"Ate ano yang nasa labi mo? Bakit putok yang labi mo at bakit ang dami mong pasa?" Ang pansin ni Winter sa labi ng ate niya habang magkausap sila sa video call.

 

"Malamig lang dito kaya nagbibitak-bitak at alam mo naman ang ate mo clumsy. Sige na magwowork na ako."

 

Kumunot yung noo ni Winter kasi iba yung kutob niya. Feeling niya may nangyayari masama sa ate niya.

 

"Hello po, Ate Wendy," ang biglang pasok ni Karina sa video call.

 

Nagkakilala naman sila Karina at Wendy dahil pinakilala siya ni Karina as tenant at close friend.

 

Karina noticed that Winter's expression seemed serious. After talking to her sister, Winter immediately checked the flight schedule to the US. She also reviewed her savings and found that she had enough money. She prepared a letter for her vacation leave as well. winter was really worried about her sister, Wendy.

 

Alam niya kapag kinutuban siya ng hindi maganda ay may nangyayaring masama sa ate niya.

 

Siya na lang mayroon siya at sobrang mahalaga ng ate niya para sa kanya. Dahil noong panahon na sobrang nagkakagulo sa tahanan nila, ang ate Wendy niya ang nagprotect sa kanya as big sister. Pinaglalaban pa siya sa mama nila na sa puder na lang ni Wendy si Winter kaso ayaw lang umalis ni Winter.

 

Also both Wendy and Winter were deeply affected by their experience of coming from a broken family.

 

Winter's fear of trusting others stemmed from the betrayal she felt when their family fell apart. She was afraid to open up and rely on others, fearing that she might get hurt again. This fear manifested in her reluctance to form deep connections with people, including romantic relationships.

 

On the other hand, Wendy's fear of abandonment was a result of being left behind by their father. Despite the toxicity in her relationships, Wendy tended to stay in them, fearing that she might be abandoned again if she ended things. This fear of being left alone drove her to cling onto relationships even when they were detrimental to her well-being.

 

Despite their different reactions, both Wendy and Winter carried the scars of their broken family, affecting their trust in others and their approach to relationships.

 

"Aalis muna ako. Ikaw na muna bahala sa bahay ha," ang asikaso na ni Winter.

 

"Why? Saan ka pupunta?" Ang concerned na sabi ni Karina.

 

"Wala kang kinalaman, Karina."

 

"Ano ba nangyayari?"

 

"Tangina naman Karina! Ang kulit mo. Wala kang kinalaman. Huwag kang makisali," ang bulyaw ni Winter kay Karina.

 

"Basta ikaw na muna bahala dito. Baka isang linggo ako mawala."

 

Ito naman tayo sa tagpo na mailap at masungit na napagtataasan ng boses ni Winter si Karina.

 

Tinataboy naman niya si Karina.

 

Ramdam ni Karina yung tension ni Winter. Hinawakan ni Karina sa magkabilang balikat si Winter. Marahan na nagsalita si Karina.

 

"Calm down, Winter. What's going on? I'm not like others. You can rely on me, okay?"

 

Napatingin si Winter kay Karina, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions—overwhelmed by the weight of her responsibilities as an independent woman, na parang hindi na niya kaya na hindi humingi ng tulong sa iba.
 

 

Feeling the surge of emotions, Winter couldn't help but embrace Karina tightly, her arms wrapping around her in a desperate plea for solace.

 

"Y-yung ate ko kasi. Masama yung kutob ko, Karina, feeling ko sinasaktan siya ng kupal na yun. Sabi ko naman kasi na hiwalayan na niya yun. Nakita ko putok yung labi niya. Gusto ko siyang iuwi na dito sa Pinas at dito na lang siya kasama ko," Winter confessed, her voice trembling with worry and frustration.

 

Karina's arms enveloped Winter in a comforting hug, offering silent support and understanding. "So pupunta ka ng US?" she inquired gently, concern evident in her tone.

 

"Oo, kaso ang mamahal ng flight kung agad-agad aalis. Pero ok na yun basta maiuwi ko lang ang ate ko or mailayo ko sa kupal na yun," Winter responded, her voice tinged with determination as she pulled away from the embrace.

 

"I will help you. Ako na bahala sa ticket mo. Sakto nandoon ang ate Irene ko. Matutulungan tayo. Sasamahan kita," Karina offered, her expression filled with sincerity and resolve.

 

"Sige, babayaran ko na lang sayo and thank you," Winter insisted, attempting to downplay the gesture.

 

"Shhhh! Wala kang babayaran. Ako na bahala sayo," Karina insisted firmly, her hands gently cupping Winter's face as she reassured Winter.

 

"Tomorrow, I'll take care of it, okay? Rest for now. Gabi na rin. It's 9 pm. It's your bedtime na. Bababa na ako," Karina bid her farewell, already heading towards the door, but Winter held onto her arm.

 

"Pwede ba dito ka matulog? Samahan mo ko," Winter requested, her eyes pleading for Karina's presence and comfort.

 

Karina paused, her gaze softening as she looked at Winter, silently contemplating her request. With a gentle smile, she nodded in agreement, understanding the comfort Winter sought in her presence.

 

"Okay, dito na lang ako matutulog," she conceded, her tone warm and reassuring.

 

Winter's face lit up with relief and gratitude as she led Karina to her bed. As they lay side by side share with one blanket, Winter found solace in Karina's presence, her worries momentarily eased by the comfort of having someone by her side.

 

"Hindi ako makatulog, Karina. Pwede ko bang gamitin yung coupon na binigay mo sakin?" Winter's voice broke the silence, her gaze fixed on the ceiling adorned with glow-in-the-dark Pokémon wall stickers.

 

Karina's eyes softened as she listened to Winter's request habang nakatingin rin sa kisame.

 

"As always. There's no expiration on that. What desire do you want me to fulfill?"

 

Winter took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before opening up to Karina. "Gusto ko lang sanang mag-dump ng mga iniisip ko, Karina."

 

Ito na nabasag na ni Karina yung wall ni Winter.

 

"Hindi ka ba nagtataka bakit hindi ko nababanggit ang tatay ko?"

 

"Why?"

 

"Kasi sumakabilang..."

 

"He's dead na rin."

 

"Hindi. Sumakabilang bahay noong 12 years old ako."

 

"Broken family kami, Karina."

 

Their heart-to-heart conversation continued as they gazed at the ceiling, their voices and the sound of the air conditioner the only things filling the room.

 

Winter's pain was palpable, and she couldn't hide it any longer.

 

Karina's heart sank as she listened to Winter's story, feeling the weight of her struggles. But she remained silent, offering Winter the space to share her burdens.

 

As Winter recounted her life to Karina, their eyes remained fixed on the ceiling, each word carrying the weight of Winter's experiences.

 

"Lumaki ako sa pamilya araw-araw may gyera. Ang almusal ay sigawan, ang tahalian ay pagdududa at murahan. Tapos sigawan na may kasamang batuhan yung dinner namin. Then eventually para matigil yun naghiwalay na lang sila at yun voila! Nawala parang bula yung papa ko. Kaya lumaki ako na hindi magrely sa iba. Naging independent at hindi magtiwala dahil sabi ng mama ko na ang mga tao ay traydor. Sasaktan ka lang lalo kapag nakuha na nila yung gusto nila sayo."

 

"Pinalaki rin ako ng mama ko na kayanin mo magisa. Alamin mo lahat ng dapat mong malaman para hindi ka maloko. Matuto ka ng mga bagay-bagay para hindi ka tatanga-tanga. Which tama naman siya. Naalala ko nahiwa ako ng kutsilyo kasi may karenderia kami noon. Doon ako natuto magluto. Sabi niya katangahan mo kasi yan. Tinuruan na kita maghiwa ng rekado tapos tanga ka pa. Ginamot ko sarili ko. Pati mapaso ng mantika ay ginamot ko magisa yun. Si Ate kasi nun nasa college na at nagrerebelde kay mama. So naiwan ako magisa sa puder ng mama ko. Ayun naging strict mama ko na bawal ako magtagal sa kalsada kahit about naman sa school yun. Yung mga groupings na dula-dulaan na need ng practice ay hirap pa ako magpaaalam kasi sabi lumalandi lang ako. Dapat before 6pm nasa bahay na ako kasi makikita ko na lang gamit ko nasa labas na. Then naalala ko dahil gusto ko siya maging proud ay sinubsob ko yung sarili ko sa pagaaral to the point ay hindi ko na naenjoy yung high school days ko. Tapos one time, pinaghinalaan ako ng classmate ko nangopya at nataasan ko siya. Eh totoo ay nagaral naman ako. Sinampal ako ng classmate na yun. Tapos hindi pa ako marunong lumaban non at doon ko na nakilala sila Ning at Gi. Sila yung nagstand up para sa akin. Sinubong nila sa guidance yung ginawa ng classmate. Kinabukasan pinatawag si Mama. Alam mo kung ano ginawa niya? Sinampal niya ako sa harap ng magulang nung sumampal sa akin paglabas ng guidance kasi iniisist na nandaya ako. Tapos nagulat yung classmate ko pati parents niya sa pagsampal ni mama sa akin. Sobrang sakit yung sampal ng mama ko nun. Kaya naawa yung parent ng classmate ko sa akin. Sinabi niya bakit mo sinampal yung anak mo? Sabi ng mama ko, yung anak mo nga sinampal yung anak ko dahil diba nangopya siya at kaya sinampal ko rin ng anak ko para magtanda na hindi na siya mangongopya. Nakita yun nila Ning at Gi. Sabi nila namula talaga yung nasampal ng mama ko. Sobrang napahiya ako nun pero may maganda naman nangyari dahil doon. Nakonsensya yung classmate ko na umamin na gawa gawa niya lang yun at wala ng umaway sa akin kasi alam nila malupit mama ko. Naawa sila, na buti sila naawa sa akin."

 

"Tapos noong college ako, pinagpatuloy ko maging mabuting anak. School at bahay lang alam ko. Which gusto ko naman if ang mama ay katulad ng ibang mama na katulad ng mama mo, Karina. Kaso iba yung mama ko. Ginawa ko na lahat pero hindi pa rin niya ako makita. College ko yata nakuha yung acid reflux ko kasi napakabad ng lifestyle ko noon. Nagpapalipas ako ng gutom na puro kape lang laman ng tiyan ko. Pang boost dahil need ko magaral at yun Voila! Hello acid reflux."

 

"Tapos noong nagtatrabaho na ako akala ko makakalaya ako na ako. Hindi pala. Nagkasakit si mama sa kidney. Nakuha daw sa bad lifestyle rin na kain ng mga pagkain nakakasama sa kidney pati pagiinom. Ilang taon rin siya nagdialysis at mas mahirap siya alagaan dahil nagwawala na siya na alam niya lahat na magaling siya. Sabi dala talaga ng sakit niya yun. Inunawa namin ng ate yun pero madalas matigas ang ulo. Hindi sinusunod sa sabi ng doc kain pa rin nang kain ng bawal. Kapag pinagbawalan mo galit pa. Buti nga bumalik si Ate Wendy at pareho namin shoulder yung gastos ng mama. Kaya nagabroad si Ate kasi magastos ang dialysis. Kaya ingatan mo yang kidney mo. Mahirap na. Kaya kung sasabihin ko ito baka maturn off ka sa akin pero buti na rin yun ayoko magpanggap sa harap mo. Non-believer ako na hindi nagdadasal pero napadasal ako."

 

Winter's words pierced the air, heavy with the weight of her pain and longing. Karina listened intently, her heart breaking for Winter's raw honesty.

 

"Pinagdasal ko mamatay na ang mama ko."

 

"Pinagdasal ko na bilisan niya ang kuha sa mama ko."

 

"Nung may sakit siya, inalagaan ko naman kaso wala na akong pagmamahal na nararamdaman. Inaalagaan ko na lang siya kasi mama ko siya."

 

"Pagod na ako kasi kahit may sakit siya hindi pa rin niya ako nakitang anak. Inunawa ko siya buong buhay ko pero siya hindi kailanman. Si papa lang mahal niya at nang nawala si papa ay nawala na rin siya. Kaya nga ng namatay si mama para akong nabunutan ng tinik."

 

"Kaya gugustuhin mo pa ba ako?" Winter's voice trembled with emotion as she faced Karina, tears streaming down her cheeks.

 

Hindi na napigilan ni Winter yung bigat na nararamdaman niya na sinupress niya ng pagkatagal-tagal.

 

Nilagay niya sa utak na dapat matibay siya magisa.

 

Karina's heart ached as she gazed into Winter's eyes, filled with vulnerability and fear. Without hesitation, she wrapped Winter in a warm embrace, holding her tightly against her chest.

 

"Oo, Winter. Oo, gugustuhin pa rin kita. Hindi kita nakikitang masamang tao. In fact, mas lalo kitang nagustuhan. I will pursue you more to be mine. Gusto kitang alagaan," Karina whispered softly, her voice filled with unwavering sincerity and love.

 

Winter's tears flowed freely as she buried her face in Karina's chest.

 

Iniyak lahat ni Winter yung bigat na nararadaman niya sa dibdib ni Karina.

 

Nagegets na ni Karina ang lahat. Kung ano pinaghuhugutan ng pagiging mailap ni Winter.

 

Takot lang talaga masaktan lalo si Winter.

 

She feel like trapped in a war zone at home, where safety and security should be guaranteed.

 

The hurtful words and experiences inflicted by both her parents have left her shattered and wounded.

 

She reached a point where don't know how else to cope, so Yung mga nasabi niya sa mama niya dahil dala na lang din ng pagod na siya.

 

The only way to escape the toxicity that surrounds her kung mamatay lang ang mama niya.

 

Kaya noong namatay ang nanay ay hindi niya alam gagawin kasi nasanay sa toxic na environment. But eventually, naisip niyang na to prioritize guarding herself because all she yearn for now is a quiet life away from the drama.

 

She just so utterly fed up.

 

All she crave is peace and rest – a respite from the chaos that has consumed her life.

 

After nang heart to heart conversation nila ay nakatulog si Winter sa bisig ni Karina. Ngayon naiyak si Karina habang pinagmamasdan niya si Winter.

 

She feels like crying at everything she's heard. She feels bad for Winter.

 

With a tender touch, Karina brushed her lips against Winter's forehead, a silent vow passing between them—a promise to nurture Winter with unwavering care.

 

********

 

"Karina?" Ang gising ni Winter na wala na sa tabi niya si Karina.

 

Bumangon siya at ramdam niya yung pamamaga ng mata dahil sa pagiyak niya kagabi. Lalabas na siya ng kwarto ng makita niya nakabukas yung closet at isasara niya dapat. Nang makita nakaorganized at nakatupi ng maayos yung mga damit niya.

 

Natawa siya dahil for sure inayos ni Karina yung mga damit niya.

 

At last natupi na rin ni Karina yung mga damit ni Winter na nasa closet.

 

Lumabas si Winter ng kwarto para hanapin si Karina.

 

"Good Morning, Cutie," greeted the tall woman in a gentle and soft-spoken manner, clad in a black tank top and sweatpants, her wolfcut hair thrown up in a messy bun, exuding a charming appeal.

 

"Looks like my baby cutie is awake. As always, nagha-handa ako ng ating pangkaraniwang breakfast. Bumili ako ng palabok kasi may bago magtitinda sa labas ng mga almusal, so I bought it to try kung masarap." ang hain ng almusal ni Karina sa table.

 

Karina's demeanor was noticeably sweeter than the day before. Winter glanced over at her, feeling a warmth spread in her chest.

 

Approaching her, Karina closed the distance between them. "Cutie ka pa rin kahit pagod at paga na yang mga mata mo," Winter felt Karina's gentle kiss on her forehead.

 

Hinayaan lang ni Winter na halikan ni Karina yung noo niya.

 

"I will pursue more and I'll wait kapag ready ka na but kumain muna tayo," Karina assured Winter, her tone full of patience and understanding.

 

Sa paglapit ni Karina kay Winter, tila isang liwanag ng araw sa gitna ng madilim na gabi ang kanyang presensya.

 

"Then magbo-book ako ng flight papuntang US," Karina gently tugged at Winter, guiding her to sit down as a true gentlewoman.

 

In that moment, Karina tenderly babying Winter, her eyes speaking volumes of unspoken affection and care. Karina's eyes held a mixture of determination and tenderness, while Winter's gaze conveyed gratitude and a hint of vulnerability, softened by Karina's comforting presence.

 

"Thank you kagabi at pati sa pagtupi mo ng mga damit ko," ang smile ni Winter.

 

"I've always said that I can be your tagatupi for a lifetime."

 

"Baliw."

 

"Yes, baliw sayo."

 

After idrop ni Karina yun, hindi matago ni Winter yung ngiti niya.

 

"Gugustuhin mo pa rin ba ako despite ganun ako magisip? pinagdasal ko na mamatay na yung mama ko na naging maluwag yung pakiramdam ko na nawala sa mundo ang mama ko. Hindi ako believer sa diyos na katulad mo. Alam ko catholic church girl ka at napapansin mo naman na never ako nagsimba kahit anong religion. Tapos sasabihin ko rin na ayaw ko makita yung papa na hindi ko siya tinuturing na papa kahit magpakita pa siya ulit ay okay lang ba sayo?"

 

Karina listened intently to Winter's heartfelt words, her expression softening with understanding. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding

 

"Winter, I understand naman that your beliefs, or lack thereof, may differ mula sa akin. And that's okay. I'm not here to force you to change your beliefs or to push you towards my religion.  Your journey is yours alone, and nirerespeto ko yun," Karina began, her voice calm and empathetic.

 

"As for your feelings towards your mother and father, I can't imagine the pain and confusion you must be experiencing. It's perfectly understandable that you might have conflicting emotions about seeing your father again. And that's okay too."

 

"Magkadugo nga kayo pero hindi ka naman trinato ng maayos para sa akin hindi pamilya yun.  A good treatment is thicker than blood. Kung hindi mo siya patatawarin, that's valid. Ok lang yun dahil wala naman siyang nagawang maganda sayo, so hindi mo siya pamilya.  Let's get out sa mga sinasabi na, "Well, that's still your mom. That's still your dad." Toxic is toxic. Inadequate treatment is bad treatment, whether it's family or not. You are allowed to walk away from people who constantly hurt you. You are allowed to cut ties and walk away, Winter.

 

"So ok lang ha? Hindi ko siya talaga kayang patawarin."

 

"Yes, that's okay, Winter. You will not be a bad person, Winter. Just think about yourself. Taking care of yourself and making your peace a priority is not selfish. It is necessary. Winter, prioritize yourself first. Bitiwan mo na rin 'yang mga bagahe na dala mo. Sometimes, it's better to just let things left behind, 'di ba?"

 

"But despite all of that, I want you to know that I still choose you. I choose to be here for you, to support you, and to love you unconditionally. And if you ever you decide to explore faith or reconnect with your father, nasayo pa rin yun. It will be on your terms, in your own time.

 

You don't need to change who you are or what you believe in for me. I love you just the way you are."

 

With sincerity and warmth in her eyes, Karina reached out to Winter, offering her hand in solidarity and acceptance.

 

Lumabot na ng tuluyan si Winter kay Karina at unti-unti nang binaba ni Winter ang kanyang depensa.

 

"Ano pala balak mo pagpunta mo US?" Karina inquired, her tone tinged with curiosity and concern.

 

"Balak ko nga iuwi si ate or kung ayaw niya ay ilayo siya sa yung kupal na babae na yun. Kapag nalaman kong sinasaktan niya ang ate. Ipapadampot ko siya doon sa mga pulis," Winter's voice held a firm resolve, her eyes flashing with determination as she spoke.

 

Winter's brows furrowed slightly, "Kasi hindi ko siya mapapauwi basta-basta dahil may contract siya doon. Basta mailayo ko lang siya," Winter added, her hands gesturing with conviction.

 

"If hindi mo siya mapauwi. Saan ba siya sa US?" Karina inquired further, her curiosity piqued.

 

"LA."

 

"Sakto nandoon ang ate Irene ko nakabase. Ipapasuyo ko kay Ate Irene. Don't worry mabait ang ate ko," Karina reassured Winter, her tone softening as she mentioned her sister.

 

Winter nodded, a sense of relief washing over her. "Alam ko naman kasi ikaw nga mabait syempre mabait din ate mo," Winter replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

 

********

 

"Karina naman," ang pakikipagtalo ni Winter kay Karina.

 

Nabobother talaga si Karina sa pagtutupi at pagaayos ng damit ni Winter na dadalhin ni Winter papuntang US.

 

Hindi niya lang masabi na gamol-gamol magayos si Winter at medyo balahura magayos ng mga damit.

 

"You're not maximizing kasi your maleta po. Let me organize it for you. Is this all you're bringing?" Karina insisted, rearranging the contents of Winter's suitcase on the floor beside her.

 

Karina had taken charge of Winter's flight arrangements to LA, where her sister lived. She insisted on accompanying her also.

 

Suprise yung pagpunta niya at nakipagcoordinate na rin sila sa Ate Irene ni Karina.

 

"Sobra naman na kasi ginagawa mo."

 

"What do you mean 'too much'? For me kulang pa ang pagbababy ko sayo. Masanay ka na. Hindi mo na ako matataboy. Lagi na me sa tabi mo," ang super smile at pagpapacute ni Karina kay Winter.

 

Napafacepalm na lang si Winter. Then nahiya si Winter pati yung underwear at bra niya ay inorganize ni Karina.

 

"Shy ka pa. Mayroon din ako niyan, cutie. Tsaka mas lamang ako sayo," ang tease ni Karina na hawak yung bra ni Winter.

 

Hinampas na lang ni Winter si Karina na natatawa.

 

"Tadaaaa! Done na me magpack ng gamit mo. Mamayang 11pm yung flight natin so mga 7pm dapat nasa airport na tayo."

 

As they arrived in LA, Winter couldn't shake off the nervousness that gripped her. They stayed at Karina's sister Irene's apartment first. Irene greeted them with a warm smile when Karina introduced Winter.

 

"So siya pala 'yung special business mo, Karina," Irene remarked, her eyes glancing curiously at Winter.

 

"Nice meeting you, Winter. You're cutie naman pala. Totoo yung sinabi ni Karina," Irene said, pinching Winter's cheek affectionately, a gesture that instantly endeared her to Winter.

 

Like Karina, her sister exuded a sense of dominance, yet there was a nurturing and kind aura about her that made Winter feel instantly comfortable in her presence.

 

"Cutie siya diba?" Ang proud na sabi Karina to her sister, noticing Irene's immediate fondness for Winter.

 

"Yes! Cutie siya,"

 

Winter couldn't help but shy chuckle.

 

The next day, Winter, accompanied by Karina and Irene wasted no time and headed straight to where Wendy lived.

 

"Ate!" ang kunot ng mga kilay at sigaw ni Winter ng makita kinakaladkad ang ate Wendy niya sa Girlfriend nito.

 

"Tangina, anong ginagawa mo sa ate ko?!" Ang hila ni Winter sa ate palayo doon sa GF niya.

 

"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" Wendy was taken aback by the unexpected visit, wondering why Winter was here when she was supposed to be back in the Philippines.

 

"You hurting my Ate! Who the you are!" Ang bulyaw ni Winter. Dahil nakita niya yung putok na labi ni Wendy at pasa sa braso.

 

"Who the I am? I'm her girlfriend. You're nothing but a nosy sibling, so keep your nose out of our affairs!" ang sabi ng 5'8 GF ni Wendy.

 

"Out of your business? Nosy? Girlfriend na kupal. Isang malaking kupal. Tarantado ka pala sinasaktan mo ate ko," Winter snapped back, her tone dripping with disdain.

 

Ang taas na ng tension between kay Winter at Gf ni Wendy na  pinipigilan na siya ni Karina. Baka makukuha naman sa maganda usapan ang lahat.

 

"What did you just say, ? Oh, I forgot, small-minded people like you who can't comprehend and speak English," Wendy's girlfriend scoffed arrogantly, her tone dripping with disdain as she looked down at Winter.

 

With a dismissive flick of her perfectly manicured nails, she continued, "It's quite pathetic, really, dealing with such uncultured individuals like yourselves. But don't worry, I'll try to dumb it down for you. Perhaps then you'll be able to grasp the concept of basic communication," Her condescending smirk made it clear she thought herself superior in every way.

 

Winter's eyes narrowed at the condescending tone, her fists clenched in anger. She couldn't believe the audacity of this woman.

 

Bwisit na bwisit na si Winter.

 

Sasagot si Winter ng biglang sumagot si Karina.

 

Well, sabi niya makukuha daw sa maayos na usapan kaso inaalipusta yung Cutie niya.

 

Karina, with a fierce glare, stepped forward to confront the arrogant girlfriend. "Listen up, you pompous excuse for a human being! It's painfully obvious that you're trying to deflect from the fact that you're physically hurting Wendy. And on top of that, you have the nerve to mock Winter? How utterly pathetic!"

 

Her voice oozed with sarcasm as she continued, "I'm sure you're the one with the tiny brain that can't comprehend the gravity of your actions. But let me make it crystal clear for you: your attempts to belittle others only reveal your own insecurities. Winter can speak and understand both our language and English, but you seem to be stuck with just one. So who's the one with the tiny and dumb brain here? It's you, isn't it? You may think you're above everyone else, but let me assure you, you're nothing but a piece of for hurting someone."

 

Napatingin si Winter kay Karina na may paghanga kaya naman niya ipagtanggol yung sarili niya na parang si Mulan. Yun nga lang simula dumating si Karina parang nagiging snow white siya na si Karina yung prince charming.

 

"Winter naguusap lang kami," ang interjected ni Wendy sa tumataas na tension.

 

"Naguusap! Ate naman ano yang sa labi. Yang nasa braso mo na mga pasa," ang tingin ni Winter sa mga labi at braso ni Wendy.

 

"Tangina Ate. Hindi ka lumayas at nakibaka kay Mama para magend ka rin sa isang Narcissistic na abuser."

 

Nagising si Wendy sa katotohanan sa mga sinabi ni Winter. Sa kanyang pagtingin sa mga pasa at sugat sa kanyang katawan, narealize niya ang sakit na dulot ng kanyang relasyon sa kanyang girlfriend.

 

As Wendy came to her senses, she realized that kailangan na niya tapusin ang mga bagay-bagay with her abusive girlfriend.

 

However, her girlfriend refused to let go and attempted to pull her back.

 

Witnessing Wendy's struggle, Karina and Irene intervened, their concern etched on their faces.

 

Irene, taking a bold step forward, directed a stern warning at Wendy's girlfriend.

 

"If you don't let Wendy go, we will not hesitate to involve the authorities. We'll report the abuse, and you'll have to face the consequences," ang matapang na sabi ni Irene.

 

Faced with the threat of legal consequences, natakot yung girlfriend ni Wendy at biglang umalis.

 

********

 

"Salamat naman ate natauhan ka na. Please lang huwag mo ng balikan yung kupal na gago na yun ha. Sama ka na lang kaya pagbalik ko sa Pinas," ang alalang sabi ni Winter pagkarating sa apartment ni Irene.

 

Napayuko na lang si Wendy habang nakaupo sa couch.

 

"Hindi ko na siya babalikan pero hindi ako basta- basta makakabalik. May contract pa ako here as teacher. Yung mga gamit ko na lang yung babalikan ko doon sa place namin. Tsaka maghahanap pa ako ng bagong pagiistayan. Kay Charlie kasi yung tinitirhan namin."
 

 

"You can stay here, Wendy habang naghahanap ka ng place," ang offer ni Irene na nakatayo sa gilid na nakasandal sa pader.

 

Nagkatinginan sila Wendy at Irene.

 

"Also mas mapapanatag yung sister mo na if dito ka muna kasi baka balikan ka ng kupal mong ex-girlfriend. We'll file a case against her for the abuse she subjected you to. There's no way she can get away with it. Like, the hell na karapatan niya manakit. I will help you."

 

"Don't worry, Wendy. I won't bite," Irene said with a soft smile, attempting to lighten the mood and earn Wendy's trust.

 

Wendy couldn't help but smile back at Irene. Something had sparked between them.

 

"Dinner na rin so let's order na. Winty, what do you want ba?" Ang sobrang dikit ni Karina kay Winter na hinayaan lang ni Winter.

 

"Ate Wendy, ikaw?"

 

Wendy couldn't help but notice the stark difference in the way Winter and Karina treated each other, as well as the undeniable closeness between them. There was an unmistakable chemistry brewing between Winter and Karina that piqued Wendy's curiosity.

 

"Girlfriend ka ba ng kapatid ko?" Ang biglang tanong ni Wendy kasi alam niya tenant lang si Karina.

 

Nakakaramdam din siya na kafederation niya si Karina at malakas sa gay radar na bading ito.

 

Nagulat sila Karina at Winter sa tanong na busy mamili ng food.

 

"Hmm..ahmm.. Suitor po. Hindi pa po ako sinasagot ni Winter."

 

"Suitor?" Biglang natawa si Wendy.

 

"May ligawan stage pa pala kayo. Well, boto ako sayo. Kung ako kay Winter, sasagutin na kita. Sobrang gandang bata mo. Tapos ang bait mo pa. Hanga ako kay Winter na paano ka natagpuan. Hindi nga lumalabas yan."

 

"Ate naman," ang hiya at pinaglakihan ng mga mata.

 

"Bakit? Naku bunsoy.. Sa ganda ni Karina for sure maraming nakaabang dyan. Bahala ka. Tsaka hindi ka bata. Jusme ka hindi kita pipigilan na magjowa."

 

Nahiya si Karina pero lumalaki yung ulo na boto sa kanya yung ate ni Winter at okay lang maging girlfriend siya ni Winter.

 

"By the way, thank you ha. For helping us kasama na yung ate mo."

 

********

 

After a month, ay naging mas maayos na si Wendy sa LA. Naging housemates na sila ni Irene na hati sa lahat. Perfert spot kasi yung place ni Irene lalo malapit lang sa pinagtatrabahuan ni Wendy. The case filed against Wendy's ex-girlfriend was in progress, aiming to compensate Wendy for the damages she suffered due to her ex's actions.
 

 

Samantala si Karina ay patuloy pa rin yung panunuyo kay Winter.

 

After 2 months of courtship, with only 1 month left on the lease of the property rented from Winter, Karina asked if she could extend her tenancy. Sinabi ni Winter na oo dahil sayang ang kita niya sa pag-papaupa kay Karina. Kahit nanliligaw ay iba pa ring usapan kay Winter yung passive income niya.

 

Sa another 1 month na panliligaw ni Karina kay Winter ay Consistent pa rin siya sa mga efforts at paglalandi niya kay Winter. Pero sa pagkakataon na ito ay makikita yung progress nilang dalawa ni Winter.

 

Karina always invites Winter to go on dates, especially on weekends when they're both  free from work commitments. Sometimes, Karina goes out of town for business purposes.

 

[My Pretty Suitor💙]

[Cutie]
[Hello, Goodmorning!]

[I'm here pa sa hotel]
[Huwag mo kalimutan mag breakfast ha]

 

[Nagbebreakfast na ako. Nagrice ako for almusal. Masarap yung food but prefer ko pa rin yung pandesal and coffee with you. Lalo yung luto mo.]
[I might be busy may errands and business commitments lang ako today]
[I chat you later]
[Ingat sa pagpasok]
[Have a great day ahead]
(7:30pm)

 

Even na busy si Karina ay hindi niya nakakalimutan mag update kay Winter.
 

[My Future Cutie⭐️]

 

[Good Morning din!]
[Nagbreakfast na ako]
[Buti naman nagbreakfast ka na]
[Parang ang sarap ng tocino]
[Anyway ang pretty mo naman]

 

[Pasok na rin ako]
[Magiingat din lagi]
[Chat din ako kapag may free time]
[Pasalubong ko ha]
(7:32 am)

[Cuttttttttieeeeeeeeee sooooo muchhhhhhhhhh]
[Kahit half face lang kitaaaaa]
(7:33am)

 

Now, Winter also reciprocates the energy that Karina gives. She tries to be less distant, dry, and nonchalant towards Karina.

 

By the way, nangingisay si Karina sa kilig dahil lang pinasang picture ni Winter. Napapagiggle pa yan habang nakatitig sa phone niya. Minsan lang kasi magpasa ng picture niya si Winter. Matic yan nakaauto save sa phone ni Karina yung pics ni Winter.

 

Tapos balik tayo kay Winter, nagbibigay na rin siya kay Karina dahil pagbalik ni Karina galing sa out of town business nito ay binigay si Winter.

 

"Done na ako magwash ng plates," ang pagpag ng kamay ni Karina after maghugas.

 

Nasa routine na rin kasi nila na si Winter tagaluto at si Karina ang tagahugas kapag nagsasabay sila kumain.

 

What a great deal diba?

 

"Let's nood na ng hindi natin natapos na series. Nabibitin me kung masisira ba niya yung pyramid game and magkakatuluyan ba yung swimmer and idol," ang excited na sabi ni Karina papuntang sala.
 

 

Then pagpunta ni Karina nagulat siya may pink dino plushie na nasa sofa.

 

"Wow may dino plushie ka. Saan mo nabili? Super ganda niya. Pink dino pa," ang asked ni Karina na nakayakap sa dino plushie

 

"Sayo yan. Nakita ko kanina sa mall. Naalala kita na mahilig ka sa dino. Dagdag mo sa dino plushie collections mo."

 

"Seriously? This is mine?"

 

"Oo."

 

Super happy Karina yung nakita ni Winter habang nakatitig siya kay Karina nakaupo sa sofa while she's standing. She's super appreciated yung binigay ni Winter. Which nagpasaya rin kay Winter dahil nasanay siya na hindi naappreciate yung efforts niya.

 

Sobrang yakap si Karina doon sa pink dino plushie.

 

"Itatabi ko ito sa pagsleep ko. Super lambot and super bango. Like nilabhan mo ba ito?"

 

Tumango lang si Winter.
 

 

"Thankie, Winty. Sorry doon sa iba kong plushie. Ito na fave ko.. I will name her Wintot."

 

"Wintot, you're so cutie like nagbigay sayo," ang cute aggressive na pisil ni Karina doon sa plushie.

 

Dumating rin sa time na si Winter na yung nagaaya lumabas.

 

 

[My Pretty Suitor💙]

[Karina pauwi ka na ba?]
(5:39pm)

[Hindi pa nga 😩😖]
[Friday na may meeting pa ako]

[Meeting with team but matatapos na rin]
[Why?]
[You miss me na kaagad?]
(5:40pm)

[Hindi]
[Chat na lang kita after ng meeting mo]
(5:41pm)

[Okay lang magchat us]
[Matatapos na rin naman ito]
[I can do multitasking.]
[So, what it is, Cutie?]
(5:42pm)

[Sus, hindi ka lang nakikinig diyan sa meeting mo😂 napansin ko sa reflection na nagyuyoutube ka lang]
[Tsaka diba ikaw yung boss?]
[If ikaw boss ko ay hanap na ako ng iba]
[Friday na may pameeting pa 🤣]
[Wala rin papizza]
[ekis ka sa akin]
[pass sa red flag na boss]
(5:43pm)

[🙄😒]
[Wintyyyyyy]
[Where mo napulot na nagyuyoutube lang ako?]
[I'm working here at ikaw yung nangungulit sa chat]
[Also important ito for next week]
[May papizza ako]

 

[See? Grabe ka sa akin😩😖]
[Good boss ako if magiging boss mo ko]
[And hopefully, if you want, I'll also be a good girlfriend to you]
[Also I'm not a red flag ｡°(°.◜ᯅ◝°)°｡]
(5:45pm)

[Hindi ako nangungulit]
[nagbibiro lang ako]
[hindi naman red flag]
[Magtatanong lang ako kasi may bagong bukas na parehasan akong nakita. Mukhang masarap tsaka tinatamad ako magluto. G ka ba?]
(5:46pm)

[Of course 😊]
[Also you, gusto mo lang ako idate ha😏]
[This is your way of asking me to go out, isn't it?]
[I will aya naman you kaso inunahan mo ko]
(5:47pm)

[Hindi ha]
[lagi naman tayong sabay kumain diba ng dinner kaya inaaya kita]
(5:48pm)

 

After ng chat na yun ay agad umuwi si Karina dahil inaya siya ni Winter. Pagkauwi niya ay agad niya pinuntahan sa 2nd floor si Winter.

 

"Cutie, I'm here na. Let's go."

 

Inabot ni Winter ang isang jacket at helmet.

 

"Para saan ito?"

 

"Magmomotor tayo. Gusto mag night ride kasama ka."

 

Pumayag si Karina at parang mali yatang pumayag siya dahil pinagtripan siya ni Winter. First time ni Karina magiging angkas ni Winter na parang pinagsisihan niya.

 

Parang papuntang langit ang paandar. Ang harurot talaga. Napayakap tuloy si Karina kay Winter.

 

Pero kasabay nun ay kinurot ko ni Karina sa tagiliran para magslow down si Winter.

 

Pagkarating sa paresan na sinasabi ni Winter pagtanggal nila pareho ng helmet ay nakasimangot si Karina kay Winter.

 

"Wintyyy!! Hindi good yung pagdadarive mo."

 

Natatawa si Winter dahil hindi naman siya ganun magdrive sadyang pinagtripan niya lang si Karina.

 

"Bakit mo ko kinukurot-kurot kanina?"

 

"You kasi," ang annoyed na sabi Karina but gentle pa rin magsalita.

 

"Ganun ka ba magdrive? Please ayusin mo. Like parang papuntang heaven yung pagdrive mo. I want you samahan hanggang heaven but please I want pa makasama you ng matangal here sa mundo if papayagan mo," ang sulking na sabi ni Karina habang nakasandal sa motor.

 

"Hindi ako ganun magdrive, pinagtripan lang kita."

 

"It's not a good trip. Please be careful on the road. Paano kung may mangyari sa atin? Ok sana kung both tayo madedead. If paano mauna ka, hindi ko alam mangyayari sa akin. Please please be careful. Life is beautiful para hindi maranasan. We young pa, Okay? Just because I pursue and love you doesn't mean I'll tolerate your bad driving habits. Please value your life, especially because it means a lot to me," Karina scolded Winter in a gentle voice.

 

At that moment, Winter knew that it was time to stop being stubborn.

 

She would give it a try. She would no longer reject love and affection.

 

Lalo kung galing kay Karina.

 

"Sorry."