EPILOGUE

EPILOGUE

Growing up I thought life was only cruel to the poor people like me. Because of a poor person like me, I have to scrape and work hard just to survive. You need to sacrifice if you still want to live. I keep asking myself if it's my fault why I'd suffer a lot in this world. where in fact it's not my fault. My parents brought me into this world and they should give me a comfortable life. To give me shelter for me not to get wet when its raining outside and to protect my skin from the heat of the sun when it's so hot outside.

They should give us food for our daily needs. For us to not be starve to death. They should buy us clothes for us to look nice. But as I grew up I experienced something different compared to other children my age.

I don't want to blame my parents why I have this kind of life. Why I need to suffer just because I'm breathing in this world. Why should my sister and I have to suffer because they are gone?

My parents died when I'm still thirteen and my sister is only five years old. They were both killed because of drugs. I don't know why they have to go to illegal work just so my brother and I can eat. I don't know why even if they know that the work is too risky for them. They still enter that illegal wrong doing for them to provide our needs.

They say money is easier if it comes from illegal. I would probably rather starve than find out that what I am eating comes from illegal activities.

Should I blame those police men who accidentally killed my parents? Is it their fault if they just did their job? of course not. My parents work is illegal. They might not be using drugs but they're the one who's selling them.

Life is cruel. But we human beings are more cruel. I know our life is very difficult. I just couldn't accept that my parents could do the selling.

I said to myself. It's okay if I grew up in hardship. As long as I have a happy family. This is the important thing, right? To be happy no matter the problem. But they say you can't live with the pity you feel and even more so you can't live if all you have is love.

I then see money as my greatest possession. If I have money I can buy anything I want and desire. When I have money I can buy everything my brother wants. He didn't need to cry. Last medicine when he gets sick is hard to buy. Money can make our life easier. that's what i know.

That's why sometimes I'm so amazed when I see someone my age with expensive things. I'm not jealous because they have things that I don't have. I'm jealous because they have parents who work hard to give them everything they want.

I sometimes wish to have parents who are hardworking to provide our needs.

"Brother Keegan, are you going to leave me here?" I blinked at my sister's question.

I adjusted my big, old glasses before smiling at her.

"Why did you think that? No matter what happens, Brother will never leave you. Brother will only study hard for you. So that I can buy the things you want and so that I can buy you medicine immediately when you get sick." I weakly explained to my sister. She's already nine years old but she's still in grade two. My sister is sick the reason why she stopped studying for a year.

"Would you come home here every day? If not... it's just Grandma and me here? What if I need you so much Brother? Shall I run to your classroom?” It was like something squeezed my heart because of Allesteyah's question.

She's used to coming to my classroom when she needs me. She knows she can count on me every time she needs me the most.

"Right now you can't run to Brother's classroom. My classroom is far away. You have to travel another hour.” I saw how she frowned because she didn't seem to understand what I said.

"Huh? How is that, Brother? Do I need a lot of money to go to your classroom?” I gave her a small smile and nodded for her question

"I have no money. Does that mean I can't visit you anymore? What if I'll run to your? I know it's far away but I think I can do it." she said happily which made me laugh.

I felt tears fall from my eyes. I first removed the glasses from my eyes to properly drain the tears. I don't want Allesteyah to see me like this. I want to be strong for her.

"You don't have to run to see me if you need me. I myself will hurry to come home for you. Is that okay with you hmm?" I gave a thumbs up causing my sister to smile.

Even though I know it's very difficult. I will try to do it. She always calls me. She always needs me. So my decision to study in a nearby town was very difficult. I don't want to leave my sister. But I have no choice. Our schools here do not have senior high schools. I am grateful that I received a scholarship in another place.

If I stop my studies and choose to work instead. I know it's hard for me to find work here. We only have a small place here and there are not many jobs that can be entered. While I was passing the school requirements, I looked for a small apartment that was cheap. There was an advance allowance given to me so that's what I used.

I don't know if luck is with me because when I tried to apply at the resto bar I was immediately accepted. Or maybe I was hired because they really needed so many people. This is a newly open resto bar that's why many people come immediately.

In my 11th grade I was studying in the morning and I work so hard at night. Life is so very difficult. But I just can't rely on my Grandma for everything. Grandma is old and she still takes care of my sister.

I did nothing but study hard in the morning and work at night. When I receive my salary. I give almost all the money to my grandma so that she can buy new clothes and good food for my sister. I receive an allowance every month so I'm definitely fine.

My goal and dream is to be a policeman. I want to become one because of my parents. I want to catch people who sell and use drugs. I want them to learn some lessons. That you don't have to use illegal for money and you don't have to sacrifice your own life because of those illegal products.

I believe we can do more in our lives if we choose to be good and work hard. You can't just get what you want if you don't work for it.

I adjusted my glasses while listening to our teacher in front. Ma'am suddenly stopped when a woman suddenly entered. I looked at the woman with curious eyes. Actually, we all looked at her. She's late.

"Miss Francisco, you're late again." Mrs. Ledesma pointed to our late classmate.

My lips parted when I saw that she just looked at Ma'am with her cold eyes.

"Good morning Ma'am, I'm sorry I'm late." she said without a trace of emotion in her voice. She's not just late! She's super late actually. It's already ten o'clock and she just come here.

I was even more surprised because she suddenly walked towards her seat. I heard Mrs. Ledesma gasped because of what she said. She's so rude. Mrs. Ledesma hadn't said that she could sit down but she sat down immediately.

What is the purpose of studying if you don't learn anything and have a bad moral? I felt like I was interfering with others again. I don't like to pay attention to the people around me. I am very focused on my goal of graduating. I don't have time to think about other people's problems.

But I don't know why that girl keeps pulling my attention. It seems like she acts so off. Always late for class. I don't know why she still goes to school if she's always this late. Sometimes she's not attending morning classes. Because she only comes in every afternoon.

Maybe it's like that when you don't have a plan in life. Maybe it's like that when you grow up to have everything. You don't have to think about your future because it is ready right in front of you.

Because of my curiosity I tilted my head a bit to see her. I adjusted my glasses and looked at her. I don't know her name even though we are in the same class. I only know that her last name is Francisco. It's just only her last name, but it's already so beautiful. In bet her name too.

She has a beautiful face but she looks like she'll going to eat you when she looks at you using her emotionless eyes. It's a shame she doesn't have a plan for his future. She is still going to be a model. Maybe she takes care of her body. She just didn't learn anything from school.

I also took my eyes off her when I heard there would be a quiz. My classmates are already making a fuss about getting their own paper and ballpen. I'll get mine. I'm thankful because they only tease me once. I'm used to being mocked by them. But it hasn't gotten to the point where they hurt me physically.

I taught myself to always be humble. If I could, I wouldn't just get angry. It's because of the body I have. It's easy for them to tease me. I also don't speak to stop them because I don't want to get tired. They call me a nerd even though I'm not very smart. Isn't it when you're a nerd you need to be so smart?

Well, I'm not smart and I'm not stupid either. I'm in between. Or maybe it's because of the big glasses I wear that they can tell I'm a nerd? My eyes are not really bad. I just want to wear these glasses because Mom gave them to me when I was ten.

Even if there is sadness in my heart, I know that I love them very much.

"Angel, here. I'll give this paper to you." I stopped writing my name when I heard the voice of my classmate next to me. I saw the paper on her hand as she offered it to our rude classmate.

Is her name Angel? It's far from the attitude she has.

"Why are you giving me that? Do you think I can't afford that one piece of paper?” she rolled her eyes at Devillia. She said I can call her Vil or Devil. I don't want to call her Devil because it doesn't suit her. She's is so kind that Vil is more suitable for her.

I pursed my lips as my forehead creased. Wait... Why do they seem to have exchanged names? I shook my head. Keegan what's wrong with you. Why am I making a problem with their two names?

"Ah, it's not like that. I just saw that you didn't have a paper, so I wanted to give it to you." Vil said in a kind voice

I watched as Francisco's eyebrows rose. I can see the sarcastic smile etched on her lips.

"Can't the reason why I have no paper because I'm too lazy to write? I don't need your paper." she said as she rolled her eyes. Why is she so rude? Devillia was being kind to her. Her attitude really sucks.

"Vil, just don't give it to her, she doesn't seem to need it. Besides, just look at her. Her face looks nice but she's not." I said directly to Vil

She laughed and gave me a smile “No, I know she's nice. You see, she'll going to be my friend soon." there was pride in her voice. Huh? How can she say that? She really wants to be friend that girl?

"You, it's up to you." I only said.

I tilted my head to looked at Vil when I felt him tugging my polo shirt.

"I feel that you two are a good match." She smiled and winked at me.

Eh? What is she saying? That girl and I fit for each other? Nah, I don't think so.

I knew what Villia said but I just ignored her. I haven't thought of that yet. I want to finish school for grandma and Allesteyah first.

Not like other students. I don't eat in the canteen. apart from the fact that my dish is not that good, I prefer it here in the school garden. It's really cool because I discovered that there are tables and chairs here. The plants are all around. Besides, it's embarrassing to eat at the canteen if I don't buy foor there. I prefer fresh air here.

When it's time for class, I'll leave here to go to class. I adjusted the bag on my shoulder and removed a plant that was blocking my path. But I suddenly stopped and my two eyes widened at what I saw.

I saw Francisco leaning against the wall while the man was kissing his neck. I could clearly see how her lips parted when the man's hand landed on her chest.

Isn't that forbidden? We are too young for that. Why are they kissing here in the garden? they don't even respect the innocent plants. I scratched my eyebrows because I didn't know where I could pass without them noticing. When will they end?

Francisco is also like a playgirl. Damn playgirl. I really want to leave because I'm going to re-review but I don't want to disturb them. It's really hard when you're so smart. It's like you don't want to hurt other people.

The school year ended like that which I witness every afternoon. I want to report Francisco but that's just an addition to my work. He's old enough to know what he's doing.

I was just surprised by the speed of the incident. I didn't think that I was in such a hurry that Francisco would suddenly catch me. I've been careful for a long time, but now it's too late! My eyes really widened when our eyes met.

I ran away in a hurry because I had to go home to Grandma's house. I have to go see my brother. He said his fever was very high and he called my name. I can miss class this afternoon. My brother really needs me.

I feel like crying when I think that I don't have a ticket anymore. How is it? I just paid for the apartment after the projects. I only have twenty pesos left. How can I go home to me? allesteyah, wait for Kuya, I'll just find a fare. Brother promised to come home.

I stopped walking when I heard someone whistle. I was surprised when I saw Francisco close to me. I don't have time for her because my brother needs me now. I heard him cursing and suddenly someone grabbed my arm.

My eyes widened and I shook my head at her. I will not report you. I just really need to leave. But I didn't do anything when she pulled me inside the old classroom and made me sit on a chair.

She stared at me intently. I don't know but suddenly my heart beats faster while looking into her eyes. Wow. She has honey eyes.

"What did you see earlier?” I don't know if I just misheard her voice but the way she asked the question was very tender as if she was talking to a child. She didn't know me?

Probably Keegan. She doesn't know anyone but herself. Even if you are in the same class, she doesn't know you.

I shook my head at her and stood up. I want to leave. Allesteyah needs me. But she didn't let me stand.

I took a deep breath and spoke "I will not spread what I saw earlier. I'm not like that. It's your breast, so you have the right to decide who will suck it. Because you're the one who's gonna enjoy it, not me." I said directly. I really want to leave. It was not my intention to disturb them.

I was about to cry while looking at him. His lips parted and he couldn't believe what I said.

"I'm really sorry. I won't spread it, I promise. I'm just quiet." I promised in a confident voice. I adjusted the bag on my shoulder and smiled sweetly at her. Le me go please. My sister needs me right now.

My eyes accidentally fell on her chest part. I can say that she's gifted.

"Do you have 100 pesos?" I just asked to divert my attention. She nodded involuntarily causing me to smile.

"Can I borrow it? I'll pay you right away when I have money." I want to bang my head on the chair right now. She's wasting my time. I really wanted to leave and but he stopped me. I don't have time to borrow from others. It's really an emergency.

I thought she was going to yell at me or at least make fun of me. But I was very surprised when she hurriedly rummage her bag as if she was looking for something. My eyes widened when she presented the yellow money in front of me! Five hundred pesos! I can't pay that right away. I only need one hundred.

“Just get it. I don't have one hundred pesos in my wallet.” she muttered meekly and gave me the money. Even though I was shy, my eyes sparkled with joy. I feel like crying. It's a damn five hundred! I will be able to go home and buy medicine for Allesteyah.

Because I was so happy I suddenly hugged her tightly. I thought her attitude sucks but I'm wrong cause she's nice. She's kind. I felt like she fell from the sky! She's like an angel saving me. I take back what I said. Her name suits her very well. Because she has a good heart.

"Thank you. I will not spread the secret that I saw." my heart is very happy.

"I will pay for it. Just look for me." I smiled at her and waved before I ran out of the classroom.

I will not run away from you. Just look around you and you will see that we are in the same class. I don't know why my heart is so happy.

Because of the five hundred pesos. I immediately went to see my sister. I also bought her medicine. I am very grateful to Francisco. If it wasn't for the money she lent me I don't know where I should borrow money.

The next day I insisted on traveling back because Allesteyah's condition had improved. Even though I knew I would be late, I still went in our class.

Because I'm in a hurry I forgot to buy a pad of paper. And even though I haven't forgotten it, I still can't buy it anyway. I don't have enough money.

I was embarrassed to ask my classmates for papers. I felt like my world was crumbling as I watched my classmates start writing on their paper.

I planned to asked Vil for a piece of paper even though I was shy. But before I could make the plan I was surprised when someone put a whole pad of paper on my desk.

I blinked and looked up. I was surprised again when I saw Francisco's face. W-What? Why is she giving me a whole pad of paper? Before I could ask her a question she suddenly left me and go back to her seat.

I don't know why she's giving it to me but I appreciate it very much. I didn't think she's hiding some kindness in her. Or maybe she's just being nice to me because she feels pitied me? It's possible. Even if he only feels pity towards me. I'm still happy.

At least I know that she's not heartless. That she also has a heart. I don't know but I'm happy whenever she crosses my mind.

That's why she came to me and said she wanted me her friend, I was surprised. Because I haven't seen her since grade 11 making friends with anyone. She has no female friends. I don't know if she considers the men she kisses in the garden as friends. Does she likes boys to be her friend? I stupidly asked myself.

Maybe she just wants to befriend me so I don't spread what I witnessed? I don't really have a plan to spread it. Maybe she just feels sorry for me. She gave me something again so I'm sure he only feels pity.

I adjusted my glasses and looked at her from head to toe. If she wants to have friends he can afford to have many. Why choose me?

I know she has an agenda to do with me. She probably want me to be her friend if she didn't have a motive.

I really have doubts. Because of her offer, I know that she didn't offer this so called friendship. I know she wants more.

I'm not so ignorant that I don't know that friends don't kiss. She said we can hug and kiss each other. I know this isn't really what friends do but I agreed.

I know when I first yes be her friend. She holds my whole being. She entraps me with her fingers. If she wants to kiss my lips whenever she wants to I'll gladly oblige.

It's like I'm pretending I don't know anything even though I know we're doing more than what's friends do. One of my reasons is that I don't want to see her with another man. If she wants me to be his friend, I should be the only one. She only needs me.

We kissed. We're touching each other. We even had sex. I know these things are not for a platonic friendship.

Days passed that I got to know more and more who Angel really is. I also can't stop my heart beating faster every time she's with me. Angel occupied my mind. I can feel the changes in myself. I think about her all the time and I want more than what we have right now. But I'm scared. I'm afraid because maybe she doesn't have any feelings for me?

But every time she looked at me, she made me feel something new in my body. I felt my heart thumping fast and violently everytime we kissed and our lips touched. Every time she smiled at me.

I didn't know how quickly we became so close to each other and just as fast to separate us.

I do not know. I don't know why she doesn't want to be my friend anymore. Why she's those hurtful words. I'm not used to it... Even if she doesn't tell me, I know she loves me and I love her too much.

Her words made my heart cut into pieces. She said I'm so boring. Am I really boring? I'm not really good at that but I know I'm good for her. She's the only person who makes me feel loved. I felt it in my heart that her love for me is so genuine. I know she has a reason why she had to hurt me. I understand her. I want to understand her.

When I saw the video my world crumbled down. It was like a dagger stabbing my heart over and over again. I don't know what to react. I felt so betrayed by a friend. I thought Jacen considered me a friend. He's nice to me, I didn't think he could do this.

I cried when I realized they drug me. They made me drink a juice with sleeping drugs in it. To make me lose consciousness and for them to carry out their plan.

I don't know Angel's cousin. But why does she know me? Why does she need to use me to hurt her cousin! She's so bad and worst! It hurts me to think that Angel won't like me anymore. Maybe she doesn't want me anymore because she thinks I'm dirty. I did nothing but lock myself inside the apartment because I feel so pained. I felt my world crumbling down.

I thought I wouldn't be able to stand up again, luckily Talliah was there to help me. I went to Angel's house again. I want to apologize and explain about the video. But the hope in my heart suddenly vanished when I found out that she was gone. Her parents don't even know where she is.

I also tried to call Vil in case she knew where Angel was. But no matter how many times I call her cell phone. I can't contact her.

I wonder why they disappeared at the same time. I thought they might be together. I worked hard in college. I studied hard. I want to be a Chief of Police. This has been my dream for a long time.

Six years passed and I didn't hear from Angel. I want to be angry with her but I can't. I never thought the day would come when our paths would cross again. We did a raid and I was injured. I didn't expect to see her again.

I found out that she has a child. But this is not his real son. This is Devillia's son. I know base on watching her son's face. I am so proud of her. She able to stand up on her own two feet. The Angel Kate Francisco right now is so matured.

She really beautiful in during our senior days but she's far too pretty now. I can feel how much she loves her son. My Angel is really unique. That's why when she came back I didn't waste time. I ask her to marry me. She said yes and I am the happiest man alive.

I've dreamed of being more than her friend for a long time. I want to own her because she's mine to begin with. I want her to know how much I love her. I want to have a family with her.

She's the only woman I want in this lifetime.

"I love you, Francisco. I can't wait to marry you. I'll promise I'll be a good husband to you." I whispered in her ears as I kissed her cheeks.

I saw how she closed her eyes because of my kisses.

“I love you more, Keegan. You're the only man I want in this cruel world. I'll promise I'll do everything you want. I'll promise to make you happy everyday." she whispered that made my heart twitch in so much happiness.

"We'll spend our remaining days, months and years together until we grow older. We'll hold each other's hand.”

"I will not allow someone to destroy the two of us. Remember that hmm...” she whispered sensually on my lips.

I tightened my grip on her waist and pulled her closer to my body. I closed my eyes when he caressed my cheek. Damn it I really love her. I love her more than my life.

I grabbed her jaw and kissed her more deeply and passionately. I caressed her ass and scooped her making her shouted a bit. I watched her with amusement in my eyes. My Angel is so pretty. She can rule me in any way she wants.

This is my life in my arms. My life is Angel Kate Francisco and I'll do anything and everything for her.

She entrap me with her beauty and kindness. She's the only woman I want in this lifetime. From this day forward. I promise to always be faithful to her.

THE END...