 

* 

 

Lumabas na si Doctor Santos from the operating room at nagtungo sa pamilya ni Alyssa. 
Tumayo silang lahat. .The surgery went well.. She said. 

 


Nasa ICU na si Alyssa, and ngayon family lang pwede makapasok. Si Clarisse at Richard ang 
pumasok muna. Pagpasok na pagpasok palang nila, naalala na ni Clarisse si Anton, tulad ni 
Alyssa, madami ding mga tubes ang nakalagay kay Anton noon, walang malay. 

 

Pumunta si Clarisse sa tabi ni Alyssa at hinawakan niya ang kamay nito. .I‘m so sorry for being a 
bad mother, just come back and I promise I will treat you better. I can‘t lose you too.. She cried. 

 

Pumunta si Richard sa likod ni Clarisse at hinawakan lang niya ito sa balikat at biglang yumakap 
si Clarisse sa kanya. 

 

.I can‘t lose her too. I can‘t. 

 

.She‘s going to be fine. She‘s strong.. Richard comforted her. The two of them waited inside the 
ICU. Pinapasok ni Clarisse si Michael sa loob para makita si Alyssa, alam naman niya na mahal 
ng dalawa ng isa.t isa. Naging selfish lang talaga siya. Naging sakim. 

 

Lumapit si Michael at hinawakan ang mga kamay ni Alyssa. .Wake up please. Hindi ko kayang 
mawala ka ah. Yung promise mo pa sa akin. I love you.. he said and he kissed her forehead. 

 

Kinaumagahan, lumabas sila Clarisse sa ICU para makainom ng kape, lahat sila nagpunta sa 
cafeteria dahil ok na naman daw si Alyssa, she.s recovering. 

 

Naunang bumalik si Clarisse dahil hindi siya makapakali sa cafeteria, papasok na sana siya kaso 
pinigilan siya ng nurse. 

 

Natakot naman siya kaya umupo nalang siya sa tabi at nagdasal na sana ok lang si Alyssa sa 
loob. 

 

Dumating na din sila Mary nakiupo na sila. 

 


After 45 mintues lumabas si Dr. Santos. .I‘m sorry but there‘s been a serious development.. She 
said. 

 

.Y—You said she was fine…. Clarisse stammered, she couldn.t say anything else. 

 

.I‘m sorry. An infraction occurred. Ischemia in the right ventricle.. She said. .Alyssa she had a 
massive heart attack.. 

 

All of their faces fell. She was just fine when they left for breakfast. She was right there recovering. 
Now they are saying that Alyssa.s going to die. 

 

.She can‘t die.. Clarisse protested. .She‘s too young, no, you‘re wrong. Do something or else I‘ll 
sue this hospital.. She ordered. 

 

.We‘re doing everything we can!. 

 

.WELL THAT‘S NOT ENOUGH. MAKE HER LIVE! I BEG OF YOU DON‘T LET MY DAUGHTER DIE!. She 
yelled at the same time cried. Nanlambot ang kanyang mga tuhod kaya sinalo siya agad ni 
Richard. 

 

.Take her to surgery, do what you can do save her.. Richard said. 

 

.Surgery isn‘t an option.. 

 

.Just save her please.. Michael interrupted. 

 

.I‘m sorry.. Hindi pwedeng mamatay si Alyssa, hindi pwede. .I have to call an emergency 
meeting with the transplant committee.. Dr. Santos said. 

 

.Transplant?. Richard asked. 


 

.Yes.. She said and she sighed. .Alyssa needs a new heart.. 

 

* 

 

Nagpunta si Mary sa chapel kasama si Gabriel. Nagdasal sila na sana makakuha si Alyssa ng 
puso, sa pagaaral niya nung college pa siya, madami siyang nalaman tungkol sa mga 
ganitong bagay. 

 

Hindi madaling makakuha ng puso, madaming process, madaming dapat iconsider, kung 
dapat ba siyang bigyan ng puso o hindi. They will consider the accident itself, dahil car 
accident ito, less ang chances ni Alyssa. At kung maapprove naman, hindi din nila alam kung 
suitable ba ung puso kay Alyssa. Kunti lang ang chances pero they are still hoping na 
makatanggap ng puso si Alyssa. 

 

.She‘s gonna be fine, she‘s Alyssa.. Gabriel comforted Mary. 

 

Mary cried. Sampung taon nawala si Alyssa, at ngayon nalang ulit bumabalik yung dating sila 
tas mawawala pa si Alyssa. Tumabi naman si Michael kay Mary at nagdasal na din. Hindi niya 
kayang mawala si Alyssa, ikakamatay niya. 

 

“God kung naririnig niyo po ako, ligtas niyo po si Alyssa, bibigay ko ang lahat basta po ibalik 
niyo po siya sa akin, wag niyo po muna siyang kunin sa akin, please hindi ko po 
kakayanin.”pagdadasal ni Michael. 

 

* 

 

After the meeting binalita ni Dr. Santos na binigyan ng 1A status si Alyssa, meaning highest 
priority siya ngayon kung meron bang donor na magaappear. 

 

Michael on the other hand had his heart checked. And after that he signed forms saying that if 
he would suddenly die, he would donate all of the available organs. 


 

Isa isang pumasok sa loob ang mga kaibigan ni Alyssa. 

 

James was still in shocked, si Alyssa na una niyang minahal at sinabi sa kanya na magparaya ay 
nakahilata ngayon at walang malay, kung pwede lang niya bigay ang puso niya ginawa na 
niya kaso bawal mag donate ang taong buhay ng puso. 

 

.Couz, intay ka lang ah. Malapit na dumating. Stay put.. Mary said. 

 

Then suddenly, nag beep lahat ng machines at naging code blue na. Dali dali siyang pinalabas 
ng ICU, code blue na si Alyssa. 

 

Lumabas ulit si Dr. Santos, .She‘s on hyperthermia.. She said. .She will need that heart or else she 
might have another heart attack.. 

 

Parang bumagsak na ang lahat isa isa silang nawawalan na ng pagasa pa. Wala pang 
pusong dumadating. 

 

Napatayo na si James at naglakad na siya at may nabunggo siya. 

 

.Sorry.. Sabi nung babaeng nabunggo niya. Tumingin naman siya kay James tsaka tumingin sa 
likod ni James, nakita niya yung madaming tao at may babaeng nakasuot parin ng wedding 
gown umiiyak sila. Eto naman na nabunggo niya tulala lang. .Don‘t lose hope and just pray. You 
just need to believe everything‘s going to be alright.. She said and left. 

 

Michael‘s Point of View 

 

Lahat sila nawawalan na ng pagasang mabuhay si Alyssa, pero ako hindi ako mawawalan ng 
pagasa alam kong kaya niyang lumaban. 

 


But when the doctor said she needs the heart now, isa lang ang naisip kong paraan, my heart 
matched Alyssa.s heart. 

 

Pumunta ako sa may chapel at nagsimulang magdasal, hindi ko kayang mawala siya, kung 
dapat kasi sumama nalang ako sa kanya, kung dapat kasi hindi ko na siya pinauna. 

 

Pumunta na din ako sa ICU para makita ulit si Alyssa. Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya, para lang 
siyang natutulog kaso ngayon ang daming tubes na nakalagay sa kanya. 

 

.Alyssa, I‘ll do everything for you. Baka pag-gising mo wala na ako, lagi mong tandaan na 
nandito lang ako ah? Lumaban ka please? I‘ll wait for you, I will always wait for you.. I said and 
kissed her forehead for the last time. 

 

I grabbed my phone from my pocket and started dialing his number. Nakuha ko to sa cellphone 
ni Alyssa dati, I just wanted to talk to him. .Hello?. he answered. 

 

.Hindi mo siguro ako kilala pero I‘m Michael.. Pagpapakilala ko sa kanya. 

 

.What do you need?. he asked. 

 

.Alyssa‘s been on an accident and she needs a new heart.. Diretso kong sabi sa kanya. .I‘d do 
anything to give her a heart so I need a favor to ask.. 

 

.What is it?. 

 

.When she wakes up, be with her, alam kong mahal mo siya at tinulungan mo siyang 
makabangon ulit so sana paggising niya nandun ka para sa kanya. I trust you to take her of her.. 

 

.Why are you asking me this?. 

 


.I‘d give her a heart so please promise me you‘ll take care of her.. 

 

.I will.. At binaba ko na yung phone ko at dumiretso na ako sa pad ko. Kinuha ko yung video 
camera and my tripod and started recording a video for Alyssa. 

 

.My dearest Alyssa, kamusta ka na? Magpagaling ka ah. Lumaban ka parin. Patawarin mo ako 
Alyssa pero ito lang ang tanging alam kong paraan para mabuhay ka Alyssa, I‘ll do everything I 
can do to save you. We‘re really meant for each other Alyssa, our hearts fill each other‘s heart, 
and our hearts matched. You‘re my one true love, I‘ve waited for you for 10 years ganun ka din, 
you waited for me now Alyssa it‘s time for me to wait for you again, hindi ako mawawala Alyssa, 
lagi akong nasa tabi mo. Please don‘t lose sight, nawala ako para mabuhay ka so please be 
happy when I‘m gone, live your life. Don‘t blame yourself because the very first moment we‘ve 
met my heart has been yours ever since. Lagi akong nasa puso mo. I will always love you. I will 
wait for you. I love you be happy.. I cried. .I will miss you so much.. I said. 

 

After that lumabas na ako ng pad ko, at sumakay na sa kotse ko, I dialed Jenny.s number. .Bes 
where are you?. panimula niya sa akin. 

 

.I‘ll miss you bes.. I said. .Bes do me a favor please?. 

 

.Bes what are you doing?. she asked. 

 

.Pag nagising na si Alyssa, pumunta ka sa pad I left a video there, show it to her.. 

 

.Bes where are you?. she was crying. .Please don‘t do what I think you‘re doing.. 

 

.It‘s been decided bes. Tell Alyssa how much I love her. Tell her don‘t blame herself. Tell her that 
she should be happy ok? Jenny be happy too. I‘m glad I have met you Jenny. Thank you.. 

 

.Bes please, don‘t makakakuha din tayo ng puso please. Hindi ko kaya bes, hindi ko alam ang 
sasabihin ko kay Alyssa please bes, bumalik ka na dito. Don‘t do this bes.. 

 


I looked around. .I‘m almost there Jenny.. I said. 

 

Tears were falling. 

 

I closed my eyes, and I saw Alyssa.s smiling face, I saw our memories together, kahit sa saglit na 
panahon na nagkasama kami ngayon after 10 long years, ayun ang pinakamasayang nangyari 
sa buhay ko. 

 

Masaya ako at nakilala ko si Alyssa. Masaya ako dahil minahal ko ang isang tulad niya, masaya 
ako dahil siya si Alyssa siya ang kabiyak ng puso ko. 

 

She will always be the woman in my life, the only woman I loved this much. 

 

.Good bye Jenny.. I said and hung up. 

 

It will always be Alyssa. 

 

My heart is hers from now on. 

 

Third Person‘s Point of View 

 

There was a buzz in the emergency room; there has been a car accident. A guy drove his car to 
a brick wall. The doctors went towards the guy and they were having a hard time bringing him 
back to life. 

 

They charged but still flat line. Nothing changed. No matter how much they tried. 

 

* 

 


.Good news.. Came Doctor Santos .We have a match. We‘ll prep for the surgery immediately.. 
She said and Clarisse was relieved. All of them were. 

 

Well except for Jenny who was utterly shocked. Napaluhod na siya sa sahig sa narinig niya. Why 
does everything happened so fast? Why is fate so cruel? 

 

Alyssa will live. Michael will….. 

 

Tumayo si Jenny at nagsimulang maglakad paalis, hindi niya kaya. Anong sasabihin niya. Her 
best friend is gone. Iniwan na siya nito. 

 

Lumapit sa kanya si Mary at napigilan siyang maglakad. Tumingin siya kay Mary, at nakita ni 
Mary na umiiyak ito, hindi dahil masaya ito para kay Alyssa pero iba, nasasaktan siya. Niyakap 
niya si Jenny at inisip mabuti kung bakit siya nagkakaganito. 

 

And it hit her. The phone call. Tears started to fall to her eyes too. Hindi niya akalain na 
magagawa iyon ni Kuya Michael niya. 

 

* 

 

After two days, Alyssa woke up, hindi nila alam kung anong sasabihin pag hinanap na niya ang 
nobyo niya. Hindi nila alam kung paano sasabihin sa kanya na binigay ni Michael ang puso 
niya para lang mabuhay siya. Na wala na si Michael. 

 

.Where‘s Michael?. she asked when she finally opened her eyes. 

 

No one dared to speak. 

 

Inulit niya pa ang tanong niya pero wala parin ang umiimik. Tears started falling. .Saan siya?. 

 


Lumapit si Jenny kay Alyssa, she.s crying, haggang ngayon hindi pa niya kayang tanggapin ang 
ginawa ng best friend niya. .Alyssa, you had a heart transplant.. She said. 

 

.I have a new heart?. tanong niya. 

 

.And that heart you have now is….. Michael‘s.. 

 

.NO.. she protested. Hindi pwede. Hindi maari. Paano naman nangyari iyon? 

 

.He gave you his heart for you to live.. 

 

Hindi niya alam ang gagawin niya, mas mabuti pang nawala nalang siya. Mas mabuti nalang 
na hindi siya nagising. Mas mabuti nalang na hindi yun nangyari. Wala na si Michael. Wala na 
yung mahal niya. Iniwan na siya. 

 

.He wanted you to live.. 

 

.No. hindi hindi pwede. Kung wala na siya, ano pang saysay ng buhay ko?. she asked them 
.Wala na siya, yung isang taong nag bigay ulit ng saya sa buhay ko wala na. Bakit lahat ng 
lalaking mahal ko lagi nalang ako iniiwan? Lagi nalang akong nililigtas? Hindi ko naman sinabi 
na ligtas nila ako pero bakit nila binubuwis yung buhay nila ng dahil sa akin? Ayoko ng 
mabuhay. Please kill me now.. she cried. 

 

Una ang kuya niya, niligtas siya ngayon pati si Michael? Hindi pwedeng mawala pa si Michael. 
Hindi niya kaya. Masyado ng madaming panahon ang nasayang at ngayon iniwan siya ni 
Michael? Bakit ganun ang buhay? Bakit napakasama nito? 

 

She.ll definitely go after him. The thought of being alone is painful but now she has to live 
without him by her side? She can.t bear that. She can.t live with that. 

 


Kinagabihan, umalis muna silang lahat, si Clarisse at Richard lang ang natira nasa labas sila. 
Nakatingin lang si Alyssa sa labas, kanina pa siya ganyan, hindi niya alam gagawin niya. May 
binigay na tape si Jenny, pinanuod niya ito at nung nakita niyang si Michael, sobrang namiss 
niya ito. Umiyak siya nung nagpaalam na si Michael. 

 

.Anong gagawin ko kung wala ka na Michael? Paano ako magiging masaya kung ikaw yung 
kasiyahan ko?. she asked. .You‘ll wait for me? Then can I come now? I don‘t want you to wait 
long. I‘ll come to you.. she said. She can.t live without him. Michael is her happiness. 

 

Wait for me Michael, I.ll come to you. 

//Epilogue// 

Alyssa‘s Point of View 

 

5 long years. 

 

5 years of missing him. 

 

5 years. 

 

I.ve spent 5 years without him in it. 

 

Without him, telling me how much he loves me, without him, teasing me, without him, making 
me smile all day, making my heart beats so fast, he.s gone for 5 years now. 

 

I followed what he said, I chose to live, I chose to make him wait for me a little longer, I chose to 
be happy without him in my life. 

 

I lived because of the promise of forever and always. 

 


He may be gone, but still he left a part of him and they can never take it away, we share a 
heart. He gave me his heart to live. 

 

I looked around the view, it was so beautiful here, a very peaceful place how I wished I got to 
spend my life here with him. 

 

If only I could turn back time, I would. 

 

Suddenly someone hugged me from the back. 

 

Hinawakan ko ang mga kamay ng yumakap sa akin. .Michael.. Tawag ko at lumuhod ako para 
makalevel kami. 

 

Meet Michael, my son. 

 

After one year of mourning, I married Conrad. He never left again and he told me that he 
promised Michael that he would take care of me, promised him that he would not leave me all 
alone. Michael planned it well. He made sure that I have everything I needed to live well except 
for him but Michael would wanted me to have a family of my own, he wanted me to live my life. 
I love Conrad but not as much as I love my one true love Michael. 

 

We decided to name our first-born Michael, in honor of the man who saved me, who gave up 
his own life for me to live. 

 

Masaya naman ako sa piling ni Conrad and with our children but something is still lacking. Ever 
since he died, I was incomplete. I tried my best to be complete again but I cannot, because he 
is the one piece missing. 

 

.Mommy, Auntie Jenny and Auntie Mary is downstairs let‘s go and meet them.. Michael said. 

 


Jenny got married. But I know a part of her blames me. He was her best friend after all. But still 
she helped me get back with my life. She showed me the video a hundred times, making me 
realize that I should live. I should follow Michael.s orders. Mary got married too with Gabriel, they 
are happy. Everyone seems so happy now. Everything seems to fit. 

 

My parents got back together and my mom and me got closer. I think my accident and 
Michael.s death brought us together back again. 

 

And about me, I have his heart right now for 5 years, the doctors said I will need to have another 
transplant after 10 or 15 years. Until now I.m still taking my meds. 10 or 15 years more and I will 
have to get a new heart. 

 

Which means Michael has been waiting for a long time now. 

 

All of my life, I.ve loved someone so much once. 

 

He was the one, we were meant for each other, like he said we fill each other.s heart but being 
meant for each other doesn.t always mean we get the happy endings we wanted. 

 

Once in my life I.ve loved a magician, a magician who changed me, 

 

The magician who taught me how to love and get hurt in the process. 

 

I.ve loved only one magician and that will always be Michael Salmonte. 

 

I never stop loving him, he will always be a piece in my life, a piece that I left once and came 
back for once again and decided to leave. 

 

Masakit man isipin na wala na talaga siya sa mundo, masakit man isipin na nasayang namin 
yung sampung taon na pagkakahiwalay namin, masakit man isipin pero nangyari na. We can 
never go back. 


 

I.ve been waiting for him for my whole life and he came he changed my life, he changed me. 
Waiting for the magician, I.ve always been waiting for him. Waiting for him to come and get me. 

 

.Go down baby, I‘ll go down shortly.. I said to Michael. 

 

I looked again at the view. It was already sunset. Another day passed and I.m missing him. 
That.s why I won.t get a new heart. I will die with his heart intact with me. I want to die and be 
with him. 

 

Alam kong selfish ang gagawin ko after 10 or 15 years pero I tried living without him and yes I 
was happy pero kulang parin. He is still gone. 

 

He is my happiness. So I think I will have to come with him. 

 

He.s waiting for me and I.ve been waiting for him also. 

 

Suddenly everything became blurry. Tears were falling that.s why. 

 

I cleared my face and smiled and the wind blew parang niyayakap ako .Wait for me my love, 
just wait for awhile I still need to see my son grow 10 more years my love.. I said lumakas ang 
hangin parang sinasabi niya na ok lang. 

 

.I love you Michael.. 

 

I closed my eyes and when I opened it, I saw him, I saw a fragment of him in front of me. .I love 
you too Alyssa.. He said. 

 

Tears were falling, he is in front of me, so near yet so far from me. I can.t seem to walk towards 
him and touch him. .Wait for me ok?. I said. 


 

.I will.. He said. .I love you.. he said and when the wind blew again I closed my eyes and he 
was gone. 

 

This is the first time I.ve seen him after the accident. Even if he is just a fragment of my 
imaginations or even if he.s a ghost I don.t care, he came and told me he will wait. That.s the 
most important thing. 

 

Michael will wait for me as I am waiting for the magician. 

End of Waiting for the Magician 

End of the Second Series of Fate’s Cruel Intervention 

 

*Read until the end to know how to win the special chapters. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


//Author’s Note// 

 Sa wakas natapos ko na din ito, don't go asking for book three dahil wala na itong 
kasunod, actually meron naman, dahil I made yung My love for a Magician and Waiting for the 
Magician part of a series called "Fate's Cruel Intervention", may next series ito titled Finally 
Found you, connected siya sa dalawang nauna which is the Magician series, pero hindi na ito iikot 
sa buhay ng mga lumang characters well except kay James Naval dahil siya yung bida sa Finally 
Found You, dahil naisip ko na napaka-unfair ko kay James kaya ikukwento ko ang nangyari kay 
James after being left in the altar. Kaya conencted siya pero wala ng Alyssa or Mary sa Finally 
Found You, new characters naman except kay James. 

 I know na hindi masyado maganda yung ending ng story ko at napakaunfair ko din kay 
Alyssa at Michael pero dati pa po talaga ganyan ang ending ko, simula nung naisipan kong gawan 
ng story sila Alyssa at Michael, that was the ending I made for them, book one palang po 
decided ng mamatay si Michael not Alyssa, wanna know why? Kasi bitter ako kay Michael! Sabi 
ko po naman sainyo based sa mga tunay na tao tong story na to well yung My love for a 
Magician lang, at sobrang bitter talaga ako kay Michael basta kung feeling niyo mabait si Michael 
hindi po siya mabait sa totoong buhay well mabait naman siya pero he totally forgotten Alyssa, 
simula nung umalis si Alyssa he never once tried to talk to her ok, he did try pero after two 
months ata tumigil na siya kaya bitter ako sa kanya. 

 Ok enough about my rants. Thank you so much for reading this story, sa mga naghintay 
nito talaga maraming salamat po, yung mga sumubaybay nito sa Wattpad thank you. Gusto ko 
sanang imention lahat ng online readers ko na nagppm sa akin sa Wattpad for updates sa soft 
copy nito pero nakakatamad inumerate eh so kilala niyo na kayo kung nababasa niyo na to, 
maraming salamat. 

 Sa mga nagtry lang nito at hindi talaga nila naabutan ang book one at book two sa 
Wattpad, well thank you parin at sana magustuhan niyo to kahit pa hindi ko nasatisfy ang inyong 
happy ending. 

 Sa mga nagagalit dahil sa ending na ginawa ko, wala na pong magbabago dahil kahit gusto 
ko man baguhin hindi maari dahil connected po talaga yung nangyari dito sa dalawa kong next 
series, pag binago ko mawawala yung dalawa at I really really want yung dalawang natitira sa 
series na ito. Sorry po talaga pero this is it. I won't ever change this. Simula palang po talaga I 
really want to kill Michael! 


alyssa1.jpg 
Anyway thank you po for reading this again and watch out for my upcoming stories. If 
you decide to read this pdf until the end, makikita niyo sa baba ang mga sumusunod: 

* 
characters at kung sino ang mga ito sa totoong buhay or paano sila nabuhay sa story na 
to 
* 
how did the story was made 
* 
How did the survey go 
* 
upcoming stories' teasers and dates for the next distributions 
* 
HOW TO WIN the Waiting for the Magician Special Chapter entitled A Moment: The 
Mary DiLaurentis and Gabriel Jhonson Love Story. 


//The Characters// 

Alyssa Fontillo 

* 
Sakanya umiikot yung story, meaning siya yung pinakabida. The character was 
based with the true Alyssa Fontillo, wala na ngayon si yung tunay na Alyssa at nasa 
New York na talaga siya. Friendly si Alyssa pero may fear of rejection siya. I don’t 
know kung anong nangyari sa kanya in reality I mean I think she moved on pero sa 
totoong buhay hindi namin alam kung nabasa talaga ni Michael yung sulat na iniwan 
niya for him. 
* 
Yung Alyssa sa story, she was strong in the outside but weak on the inside, parang 
pakitang tao lang siya ganun din sa reality pero lahat yun nagbago when she was rejected 
by Michael yung bang sobra talaga siyang nasaktan. It was never explained what happened 
to her during her first years in New York well, naging suicidal siya I mean dati cheerful 
siya pero she became lifeless, she wanted to die dahil for her walang nagmamahal sa kanya 
and so the car accident happened. At it was also never explained kung totoong may 
amnesia siya or what, pero wala po talaga siyang amnesia, sa un-edited story (kasi diba I 
edited all the chapters na tapos ko na since May for the better good of the story) it 
was revealed by her dad na wala talaga at nagkukunyari lang siya. Well dito din nagkunyari 
lang siyang may amnesia dahil akala niya pag nagkunyari siya makakalimot din talaga siya, 
she didn’t want to feel the pain and so she forced herself to forget pero walang nangyari. 
* 
I sometimes see myself as Alyssa and sometimes I love her pero I think I hated her for 
being weak. I mean come on girl move on ka na. Masyado kasi siyang nababalot sa past 
niya. Kaya nga nagdalawang isip ako nung sinulat ko yung last chapter kung papatayin ko 
ba talaga si Michael or wag nalang dahil nga feeling ko never siyang makakapag move on sa 



Michael.jpg
Mary.jpg
pagkamatay ni Michael I mean he was the one and she never did move on from her past 
kaya how could she just move forward right? 


Michael Salmonte 

* 
How could I explain Michael? Umm… una he’s far more different from the real 
Michael, here sa libro I made him a very patient and understanding guy, I mean he easily 
forgave Jenny for her tricks diba pero in real life, he won’t easily forgive and forget kasi 
from what I understand about the real him, he holds grudges pero dito hindi kaya I like 
my Michael more than the real Michael. 
* 
I salute Michael for his sacrifices, pero kahit ako yung nagsulat nitong story na to, 
I think he was stupid, yes he died for Alyssa to live pero would you do that? I mean 
sacrifice your own life for the one you love? At alam kong walang ganyan na tao oh wait 
there is pero kunti lang sila, and I know one person. Pero kahit alam kong hindi realistic 
pero my facts were true well sort of, I know a few things about hearts at yeah hindi 
basta basta ang pag kuha ng puso, at talagang they need to match at sa story ko match 
ang puso nilang dalawa dahil nga sila talaga ang natararapat sa isa’t isa. Ok back to my 
analysis with Michael, yes I think he was stupid and no one would do what he did but I 
wanted that kind of love, you know what I mean? Yung love na so true and powerful 
that you’re willing to die for that love, I wanted that. Kaya kahit sa story lang I 
wanted my characters to experience that kind of love. 
* 
One word to describe Michael: Selfless 


Mary DiLaurentis 

* 
Sa book two sa kanya nag focus, I mean yeah sa part three ng story panay si 
Alyssa na pero it was her story na, it was her wedding and all. The character was based 
with me. Pero not totally yung ibang characteristics lang but really based lang siya sa 
akin dahil book one was based on our first year in college experience but unlike her I am 
not a Martyr. 
* 
I don’t like my Mary sa simula palang ng book two, dahil masyado siyang martyr 
or tanga. But siguro nga pag in love tayo ganun talaga no? Nagtatangatangahan lang tayo 
para sumaya? But she’s not selfless, she’s not. I don’t get why she needed to always 
pick James, I mean sige dahil nagu-guilty ka but to marry the guy na hindi ka naman in 
love na? Ok that’s because she’s me kaya medyo ganun and that’s why I don’t like 
myself. But in her case she was ready to settle for less, I mean may isang lalaki na mahal 



jamess.jpg
na mahal siya na hindi na siya magwoworry kung sapat na ba siya or hindi pero mas pinili 
niya yung isa. I think hindi man lang sabihin ni Mary, she was much in love with James 
than Gab more than she knew it. Pero ayun lang sa tingin ko. I wrote their story pero 
really I don’t get my characters. Ginugulo nila ako lagi lalo na talaga si Mary, kaya sa 
kanya din ako nahirapan ngayon dahil, I tried to analyze her at I failed, I was thinking na 
si James talaga ang makakasama niya in the end dahil feeling ko talaga mas in love siya 
kay James pero dahil nga sa next two series I decided na si Gab nalang at kasi naman 
yung tunay na James sa totoong buhay nakakainis, masyado ng yumabang dahil dumami 
yung nagkakagusto sa kanya at kinalumutan na ako haha. Bitter din ako sa kanya. 
* 
One word to describe Mary: Indecisive 


James Naval 

* 
James was the hardest one to write about. I’ll explain later. Si James based siya 
with someone na nakilala naming magkakaibigan through his twin and of course FACEBOOK. 
Mabait yung tunay na James pero well nagbago na siya I mean naging feeler na siya 
ngayon dahil sobrang daming may crush sa kanya well gwapo naman talaga siya pero basta, 
I had a huge crush on him at sa picture nga namin dalawa mukha kaming perfect couple. 
(Haha masyado na ako pero well) basta James is entirely different from the real world. 
Isang similarities nila ay nagkagusto siya kay Alyssa. 
* 
Isa din siya sa pinakaayokong character dahil masyado siyang bulag at like Alyssa he never 
was living in the present but in the past. Masyadong na in love sa idea na mahal niya si 
Alyssa at hindi na niya nakita si Mary. And nung na in love na siya kay Mary, he became 
selfish and dependent to her. Deep inside James knew already na hindi na talaga siya pero 
pinilit niya dahil nga ayaw na niyang magisa. He got rejected once at ayaw na niyang 
mangyari yun. And because he was so in love with the idea of being with Alyssa ayun din 
yung dahilan kung bakit natauhan si Mary and so it was all his fault. 
* 
James’ character is not just based sa isang tao, dalawa siya actually, yung una dun nga sa 
kambal pero yung characteristics was based on someone else, and he was a senior nung 
high school ako, he was so in love with this girl at to tell you the truth dahil dun yung 
best friend niyang girl nawala bigla sa tabi niya dahil siguro napagod ng maging best friend 
kasi masyado din masakit yung lagi kang nandiyan para sa isang tao pero in the end 
unreturned yung feelings mo. Kaya sa mga tao diyan na masyadong bulag, try to open 
your eyes baka hindi ka talaga in love at sa idea ka lang nainlove. 


 


Gab.jpg
jenny.jpg
jewel.jpg
Gabriel Jhonson 

* 
Based on our campus heartthrob. Sobrang gwapo niya na madami talagang naiinlove 
sa kanya! He’s a snob pero hindi dahil gwapo siya pero kasi minsan talaga madaming mga 
babae na humahabol at nakakairita na yun. I thought din dati na feelingero siya pero hindi 
pala. Mabait siya. And this character was also based with my best friends, dalawa dahil 
ngayon ko lang narealize na may pagkapareho yung dalawng yun. Anyway Gab was them. 
Best friend ko who will do everything for the one he loves to be happy. 
* 
Siya yung pinaka paborito kong character dahil kahit anong mangyari he still 
accepted and stayed by Mary’s side. Yeah may pagkaparehas sila ni Alyssa na iisa lang 
yung minahal for 10 years pero pinagkaiba nila, Gab was living in the present. I love him 
kasi diba nga sikat siya pero naging ayos lang sa kanya na second choice lang siya. It’s hard 
for the ego diba pero he stayed because he couldn’t break his promise. I made Gab 
because I had best friends like him, but the difference was they broke their promise of 
not leaving pero si Gab never kaya siguro I made him para kahit dito diba, may natupad 
na promise. He’s patient like Michael but he got more wisdom than Michael. Siguro kung 
mamatay din si Mary he would also die for her pero sympre maniniwala muna siya na 
kaya ni Mary pero pag wala na talaga I think he will. 


Jenny Cruz 

* 
Based sa naging friend ng tunay na Michael na naging girlfriend niya. Maarte talaga 
ang tunay na Jenny. And I don’t like her mas gusto ko yung character ko. 
* 
Jenny was selfish but during nung may sakit siya nagka-epiphany siya and became 
good. I like her because her loyalty to her friends: Mary and Michael. 


 

Jewel De Castro 

* 
Based sa college friend ko, she’s the same really. Parehas na parehas. I mean hindi 
rin niya masabi kay Harry yung feelings niya. They’re the same and friendship means a lot. 
* 
Jewel wasn’t a coward, ok maybe pero natatakot lang siya na mawala yung 
friendship nila ni Harry at ayaw niya yun dahil ayun nalang talaga yung natitira na kahit 
pa na hindi siya mahal ni Harry basta magkaibigan sila ok lang. Siya ang unang nagka-
happy ending sa story at sabi nga ni Mary, yung love story nila ni Harry ang pinaka best 
example ng isang pagibig na hindi nawalan ng pagasa well second to Alyssa and Michael’s. 



harry.jpg
(10) Kuya Michael!!....jpg
JC 4.jpg
Harry Naval 

* 
Based sa kakambal ng tunay na James. A little bit of a snob but really a kind 
hearted man. Family oriented. Difference was he was in love with the real life Camille. 
* 
Well Harry is Harry, torpe pero tulad ni Jewel natakot. Possessive si Harry nung 
naging sila ni Jewel, mas gusto niyang ipagsigawan sa lahat na mahal niya si Jewel. 


 

Love Gruen 

* 
Based sa friend ko. She’s really in love with the real life Gab. And I remember 
nagaway talaga kami because of Gab. But we’re ok na. She’s the same as my character 
talaga kasi Love, Jewel and I have a stalker fetish. haha 
* 
Kahit pa mahal niya si Gab, nagparaya siya dahil she chose friendship. Kasi sa 
kanya mas mahalaga talaga yung pagkakaibigan nila ni Mary, na kahit na alam niyang may 
chance na siya nung mga time na Mary let Gab go, she decided to let Gab see the light 
and that’s what I like about her. And in the end sila ni Mat yung una niyang crush ang 
nakatuluyan niya. 


John Conrad Balagtas / JC 

* 
Name was based on a pep friend of ours. 
* 
JC was kind of a martyr too. Pero what I like about him is he did help Alyssa 
never asking for anything. And yeah in the end sila nagkatuluyan ni Alyssa. He was really 
the best example for a martyr type of guy kasi when Michael died he stayed again and 
married Alyssa kahit alam niya na si Michael talaga ang mamahalin ni Alyssa, he stayed 
and loved her. He was understanding. 


 

//How the story was made// 

 My love for a Magician/Waiting for the Magician was made because of the excitement of 
my freshmen year. Madami kasing nangyari when I was a first year college. Madami kaming 
nakilala and yung mga characters talagang nabanggit sa story ay mga nakilala namin. This was 
really based sa true story well wala pang nakakalam what will happen in 10 years but who knows 
diba? Alyssa might come back and Michael might meet her again. We never know. I think kaya ko 


to naisulat dahil it was the best year of my life, I got to know many people and fell in love. We 
all did. I wanted something to symbolize that year and also my friendship with my friends. That 
was what was intended for book one. But for the book two, it was made because dahil nga we 
fell in love, we did break our hearts. At book two was clearly a book for heartbreaks. Ayun lang. 
I love this story so much dahil it does represent many things about me and my friends and the 
guys we fell in love with. 

//The Survey// 

 What can I say about the survey? Alright madaming magsasabi din naman na hindi ko 
sinunod yun. Well I did. Pero kay Mary lang. Tight yung laban for Team Gabriel and Team James, 
I mean Gab won lamang lang niya kay James was 3 votes including mine dahil I can’t decide. 
Pero sa two questions hindi ko na sinunod, Michael won lamang niya kay JC was 11 votes pero 
hindi ko sinunod yun dahil hindi nagbago ang isip ko. The last question, do they deserve a happy 
ending, sympre yes ang mga sagot pero there was 5 who answered No, sana pala pag no may 
following question na why no? Pero well sinunod ko yan ah! I mean masaya si Mary, Jewel, 
Jenny, Love and also Alyssa ok hindi si Michael pero Alyssa was content na kaya siguro masaya 
na siya. 

 Sa lahat ng nagsagot ng survey ko, maraming salamat po. It was all worth it! Kung 
nanalo si James sa survey I would definitely change my ending with James pero hindi eh. At 
kung maraming nag vote ng NO haha. Reverse psychology lang ang peg. Pero baka nga ginawa 
kong happy ending haha. Kasi really may back up plan ako for my series, kung si James ang 
nakatuluyan ni Mary edi si Gab ang may story, pero hindi na maganda nga lang. Kaya ok na din 
tong ending ko. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


finallyfoundyou.png
angelscry.png
//Upcoming Stories// 

 ---


 

 

 

 

Third Series of “Fate’s Cruel Intervention” 

 Lumabas muna ako dahil nakakabingi siya. 

 “Pagpasensyahan mo na si Sir James ah” napatingin ako sa nagsalita. 

 Yung secretary niya. “Hindi naman talaga ganyan yan dati eh, super bait niyan dati, pero 
since then naging cold na siya.” She said. “Today is 24 kaya medyo cranky yan ngayon.” 

 Anong meron sa 24? Tumingin ako sa kanya yung para bang nagtatanong. 

 “5 months na since May 24.” May 24, ang kasal dapat namin ni Troy at ang araw ng 
kasal ni James dun kay Mary right? “I guess hindi parin niya kaya.”Anong hindi niya kaya?“He 
changed. Nawala na yung masayahing James Naval, naging cold na.” 

 “Anong nangyari?” 

 “He got left in the altar.” Summer said. Iniwan siya ni Mary sa araw ng kasal nila? Pero 
bakit? 

 ---


 

 

 

 

Fourth Series of “Fate’s Cruel Intervention” 


imaprincessonbreak1.png 
Here I am papunta sa ladies room, nitong hotel na to, we are having our rehearsal dinner, 
I heard voices sa ladies room, may naguusap, I don’t really want to eavesdrop but they left me 
with no choice. 

 “Red, I don't want to be your mistress.” It’s Alexis boses niya eh, parang umiiyak siya. 

 “I don’t want you to be my mistress Alex. I want you to be my wife.” 

 “But I can’t, can I? Kakasal ka na bukas Red.” 

 “Alex give me time, babalik din ako sayo. 3 years Alex, wait for me.” 

 “Three years? I can’t wait for you that long.” 

 “Mahal na mahal kita Alex. Tatlong taon lang. No make that two years. Siguro naman 
papayag na sila na mag annul kami ni Angel.” 

 Nasasaktan ako, kasi kahit naman ayokong magpakasal sa kanya din, hindi ko naman naisip 
na hiwalayan din siya agad, two years? But anong magagawa ko mahal nila ang isa’t isa. 

 “Ayoko maghintay Red. Kung mahal mo talaga ako, don’t marry her. Runaway with me 
tomorrow.” 

 “I love you.” 

 And that is my cue to leave. Pinunasan ko muna yung luhang tumulo kanina, he’s not 
going to attend the wedding tomorrow. Eto ba yung karma na sinasabi nila? 

 ---


 

 

 

 

 

 

“Do you miss him?” 



stillinlove.png
I looked at the person who was also looking at me sincerely. 
I forced a laugh. “Why would I miss my kidnapper?” I asked, “At isa pa anong magagawa ko pag 
sinabi kong miss na miss ko na siya?” I asked and he looked at me with a puzzled look. Of course 
sinadya ko iyon, he doesn’t understand Filipino after all. 
“Then why are you sulking around?” he asked, he is very irritated right now “What really 
happen to you when you were kidnapped?” 
What happened? That I don’t know too. 
I am a princess by blood, once I was kidnapped, and that changed my point of view in life. 
I looked at the stars above me, and I started remembering what happened before this all. 
When I was still an obnoxious princess. 

 ---


 

 

 

 

 Nagpunta si Julie sa nursery at pinapasok siya sa loob, she looked at the incubated baby. 
“What would happen to you baby?” she asked. Could Damon take care of the baby alone? 

 “He will have no mother.” Nagulat siya at napatingin sa gilid niya, si Damon. 

 “Kaya mo ba?” she asked. 

 “I don’t know. Ayaw kong lumaki siya ng walang ina Juliet. Gusto kong may buo siyang 
pamilya pero paano na ngayon?” Damon said. “Dianne even begged the doctors to tell me not to 
put her name on his birth certificate.” 

 Nagulat si Julie sa sinabi ni Damon “Anong ibig mong sabihin?” 

 “She asked for your name to be written.” Sagot ni Damon. “But I didn’t, wala pang 
nakasulat.” 


alittlehelpfromdestint.png 
She looked at the baby, Dianne named her son Alexander or Ace for short. Alexander was 
Julie’s grandfather and he took care of Dianne’s schooling ever since high school. 

 “I’ll be his mother.” Julie said. This was the right thing to do. Dianne was her family 
even though she betrayed her, they were still a family and Ace deserve a mother. 

 “If you decide to be his mother you will have to marry me Juliet.” Damon told her “I 
don’t want him to grow without a whole family.” 

 She closed her eyes. If things were different, she would say no to his proposal, but 
Charles was not her Charles anymore and she won’t ever forgive him. “Then I will. Just so you 
know I got engaged last night.” She tried to smile. “But damn him for cheating on me.” Tears 
began falling again. It still hurts. 

 “Thank you for doing this Juliet.” Damon said. “Pero Juliet I want a real marriage.” 

 ---


 

 

 

 

Part Two (2013) 

 “I get it.” He smiled at me “But will you wait for me?” tanong niya sa akin. Parang 
mali naman siya eh, dapat ako ang nagtatanong niyan kasi haggang ngayon siya ang naghihintay sa 
akin diba? 

 Tumango lang ako “10 years from now, kung handa kang maghintay ng 10 years at wala 
ka pang ibang mahal at ganun din ako then I would marry you Kim.” Nagulat ata siya sa sinabi 
ko kasi his jaw dropped open. “Magaaral tayo ng mabuti at in 10 years pagtayo talaga edi tayo. 
That’s our 10 year plan Ian.” 

 That’s when I formulated our 10-year plan, the plan that made me think about the 
future. 

 But before I didn’t know that that plan wouldn’t be made possible. 


justaspoonfuloflove1.png 
---


 

 

 

 

Part Two (Out on February 2013) 

 I’m in love with her. 

 She’s the only one here in my heart, she’s my first love. 

 And I’d do anything to be with her, even if I have to beg my family for her. 

 I was being selfish because of her, all I ever wanted is to be with her, I didn’t think 
about the consequence of being with her. I risked the life her mom died for. 

 “Babe.” I felt a hand around my shoulder. I stood up and she looked at me. “What’s 
wrong babe?” she asked as if things are not right. 

 “Everything.” She looked at me again and now her eyes are full of pain. As if, I hurt her 
feelings, doesn’t she know I’m more hurt. 

 “Babe please.” Nagmamaka-awa na ang mga mata niya ngayon, she walked near me and 
tried to hold my hand. “Akala ko ba we’re working this out?” she asked me. 

 “Bea please, just leave me alone.” Naglakad na ako palabas ng classroom, it’s been two 
months since I last talked to her and it’s been hell. 

 “Hindi ka niya mahal Daniel.” Napatigil ako sa paglalakad “Masaya na siya kay Enrique.” 
Tumingin ako sa kanya. 

 Bea’s right, she’s happy with Enrique, she’s not in love with me. What if, just what if 
things were different? Would we have the happy ending we deserve? I love her and only her. 

 

 


fate cruel intervention series.png
fate cruel intervention series.png
//Fate’s Cruel Intervention Series// 

 

 

 

 

 Fate is one tricky bastard. We never know what fate is planning for us. When 
everything seems perfect, when it seems like you're finally happy that's when fate decides to 
butt in and do what it has been doing all this time: PLAY the game called LOVE. If happy 
ending isn't fate's cup of tea then what is? Come and join the characters of this series as they 
fight against fate in the name of Love and Happiness. Join them as fate teaches them the true 
meaning of "true love". All of these stories are connected in its own way. 

1. My Love for a Magician – Alyssa Maurice Fontillo 
2. Waiting for the Magician – Alyssa Fontillo & Mary DiLaurentis 
3. Finally Found You –Lillian Navarro 
4. Angels’ Cry – Angel Marie Jhonson 


 

//How to download the Special Chapter: A Moment?// 

 Waiting for the Magician special chapter: A Moment: The Mary DiLaurentis and Gabriel 
Jhonson Love Story will be available on January 26, 2013. The story goes what happened after 
Mary left the altar for Gabriel. Happy ending na ba agad sila o may mga pagsubok pa silang 
dinaan para makamtan ang happy ending nila? The story follows what happened after the death 
of Michael and of course how Mary and Gabriel helped Alyssa but of course this is only a special 
chapter which only has 5 chapters and off to their happy ending. Let’s see what happened to 
the two best friends. Tignan natin kung sa huli makakaya ba ng true love ang lahat lahat 
pagdating sa kanila o sadyang susuko na sila dahil napapagod na sila. 

 

 


How to download this on January 26? 

. Limited lang. Meaning kunti lang ang makakakuha ng access for the download link. 
. So kung limited lang siya paano ako makakakuha nito? Easy sympre nabasa mo na yung 
Waiting for the Magician at dahil nga hindi ko na post ang part nito ng Waiting for the 
Magician sa Wattpad, wala akong nakuhang mga feedbacks at hindi ko alam kung ayos lang 
to so all you need to do is: 
. After reading Waiting for the Magician, i-pm niyo ako sa Wattpad or post 
sa aking MB or sa aking site (yung entry form sa baba ng download links), 
ilagay niyo yung feedback niyo dun. Kung anong mga reklamo niyo sa story 
or kung ayos lang at nagandahan kayo or whatever, basta write your rants 
and whims. 
. At I want your thoughts about Mary and Gabriel’s love story. Gusto ko 
bigyan niyo ako ng feedback about their love story dahil para sa kanila 
yung special chapter. 
. Sympre dahil sa January 26, 2013 pa to. At really dahil nga special 
chapters lang to because of my anniversary sa Wattpad on December 26, 
2012 at eto yung gift ko kaso one month late siya. Ayun of course pag 
nagbigay kayo ng entry form sa site ko or nag post sa MB ko sa Wattpad, 
iwan niyo yung email niyo or kung ayaw niyo ng email then yung Wattpad 
username niyo or kaya kung ayaw din niyo ng Wattpad edi Twitter account 
niyo. Then I will give you the password for the download link. 
. Limited offer only so after reading Waiting for the Magician make sure na 
magbigay agad kayo ng feedback about sa story and then sa January 26 
magugulat nalang kayo at may link at password na for your own lang 
sympre. 
. Ayun po, isu-summarize ko po: UNA: Feedback about the story and the 
love story of Gabriel and Mary. PANGALAWA: Send it to my Wattpad 
account: uknowulovemary (pwede imessage or ipost sa MB ko mas gusto ko 
sa MB ko) or sa site ko: 
http://uknowulovemarystories.weebly.com/download-stories.html or you sa 
Twitter account ko (@uknowulovemary) PANGATLO: Sympre give me the 
info kung saan ko isesend yung download link or the file itself (pwede ang 
Wattpad username, email address, Twitter account) PANGAPAT: Patiently 
wait for January 26, 2013 to come. 



. Alam ko pong masyado akong maarte at may ganyan pa kung pwede ko naman ibigay 
nalang pero kasi naman po, lahat na po ng story ko, I gave it without any conditions 
kaya gusto ko sana sa Special Chapters ng Waiting for the Magician ay may condition 
naman at I know na appreciated ang stories ko. And I really want to know your feedbacks, 
your thoughts sa story ko, gusto ko lang malaman kung appreciated ba ang story ko or 
what ayun lang naman poi yon. So sa mga nagbabalak na makakuha ng Waiting for the 
Magician Special Chapter: A Moment: The Mary DiLaurentis and Gabriel Jhonson Love 
Story, then go online now and write me some feedbacks. Basta po pag nagbigay ng 
feedbacks don’t forget to write your contact info (Email address or Wattpad username) 
dahil dati may mga nanghingi ng password nung password protected yung ibang stories ko 
na wala silang binigay na contact info so never silang naka-receive ng link and password. So 
ayun lang. 


Again maraming salamat po sa pagsuporta ng aking munting story. My love for a Magician and 
Waiting for the Magician may not be my finest finished stories but I am proud of it at sana 
kayo din. 

ONE MORE REMINDER: 

. PLEASE DO NOT redistribute this PDF. Let’s all say no to Plagiarism! 


 

Thank you so much for reading. God Bless you! 

uknowulovemary 

 

Sorry po sa mga typos and wrong grammar, mahirap pong mag-edit hehe. Thanks again.