Part XI – Love Ever After (In Filipino "Tagalog" dialect)

When Damon arrived in the US, the first thing he did was dial Stephanie’s number. Still it was out of coverage area.  Halos hindi nya na mabilang kung ilang beses nyang tinawagan si Stephanie.  Parating unattended ang kanyang telepono. Wala rin sya sa bahay nila or sa Hospital.  He felt irritated...how stubborn can this woman get.

Damon’s calls were all refused, sa hospital, sa bahay, even her personal number was already changed.  The flowers he sent her were all returned.  Damon couldn’t connect this situation to what transpired that night at Marco Polo Hotel.

He stayed for two weeks to make sure that his brother recovered well from the accident.  Thank God Alfred was able to go home in fair condition.

Now, he has to come up with a plan.  Think Damon. If you can’t talk to her to tell her that you love her and want to marry her and that you are not married like what she’s thinking, then how the f*Ck will she know all that!  When all your calls are refused!  Nag aalburuto nang utak ni Damon.

Then a person popped on his mind... Maybe her best friend can help. After that unfortunate incident with Jamie at Marco Polo, he made a background check.  He found out everything he had to know about him.  He felt guilty for punching Stephanie’s best friend because of jealousy.

Tuason Medical Center, Davao City

Steph was assigned at the emergency room for a twenty for hour shift.  As a surgery doctor, she was the one to receive all vehicular accident patients.

It was a very benign hour when the 911 ambulance echoed and stopped at the emergency room entrance.  A man was brought to the treatment room.

Steph went straight to the treatment room to assess the patient but she was shocked to see who it was.

“Damon?!.. Look at me... Damon!” 
          

The man wasn’t responding. Panic struck her.  She was a doctor and she shouldn’t feel this way. But this situation is different.  Her memories of him on the hospital bed came back to her.  Oh God help me!.  She felt like she didn’t know what to do first.  There was blood all over his face and chest.

“I need someone to take his vital signs!  Nurse!  Please call Dr.Mendez to assist me, hurry up please”.  She couldn’t control her tears from falling.

“Damon!  Please open your eyes!” She checked for his pupils, thank God it wasn’t dilated.

“Please don’t die... Don’t leave me!  Where is Dr. Mendez?!”  Napasigaw na ito.

Steph was holding his hand... She kissed it, didn’t care about what other staff might think.  She touched his face... he still had a good pulse.  But she still couldn’t tell where his other injuries were except for the head which she is sure of since an elastic bandage was wrapped on it and he was unconscious when he arrived.

“Nurse, his blood pressure?” she wanted to make sure.

“His BP is already 40 palpatory, doc.”

“I’ll start an IV, please prepare Dopamine... and I need a cardiac monitor please. No Damon, wag kang ganyan... sweetheart, it’s me Stephanie, wake up please.” Halos idikit na ni Steph ang mukha nya kay Damon.

“Damon, I love you.  Don’t leave me please.” Napahagulgul na ito.

Nanginginig ang mga kamay ni Stephanie habang naghahanap ng ugat ni Damon for IV access, when Dr. Jake Mendez arrived.

“Steph, let me take over.” Pagkalma ni Dr. Mendez sa kanya.

“No, I don’t want to leave him... Jake, he needs to live, he is my life.” Sabay yakap nito kay Damon habang umiiyak.

Steph froze when Damon wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly.

“I love you more sweetheart” pagkumpirma nito.

“What?” Umangat si Steph at tumingin kay Damon.

Nginitian sya ng pagkatamis-tamis ni Damon. “I love you too sweetheart.”

Natulala si Steph... nag ayos ng tayo at lumabas ng treatment room.  Habang  tumatakbo ito palayo ng emergency room ay sinalubong sya ni Jamie.

“Steph! Wait up!”

“Jamie! Thank God you’re here... I think I’m going crazy.”


“Sshhh... I know, but that’s the only plan we could think para lang umamin ka.”

“We?  What do you mean we?  No, you’re my best friend at nakikonchaba ka sa kanya?  How could you?”

“I wanted to help the two of you Steph, you both deserve to be happy.”

Both stopped talking when the paging system started to talk.  It was Damon on the microphone.

“Stephanie, wherever you are, I want you to know that I love you very much and I want to make it clear that I AM NOT MARRIED... I am a single man who is in deep love with you and want to spend the rest of his life with you...Please marry me Dr. Sephanie Tuazon.

She cried in disbelief of what Damon said.  She hugged Jamie.

“Is it true?”  All along, he wasn’t really married?  But who’s Megan?  And Abbie?”

“Megan is my brother’s wife and Abbie is my niece.”  Sagot ni Damon na nasa likuran niya.

Lumingon si Stephanie na umiiyak parin.

“I’ll leave you two to talk” Singit ni Jamie.

“Thank you, Jam.” Nakipagkamay si Damon kay Jam..

Lumapit si Damon sa kanya.  Hinawakan ang mga kamay nya at hinalikan pareho.

“I hate you.” Mahinang bigkas ni Steph habang nakatingin sa kanilang mga kamay.

“I love you” Sagot ni Damon.

“I really hate you.” Inulit ni Steph.

“I love you all the more.” Panay ang halik ni Damon sa kanyang mga kamay.  Sabay luhod sa kanyang harapan.

“Dr. Queen Stephanie Rodriguez Tuason? I promise not to do that again and be a loving husband and father to you and our kids.  I promise to love you and take care of you as long as I live... Will you marry me?” Pagkatapos ay binuksan ni Damon ang isang small black box na naglalaman ng pink diamond in a platinum ring.

Muling pumatak ang mga luha ni Steph at lumuhod rin sa harap ni Damon.

“Like I said, I’m all yours Damon... Yes I will marry you.”

Mahigpit silang nagyakapan.  They stayed like that for minutes.  Thanks to Jamie who made sure na wala munang magagawi sa parteng iyon ng hospital.

On that same day, Damon and Stephanie got married in a small chapel at Tuazon Medical Center.  Saksi ang lahat ng mga kasama nyang doctor at nurses and Stephanie’s Family of course.

Syempre, their grand wedding will follow soon, dahil hindi makakapayag si Senyora Carmella na walang engrandeng kasal na magaganap para sa kanyang unica hija at para makadalo narin ang pamilya ni Damon.

After the grand wedding, they had their honeymoon at a private beach resort in the Carribean..

“I can’t believe I’m Mrs. Stephanie Samuel now.”  She made a sigh while looking at the sunrise.

“I never dreamt for my dream to come true, but you are the living proof of it, come here sweetheart.”

They kissed and hugged while the sun slowly rose.

“I love you Damon.”

“Hhmmm...You are my life sweetheart.  Kaya wag na wag ka nang mawawalang muli, mangako ka, I love you too.”

She giggled. “I Promise.”

And it was love ever after.

THE END

Previous: Part X - Facing The Odds

Part X – Facing The Odds (In Filipino "Tagalog" dialect)

Marco Polo Hotel, Davao City

Stephanie was one of the speakers of the seminar conducted by the Department of Health which was attended by doctors from different regions of the Philippines.  She was wearing a white sleeveless with collar blouse tucked in a red above the knee skirt paired with black high heels.  With her height of 5’6’’, she looked more like a model than a doctor, kaya hindi maiwasang humanga ng bawat lalaking doctor na nakikinig sa kanya.  They couldn’t help but admire her intelligence and looks... Beauty and brains ika nga.  Her topic was about “Caring for the Caregivers”.  She was tasked to tackle on the doctors’ point of view of caring for others without compromising their care for themselves physically and emotionally.

Damon secretly sat on one corner of the ballroom listening to her.  Thanks to his connection and killer smile, madali nyang natuntun if nasaan si Stephanie.  Sinadya nyang hindi sya makita ni Steph dahil ayaw nyang ma distract ito.  Ang talino talaga ng babaing ito...nakakapanliit.  When the seminar ended, ay hindi parin nagpakita si Damon.  He just looked at her in awe.  His mood changed when he noticed that a lot of men gathered around her and offered a hand shake which she accepted with a beautiful smile... Ok that did it...  Aktong lalapit na sana sya ng may biglang bumati at yumakap sa kay Stephanie...  It was a young doctor, Steph looked so happy to see him.  She pulled him to one corner and talked to him without letting go of his hand.  Natigilan si Damon.  Who is she talking to this time?  Her boyfriend again?  Akala nya si Miggs ang boyfriend nito whom isn’t a threat to him dahil alam nyang alam ni Miggs ang pinagdaanan nila ni Stephanie.  But this guy looks like someone really special to her because she is paying so attentively to what he is saying.  She even looks so happy to him.  Well, there’s only one way to find out.  Lumapit si Damon sa dalawa at gumawa ng ingay by clearing his throat na nagdulot ng paglingon ng dalawa.

“Hi, doktora.”

“Damon?  What are you doing here?” She was surprised and hated herself for feeling excited at the same time.

“Can we talk Steph?”

“Ok, you can start talking.”  She still did not let go of the guy’s hand.

“I mean, just the two of us.”  Sinadya nitong tingnan ang pagkakahawak ni Steph sa kamay ng kausap.  It should be his hand she’s holding, not someone else’s.

“Look Damon, Did I tell you not to bother me anymore?  I don’t want to do anything with you anymore... Diba ganun ka rin naman from what Miggs said?” You are a liar Stephanie!  She talked to herself.

“Steph, I really wanna talk to you in private.”

“Ah, Excuse me, but isn’t it obvious enough that she doesn’t wanna talk to you alone?” biglang singit ng katabi ni Steph.

“Who’s this?” Tinuro ni Damon sa inis ang lalaki.

“And who do you think you are, pointing a finger at me?”

Damon’s patience and control gave way... Nilapitan niya ang lalaki at sinuntok ito sa mukha.  Gumanti naman ang lalaki, sapul rin si Damon sa mukha.

“Stop it you two, anu ba!  Nakakahiya kayo!  Damon, please leave!... leave me alone!... I hate you!” Sambit ni Stephanie na may masakit na tingin kay Damon, saka nito tinitigan at hinawakan ang pasa ng kausap.

“Are you ok, Jamie?” concerned na tanong ni Steph.

“Steph?” apologetic na tono ni Damon.

“Go away, Damon.” Seryosong sagot nito habang hinahaplos ang likod ni Jamie.

“I’m sorry about this Jam, are you sure you’re ok?” Tumango lamang si Jamie kay Steph.

Tumahimik na lamang si Damon, tumalikod at lumabas ng function room.  Hindi nya pinansin ang halos lahat ng matang nakatitig sa kanya... He felt numb.

Si Jamie ay matalik na kaibigan ni Stephanie, halos magkapatid rin ang turingan nila sa isa’t isa.  Lingid sa kaalaman ng marami, Jamie is a gay, inamin nya ito kay Steph noong sila ay nasa premed pa lamang.  Nagkahiwalay lamang sila pagkatapos ng board exams upang magresidency.  Jam decided to leave town and applied at Xavier Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.  They were both so excited to see each other when Damon came.

“Come on, let’s put some ice on your cheek, mabuti nalang at masquerade ang theme ng dinner fellowship natin mamaya, ito naman kase, bat ba kinausap mo pa yung tao?.”

“Eh, sino ba yun? Saying napakagwapo ngunit antipatiko naman, in fairness, mabango sya ha, bakit bay yun galit?”

“That’s Damon, remember? Damon from college?”

“No way! Was that him?... Bakit di mo kami pinakilala, eh hindi sana suntok kundi beso-beso ang unang pag meet namin! Anu ba naman Steph.” Disappointed si Jamie.

“Sira, he’s already married Jamie!”

“Really, why is he here, at bakit mukha syang galit sa akin?..hhhmmm baka nagselos..aray! wag mo namang idiin ng ganyan yang pisngi ko!”

“Sorry...jealous kamo, I don’t think so.”

“Do you still love him?”

“I don’t know... He’s already married Jam, come on , what am I supposed to feel.”

“Simple lang yan, be honest to yourself, nung makita mo sya kanina, did you long to hug him?”

Natahimik si Steph...pumikit.

“Yes.” guilty na pag-amin nito.

“Yes?! Bakit tinarayan mo sya? Akala ko tuloy ginugulo ka nya.”

“I’m scared Jam, I’m scared that if I don’t show anger, I might end up loving him again, tapos anu namang labas ko? Kerida?”

“Well, he wanted to talk to you about something, baka naman nais nyang sabihing ikaw ang gusto nya at hiwalay na sila ng kanyang asawa...hahaha!” Nagliwanag ang mukha ni Jamie.

“Not a chance, nakita ko sila sa States...They were so happy together, so that ain’t gonna happen”.

“Steph, my dear, you try so hard.  You mask your feelings in vain, you...are very obvious sweetheart, so might as well be honest with yourself nalang... Just listen to what he has to say Steph, para matahimik narin sya.”

“I don’t know Jam, baka makalimutan ko nanaman muli ang lahat at kung anu nanaman ang mangyari”

“Mangyari? What do you mean?”

Guilty ang mukha ni Steph na nagpahiwatig kay Jam.

“Oh my!... Don’t tell me... My God!.. In love ka ngang talaga, doktora!..” Napatabon ng isang kamay ni Jam sa kanyang bunganga habang sinasabi ito.

“What am I going to do, Jam?”

“I am not gonna tell you what to do my dear, you know me, iba ako mag-isip.  Do what you think is the right thing to do para wala kang pagsisisihan.”

“Thanks Jam, I missed you so much friend... Mabuti nalang nandito ka, malapit na talaga akong masiraan ng bait.”

Grand Ballroom, Marco Polo Hotel

It was the termination fellowship of the five day seminar conducted by DOH.  They had a masquerade ball to make it more memorable.  Steph was wearing a cream silk gown with small crystal beads.  Her hair was temporarily set in big curls.  She looked like a “demigod”.  Parang si Athena sa Clash of the Titans.  So magical and so feminine.

Should I go to him?... No!... I should go to him.  Yan ang naglalaban sa kanyang isipan habang nakaupo sa isang sulok katabi si Jam.

Jam was looking glamorous himself.  He was wearing a vampire suit.  Parang si Edward Cullen ng “Twilight”.

“Stephanie!?”

“Huh?”

“Kanina pa kita tinatanong!”

“About what?”

“Bakit kanina pang blanko yang mga mata mo?  Hhmmm...let me guess, you are thinking about him, aren’t you?”

“”No... of course not”

“Yes you are... I know that look my dear”

“No nga... kulit... I’m just bored, that’s all”

“Ok, I have an idea... why don’t you go talk to him.”

“What?... Why would I?”

“Steph, it’s now or never.  If you really don’t want him anymore, go talk to him and put closure to everything that’s happened between the two of you, para dika nagkakaganyan.”

“Like I know where to find him.”

“See... gusto mo nga syang puntahan... o, ayan lakad na dali” sabay abot ni Jam ang isang maliit na papel kung saan may nakasulat na floor and room number.

Tinitigan ito ni Steph.

“You know what, you better hurry, kase papalapit dito si Dr. Suarez, kanina pa tingin ng tingin sa iyo yan... hahaha... ikaw rin... unless type mong mag entertain ng doctor na may malaki ang tyan at halos wala ng buhok... eew”

“What will I tell him, Jam?” Tanong ni Steph na tila natotorpe.

“Andyan na si Mr. Suarez?...” Pakantang sabi ni Jam.

“I love you, Jamie... Will see you later tonight, alright.” Umalis na si Steph.

“Goodluck... mwahmwah.”

Matapos ang ilang hakbang, bumalik si Steph.

“Samahan mo nalang kaya ako.”

“Ahm, I don’t think so, it’s something you have to fix or end on your own. Remember, he wanted to talk to you in private kanina diba?”

Then she sighed... went to the powder room para magre-touch, whispered a short prayer and headed to the 10^th floor to Damon’s suite.

It was almost 12 midnight, nanginginig ang mga tuhod nya at kumakabog ang kanyang dibdib matapos nyang pindutin ang doorbell.

“Nang bumukas ang pinto ay nagulat sya sa kanyang nakita.  Damon was only wearing a boxer shorts.  He looked so yummy with his lean body.  Oh my... Bibigay na talaga ang mga tuhod ko.

She couldn’t speak... She just stared at his eyes.  She felt heat flowing from her veins to every part of her body.

Damon was surprised himself.  He almost swore when he saw her... His goddess. She was so enchanting, he felt the need to take her there and then... and so he did.

Damon pulled her and touched her face.  He pulled her waist to his.  Their bodies fit perfectly.  Steph just let him touch her face, her back... then he held her hands without taking his eyes off hers.  Then he bent to kiss her.  He lost control when she opened her mouth to welcome his.  Damon carried her to the bedroom and laid her on his bed and slowly removed her gown.  He took his time... slowly, gently, lovingly touched her and kissed every inch of her.

The moment she saw him at the door wearing only boxers, she totally lost her reason for being there.  She only felt the need to be one with him... For the second time, she let go of her guard and inhibitions and gave herself to Damon.  It was a night made in heaven.  No pretensions, no arguments, just sweet surrender to each other’s arms.  Maybe tomorrow they can talk... Yes, tomorrow can wait.  Tonight, she belonged to him.

It was around 9 a.m. in the morning when Stephanie woke up.  Her body was sore from last night.  He took her and gave herself willingly three times.  There were no words mentioned.

Damon was inside the shower room when his cellphone rang.  She got curious and checked who it was.  On the screen she read “Megan calling”.

When Damon came out, he smiled when he saw her already awake.

“Good morning sweetheart, I ordered breakfast.”

“Your phone rang”

“Who was it?”

“I don’t know, just take a look at it.”

Damon checked his phone. ”Excuse me”.  Paalam nito saka lumabas papuntang terrace.

She felt like she was picking the pieces of her heart one by one as she slowly gathered her clothes.

He didn’t fully close the door to the terrace kaya she was able to hear the conversation.

“Megan, you called?... what?... how? Ok, will fly back there tonight... Calm down, everything’s gonna be fine, where’s Abbie?... Abbie sweetie, papa Damon will be there soon.”

Stephanie couldn’t take the hurt anymore.  She didn’t want to listen to their conversation further.  She was so devastated.  She had to leave right away.  This time, she had to leave Damon, that’s the right thing to do.  She slowly went out and walked straight to the elevator at dumeretso sa isang taxi.  Then her Cellphone rang.

“Steph, where are you, what happened to you last night?” Worried na tanong ni Jamie.

“It over Jamie...Where are you?... I need you please.”

“Calm down Steph, where are you? Pupuntahan kita.”

“I’m heading to my condo at Eon Tower, can you follow me there?”

“Of course, Steph... Shall I bring all your things in your room in the hotel?”

“Yes please, Jam... Use my car, Nasa drawer ang susi. Thanks again Jamie, what will I do without you.”

“It’s ok Steph...Calm down. Cool ka lang ok?”

Damon couldn’t believe that Steph left him again.  He almost shouted at the waiter who brought the food sa inis nya sa sitwasyon.  For the nth time, Stephanie left him again.

He wanted to ran after her but she already left aboard a taxicab according to the guard.  He had no choice but to go back because he had to book a flight back to the US.  His kuya Alfred met an accident and is in a critical condition.  His family needs him right now.  He swore to come back and settle things with Dr. Tuason as soon as possible.

To be continued...


Next: Part XI - Love Ever After

Previous: Part IX - To Love And To Hate

Part IX – To Love And To Hate (In Filipino "Tagalog" dialect)

Then she froze.... Reality came back to her... She covered her mouth with her two hands in disbelief for what she had done.  Guilt crept into her system.  She just gave herself to a happily married man.  How selfish... how stupid... how could she let this happen.

She immediately gathered her clothes, put them on and looked at Damon trying to hold her tears back... Then she ran as fast as she could to her room and tried to compose herself in front of a mirror.

Calm down Steph... You were in your most vulnerable state and he seduced you... Be Strong! Sooner or later, you will have to face him and tell it straight to his face that what happened between the two of you was nothing... Just sex between two consenting adults... Period.  She tried hard convincing herself.

Then she remembered Miggs... She was ready to move on... Try to start a life with someone other than Damon.  It was Miggs who had always been there for her.  Miggs is waiting for her at “The Patio”, the resort’s restaurant.  Maybe the only way to convince Damon that she’s not that affected is to let him see that she has moved on.  Besides yun naman talaga ang plano nya, and tanggapin na ang pag-ibig ni Miggs.

She took a warm shower, put on her pink floral sun dress, and tied her hair into a ponytail.  She applied a little blush on and light lipstick.

“Hello beautiful!” Tawag ni Miggs

“Hi, kanina ka pa ba?”

“Hindi naman, you look so fresh today, am I missing something?”

Pinamulahan ng pisngi si Stephanie.  Mabuti nalang at nakapagblush on sya.  Di niya maiwasang makaramdam ng guilt.

“Thank you”, yun nalang ang naisagot nya.

“What do you want for lunch?” Tanong ni Miggs.

“Nagpahanda na ako Miggs, I know you like deep fried hito”

“Wow, I’m flattered you remembered my favourite.

Ngumiti lamang si Steph.

“How are you, I missed you?” Malambing na tanong ni Miggs.

“Ahm, Miggs, I’ve been thinking about what you said before I left for the States.”

“Yes, and I’m still offering it until now... Steph, you know I love you so much... If you would just open your heart and give me a chance.”

“Miggs, before I answer that, you need to know something.  The reason why I went to the States was that I went looking for someone from my past.  He was my first love but he met an accident kaya kami nagkalayo.  His name is Damon Samuel.  I found out that Damon is already happily married.  Finally, I got a closure from my unfinished past.  I already let him go but he showed up early this morning which got me all confused all over again.”

“Are you saying that Damon is here right now?

“Yes, why, do you know him?”

“Yes, I provide bodyguards for his family.”

“He is here at nagkita kami kanina.” Hindi na sya nag elaborate about what else happened.

“Steph, you know how I feel about you.  I am deeply in love with you.  I will always be here for you and ready to marry you anytime.  Just say yes please.” Tila nagmamakaawa ang tono ni Miggs.

“I don’t know Miggs, maybe I need some time to think, to tell you honestly, I’m not sure about how I feel anymore.  I’m sorry Miggs but as of now, I think I still have a feeling for him.  But I also know that it’s too late for me now.  Damon is already married and I am not gonna ruin a happy marriage.” Naluluhang pagpapaliwanag ni Steph.

Hinaplos ni Miggs ang likod nya at nilapit nito ang balikat ni Steph sa kanya.

“Shhhh... It’s ok Steph... I’m just here.  I’ll wait for you until you are ready.  Give yourself time.  Just remember that I am not giving up on you.” Magkadikit ang balikat nila, nakatingin si Miggs kay Steph habang nakayuko naman ito.

Ito ang inabutan ni Damon na sitwasyon pagdating nya sa Patio.  The last person that he was expecting to be sitting so close beside Stephanie was his friend Miguel.

“Did you tell her about the job I gave you before you met her Miguel?” It was the most ice cold voice she ever heard.

“Damon.” Gulat na napatayo si Steph.

“Hello sweetheart...” Sinagot nya si Steph without looking at her.  Matalim ang tingin nito kay Miggs.  Gigil na gigil si Damon at halos hindi nya kayang kontrolin ang kanyang sarili na sugurin si Miggs ng suntok.

“Damon pare, I wasn’t expecting you to come here.”

“Wasn’t expecting you either.” Sagot ni Damon

“Why don’t we all sit together and talk pare.” Miggs offered Damon a seat.

“No!... I mean I need to go back to my office, I have lots of work to do.” Nagpanic na si Steph. Abot langit ang kabog ng kanyang dibdib. She was about to leave when Damon interrupted.

“Tatakasan at pagtataguan mo nanaman ba akong muli Stephanie?” He looked at her this time.

She melted like thin ice under the sun. But she kept her composure.

“No, Damon, and I never did that before.  It was you who never came back and happily moved on.”

“Is he your boyfriend?”
 

“Yes, and I think it’s none of your business.” Sa galit ni Steph ay ito ang kanyang naisagot.  Naintindihan naman ito ni Miggs.

“So Miggs, Does she know everything about our arrangement before... Did you tell her pare?”

“What arrangement?... Miggs?” Now she was puzzled.

“I’ll explain it to you later Steph, please calm down”

“Why not explain it to her now?” Pag hamon naman ni Damon.

“Pare, what is the point of all this? You clearly said from the last time we talked that you have no business with her anymore, diba pare? Why are you doing this now?” Sagot ni Miggs.

“Miggs, I demand that you tell me what is this all about, wag mo akong gawing tanga please.  Is there something you’re not telling me?” Stephanie interrupted.

Napatahimik si Miggs... Yumuko.

“I’m so sorry Steph, believe me. I’ve been planning to tell you this kaya lang natakot ako na baka lumayo ka sa akin.  Remember the first time we met at the hospital when you were still an intern?  It wasn’t an accident... I was discreetly watching you.  Damon hired me to look for you Steph.  During that time I wasn’t sure yet that it was you... Then I fell for you, I couldn’t keep myself from seeing you since then.  Because of what I felt for you, I forgot all my reason for being in Davao.  It was all because I fell in love with Queen Stephanie already.  I did not investigate further about Stephanie Martinez whom I was looking for.  Forgive me for not being honest with you Steph, wag mo sana akong layuan please.” Miggs was pleading.

Steph couldn’t believe what she just heard.  It was all a lie, their friendship was all a lie.  Miggs was a private investigator hired to look for her and she was totally clueless about it.  Nag mukha syang tanga.  Tumingin sya kay Damon.

Damon was looking at her too with emotions she can’t read.  Was it anger, pity or lust she was seeing in those eyes.  Uminit ang kanyang pakiramdam.

“Why didn't you tell me earlier?” Tanong ni Steph kay Miggs.   Things could have been different...We could have had a chance together.  Now it’s too late!

“How could you not tell me earlier Miggs!”

“I’m so sorry Steph, I didn’t want to lose you.” Lumapit si Miggs sa kanya.

“Stay away, don’t touch me please.” She was trying to keep herself from crying.

She couldn’t look at Damon... He looked for her ... She felt happy and sad at the same time.  Happy because Damon looked for her, sad because he easily gave up and married somebody else.  She had to stop all these once and for all.  She gathered herself and looked straight at the two men in front of her.

“Listen, you two, because this, I will only say once... You have done so much pain already... I do not want to see any of you ever again... Please spare me some respect and stay the hell away from me.” Tumalikod sya at naglakad palayo—she made it sure that not a single tear would fall from her eyes habang nasa harap nya ang dalawang lalaki.

“Stephanie!... Don’t you dare leave me again!” Tawag ni Damon.

Tumigil sya sa paglalakad at lumapit pabalik kay Damon.  She was only a feet away from him.  Sinadya nya ito upang silang dalawa lang ang makakarinig.

“Damon, I think you are not in the position to say that to me anymore, you very well know it’s too late... If you think that what happened this morning was something, you are mistaken.  What happened between us was nothing to me... It was just sex and nothing but sex.  So don’t call me like you own me because you have no right.  Go back to your wife and daughter Damon, and don’t bother me anymore please.”  At muli itong nag lakad palayo without waiting for his reply... This time her tears fell.  She was so hurt by her words because she knows that they were all lies... But it was what she thought was the right thing to do.

Natulala si Damon sa mga sinabi ni Stephanie sa kanya.  Ni hindi nya nakuhang sumagot man lang.  Nothing but sex?  But she gave herself to him for the first time for Pete’s sake!... He knew it was her first.  What kind of a woman would do that?  Then her last words echoed in his mind...”Go back to your wife and daughter Damon”... What was that supposed to mean?  Did she think that he was married?  How could she think that?  Humarap sya kay Miggs.

“Pare?... Don’t tell me that you told her that I was already married because I will forget that our friendship ever existed and bust your head off!”

“Shut up pare...you know I wouldn’t do that” Galit ngunit malumanay na sagot ni Miggs.

“Then why does she think that I have a wife and a daughter?” Napaisip si Damon... Then she remembered the lady in red... Of course it was her!  She actually went looking for him too.  Stephanie was that lady in red watching him with Megan and Abbie.  Kaya pala bigla itong tumalikod at patakbong pumasok ng elevator.

But Stephanie hates him so much right now.  He wasn’t sure how she really feels about him after this morning.  He knows that talking to her isn’t gonna help in this present state that she is in.  So he decided to go back to his cabin and formulate a plan.:.” Operation: bring her back by all means.”

“She is mine Pare! You must damn well know that!” Banta nito kay Miggs.

“Just let her choose man.”

“Ok, but don’t waste time because she is gonna choose me.”

“Di ka parin talaga nag bago Damon... Sigurista ka parin.” 

“I’m glad you remember.” Saka na ito naglakad pabalik sa kanyang cabin.

Habang naglalakad si Damon pabalik ay naalala nya ang namagitan sa kanilang dalawa kaninang umaga.  It was a night he couldn’t forget.  Stephanie and Ms. Lady in red became his.  Habang natutulog si Steph kanina ay halos isang oras din syang pinagmasdan ni Damon.  Hinalikan ang halos lahat ng parte ng kanyang katawan.  This morning, he vowed to never ever let this woman go.  She was his and his alone.

Pumasok si Damon sa kanyang kwarto at humarap sa salamin ng walk in closet.  He washed his face and hands.  When he placed his hands on the drier, it didn’t start.  It was then that he remembered about the black book... Now where was it. He found the book underneath the sink, it must have accidentally fallen from where he placed it.  He picked it up and slowly opened the pages... To his surprise, it was a journal... Stephanie’s journal. The first page read:

Dear Damon,

My dad, couldn’t recognize me anymore, it’s very painful to see him slowly waste away.  What makes it more painful is that you are not here with me.  If that accident didn’t happen, would you get mad if I told you that I’m Queen Stephanie Tuason and not Stephanie Martinez?... I wanted to tell you about my secret that night just after I have told you that I love you.  Yes, that was my plan... But unfortunately I never got the chance to do so... I wanted to take care of you in the hospital but they airlifted you to the US.

Damon, how are you right now?  Not a single day that I don’t pray for your fast recovery.  I will wait for your return Damon.  I miss you...I love you.

Stephanie

Every page of the book started with his name... His heart almost couldn’t contain the flattery.  All this time he suppressed his feelings and camouflaged it with hatred just so he can go on with his daily routines at work.  He even surrounded himself with beautiful women just to forget about her... But his subconscious would tell him otherwise and remind him in his dreams that only Stephanie can own his heart.  He may look happy and successful but deep inside he felt empty...void...nobody.  All these years, Stephanie never forgot a thing about him, from day1 till present.  He had to talk to her right now.  He went out again and headed straight to the reception area.

“Yes sir?  What can I do for you.?”

“Hi, have you seen Stephanie?” Nginitian nya ng matamis ang receptionist.

“Oh, I’m so sorry sir but Ms Stephanie already left.” Pacute na sagot ng babae.

“Where did she go?” Di nagpahalata si Damon na nagulat ito.

“Dr. Stephanie is having her residency at the Tuason Medical Center in Davao city... Sir, are you a friend of hers?” Di napigilang magtanong ng receptionist.

“I’m her fiancé... She just doesn’t know it yet.” Kinindatan nya ang dalaga.

He couldn’t believe that for the third time, Stephanie left him again.  He can’t blame her... If Stephanie felt something for him too, finding out that he was already married could have devastated her.  Maybe that was the reason why she was crying early this morning.  She must have given up on him because she already got rid of the book.

Now it’s his turn to show her the love that he had been hiding for so long.  It felt good to finally break free of his feelings.  He would follow her in Davao and pursue her like a gentleman.  He will not give up until she says yes.

To be continued...


Next: Part X - Facing The Odds
 
Previous: Part VIII - Sweet Sunrise

Part VIII – Sweet Sunrise (In Filipino "Tagalog" dialect)

Ninoy International Airport, Manila, Philippines

It was 6 pm in the evening when Damon arrived in Manila. Six years din syang hindi nakauwi dito. From the airport, he went straight to his house. He was so tired but his excitement made him awake.

Pagdating ni Damon sa kanyang bahay ay sinalubong sya ni Ate Belen.

“Damon anak!!! Ako’y nagagalak at nakarating ka na! kumusta kana hijo, kumain ka na ba?” hindi pa rin nagbago sa pagiging maaalahanin si Ate Belen.

“Ate Belen! Kumusta napo, aba hindi ka tumanda ah….hindi pa nga po ako kumakain eh, anu bang meron dyan?” pagbati ni Damon.

“Naku, nagluto ako ng marami!! Magbihis kana at ng makakain.”

“Sige, salamat po.” Umakyat na si Damon sa kanyang kwarto.

Bago nagbihis si Damon ay tumawag sya sa kanilang security house.

“Good evening sir!” Tila alam na ng guard kung sino ang tumatawag.

“Kuya Jun, pwede bang pakipahatid dito ung surveillance CD bago ako naaksedente?”

“Yes sir, ihahatid po dyan ni Danny.”

“Ok, thank you.”

After five minutes ay inihatid na sa kanya ni ate Belen ang CD. He turned the video on using his 103 inches flat screen on the wall.

Habang nagbibihis sya ay pinapanood nya ang kanilang video ni Steph 6 years ago.

He watched the video and his feelings toward her came rushing back. It was like deja vu… The video of her brought him back to the day prior to his accident. It was a promising day alright, but unfortunately ended up sadly. He was smiling until it came to that part on the pool where he saw a lady in red two piece swimsuit..

“Well, I’ll be damned……” He moved closer to the screen.

He couldn’t contain his feelings from coming back like wildfire. All consuming excitement and longingness for this girl.  He knew 100% that that girl on the video was Stephanie, only a different Steph... One he vows to meet by all means possible. Kahit umabot sya sa impyerno ay hahanapin nya ang babaing ito at babawiin sa kahit kaninong lalaki, kung meron man.

Steph...where the hell are you sweetheart... He looked closely at the woman on screen. She was a picture of a Goddess... Confident and oh so sexy... Her aura is so much different from the way he knew her before... He zoomed in to her face. Impossible, it can’t be her... His lady in red. Was he just trying to convince himself or just wishing hard that that lady in the hotel was Steph... Yes, he had to admit it to himself that he was wishing it was her alright, because no one ever affected him like Stephanie did and that lady in red gave him the same feeling.

Shit!.shit!.shit!...                                                                                       

He dialled Sally’s number.

“Boss?” sa kabilang linya.

“Sally, give me that lady’s address now.”

“Lady who?” Sagot ni Sally na tila bagong gising.

“Sally, you know who.”

“Oh… yes sir... check your email boss, nandun lahat ng posibleng lugar na kinaroroonan nya.”

“Thank you Sally, goodnight.” Agad nyang binuksan ang kanyang laptop.

Tatlong address and nandoon, with phone number of each. Agad nyang  dinial ang Davao City address.

“Tuason’s residence, how may I help you?” Sagot ng isang babae.

“Yes, I would like to speak with Ms. Queen Stephanie Tuason please.”

“Sandali lang po.”

“Hello, this is Stephanie’s mom, may I know who is on the line please?” Pormal na salita ni Senora Carmella.

“Yes, this is Mr. Samuel of S&S Motors, good afternoon ma’m”

“Oh, I’m so sorry sir, but my daughter is currently out of town, do you want to leave a message sir?” Magalang na tanong nito.

“May I know where she is or can I ask for her number ma’am?”

“If it’s ok with you, let me just give her your  number and she will be the one to call you.”

“Yes,…….yes of course……Please tell her that I need to discuss some things with her… I need to arrange a permanent partnership with your daughter, Ma’am.”

“Certainly Mr. Samuel, I’ll see to it that she calls you asap.”

“Thank you Ma’am, it’s nice talking to you.” Magalang ring pagpapaalam ni Damon.

Gigil na binaba ni Damon ang telepono ngunit hindi nya makuhang magalit sa Senora dahil halatang pinoprotektahan lamang nya ang kanyang anak at propesyonal itong kausap.

Then he dialled the next number…

“You are calling Queen Island Resort, this is Patty, how may I help you?”

“Yes, this is S&S Motors, may I speak to Ms. Stephanie Tuason please?”

“I’m sorry sir but she isn’t here right now, she’s arranging a wedding at the beach front, would you like to leave a message sir?”

Bingo!!!

“It’s okay Miss, I’ll just call back later, thank you.”

Queen Island Resort is located in an island owned by the Tuason.  Obviously, it was named after her. My, that woman is really something.  May naramdamang kirot si Damon. If his Steph and Queen Stephanie are one and the same person, and ibig bang sabihin noon ay nagsinungaling si Steph tungkol sa kanyang pagkatao.. Could she have done that to him, ang magbalat kayong ordinaryong tao? Why would she do that? Well, there’s only one way to find out.

He is flying to Queen Island tonight and he’s gonna see for himself and find out the mystery and truth about Ms Queen Stephanie Tuason. He wanted to see her so bad; he just took a shower, packed some clothes and headed straight   to the hangar at the far back of their estate.

It took 40 minutes to land at Cebu International Airport sakay ng kanyang private jet. Sinundo sya ng isang kotse at bumiyahe sila deretso sa resort. It was another 2 hours travel by land.  When they reached the reception area for Queen Island, he had to ride on a boat provided by the resort for tourists. It was a 20 minute boat ride to Queen Island.

He was already so beat when he arrived at the resort. Magkahalong jetlag at gutom ang naramdaman nya. He didn’t want her to see him so haggard so he went straight to his suite, ate dinner and took a nap. He was indeed so tired, it was already dawn when he woke up.

Naligo at nagbihis si Damon, lumabas sa kanyang suite facing the beach. He couldn’t help himself from being impressed. He had seen a lot of private five star beach resorts but Queen Island is an enchantment. Everything looked so natural and the beach was like crystals with sparkling diamonds on it. No wonder she was staying here. It was a place for a goddess like her.

Speaking of his purpose of being there, she is probably still asleep right now so he decided to go for a walk. Damon is a keen observer and very particular with details. While he was walking along the beach, he noticed an area which looked off limits but he imagined it to have a perfect view of the island kase nasa taas ito ng bato behind trees and shrubs. He was almost at the top when he heard someone sobbing. Nagdahan-dahan sya at sinilip kung saan nya ito narinig. His heart stopped….There she was sitting on a hammock, looking at the beach... crying. She looked so magnificent still. Napakaganda nya. He found her at last, his lady in red. He was so sure it was that lady in the hotel that was sitting just a few meters from him. He wanted to run to her but his feet wouldn’t let him. Para syang paralyzed na hindi makapaglakad. Maybe because she was sobbing and looked so lonely, wala syang lakas ng loob na lapitan ito. Why was she crying in the first place?

She was hugging this black book... He wanted to hug her and kiss her, he felt in love. He decided to just watch her from a far. He would surely meet her but not in this situation. She wouldn’t want to talk to someone or would be embarrassed to know that someone was watching her in this state. He had mixed feelings. He felt his feelings for Steph and his admiration for that lady at the hotel.  Could they really be one and the same?

He decided to linger. Maya-maya ay napansin nyang tinapon ni Steph ang itim na libro sa dagat. She threw the book at the cliff.  Sinalo ng dagat ang libro at hinampas sa bato ng paulit-ulit. He got so curious with the book kaya’t dali-dali syang bumaba at nagbaka-sakaling kaya nyang languyin ang libro. Pagdating ni Damon sa ilalim ng cliff ay napansin nyang nasa may dalampasigan pa ang libro, dinala ng alon sa may batuhan. He picked it up but it was so wet, the pages would be torn if he would open it. He had to let it dry first.  He went back to his cabin and placed it under a hand dryer, then he left again para silipin muli kung nandoon pa si Steph. She was still there alright but this time she was already lying still on the hammock. He went a little bit closer. She wasn’t moving. Then he had a perfect view of her angelic face, her eyes were closed, lips slightly parted. She looked asleep. He went a little bit closer…some more steps closer. He almost couldn’t stop himself from touching her. He sat near her, inhaled her scent... He was ready to face her in case she wakes up, but she was in deep sleep and looks like she was having a dream.

His heart stopped… He touched her face slightly, she leaned her face towards his fingers, he didn’t withdraw his hands.

“Steph?” Mahinang bulong nito.

“Hhhmmm..” It was the most seductive sigh he ever heard in his entire life.

“Sweetheart?... It’s me, Damon.”

She smiled…

“Damon? What took you so long, you said you’ll come back for me” she was sobbing but still, her eyes were closed… She was dreaming.

He slowly leaned forward to kiss her inviting lips... It was like heaven here on earth. She tasted like strawberries and honey. Then she parted her lips and his tongue touched hers. He couldn’t and isn’t gonna hold back this time. He let his hands caress her back.

“Damon?” She slowly opened her eyes but she didn’t protest. Instead, she held his face between her small hands and kissed him back this time.

Cold and heat collided. Damon pulled the shawl off her shoulders and touched her smooth skin.

“Sweetheart... I want you, will you trust me?”

Steph just nodded and hanged on to him while he carried her from the hammock and slowly walked her to his cabin. He was kissing her hair and forehead while he was walking, Steph leaned her face on his neck.

Oh God... please don’t wake me up, I want to feel like this forever.

Damon kicked the cabin door and went straight to his bed. Hindi nya inihiga si Steph sa halip, pinatayo nya ito without letting go of her waist. He cupped her face with his hands.

“Sweetheart, you are not dreaming anymore, If I’m getting the wrong impression that you also want me, please say no right now before I lose myself.

Hindi umimik si Steph.. nakatingin lang ito sa  kanya with teary eyes.

“I waited for you” Yun lang ang nasabi ni Steph, then her tears fell.

“I’m so sorry sweetheart... I looked for you but you were gone.”

“Just kiss me please...” Steph pleaded.

Then he lost control. He kissed her deeply. He pulled her tube sundress down exposing her silky soft skin. She was wearing a two piece red swimsuit.

“Steph, I want you sweetheart, right now... right here.”

“I’m all yours Damon.”                               

It was a night made in heaven... They made love for the first time... She couldn’t understand how she really felt... It felt so right and perfect in his arms. He felt so warm and gentle. She never knew an overflowing emotion could exist like how she’s experiencing right now... She never knew that offering yourself to someone for the first time could bring her  so much joy, contentment and peace.

They slept clad in each other’s arms, it was Steph who woke up first and had the chance to look at the man beside her... It was like a dream. Her body aches because of their passionate lovemaking but it was nothing compared to the overwhelming love she is feeling right now for this man.

To be continued...


Next: Part IX - To Love Or To Hate

Previous: Part VII - False Impressions