Pr ol ogue: Andi tal l begi nsher e. . .

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" Youwi l l bespendi ngy oursummerv acat i oni nGr eece, Hect or . "

Myf acewentbl ankasIst ar edatmymot herwhowassi t t i ngatt heot hersi deoft het abl ebesi de myst epf at herwhowaspl ay i ngwi t hmybabysi st erLei ght ont hant i me.Iwi shedt hatshedi dn' t sayt hosewor ds.Idon' twantt ospendmysummerv acat i onatGr eecewi t hmyr eal f at her .

" Idon' twantt oo, Mom.Iwantt ost ayher eandpl aywi t hmybabysi st er . "Ismi l edatDad.Wi l f r edo Sant i l l ani sonl ymyst epf at herbuthet r eat smel i kehi sownf l eshandbl ood.Mymot hermar r i ed

hi m whenIwasf oury ear sol d.Thei r swasawhi r l wi ndr omance.Theymet ,t heydat edandaf t er t hr eeweekst heyf el l i nl ov e.

I nst ant l y , Il ov edmyst epf at her , hewasasgoodt omeasmymom.Hel ov esmel i keIam hi sr eal son.Forei ghty ear s, Iam hi sonl ysonandIt hi nkhe' sokaywi t ht hatbutoneday , t hegoodnews came.Mom gotpr egnantandni nemont hsl at er ,wewe' r ebl essedwi t haheal t hybounci ngbaby gi r l .Mom namedherLei ght on.Wewer ev er yhappyuponherar r i v al .Dadcal l edhert hel ucky char m oft hef ami l y .

WhenIsaw herf ort hef i r stt i me,myhear tf el lf orher .If el tr esponsi bl ef orherev er ymov e.I v owedt opr ot ectmysi st er .Iwi l ldoev er y t hi ngf orherandnoonecanev ert akeherawayf r om t hef ami l y .Noonewi l l ev erhur ther .

" Youhav et o;y ourBabawant st oseey ou. "Mom l ookedatme." Don' ty ouwantt ogett oknow hi m? "

" Hehadabandonme, Mom.Hej ustneededanhei rt hat ' swhyhewant smenow. "

" Youar et wel v ey ear sol dandy ety out al kl i key oudad.Wi l f r edoanobangi t i nur omosaanakko? " Mom r ol l edherey es.Dadsmi l edatmeandwi nked.

" I fhedoesn' twantt ogot henl ethi m st ayher e. "

" Oonga,Mom.Masgust okongal agaansiLei gh.KapagnasaSant or i niako,mami mi sskol ang si y a. "

" I ' m st i l ly ourmot her .Anak,t womont hskal angnamansaBabamo.I sapa,kai l anganmor i n si y angki l al ani n. " Idi dn' tsayany t hi ng.Icont i nuedeat i ng.I t ' snott hatIhat emyr ealf at herbutt hef actt hathel ef t mom whi l eshewaspr egnantwi t hmebugst hehel l outofme.

Hi ndir i nnamanakonanal okayMommy .Shesentmet oGr eecet hr eeday saf t er .Iwasn' tr eal l y hav i ngt het i meofmyl i f eal t houghSant or i nii sav er ybeaut i f ulpl ace, Ist i l lpr ef ermyv i ewoft he Met r oi nmyr oom andt hev oi ceofmyst epf at her .Ial somi ssedl i t t l eLei gh.Imi ssherbaby l aught erandImi ssedmymot her ' sf ood.

Isi ghed.Ican' tbel i ev et hatIhav et ost ayher et hewhol esummer .Myr ealf at her ' snamei s Hy per i onDemi t r i-het ol dmet hathi sEngl i shnamei sJohnDoe-hehadal soaskedaboutmy Engl i shnameandIt ol dhi mt hatI t ' sHect orSant i l l an.Heshookhi sheadandsmi l edknowi ngl y , he t appedmyshoul der .

" You' r ei nGr eece, son.Youar eHel i os, t hesonofHy per i onandt hi s. . . "Hemot i onedhi sv astl and. " I sal l y our s.Youar emyonl yhei r .You' r eev enr i chert hant hatmany ourmot hermar r i ed. "

Ist ar edathi m.Idon' tknowwhatIshoul df eelaboutt hi sbutI ' m ki ndagl adt hathe' st r y i ngt oget t oknowme.

Theday swentbysof ast .Babawast r ai ni ngmeonhandl i nghi sbusi ness.He' saf i r ear mt y coon. Hesel l sguns-l egal l y-andot herwarweaponst ot hear mf or ceoft het i gercount r i esl i keThe U. S. A.Russi a, Chi naandt hePhi l i ppi nes.

" Baba, whydon' ty ouhav eawi f e? "Iaskedhi m oneni ghtwhi l ehav i ngdi nner .Hest ar edatme.

" Idon' tneedt hat , Hel i os.Lov ei saweakness.I fy oul ov ey ou' r eweak. "Hesai d.Hewasser i ous.I j ustshr uggedt hatof f .Weat edi nneri nsi l ence.Idon' tknowwhyhesai dt hosewor dsbutwi t h whatIsawbet weenmypar ent s-Iknowt hatl ov ei sn' tabadt hi ng.

Dumat i ngangar awnangpagbal i kkosaPi l i pi nas.Babawaswi t hmet hatmoment .Hewant edt o per sonal l yr et ur nmet omymom andaskper mi ssi ont obor r owmeagai nnextsummer .

Whenwegott ot hehouse,Iwassoexci t ed.Maki ki t akonaul i tsiLei ght on.Mar amiakong pasal ubongsakany a.Iexci t edl yent er edt hemansi onbutt hesi l encest r uckme.

" Mom? "Ical l edout .Iwasonl ygonef ort womont hsbutIf el tl i kesomet hi nghaschanged. " Mom! ? !Dad? ! "

Ihear dsomef oot st eps.Il ookedar oundandIsaw mynannywal ki ngt owar dsme.Shewas hol di ngabagonherhand.Herey eswer eshal l owandwat er y .Par angkai i y akni y al ang.

" Nanny ? "Ical l edher ." Wher ei smom?Nasaof f i cebasi Dad? "Iwasexci t edagai n." Si Lei gh? "

Tomysur pr i semynanyhuggedme.Shesobbedhar d.Icoul df eel hershoul der sshaki ng.

" Hect or , "Shesobbedsohar dshewasal mostoutofbr eat h." Wal anaangmommyatdaddymo. I nat akesapusoangdaddymo,namat aynamansacarcr ashangmommymo.Wal anasi l a, Hect or . . . "

Gumuhoangmundoko.

Iwasonl yt wel v ey ear sol d, t ooy oungt or eal i zehowcr uel l i f ei s.

Ti ni ngnankosi y a.

" Ssi Lei gh? "

Mynannyshookherhead.

" Theyt ookherawayt oo, Hect or . "

1.St ol en

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Sant or i ni , Gr eece

" Howwasy oursi st er , Hel i os? "

Babaaskedmet hequest i onIhav ebeenav oi di ngt ohearal l week.Igotbackf r om t hePhi l i ppi nes al mostsi xmont hsandIhav ebeenav oi di ngBabasi ncet hen.I twasagoodt hi ngBabawasbusy wi t hhi swor kf ort hel astsi xmont hs.Idon' twanthi mt oknowt hatIf ai l onget t i ngLei ght onback. Idon' twanthi mt oknowt hatt heConsunj i ' shav edef eat edhi smi ght ysonHel i osDemi t r i -t heson oft hear morgodofGr eece-Hy per i onDemi t r i .

" Youpr omi sedmet hatwheny ougetback,she' l lbewi t hy ou.Wher ei sshe,Hel i os?Iwannasee her . "

Idi dn' tanswer .Ij ustsatt her et hi nki ngoft her i ghtwor dst ouse.Howam Isupposedt ot el lmy f at hert hathi ssonf ai l ed?Ishoul d' v el i st enedt ohi m.

" I ' l l gethersoon, Baba. "Isai dt ohi m.Hesi ghed.

" Youf ai l ed, Demi t r i ? "Heaskedme.Idi dn' tknowwhatt osayt ohi m.Yes, Ihav ef ai l edandi t ' sal l becauseoft heConsunj i s.Theydi dn' twantt ogi v eLei ght onbackt ome.Maykar apat anakosa kany a, kapat i dkosi y abutt heConsunj i shav eer asedev er ybi tofSant i l l anonher .She' snowaf ul l gr ownConsunj i andIhat edt hef ami l yt hatt ookherawayf r om memor et hanany t hi ngel se.

Mypl anwasper f ect .I ' m ont hev er geoft aki ngev er y t hi ngawayf r om t hem.Ihav epl acedmy sel f ont heConsunj ihot el s.Ihav edef eat edYt oConsunj i-i twasasur ewi nbutSandej asr ui nedmy pl an.

Ihav eunder est i mat edYt oConsunj i-he' sj ustl i kehi sf at herandbecauseoft hatIf ai l ed.Dapat pi nagar al ankongmai giangl ar oni y a.Hepl ay sdi r t y-Iwasn' tr eadyf orhi m.Iwasn' tev en t hi nki ngabouthi spl ans.Iwassof ocusedonget t i ngLei ght onbackt ome. Nanghi naakoatdahi li y onsapagmamahalkopar asakapat i dko.Babawasr i ght-l ov emakes peopl eweak.

" Son. . . "

" Iknow,Baba.I ' m pl anni ngofacomebackandi twi l lbeexpl osi v et hi st i me. "Igr i nned.The Consunj i sdon' thav eanyi deawhatt heywer eget t i ngt hemsel v esi nt o.Theyhav enoi deawho Hel i osDemi t r ii sandwhatIcando.Iam apower f ulman-ev enmor epower f ult hanSancho Consunj ihi msel f-backi nt heday s.Kunganongkay ani l anggawi nkay akor i natmashi gi tpa doon.

BabaandIf i ni shedeat i ngbr eakf ast .Nagpaal am si y angaal i sati i kut anangar mor yni y a.Ist ay ed i nt hemansi onr eadi ngt hepaper st hatneedsi gni ngaf t ert hat , Igott al kedt osomepeopl eabout mycomebackt ot hePhi l i ppi nes.

Ispenthal fofmydaywor ki ngandpl ot t i ngonapl an-apl ant hatwoul dsendt heConsunj i st ot he gr ound-Iwi l lbr eakt hem apar tl i kewhatt heydi dt omyf ami l y .Iwi l lmaket hei rl i v esal i v i nghel l unt i l IgetwhatIwant .

Theni ghtcame.Iwasi nsi demyr oom l y i ngnakedont hebedwai t i ngf orCassi opei a-my per sonalgoddess-she' st hewomanIf uckev er yt i meIf eell i kef ucki ng.Whenshecamei nsi de, I t ol dhert ot akehercl ot hesof f .Shest ar t edpl easur i ngme.

Sexcal msmedownev er yt i meIam st r essedoruneasy .Masnakakapagi si pakodur i ngt heact . Andt hatni ghtwasnotdi f f er entatal l .Whi l eIwast hr ust i ngi nsi deofher ,t hepl anIwaspl ot t i ng becamemor ev i v i dandcl ear er .Bef or eCassi opei acame-t hepl ani nmyheadwaspl ot t edneat l y .

Il ov ei twhenwomenscr eam mynameoutofpai nandpl easur e.

Af t erIcameonher , Ist oodup.Shewaswel lspent .Bagosi y at ul uy angmakat ul ogaypi naal i sko si y asasi l i dko.

Iwasl ooki ngatt hev astdar knessonmywi ndow-Iwast hi nki ngaboutt hel i f eIhav er i ghtnow andt hel i f et hatIshoul dhav el i v edkunghi ndi naki al am angmgaConsunj i sapami l y ako.

Napangi sinal angako.Hi ndinar i nnamanmagt at agalatmakukuhakonakunganonggust oko. Al am naal am konaanggagawi nkoatsi si mul ankoangpaghi hi gant isapagbal i kko.Hi ndina akomakapaghi nt ay .

Maghi hi gant i akoatsi si mul ankoi y onkaySheenaConsunj i .

Twomont hsl at er . . .

" Wel comeback, Demi t r i . "

Iey edmydr i v erandmyFi l i pi naassi st ant .Theyar eal lusel esst ome.Iwasn' tev ent hr i l l edabout seei ngt hem af t erIgotoutoft heai r por t .I twasj ustanor di nar yday .Hi ndinamansi l aanggust o kongmaki t a.Ihav easkedmypeopl et ogetmypl ani nmot i on.Masy adonangmat agalang wal ong buwan na pagbabakasy on atpamamahi nga ko sa Sant or i ni .Kai l angan ko namang gumawangi ngayngay on.

Ngay ongar awkosi si mul anangpl ano.Mypl an-unl i ket hef i r st-wasn' tpr emat ur eatal l .I ti sj ust r i ght .Iwassur et hataf t ert oday , t heConsunj i swi l lbecr awl i ngbackt omeatsi l apami smoang magbabal i ksaaki nkayLei ght on.Iwoul dn' tev enhav et obegt ot hem.Si l aangmagmamakaawa saaki n.

Igott omycar .Agadnamangi nabotsaaki nniKat hr y na-myassi st ant-angI phoneko.I i nst ant l ymadeacal l .

" Domi nguez, howwast hepl an? "Iaskedhi m.Idi dn' tev enbot heraski nghowhei s.Whywoul dI ?I am Hel i osDemi t r i -andIdon' tgi v eadamnaboutany t hi ng.

" We' r ef ol l owi ngt hem, Si r . "

" Good. "Isai d.Bi gl aaymaynaal al aako." How wast hatboy-t heonewhogotshot ?I shest i l l al i v e? "Iasked.Hi ndi namanakoconcer n.Ij ustwant edt oknow.

" He' swel l , Si r .Kasamasi y angay onsasi nusundannami n. "

" Good.Si gur aduhi nni ny ongmal i ni sangt r abahoni ny o. "Ti naposkoangt awagatt umahi mi kna l ang.I ' m sur et hatbyt oni ght-al lmypl answi l lf al li nt hei rpr operpl aces.TheConsunj i swor l dwi l l bedoomed.Lei ght onwi l lbewi t hme-endofst or y .Iwi l lbeabl et ol i v et hel i f eIhav ebeen want edsi nceIwasv er yy oungandnaï v e.Babawi i nkoangl ahatngki nuhasaaki nniSancho Consunj i .Si si gur uhi nkongpagsi si hanni y angl ahatnggi nawani y a.Lul uhasi y angdugosa gagawi nkosaasawani y a.

I t ' sl i kehi t t i ngt wobi r dsi nonest one.Hi ndil angsiSanchoangmasi si r akundipat inar i nsiYt o Consunj i .Hewi l l beasdev ast at edashi sf at her .Icoul dn' twai tf ort hatdayt ohappen.

Wer eachedmyhome.Myhousei sl ocat edont het opofahi l lov er l ooki ngt hemet r o.Peopl el i ke t ocal l myhomet heGl asshouseont hehi l l .

" Wel comeSi r . "Bat isaaki nngmgakat ul ongsabahayko.Hi ndikosi l api nansi n.Iwenti nsi demy r oom.Li eonmybedandt r i edsl eepi ng.Kai l angankongl akaspar asapagdat i ngngbi si t ako mamay a.

I twasal mostmi dni ghtwhenIwokeup.IguessIwasj ustont i mebecausewhenIl ookedoutmy

wi ndow-Isawacarent er i ngmyl ot .Igr i nned.Nandi t onaangbi si t ako.

Si nal ubongkosi l asal abas.Iwasact ual l yexci t edaboutt hi s.Kasabayngpagl abasni l aaymay hawakr i nsi l angi sangbabaengnakat aki pngsakoangul o.Pumapal agsi y a.Nakangi sil angako.I wasact ual l yenj oy i ngt hi s.Kababal i kkopaatanggandangpasal ubongkosamgaConsunj i .

" Si r ,het onasi y a. "Sabisaaki nnangt auhanko.Dahandahanakongl umapi tsakany a.It ookt he sackawayf r om herf ace.Handanaakosamaki ki t ako.Iwasexpect i ngSheenaConsunj ibutasI t aket hesackawayf r om her-i tr ev eal edherf aceIgasped.

" Whatt hef ucki st hi s? ! "Il ookedatal l oft hem.

2.Nev eragai n

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I twashappeni ngagai n.Iwasseei ngi tagai n.Icoul dheart hedeaf eni ngsoundoft hatgunshot t hatt ookt hebestofhi mt hatmor ni ngoft het went y t hi r dofJul y .I twasal mostni nemont hsago butst i l lt hememor yoft hehor r orIexper i encedaf t erseei nghi ml y i ngont hecol dpav ementunconsci ousandbar el ybr eat hi nghaunt edmel i keamonst erundermybedev er yni ght .

Iknewt hatIwasonl ydr eami ngbutt hedr eam wassor eal .I nmydr eam,Ihav el osthi m andno mat t erhow har dIt r yorcr yhej ustwon' tcomeback.I nmydr eam,t her ewast hemonst er st andi ngout si dehi sr oom hol di ngt hegunt hatwasusedt oshoothi m.I nmydr eam hewasev i l l y l aughi ng-cel ebr at i ngt hev i ct or yhehad.

I twasal l adr eam buti tseemedsor eal .

Iopenedmyey esasIcat chmybr eat h.It r i edf or get t i ngt hememor yi nmyhead.WasIt hi nki ng abouti tagai nt hatIact ual l ydr eamedofi t ?Nasapokoangdi bdi bko.Hi ndiakomakahi nga.I coul df eelmybodyshaki ngwi t hsomuchf ear .Hanggangngay onnat at akotakosakany a.Those pi er ci ngdev i l i shgr eeney es,hi sdemoni cgr i n,andhi smonst er l i kel aught er-ev er y t hi ngabout hi mj ustmakesmeshake. . .

" Yza? "

Thev oi ceIhear dbehi ndmei senought ot akemebackt or eal i t y .If el thi sar mswr appedar ound me, hi sl i pst ouchedmyt empl eashet ookadeepl ongsi gh.Napai y akakosat akot .

" Babe,what ' swr ong? "Nomat t erhowcomf or t i nghi sv oi cewas-t hehor r orIwasf eel i ngi nsi de j ustwon' tst op.

" YzaJoan. . . "Tawagni y amul i saaki n.Napi l i t anakonghar api nsi y a.

" Ihadabaddr eam. "Isobbed.Zachar yDr ewsi ghedashepul l edmecl oser .Iset t l edmyheadon hi sbar echest .Hi sski nwashot-buti t ' snotenought ot akeawayal lt hebadt hi ngsi nmy memor y .Icoul dseehi m asi fhe' sher e.Icoul dst i l lheart hegunshot ,Icoul df eelt hepai n, ev er y t hi ng.Ij ustl oat het hatdaysomuch.

" Yza,t aposnadi ba? "Tanongni y asaaki n." Gi si ngnaako.I ' m al i v e,we' r et oget her ,andwe' r eon mybed.I ' m her e.I ' m nev ergoi ngt ol eav ey ousowhybescar ed? "Hewaski ssi ngt hesi deofmy headashesay sal l t hosecomf or t i ngwor ds.Pumi ki tako.Pi l i tkongki nakal maangsar i l i ko.Tama namansiZach-t her e' snot hi ngt obewor r i edabout .Nandi t osi y a.We' v ebeent oget herf ort wo andahal fy ear s.He' sal i v e, he' si nl ov ewi t hmeandhewi l lnev erl eav eme.I y onl angnamanang mahal aga-i y ongaki nsi y aatwal angi bangmaki ki hat i sakany asaaki n.

" Aki nkadi ba? "Tanongkopa.Humagi kgi ksi y aatsakat i ni ngnanako.Kumunotnamanangnoo ko.I ni snanagsal i t aako." Baki tkat umat awa?Anongnakakat awa? "

" Lastni ght , Ihear dYt osayt hatt oNi ki t a.Hesai di nav er yaut hor i t at i v et one:Aki nka.Taposang usapan.Iwasj ustwonder i ng, mot t oni ny obangmagkapat i di y an? "Tanongpani y anapar abang i naasarl angako.Imadeaf ace.Kasal anankobakungay awkongkahat i sakany a?

" Mat ul ogkananga. "Sabikonal ang.Il ayonmysi deofhi sbedagai n.Nar amdamankong pumal upotsabay wangkoangkamayni y aatsakasi y anagsal i t a.

" Sa' y ol angako, babe.Wal anamangnagbago. "Heassur edme.Ij ustsi ghed.Pumi ki takonamay ngi t isal abi .Pi l i tkongki nakal i mut anangt akotnadal angar awnai y on.Ay okonangmaal al aang bagaynai y on.Kungmer onmanakongnar ar amdamangkahi tnaanopar asaar aw nai y onay gal i t-gal i tpar asat aonggumawanoonkayZach.Gal i tatpani bugho.

Hi ndikoal am kunganongor asnaakongnakat ul ognanggabi ngi y on.Ki nabukasanayhal os magt at anghal inar i nnang bumangonkami ngdal awa.Zachwasst i l lnaked-we' l lnotf ul l y naked.Hehadhi sboxer sonwhi l eIwaswear i nghi sshi r tandhi sboxershor t s.Wal anamankasi sapl anonadoonakomagpapal i pasnggabi .Wej ustdeci dedont hataf t erwat chi ngamov i ewel l af t ermaki ngout-Ibl ushedont hatt hought .

Icl ear edmyt hr oat .Nahi hi y aakosat akbongi si panko.Iwasact ual l yt hi nki ngofZach' sl i psand t hewayi tf eel sonmyski n.Wal anamangmasamasagi nagawanami n.We' r et wopeopl eunder t hespel lofl ov e.Ev ent ual l y-wear egoi ngt omakel ov et henwe' l lgetmar r i edandwe' r egoi ngt o dot hatev er ywaki ngmomentofourl i v esper okapagnai i si pkokasi nahi hi y aako.

I ' m av i r gi nandIt ol dhi mt hat .Si gur ongay at adapatayhi ndikosi nabisakany a.Nai si pkonab akakay ani y agust ongi t akesl owangl ahataydahi lnat at akotsi y anamasakt anl angako.Hi ndi namanakomasasakt anbecauseIknowt hathel ov esmeati sapawal anaakongi bangl al aki ng naki ki t anapagbi bi gy annoon.

" Huy ! "Pi ni ndotni y aangi l ongko." Anongi ni i si pmo,babe? "Heaskedme.Umi l i ngako.Ay okong sabi hi nsakany akasiaasar i nnanamanni y aako." Magbi hi skana,i hahat i dki t asai ny o.May pasokkasauni v er si t yngay on.Fi nal smona. "Ngumi si si y asaaki n.

Iwentbackt oschool agai nbutt hi st i meIt ookupt hecour seIwant ed.Af t ert hr eemor emont hs, I am goi ngt ogr aduat ewi t hadegr eei nEducat i on.Iwi l lpasst heboar dexamsandIwi l lbeaf ul l bl ownt eacher-j ustl i kewhatIdr eam about .

" I hahat i dmoako? "Tudy okosakany a.

" Oo. "Bi gl aaynapangi wisi y a." Shi t ,f uck!Pat aynanamanakokayTi t oSancho! "Bi gl asi y ang napasabunot .

" I t ' snotl i kei t ' st hef i r stt i mewespentani ghtt oget her . "Casual nasabi ko.

" Oongaper okahi tna.Bakai si pi nnoonmaygi nawat ay o. "Bul ongni y asaaki n.Namul aang mukhaako.

" Mer onnaman.Wal al angmai nev ent . . . "bul ongkor i n.Bi gl angt umawangmal akassiZach. Ni y akapni y aakoatsabaynanamankami ngbumagsaksakama.

" I mpat i entka, babe.Sabi kosa' y ol et ' st aket hi ngssl ow. "Koment oni y a.Ti ni t i gankoangmukhani Zachar yDr ew.Mul anoongnabar i lsi y aaymar aminangnagbagosakany a.He' snott het y peof guynamaghi hi nt aynal ang-he' sdi f f er ent .Hebecamedar i ngandaggr essi v e.

Heoncet ol dmet hathewant edt ol i v el i f ewi t houtboundar i esany mor e.Angakal akonoon

nagbi bi r osi y aper onangnaki t akoangpagbabagosamgaki l osni y aaynani wal aako.Madal ina si y angmai ni sngay on.Kungnoonsobr angbai tni y anawi l l i ngsi y angmaggi v ewaysai ba, ngay on hi ndi na.Mabai tpar i nnamansi y aper osomehow, Iknewt hatsomet hi ngi nsi dehi m changedand Ir eal l ydon' tknowi fi t ' sf ort hebet t erbutseei nghi mt hatwayonl ymadehi m mor ei r r esi st i bl et o me.

" Paanokungkakat aket hi ngssl ownat i n, mambabaeka? "Tanongkosakany a.Hel aughedsex i l y . Napal unokako.Ir eal l ywanthi m.Naal al akoi y ongsi nabiniNi ki t asaaki ndat i .Thef eel i ngy ou f eelwhenev ery ou' r emaki ngl ov ewi t ht heoney oul ov e-napabunt onghi ni nganal angsi y anoon. Sheoncet ol dmet hatt hef eel i ngwasi ndescr i babl e.Andmay beZachi sr i ght-Isowantt oknow whatki ndofi ndescr i babl ef eel i ngNi ki t awast al ki ngabout .

" Bi hi skana. . . "Sabini y aul i t .Nanl akiangmgamat ako.Hewasaski ngmet ogetdr essedbuthe' s notl et t i ngmego.Hest ar t edpul l i ngmecl oserandnotamomentl at erhewasont opofme, ki ssi ngmyl i pswhi l ehi shandswer er eachi ngf ort hehem ofhi sshi r t .Moment sl at er ,Iwashal f nakedbeneat hhi m.Icl osedmyey eswhenIf el thi sgl or i ousmout hont hemoundsofmybr east s. Iwr appedmyar msar oundhi m -encour agi nghi mt okeepdoi ngwhathewasdoi ng.

" Zach. . . "Imoanedwhenhi sl i psr eachedmyabdomen.He' smov i ngwi t ht oomuchur gency .Ibi t myl owerl i pwhenIf el tl i kemoani ngagai n.Ay okongmar i ni gangsar i l iko.Nakakahi y akasiper o hi ndi konamanmapi gi l an.

" Zach. . . hmnn. . . . "Ibi tmyl owerl i p.Bi gl asi y angt umi gi l .Het ookadeepbr eat h.

" Ser y osona, babe.Bi hi skana.Il ov ey ou. "Hi nagkanni y aakosal abi .Weendedupst ar i ngateach ot her .

" ZDkat al aga. "Nasabikohabangt awaakonangt awa.May amay aaynagbi hi snadi nako.Iwor e t hedr essIwaswear i ngl astni ghtwhenwewentout .Lumabasakongkwar t oatnaki t akosi y ang nakat ay osamaysal a-hewasst i l lhal fnaked.Lumapi takosakany a.Hi napl oskoangmal aki ng pi l atni y asal i kod.If el thi m st i f f ened.

" Babe. . .t amana. "Sabi ni y asaaki nsabayhar ap." I i y akkananaman. "

" Hi ndi . "Sabikoper osat ot ool angaynamumuonangaangmgal uhasamgamat ako.Heshook hi sheadt aposaynagmamadal isi y angnagsuotngt shi r t .Mat aposi y onayhi nawakannani y a angkamaykoatsabaynakami ngl umabasngbahayni y a.Wewentt ohi scar ; heopenedt hedoor f orme-si y apami smoangnagkabi tngseat bel tkot aposayumi kotsi y apagkasar angpi nt o.

Hedr ov eaway .Hi ndiakonagsasal i t a.Naaal al akonanamanangpanagi ni pko.Buongbuosa al aal akoi y ongmukhanghal i mawnai y on.Napukawangpagi i si pkonangbi gl angmagr i ngang phoneko.Il ookedatZachbef or eanswer i ngi t .Hesmi l edatme.

" Hel l o? "Iaskedt heot herl i ne.I twasmyt wi nbr ot hercal l i ng.

" Nasaanka? "Heasked.Kal madonamanangbosesni y akay ahi ndi akomasy adongki nakabahan.

" Wi t hZD.I kaw?Pi nai y akmonanamansi Ni ki t a.Naku!Demony t okat al aga! "

" Yzanga. "Bi gl asi y angt umawa.Paki sundosiNanaysaof f i ceniTat ay .Nasi r aankaminiNi ki t a di t osahi wayhi ndi kosi y amasusundo. "

Tumangoakokahi thi ndiakonaki ki t aniYt o." Okay ,i ngatkay oha? "Sabiko.Ti naposkoang t awag.

" Si Yt o? "Tanongni Zachsaaki n.

" Oo.Babe,pwedebanat i ngdaanansiNanaysaof f i ceniTat ay ?Nasi r ai y ongsasaky anniYt o kay ahi ndi ni y amasusundosi Nanay . "

" Okay . . . "Bi gl anamansi y angngumi wi ." Shi t !NandoonsiTi t oSancho!Pat aynanamanako! " Nat at awangsabini y a.Napangi t iako.Hi ndikomai nt i ndi hansaboy f r i endkokungbaki thanggang ngay onuneasypar i nsi y akayTat ay .Nagawangani y anghar api nsiTat aynoongar awnahi ni ngi ni y angpor mal angkamaykot aposngay onnahal osdal awangt aonnaangnakar aanpar angmay kabapar i nsi y asadi bdi b.Thatwast heonl yt hi ngt hatdi dn' tchangei nhi m.

Af t erf i f t eenmi nut es,dumat i ngkamisaof f i ceniTat ay .Nanaywasatt hel obbywai t i ng.Wal asi Tat ay .Ni l api t ankosi y a.

" Nay ,saansiTat ay ? "Iasked.Tumay osi y aathi nal i kanakosapi sngi .I nay osr i nni y aangbuhok koathi napl osangmukha.

" Hi ndikaumuwikagabi .Hi nahanapkangt at aymo. "Nakangi t i ngsabini y a.Namul aangmukha ko." Mukhangkai l angankonangsanay i nsiTat aynawal aangpanganayni y asabahayha. " Nat at awasi y aper onamumul at al agaangmukhako.Humi ngasi y anangnapakal al i m.

" AngYz aatangYt oko, mal al aki nat al aga. "

" Nanaynaman. . . "Sabi konal ang." Ano. . .nasaanpobasi Tat ay ? "

" Maymeet i ng. "Sabini y a." Mamay apasi y auuwikasamani y asiAdam.NasaansiZach? "Tanong ni y aul i t .

" Nasasasaky anpo.Li kana. "Hi nawakankoangkamayni y a.Iwasst ar i ngatNanaywhi l ewe wer ewal ki ng.Nagagandahanpar i nakosakany ahanggangngay on.Ir ememberwhenIwasaki d, Iusedt ot hi nkt hatNanayi sapr i ncessbecauseshei ssopr et t yandt hent at aycameandI r eal i zedt hatnanayi sn' tapr i ncess, shei saqueen.Tat aymadeheraqueen.

Nar at i ngnami nniNanayangkot se.NandoonsiZachar yDr ew.Nakangi t iagadsi y akayNanay . Pi nagbuksanni y apangpi nt osi Nanayati nal al ay angpumasok.Sumunodkami ngdal awa.

" Nanay . . . "Tawagni y asaNanayko.Nanaynar i nangt awagni y aper okapagkayTat ay , kundiTi t o Sancho,MrConsunj iokay amanSi r .Nat at awaakosakany akapagkausapni y asiTat ayt apos nat at ar ant asi y a." Kumai nnapobakay o?Gust oni ny opongmagl at ebr eakf ast ? "Heev enasked. Hi nawakankoangkamayni y a.

" Hi ndi na, Zach.Sabahaynal angt ay o, i pagl ul ut okokay o. "Sagotni Nanay .Ngumi t i si y a." Nasaan ngapal asi Yt o? "

I pi nal i wanagkonal angkayNanay angnangy ar isasasaky anniYt o.Nagal al asi y aper osi nabi kong okayl ang namansi l aYt o doon.Kasal ukuy an nami ng t i nat ahakang hi waypauwisa mansy on.Naghahum pangkant asi Zachhabangnagmamaneho.

Wer eachedt hespotnawal amasy adongsasaky an.Tahi mi knat ahi mi kangpal i gi d.Naguusap kaminiNanayt ungkolkayYl l ak.Ki nuwent oni y asaaki nnasiYl l aknamanangnaguwingbabae sabahay .Gal i tnagal i tsiYv odahi lhanggangngay onayi i sasi l angkwar t o.Hi ndinakapasoksi Yv osal oobdahi l sadal angbabaeni Yl l ak.

" I sal angangal am ko. "Pat ul oyniNanay ." Mal akinakay ongl ahat .SiYnanal angt al agaang baby . "Nat at awangwi kani y a.Napangi t ir i nako.Tal agangmahalnamahalngmgamagul angko siYnakahi tnahi ndit al aganami nsi y akadugo.Losi ngherwi l lbr eakt hef ami l yapar t .Kahi t adopt edl angsiYnaaymahalnamahalnami nsi y a.Si y ai y ongr egal oniTat aysaaki n-sabuong pami l y a.Gust onggust okokasingkapat i dnababaenoonper ohi ndinapwedengmagkababysi Nanaykay asi gur onangmaki t ani Tat aysi Ynanoonayi ni uwi ni y ai t osaami n.

I nst ant l y ,weal lf el li nl ov ewi t hher .Shehadusar oundherf i nger swhenshef i r stsmi l edatus. Mahalnamahalnami nsiYnanakahi tdel uby oangdal ani y asaami nni t ongmganakar aang buwanayhi ndi al i nt anangpami l y a.

Wewi l l nev ergi v eherup.

Il ookedout si det hewi ndow agai n.Kumunotangnookonangmapansi nkoangi sangi t i m na For dnanasal i kur annami n.Al am kongsi mpl engsasaky anl angi y onper onakadamaakongkaba. Lal ongkumabogangdi bdi bkonangbi gl asi l angmagov ert ake.Theypar kedt hecari nf r ontof Zach' scarwhi chmadehi m st epont hebr eak.Myey eswi denedwi t hf earwhent woar medmen gotoutoft hecar .Wal angsabi sabi ngbi nuksanni l aangpi nt ongsasaky anniZach.Pi nal abas ni l akami ngpi l i t .

" Nay ! "Iscr eamed.TumakboakokayNanaynahawakngi sangl al akisabr aso." Gety ourhands of fmymot her ! "Ihi ssed.Ni y akapkosiNanay .Naki t akongt i nut ukansiZachngbar i lnoongi sa pangl al aki .

" Zach! "

" Di y ankal ang,Yza! "Sabini y asaaki n.IgaspedwhenZachhel dont hegunt aposaysi ni pani y a i y ongl al akisacr ot char eani t o.Si y anangay onangmayhawakngbar i l .Ti nut okni y ai y onsa l al akisal i kodnami n.Si neny asanni y aakongmagpunt amal api tsakany a.AkaykosiNanayna nangi ngi ni gangkat awan.

Wal aakongi bangmai si p.Iwant edt ocr y .Butcr y i ngonl ymeanst hatI ' m weak.Idon' twantt obe t heweakoneagai n.Sawanaakongl agi ngi pi nagt at anggol .

" Zach. . . "

" Di y ankal ang. "Hesai dagai n.Inodded.

" I babamoi y ongbar i l . "Sabi noongl al aki .Zachgr i nned.

" Atano?Akonamanangt ut ukanmo?Dr eam ondude.Icanpul l t het r i ggeri fIwantt o. "Hesai di n av er ydanger oust one.

" Youwoul dn' tdot hat . "Themansai d.Par abangsi gur adosi y a.Zachgr i nned.I t i nut okni y ai y ong bar i l sapaanannoongl al aki t aposaybi gl ani y angpi naput ok.Napasi gawsi Nanay .

" Aal i ska, aal i skay oathahay aanni ny okamiosa' y okonai t ut ut oki t o. "Wal angabognasabini y a. Napasi nghapako.Angt apangniZach.May bei twashi si nst i nct .May beher eal l ywant edt o pr ot ectme.

Unt i unt i ngi bi nabanoongl al aki angbar i l ni y a.I t i naasni y aangmgakamayni y at aposayt umakbo pal ay o.

I y onnai y on?Taposna?Napat i ngi nakokayNanay .

" Nay , okaykal angba? "

" Yzaay osl angbakay o? "Punongpagaal al aangt i ni gni y a.Napat angonal angako.Lumapi tsi ZachkayNanayt aposayi nal al ay anni y aul i ti t ongmakasakaysakot se.Nai wanakosagi t nang daannat i ni t i ngnansi l a.Hi ndi akomakagal aw.Nanghi hi naangt uhodko.Takotnat akotako.

" Yza. . . "Tawagni y a.Pal api tnasi y asaaki n nangbi gl anami ngmar i ni gangi sangnakakabi ngi ng busi na.Isawar edv anappr oachi ngus.Tat abinasanaakodahi lmal api tnasi l aper obagoako makat akboaybumukasangpi nt onoon.Thr eeguy swi t hgunst ookme.Myey eswi dened. Ev er y t hi ngwassof astt hatIdi dn' tev enhav et hechancet oscr eam.IsawZDr unni ngaf t ert he car .Hewaspoi nt i ngt hegun, heshotbuti twasn' tenough.

" Pakawal anni ny oako! "Si gawkohabangpapal ay okami .Napapal i but anakongwal ongl al aki ng nagl al aki hanangmgakat awan.Lahatsi l aayar mado." Pakawal anni ny oako! "Si gawkoul i t .

" Tumahi mi kka! "Si gaw saaki nngi sapa.Sai ni skoayi nunt ogkoangnookosaul oni y amal akasi y on.Napasi gawsi y a.

" Busal ani y an!Tal i an! "Si gawni y apa.Pal agakonangpal agper omasl akassi l angl ahatsaaki n. Wal aakongnagawa.Kumakabogangdi bdi bkosasobr angkaba.Hi ndikonaal am kunganong i i si pi nogagawi nko.

Makakaal i spabaakodi t o?

Baki tni l a ako ki nuha?Ano bang kai l angan ni l a sa aki n?Myhear twas beat i ng so f ast . Nagpapal agpar i nako.Hi ndi namannagt agal aynar amdamankongmayt umusoksabr asokona kungano.Nakadamaakongpanghi hi naatpagkahi l o.Notamomentl at er , ev er y t hi ngwentbl ank.

-

Iwokeup.Idon' tknowhowl ongIwasasl eepbutwhenIopenedmyey es,Ir eal i zedt hati twas ni ghtt i meal r eadyandt hatI ' mi nsomewher eIdon' tknow.Nakahi gaakosai sangkamasal oob ngi sangkwar t o.Ther oom l ooksexpensi v e.Ev er y t hi ngi nsi del ookedl i kei twasf r om some showr oom t hatIseeonmagazi nes.

Dahandahanakongt umay o.Ther oom wasdar k.Napansi nkongnakaawangangpi nt onoonat di ni gkomul asal abasangdal awnagbosesnanaguusap.Kahi tnanahi hi l opaakoaypi ni l i tkong t umay o.I ni i si pkokungnasaanako.I ni i si pkokunganongnangy ar i .Tumul oangmgal uhako nangmai si pkonaki nuhangapal aakongmgakal al aki hanatdi nal akungsaan.Nai wansinanay atsi Zachsahi way .Anonakay angnangy ar i sakani l a?

" IneedSheenaConsunj inother ! ? ! "Nar i ni gkoangbosesngi sangl al aki nggal i tnagal i t .Sumi l i p akosamaypi nt oatnanl akiangmgamat akonangmaki l al akoangl al aki ngnakat ay osal abas l ang.I twast hemonst er-Hel i osDemi t r i st andi ngj ustout si det her oom.

" Si r ,sor r ypo.Per onamar i lkasii y ongl al aki ngkasamani l a.Nat ar ant akami . "Pal i wanagngi sang l al aki . " Bobo! "Heev eny el l ed.Humi ngasi y anangmal al i m." Kungsabagaypar ehol angngepekt o.I ' l l st ar twi t hher ,I ' l lst i l lbr eakt hei rf ami l yapar t .MakukuhakosiLei gh.Babal i kakongSant or i nina kasamasi y aand we' l lnev ercomeback. "Hesai d.Nahi nt akut an ako.Kukuni n ni y asiYna? Napasi nghapako.

" Sanchowi l ldoev er y t hi ngi nhi swi l lj ustt ogethi sdaught erbackangpr obl emasaanni y a hahanapi n? "Ngumi si si y a.Mal ademony onanamananghi t sur ani y a.

" Si r . . . "Ti nawagsi y anoongl al aki .Nanl akil al oangmgamat akonangbi gl ani y angbuksanang pi nt o.Napaat r asako.Het ur nedt hel i ght sonandt her e-Isawhi m -al lofhi m st andi ngi nf r ontof me.Hewaswear i ngacasualj eansandshi r t .Nani ni ngki tangmgamat ani y a,nakangi sina namansi y aandhi sgr eeney eswer epi er ci ngatmysoul agai n.Nai kuy om koangmgapal adko.

" Wal anghi y aka! "Si gaw ko.Si nugodko si y aatpi nagbabay o angdi bdi b.Hi ndinamanako nakat agal dahi l bi gl ani y aakongt i nabi g.Tumamaangl i kodkosadul ongkama.

" Amamoangwal anghi y a,Consunj i .I kaw atangbuongpami l y amo! "Si gaw ni y asaaki n. Ti ni ngnankosi y a.

" I fy ou' r edoi ngt hi st ogetYnaback,t hen t hi nkagai n!Shewi l lnev erl ov ey oubecausey ou' r e hur t i ngoutf ami l y ! "

" I ' m herf ami l y .Kai l anganni y angmal amani y on.I ' m goi ngt odoev er y t hi ngi nmywi l lj ustt oget herback. "Hehi ssed.Ti nal i kur anni y aakoatl umabasngpi nt o.Iwat chedast heyl eav e.That moment-i sal angangpumasoksai si pko-kai l angankongmakat akasdi t o.

Naghi nt ayakongpagkakat aon.Icheckedt hedoor-nakal ocki y on.Humi ngaakongmal al i m. Hi ndinamansi l at angapar ai wanni l angbukasi y on.Maghi hi nt aynal angako.Il ookedar ound. Ther e' sabi gwi ndowi nt hatr oom per onakal ockdi ni y on.Habangpal akadl akadakoayhi ndi ako mapakal ingt unay .Ineedt ot hi nk.May amay aaybumukasangpi nt o.Pumasokangi sangbabae -maydal asi y angpagkai n.Wal asi y angsusi .I ni wanni y al angangpagkai nsal apagatmul i ng umal i s.I ni l ocknanamanni y aangpi nt o.Napaupoako.Paanoakomakakat akasdi t o?

It houghtofapl anper odahi lnakal ockangl ahatngpi nt oatbi nt anaatwal anay at aakongpagasa.Iwal kedar oundt her oom checki ngev er y t hi ng.Iev enopenedt hecl osetper owal at al aga. Kumunotnamanangnookonangmapansi nkoangi sangmal i i tnapi nt osagi l i dngcl oset .Bukas i y on.Pi ni hi tkoangi y onatnapangangaakonangmaki t akokunganoangnasaal oob.I ti sa secr etpassage.

Tumi ngi nmunaako sal i kod ko bago ako pumasokdoon.Madi l i m.Ki nakapako l ang ang nadadaananko.Nar at i ngkoangdul o, maypi nt odoon-bukasul i ti y on.Mul ikongpi ni hi tangdoor knob,Ipushedt hedooropenedandgetout .Nagl akadakopal abas.Nasasal aako.Wal angt ao. Madi l i m angpal i gi d.I l awl anggal i ngsal abasangnagpapal i wanagsabahay .

ThehouseIam i nwasf ul lofgl asswi ndowsandgl assdoor s.Pat if r ontdooraygl assdi n.One si dedsi gur oi y on.Dal i dal ikongt i nahakangf r ontdoorper obagoakomakar at i ngaymay humawaksabr asoko.

" Wher et hehel l doy out hi nky ou' r egoi ng? ! "

Igaspedhar dwhenIr ecogni zet hemonst er ' sv oi ce.Hi nar apkosi y a." Bi t i wanmoako!Pakawal an moakodi t o? ! "

" Youar est ay i ngher eunt i l Ihav eLei ght on! "

" Youwi l lnev erhav eYna!Ynawi l lnev erl ov ey oubecausey ouar eamonst er !You' r ehear t l ess! Youdon' tknowhowt ol ov esodon' texpectYnat ol ov ey ouback! " Sal ahatngsi nabikoayi sangmat unognasampalsakal i wangpi sngikoangi si nagotni y asa aki n.Nakar amdam nanamanakongpagkahi l o.If el tbl oodgushi ngoutofmyl i p.

" Lov emakespeopl eweak. "Hehi ssed.Hi nat akni y aangbr asokot aposaypi l i takongi naaky atsa hagdan.If oughthar d.Ki nal motkosi y asamukha.Iwant edt ogetoutofher e.Ineededt ogetout ofher e.Kai l angankongmakauwi sabahay .Hi ni hi nt ayakoni Nanayatni Tat ay .

" Demony oka! "Si gawko.I t i nul akkosi y a.Pababaakonghagdannangbi gl ani y anghat aki nang buhokko.Hesl appedmeagai n.

" Youwi l lnev erl eav et hi shouse! "Hey el l edatme.If oughtt het ear s.Hi ndiakoi i y ak.Kai l angan kongmagi ngmal akas.Hal osgumapangakomakal ay ol angsakany a.Hi nat akni y aangpaako. Hepushedmedown.Napahi gaakosamgabai t i ngnghagdan.

Hepi nnedmedown.Hi shandswer et i ght l yhol di ngmywr i st .Iwasst i l l f i ght i ng.Hewasont opof mne, gr i nni ngdev i l i shl y ." Letmego! "Iscr eamed.Di nur aankosi y asamukha.

" Fuck! "Hehi ssed.Whenhel ookedatmeagai n,hi sgr eeney eswer edar ker .Hel ookedmor e monst er ous." Youwi l lnev erl eav e,Consunj iandj ustt omakesur e.Iwi l lgi v ey ouar easont o st ay . "

Hel etgoofmyhands.It houghtt hathewoul dst andupbuthedi dn' ti nst ead,het or nmydr ess apar t .Igasped.

" No! "Iscr eamedwhenhebenthi sheaddownt ot akemyni ppl esi nsi dehi smout h.It r i edget t i ng hi m of f ." No!Pl easeno! "Iwascr y i ng.Hi ndidapatnangy ay ar ii t o.If eeldi sgust ed.Hi sl i pswer e mov i ngal ongmybodyl i kehewasmar ki ngme.

" Wag!Par angawamona! "I y akakonangi y ak.Si nubukankongi t ul aksi y a.Hest oppedf orawhi l e j ustt ohi tmyf aceagai n.

" Youaskedf ort hi s. "Hesai di nadar kt one.Hewasl ooki ngatme.Iscr eamedl oudwhenIf el t hi mr oughl yent er i ngmycor e.If el t-IswearIf el tsomet hi ngi nsi demer i ppedapar t . " Wag!Wag! "Wal aakongnagawa.Het hr usti nsi deofme.Hewasobl i v i ousofmyscr eamsand pl eads.If eel sov i ol at ed.Iwant edhi mt ost opbuthej ustkeptongoi ng.

" Wwag!Pl easesst op! "Isai di nbet weensobs.

Sl owl yt hi ngsar esl i ppi ngaway .Li kei twasnev ermeantt obemi ne.I twasasi fhol di ngoni snot achoi ceany mr eandl et t i nggoi sn' ti nt heopt i on.Hehadt ookawaysomet hi ngt hatwasnev er meantf orhi m andnomat t erhow It r i edf i ght i ng,Iendedupj ustcr y i ngashei nv adesand conquer smywhol ebei ng.

" Ahhhf uck! "Hesai d." How doesi tf eel ?Ihav edeaf eataConsunj iagai n. "Hegr i nnedashe t hr ust sdeeper .Hi nanghi naako.Wal anaakongmagawakundiangumi y ak.Bi gl anal angsi y ang humi nt o.Hest oodupandl ookedatme.

" Now, y ouwi l l nev erl eav e, YzaConsunj i . "

Icl osedmyey esandl ett het ear sf al l .Wal ana.Ihav el ostsomet hi ngv er yi mpor t antandIwi l l nev ergeti tback.Nev er . . .

3.Two

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Iwokeupt hatmor ni ngf eel i nggoodaboutmy sel f .Ihav eaccompl i shedsomet hi ngl astni ght . Hi ndimani y onpar t engpl anokobutasi tt ur nsout ,i ti sf ort hebet t er .Ist oodupf r om mybed,

t ookabat h, f i xedmy sel fandwentoutofmyr oom.Si nal ubongakoniKat h-mysecr et ar y .Hawak nani y aangkapekohabangsakabi l angkamaynamanni y aaynandoonangschedul ekopar asa ar awnai t o.

" Goodmor ni ng,Si r .Youhav eanei ghto' cl ockmeet i ngwi t ht heboar dmember s.Naghi hi nt ayna si l asai ny ongay onsaof f i ce.Kai l angannanat i ngmagpunt adoon.Atonei nt heaf t er noon, pupunt akasaConsunj i Hot el s.I bi ni l i nmosaaki ni y onkagabi soIsqueezedi ti ny ourschedul e. "

" Wher ei sshe? "IaskedKat hr y na.Tumi gi l si y asapagsasal i t a.

" Youmeant hehost age, si r ?She' si nherr oom. "

Ti nal i kur ankosi y aatt i nungoangdaanpapunt asakwar t okungsaanmaki ki t akosi YzaConsunj i . Bukasangpi nt uanngsi l i dnai y onkay aagadakongpumasok.She' snoti nt hebed.Hi ndinaman akonal i gal i gdahi lal am koatsi gur adoakonahi ndisi y aaal i s.It ur nedt ot hebat hr oom.May nar i ni gakongi ngaydoon.Iwentt her eandIsawManangBi ni ngcl eani ngYzawhi l eshesatont he bat ht ub.Ni hi ndi si y agumagal aw.Ti ni t i gankongmai gi angmukhani y a.

" Hect or . . . "Tawagsaaki nni Manang." anobanggi nawamosakany a? "Hal osgar al gal naangt i ni g ni y a." Al am mongmasamangmanaki tngbabae.Anonggi nawamo?Ti ngnanmo,pur osi y a pasa. "

" Manang,j ustdoy ourgoddamnj obanddon' taskquest i ons. "I ni snasabiko.Lumakadako pal api tkayYzaConsunj i .Tul al al angsi y a.May beshehadexper i encedt r aumaaf t erwhatIdi dt o herl astni ght .Wal aakongnar ar amdamangpagsi si si sanangy ar okagabi .

Ir apedher .I ' m abadman.Nihi ndiakonakakar amdam ngawapar asakany angay on.Icer t ai nl y bel i ev et hatshedeser v esev er y t hi ngIdowi t hherhabangnandi t osi y asapoderko.Kunganong ki nuhasaaki nni SanchoConsunj i , kukuni nkor i nsakany ai y on.

Theyt ookLei ghawayf r om meandnowI ' mt aki ngYzaawayf r om t hem.Iwi l lmakesur et hatshe wi l l payf orev er ypai nandev er yt ear sIshedwhenherf at hert or nmyf ami l yapar t .

" Per o, Hect or .Mal i i t o. "Sabi ni y a." Al am konggi nal awmosi y a.Pur odugoang"

" Hi ndikot i nat anongangopi ny onmo.Justdoy ourf ucki ngj ob! "Iy el l ed.Wal angsabi sabi ng

l umabasakongsi l i dnai y on.Naki t akonghi ni hi nt ayakoniKat hsal abasngpi nt o.Webot h wal kedt owar dst hest ai r s.Bagoakoumal i s,nagbi l i nakosamgat aokonahuwagnahuwag hahay aangmakal abassi Yzasabahaynai y onkunghi ndi l ahatsi l aaymananagotsaaki n.

Angbuongakal ako,pal pakangpl anokodahi lsanangy ar i ngpagkakamal ingmgat auhanko per ohi ndipal a.I t ' sact ual l ygr eat .I t ' ssomet hi ngI ' m notexpect i ngt ohappenandy eti tdi d.Mas maymapapal aakosamgaConsunj ingay onnanasaaki nsiYza.Masmababal i wsiSancho, mas masasakt ansiYt omasmaagangmasi si r aangpami l y ani l aatmasmaagangmababal i ksaaki n si Lei gh.

Iar r i v edatmyof f i cet hi r t ymi nut esl at er .Gi nagawakoangdai l yr out i neko.Masay aakongay ong ar aw nai t oatsat i ngi nkol al oakongsasay asamgasusunodnaar aw habangpi napanoodko kungpaanosasabognapar angbombaangbuongpami l y aniSanchoConsunj i .I t ' sl i ket aki nghi s daught erawayf r om hi m wi l l l eadt ot hei rsel fdest r uct i on.

" Anongor asangpunt akosaConsunj i Hot el s? "TanongkokayKat h.

" Af t erl unch, Si r . "Sagotni y a.Ij ustgr i nned.Paki r amdam ko, bumal i kakosapagkabat a, maagang pamaskosaaki nangnagaganap.Hi ndinangaakomakapaghi nt aynamaki t amul iangmga t aongnagi ngdahi l anngpagkasi r angbuhayko.

Atexact l y ,onei nt heaf t er noon,dumat i ngakosaConsunj iHot el s.Hi nanapkoagadsiYt o Consunj iper oangsabingassi st antni y aayhi ndi ni t opumasokngay ongar aw dahi lsai sang pr obl ema.Somehow Iknow whatpr obl em t hati s.Bi nal i ngankosiKat hatsi nabisakany ana kai l angannami ngpunt ahanangmgaConsunj i sabahayngmgai t o.

" Per osi r , bakamagkagul ol angt ul adnoon. "Sabi ni y apa.Tumaasangki l ayko.It ouchedherf ace.

" Doy ouwannakeepy ourj ob, Kat hr y na? "Iaskedher .

" Yes, si r . . . "

" ThendowhatIsay ! "Ihi ssedather .Wal asi y angnagawakundit awagi nangdr i v er .Wegoti nt he carandshet ol dt hedr i v erkungsaankami pupunt a.

Exci t ementi senv el opi ngmywhol ebei ng.Hi ndinaakomakapaghi nt aysar eaksy onngmga

Consunj ingay onnanawawal asiYzaConsunj i .Pupunt aakodoon.Ti t i ngnankosi l aper ohi ndi nghi ndi kosasabi hi nnanasaaki nanghi nahanapni l a.

Al i t t l epai nandagonywon' tki l l t hem.

Igr i nned.

" Ihav emysour ces, Yt o!Hi ndi akopapay agnahi ndi nat i nmaki t asi Yzangay ongar awnai t o! "

Taasbabaangdi bdi bkohabangnaki ki pagusapakokayYt oConsunj i .Nasal oobkamingpr i v at e of f i ceniTi t oSancho.Kami ngt at l ol angangnandoonatkani nakopasi nasabinakai l anganna nami ngsi mul anangpaghahanapkayYzabagopasi y at ul uy angmapahamak.

" Zach, wehav et owai tf ort heki dnapper ' scal l . "Mahi nahongpahay agni Yt o.

" Howcany oubesocal m aboutt hi s?Godknowswher eshei s!Bakakunganonanggi nawani i l a kayYza! "

" Nat at akotdi nkami , Zach. "SanchoConsunj i ' sv oi ceechoedi nmybr ai n. " I ' m sof ucki ngscar ed. Inev eri magi nedt hatIwi l ll osemydaught erl i ket hi s.Tul admogagawi nkodi nangl ahat mahanapl angsi y aper okai l angannat i ngmagi ngat .Herl i f ei sont hel i ne,Zachar yDr ew.We hav et obecar ef ul , i sangmal i l ang, pwedengt ul uy annasi y angmawal asaat i n. "

Mar ahannguni tmar i i ngwi kaniTi t oSanchosaaki n.Napauponal angako.Icov er edmyf ace wi t hmyhands.If eelsof r ust r at ed.Hi ndikoal am kunganonggagawi nko.Baki tbadaming masamangt aosamundo, saaki npa, kayYzapanangy ar i angbagaynai t o?

Kungkai l anmagkasamanakami ,sakapasi y amawawal a.Hi ndiakomakakapay agnamawal a si y abast a.Kai l angankosi y angmahanap.Kai l angankongi l i gt asmul asakamayngkungsi no manangbabaengmahal namahal ko.

" Zach. "Yt osai d." Kungi kawgany anangnar ar amdamanmo,paanopakami ?Weneedt of ol l ow

t hepol i ce.Kunghi ndi baka. . . . "

" Angbagal ngpul i sYt o! "Si gawko." Paanokunghabangnaghi hi nt ayt ay onahi hi r apannapal asi y a? Paanokungpi nagsasamant al ahannani l asiYzadoon? !Themer et houghtofhercr y i ngoutof pai nandf earki l l sme, Yt o!Youdon' texpectmet oj ustst ayher eandwai tunt i lt hepol i cer ecei v e t hatcal l ! "

" Okay ! "Yt osai d." Takei teasy . "Lumakadsi Yt opal api tsaaki n." Wewi l l f i ndher . " " Kai l an? "Tanongko." Kunghi ndikamagsi si mul angay on,hahanapi nkonasi y a.Ihav emy sour ces.Icandot hesear chi ngonmyown. "

" Zach. "Ti nawagakoniTi t oSanchoper ohi ndikonasi y api naki nggan.Ist oodupandl ef thi s of f i ce.Bumabaakonghagdanatdoonnaki t akosiNanaynakat abisiYnaatsiNi ki t a.Yv oand Yl l kawer ei nt her et oo.NanaySheenai scr y i ng.Lal oakongnakadamanggui l t .

Kasal anankonaman,kungagadkongnakuhasiYza,disanasi y anakuhangmgal al aki ngi y on. Kungbi ni l i sankoangki l os,kasamapar i nnami nsi y ahanggangngay on.Gust okongmanaki t . Gust okongpat ay i nangmgal al aki ngkumuhasakany aper ohi ndikonamanal am kungsaanko si l ahahanapi n.

Bi nal i kanngmgapul i sangpi nangy ar i hankahaponnghapon.Theysear chedev er y wher e.Ang naki t al ang ni l a ayi y ong v an na gi nami tng mga ki dnapper s.Theyhad abandoned i tf i v e ki l omet er sawayf r om t hear eawher et heygother .Lal oakongnangi gi gi lsai ni s.Baki tsal ahatng t ao, si Yzapaangkukuni nni l a?

" Zach. . . "Ti nawagakoni Nanay .Lumapi takosakany a.

" Nanay , Iwi l lf i ndherandIwi l lbr i ngherhome.Ipr omi sey out hat . "Sabikosakany a.Hi nawakan koangkamayni y aatsakahumi nganangnapakal al i m.NanaySheenaj ustsmi l edatme.Kahi t nakangi t i si y aaydamakopar i nangl ungkotnanasapusoni y adahi l sapagkawal ani Yza.

Nal ul ungkotdi nakoper omasnangi ngi babawsaaki nanggal i tatpani bugho.Kai l angankot al aga si y angmahanap.Hi ndikonahi hi nt ay i nsiYt oosiTi t oSanchooangmgapul i s.Hahanapi nkosi Yzasapar aangal am ko.

Nagpaal am naakokayNanaySheena,onmywayout ,Ist ar t edmaki ngcal l s.Ical l edYanat o

i nf or m hert hatI ' m cancel i ngt het our .Noongunaayay awni y aper owal adi nsi y angnagawadahi l buonaangdesi sy onko.Maskai l angankonghanapi nsiYzakay sasat ournai y on.Pagkat posng t awagkayYanaayt i nawagankonamanangkai bi gankosaFBI .Hewasar et i r edFBIagentand hehappenst obei nt hePhi l i ppi nes.Ischedul edameet i ngwi t hhi mt oni ght .Manggagal i ngsi y a saCebukay agabi naangpagki ki t anami n.

Paal i snaakonangbi gl angmaypumar adangsi l v ernaSUVsahar apanko.Kunotnakunotang nooko.Mal i bansapami l y aatsamgapul i swal anangi bapangpwedengpumasoksamasy onng mgaConsunj i .I ni i si pkokungbi si t abai t o,okungsi numan.Pwedengi sasamgapi nsanni l ao kamaganakper ohi ndi-nagkamal iako.Mul asal oobayl umabasangi sangt aongbuongpusong ki namumuhi anni Yt oatni Ti t oSancho.

Hel i osDemi t r i .Hel ookedatmydi r ect i onandgr i nned.Hewast hesamemanwhogotmeshot t hatdayal mostni nemont hsago.

" Youar eal i v eandwel l ,Mr .Laundr i ze. "Hesai di nav er yf r i endl yt one.Nai kuy om koangmga pal adko.

" Anonggi nagawamodi t o? "Ihi ssedathi m.Heshr ugged.

" Iwant edt osee,Yt oConsunj i .Iwentt ohi sof f i cebuthe' snott her esoIcameher e.Ij ustwant hi mt oknowt hatIam back. "

Kumunotangnooko.Wal aakongal am saay awni y aatni Yt oper oangal am kokay asi y anandi t o atkay ani y agi nagawaangl ahatngpagpapahi r apsamgaConsunj iaydahi lgust oni y angmabawi si Yna.Ynai st headopt edchi l dofSanchoandNanaySheena.Si y aangt unaynakapami l y ani Yna per okahi tanonggawi nni y aayhi ndini y amababawisiYnadahi lhi ndii bi bi gaysiYnangmga Consunj i ngganoonl ang.

" They ' r ebusyatt hemoment . "Mar i i ngsabi ko.Lal ongl umawakangpagkakangi t i ni y a.

" Isee.Kungganoon,aal i snaako. "Akmangt at al i kodnasi y anangbi gl asi y angt umi gi laymul i akonghi nar ap.

" Byt heway , howi sy ourgi r l f r i endYza? "

Ist ar edathi m.Ther ewassomet hi ngi nhi sey esandt hewayhet al kst hatmademef eell i kehe knew somet hi ngaboutYza' sdi sappear ance. Kumabognangnapakabi l i sangpusoko.Gust o kongmagwal a, gust okosi y angsakt an.

" Nasaansi Yza? ! "Mar i i ngt anongkosakany a.Tumaasangki l ayni y aatsakasi y at umawa.

" Ewanko.Nagt at anongngaakosa' y o,hi ndiba?I sapai kawangboy f r i endni y abaki tsaaki nmo si y ahi nahanap? "

I ni l anghakbangkosi y a.Hal osmagkapant ayl angkaminiHel i osDemi t r i .Abotnaabotkosi y a. Hi nat akkoangkwel y oni y apapal api tsaaki natnaki pagt i t i ganakosakany a-mat asamat a.

" ThemomentIf i ndoutt haty ouhav eher , Demi t r i , Iwi l lf ucki ngki l ly ouwi t hmybar ehandsandI won' tev enbl i nk. "

Somet hi ngi nhi sgr eeney eschanged.Pi l i tni y aakongt i ni t ul akpal ay o.Hi ndi akobumi t aw.

" Wal akangebi densy a. "Hesai di nal owt one.

" Sangay on.Per oi pi napangakokosa' y omakakahanapakongbut asatkapagnangy ar ii y on, magt agokana.Hi ndi akot i t i gi l hangga' thi ndi bumabal i ksi Yzasaaki n. "

Il ethi m go.Naki pagsukat ansi y asaaki nngt i ngi n.Sahul i , ngumi si si y a.

" Thati s, i fshe' sev ergoi ngt ocomebackt oy ou. "

Napat i i m akongbagang.Si nundankosi y angt i ngi nhabangpapal ay oangsasaky anni y asaaki n. Mygutwast el l i ngmet hatIshoul dgoandhav ehi m checked.Ihav eaf eel i ngt hatheknows somet hi ngaboutt hi smesswe' r ei nr i ghtnow.Hi ndinamansi y apupunt adi t okungwal at al aga si y angal am.

Nasakany asiYza.Si gur adoakodoon.Angkai l angankonal angayebi densy apar at ul uy anna si y angmawal asabuhaynami natpar amabawi konaangbabaengmahal ko.

-

" Hi j a, kumai nka.Kai l anganmonangl akas. "

Nar i r i ni gkosi y a.Naki ki t akosi y a.Al am kokunganongnangy ay ar i per oay okonggumal aw.Paul i t ul i tkongt i nat anongsasar i l ikokungt ot oobangnangy ar iangnangy ar ikagabi .I l angbeseskong pi naki r amdam angsar i l ikoatdamakosasaki tnadul otnangpagpi l i tni y asaaki nngkany ang sar i l i noongnakar aanggabi .

Ij ustf eelsov i ol at ed.I l angbesesakongumi y akper owal anaangmgal uhasamgamat ako. Par abangpat i i y onayki nuhani y asaaki n.

" I wanni ny onal angako. "Si nabikosamat andangbabaengnasahar apanko.Kagabikopasi y a kasama.Si y aangnakaki t asaaki nsamayhagdanmat aposakongi wannghal i mawnai y on.Si y a angt umul ongsaaki ngbumal i ksasi l i d.Gi namotni y aangmgapasako, ni l i ni sni y aangkat awan ko per o paki r amdam ko kahi tna anong gawi n ni y a ayhi ndina mawawal a ang bakasng madumi ngl abi ni Hel i osDemi t r i sabuongkat awanko.

Nakadamaakongpani bughopar asal al aki ngi y on.Hi ndipasapatnasi nusubukanni y angsi r ai n angpami l y ako.Kai l anganni y ar i nbangsi r ai nangbuhayko?

" Hi j a,kung gust o mong makat akasdi t o,kai l angan mong kumai n.Kai l angan mong magi ng mat at ag. "

Ti ni ngnankoangbabae.Angpagi gi ngmat at agl angt al agaangmagagawakongay on.Wal ang i bangt ut ul ongsaaki nkundiangsar i l iko.Kai l angankongmakabal i ksapami l y akoatkay Zachar yDr ewkahi tnahi ndi naakobuo.

Hi ndinaakobuo.Nakadamaakonggal i tatpanghi hi nay angsadi bdi bko.Ihav ebeenr eser v i ng my sel ff ort hemanIl ov eandt hati sZachar yDr ew andnev eri nmyl i f ehav eIi magi nedt hata monst erwoul dt akei tawayf r om hi m.

Il oat hehi m.Ihat ehi m somucht hatIwant edt oki l lhi mf orr obbi ngmyv i r t ue.Iswal l owedhar d. Tuwi ngpumi pi ki takoaynaaal al akoanggi nawani y asaaki n.I twasasi fhe' sont opofmeagai n, f or ci nghi msel fi nsi demycor eunt i l hef el tt hatmuscl er i ppedapar ti nsi deofme.

Icoul dst i l lf eelt hewar mt hofhi sbody , hi st ouch.Icoul df eelev er yi nchofhi mi nsi deofmeand i tmakesmev omi t .Idi sgusthi m.

" Kumai nka. "Ti ni ngnankoangbabaesahar apanko.Ki nuhaakoangpl at onghawakni y aat nagsi mul angkumai n.Tamasi y a.Kunggust okongumal i ssal ugarnai t oatmakabal i ksapami l y a ko kai l angankongl akas.

Wal angi bangt ut ul ongsaaki n.Akol ang.Kungmanghi hi naako,l al onghi ndiakomakakabal i k. Hi ndiakosusuko,hi ndiakodapatmakar amdam ngpandi di r isasar i l iko.Hi ndikokasal ananat hi ndi kokagust uhanangnangy ar i kagabi .

Nangmat aposkoangpagkai nayl umabasnaangbabaengt umul ongsaaki n.Nai wanakongmag i sa sa si l i d.Tumay o ako atsi nubukan kong l umakad per o mul iakong napaupo nang mar amdamankoangpagki r otsapagi t anngaki ngmgahi t a.

" Ihat ehi m. "Imumbl ed.It r i edget t i ngupagai n.Thi st i meIwal kedsl owl y .Pumunt aakosamay pi nt o.It ur nedt hedoorknobandIr eal i zedt hatt heydi dn' tl ockt hedoor .Ganoonnabasi l a kat anga?Lumabasakongsi l i datnagl akadakopababanghagdan.

Thev i ew out si dewasr emar kabl e.Nasagi t nay at angi sangbur olangbahaynai t o.Ihav ea beaut i f ulv i ew oft hemet r o.Habangnakat i t i gakosal abasayl al oakongnakar amdam ng kagust uhangmakabal i k.

Tumi ngi nakosapal i gi d-wal angt ao.Wal angbant ay .Kahi tmasaki tangbuongkat awankoay si nubukankongt umakbopal abasngbahaynai y on.Nasagar dennaakonangmapansi nkong bumukasangmal aki nggat eatpumasokangi sangsi l v ernaSUV.Mul adoonayl umabasang hal i maw.Ti t i gnat i t i gsi y asaaki n.I ni l anghakbangni y aangpagi t annami ngdal awaathi nabl ot angbr asoko.Madi i nanghawakni y a.Bumabaonsamgabut oko.

" Wher et hehel l ar ey ougoi ng, Consunj i ? "Heaskedme.

" Bi t awanmoako? ! "Si gawkosakany a.Nakat uonangmgamat akosagat enahanggangngay on aybukaspar i n.Kungt at akboakonangnapakabi l i s, makakawal aakosakany a.Makakal abasako atmakakahi ngi ngt ul ong.Makakabal i kakosapami l y akoatkayZach.

Si nubukankongkumawal aper oki nal adkadni y aakopapasoksal oobngbahay .

" Bi t i wanmoako! "Nanai gangboseskosal oob." Bi t i wanmosabiako!Anopabanggust omo? ! Youv i ol at edmeal r eady !What ev ery oudor i ghtnow mi ghthur tper ohi ndinaganoonkasaki t ! " Si gawkosakany a." Your apedme!Nakuhamonaako, pakawal anmonaako! "

" Tumahi mi kka! "I bi nal y ani y aakosasahi g.Tumamaangbay wangkosamgasof ananandoon. Nar i ni gkongsumi si gawangi sangbabae.

" Hect ort amana! "Si gawni y a.Tumi ngi nako.I y ongbabaengt umul ongsaaki nangumaawatng pi l i tkayHel i osper obaki tni y at i nat awagnaHect orsi Hel i osDemi t r i ?

" Wagkangmaki al am, ManangBi ni ng! "Hey el l ed.

" Hi ndikaaal i sdi t o!Kapagumal i skadi t o, sasakt ankoi sai saangmgakapat i dmo.Kani nomoba akogust ongmagsi mul a?KayYt o, kayYv ookayYl l ak?Orwoul di tbemor edr amat i ci fIhur ty our mot herf i r st ? "Hef l ashedhi sdev i l i shgr i natme.

" Huwagmongsasakt anangpami l y ako! "

" Oonga.I kawnal angangsasakt anko! "Bi gl aayhi nal t akni y aakongmul i .Hal oskal adkar i nni y a akopaaky atsahagdan, papasoksasi l i dnapi nanggal i ngankokani na.Hepushedmet ot hebed. Napat i ngi nakosakany a.

Myey eswi denedwhenIsawhi mt aki ngof fhi sbel t .Hewasal sounbut t oni nghi sshi r t .Lahatng l uhangay awl umabassamgamat akokani naaynaguunahangumal pasngay on. " Huwag. . . .Pl easet t amana. . . "Mahi nangwi kako.Het ookhi sshi r tof fandt hr ew i taway .Pat i i y ongpant sni y a.Hegotnakedi nf r ontofme.Al am konakunganonggagawi nni y a.Hewi l l puni shmeagai nf ort r y i ngt ol eav ebymol est i ngme.

Hecl i mbedt hebed.

" Tamana! "Si gawko.

Hi nat akni y aangpaako.Hehi kedmyski r tupandspr eadmyl egs.Her i ppedmyunder wearapar t . Napahagugol ako.Baki tbasaaki nnangy ay ar i i t o?

Agai n,If el thi mf or ci ngandent r y .Iscr eamedsol oud." Ahhhhhh,pl easest op! "Iwascr y i ng.He st ar t edmov i ngagai n.Hi l am nahi l am naangmgamat akongl uha.Paosnaangboseskosa kakasi gaw.Nagmamakaawaakosakany anai t i gi l nani y ai t o.

Hi ndipasi y anakunt ent o.Hewr appedhi sl ef thandar oundmyneck.Hewaschoki ngme.Lal ong hi ndiakomakahi nga.Icoul df eelt hepai ndownt her ewhenev erhe' smov i ngi nandoutIf i ndi tso har dt obr eat h.Pi l i tkongi naal i sangkamayni y asal eegkoper omasy adosi y angmal akas.

Fi nal l y ,hest opped.If el tsomet hi ngwar mi nsi deofme.I nal i sni y aangkamayni y asal eegkoat sakangumi si .

" Remembert hi s, Consunj i .Sat uwi ngt at akaska, hahabl ut i nki t aatdadal hi nsakama.Sodon' tt r y r unni ngawayorel se. . . "Hegr i nned.Het ouchedmyabdomen.Al am konaangi bi gni y angsabi hi n.

" Whatdoy out hi nky ourf at herwoul dsayi fy oubearmychi l d?Mat ut uwabasi y a? "

" Demony oka! "Ihi ssed.

" Ihav ebeencal l ednames, Yzaandy oucal l i ngmet hatdoesn' tr eal l yaf f ectme. "

Tumal i kod si y a.I sai sani y ang ki nuhaang mgadami tni y a.Bago si y al umabasng si l i d ay bi nal i nganni y aako.

" Fi xy our sel f .We' l l hav edi nner . "

Umi l i ngako.Ni y akapkoangsar i l i koatsakaumi y aknangumi y ak. . .

" Zach. . . . "

4.Thei nnerConsunj i

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" Howar et heConsunj i s?Ar et heyl osi ngt hei rmi ndsy et ? "

Igr i nnedatJohnnyDupr ee-he' st heheadsecur i t yoft heConsunj if ami l y .Li t t l edi dt heyknow t hathe' swor ki ngf ormet oo.Madal il angnamangsumuholngt ao.Dupr eeusedt obeal oy al secur i t yof f i ceroft hef ami l ybutwhenIof f er edhi m money ,whenIpr omi sedhi mt hi ngst hatI knowhewoul dn' tgeti fhekeepsonwor ki ngf ort hem,t het abl eshav et ur ned.Si y aangmat aat t ai ngakosal oobngmansy on.Ti ni ngnanni y aako.Wewer ei nsi demycar .Nasal oobl angdi n kamingexcl usi v ev i l l agekungsaannakat i r aangmgakaawayko.Ical l edhi mt hataf t er noon becauseIwant edt ohearsomenews.

" They ' r el osi ngt hei rmi nds,y es,Si rbutI ' mt el l i ngy ou.Masl al oni ny ongpi nat at agal ,masl al ong nagagal i tangmgaConsunj i .Nakakat unognasiSancho, maymgabagaynasi y anggi nagawana hi ndi ni y ai pi napaal am saaki n. "

" Howcany ousayt hat ? "Bi gl aakongnapai si p.

" I pi nat awagni y aangdat i ngheadofsecur i t yngpami l y a,Si r .Hi ndinar i nni l aakomasy adong i si nasamasapaghahanapni l akayYz a. "

Napat i i m akongbagang.Tumanaw akosal abasngbi nt anaatsakabumunt onghi ni nga.Hi ndi pwedengmat al onanamanakosal ar ongi t o.Akonaangnagsi mul angay on,akoangdapat manal o, akol ang.Hi ndi pwedengmauungusannanamanakongmgaConsunj i .

" Si r ,I ' m notbei ngnegat i v e,buty oudon' tknow whoy ou' r edeal i ngwi t hher e.Hi ndini ny opa naki ki t akungpaanomagal i tangi sangSanchoConsunj i , i samamopaangmgakapat i dni y a.He' s v er yangr yr i ghtnow.Ihav eaf eel i ngt hatt heyal r eadyknew whot ookYza.They ' r enotr eal l y count i ngi nt hepol i ceany mor e.Theyar eact ual l ydoi ngt hei rowni nv est i gat i on.I samani ny opa angboy f r i endni Yza.He' smov i ngt oo.Si r , huwagni ny onanghi nt ay i nnamasukol ni l akay o.Ihat e t ot hi nkaboutt hi s,buti fandwhent heyf i ndoutt haty ouhav eher ,y ouwi l lbedeal i ngwi t ht he dev i l sandI ' m notexagger at i ng. "

Il ookedathi m.Am Ir eal l yhear i ngal loft hi sf r om hi m?Igr i nned.He' schi ckeni ngout .I sang bagaynapi nakaay okosal ahat .Hi nabl otkoangkwel y oni y aati ni l api tsi y asaaki n.

" Nat at akotkanaba? "Tanongkosakany a." Kani nokamasnat at akot , saaki nosamgaConsunj i ? Hawakkoangpami l y amo. "Igr i t t edmyt eet h.Het ookadeepbr eat hashel ooksatme.

" Pi napaal al ahanankol angpokay o, Si r . "Mabi l i sni y asagot .

" Kungpi naal al ahananmoako,atgust omot al agangmagi ngmaay osangl ahatngpl anoko, gawi nmoangl ahatpar ahi ndini l aakomat unt on!You' r ewi t ht hem 24/ 7,dosomet hi ng!Hur t t hem!Bast asi gur aduhi nmonghi ndi masasakt ansi Lei gh! "

Lal osi y angnamut l a.Bi ni t i wankosi y aathumi ngaakonangmal al i m.Hi ndi kokai l anganngi sana namangkapal pakanl al onangay onkungkai l annasaaki nnaangal asnamagpapabagsaksa kani l angl ahat .

" Leav e. "Ior der edhi m.Mabi l i spasaal askwat r onal umabasngsasaky ankosi Dupr ee.Napai l i ng ako.Mahi nangkl asepar i nngt aoangnakuhako.Si mpl engut osl anghi ndipani y amagawa. Mukhangkai l angankonanamangmagi si pngpani bagongpl ano.Kungt amaangsi nabini y ana al am nangmgaConsunj inaakoangkumuhakayYza, hi ndimal ay ongpi namamanmanannani l a angbahaykongay on.Mal akiangposi bi l i dadnamaki t ani l asiYzakungmat ut unt onni l aang bahaykosabur ol .

" Takemet oSt .Rose. "It ol dmydr i v er .Wedr ov eof f .Lumi kosi y a.Mal al i m akongnagi i si p.I t ' sa goodt hi ngIt ookYzat oatt hehi l l , kungsat ownhousekol angsi y ai t i nagomal amangnakuhana si y asaaki nngay on.

Iwast hi nki ngdeepwhenInot i cedaf ami l i arf i gur ewal ki ngatt hesi dewal k.SiLei gh." St opt he car . "Paghi nt ongsasaky anayl umabasako.Si nal ubongkosiLei ghnanagl al akadpat ungosa di r eksy onko.Hi ndisi y asaaki nnakat i ngi n.Shewasl ooki ngdownt hepav ement .Bakassa mukhani y aangkal ungkut an.Shewasev enwi pi nghert ear s.Nat i gi lsi y asapagl al akadnang mapansi nako.Dahandahansi y angnagangatngmukha.

" Anonggi nagawamodi t o? "Shegaspedl oudl yaf t eraski ngmet hat .Iknow t hatl ov emakes peopl eweakj ustl i kewhatBabat aughtmewhi l egr owi ngupper ohi ndikonamanpwedeng i t anggi angpagmamahal nanar ar amdamankopar asakapat i dko.Napahi kbi pasi y a.

" Sabi ni Kuy a"

" Iam y ourKuy a. "

" Hi ndi . . . "Mar i i ngsabini y a." SiKuy aYt oangkuy ako.Kahi tkai l anhi ndini y asi nakt anangkahi tna si nosapami l y ako. "

" Iam y ourf ami l y . "

" I fy ouar emyf ami l yt heny oushoul dn' thav et akenmysi st erawayf r om us. "Mahi nanguni tmar i i n ang bawatkat agang bi ni t i wan ni y a sa aki n.Par ang kut si l y o ang mga sal i t a ni y a.Pi l i tna si nusugat anangpusokongmat agalnangnagdur ugodahi lsapangungul i l asai sangmasay ang pami l y a.

" Youhav eher .Yout ookheraway .I t ' snotaquest i on, Hel i os.Ihear dTat ayt ol dKuy aYt o. "

Umi l i ngako.Lumapi takosakany aathi nabl otsi y asabr aso.Pi l i tkosi y angi si nakaysakot se.

" Bi t awanmoako!Hi ndi akosasamasa' y o! " " Shutup, Lei gh! "Si gawkosakany a.

" Hi ndi akosi Lei gh!Akosi YnaJohannaYbar r a-Consunj i ! "

" Youar eLei ght onSant i l l an! "Si gawkosakany a.Bi nal i ngankoangdr i v er ." SaSt .Rose.Andmake i tf ast ! "

Hal ospal i par i nngdr i v erkoangsasaky an.Lei ghsatt her e;she' squi etnow al t houghshe' sst i l l cr y i ng.Wal asi y angsi nasabi .Hi ndisi y anagsasal i t aatkahi ty at asubukankonghawakansi y aay hi ndi kor i nmagagawa.Al am kongpapal agsi y a. Dumat i ngkamisaSt .RoseMemor i alShr i ne,f i f t eenmi nut esl at er .Ay aw ni y abumabang sasaky an.Ihadt ocar r yherj ustsoshewoul dgetout .Hi nat akkosi y apapasoksal oobng mausol eum kungnasaanangmgamagul angnami n. " Letmego,y oumonst er ! "I t i nul akni y aako.Humahagul golsi y ahabangpi l i tnakumakawal asa aki n.Pi l i tkosi y anghi nar apsapunt odngt unayni y angmgamagul ang.

" Doy ouseet hem? "Iaskedher .Wewer ebot hl ooki ngatt het ombsi nf r ontofus.Umi i y akpar i n si y a.Umaal og-al ogangmgabal i kat ." Theyar ey ourr ealpar ent s,Lei gh.Thi si swhatSancho Consunj i di dt oourf ami l y .Heki l l edMom andDad. "

" Tat aydi dn' tki l l t hem! "Si gawni y a. " Kai l anmobamaki ki t anaangmgat aongmi namahalmoayangmgat aongsumi r angbuhay mo! "Si nghal kosakany a.Shesl appedme.Myey eswi dened.

" Kungmaynani ni r angbuhaydi t o, i kawi y on!Youar et r y i ngt ot or nmyf ami l yapar t !Kungkapat i d ngaki t at ul adngsi nabimo,hi ndimosasakt anangmgat aongnagmahalatnagal agasaaki n! Theydi dn' tdoany t hi ngbadt ome!Theyl ov edme,t heyt r eat edmeast hei rown! "I y aksi y anang i y akhabangsi nasabi ni y aangmgakat agangi y onnat umat at aksapusoko.

Si nasabini y asaaki nnaangmgat aongsumi r angpami l y anami nangmasnagmahalsakany a. Kunghi ndinamansi ni r aniSanchoConsunj iangbuhayngpami l y ako,mar ar amdamanr i nni Lei ghangpagmamahalngmgat unaynami ngmagul ang.Hi ndini y akai l anganmaki amotsai bang t aongpagmamahal dahi l al am koatsi gur adoakongmamahal i nsi y ani Mamaatni Daddy

" Paanonamanako? "Iasked.Shegaspedhar d.Hi nawakankosi y asamagkabi l angbr aso.My handswer eshaki ng." Paanoako,Lei gh?Akoi y ongmagi sangnai wan,akoi y ongnasakt an,ako i y ongnangul i l a, paanoako? "

" Paanor i nako? "Shel ookedatme." PaanosiYza?Hi ndimomanami ni n,al am kongt ot ooi y ong si nasabi ni l a.Yout ookher . "

" Idi dn' t . "Il i e.Sheshookherheadagai n." Idi dn' t , Lei gh!Idi dn' tt akeher . " " Uuwinaako. "Wi kani y apasaaki n.Pi nahi dni y aangmgal uhani y aatsakat i nal i kur anako. Gust okosi y angpi gi l an.Gust okonasi y angi uwi sabahay .I y onnamanangpl ano.Nandi t onasi y a, baki tkopasi y apakakawal an?Per ohi ndikogi nawa.Masl al o ni y aakongkamumuhi ankung pi pi l i t i nkosi y a.Gagawi nkonal angangpl anoko.I fIdot hat , hi ndikonakai l anganmami l i t , kusa si y angsasamasaaki n.

Iwat chedherasshel eav es.Bef or eshecoul dev engetoutoft hemausol eum,shest oppedand f acedmeagai n.

" I fy ouhur t , Yza.Iwi l l nev erf or gi v ey ou. " Herwor dsmar kedmyski n.Paki r amdam konagkapekl atakodahi lsi nabini y a.Hi nay aankona si y angumal i s.Ni hi ndi nasi y anagpaal am saaki n.Hi ndi nani y aakot i ni ngnan.

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" Baki thi ndi ponakal ocki y ongpi nt o? "

I y onangunangt anongkokayManangBi ni ngnangmakal abasakongsi l i dkungsaanako i ki nukul ongnanghal i maw nai y on.ManangBi ni ngl ookedatme.Mayhawaksi y angt r ayng pagkai n.Si gur o, dadal hi nni y ai y onsakwar t oko.

" AngsabiniHect or , hi ndikanamannadawt at akas. "Nakangi t i ngsabini y a.Tumaasangsul okng bi bi gko.Akal ay at angl al aki ngi y onaynat at akotakosakany a.Hal osi sangl i nggonani y aakong ki nukul ongsabahaynai t o.Nagpapasal amatnal angakosai t aasdahi lmat aposanggabi ngi y on nasi nubukankongt umakasmul i ayhi ndi nani y aakosi nakt anoni l api t ankahi tnat i ni ngnan.

" Baki tbat i nat awagni ny ongHect oranghal i mawnai y on? "Tanongkosakany a.

" Hect orangt unayni y angpangal an.Al agakonasi y anoonpa, Yza.Mabai tsi y a.Nat at apunanl ang nggal i tangpusoni y a. "

" Mabai t ? "Iwassar cast i c." Al am ni ny onamansi gur okunganonggi nawasaaki nnghal i mawna i y on. "Gal i tnasabi ko." He. . .He. . . "Bumangonanggal i tsadi bdi bko.

" Anak, hi ndi ni y asi nasady ai y on. "

Ti ni ngnankosi y a." Hi ndisi nasady a? ! "Si gawko.Humakbangakopal api tkayManangBi ni ng.Sa gal i tko, t i nabi gkoanghawakni y angt r ay .Sumabogangl ahatngl amannoonsasahi g." Kai l anpa hi ndinagi ngsady aangr ape, Manang? !Theonl yr easonwhyI ' m st i l lal i v er i ghtnowi smyl ov ef or Zachar yDr ewandmyf ami l y ! "

" Hi j a, humanahonka. "Mahi nangsabi ni y a.Ti nul akkosi y a.

" Hi nahon? !Youwantmet ocal m downwhi l et hatsonofabi t chmol est sme? !HowcanIcome down!Kungkay oangpagsamant al ahannghal i maw nai y on,hi hi nahonkay o? ! "Hal osmamaos akosakakasi gaw.ManangBi ni ngi snowont hef l oorl ooki ngupatme.Hi ndikonamai nt i ndi han

angsar i l iko.I ' m notl i ket hi s.Iusedt obecal m andcomposebutr i ghtnow,Idon' twantt obe cal m andcompose.Iwantt ohur tt hatmonst er ; Iwantt oki l l hi m wi t hmybar ehands.

" ManangBi ni ng! "

Il ookedupandIsaw t hemonst er ' ssecr et ar y .Ti nul unganni y angt umay osiManangBi ni ng habang.Ki t angki t asamukhani y aangpagaal al a.

" Anobanggi nawamo? ! "Shey el l edatme.

" Anongkar apat anmongsi gawanako? ! "Iy el l edback." Youdon' thav et her i ght st or ai sey our v oi ceatme, bi t ch!You' r enobody ! " " Whatt hehel l i st hi s? "

Mybodyshookwi t hf earwhenIhear dhi sdemoni cv oi ce.Nakat ay osi y asal i kodngbabaengi y on atniManangBi ni ng.Kunotnakunotangnooni y a.Madi l i m angmukhaatt i i m angbagang.My i ni t i alr eact i oni st hatIwoul dbescar edofhi m becausehedi dbadt hi ngst omebutr i ghtnow,I don' twantt obescar ed.Il ookedathi m.Naki pagsukat ansi y angt i ngi nsaaki n.

" I wanni ny okami .Kat hr y na, dal hi nmosi Manangsaquar t er s.I ' l l deal wi t hher . "

Umal i sangbabaeatsi ManangBi ni ng.Hel ookedar oundusandhesawt hespi l l edf ood.Lumapi t si y asaaki n.Hi ndiakot umi nag.Hi ndikokai l anganmat akotsakany a.Demony osi y a.Angmga t ul adni y aaydapatnasai mpy er no.

" Whatdi dy oudo? "Heaskedme.

" Idi dwhatIhadt o. "Isai di nast r ai nedv oi ce.

" Youscar edManang"

Idon' tknowwhathappened.Bi gl akonal angsi y angsi nampalsakal i wangpi sngi .Bumi l i ngang

mukhani y apakananatnanl al akiangmgamat ani y a.I y onnay at aangpi nakamal akasnasampal nai bi ni gaykosai sangt ao.Whenhel ookedatmeagai n, hi sey eswer edar kandheseemedr eal l y mad.Hegr abbedmyar m andpul l edmecl oser . " Nooneev erget st osl apmeandget sawaywi t hi t ! "Hehi ssed.

Hi ndikonamai nt i ndi hanangsar i l iko.Ishoul dbescar edathi m per ohi ndinamani y onang nar ar adamanko.Kungmaynar ar amdamanmanakosakany a-i y onaypandi di r iatgal i t .Hi ndi akonat at akotsakany a.I ' v ebeendeal i ngwi t hr ut hl essmenal lmyl i f eandsomehowt hatmade menotscar edofhi m.Maspasi y asaTat ayatsamgat i y uhi nko-i samanar i nangkakambalko per oal am konahi ndi kokai l anganmat akotsakany a.

Kungpai i r al i nkoangt akotatpangi ngi ni gsat uwi ngmal api tsi y asaaki n, mamamat ayakodi t oat hi ndinamakakabal i ksapami l y ako.Kai l angankongsol i dongpl anopar amakal ay aakomul asa demony ongi t o.Wal apaakongnai i si p.Sangay on, Ij usthav et odeal wi t hhi sev i l ness.

" Nooneev ermesseswi t haConsunj iandget sawaywi t hi t . "Isai dt ohi m.Idi dn' tev enbl i nk. Suddenl y , myr ef l exesandmyi nst i nct st ookov ermybei ng.Gumal awangmgabr asoko, i ni l apat koi y onsadi bdi bni y aandt hen,Ipushedhi m -har d.Hel osthi sbal ance.Thenextt hi ngIknew,I waswat chi nghi m ashef el ldownt hest ai r s.Nihi ndiakokumur ap.Pi nanoodkol angkungpaano mahul ogsadal awampu' tt at l onghagdannai y on.

If oundmy sel fsmi l i ngasIl ookedathi m.Il ov edt heexpr essi ononhi sf acenapar abang nasasakt ansi y a.Si gur okunghi ndisi y akumapi tsar ai l i ngsagi l i d, nagt ul oynasi y ahanggangsa i baba-andmay bei ft hathappens, masmal akiangi nj ur ynamat at amoni y a.Kungt ut uusi n, kahi t namamat aypasi y angay onsahar apanko,kul angpar i ni y onsagi nagawani y asaaki natsa pami l y ako.

" You! "Hehi ssed.Nakangi wi si y a.Si y ahabangnakat i ngi nsaaki n.

" Kul angpai y on, Demony oka. "Sabiko.If l ashedhi m myev i l estgr i n.It ur nedaway .Iwenti nsi de t her oom andcl osedt hedoor-Iev enl ockedi t .Hi ndikoal am kunganot al agangnangy ay ar ibutI guesst heDemonout si dej ustr el easedmyi nnerConsunj i .

Thenextday ,Iwokeup.Iwasdi sappoi nt edt oknowt hatIwasst i l li nt hesamer oom,i nsi det he samehousewher et hemonst erl i v es.Paki r amdam konat r apakosai sangmor bi df ai r y t al e.I y ong t i pongf ai r y t al eniCi nder el l a-i y ongt ot oongsi nul atngGr i mm Br ot her s-t heonewi t ht he mor bi di t yandpai n-t heonewher ehappi l yev eraf t erdoesn' tr eal l yexi st s.

IgotupandIsaw somepaperbagsont hesof ai nf r ontofmybed.Kunotnoongl umapi tako doonatbi nuksani y oni sai sa.Dami tangnasal oob.Bi gl aayki nuy om koangmgapal adko. Ki nuhakoangmgapaperbagsatl umabasngkwar t o.Iwasr el i ev ednangmabuksankoangpi nt o. Angbuongakal akokasi , ki nandadonanamanni y amul asal abas.Iwentdownst ai r s; Il ookedf or t hemonst erwho' skeepi ngmei nsi det hi sbeaut i f ulmansi on.If oundhi mt hedi ni ngr oom.He' s bei ngf edbyhi ssecr et ar ybecausehi sr i ghtar mi scast ed.

" Si r . . . "I t i nur oakongassi st antni y a.Hel ookedatme.

" Di sappoi nt edkabananapi l ay anl angako? "Mar i i ngt anongni y a.

" Oo.Kahi tmamat ayka, di sappoi nt edpar i nako. "Wi kakosakany a.Pagkasabi ni y onayi bi nat oko sakany aangmgadami tnai ni wanni y asakwar t o." Kungi naakal amonamai babal i kngmga suholmoangki nuhamosaaki npwesnagkakamal ika!Kahi tmagsuotnal angakongbasahan, hi ndi nghi ndi akot at anggapngkahi tnaanogal i ngsa' y o!Demony oka! "

Bi gl asi y angt umay o.Napansi nkonghi r apsi y anggumal awper okahi tganoonaysi nubukanni y a par i ngt umay o.

" Whycan' ty ouj ustbet hankf ul t haty ounowhav ecl ot hest owear ? ! "Heaskedme.

" Shoul dIbet hankf ul t ot hedemonwhomol est edme? ! "

Ihear dhi sassi st antgaspedl oud.Ti ni ngnankosi y a." Don' tactsosur pr i sedmi ss!I ' m sur et hi s mani sal sodoi ngt oy ouwhathedi dt ome! "

" I ' m nott hatki ndofper son! "Hehi ssedatme.Igr i nned. " Hah!Si gur odahi lhi ndikanamant ao!Hay opka! "Si gawkosakany a." Kahi tmamat aykangay on att amaanngki dl athi ndi par i nsapati y ondahi l sagi nawamosaaki n! "

Hi ndisi y asumagot .Hej ustst ar edatmeaf t erawhi l ehewal kedaway .I i kai kasi y angmagl akad. Usual l y , maaawaakosat aol al onakungal am kongakoangmaykasal ananngnangy ar i sakany a per okayHel i osDemi t r i-i mbesnamakadamaakongawa,nat ut uwapaakodahi lnahi hi r apan si y a.

" Iam goi ngt omakehi sl i f eal i v i nghel l . "Iwhi sper edasIwat chedhi m.

5.Wi t houthi m knowi ng

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Idon' tknowwhyt hatmonst ernamedHel i osDemi t r il et smer oam ar oundhi sf ourhect ar espi ece ofl andbuthei sl et t i ngsoIam t aki ngadv ant ageofi t .Masmabut inar i ni t okay saangbuong maghaponakongmagkul ongsasi l i dnai y onhabangsi y anagpapl anokungpaanoni y asi si r ai n angpami l y ako.

Hi ndikopaal am sangay onkungpaanokosi y al al abananbutI ' m get t i ngt her e.Ir ememberwhat Ti t aLai deoncet ol dme-Ihadt oembr acet hebl oodi nmyv ei ns.Ihav et obeaConsunj ibecause nomat t erhowIt r yt ot ur ni tdown-babal i katbabal i kpadi nsaaki nangdugongnananal at aysa ugatko.

I y onangmant r akot uwi ngpagkagi si ngkoatmat at agpuankosasar i l ikosal oobngsi l i dnai y on sapi l i ngngdemony onghal i mawnasiHel i osDemi t r i .Gal i tnagal i takosakany a.Hi ndikoal am kungpaanonawal aangt akotkosakany a.Hi ndinar i nnangi ngni gangbuongkat awankot uwi ng nasapal i gi dsi y a.Gal i tatpani bughonal angangnar ar amdamanko.

Mi nsan,i ni i si pkongbi gl anal angsi y angsaksaki nhabangt ul ogbutt hatwoul dbet ooeasyf or hi m.Gust okongpagby ar anni y aanggi nawani y asaaki n.Gust okonggumapangsi y asahi r ap.

Iam ani ceper sonbutbei ngni cer i ghtnowi sn' tgoi ngt obeef f ect i v e.Hi ndikai l anganngi sang hal i maw ng kabai t an.Dapatsa hal i maw,pi nupuksa,pi nahi hi r apan atsaka i t at apon sa pi nakamal al i m napar t engkar agat anatganoonangdapatgawi nsakany a.

" Yza. "

Dahandahanakongl umi ngonnangmar i ni gkoangpangal anko.Naki t akoangassi st antni Demi t r i-siKat hr y na.I nmyheadIhav el abel edherbi t ch-abi t chwhol i kest osuckpowerf r om t hatdemoni cmonst ert hatdoesnot hi ngbutr ui nt hel i v esoft hepeopl ear oundhi m.

" Anongkai l anganmo? "Nakat aasangki l aynat anongko.

" Ti nat awagkani y a. "Mabi l i sni y angsagot .Lal ongt umaasangki l ayko.Icr ossedmyar msand l ookedatherf r om headt ot oe.

" Si y aang maykai l angan,si y aang l umapi t . "It ur ned ar ound af t ert hat .Nagpat ul oyako sa pagl akad.Nangt i ngnankongmul iangassi st antni y a,naki t akongpapasoksi y asabahay . Napai l i ngnal angako.Paanokay anakakat agalangmgat aongi y onsal al aki ngsagadsabut o angkai t i manngbudhi ?

Nagpat ul ogakosapagl akad.I ' m mi ssi ngmyf ami l ysomuch.Ir eal l ywantt ogohome.Iwoul d gi v eev er y t hi ngj ustt ogetmyf r eedom backbutr i ghtnow,I ' m hav i ngsecondt hought s.Yes,I wannagohomebutIal sowantt omakeDemi t r ipayf orwhathedi dt ome.Gust okosi y ang gumapangsasaki t ,sahi r ap.Gust okosi y angl umuhangdugo.Ay okosi y angmamat aybast a becauset hatwoul dbet ooeasyf orhi m.Amonst erl i kehi m deser v est obepuni shed.Hi ndi ki nakaawanangmgat ul adni y a.It ookadeepbr eat h.

I ni i si pkosiZach.Bi gl ananamangt umul oangmgal uhangi l angar aw konangi t i nat ago.Sa t uwi ngnai i si pkosi y a,nanghi hi naako.Pal agikongt i nat anongsasar i l ikokungpagkat aposng l ahatngi t oaymat at anggappar i nni y aako.Nanghi hi naangbuongkat awanko,pat inaang kal ul uwakosat uwi ngnai i si pkongmal akipar i nangposi bi l i dadnamakabal i kakosapami l y ako, sakany aper ohi ndi naakobuo.

Il ov eZachandIknow t hathel ov esmet oobutt hi st hi ngt hathappenedt omei sj ustt oo ov er whel mi ng-sobi gt hatI ' m act ual l yscar edt hathewon' tbeabl et ost omacht hef actt hatIwas r ui nedbysomemonst er .

Bumal i kakosabahaymat aposkongmagl akadl akad.Hanggangngay onwal apar i nakong sol i dongpl anokungpaanokosi y amapapant ay an.Angal am kol anghi ndiakomagpapat al osa l al aki ngi y on.

WhenIgoti nsi de,wal anasakahi tsaangl ugarsiKat hr y naatsiDemi t r i .Ij ustshr ugged.May be t hey ' r ef ucki ngnow,Idon' tcar e.Theycanact ual l ydi edoi ngeachot herandIwon' tev engi v ea damn.

Pumunt aakosakusi napar akumuhangmai i nom.Iwasaboutt ogetagl assofwat erwhenI not i ceaphoneneart hesi nk.Mat agalkongt i ni t i gani y on.Iswal l owedhar d.Iwant edt hephone.I needt hatt obeabl et omakeacal l .Myhear tbeatf ast .Il ookedar oundandwhenIsawt hatno onei sar ound, It ookt hephoneanddi al edZach' snumber .

Al am kongdapatpami l y amunaangt awagankoper omasgust okongmar i ni gangbosesni Zach. Iwoul df eelbet t eri fIhearhi sv oi ce,i fIt al kt ohi m.Mywhol ebodyshookasIwai t edf orhi s answer .Myt ear sst ar t edf al l i ngwhenIhear dt heot herl i ner i ngi ng.Iwai t edanxi ousl yf orhi mt o answer .

" Comeon,babe,pi cki tup! "Igasped.It hankedal lt heangel sabov ewhenheanswer edaf t ersi x r i ngs.

" Hel l o? "Somet hi ngi nsi demel eapedaf t erhear i nghi sv oi ce.

" Zzach. . . "Imumbl ehi sname.

" Yza? "Heexcl ai med." Yza, nasaanka?Yza!Yza!Yzanasaanka?Ohgod!Nasaanka? ! "

Icoul di magi nehi mj ol t i ngupaf t erhear i ngmyv oi ce.Icov er edmymout hwi t hmyhand.

" Ar ey ouokay , Yza? "Tanongni y apa." Tel lmewher ey ouar e, baby !Yza!Yzamagsal i t aka, mahal namahal ki t a. "Sabi ni y apa.

Fort hef i r stt i mei nt woweeks, If el tanov er whel mi ngwav eofhappi nessi nsi demychest .Gust o kongsabi hi nsakany aangl ahatngnangy ar isaaki n,anggi nawaniDemi t r i ,angsaki tna nar ar amdaman ko t uwi ng mai i si p kong hi ndina ni y a ako mat at anggap,ang l akas na nar ar amdamankokapagnai i si pkosi y a.Angdami damikonggust ongsabi hi nsakany aper osa damingt umat akbosai si panko,i sal angangnamut awisal abikoatsat i ngi nkoayi y onang pi nakamahal aga.

" Il ov ey ou, ZD. "It ol dhi m.Hesi ghed.

" Baby , wher ear ey ou?IknowHel i ost ooky ou.Nasaanka? "Hal osnai i y aknar i nsi y a.Nanl akiang mgamat akonangbi gl angmayhumabl otngt el eponosakamayko.It ur nedar oundandIsawt he monst erst ar i ngatme.

He' shal fnaked.Hewasonl ywear i nghi sMuaiThaishor t s.He' ssweat i ng; hel ookedasi fhej ust gotoutoft hegy m.Angdi l i m ngekspr esy onngmukhani y a.Gal i tnagal i tangmgamat ani y a per ohi ndi akonat at akotsakany a. " Si nongt i nawaganmo? "Heaskedi namur der ousv oi ce.

" Wal akangpaki al am. "

" Youcan' tj ustuset hephone, Yza!Iki dnappedy ou!You' l l best ay i ngher eorel se! "

" You' l lr apemeagai n! "Ti naasankoangbosesko." Akal amobanat at akotpaako?Youcanhav e mybodyagai nandagai n,Demi t r ibutt hatwon' tmakemef eelanyl essofawoman!Oo,ki nuha moako,per ohi ndiakomagpapakababadahi ll angdoon!Iwi l lkeeponf i ght i ngy ouunt i lt he momentIgetoutofher e-al i v eandIwi l l makesur et haty ouwi l l r egr ett hedayy ouev erhur tme! "

Bi gl angumi gkasangkamayni y a.Hei sgoi ngt ohi tme.Idi dn' tbl i nk.Idi dn' tev enbot herav oi di ng hi m.I nst ead, Il ookedathi m -ey et oey e.

" You' r egoi ngt ohi tme? "Iaskedhi m." Si gel ang!Dagdaganmoangdahi l ankopar apahi r api nang buhaymo,demony oka!Tandaanmo,t hemor ey ouhur tme,t hemor et hatYnawi l lhat ey ou. " Sagadangpagkamuhi kosal al aki ngnakat ay osahar apankongay on.

Bi gl ani y angi bi nabaangkamayni y a.

" Got oy ourr oom! "Hehi ssed.Ismi r ked.

" Youdon' tgett ot el lmewhatt odo, Demi t r i ! "Ki nuhakoangbasongt ubi gnakani naayhawakko atsakai si naboyi y onsamukhani y a.Hi ndinasi y anakahuma.Nagmar t saakopaal i ssal ugarna i y on.Iwentupt ot her oom Iwasusi ng.Il ockedt hedoorandIst ar t edpaci ng.

Nar i ni gkoangbosesniZach.Angsabini y amahalni y aako.Angt agalkonanggust ongmar i ni g ngbosesni y aatngay onnanagawako, hi ndinamanakomapakal i .If oundmy sel fcr y i ngagai n.I wantt ogobackbuthow?Idon' tev enhav easol i dpl ani nmi nd.Igaspedhar d.Iwannabewi t h myZachar yagai n.

Isatont hebed.Ir eal l yneedt ot hi nkofapl an.Somet hi ngt hatwi l lhi tHel i osathi sweakestpoi nt -l i keAchi l l esi nt heTr oj anwar ,l i keAeneasi nt heOdy ssey .Kai l angankongmal amanang kahi naanni y a.

Iwasbi t i ngmyl i pwhenIr emember edsomet hi ng-somet hi ngt hathesai d.

Lov emakespeopl eweak.

" Lov e. . . "

-

" AHFuck! "

Nasabunut ankoangaki ngsar i l ihabangpi l i tnat i nat awagmul iangnumer onggi nami tniYza.I hav et oknowwher eshei s.Al am nangmgat aokonaki nuhasi y anggagongi y on-angkul angna l angayangl ocat i onkungnasaansi y a.Hi ndinaakomakapaghi nt ayngsusunodnaar aw pa, kai l angankonangmaki t asi Yza.

Icl osedmyey es.Hear i nghev oi ceonl yaddedf uelt ot hef i r eIf eeli nsi deofme.Masl al oko si y angkai l anganmabawingay on.Imi ssedhersomuch.I sapa, nagaal al aakosamgabagayna pwedenggawi nsakany angl al aki ngi y on.I t sgoodt oknowt hatshei sokay ,al i v eandst i l lv er y muchi nl ov ewi t hme.

It ookmykey sandheadedoutpagl abaskonguni tkoaynasal ubongkonamanangkapat i dko. Shewasl ooki ngatmewi t ht hatr i di cul ousexpr essi ononherf ace.

" Kuy a, saankananamanpupunt a? "Sheaskedwi t ht hatt i r i ngt one.Ihav et ost opandt al kt oher f orawhi l e.

" Ihav et ogoandf i ndYza. "Sabi kosakany a.Napai l i ngnal angsi y a.

" Kuy a. "Pi ni gi l anni y aako." Umuwikamunasabahay .Hi nahanapkananiMommy . "Shesai di na l ow v oi ce.It ookadeepbr eat h.Iknow t hatmyf ami l yi swor r i edaboutme,aboutYzaandt he Consuni j i s.Nagpapasal amatnamanakodahi ldi nadamay anni l aakobutr i ghtnow,Idon' tneed anydi st r act i ons.Ihav et of i ndYzabef or ei t st ool at e.

" Audr ey , Ihav et ogo. "Sabikosakany a.Shel etmego.Ir anandheadedoutoft hebui l di ng.Igot t omycar .Ihav et ogoandseeYt o.Ineedt ospeakwi t hhi m.Thi r t ymi nut esl at er-t hankst ot he t r af f i c-Iwasi nsi det hei rmansi on, t al ki ngt ohi m andhi sdad.

" Shecal l edme. "

Ti t oSancho' sey eswi denedwi t hsur pr i sed.Tumay osi y a." Di dshet el l y ouwher eshei s? "

" Hi ndi ,bagoni y apamasabi ,naput olangt awag.It r i edcal l i ngheragai nbuti t ' sunat t ended,Si r . " Nagul atakonangbi gl angsunt uki nniTi t oSanchoangt abl eni y a.Nabasagi y ongsal ami .Yt o seemedt obeshockedt o. " Tay . . . "

" Iam goi ngt oki l lt hatsonofbi t chwi t hmybar ehands! "Hehi ssed.Gal i tnagal i tangmgamat a ni y a.Ti ni ngnankosiYt o-t hi si sact ual l yt hef i r stt i meIsaw mybestf r i endspeechl ess. Namumut l asi y ahabangnakat i t i gsi y asaTat ayni y a.

" Tay ,sadamingpapat aykayDemi t r i ,Idoubtkungpat ikal ul uwani y amasesav epa. "Hewas t r y i ngt ol i ght enupt hemoodbutwhenTi t oSanchol ookedathi m wi t ht hosedeadl ydar key es, nat ahi mi ksi Yt o.Napakamotsi y angul o.

" I ' l l cal l Jun, Tay . "Sabi nal angni Yt o.

" Bet t erdot hat , Yt oJose. "

Yt ot ur nedawayandl ef tt her oom.Nai wanakodoon.Bi nal i nganakoni Ti t oSancho.

" Kapagnaki t aangpi nagt at aguanni y akayYza, sumamaka.Ineedy out her et ot akeherbecauseI don' tknow i fIcancont r olmy sel fi fandwhenIseet hatbast ar dwhot ookmydaught er . "He gr i t t edhi st eet h.Mukangsamgaor asnai t oayt al aganggal i tnasi y a.

Makal i pasangi l angsandalaybumal i ksiYt osapr i v at eof f i cekasamasiJunatsiYv o.Yv oi s hol di ngaMacwhi l esmi l i ngeart oear . " What ' st hat ? "Iaskedhi m.I ni l apagni y aangMacsat abl eni Ti t oSancho.

" Kuy a, Tay , Ihav ef oundawayonhowt oi nf i l t r at eDemi t r i ' sar mor ywi t houthi m knowi ng. "

I pi naki t ani y aangdat abasesy st emsngAl phaDel t aAr mor y-Demi t r i ' scompany .Hest ar t ed expl ai ni ngt het hi ngshehaddi scov er ed.Lahatngnegosy oniDemi t r iayl egalper okahi tganoon, nakahanapsi Yv onggusot .

" Iwi l li nf i l t r at et hei rdat abase,t ay .Al t ert hei rst ock,Icanev ent akemoneyf r om t hem wi t hout t hem knowi ng.Mal al amanl angni l ai ft heydoabackgr oundcheckbuti t ' st ooear l yf ort hatso, t hi st hi ngmi ghtwor k.Kay akongkuni nangcompanyni y al i t t l ebyl i t t l e.Gant i sagi nagawani y asa pami l y anat i nngay on. "

Yv o' spl ani sbr i l l i ant .Ti napi kniTi t oSanchoangbal i katni y a.Yt oi sal sol ooki ngathi sbr ot her wi t hsomuchpr i dei nhi sey es.Nakangi t i r i nako.

" Now, al l wehav et odoi sf i ndYzaandwe' l l t akeHel i osDemi t r i down. "Icomment ed.

-

" Hect or . . . "

Humi ngaakonangmal al i m mat aposkongmar i ni gangbosesniManangBi ni ng.Iwasst andi ng ont hebal cony ,smoki ngaci gar et t e.I ' mr y i ngt ot hi nkofawayonhow t ogetLei ghagai n.Sa t i ngi nkomahi hi r apanakongmaki pagdealsapami l y ani l a.Iwast hi nki ngoft aki ngYzabackbutI wantLei ghi nexchangef orher .

" Her ct or . . . "Tawagni y angmul isaaki n.Bumal i ngakosakany a.SiManangBi ni ngangkasamako habangl umal aki . She' st hecl osestt hi ngIhav et oaf ami l y .Imeetheri nGr eece.Myf at herhi r ed hert ot akecar eofme-ananny-per okahi tnannyl angsi y a, si y al angangnagpapaki t asaaki nng mal asaki t .

Ev enmyownf at herl acksoft hat .

" Hect or ,i bal i kmonal angsi y a.Nasasakt ansi y asamgagi nagawamo. "Si nubukanni y aakong hawakanper oumi l agako.

" Ngay on pabakungkal i anmal api tkonangmakuhaangkapat i dko? "Iaskedher .I t i naponko angsi gar i l y osakungsaan." I ' l lt akeherbackbutasl ongasLei ghi sn' twi t hme,she' l lbest ay i ng her e. "

Tumal i kodako.Nar i ni gkongnapasi nghapsiManangBi ni ng.Al am kokungbaki t .Iwashal f nakedandmybackwasagai nsther .Naki ki t ananamanni y aangmahahabangpi l atsal i kur anko.

" Hect or , ay awmobangi paal i si y an? "Nagaal al angt anongni y asaaki n.It ookmyshi r tandwor ei t . It ookadeepbr eat heandf acedheragai n.

" Thescar sr emi ndmeofwhatIhadt ogot hr oughbef or eget t i ngwher eIam r i ghtnow,Manang. Hi ndikoi papaal i si y onkahi tkai l an. "Ti nal i kur ankosi y a.If oundmy sel fwal ki ngar oundt hehouse agai n.

Ij ustf eelsoempt y , socol d.I y ongl ami gnananunuoothanggangsamgabut oko.Lami gnahi ndi mai i bsanngkumotongkunganopaman.Isi ghed.Iwentupst ai r s.Hi ndiakomakat ul og. Kai l angankonangi pahi ngaangi si pko.Bukasnal angul i takoi i si pngpl ano.Iwasaboutt ogoi n myr oom whenIl ookedbackatherr oom.

Iwonder edi fshe' sasl eepr i ghtnow, ori fshei snot , anonggi nagawani y a.Shei nt r i guesme.Hi ndi koal am kunganongnangy ar i .It houghtt hatshei sweak, anobody , butaf t erwhatshedi dt ome, I r eal i zedt hatshei sf ardi f f er entf r om whatIhav ei nmymi nd.It ookast ept owar dsherr oom. Hi ndinakal ockangpi nt oni y a.Iwenti nsi de.Bi nuksankoangi l aw.Nanl akiangmgamat ako nangmaki t akongwal asi y asakama.

" Whatt he!AWWW! "Napadai ngakonangmar amdam kongmaykunganongpumal osal i kur anko. Il ookedbackandIsawher-YzaConsunj i -hol di ngabasebal l batandshe' sai mi ngatmeagai n.

" Whatt hehel l i swr ongwi t hy ou? ! "Si gawkosakany a. " Whatt hef uckar ey oudoi ngher e? ! "Shehi ssed." You' r egoi ngt omol estmeagai n,asshol e? ! " Hal osmamaosangbosesni y a.Hi ndiagadakonakasagot .Inot i cedt hatherbodyi sshaki ng. Bi gl aakongngumi si .

" You' r escar ed.St i l lscar edofme. "Isai d.Iwal kedt owar dsher .Umur ongsi y a.Wr ongmov e.She i snowt r appedbet weenmybodyandt hewal lbehi ndher . Il ookedi nherey es.Shehadapai rof

al mondshapedbr owney es-v er ymuchl i keherbr ot her ' sbuther si smor eexpr essi v e.Icoul d act ual l yseef earandherneedt of i ghtme.I ni l agaykoangkamaykosabay wangni y ashe st i f f ened.

" Whet hery oul i kei tornot ,YzaConsunj i ,Iam y ourf i r st .For cedornot ,Iam t hef i r stmani ny our l i f eandy ouwi l l f or ev err ememberme. "Isai dt hosewor dswhi l el ooki ngatherey es.

Nat i gi l anakonangmaki t akongnagi baangt i ngi nni y asaaki n.Idon' tknowwhat ' swi t hherey es t hatmademet hi nkofsomet hi nghappy-Isuddenl yr emember edmypar ent s-t hei rl ov ef oreach ot her-mymom,hol di ngLei ght oni nherar ms-al loft hoset hi ngsf l ashedi nmymi ndj ust becauseIl ookedatherey es.

Lumi patangt i ngi nkosamgal abini y a.Herl i pswer epal epi nkandqui v er i ng-may beoutoff ear . Shel ookedsi l l yst i l lhol di ngont oherbasebal lbat .Iknew Ihav et owal kawayr i ghtnow,but somet hi ng' st el l i ngmet ost ayandkeepmydi st ance.

" Youar eademoni cmonst erandIl oat hey ou. "

Iwasl ooki ngatherl i pswhi l eshesai dt hosewor ds.Shebl i nked, herl i psqui v er ed, shel i ckedher l owerl i pandsomet hi nggott ome.Ihel dhercl oser , t i l t edherheadandki ssedher .

Ofcour se, shef oughthar dt opushmeawaybutIwasbi ggert hanher , st r ongersoi nt heend, she st oppedf i dget i ngasIki sshersav agel y .Iwasact ual l ysav or i ngt hemoment somet hi ngIwasn' t supposedt odo.Whywoul dIsav ori t ?Gal i takosapami l y ani y aandy ether eIam ki ssi ngherl i ke myl i f edependedoni t .

Nanl akiangmgamat akonangbi gl ani y angkagat i nnangmadi i nangl abiko.Bi gl aakongl umay o sakany a.Pi nadaponi y aangmgakamayni y asamukhako.

" Angkapalngmukhamo! "Si gawni y asaaki n." Youdon' thav eanyr i ght soft ouchi ngmeorev en l ooki ngatme!You' r eaf ucki ngdemoni cmonst r ousasshol ewhor ui nedmyl i f e! "Si nampalni y ang mul iako." Youdon' tgett ot ouchme!Youdon' tgett oki ssme!Youdon' tdeser v et heConsunj i Mar ky ou, f ucki ngasshol e! "

Kumunotangnooko.Whati st heConsunj i Mar k?

6.Apastsodar k

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" Whatar ey oudoi ngher e? "

Gal i tnagal i takokayHel i osDemi t r i dahi l sagi nawani y angpaghal i ksaaki nnangnakar aanggabi . Hedoesn' thav et her i ghtt oki ssme!He' saf r i ggi n' asshol eandIr eal l ywantt oki l lhi mf ort hat . Angkapalpangmukhani y angpasuki nnanamanangsi l i dkokungsaanni y aakoi ni l al agak.Ang kapalngmukhani y angngi si hanakonapar abangnor mall angsaami nangl ahat .Angkapalng mukhani y a!

" Getup, we' l lhav ebr eakf ast . "Hesai dt ome.Nanl akiangmgamat ako.Ist ar edathi m.Doesher r eal l yt hi nkt hatIwantt oeatwi t hhi m?Ki namumuhi ankosi y aatay okosi y angmaki t ahangga' t maaar i t aposaay ai nni y aakongkumai nkasamasi y a?

Kahi tbal i kt ar i nkoangbuongmundopat inar i nangbal ukt otnani y angugal i , .Thef actt hathe f or cedmewi l lnev erchange.Sat uwi ngnaaal al akoangkal apast angananggi nawani y asaaki n noonggabi ngi y onayt umut ul oangl uhakonapar abangwal anangbukas.Theonl yt hi ngt hatI woul dev ergi v et ot hemanIl ov ewast akenawayf r om mebyt hi smonst erandIr eal l yl oat hehi m f ort hat .Kul angangsal i t ang" hat e"par ai l ar awanangpagkamuhi ngnar ar amdamankosakany a.

Hehadbr okenmyapar tandnowhehadt hebal l st ost andi nf r ontofmeandsmi l eatmel i ket hat ? Howt hi ckcoul dheget ?

" Idon' thav eal l day , pr i ncess.Getupandeatwi t hme! "

" Kungmakaut oskaakal amopagaar i moako!Anongpaki r amdam mosasar i l i mo?Har i ? ! "Hal os l umi t awnaangl i t i dkosal eeg.Hegr i nnedagai n.

" Yes,baby ,Iam t heKi ng.Now,getupandeatwi t hmeorel se. "Tumi gi lsi y asapagsasal i t aat t i ni t i ganako.Somet hi ng cr epti nsi deofmeashest ar esatmel i ket hat .Bi gl aaypar ang ki nabahanakoper ohi ndikoi pi naki t asakany a.Hi sgr eeney eswer epi er ci ngt hr oughmyski n. Paki r amdam kohi nuhubar anakongmgat i t i gnai y on.

" St opl ooki ngatmel i ket hat . "Ihi ssedathi m.Hegr i nnedagai n.Hecl i mbedmybedandmov ed cl osert ome.Napunoakongkaba.Bi gl angnanumbal i ksaaki nangar aw nai y on.Nal ul uhana namanako.

" Don' tbudge. "Hi sv oi cei sdeepandcl ear ." I ' m notgoi ngt ohur ty ou, Consunj i . "Hesai d.Bi gl aay hi nawakanni y aakosabay wangatsakai ni hi gasakama.Hi ndimagkadaabot abotanghi ni nga

ko.Paki r amdam kohi hi kai nako.Tomysur pr i se,bi gl ani y aakongi nangat .Hecar r i edme,br i de st y l et henwewentoutoft her oom.

Al am kongkai l angankongmagpr ot est a.He' shol di ngmel i keheownsme.Hi ndini y aakopagaar i .SiZachl angangnagmamay ar isaaki natsabuongpagkat aokoandy etIcoul dn' tdo any t hi ngt opushhi m away .

Myhear t . . .myhear ti sbeat i ngsof ast-hi ndikoal am kungdahi lsanat at akotakosakany ao dahi l mal api tnamal api tsi y asaaki n.Wer eachedt hebr eakf astnook, hemademesi tont hechai r . Taposaysi y anamanangnauposat abi kol ang.Icoul dn' tconcent r at e.

Ikeptont hi nki ngaboutt hatni ghtwhenher obbedmyv i r t ue.Paul i t ul i tkongsi nasabisasar i l iko nagal i takosakany a.Nahi ndit amananakakadamaakongkahi tnaanopar asakany amal i ban l angsagal i t .Hi ndi magbabagonghal i knai y onangnar ar amdamankonggal i tsakany a.

SiZachpar i natwal angi ba.SiZachar yDr ew par i n.It ookadeepbr eat hasIr emembert he mor ni ngsIusedt ospendwi t hhi m.He' ssosweet .He' st heper f ectgent l emanandhel ov esme damnt oomuch.Mahalnamahalkor i nnamansi y a.Bosesni y aangdahi l ankungbaki tpat ul oy kongni l al abanannangl al aki ngi t o.

Mul anangmar i ni gkoangbosesni y anoongpat agoakongt umagawanoongnakar aangar aw, l al ongl umakasangl oobko.Gust okonasi y angmaki t a.Hear i nghi m sayt hathel ov esmemakes upf orev er ypai nt hatIhav ebeent hr ought hesepastf ew weeks.Pi nal al akasngmgaal aal ani Zachangl oobko.Si y aangdahi l ankungbaki thi ndi akosumusuko.

" Eat . "Heor der edme.Ti ni ngnankol angsi y at aposaynagi wasakongt i ngi n.Isawhi m shookhi s headt aposayngumi si ." Youar esuchapr i ncess.Iwonderi fLei ghi sasbr at t yasy ouar e. "Ther e wasamusementonhi sv oi ce.Ti ni ngnankosi y a.Fort hef i r stt i mesi ncehet ookme,Isawhi m smi l e-kungngi t i ngangmat at awagi y ongnakat aasl angi y ongdul ongl abi ni y a.

" KungsiYnal angpal a, whybot herdoal loft hese? "If oundmy sel faski nghi m.Het ookonepi ece oft oast edbr eadandspr eadsomecr eam cheeseoni t .Het ookabi t eandchewedi tsl owl y .Par a bangdi nadamani y aangbawatnguy a.Nakadamat ul oyakonggut om.

Hegr i nned." I t ' snotj ustaboutLei ght on, Yza.Al t houghshe' st hemai npoi ntof al lt hese, i t ' sj ust notabouther . "

" Tungkol basaanangl ahatngi t o, Demi t r i ? "Iaskedhi m.Iwant edt ocr y ." Your ui nedmyl i f e!You. . .

y ou. . . "Ni hi ndi komasabi ngbuoangmgabagaynagi nawani y asaaki n.Ij ustsatt her ecl enchi ng myj awwhi l eIl ookathi m.

" Kapagnat aposangpl anoko,i babal i kki t asaboy f r i endmo. "Hesmi r ked." Thati s,kungsi y apa r i nangpi pi l i i nmo. "

Napat uonangmgamat akosakany a.Tal agangsi Zachpar i nangpi pi l l i i nko.Ther e' snoquest i on aboutt hat .Anongi naasahanni y a?I ' l lf al li nl ov ewi t hhi m habangt i nat agoni y aakodi t osa hel l hol enai t o?Hemustbel osi nghi smi nd.

Hi ndikokahi tkai l ani pagpapal i tsiZachar yDr ewsakungsi nongdemony ol ang.Ihav ehi m -Zach andhe' st hebestf orme.Hel ov esme, Iowehi m mybr ot her ' sl i f eandIl ov ehi m deepl y .Angsaki t saki ti si pi nnahi ndikosi y anakakasamasaar awar awati y onaydahi ll angsademony ongnasa har apankongay on.

" Whatt hehel lar ey ouev ent hi nki ng? "Iaskedhi m.Gust okonanamansi y angsakt an.Iwasabout t ohi thi m whenoneofhi sbody guar dsent er edt henookandcal l edhi sat t ent i on.

" Si r , nandi t osi l a.Nat unt onnani l aangbabae. "

Myey eswi denedaf t erhear i ngwhatt hemanhadj ustsai d.Nandi t osi l a?I bi gni y abangsabi hi n maymgat aongnagpunt adi t opar akuni nako?Napat ay oako.Iwasaboutt or unbutt hnDemi t r i gr abbemyar m.Mahi gpi tanghawakni y asaaki n.

" Bi t i wanmoako? ! "Si gawkosakany a.

" Gett hechopperr eady ,aal i st ay o. "Ut osni y asal al aki .Hi ndi .Nanl al akiangmgamat ako.Hi ndi kamipwedengumal i s.Nandi t onasi l a.Makakauwinaako.Makakasamakonaangpami l y ako. Maki ki t akonasi Zach.

Napasi nghapakonangmakar i ni gakongput okngbar i l .

" Oh!Fuck! "Ihear dHel i osDemi t r isai d.Hi nat akni y aako,pat akbokami ngumal i s.Pi l i takong kumakawal asakany a.

" Bi t i wanmoako! ! ! "Si gawkosakany a." Pakawal anmonaako! "

" Tumahi mi kka!Hi ndi kaaal i sdi t osat abi ko.Di t okal ang! "Si gawni y a.

" Yza! "Nat i gi lkaminangmar i ni gnami nangsi gawnai y on.Il ookedbackandIsawhi m.Bumukal angmgal uhako.

" Zach! "Si gawko.Pi l i tkonghi nahat akangsar i l ikopaal i skayDemi t r i ." Zach!Zachnandi t oako! " Si gawkonangubodnangl akas.Nakat ay osi y asamaynookkungsaankami kani na.I t i nul akko siHel i os.Napamur asi y anangmakakawal aako.Agadakongt umakbopat ungokayZach.Pur o put okngbar i langnar i r i ni gko.Thegunshot swer ecomi ngf r om Hel i os' guy s.Ir eal l ydon' tcar eas l ongasIcoul dseeZachar yDr ew, okayako.

" Zach! "Si gaw ko.Nai i y akako.Gust okonghat aki nangl upamakal api tl angakosakany a.He l ookedatmydi r ect i onandsmi l edwhenhesawme.

" Yza. . . "Hemout hedmyname.Tumakbonar i nsi y apapunt asaaki nbutasI ' m aboutt ot akehi s handbi gl anal angmayhumapi tsaaki npal ay o.Iwas,agai nar oundHel i osDemi t r i ' sar msand he' st aki ngmeawayf r om t hel ov eofmyl i f e.

" Yza! "Zachy el l ed.Igaspedhar d.Pi l i takongkumakawal amul akayHel i osper oay awni y aakong bi t i wan.Her anaway .Iwascr y i ng.

" Bi t i wanmoako!Zach! "Si gaw akonangsi gaw.Hi nahabolkaminiZachper onahar angansi y a noongmgaguar dsni Hel i os.

" Yza!Yza! "

I y onangpi nakahul ikongnar i ni g.I pi nasokakoniDemi t r isal oobngchopper .Hi l am nahi l am ng l uhaangmgamat ako.Sumakaynar i nsi y aati nut usanangpi l ot onai l i padnakami .Iwascr y i ng. Si nusubukankopar i ngkumawal a.Tat al onako.Wal aakongpaki al am kungmamat ayakokay sa namanmamat ayakonakasamaanghal i mawnasumi r asaaki n.

" Shutup, Yza! "Hehi ssed." Magpapakamat aykaba? ! "

" Masgugust uhi nkongmamat aynal angkay saangmakasamakapa! "Si gaw ni y asaaki n.He st ar edatme.

" Al loft hesebecauseoft hatboy ? "Heaskedi ndi sbel i ef ." He' snotev enmanenough,Yza.Hi ndi si y abagaysa' y o. "

Hi ndi koal am kungbaki tnaumi dangdi l ako.Pi naghahampaskosi y asabal i kat ." Howdar ey ou! "I y el l edathi m.Paul i t ul i tkonggi nawai y on.Hi ndisi y anagsasal i t a.Nakangi wil angsi y a.Mul iko si y anghi nampas,maynar amdamanakongkunganosaaki ngpal ad.Ti ni ngnankoi y on,nanl aki angmgamat akonangmaki t akoangdugosapal adko.

Nasugat anbaako?I y onagadangt anongkosaaki ngsar i l i .Wal anamanakongkakai bang nar ar amdaman.Il ookedatHel i osandIsawhi sshoul derbl eedi ng.Myey eswi dened.Ki t angki t a koi y ongkul aygi nt onanakapasaksabal i katni y a.

Hewasshot .

I y onangr asonkungbaki tsi y anakangi wi .

" Ohmygod! "Iexcl ai med.

" Justshutup! "Si gaw ni y asaaki n.Nangi ni gako-hi ndidahi lsat akotsakany akundidahi lsa nangy ar i sakany a.Hewasshotf orcr y i ngoutl oud!

-

Hi ndi konanamanal am kungnasaankami .Al l Icoul dseei sahugepar toft heocean.Nasagi t na kamingdagat ,i sangi sl anasat i ngi nkoaypagaar iniHel i os.Noonguna,akal akoaykami ng dal awal angangnar oonper o hi ndinamannagt agalaydumat i ngsiManangBi ni ngatang assi st antni y angsi Kat hr y nanadal ay at aangbuongopi si nani Demi t r i .

Nagkakagul osi l adahi lsanangy ar i ngpagsugodsabahayni t o.Sanar i ni gko,nar oonsiYt oatsi Tat ay , si l aangmgakasamaniZach.Kukuni nnani l aakoper ohi ndini l anagawadahi lnai t akasna namanangngdemony ongi y on.Nakadamaakongpagaal al a.Anonakay aangnangy ar ikay

Zach?KayTat ayatYt o?Nasakt andi nkay asi l a?

" AHHHH! ! ! "Nagul atakonangmar i ni gkoangi sangmal akasnasi gaw.Agadkongt i nungoang l ugarkungsaannanggal i ngangbosesnai y on.Naki t akosiHel i ossakusi na,nakauposasi l y a habangsiManangBi ni ngaymayhawaknakunganoatmayi ni l agaysi y asapl angganangnar oon samesa.

Bl oodst ar t edgushi ngouti fhi sshoul der .Nakangi wisi y a.Maykagatsi y angput i ngt wal y asa bi bi g.Namumul aangbuongkat awanni y a.

" Anak, baki tbaay awmongpumunt asaospi t al ?Bakakunganongmangy ar i sa' y o. . . "

" I fIgot ot hehospi t al ,t heywi l lt akeherandIwi l ll osemychance. "Hesai d." Fuckt hatbast ar d whoshotme. "Heev enhi ssed." Mayar awdi nsaaki nsi Consunj i . "

Si nongConsunj i ?Si Tat ayba?

Nat i gi l anakonangmaki t akongnakat i t i gsi y asaaki n." Happynow? "

" Si si nongbumar i l say o? "Tanongko.Napal abi si y a.

" I y ongkapat i dmo. "Sabini y a." Hewast her eatt heat t i candheshotme.Dapl i sl angper o si ni si gur okongmagsi si si si y a. "

" Kai l ankabat i t i gi l ? ! "Si gawko." YoushotZach! "

" Idi dn' t . "Hesai d." Idi dn' tshoty ourboy f r i end. "

" Hi ndi ? ! "Iexcl ai med." Youwer et her e!Yt osawy ou!I sasamgat auhanmoangbumar i l sakany a! "

" Iwast her e.Isawev er y t hi ng.I y ongt aoko, maydal asi y angbar i lbecausehewast r y i ngt oshoot t hemanwhodi dt hatt oy ourboy f r i end.Wechasedhi m ar oundbutwel osthi m.Hi ndiakoang nagpabar i l saboy f r i endmo.Imaybeal otoft hi ngsbutI ' m notamur der er . "

Hi ndikoal am kunganongmagi gi ngr eaksy onkosasi nasabini y a.Shoul dIbel i ev ehi m?Kung hi ndi si y aangnagpabar i l kayZach, si no?Si nasabi l angni y ai y ondahi l ni l ol okoni y aako.

Butt hen. . .Il ookedatManangBi ni ngandIsawherwi pi nghert ear s.

" Hect or , mahi gakana. . . "SabiniManangBi ni ng.Dahandahansi y angt umay o.Hewashal fnaked t hatt i me, het ur nedhi sbackonmeandmyey eswi denedwi t hsomuchhor r or .

" What ? " Igaspedhar d.Mukangnai nt i ndi hannamanni y aangnai skongi t anong.Hei mmedi at el y wearhi sshi r tandl ef tt heki t chen.Nai wankami ni ManangBi ni ngdoon.

Shewi pedhert ear s." Hi j a,sanamani wal akanahi ndini y amagagawaangmgabagaynai y on, Yza.Napakabai tni Hect or . "

Napakabai t ?PI nagsamant al ahanni y aakot apossasabi hi nni y angmabai t ?Umi l i ngako.Umaky at akosasi l i dnapi naghat i r anniManangBi ni ngsaaki nkani na.Naupoakosakamaatsaka hi nay aangl umabasangl ahatngl uhangi t i nat agoko.Si nusubukankol angnamangmagi ng mal akasper oangt ot oo, mahi naako.Nanghi naakonangmaki t akosiZach.Gust onggust okong sumamasakany a.

Hi ndiakonakat ul ognanggabi ngi y on.Hat i nggabinangpunui nngi sangmal akasnat i ni gang buongkabahay an.

" AHhhhh! ! ! ! !St op! ! ! "

Tumay oakoatl umabasngsi l i d.Thev oi cewascomi ngf r om Hel i os'r oom.Nangdumat i ngako doonaynaki t akosiManangBi ni ng.Humahagul golsi y ahabangt i ni t i ngnansiHel i osnanakahi ga sakamaatnagwawal a.It houghthe' sawakebutIr eal i zedt hathewassl eepi ngwhenImov ed cl osert ohi m.

He' shav i ngani ght mar e.

" Baba!Babat amana! "Hekeptonsay i ng.Si nusubukansi y angy akapi nniManangper omasy ado si y angmal akas.

" Mananganongnangy ay ar i ? "Tanongkosakany a.Shej ustl ookedatme.

" Hect or ,gumi si ngka. . . "SabiniManangper onagwawal apar i nsi y a.NaawaakokayManang Bi ni ng.Icl i mbedonhi sbedandsl appedhi m -har dunt i l hewakesup.

Tumi gi l si y a.Heopenedhi sey esandwhenhesawme, bi gl anal angsi y angnapahi ga.

" Ni ght mar esagai n,huh. "Iknewhewast al ki ngt oManangBi ni ng.Ibi tmyl owerl i pwhi l eIwas l ooki ngathi m, Ir eal i zedt hatHel i osDemi t r i hadgonet hr oughsomet hi ngbad. . .

Apastsodar khef i ndsi thar dt of or get .

7.AConsunj i nev erbr eaksapr omi se

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Hi ndikonaal am kunganongar aw na.Kungsabagay ,Ihav ef or got t ent ocountt heday sev er si ncet hatmonst ert ookmet ot hi si sl and.Iwasagai n,si t t i ngont hebi gr ockadj acentt hev ast oceant hi nki ngagai n.Hi ndikoal am kungnasaanakookungpar t epabangPi l i pi nasang pi nagdal hansaaki n.Angal am kol angmal ay oakosamgat aongmahalkoatsaar awar awna dumar aan, l al ol angl umal akasangkagust uhankongmakaal i ssal ugarnai t o.

Idon' tev enknowwhatt i mei si tnow.Iwasj ustl ooki ngatt heoceanr emi ni sci ngt hemoment sI hav espentwi t hmyf ami l y .Imi ssedbei ngaki d.Noonkasimadal il angangpr obl ema.Madadapa l angako, i i y akt aposdar at i ngsiNanay , pat at ahani nakosapamamagi t anngy akapathal i k.Sana ganoonnal angkadal iangl ahat .Sat i ngi nko,hi ndikay angy akapathal i kl angangmga nangy ay ar i saaki n.

Iwi pedt het eart hatescapedmyey e.Imi ssedmyf ami l ysomuch.I ni i si pkohanggangngay on kunganongnangy ar ikayYt oatTat ay .Iwantt oknowi ft hey ' r eokay ,kungmaynasugat anbasa kani l at ul adnoongnangy ar i kayDemi t r i .

Isi ghed.I l angar aw di nsi y angni l agnatni t onghul i .Sat i ngi nkoayepekt oi y onnoongt amang bar i lni y a.Hedi dn' twantt ober ushedt ot hehospi t al .Hekeptont hi nki ngt hati fhe' sr ushedt o t hehospi t al , aal i sakoot at akas.Gagawi nkot al agai y on.Kapagnakahanapakongpagkakat aon, t at akast al agaakoathi ndi nababal i ksakany a.

Agai n, at earescapedf r om myey e.Ir emember edZach' sf acewhenhet r i edsav i ngme.Napangi t i akonangmaal al akoi y onghappi nessnanaki t akosamgamat ani y anoongmagt amaangmga t i ngi nnami n.Iknew t hatmomentt hather eal l yl ov esme.I y onnamant al agaangt ot oo,mahal akoni Zachatmahal namahal kosi y akay angagust okongmakaal i sdi t o, gust okonangbumal i k butt hemonst eri smaki ngi thar df ormet ocomeback.

It ookadeepbr eat hasIcl i mbeddownt her ock.Taposnaangsunset , gabinanamanper ohi ndi kopar i nal am kunganongar aw ngay on.Nagl akadakopapasoksal oobngbahaynai y on. Napansi nkol angnanapakahi l i gniDemi t r isasal ami n.Thehouseont het opoft hehi l lwas desi gnedwi t hgl assesandr ev ol v i ngdoor s,i t ongbahaynat i nut ul uy annami nngay onayganoon di n.Hal oswal angi pi nagkai ba.Theonl ydi f f er encebet weent het woi st hev i ewandt hef ur ni t ur e i nsi deofi t .

Umaky atakosai t aaspar amagkul ongsasi l i d.Ay okongmaki pagusapkahi tnakani no.Habang nagl al akadaynar i ni gkosi ManangBi ni ngnakausapangassi st antni Demi t r i .Theywer e-It hi nkt al ki ngabouthi m.Punongpagaal al aangbosesni Manang.

" Hi ndikonaal am, Kat hr y na.Kapaghi ndipasi y anagpadal asaospi t albakakunganongmangy ar i sakany a. "

" Okaynay at asi y a, Manang.Nagt at r abahonakami kani na.Al t houghni l al agnatpar i n. "

Theywer eout si dehi sr oom.Nakadamaakongkaba.Hanggangngay onayhi ndipar i nsi y aokay ? Sat i ngi nkonamanayhi ndi mal al aangt amangbal asabal i katni y a.

" Ay okongmagi si p."SabiniManangBi ni ng." Kai l anganmadal aniHect orsaospi t al ,Kat hr y na, kunghi ndi . . . "

Nat i gi lsi l asapaguusapnangmapat i ngi nsadi r eksy onko." Nandy ankapal a.Maykai l anganka ba? "Tanongni y asaaki n.Umi l i ngako.Tumal i kodakongmul ipar apumasoksasi l i dko.Naupo akosakamaatsakanapabunt onghi ni nga.Habangt umat agalayl al oakongnat at akotnabaka hi ndi naakomakabal i k.

Isi ghedagai n.Lahatngpl anokohabangnandoonakosabahayni y asabur olaynagbackf i r e. Hi ndiakomakat akas.Tuwi nggabikasiaymaymgaguar dsnaumaal i gi dsabuongkabahay an. Maymgahawaksi l angbar i l .Sal abasnamanngsi l i dkoaymayi snagl al akir i nnahi ndiumaal i s doonhangga' thi ndi naguumaga.Paanopaakomakakat akas?

Ionl yhav eonepl anl ef tbutIr eal l ydon' twantt odoi t .I ti nv ol v esmyhear tandmyf eel i ngs.Hi ndi kokay angmagkunwar ingganoon.Namumuhiakosakany aatkahi tkai l anhi ndikomaki t aang sar i l i konasi nusubukansi y angpai bi gi n.

That ' smyl astr esor t .Tomakehi mf al li nl ov ewi t hme, per oay oko.Icannev erf akemyf eel i ngs.I hat eDemi t r if ort aki ngadv ant ageofme.Napal uhaako.Ev er ydamnt i meIr emembert hoset wo ni ght s,paki r amdam kodahandahanakongnamamat ay .I ni i si pkokungpaanosiZachkapag bumal i knaako.Kungnaaawaakosasar i l i komasnaaawaakosakany a.

Het ookcar eofme, her espect edme, hel i f tmehi gh-kul angnal angaysambahi nni y aakoper o anongnangy ar isaaki n?Saami n?Ev er yni ghtIpr ayt hathewi l lf i ndt hest r engt ht oacceptme agai naf t erwhathappenedt ome.Hi ndikonamangi nust oi y on.Hi ndikokasal anan.It r i ed f i ght i ng butIj ustl ostt he wi l l .He' st oo st r ong.Wal a akong nagawa.Hi ndiko man l ang nai pagl abanangpar akayZach.

Bi gl aaynay akapkoangsar i l iko.Iwascr y i ngagai n.Iwant edt oscr eam becauseoft oomuch f r ust r at i on.Iwant edt ohur tDemi t r i .Gust okosi y angmagdusa.Gust okongmar amdamanni y a angl ahatngsaki tnanar amdamanko. " Hect or ! "

Napat i ngi nakosamaypi nt onangmar i ni gkoangsi gawniManangBi ni ng.Agadakongt umay o par al umabasngsi l i d.Ti nakbokoangdi st ansy angsi l i dkoatngsi l i dni y a.I nt her e, IsawManang Bi ni ngt r y i ngt oembr aceDemi t r i .Nangi ngi ni gangbuongkat awanni t o.Namumul aangmukhaat hal ospar anghi ndi namakahi nga.

" Manangkai l angannanat i ngdal hi nsiSi rsaospi t al ! "Si gawniKat hr y na.Nakat ay osi y asat abing kamakungnasaansi Demi t r i .

" Aay oko. "Hesai di nal owv oi ce.Igasped.Par anghi r apnahi r apnaangt i ni gni y a." Ddi t ol ang ako. "

" Per oSi r ! "Si gawniKat hr y na." Si r ,y ourl i f ei sont her ocks.I i si pi nni ny opabasiYza?Si r ,paano ni ny omababawi si Lei ghkungnanghi hi nanamankay o? "

Sot hi si sal l aboutmeagai n.Ay awni y at al agasaospi t al dahi l t at akasako.

" Anak,maki ni gkanamansaami n. "NagmamakaawanasiManangBi ni ng.Nagl andasnaang mgal uhasamgamat ani y ahabangpi l i tnaki nukumut ansiDemi t r i .Heshookhi sheadand cl osedhi sey esagai n.Ibi tmyl owerl i p.Iwant edt ocr yt oo.Mukhanghi r apnahi r apnasi y a.Kung t ut uusi n, dapatl angnamaghi r apsi y a.Dapatkongi si pi nnat amal angsakany ai y on, nadapatna si y angmamat ayper okahi tnaanonggawi nkongpangungumbi nsi sasar i l i ko, hi ndi komagawa.

Kahi tsagadsabut oanggal i tkosakany a, umi i r alpar i nsaaki nangpagpapal akiniNanay .Nanay r ai sedmet obeaki ndhear t edper son- i sangt aongmayawasal ahat .Naaawaakosakany a. Kay akosi y angl abanan,i ni i si pkonai y onper ohi ndisagani t o.Hi ndikogust ongmaki t asi y ang nahi hi r apan.

Pumasokakosal oobngsi l i dni y a, Nat ahi mi ksiKat hr y na.Ti ni ngnanni y al angako." Howcany ou t akehi mt ot hehospi t al ?We' r ei nt hemi ddl eofani sl and. "

" Sachopper , per oay awni y a. "

" Geti tr eady .Bakamamat aysi y a. "Sabikosaassi st antni y a.Nanl akiangmgamat ani y asaaki n. " Ano?Hi ndi moakonar i ni g? !Geti tr eady ! "

Nagat ubi l isi y angumal i s.Isatont hebednextt ohi m.He' sr eal l yweak.Maput l anaangmukha ni y apat inar i nangl abini y a.Myheadwast el l i ngmet ol ethi m suf f erbutmyhear ti st el l i nga di f f er entst or y .

Kusanggumal aw angkamaykoathi napl osangpi sngini y a.He' ssohot ." Kai l anpaposi y a ni l al agnat , manang? "Tanongkosakany a.Shel ookedatme.

" Dal awangar aw na.Noonggabi ngbi nangungotsi y a,hanggangnoongmadal i ngar aw.Mal akas l angt al agaangr esi st ensy ani y angal agakokay al angay aw ni y at al agasaospi t al . "Mal uhal uhangpahay agni y a.Tumangonal angako.Il ookedatDemi t r i .

" Gumi si ngkadi y an.Dadal i nkanami nsaospi t al . "Si mpl engsabikosakany a." Tumay okakasi hi ndi kanami nkay a. "

Hi ndisi y akumi bo.Heopenedhi sey esandagai n,Iwasabl et oseet hosedar kenedgr eeney es. Mymout hpar t ed.

" I ' l lst ayher e.I ' dr at herst ayi l lt hanseei ngy our unawayf r om me. "Hesai d.Napal unokako.Hi ndi koal am kungbaki tganoonnal angangl akasatangbi l i sngt i bokngpusoko.Iwasj ustl ooki ng athi m.Al am kongser y ososi y a.Hi ndi si y amagpapadal asaospi t al dahi l al am ni y angt at akasako.

Ij ustst ar edathi m.Hi sgr eeney eshunt i ngme, get t i ngt hebestofme.Isi ghed.

" Iwon' tl eav e.Justl etmet akey out ot hehospi t al . "

Hedi dn' tsayawor d.It ookt hatasay es.May amay aaypumasokangi l ansamgat auhanni Demi t r i sal oob.Dahandahanni l angi nal al ay ansi Demi t r i .I t i nay oni l asi y a, nal agl agangkumotna i t i naki pniManangBi ni ngsakat awanni y a.Hewashal fnakedagai n-t heonl ypi eceofcl ot hehe' s wear i ngi st hatpai rf orj eans.Napasi nghapakonangmaki t akoangmahahabaatmal al aki ngpi l i t sal i kodni y aatsal i kodngmgabr asoni y a.Ibi tmyl owerl i p.

Inev ert houghtI ' dseet hemanwhor ui nedmet hi shopel essandweak.Hecoul dn' tev enwal k st r ai ght .SumunodkaminiManangBi ni ngsakani l a.Theyt ookhi mt ot hechopper ,sumakayna r i nako.Isatbesi dehi m, t apossiManangsakabi l angsi de.Nasagi t nanami nsi y a.Heseemedso weakandmyconsci encej ustcoul dn' tt aket hi sany mor e.Il ookedoutt hewi ndow.

Ti nat anongkoangsar i l ikokungbaki takonaaawasakany a.Suddenl y ,If el thi sheadonmy shoul der .Napat i ngi nakosabal i katko.He' sr i ghtt her e, hi sey eswer ecl osedandhi smout hwas al i t t l ebi tpar t ed.Icl osedmyey es.If oughtt heur geofpushi nghi m away .I ni i si pkonai bangt ao si y a-oosi y asiHel i osDemi t r i-per osangay onhi ndisi y ai y ongnani r asaaki n.Si y asiHel i oswi t h al i t t l espar koft heboyManangBi ni ngcal l sHect or . He' sHect or .

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Iwat chedHect orashel i esont hehospi t albed.Nakabendaangpar t engbal i katni y ana nat amaanngbal a.Tumupadakosapangakoko.I y ongkahi tmaypagkakat aonakongt umakasat umal i sdahi lnasakabay anannakamiayhi ndikopar i ngi nawa.Nomat t erhow badhei sofa man, It hi nkIhav et ost ayt r uet omywor ds.Apr omi sei sapr omi seandaConsunj inev erbr eaks apr omi se-soIst ay ed.

He' sst i l lasl eep.Thedoct orsai dt hathewassuf f er i ngf r om anaf t er mat h.Dapatkasinoong nabar i lsi y aaydi nal anaagadsi y asaospi t al .Maynabul oknamgat i ssuessabr asoni y aandt hat st ar t edt hei nf ect i on.Hi ndingar i nakomakapani wal anaangi sangt ul adni y aayt i nat abl andi nng saki t .

" Her e. . . "Il ookedupatKat hr y na.Shewashandi ngmeherphone.Napaawangangl abiko." I t ' st he l eastt hi ngIcoul ddo.Icanl osemyj obf ort hi s. "Shesi ghed." Justpr omi semey ouwon' tt el l any bodywher ey ouar eandpl easedon' tt el l hi mt hatIgav ey out hephone. "

Tumangoakosakany aatki nuhaangI phoneni y a.Lumabasakongsi l i d.I t i nagokoangt el epono sabul sako.Ti ni ngnanakongmasamangi sasamgaguar dsniHect orper ohi ndikonamani y on pi nansi n.Nagpunt aakosal adi esr oom atdoont i nawagankosiTat ay .Idon' tknow why ,Ij ust r eal l yneedt ohearhi sv oi ce.

Unknownangnumbernagami tkokay ahi ndikoi naasahannasasagut i nni y aagadangt awagko butwhenhedi d, t ear sst ar t edf al l i ngdownagai n.

" Hel l o? "

Icl osedmyey eswhenIhear dhi sv oi ce.Napai gi kako." Tt at ay . . . "Isai dt hewor dsl i keaki dl osti n t hedar kness.

" Yza! "Hecal l edmyname.Lal oakongnapai y ak.

" Tat ay , okaykal angba? "Tanongko." SiYt o?SiZzach? "Iwascr y i ngnow.Oomahi nat al agaako. Wal aakongl akasngl oobkay ahet oakongay on,nakasandalsapaderhabangnangi ngi ni gang buongkat awan.Gust onggust okonangumuwi .

" Yza,cal m down,pr i ncess.Nasaanka?Sabi hi nmokayTat aykungsaankadi nal anghay opna i y on. "

Lal oakongnapai y ak.Kahi tsi nusubukanni y angmagi ngkal mado, al am konggal i tnagal i tnasi y a. Hei sSanchof ucki ngConsunj iandhe' samonst ert oo.Iknowhi m,hewi l ldoev er y t hi ngj ustt o getmebackev eni ft hatmeanski l l i ngHect or .

" Tat ay , okay , okaykaba? "Tanongkongmul i .Bumunt onghi ni ngasi y a.

" I ' m okay , baby .Butwher ear ey ou? "

Gust okongsabi hi n.Per onangakoako.Ikeptmymout hshut .I y akakonangi y ak.Tamanamuna saaki nangmar i ni gangbosesni y asangay on.Icov er edmymout h.

" Tat ay ,pl easet el lNanayIl ov eher .Mahalnamahalkokay o,siYt osiYv osiYl l akatl al onasi Yna. "

" Yza, anobangsi nasabi mo? !Nasan"

Iendedt hecal l .Il etmyt ear sf al l .Hi nay aankor i nghumagul golangsar i l iko.Kungakol ang namanangt at anungi n,gust okonat al agangumuwi ,per onangakoako.Mabi gatnasal i t aang i sangpangako.Kunghi ndimanako sangay onuuwi ,al am kongdar at i ngangpanahonna makakaal i sakodi t oatmakababal i ksapami l y ako.Sangay onkai l angankomunangt upar i nang i pi nangakokokayHect or .

Pi nahi dkoangmgal uhakoatl umabasngl adi esr oom.Bumal i kakosasi l i dni y a.Nasapi nt opa l angakonar i r i ni ngkonasi y angsumi si gaw.Nagmadal iakosapagpasok.Nadat nankosi y ang nakauposakamahabangsi nsi gawansi Kat hr y na.

" It ol dy out okeepaney eonher !Paanokunghi ndi nasi y abumal i k! "

" Nandi t oako. "Ni l akasankoangboseskopar at umi gi lsi y a.Hei mmedi at el yst oppedandl ooked atme.

" Wher ehav ey oubeen? "Heaskedme.Ij ustshr ugged.

" Thel adi esr oom. "Kaswalnasabiko.Naupoakosasof aatnagkunwar i ngnagbabasang magazi ne.Icoul df eelhi sey espi er ci ngt hr oughme.Anobangmer onsat i t i gni y aatsat uwi ng t i t i ngnanni y aakopaki r amdam kohi nahal ukayni y aangbuongpagkat aoko?

I ni l i patkoangpahi nangmagazi ne.Igaspedhar dwhenIsawZachf ace.He; shal fnakedont he

pi ct ur e.Al am koi t ongadnai t o.Thi si shi sdeni mj eanscampai gnnaher eal l yl ookedgoodoni t . Dahandahankonghi napl osangmukhani y asamagazi nenai y on.Ir eal l ymi ssedhi m.

Nanl aki angmgamat akonangbi gl anghabl ut i nni Kat hr y naangmagazi nesaaki n.Shet hr ewt hat away .

" What ? ! "Iexcl ai med.Shel ookedapol oget i c.

" Sor r y , sabi kasi ni y a. "

Nangmul i kongt i ngnansi Hect oraynakat i t i gpar i nsi y asaaki n.Kunotnakunotangnooni y a.

" You' r enotal l owedt ol ookatanyot hermen,Consunj i . "Naki pagsukat ansi y angt i ngi nsaaki n. " Exceptf orme.I ' m al l y ouhav er i ghtnow. "

Tumaasangki l ayko.

Whatt hehel l i swr ongwi t ht hi sman? !

8.St ayst i l l

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" Wal abangpar aanpar amat unt onkungsaani t i nagosi Yza? "

Magkahar apkami ni Yt onangar awnai y on.Kasamanami nsi JunatangFBIconnect i onko.Iwas r eal l ysaddenedbyt hef actt hatwedi dn' tsucceedonget t i ngYzaJoanoutoft hatmonst er ' s cl aws.Nai kuy om koangmgapal adko.Ev er yt i meIr ememberherf acet hatday , nasasakt anako, paki r amdam konabi gokosi y a.Hi ndikosi y anai l i gt as.Iknewt hatshe' scount i ngonmeandy etI f ai l edher .Iwant edsomucht osav eher .Buthow canIdot hesav i ngi ft hemonst erkepton t aki ngherawayf r om me.

Nandoonna.Kaunt i nghakbangnal ang.

" Sangay onwal a.Weneedt of i ndt hepl acewher eDemi t r ihi dher . "Ser y osongsabingt aoko.I

t ookadeepbr eat hagai n.Yt ol ookedsomadr i ghtnow.Damakosapal i gi dangt ensy onni y a.He wasshaki nghi sheadwhi l epl ay i ngwi t ht hepenci l onhi shand.

" Ishoul d' v eki l l edhi m. "Ser y osongsabini y a.Hecl enchedhi sj aw." I ' m aboutt oshoothi m per o ki nuhani y asi Yza.I ' l l ki l l hi m nextt i me. "Sabi pani y a.

" Noti fIgethi mf i r st . "Ser y osongsagotko.Tahi mi knat ahi mi kangbuongconf er encer oom ng Consunj iHot el s.Lahatkamidoonaynagi i si pngpar aankungpaanomahahanapsiYza.Nagaal al anaakosakany aatl al oakongnamumuhi kayDemi t r i .

" Can' twej ustgi v ehi m Yna? "Bi gl angt anongkokayYt o.Yt ogl ar edatme.Bi gl ani y aakonghi ni gi t .

" Ar ey oucr azy ? !Ynai soursi st er !Demi t r i wi l l nev erhav eher ! "

" Anongmasgust omo, Yt o?I y ongl ahatt ay ohi ndimakat ul ogj ustbecausey oudon' twantt ogi v e hi m whathewant s?Yza' sl i f ei si ndangerandy ety ouchooset obesel f i sh!Anol angbai y ong kaunt i ngsakr i pi sy opar al angsakany a? ! "

Tumay osiYt o.Ki nuwel y uhanni y aakoatsakasi nunt oksamukha.Igr i t t edmyt eet h.Ipunched hi sf acet oo. Idon' tknowhowhecanbesocal m aboutt hi s.Kaunt i ngsakr i pi sy ol angnaman anghi ni hi ngikosakany aper ohi ndini y amagawa!Hahay aannal angnami nsiYzasal al aki ng i y on? !Godknowskunganonaanggi nawaniHel i oskayYzaatsaor asnamal amankongmer on ngasi y anggi nawa, papat ay i nkosi y a!

" I t ' sj ustal i t t l esacr i f i ceYt o.Hi ndi monamant al agakapt i dsi Yna. "Mar i i ngsabi ko.Yt oshookhi s headandpunchedmeagai n.Noonbi gl angbumukasangpi nt o.Si nundani y onngmal akasna pagt awagni Ni ki kayYt o.

" Yt oko! "Sheexcl ai med.Agadsi y angpumagi t nasaami ngdal awa.

" Sat i ngi nmobagust oni Yzanai bi gaysi Ynasal al aki ngi y on! "

" EwankoYt o!Per ogagawi nkoangl ahatmakuhal angul i tsi Yza! "

" Hi ndisiYnaangsagotsapr obl emamo! "Si gawni y asaaki n.Umi l i ngako.Anopangsagot ?I y on nangai y on.Het ookYzabecauseheneededYna.Kungi bi bi gaysiYnai babal i kni y asiYza.Hi ndi bapwedengganoonnal anganggawi nnami nkay sanahi hi r apankami ngl ahat ?I t ' sj ustone per soni nexchangef ort heot her .

Al am konghi ndisasakt annIDemi t r isiYnadahi lkapat i dni y ai t oper osiYza-gal i tsi y akayYza becauseshe' saConsunj iandhebel i ev est hatYza' sf ami l yi st her easonwhyhedoesn' thav ehi s ownf ami l ynow.

Masmasi si kmur akongi bi gaysi Ynasakany akay saanghabambuhaynamawal asi Yzasaaki n.

" Yt okot amana. . . "Wi kapani Ni ki .Il ookedather .Shewast ouchi ngYt o' sf aceasi ft r y i ngt ocal m hi m down.Yt osl i dhi sar m ont hesi deofherwai standpul l edhercl oser .Lahati y ongi nagawa ni y ahabangnaki ki pagsukat anngt i ngi nsaaki n.

" Hi ndimokasiakonai i nt i ndi han,Yt o.Hi ndikanamannawal an,di ba? "Sar kast i kongsabiko. Bef or ehecoul dr eact ,t i nal i kur ankonasi y a.Kunghi ndit al agasi y agagawangpar aanpar a mai bal i ksiYza,akonal anganggagawanoon.Hi ndinamankasinar ar amdamanniYt okung anongnar ar amdamanko.

Ij ustf eel sowor t hl ess.Gust okongl umaban, gust okongi pagl abansi Yzaper opaanokogagawi n i y onkunghi ndikonamanal am kungsaanmagsi si mul a?Paki r amdam kowal aakongkwent a, na angt angat angako.Ishoul dbeherkni ghti nshi ni ngar morper ohi ndi konamansi y anai l i gt as.

Wal aakongnagawapar akayYzaatngay oni ni snai ni sakosasar i l i ko.

Habangnagl al akadakopapunt asael ev at oraynaki t akosiYnananakauposawai t i ngar easa gi l i dngconf er encer oom.Tul al asi y a.Si gur oaynapansi nni y aakokay at i ni ngnanni y aang di r eksy onko.Shewasbi t i ngherl i p.

" Kuy a. . . "Tawagni y asaaki n." Aanobangpwedekonggawi n? "

Ist ar edather .

" He' sy ourbr ot her , Yna.Fi gur ei tout . "

It ur nedawayandl ef t .

Imi ssYza.Iwonderhowshei sr i ghtnow,whatshe' sdoi ngandwher eshei s.Ij ustr eal l yneed herback-sobad.

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Nai l abasnasiHect orsaospi t alper onakacastpar i nangkamayni y a.Hi ndikoal am kunganong nai si pkoathi ndiakot umakassakany a.Somehow,Iwant edt okeepmywor d.Idon' tknowwhy butIj ustcan' tseemy sel fl eav i nghi my et .Ihav eaf eel i ng-Idon' tknowwher eIgott hatf eel i ngt hatheneededsomeonet obewi t h.

Wal apar i nnamangnagbabago.Namumuhipar i nakosakany aper onakakar amdam di nakong awa.Nahahabagakokapagnaki ki t akoi y ongmgapi l atni y asal i kod.Gust okongmal amankung anongnangy ar i doon, kungbaki tsi y amer onnoon?Naaksi dent ekay asi y adat i ?

" Yza, nandy ankapal a. . . "

Ngi ni t i ankosiManangBi ni nghabangnakat ay osi y asakusi na.Shewaspr epar i ngHect or ' sl unch -Iguess.Mukhangmasay angmasay asi y anggi nagawai y on.Sabini y asaaki ndat imul anoonpa ayal aganani y asiHect oratmukhanghi ndir i nsi y anat at akotdi t o.Whatamazeshermor ei st he f actt hatHect orseemst ol i st ent oManangBi ni ng.

" Par asakany abai y an? "Tanongko.Ngumi t i si Manang.

" Oo.I i nom pasi y anggamot . "Ngumi t isi y angl al o." Nat ut uwaako,Yza.Ngay onkonal angkasi naal al agaani y angsiHect or .Mul ananghawakanni y aangkompany angBabani y a,hi ndikona si y anaal agaan.Mai nam r i nnanagkasaki tsi y aatnangmapahi nga. "

Hi ndiakosumagot .Pi nanoodkol angsi y a.Icoul dseet hatshel ov esHect orv er ymuch.She car esf orher .Theonl yquest i oni s,doeshecar ef orManangBi ni ng?Sel f i shkasiangdat i ngsa aki nni Hect or .

Ki nuhaniManangBi ni ngangt r ayngpagkai nati nay aakongsumamasakany a.Wewentt ot he

bal cony .Isawhi mt her esi t t i ngont her ecl i ner , l ooki ngatt heoceanwhi l esi ghi ng.Tahi mi ksi y ang t ao, sat i ngi nkonagi i si psi y angmal al i m.

" Hect or ,anak,kumai nkana. "Ti nawagsi y aniManangBi ni ng.I ni l apagniManangangt r aysa mesa.Ti ni ngnanni y aangt r ayatsakahumi ngananamanngmal al i m.Hel ookedatmet aposay l umabi si y a.

" I i wankomunakay ongdal awa. "SabiniManangsaami n.Si nundankol angsi y angt i ngi nt apos ayl umapi takosamesakungsaannaki t akosi Hect ornasi nusubukangsumubongkani n.

Hi r apnahi r apsi y a.Kanangkamaykasiangnakacastsakany a.Kal i waangkamaynahi ndi i nj ur edatsat i ngi nko, hi r apsi y anggami t i ni t o.

" Fuck! "Hehi ssed.Nal agl agangt i ni dorsasahi g.Kunotnakunotnamanangnooni y ahabangpi l i t naki nukuhaangt i ni dorsasahi g.Nakahal uki pki pakohabangt i ni t i ngnankosi y a.Heseemedso f r ust r at ed.If oundmy sel fsmi l i ngev i l y .Nat ut uwaakokapagnahi hi r apansi y a.

" Whatar ey ousmi l i ngabout ?Nahi hi r apannangaakonat ut uwakapa? ! "Hehi ssed.

" Kul angpakasi i y ansagi nawamosaaki n. "Mal ami gnasabi ko.Ngi ni si hanni y aako.

" Kul angpar i ni y onkumpar asagi nawaniSanchosamgamagul angko. "Masmal ami gangboses ni y a.Het r i edget t i ngt hef or kagai n.Napabunt onghi ni ngaako.Anakt al agaakoniSheena Consunj i dahi l kahi tnaanongsubokkoayhi ndi komagawanghi ndi mahabagsasi t wasy onni y a.

Pwedekonamansi gur ongi pagbal i banangpagl abansakany a.Hi hi nt ay i nkonal angsi y ang gumal i ng.Isi ghed.Akonaangpumul otngt i ni dorni y a.I t i nabikoi y ont aposayki nuhaang kut sar apar asubuansi y a.

" Ahhh. "Sabi ko.Hel ookedatmel i kehewasseei ngaghost .Hi nawakankoangbabani y aatsaka pi nanl aki hansi y angmgamat a." Sabi koah! "Si gawkosakany a.Wal asal oobnai bi nukani y aang bi bi gni y aati si nuboangkut sar anghawakko.

" Whyar ey oubei ngni cet ome? "Hesai dwhi l echewi ng.

" Don' tt al kwhi l ey ourmout hi sf ul l .Wal akabangmanner s? "I ni snasabi kosakany a.

" Manner s? "Hegr i nnedagai n.

" Ah! "Sabikoul i t .Heshookhi shead.Naki t akonanamansi y angngumi t i .Kungngi t ibat al aga i y ongt umaasl angi y ongdul ongbi bi gni y a.Ikeptonf eedi nghi m.May amay aaybi ni gy ankosi y a ngt ubi g.Pat ii y onakonaanghumawak.It ookanapki nandwi pedhi smout handf edhi m agai n. Twent ymi nut esl at er , he' sdoneeat i ng.

I nay oskoi y ongpi nakai nanni y a.Iknewt hathewaswat chi ngmebutIdon' tr eal l ycar e.

" Manang, "Si gaw ko." I y onggamotpo.Sal amat . "Sabikonal ang.May amay aaynandoonnasi Manang.Dal anani y ai y onggamotniHect or .Akal akosi y ai y ongmagpapai nom per oi ni wanni y a ul i tako.Napapai l i ngnabi nasakonal angi y ongi nst r uct i onst aposayi sai sakongi bi ni gaysa kany ai y ongmgagamotni y a.

Napakagatl abiakonangmabasakongkai l angannamayi i nj ectsabr asoni y apar asamga t i ssues.Ki nuhakoi y ongsy r i nget aposayhumar apakosakany a.

" Saani t ot ut usok?Sapusomo? "Nangi i ni snat anongko.

" Ver yf unny . "Hesai d." I twi l l t akemor et hant hatt oki l l me. "

" Saanngai t o?Sal al al amunanmo? "Tanongkoul i t .Heshookhi shead.

" Di t o. "I t i nur oni y ai y ongbr asoni y a.Lumapi takosakany aatsakasi nubukangkongi t ur oki y onsa kany ananghi ndisi y ahi nahawakanper ohi ndikokay a.Ay okosanasi y anghawakan.Kahi tnaman bal i kt ar i nkoangmundo, si y apar i nangsumi r asaaki n.I fIt ouchhi m, i tmi ghtt r i ggert hememor y ofamont hago.

" Damni t ! "Si gaw ko." Fucky ou!Hect or ,st ayst i l l ! "I ni snai ni snasabiko.Ti ni ngnanni y aako.I coul df eelmycheekswer et ur ni ngr ed." St opl ooki ngatme, y oumonst er ! "Ihi ssed." I sasaksakko i t osagi l agi dmo! "

" Hawakanmokasi . "Hesai dt ome.Het ookmyhandandputi tonhi sshoul der .Myey eswi dened. Bi gl aakongi nat akengkabaatpangi ngni gathi ndikoal am kungdahi lbai y onsat akotkosa kany aokunganuman.

" Touchme, Yza. "Hesai d." Masmadal i kapagnakahawakkasaaki n. "

Nangi ngi ni gmanangkamayko.It r i edsohar dt odowhatIhadt o.Masmapapadal iangl ahat kungmat at aposnaako.Iwasbi t i ngmyl i pwhi l eIwasv acci nat i nghi sshoul der .

" Damn. "Hesai d.Hi ndikoal am kungbaki t .Si gur odahi lsakar ay om nat umusoksakany a. Bi ni l i sankoangki l osatnangmawal anngl amanangsy r i ngeayagadakongl umay osakany a.Sa pagmamadal i aynawal anpaakongbal anse.

" Shi t ! "Isai d.Akal akobabagsakakosasahi gbutt henHect orgotme.Hewr appedhi sar m ar oundmeandpul l edmecl osert ohi m.Napakabi l i sngmgapangy ar i .Onemoment , Iwast r y i ng t ogetawayf r om hi m, amomentl at er , Iwasont opofhi m andmyheadwasr est i ngonhi schest . Icoul dl i t er al l yf eel hi shear t beat .

Myey eswi denedwhenIr eal i zedourposi t i ons.Agadakongl umay oper okasabayngpagt ay oko ayangpagsamangr ecl i nersaaki n.Thenextt hi ngIknew, mybackwasont hef l oorandHect or wasont opofme.

Myey eswi dened.Lal ongt umi boknangmal akasangpusoko." Ggetof fme! "Ihi ssed.Nat at akot nanamanakosakany a.Paanokung. . .Ibi tmyl owerl i p.Iwant edt ocr y .Paanokunggawi nni y a ul i tsaaki ni y on.

" Pl ease. . . "Sabiko.Ay okong i paki t ang nat at akotatnal i l i gal i g ako sa kany a per o napakai mposi bl enggawi ni y on.He' sont opofmeagai nandhemi ghtt hi nkoft hatbadt hi ngagai n.

Hespoke.IwasshockedwhenIhear dt hesi ncer i t yonhi sv oi ce." Iwon' thur ty ou. "Par angnamagnetangmgamat akosakany a.Hi sgr eenf i er yey eswer esear chi ngmysoul agai n.

If i ndi thear tt obr eat h." Yy ouhav eahear t . "Bi gl akongnasabidahi lnaal al akongnar i ni gkoang t i bokngpusoni y akani na.Ij ustcoul dn' tbel i ev et hatabadmanl i kehi m hasahear t .

" Howdoy out hi nkIl i v e,Yza? "Heasked.Napal unokako.Hegr i nnedatme.Hi ndikoal am kung

baki tper okai l angannat al agani y angt umay o.Hi ndiakokompor t abl enanar ar amdamanang buongkat awanni y asai babawko.Iwanthi m gone.

Suddenl yhet r acedmyl i pswi t hhi st humb.Sl owl y , hi sheadi scomi ngdownonmi ne.Iknowwhat he' sgoi ngt odo.

" Wwag. . . "Sabiko.It r i edav oi di nghi m.Ipushedhi m awaybuthecaughtmyar m wi t hhi sf r ee hand.

" St ayst i l l ,Yza. "Sabini y asaaki n.Myey eswi denedwhenIf el thi shotl i psonmi ne.Idon' tknow whatt ot hi nkany mor e.Hi ski sseswer eshal l owandsl ow.I t ' sj ustpur el i ps-not ongue-unl i ke t hef i r stt i meheki ssedme.If oundl ostsomewher ei nspacewhi l ehewaski ssi ngme.

It r i edsohar dnott oki sshi m back.Hi ndit ama.Angl ahatngpar t engkat awankoaypagaar ini Zach.

Hi ndi namannagt agal ayt umi gi l di nsi y a.Hel ookedatme.Sl owl y , hest oodup.I nal al ay anni y ar i n akongt umay o.Tat al i kodnasanaakonangbi gl ani y anghat aki nangkamayko.Hepul l edme cl oseragai nandl ookedmei nt heey es.Hegr i nned.

" Oneday , Yza, y ou' l l ki ssmeback. "

Ishookmyhead.

" Myhear t , bodyandsoul bel ongt oZach. "Isai dconf i dent l y ." Heownsme, Hect or .Iam hi s. "

Bi ni t i wanni y aako.Iwal kedaway .Nangmakal ay oakosakany a,noonkol angnar amdamanna hi ndi pal aaohumi hi nga.

Mykneeswer eshaki ngandnowI ' m sur et hatt hi si sn' taboutmebei ngscar edathi m.

" I ' m pl ay i ngagameandt hi sdoesn' ti nv ol v ey ou.Sost ayst i l l . "Isai dwhi l emyhandi si nmychest

9.Dapat

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" Whatwi t ht hi spl ace?You' r eal way sher e. "

Il ett hr ewt heshel l sIhav ei nmyhandaf t erhear i ngHect or ' sv oi ce.Pahaponnanoonatnakaupo nanamanakosamal aki ngbat osamaydal ampasi gan.Ti nat anaw kongpi l i tangpapal ubogna ar aw.Napapangi t iakot uwi ngnai i si pkonai i sanghi mpapawi dl angangt i ni t i ngnannami ng dal awani Zachar yDr ew.

" Whydoy oucar esomuch,Hect or ? "Iaskedhi m.Hesatbesi deme.Mar aminaakonghi ndi nai i nt i ndi hansamganangy ay ar ingay ongsapagi t annami n.Somet i mesIt hi nkt hathe' sact ual l y put t i ngadi st ancebet weenus.I sangbagaynapi nagpapasal amatkodahi lhi ndikokai l angan magi ngmal api tsakany a.Per okungmi nsanayhi nahanapkonamansi y a.Ki nakabahanako kapaghi ndi kosi y anaki ki t a.

Hel ookedatme." Anongcour sengkapat i dmo? "Tanongni y asaaki n.Kumunotangnooko." Si Yv o. "

" Management .Justl i keYt oandTat ay .Nexty earhe' l lf l yt oGer manyt ohav ehi smast er s. "It ol d hi m.Napabunt onghi ni ngaako.Nami sskobi gl asiYv o.Noonghi ndipakaminI iZachatnasa Londonpasi Yt o, si Yv oangi nst antdr i v erko.Isi ghedagai n.

" Her obbedmi l l i onsf r om mycompany . "Bi gl angsabi ni y asaaki n.Napangangaako.

" What ? ! "

Hegr i nned." Iadmi r ey ourbr ot herf ordoi ngt hat .Il ostt wohundr edmi l l i onbecauseofhi m.He' sa smar tass. "

" Hewon' tdot hat , Hect or . "

" Heal r eadydi d, Yza.Becauseofwhathedi d, kai l angankongbumal i kngsi y udadt of i xt hemess t hathest ar t ed. "

Kumabogangdi bdi bko.Babal i k?SaMet r o?I bi gsabi hi n." Kasamakaper ohi ndipar i nki t a i babal i k.Iwi l lnev ergi v ey oubackhanggangnasaaki nnaanggust oko. "Mul ini y aakong ngi ni si han.Hi ndikomai nt i ndi han.Mul anangdal hi nni y aakodi t o,mar aminaakonghi ndi mai nt i ndi han.

I bai bakasiangpi naki ki t ani y asaaki n.Ri ghtnow, t heper sonI ' mt al ki ngi sHel i os-notHect or but mostoft het i mes,sinamansiHect or .I l angbesesnabangganoonangnangy ay ar i ?Nanal i l i t o akokungmamumuhibaakosakany aohi ndi .Dapatl angnamakadamaakonggal i tsakany a per osat uwi ngt i t i ngnankosi y ahabangkausapni y asiManangBi ni ngosiKat hr y nanaki ki t ako nahi ndi si y amasamaathi ndi koal am kungbaki t .

" Baki tbahi ndimonal angakoi bal i k?Hi ndimor i nnamanmakukuhasiYnakungnandi t ol ang t ay o. "Sabi kosakany a.Umi l i ngsi y a.

" Makukuhakosi y a,Yza.Maghi nt aykal ang. "Hesai dknowi ngl y .Hi ndikoal am kungbaki tper o ki nabahanakol al o.Kungbabal i kkamisasi y udadmal akiangposi bi l i dadnamakat akasako.Mas madal idahi lmasgamaykoangl ugaratmasal am kokungsaanakopupunt akay sanamandi t o nahi ndi koal am kungnasaangl upal opkami ngPi l i pi nas.

Hi ndinasi y anagsal i t amat aposi y on.Tahi mi kl angsi y angnakauposat abiko.Damakong bumi bi l i sangt i bokngpusokoper osi nawaykoangsar i l iko.Mal ii y on.Nar ar amdamankol ang angmgabagaynai y ont uwi ngnasat abikosiZach.Nat ut uwaakokapagnai i si pkongmagki ki t a kami-ev er yt i mehecal l sme, maybut t er f l ynaumi i kotsat y anko.I y ongkaal amannamal api tna si y a, enoughnai y onpar ahumi nt oangmundoko.

" You' r et hi nki ngabouthi m. "Hesai dt ome.Napat i ngi nakosakany a." Gaanokakasi gur adona mahal kapar i nni y apagbal i kmo? "

Tumaasangsul okngbi bi gko." Hi nahanapni y aako.Hi ndini y agagawi ni y onkunghi ndini y aako mahal . "

" Maynangy ar i saat i n. "Namuoanggal i tsadi bdi bko.Hi nar apkosi y a.

" Bi naboymoako. "Mar i i ngwi kako.

" Kasamai y onsapl ano. "Nakangi si ngsabini y a.I t i naaskoangpal adkoati si nampali y onsa kany a.Nal ul uhang t umay o ako ati ni wan si y a.Myt ear sar ef al l i ng agai n.I l anbeseskong i pi nangakosasar i l i konahi ndi nghi ndi naakoi i y akdahi l l angsanawal asaaki n.

" Hi ndi pat ay ot apos, Consunj i ! "Hi nat akni y aangbr asoko.Ipushedhi m away .

" Your ui nedmyl i f ebecausei t ' sapar tofy ourpl an? !Nai i nt i ndi hankonggal i tkasapami l y ako! Yesmyf at hert ookYnaawayf r om y ourf ami l ybutt hatdi dn' tgi v ey out her i ghtt ot or nmyf ami l y apar t !Hi ndibaangsel f i shmol ang? ! "Hal oshi ndinaakomakahi nga." Mypar ent st ookgoodcar e ofYna! "

" Thatdoesn' tchanget hef actt hatt heyt ookherawayf r om me? ! "Hehi ssed.Lal oakongnapai y ak. Ir unawayf r om hi m.Pumasokakosabahayatnagkul ongsasi l i d.Maghaponakonghi ndi l umabas.Ay okosi y angmaki t a.Nasasakt anako.Nangsabi hi nni y asaaki nnapar t engpl anoang gi nawani y asaaki naygumuhoangmundoko.Tamaanghi nal ako,masamangt aosiHel i os. Wal asi y angpuso.Baki tbanai si pkopanamabai tsi y a?

Hi ndisi y amabai t .Maypusomansi y aper opar al angi y onmagpumpngdugo.He' sahear t l ess monst erandIhat ehi m -r eal l yhat ehi m.

Hi ndi nagt agal aymaynar i ni gakongkumat oksapi nt o.Bumukasi y onatnaki t akosi Kat hr y na.

" Hal i kana.Babal i knat ay ongMet r o. "Shet ol dme.Myhear tbeatf astagai n.Tumay oakoat ki nuhaangi i l angmgagami tkonggal i ngkayKat hr y na.Si y aangnagpahi r am saaki nngmga dami tdahi l ay okongt anggapi nangbi gayni Hel i ossaaki n.

Yes,I ' m backoncal l i nghi m Hel i osagai n.He' samonst er ,andhi snamef i t shi m.Nangbumaba kaminIKat hr y naaynandoonnaangchoppersagar den.Napakai ngaynoon.Naki t akonasi ManangBi ni ngatsi Hel i osnanakauposal oob, par angakonal angt al agaanghi ni hi nt ayni l a.

Sumakayakodoon.If eelsobadr i ghtnow.Ay okosi y angt i ngnan.Pi ni l ikonal angi pi ki tangmga mat akoati hi l i gangsar i l ikokayManangBi ni ng.Tahi mi kakongumi y ak.Nandi di r iakosakany a atnai i ni sakosasar i l i kof ort r y i ngt ogi v ehi mt hebenef i toft hedoubt .

Wal anamankasi ngduda, hei sabadper son.

Her ui nedmyl i f eandhewon' tst opr ui ni ngmyf ami l yunt i lheget swhathewant s.Al loft hese becauseofYna.

Ij usthopet hatYt oi st aki ngagoodcar eofher . . .

-

" Howbi gi st hedamageofmycompany ? "

Thatwast hef i r stt hi ngIaskedmypeopl et hatmor ni ngaf t ercomi ngbackf r om myl ongv acat i on. Icoul dn' tbel i ev et hati nj ustt womont hs, t heConsunj i shav et akenov ermydat ebasewi t houtmy peopl eknowi ngabouti t .

Hi ndipamannagsi si mul aaymai ni tnaangul oko.Iwantt opucht hem onebyonebecauseof whatt hecar el essnesst heyshowedwhi l eIwasaway .

" Si r , wedi dn' tseei tcomi ng. "Pal i wanagsaaki nngi sa.Tumaasangdul ongl abi ko.

" I t ' sbecausey oual lar ei mpot ent ! "I bi nat okoangf ol dernai bi ni gaysaaki nniKat hr y nakani na. Pat i si y aaynagul at ." Iwasawayf ort womont hsandsuddenl ymycompanyst ar t edf al l i ngapar t ? ! Mgapabay akay o!Wal angsi l bi !Mgai nut i l ! "

" Fi xt hi smessorel seal lofy ouar ef i r ed! "Iwal kedout .Dapatmayboar dmeet i ngnamagaganap per odahi lhi ndini l amai pal i wanagsaaki nkungpaanonai nf i l t r at eniYv oConsunj iangdat abase ngcompany ,nagi ni tangul oko.Mar amipaakongpapal esnakai l angant i ngnan.I ' dr at herbei n myof f i cet hanbei nt hatboar dr oom.Mai i ni sl angako.

" Tel l ev er y oneI ' m busy , Kat hr y na. "

It ol dher .Pumasokakosaof f i cekoatdoont umay oakosagl asswi ndow.Ihav eagoodv i ewof t heMet r o.Fr om her e, Icoul dseeev er y t hi ng-i t ' sl i keIownt hewor l dandI ' mt hei rmast er .Down t her e,t heyar eal lwor ki ng,l i v i ngandser v i ngf orme.I ' mt hei rl or d.Iownev er y onebutt hesad t r ut hi s, Ij ustwant edt oownonet hi ng-andt hati tmysi st er ' st r ustandl ov e.

Igr ewupnothav i ngherbesi deme.Lei ght oni st hel i ghtt hatshedsmydar kl i f e.Li f ei nGr eece

i sn' teasyespeci al l yi fy ouhav eaf at herwhohi t sy ouandt r eat sy oul i keasl av e.

Icl enchedmyj awwi t ht hememor yofhi m whi ppi ngmybackasIwast i edup.Hedoest hatev er y t i meIdef yordosomet hi ngwr ong.Myf at herdoesn' thav er oom f ormi st akesordi sappoi nt ment s orwhat soev er .Ihat edhi m andhel oat hedme.Heonl yneededmebecauseI ' mt hesol ehei rper o si nugur oni y anabagoni y ai bi gaysaaki nangl ahataymahi hi r apanakoatgagapangsal upabago komakuhaangpar asaaki n.

Nar anasankongmat ul ogsaul anandahi ll angsahi ndiagadakonakasagotsat anongni y a.Iwas t hi r t eenandabused.Onl yManangBi ni ngwast her et oshowmesomemer cy .Onmyt went y f i r st bi r t hday ,myf at hershotmewi t hacust omi zedgun.Heshotmyl eg.Hesai dt hegunwasf orme andf orgoodl uck, t hef i r stev erbul l etshoul dbeshott ot heowner-soheshotme.

It houghtIwasgoi ngt odi et hatmoment .Goodt hi ngManangBi ni ngt ookmet ot hehospi t al . Ri ghtaf t ert hati nci dent ,myf at hert ol dmet hathehadf oundLei ght on.Twoweeksl at er ,Iwent homet ot hePhi l i ppi nest ol ookf orher .

Isawherwi t haf ami l y .Iknewt hatt heyhadt akenagoodcar eofher .Ishoul dbet hanki ngt hem butwhenIf oundoutt hatt hemanwhoadopt edheri st hesamemanwhoboughtmyst epf at her ' s companywhi chcausedhi shear tat t ack-Il oat hedhi m.Nai si pkonakay ani y ai nal agaansi Lei ght onaydahi l nakokonsensy asi y asagi nawani y asapami l y ako.

Iwentbackt oGr eeceandwor kedhar dt ogetmyf at her ' st r ustandwhenIdi d,If or mul at eda r ev engepl ant ogetLei ght onback.

Hi ndipwedengnagdusaakobuongbuhaykodahi lnawal asiLei ghsaaki nt aposangpami l y ang t aonggumawangmasamasapami l y akoaymasay a.Hi ndi pat asangl aban.

" Si r . "

" WHATKATHRYNA!ITOLDYOUNOTTODI STURBME! "

" Si r , sor r y , maynaghahanapsai ny oatal am konggust oni ny osi y angmaki t a. "

Kumunotangnooko.If acedKat hr y na.Ni l uwaganni y aangbukasngpi nt oatmul adoonay pumasokangi sangt aongmat agal konanggust ongmakausap.

" Lei gh. . . "Hi ndi akomakapani wal a.

" Anongkai l angankonggawi npar al angi bal i kmosiAt e? "Tanongni y aagadsaaki n.Ist ar edat her .Idon' thav et het i met odenyt hef actt hatYzai swi t hme.Anopangkwent anoon?Al am na ni y a, al am nangbuongConsunj i .

" Kungsasamaakosa' y o. . . "At earescapedherey e." I babal i kmobasi At e? "

" She' snoty oursi st er .You' r enooneoft hem. "Lumapi takosakany a.It r i edhol di ngherbutshe t ookast epback.Isi ghed.Kungsasamasi y asaaki ndahi l l anggust oni y angi bal i kkosi Yza, hi ndi komagagawai y on.Ay okongsumamasi y asaaki nnanapi pi l i t anl ang.Iwanthert ocomewi t hme becauseshewant st oknowmenotbecauseshej ustwant st ot r adeher sel ff orYza.

" Doy ouwannaseeher ? "Iasked.Napat i ngi nsi y asaaki n.Bi gl angnagkar oonngkul ayangmukha ni y a.Si y apami smoanghumawaksabr asoko.

" Pwede?Pl ease. . . "

" Per ohi ndi mopwedengsabi hi nkahi tnakani no. "

Nanl aki angmgamat ani y a." Pper o. . . "

" Fi ne.For getwhatIsai d. "Sabi ko.

" No!Pr omi se, hi ndi kosasabi hi n. "Sheev enr ai sedherl ef thand.Ngumi si ako.

Hi ndi nagl i patangsandal i ayhi nat akkoangkamayni y a.Wewentdownt ot hepar ki ngl otandgot i nmycar .Kasamakonar i ngumal i ssiKat hr y na.Fi f t eenmi nut esl at er ,nasal oobnakaming mansy on.

Si nal ubongkami ni ManangBi ni ng.

" Hect or . . . "

" Si nosi Hect or ? "Bi gl angt anongni Lei ghsaaki n.

" Iam. "It ookadeepbr eat h." Si Yza? "

" Nasakwar t oni y a. "Sagotsaaki nniManang.Agadkongi si namasiLei ghsasi l i dniYza.Hi ndi nakal ockangpi nt okay apumasoknal angako.Isaw hersi t t i ngont hebedl ooki ngoutt he wi ndow.Ti nabi gakoni Lei ghatpumasoknasi y asal oob.

" At e! "

Yzaseemedt obeal ar medwhenshehear dherv oi ce.Tumay osi y aathumar ap.Nanl al akiang mgamat ani y anangmaki t ani y asi Lei gh.

" Yy na!Anonggi nagawamodi t o? ! "Sheexcl ai med.YumakapsiLei ghsakany a.Angakal ako, mat umbasi l a.Yza' sgazemetmi ne.

" Youmonst er ! "Sagl i tsi y angl umay okayLei ghpar al api t anako.Pi nagbabay oni y aangdi bdi bko. " You monst er !You ki dnapped hert oo!Sasakt an mo r i n si y a!Hi ndika pa nakunt ent o na nahi hi r apanako!Youj usthadt ot akehert oo! "

I y aknanamansi y anangi y ak.

" At e,t amana!Sumamaakosakany adahi lgust oki t angmaki t a! "Pi ni gi l ansi y aniLei ght on. Nat i gi l annamansi y aatsakabi nal i nganangkapat i dko.

" Bbaki t ? "

" Akoi y ongkai l anganni y adi ba?Akonal angangpapal i tsa' y o.I ' l lmakehi m pr omi set ol ety ougo. I ' l l st ayher e. "

WhatLei ghwassay i ngsoundsmusi ct omyear .She' l lbest ay i ngwi t hme.Shehadf i nal l ychosen me.

" Nababal i wkanaba?Whatdoy out hi nkTat aywi l ldoi fy oust ayher et henI ' l lcomeback? !The damagehasbeendone, YnaJohanna!Dapathi ndi kanagpunt adi t o! "

" Per o. . . "

Bi nal i nganakoni Yza." Anopabanggust omo? "

" Wal aakonghi ni ngisakany a.Si y aangkusangnagpunt asaaki n. "It ol dherof f .Napakamotng ul osi Yza.

" St ayher e. "Shet ol dmysi st er .Lumakadsi y apapal api tsaaki natsakahi nat akakopal abasng pi nt o.

" What ? ! "Igr oaned.

" Pauwi i nmosi Yna. "Ut osni y asaaki n.Tumaasangsul okngl abi ko.

" Whywoul dIdot hat ? "Iaskedher ." Nandi t onasi y a,baki tkopasi y apauuwi i n?She' smysi st er , Yza.MAsmaykar apat anakosakany a. "

" Mymot herwi l lbehear t br okeni fYnadoesn' tcomehomet oni ght ,sopl easej ustl etherl eav e. " Nai i y aknanamansi y a.Sadal awangbuwangkasamakosiYzaConsunj i ,al am naal am kona kungkai l ansi y ai i y akatkungkai l anhi ndi .Ri ghtnow, hernosei st ur ni ngr ed, herl i psar equi v er i ng andshe' sgaspi ngf orai r .Iknow t hatanymomentf r om now,hert ear swi l lf al landt her e' st hi s naggi ngf eel i ngi nsi deofmet hatt el l smenott omakehercr y .

" Pl ease, Hel i os. . . "

Kumunotangnooko.

" I ' l l doany t hi ng. "Shesai di nal owv oi ce.

" Youwi l l ? "Iasked.Hergazemetmyey es.Iwasgr i nni ng.

" Yy es. . . "

Tumangoako.Isnakedmyf r eear m ar oundherwai standpul l edhercl oser .Icoul df eelt he sof t nessofherbody , Icoul dsmel l hernat ur al womanscent .Inuzzl edherneckandl i ckedi tupt o herear l obe.

If el therst i f f ened.Al am kongpi npi gi l ni y al angangsar i l i ni y angi t ul akako.

" Iam goi ngt oki ssy ou,Consunj iandIwanty out oki ssmeback.I fy oudot hat ,I ' l lsendYna home. "

Gumapangangmgal abikopat ungosamgal abini y a.Iki ssedher .Shedi dn' tki ssme.It ooka deepbr eat h.

" Manang, paki ay osi y ongguestr oom.Yna"

Hi ndikonai t ul oyangsi nabiko.Hi nat akni y aakopabal i katsi y anami smoanghumal i ksaaki n.I gr i nnedhar d.Iki ssedherback.Idomi nat edherl i ps.Yza' sl i pswer esweetandwar m andv er y si nf ul .Icoul dn' tgetenoughofi t .Idar t edmyt onguei nsi dehermout h,shegaspedhar dbutshe di dn' tt ur naway .

Myf r eehandst ar t edr oami ngar oundherbody .Ipul l edaway .

" PushmeawayandYnawi l l st ayher e. "

Napakagatl abisi y a.Iknow t hatshe' sgoi ngt ocr y .Bagopamangy ar ii y onaymul ikosi y ang

hi nal i kan.I bi nal i kkoangkamaykosabay wangni y aandIj ustf ocusedonki ssi ngher eagai n.

Shewaski ssi ngmebackagai nandIf oundmy sel fl osti nspace.

" Ay !Jui cemi o!Hect or !Bakamamagaangl abi ni Yza! "

I t i nul akni y aakonangmal akasnangmar i ni gnami nangbosesniManangBi ni ng.Webot hl ooked ather .Nagsi gnoft hecr osspasi y a.

" Angmgakabat aant al aga!Dapatsakwar t oni ny oi y angi nagawa! "

Bagopaakomakasagotayt umakbonasiYzapapasoksasi l i dni y a.Bi nal i ngankongmul isi Manang.

" I st or boka, Manang.Al am moi y on? "

10.Fal l

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" At ecany oupl easest opphasi ng?Sabi namanni Kuy aHect or , uuwi akongay on. " Hi ndiakomapakal isamganangy ay ar i .Maymal ikasi .Al am konamannahi ndisasakt anni Hel i ossiYna,kapat i dni y asiYna,mahalni y asiYnaper oangpi nagt at akakol angaykungbaki t t uwi ngi kawal angar aw aynandi t osi y a.Thef i r stt i meshecameher e-i twasenoughf orme. Masay anaakonamaki t asi y aatmar i ni gmul asakany anaokayangbuongpami l y anami nkahi t nahi nahanappar i nakoni l aYt o.Hel i osmadeherpr omi senott ot el lany bodywher eIam orel se, hi ndi nasi y amakakapunt adi t o.Idon' tknowi fIshoul dbet hankf ul f ort hat .I y onangdahi l ankung baki t aki nakabahanako. He' supt onogood. Kunsabagay ,kahi tnamankai l an,wal anasi y anggi nawangmabut i-l al onasaaki n.Wal aakong bal i t akungmaay osnabaangkompany ani y a.I l angl i nggonamul anangsi nabini y asaaki nna nawal ansi y angt wohundr edmi l l i ondahi lkayYv o.Hi ndipar i nakomakapani wal ahanggang ngay on. " At e,sat i ngi nmokai l anmat at aposangl ahatngi t o? "Sheaskedme." Kuy aZachsai dt hati fI comewi t hKuy aHect or , he' l l t akey ouback. " Nanl i i tangmgamat ako." Hi ndikasasamakayHel i os.Sabahaykal ang!Dapatngawal akadi t o! Whydoy oukeeponcomi ngbackba? ! "Iy el l edather .Nagbl i nksiYnangt at l ongbesest aposay t umi ngi nsal abas.

" Hi ndi kanamangany ansaaki ndat i .Baki tmoakosi ni si gawan? "Tanongni y a.Isi ghedagai n. " Hi ndimokasinai i nt i ndi hanangpoi ntko!Onev i si ti senough!Paanokungmapahamakka? Paanokungumi r al nanamanangkademony ohanni y angHel i osnai y anathi ndi kani y ai bal i k? ! " " Imaybeal otoft hi ngs,Yza.ButImakesur et hatwhenIsaysomet hi ng.Iwi l lkeepmywor d. " Nat i gi l anakonangmar i ni gkoangbosesni y a.Il ookedatmyl ef tandi nt her eIsawhi m wi t hhi s si gnat ur eVer sacebl ackensembl e.Hel ookeddev i l i shl ygood.Hi sgr eeney espi er ci ngt hr oughmy soul agai n.

" Yna, l eav eus. "Sabikosakapat i dko.Sher el uct ant l yl ef tt hegazebo.Ti ni ngnanpasi y aniHel i os t aposaynaki t akongt umaasnanamanangdul onngbi bi gni y a.Mi nsangust okonasi y ang t anungi nkungpar asakany aayngi t i i y on.

" Whatt hehel lar ey oudoi ng, y oumonst er ? ! "Iscr eamedathi m.Ni l api t ankosi y aatpi nagbabay o sadi bdi b." Whyar ey oual l owi ngYnaher e?Gany ankanabakasama?Whycan' ty ouj ustl etmy f ami l ybe? ! " " Iwanthert oseet hatI ' m notabadper son. " " Buty ouar e!Your apedme! "Tumul onanamanangmgal uhako.Hegr i nned. " Thatcanbear r ange, Yza.Iam av er ygoodl ov er .Icanmakey ouscr eam. "Hesai dwi t ht hatcol d v oi ce.Nahi gi tkoanghi ni ngako.Bi gl aakongbumi t i w sakany aatl umay o." Icant ur ny our t r aumat i cexper i encet oagoodmemor yandIcanmakey ouwantf ormor e. " " Tumi gi lka! "Si gawko.Icl osedmyey esandt houghtoft hatonet hi ngt hatmakesmyhear tl eap andmakesmekeepmysani t y-si Zachar yDr ew. " Icanmakey ouf or gett hatboy . "Heev ensai d.Iopenedmyey esagai n. " He' snotaboy .He' smyman. " " Icanbey ourman. "Hepul l edmecl osert ohi m.Ki ni l abut anako.Anobangpi nagsasabini y a?I s her eal l ydoi ng t hi st o me?He' smaki ng mewanthi m.Kahi tkai l an hi ndiko gugust uhi ng makasamaangi sangt ul adni y asabuhaykookahi tnasaanpa-l al onasakama.Hi ndipaba sapatpar asakany aanggi nawani y asaaki n?Pi l i tkosi y angi t i nul akper ol al oni y aakong i ki nukul ong. " St opf i ght i ng, Yza! "Hehi ssedatme.Igl ar edathi m. " Iwon' t ! "Hi ndikomangust oaynapasi nghapako." Iwon' tst opf i ght i ngy ouunt i ly ougett i r edof me! " " Iwi l lnev ergett i r edofy ou,baby . "Hesai di nal owv oi ce.Hal osnapasi nghapnaako.Kunganuanonggi nagawani y asaaki n.Anobanggust oni y angmangy ar i ? " At e-ay ! "Bi gl aakongbi ni t i wanniHel i osnangmar i ni gnami nangbosesniYna.Hi ndikona namal ay annal umabasnapal asi y asasi l i dkungsaanakot umut ul oy .Ngi ni si hanl angakoni Hel i ost aposaybi nal i nganni y asi Yna.

" How' sy ourday ,Lei ght on? "Heaskedher .Li ghbeamedi nhappi ness.Nagul atakonangbi gl a ni y angy akapi nsi Hel i osathi nal i kansapi sngi . " Okayl angkuy a.I kaw? "AkmangsasagotsiHel i osnanghat aki nkosiYnapapasokmul isasi l i d.I l ookedather . " Anonggi nagawamo? !You' r edeal i ngwi t ht hedev i l ! "Myey eswi denedwhensher ol l edherey es atme. " At e,l i kewhatAt eHer asai d,behi ndev er yman' sf al li sawoman.I ' mj ustappl y i ngt hepr i nci pl e, At e.Kunghi ndi akomagi gi ngmabai tkayHel i os, hi ndi ki t amaki ki t a. " Ti ni t i gankosi y a.Kungi i si pi nkongmai gi , maypunt osi y asasi nasabi ni y a.Kahi tanongsabi hi nng kahi tnasi noatkahi tbal i kt ar i nkoangmundo, mahal ni Hel i ossi Ynadahi l kapat i dni y ai t o.Hewi l l doev er y t hi ngj ustt opl easeherandoneoft hoset hi ngsi sl et t i ngYnaseeme. " At e,t hi nkl i keaConsunj i .Youcanmakehi m dot het hi ngsy ouwanthi mt odo.SabinganiTi t a Lai de, ev er yman' sweaknessi sawoman.Justl i keTat aywheni tcomest oNanay . " Ist ar edather .Ynami ghtnotbeaConsunj ibybl oodbyshe' saConsunj ibyhear tandbymi nd. Par ehosi l aniYt ongwayngpagi i si p.Shej ustsmi l edatme.Ibi tmyl owerl i p.Iknowwhatt odo, Iact ual l yst ar t edi tbutIgotscar edbecauseev er ydamnt i mehe' snearme,maynar ar amdaman akongi baatal am konghi ndi t amai y on. " At e,setZDasi de.Masmahal agai y ongmapasunodmosi y a.Akal amobagust okosi y a?Kahi t nasi nasabi ni y angkapat i dkosi y a, ay okopar i nsakany a.He' st r y i ngt or ui nt hef ami l y .Iwi l l nev er f or gi v ehi mf ort hat . "Ti i m angbagangnasabi ni y asaaki n.Ngumi t i l angako. Paul i t ul i tsai si pkoangsi nabi ni y asaaki n. SetZDasi de. . .

Iwasst andi ngout si det heConsunj imansi on,smoki ngmy sel ft odeat h,whenIsuddenl ygota gl i mpseofawhi t eSUV.Nagpar ki y ont wobl ocksawayf r om t hehouse.Kunotnakunotangnoo kohabangnakat i ngi nsasasaky angi y on.Idon' tknowwhybutsomet hi ngi nsi demei st el l i ngme t hatt hecari supt onogood.

Myey eswi denedwhenIsawYnagotoutoft hecarper omasl al ongnanl akiangmgamat ako nangmaki t akongl umabassakabi l angsi desiHel i osDemi t r i .Nakadamaakonggal i t .Ngumi t isi Yna sakany at aposayni y akappani l aangi sa' t i sa.

Agadnapumasoksi Hel i ossakot seatumal i s.Si Ynanamanaynagl akadpal api tsadi r eksy onko. Mayngi t isakany angmgal abi .I t i naponkoanguposngsi gar i l y ot aposayni l api t ankosi y a. Hi ni gi tkoangbr asoni y a. " Kkuy aZach. . . "Mukhangnagul atsi y anangmaki t ako.Il ookedatherf r om headt ot oe.Suotni y a

par i nanguni f or m nguni v er si t y .Nanl al akiangmgamat ani y ahabangt i t i gnat i t i gsaaki n.She ev enswal l owedhar d. " Wher ei sshe? "Tanongko.Pi l i tsi y angkumakawal asaaki n. " Hi ndi koal am, kuy a. "Sabi ni y a. " Al am kongal am mo!You' r ewi t hHel i os!Al am mokungnasaansiYza!Hi ndikabanaaawasa l ahatngt aodi t o?We' r el osi ngourmi ndscauseshe' snother e!I kawal am kokungnasaansi y a per oay awmongsabi hi n! " " Hi ndikongaal am!Whycan' ty ouj ustacceptt hef actt hatAt ei sgone!Babal i ksi y a-oomaghi nt aykanal ang! "Nai i y aknasi gawni y a.Nasabunut ankoangsar i l i ko. Baki tbal ahatsul agust onamaghi nt ayl angako?Kungbawatar awnawal asiYzasat abikoay kut si l y onat umut usoksapusoko,si gur omat agalnaakongpat ay .Napal uhaako.IneedYzat o goonwi t hmyl i f e.Il ov eher . Napaupoakosapav ement .IknowYnai st her eandshe' sl ooki ngatme.Kaaawa-awasi gur oang hi t sur akoper owal anaakongpaki al am.Anopabangmawawal asaaki n?Wal anasiYza.Si y a angl ahatsaaki n. Tumay oakoatsakal umakadpal ay o. " Zzach!Saankapupunt a? "Nar i ni gkongt anongni Ynasaaki n." Zach? ! " " Wal akangpaki al am! "Si gaw kopabal i k.Tumal i kodakongmul i .Wal aakongpaki al am kung si nusundanni y aakoohi ndi .Wal aakongpaki al am t al aga.Gust okonangmat aposangl ahat .I f eel sodesper at e. " Zach! "Tawagni y angmul isaaki n.Ist oppedwal ki ngandf acedher .Nasat apatkamingpar k. Shewasappr oachi ngme.Tearwer ef al l i ngi nherey es. " Mahal kani At e, baki tbahi ndi mokay angpanghawakani y on? " " Hi ndisapatnamahalni y al angako.Gust okongkasamakosi y a.Kungwal asiYza, wal angZach, Yna.MahalnamahalkosiYzaatkahi tanongmangy ar i , si y apar i n.Ipr omi sedy ourf at her .I fev er any t hi ngbadwi l lhappent oher ,I ' l lt akeherback,I ' l ll ov eher .She' smyl i f eandev er y t hi ng. "I gasped." Sopl ease, t el l mewher eshei s. . . " Ynal ookedatme.Mat agalni y aakongt i ni t i gan.Humakbangsi y apal api tsaaki n.Hi nawakanni y a angkamayko.Iknowt hatshe' sgoi ngt ocomf or tme, per oakal akol angi y on.Bi gl anal angni y a akonghi nat akpapal api t .Shepl acedherl i psov ermi neandki ssedme-passi onat el y . Myey eswi dened.Bi gl akosi y angnai t ul ak. " Anobanggi nagawamo? ! "

" Zach, gust oki t a. . . "

11.Fal l en

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" SetZDasi de. "

Il ookedi nt hemi r r ort hatmor ni ng-st i l lt hi nki ngaboutwhatYnahav esai d.Kay akoba?CanI r eal l yzetZachasi depar asakal ay aanko?IknowIcanr eal l ymakeHel i osdowhat ev erIsaykung sakal i nggagawi nkor i nanggust oni y aper okay akoba?Masi si kmur akobasi y a?Ihat et heman f orwhathedi dt omesocanIr eal l ydot het hi ngsi nmymi nd?

Napasi nghap ako nang maymar i ni g akong pagkat oksa pi nt uan.Agad akong l umabasng bat hr oom atbi nuksanangpi nt o.Isaw Hel i osst andi ngout si demydoor .Hewaswear i ngt hat si l kybl uebat hr obeagai nwhi l ehol di ngacupofcof f ee.Hel ookedasi fhej ustgotoutofbed.Hi s hai rwasdi shev el ed;t aposmayf i v eo' cl ockshadowpasi y a.Hi sey esst i l ll ooksl eepy ,t umi ngi n si y asaaki n.

" Goodmor ni ng, baby . "Hi sv oi cewashuskyandsexy .Gust okongngumi wi .Gust okongi sar aang pi nt o.Ay okongt i nat awagni y aakongganoon.

SetZD, asi de.

Behi ndev er yman' sf al l i sawoman.

Hi ndikoal am kungbaki tnar i r i ni gkopar i nangbosesniYnasai si panko.Par abangsi nasabing i si pkonagawi nkoangdapatkonggawi nper opaano?

Ngumi si si y asaaki n." Getdr essed, we' l l gooutt oday .Masy adokanangmaput l a. "

Napaawangangl abi ko.Bi gl akosi y anghi mapassadi bdi b." Si nongmaykasal anan?Ako? "I ni sna i ni snat anongko.Hegr i nnedagai n.I y ongkamaykongnakal apatsadi bdi bni y a,hi nawakanni y a atbi gl ani y aakonghi napi tpapal api t .Nanl akiangmgamat ako.Igotscar edf ort hecof f eespi l l . Mai ni ti y on, bakamapasoakoper opar angmasnapapasoakosat i ngi nniHel i osasaki n.Heput hi st humbonmyl i psandt r acedi tsl owl y .Lal ongnapaawangangbi bi gko.

" I fIhav eot herchoi ce, Yza.Iwi l l l ocky ouupi nsi det hi sr oom andmakey ouwantmeal l day . "

" Youcan' t . "Mar i i ngsabiko." Ibel ongt osomeoneel se. "Hej ustgr i nnedagai n.I ni l api tni y apaang mukhani y asaaki n-ourf aceswer eonl yani nchaway-al am konghahal i kannanamanni y aako. Al am kongi l al apatni y aangl abini y asaaki n atal am kor i ngmal iper onat agpuankoangsar i l i kongnaghi hi nt aypar asakany a.

" Hmnn, i fIki ssy ou, Iwanty out oki ssmeback, baby . "Hesai d.Ishookmyhead.Icl osedmyey es. Ist ar t edt hi nki ngaboutZach.Mahalkosi y aper ohet oakoatnat ut ukso-oonat ut uksoakosa t aongsumi r asaaki n.Hi ndi i t ot ama.

Dapatsi y aangt i nut uksoko.TamanamansiYna.Kay akongpai kut i nsiHel i oskunggugust uhi n ko.Ihav emyway s.I ' mt hef r eaki ngdaught erofSanchoConsunj i-hi sbl oodr unsi nmyv ei nsal lI hav et odoi st oj ustl eti tout .

" Icanmakey ouf or gethi m,Yza.He' saboyandy oudon' tneedaboy .Youneedaman.Icanbe y ourman. . . "

Hepl acedhi shandonmywai st .Par aakongnapaso.Damakoangi ni tngpal adni y asai l al i m ng mani pi snadr essnai y on.Ir el uct ant l yputmyar msar oundhi sneckandopenedmyey es.Isaw hi mj ustl ooki ngatme.Wal angkahi tnaanosamgamat ani y a.Hewasj ustl ooki ngatmewi t h t hosepi er ci ngandf i er ygr eeney es.

" Youar esuchat ease. . . "Hewhi sper edbef or ef i nal l yki ssi ngme.Il etmy sel fbeki ssedbyhi m.I n myheadIwast el l i ngmy sel ft hatt hi si sal lapar toft hepl an-t ot oonamani y on.Hesai dt hatl ov e makespeopl eweakandi fImakehi mf al l , he' l l weakenandIcandoev er y t hi ngIwantwi t hhi m.

Lal ongl umal i m anghal i knai bi ni bi gayni y asaaki n.Hi sl i pswer el i kehotchocol at eonmi ne-i t ' s sweety etv er yhot-smoki nghot .How canamonst erl i kehi m hav esuchsweetl i ps?Ir anmy f i nger sonhi shai r .Hemoaned.

" Fuck! "Hewhi sper ed.Nanl akiangmgamat akonangbi gl ani y aakongbuhat i n.Hecl osedt he doorusi nghi sf eet .I ni l apagni y aakosakamaatmul i nghi nagkan.Icl osedmyey esagai n-I cl osedmyey esnotbecauseIl i kewhathewasdoi ngt omebutbecauseIneedt of i ghtt heur ge ofpushi nghi m away .

If el thi sl i pswentdownt omyneck.Her i ppedmydr essapar t .Napadi l atako.

" Hehect or ! "Ical l edhi m.Hel ookedatme.

" Justst ayst i l l . "Hesai d.Wal angkahi tnaanonggal i topagmamadal isat i ni gni y a.Hej ustasked met ost ayst i l l butIcan' t .Ir eal l ycan' t .I t i nul akkosi y a.

" Whatt hehel l ,Yza? ! "Hegr oaned.Nagi wasakongt i ngi n.Iwasf i ght i ngt het ear s.Ay okong umi y ak.Ki nagatkoangl abiko.Hi ndikokay a-hi ndikot al agakay angi bi gayangsar i l ikosa kany amat aposnggi nawani y asaaki n.

Imaynotbeaspur easIusedt obebutIst i l lbel i ev et hatmyev er y t hi ngbel ongst oonemanonl y andt hati st hel ov eofmyl i f e.

" Si Zzach. . . "Mahi nangwi kako.Napamul agatakonangbi gl asi y angmagmur a.

" Whycan' ty ousee, Yza?Hi ndi kay obagay ! "

" Ati kaw angpar asaaki n? ! "Nanguuy am nat anongko." Af t eral ly oudi dt ome?Gust omong t anggapi nki t apar asasar i l iko? ! "Hal osmamaosnaako kakasi gaw.Hej ustst ood t her e. Napapai l i ngsi y a.

" Magbi hi ska.Aal i st ay o. "

I y onl angati ni wannani y aako.Iwasl ef tal onei nsi det hatr oom.Nay akapkoangsar i l iko.Ir eal l y wantt ogobackt omyf ami l yandt oZach.Si l aangdahi l ankungbaki thanggangngay onayhi ndi par i nbumi bi t i wangkat i nuankoatangpagasakongi sangar aw, makakauwi akosakani l a.

I nay oskoangsar i l iko.Hi ndinamannagt agalaymul i ngmaykumat oksasi l i dko.Agadkong bi nuksani y onsapagaakal angsi Hect orangmaki ki t akoper ohi ndi .

" Yza,aal i snakay o.Hi ni hi nt aykananiSi rsababa. "Nakangi t i ngwi kasaaki nniKat hr y na.Ij ust nodded.Lumabasangngsi l i datbumabasahagdan.Nat agpuankosiHect ornanakauponasa l oobngkot se.Tumabi akosakany a.

Hewaswear i ngabl ackshi r tandapai roff adedsemif i t t edj eans.Mayr ay banssi y angsuot .I coul dn' tr eal l yseehi sey esbecauseofhi sgl assesbutt her e' snodoubtabouti t , hel ookshot .

" Ssaant t ay opupunt a? "Tanongkosakany a.Hesl owl yt ur nedhi sheadonme.

" Gust omonabangbumal i ksai ny o? "Heev enaskedme.Napaawangangl abi ko.I babal i knani y a ako?

" Huh? "

" Sl eepwi t hme, Yza.Af t ert hat , I ' l l t akey ouback. "

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Icoul dn' tbel i ev ewhathappenedl astni ght .Thi ngswer esof astIhadf or got t ent obr eat h. Nakaupoakosasof asat apatngkamahabangt i ni t i t i gansiYnaJohannananakahi gasakama ko.Shewasst i l lasl eep.Hi ndikomasy adongmat andaankungbaki tkosi y ai nuwidi t o.Angal am kol ang, gal i takosakany af orhi di ngt hef actt hatsheknowswher eYzai s.

Napakamotakongul o.Paki r amdmakol al ongnagi ngcompl i cat edangbuhaykodahi lsasi nabi ni y asaaki n.Shesai dshel i kesme,hi ndikoal am kungt ot ooi y onorshe' sj ustsay i ngt hatt o di v er tmyat t ent i on.

Shest i r r ed.Napat uwi dakongupo.May amay aaypupungaspungassi y angbumangonatsaka t umi ngi nsapal i gi d.HergazecaughtYza' spor t r ai t-whi chwashangi ngi nt hemi ddl eofmywal l . Napaawangangmgal abi ni y a.

I nt hepi ct ur e, Yzawassmi l i ngv er ywi de.Ir emembert hatphot o, It ookt hatt hef i r stmor ni ngt hat wewokeupt oget her .Shewaswear i ngmyshi r t .Hehai rwasal lov ert hepl ace-shej ustwokeup butshemanagedt ost i l l bepr et t y .

" Anongnangy ar i ? "Tanongni y asaaki n. " Wal a. "Mabi l i skongsagot ." Ay aw mongumuwi .I y akkanangi y ak.Sunodkapanangsunod. I nuwiki t adi t o.Per owal angnangy ar iatkahi tkai l anwal angmangy ay ar i .Tumay okadi y anat i hahat i dnaki t a. "Sabikosakany a.Ist oodup.Iwasaboutt ol eav et her oom whenIf el therhug mef r om behi nd.

" Zacht ot ool ahatngsi nabikokagabi .Gust oki t a. "Sabini y aul i t ." Gust oki t anoonpa.Bagokapa manmahal i nni At e.Hi ndi namansi y adapatpar asa' y o.Di basi Xanderangunanggust oni y a. "

Ki nal agkoangkamayni y angnakapal upotsaaki n." I tdoesn' tmat t er ,Yna.SiYzaangmahalko. " Mar i i ngsabiko.Tear sst ar t edf al l i ngi nherey esagai n.Napapai l i ngnal angakongl umabasng si l i d.Iwentt omyot herr oom andt ooksomecl ot hes.It ookashower-st i l l t hi nki ngaboutYza.

If eelsohel pl ess.Kai l angankonasi y angmabawidahi lkunghi ndibakamapat aykosiDemi t r isa or asnamagki t akami .Maskiwal aakongebi densy angpwedengmagpat unaynahawakni y asi Yza, bakamapat aykosi y aatwal aakongpaki al am kunganongmangy ar i-Ij ustneedt osav eher f r om t hatmonst er .

Af t ert aki ngashower , Ist ar t edf i xi ngmy sel f .I ni i si pkonar i nkunganongdahi l anangi bi bi gayko kayYt oatl al onamankayTi t oSanchosaor asnat anungi nni l aakokungbaki tnasaaki nsi Yna.

Pagl abaskongbat hr oom aypar angnanl akinamanangul oko.If oundYnaont hebed-t ot al l y nakedwhi l ewai t i ngf orme.Shel ookedatmewi t ht hatr i di cul ousl ookonherey es.

" Icangi v ey ouev er y t hi ng,Zach. "Mahi nangwi kani y a.Kul angangsabi hi ngnapangangaat nagul atako.I t ' swaymor et hant hat .

" Aanobanggi nagawamo? ! "Si nghalkosakany a." Magbi hi skanga! "Tumal i kodako." God,Yna! Whatt hehel l i swr ongwi t hy ou? ! "

Nat i gi l anakongmul ini y aakongy akapi n.Icanf eelhernakednessonmybackandi t ' scr eepi ng meout !

" Yna, l etgo!Thi si swr ongi nsomanyway s! "

" Baki tbasiYzaanggust omo?Wal anamansi y anggi nawa!Shehur ty ou!Sheal mostchose Xander !Secondchoi cekal angnamanniAt e,nandi t oako,i kawpar asaaki nangf i r stchoi ceko sal ahatngbagay .Zach, aki nkanal ang! "

How canshebesodesper at eaboutt hi s?Mul ikongi naal i sangmgakamayni y a.Madi l i m ang mukhangt i ni ngnankosi y a.

" Magbi hi ska! "

Bahagy akosi y angi t i nul ak.Il ef tt her oom -asi foncue,maynar i ni gnamanakongmahi nang pagkat oksapi nt onguni tko.Doonakot umul oy .Iopenedt hedoorandYngr i dKat i gbakent er ed.

" Zachy , Yanai swonder i ngwhati shappeni ngwi t hy ourbuhay .Li keOhmygosh!Weknowy ou' r e nahi hi r apanbecauseYzai sn' tar oundbutbaby -Whyi st her eanakedwomani ny ourl i v i ng r oom? "

" Shi t ! "Isai d.Bumal i ngakoatnaki t akongasiYnanahi ndinamanmagkamay awsapagal i ssa l i v i ngr oom.Hi ndi si gur oni y ai naakal angmaydar at i ngnai bangt ao.

" Ar ey oucheat i ngonYza? ! "Shegr owl ed.

" Hi ndi ? !Ar gh!Yngr i d!Thi si snotagoodt i me!Leav e! "

" Ay okongmagl eav e!I ' l lmakesabunott henakedgi r l !Ohmygosh!Yzai ssokawawa,she' sl i ke naki dnapandy ou' r emaki ngherl oko!I ' l lmakey ousampalaf t erI ' m donei nmaki ngngudngod t hatmal andi nggi r l ! "

" Justl eav e,Yngr i d!Kakausapi nnal angki t akapagokayna! "Pi l i tkosi y angt i nut ul akpal abas. Hi ndinamannagt agalayumal i snasi y a.Bi nal i kankosiYnasakwar t o,bi hi snasi y aper o namumugt oangmgamat a.

" Ni l ol okomobasiAt e? "Tanongni y asaaki n." Kasikungoo,Iwi l lhat ey ou. "Humi hi kbi ngsabi ni y a.

Ij ustshookmyhead." I ' l l j ustt akey ouhome, Yna.Let ' sgo. "

Andwedi d.It ookherhomet hatmor ni ng.Hi ndinaakobumabapar amaki pagki t aki naYt o.I dr ov eawayt hemomentshegotoutoft hecar .Habangnasaby aheaymaynar i ni gakongkung anongt umunog.Il ookedar oundandIf oundYna' sphoneont hesi deoft hedr i v er ' sseat .Ther e' s amessagef orher .It ookt hel i ber t yofr eadi ngi tkahi tmal i .

Fr om: Hect orDemi t r i .

Message: I ' l l t akehert oSy l v anaHei ght s.I fy ouwannaseehercomet oni ght .Spendt heni ghtwi t h her .Lov ey ou, Lei gh.-Kuy aHect or .

12.Fr ee

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Wear r i v edatacer t ai nSy l v anaHei ght s.Hi ndikoal am kungsaaneksakt oangl ugarnai y onbut t hepl acei sbeaut i f ul .Hi ndii y ont ul adngmgapangkar ani wanghousi ngv i l l age.Sy l v anaHei ght s i sal i t t l ebi tofev er y t hi ng-maymgapuno,maymgabahay ,andf r om wher ewear e-t anawna t anawkoangdagat .Gust okosanangi appr eci at epaangbuongpal i gi dkunghi ndil angpaul i t ul i t kongnai i si pangsi nabi ni Hel i ossaaki nkani na.

Il ookedathi m.Hewassi t t i ngbesi deme-wewer est i l li nt hecar .Tahi mi kl angsi y asabuong by aheathi ndinamanakonagabal angmagt anongomagsi mul angusapsakany a.Ay okosi y ang makausap.Namumuhiakosakany a-gal i takosamgabagaynagust oni y anggawi natmga bagaynaal am kongpi napal anopal angni y a.Nai i y akakosakat ot ohanannabakahi ndiko mat anggi hananggust oni y adahi l gust okonat al agangmakal ay a.

Het ur nedt ome." Ar ey out hi nki ngaboutmyof f er ? "

" Gaanoakokasi gur adonat ut upadkasausapan? "Mahi nangt anongko.Tumaasangdul ong bi bi gni y a.

" Youar eact ual l yt hi nki ngabouti t . "Hesai dt ome.Oopi nagi i si pankot al aga.Al am kongmal i per oanopabaangmawawal a?Nakuhanani y a.Kunganongmangy ay ar ipagkat aposnoon, hi ndi koal am atwal angkasi gur aduhan-het onasi y aati pi napangakosaaki nangkal ay aangi l ang buwankonar i nggust ongmakamt an-t at angi pabaako?

Il ookedoutoft hewi ndowagai nandj ustsi ghed.Am Ir eal l yt hi nki ngabouti t ?Iwant edt ocr y . Tuwi ngnai i si pkongpumay ag,nai i si pkor i nsiZach-i fIagr eed,Iwi l lcheatonhi m.I y ong naunangdal awangpagkakat aonnamaynangy ar isaami nniHect or ,hi ndicount eddahi lpi ni l i t ni y aako, butt hi st i me, he' sgi v i ngmeachoi ce.

I t ' shi m,v er susmyf r eedom andI ' m choosi ngmyf r eedom per opaanosiZach?Mapapat awad ni y apakay aako?Mat at anggap?Hi ndi koal am.If eel pr essur edr i ghtnow.

Nagangatakongt i ngi nnangbi gl anghumi nt oangsasaky ansat apatngi sangmal aki ngbahay .I knew t he house i s Hect or ' s.Napansi n kong mahi l i g si y a sa gl ass wi ndows.I y on ang pagkakapar ehongl ahatngbahayni y a.

Naunasi y angbumabasaaki n.Sumunodako.Kasabayngpagbabakoaynaki t akongbumabana r i nsav ansi naManangatKat hr y na.Ngumi t i si l asaaki n.Tumangol angako.

" Yza.Come. "Il ookedatHect or .Hewasof f er i ngmehi shand.Ir el uct ant l yt ooki t .Lumakadkami papasoksamansy onni y aandmyey eswi dened.Ev er y t hi ngi nsi del ookexpensi v e.Myey es wi denedwi t hawe.Angdami ngant i quepi ecessal oob.Theonet hatcaughtmyat t ent i onwast he Gr eekPai nt i nghangi ngont hewal l .I ti sapai nt i ngofaHer o.Il ookedathi m.

" Si Achi l l es. "Sabi kosakany a.Hej ustnodded." Why ? "

" He' sst r ong. "

" He' sweak. "Sabiko." Saankl e.Nanghi nasi y af ort r y i ngt osav eawoman. "Sabikosakany a." I n ev er yman' sf al ll i es a woman,Hect or .Ev en Her cul es f el lf orMi ner v a and he weakened. Super manhasLoui seLaneandhe"

" Whatar ey out r y i ngt oi mpl y ,Yza? "Hewal kedt owar dsme.Hi shandset t l edonmycheeks. Si nubukankongt i t i gansi y anangmat asamat a." Ar ey out r y i ngt ot el l mesomet hi ng? "

" I f . . . "Isai di naweakv oi ce." I fy ouf al lf orme, y ou' l lbeweak. "Fi nal l yIwasabl et osayt hat .Hel i os smi l edatme.

" We' l l . . .baby ,t hatt her i skI ' mr eadyt ot akeany t i me. "Wal angsabi sabi ngbumabaangbi bi gni y a par ahagkanako.Mai ni tangmgahal i kniHel i os-masmai ni tpakay sasakani na.Par abangmay nai ssi y angpat unay ansaaki nsapamamagi t anngmgahal i knai y onatkahi tnaanonggawi nko, hi ndi kosi y amai t ul akpal ay o.

Suddenl yhest opped.I nay osni y aangkany angsar i l i atsakangumi si ." Let ' sgo.I papasy al ki t a. "

Mul ini y aakonghi nat ak.Hi ndikoal am kungsaanni y aakodal dal hi n.Hi nay aankonal angna t angay i nni y aako.Sangay onwal anaakongnai i nt i ndi han.I ' mt or nbet weenmyf r eedom andmy hat r edf orhi m.Anobangdapatkongunahi n?Gust okonangmakaal i sandi fhe' sof f er i ngmet hat opt i onal r eady , kay akongabangt umanggi ?

If oundmy sel fst andi ngi nsi deani pahuti nt hemi ddl eofal ake.Nar oondi nsiHel i os.Hewas hol di ngaf i shi ngr od.Nakaupol angakodoonhabangpi nagmamasdansi y a.Hedoesn' tl ookl i ke amonst eratal l .Si gur omaymgat i mesnanagi gi nghal i mawsi y at uwi ngi pi napaki t ani y asaaki n kunggaanosi y akar ut hl ess, butr i ghtnow, he' sHect or .

Napai l i ngako." Baki tHel i osDemi t r i ? "Bi gl aangt anongko.Hecl ear edhi st hr oatbef or el ooki ngat me.

" I t ' smyGr eekname. "Hesai d.Napangi t iakobi gl a.Tumay oakoatt umabisakany a.Now wer e si t t i ngsi debysi de.It r i edt owat chwhathe' sdoi ngcl osel y ." Andy oul i kef i shi ng? "

" I tcl ear smymi nd. "Ther e' sahi ntofsmi l eonhi sf ace." Whydoy ouwantt oknow? "Heev en askedme.

" Wal al ang. "Isi ghed." Whati si tl i kegr owi ngupi nGr eece? "

" Fi ne. "

" Justf i ne? "Tanongko.

" Whati si tl i kegr owi ngupandhav i ngacompl et eandhappyf ami l y ? "Bi gl aangt anongni y a.Nagka i dey aakonabakahi ndimasay aangnangy ar isakany anoon.Hel ookedasi fhewaswai t i ngf or ananswer .It ookadeepbr eat h.

" Happy . "Bi gl aakongngumi t i ." Iwassev enwhenImetmydad. "Sabikosakany a." Yt oandIgr ew upwi t hj ustNanaybyoursi des.She' sav er yl ov i ngmom, t aposmassumay anoongdumat i ngsi Tat ay ,t henay earl at er ,siYv o,t hensiYl l akandev er y t hi ngbecameper f ectwhenTat aycame homeoneni ghtwi t hYna. "

Ismi l edatt hememor y ." Hest i l l t ookev er y t hi ngawayf r om me. "

" Yeshedi d, butwet r eat edherwel l .Can' ty ousee?MahalnamahalsiYnangmgamagul angko. Hi ndingamakat ul ogsiNanaykapaghi ndisi y anahahal i kan.Masmahalpasi y aniNanaykay sa saami nni Yt o. "

" Andt hati sabadt hi ng? "

" Hi ndi . "Ismi l edagai n." I t ' snev erabadt hi ng.Wel ov eherv er ymuch.Al am mo?Kungmaki ki pagusapkal angkayTat ay .Si gur adoakongmaki ki ni gsi y asa' y o. "

I t ' smygoodsi det al ki ngagai n." Whywoul dIdot hat ? "Hesai d." Ihav ey ou.IbetSanchoConsunj i i sgoi ngcr azynow. "

Hi nampaskoangbi bi gni y a." Angsamamo. "Bul ongko.

" Oo,Yza.Masamaako.Demony o,hal i maw,per oanongmagagawako?Thi si sme,hat emeor l ov eme,t hi si sme. "Ti i m angbagangnasabini y a.Tumangonal angakoatnanahi mi k.May amay aaynapansi nkonggumal awangf i shi ngr odnahawakni y a.

" Igotsomet hi ng. "Sabini y a.Pi l i tni y ai y onghi nat akni y aangr odpat aasatnaki t akongmaynahul i si y angt i l api a.Napasi gawako.

" What ? "Heasked.

" Gumagal aw! "

" Nat ur al gagal awy an, Yza!Buhaypaeh! "

Napangangaakonangbi gl asi y anghumal akhak.Napat i t i gakosamukhani y a.He' sf acedef i ni t el y l i tupashel aughedoutl oud.Par abangnagi baanghi t sur ani y a.WhatI ' m seei ngi sagenui ne smi l ef r om t hemonst er-andhedoesn' tr eal l yl ookl i keamonst er .

Hel ooksl i keahumanbei ng. " What ? "Nakangi t ipar i ngt anongni y a.Nakangi t isi y angay on-hi ndii y ongbast al angni y ai t i naas angdul ongbi bi gni y a.He' ssmi l i ng, l abaspal ahatngngi pi n.

" Wal al ang. "Sabiko.Ki nagatkoangl abikoatsakanagi wanngt i ngi n.Isweart umi bokng

mabi l i sangpusoko.May amay aayumuposi y asat abiko.Hawakni y asakamayni y aangt i l api a, pi nakawal anni y ai y on.

" Whydi dy oudot hat ? "Iaskedhi m.

" Because, Ineedt ol eti tgof ori tt or eal i zewhati tr eal l ywant s. "

Hi ndikonai nt i di hanangsi nabini y aper oal am kongmayi basi y anggust ongsabi hi n.Mat apos angi nsi dent engi y onaymul inanamangbumal i ki y onghal i maw.Col dnanamansi y aatdi st ant . Say ang,masgust okot al agakapagnaki ki t akosiHect or-i y ongal aganiManangathi ndii y ong mal ademony ongv er si onni y a.

" Saant ay opupunt a? "Tanongkoul i tnanghawakanni y aangkamayko.

" Wal al ang.Let ' sgo. "Hesai dagai n.Wespentt hewhol eaf t er noonwal ki ngar oundhi sv astl and. Magandaangl ugar , mal ami gkahi tnamayar aw.Tahi mi kl angsi y ahabangmagkasamakami-ni wal aakongnaki ki t angkahi tnaanongr eaksy onsamukhani y a.Bast at ahi mi kl angsi y a.Hewas j usthol di ngmyhandandwe' r ewal ki ngar ound.

May amay aayt umi gi l si y a.

" Yza, aboutmyof f er "

" Yes. "Bi gl angsabiko.Hi sgr eeney esf i xedatme." Yout ol dmet haty oual way skeepy ourwor d. Pay agako,Hect or .Bast apagkat aposni t o,pal al ay ai nmonaakoathi ndimonagugul uhi nang buongh pami l y ako.I t ' sl i keI ' m sacr i f i ci ng somet hi ng f ort hef ami l y .I sapa,ano pabang mawawal a?Nakuhamonadi ba?Soi t ' snotr eal l yabi gdeal any mor e. "

Tahi mi knal angakongnagpasal amatdahi lhi ndipumi y okangbosesko.Nai i y akt al agaako. Bi gl aangdumi l i m angmgamat ani y a.Bi ni t i wanni y aangkamayko.

" Fi ne.I ' l l beaty ourr oom atsi xpm.Wai tf orme. "

Wal angsabi sabi ngt i nal i kur anni y aako.Mykneeswer eshaki ng.

Par asakal ay aanko. . .

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Sy l v anaHei ght s.

Kani napaakopai kot i kotper ohanggangngay onhi ndikopar i nnaki ki t aangbahayniHel i os Demi t r isal ugarnai y on.Angt angat angako.Dapatbagoakosumugod,i nal am komunaang eksakt ongl ugarkungnasaansi y aatnangmabawi kosi Yz a.

Humi nt oakosat apatngpar katnai i ni snapi naghahampaskoangmani bel a.Ihat ei t !Ki nuhako angphonekoatt i nawagansiJar v i s.Whet herIl i kei tornot , Ineedhi sexper t i se.Kai l angankong mahanapngay onnangay onsi Hel i osatbabawi i nkosi Yzanomat t erwhathappen.

" Hel l o, Jar v i s.Ineedy out of i ndt heexactl ocat i onofHel i osDemi t r i ' shousei nSy l v anaHei ght s.I needi tnow. "

I y onl angatt i naposkoangt awag.Wal aakongpaki al am kungmasy adonaakongdemandi ng,o kunganuman.Ij ustr eal l yneedt oseeher .Wal aakongdal angkahi tnaanokundiangsar i l iko l ang.Niwal aakongdal angdepense.Kungsakal imannamapahamakakongay on,wal aakong magagawa, i pagdadasal konal angnasanabagomangy ar i i y onaykasamakonasi y a.

Sanaakopar i nangmahal ni y a.

Napal uhaakobi gl a.Ishookmyhead.Whyt hef uckwasIt hi nki ngt hat ?Yzal ov esmenomat t er what .Ibel i ev eandIt r ustourl ov ef oreachot her .Thi ngswi l lnev erf al t erbet weenus.Shel ov es meatkahi tnaanongmangy ar i mamahal i nkosi y a.

Isi ghedagai n.Tumunogangphoneko.Il ookedatt hescr een-i t ' sanunknownnumber .Kahi t nai i ni saysi nagotkoi y on.

" Hel l o? "Iaskedt heot herl i ne.

" Zachi t ' sme. "Isi ghedhar dwhenIhear dYna' sv oi ce." Wal akasauni tmo.Pi nunt ahanki t a.Nagaal al aakosa' y o. "

" Wal akangpaki al am saaki nsobackof fYna! "Si gaw ko.Thi si ssof r ust r at i ng.Hi ndikoal am kunganongpr obl emaniYnaatkungbaki tni y ai t ogi nagawa.Al am ni y angsiYzaangmahalko kay aal am r i nni y anakahi ti l angbesespasi y angmaghubadsahar apanko,wal angmangy ay ar i becausemyhear tbel ongst oYzaandt hatwi l l nev erchangenomat t erwhathappens.

Ti naposkoangt awagnangmar i ni gkoangmahi nanghi kbisakabi l angl i ny a.I pi nat ongkosa dashboar dngsasaky anangphoneatmul i ngnagi kot .Mar ami ngbahaysaSy l v ana-al am kong i sadoonaypagaar i ngdemony ongi y on.

I ' m wor r i edaboutYza.Bakakungpaanol angsi y at i nat r at ongl al aki ngi y on.Kapagsi nakt anni y a angYzako, magkakamat ay ankami .

Tumunogmul i angphoneko.IsawJar v i s' namesoIanswer ed.

" Si r , 410, Dol l oarSt r eet , Sy l v anaHei ght s. "

" Goti t , Jar v i s.Thanks. "

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" Ready ? "

IhadgoosebumpswhenIhear dHel i os' v oi ce.Nihi ndikonar amdamangbumukasangpi nt ong si l i dko.Il ookedathi m.He' swear i ngasi l kgr ayr obe.Hi sgr eeney eswer edar kandcol d.

Nakaupol angakosakama.Nihi ndikopanahuhubadangdami tnasuotkokani nangumaga. Mul anangbumal i kakosasi l i dnai t o, hi ndinaakonakat ay oogumal awmul asaki nal al agy anko. Hi ndikoal am anggagawi nko.Kani na,umi i y akako,t ahi mi kakonghumi hi ngingt awadkay Zachar yDr ew.Paul i t ul i tkongsi nasabi nggi nagawakoi t opar asakal ay aankopar amawal aang

gui l tper ohi ndipar i n.Nai i y akako.Gust okongmagbackoutper okapagnangy ar ii y on,l al ong hi ndi akomakakaal i s.

" Whatar ey oust i l ldoi ngt her e, Yza? "Heaskedi nasensualt one.Lal oakongki nabaha.Whatt he hel li shedoi ngt ome?Nat at akotako.Wi l li tbej ustl i ket hef i r stt i mehet ouchedme?Wi l lhe f or cemeagai n?Justt hi nki ngaboutt hatmakesmybodyshakewi t hsomuchf ear .Nat at akotna namanako.Nai i y ak.

Hesatbesi deme.Heputhi shandov ermyshoul der .Bi gl aakongl umay o.

" Rememberourdeal . "Sabi kosakany a.

" Iwi l l . "Ngumi sisi y a.Hi nawini y aangst r apngdr essko.Igasped.Hi spal m waswar m agai nstmy col dski n.Hi napi tni y aakopapal api tsakany aatsakasi ni mul anghagkan.Iwasshockedbyt he wayhe' ski ssi ngme.I t ' shotandy ethe' sv er ygent l e-hi shandsar oundmybodyf eel sgood.I knowIshoul dn' tbef eel i nggood, Ishoul dn' tbef eel i ngany t hi ngatal l andy etIcoul dn' thel pi t .

" Hel i os. . . "Ti nawagkosi y a.Hel ookedatme.Hecar essedmyhai randsmi r ked.

" I t ' sHect or , Yza. "Heki ssedmyl i psaf t ert hat .Par abangni nanamnam ni y aangaki ngmgal abiat nat at angayako.Unt i unt iaysi nasagotkoangbawathagodngkany angl abisal abiko.Nagi ng mal i kotangkamayni y asakat awanko.I bi nabani y aangzi pperngsuotkongdr ess.Hi ndikona ngaal am kungpaanoni y ai y onnaal i ssakat awankoper onar amdamankonal angnawal ana akongsuot .

I ' m al mostnaked-al mostbecausemyundi esar est i l l i nmybody .Hemademel i eont hebedand smi l edagai n.

" Iwi l lmaket hi sni ghtt heunf or get t abl ef ory ou,Yza.Iwi l lr ui nev er ymani nt hewor l d,especi al l y t hatboy . "Het ol dme.

" I twi l lal way sbehi m,Hect or . "Nangangat alangmgal abikohabangsi nasabikoi y onsakany a. Ngumi sil angsi y aatmul iakonghi nagkan.Heuncl aspedmybr a.Hi sputhi spal msov ermy br east sandst ar t edkneadi ngi t .Hi sl i pswer eagai nstmi ne,maki ngmef eelt het hi ngsInev er r eal l yt houghtexi st ed.

Bumabaanghal i kni y asal eegko,i twentdownagai nt ot hesi desofmybr east s,downt omy abdomen.Hel i ckedt hemi dpar tofmyst omach,upt omycl eav aget omyal r eadyhar dened mounds.Iwasbi t i ngmyl owerl i pt okeepmy sel ff r om cal l i ngouthi sname.

Ij ustcl osedmyey es.Icoul df eelhi m downt her e." St opf i ght i ng,Yza.Iknowy ouwantmet oo. " He, t henl i ckedmyear l obewhi chmadememoan.

" Ahhhh. . . hmmn. .St op. . . "

" I t ' sy ourf r eedom, Yza.Your eal l ywantmet ost op? "Hesuckedmyl ef tni ppl e.Ihadt ocl ut cht he sheet st okeepmy sel ff r om moani ngagai n.Hi st onguet r av el l eddownt her e.If el thi sf i nger s ar oundmypant i es.Mymout hpar t edwhenIf el thi m bi tmypant ygar t erandpul l edi tdownusi ng hi smout h.

" Ohgod! "Iexcl ai medwhenIf el thi sl i psont hemi ddl eofmycor e.Iwasbi t i ngmyl i p.What ev er hewasdoi ngdownt her ef el tsogood.Ay okongmakar amdam ngkahi tnaanoper ohet oako kahi tnaanongsawaykosasar i l ikoaynar ar amdamankoangi ni tnadal aniHect orsabuong kat awanko.

" Ahhh,Hect or . . .Ohshi t ! "Iscr eamedwhenIf el thi st humbi nsi deofme." Hect or . . .Hect or ,wag, pl ease. . .ahhh.Ohmy . . .ahhh! "

Mymoanscoul dn' tbecont ai nedany mor eandIguessheknewt hatbecausehekeptdoi ngwhat he' sdoi ng.He' susi nghi smout h,hi st ongueandhi sf i ngeronmeandal lIcoul ddoi smoani n del i ght .

Iwasn' tr eal l yt hi nki ngany mor e.Iwasj ustl y i ngt her ewhi l ehepl easur esme-t ama-t hat ' swhat I ' mf eel i ngr i ghtnow,he' spl easur i ngmeandIdi dn' tknow t hatbei ngpl easur edl i ket hi swoul d f eel sosogood.

Hest opped.Imoanedi ndi sappr ov al .Heki ssedmyl i psagai n.Icoul dt ast emyessencef r om hi s hotmout handt hatonl yaddedf uel t ot hef i r e.

" I ' m goi ngt oputi ti n, baby . "Hesai dhoar sel y .Hi ndi akonagmul atngmgamat a.Iwai t edf ori t ." I ' l l begent l e.Wr apy ourl egsar oundme, baby . "Hesai dandIdi d.Iwr appedmyl egsar oundhi m and t hatwaswhenIf el thi m ent er edmybei ng.Nanl aki angmgamat ako.

" Mamasaki t . . . "Sabikosakany a.Hebentdownandsuckedmybr east sal t er nat el y .Kahi tpaano aynai i basannai y ongsaki t .Hemov edsl owl yi nandout .Mymout hwasabi tpar t ed,Icoul df eel ev er yi nchofhi mi nsi deofme, f i l l i ngmeup, st r et chi ngme, maki ngmef eel hot .

" Hhect or . . .ah. . . "Ibi tmyl owerl i psagai n.Par abangnahi hi y aakosasar i l ikodahi lt i nat awagko si y aper ohi ndikonamanmapi gi l an.Hi sphasechanged,dahandahanaybumi l i sangkany ang paggal aw.Napay akapakongmaghi gpi tsakany a.Hi sl i pswer eagai nstmi ne,hi st ongueonmy t ongue, t aunt i ngi t , maki ngsur et hatt hepl easur eIf eel wi l l bedoubl ed.

Suddenl yIf el tsomet hi ngwonder f ul i nsi demeexpl oded.Icoul dseer ai nbowsandf i r ewor ks.

" Damngi r l . "Hesai d.Hemov edf ast erandf ast erunt i l hesai d:

" Baby , I ' m comi ng! "

Andhedi d.If el tsomet hi ngwar m gushi ngi nsi deofme.Thef eel i ngi sv er ydi f f er entf r om t he ot hert i mest hathecl ai medme.I twassomet hi ngel se, somet hi ngbeaut i f ulandal t houghIknew t hati ti swr ong, Ij ustcoul dn' thel pi t .I tdamnf eel sgood.

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Iwokeupi nt hemi ddl eoft heni ghtst i l lwi t hHect oront hesi deoft hebed.Hi sey eswer ecl osed andhi sar mswer ewr appedar oundmywai st .Icoul dst i l lf eelt hesor enessi nt hemi ddl eofmy l egs.Ibi tmyl owerl i pwhent hememor yofwhathappenedear l i erhi tme.Icoul dn' tbel i ev et hatI wasabl et ogi v emy sel ft ohi m ov erandov eri nexchangef ormyf r eedom.

Idi dal l oft hesebecauseofmyf r eedom.Iwanti tbackandIwanti tsoon.

Isi ghedasIt akehi sar m of fmywai st .Dahandahanakongbumabangkamapar apumasoksa bat hr oom atmagshowerhabangnasai l al i m akongdut saaypaul i t ul i tkongnai i si psiHect orat angmgamat ani y angnakat i t i gl angsaaki nhabanggi nagawanami ni y on.Ther ewassomet hi ng di f f er enti nhi sey es-somet hi ngIhav en' tseenbef or eandi tonl yappear ednow.Par abang nagkakar oonngemosy onangmgamat ani y a-i sagbagaynabagosaaki n.

Mat aposi y onayi nay oskoangaki ngsar i l i .Suotangi sapangdr essnai pi nahi r am saaki nni

Kat hr y naayl umabasakongbat hr oom.Tul ogpar i nsi y a.Hi ndikoal am kunganonggagawi nko. Ay okongt umabisakany a.Nai si pkongmagl akadmunasal abas.Bahal anamamay a,angal am kot ut upar i nni y aangpangakoni y asaaki n.

If oundmy sel fr oami ngar oundt hegar den-t hi nki ngaboutwhatIdi d.Suddenl yt ear sst ar t ed f al l i ngdown.Nai i ni sakosasar i l i ko.It houghtaboutZachandgui l twashedov ermywhol ebei ng.

Napaupoakosai sangbenchdoon.Iwi pedmyt ear s.Ihat edmy sel f .HowcanIgi v emy sel ft oa demonov erandov erwhi l et hemanIl ov ewasoutt her el ooki ngf orme.Ibi tmyl owerl i p.Wal ana akongexcusengay onsasar i l ikodahi lhi ndinamanakopi ni l i tniHect or .Hegav emeachoi ce. AndIchoset obef r ee.Igaspedhar d. Isi l ent l ypr ay edf orZacht o st i l lacceptmeno mat t erwhathappens.Sananganooni y on, nani ni wal aakosakunganongmer onkami ngdal awa.Nomat t erhowcr uci alt hesi t uat i oni sal am koatnani ni wal aakongsi y apar i nangpar asaaki n.

Iwal kedar oundagai n.Nakar at i ngakosamaygat e.Ist ar edout si det hi nki ngaboutl eav i ngwhi l e he' sst i l lasl eep.Nakat i ngi nakosakawal annangmat i gi l anakodahi lunt i unt i ngnagmat er i al i ze sahar apankoangl al aki ngnasai si panko.

" Zzach. . . "Tawagkosakany a.Myhear tbeatf ast ." Zach. . . "

He' sher e.Iswearhe' sher e.

" Zach. "Napai y aknanamanako.Hewasl ooki ngatme.Ther ewer et ear si nhi sey est oo.Pi l i t ni y angbi nubuksani y onggat e.

" Yza, opent hegat e.I ' l l t akey ouout . "

Lumapi takosagat e.Ki nakabahanako.Paanoni y anal amankungnasaanako?Baki tsi y anandi t o? Makakal ay anabaako?Sasamaakosakany aper omakakaal i sbakami ?

It r i edopeni ngt hegat ebuti t ' sl ocked.Angal am kor emot econt r ol l edanggat enai y on.Lal o akongnapahagul gol .

" ZD. . . "Ti nawagakosi y a.Het ookmyhand.

" I uuwi ki t a, Yza.Justhol don.Il ov ey ou. "Hesai dInodded.

" Il ov ey oust i l l . "Sabiko.Hi ndikoal am kungbaki tbi gl akongnaal al asiHel i osnangsabi hi nko angmgasal i t angi y on.Il ookedback.Iwasaf r ai dt hathemi ghtseeusper owal a.

" Yza, cany oucl i mb? "Tanongni y asaaki n.CanI ?Formyf r eedom, Iwi l l doev er y t hi ng.

Iwasaboutt ocl i mbupwhensuddenl yt hegat esopened.Nanl aki angmgamgamat akobutt hen Idi dn' tcar ebecausef i nal l y , Iwasi nZach' sar ms.

Hehuggedmesot i ghtIf oundi thar dt obr eat hebutIdi dn' tcar e.Umi i y akako.Umi i y akdi nsi y a.

" Let ' sgo,baby . "Heki ssedmyt empl e.Napapai ki tako.Hecal l edmebaby . . .Hecal l edmebaby .I am hi sbaby .I ' l l behi sbabyf or ev er .

Habangpaal i skaminiZach,t umi ngi nakopabal i ksabahay .It houghtIsawHect or ,st andi ngi n t hebal conyl ooki ngatusper oal am kongtpi nagl al ar uanl angakongi mahi nasy onko.

Kungnandoonsi y agagawasi y angpar aanpar amakuhaako.

" Baby , ar ey ouokay ? "Il ookedatZach." Don' tbescar ed.Nandi t onaako. "

" I ' m notscar ed. "Isai d.Mul iakongl umi ngon.He' sst i l lt her e.Icanseehi m becauseoft hel i ght s ar oundt hehouse.He' sr eal l yt her ebutwhyi sn' thedoi ngany t hi ngt ost opme.

I si nakayakoniZachsakot se.Hi ndikoal am kungbaki tnal ul uhaako.Masay aakongmakaal i s per obaki tnakakar amdam akongl ungkot .

" Il ov ey ou, Yza. "Heki ssedmyhand.Il ookedathi m.

" Il ov ey ou, st i l l .Zach. "

13.Saf e

---

Iopenedmyey esandf el tasuddenur get oscr eam whenIf oundmy sel fi nanunf ami l i arr oom.I wasaboutt oscr eam whenaf i gur esatbesi deme.Il ookedatmyl ef tandIf oundZachsi t t i ng besi deme, l ooki ngconcer ned.Bumangonakoatagadsi y angni y akap.Hewascar essi ngmyback, maki ngmef eel asi fIam saf e.IknowI ' m saf e.He' swi t hme, i sal angangi bi gsabi hi nnoon.

Mal ay anaako.

" I ' m her e.Don' tbescar ed. "Hesai dt ome.Inodmyheadashet ouchesme.

" Zach, gust okonangumuwi . "Sabi kosakany a.Iwantt oseemyf ami l y .Iwantt ohugmypar ent s. Iwannaseemybr ot her sandmyt wi nbr ot her .Iwantt hel i f eIusedt ohav ebackkahi tnaal am kongmayi sangbagaynanghi ndi mai babal i ksaaki n.

" Kakai nmuna, baby . "Hesai d.Inodded.Lumay oakonangbahagy asakany aatngumi t i .Nal ul uha par i nako.Hi ndiakomakapani wal ananandi t onasi y asat abiko.Pagkat aposnghal osdal awang buwannami ngpagkakal ay o, nandi t onasi y a.Napahi kbiakonangmaal al akokunganonggi nawa kokapal i tngpagl ay a.

" Zach. . . "Tawagkosakany a." Zach, I ' m sor r y . "

" Forwhat ? "Heasked.Hehel dmyhand." Ishoul dbeapol ogi zi ng.Hi ndiki t anai l i gt asagad. " Mahi nangwi kani y a.Napakagatl abiako.I ni i si pkopal angnasasabi hi nkosakany aangt ot ooay nangi ngi ni gnaangt uhodkosat akot .Hi napl osni y aangmukhako.

" Gust oki t angi uwisai ny okagabiper onagbagoangi si pko.Iwanty ouher ebymysi dekahi t i sanggabi l ang.Saor asnai bal i kki t a, mahi hi r apannaakongmakuhaangat ensy onmo. "

" Zach. . . "Gust okongsabi hi nsakany aangnangy ar isaaki n.Par ai snagbagsakannal ang.Al am kongmasasakt ansi y aper okai l angankongsabi hi ndahi li y onangt ama.Hecuppedmyf aceand ki ssedmeagai n.

Iki ssedhi m back.Inev err eal i zedhowmuchImi ssedhi m unt i lIhav ef el thi sl i psagai nstmi ne.I

pul l edhi m cl oser .Myt ear sst ar t edf al l i ngagai n.How?Howcoul dI ?Idi dt hatf orhi m, f orus, par a magkasamakami ,per obaki tkapagnai i si pkonagi nawakoi y on-kahi tal am kongkay ai y on nangy ar i aydahi l l angsakagust uhankongmakal ay aaynasasakt anako.

Hi sl i pst r av el l edt omycheeksupt omyf or eheaddownt omynose.Pi nagdi ki tni y aangmganoo nami nt i ni t i ganakongmabut i .

" Mahal namahal ki t a. "Sabi kosakany a.Ngumi t i ako.OO, mahal kosi Zach.Mul anoonhanggang ngay on,si y apar i n.Kahi tnaanopamanangnangy ar isaaki n,kayHect or ,saami ngdal awa,si Zachpar i n.Heownsmyhear t ,andt hatwi l lnev erchange.Ngumi t il angsi y asaaki natsaka pumi ki t .

" Angsar apmar i ni g. "He i nhal edmymor ni ngscent ." I uuwi naki t a.IknowhowmuchTi t oSancho mi ssesy ou. "

Tumangol angako.Bagokamit ul uy angumal i sayi nsi kasomunaakoniZach.Hemadesur et hat Iwi l l eatt hatmor ni ng.Heev enwai t edf ormeasIgetdr esses.Af t ert hat , wewal kedhandi nhand t ohi scar .He' sv er yat t ent i v et ome.

Habangnagbaby ahepauwiayhi ndimawal aangkabakoper okahi tpaanoaynai i bsani y onnang panakanakangpaghapl osniZachsakamayko.I twasasi fhe' st el l i ngmet hatev er y t hi ngwi l lbe okayandIhopet hati twi l l be.Al am konghi ndi sapagl ay akonat at aposangl ahat .

Mat aposangi l angmi nut oaynasal abasnakamingmasy on.Lal ongt umi ndiangkabako.Al am kongmat ut uwaangmgamagul angkosaor asnamaki t ani l aakoper oanongsasabi hi nni l a? Al am kor i ngt at anungi nni l aako, kay akobangsagut i nangl ahatngi y on.

" Babycome. . . "Hecal l edme.Het ookmyhandandpul l edmeper ohi ndi akogumal aw.

" ZD, nat at akotako. "Sabi kosakany a.Hesi ghed.Hef acedmeandcuppedmyf ace.

" I ' m her e.Youdon' thav et obescar ed. "Hesai d.Kahi tpaanoaynai bsanngmgasal i t ani y aang kabako.Nagpat i anodakosapaghat akni y asaaki npapasoksal oob.Whenweent er ed,Isawa l otofmeni nuni f or mswi t hgunsont hei rsi de.Ti ni ngnanni l asiZD.Ti nanguanni y aangmgai t o t aposayni l agpasan.Wal apamanayumi i y aknanamanako.

" Yza, cal m down. "Nat at awangsabi ni y a.Inoddedmyhead.

Bi nuksanniZachangf r ontdoorngbahayatsabaykami ngpumasok.Tahi mi knat ahi mi kang kabahay annat i l abanaki ki i sai t osapagkawal ako.

" You' r ehome, Yza. "Hesai dt ome.Ismi l edathi m.

" SiNanay . . . "Sabiko.Bumi t i wakosakamayni y aatsakaumaky atsai t aas.Al am kongkasunod kopar i nsi y a.Hi nahay aanni y al angakongsugur i nangkabahay an.Angunakongpi nunt ahanan gangsi l i dniNanayatTat ay .Theynev erl ockt her oom soi twaseasyf ormet ogeti n.If ound t hem st i l lonbed.Tat ay ' sar mswer ewr appedar oundNanayNanaywasr est i ngherheadonhi s chest .

Myt ear sf l owed.Hi ndikonanapi gi l anangsar i l iko.Lumundagakosakamaatgi ni gi si ngsi l aj ust l i kehowIsedt owaket hem upwhenIwasst i l l l i t t l e.

" Nay !Nay !Nay !Nanay ! "Sabiko.I y akakonangi y ak.Nanayst i r r ed.Shesl owl yopenedherey es. Hergazedar t edonmeandIj ustl osti t .Yumukoakoatni y akapsi y a.Humi gaakosagi t nani l ani Tat ay .

" Nay !Nay ! "

Par abanghi ndisi y amakapani wal ananasat abinani y aako.Il ookedatTat ay .Nakakunotang nooni y aper onakangi t i .

" I I ' m homepo. . . "Sabiko.Nanayhuggedmesot i ghtIf i ndi thar dt obr eat h.Nanaygav eme but t er f l yki sseswhi l eTat ayt appedmyback.Bumal i ngakosakany a.

" Mypr i ncessi sback. "Hewhi sper ed.Heki ssedmycheeksandt ouchedmyf ace.Nai i y akako.

" Per opaano?Hi ndikabani l asi nakt an? "Nagt at anongangmgamat aniNanay .Hi nanapkosi Zach.

" Zachsav edme. . . "Iwhi sper ed.Iwasst i l li nt ear s.Tat ayki ssedmyt empl e.May amay anaki t a

kongnakat ay onasiYt osal i kodniZach.Taas-t aasangbuhokni y at aposaypupungaspungas. Mukhanghi ndi ni y apaakonaki ki t a.

Tumay oakoatt umakbopapunt asakany a.Idon' thav ef av or i t esbutIl ov eYt osomuchbecause he' smyt wi nbr ot herandwehav eaconnect i ont hatonl yt het woofuscanunder st and.Hal os bumal y akami sapadernangy akapi nkosi y a.

Ther ear enowor dst osay .Hej usthuggedme.Iknewt hatl i kemehewascr y i ngt oo.Icoul df eel i t .Whatmademecr yt hemosti swhenIhear dnanaysai dt ot at ay :

" Kambal naul i tsi l a, Sancho. "

Ismi l ed.Iam backwi t hmyf ami l yandi tf eel ssogood.Sogood.

-

Ihadbeenbackf ort woday sper oki t akonat al agai y ongnagbago.Sal ahatngi y on,pi nakanapansi nkosiYna.Hi ndinasi y abubbl yt ul adngdat isaaki n.Ki nakausapni y aakoper omat i pi d, kunghi ndit angoayngi t il angangi sasagotni y asaaki n.Hi ndikoal am kungnaki ki pagki t apar i n si y akay . . .

Isi ghed.

Icoul dn' tev ensayhi snamei nmybr ai nandIdon' tknowwhy .I t ' sasi fmywhol ebei ngi st r y i ngt o f or getwhathappenedwhi l eIwaswi t hhi m -par anggust ongpusoati si pankonakal i mut ansi y a -l ahatnggi nawani y asaaki nl al onai y ongnangy ar i noonggabi bagoakomakal ay a.

" Yza, Ineedt ot al kt oy ou. "

Ibi tmyl owerl i paf t erhear i ngTat ay ' sv oi ce.Si neny asanni y aakongsumunodsakany asal oob ngof f i ceni y a.Nangmakar at i ngdoonaypi nauponi y aakosasof a, t umabisi y asaaki n.Akal ako aykamil angper ohi ndinagt agalaypumasoknar i nsiNanaysal oob.Shehast hi swor r i ed expr essi ononherf ace.Par abanghi ndi si y amapakal i .

" Anopoi y on?Ki nakabahanpoako. "

" Anak,mayi t at anong l ang siTat ay . "Ngumi t isiNanay .Ti l abapi l i tni y aakong ki nakal ma. Hi nawakanni y aangkamaykoatngumi t i mul i .Ti ni ngnanni y asi Tat ay .Hesi ghed.

" Whathappened,Yza? "Heaskedi nacoolv oi ce." Hel i osDemi t r it ooky ou.Weal lknew t hat . I pakukul ongkosi y a.Kai l anganl angsabi hi nmosaaki nangt ot oo. "

" Yza,i ft hatmanhur ty ou. " Hesai d." Wewi l ldoev er y t hi ngt omakehi m suf f er . "Hi ndiako nakasagot .Sasabi hi nkobakunganonggi nawani y asaaki n?Gust okongsabi hi n.Gust okong mal amanni l anabi naboyako, nanahi r apanakonakahi tnanakabal i kakoayhi ndinamannaako buoper osakabi l angl ahatnangi y on, nai i si pkosi Hect or .Hi ndi si Hel i oskundi si Hect or .

Masy adoakongmabai tokungt angamanakohi ndikoal am.Angay okol angmasakt andi t oaysi Yna.Kahi tanonggawi nko, ongmgamagul angnami nhi ndinamanmagbabagoangkat ot ohanan namagkapat i dpar i nsi l a.

" Yza. . . "

" Nay , pwedewagmunangay on? "Tanongkosakani l a.Isawt hedi sappoi nt mentonTat ay ' sf ace. " Yes, het ookme, hehur tme, t ay . "Bi gl aakongnapasi nghapnangmaki t akoanggal i tni Tat ay .

" Fuck! "

" Sancho! "Nanayhi ssedathi m.

" Atano?Uuponal angakomat aposkongmal amannasi nakt anni y aanganakko? !Sheenal y n! "

" Sancho, wecant aket hi si nacal m way . "

Ishookmyhead." Umupoka. "Sabi ni Nanay .Tat aysatbesi demeagai nandf acedme.

" Di dhedoany t hi ngel se? "Heaskedme.Ibi tmyl owerl i p." YzaJoan. "

" Wwal apo. . . "Sagotko.Hi nawakanni Nanay angkamayko." Wal apo, Tat ay . . . "

Tat aynodded." Si ge, magpahi ngakana. "

Tumangonal angakoatumal i s.Ist oodbyt hecor r i dorandl ett het ear sf al l .Gust okongsabi hi n per onat at akotako, nat at akotakopar asai sangbagaynahi ndi konamanal am kungano. . .

" Yna, saankapupunt a?Gabi na! "

Nat i gi lakosapagl uhanangmar i ni gkoangbosesniYl l aksakabi l anghal l .Lumakadakopapunt a sakani l a.IsawYl l akwear i nghi smostcomf yshor t sandshi r thabangnakapamay wangsi y asa t apatngsi l i dni Yna.

" Mayr esear chkami ngcl assmat esko.Justgetof fmyback! "

" Aba! "Yl l aksai d.LumabassiYnasasi l i dni y a.Maydal asi y angov er ni ghtbag.Napat i ngi nsi y asa di r eksy onko.Kumunotangnookongmakaki t aakonggui l tsamgamat ani y a.

" At e, bawal anmongai t o.Gabi naeh! "Rekl amopani Yl l ak.

" Nagpaal am kabakayNanay ? "Iaskedher .

" Ooo.Uhm, sacl assmat ekol angako.Mayst udykami . "Sabini y asaaki n.Magt at anongpasana akonangbumabanasi y asahagdan.

" Yna! "Hal osmagkapanabaynami ngt awagni Yl l ak.

" Damn!Angt i gasngul oni y a, At e. "

" Manasa' y o. "Sabi ko." Sundannat i n. "

I nabut annami ngsiYnananakat ay osamai ndoorngbahay .Maykausapsi y asaphone.Ti nawag si y ani Yl l akper ohi ndi si y al umi ngon, sahal i p, bi nuksanni y aangpi nt opar al angmat i gi l an.

Asmi l ef or medonmyf acewhenIsawmypr i ncechar mi ngst andi ngout si det hedoor , l ooki ngso dashi ngl ychar mi ng.

" OH, Yna, baki tpar akangnat angadi y an? ! "Si gawni Yl l ak.

" Ha? "

IswearIsawhert earup.

" Aaal i snaako. "

" Yna! "Si gawko.Bi gl aayhi napi tni Zachangbewangko.

" Imi ssedy ou. "Bul ongni y asaaki n.

" Naku! "Sabi ni Yl l ak." Nanadi r i angmgat aodi t o.I nl ov el ahat .Pat i ssi Yv o.Ewankosai ny o! "

Nagkat awanankaminiZachhabangpi nagmamasdansiYl l aknaumaky atnanamansai t aas.He l ookedatme.

" Whati swr ongwi t hy ourbr ot her ? "Heasked.Ishr ugged.Iki ssedhi scheeks.

" Baki rnagpapapogi ka?Maybabaeka? "Tanongko.Hegr i nned.

" Yup.She' si nmyar msr i ghtnowandImi ssedhersomuch. "

Myhear tmel t ed." Labast ay o.Ihav easur pr i sef ory ou. "

Tumangoako.Wewal kedt oget her .Nasabay wangkopar i nangmgakamayni y a.Lumabaskami par asumakaysakot seni y a.Zachopenedt hedoorf orme.Iwasaboutt ogeti nwhenmyey es caughtagl i mpseofasi l v erBent l eypar kedt wohousesawayf r om our s.

Nakababaangbubongnoonatkahi tmadi l i m,damangdamakoangmabi bi gatnat i t i gnana nangaggal i ngsat aongnasasasaky annai y on.Myhear tbeatf ast .Nanuy or i nangl al amunanko.

" Baby ? "Il ookedatZach." Let ' sgo. . . "

" Oonga.Let ' sgo. . . "Sabi kosakany a.Igoti nt hecarandset t l edmy sel f .Wedr ov espassedbyt he si l v erBent l ey .Icoul dn' thel pbutl ook.Napasi nghapakonangmal akasnangmaki t akokung si nongnandoon.

Si Hect or . . .

14.Thesupposedt obeenemy

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Icoul dn' thel pbutt hi nkaboutHect ort hatni ghtwhi l eIwaswi t hZachar yDr ew.Iknew t hatI shoul dn' tber eal l yt hi nki ngabouthi m.Kai l angankonasi y angkal i mut an-i y onangpi nakat amang gawi nsabuhayko.Hehaddonebadt hi ngst ome,heabusedme,het ookadv ant ageoft hef act t hatIwant edt obef r ee-Ishoul dcondemnhi mf ort hatandy ether eIam t hi nki ngabouthi m agai n.

Isi ghed.Il ookedatZachwhowasv er ybusywi t hhi sf oodt hatmoment .Napapangi t iako. Gust onggust okosi y angpi napanoodkumai n.Akal akokani nakungsaankamipupunt a.Het ook met oav er yexpensi v er est aur ant ;hehadr ent edt her ooft op.Hewant edt osur pr i semeandI wasv er ysur pr i sed.Pagdat i ngnami ng,si nal ubongakongv i ol i nandt hef l oorwasf ul lofr ose pet al s.Hei ssuchar omant i cboy f r i end.

" Hmn, ay awmongf ood, baby ? "Heaskedme.Umi l i ngako.

" Ij ust . . . . "Isi ghed." Imi ssedy ou. "Hesmi l edatme.I nabotni y aangkamayko.

" Imi ssedy out oo. "Hegr i nned.Nat awanamanako." Baki tbakani nakapat awanangt awa? " Nagki bi tbal i katsi y apagkat apos." Kungsabagay , okayi y on.It al kedt oXander ' sdadatsabini y a, i y ongpagi gi ngmasay amoayi sangbagaynadapati kat uwako.I y ongi bangki dnapv i ct i mskasi , t akotsi l angtmaki pagmi ngl eol umabas.I kaw, Iguessy ou' r ef i ne, baby . "

Ngumi t il angako.Hi ndikor i nal am kungbaki tper opaki r amdam kot al agawal aakongdapat i kat akotsapal i gi d.Hect ori sn' tar ound.Wal angmananaki tsaaki n.Zachi sher eandhewi l l pr ot ectme.I ' mv er yt hankf ult hathehadcomet hatni ghtandt ookmeaway .Kunghi ndisi y a dumat i nghi ndi koal am kunganongmangy ay ar i .

Ibi tmyl owerl i p.Ir emember edwhathappenedt hatni ght .Igotscar ed.I ' m hav i ngdoubt snow. Kai l angankongsabi hi nkayZachangt ot oo,per okungsasabi hi nkoanongmagi gi ngr eaksy on ni y a?Tat anggapi nni y apabaako?

" Baby , what ' swr ong? "Heaskedagai n.Umi l i ngako.Tumay oakot aposkumandongakosakany a. Iputmyar msar oundhi sneckandst ar edathi sey es.

" Gaanomoakokamahal , ZD? "Iaskedhi m.Hehel dmywai standpul l edmecl oser .Her est edhi s chi nonmyshoul der .

" Mahalnamahal , Yza. "Hel ookedatme.Inodded.Saaki nsapatnai y on.Al am kongkai l anganko nat al agangsabi hi nangt ot oo.Sasabi hi nkonamanper ohi ndipasangay on.Ay okongmasi r aang gabi nami ngdal awa.

We cont i nued eat i ng.Ihav e mi ssed hi m so much.Hi nay aan ko si y ang magkwent o nang magkwent o.Mar amiakonghi ndinasaksi hansabuhayni y ani t ongnakar aangdal awangbuwan.I wanthi mt oupdat eme.

" Kamust asi Yngr i d? "Bi gl angt anongko.Ngumi si si Zach.

" Mi sskanani y a.Shel i kesy ou,hi ndingal angni y api napahal at a.Youknowhowsheget s.Ev en Yanami ssesy ou.Shewaswor r i edabouty ou, baby . "

Iswal l owed.Sat uwi ngt at awagi nakongbabyniZach,mayi baakongnaki ki t a.Icoul dseeapai r ofpi er ci nggr eeney esandadev i l i shgr i ni nmyhead.I pi ni l i gkoangul oko.Hi ndi kosi y apwedeng al al ahani n.Kai l angankosi y angkal i mut anngay on.

Ourdat eended.Magkahawakkamaykami ngumal i sniZachngr est aur ant .Heopenedt hecar doorf ormebagoakosumakayaynagpal i ngal i ngapaakosapal i gi d.Iwasl ooki ngf orasi l v er SUVper owal aakongnaki t a.Hi ndikoal am t al agabutIj ustcoul dn' tshaket hef eel i ngofbei ng f ol l owed.

" Baby ? "Zachcal l ed

" Yeah, I ' m goi ngi n. "Sabikopa.Hesmi l ed.Sumakayakosakot seni y aandwedr ov e.Hewasj ust hol di ngmyhand.

" Masay akaba? "Heaskedme.

" Yes, Zach. . .Thanky ou. "

" Il ov ey ou, baby . "Heev ensai d.Ij ustt ookadeepbr eat h.

" Ca. . . cany ou. . . uhm. . . "Isi ghed.Ipausedf orawhi l eandl ookedathi m." Cany ounotal l mebaby ? "

Kumunotangnooni y a." Maypr obl emaba? "

" Wal a. . .Ij ust . . . "Il ookedathi m." Zachpl ease, cal l mesomet hi ngel sebutdon' tcal l met hat . . . "

Hi ndi si y akumi bo.Isawhi m cl enchi ngt hest i r r i ngwheel .Bi gl asi y angpumr eno.

" Zach! "

Het ur nedt ome.Hi sey eswer eascol dasey es.

" Baki t ?I y onbaangt awagni Hel i osDemi t r i sa' y o, YzaJoan? "

-

" Why , Yna? "

Il ookedatLei ght onwhi l eshewasst andi ngbesi demeatt hebal conyofmyhome.Shet ext edme ear l i ert hatmor ni ngsay i ngt hatshewant edt ospendt heni ghti nmyhome.Bi nal i ngankosi y a. Nagki bi t bal i katsi y a.

" Wal anasi Yzadi t o.Whydi dy oucomeback? "Iaskedheragai n.Shej ustsi ghed.

" Baki t ?Akal amobat heonl yr easonI ' m her ei sbecauseoft hat ? "Sheaskedmeback.Herbr own ey eswer epi er ci ngt hr oughmysoul ." Atf i r stoo, nandi t oakodahi l kayAt ekasi mahal kosi y a, kasi nagaal al aakosakany abutal ongt hewayIr eal i zedt hatI ' m al soher ef ory ou.Tamaka, i kawang kapat i dko.Il ov emyConsunj i si bl i ngsbutIhav eal sol ear nedt ol ov ey ou. . . "

Nagy ukosi y angul o.Napapi ki tnamanako.Ngay ongnar i r i ni gkomul asakany aangmgasal i t ang noonayi pi nagl al abanko, hi ndinamanakomakar amdam ngsay a.Masay aakodahi lnandi t osi y a atnakuhakonaangl oobni y a.Ihav emadeherr eal i zet hatbehi ndal l t heev i l t hi ngsIhav edonei n myl i f e, Ihav eahear tt hatl ov esherdear l y .

Shewi pedhert ear s." Baki tkaumi i y ak, Lei gh? "Iaskedher .

" Wal al ang,Kuy a. "Sagotni y a." Masay anasabahay .NandoonnasiAt e.Nanayi shappy . "She l ookedatme." Nanayi sav er yl ov i ngper son, Kuy a.SiTat ayganoondi n, i fonl yy ouwoul dt al kt o t hem,si gur adonamanakonamagkakai nt i ndi hankay o.Kuy aYt oi sagoodper son.Saunal ang namanmat i gasi y on. "

Ngumi t il angako.Napansi nkongnat ul al asi y aper osagl i tl angi y on.Shesmi l edt ooandshook herhead.

" Ican' tbel i ev et hatadev i lcansmi l esochar mi ngl y .Ngi ni t i anmobanggany ansiAt ehabang nandi t osi y a? "

Hi ndiakosumagot .Gi nul okoangbuhokni y aatsakanagpaal am na.Iwant edt obeal onef ora whi l e.Iwant edt odr ownmy sel fi nt hel onel i nessandempt i nessIhav ei nmyhear t .Iwenti nsi de myempt yr oom.Al lIcoul dseei st hatempt ybedi nt hemi ddl eoft her oom.It ookabot t l eof scot chf r om mypr i v at ebarandpour edi ti nmygl ass.Ihav ebeenl i ket hi ssi nceshel ef tandI don' tknowwhy .

Ishoul dn' tbemi ssi ngherbutIam.Ishoul dn' tbef ol l owi ngherar oundIam.I sangl i nggopal ang si y angwal asat abi ko, hi nahanapkosi y anapar abangnoonpal angaykasamakonasi y a.

Lastni ght , If oundmy sel fl ur ki ngi nsi det her oom sheoccupi ed.Pagpasokkopal ang, si nal ubong naakongamoyni y a.Masl al oakongnangul i l a.Hi ndikoal am kunganongmer onkayYzana hi nahanaphanapko.Noongnandi t osi y a,hi ndinamanakogani t o,per onoongumal i ssi y a, nagsi mul aangmgaanxi et yko.

It houghti twasj ustnor mal .Mat agalkor i nnamansi y angkasama, per onangmai si pankosi y ang si l i pi nsakani l a,al am konghi ndinanor malangl ahat .Masl al ongumi gt i ngangpaki r amdam na i y onnoonggabi ngmaki t akosi y angkasamaangl al aki ngi y on.

Al am kongmasmaykar apat ansi y akayYzabutIkeeponaski ngmy sel fwhyi sshewi t ht hatboy . Hei sj ustaboy .Mer el yaman, hi ndisi y anar ar apatpar akayYza.Yzaneedsamanwhocant ake car eofher .

Icant akecar eofher .Si nakt ankosi y anoon,pi ni l i tper ohi ndi nghi ndikonagagawi ni y on.Ican bet hemanf orher .

Igr i nned.Hi ndikoal am kungbaki tkoi ni i si pangmgabagaynai y on.Iwon' tacceptdef eat .Al am kokungbaki takonagkakagani t oper ohi ndi komat at anggap.

Idon' twantt obeweak.

Thatni ght ,Ist ay edupunt i ldawnj ustt hi nki ngabouther .Iwasaski ngmy sel fi ft her e' sa possi bi l i t yt hatshei si ndeedt hi nki ngaboutmeandi fshei s, anongmganaaal al ani y a?

" Kuy a! "

" Si r ,si nabikonghuwagsi y angpumasoksar oom ni ny o! "Si gawniKat hr y nanangumagangi y on. Pumasoksi Lei ght onsasi l i dko.Hersunnysmi l ei sal l ov erherf ace.Ngumusosi y a.

" Nakuha.Akoi y ongkapat i dkay aokayl ananandi t oako, ehi kaw? "

Tumaasangdul ongl abiko.Ynai sv er ymuchl i keYZa.Ganoondi nsi y akayKat hr y nanoon.Ij ust si ghed.

" Kuy a,hat i dmonaakosabahay .Ihav et obet her ebef or eTat aygoest ohi sof f i ce. "Tumango l angako.Idi dn' tev enbot herchangi ngcl ot hes.Suotkopar i ni y ongof f i ceat t i r ekoy est er day . Sumunodakosakany apal abasngsi l i d.It ol dKat hr y nat ocl earmyschedul ef ort hi sday .Idon' t f eel l i kegoi ngt owor kt oday .Ij ustwant edt ost ayhome.

" Whenar ey ougoi ngbackt oGr eece, Kuy a? "Lei ghaskedme.Hercal l i ngme" Kuy a"i sl i kemusi c t omyear s.Ngumi t iako." Napapadal asi y angngi t imo.Iwonderkungdahi lbay ansaaki nokay At e. "Bi gl ani y aakonghi nawakansabal i kat .Pasakaynakami sakot senoon.

" Al am mobanamaymagi csiAt e? "Bi gl angsabini y a.Pumasoksi y asasasaky an.Umi kotnaman akopar amauposadr i v er ' sseat .I hahat i dkosi y asabahaybutI ' l lpar kt wobl ocksawayf r om t he housepar awal anggul oatwal angmakaki t asaaki n.

" Whatmagi c? "

" Shehast hepowert omel tt hei ceonsomeone' shear t-j ustl i kewhatshedi dwi t hy our s.I fi t wer en' tf orher , hi ndi komaki ki t ai y ongt ot oongi kaw.You' r eagoodper son. "

" Si nabini y abai y onsa' y o? "Umi l i ngsiLei gh.Maykunganoakongnar amdamansapusoko.I shookmyhead.Ishoul dn' tbef eel i ngl i ket hi s.Anonamansaaki nkunghi ndisi nabiniYzakay Lei ghnamabut iakongt ao?Al am kosasar i l ikonahi ndiakomabut i-Iam abadper son.I ' ma dev i l ,I ' m nogood.Lahatngt aonghahar angsadaanko,kay akongal i si nmagawakol angang gust oko.I ' m acr i mi nal .I ' m abadmanandYzahav eseent hewor se.Hi ndikosi y amasi si sikung kakal i mut annani y aangbangungotnadi nanasni y asaaki n.

Per oako, al am konghi ndi kosi y amakakal i mut anj andIhav enoi deahowl ongIwi l l bel i ket hi s.

" Ir eal l yshoul dbeseei ngashr i nk. "Napapai l i ngnasabi ko.

" Why ?I st her esomet hi ngwr ong? "Sheaskedme.

" Wal al ang. "It ookadeepbr eat h.Af t ert went ymi nut es,nar at i ngnanami nangv i l l ageni l a.Lei gh wasst i l lt al ki ngaboutherchi l dhoodandhow mucht heConsunj i sl ov edher .Shehadagr eat chi l dhood-unl i keme,Ihadani ght mar ewhi l eIwasst i l li nGr eeceper ohi ndinani y akai l angan mal amani y on.

Ipar kedt hecari nf r ontoft hepar k.Mal api tnai y onsabahayni l a.Kaunt i ngl akadnal ang. Bumabaakongsasaky an.Sumunodsi Lei gh.

" Di t onal angako.Ay okongmagkagul o.Bakamaki t akaniTat ay .Mai ni ti y onngay onkasinga nakabal i ksi At e.Ihav enoi deai fshehadt ol dt hem abouty ou. "

" Shewi l l . "Isai dt oher .

" Idon' tt hi nk so. "Ngumi t isi y a." Mal ay mo umi r alang pagi gi ng mot herTher esa noon. " Humagi kgi ksi y apagkat apos.Sumandal akosakot se.

" Uuwinapoako. "Masay angpagpapaal am ni y a.Tumangoako.Nabi gl aakonangy akapi nni y a ako." Thanky ou, Kuy a. "

" Yna! "

Bi gl asi y angkumal assaaki nnangmaysumi gaw ngpangal anni y a.Isaw oneofSancho Consunj i ' ssonwal ki ngt owar dsme.Gal i tnagal i tangekspr esy onngmukhani t o.

" Kuy a Yv o. . . "Bul ong ni y a.Nanl akiang mga mat a ko nang hat aki n ni y a siLei gh." Kkuy a! Nasasakt anako! "

" Masasakt ankat al aga!Youspentt heni ghtwi t ht hi sasshol e!Howcoul dy ou! "

" Hey ! "Isai d." She' smysi st er . "

" She' smysi st er !Wal akangkar apat ansakany a, notaf t erwhaty oudi dt omyf ami l y ! "

" Yout ookawayt wohundr edmi l l i ondol l ar sf r om mycompany ,Ishoul dhav ey ouar r est ed,Yv o Consunj i . "Igr i nned.Hej ustshookhi shead.

" Af t erwhaty oudi dt omysi st er ?Ishoul dhav ey ouar r est ed.Youwi l l r oti nhel l , Demi t r i . "

" Angt apangmo. "I t i nul akkosi y a.

" Kuy ano! "Lei ghsai d.

" Huwagkangmaki al am! "Hal osmagkapanabaynami ngsi gaw.

" Yv o! "

Somet hi ngi nsi dememel t edr i ghtaf t erhear i ngt hatv oi ce.Nat i gi l anako.Nagagal i takokani na per onangmar i ni gkoangbosesnai y on,kumal maakomaskiay oko.Il ookedpassedr i ghtat Yv o' sshoul derandIsawYzaappr oachi ng.Shewaswear i ngasweatpant s, asl eev el esst opand acar di gan, herhai rwasf r eel yf al l i ngonhershoul der s. " Yv o. . . "

" At eno! "Agadnadi nal uhanniYv oangkapat i dni y a.Masmat angakadsiYv okay sakayYzabut nomat t erhowhet r i edt ohi deherf r om me, hul i na, dahi l nagt amanbaangami ngmgamat a.

" At el et ' sgo!Yna! "

" No. . . "Sabini y a." Anonggi nagawamodi t o? "Herv oi cebr oke." Mayusapant ay o!Ynabaki tka sumasamasakany a? ! "

Fr ant i cnaangmgasi gawni y a." Ynaumuwinat ay o! "Al i t t l ewhi l el at er ,Yzabr okedownonher knees.Shel ookedsoscar ed." Umal i skana! "

Iwant edt ocal m herdown.Iwant edt ocomf or therper owal aakongmagawakundiangt i ngnan l angsi y a.Fort hef i r stt i mesi nceIbecameHel i osDemi t r i-Ihadnoi deawhatt odo, orf eel .Iam l ostagai nandi ti sal l becauseofawomannamedYzaConsunj i -t hesupposedt obeenemy . . .

15.Ist i l l do

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" It ol dy out ost ayhome!Umal i skar i npal a! "

Umaal i ngangaw angbosesniYv ohabangpapasokkamisabahay .Hewashol di ngmyhand.I coul dn' tr eal l yr eactt hatmoment .Iwasshaki ng,Iwassoscar edbutmor ei mpor t ant l y ,Iwas r eal l yov er whel medbyseei ngHect or .

Hi ndikoal am kunganongmer onsakani l aniYna.Iknowf oraf actnahi ndinamant al agasi y a pwedengmawal asabuhayniYnadahi li t oangkadugoni y a.Kay al ang,sangay on,ay okot al aga si y angmaki t a.Hi ndi kosi y agust ongmaki t aatay okongmagi ngpar t esi y angbuhayko.

Tamanai y ongpanahonator asnanasay angnoongmagkasamakami .Tamanai y on.Hi ndi namanpar asakany aangmgaor asnai y onper okahi tay oko, sakany akopar i ni t onasay angat hi ndi konamai babal i ki y on.

Ihav et oav oi dhi m -notj ustav oi dbutbur yhi mt ot hebackofmymi ndwher eIcoul dn' tand woul dn' tdar et ot hi nkabouthi m agai n.Ay okonasi y angi si pi n-ay okonat al aga.

" At e,okaykal ang?Hi ndikanamandapatl umabasdoon. "Yv osai dt ome." Fuck!Mapapat ayko t al agai y ongl al aki ngi y on! "

" Huwagmongsi y angsakt an, Kuy a. . . "Ihear dYna." Kkapat i dkosi y a. "

" Ano?Sasamakanasahal i mawnai y on!Hehur tAt e!Het ookherawayf r om us!Baki tnapakadal i par asa' y oangt anggapi nnakapat i dmosi y asamant al angngay onmol angnamansi y anaki l al a! "

" Yv ot amana. "Hi nat akkoangbal i katni Yv oper oi wi naksi ni y aangkamayko.

" Angpr obl emasa' y o,Ynamasy adokangmadal i ngmagt i wal a!Anoi pagpapal i tmonakamisa kany a? !Masamangt aosi Demi t r i ! "

" Yv oanoba? ! "Si gawkosakany a.Ti ni ngnanni y al angako.

" I y aneh!Angt i gasngul o! "

" Yv o,pl ease. "Sabikonal ang.Humi ngasi y anangmal al i m atsakai ni wankaminiYnana nakat ay osasal a.Shewascr y i ng.Iknow t hatIhav et ocomf or therbutseei ngherwi t hhi m makesmef eeli r r i t at ed.Nagsi nungal i ngsi y a.Angsabini y akagabiaypupunt ahanni y aang kakl aseni y at aposngay onmaki ki t akosi y angkasamaangt aongdahi l anngl ahatngkagul uhan sapami l y ako.

" Baki tkaumi y akkani naat e?Hi ndimobagust osiKuy a? "Sheaskedme.Nanl akiangmgamat a ko. " Anobangsi nasabi mo? "Iaskedher .

" Youki ssedhi m whi l ey ouwer est i l lwi t hhi m.Thatmeansy oul i kehi m.Masmahalmonabasi y a kay sakayZach? "Tul oy t ul oynat anongni y a.Napasi nghapako." Tel lme,maynangy ar isai ny o, di ba?Ar ey oubr eaki ngupwi t hZachar y ?Tel l meat e. . .Ineedt oknow. . . "

Hi ndiako makasagot .Bi gl anal ang bumal i ksaaki nang l ahatatpar abang hi ndinaako makahi nga.Hi ndikoal am kungpar asaanangmgat anongni y asaaki n.Hi ndimal i naw,hi ndiko maki t aangkat ut ur anni y on-angal am kol ang, hi nuhusgahanni y aangnar ar amdamanko.

" Baki tkapakasi bumal i k? "Bi gl angt anongni y a." Demi t r i cant akecar e"

Hi ndikonapi gi l anangsar i l iko.Isl appedher .Iknowt hatshei sgoi ngt ot el lmet hatDemi t r ican t akecar eofmeandt hatappal l edme.Anongkar apat anni y angsabi hi nangbagaynai y on?Hi ndi ni y aal am kunganongnangy ar i saaki ndoon.

" Howcany out al kt omel i ket hat , Yna? "Iwhi sper ed.

" Tot oonaman!Youhadsexwi t hhi m! "

" Her apedme! "Myv oi cei sshaky ,aut omat i cal l ymyt ear sf eeldown.Remember i ngt hehor r orof t hatni ghtmademef eel t het hi ngsIt houghtIhav ef or got t en." Her apedme, Yna!Ij ustdi dn' tgot o bedwi t hhi m!Her apedme!Het ookadv ant ageofme!Her ui nedme,Yna!How cany ousay somet hi ngl i ket hatt ome? "

Mykneeswer eshaki ngagai n.Suddenl y ,Ir emember edt heconv er sat i onIhadwi t hZachl ast ni ght .Ihav et ol dhi m ev er y t hi ngandhi sr eact i on-Iunder st oodwher ehewascomi ngf r om andI wasn' tr eal l yhopi ngt hathewoul dacceptmeaf t erev er y t hi ngIhav et ol dhi m.

" Nowt el lme,Yna.Doy our eal l yt hi nkhecant akecar eofme? "Iaskedheragai n.Sheshookher head.Nat i gi l anakonangmapadakoangmgamat akosa hagdan-i nt her eIsaw Nanay st andi ng-shewasl ooki ngatmewi t ht ear si nherey es.Igaspedhar d.

" Nnay . . . "

Bi gl anal angsi y angt umakbopaaky at .Hi nabolkosi y a.Ay okongi si pi nangmgasusunodna mangy ay ar i .Pumasoksi y asaof f i ceniTat ay ,hi ndipamanakonakakal api taynar i ni gkonaang bosesni Yt oatni Tat ay , t heywer et al ki ng.

" Sancho! "Nanay ' sv oi cebr oke.Shewascr y i ng.Naki t akongt umakbosi y akayTat ay .Yumakap si y adi t o.

" Nay , anongnangy ar i ? "Yt oasked.

" Sheena? "

" Sanchosi Yza. . . "Shegasped.Tat ay ' sey esf l ewt omi ne.

" Whathappened? "Hi sv oi cei scol d." Yza, anongnangy ar i . . . "

Nai kuy om koangmgapal adko.Nangi ngi ni gangmgat uhodko.Hi ndiakomakahi nga.Naki t ako si Nanaynahi nawakanangkwel y oni Tat ay .

" Yza. . . "Yt ocal l edme.Il ookedathi m.Myt ear sf el ldownasIst oodt her e.Iknewt hatIhadt ot el l t hem.Hi ndi konamandapati pagt anggol angl al aki ngnanaki tsaaki n.

" Iwas. . . "Igasped.Notamomentl at er , Yt oi sbesi deme." r ar aped. . . "

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" ZachI ' m sor r y . . . "

" Whatar ey ousay i ngsor r yf or ?Ti nat anongl angki t akungi y onangt awagni y asa' y o! "

Idon' tknowwhatcameov ermet hatni ghtbuti tr eal l yf el tl i kesomet hi nghaschanged.Yzai sn' t t hesameany mor e.Whendi dIr eal i zet hatt hewomanwhousedt ol ov emewi t hal lherhear thas changed?Hi ndikor i nal am -angmal i nawl angsangay onayangkat ot ohanannamaykul angna saami ngdal awa.

Somet hi ngi smi ssi ng.

Iknowt hatshel ov esmebutwhydoIf eel l i keshedoesn' tl ov emet hewaysheusedt ol ov eme?

" Zach, pl ease. . . "Shet ookmyhand.Il ookedather .

" Wher ei smyr i ngYza? "Iaskedher .Bi gl asi y angnat i gi l an.Tul adkoaynapat i ngi nr i nsi y asa kamayni y a.Shebi therl owerl i p.Dahandahanni y angi ni al i sangkamayni y asabr asoko.Naki t a kongumi i y aknasi y angay on.Inev erwant edt omakehercr yofhur theri nanywayper okung nasasakt ansi y a, masnasasakt anako.

Oo,magkasamakami ngdal awaper opaki r amdam komal ay opar i nsi y asaaki n.Hi ndikoal am kungpaanonagsi mul ai y ongpangambakonanabawasannaangpagmamahalni y asaaki n. Paki r amdam koaydahandahanatunt i unt inasi y angnawawal asaaki n.Hi ndikoal am kung

paanokopi pi gi l anangbagaynai y on.Hi ndi kokay angmawal asi Yza.Si y aangbuhayko.

Hi ndi komaki t aangsar i l i konamaykasamangi ba." Zach, sor r y . . . "

" Put angi na, YzaJoan! "Si gawkosakany a." Kani nakapasor r ynangsor r y !Whatt hef uckar ey ou say i ngsor r yf or ? ! "Gi gi lnagi gi lako.Humagul golsi y a.Kahi tnagust onggust okosi y angy akapi n atsuy ui nt ul adnangpal agi ankonggi nagawanoonayhi ndikomagawa.If eell i keshe' shi di ng somet hi ngf r om me.If eell i ket her e' ssomet hi ng-adet ai lt hatIshoul dknowbutsher ef usest o l etmeknow.

" Zach. . . . "Shecal l edmeagai n.Napai l i ngako.Igotoutoft hecar .Pi l i tkongki nakal maangsar i l i ko.Hi ndikoal am kungpar asaananggal i tnanar ar amdamankopar asakany a.OO,sangay on, gal i tnagal i takokayYza.Mayi baakongnar ar amdaman.

Sadal awangt aonnami ngmagkar el asy onayngay onkol angnar amdamani t o.Par abangwal a nangkasi gur aduhanangmgabagaysapagi t annami ngdal awa.

" Zach! "Bi gl anal angni y aakongni y akapmul asal i kur an.Igasped.Iwant edhert odot hatper o hi ndi kohi nay aan.Ipushedheraway .

" Sasabi hi nmobaohi ndi ? "Ti i m angbagangnat anongko." Whatt hef ucki swr ongYza? ! "Si gaw ko." Hi ndit ay omat at aposkungi i y akanmol angako! "Hi l am nahi l am nasal uhaangmgamat a ni y a.Shel ookedaway .Thenshel ookedatmeagai n.

" I . . . . "Shet ookadeepbr eat h." I . .He. . .her apedme, Zach. "

Hal osbul ongnangl umabasi y onmul asabi bi gni y a.Nagul ant angangbuongmundoko.Hi ndi ako makahi nga.Her ewast hewomanIhav et akencar edoff ory ear st el l i ngmet hatherabduct or r apedher .

ThewomanIl ov e. . .

Shewasst andi ngi nf r ontofme, cr y i ngherhear tout .

" I l angbeses? "Tanongko.

" Zac. . . Zachpl easet amana. . . "

I ni l anghakbangkosi y aathi nawakansabr aso." I l angbeses, Yza!Ti nat anongki t a! "

" Dal awa! "Si gawni y asaaki nhabangi y aksi y anangi y ak.

" Put angi na! "Bi ni t i wankosi y a.Si nabunut ankoangsar i l i ko.

" Zach, sor r y . . . . "Bul ongni y a.Mul i kosi y anghi nar ap.

" Whyar ey ousay i ngsor r y ?Baki tnagust uhanmobai y onggi nawani y a? "Iwashopi ngt hatshewi l l sayno. . .Iwaspr ay i ngsohar df orhert oshakeherheadandt el l met hatshedi sgust edev er y t hi ng t hatDemi t r i di dt oher .

" No. . . no. . . "Shesai d.Nakahi ngaakongmal uwag.

" Thenwhyar ey ousay i ngsor r y ? "

" Because. . . "Shegaspedagai n." Isl eptwi t hhi mf ort het hi r dt i mei nexchangeofmyf r eedom. . . "

Thatwaswhenmywor l dst ar t i ngt of al l apar t .

Shesl eptwi t hhi mi nexchangef orherf r eedom.Di dshel oseherf ai t honme?Hi ndinabasi y a nakapaghi nt aysaaki nkay ani y abi gl angnai si pnagawi nangbagaynai y on?Lumakadsi y a papal api tsaaki n.Shewasst i l l cr y i ng.Hi nawakanni y aangkamayko.

" Sor r y , Zach. . . "

" Yousl eptwi t hhi m. . . "Iwhi sper ed." I st hatt her easonwhyy oudi sl i kemecal l i ngy oubaby ?I y on baangt awagni y asa' y ohabanggi nagawani ny oi y on? ! "Si gawko.Napahagul golsi y a.Hi nawakan koangmagkabi l angbal i katni y a." Sabi hi nmosaaki n, Yza!Masar apba? ! "

Si nampalni y aako.May beIdeser v et hat .May beIhav egonet oof ar ,mal ibai y on?Nasasakt an ako.I bai y ongusapanngr apeati y ongusapannagi nawani y ai y onwi t hHel i osDemi t r inamay consent !

Magkai ba.

" Zach, i nt i ndi hi nmonamanako. "

" Sar el asy ongi t o, Yza, akoangpal agi ngumi i nt i ndidahi lay awki t angmasakt an!Ay awki t angmadi sappoi nt !Tapssasabi hi nmosaaki nnai nt i ndi hi nki t a? !Kai l anbaki t ahi ndi i ni nt i ndi ? ! "

Lal osi y anghumagul gol .Iknowt hatshe' shur t i ngr i ghtnow.Iam t oo.Butt hepai nIam f eel i ngi s f armor epai nf ul t hanherpai n.

Hi ndikoal am kunganongnai si pko.Hi nat akkosiYzapapasoksasasaky an.Idr ov ef ast .Wal a naakongpaki al am sakahi tnaanongay on.Iam amani npai n.It ookYzahome.

Bumabaakosakot seatpi l i tsi y anghi nat akpal abas.Hi ndinamansi y akumi boopumal agman l ang.Wewenti nsi demyhouse, di r et sosakwar t o.Ipushedhert obed.Hert ear swer est i l l f al l i ng.

Ist ar t edt aki ngmycl ot hesof f .Wal ana.Il osti t .Il ostt hewi l lt ot hi nk.Al lIknowi st hatIwantt o er aseDemi t r i ' smar konherbody .Iwanthert or eal i zet hatshe' sst i l l mi ne.

" Zachpl easeno. . . "Shebegged.Icl i mbedt hebed.Ipi nnedherar msov erherheadandst ar t ed ki ssi ng her .Iki ssed herl i ps,down t o herneck,t ot hemi dpar tofherbr east s.Ist ar t ed unbut t oni ngherdr ess-Iev ent ookof fherbr a.Now, she' sal mostnakedi nf r ontofme.

" Zach. . . . "Ther ewaspani ci nherv oi ceper ohi ndikopar i npi nansi n.Ibentmyheaddownand suckedherbr east .Ipl ay edwi t ht heot heroneusi ngmyhand.Iwanthert omoanf orme.I tmay seem desper at ebutIwantt ot akeawayHel i osDemi t r i ' smar konher .

Ipul l edherpant i esdownandt ouchedhercor e.

" Zach! "Shescr eamed.Il ookedatherf ace.Gonewast hepani conherv oi ce,Icoul dn' tev ensee t heuncer t ai nt i esi nherey es, butst i l l , t het ear swer et her e.Ipl ay edwi t hhercor e.Iam t ur nedon, I wantherbadl ybutasIki ssedheral lov er ,Isuddenl yt houghtofherl y i ngonbedwhi l eDemi t r i wasdoi ngher .

Ist opped.Isatont heedgeoft hebed.Sapokoangul oko.Hi ndi akomakahi nga.

" Zach. . . .I ' m sor r y . . . "Mul i ngwi kani y a.Tumay oako.Ni hi ndi kosi y at i ni ngnan.

" Magbi hi ska.I hahat i dnaki t a. "

Iwasl ooki ngatt hecei l i ng, l y i ngont hebed, st i l l t hi nki ngaboutYzaandwhathappenedt hatni ght . Al am kongdapatakongmagal i tsakany a.Shehadl ostherf ai t honme, per osakabi l anangl ahat ngnangy ar i , hi ndi komai t anggi sasar i l i konamahal namahal kopar i nsi y a.Nakahi tganoonang nangy ar i , akopar i nanggagapangpabal i ksakany adahi l hi ndi kot al agakay anawal asi y asat abi ko.

" Zachy ! "

I twasYngr i d' sv oi ce.Iwassur eoft hat .

" Omygod! "

Il ookedatt hewomanbesi deme.Mabi l i spasaal askwat r onat umay osi y ahat akangkumotna t umat aki psakat awanni y a.Sher ant ot hebat hr oom.

" Omygod!Yousl eptwi t hsomeoneel se? ! "Nakakai r i t angsi gaw niYngr i d.Hi ndikoal am kung kai l ansi y amat ut o.Ij ustl ookedather .I ' m nakedbutIdon' tcar eandYngr i ddoesn' tseem t omi nd. Baki tpaba?Shehadseenmenakedacoupl eoft i mewhi l ewewer est i l l i nNewYor k.

" Whatar ey oudoi ngher e? "Iaskedi nadar kt one.

" Getdr ess, Zach! "Shescr eamed.Ngumi si l angako.

" Baki tpa?Naki t amonamannai t odat i ?Youev engav emeahead.Youwannadoi tagai n? "I askedusi ngmyhuskyv oi ce.Hermout hf el l .

" Omygod!I ' m sogonnamakesabit hi st oAt eYana! "Si gawpani y a.Lumabasangbabaenghi ndi konamat andaanangpangal an.Al lIknowi st hatImetherl astni ghtatt hebarandweendedup i nbedt oget her .

" Andy ou! "Yngr i dl ookedatt hegi r l ." Iwi l lmakey ousabunotunt i ly ouar ekal bona,bi t ch!Naki t a kongni l api t anni y aangbabaengi y on.Si nabunut anngasi y aniYngr i d.Ij ustl ookedatt hem,I st oodup, t ookmyr obeandl ef tt her oom.

Iwentt ot hel i v i ngr oom andt ookmyphone.Idi al edYza' snumber ,butshewasn' tanswer i ng.I j ustsi ghed.Ical l edheragai nbutst i l lshewasn' tanswer i ngsoi nst eadofcal l i ngher , Isenthera message.

" I ' m sor r y , Yza.Canwet al k.Il ov ey ou. "

Il ov eher , Ist i l l doandIwi l l l ov eherf or ev er .

16.Luckyone

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" Lov ewi l l makey ouweak, Hel i os.You' r emyson, y oushoul dbest r ong, col dandhear t l ess! " Ihadt hatdr eam agai n-i y ongpanagi ni pnakahi ti l angt aonnaangl umi pasayhi ndikopar i n mal i mut anatpi l i tpar i nakonghi nahabol .I y ongbagaynapi l i tkongki nakal i mut an,bumabal i ksa aki nnapar abangmul t ongkahapon.Ist oodupandwentoutofmyr oom.Thehousei sv er yqui et . Si l encef i l l edt heent i r emansi onandher eIam,awakei nt hemi ddl eoft heni ghtl ooki ngf or somet hi ngIknowIwi l l nev erhav e. Inev ert houghtI ' dwantsomet hi ngIhadbeendecl i ni ngal lmyl i f e.LumakiakosaSant or i ninang nagi i sa.KasamakosiBabaper okahi tkai l anhi ndikonar amdamannapami l y akosi y a.Heonl y want edmebecauseheneedsanhei r ,kungwal aako,wal angmagmamanangl ahat .Anakni y a akoper ohi ndikonar amdamani y on.Al lIneededandwant edal lmyl i f ei saf ami l yofmyown.A gr oupofpeopl ewhowi l ll ov emeandacceptmef orwhoIam andwi l lnev erl eav eme, per osaan kopasi l ahahanapi n?Ihav easi st erper okosi y apwedengmakasama.Hi ndikosi y apwedeng kuni n. I y onangpl ano-angkuhani nsiLei ghper ohi ndikoal am kunganongnangy ar i .Si gur ot amasi

Baba.Naduwagako.Bumahagangbunt otkodahi l l ang. . . " Hect or ,baki tgi si ngkapa? "Nar i ni gkoangbosesniManangBi ni ng.Hi ndikonamal ay anna nakat ay onasi y asal i kur anko.Iwasst andi ngont hebal conyf eel i ngt hewi ndonmyf ace, want i ngf r eedom somuch.Iwantt obr eakf r eef r om t hedar kness. Masamaakongt aoper osangay on, ay okongmagi ngmasama-i sal anganggust okoper ohi ndi kor i npwedengmakasama. " Hect or . . . " " I wanni ny oako. "Ut oskosakany a.Gust okongmapagi sa.Gust okongmar amdamanang kal ungkut angakor i nanggumawa.Kungwal aakongi sangsal i t a,sanahi ndikonal angsi y a pi naal i s.Thehouseseemedt obeempt i ernow t hatshe' sgone.Aami ni nkonasasar i l iko, nangungul i l aakosapr esensi y angkaaway .Hi ndidapatper oi y onangnar ar amdamanko.Al am kokungbaki tper oay okongpangal anandahi l kapaggi nawakoi y on, akoangmat at al osahul i , ako angmanghi hi na. Hi ndipat aposangl aban.Hi ndiakodapatmanghi nadahi lhi ndikopanakukuhasiLei ghper osa t uwi ngi i si pi nkosiYzaatangkany angmgamat a-angngi t isamukhani y anoongkasamani y asi Zachar yDr ew-i y ongngi t i nggust okongmaki t asakany aper ohi ndikonaki t a-nanghi hi naako. Nasasakt an.Icoul df eel t hepai nt hr obbi ngi nmyhear tl i ket her e' snot omor r ow. AndIknowt her easonwhyI ' mf eel i ngl i ket hatIj ustdon' twantt oadmi ti tbecauseIdon' twantt o beweak. Ispentt henex tcoupl eofhour sst andi ngont hebal conywai t i ngf ort hesunr i se.Iwast hi nki ng abouther .It houghtal otaboutt hatl astni ghtIwaswi t hher .Hi ndi konamannai t ut ul oyi y onper o pumay agsi y a.Nasakt anakodahi li pi naki t ani y asaaki nnagust onat al agani y angumal i s.Ij ust madet hemostoutoft hosel astmoment swi t hher .I pi nangakokosasar i l ikonahi ndikonasi y a gugul uhi nmat aposanggabi ngi y on.Hi ndikonasi y al al api t anatpakakawal ankonasi y aper o nangmawal anamansi y asal andasko, hi nahanaphanapkosi y a. Ist ar t edf ol l owi ngt heboyar ound.Hi ndinamankasisi y ahal osl umal abasngbahay .Iwas t hi nki ngt hatmay beshewasst i l lscar ed.Mar ahi layi ni i si pni y anakukuni nkongmul isi y aathi ndi nai babal i k.Kungpwedel anggawi ni y on-kungt ut uusi naykay akongkuhani nsi y angmul i-per o pi ni pi l i kongpani ndi ganangsi nabi kosakany anoonnakahi tkai l anayhi ndi konasi y agugul uhi n. ButIr eal l ycoul dn' thel pi t .Ther e' saf or cet hatkeeponpul l i ngmet oher .Saay awatsagust oko maykoneksy onnakami ni YzaConsunj i atkahi tkai l anayhi ndi namawawal ai y on. Iwasst ar i ngatt hesunr i se.Ismi l edabi t .Thesunr ay ssomehowr emi ndedmeofher .Shewas l i keabr eat hoff r eshai r-t her ayofsunshi newhi cht r i edsohar dt opeeki nsi demyl i f e.Kahi tsa sandal i ngpanahon, nagkar oonngl i wanagangbuhayko-i sangbagaynakapagnal amanniBaba ayi kagagal i tni y a. Atexact l ysev eni nt hemor ni ng,If i xedmy sel f .Tul oyangbuhaykahi tpaki r amdam koaymay nawal angkunganosaaki n. " Goodmor ni ng,Si r ! "Kat hr y nagr eet edme.Hi ndikosi y api nansi n.Iwentst r ai ghtt omycarand t ol dt hedr i v ert ot akemet ot heof f i ce.Kat hr y nawasatt heot hercar .Conv oykamiar awar aw pagpasoksaopi si na. " Si r ,dadaanpapobat ay osamgaConsunj i ? "Bi gl angt anongni y a.Napat i ngi nakosakany a.I shookmyhead.I l angbeseskopal angnamangi nawaangmaghi nt aysal abasngbahayni l apar a maki t asi y a-t amaanaangmgapagkakat aongi y on.Kai l angankonangkal i mut anangl ahatng

bagaynanangy ar i dahi l al am kongganoondi nsi y a-si ni si mul annani y aakongkal i mut an. Iwasbusyr eadi ngsomeoft hepaper sKat hr y nal ef tatmycarl astni ghtnangbi gl anal ang humi nt oangsasaky anko.Kumunotangnookonangmaki t akoangi sangi t i m naf or dna nakahar angsat apatngSUVko.Bumabaangdr i v erko.Naki t akongnakahawakkaagadsi y asa bar i lnanakasabi tsabay wangni y a.Bahagy akongbi nuksanangbi nt ana.Ki napakoangbar i lsa gi l i dngupuanati ni handai y on.Masamaangkut obkosamganagaganap. " Shi t ! "Icur sedwhenIsawt hr eemenemer gi ngf r om t hecar .Theywer epoi nt i ngt hei rgunst omy dr i v er .Hi ndinagt agalaygumal awnar i nangi bapangkasamhanngmgal al aki ngi y on.Bumaba si y asakot seatpi nal i but anako.Angi saaybi nuksanangpi nt ongsasaky ankopar api l i t i nakong bumaba.Nanl abanako.Ipoi nt edt hegunathi m butheshotmyl eg. " Si r ! " " Fuck! "Wal asal oobnadai ngko.Ti nut ukankongbar i langl al aki .Ishoothi m.Ti namaansi y asa bal i kat .Lal ay onasanaakonangbi gl aakongmakar amdam ngkunganongt umamasabat okko. Il ostev er y t hi ng, Ihav ef or got t enwhatIshoul dbet hi nki ngabout .Il osti t . " Hi . . . " Hi ndikoal am kunganongmar ar amdamankohabangnakat ay osahar apankosiZachar yDr ew. Maydal asi y angbouquetofr edr oseshabangngi t i ngngi t i saaki n.Hi ndi koal am kungkay akopa si y angpaki har apan.Sat uwi ngnaaal al akoi y ongnangy ar i noonggabi ngi y on. " Hel l o. . . "Isi ghed.Het ookadeepbr eat ht oo.Idon' tknow whybutIf eell i kesomet hi ngi nhi m hav echanged-hi ndikol angmapi npoi ntkungano.Si gur adol angakonamaynagbagosakany a. Hesmi l edagai n.Pi l i tni y angi naabotsaaki ni y ongmgabul akl aknadal ani y a.Hi ndipar i nako gumagal aw.Hi ndi kasi akomakapani wal ananandi t osi y asahar apankongay on. " Yza. . . "Tawagni y asaaki n. " Whatar ey oudoi ngher e? "Iasked.Par angbul ongl angangl umabassabi bi gko.Napakagat l abi paako.Zacht ookmyl ef thand. " Apol ogi zi ng. "Hewhi sper ed.Nagunahanangmgal uhako.Bi gl aakongy umakapsakany a. Nabi t i wanni y aangmgabul akl ak.Hehuggedmet i ght l y . " Baki tkanagaapol ogi ze?Akoi y ongmal i .Akoi y ongmaykasal anan.Icheat edony ou.I . . . I . . . " " I tdoesn' tmat t er .Il ov ey ou, Yza.I y onl angi y ongmahal aga.Kahi ti l anbeseskapangmagkamal i , t at anggapi nki t a.Oo,magagal i tako.Hi ndinamanakoper pekt o,per oI ' l lf i ndawayt of or gi v ey ou andaccepty oubecauset hat ' showmuchIl ov ey ou.Yzamahal namahal ki t a. " Tumangonal angako.Wal aakongmasabidahi lnauunahanngpaghi kbiangmgasal i t anggust o kosanangsabi hi nsakany a.Paul i t ul i tsi nasabiniZachsaaki nkunggaanoni y aakokamahal . Hi nahapl osni y aangbuhokko.Mahi gpi tangmgakamayni y angnakapaul potsaaki nnapar a bangsi nasabi ni y anghi ndi nghi ndi ni y aakoi i wankahi tkai l an. Il ookedathi m.If i nal l yhadt hegut st oj ustf acehi m andsay : Il ov ey ou, Zach.You, j usty ou.I twi l l al way sbey ou.Nomat t erwhathappens, i twi l l al way sbey ou. " Hesmi l edandnodded.Mul ikosi y angni y akap.Iwi l lnev erl ethi m go.He' smyoneandonl y ,my hear tbel ongst ohi m.Iam hi sandhei smi ne.Wal angi nbet ween.Wal anangkahi tnaanopang

mamamagi t ansaami ngdal awadahi l si y al angt al agaatwal anangi ba. Si y al angt al agadapat . " Kumai nkanaba? "Iaskedhi m af t eral l t het ear s. " Yza. . . "Pi ni si lni y aangkamayko." Magusapmunat ay o,pwede? "Tumangoako.Kai l angan namant al aganami ngmagusap.Pi napasokkosi y asal oobngbahayathi nat aksagazebo.Doon naupokami nangmagkahar apatsakanagsi mul angmagusap. Al am kongmaynagbagonaper okahi tnaanopai y onayt at anggapi nko.I bi bi gaykoangl ahat kayZach.Dapatl angnamandahi l mabut i si y asaaki natmahal kosi y a.Het ookmyhandagai n. " I ' m sor r yf ort r y i ngt of or cey out odot hat .Iwasj ustbl i ndedbyanger ,Yza.Youhav et o under st and" " Nai i nt i ndi hanko, Zach. "Agawkosasasabi hi nni y a." AndI ' m sor r y .Inev erl ostf ai t hi ny ou.Ij ust r eal l ywant edt obef r eesot hatIcoul dcomebackt oy ou-kahi thi ndinaakobuo-kahi tnamay nawal a.Iwasscar edoft el l i ngy oubecauseIdon' twantt ol osey ou. . . . " " Youwi l lnev erl oseme,Yza. "Heassur edme." But . . . "Hepaused." Hav ey out ol d. . . "Naki t akong nagkuy om angi sani y angpal ad.Tumangoako. " Tat ayandYt oknew.Si nabi kona. "Napahi kbi ako." I ' m sor r y . " " Youdon' thav et obe.Hi ndimonamangust oi y on. "Mar i i ngsabini y a.Sagl i takongnat i gi l anat t i ni t i gansi y a.Hi sey eswer ecl ouded, hi sf acei sdar kandy etIcoul df eelt hei nt ensi t yofhi sl ov e f orme.Nakadamaakongkabadahi l ngay onkol angnaki ki t angnagkakagani t osi y asaaki n.Hi ndi kor i nnamansi y amasi si -al am kongmaynagbagona. " Ah. . . "Sabi ni y abi gl a." Ihav esomet hi ng. " Naki t akongmul asabul sani y aaymayi nl abassi y anggui t arpi ck.Napakunotangnooko. Nakangi si si y asaaki n. " Naaal al amopabasiZany j ao? "Tanongni y a.Ay okomanaygumuhi tangngi t isal abiko." Ano kay ai y on?Ngi ngi t it aposi i y ak. "Hewi pedmyt ear s.Hi nubadni y ai y ongdogt agni y a.Pi nanoodko si y ahabangi ni l al agayni y ai y ongpi cksadogt agatbumal i ngsaaki n. " Thi si sf ory ou.Asi gnofournewbegi nni ng. "Heputt hedogt agar oundmyneckandki ssedmy cheek.Hi nawakankoi y ongpi ckatt i ni ngnani y on.Noonkol angnar eal i zenamaynakasal atna mgasal i t adoon. I tsay s: Mi neal one. Tumi ngi nakosakany a. " Youar emi ne, Yza.Mi neal one. " Ist ar edatZD.Isi l ent l yaskedmy sel fi fIl i ket hi schangeandIr eal i zedt hatIdo.Hehadal way s beenv ocal abouthi sf eel i ngsf orme, wal angbagodoonper oi t onggi nagawani y asaaki nngay on, i ba, kakai baathi ndi koal am kungbaki tkonagugust uhani y on. Ki nuhani y angmul i angkamaykopar ahagkani y on. " Dat et ay o? "Tanongni y aul i t .

" Si ge. . .Imi sseddat i ngy ou. "Tudy okosakany a. " Sus. . .nanguut o. "Nagt awanankami .Lumi patnasi y asat abiko.I ni hi l i gkonamanangkal ahat i ngkat awankosakany apar amul i ngdamahi nangt i bokngpusoni y a.Hewaspl ay i ngwi t hmy hai rwhi l eIwasl i st eni ngt ohi shear t beat .Gani t ol angnamankami ngdal awa.Kunt ent onaakona magkasamakami atangsay asay akodahi l sakabi l angl ahatayt i nanggapni y aako. Mul i kongt i nanongangsar i l i ko-al am kongmahal kosi Zach.I y onangnar ar amdamanko.Gust o kongmagal i tsapusokoatsaut akkof ordoubt i ngmyf eel i ngs. " Saanmogust ongmagpakasal ,Yza? "Tanongni y abi gl a.Napabal i kwasakongbangon.I l ang besesbaakongpapai y aki nngl al aki ngi t o? " Si ssi gur adokaba? " " Baki thi ndi ? "Mal umanaynat anongni y a." I l angbeseskobangkai l anganpat unay ansa' y ona mahalki t a?Hahar apul i takokayTi t oSancho,Yza.RememberwhatIt ol dhi m?I ' l lmakey ouf al l har dert hant hef i r stt i me.Al am kongmaydoubt skangay onpar asanar ar amdamanmoatsa kunganongmer onsaat i natsanangy ar isai ny ongdemony ongi y on,per osat i ngi nmosusuko akobast a?Aki nka, habambuhayangi pi nangakokosa' y oati y onangi bi bi gayko.Mahal namahal ki t a. " Wal aakongnasabi .Ni y akapkonal angsi y angmul i .Isi l ent l yt hankt heheav ensandt hegods abov ef orgi v i ngmeZach.

" Il ov ey ou, ZD. . . "

17.Hi ndi mat anggap

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Iwokeupi nav er ydar kr oom.Iwasn' tt i edupandal l butIcoul df eel t hegunshoti nmyl egachi ng l i ket her e' snot omor r ow.Idon' tknow i fIshoul dbet hankf ulf orst i l lbei ngal i v eori fIhav et o r egr ett hatI ' m st i l lal i v e.Al am ko,kungsi numananggumawani t osaaki nhi ndisi y at i t i gi l hangga' thumi hi ngaako. Ihear dsomef oot st eps.Hi ndinagt agalaybumukasangpi nt ongsi l i dnai y onatl umi wanagang buongpal i gi d.Iwassi t t i ngonachai ri nt hemi ddl eoft heabandonedgr ayr oom.Il ookedupand t her eIsawt hr eeConsunj i si nat hr eepi ecesui t-bot hdev i l s, bot hl ooki ngatmel i ket heywant ed t oski nnedmeal i v e. Sancho, LukasandAdam Consunj i . " Sogl ady ou' r eawake. "Sai dLukas.Mayhawaksi y angbar i l att i t i gnat i t i gsaaki n.Adam Consunj i hadav er ydar kexpr essi on.Al am konal ahatsi l aayi sal anganggust ongmangy ar i-angmawal a akosamundo. " Sancho,we' l ll eav ey ouwi t hhi m. "Adam Consunj isai d.SanchoConsunj il ookedathi sbr ot her s. Lukasgav eSanchot hegunhewashol di ngandt het wol ef tt her oom.Nai wanakosal oobngsi l i d nai y onnakasamasi SanchoConsunj i , nakat al i sasi l y aatdumudugoangsugat . " Ihadbeendr eami ngabouthi smoment , .Demi t r i . "Hesai dl i kehewasaboutt opul lt het r i ggerof t hegunhewashol di ng.Hi ndiakonat at akot ,kungmamamat ayakongay on,sobei t .Masgust o kopangmawal anal angbast akay saangmaki t aangt aongnagt ur osaaki ngmagmahalna kasamangi ba.

" Ar ey ougoi ngt oki l l me? "Iasked.Iwascat chi ngmybr eat h. " Forwhaty oudi dt omyl i t t l egi r l , y esIwi l l ! "Bi gl anal angni y aakongsi nunt oksapi sngi .Pumut ok angl abi ko.Iwant edt ost andupandf i ghthi m.Iwast r ai nedbymyf at her .Iam aGr eeksol di erby bl oodandbybel i ef s. " Angkapalngmukhamo! "Si gawpaniSanchosaaki n." Gal i tkasapami l y akot heny oushoul d' v e comet ome!Butwhydi dy ouhav et ohur tYza? ! "Hewasv er ymad.Hi ndiakonagsasal i t a.I twas nev ermyi nt ent i ont ohur ther .Idi dt hat-Ir apedherbecauset hatmomental lIhadi nmymi nd wast ogetev en.Hi sf at hert ooksomet hi ngawayf r om meandIwant edt ot akesomet hi ngaway f r om her-bal ukt otnapani ni wal a,ooper oanggust okol angaygumant iatangmakasamaang i sangt aongal am kongkay aakongmahal i natt anggapi n. Per ohi ndikonagawa.I nst eadofwi nni ngt hewarIst ar t ed-Iendedupl osi ngj ustbecauseIf el l . Mybabawasr i ght-l ov ecanmakeaper sonweak.Hi ndi namanmangy ay ar i saaki ni t okunghi ndi akonahul og. Isi ghed.Mul iakongsi nunt okniSanchosamukha.Thenextt hi ngIknewhepoi nt edt hegunat me. " Icoul dki l ly ouwi t hmyownhands, Demi t r i .Forhur t i ngmyl i t t l egi r l , f ort r y i ngt oki dnapmywi f e andf ort r y i ngt obr eakmyf ami l yapar t . "Hesai di ngr i t t edt eet h.Isi ghed.Icl osedmyey eswai t i ng f orhi mt opul l t het r i gger-Iwaswai t i ngf ormyendandasIwai tf ormydemi se-af acef l ashedi n mybr ai n. I twasher s. I nmymi ndshewassmi l i ng.I nmymi ndshewassl owl ymat er i al i zi ng.Suddenl y ,Icanhearher v oi ce.Shewascal l i ngme. Hect or . . . I ' v eal way sl i ket hesoundofmynamef r om herl i ps.Kapahsi y aangt umat awagsapangal anko, i baangepekt osaaki n.Par abangnasat abikol angsi y a.Tuwi ngnaaal al akoangmukhani y a-at angmgangi t ini y a-i sangbagaynakahi tkai l anayhi ndini y anai bi gaysaaki naygumagaanang l oobko.Wi t hheri nmymi ndI ' m abl et or emembert het hi ngsIt houghtIhav ef or got t enal r eady . Wi t hher , Ir eal i zedt hatIam ahumanbei ngcapabl eoff eel i ng.I ' m notsomecol dhear t edani mal . I ' m notademon.Imay beone-peopl et hi nkst hatIam ademon, t hatIshoul dgot ohel landj ust l i v et her eandbet heki ngbutI ' m not .Kahi tgaanoakokasama-Iwasabl et or eal i zet hatIam a humanbei ngbecauseofher . Angnakakat awal angsamgapangy ay ar i , Ir eal i zedt hoset hi ngbecauseofaConsunj i-aper sonI shoul dbehat i ngbuti nst ead-If el l . Ri ghtnowasIwasst andi ngi nf r ontofSanchoConsunj i-Iam gi v i nganameandaccept i ngt he f actt hatIhav ef eel i ngsf orher-notj ustf eel i ngs-Iam i nl ov ewi t hYzaConsunj i .Il ov edherandI don' tknowwhy .Ij ustf el l-i t ' snotbecauseshest ay edwi t hmeandendur edal lmycr uel ness, i t ' s notbecauseshemademer eal i zedt hatI ' m st i l lhuman.Iguessi t ' sj ustasi mpl ecaseoff al l i ngi n l ov e.Ihav ef al l endeepl yi nl ov ewi t ht hedaught erofmyenemy .Ist i l lhat et heConsunj i ' sf or t aki ngLei ghawayf r om mebutIl ov eYza-Il ov eal l ofherev ent hef actt hatshe' soneoft hem. " Pul li t . "Mahi nangsabiko." Pul li t .Par amat aposna. "Masgust okopangmamat ayngay onkay sa har api nangkat ot ohanannakahi tkai l anayhi ndiakomamahal i nniYza.She' si nl ov ewi t ht hat boy .Atkahi tkay akonggumawangpar aanpar amabawisi y aatpar apai bi gi nsi y a-al am kong hi ndikogagawi ndahi lmayi sangsal i t aako.Imay beal otoft hi ngsbutIhav emydi gni t y .I ' m

st ay i ngt r uet omywor d. " Iwon' t . "I bi nabaniSanchoangbar i l ." Akl amoganoongkadal i ?Iwi l lmakesur ey ousuf f erf i r st bef or eki l l i ngy ou.Justl i kewhaty oudi dt omydaught er . " SanchoConsunj iwal kedaway .Iwasj ustwat chi nghi m.Idon' tknow i fIhav et obet hankf ul becausehedi dn' tki l lme.Icl osedmyey esagai n.Mymi ndandmyhear tt r av el l edt oaf ar away pl ace, apl acewher eIcanbewi t hher-andt hati si nmyi magi nat i on. . . Onl yi nmyi magi nat i on.

Si t t i ngher ewi deawake Thi nki ngaboutwhenIl astsawy ou Iknowy ou' r enotf araway Icl osemyey esandIst i l l seey ou Ly i ngher enextt ome Wear i ngnot hi ngbutasmi l e

Iwassmi l i ngasIwat chZachsi ngont hest age.Nagi i bat al agaangv i besngboy f r i endko-I meanf i ancépal akapagnasast agesi y a.He' sey eswer ecl osedashepl ay shi sgui t arandsi ng. Napapangi t iakohabanghawakkoi y onggui t arpi ckniZay Joan-i y onanggi t ar anagami tni y a ngay on.Thegui t arwasol dandy ethepr ef er st ousei tbecauseofme.Igav ehi mt hatgui t aron hi sf our t eent hbi r t hday .Saaki ngal i ngi y on-kay akahi tgaanokal umaayhi ndini y amagawang i t ago-dahi l saaki n. Nai si pkonakungnagawaniZachnai ngat anangi sangbagaynagal i ngsaaki naykai l anganko r i nggawi ni y onpar asakany a.Kai l angankongi ngat anangpagmamahal nai bi ni bi gayni y asaaki n. Heknowsal r eadywhatIdi d-whatHel i osdi dt ome-andy ethe' sher ewi t hme.Somet i meswhen It hi nkabouti t , par anghi ndi kodesr v el ahatngpagmamahal namul asakany adahi l sagi nawako. Ir egr ett hatni ghtIspentwi t hHel i os-per okunghi ndikonamangi nawai y onhi ndikonaman makakasamasi Zach. " Yza!Ohmygeey ou' r enandi t opal a!Mygosh!I ' m somal i gay ay ou' r eher e! " Napangi t iakonangy akapi nakoniYngr i d.Yngr i di soneofZach' sbestf r i ends.Mat agalnasi l ang magkasama.Yngr i dknowsZachl i ket hebackofherhand. " Kamust anay ou? !Mygosh!YanaandIar esost r essedbecauseofZachwheny ouwer egone. Hewasl i kenagwawal a.Hi ndisi y amar each!Onet i meIf oundanakedwomanonhi sapar t ment , t hensev enni ght sago, Icaughthi m sl eepi ng" Kumunotangnooko.Iknow Yngr i dwasaboutt ot el lmet hatshecaughtZachsl eepi ngwi t h somegi r l .Bi gl aaypar aakongki nabahan.Tumi ngi nakokayZach.Naki t aakongkunotnakunot angnooni y ahabangnaki ki pagusapakokayYngr i d.Ti naposni y aagadangsett aposaybumaba si y amul asast age.Lumapi tsi y asaami nathi nawakanakosabal i kat . " Whatar ey out wot al ki ngabout ? "Kunotnoongt anoongni y a. " Wal al ang. "Mabi l i skongsagot ." Yngr i dher ewasj ustent er t ai ni ngme. "Sabikonal ang.Ki t angki t akongnagbagoanghi t sur ani Zach.Bi nal i nganni y asi Yngr i d.

" Magusapt ay o. "Sabini y a.Ki nabahanakosat onongpananal i t aniZach.Kakai ba.Par angmay t i nat agonggal i t .Hi ndit ul adnoonnamal umanayl angangpangungusapni y a.He' smad.He gr abbedYngr i d' sar mt aposaybumal i ngsaaki n. " I ' l lbeback,baby . "Hesai d.Ngumi t isi y a-i sangpi l i tnangi t i .Pi nanoodkosi l ahabangpapal ay o si l asaaki n.Hi ndiakonakat i i s, sumunodr i nako.Isawt hem st andi ngout si deofZach' sdr essi ng r oom. " Anongsi nabi mokay , Yza? "Tanongni y apa.Namay wangsi Yngr i d. " Ij ustt ol d-oh!Ij ustr eal i zed.Si st erni Yzai y ongf i r stgi r l nanaki t akosaapar t mentmonanaked! Ohmygoodness, Zach!I ' m goi ngt osampal y ouandmakesi pai y ongeggs! " Si st erni Yza. . . SiYna?Yngr i dsaw hernakedonhi sapar t ment ?Mywhol ebodyshookwi t hpai n.Hi ndiako nakar amdam nggal i t .Sady angtnasakt anl angako.Maynangy ay ar ibasakani l aniYnahabang wal aako?Di dher eal l yl ookedf orme?Di di tt ookhi mt hatl ongt of i ndmekasinahi hi r apansi y ao dahi l ay awni y anal angt al agaakongmaki t a? Al am kongwal aakongkar apat angmagal i t .Hesl eptwi t hsomeoneel se-mat at anggapkoi y on. Hi ndini y aakoni l okonoon-gi nawani y asi gur oi y ongaf t erf i ndi ngoutwhathappenedt oHect or andI .Iwant edt ocr y .Ganoonsi y akagal i tsaaki ndahi l sanangy ar i ? " Yza. . . "Tawagni y a.Pi ni l i tkongngumi t i kahi tnagust okonangmagwal a. " Okayl angako.Justt akey ourt i me. "Ismi l edathi m.Tumal i kodako.Hi ndikoal am kung hi nahabolni y aakoohi ndi .Wal aakongnar i r i ni gnakahi tnaanonangmgaor asnai y on.Ang gust okol angaymakal ay o.I ni i si pkonggust okongmagal i tsakany aper osi nasampalakong kat ot ohanannawal aakongkar apat angmagal i tdahi lakonamanangnaunanggumawang kal okohan.Isl eptwi t hHel i oskahi tnacommi t edakokayZach.Idi dt hatdespi t et hef actt hat we' r et oget her .Iwant edt obr eakdownandcr y . It ookmyphoneoutandcal l edNi ki t a.Hi ndikokay angmakausapsiZachngay on." Hel l o? "Ihear d Ni ki ' sv oi ceont heot herl i ne. " Ar ey ouwi t h, Yt o? "I y onangunakongt anong.Ay okongmaki t angkapat i dkoangpagi y akko. " Yes, Yza.He' sasl eep.Why ? " " Ni ki , Ineedmybestf r i end. "It ol dher .Ni ki t asi ghed. " Wher ear ey ou?I ' l l pi cky ouupr i ghtnow, Yza.Don' tmov e! "Sheexcl ai med. " I ' m out si deSky l and, Ni ki t a.Pl easebef ast . " Iendedt hecal landst oodout si de.Fi f t eenmi nut esl at er ,Ni ki t a' spi nkhel l oki t t ycarpar kedi n f r ontofme.Wal angt anong,sumakayako.Isatont hepassenger ' sseatandl ookedather .Her hai rwasamessandshe' swear i ngYt o' sshi r tandboxer ' s. " God, Ni ki t a! " " What ? "Pi nanl aki hanni y aakongmat a." Hel l o?Sabikodi baasf astasIcoul d, al angannamanna magasf astasIcoul dakot aposmagdedr ess!Si y empr ehi nabl otkonal angsasahi gi y ong dami tni Yt oko!Her eoh, smel l mopa!Angbangot al agangYt oko! "

" Toomuchi nf or mat i on! "Si gaw ko.Nat awasiNi ki t a.Napangi t inamanako.Kahi tpaanoay gumaanangpaki r amdam ko.Seei ngNi ki t aandbei ngwi t hhermakesmef or gett het houghtof ZachandYna.Shedr ov ef astagai n.Dumaankamisai sangconv eni encest or e.Bumi l isi y ang i sanggal l onngcooki esandcr eam atmul i ngbumal i ksasasaky an.Wedr ov eagai n.Ir eal i zedt hat Ni ki t awi l l t akemet oourpl aceagai n. Maysecr etpl acekami .Thehi l lov er l ooki ngt heci t y .Nangmakar at i ngkamidoonaybumabasi Ni ki t adal aangi cecr eam. " I cecr eam i sal way sgoodaf t ersex. "Wal anghabasnasabi ni y a. " Youdor eal i zet hati t ' smyt wi nbr ot herwe' r et al ki ngaboutsopl ease,Ni ki t a,st op. "Wi kako. Nat awasi y asaaki n.Bi nuksanni y aangi cecr eam atbi ni gy anakongkut sar a. " Spi l l ,Yza.Whatwi t hy ouandZD. "Shesi ghed." He' sl ooki ngabi tsi ni st ert hepastf ewday sand hemadey oucr y .Magsi si sinabaakoatsi y aangnagi ngmanokkonoon? "Tanongni y asaaki n. " Dapatbasi Xander ? "Sheaskedagai n.Isi ghed. " Hesl eptwi t hanot herwomanandIt hi nkhe' shav i nganaf f ai rwi t hYna. "Mahi nangwi kako. Ni ki t ast oppedwhat ev ershei sdoi ng.Shel ookedatme. " Hat aki nkokay ai y ongngal angal aniZachar yDr ew!Yza! "Shecal l ed.Bi gl aakongnapahagul gol . Ni y akapni y aako." Yza,wagkangmagi ngweak!Angpr obl emasa' y omasy adokangmabai t ! Away i nmosi Zach! " " Hi ndi pwede. "Humahagul gol nasabi ko." Ni ki , hi ndi pwede. " " At ebaki thi ndi ?Anoi y on?Fi est a? !KungsiYt okapagt umi t i ngi nsai bangbabaeatngumi ngi si nangi ngi ni gangkal amnanko,siZachpakay a!Tat akansanoongConsunj iMar k!Shi t !Nangi gi l ako!Wagkangangumi y ak!Kakal buhi nkosi ZD! " " Hi ndi pwede, Ni ki t a. "Sabi kongmul i .Lumay oakosakany a." Akonamanangnauna. " " Anongi kawangnauna? "Herey eswi dened." Yousl eptwi t hsomeoneel se? ! "Si gawni y a. " I t ' swasn' tl i ket hat . "Ihel dbackt hesobs." He. . . "It ookadeepbr eat h." Iwasr aped, Ni ki t a. " Ni ki t agasped.Napai y akdi nsi y at ul adko." Al am baniYt o? "Tanongni y a.Tumangoako." Hi ndi ni y asi nabi !Yza. . . "Shet r i edhuggi ngmebutIdi st ancedmy sel f ." Butt het hi r dt i me-Igav ehi m my sel fbecauseIwant edt obef r ee.Isl eptwi t hhi mi nexchangeofmyf r eedom.Zachknewt hat . Hesai dhef or gav emebutst i l l . . . "Tumi ngi nakosakany a." Ni ki angsaki t . " Ni y akapni y aako.Hi nay aanni y aakongumi y akl angnangumi y ak.Wal aakongkar apat angmagal i t kayZachdahi lakoangunangnagkamal i .Kahi tmasaki t , hi ndikosi y at at anungi n, kahi tnaanong gawi n ni y angay on hi ndisi gur o ako pwedeng magal i t .Ako ang maykasal anan kung baki t nagbagosi Zach. " Kakausapi nkosi ZD. " " Huwag. "Umi i y akpar i nako. " Anongwag!Dammi t , Yza!Anoi y an?Papanoor i nki t angmasakt an?Kai bi ganmoako!I fy oucoul d st andupf ormei nf r ontofy ourownt wi nbr ot her-Iwi l lst andupf ory oui nf r ontofhi m andIwi l l f ucki ngki l l hi m -orr at her-askYt ot oki l l hi mf orme.Masi si r aangmganai l sko. "

Umi l i ngako." Don' tev ert el l , Yt o. " Asi foncuebi gl angt umunogangcel l phoneniNi ki t a.Nahagi pngmat akoangpangal anniYt o. Sheputhi m onspeaker . " Nasaanka?Sabikoay okongnagi gi si ngngwal aka. "Gal i tsiYt o.Napangi t iako.Ni ki t ashookhi s head. " Anghar dmo, Yt oko.Ij ustneededsomei cecr eam.Uuwi anki t a, mat ul ogkanaul i t , okay ? "Hi ndi napi nat agal ni Ni ki t aangphonecal l .Sheendedt hecal l andl ookedatme. " Yza,whatwi l lIdot oy ou.Comeher e. . . "Shehuggedmeagai n.Hi nay aanl angakoniNi kina umi y aksabal i katni y a.Iwassoscar ed.Ay okongmawal asiZach.Iwasbi t i ngmyl i p.Ngay onpa l ang,al am naal am kona-ourr el at i onshi pi sont her ocksandIwant edt osav ei t .Iwanthi mt o bewi t hme. . . I l angsandal iayt umi gi lnar i nako.IaskedNi ki t at ot akemehome.Nangmai par kni y aangkot se ni y asat apatngmansy onaybi nal i nganni y aako. " I t ' l l bebet t er . "Ngumi t i si y a.Iki ssedhercheekt aposaybumabaako.Ni ki t adr ov eaway .Papasok naakongbahaynangmar i ni gkoangpangal anko.IsawKat hr y nast andi ngneart het r ee. " Anonggi nawamodi t o? "Iaskedher .Lumapi tsi y asaaki n.Humahangosatmukhangal al angal al a. " Yza.Ki nuhani l asi Si r . " Mymi ndr aced.Ki nuha?Si nongki nuha? " Si Hect Hel i os. . . "Sabi ko.Kat h' st ear sf el l . " Yourf at hert ookhi m.Bi nar i l ngmgat aongt at aymosi Si r . " Mywor l dcr ashedandIknowwhy-j ustl i ket hat-Iknowwhy . . .

Mahal konasi Hect or-mahal kosi y aati y onangt ot oo.Per ohi ndi komat anggap.

18.Letmebet heone

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Icoul dn' tgetov ermyr eal i zat i on.Il i eawaket hatni ghtst i l l t hi nki ngaboutmyf eel i ngf orZachand Hect or-Icoul dn' tev encal lhi m Hel i osany mor e.Par abanghi ndinakay angt anggapi nngpusoat ngi si pankonasi y asiHel i os-t hemanwhov i ol at edme.Il ov ehi m per ohi ndikomat anggap. I l ang beses kong t i nanong ang sar i l iko kung baki tko nagawang mahal i n ang t aong l umapast angansaaki n.Per okahi tanongi si pko,wal ana.Ihav ef al l eni nl ov ewi t hhi m.AndI coul dn' tdoany t hi ngabouti tbutcr yandl etmyf eel i ngshur tme. Mahal kosi Hect orper onasasakt anakodahi l ay okosi y angmahal i n.Ay oko.Hi ndi t ama.Nandi di r i akosasar i l i kodahi l sapagmamahal nanar ar amdamankosakany a.Ay oko.Ay oko. Per okasabayngpandi di r ikoayanghi ndimai pal i wanagnapagaal al angnar ar amdamanko.The momentKat hr y nal ef tIl etmyt ear sf el l .Kani napaakoi y aknangi y akathi ndinaakomakahi nga. I ni i si pkokungpaanonawal anal angbast aangpagmamahalkopar akayZach?Wal anamang i pi naki t angmabut isaaki nsiHect orper obaki tmahalkosi y a?Iwi pedmyt ear s.Ihear dsome f oot st eps.Agadakongt umay o.Mal akasangpaki r amdam konasi Tat ay angdumat i ngnangor as nai y on.Lumabasakongkwar t oatnaki t akosi y angpapasokpal angsar oom ni l ani Nanay .

" Tat ay ! "Ical l edhi m.Hest oppedandf acedme.Hi sexpr essi onsof t ened.Ti ni ngnanni y aakonang mayngi t i sal abi .Hewal kedt owar dsmeandki ssedmyf or ehead. " Baki tgi si ngkapa,dal aga? "Heaskedme.Ij ustsmi l ed.Paanokot at anungi nkungnasaansi Hect or ?Al am kongmaygi nawasiTat aysakany a.Knowi nghi m andhi m knowi ngwhatr eal l y happenedwhi l eIwaswi t hHect orsomehow t el l smet hatIshoul dn' taskquest i onsper onagaal al aako. " Tat ay . . . "Ibi tmyl owerl i p.Magsasal i t apasanaakonangbi gl akongnar i ni gangbosesniYna. She' sf r ant i c. " Baki tmoi y ongi nawa? ! "Si gawni y a.Webot hl ookedather .Shewascr y i ng.Nakasunodsakany a siYl l akatsiYv o-gal i tsiYv ohabangsiYl l akaymukhangnagaal al a.Ni l api t anniYnasiTat ay . " Baki tmoi y ongi nawa? ! " " Yna! "Si gawko. " Si nakt anmosiKuy a!Baki t ?Wal akabat al agangpuso!Kapat i dkosi y a! "Si gawniYnakayTat ay . Nanl aki angmgamat ako.Hi nat akni Yv oangbr asoni Yna. " Wal akasal ugar !Wagmongsi si gawansiTat ay ! "SabipaniYv o.Pi l i tkumawal asiYnasahawak ni Yv o. " Wal anamannakakai nt i ndi !Kapat i dkosiHect or !Mahalkosi y aper osi nasakt anni ny osi y apar a l ang sa babaeng i y an!Ano bang gi nawa niKuy a?He r aped her ?I y on l ang!Paano kay o nakaksi gur onahi ndi gust oni Yzai y on! " Lahatkami aynagul atnangbi gl angsampal i nni Tat aysi Yna.Nat i gagal si y a. " Sancho! "Il ookedatNanay .Kal al abasni y al angngsi l i d.Di nal uhanni y asiYnanai y aknangi y ak nangmgasandal i ngi y on. " Tot oonaman! "Si gawpar i nni y a." Kahi tkai l ansiat el angangpi napabor ansabahaynai t o!Noon t ahi mi kl angako,i ni i si pkonakapat i dkosi y aper onoongnal amankongamponako,ev er y t hi ng becamecl ear .I ' m cr ap.Kapagnandy ansi y a,wal aako.Kahi tbakai l anmaynakai si psai ny ona t anungi nakokunganonggust oko? " " Wehav egi v eny ouev er y t hi ng,Yna.I sn' tt hatenough? "Mal ungkotnat anongniNanay .Ynaj ust l ookedather . " Mat er i alt hi ngsar en' teenough.Kahi tnaanonggawi nkohi ndikonamanmakukuhangbuoang pagmamahalniTat ay ,Nanay .Henev erl ookedatmet hewayhel ookedatat e. "Nal ul uhangsabi ni y a. " Yna. . . "Tawagko. " Ynat umahi mi kkana! "Si gawni Yl l ak.Umi l i ngsi Yna. " Aal i snamannadapatkaminiKuy aHect or .UuwinakamisaGr eece. Doonkami ngdal awa. Mabai tnamansi y at at ay ,sanapakawal anni ny onaangkapat i dko.Aal i skami ngdal awaathi ndi namanggugul opa. " Humahagul golnasabini y a.Napai y aknar i nsiNanay .Tumal i kodsi y apar apumasoksal oobng si l i d.Si nundankosi y a.Isaw hersi t t i ngont hebedwi pi nghert ear s.Ni l api t ankosi y aatsaka ni y akap.Humagul gol si Nanay-i sasamgabagaynapi nakaay okosal ahat .Mahal namahal kosi

Nanayatkahi tkai l anhi ndi konagust uhanangpagi y akni y a. " Maymal iba, Yza? "Sheaskedme." Il ov edYnawi t hal lmyhear t .Mahalr i nsi y angTat aymoper o baki tnangy ay ar isapami l y anat i ni t o? "Shewasaski ngme.I ' m sur eshewasquest i oni ngherf ai t h agai n.Icar essedherback.Iwant edt ocomf or therbutIj ustwasn' tsur ehow. " I -Ij ustdon' twantt ol oseher . . . " Akodi n.Ay okongmawal asiYna.Hi nay aankongumi y aksiNanay .Hi ndinagt agalaypumasoksi Yv osasi l i datt i nawagako.Si y anamanangt umabikayNanay .SabiniYv o,gust oakong makausapniTat ay .Iwentt ohi spr i v at eof f i ceandi nt her e-Isaw hi m puf f i ngaci gar et t e.I cl ear edmyt hr oatt ogethi sat t ent i on.Ngumi t i si y asaaki n. " Tay . . . "Ti nawagkosi y a.Het ookadeepbr eat h. " I twasmyi deat ot akehi m Yza. "Pani mul ani y a." Hi ndiakopapay agnabast anal angsi y a makul ong-Icandot hat-y ouknowhowr ut hl essIam.Icanhav ehi m behi ndt hebar si nj usta ni ckoft i meper oay oko.Gust okosi y angmaghi r aphanggangsasi y anami smoanghumi l i ngsa aki nnapat ay i nkonal angsi y a. "Tat aypaused.Bi gl asi y angumupo.IgaspedwhenIsawat ear escapedf r om hi sey e.Ibi tmyl owerl i p. Tat aynev ercr i ed.I t oi y ongunangpagkakat aonnanaki t akosi y angumi y ak.Angt ahi mi kna paghi kbi ni Tat ayaynapal i t anngpaghagul gol .Napai y aknar i nako. " Ij ust . . .Ij ustcoul dn' tacceptt hef actt hatIcoul dn' tdoany t hi ngf ormyl i t t l egi r l . "Hewassobbi ng har d.Nanuy oangl al amunanko. I sai t osamgadahi l ankungbaki thi ndikomagawangt anggapi nangpagmamahalkopar akay Hect or .Hi ndi nal angnamanakoangnasasakt anngay onkundi pat i nar i nangmgamagul angko. Dahandahankongni l api t ansiTat ayatni y akap.Hej ustkeptonapol ogi zi ngt omeandIj ust st oodt her e.Mywhol ebodywasshaki ng. " Tay ! "Tat aywi pedhi st ear swhenhet hedooronhi sof f i cef l ungopen.I ni l uwanni y onsiYl l ak. " Tay , si Yna.Shel ef t . " Mymout hpar t ed.Hi ndikoal am kungi l angbeseskongkai l anganmasakt ansal oobngar awna i y on.Ihadt hr eehear tachest oday-f i r sti swhenIf oundoutt hatZachsl eptwi t hanot hergi r l , secondi swhenIr eal i zedt hatI ' mi nl ov ewi t hHect orandt het hi r donei s, seei ngmypar ent scr y . Iact ual l ydon' tcar eaboutYnar i ghtnow-I ' m wor r i edbutI ' m mor ewor r i edaboutNanay .She' l l her hear tbr okenandshe' l l besad. Tat aydi dn' tsayany t hi ng.Ij usthear dhi m si gh, mi nut esl at er , Ihear dhi mt al ki ngt ohi sphone. " Rel easehi m. " Ibi tmyl owerl i p. I sal angangi bi gsabi hi nni t o. Mal ay anasi Hect orper owal anasaami npat i si Yna.

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" Zach, don' ty ouev enr emembermyname? " Iwasn' tr eal l ypay i ngat t ent i ont ot hewomanwhowasgi v i ngmeahead.Shewasbi t i ngherl i p.I wasl ooki ngatherbutI ' m seei ngYza.SiYza-Ir eal l yl ov eherbutt hi ngsj ustcan' tf al li nt opl aces r i ghtnow.Thewomani nt hemi ddl eofmyl egsopenedhermout hagai nandputmyl engt hi nsi de ofherwetmout hy .Ishookmyhead.It r i edt oconcent r at e.Sexusedt ocal m medown-butr i ght now-i tj ustdoesn' twor k. Iwant edt oseeYza.Gust okosi y anghabul i nkani naper ohi ndikonagawa.Yngr i dki ssedmeand t hi ngsgotmessy .Dumat i ngi y ongasawani y aatnasapakako.Iwasr eal l ypi sseddahi lhi ndiko nasundansi Yzaathi ndi koal am kunganongnangy ar i sakany a. " St op. "Ior der edher .Tumi gi lsi y a.Shel ookedatme.Ist oodupandpul l edmypant sup.Il ooked atmywat ch-i t ' st wot hi r t yi nt hemor ni ngandI ' m st i l lwonder i ngwher et hehel li smygi r l f r i end. Umuwiakonasi y aangnasai si p.Hi ndiakonagsasal i t a.Hi ndikor i nal am kunganongi i si pi nko. Gust okongt anungi nkunganongi ni i si pni y aatkungbaki tsi y aumal i s.Anobakasi ngsi nabini Yngr i dsakany a?Isi ghedwhenIr eal i zedt hatt her ewasabi gpossi bi l i t yt hatYngr i dt ol dYzawhat shesaw-may beshet ol dYz at hatshesawYnaandknowi ngYza,bakakunganonaangi ni si p noon. Ist oppeddeadwhenIsawaf i gur est andi ngi nf r ontofmydoor .I t ' st wot hi r t yi nt hemor ni ngand Inev err eal i zedt hatshe' l l beher e. " Zach. . . "Tawagni y asaaki n.Shewal kedt owar dsmeandhuggedmet i ght l y .Icl osedmyey es andhuggedherback.Yza-myYza-myl i f e-myhappi ness.Idon' tev erwantt ol oseheragai n. " Baby , I ' m sor r y . "Iwhi sper edt oher .Yzanodded.Hi nawakankoangkamayni y aatpumasokkami sal oobnguni tko.Shewasst i l l hol di ngmyhand.Naupokami sasof aatsakasi y amul i nghumi l i g saaki n. " Ay okosabahay . "Shesai d." Ay okot al aga. "Shewascr y i ngagai n.Ij ustsatwi t hherandpl ay ed wi t hherhai r . " Inev ersl eptwi t hYna. "Bi gl akongsi nabi .Hi ndisi y anagsal i t a." Naghubadsi y asahar apanko, Yza.Yngr i dsawherbutnot hi ngev erhappenedt omeandher .Par akonasi y angkapat i d. " " Hi ndi . . .hi ndinamanakonagt at anong. "Mahi nangwi kani y a.Hi ndinaakonagsal i t a.Wej ustsat wi t h each ot herand wai t ed f orsomet hi ng t o happen.Masay a na ako sa gani t o.I y ong magkasamakami-i y ongkat abikosi y aatt ahi mi kkami .Kahi ti l angbesessi y angmagkamal iay t at anggapi nkosi y a-kahi ti l angbesessi y angmagdudasapagmamahalkopar asakany a, t at anggapi nkosi y adahi l si y aangbuhaykoatmahal namahal kosi y a. " Il ov ey ou, Yza. . . "Sabi kosakany a.Whatshesai dnextshockedme. " Zach, makel ov et ome. " Sl owl y ,It i l t edmyheadt oher .Shewasl ooki ngatmewi t hsomuchi nt ensi t yi nherey es. Naghahanapakongpagdududasamgamat ani y aper owal aakongnaki t a.Shesl owl ybenther headf or war d. " Youhear dme.Makel ov et ome, Zach. "Nai i y aknasabi ni y a." Takeme. . . " Mymout hpar t ed.Idi dn' tev enneedt ot hi nk.Ij usthadt omov e.Ipul l edhercl osert oki ssherand sheki ssedmebackwi t ht hesamepassi on.Herhandswentst r ai ghtt omybut t onsandst ar t ed unbut t oni ngmyshi r t .Yza' ski sseswer ef i er yhot-Ij ustmi ssedhowsheki ssedmel i keshewas

act ual l yaf r ai dofl osi ngme. Imi ssedherbei ngl i ket hi st ome-aggr essi v eanddemandi ng-i y onangYzako.Ihel dherwai st .I madeherl i eonherbackandst ar t edundr essi ngher .Bawathapl osngkamaykoaysi nusundan konghal i k.I nmyhead-Iwant edt oer aseHel i os'mar konherbody .Iwant edhert oknowt hat she' smi neandnomat t erwhathappens-we' l lbet oget her-nomat t erhow f uckedupour r el at i onshi pwi l l be. Amoanescapedf r om herl i psasIt ookoneofherni ppl esi nmymout h.Myhandt r av el l eddown her .Hermout hpar t edabi twhenshef el tmecar essi nghersacr edpar t .Iwasj ustl ooki ngather asIdoal l t hoset hi ngst oher .Iwanthermi ne. Iwanthersomuch. " Zach,ohhh. . . "Shewasmoani ng.Iwasr eal l yhappy .Shewasmoani ngandgr oani ngmyname. Mi neal one.Wal angi bangl al aki .Akol ang.Aki nsi y aatkahi tkai l anayhi ndi namababagoi y on. Ipul l edmypant sdownandposi t i onedmy sel fi nt hemi ddl eofher .Ihel dherwai st . " Baby , Il ov ey ou. "It ol dherasIent er edher .Shegaspedabi t ." Il ov ey ou, Yza.Somuch.Il ov ey ou, baby . " " Baby . . . "Shewhi sper ed.Isawt ear scomi ngdownonherey es.Shebi therl owerl i p.Hi nanapkong mul iangi nt ensi dadnanaki t akokani nasakany angmgamat aper owal anai y on,napal i t anna i y onngi baatay okongbi gy anngpangal an. Ikeptonmov i ng.Iwasr eal l yhappy .Fi nal l y , I ' m doi ngt hi swi t ht hewomanIl ov ewi t hal l myhear t . She' snov i r gi nbutf ormei t ' sst i l lt hesame.Herv i r gi ni t ywon' tev erdef i net hewayIl ov eher .I l ov eherandt hatwasal l t hatmat t er s. Il ov eher .Ir eal l ydo. If el therr el ease.Iwant edt okeepst i l lbutIj ustcoul dn' tany mor e.It hr usthar dandl etmy sel f comei nsi deher .Af t ert hat ,Iki ssedherpassi onat el y .Sheki ssedmebackbutIf el tl i kei tl acked emot i on. Il ookedather .

" Pl ease, Yza. . .Letmebet heone. . . "

19.Tur nmy sel f

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Iwokeup.YesIdi d.I twasn' tadr eam.IwokeupandI ' m st i l lal i v e.Themenwhoabduct edme l ef tmei nt hemi ddl eofnowher ewi t hmywoundsst i l lbl eedi ng.May beIr eal l ydeser v et hi s-Iam ademonandbei nghur tl i ket hi ssui t sme.Al am konghi ndiakomapapat awadngmgaConsunj i l al onangamaniYzadahi lsagi nawakosakany a.Iknowf oraf actt hathewant edsomucht o ki l lmeathi ndikoal am kungi kat ut uwakobaangkat ot ohanannabi nuhayatpi nakawal anko kahi tnahi ndi koal am kungnasaanako. Lumi koakoatpagl abaskoaynapansi nkoangpagdami dami ngsasaky an.Iam i nt heci t yagai n. IknowIl ookl i keacr eepbutIdon' tcar e.Ineededt ogetback.Ineededt r ocal lsomeonebutI don' thav eany t hi ngwi t hmer i ghtnow.Ihav emy sel fbutt hatwasn; tenough.Ikeptonwal ki ng,I wasl osi ngmybr eat h.Paki r amdam kosabawathakbangnakukuni nkoaymamamat ayako. Napasandalakosapader .Icl osedmyey esandt r i edt ocat chmybr eat h.Asi foncue-Icl osed

myey esandIsawherf aceagai n-Yz a' sf aceandt hewayshel ooksatt heboy-i thur t ssomuchmor et hant hef actt hatIhav ebeenhel dcapt i v ebyherf at herandheruncl esf orday s.Maskay a kopangt anggapi nnal angangkamat ay ankay saangkat ot ohanannakahi tnagaanokosi y a kamahal-y esIdol ov eher .I fIwer eawi zar dofOzchar act er-I ' dbet het i nman-t heonewi t hout t hehear t-andIgr ew myhear tnotbecauseoft hewi t chbutbecauseofYzaConsunj iandno mat t erhowcomf or t i ngt hatt houghti s: i t ' sj ustnotenough. Il ov eherandt hemostpai nf ulpar tofl ov i ngsomeonei sseei ngt hem happywi t ht heper sont hey l ov e. " Kuy a! " Wal anaakongmai nt i ndi han.Nar i r i ni gkoangmgabosesnai y on-bosesngmgabat anghi ndiko al am kungsaannagmul aper oal am kongni l api t anni l aako.Nakauponaakongay onsasi dewal k atpi l i thumi hi ngakahi tpaki r amdam koayunt i unt i nangki nakaposnghangi nangpusoko. " Mama, okaykal ang? ! " " Tul ong!Tul ong! " I y onang mgasal i t ang nar i r i ni g ko.Unt i unt iayhumi hi naang t unog sapal i gi d.Par abang nakakat ul ogako.Par abanghi ndikonaal am kungsaanakopupunt aokunganongmangy ay ar i saki nabukasan.Hi ndikonat al agaal am -angt angi ngmal i nawl angsaaki nayangkat ot ohanan naangmukhani y aatangpagmamahalkosakany aangt angi ngbagaynamaaar i ngmagi ng dahi l anngsusunodkongbuhayper oangpagmamahalnanar ar amdamankosakany aatang pagmamahal nanar ar amdamanni y apar asai baangpapat aysaaki nsabuhaykongay on. Ij ustwi shedIcoul dgobackandchangedt hewayIt r eat edher .Ishoul d' v ebeenmor ecar ef ul .I shoul d' v ebeenmor er espect f ul .Ishoul d' v ebeenamuchbet t erper son-si gur okungganoonnga angnangy ar iokungganoonanggi nawakop-masmayt sansaakosakany a-par asakany apar asaami ngdal awaper owal a. Icannev erchanget hewayIt r eat edher .Ihav ev i ol at edherandIdon' tknowwhatt odot omake t hewr ongt hi ngsr i ghtagai n. IknowbutIdon' tknowhowt oorwher et ost ar t . . . I fonl yIcoul d. Iwokeupt hatmor ni ngandIr eal i zedt hati twasn' tadr eam.She' swi t hme-bymysi desl eepi ng l i keal i t t l eki dwhi l eIl ookather .Masay aakodahi lsi y aangkasamako.Masay aakodahi lal am kongakoangpi ni l ini y a-masay aako.Iki ssedherf or ehead,Iki ssedhercheeks.Iwant edt o wakeherup-Iwanthert oseeme-Iwanthert or eal i zet hatIam t heonef orher-t heonl yonewal angi bangchoi ce-wal angi bangt ao-akol ang. Gust okongmar eal i zeni y anasiYzaJoanaypar al amangkayZachar yDr ew-t hatf i r stl ov el ast s -t hatnomat t erwhatshedi dorwhathappened-shewi l lal way sbemydearYza-t heonewho mademef eel t het hi ngsInev ert houghexi st edbef or e.Myf i r stl ov eandmyl ast . Shest i r r edabi t .Dahandahanni y angi bi nukasangkany angmgamat a.Ngumi t iako." Good mor ni ng, baby . "It ol dher .Yzagav emeaweaksmi l e.Shel ookedar oundt her oom andsi ghed. " Ineedt ogohome, Zach. "Mahi nangsabini y a.Napangi t inal angako.Gust okopasanangmagusapkami ngdal awa.Gust okongmagkal i nawankami ngdal awaper okunghi ndipasi y ahanda-

hi ndikosi y api pi l i t an.Iwi l lbepat i ent l ywai t i ngf orhert ogetr eady .Al am kongnakakar amdam si y angi nhi bi t i onsper ogust okongi par amdam sakany anaangnangy ar i saami naywal angkaso -whathappenedl astni ghtwasv er yspeci al .Il ov edev er ymomentofi t . Ihav esl eptwi t hot herwomenbef or ebutInev erf el twhatIf el tl astni ght .I twasasi fabi ghol ei n myhear thadbeencl osedandt hati sal l becauseofher . Dal i dal isi y angt umay o.Pi nul otni y aangkany angmgadami tatsakapumasoksabat hr oom. Nagbi hi snar i nnamanako.Naghi nt ayakosakany a.Hi ndinagt agalayl umabasnasi y ang bat hr oom.She' sgoodasnew. Ismi l ed." Let ' sgo. . . "Nakangi t i ngsabiko.Nakat ungosiYzanai nabotangkamayko.Mal ami g i y on-mar ahi lKi nakabahansi y a.Lumabaskaminguni tko.Hawakkopar i nangkamayni y a. Gust okosi y angkausapi nper odahi l hi ndi si y anagsasal i t aayhi ndi nar i nakonagsabi . Sumakaykami sakot se.Napakat ahi mi kngbuongby ahe.Al am ko-nar ar amdamankonahi ndi na si y aangYzako.Hi ndi nasi y asaaki natal am kongmal al i m angi ni i si pni y a.Gust okongmal aman kunganongnasaut akni y a.I i wannabani y aako?Kungi i wannani y aakobaki t ?Hi ndipabaako sapatpar asakany a?Mahalkosi y a.Al am kongmahalni y aako.Maymgabagayl angnanangy ar i nanagi ngdahl i angpagkal i t oni y aper oal am kongmahal ni y aako.Mahal paakoni Yza. " Mahal ki t a. "Mahi nangsabi ko.I ni hi nt okoangkot sesat apatngbahayni l a.Shedi dn' tsayawor d. Il ookedbackather .Naki t akongnakakuy om angmgapal adni y aatmul asakany angmgamat a aymayt umul ongmgal uha. " Yza. . . "Tawagko.Dahandahansi y angl umi ngonsaaki n.Shewasbi t i ngherl i p.Hi l am nangl uha angkany angmgamat a. " Zzach. . . "Shest ar t ed.Kabangkabaako." ZachI ' m sor r y . "Noonaynagt ul oyangpagi y akni y a. Nat ul al aako.Par angi sangl i bongpuny alangt umusoksadi bdi bko.Thr eewor dspal angang nasasabi ni y aaygumuhonaangbuongmundoko. " Zach,I ' m sor r y . , " Napahi kbisi y a.Napahawakakosamani bel a-mahi gpi t .Damangdamakosa di bdi bkoangsaki t . Paanongangbabaengmi nahal kongbuongpusokoayhi ndi naakoangmahal ngay on? " It r i ed. . .Idi d. . .Ipr omi sedIt r i edbutIj ustcoul dn' tany mor e. . . "Mul inanamangsi y anghumi kbi . " Mahal ki t a. . . . " " Per ohi ndi nasapatpar amakal i mut anmosi y a? "Mal ami gnat anongko. " Hi ndinasapat . . . "Shesai d.Idon' tknow i fherhonest yi smaki ngt hi ngshar doreasy-Ij ust coul dn' tt hi nkst r ai ghtany mor e. " Put angi na,Yza. "Iwhi sper ed." BI NABOYKANI YA!BI NABOYKANI YAper onagawamosi y ang mahal i n!PAANOMOMAMAHALI NANGI SANGTAONGNANAKI TSA' YOATSAPAMI LYAMO? ! " " Hi ndikoal am!May bebecauseIhav eseenhi sgoodsi de!Ihav eseenhi m wi t hYna!He' sagood br ot her !He' sagoodmanf orl ov i ngManangBi ni ngandt hepeopl ear oundhi m! " " Hei scr uel ! " " Iknow. . . " " Yzabaki t ? "Mahi nangt anongko.

" Gust uhi nkomangsagut i nper ohi ndikokay a. "Mahi nangwi kani y a." May bewe' r ej ustnotmeant t obe. . . "Sumi nghapsi y a. " Hi ndi . "Mat i gasnasabi ko." I bi gsabi hi nl angnoon, mababawangpagmamahal mosaaki n. " " Kungmababaw,baki tkoi bi ni gayangsar i l ikosa' y o? "Ti ni ngnanni y aako." Idi dt hatbecauseI want edt omakesur et hatIst i l l l ov ey ouper o" " Tangi na!Wagmonangi t ul oy ! "Si gawkosakany a. " Mahal ki t a, Zach" " Kungmahalmoako,mahalmoako,wal angt anong,wal angduda,akoangpi pi l i i nmokahi tna gaanokar ami ngbesesni ny opagi nawani Hel i osangbagaynai y on!Shef ucki ngr apedy ou! " " Hedi d!Akal amobat anggapko? !Hi ndikomat anggap! "Paosnasabini y a." Per oay okong masakt anka.Tamanai y on.Mahalmoakoati t onal angangt angi ngmagagawakopar asa' y o. . . angpal ay ai nka.Iowet hatt oy ou, Zachar y .I ' m sor r y . " Yzaopenedt hedoorandl ef t .Nai wanakosal oobngsasaky an.Iwaswat chi ngher-myl i f eas shel eav es.Unt i unt i akongnamamat ay . Hi ndikoal am.Per oangpagpapal ay akayZachar yDr ewangpi nakat amanggawi nsamgaor asna i y on.Ay oko nang makasaki t .Ay oko na si y ang masakt an.Al am kong hi ndina t ama ang pagmamahalkopar asakany akay akahi tal am kongmakakasaki tsakany aaygi nawakopi nal ay akosi y a-dahi l i y onangt amaatdahi l gust okosi y angmasay a. Idon' tdeser v ehi m orHect or .Idon' tdeser v eZachbecauseIf el loutofl ov ewi t hhi m.Idon' t deser v eHect orbecausehev i ol at edme-Ir eal i zedt hatIdon' tdeser v eanymanatal l .Ij ust want edt obehappynow.Kungpaanoakomagi gi ngmasay aayhi ndikoal am per oi sangpar aan doonangpagpapal ay akayZach. " Yza. . . "Bumukasangpi nt ongaki ngsi l i datmul adoonaypumasoksasi l i dko.Shewaswear i nga pi nkdr essandamat chi ngl i ghtpi nkshoes.Lumapi tsi y asaaki nathi nagkanakosapi sngi . I l angar aw nar i nangnakal i pasnangmangy ar iangnangy ar ikayZachathanggangngay onay wal aakongl akasngl oobpar ahar api nangl ahat .Gust okomunangmapagi sa. " Yza. . . "Tawagni Ni ki .Shesi ghed." Yzamagsal i t akanaman. " " Paanokonagawangmahal i nsi Hect or , Ni ki t a? "Tanongkosakany a.Shesi ghed.Hi nawakanni y a angkamayko. " Youl i v edi nanar t i f i ci alwor l d,Yza.Si y al angati kaw-kahi tnagaanosi y akasama-hi ndipar i n mapi pi gi l anangat t achmentnamar ar amdamanmosakany a.Youar eat t achedt ohi m -y ou' r e noti nl ov e. " " Iam at t achedt ohi m. "Sabi ko." AndI ' m al soi nl ov ewi t hhi m. " " You' r enot . " " YesIam. "Napahagul golako.I l angar awnaakongi y aknangi y akdahi ll angsakat ot ohananna mahal kosi Hect oratkahi tanonggawi nkoaypar anghi ndi mawawal ai y on.

" Yza. . . " " Isl eptwi t hZach, Ni ki , par amal amankokungmahalkopasi y aper owal a. "Umi y akako." Niwal a akongnar amdaman. "Iputmyhandsov ermymout h." Iwant edt of eelsomet hi ngbuti t ' sempt y . Not hi ng' si nt her eany mor eandIwant edsomucht ohav esomet hi ngper owal a.Anonggagawi n ko? " Yza. . . " Ni ki t ahuggedme." Anonggagawi nko? " " Kungmahal mosi Demi t r i , t heny ouknowwhatt odo.Youhav et of or gethi m. " Il ookedatNi ki t a.Shewascr y i ngt oo.Il ookedatherey esandIknowt hatshe' sr i ght .Ihav et o f or getHect or .Wal asi y angmai dudul otnamaganda. " Kuy a, kai l ant ay oaal i satpupunt asaGr eece?Ihav enev erbeeni nt her e. " Ngumi t iakohabangnakat i ngi nkayLei gh.Shewaspeel i ngt heappl eof f .Hi ndikomasy adong mat andaanangkwent okungpaanoni l aakonaki t asaospi t al .Lei ghknewaboutt heabduct i onKat hr y nat ol dher .Hi nanapdawni l aakosal ahatngospi t al angl ucki l y , shef oundme. Saaki nnasi y anakat i r a.IgotwhatIwant edany way-mysi st erandshel ov esmenow.Kungnoon nangy ar ii t o-si gur onagt at al onakosat uwaper osangay onkahi tnanandi t osiLei ghsat abikoi sal angangnai i si pko-si Yzapar i n. Hal osi l angar aw naangnakal i pasper onihi ndikosi nusubukangmaki bal i t asakani l a.Lei gh di dn' twantt ot al kaboutherf ost erf ami l y-sabini y aaygal i tsi y asamgai t o.Hi ndiakokumi bo. Wal aakongkar apat anpar adagdaganpaanggal i tnanar ar amdamanni y apar asamgai t o. TheConsunj i ' st r eat edherwel l .Iknowt hat .Yzanev erf or gott or emi ndme.Andseei nghernow, I knowt hatshei sagoodper son. Herpar ent sdi dwel l i nr ai si ngher . " Kuy a. . . "Tawagni y asaaki n." Hmp,i ni i si pmosiYzano?Wagmongi si pi ni y on.Masay ai y onkay Zach. "Sabini y asaaki n.Ngumi sil angako.Hi ndikoal am kungt amapabangmasakt anako. Mahal konamansi Yzaper owal aakongkar apat anpar amanghi ngi oumasa.Kahi tkai l anayhi ndi akoaasa. " Kuy a! " " Lei gh, aal i smunaako. "Paal am kosakany a.Ti naasanni y aakongki l ay .Ki nuhakoangbast onko -masaki tpar i nkasiangbi nt ikohanggangngay ondahi lsabal i ngt umamasaaki nnoongkuni n akongmgaConsunj i . " Saankapupunt a?Anongor askababal i k? "Sunod-sunodnat anongni y a.Ij ustsmi l ed.Tumay o akoathumar apsakany a.Gi nul okoangbuhokni y a. " Whi l eI ' m gonesiManangmunaangbahal asa' y o.Aal agaankanoon. "Sabiko.Ngumusosi y asa aki n. " Kungmagsal i t aakal amoaal i snangmat agal .Bumal i kkaagadha?Magl ul ut oakopar asa' y o, Kuy a! "Masay angsabini y a.Tumangoako.Tuwi ngt i nat awagni y aakongkuy aayganoonna l amangangpagl uksongpusoko.

Hi ndi naakokumi bo.Tumal i kodakoatl umabasngsi l i d.Nai wansi Lei ghdoon.Si nal ubongakoni Kat hnal umul uhapat i nar i nni ManangBi ni ng.Ij ustsmi l edatt hem.ManangBi ni nghuggedme. " Takecar eofher , Manang, pl ease. "Sabi ko. I ni wankosi l angl umul uha.Kasunodkoangdal awakongt auhan. " Si r ? " " Doonmuna. "Mahi nangut osko.Ti ni ngnankoangor asanko.I t ' st wot hi r t yi nt heaf t er noont r af f i cper ohi ndinamanganoonkat agalLumi pasangi l angsandalaynakar at i ngnakamisa v i l l agekungnasaanangmgaConsunj i .Gust okol angnamansi y angmaki t abagoakot ul uy ang umal i s. Atmukhangumaay onsaaki nangt adhanadahi l naki t akokaagadsi y asav i l l agepar k, nakaupoat t i l anagi i si p.I pi nahi nt okoangsasaky an.Dahandahanakongbumaba.Gust okosi y angmaki t a ngmal api t an. Hi ndi pamanakonakakal api tayt umi ngi nsi y asadi r eksy onko.Hi ndi koal am kungnaki t abani y a angpangungul i l asamgamat ako.Kunghal at abani y aangpaghahanapkosakany a. Tear sst ar t edf al l i ngi nherey es." Anonggi nagawamodi t o? "Tanongni y asaaki n.Anopanga bangsasabi hi nko? " Yza. . . "Ti nawagkosi y a.Nabi gl aakonangt umakbosi y asaaki naty umakap.I y aksi y anangi y ak. Nangi ngi ni gangbuoni y angkat awan. " Takemeaway , Hect or .Justf oronce, pl ease. . . "Hal osnagmamakaawaangbosesni y a.Hi ndina akonagi si p.I si nakaykosi y asakot seatmabi l i snai nut usanangdr i v erko.Hi ndikoal am kung anongbal akni Yzaokunganongt umat akbosai si panni y aper okungnai sni y angkuni nkosi y aay t al aganggagawi nko-makasamal angsi y angmul i . Nat agpuankoangami ngmgasar i l isal oobngi sangsi l i dsai sangf i v est arhot el .Theneedt obe wi t hherandt heur get obei nsi deheragai nj ustl i ket hel astt i mewewer et oget herenv el opedmy whol ebei ng.Imi ssedherandt het ast eofherl i ps,Imi ssedherandt hewar mt hofherski n.I mi ssedherandhermoansandt hewayshecal l sme: " Hect or . . . "Shewasbi t i ngherl i psasIt hr usti nsi deofher .Iwasj ustwat chi ngher .Herey esar eon mi neandshewassmi l i ng.Myhear tmel t ed.Shef i nal l ygav emeasmi l e-asmi l et hati sf ormy ey esonl y .Asmi l et hatIwi l l t akeasoneofmygoodmemor i es. If el therr el easeandmi necameaf t ert hat .Wel i edont hebed.Nott al ki ngt oeachot her-j ust f eel i ngt hewar mt hofournakedness-j ustbei ngcont ent edwi t hwhatwehav e. " Il ov ey ou. . . "If i nal l yhadt hecour aget osay .Il ookedather . " Mal i i t o. "Sabi ni y a. " Al am ko. "Mabi l i skongsagot .Wej ustey edeachot her .Ihuggedhercl oser .Iwasj ustey ei ngher asshef al l sasl eep.Ist ar edatherf ace-memor i zi ngev er y t hi ngf orIknowt hatt hi swi l l bet hel ast t i meI ' l l ev erseeher . Nangmasi gur okongt ul ognasiYzaaysakaakot umay opar amagbi hi s.Mul iakongl umabasng si l i d.

Naki t akoangdr i v eratbodyguar dkosal abasnanaghi hi nt aysaaki n." I t ' st i me. "It ol dt hem. Tumangosi l apar ehasati nal al ay anko.Sumakaymul i akosakot se. " Pagkat aposni t o, bal i kanni ny osi y aati hat i dsakani l a.Makesur et hatshe' ssaf e. " I y onangunangsi nabi komat aposhumi nt ongsasaky an.Hi ndi si l akumi bo.Ngumi t i nal angako. " I t ' sni cewor ki ngwi t hy ou. " Bumabaakongkot seatdahandahangl umakaspapasoksai sangl ugarnakahi tkai l anayhi ndi koi ni i si pnapupunt ahanko. " Goodaf t er noon,si r . "Bat isaaki nngl al aki ngnakakul ayasulnauni por me.Ngumi t isi y asaaki n. Tumangoako.

It ookadeepbr eat h." I ' m her et ot ur nmy sel fi n. "Mal i nawnasabiko." Icommi t edacr i me, of f i cer , atnandi t oakopar asumuko. "

20.I twi l l

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Thr eemont hsl at er . Myhear ti st hr obbi ngsof ast .Icoul dn' tev enf i ndt heai rIneedt obr eat h.Nakaupol angakosa i sangmahabangbangki t ohabangnaghi hi nt ay.Damakoangt i ngi nsaaki nngi bangt aosal oob ngl ugarnai y on.Hi ndikoal am kungdahi lkakai baakookungdahi lnaki l al ani l aako.Ist oodup r i ghtaf t erseei nghi m wal ki ngt owar dsme.Nakasuotsi y angkul aydal andangdami t-t hoseshi r t s t hepr i soner swear .Nakakunotangnooni y ahabangpapal api tsi y asaaki n.Nai kuy om konaman angmgapal adko. I nf r ontofmei st hemanwhohasst ol enev er y t hi ngawayf r om me. " Zachar yDr ew. "Bi nanggi tni y aangpangal ankonapar abangmaygal i tnanamuosakany ang l al amunan.Napangi siako.Baki tsi y amagagal i t ?Kungt ut uusi nakoangmaygal i tsakany a. Ki nuhani y asaaki nangpi nakai mpor t ant engbagaysabuhayko-angdahi l ankungbaki tako humi hi nga. " Baki tkanagpunt a?Ar ey ouenj oy i ngt hef actt hatIam behi ndbar s? "Sar kast i kongwi kani y a. Humi ngaakongmal al i m.Hect orSant i l l anorHel i osDemi t r i orwhat ev erhewant edt ocal l hi msel f -butf ormehe' sj ustt hedev i lwhost ol et hel ov eofmyl i f e-wasf oundgui l t ywi t houtr easonabl e doubt .Habambuhayangsent esy asakany a.Masay aakosakaal amangi y onper oangt ot oopar angpar ehol angkami ngnahat ul an-sakany apagkakakul ong,saaki naykamat ay andahi l hi ndi konamai babal i kpasi Yza. " YesIam. "Mahi nangwi kako. " Takeapi ct ur e, i twi l l l astl onger . "Wi kapani y a.Umi l i ngako. " Kul angpai t osagi nawamo, Hel i os. "I ni snasabiko." Ni nakawmoangl ahatsaaki n.SIYza, ang pagmamahal ni y aatangbuhayko.Hi ndi pasapatanghabambuhaynapagkakakul ongsa' y o. " " Oo,ni nakawkosiYza.Per okungmat al i nokaatkungmahalmosi y angt al aga,gagawanmong par aanangl ahat .I fsomet hi nggotst ol en, wi l l y oudoev er y t hi ngj ustt ot akei tback? " Hesai dt hosewor dsasi fhewaschal l engi ngme.Ist oodup.Ki nuwel y uhankosi y a.Napat i ngi n saami nangmgapul i satangi bangnar oonnadumadal awl angsapami l y ani l a.

" Angkapal ngmukhamo, demony oka! "Si gawkosakany a. " Makeherf al li nl ov eagai n,Zach. "Hesai dwhi l egr i t t i nghi st eet h.Nar amdamankoangmga kamayngi sangpul i ssabal i katko.Mayhumawaknar i nkayHel i os.Pi nagl ay okami ngdal awa. Hi ndi par i nakot umi gi l . " Ev eni fy oudi dn' tsayt hosewor ds.I ' l ldoi t !I ' l lmakeherf al lf orme!Justl i kewhatIpr omi sedt o herf at her ! "Gi gi lnagi gi lnasabiko.Il ookedathi m.Wal angekspr esy onangmababanaagsa mukhani y a." Hi ndi moal am kunganongpaki r amdam ngnawal an! " " Doy ouheary our sel f , Zach? "Hest ar t ed." Icoul d' v ebeenhappyl i v i ngi nGr eecebynow.Icoul d' v e donesomet hi ngt ot akeYzawi t hmeper onasaanbaako?I ' mi nj ai lpay i ngf orwhatIdi dt oher . Myf at heroncesai dt hatl ov emakesaper sonweak-andhe' sr i ght .Lov emakesaper sonweak. Yzai smyweaknessbutshei sal somyst r engt h.ShemademewhoIam.Shemademe r ememberwhoIwasandshemademer eal i zewhoIwantt obe.Kay akungsi nasabimona nawal anka,masmal akiangnawal asaaki n.Il ostmychancewi t hhert hatni ghtIv i ol at edher . Youhav ey ourchance, Zach-y ounev erl osti t-al ly ouhav et odoi swai t-kahi tgaanokakat agal maghi nt ay ,nandy ansi y a.Samant al angako,kahi tnagaanoakokat agalmaghi nt aywal ana.She wi l l nev erbewi t hme.She' l l nev erbemi ne. " Hi ndiakonakaki bo.Hel ookedatt hepol i ceof f i cerbehi ndhi m." Paki bal i knaako.I fev erhev i si t s agai n, wagni ny onal angakongpal abasi n. " Ti nal i kur anni y aako.Gust onggust okosi y angsakt anper onai si pkonawal anar i nnamang kwent adahi l l ahatngsi nabi ni y aayt ama.Hewi l l nev erhav eYza, hel osthi schanceathi m atako, mal akiangpagasako.MahalkosiYzaatkahi tgaanoakokat agalmaghi nt ay-maghi hi nt ayako par al angmakasamasi y a. Umal i sakosakul unganatdumi r et sosasasaky an.Hal ospal i par i nkoi y onpat ungosamansy on ngmgaConsunj i .Doon,hi nanapkosiYza.Gust okosi y angmakausap.I t ' sbeent hr eemont hs si nceIl astt al kedt oher .Hul ikosi y angnakausapnoongar awnabumabaanghat olkayHel i os. Ev er y onewasshockedbecausehewasf oundgui l t y .Iguesst hest at ementofManangBi ni ng hel pedal ot .Mar amiakongnar i r i ni gnoon-baki tdawnagwi t nesssiManangBi ni ngsamant al ang hal osanakanakannani t osi Hel i os. If oundYzasi t t i ngi nsi det hegazebo-par abangmal al i m angi ni i si pni y a." Yza. " She l ooked backatme.She smi l ed.Herey es wer et he same as bef or e.Wal a na i y ong kal ungkut an, wal anai y ongempt i ness.MyYzai sback. " Hel l o, Zach. "Shegr eet edme.It ookadeepbr eat handsatbesi deher .I nabotkoangkamayni y a. Wal angnagbago,mahalkopar i nsi y a.Si y apar i nnoon,ngay onatal am kongsi y apar i nsa hi nahar ap.Hi ndi nai y onmababago, nakasul atnakami ngdal awasat adhana. " Il ov ey ou. "I y onagadangl umabassabi bi gko.Shet ookadeepbr eat h.Bi nawini y aangkamay ni y asaaki n. " Zach. . . "Herv oi cewasabi tshaky ." WhatIt ol dy oubef or e, hi ndi nagbabagoi y on. " Myhear tbr okeagai n." Isety ouf r ee.Iowet hatt oy ouandIwon' tev enasky out obef r i endswi t h me.Justgoonwi t hy ourl i f e,Zach.Youdon' tdeser v eme.Idon' tdeser v ey ou.Mayi bangt ao pangmasnakakahi gi tsaaki n-i y ongt aongmamahal i nkanghi ndinal i l i t o. "Ngumi t isi y a.Naki t a kongnagunahannanamanangmgal uhasakany angmgamat a. " Pi ni pi l imopar i nsi y akahi tnabi naboykani y a. "I ni snai ni snasabiko." How cany oul ov e

someonel i kehi m! " " Idol ov ehi m, Zach.Butaf t eral lt hathappened, sat i ngi nmopi pi l i i nkopar i nsi y a? "Mar i i ngwi ka ni y a." I ' m set t i ngy ouf r ee.Thati senough.I ' m sor r y . "Mahi nangwi kani y asaaki n.Nat ul al aako. Howcanoneper sonbr eakmyhear tov erandov eragai n? Tumay oako.Il ef tt hemansi on.Inev erev enbot her edl ooki ngbackather .Ri ghtnowmyhear ti s br eaki ngathi ndi koal am kungkai l ant i t i gi l i y on. " Sohanggangkai l ankasaPr ague? " Ngi ni t i ankosiNi ki t a.I naay osnami nangmgagami tnadadal hi nkosaPr ague.I ' l lbel eav i ng t oni ght .I ' l lst ar tf r om t her e.Kai l angankonakasi nggumal aw.Kai l angankonangkal i mut anang l ahatngbagaynanangy ar isaaki ndi t o.Hi ndimagi gi ngmadal iangpaggal awkungdi t ol angako. Ineededachangeofscener y . " Hi ndikoal am,Ni ki .Bakamagt agalako.Doonkonat at apusi ni y ongdegr eeko. "Mal umanayna sabi kosakany a.Ti ni gi l anni y aangpageempakengdami tkoathumar apsaaki n. " Wal anabat al agangYzaatZach? "Tanongni y asaaki n.Tumi gi lr i nako.Iswal l owedhar dt apos ayngumi t i . " Wal ana. "It ookadeepbr eat h." Il ov ehi m per okai l angankonasi y angpal ay ai n.Iowei tt ohi m. Kungpar asakany aunf ai r , par asaaki nhi ndi .Thi si st her i ghtt hi ngt odo. " " PaanosiHel i os?Sabimomahalmosi y a. "Mahi nangwi kani y a.Al am konghi ndit anggapni Ni ki t aangnar ar amdamankopar akayHect or ." Paanomobami nahali y on,Yza?Angsamang ugal i noon! " " Idon' tknow,Ni ki . "Ij ustsai d." May beIf el li nl ov ewi t hhi m unconsci ousl yt hatmomentwhenI saw t heboyManangBi ni ngcal l sHect or .I y ongmomentnamahi nasi y a,nagi i saatnapakav ul ner abl e.Il ov edhi mt hatmoment-Ir eal i zedt hathe' sahumanbei ng-t hathej ustwant edt o bel ov ed.Hel ov esYnat oo-he' sagoodper son. " " Mayt hi r dey ekaba?Baki tnaki ki t amoangmgabagaynai y ansamant al angako, hi ndi ? "Hi ndina l angakokumi bo.Ki nuhakoangcar di gankoati ni l agayi y on samal et a.Ni ki t aspokeagai n. " Yza, bunt i sako. " Nangi ni gangbuongkat awanko.Il ookedather .Shewassmi l i ng.Nakahawaksi y asaabdomen ni y a.Shewasev enbi t i ngherl owerl i p." Hi ndikopanasasabikayYt o,gust okokasii kaw ang unangmakaal am.So, ay unnga, bunt i sako, t womont hs. "Shewassmi l i ng.Masay angmasay ar i n namanakopar asakany a.Ni y akapkosi y aatsakahi nal i kansapi sngi . " Kai l anmosasabi hi n? "Tanongko. " Bal akko,t heni ghtbef or et heweddi ngper omayhoney moonpakasisot hedayaf t ert he honey moonnal ang! "Humahagi kgi knasabiniNi ki t a.Napai l i ngnal angdi nako.Ki t angki t ako namankunggaanoni y akamahal si Yt oatkunggaanosi y akamahal ni Yt o. Mi nsannai i si pkonagust okor i nngganoongkl asengpagmamahal .I y ongpagkat aposngl ahat nghi r apatsaki taymayhappyendi ngnanaghi hi nt ay .Iwantsomet hi ngl i ket hatbutIknow, deep i nsi deofme, hi ndiakohanda.Hi ndipaakohanda.Pagkat aposngl ahatngnangy ar isaaki n, hi ndi koal am kungkai l anakomagi gi nghanda.IguessIhav et of i ndmy sel fagai n.

I y ongsar i l ikongpal agi ngnakangi t i-i y ongsar i l ikongmasay al ang.Iwantt omeett hesev eny ear ol dgi r lwhobel i ev edt hathert eet hwasj ustcaughti nt r af f i c.Gust okoul i tmagi ngsiYzaJoanat hi ndisiYzal ang.Gust okongmagi ngdat i ngakoatmagagawakol angi y onsaor asnamal ay ona akosal ahat . Bi gl angbumukasangpi nt ongsi l i dko.I ni l uwani y onsiYt o.Hewasobv i ousl yl ooki ngf orNi ki t a. Nakakat uwasi l angt i ngnan, t hey ' r ewear i ngapai rofmat chi ngr edv neckshi r t s. " Yt oko! "Nakangi t i ngbat i ni Ni ki .Shest oodupandki ssedYt o.Yt owr appedhi sar msar oundher . " Imi ssedy ou. "Yt osai d. " PDAmuch? "Nangaasarnasabi ko.I ni r apanakoni Yt o.Yt oj ustshookhi shead. " Maygust ongkumausapsa' y o. "Sabi ni y asaaki n.Tumaasangki l ayko.Hel ookedbackandIsaw Ynast andi ngout si demydoor .Shewaswear i ngabl uekneel engt hdr ess.Umal i ssiYt oatsi Ni ki t a.Ni ki t awi nkedatmeasi ft el l i ngmet hatt hi ngswi l l bef i ne. " Yza. . . "Ti nawagni y aako.Nahi gi tkoangaki nghi ni nga.Hi ndinani y aakot i nat awanaat e.Hi ndi akonagsal i t a.I si nar ani y aangpi nt oatsakahumi ngangmal al i m. " Aal i snaako. "Wi kani y a. " Nagpunt al angakopar amagpaal am kayNanayatTat ay .Par a humi ngngat awadkayTat ayatsa' y o. "Pahi nanangpahi naangbosesni y a. " Saankapupunt a? "Tanongko. " SaGr eece.SabiniKuy a,doonnaako.I bi ni l i nni y aakokayManangBi ni ng.Heownsapi eceof l andi nt her e-awi ner y .Doonnaakot i t i r a. " " Kay amongi wansi y a? "Tanongko.Ynashookherhead. " Iwantt ost aybutev er yt i meIv i si thi m, si nasabi ni y angumal i sako. Hewant smet ost ar tanew, per ogust okosi y angmakasamaper ohi ndi namanpwede. " I y aknangi y aksi Ynahabangnakat ay osahar apanko.Gust okosi y angy akapi nper obi nawal anko angsar i l i ko.Iwanthert or eal i zesomet hi ng. " At e,I ' m sor r y . "Bi gl ang ni y ang nasabi .Humi nga ako ng mal al i m.Tuwi ng i i y ak siYna ay nasasakt anako.Igr ewupwi t hher .It ookcar eofhermostoft het i mes.Mahalnamahalkosi y a atsat uwi ngi i y aksi y aaypar anggumuguhoangbuongmundoko. " Forev er y t hi ng.Fort hewor dsIsai d, f ort r y i ngt ot akeZachawayf r om y ou. "Shegasped.Idi dn' t t akemyey esof fher .Nagpat ul oysi y a." MahalkosiZach, at eper omahalkani y a.It hi nky oudi da pr et t ymessedupdeci si onbypi cki ngKuy aHect or .Howcany oupi ckKuy aov erZD? " " Idi dn' tchooseHect or . "Sabi ko.Shel ookedatme. " Hel ov esy ou, t hat ' swhyhe' si nj ai l . " Napal unokako." I t ' shi sdeci si on,notmi ne. "Ngumi t iakosakany a." Sumukosi y a.Per oay okong i si pi nnapar asaaki n.Gi nawani y ai y onpar asasar i l ini y adahi lal am ni y angnagkamal isi y a.I di dn' taskhi mt ot ur nhi msel f .Hedi dbecauseher eal i zedsomet hi ng. " Mal umanaynasabiko." Kunghi ndisi y asumuko,i dedemandamosi y a? "Humi hi kbisiYna. Ngumi t i ako.Mat agal konangpi nagi si panangbagaynai y on.

" Oo. "Il ookedaway ." Nomat t erhowmuchIl ov ehi m, gust okopar i nnghust i sy a, Yna." Hi ndisi y anakaki bo.Sat i ngi nkoayay aw nar i nni y angmagt anong.Tumangonal angsi y aat umal i s.Humi ngaakongmal al i m.Mul iakongnagay osnggami t .Pi l i tkongi wi nawagl i tsai si pan koangmukhani Hect ornoongar awnasi nabi ni y asaaki ngmahal ni y aako. Si nabini y ar i nsaaki ni y onnoongar awnabumabaanghat olsakany a.Hecamet omeandhe sai d: " Il ov ey ou,Yza. . . "Ther ewashopei nhi sey es.Ishookmyhead." Lookmei nt heey eandt el lme y oul ov eme, becauseIknow.Icanf eel i t . " Il ookedathi m per ohi ndi i y onangmgasal i t angbi ni t i wanko. " Idon' tl ov ey ou, Hel i os.Inev erdi dandInev erwi l l .I t ' sal lapar toft hepl an.Iwon, I ' mf r ee, Igot t hej ust i ceIwantandy ouar egoi ngbehi ndbar s-t hat ' sal l Iwant ed. " Ki t angki t akoangdi sappoi nt mentsamgamat ani y a.Iwant edt ot el lhi m somet hi ngel se,per o hi ndikonagawa. Sat i ngi nko,masmabut inar i ni y onggani t o-i y onghi ndini y aal am kung anongt ot ookongnar ar amdaman. Nangmaay oskoangmgagami tkoaybumabaako.Naki t akosiNanaynanaghahandang hapunanpar asal ahat .Tat aywast al ki ngt oYl l akandYv owhi l eYt oandNi ki t awer ehel pi ng nanayatt hedi ni ngt abl e.Thi si st hel astf ami l ydi nnerI ' l lhav ewi t ht hem, st ar t i ngt omor r ow, wal a naakosabahaynai t oatmagsi si mul anaakongpani bago-naakol angmagi saatwal angi bang t ao. " Let ' seat ! "Sabiko.TumawasiTat ay .I sai sakami ngnagsi upuansamesaatdoonnagkwent uhan atkumai n.I bangi bai t osamganaunangf ami l ydi nner-wal asiYna,wal asiZachper okahi t ganoonaymasay aakodahi lunt i unt i ,nar ar amdamankonangbumabal i kangdat ikongsar i l iangYzanamasay ahi n, angYzanawal angbakasngkal ungkut an.Unt i unt inabubuokoangaki ng sar i l i . Nat aposanghapunan.Tul adnangdat iayt i nul ungannami ngniYt osiNanay .Yt owashedt he di sheswhi l eIdr yt hepl at es.Sinanaynamanayi sai sangi ni l i l i gpi tangmgapl at ongnat uy ona. Bi ni t i wankoanghawakkongbasahanatsakasi y ani y akap.Nat at akotakongmapal ay oper ohi ndi akopapat al osakai si pangi y on. " Il ov ey ou, nanay . "Sabi ko.Nanayhuggedmeback. " Il ov ey ou, t oo, kul et . "Shesai d.Yt ohuggedusbot h. " Justl i kebef or e. "Mahi nangsabi ni y a.Iki ssednanayandYt o.Tamasi Yt o, t ul adl angnoongdat i noongkami ngt at l opal ang. Mat aposangt agpongi y onaynaghandanaako.Al as-nuebeangf l i ghtko, kai l angannasaai r por t naakobagomagal asnuebe. " Yza, l et ' sgo! "Nar i ni gkongkumat oksiYt osapi nt uanko.Isi ghed.Nakahar appaakosasal ami n habanghawakkosaaki ngkamayangi sangbagaynaal am kongmagi gi ngsi mul angpagbabago ngl ahat . Il ookedati tagai n. Twol i nes.

Posi t i v e. Isi ghed. " Yza! " " Nandy anna!I mpat i entkamasy ado. "Sabikonal ang.I ni l agaykosabul sakoangbagaynai y on atsakal umabasngbat hr oom.It ookmyl uggageandopenedmydoor .Naki t akosiYt ona naghi hi nt aysaaki n.Hewassmi l i ngpr et t ywi de. " Ni ki ' spr egnant ! "Sabi ni y abi gl a. " Akal akodi ni y apasasabi hi n. "Nat at awaako.Hemadeaf ace. " Kahi tdini y asabi hi n,al am koi y on.Peakni y anooneh,dihi ndikot i nanggal . "Nakangi si ngsabi ni y a.Ir ol l edmyey es. " Toomuchi nf or mat i on, Yt o! " Heki ssedmyf or ehead. " Ababywi l l changeev er y t hi ng, Yza.I ' m sohappy . " Ababywi l l changeev er y t hi ng. . . Napangi t iako.He' sr i ght .He' sdef i ni t el yr i ghtbecauser i ghtatt hi smoment ,Iknewt hatmyl i f e hadchangedandi t ' sal l becauseoft host wopi nkl i nes. Inev ert houghtt hatf i ndi ngmewi l l endt hi ssoon.Icar essedmybel l y . " I twi l l changeev er y t hi ng. . .I twi l l . Hect orchangedev er y t hi ng.

Epi l ogue: Thi si swhoIam

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Fi v ey ear sl at er . . . " I , Gabr i elConsunj i , t akey ou, Mar i aCl ar aCr i sost omoasmywi f e.Ipr omi sedt ol ov ey ouandt ake car eofy out hr oughgoodt i mesandbad, i nsi cknessandi nheal t h-onl ydeat hcant akeusapar t . " Iwassi l ent l ywat chi ngGabr i elasheput sont her i ngonhi swi f e' shand.Nakakat uwadahi l mat aposangr ol l ercoast err i deni l angdal awaaysasi mbahandi npal aangt ul oyni l a.Iwas act ual l ysur pr i sed af t err ecei v i ng an i nv i t at i on na si nasabi ng magpapakasalna siGabr i el . Ti nawagankokaagadnoonsiNi ki t a-whowasv er ymuchmar r i edt omyt wi nbr ot herandv er y muchi nl ov ewi t ht hei rf i v ey earol dl i t t l egi r l-siHy aci nt h.Ti ni ngnankosi l angdal awa.Yt ocar r i ed Hy ai nm hi sar ms, heev enki ssedhercheekshabangsiHy anamanaypi l i ti naabotangbuhokng mommyni y a.Yt oki ssedNi ki t at oo. I t ' sj usthear t war mi ngt oseet hem andt hei rhappyf ami l y .Umi kotmul i angmgamat akoatnaki t a kosiNanayatTat ay , t heywer ehol di nghands.Kungmayepi t omengl ast i ngl ov emasasabikona i y ongangmgamagul angkoi y on.Nakakat uwakungi i si pi nnahanggangngay onaypar anghi ndi nababawasanangpagmamahal ni l asai sa' t i sa. " Byt hepowerv est edi nmebyt heCat hol i cChur choft hePhi l i ppi nes, Iknowpr onouncey ouman andwi f e.Youmaynowki sst hebr i de. "

Ev er y onest oodupaf t erseei ngGabandMar aki ssedeachot her .Napangi wiako.Theki ssl acked somet hi ng-par angwal angspar k.Par angwal angpagmamahal .Ir ol l edmyey es.Humar apsi l ang dal awasaami ngl ahat .Gabwassmi l i nghabangsi Mar aaynakat ungol ang. " Baki tganoon, Yzang? "Ni l api t anakoniNi kipagkat aposngkasal ." Par angkul ang.WhenYt oandI gotmar r i ed,whenheki ssedme,ev er y t hi ngar oundbecamehappyandcol or f ul ,per oi y ongkay GabandMar ai tsomet hi ngel se. " " Gi r l t al kati t sbest . "Napangi t i akonangmar i ni gkosi Yt o.Kar gani y apar i nsi Hy a. " Ti t aYza. . . "Ti nawagakoniHy a.Shewant edt ocomet omeper onat i gi lkami ngl ahatnangmay mar i ni gakongt umawagsaaki n. " Mama!Mama! " Awi desmi l ef or medonmyf ace.Ist ar edatmyki dswhi l er unni ngt owar dsme.Ki ds-Ihadt wi nsaboyandagi r l .Kasunodni l angnagl al akadpapal api tsaami nsiYv o.Nakapamul sasi y ahabang ngi t i ngngi t i ngnakat i t i gsakambal ko. " Angkukul i tat e.SiHy r on,pal agi ngi naay aw siHy an. "Nat awaako.Iknow,myki dsnamesar e mout hf ulbutIl ov edi t .Hy r onandHy an-t hosear et hei rnames.SiHy r onangl al aki-hest wo mi nut esol dert hanHy an.Hy anwal kedt owar dsmeandhuggedmyl eg. " Mama, Hy r onsai dhedoesn' tl ov eme. "Shesai d.Shewasv er ysad.Hergr eeney eswer eaboutt o t earup.Naki t akongni l api t anni Yt osi Hy r on. " Yousai dt hat ? "Gi nul oni y aangbuhokni t o. " Iwasj ustki ddi ng!Ofcour seIl ov eher !She' smysi st er ! "Hy r on' smi schi ev ousgr eeney esmether si st er ' sgaze." Il ov ey ou, okay ?Ni bi bi r ol angki t a. "Ngumusopasi y a. Ismi l ed.May amay aayt i nawagnaangl ahatpar asapi ct ur et aki ng.Iwat chedMar aasshet akes pi ct ur eswi t hGab.Hi ndi si y amasay a.Herey eswer et el l i nganot herst or y . " Congr at s,Gab! "Bat ikosakany a.Hej ustgr i nned.Napai l i ngako.Par anghi ndikor i ngust oang r eaksy onni Gabdi t o. Mat aposangpi ct ur et aki ngayi sai sanangumal i sangmgabi si t apar asar ecept i on.It ookmy ki dshandsandwest ar t edwal ki ngout si det hechur ch. " Mama, kai l andar at i ngsiPapa?Angt agalnamanni y a. "Tanongsaaki nniHy an.Shewasl ongup atme. " Bakanadel ayl angangf l i ght .He' l l beher e.Hepr omi sed, r emember ? "Hi nagkankosaul osi Hy an. " Papasai d, we' l lgot r ackr aci ngwi t hUnl ceYt owhenhecomesback.Sanabagot ay obumal i ksa Pr aguemama. " " WhenPapa,pr omi sed,gi nagawanamanni y a,soy oudon' thav et owor r y . "Nakangi t i ngsabiko. Habangpapal abaskamingsi mbahanaymaynaani nagakongi sangpami l y arnabul t ongi sang l al aki ngnakat ay osamaygi l i d.Hewaswear i ngabl uepol oshi r t .He' shai rwasabi tmessybutI knewt hatsmi l e. " Zach! "Tawagkosakany a.Lumapi tsi y asaaki natsakani y akapako.Imi ssedhi m.Ihav e f or got t ent hel astt i meIsaw hi m per oi y onghul i ngpagkakat aongi y onangmasasabikong

naay osangl ahatsaami ngdal awa.We' r ef r i endsandwemanagedt osetasi deev er y t hi ngt hat ev erhappenedt ous. " Imi ssedy ou! "Sabi ko.Nat awasi y a.Gi nul oni y aangbuhokni Hy r onatsakangi ni t i ansi Hy an. " Angl aki nangmgaanakmo.Nasaansi Hect or ?Hi ndi basi y adar at i ng? "Nakangi t i ngt anongni y a. " Dar at i ng.Bakanadel ayl angangf l i ght .Pupunt akanabasar ecept i on? "Tanongko. " Yup.Conv oynal angt ay o. "Sabini y asaaki n.Tumangoakoatsakanaghi wal aynakami .I si nakay kosakot seang kambal atsakaumi kotpar asumakaynar i n. Li f ei nPr aguedi dmegoodt hi ngs.Doonkomasl al ongnai nt i ndi hanangsar i l iko,doonko nat anggapangmgabagaynanangy ar i saaki natdoonkoi si ni l angangdal awangr egal ongi ni wan saaki nngt aongbumagongbuongbuhayko. Hy r ont ookHy an' shand.Pal agini y anggi nagawai y onkapagnagbaby ahekami .I ' mt r y i ngt obea goodmot hert ot hem.Gust okosi l angpal aki hi nsapar aankungpaanokamipi nal akiniNanay noon.Hi ndinamanmahi r apdahi lnandy ansiHect orpar at ul unganako.He' sagoodmanandI l ov ehi m somuch.I ' m sur et hathef eel st hesame.He' sagoodf at hert oourchi l dr enandagood husbandt ome. Nar at i ng ko ang r ecept i on v enue.Bumaba ako ng sasaky an ati nal al ay an ang dal awang makababanar i n.Zachhel pedmegett heki dsdown. " Masay akaba, ZD? "Tanongkosakany ahabangpababaangdal awa.Hel ookedatme. " Ist i l ll ov ey ouper ohi ndinapwede.Kasalkana. "Nakat awangsabini y a." Tanggapnat anggapko na.Masay akakayHect or ,mahalkani y aatnaki ki t akokungpaanokani y aal agaan.I y onl ang namananggust o kongmangy ar i ,Yza. "Heev ent ookadeepbr eat h." Kahi thi ndiako ang nakapagbi gaynghappyendi ngmo, atl eastnakuhamoi y onsai baatmasay aakongmasay aka. " Hi ndikoal am angsasabi hi nko.Zachhadpr ov ent omesomanyt i mest hathel ov esmeper o hi ndinakasipwede.Ay okonamansi y angumasa.Ist i l lbel i ev et hatset t i nghi mf r eet hatdayi s t hebestdeci si onIev ermade. " Mama,unanakamisal oob.Ni t at awagkaminiTat aySancho! "Si gawniHy r on.Nat awanal ang ako.Myki dsdoesn' tcal lTat ayLol o.Nakasanay annakasini l anaTat aydi nangi t awagsakany ahi ndi konar i nnamannai t ama.Naki t akosi Tat aynaki nakaway ankami ngl ahat . Il ov edmyf at herf orl ov i ngmychi l dr endespi t et hef actkungpaanosi l anabuo.Tumakboang kambalsakani l aniNanay .Ki nar ganiTat aysiHy anatsakapumasoksal oob.Bi nal i ngankosi Zach. " Thanky ou, Zach. " " You' r ewel come,Yza.Pasoknaako. "Sabini y asaaki n.Nakangi t i ngsi nundankosi y angt i ngi n. Nangmawal anasi y aaysakal angakogumal aw.I si nar akoangsasaky anatsakanagl akad papasoksav enuenangsagl i takongmat i gi l an. Myhear tt hr obbedf ast er .Mybodyshookwi t hIdon' tknowwhat .Ist oppedwal ki ngandl ookedat t hemanst andi ngneart hesi l v erSUV.Hewaswear i nganal lwhi t eensembl e,hi sgr eeney esf ul l ofl ongi ngwhi l el ooki ngatme. Hi ndi akomakahi nga.

I t ' sHect or . Ngumi t isi y asaaki natl umakadpapal api t .Hi ndikoal am kunganonggagawi nko.Damakosa pusokoangkaba. " Mama! " Hewasamet erawayf r om mewhenhest opped.Napat i ngi nsi y akayHy r on.Hewassmi l i ngat me. " Mama,nandy annasiPapa! "Masay angsabini y a." Kausapnasi y aniUncl eYt o! "Si gawni y asa aki n.Hy r onl ov eshi sf at hersomuchkay aal am kongmasay angmasay asi y angay onnanandi t o naangPapani y a.Bumal i ngsiHy r onsaami nghar apan.Nextmoment ,naki ki pagt i t i gannasi y a kayHect or .Thei rgr eeney esmeteachot her .Hect or ' sey eswer ef ul lofconf usi on.Hel ookedat me, t henbackt oHy r on, t henbackt ome.Imanagedt ost ayexpr essi onl essandemot i onl ess. " Comebaby , y ourf at heri swai t i ng. "Ngumi t i ako. " Mama,t he man has t he same ey es as mi ne. "Sabini y ang bi gl a.Tumango na l ang ako. Ti nal i kur ankosiHect oratpumasoksal oob.Doonnaki t akosiHect orI t ur al de, myhusband.The manwhohel pedmef i xmybr okensel fbacki nPr ague-t hemanwhomanaget obr eakt hei ceI bui l tar oundme-t hemanwhomademef al l . " Lov e. . . "Ngumi t i si y asaaki n.Ihuggedhi m back. " How wasy ourf l i ght ? "Il ooked athi m.Hi sbl ueey eswer ebeami ng ashel ooksatme. Nar amdamankoi y onggoosebumpsnapal agi kongnar ar amdamankapagmagkasamakami . " Wagkanggany anatki ni ki l i gako. "Nat at awangsabi ko.Heki ssedmycheeksagai n. " Ij ustmi ssedmywi f e. "Nat at awar i ngwi kani y a." Thef l i ghti sexcr uci at i ng.Wal akasakai y ong mgabat a.Dapatsumabaynaakonoongi sangar aw.Damnwor k, l ov e. "Hi shandssnakedar ound mywai st .Bumul ongsi y asaaki n." Imi ssedy ousomuch. . . " " Hect or . . . "Ibl ushed. " Aynaku!PDAmuch? ! "Nar i ni gkongsumi gawsiNi ki t a.Nagkat awanankami ngt at l o.Hect orj ust wi nkedatmet aposayki nuhanani y asiHy anatsiHy r on.Iwat chedt hem ast heymi ngl ewi t hmy f ami l y . Iam t r ul yhappyr i ghtnow.Seei nghi m wi t ht heki dsmakesmef eelt hatIr eal l ydi dagr eatj ob pi cki ngupt hepi ecesofmyl i f e.I ' v emethi m,hel ov edme,Il ov edhi m backandhel ov esmy excessbaggage.Hemademer eal i zedt het hi ngsIt houghtIwi l lnev erf eel .Hemademeawhol e agai n.HemademewhoIam t oday . Andasf ort heHect orst andi ngout si det hev enue-Ij ustdon' tknow.Ij usthopedt hathehada goodl i f e.Isomehowknowt hatYnai st aki ngapr et t ygoodcar eofhi m -andmay bet hatwast he r easonwhyhe' sher e.Nandi t osi Yna-may behe' swai t i ngf orher . Isi ghed.Ir emember edt hewayhel ookedatHy r on.Iknewt hatheal r eadyknew.Per ohanggang doonnal angi y on. " Yza, comeher e, l et ' st akeapi ct ur e. "Nakangi t i ngt i nawagakongasawako.Ismi l edpr et t ywi de. Lumapi takosakany a. " Ready , l ov e? "

" Ready . "

Iposedf ort hecamer aandsmi l ed.Thi si swhoIam now.YzaJoanConsunj i -I t ur al de.Achanged woman,amuchst r ongeroneandev ent houghIhat et oadmi ti t ,Iowei tal lt ohi m -t oHel i os Demi t r i t heonewhohav est ol enmyev er y t hi ng.

St ol en-Unt ol d#1

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" How' st heboy ? " Ther ewasahi ntofsmi l eonmyf acewhi l eIaskt hatquest i ont omysi st erLei gh.Justl i kewhat sheusual l ydoesev er ySunday ,shev i si t smeandhasl unchwi t hme.Shesay sshemi ssesme andImi sshert oo-ev er ywaki ngmomentofmyl i f et hatI ' m notbyhersi de-Imi ssher . Shel ookedatmeandshookherhead." Youknow,y oudon' towehi m any t hi ng.I t ' sherchoi cenoty our s.Shewast heonewhodeci dedt obr eakt hi ngsof fwi t hhi m, hi ndii kaw, Kuy akay awal a kangdapati pagal al akayZach. "Ngumi t i si y asaaki n.Umi l i ngnal angako. I ' v ebeeni nsi det hepr i sonIputmy sel fi nt o.Lei gh-myonl ysi st er-l ookedatmewi t hamusement i nherey es. " What ? "Iasked.Igav eherahi ntofsmi l e. " Ef f ect i v ei y ongmagi cniYza.Taokana. "Mayl ungkotsamgasal i t angbi ni t i wanni y a.Nagi was akongt i ngi n.Ay okongt anungi nsi y angkahi tnaanongt ungkol kayYzaJoan.I t ' sbeenay earand ahal fandIhav en' thear dany t hi ng-nihi ndini y aakonagawangpunt ahanatbi si t ahi n.Shenev er ev ent ol dmehowsher eal l yf eel s.Ihav eputmyhear tonmysl eev ef orherandy et-Igotnot hi ng. Kungsabagayayhi ndinamanakoumaasa.Af t erwhatIdi dt oher-l ov i ngmei st oomuch.I deser v et hehat eshef eel sf orme.Upunt i lnow, Idon' tknowi fshecanev erf or gi v eme.Hi ndiko al am kungsapatnai pakul ongkoangsar i l i komapat awadni y al angako. " Kuy a, al am mobana" " Howwasschool ? "Pagi i bakongusap.Lei ghsi ghed.Shel ookedatmeandsmi l edagai n. " Good.Kat hi shel pi ngwi t hev er y t hi ng.I nor i entnar i nni y aakopar asacompanymo.Pi napabasa ni y asaaki nl ahatbagokopi r mahan.I pi naki l al ani y anaakosaboar d. "Ngumi t inal angakongul i t . It r i edf ocusi ngont hef actt hatIam i nt er est edonherschool .I nt er esadonamanakoper ohi ndi koi t at anggi nai ni i wasankongpagusapanangnagi i sangbabaengmi nahal ko. Lei ghandIt al kedf oranot herhour .Shewasasent husi ast i casev er .Ngumi ngi t iakosat uwi ng maysasabi hi nsi y angmasay aper osal oobko, naaal al akoangngi t ingbabaengumi wansaaki n. Iwonderhowshei snow, i ssheev ent hi nki ngaboutme?Nakamov eonbasi y a?Masay abasi y a? Iwanthert obehappy-shedeser v esal lt hehappi nessi nt hewor l d.Af t erwhatIdi dt oher-al lI wantf orheri shappi ness. " Sant i l l an. " Lumi ngonakonangmar i ni gkoangpangal anko.Igotusedt ousi ngmyr ealsur name-I ' m not Hel i osDemi t r i any mor e-Iam Hect orSant i l l an-ahumanbei ng-amanwi t habr okenhear t .

" Maydal awkapa. "Sabingbant ay .Kumunotangnooko.Bi nal i ngankongt i ngi nsiLei gh.Tul ad koaynagt at akar i nsi y a.Naki t akoangpanl al akingkany angmgamat anangpumasokangi sang l al akisav i si t i ngar ea.Themanwaswear i ngasi gnat ur eAr manicoatandt i e.Lei gh' smout h par t ed.Isawt hatt hei rey esmetandIsawl ongi ngonmysi st er ' sey es. " Tt at ay . . . "Sheev enwhi sper ed.Shest oodup.Ir emai nedonmyseatwhi l eey ei ngt hemi ni r euni onofmysi st erwi t hherf ost erf at her .Iknowt hatshewasaboutt ocr y . " Lei ghSant i l l an. "SanchoConsunj ispokehernamel i kei twast hedi r t i estwor di nhi st or y .Isaw t hehur tonherey es, Nagy ukosi y angul o. " Kkuy a,aal i snaako. "Shebi dhergoodby eatnagmamadal i ngumal i sdoon.Ij ustt ookadeep br eat h.Idon' twantt ol osemycool .Nomat t erwhatIdo-SanchoConsunj iwi l lal way sbet he f at heroft het wowomenIl ov et hemost . " Hect orSant i l l an. "Naupossi y asahar apanko.Iey edhi m.SanchoConsunj iwi l lal way sbet he dev i li nt hecor por at esui t .Nomat t erhowol dhei sorhowol dheget s-hewi l lal way shav et hat cer t ai npowerIcannev erunder st and. " Whyar ey ouher e? "Iaskedhi m.Ay okongmagmukhangkaawaawasahar apanni y a.Hegr i nned atme. " Gust okongmaki t akungpaanokasumadal aksal upa. "Hesmi l edsowi de." NakuhamosiLei gh per ohi ndi kanamanmal ay a.Howwast hat ? " " Youwai t edf oray earbef or ecomi ngher ej ustt ot el lmet hat ? "Icoul dn' thel pbutbesar cast i c.I gr i nnedathi m.Lumi i tangmgamat aniSanchoConsunj i .Hegr i nnedt oo.Heseemedt ol i ket he f actt hatIam t al ki ngback. " Nomat t erwhaty oudo, y ou' r est i l lwor t hl ess, Sant i l l an. "Het ol dmewi t houtev enbl i nki ng.Idi dn' t sayany t hi ng.Ij ustsatt her et hi nki ngoft her easonwhyhe' sher e.Het ookadeepbr eat hand f acedmeagai n. " Ihav esai dt hi sbef or e, nomani sev ergoodenoughf ormyl i t t l egi r l .Youhav et akenherawaybut t hi st i meI ' l l makesur ey ouwon' thav eher .She' saConsunj i . " Outofnowher e, hesai dt hosewor ds.Lal onghi ndiakonakaki bo.Anongsasabi hi nko?Bi gl akong naal al ai y ongar aw nadi nal aw akoniSheenaConsunj idi t osal oob.Shehadav er ydi f f er ent appr oachwi t hme.Shewaski ndandwar m.Shegav emeasmi l et hatmademer egr etwhatIdi d t oherf ami l y .Yzawasj ustl i keher-noongnakausapkosi y anoongar awnai y onpaki r amdam ko nasi l i pkoangkahi tkaunt i ngmer onsi Yza. Ir ememberexact l ywhatshet ol dme. " Shegav ebi r t h. " Mymout hf el l ." She' smar r i ed,Hect or .Hi ndiakonagpunt adi t opar asakt ankaper ogust okong mal amanmoangmgabagay bagaynanangy ar i sal oobngi sa' tkal ahat i ngt ao. "

" Hi ndi kopoal am angsasabi hi nko. "Isai dt r ut hf ul l y .SheenaConsunj i r eachedf ormyhand. " Doy oul ov emydaught er ? "Hi ndiakol al ongnakapagsal i t a.Howcanshebesost r ai ghtwi t hme? YesIdo.Il ov eYzawi t hal lmyhear t .Forot her s,i tmustbet heshal l owki ndofl ov ebuti t ' snot . WhenYzacamet omyl i f e-Iwasbl i ndedbyr ev enge,butsl owl y ,shegav emel i ghtandIsaw

t hi ngs-LI FEi nadi f f er entper spect i v e.What ' snott ol ov eabouther ? " Behonest , Hect or . " " YesIdo. "If i nal l yanswer ed.Humi gpi tanghawakni y asaaki n.Ngumi t i si y a. " Idon' tl i key ouf ormydaught er .Youhav ehur ther .Yout ookherawayf r om us. "Mal umanayang pagsasal i t ani y a." Soi fy our eal l yl ov eher , pl ease, pr omi semet haty ouwi l l nev err unaf t erher . " Whatshe' saski ngmei st oomuch.Gust oni y angmangakoakonahi ndikol al api t ansiYzakahi t naanongmangy ar i ,kat umbasnar i nnoonangpagbawini y asabuhayko.Al aal anal angniYza angmer onako, babawi i npabani y ai y on? " Shedeser v esal i f e,Hect or-al i f eawayf r om y ou. "Wi kani y apa.Nat i t i gi l anako.Hi ndiko namal ay anangpagbagsakngmgal uhako.SheenaConsunj i gasped. " I fy our eal l yl ov eher , pl easel etherbehappy . " " Kay akosi y angpasi y ahi n. " " How? "sheaskedagai n." Howcanshebehappykungmaki ki t akani y a?Youv i ol at edher .I ni l ay o ni y aangsar i l i ni y apar amakal i mot . " Angsaki t .Gani t okay ai y ongsaki tnanar amdamanniZachnoongpanahongkapi l i ngkosiYzaat akoangnasai si pni y a?Gani t obakasaki tangmawal an?Mi nsannaakongnawal anper ohi ndi namangani t okasaki tper oangi si pi nnahabambuhaynangmawawal asaaki nsiYza,hi ndiko kay a. " Mangakoka. . . "SheenaConsunj i sai dagai n. Il ookedatheranddespi t eal lt hepai nandt het ear s-Idi dn' tt hi nkwaspossi bl e-If oundmy sel f noddi ngat eher . " Pr omi se. . . " It ookadeepbr eat hasSanchol ookedatme.Ishookmyhead.Imay beal otoft hi ngsbutI al way sst ayt r uet omywor ds. " I ft hi si saboutsur names,Si r ,t heny ouwer er i ght .I ' m notgoodenoughf orher .AndI ' m st ay i ng t r uet omywor ds-t hewor dsIt ol dy ourwi f e.I ' l l nev err unaf t erYza. Mukhangnagul atsi y anguni tsandal il angi y on.Ist oodupandt ur nedmybackonhi m.Ihav et o l eav eagai n.Ay okongmaki t ani y aangsaki t anadul otngmgasi nabi ni y asaaki nb.Lei ghwasr i ght -dahi lkayYzanagi ngt aoako.Dahi lsakany amasmadal ipar asaaki nngay onangmasakt anat umi y ak-i sangbagaynahi ndikonamangust oper ohi ndikonamanmapi gi l an.Iwasal way s cr y i ngwheni tcomest oher-she' smyweakness. Babawasr i ght-Lov ecanmakepeopl eweak. Fi v ey ear sl at er " Mama, t hemanwi t ht hegr eeney esonUncl eGab' sweddi ng, he' smyf at herr i ght ? " Iwascar essi ngHy r on' sf aceasIwat chhi m sl eep.Isi ghed.Hi ndikoal am kungi t ut ur i ngkong

bl essi ngangpagi gi ngmat al i noni y a.Theki ds-t het wi nsknewt hatHect or-i sn' tt hei rr ealf at her . Si nabi kosakani l ai y ondahi l i y onnamanangt ot oo-kahi tnamanal am ni l anahi ndi si Hect orang amani l aaywal angpagbabago.Hect orl ov esmyki dsl i ket hei rhi sownandt heki dsl ov ehi m uncondi t i onal l ybutr i ghtnow, Iwasn' tsur eaboutany t hi ngel se. Iki ssedHy r on' sf or eheadandl ef thi sr oom.Pumasokakosakwar t onami ngmagasawaandi n t her eIf oundHect orsi t t i ngont hebedwi t honl yhi sr obeonwhi l er eadi ngabook. " Hey , "Hegr eet edme.Heputhi sbookdownandf acedme.Naupoakosat abini y a." Whenar ewe goi ngbackt oPr ague? "Heaskedme.Umi l i ngako.Ay okopasanaper odahi lsanangy ar ikani na sar ecept i on, par anggust okonangbumal i ksal al ongmadal i ngpanahon. " Soon. . . "Humi l i gakosabal i katni y a.Heki ssedmycheeks. " What ' swr ong? "Heasked. " Wal anaman. "Mat aml aynasagotko.It r i edsmi l i ng." I ' mj ustt i r ed,Hect or . . . "Tumi ngi nakosa kany a.Al am kongnamamal i kmat al angakoper onangbi gl akosi y angl i nguni naypar angsi Hel i osangnaki t akoathi ndi si Hect orI t ur al de-angasawako.Ij ustsi ghedagai n. " Goodni ght , hon. "It ol dhi m.Humi gaakoatsakat umagi l i d.Hi ndikoal am kungmakakat ul ogako t ul adngdat isat uwi ngkat abikosiHect or-i bangHect orangnasai si pkongay on-i y ongHect or nahi ndikodapatmahal-i y onghect ornadapatkamuhi ankoper ohanggangngay onayhi ndiko kay angkamuhi an. Idon' tknowhowl ongIwasup.Ij ustf oundmy sel fwal ki ngar oundt heki t chent hi nki ngoft hi ngs t odo-j ustt oshr ugof ft hef eel i ngofempt i nessi nmychest .Naupoakosacount eratsaka pumangal umbaba.If oundmy sel fsmi l i ngwi t ht het houghtofHy r onandHect orSant i l l ant oget her . Iwasal way sdr eami ngoft hedaywhenmyki dswi l lbewi t ht hei rf at herper ohi ndikopaal am kunganongmagi gi ngr eaksy onngl ahatkapagnangy ar ii y on.I ni i si pkosiTat ay .Ay okosi y ang masakt an.Iknew how di sappoi nt edhewaswhenIt ol dhi mt hatIwaspr egnantwi t hHel i o' s chi l dr en-hewashur t-atmat agalbagokonapat awadangsar i l ikodahi ldoon.Idon' twantt o hur tmyf ami l yagai n. Isi ghed.Idon' tr eal l yknowwhatt odo. " Mama. " Napat uwi dakonguponangmar i ni gkoangmal i i tnabosesniHy an.It ur nedt oherandsmi l ed. Ki nukusotpani y aangkany angmgamat ahabangnagl al akadpapunt asaaki n.Icar r i edherand ki ssedhercheeks. " Baki tgi si ngkapa? "Tanongko. " I ' m hungr y ,Mama. "Shet ol dme.Napangi t il al oako.I ni upokosi y asacount ert opatsaka si nabi nghuwagsi y angmagul o.Igothersomeor eosandagl assofmi l k.Pi nanoodkosi y ang kumai n.Napapabunt onghi ni ngaakot uwi ngnaaal al akosiHel i ossamat angkambalko.Ofal l t het hi ngsnamakukuhani l asakany aayangmgamat ani y apa.Wal angar aw nahi ndikosi y a naaal al adahi l samgabat a. " Mama,sabiniHy r onmaymandaw saweddi ngt hathast hesameey esasour s.I sheour f at her ? "Wal angabognat anongni y a.Hi napl oskoangmukhani y a. " Yes. "What ' st heuseofhi di ngt het r ut h?Hi ndinamanni l amaki ki t asiHel i osathi ndinamansi y a mangugul okay abaki tkopakai l angani t agoangkat ot ohanan?

" Thenwhydi dn' thet al kt ous? "Herwi deey eswer ef ul l ofquest i ons. " I t ' sbecausehedi dn' tknowy out woexi st ed. " " Kai l anni y amal al aman, Mama? "Tanongni y asaaki n.Par angsi nasaksakangpusoko. " Sat amangpanahon, babygi r l . "Mahi nangsagotko. " Sanamal api tnakasi gust okosi y amahug. "

Tangol angangnasagotkosakany a.Isi ghed.Whyar emyki dssoi nt el l i gent ?

St ol en-Unt ol d#2

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It ookadeepbr eat hasIsmi l eatmyhusbandandki dst hatmor ni ngwhi l ehav i ngbr eakf asti nour t empor ar yhome.Myhear ti sal way smel t edbyt hef actt hatHect orl ov esmyki dssomucht hat heact ual l yt r eat st hem l i kehi sown.Il ov ehi m mor ef ort hat .We' v ebeenmar r i edf oral mostsi x y ear sandt hel ov ehef eel sf ormychi l dr eni senought omakemest ay . " Mamai sl ooki ngatPapai nav er yf unnyway . "Hy r onspokebef or eput t i ngaspoonf ulofcer eal i nsi dehi smout h.Hect orsmi l edatme. " Youokay , l ov e? "Heaskedme.Inodded.Nagpaal am akongmagaay osnggami tsasi l i dnami ng magasawa.Ineedt oputhi sdi r t yt hi ngsaway .Dadal hi nkopai y onsal aundr yshop.AsIwas cl eani ngourr oom,Iexor ci set het hought sofHect orSant i l l anandHy r ont oget her .Hi ndi nt amahi ndikopwedengsabi hi nsakany aangt ot oo.Iknow bei ngsel f i shi swr ongbutIwantt obe sel f i sh.Iwantt okeept heki dsawayf r om hi mf orIknowt hati t ' sabadt hi ngt odobutIcannev er f acet hef actt hatmyf at herwi l l gethur tagai n. Isi ghed.Pi nul otkoangcoatniHect or ,napat i ngi nakosasahi gnangmaymahul ogdoon. Kumunotangnookoatsakapi nul otangpapel nanal agl ag.I twasanot e.Igotcur i oussoIr eadi t . I tsay s: Thanky ouf orl astni ght-al t houghy ou' r enotmi neany mor e.V Myhandsshook. " Hon-Yza! " It ur nedt ohi m.Isawgui l ti nhi sf ace." Naki ki pagki t akananamansakany a? "Myv oi cewasdeep andmean.If el tt hatnaggi ngpai ni nmychestwhi l eIl ookathi m.Nai sukl ayni y aangkamayni y a sakany angbuhokatsakanagpal akadl akadsaaki nghar apan.Iwasst i l lhol di nghi scoatandt he not eonmyhandwhi l ehecoul dn' tev enl ookatme. " Icanex pl ai n. " " I l angbesesna,Hect or ? "Tanongkosakany a.Myv oi cei sst r ai nanddar k.Hect orav oi dedmy ey es." Howl onghav ey oubeencheat i ngonmeagai n? ! "Icoul dn' thel pbuty el l . " Yza, Icanexpl ai n. " Bi nat okosakany aangdami tni y apat iangsul at ." Foury ear s,Hect or !Hanggangngay onba? ! " Gal i tnagal i tako. " Yza,pl easel i st en. "Het r i edhol di ngmebutIpushedhi m away .Thef eel i ngofbei ngunwor t hy env el opemywhol ebei ng.Nangy ay ar inanamani y ongnangy ar inoon.Ihat ei t .He' scheat i ng

agai n.Idi dev er y t hi ngj ustt okeept hi sf ami l yt oget hert apossi si r ai nnanamanni y a. " Yza. . . "Mul i ngt awagni y a. " Huwagmunangay on,Hect or .Kai l angankongmagi si p! "Si gaw ko.Nangmagpunt aakosa kusi naaynaki t akodoonangkambalko.Hy r onwasl ooki ngatme-hi sey eswer ewi dewi t hso manyquest i ons.Hel ookedwor r i ed. " Mama, di dy ouandPapahadaf i ght ?Ihear dy ouy el l i ng. " " Mama, don' ty oul ov ePapaany mor e? "Hy anaskedme.It ookadeepbr eat h. " Let ' sgoseeNanayandTat ay .I ' m sur et heymi ssy ou. "Ngi t inal angangnai sagotkosakani l ang dal awa.It ookt het wooft hem byt hehandandwewal kedt owar dst hedoor .Isaw Hect or st andi ngnearourdoorl ooki ngatt het hr eeofus.Ishookmyheadwi t hsomuchdi sappoi nt ment . Iwant edt oy el l athi m agai nandy etIcoul dn' t-notwhi l et heki dsar eher e. Idr ov emycart oourol dhome.I twasal way sni cebei nghomewi t hmypar ent sandmybr ot her Yl l ak.SiYl l aknal angangnasabahayngay on,Yv oi si nGer manywi t hhi sgi r l f r i endFauna. Mat agalkonar i nsi y anghi ndinaki ki t a.Hul i ngki t akosakany anoongkasalniGab-t hatni ght umal i sdi nsi y adahi l t i nawagansi y ani Faunasay i ngsheneedshi m home. Napai l i ngnal angako.Howcant hebi t chcal l Ger manyYv o' shome?Ishookmyheadagai n. " Nanay ! "Hy anscr eamedwhenshesaw Nanaywal ki ngdownt hest ai r s.Nakangi t ikaagadsi y a nangmaki t aangmgabat a.Nanaywasal way swar m wi t hmychi l dr en.Agadnay umakapang dal awasakany a. " Hi , Nay . "Ismi l edather . " Nasaanangasawamo? "Sheaskedme.Ngumi t inal angako.Ay okongpagusapanngay onsi Hect oratkunganoanggi nawani y akagabionoongmganakar aanar aw.Idon' tknowhowl ong he' sbeenseei ngsomeoneel se.Sabisasul atV- Ihav eaf eel i ngt hati t ' sst i l lt hesameper soni y ongl ov erni y apar i nsi xmont hsaf t ernami ngi kasal noon. " He' sbusy .Angt at aypo? "Tanongko.Nanaysmi l edatme. " Kasamani y asiLukasatsiAdam,naggol fsi l a.Sanai si namamosiHect or .Kahi tnamanbusy i y on, al am kongsasamasi y adi t o.Kumai nnabakay o? " Ngumi t il angakokayNanay .I nut usanni y aangkambalnamagl ar omunasal abas.Nai wankami ni Nanaysasal a.Pi nakat i t i ganni y aako. " What ' swr ong? "Sheasked.Ishookmyhead.Kai l anbaakomat ut ut ongmagt agongpr obl ema kayNanay ?Al lmyl i f eshehadal way sbeent her ef orme.Kahi tnanoongmgapanahonna si nusubukankongt umay omagi sa-atnagawakonaman-pal agini y angi pi napaal al asaaki nna nandy ansi y aatkungkai l angankosi y ai sangt awagl angangl ay oni y asaaki n-per oako mi smongangt umat anggi . " Yza. . .si Hect orba?Maynangy ay ar i nanamanba? " " Wwal a, Nay .I t ' sj ustt hathe' sv er ybusy . "Ngumi t i akosakany a. " Madal asdi ngbusyangt at aymonoonbutheal way smakest i mef ort hef ami l yespeci al l yf ory ou andy ourbr ot her s.Hewasal way st her e. "

" Hect ori sal way swi t hus. " " Buti st hatenough, YzaJoan? " Icl ear edmyt hr oat .Icannev ert el lmymot hermypr obl emswi t hHect or .Noonpal angnamanay si nabinani y asaaki nna' wagkonggawi n, nahuwagakongmagpakasalkayHect orj ustbecause Iwantt ogi v emychi l dr enaf ami l y .Mymot herhadal way st ol dmet hatmychi l dr enhadt hei rown f at her-andt hatnomat t erhowbadofamanHect orSant i l l ani sorwas-he' sst i l l t hef at herofmy ki dsandt hatheshoul dknowaboutt hei rexi st ence-per ohi ndikokay a.Hi ndikokay angsabi hi n sa kany a ang t ot oo.Mar ami ng masasakt an -siTat ay ,siYt o,ang buong pami l y a ko ang nakasal al aysadesi sy onkongsabi hi nsakany aangkat ot ohanan. Icannev erbeart hef actt hatI ' m goi ngt oputmyf ami l yi npai nagai n.Ican' t .I twi l lal way sbemy f ami l ybef or eany t hi ngel se. " I sn' tPapahome, Mama?Theuni ti ssoqui et . " Ij ustsmi l edatHy an.Kakauwil angnami nggal i ngsamansy on.I di naankoangmgabat asai ce cr eam shoppar akahi tpaanoaymal i mut anni l aangnar i ni gni l akani nangumaga.Iknew t hatI shoul d' v enev ery el l edatHect or .Madal asnamankami ngmagawaynadal awal al onakapag nababanggi tni y aangt aongi y on-our swasamar r i ageofconv eni ence-butIdi dev er y t hi ngt o maket hi ngswor k.Mahalkoangpami l y anami ng-mahalkosi y a,mahalkoangmgabat aper o hi ndikoal am kunghanggangsaankokay angt i i si nanggi nagawaniHect or .Hi ndinamanako mar t i r ,pwede ko si y ang i wan atl umay o na l ang ng t ul uy an per o masy adong mar ami ng masasakt ankapagnangy ar i i y on. " MamacanIask? "Hy r onspoke.Ismi l edathi m.If i xedhi sl i t t l ebowt i eandki ssedhi scheeks. Naupoakosasof aatki nandongsi Hy anhabangumuponamansi y asaaki ngt abi . " Mama,i si tt r ue?Ourr ealf at heri sabadman? "Lumabasangt anongnai y onsabi bi gni y ana par abangi y onangpi nakanat ur alnasabi hi nsal ahat .Napasi nghapako.Iey edHy an.Shewas j ustl ooki ngatme-asi fshewaswai t i ngf ort heanswer .Icoul dn' tev enl ookatmychi l dr en. " Ti t oYl l aksai dt hatourdadi sabadman-t hat ' swhyy ounev erwantt ot el l hi mt het r ut haboutus -t hat ' sexact l ywhathesai d.I si tt r ue, Mama? " Iswal l owedhar d.Hi napl oskoangmukhaniHy r on." No,baby .He' snotabadman. . . "Hi ndiko al am kungpaanol umabasangmgasal i t angi y onsabi bi gko.Remember i ngwhathet r i edt odo wi t hmyf ami l yandwhathedi dt ome-st i l lIt hi nkt hathe' snotabadman-oomasamasi y ami nsan-butt hel at t erpar tofour-whatwast hewor dIwasl ooki ngf or . . . Rel at i onshi p-kungpwedekongangt awagi ngr el at i onshi pi y on.He' snotsobad-if el lf orhi m becausehe' sagoodman,hehasdi gni t y ,hest ay st r uet ohi swor d,he' scr uelandy ethe' sv er y l ov i ng-Isawhowmuchhecar esf ort hepeopl ear oundhi m -somehow-i nav er yt wi st edway-I f el tt hathecar esf ormet oo-andmay bet hatwast her easonwhyIf el l f orhi m. Ionceopenedupt oNi kkiaboutt hatandhet ol dmet hatI ' m weak.Kungangpagmamahalko noonayHect orSant i l l anangnakakapagpahi nasaaki n,i bi gbangsabi hi nnoonkai l anganko si y angbi t i wanngay on? Sagl i takongnat i gi l an.Whyam It hi nki ngofhol di ngon-ofSTI LLhol di ngon?Wal anamanakong dapatmar amdamansakany a.Ishookmyheadt oexor ci set hoset hought s. " Yourr eal f at heri snotabadman.Don' tev ert hi nkaboutt hat , ki ds. "Iki ssedt hebot hoft hem.

" Thenwhenam Igoi ngt ohughi m, Mama? "Hy anaskedme.Idr eadedt hatquest i on. " Soon, baby .Nowl et ' swashupandwe' l l got obed. " " Ar ewenotgoi ngt owai tf orPapa? "Hy r onl ookedatt hedoorasi fanymomentaypapasoksi Hect or . " He' sbusyatt hemoment-Iguess.Let ' sgo! " I nasi kasokoangmgabat a,pi nakai n,bi ni hi sanatpagkat aposaypi nat ul og.Iwast heonewho st y edupsol at ewai t i ngf orHect or ,munt i knaakongmadukdoksacof f eet abl enangmar i ni gko angpagbukasngpi nt onguni t .Isawhi m comei n.Hewasl ooki ngst r ai ghtatmyey es. " Wher ehav ey oubeen? "Iaskedhi m." Naki pagki t akabasakany a? " " Yza, wagngay onpl ease. " " Atkai l an? "Tanongkosakany a." Kapagnasasakt annaul i tako? "Ihi ssedathi m.Het r i edget t i ng ahol dofme." Bi t i wanmoako. " " Yzasi nusubukankonaman.Di pabasapati y on? " It ookadeepbr eat h.Iwant edt ocr youtoff r ust r at i on. " I ' m goi ngt ot el l hi m aboutt heki ds. "Ist ar tof f .Hi sey eswi dened.Hest ar edatme. " Why ?Gant imobai t of orwhatIdi dwi t hV? "Hi nawakanni y aangbr asoko." Yza,wagnaman. Paanoangf ami l yko?Al am ni l anaakoangamangkambal . " " Kahi tkai l anhi ndi kopwedengi pagkai tsamgabat aangt ot oo. " " Paanoako, Yza? "Tanongni y asaaki n.Ishookmyhead. " I ' mt r y i ngmybestt omaket hi swor k,Hect orbuti fy ou' r ej ustgoi ngt obouncebackev er ydamn t i mewe' r ehappy , t henIdon' tknowhowt oanswert hat , Hect or .I ' m doi ngt hi sf ormychi l dr ennot becauseI ' m madf orwhaty oudi d. " It ur nedmybackonhi m.Tumul oyakosasi l i dngkambalko.Il i ebesi deHy anandhuggedher cl oser .It ookadeepbr eat h.Il ett het ear sf al l-f ort hent ht i me-Idon' tknowhowmanyt i mesbut Icr y i ngov ert hi smar r i ageandHect orandt hel i f ewehav e.Howam Igoi ngt omaket hi swor k?

How?

St ol en-Unt ol d#3

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" What ?Ar ey ouf r eaki ngki ddi ngme? ! " Yt o' sv oi ceboomed.Iwasf aci nghi m.Hi sexpr essi oni spr i cel ess-gal i tsi y a, f r ust r at edathi gi tsa l ahatpar abanghi ndisi y amakapani wal amat aposni y angmar i ni gangl ahatngsi nabiko.Il ooked athi m -st r ai ghti nhi sey es-Idi dn' tev enbl i nk.Ist oodt her e, mot i onl essandemot i onl ess. " Youhear dme, Yt o.I paki ki l al akoangkambal saamani l a. " " Atbaki t ?Nasi si r aankanabangbai t ? !Hel i osDemi t r ii sabadman!Het ookawayYnaf r om t he

f ami l y ! " Tumay onar i nakopar apant ay ansi y a.Kungnoonnat at akotakosaor asnasumi gaw siYt o ngay onhi ndina.I t ' smydeci si on, i t ' smychi l dr eni nv ol v edandj ustl i kewhatmymot herhaddone bef or e-Iam goi ngt odoev er y t hi ngt omakemychi l dr enhappy . " Newsf l ash,Yt o.Desi sy onniYnaangsumamakayHel i osathi ndisaaki nosakahi tnakani no. Kunganumanangnangy ar inoon-l abasangmgabat a.Hi ndikokai l anganngopi ny onmoong per mi songkahi tnasi no.I ' mi nt her i ghtage.IcandowhatIwant .Nowi fy ouwi l lhat emeaf t er t hi s, Idon' tcar e.Icar emor eaboutmychi l dr en' shappi nessnotwhatot herpeopl ewi l l t hi nk. " It ur nedmybackonhi m.Hi ndikonahi ni nt ayangsasabi hi npaniYt o.Al am kongmamay aay sasabi hi ndi nni y akayTat ay angt ot oo-angdesi sy onkoper ohi ndiakonat at akot .Gust okong gawi ni t o,Iowei tt omychi l dr en.Iwannamaket hem happy .IwannaseeHy anhugHect or Sant i l l an, IwannaseeHy r onl ooki ngathi sdad' sey esagai n. Iwantmyki dst ohav eamomentwi t ht hei rdad. Kungmal ii y on,we' l lhi ndikonaal am kunganongt ama.Iwal kedi nt hemi ddl eoft hecor r i dor .I wasn' tr eal l ypay i ngat t ent i ont ot hepeopl ear oundme.Al am kongnar i ni gngmgaempl ey adoang si gawannami ngngkakambalko,per owal anamansi l angpaki al am.Imademydeci si on.Ir eal l y wantt odot hi s. Nar at i ngkoangpar ki ngl ot .Bagoakosumakaysakot seayki nuhakoangphonekoatsaka t i nawagansiYna.Ist i l lkeepi nt ouchwi t hher-she' sst i l lmysi st eraf t eral l .Hi ndimanmadal as per osi ni si gur okonapal agi kosi y angnakakamust asat uwi ngmayor asako. " At e, kamust a? "Shegr eet edmeont heot herl i ne.Icoul dn' thel pbutsmi l e. " Bukas.Kai l angankosi y angmaki t abukas. "Al am kongal am niYnakunganongsi nasabiko. Nat ahi mi ksi y asakabi l angl i ny a.Naghi nt aynamanakoatmay amay aaykaagadsi y angnagsal i t a. " Agad, at e?Pwedekobasi y angi r eady ? "Tanongni y asaaki n.Gust okongmat awa.Si nonghi ndi handa?SiHect orSant i l l an?Ihav eal way sknownt hathe' sr eady-hewi l lal way sbet hemanwho st ol emyev er y t hi ngkay ahi ndi akonani ni wal anahi ndi si y ahanda. " I kawangbahal a. "Sabikosakany a." ButIneedt oseehi mt omor r ow,Yna.Goodl uck. "Iended t hecal l andgeti nsi det hecar .It ookadeepbr eat hbef or edr i v i ngaway . Bahal anabukas.Gagawi nkoi t odahi l i t oangt ama.Par asamgabat a. " Goodmor ni ng, Kuy a!I t ' sagooddayt oday , i sn' ti t ? ! " Kumunotangnookohabangpababanghagdannangumagangi y on.Si nal ubongagadakoni Lei ghngi sangngi t i .Nagt at akaakodahi lhi ndisi y anakabi hi sngay ongar aw.Iknowt hatshehas t ogot owor k.Tumaasangki l ayko. " Whyar ey oust i l lher e? "Iaskedher .Tumabisi y asaaki natsakai pi nal upotangkamayni y asa br asoko. " Idi dn' tgot owor kt oday ,Kuy abecauseIwannabewi t hy ou! "Shesai di nanener gi zedt one. Nat awaako.Nagl al ambi ngnanamanangkapat i dko. " Whatdoy ouwant ?Youhav eal l mymoney .Gowast ei t .Goshoppi ng. "It easedher .Wewal ksi de

bysi det ot hegazebowher eManangBi ni ngandKat hwer e.Kat hwasr eadi ngsomet hi ngwhi l e t al ki ngonherheadsetwhi l eManangBi ni ngwasf i xi ngmycof f ee. " Mor ni ng,Manang.At eKat h! "Lei ghi st oohappyt oday .Ki nakabahanako,bakamamay amay sasabi hi nsi y asaaki n.Bakamamay asabi hi nni y asaaki nnamagaasawanasi y a-t hati smy bi ggestf earr i ghtatt hi smoment . " Whati si t ,Lei ght on? "Hi ndimakat i i snat anongko.Shet ookadeepbr eat hbef or esi t t i ngbesi de me. " Wehav et ogosomewher et oday ,Kuy aper odon' twor r y .Iknow y ou' l lbehappy .Let ' sj ustsay i papasy alki t akasial am kongnami ssmoangl abashabangnandoonka.I ' l lmakey ouhappy t oday . " Napai l i ngnal angako." Fi ne,what ev ery ouwant ,Lei ght on.Kumai nkana. "Sabikonal angsa kany a.Habangnagaal musalayi baangpaki r amdam kohabangnakat i ngi nakosakapat i dko.I f eell i kesheknowssomet hi ngt hatIdon' tandt hatmakesmef eeluneasy .Iwantt oaskbutIal so hav eaf eel i ngt hatshewi l lnev ert el lmet hatsomet hi ngsheknowssoIj ustdeci dedl eti tsl i p awayandwai tunt i l shedeci dedt ot el l me. Af t erbr eakf ast ,shet ol dmet ot akeabat handgetr eady .Ist i l lhav enoi deawhatIwi l lhappen af t ert hi sbutI ' m ki ndaexci t ed.Paki r amdam komaymagi i bamamay a-maymagbabagoper o anongpagbabago? " Kuy a,l et ' sgo! "Ihear dherscr eam.It ookonel astl ooki nt hemi r r or .Iwaswear i ngabl ueshi r t andapai rofj eans.Il ookokay .Idi dn' twantt obeext r a-or di nar ybecauset heext r aor di nar yman i sHel i osDemi t r i-Idon' twantt obehi m any mor e.IwannabeHect orSant i l l an-t heor di nar y humanbei ng-i y onghi ndi mahi r apmahal i n.I y ongTAOkungt awagi nni Lei ght on. " I ' m soexci t ed, andIj ustcan' thi dei t ! " Lei ght onkeepsonsi ngi ngt hatsongi nsi det hecarwhi l ewe' r et r av el l i ng." Exci t edkaba,Kuy a? Kasiakosuper ! "Tawasi y anangt awa.Umi l i ngnal angako.Ihav eaf eel i ngt hatshewi l lbe i nt r oduci ngt omet heguyt hatshe' sdat i ng.Ir eadi edmy sel f .I ni i si pkopal anggust okonang sapaki ni y ongt aongi papaki l al ani y a. " St opnakuy a! "Ut osniLei ght onsadr i v er .Il ookedout si det hewi ndow.Wewer ei napar k. Tumi ngi nakosakany a. " Whyar eweher e? "Tanongko.Shej ustsmi l ed. " Iwanna make y ou happy ,Kuy a.And t odaymar ks t he dayofy ourgenui ne happi ness. " Makahul ugangsabi ni y asaaki n.Bumabasi y angkot se.Sumunodnamanako.Nagsi mul akami ng magl akasniLei ght on.Si nusundankol angsi y a-hi ndikoal am kungsaankamipupunt aper o habang t umat agal l al ong bumi bi l i s ang t i bok ng puso ko. Hanggang ngay on kapag nar ar amdamankoangt i bokngpusoko, nagugul atpar i nako-maypusoako-hi ndi akobat o. " Lei ght on" " Mama, l ookt heki t ei sf l y i ng! " Iwasaboutt oaskLei ght onsomet hi ngwhenal i t t l ev oi cecaughtmyat t ent i on.Myey esf l ewt o myr i ght-i nsi det hecot t agewasal i t t l egi r li nabl uedr essandwi t hpi gt ai l s.Shewasl ooki ngup t heki t e, butwhatcaughtmyat t ent i ont hemostwer eherey es-herpi er ci nggr eeney es-j ustl i ke t heboyIsawwi t hYzat hataf t er noonathercousi n' sweddi ng.

" Mama, cany out eachmehowt o? " Myey esf ol l owedt heey esoft hel i t t l egi r l .Shewasl ooki ngatawomanbesi deher .Icaughtmy br eat hf ort hewomanbesi deheri snoneot hert hanmyYza-Iwannacal lhert hat .Shewasnev er mi neandy etIwanthert obe. Shewaswear i ngapi nkl aceydr ess, herhai rwasf r eel yf al l i ngonhershoul der s.Shewassmi l i ngi y ongngi t i ngkahi tkai l anayhi ndi ni y anai bi gaysaaki n. " Kuy a. . . "Unt agniLei ght on." Hal i kana, kani napani l at ay ohi ni hi nt ay . "Sabisaaki nniLei gh.Noon kol angnai nt i ndi hankunganongnangy ay ar i . Sl owl y ,Yza' sey est ur nedt oourdi r ect i on.Wal aakongmakuhangr eaksy onmul asakany a. Nakat i ngi nl angsi y asaaki n. " At e! "Lei ght ongr eet edher .Shef i nal l ysmi l ed.Lei ght onki ssedhercheeks.Ki nakabahanako.Ako l angbaangnakakar amdam nggani t o?Shedoesn' tseem t obeaf f ect edbymypr esence-hi ndi kat ul adnoon. " Hect or . "Shesai dmyname.Icaughtmybr eat hagai n.Thewayshespoke-t hewayshecal l smy name-i tst i l l hast hesameef f ect-i bapar i n. " I i wankomunakay o. "Paal am niLei ght onsaami n.Shet appedmyshoul der .Nai wanakodoong magi sa.Shewasst i l lsi t t i ngont hel ongchai ri nsi det hecot t age-ey ei ngme.If el tsobar eand v ul ner abl eunderhergaze.Iwasact ual l yf eel i ngscar ed. " Kamust akana? "Sheaskedmeaf t er war ds.Icoul dn' tf i ndt her i ghtwor dst osay .I ' mj ust . . .Soi n l ov ewi t hher-af t erf i v ey ear s-I ' m st i l l r i ghtwher eshel ef tme-i npr i sonandIdon' thav eanyi dea wheni sshegoi ngt osetmef r ee? " Maupoka. "Sabini y angmul i .Sumunodako.Shet ookadeepbr eat h.Il ookedatherl ef tf i ngert her e' snor i ng.ButLei ght ol dmet hatshe' smar r i edt oacer t ai nH.I t ur al de. " Wher e' sy ourr i ng? "Icoul dn' thel pbutask. " Il ef ti t . "Sheanswer edme." Youdon' tgett oaskquest i ons,Sant i l l an. "Bi gl ani y angsi nabi ." You ar eher et ol i st en.Iwi l l doal l t het al ki ng. " " Ssur e. "Iwasn' tcer t ai n.Sheagai nt ookadeepbr eat h. " Ihav et wobeaut i f ulki ds. "Pani mul ani y a.Gust okongumal i s.Anobangdahi l anatnandi t okami ? I pamumukhani y abasaaki nnamasay asi y a?Hi ndi kokay angmaki t anamasay asi y asapi l i ngng i ba.Gust okosaaki nsi y amasay abecausenomat t erhowbadIt r eat edher-t hef actt hatIst i l l wannabewi t hheraf t eral l t hathappeneddoesn' tchange. Il ov ehersomuch.Iwannamakehert hecent erofmyuni v er se. " Iknowt hat . "Il ookedatt hel i t t l egi r lpl ay i ngbesi deher .Isawherl ooki ngatmewi t hacer t ai n smi l eonherf ace." Hhel l o. . . " Bi gl asi y angt umakbokayYza." Mama, hehast hesameey esasmi ne!Ar ey ougoi ngt ot el lhi m?I wannahughi m! "Thel i t t l et i nyv oi cebugsmybei ng.Whyi ssheaski ngYzat hosequest i ons? Anongi bi gsabi hi nni t o. " Mama, di dy ouseet heki t eIf l ew? !I tgotst uckont het r ee"

Ther ewast hel i t t l eboyagai n-t heoneIsawi nt hepar t ywi t hher . " Ohheyt her e. . . "Theboygr eet edme." Mama? "Nagt at anongangmgamat ani y angt umi ngi nkay Yza. " Hect or . "Tawagni y asaaki n.I nakbay anni y aangbat angl al aki .Shel ookedasi fshewasaboutt o cr y ." Hect or , meetHy r onandHy an, myki ds, "shet ookadeepbr eat h. " Yourki ds. " Mywor l dst oppedr ev ol v i ng.Mybodyshook.Masmal akaspaangy ani gnangsi nabini y asaaki n kay sasal i ndol nanaganapsaBohol noongnakar aan. " Yourki ds. " Isawt hel i t t l egi r l wal kedt owar dsme. " It ol dmamat hati fshef i nal l yt el l sy ou,I ' m goi ngt ohugy ou.CanIpl easehugy ou? "Sheasked me.Il ookedatYza.Thi si sal lt oomuch-al t houghIhadahunch-Inev err eal i zedt hatt hi sal lwi l l bet r ue. " Goon,Hy r on.Hugy ourr ealf at her . "Sheev ensai dt ot heboy .Justl i kewhatt hel i t t l egi r ldi d, Hy r onwal kedt owar dsmeandhuggedme-sabaysi l angdal awa.Hi ndikoal am kunganong mar ar amdamanko.

Ij ustf eel . . .COMPLETE.

St ol en-Unt ol d#4

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" Hi ndi mobasi y apupunt ahan? "

Il ookedatt hepol i cemanst andi ngbesi demeasIl ookatHect orSant i l l anbehi ndbar s.Oo, nandi t oakosakul ungankungsaansi y anakal agak.Icamehome-nobodyi nmyf ami l yknewnotev enmyhusband-t hatIcamehomef r om Pr aguej ustt ol ookatHect orSant i l l an.Hi ndiko al am kunganongpumasoksai si pko.Nakal ay onaako.Nakabangonper oakopar i nmi smoang bumabal i k.

Ij ustwannaseehi m andIdon' tknowwhy . . .

May bebecauseoft heki ds.

Justbecauseoft heki ds.

Iwassmi l i ng-Idon' tknow why-per ohabangt umat agalatt i ni t i ngnankoangmgabat aatsi Hect oraypar abanggumagaanangpaki r amdam ko.Theywer ei nt hemi ddl eoft hepar kpl ay i ng.

Tumat awasiHy r onhabangt akbonangt akbosiHy annamanaynasabal i katniHect or . Hi ndi l angi t oangunangpagakat aonnanagki t aangmagaamanakasamako.Inev erl ett hem outof mysi ght-al am kongsamat angpami l y akoayhi ndit amabutr i ghtnow Iwantt heki dst obe happy-hi ndikomunai i si pi nangpami l y ako-angmgabat al angangi ni i si pko.Gust okosi l ang magi ngmasay a.

" At e. . . "Il ookedbehi ndmeandIsawYnaappr oachi ngme.Shewaswear i ngar edcor por at edr ess habangt umat agalayl al osi y anggumaganda.Lumi l i pasangar aw l al ongnagi gi ngkamukhani Ynasi Hect or-nodoubt-si l aangmagkapat i d.Ynahast hesameey esasHel i osDemi t r i .

" Kani napakay o? "Sheaskedme.Ishookmyhead.

" Kar ar at i ng ko l ang di n.Hect ort ookt he ki ds.But ihi ndisi l a nagabotniHect orsa uni t . " Mal umanaynawi kako.Ynat ookadeepbr eat h.

" Howi sy ourhusband? "Bi gl angt anongni y a.Ij ustsi ghed.Idon' tknowi fYnaknewwhati sr eal l y happeni ngbet weenmeandHect or .

" We' r egood. "Ianswer ed.Isi ghedagai n.Tumabisaaki nsiYnaatt ul adkoayt i nanawni y aang magaama.Shewassmi l i ngeart oear .

" Kuy a' shappy . "Sabi ni y abi gl a.Napangi t i namanako.

" Myki dsar et oo. "Humi ngananamanakonangnapakal al i m." Hi ndikoal am kungbaki t , Ynaper o masnaggi ngmasay aangmgabat angay onnanaki l al ani l asiHect or .Mabai tsakani l asiHect orhet r eat edt hem ast hei rownbutsomehow-t heyar emor eal i v er i ghtnow. "

" Kahi tnamansiKuy a. "Ynasai d." Ther ear eni ght swhenI ' dwakeupt aposmaki ki t akosabal cony orsagar den.Nakat ay ol angsi y a, at e, nagi i si p.I tseemsl i kehe' st hi nki ngal ot . "Shel ookedatme. " He' st hi nki ngofy ou.Hel ov esy ou, y ouknow. "

Hi ndi akonakaki bo. Ij ustl ookedatmyki ds.

" At e, mahal kani kuy a. "

" Ij ustwantmyki dst obehappy , Yna. "Wi kako.Nar i ni gkosi y angnagbunt onghi ni nga.

" I kaw,masay akaba? "Sheaskedmeagai n.Bi gl aakongsi nal akayngmgadoubt ssapusoat i si panko-doubt ssasar i l i , sakunganongmer onkaminiHect orI t ur al deatsakunganongmer on saami nniHect orSant i l l an.Iaskedmy sel fagai n,whyam Iwi t hHect orI t ur al de.I sal angang sagot-mahalkosi y a-mi nahalkosi y anoon-hi ndil angbast abi l angkai bi gankundibi l angsi y a.I l ov edhi m, Ir eal l ydi d.Hesav edmef r om t hemi ser yIwasi n.West ar t edoutasf r i ends.Si y aang kasamakonoongi ni l abaskoangkambalsamundongi babaw -si y aangkar amaykosal ahat . Si y aangnandoonnoongunanghi nawakanniTat ayangmgaanakko-despi t et hef actt hat Hel i osDemi t r i i st hei rf at her .

Mal akiangut angnal oobkosakany a.Hi ndini y aakohi nay aanbast a.Hewasmybestf r i end. Kay anoongsi y anamanangnangai l anganngt ul ong-hi ndiakonagdal awangi si p.Igav ei n.I neededt or et ur nwhathedi df orme.

" Masay aako.Theki dsar ewi t hme,Yna.Masay aako. "Il ookedatmysi st eragai n.Shewas ey ei ngme.Par angmaygust osi y angsabi hi nper onaudl oti y onnangmagsal i t asi Hy an.

" Mama!We' r esopagodna! "Nat at awangsabini y a.I bi ni gaysi y anIHect orsaaki n.Ki nuhakosi Hy an-ourhandst ouched.Naki t akongnat i gi l ansi y aatsakamabi l i snal umay o.Het ookadeep br eat hpagkat aposaygi nul oni y aangbuhokni Hy r on.

" Whenar ewegoi ngt of l yt heki t esagai n,Dad? "Hy r onaskedhi m.I y onkasianggi nawani l a buongar aw-nagpal i padl angsi l angsar onggol a.

" Kapagpumay agul i tsi Mamani ny onamagl ar ot ay o. "

Hy r on' sgr ayey esl ookedatme.Ther e' spl eadi ngi nhi sey esashewasey ei ngme." Mama,can wedoi tagai nnextweek? "

" Butnextweek,we' r egoi ngbackt oPr ague. "Mahi nangsabiko.Naki t akongt umi ngi nsaaki nsi Hect or .Hewasdumbf ounded.

" It houghtwe' r egoi ngt ost ayher ef oral ongt i me? "Di smay adongt anongni Hy an.Ij ustsmi l ed.

" MamaandPapaneedt owor k,baby .Sonextweekwe' r egoi ngback.ButI ' l ll ety ouspend anot herdaywi t hy ourf f at heragai n. "Ngumi t iako.Tangonal angangsi nagotngmagkapat i dsa aki n.

" Punt anasakot se.Uuwinamunat ay o.Saygoodby et oy ourf f at her . "Hi ndikoal am kungbaki t sat uwi ngsasabi hi nkoangmgasal i t angi y onaykumakabogangdi bdi bko.Par anghanggang ngay onayhi ndi par i nmadi gestngbuongpagkat aokonasi Hect orSant i l l anayangamangmga anakko.

Si nundankongt i ngi nangkambal .Hy r ont ookHy an' shandast heywal kt oget her .Mi nsan napapangi t i akodahi l par angnaki ki t akokami ngdal awani Yt osamgaanakko.

" I ' l lgonow. "Paal am kosakani l a.It ookonel astgl i mpseatt het wo.NakahawaksiYnasakamay ni Hect ornapar abangki nakal mani y angpi l i tangkapat i d.

" Kuy a, wagmuna. "Shesai d.Kumunotangnooko.

" I wam momunakami . "Hesai d.Mal ami gangbosesni y a.Mybodyshookwi t hf earper ohi ndiako nagpahal at a.Baki takomat at akotsakany a?

Iam aConsunj i andaConsuj i nev erget si nt i mi dat edbyany one.

Humar apakosakany a.Thi si st hef i r stt i mewe' r eev ergoi ngt ot al kal oneandy es,mybodyi s shaki ngbutImadesur enahi ndi ni y amaki ki t ai y on.

" You' r egoi ngbackt oPr ague. "Hesai dt ome.Hesoundedsodi sappoi nt ed.Il ookedathi m.

" Maypr obl emaba? "

" I l al ay omonanamansaaki nangmgabat a? "

" Shoul dn' ty ouj ustbet hankf ult hatIdi dt hi s?Magpasal amatkanal angHel i os. "Mat apangkong sabi .Het ookadeepbr eat h.

" Nagpapasal amatako, Yzaper osanahay aanmoakongmagi ngamasamgaanakkokahi tsagl i t napanahonpa. "

" Mer onkahanggangsasusunodnal i nggo.We' r egoi ngbackt oPr agueandt hi si sf i nal . "If l i pped myhai rasIt ur nedmybackonhi m.Naki t akongnai kuy om ni y aangkany angpal adper ohi ndiko nai y onpi nansi n.Tumal i l i sakopapunt asasasaky anatdoonkoi ni l abasanghi ni ngangkani nako papi ni pi gi l .

" Mama, ar ey ouokay ? "Hy anasked.

" Yes, baby . "

" I ' m sad,Mama.Ican' tbel i ev ewehav et ogoback.PaanosiDaddy ? "Hy r onspoke.Hi ndiako makasagot .Kungmi nsanayhi ndikomai wasannanamanani y akayHel i osangugal ini y angi y on. Iknowt heConsunj imenar er ut hl essandst r i ctbutHy r on-I ' m sur e-i smor edi f f i cul tt hant he Consunj i mencombi ned-hegott hatf r om hi sf at her .

" Let ' sj ustgohome. "

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" Hy an, whatar ey oudoi ngi nt her e? "

I twasav er yr ai nyWednesdayaf t er noon.Naki t akongnakat ay osiHy anmal api tsabal cony .Nasa l oobl angkami nguni tmaghapondahi lmaul anatay okongpal abasi nangkambal .Wal asiHect or . Idon' tknowkungnasaansi y aokungsaansi y apumupunt ani t ongmganakar aangar aw.Hej ust seemedsol ost .Al am kongi ni i si pni y aanggi nawakongdesi sy onsapagpapasokkayHel i ossa buhaynami ngpami l y a.

" Mama,hi ndikobapwedengmaki t asiDaddy ?Twoday skonasi y anghi ndinaki ki t a.Gust oko si y angmaki t a. "Nai i y aknasabini y asaaki n.Napakagatl abinamanako.Paanokobasasabi hi n nahi ndiganoon kadal i .Iam awar et hatmyki dsar emi ssi ng hi spr esence.Hi ndiko nga mai nt i ndi han-kapagkasamaniHect orangmgabat a-hi ndikomaani nagangHect ornanaki l al a konoonguna.

" Mama,dibat al agapwede?Gust onami ngsi y amaki t aniHy r on. "Nakangusongsabini y a." Diba si y apwedemagpunt adi t o?Mama, pl ease. . . "

It ookadeepbr eat h.Paanokomat at anggi hananggani t o?Myhear tmel t edr i ghtaway .Iki ssed herf or eheadandt ookmyphoneout .It ext edYnaj ustt osayt hatt heki dsneededt oseet hei r f at her .Agadnamansi y angnagr epl ypar asabi hi nnapupunt asi Hect or .

Thet houghtt hathewi l lcomeher et oni ghtmakesmewantt ohi demy sel f .Hanggangngay onay nakakar amdam par i nakongt akot-hi ndidahi lsagi nawani y asaaki nnoon-Ihav emov edonbutI ' m st i l lscar ed.Nat at akotako sa sar i l iko -nat at akotako sa di sappoi nt mentna mar ar amdamanngpami l y ako, ni Tat ay , ni Yt o.Ay okonanangmakasaki t .

" Pupunt aangDaddyni ny o.Magwai tkal ang. "Nakangi t i ngwi kako.Agadnal umi wanagang mukhani Hy an.Tumakbosi y apapasokatsi ni gawangpangal anni Hy r on.

" Hy r on!Dar at i ngsi Daddy ! "

" What ? "Agadnal umabassiHy r onmul asasi l i dni l a.Mukhangnapasay adi nsi y angbal i t a.I si ghed.Ir eal l ywantt hem t obehappy .Iwantt hem t of eelwhatIf el twhenImetTat ay .Iwant t hem t obecompl et e-j ustl i kewhatIf el tbackt hem.Ay okongmagkar oonsi l angt anongkay a pi l i tkongi naay osangl ahatsangay on.

Iwasi nt heki t chenpr epar i ngf ordi nnerwhenIhear daknockont hedoor .Aut omat i cal l y ,my hear tbeatf ast er .Dahandahanakongl umapi tsapi nt o.Nangi ngi ni gangmgakamaykonang buksankoi y on.Notamomentl at er ,Isawapai rofgr eeney est ar i ngbackatme.Mybr eat hi ng becamei r r egul ar .Ay okonggani t ongpaki r amdam.

" Hi . "I y onl angangnasabiko.Il ookedathi mf r om headt ot oe.Hewaswear i ngat hr eepi ecegr ay sui t .Nahi gi tkoangaki nghi ni nga.Paki r amdam kohi ndisiHect orSant i l l anangkahar apkokundi si Hel i osDemi t r i -hewasl ooki ngmor et enaci oust hanev er .

" CanIcomei n?Wher ear emyki ds? "Bi ni gy andi i nni y aangsal i t angMY.

" Theyar emi ne, Hect or . "Sabi ko.

" We' l l ,t hey ' r emi net oo-i tmeanswehav et oshar e,Consunj i . "Hi sv oi cewascol dandscar y .My bodyshookagai n.Umi l i ngako." Andbyt heway ,Iwantt ochanget hei rsur names.Fr om I t ur al de t oSant i l l anorbet t er , Demi t r i . "

Wal angsabi sabi ngni l agpasanni y aako.Nakadamaakongt akot .Anobangsi nasabini y a? Nagsi si mul anabasi y angkuni nsaaki nangmgaanakko?

Ki nabahanako.Iknowwhathewascapabl eofdoi ng.Kapaggi nust oni y a,makukuhani y a.Wal a si y angbagaynahi ndi gi nust onahi ndi ni y anakuha.Baka. . .baka. . .

" Hechect or ! "Imumbl ed.Tumakboakopapasoksasi l i dngmgabat a.Nat agpuankosi y adoon nanaki ki pagl ar osamgaanaknami n.Hel ookedatme.

" Hect ormagusapt ay o. "Sabikosakany a.Bi nal i nganni y aangmgabat aatnagpaal am sagl i t . Mul i ni y aakongni l agpasan.

" Anongsi nasabi mo? "Iaskedagai n." I ' m notl et t i ngy out akemyki dsawayf r om me. "

" Wal aakonggi nust onahi ndi konakuha. "

" Nakakal i mut anmobanagi nust omoako? "Tanongkosakany a.Hi ndikoal am kungsaan nanggagal i ngangl akasngl oobkopar asagut i nangbawati bi nabat oni y asaaki n.Angal am ko l angaykai l angankongi pagl abanangkar apat anko.Masmaykar apat anakosakany asamga bat a.

" Si nabikobanat aposnaangl aban?I ' m nott hr oughwi t hy ouy et .Ihav en' tgi v enup,Yza.Ican st i l l t akey ouaway-st eal y ou-j ustl i kewhatIdi dal mostsi xy ear sago. "

Tumay o ang l ahatng bal ahi bo ko sa kat awan.Hi s ey es wer e pi er ci ng t hr ough mysoul . Ki ni l abut anako.Si nasabi ni y abanahi ndi par i nt aposangl ahat ?

" Anonggi nagawangl al aki ngi y andi t o? "Kul angnal angsabi hi ngnat akasanakongkul aynang mar i ni gkoangbosesniHect or .Naki t akongnakat ay osi y asamaypi nt oatgal i tnagal i tangmga mat ananakat i t i gkayHel i osatsaaki n.

" Hi ndikapabamasay anai naagawmoangmgabat asaaki n,pat ibanamansiYza?Whatar e y oudoi ngher ey ouf ucki ngasshol e! " " Hect or ! "Si gawko." Theki dscanheary ou! "

" Whatal ov el ymout hy ourhusbandhav e,Yza.Si y abaangnagpal akisamgaanakko? "Gal i tna t anongni Hel i ossaaki n.

" I wanmomunakami ,pl ease. "Sabikosakany a.Mukhangay awni y apangumal i sper owal ar i n si y angnagawa.Hewenti nsi det heki ds' r oom.Nangkami ngdal awanal angniHect oraysakako si y abi nal i ngan.

" Whatar ey oudoi ng? !Baki tganoon? "

" Di nal amopat al agaangl al aki ngi y ondi t o! "Hehi ssedatme.

" Theki dswant edt oseehi m. "Mal ami gnasabi ko.

" Mgabat al angba,Yza?Obakanamanpat ii kaw?Bakanakal i mut anmonakunganonggi nawa ni y asa' y o!Her apedy ou!Gust omobangi paal al ako"

Isl appedhi m -har d.Tumaasbabaangdi bdi bni y a.Nat i gi l ankami par eho.Hest ar edatme.

" Nev erev ergi v et hatt omeagai n, Hect or .Al am mongay awkongpagusapani y on! "Nai i y akkong sabi .Ki nagatkoangi babangl abikoatsakat i ni t i gansi y a." Al lIwanti sf ort hi smar r i aget owor k andy ety oukeeponbr eaki ngusapar t ! "

" Akoba? ! "Si gawni y a." Hi ndi ba' ti kawr i n! "

" Inev ersl eptwi t hHect ororanymenwhi l ewe' r emar r i ed!I kawi l angbesesmonggi nawai y on!I t houghty oul ov edme! "

Nagi ngmaamoangmukhani y a.Par anghi ndi ni y aal am kunganongsasabi hi nni y angay on.

" Yza,I ' m sor r y . "Bumabaangkany angt i ni g." Al am mongay aw kongnagkakagani t ot ay o.Yza, pl ease. . . "

" I sal angnamananggust oko,Hect or .Iwannamaket hi smar r i agewor k,butf orust owor k, kai l anganmor i nggumawangpar aan. "

Nat i gi l ankamipar ehasnangbumukasangpi nt ongkwar t ongkambal .Mul ar oonayl umabassi Hect orSant i l l an.Heey edt het woofus.

" Ako, i sal angdi nanggust oko. "Hesai dt ome.Saaki nl angsi y anakat i ngi n.Hi sgr eeney eswer e f i er yandconf i dent ." Iwannamakey oumi neagai n, YzaConsunj i . "

" Hel i ospl ease. . . "Pi l i tkongpi nuput ol angsi nasabi ni y a.

" Hewasnev ery our st obegi nwi t h, Sant i l l an. "Myhusbandsai d.

" St i l l ,I ' l lmakehermi ne,byhookorbycr ook,I ' m goi ngt omakey oumi ne.Ev eni fi tmeanst hatI hav et ost ealy ouawayf r om y ourhusbandorf ami l y .I ' l lmakey oumi ne-ev eni fy ouputmeback t oj ai l agai n, Yza.I ' l l makey oumi ne.

St ol en-Unt ol d#5

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" Iwon' tgi v ey ouupj ustl i ket hat , YzaConsunj i . " Ikeptont hi nki ngt hatwhi l esi t t i ngi nsi demySUVl ooki ngatYzawhowasatt hepar ki ngl otof t hei rt empor ar yhome.Shewashol di ngt wogr ocer ybags.Naki t akongbumabamul asasasaky an siHy r on-agadakongnapangi t inangmaki t akongpi l i tni y angi naabotangdal aniYza.Hy r on l ov eshi smom somuch-kapagmagkasamakami , siYzaangpal agini y angi ki nukwent osaaki n. I sangbagaynagust okor i nnamandahi lgust okongmakaal am ngmgabagaynanaganapsa kany ani t onghul i ngl i mangt aon. Iam i nt er est edi nev er y t hi ng.Iwannaknowwhathappenedt oherbacki nPr ague.Iwannaknow whyshemar r i edHect orI t ur al de.Iwannaknowev er y t hi ngbecauseI ' mr eal l ydet er mi nedi nt aki ng herawayagai n-t hi st i me-I ' l lmakeherf al l .I t at amakoangl ahatngmal i-par asapami l y ang mat agal konangpi napangar ap. " Si r , hi ndi pobakay obababa? " Lumi padangmgamat akosadr i v ernakasamako.It ookadeepbr eat hbef or eopeni ngt hedoor .

Mul anoonhanggangngay oni bapar i nangepekt osaaki nngmgaConsunj i-l al onaniYza.She j ustmakesev er y t hi ngar oundmesl owdown.Iwasshaki ngmyhandsasIt ookst epst owar dsher andHy r on. " Mamasi Daddy ! " Igr i nnedr i ghtaf t erhear i ngmyson.Naki t aagadni y aako.Hi sgr eeney esl i tupasher uns t owar dsme.Napahi nt onamansiYzaathumar apsaaki ngdi r eksy on.Shewaswear i ngawhi t e l aceykneel engt hdr ess.Herhai rwasf r eel yf al l i ngdownhershoul der sandherl i ps-Imi ssed ki ssi ngt hosel ov el yl i psofher s-pout edabi tasshest ar esmedown. " Anonggi nagawamodi t t o? "Sheaskedme.Herv oi cewasst er nandcol d.Mal amangaygal i tpa r i nsi y ahanggangngay ondahi l sanangy ar i noongi sanggabi .Per owal aakongpaki al am. IsaywhatIsaybecauseIwantt ooandbecauseIam Hel i osDemi t r i andIcandowhat ev erIwant . Inev ert houghtI ' dbel i ket hi sagai n.Akal akonawal anaangDemi t r isaaki nbutYzamanagedt o br i ngmydar ksi deback.Iguesst hi si smedeal i ngwi t ht hef actt hatshe' saboutt ot akeawaymy ki ds.Hi ndiakopapay ag.Kungwal asi gur ongHy r onatHy an-hahay aankosi y aatt ut upar i nko angpangakokokaySheenaConsunj iper odahi lmaymgabat aatdahi lgust okongl umakisi l ana buoangpami l y aatmasay agagawi nkoangl ahatmakuhal angangmagi i nako. " I ' m her et oseet heki ds. "Mal ami gdi ngsabiko.Shesi ghed.Shel ookedaway ." What ?Ar ey ou scar edofme? "Tanongko. " Masy adokangar ogant e.Kai l anbaakonat akotsa' y o? "Sheaskedmeback.Hi ndikomapi gi l an angmapangi si . " Kunghi ndikat akotsaaki n,t heny ou' l ll etmei ny ouruni tagai nsot hatIcanpl aywi t hmyki ds andeatl unch. "Ngi si ngngi si akohabangt i t i gnat i t i gsakunotnakunotnanooni Yza. " Yes,mama!Pl ease,l etdadeatwi t hus.I ' m sur e,Hy anwi l lbehappyt oseehi m!She' smi ssi ng Daddy , Mama.Lethi m pl aywi t hus!Papadoesn' tpl aywi t husany mor e.He' sal way sbusy . " Yzagasped.Lumi padnamanangt i ngi nkokayHy r onnanakahawaksakamayko.Hect orI t ur al de nev erpl ay swi t ht hem any mor eandIwonderwhy .Doesi thav esomet hi ngt odowi t hme? Mal ul ungkotbaako?Butt hen-t hatwoul dbemyadv ant age. Mal akinamant al agaangl amangkosat aongi y on-Iam t hef at heroft het wi ns.Nomat t erwhat hedoes-hecoul dnev erev erchanget hatf act . " Pl ease,Mama! "Hy r onpl eadedagai n.Yzabi therl owerl i p.Nai kuy om konamanangpal adko. Whatt hehel l i sshedoi ng? " Fi ne. "Shef i nal l ygav ei n." Buty ouhav et ol eav ebef or emyhusbandcomeshome. "Iknowt hatI shoul ddowhatshesai dbutIdon' tknowwhatcamet ome.Ij ustr eal l ywant edt obewi t hherand myki ds.Lumapi takosakany apar akuni nangmgapi nami l ini y a.Naunasi y angpumasoksal oob ngbui l di ngkay sasaaki n.Kasunodni y asi Hy r on.Iwasj ustl ooki ngather-t hi nki ngaboutt hel ost y ear st hatpassedbybet weenus.Iwaswonder i ngi fsheev er-kahi tsandal i ngpagkakat onl angdi dsheev erl ov edme? Thel astdaywehadt oget her-t hatmomenti nt hehot el , f i v ey ear sago-Iwannaknowwhatshe wast hi nki ng.Iwannaknowwhatshet houghtwhenIt ol dherIl ov eher .Iwannaknowwhatshe f el twhenshewokeupal oneandIwannaknowwhatwentt hr oughhermi ndwhenshef oundout t hatIt ur nedmy sel fi n. Angdamikonggust i ngi t anongsakany a-mgabagaynaakal akonghi ndinakai l anganng

kasagut anper ohet oakoatnagi i si ppar i n. Thi si sn' tme.Bei ngHel i osDemi t r idoesn' ti ncl udebei ngv ul ner abl e.I ' m ast r ongman,ar ut hl ess busi nesst y coon, anexconv i ctbuther eIam andmyhear ti sal mostoutofmychest . " Daddy ,whatdoy ouwannaeat ?Mamawi l lmakesomechi ckenpast a.I t ' smyf av or i t e! "Hy r on spoke.Ij ustsmi l edathi m.Naki t akongbi nubuksannani Yzaangpi nt onguni tnat i nut ul uy anni l a. Ni l aki hanni y aangawi ngngpi nt opar amakapasokako.Hy r oncamei nr unni ng.Ti nat awani y a angkakambal ni y a. " Hy an!Nandi t osi Daddy ! " Mul asasi l i dayl umabasangbabaeko.Shewassmi l i ngf r om eart oear . " Daddy ! "Tumakbosi y apapal api tsaaki natdahi lhawakkoangmgagr ocer ybagsniYzaayhi ndi kosi y anay akapagad. " Manang. . . "Nar i ni gkongwi kani Yza." Paki dal anaposakusi nai y onggr ocer i esko.Sal amat . " May amay aaymayl umapi tsaaki ngbabae.Shewasi nherf i f t y ' s,Iguess.Ki nuhani y asaaki n angmgapi nami l iatsakat umal i kodna.Nai wankamiapatsasal a.Yzar emai nedst andi ngwhi l eI satont hecouchwi t ht heki ds.Hi nal i kanakoni Hy ansapi sngi atsakangumi t i nangmal aki . " Daddyhi ndinat ay onagpal i padngki t e. . . "Mat aml aynasabiniHy ansaaki n.Iputmyar m ar ound herandpul l edhercl oser .Tuwi ngt i t i ngnankosiHy anatsiHy r onayhi ndiakomakapani wal ana gal l i ngsi l asaaki n. Howcanamonst erl i kemecr eat esomet hi ngasbeaut i f ul ast hem? " Saki t chenl angako. "Napat i ngi nakokayYza.Shet ur nedherbackonme.If el tt heur geofcal l i ng hernamebutIst ay edsi l ent .I nst eadofcal l i ngherback, Icont ent edmy sel fwi t ht heki ds.Ipl ay ed wi t ht hem butnomat t erwhatIdo-Ij ustcan' tgetYzaofmyhead. " Wher e' st heki t chen,son? "Iknowt hati twast hedumbestquest i onev erasked.Hy r onsmi l edat meandpoi nt edmet ot heki t chen.Ist oodupandwal kedt ot heki t chen.I nt her e, IsawYza-she wasbusycooki ng-nihi ndini y aakonapansi n.Nakat uonangbuongat ensy onni y asakany ang gi nagawa.Nakat ay ol angakodoonatpi nagmamasdansi y a. Icoul df eelmyhear tsl owl ymel t i ngdown.Howcanawomanl i kehermel tawayt heni cear ound myhear t ?Ni wal asi y anggi nagawa.Per onagawani y aakongbaguhi n. Becauseofher , Igr ewahear t- ahear tt hati snowmyweakness. Icl ear edmyt hr oat .Shel ookedback.Agadnakumunotangnooni y anangmaki t ani y aako. " Anonggi nagawamodi y an?Doy ouneedany t hi ng? "Sheaskedme.Ofal lt hewor dsi nt he di ct i onar y-al l Icoul dsaywast hi s: " Imi ssedy ou. " Hermout hpar t ed, she, t henshookherhead.Tumawasi y a-sar kast i konghal akhaknanagpasaki t sapusoko. " How dar ey ou,Hel i os. "Shesai d.Herv oi cewasascol dasi ce.Tumar aksadi bdi bkoang mal ay el ongt i ni gni y a.Akol angbaangnakakar amdam ngpangungul i l a.

" Howdar eI ? "Icoul dn' thel pbutask. " Af t erwhaty oudi dt omyf ami l y ,y ouhav et hegut st osayt haty oumi ssedme. "Bakasanggal i t sat i ni gni y a.Hi ndiakoagadnakaki bo.Anggust okol angnamansangay onayangmagi ngaki n si y a,masamabangi si pi ni y on?Ti ni t i ganni y aakongmar i i n." Wal akangkar apat ansaaki n, Demi t r i .Theonl yr easonwhyy ou' r eher ei sbecauseoft heki ds. " Il ookedatherey es.Ther ewassomet hi ngi nt her e-somet hi ngt hatshedi dn' twantmet oseesomet hi ngIknowwoul dbenef i tmysi de. " Ihat ey ou, Hel i os. " " Youdo? "Iaskedher .It ookonest ept owar dsher .Shet ookast epback.Imov edcl oser .Paul i t ul i tl anghanggangsal umapatangbay wangni y asaki t chencount er .Wal anasi y angpupunt ahan. Iknow how wr ongt hi si sbutf orYz aConsunj i-Iam r eadyandIam wi l l i ngt odoev er ywr ong mov ej ustt omakehermi ne. Umangatangkamayko.It ouchedherf ace.Nanl akiangmgamat ani y aper ohi ndinamansi y a l umay o.Shest oodt her est ar i ngatmyey es.Icoul dseesomet hi ngont hosehazel br owney esbut t hen-Idon' twantt ohope.Al l Iknowi st hatIwant edt obewi t hhernow. " Idi dmi ssy ou. "Iwhi sper edagai n.I ni wasni y aangmukhani y asakamayko. " Kungmakapagsal i t akaakal amomaypi nagsamahant ay o. " " Doy ouwantmet omakey our emembert hatl astni ghtwewer et oget her ?Ar en' tt het wi ns enought or emi ndy ouwhatIcandot oy ou? "Igr i t t edmyt eet h.Shet r i edpushi ngmeaway . " Hel i ospl ease! "Shewhi mper ed.Hi ndiakonaki ni g.Iwr appedmyl ef tar m ar oundherwai stand pul l edhercl oser .Icoul dsmel l hersweetscent .Icl osedmyey esandbur i edmyheadonherneck. Ii nhal edherscent .Icoul df eelherhandsonmyshoul der sshewast r y i ngherbestt opushme awaybutIj ustcoul dn' tl ethergo-notl i ket hi sandnotr i ghtnow-notev er . " Hel i os, anoba. . . " " Wag,Yza. . . "Ispoke." Kahi tngay onl ang. "Il ookedather .Hermout hwasabi tpar t ed.It ouched herl owerl i p.Imov edcl oserandj ustamomentl at er , myl i pswer eagai nstherandwe' r ei ndeep, deeppar adi se-orIwasi npar adi se. Ki ssi ngherandhol di ngherl i ket hi swasenought omakemef eelcompl et eagai n.Ther eandt hen Ir eal i zedt hatYzai st hemi ssi ngpi eceofmyl i f epuzzl eandIam wi l l i ngt odoev er y t hi ngj ustt o hav eherbacki nmyl i f e. Ev er y t hi ng. " Yza! " Yzapushedmeawayr i ghtaf t erhear i ngt hatv oi ce.Webot ht ur nedar oundandIsaw Hect or I t ur al dest andi ngi nt heki t chen.Gal i tnagal i tangekspr esy onngmukhani y a. " Whatt hef uckar ey oudoi ng,Yza! "Hey el l ed.I ni l anghakbangni y asiYzaathi nat akni y ai t o pal ay osaaki n.Al lIcoul ddowaswat chbutbef or ehecoul dt akemyYzaawayf r om me, hi nawakankoangi sani y angkamayaysakapi l i tnai ni l al api tsaaki n. " Bi t awanmosi Yza. "Isai d.Iwant edt omur dert hi sguy .

" She' smywi f e.She' smi ne.Ihav eal l t her i ght s. " " We' l l Il ov eher .That ' senoughr easonf ormet omakehermi ne. " " Anggagomopal a! " Bi ni t i wanniHect orsiYzaatsakal umapi tsaaki n.Hewasaboutt opunchmyf aceper oi nunahan kosi y a.Ipunchedhi m.Dumugoangi l ongni y a. " Hel i os, anoba? ! "Fr ant i cnasi gawni Yza.Umi l i ngako. " Kungmayi sangwal angkar apat ankayi sadi t o-i kawi y onI t ur al de!Iownhersi ncet hatmoment sheki ssedmeback.Iownherev er y t hi ng-ev enhersoul-shedoesn' tknowi ty etbutshe' smi neev er y t hi ngaboutheri smi ne. " " Hel i os, t amana! "Si gawmul i ni Yza.Il ookedather ." Leav e, okay !Justl etusbe! " " Tandaanmoi t o. "Isai dt oher ." I ' l lcl ai my ou,agai nandagai nunt i ly ouhav enochoi cebutt o sur r ender . "

" Whyar ey ouher e? " Agadakongbumabangsasaky annangmaki t akosiYl l akConsunj inanakat ay osal abasnggat e ngmansy on.Hel ookedf r ust r at edbutt hatf adedawayr i ghtaf t erseei ngme.Napal i t annggal i t angekspr esy onngmukhani y a. " Demi t r i . "Hesai dmynamel i kei t ' st hedi r t i estwor dhehadev erl ear ned.I ni l anghakbangni y aako atsakaki nuwel y uhan. " Yout ookev er y t hi ngawayf r om myf ami l y ! "Hehi ssedatme.Nanl al akiangmgamat ani y asa gal i t ." Anggagomo!Si ni r amoangpami l y ako! "If el thi sf i stonmyl ef tcheek-kasabaynoonang pagbukasnggat eatangpagsi gawni Lei ght on. " Yy l l ak!Kuy a!Shi t !Anobanggi nagawamo! " Agadsi y angpumagi t nasaami n.Lei ght onhel dmyhandandl ookedatme." Ar ey ouokay ? Dammi t , Kuy a!You' r ebl eedi ng. "Pagkasabi noonayhi nar apni y asi Yl l ak. " Di basabikoumuwikana!Whydoy oukeeponbot her i ngme? !Kahi tanonggawi nmohi ndina akobabal i k!I ' m Lei ght onSant i l l annow, Yl l ak.Soj ustpl easel etmebe! " " Ganoonnal angkadal i i y onpar asa' y o? "Yl l aksoundedsodesper at e.Lei ght onsi ghed. " Pumasoknat ay o, Kuy aHect or .Gagamut i nkoangsugatmo. " " Maspi ni pi l i mosi y akay sasaami nni l aYv o?Kay sasaaki n? " Il ookedback." Whatt hehel l i sgoi ngon, Lei gh? " " Don' tmi ndhi m. "Shesi ghed.I si nar ani y aanggat eatmul iakongdi nal uhan.Damakoang kal ungkut anniLei ght on.Habangnagl al akadpapasokngbahayayt ahi mi ksi y a.Nangmakar at i ng

namankamisal oobayagadni y angi nut usanangi sangkasambahaynakumuhangy el opar a i l apatsapasako. " Whathappened? "Iaskedher . " Wal ai y on.Gust t ol angni y aakongbumal i kkayNanay . " IknowhowmuchLei ghl ov edSheenaConsunj i .Ngumi siako." Gust omoba?Youcangohomet o t hem, Lei ghbast ababal i kkadi t t oev er yoncei nawhi l e. " " Ay oko.Okaynat ay o, kuy a.We' r ehappy .I ' m happyher e.I sapa, Icanal way sseeNanayi fIwant t oorKuy aYt owe' l lgal i tpar i nsi y asaaki nbutIknowhecar esf orme. "Nakangi t isi y ahabang si nasabi angbagaynai y on. " Kamust ai y ongmgapamangki nko? "Sheaskedagai n. " They ' r eokay . "Mat i pi dkongsabi .Ti ni t i ganakoni Yna. " Angat eko, kamust a? " Ij ustsi ghed.HowcanIt el l myl i t t l esi st ert hatIhav ef ai l eduponcl ai mi ngt hewomanIl ov eagai n? Al am konamankunggaanokamal i anggi nagawako.Yza' smar r i edbutIj ustcan' tset t l ewi t ht hat . Iwantherandt heki dsi nmyl i f e. " Kuy a,mayasawanaangat e. "SabipaniLei ghsaaki n." Mov eonkuy a.Magi ngkunt ent okana l angnaki l al amonaangkambal . " " Gust okongmagi ngmasay a,Lei gh.Icannev erbef ul l yhappykungwal asiYzasat abiko.Si y a angbubuosabuhayko.Iknowhowwr ongIwasf i v ey ear sagokay angapi pi l i t i nkongi t amaang l ahatsangay on. " " Paano?Kasal nasi At e. " Il ookedatLei gh." Yes, shei smar r i ed.Buti sshehappy ? " " Kuy a. . . " Kumunotangnooko.Ir eal i zedt hatLei ghknowssomet hi ng.Pr obabl yaboutYzaandI t ur al de. " Whati si t , Lei ght on? "Iaskedher .Sheshookherhead. " Wal aakongkar apat angmagsabikuy a. "Mahi nangwi kani y a.Tumay osi y aatsakat umal i kod.I shookmyhead.Par ehol angkami ni Lei ght on, mat i gasdi nangul oni y a. Icoul dn' tsl eept hatni ghtagai n.Tul adnoongmganakar aanggabiaysiYzananamanangl aman ngi si pko.Iwast hi nki ngofway sofmaki nghermi ne.Isi ghedagai n.HowcanIev ermakeher mi ne?Al am kom kunggaanokai mposi bl eangi ni i si pko.TamasiLei gh,kasalsiYzaper okahi t ganoonhi ndi maal i sangi ni i si pkonahi ndi si y amasay a. Hi ndisi y amasay a-Icoul dseei ti nherey es.Dal awangbeseskopal angsi y angnaki ki t akasama siI t ur al deper oal am konahi ndisi y amasay a.Ther ewassomet hi ngwr ongi nt hewayhel ooksat her-par abangkai l anganni y al angsi Yzadahi l sai sangbagaynahi ndi komai nt i ndi han. Ideci dedt ogooutt hatni ght .Bagoumal i saysi ni l i pkomunasiLei ghsakwar t oni y a-shewas sl eepi ngl i keal i t t l eki d.Iki ssedherf or eheadbef or ef i nal l yl eav i ngherr oom.

Idr ov ear oundt heci t y-exor ci si ngmyt hought sofYzaConsunj iper okahi tanonggawi nkoay bal i kpar i nsi y angbal i k.I t ' sl i keshe' sav i r usi nf l i ct i ngmywhol ebei ng.Icoul dn' tbr eat hewi t hout her .Ispentt hel astf i v ey ear sofmyl i f ei nj ai lt hi nki ngabouther-she' sav i r usandmyst r engt h andmyweaknessal l att hesamet i me. Humi nt oakosapar ki ngl otngi sanghot el .Idon' tknow whyIst oppedt her e,butIdi d.May beI coul duseadr i nkorany t hi ngj ustt ogetherof fmymi nd.Igotoutoft hecar .Iwaswal ki ng t owar dst hehot el ent r ance.Iwasobl i v i ousofev er y t hi ngoosoIt hought . Dumakoangmgamat akosael ev at ornanakabukassakal i wangbahagingl obbyi nt her eIsaw I t ur al de-hi ndiakomagkakamal idahi lal am naal am koanghi t sur angt aongumagawngl ahatsa aki n.He' shol di ng handswi t hsomeone.Hel ooked f r ust r at ed.Napangi siako.Sumar aang el ev at or .Agadnamanakongpumunt asar ecept i oni stnghot el . " Goodev eni ngsi r . "Shegr eet edme. " CanIhav eMr .Hect orI t ur al de' ssui t enumber ? "Iasked.Nagbabakasakal il angakokungpwede ngabani y angi bi gaysaaki nkunghi ndigagawaakongpar aan-I ' m goodatmaki ngt hi ngs possi bl ef ormyowngood. " Ar ey ouoneofhi sguest s? " Myf or eheadknot t ed.I t ur al dei shav i ngapar t y ." Sur e. " " Okay , si r .Sui t enumber4976.Enj oyt hepar t y , Si r .Besaf e. "Ki ni ndat anakongr ecept i oni st .Agad namanakongsumakaysael ev at orpar ahanapi nangsui t eni I t ur al de. Moment sl at er ,Isaw t hesui t enumber .It houghtt hati twoul dbel ockedbutt hedoori sopen. Par abangnaki ki ay onangt adhanasaaki n.Tumay oakosahar apngpi nt o.Sl owl y ,Ipushedt he dooropenedandi nsi deIsawsomet hi ngIt houghtIwoul dnev erev erseei nmyl i f e.

Isawt women, ki ssi ngpassi onat el y-naked.Theywer et ouchi ngeachot her .Andoneoft hem i s Hect orI t ur al de.

St ol en-Unt ol d#6

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" Whyar ey ousmi l i ngl i ket hat , Kuy aHect or ? "

Igav eLei ghmyhappi estsmi l eev er .Wewer eatt hegazebot hatmor ni nghav i ngcof f ee.Hi ndiko mai pal i wanagangsay angnar ar amdamankonangar awnai y on.Al am kongdahi l anni y onayang nal amankonangnakar aanggabi-hanggangngay onayhi ndiakomakapani wal a.Nani ni wal aako sanaki t akoper osapagkakat aonatsat adhanaayhi ndikomagawangmani wal a.Paki r amdam koayumaay onsaaki nangbuongmundo.I t ' sasi ft heuni v er sewant edmet obewi t ht hewoman Il ov e.

I y onangdahi l ankungbaki t anaki t akoangnaki t akonangar awnai y on.

Now, Ihav eal l t her easonst of i ghtf orYza.

" I ' mj usthappy , baby .Ar ey ouhappy ?Thi si ssuchagoodday . "

Isaw Lei ghshaki ngherheadwhi l el ooki ngatme.Par abanghi ndini y aakomai nt i ndi han.Par a bangi ni i si pni y akungnasakat i nuanbaakoohi ndi .Ij ustwi nkedather .Asl ongasIknowt he t r ut haboutI t ur al de-Yzai smi ne.Hi ndi namat i t i nagi y on.

" How' st hecompany ,Lei gh?Ihear dy ouwer ebui l di nganempi r e.Ar ey out r y ongt obeatt he Consunj i s? "Ij oked.Lei ght onj ustshr ugged.

" We' r ef i ne,Kuy a.Don' twor r yabouti t .Icanhandl ei tna.Pl ussiKuy aYt ol angnamanang kal abanko.He' snotapai ni nt heneck. "Ngumi sir i nsi y asaaki n.Napai l i ngnal angako.Igav e ev er y t hi ngt oLei gh.Imadesur esheknowsev er ysi ngl et hi ngaboutt hei nsandout sofmy ar mor ybef or ef i nal l yl et t i ngherhandl eev er y t hi ng.Ri ghtnow,naki ki pagsabay ansi y asamga kapat i dni y asapagpapabagsakatpagkuhangmal i l i i tnakompany asaMet r opar ai dagdagsa i mper y ongbi nubuoni y a.Ihav enoi deawhyshewasdoi ngt hat-butasl ongasshe' shav i ngf unhi ndi akomaki ki al am.

Al lIcoul dsayi st hat :SanchoConsunj it r ai nedmysi st erwel l .She' sasr ut hl essast heConsunj i menandIam pr oud.

" Any way ,Kuy a. "Shel ookedatme." Ihav et hi st hi ngonFr i day .Adi nnerpar t y .Wannabemy escor t ? "

Umi l i ngako.Ican' tbewi t hheronFr i day .Iwantt ospendmyFr i daywi t hmyki dsandwi t hYza-I ' l l t r ymaki nghermi neagai nandt hi st i meI ' l l gi v emyt wohundr edper cent .

" Maydat ewi t ht heki ds? "Lei ghpl ay f ul l yaskedme.

" Sur e,y oucansayt hat . "Igr i nned.Justt hi nki ngaboutYzaandmychancei ofbei ngwi t hheri s enought o makemyday .Nagkwent uhanpakaminiLei gh.Wet al kedaboutherwor k,t he companyandherf r i ends.Iwant edt oaskheraboutYl l akConsunj ibutIhadaf eel i ngshedoesn' t wantmet oaskheraboutt hatsoIj ustl eti tsl i paway .

Idi dn' thav eany t hi ngt odot hatmor ni ngbutIr eal l ywant edt odi gdeeperonHect orI t ur al desoI cal l edi noneofmyt r ust edpeopl eandaskedhi mt odi gdeeper .Thatmor ni ng, Idr ov ear oundt he ci t yagai n-nauwiakosat apatngcondobui l di ngni naYza.Ipar kedmycari nf r ontoft hebui l di ng

anddi dwhatIhav ebeendoi ngf ort hepastweeks.

Iwai t edf orhert ogetout .Justt hesi ghtofheri senought omakemecont ent edwi t hwhatIhav e wi t hhernow.Butr i ghtatt hatmoment ,hi ndiakokunt ent onanar oonl angakoatnakat ungo.I wantt obewi t hhersoIgotoutofmycarandwentupt oheruni t .

Af t ert enmi nut es-Ir eachedt hedoor .Humi ngamunaakongmal al i m bagoakokumat ok.Af t er t hr eeknocks, t hedooropenedandnextt hi ngIknewIwasl ooki ngatapai rofhazelbr owney est heywer est ar i ngr i ghtatme.Ismi l ed.Yzaf r owned.Ki t angki t akoanggal i tsamgamat ani y a.As usual , she' snothappyt oseeme-butIdon' tcar e.

Thi si smef i ght i ngf orher .

" Theki dsar ewi t hmypar ent s.Bumal i kkanal angbukas. "Shewasaboutt ocl oset hedoorbutI st oppedher .Tumi ngi nsi y asaaki n." Huwagmongi pagpi l i t anangsar i l imo,Hect or .Al am mong hi ndi magandaangr esul t ani y a. "

" Thi si smef i ght i ngf orus. "

" Wal angus, Hect or . "Sabi ni y asaaki n.Ishookmyhead.

" Iwanty out ocal lmeHel i os,Yza.Par aal am konaakongaangt i nat awagmohi ndiangl al aki ng t i nat awagmongasawa. "

Kumunotangnooni y a." Bal i kt ar i nmomanangmundo,I ' l lal way schooseHect orI t ur al de.He' sa bet t ermant hany ouar eev ert ome! "

" He' sgay ! "Ihi ssed.Hi nabl otkoangbr asoniYza.Hi nat akkosi y apapasoksal oobnguni tni l a. " He' sgay ,Yza!Al am kona!Tapossasabi hi nmosaaki nnamaspi pi l i i nmosi y akay sasaaki n? ! He' snotev enmanenought omanupf ory out apossi y apar i nangpi pi l i i nmo? ! "

" He' smanenought ost aywi t hme! "Yzascr eamed.Nat i gi l anako." Atl eastHect orhadt he decencyt ost aywi t hmehabangi kaw, y ouchoset ol eav e! "

" Il ef tsoIcanhav ey ourf ami l y ' sf or gi v enessf orwhatIdi dt oy ou.Idi dt hat-It ur nedmy sel fi n becauseIwantt ogi v ey out hej ust i cey oudeser v e.Idi dt hatf ory ou. "

" We' l lIdi dn' tasky out oo.I ni wanmoako. "Shet ol dme." Al am mobakunggaanokasaki ti y on? !I chosey ou! "

" Younev ert ol dmey oul ov edme! "Iy el l edback.

" I ' m gl adIdi dn' tbecausei fIdi d-masmasaki tangpagi wanmo! "

Isawt ear sr unni ngdownherey es.Tumal i kodsi y a.Iwasdumbf ounded.Idi dn' tr eal i zeshewas t hi nki ngt hi sway .Iwant edsomucht ocomf or therbuthow?Iwasn' tawar eoft hat-akal ako gi nawakoangt amabutt hen. . .

" Yza. . .whatar ey out r y i ngt ot el l me? "Ial r eadyhav eahunchbutIj ustwant edt obesur e.

" Justl eav e, Hel i os. "Shespokewi t ht hatcol dandst er nv oi ceagai n." Hi ndi ki t akai l angan.Youcan hav et heki dsbuty oucannev erev erhav eme. "

Mul ini y aakongt i nal ukur anper osangay onbi nuksanni y aangpi nt o.Par ehokami ngnat i gi l an nangmaki t aangnakat ay osakabi l anoon.

Si SanchoConsunj i .

-

" Tay . . . "

" Anongnangy ay ar i di t o, Yza? "

Mar i i nangt i ngi nniTat aykayHel i os.Kumakabognamanangdi bdi bkoathi ndikoal am kung anonggagawi n.Il ookedathi m -wal aangkambal-hi ndini y akasamaangmgabat a.Anong

gi nagawaniTat aydi t o?It ookadeepbr eat h.Tat ayl ookedatHel i osf r om headt ot oe.Hi ndi t al agaakomakahi nga.Iwassi l ent l ypr ay i ngf orHel i ost oj ustdi sappear .

" He' saboutt ol eav e. "If i nal l yf oundmyv oi ce.Ti ni ngnanakoniTat ay .Tumaasangki l ayni y a. Hel i ossmi r ked.

" Hanggangngay on, gani t opar i n.Fi ne. "Hesai d." I ' l ll eav ebutI ' l lbebackt ocl ai m myki dsandt he womanIl ov e, Mr .Consunj i . "

Nakahi ngaakonangmal uwagnangumal i snangt ul uy ansiHel i os.Pumasoksal oobnguni tkosi Tat ayatsakat i ni ngnanakomul aul ohanggangpaa.

" Anongnangy ay ar i ,Yza?Whyi sheher e?Akal akobamgabat al angangkai l anganni y a,baki t nandi t osi y angay on? "

" Tay , Idi dn' t knowhe' l lbeher e.I ' m sosor r y . "Mahi nangwi kako.Humi ngasi y anangmal al i m at sakat i ni t i ganako. " Kay akongt anggapi nangmgaanakmo,per okahi tkal i anhi ndikomat at anggapsiHel i os,Yza. " Hi ndina ako nagsal i t a.I l ang beses nang si nabisa aki n niTat ay ang bagayna i y on at nai i nt i ndi han ko si y a kay a nga kahi tna anong mangy ar io nangy ar io kahi tna ano pang nar ar amdamankohi ndi kopi nagl al abandahi l al am koangmar ar amdamanngbuongpami l y ako.

Ionl ywant edapeacef ull i f eandi fIl i st ent owhat ev ermyhear ti st el l i ngme-Iwi l lnev erhav e t hat .Ay osnaakosagani t o.Kunt ent onaakosakunganongmer onsaami nniHect orI t ur al de. Paul i t-ul i tkongi pagl al abanangkasalnami ngkahi tnapaul i t -ul i tni y ar i nakongi pagpal i tkayV.I wi l l nev erl etI t ur al degobecauset hat ' swhat ' sbestf ormyf ami l y .

Kay akongt al i kur anangl ahatpar asapami l y akokahi tnasar i l i kongpusokay akongkal i mut an.

Isi ghed.Il ookedatTat ayagai n." I ' m sosor r y , Tay . "

" I t ' sokay ,Yza.Ay okonangmauul i ti t o.PI nagbi gy annaki t a,per oal am mongay okongmagi ng par t engbuhaynat i ngl ahatangl al aki ngi y on.Hehadst ol enmanyt hi ngsf r om ourf ami l yandI wi l l notl ethi m st eal mygr andchi l dr enaway . "

Inodded.Il ookedaway .Iguesst hi s-whatIam f eel i ngf orHel i osDemi t r iwi l lf or ev erbehi ddenbecauseupunt i lnow-manyy ear smayhav epassedby-nomat t erhowmuchhehadhur tmeI coul dn' tdenyt hef actt hatIl ov ehi m -onl yhi m andnooneel se.

I ' mi nl ov ewi t ht hedemonwhost ol emyawayf r om myf ami l yandf r om ev er y t hi ngel se.

I ' mi nl ov ewi t hhi m.

St ol en-Unt ol d#7

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" Hi ndi nanamansi y aumuwi . "

Ibi tmyl owerl i pasIsmi l edatmy sel f .Iwasont hephonewi t hNi ki t at hatni ght .Naghi hi nt ayako kayHect orhabangpasi l i psi l i psasi l i dngmgabat a.I twasal r eadyonei nt hemor ni ngandI ' m st i l l awake,wai t i ngf ormyhusbandt ocomehome.I ' m al r eadywor r i ed.Kani napasi y ahi nahanapng mgabat a.Nakat ul ugannangani Hy anangpaghi hi nt asaPapani y a.Shemi ssedherPapaHect or . Nakakat uwanamani y onpar asaaki ndahi lkahi tnanaki l al anani y aangt unayni y angamaay hi ndi par i nnababawasanangpagmamahal ni y asaPapani y a.

" Nasaannanamanba? "Nar i ni gkongnaghi kabsiNi kisabackgr ound.Ismi l edagai n." Yza, mat ul ogkana. "Sabi ni y apa." Kunguuwi i y an, uuwi i y an, kunghi ndi di wag! "

" Kahi tbami nsan, hi ndi gi nawani Yt osai y oi t o? "Mahi nangt anongko.

" Hi ndi .Subukanni y al ang. "TumawapasiNi ki t a." Youknowhowy ourbr ot herget sbutev er yt i me namayawaykamihest ay sathome-hi ndisi y apumapasoksaof f i ce, wesi tdownandwet r yt o f i xt hi ngs-t hat ' swhyIl ov ehi m mor eeachday . "

Tumangol angako.Ir eal l ywantmymar r i aget owor k.Iwantmymar r i aget obel i kemypar ent s andNi ki t a.Iwanti tt obehappy .Masay anamankaminoon,nagsi mul al angnamanmul iang pr obl emanangumuwikamingPi l i pi naspar asakasalniGabr i el .Doonnagsi mul a.Sat i ngi nkoay kasal anankor i ndahi lmul anangmal amanniHect ornanagki t akaminiDemi t r iaysakanaggi ng kompl i kadoangl ahat .

Hest ar t edt hechange.Bumal i knanamankamisadat i-i y ongnangy ar inoongnasaPr aguepa kami .It houghti twi l lnev erhappenagai nbutt hen, i thappenednowandi t ' sj ustsosad.Kay anga ganoonnal angangpagpi pi l i tkonabumal i kkamingPr aguepar amaay osnanami nangl ahat per obaki tgani t o-Ikeepmessi ngt hi ngsupandIhat emy sel ff ori t .

" Hahanapi nkosi y a, Ni ki t a. "

" Atbaki t ? !Yzang!Hanggangngay onmakul i tkapar i n!Paanoangmgabat a? ! "Tanongni y a.

" Tat awagankosi Yna.I ' l l askhert ocomeher e. "

" Tapos? ! "

" Bast a,Ni ki .Ihav et of i ndHect or . "Sabikongmul i .Iendedt hecal landdi al edYna' snumber .I wasn; tsur ei fshe' sst i l lawakebutI ' l lwakeherandmakehercomeher e.Kai l anganngmgabat a ngkasama.It hankedal l t hegodsofOl y mpuswhenYnaanswer edherphone.

" At e? "Shespoke.

" Nasaanka?Cany oucomet omyuni t ? "

" Why ?Imeansur e.KasamakosiZD.CanIt akehi m? "Wal anaakongi bangsi nabi .Bast ai bi ni l i n konabi l i sanni y adahi lhi ndinat al agaakomapakal i .Ineedt of i ndHect orf astbef or eIl osehi m agai n.Nagpal akadl akadakosagi t nangl i v i ngr oom.Twent ymi nut esl at er ,nar i ni gkongmay kumat oksapi nt o.Mabi l i skoi y ongbi nuksanatnaki t akongasiYna.I ki nakunotngnookoang hi t sur ani y a.

Shewaswear i ngoneofZach' sshi r t s-Iwassur eofi t .Lumi padangt i ngi nkokayZach.Par ang al am nani y akunganongi ni i si pko.Agadni y angi t i naasangkamayni y aatmabi l i snanagsal i t a.

" I t ' snotwhaty out hi nk!Si nundokosi y adoonsa"

" Zachpl ease. . . "Ynamumbl ed.

" Bast asi nundokosi y adoon, Yza.Shecal l edme, shewas"

" Iwasn' tcr y i ng!I ' m goi ngt ohur ty ou,Laundr i ze! "Ij ustshookmyhead.Ki nuhakoangbagkoat

nagpaal am umal i ssakani l a.

" I samamosi ZD, at e.Kai l anganmongdr i v er . "Sabi pani Yna.Naki t akongumi l i ngsi ZD.

" Dr i v ernal angt al agaakongay on. "Hesmi l edatme." Let ' sgo, baby ? "

" Zach. . . "Ti ni ngnankosi y a.

" Ij ustmi ssedcal l i ngy out hat . "Tugonni y a.Napai l i ngnal angmul iako.Ti ni ngnankosiYnaat sumeny asnaaal i s.ZDwal kedwi t hme.PI nagl al ar uanni y asamgakamayni y aangsusingkot se ni y a.Tahi mi kl angnamanako.Hi ndiakokompor t abl esapi napaki t ani y asaaki n.Hi ndinaman si y adat i nggani t o.

" You' v echanged. "Iwhi sper ed.

" Youdi dt oo, Yza.Buti t ' sagoodt hi ngwe' r est i l lf r i ends. "Mahi nangsabini y adi n.Sumakaykami sael ev at or .

" So. . .whyar ey ouwi t hYna? "Iaskedagai n.Hej ustsmi l ed.

" Ther ear et hi ngsbet t erl ef tunsai d.I sapa,siYnaangt anungi nmo. "Ngumusonal angako. Napapai l i ngl angt al agaako ngay onkapagnar i r i ni gkongmagsal i t asiZD.Hesoundsv er y di f f er enandhel ooksdi f f er ent-gonewast heboyIf i r stf el li nl ov ewi t h-al lt hatwasl ef ti saman -amanbehi ndt hoseboy i shsmi l eandpl ay f ul st ar es.Hemat ur ed.

Lumabaskamingel ev at or .I pi nagbukasni y apaakongpi nt oatsakadumi r et sokamisapar ki ng l ot ." Saan? "

" Justdr i v ear ound.Mayhahanapi nl angako. "Nakat i ngi nakosal abasngbi nt ana.SiZachnaman aypi naandarnaangsasaky an.Hal ospai kot i kotl angkami .Iaskedhi mt ot akemet ot hebar capi t aldahi lbakanandoonsiHect or .Idi dn' tseehi scar ,soIaskedZDt ot akemet ot hechai ns ofhot el sar oundt heMet r o.Iwashopi ngt oNOTseehi mt her e.Kahi tsaankonal angsanasi y a maki t a,huwagsanadoonatkungmaki t akosanasi y a,sanasi y al angmagi sa.Ay okongmaki t a si y angkasamani . . .

" St opt hecar ! "Si gawko.Kumabogangdi bdi bkonangmahagi pkongt i ngi nangi sangl al aki ng hi ndikopwedengmai pagkamal ikahi tnakani no.Bi gl anghumi nt osiZach.Napapr enosi y a. Wal angsabi sabi ngl umabasakongsasaky anatsakat i nahakangdaanpat ungosaent r anceng f i v est arhot el nai y on.

Iwashopi ngt hatI ' m wr ong-nahi ndisi y aangnaki t akobutwhenhet ur nedar ound,Iknew i t al r eady .I t ' shi m wi t hV.Theyhuggedeachot her , -heev enki ssedhi sl i ps.

" Put sa! "Si gawniZach.Nanl akiangmgamat akonangmaki t akongt i nakboniZachsiHect orat sakasi nunt ok.Napasi gawako.

" ZD! "Hal osmamaosangt i ni gkokakasi gawpar al angt umi gi l si y a.

" Anggagomo! "Si gawni ZD.Bi nal i nganni y aako." Yza!Thef uck!Yourhusband' sgay ! "

Hi ndiakonakaki bo.Tumul oangl uhakonangmaki t akongdi nal uhanniV siHect oratpi l i t i t i nat ay o.

" Yza!Saysomet hi ng! "Ul i tniZach.Hi ndikoal am kunganongnangy ar i .Naki t akonal angang sar i l i konal umal akadpapunt akayV.Nangmagkapant aynakami aysakakosi y asi nampal .

" How dar ey our ui nmyf ami l y ! "Nat i gagalsi y a.Hel ookedatme.Val soknownasVi ct orSan Agust i ni sashi ppi ngmagnat e.He' snamei sal lov eri nPr ague.Nagkaki l al asi l aniHect ornoong hi ghschoolsi l a.Theyhadbeensweet hear t ssi ncet henbutwhenHect or ' sf ami l yf oundoutabout t hei rr el at i onshi p,nagal i tangdaddyniHect orati pi nadal asi y asaPr ague-doonnamankami nagkaki l al a.Hemar r i edmebecauseheneededt opr ov et ohi sf at hert hathehaschangedandy et t womont hsaf t erourweddi ng, Icaughthi m sl eepi ngwi t hV-i nourownbed.

Henev ert ouchedme-Iwasokaywi t ht hatbutst i l l !Icaughthi m cheat i ng.Wet r i edt omake t hi ngswor katnoongakal akongmaay osnakamiaysakasi y amul i ngbabal i ksadat ini y ang gi nagawa.

" Howdar ey out oo! "I twasV' sv oi ce." Youpr omi sedt ot akecar eofhi m,per owal akanggi nawa kundi angsakt ansi y a! "

" Athi ndiakonasasakt ansagi nagawani ny o? ! "Si gawko." Youkeeponcomi ngbackt ohi m when y oual r eadypr omi sedmet haty ouwi l l nev erbot hermyf ami l y ! "

" Il ov ehi m,Yza! "V,sai d." Onet hi ngy oucannev ergi v ehi m.Lov e.Akomahalkosi y a.Atkay a ni y angpanghawakani y on.I kawba, mahal mosi y a? "

Hi ndi .Ibi tmyl owerl i p.Il ov eHect orasaf r i end.He' smyi nst antcompani on-we' r ebet t ert han whatwear eper onasasakt anpar i nakoatnasasakt ankor i nsi y a.

" Yza, umuwikana.Angmgabat a. "Napat i ngi nakokayHect or .Dumudugoangl abini y a.Il ooked awaywhenIf el tat earr ol l i ngdownmyl ef tey e." Maguusapt ay obukas, j ustpl ease.Ineedt obe al one. "

Hi ndinaakokumi bo.Iwal kedout .Nar i ni gkongt i nawagakoniZach.Sumakayakosakot seni y a atdooni ni l abaskol ahatngl uhangkani napagust i ngkumawal a.

Baki tbahi ndi akomagi ngMasay a?I t obai y ongkar makof orl eav i ngZachy ear sago?

" Yzang. . . "Hecal l edme.If acedhi m.

" I ' m sor r y .Youdi dn' thav et oseet hat . "Isai d.Hesi ghed.

" Tat awagankosi Yt o. "Sabi ni y a.Umi l i ngako.

" Yt odoesn' tknow.Myf ami l ydoesn' tknow.Pl ease. "

" But , Yza!You' r eamess!Youneedsomeone. "Unt agni y apa.Hesi ghedagai n." Gust uhi nkoman per ohi ndiakoangt aongpwedengmagi ngsomeonepar asa' y ongay on.Iwannaeasey ourpai n awaybutsomeone-anot herhumanbei ngi nt hi swor l d, needsmet obehersomeonet oni ghtand Ir eal l ywannabewi t hher . "Bul ongni y apa." Ihav ehur thersomuchandr i ghtnow. . . "

" Iknow, Iunder st and. "Sabikosakany a." Justt akemehome. "Sabiko.Zachdr ov e.Tahi mi kl ang kamisabuongby ahe.Hi ndisi y anagsasal i t a.Panakanakaaynaki ki t akosi y angnagt et ext .Idon' t knowwhoi twasbutIhadaf eel i ngi twast hatsomeonehewast al ki ngabout .Ij ustsatt her e,

t hi nki ngaboutwhathappenedt ot hepar ki ngl ot .

Napal uhananamanako,maspi ni l ipangasawakonaumuwikasamaangkabi tni y akay sasa aki n.Iwi pedmyt ear s.Tul oy t ul oypar i nkasiangpagt ul ongl uhako.Hi ndikomakal i mut anang saki t .Damangdamakoi y onsapusoko.Nasasakt anakodahi lgani t opal aangnar ar amdaman ngi pi nagpal i t .

Ganoondi nkay aangnar amdamanni Zachnoon?Isi ghedagai n.

Napakunotangnookonangmapansi nkongl umagpaskamisacondobui l di ngnat i nut ul uy anko. Il ookedatZach.

" Lagpasna. "Sabi kopa.Heshookhi shead.

" Hi ndipa.Mal api tnat ay o. "Ngumi t isi y asaaki n.Ki nabahannamanako.Hi ndinagt agalay humi nt oangkot seniZachsat apatngi sangcof f eeshop.Bumabasi y akay anapi l i t anakong sumunodatsal abasngcof f eeshop,naki t akoangi sangt aongay okosanangmaki t angay ong gabi .Hewasl ooki ngatus.I t i naponni y aanghawakni y angsi gar i l y oatsakal umapi tsaami n.

He' sey eswe' r epi er ci ngr i ghtt hr oughmysoul d.If i ndi thar dt obr eat h.Wal apamandi nsi y ang si nasabi aynanghi hi nanaako.Ni hi ndi ni y apaakonahahawakan.

" Hect or . . . "Bul ongko.Hegr i nned.

" AsmuchasIl ov et hesoundofmynameony ourl i ps, myl ov e, Idon' twanty oucal l i ngmebyt hat name.Ipr ef erHel i os. "Ni l uwaganni y apaangt i eni y aatsakat i ni ngnansi Zach.

" Goodt hi nki ng, boy . "Hewassmi l i ngeart oear .Heev ent appedZD' sshoul der .

" Takecar eofher . "Wi kaniZachatsakat umi ngi nsaaki n." Al i snaako,Kul et .By e! "Si neny asan ni y apasi Hect or .Si nundankosi y angt i ngi n.Hi ndi komai nt i ndi hankunganongnangy ay ar i .

Nanl akiangmgamat akongbi gl angkuni nniHect orangkamayko." Whatar ey oudoi ngout si de atat i mel i ket hi s,myl ov e? "Heki ssedmyhand.Nakadamaakongbol t ahengkur y ent e.It r i ed

mov i ngawaybuthecaughtmywai st .

" Iwasl ooki ngf orHect or"

" Whywoul dy ou?Iam al lt heHect ort haty ouneed,Yz a.Hect orSant i l l anorHel i osDemi t r iwhomev ery oupr ef er-y ouhav ebot hourhear t si ny ourhands. "

Andj ustl i ket hat , hi sl i psmetmi neandf ort hesecondt i mei nf i v ey ear s, If el tmyhear tbeat i ngnotj ustt opumpbl ood-butt omakemywhol ewor l dmov e. . .

St ol en-Unt ol d#8

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Idon' thav eanyi deawher eHel i osi st aki ngmebutr i ghtnow,Ir eal l ydon' t car e.Al lIknowi s t hatIhav et obeaway-Ihav et obewi t hhi m.Iwassi t t i ngont hepassenger ' sseat .Hewas dr i v i ngandhe' sf r eehandwasov ermyl ef thand.Hewaspl ay i ngwi t hmyf i nger s.Panakanaka akongt umi t i ngi nsakany a.Iknowhowwr ongt hi si sbutIdon' twantt ot hi nkaboutt hatr i ghtnow. Nomat t erhowdar kourpasti s,Icoul dn' tchanget hef actt hatHel i osmakesmehapy .Her eal l y does.Kahi tnai ni wanni y aakonoon, al am kongsi y al angt al agaangmakapagpapasay asaaki n.I wasi ndeephel l-Hect ormakesi tbear abl ef ormedahi lf r i endskamibutr i ghtnow,Idon' tknow kunganongi t at awagsaami n.We' r enotacoupl e,we' r enotev enf r i endsnow soI ' m notr eal l y sur e. Nar amdamankongdumampiangl abiniHel i ossapal adko." Ey esont her oad,mi st er . "Isai dt o hi m.Hegr i nnedatmeandsuddenl yIf el tt heur geofki ssi nghi m.Angt agalkongt i ni i sangsar i l i kongkal i gay ahan.Fort hel astf i v ey ear sIhav et houghtnot hi ngbutmyf ami l y ' shappi ness. I si nant abikoi y ongkal i gay ahankopar asapami l y ako.Butr i ghtnow -bei ngwi t hHel i os-al lI wantt odoi sbehappyandbewi t hhi m. Iwannabewi t hhi m. " Don' ty ouwannaknowwher ewe' r egoi ng? "Heaskedmeoutofnowher e. " Nah. . . " " What ?Why ? "Hi sv oi cewasdeep. " Idon' tr eal l ycar e, Hel i os.Asl ongaswe' r et oget her . " Iwasst ar i ngathi m.Hi ndiakopwedengmagkamal i .Isawt ear scomi ngdownf r om hi sey es.He l ookedaway .Idi dn' tknowwhatt osay .Hewascr y i ng-no-Imadehi m cr yandIdon' tknowwhat t odo. Magsasal i t apasanaakonangmapansi nkongbi gl anal angni y angi ni hi nt oangsasaky an.Iwas sur pr i sedwhenIsawwher ehet ookme. Het ookmet ot hegl asshousewher ehehel dmeascapt i v ef i v ey ear sago.

" Hel i os. . . "Nakababanasi y angsasaky an.Bi nuksanni y aangpi nt opar asaaki npagkat aposay i ni l ahadni y aangkany angkamay .Maykunganongkabangl umukobsabuongpagkat aoko. Naghal oangnar ar amdamanko.Iwasf eel i ngscar edy etexci t edandhappy . " Hehel i os. . . "Il ookedupathi m. " Let ' sgohome,Yza. . . "Hesai d.Whatcameoutofhi sl i pscal medmedown.Ir emember edt hatI want edt obehappyandmyhappi nessi sher e-i nf r ontofme.Baki ti pagkakai tkopai y onsasar i l i ko? It ookhi shand.Hehel dmecl ose.Sabaykami nghumakbangpapasoksamasy on." Ar ey ou scar ed? "Heasked.Ishookmyhead. Thewar mt hohi shandwasenought ocal m myner v es.Hi sv oi ce, hi sst ar e-ev er y t hi ngabouthi m onl ysi gnal smyhappi ness.I t onai y on.Sasay anaako.Baki tpaakot at anggi ?It ookadeepbr eat h agai n. Hel i osopenedt hedoor .Pumasokkami ngdal awa.Sagl i takongnat i gi l annangmapat i ngi nakosa hagdansakal i wako.Mywhol ebodyshook.Humi gpi tanghawakkosakamayni y a.Isuddenl y r emember edwhathappenedt her et hatni ghtwhenhet ookme.Myt ear sf el l . " Lov e. . . "Hecal l edme.Il ookedathi m.Iwasbi t i ngmyl i p." Ff or gi v eme. " " Ial r eadydi d. "Mahi nangsabiko." ThemomentIsawHy r onhi sey es-i tr emi ndedmeofy ou.I hav ef or gi v eny out hatdayIgav ebi r t ht oy ourchi l dr enHel i os.Ij ust-we' l l Iwasj ustmadbecause y oul ef tme. " " Idi dt hatbecauseIwant edy ourf ami l yt of or gi v emef orwhatIdi dt oy ou. . . "Mahi nangsabini y a saaki n.Hesi ghedagai n. " Anonggust omonggawi nngay on,Yza? "Lumay osi y asaaki n.Hesati nt hecouchwhi l el ooki ng atmeHe' sey eswer eabi tdar ker .Hel ookedsosadandunsur e. Paul i t ul i tkonar i ngt i nat anongi y onsasar i l iko.Anongabaanggust oko?Pal agikonal ang si nasabinagust okongmagi ngmasay aper osat uwi ngl umal api tnasaaki nangkasi y ahang hi nahanapkoakopami smoangt umat akbo.Iwannabehappywi t hmyki dsandwi t ht hemanI l ov e.Iwannabewi t hHel i os.Iwannast ar tal i f ewi t hhi m. Hel i osDemi t r ii smyhappi nessandIwi l lnev erl ethi m go-Ishoul dhav enev erl ethi m goi nt he f i r stpl ace.It ookadeepbr eat hagai n.Hi ndikonaal am kungi l angbeseskonanggi nawaang bagaynai y on. " Iwannabewi t hy ou, Hel i os. " Bi gl angl umi wanagangmukhani y a.I ni l anghakbangni y aakoatsakahi napi tpal api tsakant awan ni y a.Imel t edagai nsthi sbody .Hi sl i pscr ushedmi ne.Hekeptonki ssi ngmel i kehi sl i f e dependedoni t .Iwr appedmyar msar oundhi m.Idon' twantt ol etgo.Iwannabewi t hhi mf or t oni ghtandt henextni ghtandt henextni ghtt i l l t hel astni ghtofmyl i f e. " Il ov ey ousomuch. . . "Hewhi sper edagai nstmyear .Gust okongsabi hi nnamahalkosi y a-na mul anoongar aw nai y on-nangpakawal anni y aako-nanghi nay aanni y aakongsumamakay Zach-nangar aw nai y onal am kongi banaangl ahat .Hehadst ol enmeawayf r om ev er y t hi ng t hatIt houghtmat t er edt ome.Hemademer eal i zesomanyt hi ngs-hemademer eal i zet hatl ov e i sn' tal way sper f ect-t hatal ov est or ydoesn' tal way sbegi nwi t hahappymoment-t hatnomat t er howdar ki ti sorhowbadl yIwast r eat edatt hatt i me-f or gi v i ngi st hekeyt of al l i ngi nl ov ewi t h

hi m. Ihav ef or gi v enhi m andt hatwast hest ar tofmyhear tf al l i ngf orhi m. Myey eswi denedwhenIf el thi m unbut t oni ngmydr ess." Ihav ewai t edsol ongf ort hi s. "Hesai d.I bi tmyl owerl i p. " Na. .nat at akotako. "Iv oi cedout .Hel ookedatme. " Don' tbemyl ov e.I ' l l beHect orSant i l l an-ar eal man-not " " SHHH! "Pi nanl aki hankosi y angmat a.Napunonghal akhakniHel i osangkabahay an.Imi ssed hi sl aught er . " Iknow,myl ov e. "Heki ssedmeagai n.Il etmybodygowi t ht hef l ow.Hi ski sses,hi st ouch,t he f eelohi sbur ni ngpal m agai nstmyski n-al lofi twasenought osendmet of r enzy .I ni hi gani y a akosacouch.Hel ookedatme-t her ewast hi sr i di cul ousl ookonhi sf ace.I y onnanamanna par anghi ndisi y amakapani wal aHi nawakanni y aangdul ongdr esskopagkat aposayhi ni l ani y a i y onpababa. Iwasnakedunder neat hhi m.Iwasonl ywear i ngmysi l kpant i es.Hel i osst ar t edunbut t oni nghi s shi r t-moment sl at erhe' snakedt oo. Hest ar t edki ssi ngmeagai n.Wal aakongi bangi ni i si pkundiangnangy ay ar ingay onatang kami ngdal awal ang.Ri ghtnow, IknowwhatIr eal l ywantnow. I ' mf i ght i ngorHel i osandmyhappi ness.Hi ndi l angnamanpar asaaki nkundi par asamgabat a. " Ohhhh. . "Imoanedl oudwhenIf el thi sl i psdownt her e.Iopenedmyey esandIsaw whatI t houghtIwi l lonl yseeonmov i esorr eadonbooks.Hewasgi v i ngmet oomuchpl easur e.Iguess he' smaki ngupf ort hel osty ear s.Ibi tmyl owerl i p.Idon' twantt oscr eam per owal ar i n-Iended upscr eami nghi snamel oudl y . Suddenl yhest opped.Hesatupt henhet ookbot hofmyhandsandmademest r addl ehi m.That wast hemomentwhenIf el thi m ent ermybei ng.Hehel dmywai standhel pedmemov e.Inot i ced t hathewasl ooki ngatme.Fi r eandpassi onwer eonhi sey es-hi sst ar i ngatmel i keIwast heonl y t hi ngt hatmat t er edt ohi mt hatmoment . " Don' t . . . .ahh. . "Ibi tmyl owerl i pagai n." Hel i osshi t ! "It ookadeepbr eat h." Don' tl eav eme,ah f uck! " Heki ssedmeagai n.Al l myi nhi bi t i onsf adedaway . " Il ov ey ou, Yza.Wear eonenow. . . "Hesai dbef or eIf el tt hatl ov el ywar mf eel i ngi nsi deofme. . I t ' j ustsobeaut i f ul -If oundmy sel fcr y i ngoutohappi ness. I t ' sgoodt obewi t ht hemany oul ov ewi t hal l y ourhear t .

Iam f i ght i ngf orhi m.Nomat t erwhat .

St ol en-Unt ol d#9

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Iopenedmyey eswhenIf el tawar m somet hi ngonmyf ace.Iwasgr eet edbyt hesunshi ne comi ngf r om t hewi ndowneart hebedIwasi n.Di sor i ent edpaako.Hi ndikoal am kungnasaan

ako.Thef i sr tt houghtt hatcamei nmymi ndwer emyki ds.Iwonderi ft hey ' r eawakeal r eady-and t hatwaswhenIr eal i zedwher eIwasandwher emyki dswer e.Hi ndikosi l akasamangay ondahi l hi ndi akoumuwi dahi l kayHel i os. . .

Il ookedar oundt her oom -howt hehel ldi dIgoti nher e?Sapagodkoayhi ndikonaal am kung anongnangy ar inanggabi ngi y on-angal am kol angkasamakosiHel i os.Hecompl et edmyl i f e andmyhappi nessbutwher ei shenow?

Ist oodup.Ir eal i zedt hatIwasst i l lnaked.Ki nuhakoi y ongkumotati bi nal oti y onsasar i l iko pagkat aposayl umabasakongsi l i dniHel i os.It ookadeepl ongsi ghasIwal ki nt hemi ddl eof t hehal l .Thepl acej ustbr i ngsbacksomanymemor i es-goodandbad-bot hunf or get t abl e-bot h memor i esmademewhoIam t oday .

Iwentdownst ai r s.Ki nakabahanako.Whati fHel i osl ef tagai n?Paanokunggi nawananamanni y a anggi nawani y asaaki nnoon?Whatam Igoi ngt odo?Hi ndikoal am kungkay akongmagal i t mul isakany a.Il ov ehi mt odeat h.Mybl oodsi ngsf orhi m andIknowt hati fhel eav esagai n-I ' l l onl yendupwai t i ngf orhi m -want i ngmor e.I ' l ll ongf orhi mj ustl i kehow Il ongedf orhi mf i v e y ear sago. . .

Ir eacheddownst ai r s-Iwasst i l ll ooki ngar oundt r y i ngt of i ndanysi gnofhi m buthe' snotar ound. Lal ongkumabogangdi bdi bko.

" Hehel i os. . .Hel i os! "Ical l edhi m." Hel i osDemi t r i ! "Iwasst andi ngi nt hemi ddl eoft hel i v i ngr oom. Hi ndinamannagt agalaynaki t akosi y anghal ospat akbopapunt asaaki n.Hi sf acewaspr i cel ess. Par abangt akotnat akotsi y a.Whenhegotnearmehehel dbot hmyhandsandl ookedatme cl osel y .

" What ' swr ong?Nasakt ankaba?Ar ey ouokay ?Ar ey ousor e? "

Myey eswi denedwi t hhi sl astquest i on.Hi nampaskosi y asadi bdi b.Hewasonl ywear i nghi s boxershor t s.Icoul dv er ywel l seehi sbody-abodyofaGr eekgod.

" Iwokeup. . . "Isai di nasmal l v oi ce.

" And? "

" We' l ly ouwer en' tt her esoIgotscar ed. . . "Il ookedaway .Ki nakabahanako.Hi sgr eeney eswer e pi er ci ngr i ghtt hr oughmysoul .Baki tbahanggangngay onayhi ndiakomai mmunesamga mat angi y on.Myki ds' ey eshast hesameef f ectonme-l al onaangmgamat aniHy r on.Kat ul ad nakat ul adngkayHel i osangt i ngi nni y a.Heseemedt ohav ei nher i t edal otf r om hi sf at her .Ihad al way sknownt hatbutexper i enci ngi tf i r sthandedgi v esmeadi f f er entf eel i ng.

" Ij ust . . . "

" What ? "

" It houghty oul ef tagai n. . . "Il ookeddown.Nar i ni gkosi y angnagbunt onghi ni nga.Hi ndikoal am kungt amanasi nabikoi y on.Per oi y onnamanangnar ar amdamanko.Gust okongi par at i ngsa kany anaay okosi y angumal i s,nahi ndinani y aakodapati wankasiakohi ndikonasi y ai i wang magi sa.

We' r ei nt hi st oget her .

Iam f i ght i ngf orhi m.

I ' m wi l l i ngt of acemyf at herj ustt obewi t hhi m.Al am kokunganonggi nawakoatal am kokung anongmangy ay ar isaor asnahumar apakosapami l y akonangkasamakosi y aatl ahati y onkay a kongt i i si nbast ahi ndi ni y al angakoi i wan.

I t ' shi m andmeagai nstt hewor l d.

" Iwon' tl eav e. "Hesai di nal owv oi ce.

" I st hatapr omi se? "

" Youwantmet osaypr omi se? "Hel ookedatmyey es." Iwasnev ergoodi nkeepi ngt hem,Yza. " Sabi ni y a." Buti fi twi l l makey ouf eel bet t er-Iwi l l nev erl eav ey ou. "Hesmi r ked.

" Baki tkay onganakmohi ndimar unongngumi t i ? "Bi gl angnai t anongko.Kumunotangnooni y a. " We' l l i t st r ue.YouandHy r onhast hesamef aceexpr essi on.Lahat , sa' y omi nana. "

" That ' sagoodt hi ng.Kay sanamanmagmanasi y adoonsabak"

" Hel i osha! "Sabi konal ang." Hect ori sagoodman. "

" I fhei s, hi ndi kani y asasakt an. "Wi kani y apa.Tumaasangki l ayko.

" You' v ehur tme. "

" That ' st hedi f f er ence,Yza.I ' m abadman.Abadmanwho' swi l l i ngt odogoodj ustt obewi t h y ou. "

Imadeaf ace.Pi ni si lkoangi l ongni y a." Angpangi tmo! "Igi ggl ed.Masay aako.Kagabipaako Masay adahi lkasamakosi y a.If eelsoal i v e.I fIknewt hati twi l lbel i ket hi s,sananoonpal ang gi nawakona-pi nal ay akonasanaangsar i l i konoonpal ang.

" Pangi tako? "Pi nagal aw ni y aangmgaki l ayni y a.If oundmy sel fl aughi ng-t hi si st hesi deof Hel i ost hatInev ergott oknow-bagopal angkasi ayumal i snasi y a.Bi gl aakongnapasi gawnang hawakanni y aangmagkabi l angbay wangko.Hest ar t edt i ckl i ngme.Nagpupumi gl asako.

" Hel i os!Ay okona!Damn!St opi t ! "Iwasgi ggl i ng.Hi ndinaakomakahi ngaper oay awni y apar i ng t umi gi l .May amay aayhi napi tni y aakongbi gl aatsakabi nuhat-br i dest y l e.

" I ' m goi ngt of eedy ou, woman, t henwe' l l makel ov eagai nov erandov ert odayunt i l y ou' r esor e! "

Tumakbosi y ahabangkar gaako.Wewentt ohi ski t chen.Isaw pancakesandbaconsi nt her e. Mukhangkay asi y aumal i saydahi lnagl ut omunasi y a.Hesatonachai r .Iwasst i l lonhi sar ms. Hemademesi tonhi sl ap, t hehest ar t edf eedi ngme.

" Tel l meaboutt heki ds. . . "Hesai dt ome.Tumi ngi nako.

" We' l lHy r oni sasst ubbor nasy ouar e,siHy anmai ni t i nangul o,par angi kawdi n.Madal assi l ang

magawaybutt hen,siHy r onpal agiangnagbi bi gay .It houghthi mt obel i keYt o. "Sabiko. Lumaml am angmgamat ani y a.

" I t ' sagoodt hi ng,Hel i os. "Sabikosakany a." Yt ol ov est heki ds. "It ouchedhi sf ace." We' l lf i xt he t r oubl ewi t hmyf ami l yr i ghtaf t ert hi s.I ' mf i ght i ngf orus. "

Napat i ngi nsi y asaaki n.Hi ndikonanamanmabasaangekspr esy onngmukhani y a.Mukhang hi ndi namansi y agal i tper ohi ndi r i nnamansi y amasay a-par abangnai i y aksi y a.

" Thr eey ear si nj ai l andy oubecomesof t ? "Tat awat awangt anongko.

" Youar emyweakness. "Hewhi sper edt ome." Kungnandoonpaakongay onatnabal i t aankong bumal i kka, I ' l l br eakout , Yzaj ustt oseey ou. "

" Oona.Al am kona! "Pi ni si lkoangi l ongni y a.Ki nagatnamanni y aangkamayko." Masaki tha! " Bi gl ayaysumer y osoangmukhani y a.

" Wal angnangy ar i sai ny oni I t ur al det ama? "

" Whydoy ousoundsosur e? "Igr i nnedsheepi shl y .

" Yza, he' sgay . "Mat i i m nasabi ni y a.

" So?I tdoesn' tmean. . . "Mymout hpar t edwhenIf el thi sgr i pt i ght enov ermywr i st .Napangi wi ako. " Hehel i os. . .aw. . . "

" Di dheev ert ouchy ou? "Hi sv oi cewasdar kandmean.

" No. . . "Lumuwaganghawakni y asaaki n.

" Good.Hi ndiakomakakapat ay . "Humi ngasi y angmal al i m." Kumai nkana. "Hi ndikoal am kung mat at akotakokayHel i osokungmat ut uwaakosai pi napaki t ani y asaaki n.Apar tofmewant ed

t obescar edper omasmal aki i y ongnakakar amdam akongkasi y ahan.

Ihav ebeensur r oundedbyr ut hl essmenal lmyl i f eandI ' m usedt ot hef actt hatsomeoft hem woul dwantt obr eakr ul esj ustt ogetwhatt heywant .Myf at heri sl i ket hat , mybr ot her st oo, ev en myuncl esandal somyaunt .Hal osl ahatpal asi l aayganoon-ev enHer a.Kahi tnasiNanayay maypar t engganoon.I y onsi gur oangdahi l ankungbaki thi ndiakonat at akotkayHel i os-kahi tna noonpaman.

" Si NanayBi ni ng? "Tanongko.

" She' swi t hLei gh. "Hesi ppedhi scof f ee.

" Yna' swi t ht heki ds. "Lumi padangt i ngi nni y asaaki n." Ical l edherl astni ght ,Zacht ookhert o me. "

" Zach? "Kunotnakunotangnooni y a." Theboy ?Yourex-boy f r i end? "

" Yes.Theywer et oget herl astni ght . "

" Theywer et oget herl astni ght ? ! "Hal osl umuwaangmat aniHel i ossasi nabiko.Bi gl aayt umay o si y a.But iaynakahawakakosamesakundinahul ognadi nako.Het ookhi sphone.Nagpat ul oy akosapagkai n.May amay aaynar i r i ni gkosi y angsumi si gaw.If i ndi tamusi ng.

" Whatt hehel l wer ey out hi nki ng?Whywer ey ouwi t hLaundr i ze? ! ! ! "

" Idon' tcar eLei ght on!You' r enotal l owedt odat ey et ! "

Tumay oakoatki nuhaangt el ephonesakany a.

" Yna?Howar emyki ds? "Tanongkosakany a.

" At e?Ohohmygod!You' r ewi t hKuy a!Ohmygod! "Shest ar t edy el l i ngatt heot herl i ne." Thi si sso

gr eat !Fi nal l y !Ohmygod!Ohmygod!Kuy aandAt e!Ohmygod. . . .Kuy aYt o! "Kumunotangnooko. Iwast r y i ngt ocal m Hel i os.Magt at anongpasanaakoper oi bi nabananiYnaangphone. Bi nal i ngankosi Hel i os.

" Whatwer ey out hi nki ng?Youdon' tgett oy el l atYna. "

" She' sdat i ngZach. "I ni snasabi ni y a.

" Si nabi ni y aba? "

" Hi ndi . "Nagi wassi y angt i ngi n.

" I y onnamanpal a.Angi ni tngul omo. "Hi napl oskoangpi sngini y a." Cany ouj ustst opt hi nki ng aboutt hi ngsandbewi t hmeagai n? "I ni l api tkoangul okosadi bdi bni y a.If el thi sbr eat hi ng.Nagi baangwayngpaghi ngani y a.

" Yza. . . "Hesoundedsost er n.Igr i nned.Iwr appedmyar msar oundhi sneck.

" Sabimowe' l lmakel ov e? "Ngumusoako." Kal mana,Hel i os. . . "Ipl ant edaki ssonhi schest .My l i pst r av el l edupt ohi sneck.Iwast easi nghi m.Idon' tknowwhatcameov ermebutIwant edt o t easehi m unt i lhecoul dn' tt akei tany mor e.Lal ongl umawakangngi t ikonanghapi t i nni y aang bay wangko.Hecar r i edmeagai nandmademesi tont hecount ert op.Iwasbi t i ngmyl i p.The t ensi onbet weenusi st oot hi ckIcoul dsl i cei twi t hkni f e.Hespr eadmyl egswi de.I ni l i l i sr i nni y a angkumotnanakabal otsaaki n.

" Ki ssme, Hel i os. . . "Iwhi sper edandhedi d.Hecr ushedhi sl i psonmi ne.Hegav emeanhonestt o goodnessFr enchki ss.Ihav emi ssedhi sl i ps.Act ual l yIhav emi ssedev er y t hi ngabouthi m.I want edt osomucht ot el lhi m howmuchIl ov ehi m butIguesswor dswer en' tenought oj ust i f y whatIf eelf orhi m.Hi ski ssest ur nedf i er y .Hi shandsr oamedal lov ermybody .Iam agai n, consumedbyt heheatcomi ngf r om hi sbody .Hi sl i pst r av el l eddownmyneck,heni bbl edt hat sensi t i v epar tagai nandamoancameoutofmyl i ps.Ii mi t at edwhathe' shandswer edoi ngt omy body .Ikeptoncar essi ng hi sback.Mymout hwasabi tpar t ed.Iwassi ghi ng i ndel i ght . Nar amdamankonal angnanahul ognasaki t chenf l oorangkumotnat umat aki psakat awanko. Hel i oshel dmyl ef tt hi gh.Hewr appedi tar oundhi m.Hi smout hf oundi t swayt omybr east sand hest ar t edni bbl i ngmyt aunt edmounds.

" Ahhh,f uck. "Ihear dhi m mumbl e.Hewasgi v i ngmepl easur eagai n-j ustl i kewhathedi dn' tl ast ni ght .Idi dn' tknowhowmanyt i mesIcamedownl astni ght-Iwasn' tcount i ng.Ihav eaf eel i ng

t hatIhadcount edi t-Iwi l l l oset r ackbecausehekeptongi v i ngmet hatmi r acul ousf eel i ng.

" Yout ast esogood. "Hemut t er ed.Myey eswi denedwhenIf el thi m ent er edhi smagi calf i nger si n mycor e.Hewasgi v i ngi tt omeagai n.Icoul dn' tbr eat he.If el tmycheekst ur ni ngr ed.Nakahawak l angakosabal i katni y a.Ibi tmyl owerl i p.

" Scr eam myname. "heor der ed.Ishookmyhead.Het hr ustf ast ert hi st i me.

" Ahhh!Hel i os!Ahhh!Ohgod! "If el tmywhol ebodyshi v er .Iwassav or i ngt hatf eel i ngagai n,I coul dn' tt akei t .Masl al ot umi ndiangnar ar amdamankonangmar amdamankosi y a.He' si nsi de ofmeagai n.Thr ust i ngsl ow,f eel i ngme,andst r et chi ngmybei ngunt i lal lIcoul dseewer est ar s andr ai nbows.

Hel i oshascompl et edt hatmi ssi ngpar tofmeandIwi l l nev erl ethi m go. . .

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" Saanbaki t ai hahat i d? "

Al lgoodt hi ngsmustcomet oanend.I y anangnar ar amdamankongay on.Wewer eaboutt o l eav ehi shi l lhome.Nakasakaynaakosakot seni y ahabangnagi i si pkungsaanngabaako papahat i d.Iwant edt ogohomeandhugmyki ds.Iwant edt ot el lt hem t hatwe' r eokay .ThatI coul df i nal l ygi v et hem t hef ami l yt heywant edper opar angmasgust okonghar api nangl ahatng pr obl emanami ngdal awangay on.

Il ookedathi m." KayTat ay . "

" Ar ey ousur e? "Tanongni y a. " Yes.Let ' sendt hi snow,Hel i os.What ev erhesay s,I ' m notl eav i ngy ou.Gust okonangsumay a. Madal assabi hi nsaami nnoonniNanay ,happi nessi sachoi ceandI ' m choosi ngy oubecauseI wantt obehappy . "

" Wewi l lbehappy ,l ov e. "Hi nagkanni y aangkal i wangkamayko.Sagl i tsi y ang nat i gi l annang mapat i ngi nsaweddi ngbandko.

" Shi t !Ihav et odealwi t hHect orpa. "Nasabikonal ang.Nanl akiangmgamat akonangbi gl ang hat aki nni Hel i osangsi ngsi ngkoati t i naponi y onsal abasngbi nt ana.

" Wagkanangmagr ekl amo.I bi bi l i ki t a, masmaganda. "Ki ni ndat anni y aako.

" Kahi tnamanwal a, bast awagmonaakongi i wangmagi sa. "

" Nev er , Yza. "Heki ssedmyf or ehead.

Nagsi mul anasi y angmagmaneho.Nakakar amdamakongkaba.I ni i si pkopal angnahahar api n nanami nsiTat ay ,kasamaangbuongpami l y akoayki nakabahannaako.Al am kokunganong magi gi ngr eaksy onniTat ay .I samapasiYt o.Iwasj ustpr ay i ngnasanawal asiUncl eAdam atsi Ti t oLukesabahaysamgaor asnai t o.They ' l l gi v emeahar dt i me.

It ookmyphoneoutandcal l edYna.Iaskedhert obr i ngt heki dst ot hemansi on.Mar amisi y ang t anongper ohi ndinamannasi y anagr ekl amopa.Ial socal l edNi ki t a-Iaskedherkungnasaansi Yt o.Si nabi namanni y ananasamansi onngadawi t okasamasi Yv oatsi Yl l ak.

" Youokay ? "Tanongni y amat aposkongi babaangphone.

" We' l l , t heywer eal l i nt her e.Ki nakabahanako. "Sabi kosakany a.

" Baki t ?Nandi t onamanako.We' r ei nt hi st oget her .Fort heki ds, Yza.Forourhappi ness. "

Tumangoakosakany a.Hi ndinamannagt agalaynar r at i ngnanami ngangmansy on.IsawYna' s carout si de.Nat at akotakongbumaba.Hel i osgotoutoft hecart oopenmysi deoft hedoor .He hel dmyhandaswewal kt oget her .Nangi ngi ni gangbuongkat awanko.

Paul i t ul i tkongsi nasabi : Iam choosi nghappi ness.

Bumukasanggat e.Hi nat akakoni Hel i ospapasok." Yza, don' tbescar ed. "

" Easyf ory out osay . "Bul ongko.Isawhi m shaki nghi shead.Nauunapasi y angl umakaskay sasa aki n.Nangmal api tnakami sapi nt oayhumi nt oako.

" YzaJoan! "Si gawni y a.

" Fi ne! "It ookadeepbr eat h.Thi st i meakonaangnaunangpumasok.Naki t akoagadsiYt ona maykausapsaphone.Hewassmi l i ng-heonl ysmi l esl i ket hatwhenhe' st al ki ngt oNi ki t aont he phone.Napat i ngi nsi y asaaki n.Nagpaal am si y akayNi ki t apossaaki nngumi t i .

" Yza"Nagbagoangekspr esy onngmukhani y anangmaki t ani y asi Hel i ossal i kodko.

" Whatt hehel lar ey oudoi ngher e? ! "DumagundongangbosesniYt osabuongkabahay an.Asi f oncue,nagl abasanangl ahat .IsawYv or ushi ng.SiYl l aknamanayhal at angkagi gi si ngl angat pababapal angnghagdan.Iwaspr ay i ngnasanawal apasi Tat ay .

" Whatar ey oudoi ngher e,asshol e? !Whyar ey ouwi t hmysi st er ? ! "Hi nat akakoniYt opal ay okay Hel i os.

" Yt o, nasasakt anako! "Hi nawakanakoni Hel i ossabr aso.

" Your eal l yl i kest eal i ngt hi ngsaway , Demi t r i . "Yl l aksai doutofnowher e.

" Idi dn' tst eal any t hi ngf r om t hi sf ami l y .Iwasonl ycl ai mi ngwhat ' smi ne. "

Akmangsusunt uki nniYl l aksiHel i osnangbi gl aakongsumi gaw -athi ndiakonagi i sa.Yna r ushedf r om t heki t chent ooursi de.

" Don' ty oudar ehur tmybr ot her , Consunj i ! "Si gawni y akayYl l ak.Yl l ak' smout hpar t ed.

I bi nabaniYl l akangkamaoni y a." Leav e! "Hesai dt oYna." Takey ourbr ot herwi t hy ouandnev er comeback! "

" Leav e, Yna. . . "Yt osai di nacol dt one.

" Kungaal i ssi l a,aal i sdi nako,Yt o. "Napasi nghapangl ahat ." I sasamakoangmgabat a,because I ' m choosi nghi m.Il ov ehi m.Ther e, Isai di t .Il ov ehi m, Yt o, Yv o, Yl l ak.Nandi t oakopar ai pagl aban angnar ar amdamankosai ny ongl ahat .Idon' twantt obet heweakoneany mor e.I ' m choosi ngmy happi ness.Hi ndinamanpwedengl ahatkay omasay at aposakonakukunt ent osai sangbagayna nakakapagpasay asai ny o. " Humi gpi tanghawakkosakamayni Hel i os.

" Youhear dher . "Mal amangwi kani y a.Lahatsi l aayhi ndimakapagsal i t a.Tahi mi knat ahi mi kang buongkabahay anandf r om t hatsi l ence-r oset hev oi ceoft hemanwhom Iam aboutt ohav ea t al kwi t h.

" Yza. "Icl osedmyey esbef or ef aci nghi m.Nasamayhagdansi y a.Hewasonhi susualt hr ee pi ecebl acksui t .Maki si gpar i nsi y angnakat ay ohabangt i t i gnat i t i gsaaki n.

" I nmyof f i cenow. "Hesai d.Het ur nedaway .Il ookedatHel i os.I ' m notscar ed.Ihav ehi m wi t hme. Wal angdapati pagal al a.

I ' m choosi nghappi ness.

St ol en-Unt ol d#10

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Icoul dn' tbr eat he. . . " WhenIgr owup, Iwannabeapr i ncess. " " Your eal l ywantt o? "Tat ayhel dmei nhi sar ms." Buty ou' r eal r eadymypr i ncess. "Heev enki ssed myf or ehead. " Iam? "Tat aynoddedatme. " Oneday ,Yza,y ou' l lf i ndsomeonewho' l lmakey ouhi squeen,j ustl i kewhatIdi dt oNanayand whent hatt i mecomes, t at aywi l l cr yar i v er . " " Why ? " " BecauseIl ov ey ousomuch, andIdon' tt hi nkI ' l l l etgoofy out hateasy . "

Iwasal r eadycr y i ng.Hi ndikokay angpumasoksal oobngpr i v at eof f i ceniTat aynanggani t oang si t wasy onko.Hi ndikosi y akay anghar api n.Hi ndipaakot apossamgakapat i dko, nowIhav et o deal wi t hTat ay .Bahagy aakongnagul atnangmar amdamankoangpagdampi ngl abi ni Hel i ossa

aki ngnoo.Hehuggedmeandhewhi sper edt omyear .

" Nandi t ol angako, Yza. "

Napangi t iako.Kahi tpaanoaynawawal aangkabako.It ookadeepbr eat h.Hewi pedmyt ear sas hel ookedatmei nt ent l y .Dahandahankongi nabotangdoor knobupangpumasoknasananang bi gl akongmar i ni gangbosesni Hy an.

" Mama! "Il ookedatmyl ef tandIsaw herr unni ngt owar dsme.Shewaswear i ngt hatl av ender cot t ondr essIboughtf orherbacki nPr ague.Kasunodnamanni y asiHy r onnanakakunotdi nang nooper onagl i wanagangmukhani y anangmaki t aangamani y a.

" Daddy ! "Tul adniHy anayt umakbor i nsi y apapal api tsaami n.Sabaysi l angki nar ganiHel i osat i ni har apsaaki n.

" MamasabiniAuntYna, magkasamadawkay oniDaddy . "Wi kangmal i i tnabosesniHy an.Iwas j ustl ooki ngatt hem andIcoul dn' thel pbutt or emembert hatsamescenewher eIr ant owar dsmy ownf at her ,t hehepi ckedmeup-hepi ckedusup-Yt oandI-andcar r i edust ohi sar ms.Lal o akongnapal uha.

" Mama, whyar ey oucr y i ng? "Hy r onasked." Di dy oumakehercr y , Daddy ? "

" Ofcour senot ,son. "Ismi l edathi m." Napuwi ngl angsiMama.I ' l lt aket oTat ay .Youst ayher e wi t hy ourdad. "

" I ' l l comewi t hy ou. "Sabi pani y a.Umi l i ngako." ButYza! "

" I ' l lcomeoutal i v e,Hel i os.He' smyf at her .Thi ngswi l lbeokay .Ij usthav et odealwi t hhi m. RememberwhatIt ol dy oul astni ght ,what ev erhappensI ' m choosi ngy ou.Il ov ey ou. "It ouched hi sf aceandsmi l ed.Iki ssedmychi l dr en.Noon,dal awal angangsour ceofener gyko,ngay on t at l onasi l a.I t ' seasi ernow.

Igoti nsi deandIsaw myf at hersi t t i ngonhi schai rl ooki ngout si det hewi ndow.Dumakoang t i ngi nni y asaaki natsakapi nakat i t i ganako.Bi gl asi y angt umay ot aposayi ni l anghakbangako.I gott hebi ggestshockofmyl i f ewhenIf el thi spal m ov ermyf ace.

Hesl appedme.Igasped.Agadnat umul oangl uhako.Nasapokoangpi sngikongnasampalni Tat ay .Icoul dn' tst opcr y i ng.Ir eal i zedt hatIwon' tbedeal i ngwi t hmyf at hert oday .I ' l lbedeal i ng wi t ht hedev i l i nt hecor por at esui t .

" Howcoul dy ou, Yza?Whatwer ey out hi nki ng? ! "Hi sv oi ceboomed.

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" Kuy a, maupokanga! "

" Howcany oubesocal m? "Iaskedher .Iwaspaci ngar oundherf or merr oom.Di nal ani y aakodi t o dahi lhi ndisi y amapakal isamgat i ngi ngi bi ni bi gaysaaki nngmgaConsunj i-l al onaniYt o Consunj i .Hel ookedasi fhewasgoi ngt omur derme.Kungt at al i kodsi gur oakoaysasaksaki nna akoni Yt odahi l sagi nagawakosapami l y ani y angay on.

" I ' m cal m becauseIknowSanchoConsunj i .Kungsasakt anni y amansi At e, hi ndi masy ado. "

" What ? ! "Iy el l ed.Napat i ngi nakokayHy annanagl al ar ongmgamani kangi ni l abasniLei ght on kani na." I ' m sor r y ,baby . "Bumal i ksi y asapagl al ar ohabangsiHy r onnamanaynakat ul ognasa sof a.Naupoakoatsi napoangul oko.

" Ihav et obet her e. "Sabi kosakapat i dko.

" Youcan' t .I t ' sConsunj iv er susConsunj i .At ecant akecar eofher sel f . "Sabini y apa.Par abang si gur adosi y asal ahatngl umal abassabi bi gni y a.Kumunotangnooko.

" Justl i keAr esandYl l akConsunj i .Consunj i v er susConsuj i , eh, Lei ght onSant i l l an? "

Lei ghr ol l edherey es." Bahal asi l a.Bast aako,I ' m goi ngt omakeanempi r eusi ngy ouGr eek name. "Sheev ensi ghed." Iwi shIhav eaGr eekname, Kuy a. "

" Youdo.You' r eSel eneDemi t r i -Sel enei st hegoddessoft hemoon. "Ismi l edather .

" Aybet ! "Bi gl ani y angnai usal .Nagt awanankami .Al t houghIwasl aughi ngwi t hher , Icoul dn' tt ake Yzaof fmymi nd.Iwant edt obewi t hheratt hi st i me.Idon' twantherf aci ngherf at heral one.Ang gust okol angnamanaymaki t aniSanchoConsunj inamahalkosiYzaatmal i ni sangi nt ensi on kosakany a.Nomat t erhowdar kwest ar t ed,myi nt ent i onsf orherar easpur east heangel si n heav en.

Nat i gi lakosapagt awanangbumukasangpi nt o.Mul adoonaypumasoksiSheenaConsunj i . Kasamani y asi Yl l ak.Ngumi si akonangmaki t akongi ni i r apannanamanni y asi Lei ght on.

" Yna, cany oul eav eusf orawhi l e? "Mahi nangwi kani y a.Ti ni ngnanni y aako.Ynast oodup.

" Come, babygi r l .Let ' sgopl ayout si de. "Hi nawakanni y aangkamayniHy anatpi nababasakama. Bi nal i ngannamanni y asiHy r on.Akmangkakar gahi nni y ai t onanghawakanniYl l akangkamay ni y a.Shest eppedback.Iwat chedt hem.If el tamusedwi t ht hewayLei ght oni sact i ng.

" Akona. "Mal ami gnawi kani Yl l ak.

" What ev er , Consunj i . "

Theybot hl ef tt her oom.Iwasl ef tal onewi t hSheenaConsunj i .Shewasascal m asev er .It ooka deepbr eat h.Iwaswai t i ngf orhert ot al k.

" Whatar ey oudoi ng, Hel i os?Nakal i mut anmonabaangpangakomosaaki n?You' r eamanwi t h honor , whyar ey oubr eaki ngt hatpr omi senow? "

" Imadet hatpr omi senotknowi ngaboutt heexi st enceofmychi l dr en.Mi si sConsunj i . "Mal ami g nawi kako.Ist oodup.If el tpower l esswi t hher .Hi ndikonamanpwedengsakt anokal abani nang babaengnagmahal atnagar ugasamgababaesabuhayko.

" Per oMasay asi YzakayHect or . "Mahi nangwi kani y a.

" Tal agabangMasay asi y a?Doy ouev enl ookatherwhenshe' swi t hhi m?Ihav eonl yseenher wi t hhi mt wi cebutIknewt hatshe' sunhappy .I t ur al deonl ymar r i edYzabecausehedoesn' twant

hi sf ami l yt oknowt hathe' shi di ngal ov er .He' sgay ,Sheena. "Wi kako.Wal anaakongpaki al am kungmaykar apat anbaakongsabi hi ni y onowal a.Lahatgagawi nkomakasamal angangmagi i nako.

SheenaConsunj i ' sgazef l ewt ome." Wwhat ? "

" Shemar r i edHect ort omaket hi sf ami l yhappy ,Sheena.I pi nagpal i tni y aangkasi y ahanni y apar a sakasi y ahanngl ahat .Nowshe' ssuf f er i ng.Nowshe' smi ser abl e. "

-

" Howcany oudot hi st ot hef ami l y ? "

Tat ayaskedmeov erandov er .Kani napakaminakat ay ongdal awaatkani napar i nakohi ndi makapagsal i t a.Ikeepaski ngmy sel fi ft hi si swhatIgetf orwant i ngmyhappi ness.Iwasbi t i ng myl owerl i p.

" Igav ey ouev er y t hi ng, Yza!Howcany ouchooset hatmanwhov i ol at edy ou? ! "

" Becauseofl ov e. "Iwhi sper ed.Iwasweakenedbyt hef actt hathehadsl appedme.Thi r t yy ear s ofmyl i f e, ngay onl angakonasakt anniTat aynggani t o.Nai i nt i ndi hankokungbaki tni y anagawa i y onper osanai nt i ndi hi ndi nni y aako.

" Lov e? !Ar en' ty oui nl ov ewi t hy ourhusband? ! "Si gawpani y a.Bahagy aakongnapai gi k.Hi ndiko naal am kunganonggagawi nko.Hi ndikokay anghar api nanggal i tniTat ayper okapagsumuko akongay on, mawawal ananamansaaki nangmasay angpami l y angnai sko.

" Hect or ' sgay ,Tat ay .Wemar r i edeachot herf orconv eni ence.Imar r i edhi mt omakey ouhappy . Toassur ey out hatIwi l l nev ergobackt ot hatdar kpat hIt ookwhenIf el l f orHel i os.Butnomat t er whatIdo, Ikeeponcomi ngbackt owher eIwas.Il ov ehi m Tat ay .Justl i kehowy oul ov eNanay . "

Hi ndikoal am kungsaankonakukuhaangmgasal i t angl umal abassabi bi gko.Ti ni t i gankong mat ai mt i m si Tat ay .

" Rememberwhaty out ol dme?WhenaConsunj il ov es,wel ov ewi t hal lourbei ng-notj ustwi t h ourhear t s.We l ov e because t hatper son becomes t he cent erofourl i v es -ganoon ang nar ar amdamankokayHel i os, Tat ay .Il ov ehi m.He' st hecent erofmyl i f e-hi m andt heki dsandi f Il osehi m now, hi ndi konaal am.Mat agal naakongnagt i t i i ssakal ungkut an, Tat ay .Iguessnowi s t het i mef ormet ot akeal eapandbehappy , don' ty out hi nk? "

Myf at herl eanedonhi st abl e.Hewasst i l ll ooki ngatme.Iwasst i l lcr y i ng.Hi nj dimaampatang mgal uhako.Hi ndikonaal am kunganonggagawi nsaor asnasabi hi nniTat aynahi ndini y a mat at anggapsi Hel i ospar asaami nngmgabat a.

" Wher edi dIgowr ong? "Heaskedhi msel f ." Ihadl ov edy ouwi t hal lmyhear t ,Yza.Ihav e shower edy ouwi t hev er y t hi ngIown.Butwhydoy oukeeponescapi ngmyt ur f .UnasiYna, pagkat aposi kaw.Ihat eDemi t r i f ort aki ngawaymygi r l s.Myl i t t l egi r l s. "

" Hedi dn' tt akeany oneawayf r om y ou,Tat ay .Ynami ghthav el ef tbutshe' sst i l lher e.Youj ust keeponpushi ngherawaybecausey ouhat edt hef actt hatshechoset obewi t hHel i ost hanbe wi t hus.ButIt hi nki t ' sf ort hebest .Lookathernow,she' scompl et el yhappy .She' shappi ernow t hatbef or edahi l kompl et onasi y aatwal anasi y anghi nahanap. "

I ni l anghakbangkosiTat ay ." Gust okor i ngmar amdamanangkasi y ahangnar ar amdamanniYna, Tat ay .Iwananbecompl et e.And. . .andl astni ght , whi l eIwaswi t hhi m, If el tt hatt hepi ecesofmy puzzl ewer esl owl ybei ngcompl et ed.Nabubuoako.Hi ndil angakokundipat iangmgabat a. Hect orl ov edt hem, y es, t at aybuti t ' sdi f f er entwi t hHel i osbecausehei st hei rownf l eshandbl ood. Hel i osmi ghtbeabadman, butt at ay , hel ov edmeandt heki dssomuch-t her e' snoquest i onwi t h t hat . "

It ookadeepbr eat h." Hi ndimol angsi gur omaki t a,Tat aybutHel i osi sj ustl i key ou. "Hi smout h sl owl ypar t ed.

" Inev erv i ol at edy ourmot her . "Mar i i ngsabi ni y a.

" Yes, y oudi dn' t .Atoo, i y onsi gur oangmal aki ngdahi l am mokungbaki thi ndimosi y amapat awad per ot at ay ,Ihav ef or gi v enhi m.I fI twer en' tf orhi m,Iwon' thav et wol i t t l egr eeney edmonst er s wi t hme.Ihav ef or gi v enHel i ost hemomentIhav el ai dey esonHy r on-j ustl i kewhatnanayf el t whenhesawus-shehadf or gi v eny ouf orwhaty oudi dt oher-al t houghshewasn' tr eal l yt hat angr y-shewasj ust ,we' l lshecanexpl ai nt hatt oy oubutt hepoi nti s-Ihav ef or gi v enhi m.Soi f y out hi nkabouti t , y oucanf or gi v ehi mt oo.Hi ndimanngay on, per osanasamgasusunod.I tt ook mey ear sbef or ef i nal l yf or gi v i nghi m.Hi ndikonamanhi ni hi nginaagadagad,Tat ay ,per osana don' tcl osey ourhear t . "

Iwi pedmyt ear s.Fi nal l y , nakal api takosakany a.It ookhi shand.

" I fnanayhadn' tf or gi v eny out hatni ghty ou' v ehur ther ,doy out hi nkwe' l lbeher e? "Mahi nang t anongko." I ' m notquest i oni ngy ourl ov ef ornanay , orherl ov ef ory ou, butpl ease, puty ourf eeti n myshoesandt r yt ounder st and. "

Tat ayf el lsi l ent .Hel ookedawayandwhenhef i nal l yl ookedatme,hi st ear swer ef al l i ng.He cuppedmyf ace.

" Icoul dn' tl ety ougot hateasy , pr i ncess. "

" Youdon' thav et oo,becauseI ' m notgoi ngany wher e,t at ay . "Ni y akapkosi y a.Iweptl i keal i t t l e gi r l .Damakoangpagal ogngbal i katniTat ay .Hi ndikonamanagadhi ni hi l i ngangpagpapat awad ni y asaaki natkayHel i os, atmasl al onghi ndikohi ni hi nginat anggapi nni y akaagadangl al aki ng mahal ko, Ij ustwanthi mt ounder st andmysi t uat i on.

" Il ov ey ou, pr i ncess.Idon' twantany onehur t i ngy ou. "

" He' snotgoi ngt ohur tme, Tat ay .Hewon' t . "

Ihear daknockont hedoor .Kumal asakosapagkakay akapkayTat ay .Naki t akongbumukasang pi nt oati ni l uwani y onsiNanay .Shewast ear yey ed.Sal i kodni y aaynaki t akosiHel i os.He' s expr essi onl ess.Mukhangi ni pnai ni psi y a.

" Hel i osDemi t r i . "Hesai dt ohi m.

" SanchoConsunj i . "Hespoke.Pi nanl aki hankosi y angmat a." Imean,Mr .Consunj i . "Iwant edt o l augh.

" Ist i l l hat ey ouwi t hal l y ourgut s.You' r est i l l anasshol e. "

" Sancho! "Si gawni Nanay .

" Ist i l l f eel t hesame.ButbecauseIl ov ey ourdaught er , I ' l l t r yhar dnott oshowi t . "

Ir ol l edmyey es.Kahi tnagani t o, Masay anaako.Atl eastnai i nt i ndi hannaakoniTat ayatwal ana akongpangamba.Ihel dNanay ' shand.Shesmi l edatme.Punongkasi y ahanangmgamat ani y a.

Isi ghed.Ionl yhav et odeal wi t honet hi ngandt hat ' sHect orI t ur al de.

" I ' m gl adwecameoutoft hemansi onal i v e. "

Nar i ni gkongwi kaniHel i os.Wewer ei nhi scaragai n.Mat aposangpaki ki pagusapkayTat ayay kaagaddi nkami ngumal i s.Il ef tHy anandHy r onatt hemansi onwi t hNanay .Bukaskonal ang si l akukuni nsaor asnamaay osnaanggust okayHect or .Hi ndikoal am kunganongmangy ay ar i saami ngdal awasaor asnamagkahar apkami per obuonaangdesi sy onkongi wansi y a.

Gust onggust okonangmat aposl ahatngi t ongay on.Gust okonangmagsi mul angpani bago kasamasiHel i osatangmgabat a.Gust okonangbumawisakany a.Iwannamakeupt ohi mi y ongpanahonnamagkal ay okaminoon,i y ongmgagabi nghi ndikaminagkasama,l ahati y on bal akkongbawi i nsakany a.

Hepar kedt hecari nf r ontofourbui l di ng.Pagbabakongsasaky anaykaagadnagumal aang mgamat akopar ahanapi nangkot seni Hect orathi ndi namanakonabi go.Isawhi scarpar kedi n t her e.Nagmamadal iakongpumasoksal oob.Nasal i kodkosiHel i os.Nangmakapasokkamisa el ev at orayhi napl osni y aangbal i katko.

" Youl ookedsot ensed.Letmeeasey ourst r essaway . "Bul ongni y a.Wal anganuano' yhi nagkan ni y aakosal abi .Igav ei n.Imi ssedki ssi nghi m.Al am kongbuongmagdamagnakami ng magkasamaper opar angkul angpar i n.Imadeament alnot et hatwhenal loft hi si sov er ,I ' l lask hi mt ot akemet oani sl andsowecanhav eeachot heral ldayandal lni ght .Ibl ushedatmy t hought .Anobangnangy ay ar i saaki n?

Hi ski ssesbecamedeeperandhot t er .Hewasdemandi ngt obeki ssedback-j ustl i ket hewayhe waski ssi ngmeandsoIdi d.Iwr appedmyar msar oundhi m andki ssedhi ml i kemyl i f edepended oni t .Hi sbodyst ar t edr oami ngar oundmybody .Iam f eel i nghotanduneasy .

Iwanthi m.

" God!Hel i os! "Thosewor dscameoutofmyl i pswhenhi smout ht r av el l eddownmyneck.Hi sl ef t handcaughtmyr i ghtbr eastandhef ondl edi t .Icoul df eelt hei nt ensi t yi nhi sev er yt ouchand br ushofhi sl i ps.

Ti ng!

Nat i gi lkami ngdal awanangbumukasangel ev at or .Hel i oscur sed.I nay osni y aangdami tkoat sakaki nuhaangkamaykopal abas.Igr i nnedsheepi shl y .

" Lagotkasaaki nmamay a. "Iev enhear dhi m.Idon' tknowwhyIf el texci t edhear i ngt hatbutIdi d.

Wer eachedmyuni t .Nangi ngi ni gnanamanangmgakamaykongbi nuksanangpi nt o.Hi ndiko al am kunganongmadadat nankokay anapangangaakonangmaki t akoangmgasui tcasesni Hect orsasal a.Hewassi t t i ngont hecouchnapar abangkani nani y apaakohi ni hi nt ay .Nang maki t aakoayt umay osi y a.

" Ohgood!You' r eher e! "Hesai d.Hesoundedsohappy .Yumukosi y aatsakaki nuhaangi sang l ongbr ownf ol der .Habangnagl al akadsi y apapal api tsaaki nayt i ni t i t i ganni y asiHel i osnapar a bangmaykunganosi y angi ni i si p.

" Hect or , l et ' st al k. "Isai dt ohi m.

" Hi ndinakai l angan, Yza. "Wi kani y aperokayHel i ospar i nsi y anakat i t i g." I ' m soberandI ' m okay . I ' m gi v i ngy ouy ourf r eedom back. "

Mymout hpar t ed.It ookt hef ol derandopenedi t .At earf el ldownwhenIsawt hedi v or cepaper s heal r eadysi gned.

" I st hi sf orr eal ? "Mahi nangt anongko.Hi ndisi y asumasagot .Nagangatakongt i ngi natnaki t a kongt i t i gnat i t i gsi y akayHel i os." Hect or ! "

" What ? ! "Heasked.

" Fucki t ! "Nar i ni gkosiHel i os.Ki nuhani y aangf ol der ,hi nawakanangkamaykoatbumunotng bal l pensabul sani y a." Justsi gnt hegoddamnpaper sYza! "

" Fi ne! "Isai d.Isi gnedt hepaper s.Nangmat aposi y onayi bi nal i kni y aangf ol derkayHect ort apos ayni l agpasanni y ai t o.Si y anami smoangnagl abasngmgagami tniHect ordoonatnanl akipa angmgamat akonanghal oskal adl akar i nni y asi Hect orI t ur al depal abasnguni tko.

" Hel i os! "Si gawko.Heshutt hedoorandl ookedatme.

" Di dy ouseet hewayhel ookedatme?I t ' ssocr eepy ! "

Ismi l edathi m." Hel i kesy ou. "

" Shutup, Yza! "Nanl al aki angmgamat ani y a.

" We' l li t ' st r ue!He' sgay .Hemust ' v ef ancyy ou. "Humagi kgi kako.Nagdi l i m angmukhaniHel i os. Tumahi mi kako." Pi kon. "

Hi ndisi y anagsal i t a.Iwasst andi ngi nt hemi ddl eofmyl i v i ngr oom.Hel i oswasneart hedoor .He sl owl ywal kedt owar dsme.Hi sexpr essi onwasunr eadabl e.Myey eswi denedwhenhest ar t ed unbuckl i nghi sbel t .Pal api tsi y anangpapal api t .Het hr ew hi sbel taway ,t heheunbut t onedhi s shi r t ,t hr ewi tawayj ustl i ket hebel t .Fr om wher eIwasst andi ng,Icoul dseehi sgl or i ousGr eek body .Moment sl at er , hewaswal ki ngt owar dsme, nakedandpr oud.

Iswal l owedhar dwhenIsaw hi shugemember .Ihav en' tr eal l yseenhi mt hi snaked.Ihav ef el t hi m, y es, butseei nghi ml i ket hi si sdi f f er ent .

Fi nal l yher eachedme.Ni hi ndi akogumal aw.Hi nawakanni y aangdr essko, t aposayhi nat aki y on. Hewr eckmydr ess, mypant i esandmybr a.

" Hel i os! "Myv oi cewasshaki ng.

" You' r emi nenow,Yza. "Hesai d.I t i nul akni y aakopauposasof a.Hekneel edi nf r ontofme,and spr eadmyl egs-wi de.Notamomentl at erIf el thi sl ov el yl i psi nsi demycor eandIf oundmy sel f si ghi ngashegi v esmet hatf eel i ngagai n.

Hest oppedandl ookedatme." Iknewi tf r om t hest ar t , wheny ouar r i v edatmyhome.Ihav et aken t hewr ongper sonbutIhav est ol ent her i ghtonef orme.I ' l lnev erl ety ougonow, myl ov e.For ev er t i l l t heend. "

Al lIcoul ddowasnodt hatmoment .I ' mt ooemot i onalt oev enspeak.I noneday , al lourt r oubl es wer eset t l edandwej usthav et owai tt i l l t heendofet er ni t y .

Wehav eal l ourl i v et ospendwi t heachot her .

Al i f et i mewi t hhi m.

St ol en-Unt ol d-Epi l ogue

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I ti sagooddayf ort heConsunj i s.Anot hery earhaspassedbyandev er y t hi ngi nt hei rl i f ewer e sl owl yf al l i ngi nt opl aces.Not hi nghadchanged-i ft her ewer esomechanges,i ti sdef i ni t el yf or t hebet t er .

LukasConsunj i wassi t t i ngi nt hemi ddl eoft hef i r stl i nebesi dehi sev erwi t t ywi f eApol l oConsunj i -besi det hem wer et hei rchi l dr en, Her a, Her mesandAr eswhowasv er ybusyl ooki ngar oundhi m. Ar esConsunj ii sanel i gi bl ebachel or-av er yi nt el l i gentl awy er-ar enownedone.Hecoul d def i ni t el yhav eev er y t hi ngherev erwant ed-bei tmoney , f ame, women-ev er y t hi ng-buthekeeps onwant i ngsomet hi ngheknewhecoul dnev erhav e. Heknewi tsowel l andy ethecoul dn' thel phi msel f .

" Aw! "Ar esl ookedbesi dehi m.HesawHer ar ai si ngabr owathi m.Hi nampassi y ani t osabal i kat .

" Kungsaansaankanakat i ngi n!Umay oskanga! "

" Theweddi ngwi l lst ar tanymi nut ef r om now,beci v i l ! "Pi nanl aki hannamanniHer mesngmga mat aangmgakapat i dni y a.Heshookhi shead.Hedoesn' thav eanyi deawhatwashappeni ngt o hi sbr ot her-hedoesn' tr eal l ycar ebecauser i ghtnow hehast odealwi t hi ssuesi nhi sl i f e.He t ookadeepbr eat h.Hecl osedhi sey esandhesawt hef aceoft hatwomanwhohat edhi m.Wal a si y angpaki al am butev er ydamnt i meher emember show muchshehat eshi mi tf eel sl i kehe' s hav i ngani ght mar e.

Lukasl ookedathi schi l dr en.Heshookhi sheadashewat cheshi sf l eshandbl oodsi t t i ngbesi de t hem.Bi nal i nganni y aangasawani y aatsakaki nuhaangkamayni t o.

" Huh? "Apol l ol ookedathi m.Heki ssedherhand.Hecoul dn' tbel i ev et heamountofl ov ehehas f ort hi swoman.Kul angangmgabi t ui nsal angi tpar asukat i nangpagmamahalnamay r oonsi y a par akayApol l oConsunj i .

" Not hi ng.Ij ustl ov ey ousomuch. "Hesai dt oher .Apol l ot ouchedhi sf ace." Atal am kongpat ayna pat aykat al agasaaki n. "

" Angkapalmopar i nhanggangngay on, Luke! "Herl aught erf i l l edhi sear sandt i l lnow, t hatsound hast hesameef f ectonhi m -Thi r t yy ear sl at er ,heI Sst i l lsomuchi nl ov ewi t ht hewomanwho t r i edt ot akeawayhi si nher i t ance.

Att heot hersi deoft hel i ne,Adam Consunj iwast her ewi t hherbel ov edAur a.Theywer ehol di ng hands-Aur a' sheadwasr est i ngonherhusband' sshoul der-cont ent menti swr i t t enal lov erher f ace.Gabr i elConsunj iwasl ooki ngatt hem.Hewast hi nki ng-har dwhi l ewat chi nghi spar ent s. Angdami ngt anongsai si panni y a.Baki tmasay aangmgamagul angni y a?How di dt heykeep t hei rmar r i agewor kl i ket hat ?Howhi sf at hercoul dl ov ehi smot herl i ket hat ?Howcoul dhemake t hi ngswor kbet weenhi m andMar a?How canhef al li nl ov ewi t hMar adespi t et hef actt hathe hat esher ?

How?Hel ookedupwhenhef el tsomeonet appedhi sshoul der .Kumunotangnooni y anang maki t ani y asi Gi anna." Hey , Gab! "Hi scousi ngr eet edher ." Wher e' sy ourwi f e? "

" Shutup, Gi anna. "Sabi ni y adi t o.Gi annar ol l edherey es." Wher e' sAuntLai de? "

" Wi t hAt eYza,i nsi det hehot el . "Gi annasatbesi deGabr i el ." Ican' tbel i ev et hi si shappeni ng.I meanDemi t r i-Consunj inupt i al s.HowIwi shUncl eSachi sascal m ast heseai nf r ontofusr i ght now. . . " " Oh, andYt o. "Gi annagi ggl e.Gabr i el j ustshookhi shead.

I ti sagooddayf orev er y onebutasev er y onewoul dsay-t her e' sal way sanexcept i on.ForSancho Consunj i-i ti shi smostdr eadedday-t hedaywhenoneofhi sl i t t l egi r l swi l lbet akenawayf r om hi m agai n. Hewasi nsi det hehot elsui t e-t r y i ngt of i xhi st i ebuthecoul dn' tr eal l yconcent r at e.Al lhecoul d t hi nkaboutwast hef actt hathi sf i r stbor nwi l lbemar r y i ngt oday .I twashar dt hatf i r stt i meYza mar r i edI t ur al de-andnowshe' smar r y i ngDemi t r i -i t ' sev enhar der .

" Letme. . . "Het r i edt ocal m hi sner v eswhenhehear dhi swi f e' sv oi ce.Hef acedSheena.Shewas smi l i ngathi m -shewaswear i ngt hatbeaut i f ul l av enderdr essf i t t edf ort heoccasi on.

" I i y akkananaman. . . "Mal umanaynawi kani t osakany a.Hel ookedather .Shehadt hi sr i di cul ous smi l eonherf ace." Youar et hemostr ut hl essmanI ' v eev erknownbutwheni tcomest oy our daught er sy ouar ev er ypower l ess, Sancho. "

" I si tmyf aul t ? "Hewhi sper ed.Ti naposmunani Sheenaangpagaay osngt i eni y abagosumagot .

" Il ov edy oumor ef ort hat ,honey . "Sheanswer edwi t hal lherhear t .Sheenahadonl yl ov edone mansi nceshewassi xt een-siSanchol angi y on.Kungmi nsanayhi ndini y amai si pnat ot ooang l ahatngi t o.Shesomet i mest hi nkt hatshe' sonl ydr eami ngandt hemomentshewakesupev er y t hi ngwi l l gobackt ot hewayi twasper ohi ndi si y anagi gi si ngkay aal am ni y anghi ndi l angi t o bast apanagi ni p.

Thi si sherr eal i t y-al i f et i mewi t hSanchoandt hei rchi l dr en. " Nay ! "

SanchoandSheenabot hl ookedatt hedoor .Yl l akcamei n.Hewashol di nghi st i e." Nay , cany ou f i xmyt i e? " Sheenar ol l edherey es." Manasaama,pat ibanamani t o? "Shewasgi ggl i ng.I di nant ayni y aang kany angul osabal i katni Sancho.

" Nay !Ohmygod! "Ynacamer unni ngi n.Sanchosmi l edwhenhesawhi sy oungestdaught er .She waswear i ngt hatl av endermai dofhonedr ess." Nay , hav ey ouseenat e?She' sso. . . "

Lei ght onst oppedspeaki ngwhenshesawYl l akl ooki ngathi ml i kehewasseei nganappar i t i on.

" Ay annaangkapat i dmo.Sakany amonal angpaay osi y an. "Bi l i nni SheenakayYl l ak.

" She' snotmysi st er ! "Yl l akhi ssed.Lei ght onr ol l edherey es.

" Yl l ak!That ' si mpol i t e! "

" Nay ,Tay ! "Ni ki t a' sv oi cef i l l edt her oom." Oh,nandi t opal aangl ahat ?Wher ei sYv o?Kani napa si y ahi nahanapni Yt oko. "

" Si Yza? "Sheenaaskedherdaught er-i n-l aw.

" Readynat ay o, nay .Si Yv onal angangwal a!Mygoodness! "

Sheenaf acedSancho.

" Ar ey our eady , Tat ay ?You' r egi v i ngawayy ourdaught ert ot hemanshel ov es? "

Sanchost ar edatSheena' sf ace.Het ookherhand." Asl ongasy ou' r ewi t hme, honey . "

Whatwoul dIdowi t houty oursmar tmout h Dr awi ngmei n, andy ouki cki ngmeout Gotmyheadspi nni ng, noki ddi ng, Ican' tpi ny oudown What ' sgoi ngoni nt hatbeaut i f ul mi nd I ' m ony ourmagi cal my st er yr i de AndI ' m sodi zzy , don' tknowwhathi tme, butI ' l l beal r i ght

Hel i osDemi t r iwasst andi ngatt heot hersi deoft heai sl e.Hewaswear i nganal lwhi t esui t et houghhi st i ei sbl ack-i tdoesn' tmeanany t hi ngatal l .He' sv er yhappy-f i nal l y-t hebestdayof hi sl i f ecame.

Thedaywhenev er y t hi ngbet weenhi m andt hel ov eofhi sl i f ewi l lbecomeof f i ci al-hi sweddi ng day .

Hel ookedov erhi sr i ghtandhesawt heboy-Zachar yDr ewsi ngi ng.Henoddedathi m.

Nagkar oonnasi l angpagkakai nt i ndi han-hi ndisi l amagkai bi gan-per ohi ndir i nsi l amagkaaway . Theyhadt hi st hi ng- t anggapni y anami nsangnaggi ngpar t esiZachngbuhayniYzaathi ndi ni y amababagoi y on.Heshoul dj ustbet hankf ulbecausei nt heendofev er y t hi ngZachwast he onewhobr oughtYzabackt ohi m.

I t ' sf unnybecauseheoncest ol eherawayf r om Zach, butZachwast heonewhobr oughtherback. Hecal l st hatdest i ny .

Causeal l ofme

Lov esal l ofy ou Lov ey ourcur v esandal l y ouredges Al l y ourper f ecti mper f ect i ons Gi v ey oural l t ome I ' l l gi v emyal l t oy ou You' r emyendandmybegi nni ng Ev enwhenIl oseI ' m wi nni ng CauseIgi v ey oual l ofme Andy ougi v emeal l ofy ou, ofy ou. . .

Het ookadeepbr eat h.Hesmi l edwhenhesawhi schi l dr enwal ki ngdownt heai sl e.Hy r onl ooked l i keal i t t l ebusi nessmagnat ei nhi ssui twhi l eHy anl ookl i keal i t t l equeen.Hesuddenl ywonder ed whatYzawi l l l ookl i ke.

Tumaasangki l ayni y anangmaki t ani y asiLei ght onnanagl al akas.Lei ghi soneofYza' smai dsof honor .Shel ookedsopr et t ywhi l ewal ki ngdownt heai sl e.Nangmal api tnai t osakany aaybi gl a nal angi t ongt umakboatni y akapsi y anangmahi gpi t .

" I ' m sohappy, Kuy a! "

Nat awasi y ahabangt i ni t i ngnanangkapat i dnabumal i ksapi l a.Hecaughtagl i mpseofYl l ak Consunj il ooki ngathi m andLei gh.Heknewal r eadywhatwasgoi ngonhi smi ndandhi shear t . Hi ndi ni y al angal am kungal am bani Lei ght onangmganangy ay ar i .

Nexti nl i newer eYt oandNi ki t aConsunj i .Hanggangngay onayhi ndipar i nni y anakukuhaang appr ov alngkakambalniYza-butt hatdoesn' tmeanhei sn' tt r y i ng.Hewant edt ohav eal lt he Consunj i ' sappr ov al .I tmeantal ott oYzakay ai mpor t ant er i ni y onsakany a.

Suddenl y , ev er y onest oodup. Thesongchangedandhi sbr eat hi ngbecamehar d.

Am Igi v i ngenough? I si tal l t hatshoul dbe? Whenwat erget sr ough Wi l l y oust i l l swi m wi t hme? Soaf r ai dt ocomecl ose Andmay bet oosoon Andmay bet oomuch Fory out oconsume Then,hesawt hemostbeaut i f ult hi ngt hatheev erl ai dhi sey esoni nt hi swor l d.Thel ov eofhi s l i f e-t hewomanwhocompl et edhi shappi ness-hi sl i f e-si YzaJoanYbar r aConsunj i -Demi t r i .

At earr ol l eddownhi sey eswhenhesawhercomi ngdown.Nat at akpanngv ai langmukhani t o. Besi deherwer eherpar ent s-SanchoandSheenaConsunj i .Hef el tl i kehi skneesshook.He want edt of astf or war dt het i mebecausehewant edsomuchf ort hem t ost ar tt hei ret er ni t y t oget her .

AndIwannaknowi fI Canl i v ei nsi dey ourwor l d AndIwannaknowi fI Cangi v ei tt oy ougi r l Youknowt hatIwanty ousayi t Youknowt hatIneedy ousayi t Youknowt hatIl ov ey ousayi t Ourl ov ej ustgoesonandonandon Youknowt hatIwanty ousayi t Youknowt hatIneedy ousayi t Youknowt hatIl ov ey ousayi t Myl ov ej ustgoesonandonandon Fi nal l y ,Yzast oppedi nf r ontofhi m.Het ookadeepbr eat h.I nabotni y aangkamayni t o.Sancho Consunj i t ookhi shand.Napi l i t ansi y angt umi ngi ndi t o.

" I ' m gi v i ngy ouoneofmyt r easur es, Demi t r i .Takecar eofher . "

Ngumi t i si y a.Hegav ehi sf at her-i n-l awagenui nesmi l e." Iwi l l , Si r . "Ti napi kni y aangbal i katni t o. Bi nal i ngannamanni y asiSheena.Sheenawasl ooki ngatherdaught er ,hert ear swer ef al l i ngas shehugsherandgi v esheraway .

Notamomentl at er ,y umakapnamansiYzasakany angTat ay .Mat agal ,mahi gpi tandhej ust st oodt her e, pat i ent l ywai t i ngf orher .Fi nal l y , Sanchol etgo.

" Il ov ey ou, l i t t l egi r l . "Heev enhear dhi m whi sper ed.

" Il ov ey ou,Tat ay .Thanky ou. "Yza' sv oi cewasshaki ng.Shef i nal l yf acedhi m.Het ookherhand. I ni har apnani y aangnagi i sa-oonagi i sangbabaengmi nahal ni y asaal t ar .

Ofal lt hebadt hi ngshehaddonei nhi sl i f e-hest ol e, heav enged, heev env i ol at edt hi swomanngay onni y anai si pnanapakaswer t eni y adahi lnagawasi y amahal an, pat awar i natt anggapi nni t o nangpaul i t ul i t .Hi ndi nasi y amakakahanapngkat ul adpani Yza.

YzaConsunj i i soneofaki nd.Wal anasi y angkat ul ad-atwal anar i nsi y anghahanapi npa.

Hegr ewupi nadar kwor l d-hi sbi ol ogi calf at herabusedhi m.Hi ndini y aki l al aangkasi y ahabut t hatt hi ngchangedwhent hi swomanbesi dehi m ent er edhi sl i f e.

" Dear l ybel ov ed. "Thepr i estst ar t edt hecer emony .Thewi ndbl ew.Hawakni y al amangangkamay niYza." Wear egat her edher et odayt oj oi nt hi sman-Hect or" Hel i os"Sant i l l an-Demi t r iandt hi s woman-Yza JoanConsunj i . "

Hecoul dn' tr eal l yunder st andanyoft hewor dscomi ngoutoft hepr i est ' smout h.Hewasj ust st andi ngt her e, wai t i ng.Nai i ni pnasi y a, baki tangt angal mat aposni t o?

Fi nal l y-t her i ngscamei n.Theyf acedeachot her .Het ookYza' shandandputt her i ngonher f i nger .

" YzaJoanConsunj i -Demi t r i -whatani cenamey ouhav enow. "

Nagt awananangmgat aosapal i gi dni l ahabangnaki ki ni gsav owsni y a.

" Idon' tr eal l yknow whatt osay .Lei ght ol dmet hatv owsshoul dbewr i t t enweeksbef or et he act ualcer emony-Idi dn' twr i t emi ne.Don' tgetmad! "I nunahannani y ai t o." It ol dher ,t hatno adj ect i v ei nt hi swor l dcanev endescr i bet heamountofl ov eIhav ef ory ou.Youchangedmyl i f e, y oumademet hemanIam t odayandt hati senoughf ormet ost ayi nl ov ewi t hy out i l lt henext et er ni t y .Iam j ustexci t edt ospendmyl i f ewi t hy ouandt heki dsandt hef oot bal lt eam Ihav ei n mymi nd. "

Hi namapasniYzaangbal i katni y a.Nat at awanghi nul ini y aangkamayni t oathi nagkan.I twas

nowYza' st ur n.Herhandswer eshaki ng.

" Hel i os, Ihat edy out hef i r stt i meIev erl ai dey esony ou. " Ev er y onef el lsi l ent ." Butt hatwast he f i r stt i meandIdon' tr eal l yr emembert hatnow, al lIcoul dr ememberwast hatmomentIf el tIf el l f ory out hef i r stt i me.Ioncehear dt hatConsunj i sal way sf al l f ort hef or bi ddenone-andy ou' r et he f or bi ddenone, Demi t r i .If el lf ory oul i kehowEv ef el lf ort hatsi nf ulappl e.I kawi y ongappl e.It ook onebi t eandIcoul dn' tgetenough.Idef i edev er y oneIknow-myf ami l y-j ustt obewi t hy ou-and nowaswebot hst andher e, Ir eal i zedt hati ti sal l wor t hi t .Youar eWORTHi t .Youhav ecompl et ed myl i f e, mybei ngandIl ov ey ousomuch, i tdamn hur t sj ustbei ngawayf r om y oukahi tsegundo pal ang.Il ov ey oul i keal ov esong, baby . "

Ev er y onel aughedagai n.Yzacont i nued." Butser i ousl y ,Il ov ey ou,Hel i os.I ' l ll ov ey out i l lmyl ast br eat h.For ev erandet er ni t y . "

Madamdami nni y angt i ni ni ngnansi Yzaatsakangumi t i .Thepr i estcal l edt hei rat t ent i onagai n.

" Byt hepowerv est edi nmebyt heCat hol i cchur choft hePhi l i ppi nes-Iknowpr onouncey ouman andwi f e.Youmannow"

Hi ndinani y api nat aposangsi nasabingpar i .Hepul l edupYza' sv ai l-andki ssedherl i ps.He ki ssedherl i ket hosemenki ssedt hei rl eadi ngl adi esi nanol dHol l y woodf i l m.Heki ssedherwi t h al lhi spower ,wi t hal lhi smi ght .Heki ssedherl i ket her e' snot omor r owandshewaski ssi ngher backwi t ht hesamepassi onandi nt ensi t y .

I ti snowov er .

Hehadcompl et edt hest eal i ng.

Hehadst ol ennotj usthi sf l eshandbl oodbutal sot hehear tofYzaConsunj i .

I ti snowt hebegi nni ngofanewl i f ef orherandhi m.

Justt hebegi nni ngoft hei rl i f et i mewi t heachot her .

Ev er y onecl appedt hei rhandst oget her .Sanchowaswi pi nghi st ear swhi l eSheenawascal mi ng hi m down.Lai deDel aMont est oodbesi dehi sol derbr ot herf eel i ngsoamused.Shel ookedat Jul i an-hi shusbandandhel dhi shand.

Lei ght onont heot herhandwasal sowi pi nghert ear s-hi ndini y aal am kungpar asaanangmga l uhangi y onbutshe' sv er yhappy .Happi nesswasov er f l owi nghersy st em.

" Yna. "

Shesi ghedwhenshehear dYl l ak' sv oi ce.

" Yl l akpl ease,notonmybr ot her ' sweddi ng! "Shemadeaf ace.Hi nawakanbi gl aniYl l akang kamayni y a.

" Yl l ak! "Shehi ssed.Nanl akil al oangmgamat ani y anangmar amdamanni y aangi sapangkamay nahumawaksakanangkamayni y a.

" Lei ght on. "

Shef oundAr esConsunj ist andi ngbesi deher-st ar i ngatYl l aki nt ent l y .Thet owConsunj i swer e hav i ngast ar eduel .

" Ohpl ease! "Shey el l ed.

Pi l i tni y angbi nawi angmgakamayni y aatl umay o.

Forev er y one, i ti sj ustanor di nar ydaywi t haspeci al occasi on-butf orLei ght onSant i l l an-Demi t r i -i ti sHELL.

========= * Songsused Al l ofme-JohnLegend

Sayi t-Voi cesofTheor y