ARRANGED MARRIAGE

LAST CHAPTER

YEONWOO'S POV

"Hello, honey. I think you better go to Ackie's school."

"Hello, hon.Bakit? What is it this time?"

"You'll find out when you get there." Seryosong sagot ni Nancy

"Hon, hindi ba pwedeng ikaw na lang. I'm working..."

"Are you sure you want me to go there?" May paninigurado niyang tanong.

"Ok ako na lang..." Bawi ko agad.

"Ok, good. I need to go to my garden now." Paalam na niya.

"Aren't you forgetting something?" Paalala ko sa kanya.

"Hay naku Yeonwoo, puntahan mo muna ang anak mo bago mo marinig ang gusto mong marinig..." Inis niyang sagot at natawa ako sa loob loob ko.

"Pati ba ako damay?" Tanong ko.

"Why not, who spoiled Ackie anyway?" Balik niya.

"Hon, pantay pantay ang pagmamahal ko sa mga bata..." Depensa ko.

"I know, Yeonwoo pero mas lalo mong inispoiled ang bunso mo..." Pagtatapos na niya at binabaan na ako ng phone.Taray talaga ng asawa ko buti na lang at mahal na mahal ko siya bulong ko sa sarili ko. Ilang saglit akong nag ayos ng gamit ko at tumayo na.

"I'm going to kids school. Not sure what time I'll be back." Paalam ko kay Joy na tumango lang, bago ako tuluyang lumabas ay dumaan muna ako sa dating office ni Lolo Pablo na ngayon ay naging opisina na ni Daddy. Yes for the longest time, Dad and Mom decided to come back and stay for good. His business is doing well abroad but he slowly realized as the kids grow up how distant his grandchildren are towards them. I was surprised when after I gave birth to Ackie, they came home. For good. They live with Lolo Pablo that makes the old man very happy, his very thankful that he finally had everything he wished for and Dad on his part felt gratitude that he still had the chance to make up for me and Lolo.

"I was never a good father to you and your Mom could not be there for you because of me, Yeonwoo. I wish to make it up to you. Sorry for it took me so long to realize it." Malinaw pa sa aking pandinig hanggang ngayon ang binitawang salita ni Dad when he visited me at the hospital two days after I gave birth to Ackie. He could have been with us much earlier but the shame and pride kept him to stay far from us. I found out the reason why he did not come home much early when we're already in constant communication. Lolo Pablo told Dad on that night we had dinner at Lolo's house where they first met Nancy as my wife that Dada already signed a legal document waving his shares to the company when the moment of uncertainty comes, that sealed his clean intention and dedication to the company. That also sealed the doubts Dad has with Dada.

"Hi Dad, need to go to school..." Bati ko pagbukas ko ng pinto ng office ni Dad. He was one of the senior board members of the company yet he still refused to attend to the meetings. I just couldn't understand him most of the time but still I am happy he and Mom are with us now.

"Ackie again? What is it this time?" Tanong niya at gusto kong matawa. Alam na rin niya ang kakulitan ng bunsong apo niya.

"I still need to find out, Dad." Sagot ko saka ako kumaway at nagpaalam na.

"You want me to go instead?" Rinig kong pahabol ni Dad at bumalik akong sumilip sa kanya.

"It's ok, Dad. I can handle this." Ngiti kong sabi at nagpaalam na ako.

-

Pagkatapos kong makausap si Mrs. Chavez ay pumunta ako sa room ni Ackie. Nang makita ako ay magalang na nagpaalam sa kanyang Teacher na si Miss Han now Mrs. Kim. Napangiti akong isipin na allowed na ako pumunta ng school ng mga bata dahil kampante na si Nancy na hindi na daw ako lalandiin ni Choim

"Mommy!" Sigaw ni Ackie sa pagsalubong sa akin.

"Hi, sweetheart..." Sabi sabay halik sa aking bunso.

"Why you here, Mommy?"

"You know why I'm here, Sweetheart..." Sagot ko at napatingala na lang siya. Huli sa kasalanan pero hindi mukhang guilty.

"Mommy, I already know the lesson that's why I went to Fonso's room..." Umpisa niya niyang pabulong.

"Ackie, you cannot just go around the school and enter anybody's classroom." Mahinahon kong paliwanag.

"It's just Fonso's classroom, Mommy..." Dahilan niya na nakatungo na.

"It is still not your classroom, Princess."

"I already know our lesson, Mom..."

"But that doesn't mean you can leave your room, A."

"Fonso said I can go to his room po..."

"But Alfonso is not your Teacher..."

"Yes. He's my bespren..." Sagot nito at napangiti ako. Since bata pa silang dalawa at hindi pa malinaw magsalita ay 'bespren' ng tawagan nila sa isa't isa. Alfonso is the son of Lisa and Jennie, he started schooling one year ahead of A. I remember how A insisted on going to school too because she wants to be with her bestfriend.

"I know but that doesn't mean you have to follow him anytime you want. You're in the school, A. You cannot do stuff just because you want to. You're here to learn..."

"But I already know our lesson Mommy..." Ulit niyang sabi.Makulit talaga ang batang to.

"Then study the rest of the things you need to learn and don' t go out of your classroom." Paliwanag ko, naputol ang aming usapan ng magring ang bell at maya maya pa ay naglabasan na ang mga bata sa building nila Ackie

"Tita!" Narinig naming sigaw sa di kalayuan.

Paglingon namin ay si Alfonso na halos patakbong lumapit sa amin. "Bespren..." Ngiti niyang bati kay Ackie

"Hey, Fonso. Do you know why I'm here again?" Bungad ko sa kanya at pansin ang pag blush niya.

"It's my fault Tita Yeonwoo." Halos pabulong niyang sabi. "Huwag po kayo magalit kay bespren."

"I don't care whose at fault here because obviously kayong dalawa ang may agreement. Am I right?" Tanong ko.

"Sabi ko Tita, A can go to our room..."

"No. I asked if I can go Mommy..." Salo naman nong isa.

"Enough..." Pigil ko sa kanila. Bata pa lang ay pareho na silang pinoprotektahan ang isa't isa. "Let's go home..." aya ko na sa kanila."Alfonso I will just call your Mommy Jennie to tell her na ako ng maghahatid sa'yo sa bahay." Sabi ko sabay kuha ng cellphone. Hindi na nagsalita pa si Alfonso.

"Hello, Yeonwoo? Pag ikaw ang tumatawag sa akin kinakabahan ako..." Bungad niya at natawa ako.

"Hello Jennie. Don't worry, not a big trouble." Biro ko sa kanya. "Ako ng maghahatid kay Alfonso."

"So you're in their school? What did they do again this time?" May pagaalala sa boses ni Jennie

"Don't worry Jennie, it's not Alfonso." Sabay tingin ko sa anak ko. "It's his bespren." Sabay baling ni Ackie ng tingin sa akin.

"No wonder you're the one out there and not Nancy. Hay naku Yeonwoo nasa tiyan pa lang ang anak mo na spoiled mo na kaya ngayon ikaw ang taga disiplina." Natatawa na nitong sabi.

"No I did not..." Tanggol ko.

"Yes you did. Tulad mo rin magaling magdahilan."
Dugtong pa niya.

"Yeah I forgot, si Nancy nga pala ang BFF mo." Balik ko na sa kanya.

"Ganyan tayo eh...Ok sige na, I will just call our driver to go home na lang. Ingat and thanks again, Yeonwoo." Putol na niya sa usapan namin.

"No worries Jennie. See you in a bit."

-

"Mom can we buy flowers?" Tanong ni Ackie while we're on our way home pagkahatid kay Alfonso.

"Why? And for whom?"

"For Mama..."Sagot niya at nagets ko na. Alam niyang galit ang Mama niya kaya kailangan niyang suyuin. Napangiti ako.

"Why?" Tanong kong parang wala lang.

"Mama's upset..."

"How'd you know Mama's upset?"

"I know..."

"Bakit nga..." Kulit ko.

"Because hindi ako sundo ni Mama." Sagot niya. Hindi na ako sumagot. "So bili tayo ng flowers Mommy?"

"Why flowers this time?" Tanong ko ulit.

Napatingin siya sa akin.

"Because we gave her many bonsai already..." halos bulong niyang sabi at gusto kong matawa. Mula ng natutunan niyang suyuin ang Mama niya ilang bonsai na ang naibigay niya sa Mama niya.

"Mama loves them though..." Sabi ko.

"Yes...but..." Hindi na niya tinuloy.

"Ok we'll buy Mama flowers na lang..."

NANCY'S POV

Nasa garden ako sa likod ng bahay namin ng maramdaman kong may dumating na sasakyan. Dumating na ang mag ina sabi ko sa isip ko. Ilang minuto pa ay napansin ko na si Ackie may dalang tulip flowers at papalapit na sa akin.

"M-mama..." Mahina niyang tawag.

"Oh you're here, A" Ngiti kong bati pero patuloy pa rin ako sa ginagawa ko at napansin ko na rin si Yeonwoo na kasunod ni Ackie. "How's school?" Tanong ko at napansin ko siyang saglit na napatigil sa paglapit. Pero naglakad muli nang naramdaman niyang nasa tabi na niya ang Mommy niya.

"Hi hon..." Bating halik ni Yeonwoo.Saka ako yumuko at hinalikan ang aking bunso.

"For you Mama." Pagkatapos niyang humalik ay iniabot ang flowers sa akin.

"Wow, for me? Thank you. Why are you giving me flowers?" Sunod sunod kong sabi at parang nataranta si Ackie at hindi na makapagsalita. "You did something wrong? Is this another peace offering?" Sunod kong tanong.

"Mom?" Baling na ni Ackie sa Mommy niya at gusto kong matawa. Si Mommy niya lang talaga ang sumasaklolo sa kanya dahil kahit ang Ate at Kuya niya ay madalas pinag sasabihan siya pag may ginawang mali.

"Hon, I went to A's school..." Umpisa ni Yeonwoo

"Ok..." Sagot ko lang na handang makinig.

"Is this another call from your teacher, A?" Baling ko kay Ackie. Pero nanatili siyang nakatingin sa akin. Parang si Yeonwoo lang ang mukha pag pinapagalitan. Ang cute tingnan pero hindi ko kailangan magpadala.

"I'm sorry Mama." Sabi na ni Ackie. "I went to Fonso's room during class and I know that is bad. I already said sorry to Ms. Choim and Mrs. Lola Charming..." Natawa ako sa huling nasabi niya, she would often call Mrs. Chaves Mrs. Lola charming.

"Did you know that going out from your room during your class and entering other classrooms that you don't belong is not allowed?" Tanong ko.

"Y-yes Mama..."

"But still you did it. Why?" Tanong ko muli.
Walang imik. "A?"

"I'm bored, Mama."

"You got bored so you went out...What if Ms. Choim gives you disciplinary action or even give you minus grade for your behavior what will happen to you then?" Napatungo siya.

"You will go back for another year and that would be more boring, don't you think?" Sabi ko habang inaayos ko na ang mga tulips na inabot niya.

"I'm sorry Mama it won't happened again." Pabulong na niyang sabi. Itinigil ko ang ginagawa ko ang lowered myself to meet her eyes.

"Forgiven. I know you won't do it again, A. But promise me when you want to do things you have to let us know first or if you're in school let Ms. Choim or Lola Chavez know first, ok?". Bilin ko at tumango lang siya at biglang yakap sa akin.

"Yes, Mama..." Sagot niya at pagbitaw ng yakap sa akin ay masigla na siya. "You like the flowers Mama?" Tanong niya.

"Of course, Sweetie. Like it so much." Sabi ko at halik muli sa kanya. "Why flowers now, A?" Tanong ko sa kanya kasi usually ang peace offering niya ay mga bonsai.

"K-kasi po...." Mahina niyang umpisa na parang nahihiya.

"Ano?" Kumbinsi ko sa kanya.

"Mama kasi you name bonsai when I do bad po..."

"What do you mean?" Takang tanong ko.

"When I skip class, you name bonsai skippy, remember?" Balik tanong niya sa akin at napangiti ako.

"When I ran and hide in the mall, you call bonsai hidden. When I played at Mommy's elevator and got lost in Mommy's office,you name bonsai elevie..." Litanya na niya at pareho na kaming napapangiti ni Yeonwoo

"That's because I want to name those peace offerings after your naughty actions." Paalala ko sa kanya at ramdam kong nahiya ang bunso ko. "Don't worry Sweetie, those names are just between you and me and Mommy."

"But Ate and Kuya know din po!" Protesta niyang sabi.

"I didn't tell them..." Sagot ko.

"Me either..." Singit ni Yeonwoo at natahimik si Ackie

"Sinabi mo ano?" Balik ko sa kanya at napakamot siya ng batok. "Don't worry Baby, it will be among us only." Paninigurado ko sa kanya at muling sumilay and dimple niya.

"Ok, Mama. Pinkie swear." Sabi niya sabay angat ng pinkie finger niya.

"Sealed." Sabi ko sabay locked ng pinkie fingers namin. Tapos ay si Mommy naman niya.

"Can I help Mama?" Alok niya pagkatapos.

"Sure. Get change first. Go to Yaya Jenny." Sabi ko at mabilis ng tumakbo habang tinatawag si Jenny. "Napaaga uwi mo." Baling ko na kay Yeonwoo ng wala na si Ackie

"It's ok, Dad's there for me." Bulong niya saka ako niyakap. "Miss you." Bulong niya sabay halik sa leeg ko.

"I'm busy..." Kunwa kong rason.

"Buti pa nga ang mga bonsai kasama mo most of the day. Ako..."

"Oh bakit ano ikaw?..." Putol ko na sa sasabihin niya.

"Kasama mo tuwing gabi..." Pilya niyang sagot.

"Hay naku, Yeonwoo."

"What?"

"Huwag mo akong what what-in diyan." Balik ko sa kanya.

"Minsan lang ako umuwi ng maaga hindi ba pwedeng ako muna bago mga bonsai mo?" Parang batang naglalambing at yumakap na muli sa likod ko.

"Ano bang gusto mo mong gawin?" Patol ko naman sa kanya.

"Pwede ba ako munang bonsai mo ngayon?" Request niya.

"Ok no problem, you want me to trim you? Anong uunahin ko? Hair or nails? "

"Honey naman..." Sabay bitaw niya sa akin at natawa ako saka ako humarap sa kanya.

"Just kidding. Malapit na ako matapos sa isang to. I'll prepare your shower ok?" I said sweetly.

"Yes!" she chuckled.

"Ready Mama!" Rinig naming sigaw ni Ackie na papalapit na sa amin.

"Ooopsie, may guardiya pala." Sabi ko at napasimangot ang Yeonwoo

-

"Mom were you at the school earlier?" Tanong ni Dane habang nasa dining table kami for dinner at nagtinginan kami ni Yeonwoo

"Yeah, I think I saw you, Mommy." Si Jackson

"Yes, I was there..." Sagot ni Yeonwoo at nagtinginan ang kambal sabay tingin kay Ackie na naka concentrate lang sa pagkain niya, mabilis ang subo.

"Chew your food slowly, Ackie..." Paalala ko sa kanya at tumango lang saka dahan dahan ng kumain. Sa tingin lang ay parang naguusap ang kambal.

"Mama, do you have new bonsai?" Tanong ni Dane at gusto kong matawa pero nagpigil ako. Bagong bonsai means peace offering.

"No, Sweetie why?" Sagot kong umiiling at nagtinginan nanaman ang kambal saka muling tumingin sa bunso na kumakain ng tahimik pero hindi nagaangat ng tingin.

"Then why?... Bakit po..."

"Sinundo ko si Ackie at Fonso..." Sagot na ni Yeonwoo sa seryosong boses kaya natahimik na ang kambal. Napansin kong nag angat ng tingin si Ackie at tinitingnan ang ngayon ay tahimik nang Ate at Kuya niya.

"Because I've been bad again..." Mahina niyang sabi at nagbaba ng tingin. Lahat kami napatingin sa kanya.

"A." Tawag ni Yeonwoo

"D na ako nagpunta sa room niyo Ate D Kuya J pero I went to Fonso's classroom..." Kumpisal niya.

"It's ok A, you can go to Fonso during break." Si Jackson pero hindi umimik si Ackie

"Uh oh..." Si Ackie muli.

"That's why she's grounded and no attic time tonight." Si Yeonwoo naman at tiningnan lang siya ni Ackie pero hindi nagsalita. The attic was converted into a mini arcade room for the kids where they can play at least an hour every night but could spend more than an hour during weekends.

"Can I sleep in Ate D's room, Mama?" Pakiusap ni A sa akin pero ibinaling ko ang tingin kay Yeonwoo. "Mommy?" Baling niya kay Yeonwoo. Tiningnan siya ni Yeonwoo ng ilang segundo saka tumango.

"Ok..." Tipid na sagot si Yeonwoo

"Yehey! Thank you Mommy, Mama!" Sigaw ng bata saka bumaling ng tingin sa ate niya. "Yes!" At nakangiti naman ang ate niyang nag thumbs up.

"And what's that for?" Tanong ni Yeonwoo at biglang natahimik ang magkapatid. "Dane.." Tawag ni Yeonwoo

"N-nothing Mom..."

"How come it's nothing when A's reaction is like it's ok not to have an attic time because she's staying in your room..."

"Mom..." Tawag ni Dane

"I'm listening..." Sagot ni Yeonwoo

"It's sister bonding, Mommy." Sagot ni Dane pero mukhang hindi kumbinsido si Yeonwoo at pati ako.

"Jackson?" Tawag ko at napalingon siya sa akin.

"Yes, Ma?" sagot niya.

"What is the meaning of Ackie's yes?" Tanong ko.

"Mama kasi po..."

"Ano?" Tanong ko na naiinip na pero tumingin lang si Jackson sa mga kapatid niya. "Dabe..." Tawag ko kay Dane pero tiningnan lang niya ako.

"Let's finish our dinner then we'll talk after." Utos ni Yeonwoo

YEONWOO'S POV

We're here at the study room and I'm sitting on the couch with Nancy beside me while the three are sitting on the chairs facing us.

"So, what is Ackie's 'yes' for?" Umpisa ko pero tahimik lang silang nakatingin sa akin, si Ackie na nasa gitna. "Ackie?" Tawag ko sa kanya.

"Mommy?" Tawag niya pabalik.

"Do you have anything to say?" Tanong ko. Ilang segundong titigan saka siya dahan dahang bumaba ng upuan at tumayo.

"Please don't get mad Mommy..."

"Why?"

"Say it first Mommy?"

"Ang alin?"

"Na di ikaw gagalit..."

"Depende sa sasabihin mo Ackiera Chaile." Seryoso ko ng sabi.

"See Mommy you're already upset."

"I'm getting upset because we're taking so long about this yes thing." Inis ko ng sabi.

"Honey..." hawak ni Nancy sa kamay ko.

"Then say yes that you won't get mad Mommy." Si Ackie ulit. Ang liit liit pa ng batang ito magaling ng makipag bargain

"How can I? Hindi ko pa nga nalalaman."

"Hindi naman galit galit Mommy..."

"Yon naman pala eh then why don't you tell us." Balik ko.

"Mom, please don't get upset. Not A's fault." si Dane

"Then tell us. This could be a simple conversation but you're making it too complicated." Sagot na ni Nancy

"Mommy, Mama please huwag niyo po get cellfone nila Ate at Kuya..." Biglang sabi ni Ackie

"A!" halos sabay na tawag ng kambal sa kapatid nila. Ngayon malinaw na.

"Hand me your phones..." Sabi ko sabay lahad ng palad ko

"Mom!" Protesta ng kambal.

"Mommy, sasabi ko lang huwag niyo po kunin fones ni Ate at Kuya." Sunod na sabi ni Akie

"Ngayon ko lang naisip pwede nga pla kayong maglaro through your smartphones." Sabi ko pero bigla akong natigil, hindi ako nakaimik ng ilang sandali

"Honey?" Tawag ni Nancy sa akin. "Why?"

"How did you get connected to wifi?" Biglang tanong ko. "As fas as I know, kami lang ng Mama niyo ang may alam ng password ng wifi natin." Nagtataka kong sabi.

"You gave it to me Mommy..." Sagot ni Ackie

"What?Paano?" Sunod kong tanong.

"Busy ikaw working po, remember? tapos ayaw mo ako pupunta ng attict tapos sabi ko laro ako sa phone Ate D, I borrowed Ate D's fone and gave you po the fone tapos you put the password, remember Mommy?" Derederetsong sabi ni Ackie at napalingon si Nancy sa akin.

"Now you know why I don't want you working at home." Seryoso niyang bulong. I remember now, may urgent matter that time and grounded ang kambal at hindi ko masamahan si Ackie sa attic, I don't want to be disturbed and Nancy was already in bed. Napahawak ako sa noo at kamot sa batok.

"Ok you can have you phones...I will reset the password na lang." Sagot ko at kitang bumagsak ang balikat ng bunso. Gusto kong maawa sa bunso ko pero kailangan kong maging firm kundi ako ang aawayin ni Nancy

Inakbayan ng kambal ang kapatid nila at binulungan ni Dane at tumango lang si Ackie

"Can we go to sleep now, Mom, Ma?" Si Dane at tumango na ako.

"Ok..." Sabi ko saka sila lumapit at isa isang humalik sa amin ni Nancy 

"Good night Mom, Ma." Paalam nila at tahimik na lumabas ng study room.

"Honey, ang bilis nilang lumaki." Ngiting baling ni Nancy sa akin pag alis ng mga bata.

"Yes, hon. Pagdating ng panahon wala na tayong laban sa kanila." Ngiti ko ring balik sa kanya.

"Iba ng mga bata ngayon, honey."

"I know, hon." Sang ayon ko.

"Gusto mo pa rin silang dagdagan?" Balik tanong niya muli.

"Of course, hon. Isa pa?" Hamon ko.

"Kung ganon ka ulit maglihi, honey matatakot na ako dahil baka sa buwan ka na magyaya ng next trip mo." Sagot niya at nagtawanan na kami. Then I held and kissed her hand. "Honey..." Malambing niyang tawag.

"Thank you for giving life to my life.For giving me three beautiful and wonderful children. For your love. Day after day I'm praying na your heart would always be mine because I cannot imagine myself living a life without you, Nancy." I said full of love, everyday I still have this fear that she might find a guy and leave me.

"I always felt your fear, honey. Hindi mo man sabihin. Alam kong bawat lalaki na mapalapit sa akin iniisip mong pwede kong ipalit sa'yo. It hurts me sometimes, Yeonwoo but I understand and I will keep doing so until I can totally take away your fear and prove you how much I wanted to spend my life with you and you alone." She said lovingly and I didn't realize my tears started to fall. "Yeonwoo..." She gently held my face. "Ikaw ng nakikita kong kasama pagtanda ko at araw araw kong ipaparamdam sa'yo yon." She said and kissed me.

-

I entered Dane's room, it was already late but Dane's still awake. Ackie's already sleeping beside her while she's still reading one of her books.

"Hi Mom..." she called out when she saw me at the door.

"Can't sleep?" I asked.

"I'm about to, Mom. Just finishing this." Sagot niya at nilapitan ko and carefully sat at the edge of her bed careful not to wake up Ackie. Wala akong masabi kundi pinagmasdan ko lang ang aking panganay. Ilang minuto pa ay dahan dahan na niyang tiniklop ang librong hawak niya at umayos na para humiga. Tumayo na rin ako at inayos ko ang kumot nila ni Ackie. "Goodnight, Mom." Bulong niya.

"Goodnight too Dane I love you so much..." Sabi ko at hinalikan ko siya sa noo.

"I love you, too so much Mommy." Balik niya.Natahimik ako at haplos haplos ko ang pisngi niya.

"Mommy will always love you and will always be by your side no matter what. I will be here for you...."

"Mom...you and Mama will be my parents forever po. Sorry for being stubborn before but...but I don't want anyone anymore Mommy. Ikaw lang po. I love you so much po." Pabulong niya at dko napigilang mapaiyak at muli siyang hinalikan.

"Thank you anak, mahal na mahal kita." bulong ko at inayos ko na ang kumot nilang magkapatid.

Sunod kong sinilip ang kwarto ni Jackson. He's already sleeping, I slowly entered his room and stood beside his bed. I kneeled down to reach for him.

"I love you Jackson. So much." Bulong ko at hinalikan siya. Nagulat ako ng magsalita.

"Love you very much Mom. You and Mama." Bulong niya pabalik kahit nakapikit.Napangiti ako, inayos ko ang blanket niya saka ako tumayo at tuluyang lumabas ng kwarto.

"I can't remember the times you didn't check on your kids before going to our room." Rinig kong boses sa likod ko.

"Hon..." Sabay lapit ko at halik sa kanya.

"Until when you'll keep doing that?" Tanong niya.

"Until I find their rooms locked and doesn't want us to enter anymore..." Pabiro kong sabi at mahina siyang natawa.

"Bakit ilang taon ka ba ng magsimula kang mag lock ng pinto?" Tanong niya.

"I started to lock myself inside my room when I was at Dane's age..." I said truthfully. "But Lolo Pablo and Yaya Caring always have spare keys..." Ngiti kong sabi.

"Because you locked yourself and shut the world behind you..." Sagot niya at hindi ako nakaimik. "That will never happen again, honey. You've learned how to love now, you have your family, you have us. Pag dating ng panahon na may sariling buhay na ang mga anak natin ay tayong dalawa na lang ulit. Tayong dalawa pa rin. Period." Sabi niyang hawak hawak ang mukha ko. "We both healed each other, we don't know how broken we are until we met. We realized what's lacking until we become one. We fell in love naturally, Yeonwoo." Bulong niya at muli akong hinalikan.

"I know hon. I know...And thank you for coming into my life..." Mahigpit kong balik yakap sa kanya.

THE END