Chapter 30  
My heart was throbbing in anxiety as I got to step my feet on my homeland. Finally, after nine long years without having even a visit, I am finally back.
I could feel my throat drying up as tears stinging on my eyes. The nostalgic temperature on Philippines was enough to make me choke on my own breath.
Hindi ako makapaniwala.
Nandito na ulit ako...
"Welcome home." I heard him said as he stood beside me, hands inside his pockets as the sunglasses covered his eyes from the luminosity.
He was wearing a white long sleeve polo tucked in on his fitted black jeans, white sneakers and an earpod on his right ear. He was even chewing a gum on his mouth.
He's downright handsome and hot.
I looked away after complimenting him in my head. Shocks! I didn't even knew why I was complimenting him.
"Welcome home to you." I said as I scoffed.
I was wearing a high waisted mommy jeans and a lettuce crop top. I paired it with a branded denim jacket and three inch heel.
"SUNSHAAAAAAAAAAYN!" A loud familiar voice coming from the waiting shed made my head snapped to its direction.
There was banner there etched a welcoming and very heart touching letters. As I've read it, I couldn't help but to bit my lower lip.
"Welcome home, Sunshine K. Madrigal! We love you so much!"
"Sila ba ang mga kaibigan ko?" I murmured.
I heard him chuckled. "I guess so."
I smiled and pull down my chanel sunglasses. "Hi, guys!" I exclaimed.
Wala pang ilang segondo ay agad nila akong dinumog ng yakap.
"O.M.G! OMG!" Ryela hysterically cried as she hugged me tightly. "Girl! Yawa ka! Ba't mo kami iniwan!"
Kelly pulled my hair. "Malandi ka! Ang daya mo!"
Natawa ako at hindi rin mapigilang maiyak. "I love you, too, guys!"
Eulynne was silently looking at me with Ashley.
Tinaasan ko sila ng kilay. "Aren't you going to hug me, too, bitches?"
And that's when smiles broke into their lips. "Bitch! We've missed you!" Ashley Cole-Santiago hugged me tight.
I giggled when her baby bump touched my stomach. "Ang laki na ng baby mo, gurl! Ninang ako, ah?" I caressed her protruding belly.
She laughed and rolled her eyes. "Syempre! Ninang ka talaga nito! Ang yaman yaman mo, eh!"
Umikot ang mga mata ko. "'Di 'no?"
"Sus! Pa-humble pa ang loka loka!" Ryela sarcastically said.
Natawa ako at napalingon sa kanilang likuran, inaasahang may makikita pang isang kaibigan. Unti unting kumunot ang noo ko at sumikip ang aking dibdib.
"Dori has a project abroad, maremars." Kelly said like as if she read my head.
Dahan dahan akong napatango. "O-okay..." I cleared my throat. "How about Trank? Where's that bastard?"
"Correction, Sunshine. Mayor Trank Cole Silva." Eulynne grinned.
Napasinghap ako at nanlaki ang mga mata. "Mayor?!"
"Yup!" sagot nila.
"Wow..." I uttered. "Busy siguro 'yun, ano?"
"Sinabi mo pa! Baka nga 'di na 'yun makarating dito--"
"I'm here!" Trank suddenly appered from nowhere.
He was wearing a pale pink hoodie and a face mask. Napasinghap ako at malawak na napangiti.
"Traaaank!" I exclaimed.
He jogged towards our direction with his arms wide open for a hug but before he could even touch me, Icarus blocked his arms and said. "No physical touching for boys. That's a protocol from your brother." he said in monotone.
Kumunot ang noo ko. "The fuck, Icarus?!" pabulong kong singhal at pinandilatan siya ng mga mata.
He threw me sideways glance at pairap siyang umiwas nang tingin sa akin.
"Gurl, boyfie mo?" I heard Eulynne teasing voice.
"What?! No!" mabilis akong umiling at namula ang mukha.
"Yiee..." they teased.
I scoffed. "Guys, stop it. He's just... just..." Ano bang sasabihin ko? Na bodyguard ko siya?
Napatingin ako kay Icarus. He wasn't looking at me.
"Kuya Icarus?" Ryela confusingly uttered. Sinilip niya ang mukha ng katabi ko at bumilog ang mga mata niya. "Hala! Ikaw nga!" Napatakip siya sa kaniyang bibig.
Peke akong natawa. "Yeah... si K-kuya Icarus nga pala." I introduced.
"Wait. Siya ba 'yung big brother ni Dori?" Kelly asked.
"Uh, oo."
"That's why he's familiar." she nodded her head nonchalantly and her lips formed into a smile as she waved her hands at Icarus. "Hi!"
Icarus didn't speak nor even nod his head. Hilaw na ngumiti si Kelly.
"Bakit pala kayo magkasama?" Tanong ni Ashley habang nakataas ang kilay sa akin.
"Hindi k-kami magkasama, 'no! Nagkataon lang na iisang eroplano ang sinakyan namin."
"A possessive naman n'yan ni Kuya, Sunny." Trank pouted.
"Yuck! Kuya pa nga! Ang laswa!" Eulynne grimaced. "Eh, mas matanda ka pa tingnan kesa sa kaniya, eh. Look at him, baby face pero ang hot..." pabulong niyang sabi sa huling salita.
"Baka gusto mong dalhin kita sa presinto?" Trank pouted even more.
"Gago? Pulis ka ba?"
"But I am the mayor. I am the boss."
"Luh! Naging mayor ka lang ang yabang yabang mo na! 'Di ko alam na ganyan ka pala, geez."
"Huy, mga potangeners, tumigil na kayo. Baka kayo pa magkatuluyan n'yan ha? Naku lang, friendships! Ang usapan natin sa grupo, friend friend lang, walang kasamang landian." Kelly said.
Napasinghap ang dalawa at nagkatinginan bago sabay na umaktong nasusuka.
"Groooooss!"
"By the way, Sunshune, may inihanda kaming welcome party sa'yo." Ashley said while caressing her belly.
"Talaga?!" My eyes glint in happiness.
"Buti marunong ka pang magtagalog, 'no? Halos mag iisang dekada ka na sa ibang bansa." she smiled. "And yeah, nagpa-ready kami ng party para sa'yo."
"Wow! Thank you so, so much, guys!" I hugged them as I smiled sweetly.
"Ang dami mong dapat i-kwento sa amin, girl. Oh, gosh. Na-miss ka talaga namin. Almost a decade! High school pa tayo no'n." Eulynne said.
Tumango ako at hindi mapigilang maluha. "Na-miss ko rin kayo. Super..."
True to their words, they prepared a welcome celebration of my come back. It was located at Leo Buenavista's bar few kilometers from our school way back on high school. They surprised me, really.
They even have a cake na penis ng lalaki ang design. It was so embarrassing and humiliating but it's fun. We had fun. We laughed everytime someone makes a joke even though it's kinda corny. Just like our teenage life.
Si Ashley lang ang married na sa aming lahat at may dalawa ng anak. She was prohibited na uminom ng alak kaya juice nalang ang sa kaniya.
Eulynne was working at their company, she was an assistant secretary of his dad and as of now, she is having a off week. Kelly became a vocalist sa isang sikat na banda sa pilipinas at internationally rin. I was shocked nga no'ng nalaman kong si Jasmine pala ang former vocalist. She looks shy and proper. Trank is a mayor now. And soon enough, tatakbo rin daw siyang senador sa susunod na eleksyon.
Si Ryela naman ay kandidato sa binibining pilininas ngayong taon at isa rin siyang model. Nakakatuwa nga dahil hindi naman siya kapayatan at kasexyhan pero sobrang confident niya sa sarili. She knows how to raise her chin.
And Dori, as I've heard, she became a well-known interior designer. Nag-p-paint din siya. Since the incident happened, we haven't talk nor see each other again. Our contacts was long cut and our ties officially teared part when she betrayed me.
Honestly, even though I hated her for doing it, there was still a part of me missing her. Since we were a kid, we used to be a bestfriends. We treated each other as a real sister--- na totoo naman pala talaga kaming magkapatid--- pero natapos lamang iyon nang ibinuntong niya sa akin ang galit na meron siya sa totoo niyang ama which is si Helios.
Our family was so mess. Dad impregnate 2 women while we was married on his wife, Luna. And not just that, he even impregnated my mom the second time around.
It was so, so chaotic.
Anim kaming nabuo niya. It starts with the twin, Travis and Trisha, second was me and Dori, and lastly, Seth and Quinn. 3 pairs of children with the same birth year.
My dad is a fuck boy, I can say.
I couldn't blame our mothers though, dad was the real handsome when it comes to definition. He is the almighty himself. 
Back to Dori, I haven't seen her for nine years. Virtually, yes. She was all around the socmeds. Helios have even a gallery of her works sa bahay nila ng asawa niya. He was still trying to please Dori and have her forgiveness but the latter clearly told him she wouldn't accept and address him as her father. Period.
Naaawa nga ako kay daddy, eh. Even though he did something bad to me back then, he is still our father. My father.
Si Seth naman ay kaswal lang kay daddy. He wasn't calling him dad. "Sir" ang tawag niya rito. Dad tried to have a conversation towards him pero palaging may excuses si Seth para lang 'di ito makausap.
I know he was just being shabby and casual at Helios because he respected me. Without voicing it out, I knew, from the bottom of Seth's heart, he was still hurt.
"You're drunk, ma'am. Let me send you home." I heard him said.
He was standing beside me while I was sitting on the couch. My friends was dancing and laughing around. Si Ashley naman ay umuwi na sa kanila.
I chuckled drunkenly and looked at him, smiling. "Home? Whuut d'yah mean home? Wala si me hooooome!"
Umigting ang kaniyang panga. "It's getting late. It's past midnight. You must have a rest now."
"Oks lang, 'no! Wala naman akong jetlag!" I said. "Atsaka! Hindi pa tapos ang condo ko, maghohotel ako ngayon!" I giggled.
"Alright. Hotel it is." he said. "Let's go?"
Hinawakan niya ang braso ko.
"Weeeeeyt! I haven't bid my goodbye yet."
Nagbuntong hininga siya, halatang napipikon na sa'kin. Or napipikon nga ba? Mukha siyang pagod at inaantok na.
Napanguso ako. "Sige na nga!" I stomped my feet. "Go lets!" I grabbed his arm and pulled him with me towards the exit.
Nakasalubong ko sa daan si Ryela. She asked where am I going and I replied, "Jetlag. Uwi na ako."
I kissed her cheek before I went into the car.
"Let's go to my place. It's nearby here," Narinig kong sabi niya habang pinapaandar ang makina ng kaniyang sasakyan.
"Sure! Then let's have sex there!" I giggled and put the seatbelt on my waist.
Napamaang siya sa aking sinabi. "The fuck..?"
"You heard it right, honey. We'll fuck," I wiggled my brows.
Napailing na ngumsi siya sa akin habang nagtatagis ang mga bagang. His eyes seemed darkening.
"You are such a tease, baby. But sorry to say this, I am no toy."
I pouted and rolled my eyes jokingly. "Asa ka namang papatikimin kita sa pempem ko. I am not the same Sunshine you knew before." I snorted.
He shrugged. "You're not sure..."
Natawa ako nang sarkastiko at suminok. "I am sure, alright? I'm not marupok, asshole."
"'Di marupok, my ass. Tingnan natin..." bulong bulong niya habang pinapaatras ang sasakyan sa parking area.
Napapikit ako dahil sa hilo na nararamdaman. "Mag-check in nalang tayo."
"I told you, malapit lang ang condo ko dito."
"Ayoko sa condo mo!" I squealed and rested my head on the window.
"You have no choice. It's late now,"
Napaungol nalang ako dahil alam kong talo na ako. Clueless ako sa mga bagong establisyemento dito sa pilipinas. And aside from that, I'm also drunk.
"Bahala ka... gago." I murmured before I dozed off to sleep.
Nang magising ako, iba na ang suot kong damit. Nanlaki ang mga matang sinilip ko ang gitna ng aking mga hita. Para akong nabunotan ng tinik sa lalamunan nang makita ang lacy panty ko na suot ko pa rin.
Inilibot ko ang paningin sa buong kwarto. The room was spacious and very manly. The color was mixed with gray and white. There was floor to ceiling window and a terrace on my left side, may kurtinang nakatabon rin doon. A chandelier, and two doors na sa tingin ko ay bathroom at walk-in-closet.
The bed was soft and very comfortable to lay on. King size bed it. May set rin ng sofa sa loob ng kwarto.
Napasinghap ako bigla.
Where am I?
Bago pa man ako magpanic ulit ay bumukas ang pintuan at pumasok roon ang pamilyar na lalaki na nakasuot ng boxer shorts lamang.
"Good afternoon, ma'am." he said coldly, holding a tray of food on his hands.
"N-Nasaan ako?" I asked with a raspy voice. I couldn't smell a good welcoming alcohol smell on my mouth when I spoke. Siguro naman nakapag-toothbrush ako kagabi.
Inilagay niya sa bedside table ang tray habang sinasagot ako, "My place."
"Ha? B-bakit ako... nandito?"
"You were wasted last night and I am not that heartless to leave you in the club," he answered. "Come on. Eat now,"
"No, thank you. Busog pa ako---" Kumulo bigla ang tiyan ko. Napangisi siya at tinaasan ako ng kilay. I pouted. "Owkey. Akin na nga lang 'yan, pinipilit mo pa talaga ako, ah?" rason ko pa upang isalba ang sarili.
"I didn't say anything."
"Oh sure you didn't." I sarcastically said and pulled the tray on my lap.
"Your luggage is there. I don't know what's the passcode kaya pinahiram nalang kita ng damit ko."
I looked at him sharply. "Ikaw ba nagtanggal ng damit ko kagabi?"
"Yes." he answered.
I gasped. "You maniac---"
"'Di ko tiningnan katawan mo!" he exclaimed defensively.
Pinagsingkitan ko siya ng mga mata. "You... bastard!"
Umiwas siya nang tingin at napalunok. "Of course, kailangan kong tingnan. P-paano kita mabibihisan kung nakapikit ako?" he stammered.
"Bastos ka!"
"I only did that because you puked out, alright? I told you, you were wasted!"
Mas sinamaan ko siya nang tingin. "I-d-demanda kita for harassing me!"
"Go on, ma'am. I don't care anyways." sabi niya at umirap sa akin bago siya tumalikod at lumabas ng kwarto ko.
Ang matambok nitong pang upo ay very eye catching. Nakakasanaol.
"BUANG KA!" sigaw ko bago pa niya maisara ang pintuan.
Tinawanan lamang niya ako.
Nakasimangot akong lumabas ng kwarto niya matapos kong makaligo at makapagpalit ng damit.
Naabutan ko siyang nagla-laptop sa sala habang umiinom sa kaniyang kape.
Huminto ako sa kaniyang harapan.
"I'll be staying here hanggang bukas ng hapon."
"Feel free."
"Just don't you dare to sneak into the room and we're good."
"As far as I remember, I am the one who owns this place. Why does it sounds you were the boss?" tinaasan niya ako ng kilay habang ang tingin ay nasa laptop pa rin niya.
"Wala kang pake."
"Suplada." I heard him whispered.
My brows furrowed. "Ha?"
"Hakdog."
Umawang ang labi ko. "Pakshet ka, boi?" ani ko sa 'di makapaniwalang tono.
Maybe it was the influence of social media. I'm becoming more and more sarcastic each day. At isa pa 'yang si Icarus!
Tinalikuran ko kaagad siya at padabog na isinira ang pintuan ng kwarto.
I stayed on his place and have my rest there. I was still adjusting sa oras dito sa pilipinas at sa oras doon sa ibang bansa. Ang temperatura rin ay nakakapanibago.
After two days of having a break, lumabas na rin ako sa wakas ng condo niya.
"Where are you up to, ma'am?" tanong niya habang pinagbubuksan ako ng pintuan sa sasakyan.
"Here," I gave him the address. "Sa may construction site."
"Alright." he jogged towards the driver's seat.
Habang nasa daan kami patungo sa pupuntahan namin, hindi ko maiwasang mapangiti nang malungkot habang nakatingin sa bintana ng sasakyan at pinagmamasdan ang daanan.
Kung dati ay marami ng buildings dito, mas lalo lamang dumami ito ngayon. The population increased at mas lalong naging traffic ang lugar. Hot and over populated na masyado pero kahit na ganun, napakaganda pa rin ng lugar.
After an hour of ride, nakarating na rin kami sa pupuntahan ko. I excitedly went out from the car wearing a bodycon light gray dress and a four inch heel. I was also wearing my chanel sunglasses and a clutch bag.
Parang gusto ko na nga lang bumalik sa kotse nang makalabas na ako. Nakakamatay sa sobrang init!
"Use this umbrella." Mabuti nalang at may payong palang dalawa sa compartment si Icarus, pinagamit niya ito sa akin.
"Thanks,"  I smiled sheepishly.
Tumango siya at nagsuot ng baseball cap.
Nagsimula na akong maglakad.
"Hi!" Ngumiti ako sa isang lalaki na nakasuot ng puting hard hat at may hawak na papel.
Lumingon ito sa akin at napakurap. "Y-yes?"
I flashed a sweet smile. "Have you seen Engineer Seth Marcus, mister?"
Umawang saglit ang labi nito bago itinuro ang direksyon kung saan naroon ang kumpulan ng mga tao.
"Thank you!" I cheered and walked in a fast pace.
Mabilis kong nakita si Seth. His thick brows was in a line as he listened towards the construction worker.
May nakapaligid sa kaniyang mga taohan sa trabaho. His arms was crossed around his chiseled chest. Nakasuot siya ng gray na polo at maong na pantalon. He was even wearing the shoes I've gifted to him on his 25th birthday.
My heart was thumping hard, isang taon na rin simula nang hindi kami nagkita. He was busy on his work para makapag-travel abroad at bisitahin ako at ng mga pamangkin niya.
Geez, I missed my younger brother.
"Seth!" Sigaw ko habang nakangiti ng malawak. Itiniklop ko ang payong na dala. Si Icarus naman ay nasa sasakyan lang at 'di na akong sinamahan. Bodyguard kuno. Ha!
I watched how the people around him looked on my direction. Confusion and admiration could be seen on their eyes but I shrugged it off and didn't paid an attention, normal lang naman ito sa akin dahil totoo namang maganda ako.
I laughed in the back of my mind.
I never thought I would be able to compliment myself. Ang pinakaayaw ko kasi sa lahat dati ay 'yung naga angat ng sariling bangko.
Lumingon bigla sa akin si Seth. Nakita kong nanlaki ang mga mata nito at umawang ang labi. I've expected it. 'Di ko naman kasi s'ya sinabihan na uuwi ako at bibisita sa kaniya.
"S-Sunny?" nauutal na aniya.
Sunod sunod akong tumango at kumaway. "It's me!"
He gasped in surprise as his eyes glimmered in happiness and longing.
Tinakbo niya ang distansya namin at niyakap ako ng mahigpit.
"You're back!"
"Yes, sweet boy. I'm back!" I hugged him back.
"Oh, goodness! You surprised me!"
Humiwalay siya sa akin at tiningnan ako mula ulo hanggang paa na para bang hindi pa rin talaga siya makapaniwala.
I chuckled and hugged him again. "Na-miss kita,"
I felt his lips on my temple. "Miss you, too, Sunny..."
"Kakauwi ko lang no'ng nakaraang araw. Sorry ngayon lang ako nagpakita,"
"Oh, God. I can't believe it! I missed you." He hugged me tight again. Natatawang niyakap ko siya pabalik. "Where's Avan and Franco? Sino'ng kasama mong pumunta rito?"
"Uh, my bodyguard."
"Boss! Pakilala mo naman kami d'yan!" Narinig kong sabi ng isa sa mga kasamahan niya.
I looked at them and smiled sweetly. "Hello po!"
Seth laughed as he put his hand on my shoulder. "Guys, ito pala si Sunshine. She's beautiful, isn't she?"
"Aba! Parang diyosa, boss!"
"Ang ganda n'ya po!"
"Seth, available pa ba si Miss Sunshine?" tanong ng isang lalaki na sa tingin kong engineer rin. Gwapo rin ito at makisig. "Parang na love at first sight ata ako."
Humagikhik ako dahil sa mga pinagsasabi nila at pinulupot ang mga braso sa beywang ng kapatid ko.
"Ha! Gago!" he hissed and glared at them.
Siniko ko siya sa tagiliran. "Bibig mo, Seth."
Napanguso siya.
"Ayun naman pala... under kay miss Sunshine!" asar ng mga kasamahan niya.
The three girls also giggled. 'Yung isa lamang ang hindi at masama ang tingin sa akin.
Tinaasan ko ito ng kilay. And who is she to glare at me?
Charot. Charotens. Charotism.
Nginitian ko siya nang matamis bago tiningala ang kapatid ko. "Busy ka ba today?"
"We're all busy here." Instead na siya ang sumagot, iyong babaeng masama ang tingin sa akin ang nagsalita.
Tumango ako at nakangusong kumurap ng ilang beses sa kapatid ko. "Ipasyal mo'ko kina tita Sali, please?"
Napakamot siya sa kaniyang pisngi at nilingon ang lalaki na nakapolo rin kagaya niya. "Xier, magha-half day ako ngayon. Ikaw na muna ang bahala dito."
"What?!" The girl exclaimed and looked at him sharply. "Aalis ka kaagad? Eh, kakarating mo nga lang, eh!"
"I'll be back, Rhed." Seth smiled reassuringly.
Umismid ang babae at nagtatagis ang bagang na nilingon ako.
Kumunot ang noo ko.
Anong problema mo, ghUrL?
Tiningala ko ang kapatid ko. "Nakakahiya naman sa mga kasamahan mo, Seth. Dito ka nalang, ako nalang mag-isa ang pupunta sa bahay nina Tita. I missed them na, eh."
"No. Sasama ako." Matigas niyang saad. "And besides, it's you."
"Are you sure? Baka magalit..." Sinulyapan ko ang babaeng nagngangalang Rhed. She rolled her eyes at me.
"Don't mind them. Let's go?" He encircled his arms around my waist. "Guys, sasamahan ko muna siya. Kayo na bahala rito, ha?"
"Copy, boss!" They saluted.
Nakangiting kumaway ako sa kanila bago kami lumabas sa construction site ni Seth.